Sample records for established minimum driving

  1. 49 CFR 538.7 - Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range... ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES § 538.7 Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range. (a) A manufacturer of a... diesel fuel may petition for a reduced minimum driving range for that model type in accordance with...

  2. Visual function and fitness to drive.

    PubMed

    Kotecha, Aachal; Spratt, Alexander; Viswanathan, Ananth

    2008-01-01

    Driving is recognized to be a visually intensive task and accordingly there is a legal minimum standard of vision required for all motorists. The purpose of this paper is to review the current United Kingdom (UK) visual requirements for driving and discuss the evidence base behind these legal rules. The role of newer, alternative tests of visual function that may be better indicators of driving safety will also be considered. Finally, the implications of ageing on driving ability are discussed. A search of Medline and PubMed databases was performed using the following keywords: driving, vision, visual function, fitness to drive and ageing. In addition, papers from the Department of Transport website and UK Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines were studied. Current UK visual standards for driving are based upon historical concepts, but recent advances in technology have brought about more sophisticated methods for assessing the status of the binocular visual field and examining visual attention. These tests appear to be better predictors of driving performance. Further work is required to establish whether these newer tests should be incorporated in the current UK visual standards when examining an individual's fitness to drive.

  3. The Victorian Lung Cancer Registry pilot: improving the quality of lung cancer care through the use of a disease quality registry.

    PubMed

    Stirling, Rob G; Evans, S M; McLaughlin, P; Senthuren, M; Millar, J; Gooi, J; Irving, L; Mitchell, P; Haydon, A; Ruben, J; Conron, M; Leong, T; Watkins, N; McNeil, J J

    2014-10-01

    Lung cancer remains a major disease burden in Victoria (Australia) and requires a complex and multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal care and outcomes. To date, no uniform mechanism is available to capture standardized population-based outcomes and thereby provide benchmarking. The establishment of such a data platform is, therefore, a primary requisite to enable description of process and outcome in lung cancer care and to drive improvement in the quality of care provided to individuals with lung cancer. A disease quality registry pilot has been established to capture prospective data on all adult patients with clinical or tissue diagnoses of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Steering and management committees provide clinical governance and supervise quality indicator selection. Quality indicators were selected following extensive literature review and evaluation of established clinical practice guidelines. A minimum dataset has been established and training and data capture by data collectors is facilitated using a web-based portal. Case ascertainment is established by regular institutional reporting of ICD-10 discharge coding. Recruitment is optimized by provision of opt-out consent. The collection of a standardized minimum data set optimizes capacity for harmonized population-based data capture. Data collection has commenced in a variety of settings reflecting metropolitan and rural, and public, and private health care institutions. The data set provides scope for the construction of a risk-adjusted model for outcomes. A data access policy and a mechanism for escalation policy for outcome outliers has been established. The Victorian Lung Cancer Registry provides a unique capacity to provide and confirm quality assessment in lung cancer and to drive improvement in quality of care across multidisciplinary stakeholders.

  4. CDC Vital Signs: Teen Drinking and Driving

    MedlinePlus

    ... involvement, minimum legal drinking age and zero tolerance laws, and graduated driver licensing systems. These proven steps ... Driving: What Works Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws in every state make it illegal to sell ...

  5. Alcohol and driving: application of a definition in a way to deter offenders.

    PubMed

    NEWMAN, H W

    1959-12-01

    Increasing speed and congestion of vehicular traffic have made the effect of alcohol on the drivers of motor vehicles a matter of growing concern. It is not possible, using the definition of drunken driving that is now prevalent in California, to establish a rule, based on a stipulated minimum concentration of blood alcohol, that will serve to indict most of the guilty yet free all the innocent. If, instead of comparing the suspected driver with the hypothetical "ordinarily prudent and cautious person" as is now done in California, we accept the more widely prevalent definition of driving under the influence which defines the offense as any appreciable diminution in skill ascribable to alcohol, then a blood alcohol concentration of 150 mg. per 100 cc. or even 100 mg. per 100 cc., could suffice for conviction. For the rule as to alcohol content of the blood to be an effective deterrent of drunken driving, all drivers-not just those involved in accidents or observed to drive erratically-would have to be subject to testing.

  6. 49 CFR 538.5 - Minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Minimum driving range. 538.5 Section 538.5 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MANUFACTURING INCENTIVES FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES § 538.5...

  7. 41 CFR 302-4.704 - Must we require a minimum driving distance per day?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Federal Travel Regulation System RELOCATION ALLOWANCES PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS) ALLOWANCES FOR... driving distance not less than an average of 300 miles per day. However, an exception to the daily minimum... reasons acceptable to you. ...

  8. The drink driving situation in China.

    PubMed

    Li, Ying; Xie, Donghua; Nie, Guangmeng; Zhang, Junhua

    2012-01-01

    China has been concerned about the serious problem of drinking and driving road crashes, and it has made good progress by establishing strict laws, imposing serious penalties, and initiating a rigorous enforcement program since 2008. This study has assessed the magnitude and nature of the problem and reviewed the legislation, current practices, and institutional capacities for preventing drinking and driving. Data and information were collected using existing reports and by consulting officials and experts from a number of agencies. Although there were no national statistics on levels of drinking and driving, random breath test surveys in 2 southern cities showed that between 4.5 and 4.6 percent of drivers were driving over the minimum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 20 mg/100 mL. Preliminary results from crash data also showed that at least 20 percent of serious road crashes were alcohol related in these cities. The national published figure for fatal crashes caused by drinking and driving was much lower, only 4 percent, but alcohol was not often identified as the main cause because of measurement difficulties. China's legislation sets 2 BAC limits that are comparable with international norms. It has recently increased the penalties for drunk driving, the more serious of the 2 offenses, with a minimum driving ban of 5 years. The police are actively enforcing the laws through frequent roadside checking but they need more resources. Alcohol breath tests before and after a combined publicity and enforcement campaign indicated reductions of 87 and 68 percent of drivers over the legal limit in 2 southern cities. China has made progress in strengthening its approach to preventing drinking and driving, particularly in the area of law enforcement. However, it is not possible to evaluate the potential benefits because of data issues. Recommendations for the future include the need to improve the national road crash and injury database, strengthen the coordination of key agencies, and provide more effective and sustained public information campaigns that target vulnerable drivers and are integrated with enforcement strategies. Evaluation and research are important to improve future prevention programs. Copyright © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

  9. NASA transmission research and its probable effects on helicopter transmission design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zaretsky, E. V.; Coy, J. J.; Townsend, D. P.

    1983-01-01

    Transmissions studied for application to helicopters in addition to the more conventional geared transmissions include hybrid (traction/gear), bearingless planetary, and split torque transmissions. Research is being performed to establish the validity of analysis and computer codes developed to predict the performance, efficiency, life, and reliability of these transmissions. Results of this research should provide the transmission designer with analytical tools to design for minimum weight and noise with maximum life and efficiency. In addition, the advantages and limitations of drive systems as well as the more conventional systems will be defined.

  10. NASA transmission research and its probable effects on helicopter transmission design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zaretsky, E. V.; Coy, J. J.; Townsend, D. P.

    1984-01-01

    Transmissions studied for application to helicopters in addition to the more conventional geared transmissions include hybrid (traction/gear), bearingless planetary, and split torque transmissions. Research is being performed to establish the validity of analysis and computer codes developed to predict the performance, efficiency, life, and reliability of these transmissions. Results of this research should provide the transmission designer with analytical tools to design for minimum weight and noise with maximum life and efficiency. In addition, the advantages and limitations of drive systems as well as the more conventional systems will be defined.

  11. The effects of driving age, driver education, and curfew laws on traffic fatalities of 15-17 year olds.

    PubMed

    Levy, D T

    1988-12-01

    This study examines the effect of state driving age, learning permit, driver's education, and curfew laws on 15-17-year-old driver fatality rates. A multivariate regression model is estimated for 47 states and nine years. The minimum legal driving age and curfew laws are found to be important determinants of fatalities. Driver's education and learning permits have smaller effects. The relationship between rates of licensure and driving age, education, and curfew laws is also examined. In each case, a more restrictive policy is found to reduce licensure of 15-17 year olds. The results suggest that the imposition of curfew laws and higher minimum driving ages are particularly effective traffic safety policies.

  12. Optimal design and experimental analyses of a new micro-vibration control payload-platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xiaoqing; Yang, Bintang; Zhao, Long; Sun, Xiaofen

    2016-07-01

    This paper presents a new payload-platform, for precision devices, which possesses the capability of isolating the complex space micro-vibration in low frequency range below 5 Hz. The novel payload-platform equipped with smart material actuators is investigated and designed through optimization strategy based on the minimum energy loss rate, for the aim of achieving high drive efficiency and reducing the effect of the magnetic circuit nonlinearity. Then, the dynamic model of the driving element is established by using the Lagrange method and the performance of the designed payload-platform is further discussed through the combination of the controlled auto regressive moving average (CARMA) model with modified generalized prediction control (MGPC) algorithm. Finally, an experimental prototype is developed and tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the payload-platform has an impressive potential of micro-vibration isolation.

  13. Calculating DWI/DWAI Recidivism with Limited Data: Using State Driver License File for Drinking and Driving Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yu, Jiang; Williford, William R.

    1991-01-01

    Used sample from New York State Driver License File to mathematically extend dimension of file so that data purging procedure exerts minimum influence on calculation of drinking-driving recidivism. Examined impact of dimension of data on recidivism rate and mathematically extended file until impact of data dimension was minimum. Calculated New…

  14. Trade-offs between driving nodes and time-to-control in complex networks

    PubMed Central

    Pequito, Sérgio; Preciado, Victor M.; Barabási, Albert-László; Pappas, George J.

    2017-01-01

    Recent advances in control theory provide us with efficient tools to determine the minimum number of driving (or driven) nodes to steer a complex network towards a desired state. Furthermore, we often need to do it within a given time window, so it is of practical importance to understand the trade-offs between the minimum number of driving/driven nodes and the minimum time required to reach a desired state. Therefore, we introduce the notion of actuation spectrum to capture such trade-offs, which we used to find that in many complex networks only a small fraction of driving (or driven) nodes is required to steer the network to a desired state within a relatively small time window. Furthermore, our empirical studies reveal that, even though synthetic network models are designed to present structural properties similar to those observed in real networks, their actuation spectra can be dramatically different. Thus, it supports the need to develop new synthetic network models able to replicate controllability properties of real-world networks. PMID:28054597

  15. Trade-offs between driving nodes and time-to-control in complex networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pequito, Sérgio; Preciado, Victor M.; Barabási, Albert-László; Pappas, George J.

    2017-01-01

    Recent advances in control theory provide us with efficient tools to determine the minimum number of driving (or driven) nodes to steer a complex network towards a desired state. Furthermore, we often need to do it within a given time window, so it is of practical importance to understand the trade-offs between the minimum number of driving/driven nodes and the minimum time required to reach a desired state. Therefore, we introduce the notion of actuation spectrum to capture such trade-offs, which we used to find that in many complex networks only a small fraction of driving (or driven) nodes is required to steer the network to a desired state within a relatively small time window. Furthermore, our empirical studies reveal that, even though synthetic network models are designed to present structural properties similar to those observed in real networks, their actuation spectra can be dramatically different. Thus, it supports the need to develop new synthetic network models able to replicate controllability properties of real-world networks.

  16. Thermodynamic geometry of minimum-dissipation driven barrier crossing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sivak, David A.; Crooks, Gavin E.

    2016-11-01

    We explore the thermodynamic geometry of a simple system that models the bistable dynamics of nucleic acid hairpins in single molecule force-extension experiments. Near equilibrium, optimal (minimum-dissipation) driving protocols are governed by a generalized linear response friction coefficient. Our analysis demonstrates that the friction coefficient of the driving protocols is sharply peaked at the interface between metastable regions, which leads to minimum-dissipation protocols that drive rapidly within a metastable basin, but then linger longest at the interface, giving thermal fluctuations maximal time to kick the system over the barrier. Intuitively, the same principle applies generically in free energy estimation (both in steered molecular dynamics simulations and in single-molecule experiments), provides a design principle for the construction of thermodynamically efficient coupling between stochastic objects, and makes a prediction regarding the construction of evolved biomolecular motors.

  17. Thermodynamic geometry of minimum-dissipation driven barrier crossing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sivak, David; Crooks, Gavin

    We explore the thermodynamic geometry of a simple system that models the bistable dynamics of nucleic acid hairpins in single molecule force-extension experiments. Near equilibrium, optimal (minimum-dissipation) driving protocols are governed by a generalized linear response friction coefficient. Our analysis demonstrates that the friction coefficient of the driving protocols is sharply peaked at the interface between metastable regions, which leads to minimum-dissipation protocols that drive rapidly within a metastable basin, but then linger longest at the interface, giving thermal fluctuations maximal time to kick the system over the barrier. Intuitively, the same principle applies generically in free energy estimation (both in steered molecular dynamics simulations and in single-molecule experiments), provides a design principle for the construction of thermodynamically efficient coupling between stochastic objects, and makes a prediction regarding the construction of evolved biomolecular motors.

  18. 12 CFR 263.82 - Establishment of minimum capital levels.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Establishment of minimum capital levels. 263.82... Maintain Adequate Capital § 263.82 Establishment of minimum capital levels. The Board has established minimum capital levels for state member banks and bank holding companies in its Capital Adequacy...

  19. Minimum sign retroreflective guidelines : summary report

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-06-01

    Retroreflective traffic control devices are designed to help offset the lack of visual cues in the nighttime driving environment. Currently, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires that signs be retroreflectorized, but no minimum in-se...

  20. Electric-drive tractability indicator integrated in hybrid electric vehicle tachometer

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

    Tamai, Goro; Zhou, Jing; Weslati, Feisel

    An indicator, system and method of indicating electric drive usability in a hybrid electric vehicle. A tachometer is used that includes a display having an all-electric drive portion and a hybrid drive portion. The all-electric drive portion and the hybrid drive portion share a first boundary which indicates a minimum electric drive usability and a beginning of hybrid drive operation of the vehicle. The indicated level of electric drive usability is derived from at least one of a percent battery discharge, a percent maximum torque provided by the electric drive, and a percent electric drive to hybrid drive operating costmore » for the hybrid electric vehicle.« less

  1. Driver license testing of young novice drivers : traffic tech.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2010-11-01

    Driver license tests are designed to ensure that people using : public roadways have a minimum level of driving skill and : an awareness of safe driving practices and road laws. License : applicants proceed through the administrative processes of : t...

  2. CDC Vital Signs: Drinking and Driving

    MedlinePlus

    ... driving episodes SOURCE: CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, US 2006, 2008 and 2010 Top of Page What Can Be Done States can Enforce 0.08% blood alcohol concentration and minimum legal drinking age laws. Expand the use of sobriety ...

  3. Minimum requirements for adequate nighttime conspicuity of highway signs

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1988-02-01

    A laboratory and field study were conducted to assess the minimum luminance levels of signs to ensure that they will be detected and identified at adequate distances under nighttime driving conditions. A total of 30 subjects participated in the field...

  4. The Sequence of Hip and Selected Upper-Extremity Joint Movements During the Golf Drive.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hunter, Charles L.

    This study analyzed wrist, elbow, and hip actions of golfers who were accurately driving a golf ball a maximum distance. Electrogoniometry and cinematography were used to measure wrist, forearm, elbow, and hip actions during the downswing of 10 low-handicap golfers who were attempting to drive a minimum of 225 yards within a 50-yard corridor.…

  5. Scanning mirror for infrared sensors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, R. H.; Bernstein, S. B.

    1972-01-01

    A high resolution, long life angle-encoded scanning mirror, built for application in an infrared attitude sensor, is described. The mirror uses a Moire' fringe type optical encoder and unique torsion bar suspension together with a magnetic drive to meet stringent operational and environmental requirements at a minimum weight and with minimum power consumption. Details of the specifications, design, and construction are presented with an analysis of the mirror suspension that allows accurate prediction of performance. The emphasis is on mechanical design considerations, and brief discussions are included on the encoder and magnetic drive to provide a complete view of the mirror system and its capabilities.

  6. 30 CFR 75.1103-4 - Automatic fire sensor and warning device systems; installation; minimum requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up. If the belt drive, tailpiece, and/or take-up for a single transfer point are installed together in the same air course, and the... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up; (ii) Not more than...

  7. 30 CFR 75.1103-4 - Automatic fire sensor and warning device systems; installation; minimum requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up. If the belt drive, tailpiece, and/or take-up for a single transfer point are installed together in the same air course, and the... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up; (ii) Not more than...

  8. 30 CFR 75.1103-4 - Automatic fire sensor and warning device systems; installation; minimum requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up. If the belt drive, tailpiece, and/or take-up for a single transfer point are installed together in the same air course, and the... downwind of each belt drive unit, each tailpiece transfer point, and each belt take-up; (ii) Not more than...

  9. Hypoglycaemia and driving in people with insulin-treated diabetes: adherence to recommendations for avoidance.

    PubMed

    Graveling, A J; Warren, R E; Frier, B M

    2004-09-01

    Hypoglycaemia impairs driving performance, so drivers with insulin-treated diabetes should try to avoid hypoglycaemia when driving, and treat it effectively if it occurs. It is not known how many insulin-treated drivers are familiar with, or adhere to, recommended safe practice. We surveyed a representative sample of 202 current drivers with insulin-treated diabetes (115 with Type 1 diabetes), using a structured questionnaire. Data were obtained on driving history, estimated frequency of hypoglycaemia, and measures taken to avoid and treat hypoglycaemia when driving. The licensing authority (DVLA) and motor insurance company had been informed by almost all participants. Sixty-four participants (31.7%) had experienced hypoglycaemia while driving, and 27 (13.4%) reported that this had occurred within the preceding year. A minimum blood glucose level of 4.0 mmol/l or higher was considered necessary for driving by 151 drivers (74.8%), and 176 (87.1%) reported always keeping carbohydrate in their vehicle. However, 77 (38.1%) reported never carrying a glucose meter when driving, and 121 (59.9%) that they never test blood glucose before driving, or test only if symptomatic of hypoglycaemia. Most participants (89%) would stop driving to treat hypoglycaemia and would not resume driving immediately, although only 28 (13.9%) would wait longer than 30 min. Almost half of participants were failing to observe at least one essential aspect of safe driving. Compliance with statutory requirements to inform the licensing authority and motor insurer is good, and drivers' perceptions of the minimum safe blood glucose level for driving are encouraging. However, most drivers rely on symptoms to detect hypoglycaemia while driving, and seldom test blood glucose before driving. Patient education should emphasize the role of blood glucose monitoring in relation to driving, and highlight the potential deterioration in driving performance when blood glucose falls below 4.0 mmol/l.

  10. The effects of minimum legal drinking age 21 laws on alcohol-related driving in the United States.

    PubMed

    McCartt, Anne T; Hellinga, Laurie A; Kirley, Bevan B

    2010-04-01

    To examine trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crashes among people younger than 21 in the United States and to review evidence on the effects of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws. Trends in alcohol-related crashes and alcohol consumption among young people were examined, and studies on the effects of lowering and raising the drinking age were reviewed. MLDA laws underwent many changes during the 20th century in the United States. Since July 1988, the MLDA has been 21 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Surveys tracking alcohol consumption among high school students and young adults found that drinking declined since the late 1970 s, and most of the decline occurred by the early 1990 s. These were the years when states were establishing, or reinstating, a MLDA-21. Among fatally injured drivers ages 16-20, the percentage with positive BACs declined from 61% in 1982 to 31% in 1995, a bigger decline than for older age groups; declines occurred among the ages directly affected by raising MLDAs (ages 18-20) and among young teenagers not directly affected (ages 16-17). Almost all studies designed specifically to gauge the effects of drinking age changes show MLDAs of 21 reduce drinking, problematic drinking, drinking and driving, and alcohol-related crashes among young people. Yet many underage people still drink, many drink and drive, and alcohol remains an important risk factor in serious crashes of young drivers, especially as they progress through the teenage years. Stepped-up enforcement of MLDA and drinking and driving laws can reduce underage drinking. Recent efforts to lower MLDAs to 18 and issue licenses to drink upon completion of alcohol education have gained local and national media attention. There is no evidence that alcohol education can even partially replace the effect of MLDA-21. The cause and effect relationship between MLDAs of 21 and reductions in highway crashes is clear. Initiatives to lower the drinking age to 18 ignore the demonstrated public health benefits of MLDAs of 21. Lowering the drinking age to 18 will increase highway crash deaths among young people. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  11. Updates to research on recommended minimum levels for pavement marking retroreflectivity to meet driver night visibility needs

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2007-10-01

    This study was aimed at completing the research to develop and scrutinize minimum levels for pavement marking retroreflectivity to meet nighttime driving needs. A previous study carried out in the 1990s was based on the CARVE model developed at Ohio ...

  12. No minimum threshold for ozone-induced changes in soybean canopy fluxes

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Tropospheric ozone concentrations [O3] are increasing at rates that exceed any other pollutant. This highly reactive gas drives reductions in plant productivity and canopy water use while also increasing canopy temperature and sensible heat flux. It is not clear whether a minimum threshold of ozone ...

  13. Extrinsic regime shifts drive abrupt changes in regeneration dynamics at upper treeline in the Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.

    PubMed

    Elliott, Grant P

    2012-07-01

    Given the widespread and often dramatic influence of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, it is increasingly common for abrupt threshold changes to occur, yet explicitly testing for climate and ecological regime shifts is lacking in climatically sensitive upper treeline ecotones. In this study, quantitative evidence based on empirical data is provided to support the key role of extrinsic, climate-induced thresholds in governing the spatial and temporal patterns of tree establishment in these high-elevation environments. Dendroecological techniques were used to reconstruct a 420-year history of regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones along a latitudinal gradient (approximately 44-35 degrees N) in the Rocky Mountains. Correlation analysis was used to assess the possible influence of minimum and maximum temperature indices and cool-season (November-April) precipitation on regional age-structure data. Regime-shift analysis was used to detect thresholds in tree establishment during the entire period of record (1580-2000), temperature variables significantly Correlated with establishment during the 20th century, and cool-season precipitation. Tree establishment was significantly correlated with minimum temperature during the spring (March-May) and cool season. Regime-shift analysis identified an abrupt increase in regional tree establishment in 1950 (1950-1954 age class). Coincident with this period was a shift toward reduced cool-season precipitation. The alignment of these climate conditions apparently triggered an abrupt increase in establishment that was unprecedented during the period of record. Two main findings emerge from this research that underscore the critical role of climate in governing regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones. (1) Regional climate variability is capable of exceeding bioclimatic thresholds, thereby initiating synchronous and abrupt changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of tree establishment at broad regional scales. (2) The importance of climate parameters exceeding critical threshold values and triggering a regime shift in tree establishment appears to be contingent on the alignment of favorable temperature and moisture regimes. This research suggests that threshold changes in the climate system can fundamentally alter regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones and, through the use of regime-shift analysis, reveals important climate-vegetation linkages.

  14. Restrictive Measures for Young, Beginning Drivers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, Allan F.

    Worldwide there is great variation in how licensing young people to drive is handled. The minimum age for regular licensure varies, generally from 15 to 18 years. Prerequisites and conditions for licensure vary. Some licensing policies are more effective than others in controlling injuries associated with youthful driving; crashes involving young…

  15. Non-Solenoidal Startup via Helicity Injection in the Pegasus ST

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bongard, M. W.; Bodner, G. M.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Pierren, C.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.; Reusch, J. A.; Weberski, J. D.

    2017-10-01

    Research on the A 1 . 2 Pegasus ST is developing the physics and technology basis for optimal non-solenoidal tokamak startup. Recent work explores startup via Local Helicity Injection (LHI) using compact, multi-MW current sources placed at the plasma edge in the lower divertor region. This minimizes inductive drive from poloidal fields and dynamic shaping. Plasmas with Ip <= 200 kA, Δtpulse 20 ms and BT <= 0 . 15 T are produced to date, sustained by two injectors with Ainj = 4 cm2 , Vinj 1 . 5 kV, and Iinj 8 kA, facilitated by improvements to the injectors, limiters, and divertor plates that mitigate deleterious PMI. These plasmas feature anomalous, reconnection-driven ion heating with Ti >=Te >= 50 - 100 eV and large-amplitude MHD activity driven by the injectors. Under some conditions, MHD fluctuations abruptly decrease by over an order of magnitude without loss of LHI drive, improving realized Ip , and suggesting short-wavelength modes may relate to the current drive mechanism. The high IN >= 10 , ion heating, and low li driven by LHI, and the favorable stability of A 1 STs allows access to record βt 100 % and high βN 6 . 5 . Such high-βt plasmas have a minimum | B | well spanning 50 % of the plasma volume. Enhancements to the Pegasus facility are considered to increase BT towards NSTX-U levels; establish coaxial helicity injection capabilities; and add auxiliary heating and current drive. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

  16. A novel ZVS high voltage power supply for micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pei, Chengquan; Tian, Jinshou; Liu, Zhen; Qin, Hong; Wu, Shengli

    2017-04-01

    A novel resonant high voltage power supply (HVPS) with zero voltage switching (ZVS), to reduce the voltage stress on switching devices and improve conversion efficiency, is proposed. The proposed HVPS includes a drive circuit, a transformer, several voltage multiplying circuits, and a regulator circuit. The HVPS contains several secondary windings that can be precisely regulated. The proposed HVPS performed better than the traditional resistor voltage divider, which requires replacing matching resistors resulting in resistor dispersibility in the Micro-Channel Plate (MCP). The equivalent circuit of the proposed HVPS was established and the operational principle analyzed. The entire switching element can achieve ZVS, which was validated by a simulation and experiments. The properties of this HVPS were tested including minimum power loss (240 mW), maximum power loss (1 W) and conversion efficiency (85%). The results of this research are that the proposed HVPS was suitable for driving the micro-channel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT). It was therefore adopted to test the MCP-PMT, which will be used in Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment II in China.

  17. Information dynamics in living systems: prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and cancer.

    PubMed

    Frieden, B Roy; Gatenby, Robert A

    2011-01-01

    Living systems use information and energy to maintain stable entropy while far from thermodynamic equilibrium. The underlying first principles have not been established. We propose that stable entropy in living systems, in the absence of thermodynamic equilibrium, requires an information extremum (maximum or minimum), which is invariant to first order perturbations. Proliferation and death represent key feedback mechanisms that promote stability even in a non-equilibrium state. A system moves to low or high information depending on its energy status, as the benefit of information in maintaining and increasing order is balanced against its energy cost. Prokaryotes, which lack specialized energy-producing organelles (mitochondria), are energy-limited and constrained to an information minimum. Acquisition of mitochondria is viewed as a critical evolutionary step that, by allowing eukaryotes to achieve a sufficiently high energy state, permitted a phase transition to an information maximum. This state, in contrast to the prokaryote minima, allowed evolution of complex, multicellular organisms. A special case is a malignant cell, which is modeled as a phase transition from a maximum to minimum information state. The minimum leads to a predicted power-law governing the in situ growth that is confirmed by studies measuring growth of small breast cancers. We find living systems achieve a stable entropic state by maintaining an extreme level of information. The evolutionary divergence of prokaryotes and eukaryotes resulted from acquisition of specialized energy organelles that allowed transition from information minima to maxima, respectively. Carcinogenesis represents a reverse transition: of an information maximum to minimum. The progressive information loss is evident in accumulating mutations, disordered morphology, and functional decline characteristics of human cancers. The findings suggest energy restriction is a critical first step that triggers the genetic mutations that drive somatic evolution of the malignant phenotype.

  18. 25 CFR 542.4 - How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State compact? 542.4 Section 542.4 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal...

  19. 25 CFR 542.4 - How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State compact? 542.4 Section 542.4 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal...

  20. 25 CFR 542.4 - How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State compact? 542.4 Section 542.4 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal...

  1. 25 CFR 542.4 - How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State compact? 542.4 Section 542.4 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal...

  2. 25 CFR 542.4 - How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards established in a Tribal-State compact? 542.4 Section 542.4 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal...

  3. 40 CFR 60.37e - Compliance, performance testing, and monitoring guidelines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... requirements: (1) Establish maximum charge rate and minimum secondary chamber temperature as site-specific... above the maximum charge rate or below the minimum secondary chamber temperature measured as 3-hour... below the minimum secondary chamber temperature shall constitute a violation of the established...

  4. Driver Behavior During Overtaking Maneuvers from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Rong; Kusano, Kristofer D; Gabler, Hampton C

    2015-01-01

    Lane changes with the intention to overtake the vehicle in front are especially challenging scenarios for forward collision warning (FCW) designs. These overtaking maneuvers can occur at high relative vehicle speeds and often involve no brake and/or turn signal application. Therefore, overtaking presents the potential of erroneously triggering the FCW. A better understanding of driver behavior during lane change events can improve designs of this human-machine interface and increase driver acceptance of FCW. The objective of this study was to aid FCW design by characterizing driver behavior during lane change events using naturalistic driving study data. The analysis was based on data from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, collected by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The 100-Car study contains approximately 1.2 million vehicle miles of driving and 43,000 h of data collected from 108 primary drivers. In order to identify overtaking maneuvers from a large sample of driving data, an algorithm to automatically identify overtaking events was developed. The lead vehicle and minimum time to collision (TTC) at the start of lane change events was identified using radar processing techniques developed in a previous study. The lane change identification algorithm was validated against video analysis, which manually identified 1,425 lane change events from approximately 126 full trips. Forty-five drivers with valid time series data were selected from the 100-Car study. From the sample of drivers, our algorithm identified 326,238 lane change events. A total of 90,639 lane change events were found to involve a closing lead vehicle. Lane change events were evenly distributed between left side and right side lane changes. The characterization of lane change frequency and minimum TTC was divided into 10 mph speed bins for vehicle travel speeds between 10 and 90 mph. For all lane change events with a closing lead vehicle, the results showed that drivers change lanes most frequently in the 40-50 mph speed range. Minimum TTC was found to increase with travel speed. The variability in minimum TTC between drivers also increased with travel speed. This study developed and validated an algorithm to detect lane change events in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study and characterized lane change events in the database. The characterization of driver behavior in lane change events showed that driver lane change frequency and minimum TTC vary with travel speed. The characterization of overtaking maneuvers from this study will aid in improving the overall effectiveness of FCW systems by providing active safety system designers with further understanding of driver action in overtaking maneuvers, thereby increasing system warning accuracy, reducing erroneous warnings, and improving driver acceptance.

  5. 30 CFR 250.421 - What are the casing and cementing requirements by type of casing string?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Casing and Cementing Requirements § 250.421 What are the... Cementing requirements (a) Drive or Structural Set by driving, jetting, or drilling to the minimum depth as...

  6. 30 CFR 250.421 - What are the casing and cementing requirements by type of casing string?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Casing and Cementing Requirements § 250.421 What are the... Cementing requirements (a) Drive or Structural Set by driving, jetting, or drilling to the minimum depth as...

  7. 30 CFR 250.421 - What are the casing and cementing requirements by type of casing string?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Casing and Cementing Requirements § 250.421 What are the... Cementing requirements (a) Drive or Structural Set by driving, jetting, or drilling to the minimum depth as...

  8. 75 FR 29573 - Concession Contracts; Implementation of Alternate Valuation Formula for Leasehold Surrender...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-26

    ... to establish the required minimum franchise fee for the new contract under the terms of the standard.... Likewise, if a prospective concessioner offered to meet or exceed the minimum franchise fee established by..., its minimum franchise fee will result in a less than fair return to the government. NPS therefore...

  9. Teenage driver licensing in relation to state laws.

    PubMed

    Williams, A F; Lund, A K; Preusser, D F

    1985-04-01

    Previous studies have shown that delaying licensure reduces motor vehicle injuries. This study examined the relationship between licensing laws and the timing of obtaining drivers licenses. The states studied have various laws, including minimum licensing ages of 15, 16 and 17; minimum learners permit ages of 15 and 16; and teenage night driving curfews. A questionnaire survey of 52,304 students was conducted in 75 high schools during the spring of 1983. The schools were selected from Orange County, California; rural Colorado; and most or all of Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey and New York. The results indicated that the minimum age of licensure has obvious strong effects in delaying licensure. Setting the learners permit age later also apparently delays licensure. The night driving curfew in New York State (9 p.m.-5 a.m.) is seen by students as a factor in their decisions to delay obtaining licenses; Louisiana's 11 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew has a much smaller effect, if any.

  10. Simulating the minimum core for hydrophobic collapse in globular proteins.

    PubMed Central

    Tsai, J.; Gerstein, M.; Levitt, M.

    1997-01-01

    To investigate the nature of hydrophobic collapse considered to be the driving force in protein folding, we have simulated aqueous solutions of two model hydrophobic solutes, methane and isobutylene. Using a novel methodology for determining contacts, we can precisely follow hydrophobic aggregation as it proceeds through three stages: dispersed, transition, and collapsed. Theoretical modeling of the cluster formation observed by simulation indicates that this aggregation is cooperative and that the simulations favor the formation of a single cluster midway through the transition stage. This defines a minimum solute hydrophobic core volume. We compare this with protein hydrophobic core volumes determined from solved crystal structures. Our analysis shows that the solute core volume roughly estimates the minimum core size required for independent hydrophobic stabilization of a protein and defines a limiting concentration of nonpolar residues that can cause hydrophobic collapse. These results suggest that the physical forces driving aggregation of hydrophobic molecules in water is indeed responsible for protein folding. PMID:9416609

  11. Cost evaluation of cellulase enzyme for industrial-scale cellulosic ethanol production based on rigorous Aspen Plus modeling.

    PubMed

    Liu, Gang; Zhang, Jian; Bao, Jie

    2016-01-01

    Cost reduction on cellulase enzyme usage has been the central effort in the commercialization of fuel ethanol production from lignocellulose biomass. Therefore, establishing an accurate evaluation method on cellulase enzyme cost is crucially important to support the health development of the future biorefinery industry. Currently, the cellulase cost evaluation methods were complicated and various controversial or even conflict results were presented. To give a reliable evaluation on this important topic, a rigorous analysis based on the Aspen Plus flowsheet simulation in the commercial scale ethanol plant was proposed in this study. The minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) was used as the indicator to show the impacts of varying enzyme supply modes, enzyme prices, process parameters, as well as enzyme loading on the enzyme cost. The results reveal that the enzyme cost drives the cellulosic ethanol price below the minimum profit point when the enzyme is purchased from the current industrial enzyme market. An innovative production of cellulase enzyme such as on-site enzyme production should be explored and tested in the industrial scale to yield an economically sound enzyme supply for the future cellulosic ethanol production.

  12. Novel Driving Control of Power Assisted Wheelchair Based on Minimum Jerk Trajectory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seki, Hirokazu; Sugimoto, Takeaki; Tadakuma, Susumu

    This paper describes a novel trajectory control scheme for power assisted wheelchair. Human input torque patterns are always intermittent in power assisted wheelchairs, therefore, the suitable trajectories must be generated also after the human decreases his/her input torque. This paper tries to solve this significant problem based on minimum jerk model minimizing the changing rate of acceleration. The proposed control system based on minimum jerk trajectory is expected to improve the ride quality, stability and safety. Some experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

  13. [The influence of "hygienic minimum" course on quality of catering establishments].

    PubMed

    Venus, Miroslav; Petrovcić, Darija

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this article was to define the quality of catering establishments in Virovitica Podravina county before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". Research was realized through interview and assessment of microbiological swabs of the same catering establishments before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". All procedures were performed according to Regulations on standard specification in microbiological cleanness and methods of its determining. Twenty-five catering establishments from a group of restaurants and bars were analyzed. In all of them we found improvement in the most of examined parameters. So, implementation of the course through the existing program has proven to be justified.

  14. 49 CFR 384.229 - Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... overt monitoring must be performed at least once every year; (c) Establish and maintain a database to...; (d) Establish and maintain a database of all third party testers and examiners, which at a minimum... examiner; (e) Establish and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum...

  15. 49 CFR 384.229 - Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... overt monitoring must be performed at least once every year; (c) Establish and maintain a database to...; (d) Establish and maintain a database of all third party testers and examiners, which at a minimum... examiner; (e) Establish and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum...

  16. Use patterns among early adopters of adaptive cruise control.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Huimin; Boyle, Linda Ng; Moeckli, Jane; Dow, Benjamin R; Brown, Timothy L

    2012-10-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate use patterns among early adopters of adaptive cruise control (ACC). Extended use ofACC may influence a driver's behavior in the long-term, which can have unintended safety consequences. The authors examined the use of a motion-based simulator by 24 participants (15 males and 9 females). Cluster analysis was performed on drivers' use of ACC and was based on their gap settings, speed settings, number of warnings issued, and ACC disengaged. The data were then examined on the basis of driving performance measures and drivers' subjective responses to trust in ACC, understanding of system operations, and driving styles. Driving performance measures included minimum time headway, adjusted minimum time to collision, and drivers' reaction time to critical events. Three groups of drivers were observed on the basis of risky behavior, moderately risky behavior, and conservative behavior. Drivers in the conservative group stayed farther behind the lead vehicle than did drivers in the other two groups. Risky drivers responded later to critical events and had more ACC warnings issued. Safety consequences with ACC may be more prevalent in some driver groups than others. The findings suggest that these safety implications are related to trust in automation, driving styles, understanding of system operations, and personalities. Potential applications of this research include enhanced design for next-generation ACC systems and countermeasures to improve safe driving with ACC.

  17. How can we reduce alcohol-related road crash deaths among young Australians?

    PubMed

    Hall, Wayne D; Wallace, Angela L; Cobiac, Linda J; Doran, Christopher M; Vos, Theo

    2010-04-19

    In the United States, policy experiments over a 20-year period have demonstrated that road crash deaths among young adults can be substantially reduced by raising the minimum legal drinking age to 21 years. A recent evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of policies for reducing alcohol-related harm in Australia found that, if the US experience were to be replicated in Australia, raising the minimum legal drinking age would be more cost-effective than random breath testing and drink-driving campaigns. Given the major political obstacles to increasing the minimum legal drinking age, we propose another policy that could achieve a similar reduction in road crash deaths - requiring licensed drivers to maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero until at least the age of 21 years (close to the current policy of zero BAC until age 22 years in Victoria), and preferably until 25 years. This would allow young Australians to drink or drive but not to combine these activities for at least the first several years of driving. If all Australian jurisdictions had adopted this policy in 2003, 17 deaths could have been be averted among young Australians as they aged from 18 to 21 years and many more serious injuries could have been prevented each year. If we had enforced a zero BAC until age 25, the number of deaths averted until age 25 years could have been as high as 50.

  18. 28 CFR 50.24 - Annuity broker minimum qualifications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Annuity broker minimum qualifications. 50....24 Annuity broker minimum qualifications. (a) Minimum standards. The Civil Division, United States Department of Justice, shall establish a list of annuity brokers who meet minimum qualifications for...

  19. Take-over performance in evasive manoeuvres.

    PubMed

    Happee, Riender; Gold, Christian; Radlmayr, Jonas; Hergeth, Sebastian; Bengler, Klaus

    2017-09-01

    We investigated after effects of automation in take-over scenarios in a high-end moving-base driving simulator. Drivers performed evasive manoeuvres encountering a blocked lane in highway driving. We compared the performance of drivers 1) during manual driving, 2) after automated driving with eyes on the road while performing the cognitively demanding n-back task, and 3) after automated driving with eyes off the road performing the visually demanding SuRT task. Both minimum time to collision (TTC) and minimum clearance towards the obstacle disclosed a substantial number of near miss events and are regarded as valuable surrogate safety metrics in evasive manoeuvres. TTC proved highly sensitive to the applied definition of colliding paths, and we prefer robust solutions using lane position while disregarding heading. The extended time to collision (ETTC) which takes into account acceleration was close to the more robust conventional TTC. In line with other publications, the initial steering or braking intervention was delayed after using automation compared to manual driving. This resulted in lower TTC values and stronger steering and braking actions. Using automation, effects of cognitive distraction were similar to visual distraction for the intervention time with effects on the surrogate safety metric TTC being larger with visual distraction. However the precision of the evasive manoeuvres was hardly affected with a similar clearance towards the obstacle, similar overshoots and similar excursions to the hard shoulder. Further research is needed to validate and complement the current simulator based results with human behaviour in real world driving conditions. Experiments with real vehicles can disclose possible systematic differences in behaviour, and naturalistic data can serve to validate surrogate safety measures like TTC and obstacle clearance in evasive manoeuvres. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  20. Multi-spectral optical scanners for commercial earth observation missions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schröter, Karin; Engel, Wolfgang; Berndt, Klaus

    2017-11-01

    In recent years, a number of commercial Earth observation missions have been initiated with the aim to gather data in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range. Some of these missions aim at medium resolution (5 to 10 m) multi-spectral imaging with the special background of daily revisiting. Typical applications aim at monitoring of farming area for growth control and harvest prediction, irrigation control, or disaster monitoring such as hail damage in farming, or flood survey. In order to arrive at profitable business plans for such missions, it is mandatory to establish the space segment, i.e. the spacecraft with their opto -electronic payloads, at minimum cost while guaranteeing maximum reliability for mission success. As multiple spacecraft are required for daily revisiting, the solutions are typically based on micro-satellites. This paper presents designs for multi-spectral opto-electric scanners for this type of missions. These designs are drive n by minimum mass and power budgets of microsatellites, and the need for minimum cost. As a consequence, it is mandatory to arrive at thermally robust, compact telescope designs. The paper gives a comparison between refractive, catadioptric, and TMA optics. For mirror designs, aluminium and Zerodur mirror technologies are briefly discussed. State-of-the art focal plane designs are presented. The paper also addresses the choice of detector technologies such as CCDs and CMOS Active Pixel Sensors. The electronics of the multi-spectral scanners represent the main design driver regarding power consumption, reliability, and (most often) cost. It can be subdivided into the detector drive electronics, analog and digital data processing chains, the data mass memory unit, formatting and down - linking units, payload control electronics, and local power supply. The paper gives overviews and trade-offs between data compression strategies and electronics solutions, mass memory unit designs, and data formatting approaches. Special emphasis will be put on space application aspects of these electronics solutions such as radiation total dose tolerance and single events robustness. Finally, software architecture and operational modes of commercial multi-spectral scanners are discussed. They are driven by operational requirements and mission constraints such as data takes per orbit, number of downlink ground stations, calibration needs, and mission schedule planning.

  1. Handling performance control for hybrid 8-wheel-drive vehicle and simulation verification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ni, Jun; Hu, Jibin

    2016-08-01

    In order to improve handling performance of a hybrid 8-Wheel-Drive vehicle, the handling performance control strategy was proposed. For armoured vehicle, besides handling stability in high speed, the minimum steer radius in low speed is also a key tactical and technical index. Based on that, the proposed handling performance control strategy includes 'Handling Stability' and 'Radius Minimization' control modes. In 'Handling Stability' control mode, 'Neutralsteer Radio' is defined to adjust the steering characteristics to satisfy different demand in different speed range. In 'Radius Minimization' control mode, the independent motors are controlled to provide an additional yaw moment to decrease the minimum steer radius. In order to verify the strategy, a simulation platform was built including engine and continuously variable transmission systems, generator and battery systems, independent motors and controllers systems, vehicle dynamic and tyre mechanical systems. The simulation results show that the handling performance of the vehicle can be enhanced significantly, and the minimum steer radius can be decreased by 20% which is significant improvement compared to the common level of main battle armoured vehicle around the world.

  2. When are surface plasmon polaritons excited in the Kretschmann-Raether configuration?

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

    Foley, IV, Jonathan J.; Harutyunyan, Hayk; Rosenmann, Daniel

    It is widely believed that the reflection minimum in a Kretschmann-Raether experiment results from direct coupling into surface plasmon polariton modes. Our experimental results provide a surprising discrepancy between the leakage radiation patterns of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) launched on a layered gold/germanium film compared to the K-R minimum, clearly challenging this belief. We provide definitive evidence that the reflectance dip in K-R experiments does not correlate with excitation of an SPP mode, but rather corresponds to a particular type of perfectly absorbing (PA) mode. Results from rigorous electrodynamics simulations show that the PA mode can only exist under externalmore » driving, whereas the SPP can exist in regions free from direct interaction with the driving field. These simulations show that it is possible to indirectly excite propagating SPPs guided by the reflectance minimum in a K-R experiment, but demonstrate the efficiency can be lower by more than a factor of 3. We find that optimal coupling into the SPP can be guided by the square magnitude of the Fresnel transmission amplitude.« less

  3. When are Surface Plasmon Polaritons Excited in the Kretschmann-Raether Configuration?

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

    Foley IV, Jonathan J.; Harutyunyan, Hayk; Rosenmann, Daniel

    It is widely believed that the reflection minimum in a Kretschmann-Raether experiment results from direct coupling into surface plasmon polariton modes. Our experimental results provide a surprising discrepancy between the leakage radiation patterns of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) launched on a layered gold/germanium film compared to the K-R minimum, clearly challenging this belief. We provide definitive evidence that the reflectance dip in K-R experiments does not correlate with excitation of an SPP mode, but rather corresponds to a particular type of perfectly absorbing (PA) mode. Results from rigorous electrodynamics simulations show that the PA mode can only exist under externalmore » driving, whereas the SPP can exist in regions free from direct interaction with the driving field. These simulations show that it is possible to indirectly excite propagating SPPs guided by the reflectance minimum in a K-R experiment, but demonstrate the efficiency can be lower by more than a factor of 3. We find that optimal coupling into the SPP can be guided by the square magnitude of the Fresnel transmission amplitude.« less

  4. When are surface plasmon polaritons excited in the Kretschmann-Raether configuration?

    DOE PAGES

    Foley, IV, Jonathan J.; Harutyunyan, Hayk; Rosenmann, Daniel; ...

    2015-04-23

    It is widely believed that the reflection minimum in a Kretschmann-Raether experiment results from direct coupling into surface plasmon polariton modes. Our experimental results provide a surprising discrepancy between the leakage radiation patterns of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) launched on a layered gold/germanium film compared to the K-R minimum, clearly challenging this belief. We provide definitive evidence that the reflectance dip in K-R experiments does not correlate with excitation of an SPP mode, but rather corresponds to a particular type of perfectly absorbing (PA) mode. Results from rigorous electrodynamics simulations show that the PA mode can only exist under externalmore » driving, whereas the SPP can exist in regions free from direct interaction with the driving field. These simulations show that it is possible to indirectly excite propagating SPPs guided by the reflectance minimum in a K-R experiment, but demonstrate the efficiency can be lower by more than a factor of 3. We find that optimal coupling into the SPP can be guided by the square magnitude of the Fresnel transmission amplitude.« less

  5. 14 CFR 25.149 - Minimum control speed.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Minimum control speed. 25.149 Section 25... Minimum control speed. (a) In establishing the minimum control speeds required by this section, the method... prevent a heading change of more than 20 degrees. (e) VMCG, the minimum control speed on the ground, is...

  6. 14 CFR 25.149 - Minimum control speed.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Minimum control speed. 25.149 Section 25... Minimum control speed. (a) In establishing the minimum control speeds required by this section, the method... prevent a heading change of more than 20 degrees. (e) VMCG, the minimum control speed on the ground, is...

  7. Analysis and topology optimization design of high-speed driving spindle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhilin; Yang, Hai

    2018-04-01

    The three-dimensional model of high-speed driving spindle is established by using SOLIDWORKS. The model is imported through the interface of ABAQUS, A finite element analysis model of high-speed driving spindle was established by using spring element to simulate bearing boundary condition. High-speed driving spindle for the static analysis, the spindle of the stress, strain and displacement nephogram, and on the basis of the results of the analysis on spindle for topology optimization, completed the lightweight design of high-speed driving spindle. The design scheme provides guidance for the design of axial parts of similar structures.

  8. Application of Twin Beams in Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zhang, J. X.; Xie, C. D.; Peng, K. C.

    1996-01-01

    Using the twin beams generated from parametric amplifier to drive the two port of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, it is shown that the minimum detectable optical phase shift can be largly reduced to the Heisenberg limit(1/n) which is far below the Shot Noise Limit(1/square root of n) the large gain limit. The dependence of the minimum detectable phase shift on parametric gain and the inefficient photodetectors has been discussed.

  9. Development and Test of HMPT-500

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1974-12-01

    previot General Electric units in that reverse and low forward speeds use hydrostatic drive with the more efficient hydro- mechanical drive being...Infantry Combat Vehicle, X1723, having a gross weight of 40,000 pounds. 2. fabrication of a minimum of two HNPT-500 power trains capable of adaptation to...b. a 10,000-mile durability test with a vehicle of approximately 40,000 pounds weight . The detailed Scope of Work specified in the contract is

  10. 36 CFR 223.61 - Establishing minimum stumpage rates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Establishing minimum stumpage rates. 223.61 Section 223.61 Parks, Forests, and Public Property FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER, SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS, AND FOREST BOTANICAL...

  11. 36 CFR 223.61 - Establishing minimum stumpage rates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Establishing minimum stumpage rates. 223.61 Section 223.61 Parks, Forests, and Public Property FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER, SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS, AND FOREST BOTANICAL...

  12. 36 CFR 223.61 - Establishing minimum stumpage rates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Establishing minimum stumpage rates. 223.61 Section 223.61 Parks, Forests, and Public Property FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER, SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS, AND FOREST BOTANICAL...

  13. 36 CFR 223.61 - Establishing minimum stumpage rates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Establishing minimum stumpage rates. 223.61 Section 223.61 Parks, Forests, and Public Property FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER, SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS, AND FOREST BOTANICAL...

  14. 14 CFR 25.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 25.1523 Section 25.1523 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT... Limitations § 25.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is...

  15. 14 CFR 29.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 29.1523 Section 29.1523 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT... Limitations § 29.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is...

  16. Servo Platform Circuit Design of Pendulous Gyroscope Based on DSP

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Lilong; Wang, Pengcheng; Zhong, Qiyuan; Zhang, Cui; Liu, Yunfei

    2018-03-01

    In order to solve the problem when a certain type of pendulous gyroscope in the initial installation deviation more than 40 degrees, that the servo platform can not be up to the speed of the gyroscope in the rough north seeking phase. This paper takes the digital signal processor TMS320F28027 as the core, uses incremental digital PID algorithm, carries out the circuit design of the servo platform. Firstly, the hardware circuit is divided into three parts: DSP minimum system, motor driving circuit and signal processing circuit, then the mathematical model of incremental digital PID algorithm is established, based on the model, writes the PID control program in CCS3.3, finally, the servo motor tracking control experiment is carried out, it shows that the design can significantly improve the tracking ability of the servo platform, and the design has good engineering practice.

  17. Partially Turboelectric Aircraft Drive Key Performance Parameters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jansen, Ralph H.; Duffy, Kirsten P.; Brown, Gerald V.

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to propose electric drive specific power, electric drive efficiency, and electrical propulsion fraction as the key performance parameters for a partially turboelectric aircraft power system and to investigate their impact on the overall aircraft performance. Breguet range equations for a base conventional turbofan aircraft and a partially turboelectric aircraft are found. The benefits and costs that may result from the partially turboelectric system are enumerated. A break even analysis is conducted to find the minimum allowable electric drive specific power and efficiency, for a given electrical propulsion fraction, that can preserve the range, fuel weight, operating empty weight, and payload weight of the conventional aircraft. Current and future power system performance is compared to the required performance to determine the potential benefit.

  18. 14 CFR 23.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 23.1523 Section 23... Information § 23.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is... commuter category airplanes, each crewmember workload determination must consider the following: (1) Flight...

  19. 14 CFR 23.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 23.1523 Section 23... Information § 23.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is... commuter category airplanes, each crewmember workload determination must consider the following: (1) Flight...

  20. 14 CFR 27.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 27.1523 Section 27.1523 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT... § 27.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is sufficient for...

  1. 42 CFR 412.348 - Exception payments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... beginning on or after October 1, 1991 and before October 1, 2001. (c) Minimum payment level by class of hospital. (1) CMS establishes a minimum payment level by class of hospital. The minimum payment level for a hospital will equal a fixed percentage of the hospital's capital-related costs. The minimum payment levels...

  2. 7 CFR 953.43 - Minimum standards of quality.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Minimum standards of quality. 953.43 Section 953.43... SOUTHEASTERN STATES Order Regulating Handling Regulations § 953.43 Minimum standards of quality. (a) Recommendation. Whenever the committee deems it advisable to establish and maintain minimum standards of quality...

  3. 7 CFR 953.43 - Minimum standards of quality.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Minimum standards of quality. 953.43 Section 953.43... SOUTHEASTERN STATES Order Regulating Handling Regulations § 953.43 Minimum standards of quality. (a) Recommendation. Whenever the committee deems it advisable to establish and maintain minimum standards of quality...

  4. 7 CFR 953.43 - Minimum standards of quality.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Minimum standards of quality. 953.43 Section 953.43... SOUTHEASTERN STATES Order Regulating Handling Regulations § 953.43 Minimum standards of quality. (a) Recommendation. Whenever the committee deems it advisable to establish and maintain minimum standards of quality...

  5. 7 CFR 953.43 - Minimum standards of quality.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Minimum standards of quality. 953.43 Section 953.43... SOUTHEASTERN STATES Order Regulating Handling Regulations § 953.43 Minimum standards of quality. (a) Recommendation. Whenever the committee deems it advisable to establish and maintain minimum standards of quality...

  6. 7 CFR 953.43 - Minimum standards of quality.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Minimum standards of quality. 953.43 Section 953.43... SOUTHEASTERN STATES Order Regulating Handling Regulations § 953.43 Minimum standards of quality. (a) Recommendation. Whenever the committee deems it advisable to establish and maintain minimum standards of quality...

  7. 14 CFR 23.1523 - Minimum flight crew.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Minimum flight crew. 23.1523 Section 23... Information § 23.1523 Minimum flight crew. The minimum flight crew must be established so that it is... commuter category airplanes, each crewmember workload determination must consider the following: (1) Flight...

  8. 50 CFR 648.93 - Monkfish minimum fish sizes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Monkfish minimum fish sizes. 648.93... Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish Fisheries § 648.93 Monkfish minimum fish sizes. (a) General... fish size requirements established in this section. Minimum Fish Sizes (Total Length/Tail Length) Total...

  9. 50 CFR 648.93 - Monkfish minimum fish sizes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Monkfish minimum fish sizes. 648.93... Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish Fisheries § 648.93 Monkfish minimum fish sizes. (a) General... fish size requirements established in this section. Minimum Fish Sizes (Total Length/Tail Length) Total...

  10. 50 CFR 648.93 - Monkfish minimum fish sizes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 10 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Monkfish minimum fish sizes. 648.93... Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish Fisheries § 648.93 Monkfish minimum fish sizes. (a) General... fish size requirements established in this section. Minimum Fish Sizes (Total Length/Tail Length) Total...

  11. 50 CFR 648.93 - Monkfish minimum fish sizes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 8 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Monkfish minimum fish sizes. 648.93... Measures for the NE Multispecies and Monkfish Fisheries § 648.93 Monkfish minimum fish sizes. (a) General... fish size requirements established in this section. Minimum Fish Sizes (Total Length/Tail Length) Total...

  12. USING RESPONSES OF OYSTERS IN ESTABLISHING MINIMUM FLOWS AND LEVELS IN THE CALOOSAHATCHEE ESTUARY, FLORIDA

    EPA Science Inventory

    Volety, Aswani K., S. Gregory Tolley and James T. Winstead. 2002. Using Responses of Oysters in Establishing Minimum Flows and Levels in the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida (Abstract). Presented at the 6th International Conference on Shellfish Restoration, 20-24 November 2002, Ch...

  13. Establishing Proficiency Standards for High School Graduation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Herron, Marshall D.

    The Oregon State Board of Education has rejected the use of cut-off scores on a proficiency test to establish minimum performance standards for high school graduation. Instead, each school district is required to specify--by local board adoption--minimum competencies in reading, writing, listening, speaking, analyzing, and computing. These…

  14. 23 CFR 1275.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... which the repeat intoxicated driver's name appears. (c) Driving while intoxicated means driving or being... permitted limit as established by each State, or an equivalent non-BAC intoxicated driving offense. (d) Driving under the influence has the same meaning as “driving while intoxicated.” (e) Enact and enforce...

  15. 23 CFR 1275.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... which the repeat intoxicated driver's name appears. (c) Driving while intoxicated means driving or being... permitted limit as established by each State, or an equivalent non-BAC intoxicated driving offense. (d) Driving under the influence has the same meaning as “driving while intoxicated.” (e) Enact and enforce...

  16. 23 CFR 1275.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... which the repeat intoxicated driver's name appears. (c) Driving while intoxicated means driving or being... permitted limit as established by each State, or an equivalent non-BAC intoxicated driving offense. (d) Driving under the influence has the same meaning as “driving while intoxicated.” (e) Enact and enforce...

  17. 23 CFR 1275.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... which the repeat intoxicated driver's name appears. (c) Driving while intoxicated means driving or being... permitted limit as established by each State, or an equivalent non-BAC intoxicated driving offense. (d) Driving under the influence has the same meaning as “driving while intoxicated.” (e) Enact and enforce...

  18. University students' drinking patterns and problems: examining the effects of raising the purchase age.

    PubMed

    Engs, R C; Hanson, D J

    1988-01-01

    An extensive review of the literature on college students' drinking patterns and problems since the mid-1930s revealed no radical changes over the past several decades. However, during the past 10 years, drinking and problems related to drinking and driving have gradually decreased among college students. Results of a study of students at the same 56 colleges and universities throughout the United States (3,145 in 1982-83, 2,797 in 1984-85, and 3,375 in 1987-88) revealed few changes in collegiate drinking patterns and problems attributable to the nationwide increase in the minimum age for alcohol purchase. There was a decline in the proportion of students who drank in the period during which the law changed. However, the proportion of students categorized as heavy drinkers remained constant over time and the proportion of underage students (81 percent) who drank was higher than the proportion of legal age students who drank (75 percent). Of 17 problems related to drinking, all but 5 remained stable over the time periods. Three of the problems represent the continuum of an established trend of fewer students to indicating drinking and driving-related problems. As discussed in this paper, creative alcohol programming can assist in controlling alcohol abuse among college students.

  19. The human, primate and rabbit ultraviolet action spectra

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pitts, D. G.; Gibbons, W. D.

    1972-01-01

    A 5000 watt xenon-mercury high pressure lamp was used to produce a continuous ultraviolet spectrum. Human and animal exposures were made to establish the photokeratitis threshold and abiotic action spectrum. The lower limit of the abiotic action spectrum was 220 nm while the upper limit was 310 nm. The radiant exposure threshold at 270 nm was 0.005 watts/sq cm for the rabbit, 0.004 watts/sq cm for the primate, and 0.004 watts/ sq cm for the human. The rabbit curve was bi-peaked with minimums at 220 nm, 240 nm and 270 nm. The primate curve was tri-peaked with minimums at 220 nm, 240 nm and 270 nm. The human data showed a rather shallow curve with a minimum at 270 nm. Formulas and calculations are given to predict minimum exposure times for ocular damage to man in outer space, to establish valid safety criteria, and to establish protective design criteria.

  20. Solar array stepping problems in satellites and solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maharana, P. K.; Goel, P. S.

    1992-01-01

    The dynamics problems arising due to stepping motion of the solar arrays of spacecraft are studied. To overcome these problems, design improvements in the drive logic based on the phase plane analysis are suggested. The improved designs are applied to the Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA) of IRS-1B and INSAT-2A satellites. In addition, an alternate torquing strategy for very successful slewing of the arrays, and with minimum excitation of flexible modes, is proposed.

  1. Plasmonic nanoparticle chain in a light field: a resonant optical sail.

    PubMed

    Albaladejo, Silvia; Sáenz, Juan José; Marqués, Manuel I

    2011-11-09

    Optical trapping and driving of small objects has become a topic of increasing interest in multidisciplinary sciences. We propose to use a chain made of metallic nanoparticles as a resonant light sail, attached by one end point to a transparent object and propelling it by the use of electromagnetic radiation. Driving forces exerted on the chain are theoretically studied as a function of radiation's wavelength and chain's alignments with respect to the direction of radiation. Interestingly, there is a window in the frequency spectrum in which null-torque equilibrium configuration, with minimum geometric cross section, corresponds to a maximum in the driving force.

  2. 76 FR 77806 - International Affairs; U.S. Fish Quotas in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-14

    ... available from Douglas Christel, at the NMFS Northeast Regional Office at 55 Great Republic Drive..., autonomous vessel monitoring system; and adherence to all relevant minimum size, gear, bycatch, and other...

  3. The impact of raising the minimum drinking age on driver fatalities.

    PubMed

    MacKinnon, D P; Woodward, J A

    1986-12-01

    Time series analysis was used to obtain statistical tests of the impact of raising the drinking age on monthly driver fatalities in Illinois, Michigan, and Massachusetts. A control series design permitted comparison between younger drivers (21 or less years) and older drivers (25 and older) within states where the minimum drinking age was raised. Since the two groups share the same driving conditions, it was important to demonstrate that any reduction in fatalities was limited to the young age group within which the drinking age change occurred. In addition, control states were selected to permit a comparison between driver fatalities of the young age group (21 or less) in states with the law change and young drivers in states without the law change. Significant immediate reductions in fatalities among 21 and younger drivers in Illinois and Michigan were observed after these states raised their minimum drinking age. No significant reductions in any control series were observed. A linear decrease in young driver fatalities was observed after the drinking age was raised in Massachusetts. There was also a significant linear decrease in young driver fatalities in the Connecticut control series, perhaps due to increasing awareness among young drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving.

  4. Experimental investigation of mode transitions in asymmetric capacitively coupled radio-frequency Ne and CF4 plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Gang-Hu; Liu, Yong-Xin; Bai, Li-Shui; Zhao, Kai; Wang, You-Nian

    2018-02-01

    The dependence of the electron density and the emission intensity on external parameters during the transitions of the electron power absorption mode is experimentally studied in asymmetric electropositive (neon) and electronegative (CF4) capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasmas. The spatio-temporal distribution of the emission intensity is measured with phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy and the electron density at the discharge center is measured by utilizing a floating hairpin probe. In neon discharge, the emission intensity increases almost linearly with the rf voltage at all driving frequencies covered here, while the variation of the electron density with the rf voltage behaves differently at different driving frequencies. In particular, the electron density increases linearly with the rf voltage at high driving frequencies, while at low driving frequencies the electron density increases slowly at the low-voltage side and, however, grows rapidly, when the rf voltage is higher than a certain value, indicating a transition from α to γ mode. The rf voltage, at which the mode transition occurs, increases with the decrease of the driving frequency/the working pressure. By contrast, in CF4 discharge, three different electron power absorption modes can be observed and the electron density and emission intensity do not exhibit a simple dependence on the rf voltage. In particular, the electron density exhibits a minimum at a certain rf voltage when the electron power absorption mode is switching from drift-ambipolar to the α/γ mode. A minimum can also be found in the emission intensity at a higher rf voltage when a discharge is switching into the γ mode.

  5. 77 FR 1723 - Proposed Concession Contract for Shenandoah National Park-Alternative Formula for Calculating...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-11

    ... we include in concession contracts a franchise fee payable to the Government that is based upon... establish the required minimum franchise fee for the new contract, that fee will reflect speculative... concessioner offers to meet or exceed the minimum franchise fee that we would establish under the standard LSI...

  6. Age-related changes in perception of movement in driving scenes.

    PubMed

    Lacherez, Philippe; Turner, Laura; Lester, Robert; Burns, Zoe; Wood, Joanne M

    2014-07-01

    Age-related changes in motion sensitivity have been found to relate to reductions in various indices of driving performance and safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the basis of this relationship in terms of determining which aspects of motion perception are most relevant to driving. Participants included 61 regular drivers (age range 22-87 years). Visual performance was measured binocularly. Measures included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and motion sensitivity assessed using four different approaches: (1) threshold minimum drift rate for a drifting Gabor patch, (2) Dmin from a random dot display, (3) threshold coherence from a random dot display, and (4) threshold drift rate for a second-order (contrast modulated) sinusoidal grating. Participants then completed the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) in which they were required to identify moving hazards in videos of real driving scenes, and also a Direction of Heading task (DOH) in which they identified deviations from normal lane keeping in brief videos of driving filmed from the interior of a vehicle. In bivariate correlation analyses, all motion sensitivity measures significantly declined with age. Motion coherence thresholds, and minimum drift rate threshold for the first-order stimulus (Gabor patch) both significantly predicted HPT performance even after controlling for age, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Bootstrap mediation analysis showed that individual differences in DOH accuracy partly explained these relationships, where those individuals with poorer motion sensitivity on the coherence and Gabor tests showed decreased ability to perceive deviations in motion in the driving videos, which related in turn to their ability to detect the moving hazards. The ability to detect subtle movements in the driving environment (as determined by the DOH task) may be an important contributor to effective hazard perception, and is associated with age, and an individuals' performance on tests of motion sensitivity. The locus of the processing deficits appears to lie in first-order, rather than second-order motion pathways. © 2014 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2014 The College of Optometrists.

  7. Study on Stability of High Speed Traction Drive CVT for Aircraft Generator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goi, Tatsuhiko; Tanaka, Hirohisa; Nakashima, Kenichi; Watanabe, Koji

    A half-toroidal traction drive CVT has a feature of small spin at traction pitch in whole speed ratio range of 1:4, which suits to transmit high rotational speed with minimum temperature increase of traction surface. Research activity on traction drive CVT has commenced in 1996 for applying it to an aircraft 24,000rpm constant-speed generator instead of a hydro-static transmission. This paper shows fundamental design of 90kW traction drive integrated drive generator, ``T-IDG", and stability analysis on a sensor-less electro-hydraulic speed control servo-mechanism by bond graphs. The performance test of T-IDG mounted on a test bench and an actual jet engine proved that the control system using sensor-less servomechanism can keep the generator speed within MIL-STD-704E allowable limit against steep changes of speed and load.

  8. A Four-Feet Walking-Type Rotary Piezoelectric Actuator with Minute Step Motion.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yingxiang; Wang, Yun; Liu, Junkao; Xu, Dongmei; Li, Kai; Shan, Xiaobiao; Deng, Jie

    2018-05-08

    A four-feet walking-type rotary piezoelectric actuator with minute step motion was proposed. The proposed actuator used the rectangular motions of four driving feet to push the rotor step-by-step; this operating principle was different with the previous non-resonant actuators using direct-driving, inertial-driving, and inchworm-type mechanisms. The mechanism of the proposed actuator was discussed in detail. Transient analyses were accomplished by ANSYS software to simulate the motion trajectory of the driving foot and to find the response characteristics. A prototype was manufactured to verify the mechanism and to test the mechanical characteristics. A minimum resolution of 0.095 μrad and a maximum torque of 49 N·mm were achieved by the prototype, and the output speed was varied by changing the driving voltage and working frequency. This work provides a new mechanism for the design of a rotary piezoelectric actuator with minute step motion.

  9. A Four-Feet Walking-Type Rotary Piezoelectric Actuator with Minute Step Motion

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yun; Liu, Junkao; Xu, Dongmei; Li, Kai; Shan, Xiaobiao; Deng, Jie

    2018-01-01

    A four-feet walking-type rotary piezoelectric actuator with minute step motion was proposed. The proposed actuator used the rectangular motions of four driving feet to push the rotor step-by-step; this operating principle was different with the previous non-resonant actuators using direct-driving, inertial-driving, and inchworm-type mechanisms. The mechanism of the proposed actuator was discussed in detail. Transient analyses were accomplished by ANSYS software to simulate the motion trajectory of the driving foot and to find the response characteristics. A prototype was manufactured to verify the mechanism and to test the mechanical characteristics. A minimum resolution of 0.095 μrad and a maximum torque of 49 N·mm were achieved by the prototype, and the output speed was varied by changing the driving voltage and working frequency. This work provides a new mechanism for the design of a rotary piezoelectric actuator with minute step motion. PMID:29738495

  10. Name that tune: Mitigation of driver fatigue via a song naming game

    DOE PAGES

    Trumbo, Michael C.; Jones, Aaron P.; Robinson, Charles S. H.; ...

    2017-09-18

    Fatigued driving contributes to a substantial number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Music listening is often employed as a countermeasure during driving in order to mitigate the effects of fatigue. And though music listening has been established as a distractor in the sense that it increases cognitive load during driving, it is possible that increased cognitive load is desirable under particular circumstances. For instance, during situations that typically result in cognitive underload, such as driving in a low-traffic monotonous stretch of highway, it may be beneficial for cognitive load to increase, thereby necessitating allocation of greater cognitive resources tomore » the task of driving and attenuating fatigue. Here, we employed a song-naming game as a countermeasure to fatigued driving in a simulated monotonous environment. During the first driving session, we established that driving performance deteriorates in the absence of an intervention following 30 min of simulated driving. During the second session, we found that a song-naming game employed at the point of fatigue onset was an effective countermeasure, as reflected by simulated driving performance that met or exceeded fresh driving behavior and was significantly better relative to fatigued performance during the first driving session.« less

  11. Name that tune: Mitigation of driver fatigue via a song naming game

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

    Trumbo, Michael C.; Jones, Aaron P.; Robinson, Charles S. H.

    Fatigued driving contributes to a substantial number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Music listening is often employed as a countermeasure during driving in order to mitigate the effects of fatigue. And though music listening has been established as a distractor in the sense that it increases cognitive load during driving, it is possible that increased cognitive load is desirable under particular circumstances. For instance, during situations that typically result in cognitive underload, such as driving in a low-traffic monotonous stretch of highway, it may be beneficial for cognitive load to increase, thereby necessitating allocation of greater cognitive resources tomore » the task of driving and attenuating fatigue. Here, we employed a song-naming game as a countermeasure to fatigued driving in a simulated monotonous environment. During the first driving session, we established that driving performance deteriorates in the absence of an intervention following 30 min of simulated driving. During the second session, we found that a song-naming game employed at the point of fatigue onset was an effective countermeasure, as reflected by simulated driving performance that met or exceeded fresh driving behavior and was significantly better relative to fatigued performance during the first driving session.« less

  12. An evaluation of Washington state's 1979 driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1984-12-01

    In 1979 Washington State passed legislation establishing several new provisions for dealing with the drinking driver. Among these were the establishment of a 'per se' definition of DWI as driving or being in physical control of a motor vehicle with a...

  13. 76 FR 72907 - International Affairs; U.S. Fishing Opportunity in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-28

    ... Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 (phone: (978) 281-9141, fax: (978) 281-9135, email: douglas..., autonomous vessel monitoring system; and adherence to all relevant minimum size, gear, bycatch, and other...

  14. Voltage controlled oscillator is easily aligned, has low phase noise

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sydnor, R. L.

    1965-01-01

    Voltage Controlled Oscillator /VCO/, represented by an equivalent RF circuit, is easily adjusted for optimum performance by varying the circuit parameter. It contains a crystal drive level which is also easily adjusted to obtain minimum phase noise.

  15. Using alcohol intoxication goggles (Fatal Vision® goggles) to detect alcohol related impairment in simulated driving.

    PubMed

    McCartney, Danielle; Desbrow, Ben; Irwin, Christopher

    2017-01-02

    Fatal vision goggles (FVGs) are image-distorting equipment used within driver education programs to simulate alcohol-related impairment. However, there is no empirical evidence comparing the behavioral effects associated with wearing FVGs to alcohol intoxication. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of FVGs in producing alcohol-related impairment in simulated driving. Twenty-two healthy males (age: 23 ± 3 years, mean ± SD) participated in a placebo-controlled crossover design study involving 4 experimental trials. In each trial, participants completed a baseline level simulated driving task followed by an experimental driving task, involving one of 4 treatments: (1) a dose of alcohol designed to elicit 0.080% breath alcohol concentration (BrAC; AB), (2) an alcohol placebo beverage (PB), (3) FVG (estimated % blood alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.070-0.100+), and (4) placebo goggles (PGs). The driving tasks included 3 separate scenarios lasting ∼5 min each; these were a simple driving scenario, a complex driving scenario, and a hazard perception driving scenario. Selected lateral control parameters (standard deviation of lane position [SDLP]; total number of lane crossings [LCs]) and longitudinal control parameters (average speed; standard deviation of speed [SDSP]; distance headway; minimum distance headway) were monitored during the simple and complex driving scenarios. Latency to 2 different stimuli (choice reaction time [CRT]) was tested in the hazard perception driving scenario. Subjective ratings of mood and attitudes toward driving were also provided during each of the trials. Neither placebo treatment influenced simulated driving performance. Mean BrAC was 0.060 ± 0.010% at the time of driving on the AB trial. Lateral control: In the simple driving scenario, SDLP and LC were not affected under any of the experimental treatments. However, in the complex driving scenario, significantly greater SDLP was observed on both the FVG and AB trials compared to their respective baseline drives. LC increased significantly from baseline on the AB trial only. Longitudinal control: Speed was not affected by any of the experimental treatments; however, SDSP increased significantly from baseline on the FVG trial. A significant reduction in distance headway and minimum distance headway was detected on the FVG trial compared to baseline. Hazard perception: Neither AB nor FVG trials were influential on CRT. Subjective mood ratings were significantly altered on the AB and FVG trials compared to baseline and placebo conditions. Participants reported reduced willingness and ability to drive under the active treatments (AB and FVG) than the placebo treatments (PB and PG). FVGs may have some utility in replicating alcohol-related impairment on specific driving performance measurements. Hence, the equipment may offer an alternative approach to researching the impact of alcohol intoxication on simulated driving performance among populations where the provision of alcohol would otherwise be unethical (e.g., prelicensed drivers).

  16. Enhanced diffusion with abnormal temperature dependence in underdamped space-periodic systems subject to time-periodic driving

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marchenko, I. G.; Marchenko, I. I.; Zhiglo, A. V.

    2018-01-01

    We present a study of the diffusion enhancement of underdamped Brownian particles in a one-dimensional symmetric space-periodic potential due to external symmetric time-periodic driving with zero mean. We show that the diffusivity can be enhanced by many orders of magnitude at an appropriate choice of the driving amplitude and frequency. The diffusivity demonstrates abnormal (decreasing) temperature dependence at the driving amplitudes exceeding a certain value. At any fixed driving frequency Ω normal temperature dependence of the diffusivity is restored at low enough temperatures, T

  17. Flame Driving of Longitudinal Instabilities in Liquid Fueled Dump Combustors.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-07-01

    plotted in Fig. 8 for the first " natural frequency of 80 Hz. As the flame length is much smaller than the acoustic wavelength at 80 Hz the pressure...velocity u and the near a pressure minimum there was a large radia- flame length . In all cases, it was Found that the tion signal at the driving...frequency. On the theory underpredicted the flame length . This may other hand, when the stabilizing wire was near a be due to the neglect of viscous and

  18. Flame Driving of Longitudinal Instabilities in Liquid Fueled Dump Combustors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-10-01

    for the first * natural frequency of 80 Hz. As the flame length is much smaller than the acoustic wavelength at 80 Hz the pressure is constant over...release at different locations along the flame. The reason for this is that the flame length is equivalent to several vortical wavelengths as is evident...pressure minimum there was a large radla- flame length . In all cases, it was ?ound that the tion signal at the driving frequency. On the theory

  19. 75 FR 54179 - National Park Service Concession Contracts; Implementation of Alternative Valuation Formula for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-03

    ... reflects in part the requirement of the 1998 Act that NPS include in concession contracts a franchise fee... consequence, if the NPS were to establish the required minimum franchise fee for the new contract under the... a prospective concessioner offers to meet or exceed the minimum franchise fee established by NPS...

  20. 76 FR 30243 - Minimum Security Devices and Procedures

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-24

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision Minimum Security Devices and Procedures.... Title of Proposal: Minimum Security Devices and Procedures. OMB Number: 1550-0062. Form Number: N/A. Description: The requirement that savings associations establish a written security program is necessitated by...

  1. 77 FR 43196 - Minimum Internal Control Standards and Technical Standards

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-24

    ... NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION 25 CFR Parts 543 and 547 Minimum Internal Control Standards [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part 543 addresses minimum internal control standards (MICS) for Class II gaming operations. The regulations require tribes to establish controls and implement...

  2. Multiple causes of nonstationarity in the Weihe annual low-flow series

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiong, Bin; Xiong, Lihua; Chen, Jie; Xu, Chong-Yu; Li, Lingqi

    2018-02-01

    Under the background of global climate change and local anthropogenic activities, multiple driving forces have introduced various nonstationary components into low-flow series. This has led to a high demand on low-flow frequency analysis that considers nonstationary conditions for modeling. In this study, through a nonstationary frequency analysis framework with the generalized linear model (GLM) to consider time-varying distribution parameters, the multiple explanatory variables were incorporated to explain the variation in low-flow distribution parameters. These variables are comprised of the three indices of human activities (HAs; i.e., population, POP; irrigation area, IAR; and gross domestic product, GDP) and the eight measuring indices of the climate and catchment conditions (i.e., total precipitation P, mean frequency of precipitation events λ, temperature T, potential evapotranspiration (EP), climate aridity index AIEP, base-flow index (BFI), recession constant K and the recession-related aridity index AIK). This framework was applied to model the annual minimum flow series of both Huaxian and Xianyang gauging stations in the Weihe River, China (also known as the Wei He River). The results from stepwise regression for the optimal explanatory variables show that the variables related to irrigation, recession, temperature and precipitation play an important role in modeling. Specifically, analysis of annual minimum 30-day flow in Huaxian shows that the nonstationary distribution model with any one of all explanatory variables is better than the one without explanatory variables, the nonstationary gamma distribution model with four optimal variables is the best model and AIK is of the highest relative importance among these four variables, followed by IAR, BFI and AIEP. We conclude that the incorporation of multiple indices related to low-flow generation permits tracing various driving forces. The established link in nonstationary analysis will be beneficial to analyze future occurrences of low-flow extremes in similar areas.

  3. 76 FR 15368 - Minimum Security Devices and Procedures

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision Minimum Security Devices and Procedures... concerning the following information collection. Title of Proposal: Minimum Security Devices and Procedures... establish a written security program is necessitated by the Bank Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 1881-1884), which...

  4. 12 CFR 3.10 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MINIMUM CAPITAL RATIOS; ISSUANCE OF DIRECTIVES Establishment of Minimum Capital Ratios for an Individual Bank § 3.10 Applicability. The OCC may require higher minimum capital ratios for an individual bank in view of its circumstances. For example...

  5. 12 CFR 3.11 - Standards for determination of appropriate individual minimum capital ratios.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Standards for determination of appropriate individual minimum capital ratios. 3.11 Section 3.11 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MINIMUM CAPITAL RATIOS; ISSUANCE OF DIRECTIVES Establishment of Minimum Capital Ratios for an Individual Bank § 3.11 Standards...

  6. A review of precipitation and temperature control on seedling emergence and establishment for ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest regeneration

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Petrie, Matthew; Wildeman, A.M.; Bradford, John B.; Hubbard, R.M.; Lauenroth, W.K.

    2016-01-01

    The persistence of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine forests in the 21st century depends to a large extent on how seedling emergence and establishment are influenced by driving climate and environmental variables, which largely govern forest regeneration. We surveyed the literature, and identified 96 publications that reported data on dependent variables of seedling emergence and/or establishment and one or more independent variables of air temperature, soil temperature, precipitation and moisture availability. Our review suggests that seedling emergence and establishment for both species is highest at intermediate temperatures (20 to 25 °C), and higher precipitation and higher moisture availability support a higher percentage of seedling emergence and establishment at daily, monthly and annual timescales. We found that ponderosa pine seedlings may be more sensitive to temperature fluctuations whereas lodgepole pine seedlings may be more sensitive to moisture fluctuations. In a changing climate, increasing temperatures and declining moisture availability may hinder forest persistence by limiting seedling processes. Yet, only 23 studies in our review investigated the effects of driving climate and environmental variables directly. Furthermore, 74 studies occurred in a laboratory or greenhouse, which do not often replicate the conditions experienced by tree seedlings in a field setting. It is therefore difficult to provide strong conclusions on how sensitive emergence and establishment in ponderosa and lodgepole pine are to these specific driving variables, or to investigate their potential aggregate effects. Thus, the effects of many driving variables on seedling processes remain largely inconclusive. Our review stresses the need for additional field and laboratory studies to better elucidate the effects of driving climate and environmental variables on seedling emergence and establishment for ponderosa and lodgepole pine.

  7. Optimization design of wind turbine drive train based on Matlab genetic algorithm toolbox

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, R. N.; Liu, X.; Liu, S. J.

    2013-12-01

    In order to ensure the high efficiency of the whole flexible drive train of the front-end speed adjusting wind turbine, the working principle of the main part of the drive train is analyzed. As critical parameters, rotating speed ratios of three planetary gear trains are selected as the research subject. The mathematical model of the torque converter speed ratio is established based on these three critical variable quantity, and the effect of key parameters on the efficiency of hydraulic mechanical transmission is analyzed. Based on the torque balance and the energy balance, refer to hydraulic mechanical transmission characteristics, the transmission efficiency expression of the whole drive train is established. The fitness function and constraint functions are established respectively based on the drive train transmission efficiency and the torque converter rotating speed ratio range. And the optimization calculation is carried out by using MATLAB genetic algorithm toolbox. The optimization method and results provide an optimization program for exact match of wind turbine rotor, gearbox, hydraulic mechanical transmission, hydraulic torque converter and synchronous generator, ensure that the drive train work with a high efficiency, and give a reference for the selection of the torque converter and hydraulic mechanical transmission.

  8. Comparison of nonrigid and semirigid airships

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stapfer,

    1922-01-01

    One of the main subjects of airship science consists in establishing cooperation between two vertical forces, the buoyancy of the air and the attraction of gravity. The mechanism for establishing this cooperation must have the minimum weight and offer the minimum head resistance. Starting with this principle, let us consider what improvements can be made in the present type of non-rigid airships.

  9. Name that tune: Mitigation of driver fatigue via a song naming game.

    PubMed

    Trumbo, Michael C; Jones, Aaron P; Robinson, Charles S H; Cole, Kerstan; Morrow, James D

    2017-11-01

    Fatigued driving contributes to a substantial number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Music listening is often employed as a countermeasure during driving in order to mitigate the effects of fatigue. Though music listening has been established as a distractor in the sense that it increases cognitive load during driving, it is possible that increased cognitive load is desirable under particular circumstances. For instance, during situations that typically result in cognitive underload, such as driving in a low-traffic monotonous stretch of highway, it may be beneficial for cognitive load to increase, thereby necessitating allocation of greater cognitive resources to the task of driving and attenuating fatigue. In the current study, we employed a song-naming game as a countermeasure to fatigued driving in a simulated monotonous environment. During the first driving session, we established that driving performance deteriorates in the absence of an intervention following 30min of simulated driving. During the second session, we found that a song-naming game employed at the point of fatigue onset was an effective countermeasure, as reflected by simulated driving performance that met or exceeded fresh driving behavior and was significantly better relative to fatigued performance during the first driving session. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  10. Marijuana and actual driving performance

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1993-11-01

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

  11. 600-602 N Lakeshore Drive, March 2011, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The fieldgamma measurements within the excavation and the spoil materials generated during the excavationprocess did not exceed the respective threshold values previously stated and ranged from a minimum of4,382 cpm to a maximum of 7,907 cpm.

  12. 76 FR 464 - Notification of U.S. Fish Quotas and an Effort Allocation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-05

    ... Northeast Regional Office at 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 (phone: 978- 281-9103, fax: 978..., autonomous vessel monitoring system; and adherence to all relevant minimum size, gear, bycatch, and other...

  13. A highly aggregated geographical distribution of forest pest invasions in the USA

    Treesearch

    Andrew M. Liebhold; Deborah G. McCullough; Laura M. Blackburn; Susan J. Frankel; Betsy Von Holle; Juliann E. Aukema

    2013-01-01

    Geographical variation in numbers of established non-native species provides clues to the underlying processes driving biological invasions. Specifically, this variation reflects landscape characteristics that drive non-native species arrival, establishment and spread. Here, we investigate spatial variation in damaging non-native forest insect and pathogen species to...

  14. 12 CFR 325.6 - Issuance of directives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... is a final order issued to a bank that fails to maintain capital at or above the minimum leverage... operating with less than the minimum leverage capital requirement established by this regulation, the Board... directive requiring the bank to restore its capital to the minimum leverage capital requirement within a...

  15. Commercial viability of hybrid vehicles : best household use and cross national considerations.

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

    Santini, D. J.; Vyas, A. D.

    1999-07-16

    Japanese automakers have introduced hybrid passenger cars in Japan and will soon do so in the US. In this paper, we report how we used early computer simulation model results to compare the commercial viability of a hypothetical near-term (next decade) hybrid mid-size passenger car configuration under varying fuel price and driving patterns. The fuel prices and driving patterns evaluated are designed to span likely values for major OECD nations. Two types of models are used. One allows the ''design'' of a hybrid to a specified set of performance requirements and the prediction of fuel economy under a number ofmore » possible driving patterns (called driving cycles). Another provides an estimate of the incremental cost of the hybrid in comparison to a comparably performing conventional vehicle. In this paper, the models are applied to predict the NPV cost of conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles vs. parallel hybrid vehicles. The parallel hybrids are assumed to (1) be produced at high volume, (2) use nickel metal hydride battery packs, and (3) have high-strength steel bodies. The conventional vehicle also is assumed to have a high-strength steel body. The simulated vehicles are held constant in many respects, including 0-60 time, engine type, aerodynamic drag coefficient, tire rolling resistance, and frontal area. The hybrids analyzed use the minimum size battery pack and motor to meet specified 0-60 times. A key characteristic affecting commercial viability is noted and quantified: that hybrids achieve the most pronounced fuel economy increase (best use) in slow, average-speed, stop-and-go driving, but when households consistently drive these vehicles under these conditions, they tend to travel fewer miles than average vehicles. We find that hours driven is a more valuable measure than miles. Estimates are developed concerning hours of use of household vehicles versus driving cycle, and the pattern of minimum NPV incremental cost (or benefit) of selecting the hybrid over the conventional vehicle at various fuel prices is illustrated. These results are based on data from various OECD motions on fuel price, annual miles of travel per vehicle, and driving cycles assumed to be applicable in those nations. Scatter in results plotted as a function of average speed, related to details of driving cycles and the vehicles selected for analysis, is discussed.« less

  16. New Mexico's 1998 drive-up liquor window closure. Study II: economic impact on owners.

    PubMed

    Lapham, Sandra C; Skipper, Betty J

    2004-05-01

    This study examined the economic impact of the New Mexico legislative action closing drive-up liquor windows on the retail establishments that operated them. A telephone survey was conducted 20 months after the closure seeking information and owners' opinions about how their outlets had changed since the closure and how this affected their business. In addition, 2 years of aggregated pre- and post-closure total gross receipts revenues were obtained from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, with convenience stores as a comparison group. Interviews were completed for 149 of 220 establishments. Over one-quarter of former drive-up liquor windows (28%) had been converted to 'step-in' sales, defined as an outside door where customers can stop and enter the premises while their car is running. Almost two-thirds (61%) of owners reported decreased annual gross revenues following closure, with a reported average 15% reduction in alcohol sales. This is consistent with findings of decreased gross receipts for operators of non-urban, but not urban, drive-up liquor windows compared to convenience store gross receipts. Almost three-quarters (72%) of those surveyed would re-open the drive-up window if the law were rescinded. Over one-quarter of the drive-up owners converted to step-in alcohol sales that still allow a form of drive-up liquor sales. Despite this, the forced closure of New Mexico's drive-up liquor windows negatively impacted total sales and liquor sales revenues of establishments that operated them.

  17. Resonance of relativistic electrons with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

    DOE PAGES

    Denton, R. E.; Jordanova, V. K.; Bortnik, J.

    2015-06-29

    Relativistic electrons have been thought to more easily resonate with electromagnetic ion cyclotron EMIC waves if the total density is large. We show that, for a particular EMIC mode, this dependence is weak due to the dependence of the wave frequency and wave vector on the density. A significant increase in relativistic electron minimum resonant energy might occur for the H band EMIC mode only for small density, but no changes in parameters significantly decrease the minimum resonant energy from a nominal value. The minimum resonant energy depends most strongly on the thermal velocity associated with the field line motionmore » of the hot ring current protons that drive the instability. High density due to a plasmasphere or plasmaspheric plume could possibly lead to lower minimum resonance energy by causing the He band EMIC mode to be dominant. We demonstrate these points using parameters from a ring current simulation.« less

  18. Economical drive for large tube mills by means of planetary gears

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ackle, W.

    1980-01-01

    The performance of heavy-duty planetary gear drives for ball mills used in the cement industry since 1967 is described. These gear drives transmit up to 8500 HP per installation. A reliable method for establishing gear drive efficiency is described and possible savings due to higher efficiency are indicated.

  19. Molecular markers for establishing distinctness in vegetatively propagated crops: a case study in grapevine.

    PubMed

    Ibáñez, Javier; Vélez, M Dolores; de Andrés, M Teresa; Borrego, Joaquín

    2009-11-01

    Distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing of varieties is usually required to apply for Plant Breeders' Rights. This exam is currently carried out using morphological traits, where the establishment of distinctness through a minimum distance is the key issue. In this study, the possibility of using microsatellite markers for establishing the minimum distance in a vegetatively propagated crop (grapevine) has been evaluated. A collection of 991 accessions have been studied with nine microsatellite markers and pair-wise compared, and the highest intra-variety distance and the lowest inter-variety distance determined. The collection included 489 different genotypes, and synonyms and sports. Average values for number of alleles per locus (19), Polymorphic Information Content (0.764) and heterozygosities observed (0.773) and expected (0.785) indicated the high level of polymorphism existing in grapevine. The maximum intra-variety variability found was one allele between two accessions of the same variety, of a total of 3,171 pair-wise comparisons. The minimum inter-variety variability found was two alleles between two pairs of varieties, of a total of 119,316 pair-wise comparisons. In base to these results, the minimum distance required to set distinctness in grapevine with the nine microsatellite markers used could be established in two alleles. General rules for the use of the system as a support for establishing distinctness in vegetatively propagated crops are discussed.

  20. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Ddddd of... - Operating Limits for Boilers and Process Heaters With Mercury Emission Limits and Boilers and...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... minimum pressure drop and liquid flow-rate at or above the operating levels established during the... leak detection system alarm does not sound more than 5 percent of the operating time during a 6-month... control Maintain the minimum sorbent or carbon injection rate at or above the operating levels established...

  1. 40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Ddddd of... - Operating Limits for Boilers and Process Heaters With Mercury Emission Limits and Boilers and...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... minimum pressure drop and liquid flow-rate at or above the operating levels established during the... leak detection system alarm does not sound more than 5 percent of the operating time during a 6-month... control Maintain the minimum sorbent or carbon injection rate at or above the operating levels established...

  2. 21 CFR 205.50 - Minimum requirements for the storage and handling of prescription drugs and for the establishment...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Minimum requirements for the storage and handling of prescription drugs and for the establishment and maintenance of prescription drug distribution records. 205.50 Section 205.50 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS: GENERAL...

  3. Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Guidance for the Rehabilitation Provider in Deployed and Non-deployed Settings

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    activity requires minimum 2 hours of rest • Video games , driving simulation ― 20 minutes to maximum of 40 minutes, followed by 80 minutes cognitive...as breath-holding, exertion, playing video games and driving. He is encouraged to monitor his HR before and during activity (not to exceed 40 percent...walking at low speed b) Shopping in the exchange for a single item c) Video games d) Television with rest breaks each hour Knowledge Test

  4. Overload depending on driving experience and situation complexity: Which strategies faced with a pedestrian crossing?

    PubMed

    Paxion, Julie; Galy, Edith; Berthelon, Catherine

    2015-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of situation complexity and driving experience on subjective workload and driving performance, and the less costly and the most effective strategies faced with a hazard pedestrian crossing. Four groups of young drivers (15 traditionally trained novices, 12 early-trained novices, 15 with three years of experience and 15 with a minimum of five years of experience) were randomly assigned to three situations (simple, moderately complex and very complex) including unexpected pedestrian crossings, in a driving simulator. The subjective workload was collected by the NASA-TLX questionnaire after each situation. The main results confirmed that the situation complexity and the lack of experience increased the subjective workload. Moreover, the subjective workload, the avoidance strategies and the reaction times influenced the number of collisions depending on situation complexity and driving experience. These results must be taken into account to target the prevention actions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

  5. Pediatric Program Director Minimum Milestone Expectations before Allowing Supervision of Others and Unsupervised Practice.

    PubMed

    Li, Su-Ting T; Tancredi, Daniel J; Schwartz, Alan; Guillot, Ann; Burke, Ann E; Trimm, R Franklin; Guralnick, Susan; Mahan, John D; Gifford, Kimberly

    2018-04-25

    The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires semiannual Milestone reporting on all residents. Milestone expectations of performance are unknown. Determine pediatric program director (PD) minimum Milestone expectations for residents prior to being ready to supervise and prior to being ready to graduate. Mixed methods survey of pediatric PDs on their programs' Milestone expectations before residents are ready to supervise and before they are ready to graduate, and in what ways PDs use Milestones to make supervision and graduation decisions. If programs had no established Milestone expectations, PDs indicated expectations they considered for use in their program. Mean minimum Milestone level expectations adjusted for program size, region, and clustering of Milestone expectations by program were calculated for prior to supervise and prior to graduate. Free-text questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. The response rate was 56.8% (113/199). Most programs had no required minimum Milestone level before residents are ready to supervise (80%; 76/95) or ready to graduate (84%; 80/95). For readiness to supervise, minimum Milestone expectations PDs considered establishing for their program were highest for humanism (2.46, 95% CI: 2.21-2.71) and professionalization (2.37, 2.15-2.60). Minimum Milestone expectations for graduates were highest for help-seeking (3.14, 2.83-3.46). Main themes included the use of Milestones in combination with other information to assess learner performance and Milestones are not equally weighted when making advancement decisions. Most PDs have not established program minimum Milestones, but would vary such expectations by competency. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  6. Reverse matrix converter control method for PMSM drives using DPC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bak, Yeongsu; Lee, Kyo-Beum

    2018-05-01

    This paper proposes a control method for a reverse matrix converter (RMC) that drives a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). In this proposed method, direct power control (DPC) is used to control the voltage source rectifier of the RMC. The RMC is an indirect matrix converter operating in the boost mode, in which the power-flow directions of the input and output are switched. It has a minimum voltage transfer ratio of 1/0.866 in a linear-modulation region. In this paper, a control method that uses DPC as an additional control method is proposed in order to control the RMC driving a PMSM in the output stage. Simulations and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.

  7. Quasi-Static Calibration Method of a High-g Accelerometer

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yan; Fan, Jinbiao; Zu, Jing; Xu, Peng

    2017-01-01

    To solve the problem of resonance during quasi-static calibration of high-g accelerometers, we deduce the relationship between the minimum excitation pulse width and the resonant frequency of the calibrated accelerometer according to the second-order mathematical model of the accelerometer, and improve the quasi-static calibration theory. We establish a quasi-static calibration testing system, which uses a gas gun to generate high-g acceleration signals, and apply a laser interferometer to reproduce the impact acceleration. These signals are used to drive the calibrated accelerometer. By comparing the excitation acceleration signal and the output responses of the calibrated accelerometer to the excitation signals, the impact sensitivity of the calibrated accelerometer is obtained. As indicated by the calibration test results, this calibration system produces excitation acceleration signals with a pulse width of less than 1000 μs, and realize the quasi-static calibration of high-g accelerometers with a resonant frequency above 20 kHz when the calibration error was 3%. PMID:28230743

  8. Patterned Cell Alignment in Response to Macroscale Curvature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bade, Nathan; Kamien, Randall; Assoian, Richard; Stebe, Kathleen

    The formation of spatial behavior patterns in tissues is a long-standing problem in biology. Decades of research have focused on understanding how biochemical signaling and morphogen gradients establish cell patterns during development and tissue morphogenesis. Here, we show that geometry and physical cues can drive organization and pattern formation. We find that mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human vascular smooth muscle cells sense curvature differently when in monolayers than when isolated on surfaces with various amounts of Gaussian curvature. While the long, apical stress fibers within these cells align in the direction of minimum curvature on cylindrical substrates, a subpopulation of stress fibers beneath the nucleus aligns in the circumferential direction and is bent maximally. We find dramatic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton upon activation of RhoA, which is associated with increased contractility of the fibers. Thus, stress fiber alignment is likely a result of a complex balance between energy penalties associated with stress fiber bending, contractility, and the dynamics of F-actin assembly.

  9. Older drivers: On-road and off-road test results.

    PubMed

    Selander, Helena; Lee, Hoe C; Johansson, Kurt; Falkmer, Torbjörn

    2011-07-01

    Eighty-five volunteer drivers, 65-85 years old, without cognitive impairments impacting on their driving were examined, in order to investigate driving errors characteristic for older drivers. In addition, any relationships between cognitive off-road and on-road tests results, the latter being the gold standard, were identified. Performance measurements included Trail Making Test (TMT), Nordic Stroke Driver Screening Assessment (NorSDSA), Useful Field of View (UFOV), self-rating driving performance and the two on-road protocols P-Drive and ROA. Some of the older drivers displayed questionable driving behaviour. In total, 21% of the participants failed the on-road assessment. Some of the specific errors were more serious than others. The most common driving errors embraced speed; exceeding the speed limit or not controlling the speed. Correlations with the P-Drive protocol were established for NorSDSA total score (weak), UFOV subtest 2 (weak), and UFOV subtest 3 (moderate). Correlations with the ROA protocol were established for UFOV subtest 2 (weak) and UFOV subtest 3 (weak). P-Drive and self ratings correlated weakly, whereas no correlation between self ratings and the ROA protocol was found. The results suggest that specific problems or errors seen in an older person's driving can actually be "normal driving behaviours". Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Impact of travel patterns and driving behavior on crash involvement.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1983-07-21

    This study was conducted to obtain statistically valid data on a variety of highway safety issues, such as attitudes toward drunk driving, use of safety belts and child safety seats, and to establish data regarding driving patterns. The study design ...

  11. 49 CFR 538.7 - Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... type treated as an electric dual fueled automobile. (3) Be written in the English language. (4) State... displacement and type, electric storage capacity, transmission type, and average fuel economy when operating on...) Economic practicability; (iv) Technology; (v) Environmental impact; (vi) Safety; (vii) Driveability; and...

  12. Role of driver hearing in commercial motor vehicle operation : an evaluation of the FHWA hearing requirement

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-11-01

    The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) currently requires that all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have a specified minimum level of hearing to drive in interstate commerce. This tech brief summarizes an FHWA study of the same title that ev...

  13. 49 CFR 384.202 - Test standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Test standards. 384.202 Section 384.202... COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM Minimum Standards for Substantial Compliance by States § 384.202 Test... driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title. ...

  14. Validation of the Australian Propensity for Angry Driving Scale (Aus-PADS).

    PubMed

    Leal, Nerida L; Pachana, Nancy A

    2009-09-01

    The present study used a university sample to assess the test-retest reliability and validity of the Australian Propensity for Angry Driving Scale (Aus-PADS). The scale has stability over time, and convergent validity was established, as Aus-PADS scores correlated significantly with established anger and impulsivity measures. Discriminant validity was also established, as Aus-PADS scores did not correlate with Venturesomeness scores. The Aus-PADS has demonstrated criterion validity, as scores were correlated with behavioural measures, such as yelling at other drivers, gesturing at other drivers, and feeling angry but not doing anything. Aus-PADS scores reliably predicted the frequency of these behaviours over and above other study variables. No significant relationship between aggressive driving and crash involvement was observed. It was concluded that the Aus-PADS is a reliable and valid tool appropriate for use in Australian research, and that the potential relationship between aggressive driving and crash involvement warrants further investigation with a more representative (and diverse) driver sample.

  15. [Medical image segmentation based on the minimum variation snake model].

    PubMed

    Zhou, Changxiong; Yu, Shenglin

    2007-02-01

    It is difficult for traditional parametric active contour (Snake) model to deal with automatic segmentation of weak edge medical image. After analyzing snake and geometric active contour model, a minimum variation snake model was proposed and successfully applied to weak edge medical image segmentation. This proposed model replaces constant force in the balloon snake model by variable force incorporating foreground and background two regions information. It drives curve to evolve with the criterion of the minimum variation of foreground and background two regions. Experiments and results have proved that the proposed model is robust to initial contours placements and can segment weak edge medical image automatically. Besides, the testing for segmentation on the noise medical image filtered by curvature flow filter, which preserves edge features, shows a significant effect.

  16. 12 CFR 615.5351 - Standards for determination of appropriate individual institution minimum capital ratios.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Standards for determination of appropriate individual institution minimum capital ratios. 615.5351 Section 615.5351 Banks and Banking FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION FARM CREDIT SYSTEM FUNDING AND FISCAL AFFAIRS, LOAN POLICIES AND OPERATIONS, AND FUNDING OPERATIONS Establishment of Minimum Capital...

  17. 40 CFR 63.1257 - Test methods and compliance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...)(2), or 63.1256(h)(2)(i)(C) with a minimum residence time of 0.5 seconds and a minimum temperature of... temperature of the organic HAP, must consider the vent stream flow rate, and must establish the design minimum and average temperature in the combustion zone and the combustion zone residence time. (B) For a...

  18. 40 CFR 63.1257 - Test methods and compliance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...)(2), or 63.1256(h)(2)(i)(C) with a minimum residence time of 0.5 seconds and a minimum temperature of... temperature of the organic HAP, must consider the vent stream flow rate, and must establish the design minimum and average temperature in the combustion zone and the combustion zone residence time. (B) For a...

  19. 40 CFR 63.1257 - Test methods and compliance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...)(2), or 63.1256(h)(2)(i)(C) with a minimum residence time of 0.5 seconds and a minimum temperature of... temperature of the organic HAP, must consider the vent stream flow rate, and must establish the design minimum and average temperature in the combustion zone and the combustion zone residence time. (B) For a...

  20. 29 CFR 520.403 - What information is required when applying for authority to pay less than the minimum wage?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... pay less than the minimum wage? 520.403 Section 520.403 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS EMPLOYMENT UNDER SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF... than the minimum wage? (a) A separate application must be made for each plant or establishment...

  1. The CONSENSUS study: protocol for a mixed methods study to establish which outcomes should be included in a core outcome set for oropharyngeal cancer.

    PubMed

    Waters, Aoife Mi; Tudur Smith, Catrin; Young, Bridget; Jones, Terry M

    2014-05-13

    The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer is increasing in the developed world. This has led to a large rise in research activity and clinical trials in this area, yet there is no consensus on which outcomes should be measured. As a result, the outcomes measured often differ between trials of comparable interventions, making the combination or comparison of results between trials impossible. Outcomes may also be 'cherry-picked', such that favourable results are reported, and less favourable results withheld. The development of a minimum outcome reporting standard, known as a core outcome set, goes some way to addressing these problems. Core outcome sets are ideally developed using a patient-centred approach so that the outcomes measured are relevant to patients and clinical practice. Core outcome sets drive up the quality and relevance of research by ensuring that the right outcomes are consistently measured and reported in trials in specific areas of health or healthcare. This is a mixed methods study involving three phases to develop a core outcome set for oropharyngeal cancer clinical trials. Firstly, a systematic review will establish which outcomes are measured in published oropharyngeal cancer randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Secondly, qualitative interviews with patients and carers in the UK and the USA will aim to establish which outcomes are important to these stakeholders. Data from these first two stages will be used to develop a comprehensive list of outcomes to be considered for inclusion in the core outcome set. In the third stage, patients and clinicians will participate in an iterative consensus exercise known as a Delphi study to refine the contents of the core outcome set. This protocol lays out the methodology to be implemented in the CONSENSUS study. A core outcome set defines a minimum outcome reporting standard for clinical trials in a particular area of health or healthcare. Its consistent implementation in oropharyngeal cancer clinical trials will improve the quality and relevance of research. This study is registered at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio, ID 13823 (17 January 2013).

  2. The CONSENSUS study: protocol for a mixed methods study to establish which outcomes should be included in a core outcome set for oropharyngeal cancer

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer is increasing in the developed world. This has led to a large rise in research activity and clinical trials in this area, yet there is no consensus on which outcomes should be measured. As a result, the outcomes measured often differ between trials of comparable interventions, making the combination or comparison of results between trials impossible. Outcomes may also be ‘cherry-picked’, such that favourable results are reported, and less favourable results withheld. The development of a minimum outcome reporting standard, known as a core outcome set, goes some way to addressing these problems. Core outcome sets are ideally developed using a patient-centred approach so that the outcomes measured are relevant to patients and clinical practice. Core outcome sets drive up the quality and relevance of research by ensuring that the right outcomes are consistently measured and reported in trials in specific areas of health or healthcare. Methods/Design This is a mixed methods study involving three phases to develop a core outcome set for oropharyngeal cancer clinical trials. Firstly, a systematic review will establish which outcomes are measured in published oropharyngeal cancer randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Secondly, qualitative interviews with patients and carers in the UK and the USA will aim to establish which outcomes are important to these stakeholders. Data from these first two stages will be used to develop a comprehensive list of outcomes to be considered for inclusion in the core outcome set. In the third stage, patients and clinicians will participate in an iterative consensus exercise known as a Delphi study to refine the contents of the core outcome set. This protocol lays out the methodology to be implemented in the CONSENSUS study. Discussion A core outcome set defines a minimum outcome reporting standard for clinical trials in a particular area of health or healthcare. Its consistent implementation in oropharyngeal cancer clinical trials will improve the quality and relevance of research. Trials and registration This study is registered at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio, ID 13823 (17 January 2013). PMID:24885068

  3. Special Considerations for Networking Multimedia CD-ROM Titles.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolfe, Janet L.

    1994-01-01

    Discusses issues to be considered when networking multimedia CD-ROMs. Topics addressed include CD-ROM networking software; license concerns; configurations for CD-ROM servers; data caching; SCSI devices; CD-ROM drives; workstation configurations, including minimum requirements for five popular CD-ROM titles; and system setup troubleshooting tips.…

  4. 49 CFR 538.7 - Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... type treated as an electric dual fueled automobile. (3) Be written in the English language. (4) State... range is sought. (iii) A description of the model type, including car line designation, engine displacement and type, electric storage capacity, transmission type, and average fuel economy when operating on...

  5. 49 CFR 538.7 - Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... type treated as an electric dual fueled automobile. (3) Be written in the English language. (4) State... range is sought. (iii) A description of the model type, including car line designation, engine displacement and type, electric storage capacity, transmission type, and average fuel economy when operating on...

  6. Lake Shore Drive\\\\Grand Ave.\\\\E. Illinois Ave., May 2016, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Field gamma measurements process did not exceed the instrument threshold. Unshielded readings ranged from a minimumof 4,600 cpm to a maximum of 14,200 cpm unshielded and shielded readings ranged from a minimum of1,800 cpm to 2,680 cpm.

  7. 49 CFR 538.7 - Petitions for reduction of minimum driving range.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... type treated as an electric dual fueled automobile. (3) Be written in the English language. (4) State... range is sought. (iii) A description of the model type, including car line designation, engine displacement and type, electric storage capacity, transmission type, and average fuel economy when operating on...

  8. 9 CFR 313.2 - Handling of livestock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed. (b) Electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to drive animals... livestock and other animals unable to move. (1) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move shall be...

  9. Deciphering Solar Magnetic Activity: On Grand Minima in Solar Activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mcintosh, Scott; Leamon, Robert

    2015-07-01

    The Sun provides the energy necessary to sustain our existence. While the Sun provides for us, it is also capable of taking away. The weather and climatic scales of solar evolution and the Sun-Earth connection are not well understood. There has been tremendous progress in the century since the discovery of solar magnetism - magnetism that ultimately drives the electromagnetic, particulate and eruptive forcing of our planetary system. There is contemporary evidence of a decrease in solar magnetism, perhaps even indicators of a significant downward trend, over recent decades. Are we entering a minimum in solar activity that is deeper and longer than a typical solar minimum, a "grand minimum"? How could we tell if we are? What is a grand minimum and how does the Sun recover? These are very pertinent questions for modern civilization. In this paper we present a hypothetical demonstration of entry and exit from grand minimum conditions based on a recent analysis of solar features over the past 20 years and their possible connection to the origins of the 11(-ish) year solar activity cycle.

  10. Broadband tunable integrated CMOS pulser with 80-ps minimum pulse width for gain-switched semiconductor lasers.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shaoqiang; Diao, Shengxi; Li, Pengtao; Nakamura, Takahiro; Yoshita, Masahiro; Weng, Guoen; Hu, Xiaobo; Shi, Yanling; Liu, Yiqing; Akiyama, Hidefumi

    2017-07-31

    High power pulsed lasers with tunable pulse widths are highly favored in many applications. When combined with power amplification, gain-switched semiconductor lasers driven by broadband tunable electric pulsers can meet such requirements. For this reason, we designed and produced a low-cost integrated CMOS pulse generator with a minimum pulse width of 80 ps and a wide tuning range of up to 270 ns using a 40-nm microelectronic process technique. We used this pulser to drive a 1.3-µm semiconductor laser diode directly, and thereafter investigated the gain-switching properties of the laser system. The optical pulses consist of a spike followed by a steady state region. Tuning the width of the electrical pulse down to approximately 1.5 ns produces optical pulses consisting only of the spike, which has a minimum pulse-width of 100 ps. Moreover, the duration of the steady state can be tuned continuously by tuning the electrical pulse width, with a peak power of approximately 5 mW. The output voltage of the electric pulser has a tuning range of 0.8-1.5 V that can be used to directly drive semiconductor laser diodes with wavelengths in the near-infrared spectrum, which are suitable for power amplification with rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers.

  11. Focus drive mechanism for the IUE scientific instrument

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Devine, E. J.; Dennis, T. B., Jr.

    1977-01-01

    A compact, lightweight mechanism was developed for in-orbit adjustment of the position of the secondary mirror (focusing) of the International Ultraviolet Explored telescope. This device is a linear drive with small (.0004 in.) and highly repeatable step increments. Extremely close tolerances are also held in tilt and decentering. The unique mechanization is described with attention to the design details that contribute to positional accuracy. Lubrication, materials, thermal considerations, sealing, detenting against launch loads, and other features peculiar to flight hardware are discussed. The methods employed for mounting the low expansion quartz mirror with minimum distortion are also given.

  12. Engineering analysis and test results of the pre-stage planetary gear trains for wrist rotation and pitch assembly and azimuth and elevation assembly of the extendable stiff arm manipulator kit assembly

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morris, R. N.

    1973-01-01

    In order to improve the performance capability of the Extendable Stiff Arm Manipulator (ESAM) it was necessary to increase the overall gear ratio by a factor of approximately four. This is accomplished with minimum effect to existing hardware by the interposition of a planetary gear transmission between the respective drive motors and the harmonic drive transmissions. The engineering analysis in support of this design approach and the subsequent no-load test results are reported.

  13. Turboelectric Aircraft Drive Key Performance Parameters and Functional Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jansen, Ralph H.; Brown, Gerald V.; Felder, James L.; Duffy, Kirsten P.

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to propose specific power and efficiency as the key performance parameters for a turboelectric aircraft power system and investigate their impact on the overall aircraft. Key functional requirements are identified that impact the power system design. Breguet range equations for a base aircraft and a turboelectric aircraft are found. The benefits and costs that may result from the turboelectric system are enumerated. A break-even analysis is conducted to find the minimum allowable electric drive specific power and efficiency that can preserve the range, initial weight, operating empty weight, and payload weight of the base aircraft.

  14. Turboelectric Aircraft Drive Key Performance Parameters and Functional Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jansen, Ralph; Brown, Gerald V.; Felder, James L.; Duffy, Kirsten P.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this presentation is to propose specific power and efficiency as the key performance parameters for a turboelectric aircraft power system and investigate their impact on the overall aircraft. Key functional requirements are identified that impact the power system design. Breguet range equations for a base aircraft and a turboelectric aircraft are found. The benefits and costs that may result from the turboelectric system are enumerated. A break-even analysis is conducted to find the minimum allowable electric drive specific power and efficiency that can preserve the range, initial weight, operating empty weight, and payload weight of the base aircraft.

  15. Turboelectric Aircraft Drive Key Performance Parameters and Functional Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jansen, Ralph H.; Brown, Gerald V.; Felder, James L.; Duffy, Kirsten P.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to propose specific power and efficiency as the key performance parameters for a turboelectric aircraft power system and investigate their impact on the overall aircraft. Key functional requirements are identified that impact the power system design. Breguet range equations for a base aircraft and a turboelectric aircraft are found. The benefits and costs that may result from the turboelectric system are enumerated. A break-even analysis is conducted to find the minimum allowable electric drive specific power and efficiency that can preserve the range, initial weight, operating empty weight, and payload weight of the base aircraft.

  16. 23 CFR 1200.23 - Impaired driving countermeasures grants.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 23 Highways 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Impaired driving countermeasures grants. 1200.23 Section... HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT PROGRAMS National Priority Safety Program Grants § 1200.23 Impaired driving countermeasures grants. (a) Purpose. This section establishes criteria, in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 405(d), for...

  17. 23 CFR 1200.23 - Impaired driving countermeasures grants.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 23 Highways 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Impaired driving countermeasures grants. 1200.23 Section... HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT PROGRAMS National Priority Safety Program Grants § 1200.23 Impaired driving countermeasures grants. (a) Purpose. This section establishes criteria, in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 405(d), for...

  18. Age and gender differences in time to collision at braking from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study.

    PubMed

    Montgomery, Jade; Kusano, Kristofer D; Gabler, Hampton C

    2014-01-01

    Forward collision warning (FCW) is an active safety system that aims to mitigate the effect of forward collisions by warning the driver of objects in front of the vehicle. Success of FCW relies on how drivers react to the alerts. Drivers who receive too many warnings that they deem as unnecessary-that is, nuisance alarms-may grow to distrust and turn the system off. To reduce the perception of nuisance alarms, FCW systems can be tailored to individual driving styles, but these driving styles must first be characterized. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in braking behavior between age and gender groups in car-following scenarios using data from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study. The data source for this study was the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, which recorded the driving of 108 primary drivers for approximately a year. Braking behavior was characterized in terms of time to collision (TTC) at brake application, a common metric used in the design of warning thresholds of FCW. Because of the large volume of data analyzed, the TTC at which drivers braked during car-following situations was collected via an automated search algorithm. The minimum TTC for each vehicle speed 10 mph increment from 10 mph to 80 mph was recorded for each driver. Mixed model analysis of variance was used to examine the differences between age and gender groups. In total, 527,861 brake applications contained in 11,503 trips were analyzed. Differences in TTC at braking were statistically significant for age and gender (P<.01 for both cases). Males age 18-20 (n=7) had the lowest average minimum TTC at braking of 2.5±0.8 s, and females age 31-50 (n=6) had the highest average minimum TTC at braking of 6.4±0.9 s. On average, women (n=32) braked at a TTC 1.3 s higher than men (n=52). Age was a statistically significant factor for TTC at braking between participants under 30 (n=42) and participants over 30 (n=42), with the latter braking 1.7 s on average before the former. No statistical significance was found between ages 18-20 (n=15) and 21-30 (n=27) or between ages 31-50 (n=23) and 50+(n=19). There are clear statistical differences in TTC at braking for both gender and those over 30 vs. those under 30. Designers of FCW systems can use the data found in this study to tailor alert timings to the target demographic of a vehicle when designing forward collision warning systems. Appropriate alert timings for FCW systems will maximize effectiveness in collision reduction and mitigation.

  19. Minimum visual requirements in different occupations in Finland.

    PubMed

    Aine, E

    1984-01-01

    In Finland the employers can individually fix the minimum visual requirements for their personnel in almost every occupation. In transportation, in police and national defence proper eyesight is regarded so important that strict visual requirements for these have been fixed by the Government. The regulations are often more close when accepting the person to the occupation than later on when working. The minimum requirements are mostly stated for visual acuity, colour perception and visual fields. In some occupations the regulations concern also the refractive error of the eyes and possible eye diseases. In aviation the regulations have been stated by the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ). The minimum visual requirements for a driving license in highway traffic are classed according to the types of motor vehicles. In railways , maritime commerce and national defence the task of the worker determines the specified regulations. The policeman must have a distant visual acuity of 0.5 without eyeglasses in both eyes and nearly normal colour perception when starting the training course.

  20. Evaluation of Delisting Criteria and Rebuilding Schedules for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook, Fall Chinook and Sockeye Salmon : Recovery Issues for Threatened and Endangered Snake River Salmon : Technical Report 10 of 11.

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

    Cramer, Steven P.; Neeley, Doug

    1993-06-01

    We develop a framework for distinguishing healthy and threatened populations, and we analyze specific criteria by which these terms can be measured for threatened populations of salmon in the Snake River. We review reports and analyze existing data on listed populations of salmon in the Snake River to establish a framework for two stages of the recovery process: (1) defining de-listing criteria, and (2) estimating the percentage increase in survival that will be necessary for recovery of the population within specified time frames, given the de-listing criteria that must be achieved. We develop and apply a simplified population model tomore » estimate the percentage improvement in survival that will be necessary to achieve different rates of recovery. We considered five main concepts identifying de-listing criteria: (1) minimum population size, (2) rates of population change, (3) number of population subunits, (4) survival rates, and (5) driving variables. In considering minimum population size, we conclude that high variation in survival rates poses a substantially greater probability of causing extinction than does loss of genetic variation. Distinct population subunits exist and affect both the genetic variability of the population and the dynamics of population decline and growth. We distinguish between two types of population subunits, (1) genetic and (2) geographic, and we give examples of their effects on population recovery.« less

  1. Minimum Required Attention: A Human-Centered Approach to Driver Inattention.

    PubMed

    Kircher, Katja; Ahlstrom, Christer

    2017-05-01

    To propose a driver attention theory based on the notion of driving as a satisficing and partially self-paced task and, within this framework, present a definition for driver inattention. Many definitions of driver inattention and distraction have been proposed, but they are difficult to operationalize, and they are either unreasonably strict and inflexible or suffer from hindsight bias. Existing definitions of driver distraction are reviewed and their shortcomings identified. We then present the minimum required attention (MiRA) theory to overcome these shortcomings. Suggestions on how to operationalize MiRA are also presented. MiRA describes which role the attention of the driver plays in the shared "situation awareness of the traffic system." A driver is considered attentive when sampling sufficient information to meet the demands of the system, namely, that he or she fulfills the preconditions to be able to form and maintain a good enough mental representation of the situation. A driver should only be considered inattentive when information sampling is not sufficient, regardless of whether the driver is concurrently executing an additional task or not. The MiRA theory builds on well-established driver attention theories. It goes beyond available driver distraction definitions by first defining what a driver needs to be attentive to, being free from hindsight bias, and allowing the driver to adapt to the current demands of the traffic situation through satisficing and self-pacing. MiRA has the potential to provide the stepping stone for unbiased and operationalizable inattention detection and classification.

  2. OSHA Laboratory Standard: Driving Force for Laboratory Safety!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roy, Kenneth R.

    2000-01-01

    Discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Laboratory Safety Standards as the major driving force in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment for teachers and students. (Author)

  3. Parametric modulation of thermomagnetic convection in magnetic fluids.

    PubMed

    Engler, H; Odenbach, S

    2008-05-21

    Previous theoretical investigations on thermal flow in a horizontal fluid layer have shown that the critical temperature difference, where heat transfer changes from diffusion to convective flow, depends on the frequency of a time-modulated driving force. The driving force of thermal convection is the buoyancy force resulting from the interaction of gravity and the density gradient provided by a temperature difference in the vertical direction of a horizontal fluid layer. An experimental investigation of such phenomena fails because of technical problems arising if buoyancy is to be changed by altering the temperature difference or gravitational acceleration. The possibility of influencing convective flow in a horizontal magnetic fluid layer by magnetic forces might provide us with a means to solve the problem of a time-modulated magnetic driving force. An experimental setup to investigate the dependence of the critical temperature difference on the frequency of the driving force has been designed and implemented. First results show that the time modulation of the driving force has significant influence on the strength of the convective flow. In particular a pronounced minimum in the strength of convection has been found for a particular frequency.

  4. Research on fatigue driving pre-warning system based on multi-information fusion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Xuyang; Ye, Wenwu

    2018-05-01

    With the development of science and technology, transportation network has grown faster. But at the same time, the quantity of traffic accidents due to fatigue driving grows faster as well. In the meantime, fatigue driving has been one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Therefore, it is indispensable for us to study the detection of fatigue driving to help to driving safety. There are numerous approaches in discrimination method. Each type of method has its reasonable theoretical basis, but the disadvantages of traditional fatigue driving detection methods have been more and more obvious since we study the traditional physiology and psychological features of fatigue drivers. So we set up a new system based on multi-information fusion and pattern recognition theory. In the paper, the fatigue driving pre-warning system discriminates fatigue by analyzing the characteristic parameters, the parameters derived from the steering wheel angle, the driver's power of gripping and the heart rate. And the data analysis system is established based on fuzzy C-means clustering theory. Finally, KNN classifier is used to establish the relation between feature indexes and fatigue degree. It is verified that the system has the better accuracy, agility and robustness according to our confirmatory experiment.

  5. 29 CFR 500.105 - DOT standards adopted by the Secretary.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... person possesses the following minimum qualifications: (A) No loss of foot, leg, hand or arm, (B) No mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease, likely to interfere with safe driving. (C) No loss of... loading—(A) Distribution and securing of load. No motor vehicle shall be driven nor shall any motor...

  6. The primary prevention of alcohol problems: a critical review of the research literature.

    PubMed

    Moskowitz, J M

    1989-01-01

    The research evaluating the effects of programs and policies in reducing the incidence of alcohol problems is critically reviewed. Four types of preventive interventions are examined including: (1) policies affecting the physical, economic and social availability of alcohol (e.g., minimum legal drinking age, price and advertising of alcohol), (2) formal social controls on alcohol-related behavior (e.g., drinking-driving laws), (3) primary prevention programs (e.g., school-based alcohol education), and (4) environmental safety measures (e.g., automobile airbags). The research generally supports the efficacy of three alcohol-specific policies: raising the minimum legal drinking age to 21, increasing alcohol taxes and increasing the enforcement of drinking-driving laws. Also, research suggests that various environmental safety measures reduce the incidence of alcohol-related trauma. In contrast, little evidence currently exists to support the efficacy of primary prevention programs. However, a systems perspective of prevention suggests that prevention programs may become more efficacious after widespread adoption of prevention policies that lead to shifts in social norms regarding use of beverage alcohol.

  7. Temporal separation and self-rating of alertness as indicators of driver fatigue in commercial motor vehicle operators.

    PubMed

    Belz, Steven M; Robinson, Gary S; Casali, John G

    2004-01-01

    This on-road field investigation employed, for the first time, a completely automated trigger-based data collection system capable of evaluating driver performance in an extended-duration real-world commercial motor vehicle environment. The study examined the use of self-assessment of fatigue (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and temporal separation (minimum time to collision, minimum headway, and mean headway) as indicators of driver fatigue. Without exception, the correlation analyses for both the self-rating of alertness and temporal separation yielded models low in associative ability; neither metric was found to be a valid indicator of driver fatigue. In addition, based upon the data collected for this research, preliminary evidence suggests that driver fatigue onset within a real-world driving environment does not appear to follow the standard progression of events associated with the onset of fatigue within a simulated driving environment. Application of this research includes the development of an on-board driver performance/fatigue monitoring system that could potentially assist drivers in identifying the onset of fatigue.

  8. Design features that affect the maneuverability of wheelchairs and scooters.

    PubMed

    Koontz, Alicia M; Brindle, Eric D; Kankipati, Padmaja; Feathers, David; Cooper, Rory A

    2010-05-01

    To determine the minimum space required for wheeled mobility device users to perform 4 maneuverability tasks and to investigate the impact of selected design attributes on space. Case series. University laboratory, Veterans Affairs research facility, vocational training center, and a national wheelchair sport event. The sample of convenience included manual wheelchair (MWC; n=109), power wheelchair (PWC; n=100), and scooter users (n=14). A mock environment was constructed to create passageways to form an L-turn, 360 degrees -turn in place, and a U-turn with and without a barrier. Passageway openings were increased in 5-cm increments until the user could successfully perform each task without hitting the walls. Structural dimensions of the device and user were collected using an electromechanical probe. Mobility devices were grouped into categories based on design features and compared using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise Bonferroni-corrected tests. Minimum passageway widths for the 4 maneuverability tasks. Ultralight MWCs with rear axles posterior to the shoulder had the shortest lengths and required the least amount of space compared with all other types of MWCs (P<.05). Mid-wheel-drive PWCs required the least space for the 360 degrees -turn in place compared with front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive PWCs (P<.01) but performed equally as well as front-wheel-drive models on all other turning tasks. PWCs with seat functions required more space to perform the tasks. Between 10% and 100% of users would not be able to maneuver in spaces that meet current Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities specifications. This study provides data that can be used to support wheelchair prescription and home modifications and to update standards to improve the accessibility of public areas.

  9. Fluid Flow Patterns During Production from Gas Hydrates in the Laboratory compared to Field Settings: LARS vs. Mallik

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strauch, B.; Heeschen, K. U.; Priegnitz, M.; Abendroth, S.; Spangenberg, E.; Thaler, J.; Schicks, J. M.

    2015-12-01

    The GFZ's LArge Reservoir Simulator LARS allows for the simulation of the 2008 Mallik gas hydrate production test and the comparison of fluid flow patterns and their driving forces. Do we see the gas flow pattern described for Mallik [Uddin, M. et al., J. Can. Petrol Tech, 50, 70-89, 2011] in a pilot scale test? If so, what are the driving forces? LARS has a network of temperature sensors and an electric resistivity tomography (ERT) enabling a good spatial resolution of gas hydrate occurrences, water and gas distribution, and changes in temperature in the sample. A gas flow meter and a water trap record fluid flow patterns and a backpressure valve has controlled the depressurization equivalent to the three pressure stages (7.0 - 5.0 - 4.2 MPa) applied in the Mallik field test. The environmental temperature (284 K) and confining pressure (13 MPa) have been constant. The depressurization induced immediate endothermic gas hydrate dissociation until re-establishment of the stability conditions by a consequent temperature decrease. Slight gas hydrate dissociation continued at the top and upper lateral border due to the constant heat input from the environment. Here transport pathways were short and permeability higher due to lower gas hydrate saturation. At pressures of 7.0 and 5.0 MPa the LARS tests showed high water flow rates and short irregular spikes of gas production. The gas flow patterns at 4.2 MPa and 3.0MPa resembled those of the Mallik test. In LARS the initial gas surges overlap with times of hydrate instability while water content and lengths of pathways had increased. Water production was at a minimum. A rapidly formed continuous gas phase caused the initial gas surges and only after gas hydrate dissociation decreased to a minimum the single gas bubbles get trapped before slowly coalescing again. In LARS, where pathways were short and no additional water was added, a transport of microbubbles is unlikely to cause a gas surge as suggested for Mallik.

  10. Quantum resonant activation.

    PubMed

    Magazzù, Luca; Hänggi, Peter; Spagnolo, Bernardo; Valenti, Davide

    2017-04-01

    Quantum resonant activation is investigated for the archetype setup of an externally driven two-state (spin-boson) system subjected to strong dissipation by means of both analytical and extensive numerical calculations. The phenomenon of resonant activation emerges in the presence of either randomly fluctuating or deterministic periodically varying driving fields. Addressing the incoherent regime, a characteristic minimum emerges in the mean first passage time to reach an absorbing neighboring state whenever the intrinsic time scale of the modulation matches the characteristic time scale of the system dynamics. For the case of deterministic periodic driving, the first passage time probability density function (pdf) displays a complex, multipeaked behavior, which depends crucially on the details of initial phase, frequency, and strength of the driving. As an interesting feature we find that the mean first passage time enters the resonant activation regime at a critical frequency ν^{*} which depends very weakly on the strength of the driving. Moreover, we provide the relation between the first passage time pdf and the statistics of residence times.

  11. Quantum resonant activation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Magazzó, Luca; Hänggi, Peter; Spagnolo, Bernardo; Valenti, Davide

    2017-04-01

    Quantum resonant activation is investigated for the archetype setup of an externally driven two-state (spin-boson) system subjected to strong dissipation by means of both analytical and extensive numerical calculations. The phenomenon of resonant activation emerges in the presence of either randomly fluctuating or deterministic periodically varying driving fields. Addressing the incoherent regime, a characteristic minimum emerges in the mean first passage time to reach an absorbing neighboring state whenever the intrinsic time scale of the modulation matches the characteristic time scale of the system dynamics. For the case of deterministic periodic driving, the first passage time probability density function (pdf) displays a complex, multipeaked behavior, which depends crucially on the details of initial phase, frequency, and strength of the driving. As an interesting feature we find that the mean first passage time enters the resonant activation regime at a critical frequency ν* which depends very weakly on the strength of the driving. Moreover, we provide the relation between the first passage time pdf and the statistics of residence times.

  12. Technique of optimization of minimum temperature driving forces in the heaters of regeneration system of a steam turbine unit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shamarokov, A. S.; Zorin, V. M.; Dai, Fam Kuang

    2016-03-01

    At the current stage of development of nuclear power engineering, high demands on nuclear power plants (NPP), including on their economy, are made. In these conditions, improving the quality of NPP means, in particular, the need to reasonably choose the values of numerous managed parameters of technological (heat) scheme. Furthermore, the chosen values should correspond to the economic conditions of NPP operation, which are postponed usually a considerable time interval from the point of time of parameters' choice. The article presents the technique of optimization of controlled parameters of the heat circuit of a steam turbine plant for the future. Its particularity is to obtain the results depending on a complex parameter combining the external economic and operating parameters that are relatively stable under the changing economic environment. The article presents the results of optimization according to this technique of the minimum temperature driving forces in the surface heaters of the heat regeneration system of the steam turbine plant of a K-1200-6.8/50 type. For optimization, the collector-screen heaters of high and low pressure developed at the OAO All-Russia Research and Design Institute of Nuclear Power Machine Building, which, in the authors' opinion, have the certain advantages over other types of heaters, were chosen. The optimality criterion in the task was the change in annual reduced costs for NPP compared to the version accepted as the baseline one. The influence on the decision of the task of independent variables that are not included in the complex parameter was analyzed. An optimization task was decided using the alternating-variable descent method. The obtained values of minimum temperature driving forces can guide the design of new nuclear plants with a heat circuit, similar to that accepted in the considered task.

  13. Method and system for managing an electrical output of a turbogenerator

    DOEpatents

    Stahlhut, Ronnie Dean; Vuk, Carl Thomas

    2009-06-02

    The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.

  14. Method and system for managing an electrical output of a turbogenerator

    DOEpatents

    Stahlhut, Ronnie Dean; Vuk, Carl Thomas

    2010-08-24

    The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.

  15. 41 CFR 101-25.301 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... which shall be applied by all executive agencies. Additional criteria above these minimum standards shall be established by each executive agency, limiting its property to the minimum requirements necessary for the efficient functioning of the particular office concerned. This subpart does not apply to...

  16. 3 CFR - Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America Through Biobased and Sustainable Product...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural... Documents Memorandum of February 21, 2012 Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America Through... The BioPreferred program—established by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law...

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

    Chung, Donald; Elgqvist, Emma; Santhanagopalan, Shriram

    Manufacturing capacity for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) — which power many consumer electronics and are increasingly used to power electric vehicles — is heavily concentrated in East Asia. To illuminate the factors that drive regional competitiveness in automotive LIB cell production, this study models cell manufacturing cost and minimum sustainable price, and examines development of LIB supply chains and current LIB market conditions. The study shows that factors driving the cost competitiveness of LIB manufacturing locations are mostly built—supply chain developments and competition, access to materials, and production expertise. Some regional costs — including cost of capital, labor, and materials —more » are significant and should be considered.« less

  18. Focus drive mechanism for the IUE scientific instrument

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Devine, E. J.; Dennis, T. B., Jr.

    1977-01-01

    A compact, lightweight mechanism was developed for in-orbit adjustment of the position of the secondary mirror (focusing) of the International Ultraviolet Explorer telescope. This device is a linear drive with small and highly repeatable step increments. Extremely close tolerances are also held in tilt and decentering. The unique mechanization is described with attention to the design details that contribute to positional accuracy. Lubrication, materials, thermal considerations, sealing, detenting against launch loads, and other features peculiar to flight hardware are discussed. The methods employed for mounting the low expansion quartz mirror with minimum distortion are also given. Results of qualification and acceptance testing, are included.

  19. Key Performance Parameter Driven Technology Goals for Electric Machines and Power Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bowman, Cheryl; Jansen, Ralph; Brown, Gerald; Duffy, Kirsten; Trudell, Jeffrey

    2015-01-01

    Transitioning aviation to low carbon propulsion is one of the crucial strategic research thrust and is a driver in the search for alternative propulsion system for advanced aircraft configurations. This work requires multidisciplinary skills coming from multiple entities. The feasibility of scaling up various electric drive system technologies to meet the requirements of a large commercial transport is discussed in terms of key parameters. Functional requirements are identified that impact the power system design. A breakeven analysis is presented to find the minimum allowable electric drive specific power and efficiency that can preserve the range, initial weight, operating empty weight, and payload weight of the base aircraft.

  20. Note: A novel rotary actuator driven by only one piezoelectric actuator.

    PubMed

    Huang, Hu; Fu, Lu; Zhao, Hongwei; Shi, Chengli; Ren, Luquan; Li, Jianping; Qu, Han

    2013-09-01

    This paper presents a novel piezo-driven rotary actuator based on the parasitic motion principle. Output performances of the rotary actuator were tested and discussed. Experiment results indicate that using only one piezoelectric actuator and simple sawtooth wave control, the rotary actuator reaches the rotation velocity of about 20,097 μrad/s when the driving voltage is 100 V and the driving frequency is 90 Hz. The actuator can rotate stably with the minimum resolution of 0.7 μrad. This paper verifies feasibility of the parasitic motion principle for applications of rotary actuators, providing new design ideas for precision piezoelectric rotary actuators.

  1. Driving simulator scenarios and measures to faithfully evaluate risky driving behavior: A comparative study of different driver age groups

    PubMed Central

    Chaumillon, Romain; Nguyen-Tri, David; Watanabe, Donald; Hirsch, Pierro; Bellavance, Francois; Giraudet, Guillaume; Bernardin, Delphine; Faubert, Jocelyn

    2017-01-01

    To investigate the links between mental workload, age and risky driving, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a driving simulator using several established and some novel measures of driving ability and scenarios of varying complexity. A sample of 115 drivers was divided into three age and experience groups: young inexperienced (18–21 years old), adult experienced (25–55 years old) and older adult (70–86 years old). Participants were tested on three different scenarios varying in mental workload from low to high. Additionally, to gain a better understanding of individuals’ ability to capture and integrate relevant information in a highly complex visual environment, the participants’ perceptual-cognitive capacity was evaluated using 3-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT). Results indicate moderate scenario complexity as the best suited to highlight well-documented differences in driving ability between age groups and to elicit naturalistic driving behavior. Furthermore, several of the novel driving measures were shown to provide useful, non-redundant information about driving behavior, complementing more established measures. Finally, 3D-MOT was demonstrated to be an effective predictor of elevated crash risk as well as decreased naturally-adopted mean driving speed, particularly among older adults. In sum, the present experiment demonstrates that in cases of either extreme high or low task demands, drivers can become overloaded or under aroused and thus task measures may lose sensitivity. Moreover, insights from the present study should inform methodological considerations for future driving simulator research. Importantly, future research should continue to investigate the predictive utility of perceptual-cognitive tests in the domain of driving risk assessment. PMID:29016693

  2. Promoting parental management of teen driving

    PubMed Central

    Simons-Morton, B; Hartos, J; Leaf, W; Beck, K

    2002-01-01

    Methods: Parent-teen dyads (n = 452) were recruited when teens received learner's permits and interviewed over the telephone at baseline, licensure, and three months post-licensure. After baseline, families were randomized to either the intervention group that received persuasive communications or to the comparison group that received general information about driving safety. Results: Both parents and teens in the intervention group reported significantly greater limits on teen driving at licensure and three months post-licensure. In multivariate analyses, intervention and baseline driving expectations had significant effects on driving limits at licensure. Intervention and driving limits established at licensure were associated with three month driving limits. Conclusion: The findings indicate that exposure to the Checkpoints Program increased parental limits on teen driving. PMID:12221027

  3. State Standardized Testing Programs: Their Effects on Teachers and Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moon, Tonya R.; Brighton, Catherine M.; Jarvis, Jane M.; Hall, Catherine J.

    2007-01-01

    A driving force in standards-based educational reform was the 1983 release of "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform" (National Commission of Excellence in Education [NCEE], 1983). The report called for "an end to the minimum competency testing movement and the beginning of a high-stakes testing movement that would raise the…

  4. Preventing Alcohol-Related Problems in the US through Policy: Media Campaigns, Regulatory Approaches and Environmental Interventions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Giesbrecht, Norman; Greenfield, Thomas K.

    2003-01-01

    Provides an overview of research focusing on several general strategies for reducing drinking-related problems, including controls on alcohol advertising and counter advertising; laws and regulations pertaining to minimum legal drinking age, and service to minors and drinking and driving. Concludes with a commentary on the potential effectiveness…

  5. Reducing tobacco use and access through strengthened minimum price laws.

    PubMed

    McLaughlin, Ian; Pearson, Anne; Laird-Metke, Elisa; Ribisl, Kurt

    2014-10-01

    Higher prices reduce consumption and initiation of tobacco products. A minimum price law that establishes a high statutory minimum price and prohibits the industry's discounting tactics for tobacco products is a promising pricing strategy as an alternative to excise tax increases. Although some states have adopted minimum price laws on the basis of statutorily defined price "markups" over the invoice price, existing state laws have been largely ineffective at increasing the retail price. We analyzed 3 new variations of minimum price laws that hold great potential for raising tobacco prices and reducing consumption: (1) a flat rate minimum price law similar to a recent enactment in New York City, (2) an enhanced markup law, and (3) a law that incorporates both elements.

  6. 40 CFR 61.356 - Recordkeeping requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... test protocol and the means by which sampling variability and analytical variability were accounted for... also establish the design minimum and average temperature in the combustion zone and the combustion... the design minimum and average temperatures across the catalyst bed inlet and outlet. (C) For a boiler...

  7. 33 CFR 67.05-20 - Minimum lighting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... for Lights § 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements. The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed... application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash...

  8. 33 CFR 67.05-20 - Minimum lighting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... for Lights § 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements. The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed... application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash...

  9. 33 CFR 67.05-20 - Minimum lighting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... for Lights § 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements. The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed... application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash...

  10. 33 CFR 67.05-20 - Minimum lighting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... for Lights § 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements. The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed... application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash...

  11. 33 CFR 67.05-20 - Minimum lighting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... for Lights § 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements. The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed... application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash...

  12. Personal Computer Based Controller For Switched Reluctance Motor Drives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mang, X.; Krishnan, R.; Adkar, S.; Chandramouli, G.

    1987-10-01

    Th9, switched reluctance motor (SRM) has recently gained considerable attention in the variable speed drive market. Two important factors that have contributed to this are, the simplicity of construction and the possibility of developing low cost con-trollers with minimum number of switching devices in the drive circuits. This is mainly due to the state-of-art of the present digital circuits technology and the low cost of switching devices. The control of this motor drive is under research. Optimized performance of the SRM motor drive is very dependent on the integration of the controller, converter and the motor. This research on system integration involves considerable changes in the control algorithms and their implementation. A Personal computer (PC) based controller is very appropriate for this purpose. Accordingly, the present paper is concerned with the design of a PC based controller for a SRM. The PC allows for real-time microprocessor control with the possibility of on-line system parameter modifications. Software reconfiguration of this controller is easier than a hardware based controller. User friendliness is a natural consequence of such a system. Considering the low cost of PCs, this controller will offer an excellent cost-effective means of studying the control strategies for the SRM drive intop greater detail than in the past.

  13. Laser-direct-drive program: Promise, challenge, and path forward

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

    Campbell, E. M.; Goncharov, V. N.; Sangster, T. C.

    Along with laser-indirect (x-ray)-drive and magnetic-drive target concepts, laser direct drive is a viable approach to achieving ignition and gain with inertial confinement fusion. In the United States, a national program has been established to demonstrate and understand the physics of laser direct drive. The program utilizes the Omega Laser Facility to conduct implosion and coupling physics at the nominally 30-kJ scale and laser–plasma interaction and coupling physics at the MJ scale at the National Ignition Facility. This paper will discuss the motivation and challenges for laser direct drive and the broad-based program presently underway in the United States.

  14. Laser-direct-drive program: Promise, challenge, and path forward

    DOE PAGES

    Campbell, E. M.; Goncharov, V. N.; Sangster, T. C.; ...

    2017-03-19

    Along with laser-indirect (x-ray)-drive and magnetic-drive target concepts, laser direct drive is a viable approach to achieving ignition and gain with inertial confinement fusion. In the United States, a national program has been established to demonstrate and understand the physics of laser direct drive. The program utilizes the Omega Laser Facility to conduct implosion and coupling physics at the nominally 30-kJ scale and laser–plasma interaction and coupling physics at the MJ scale at the National Ignition Facility. This paper will discuss the motivation and challenges for laser direct drive and the broad-based program presently underway in the United States.

  15. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission: Systems Engineering Challenges on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Havens, Glen G.

    2007-01-01

    MRO project is a system of systems requiring system engineering team to architect, design, integrate, test, and operate these systems at each level of the project. The challenge of system engineering mission objectives into a single mission architecture that can be integrated tested, launched, and operated. Systems engineering must translate high-level requirements into integrated mission design. Systems engineering challenges were overcome utilizing a combination by creative designs built into MRO's flight and ground systems: a) Design of sophisticated spacecraft targeting and data management capabilities b) Establishment of a strong operations team organization; c) Implementation of robust operational processes; and d) Development of strategic ground tools. The MRO system has met the challenge of its driving requirements: a) MRO began its two-year primary science phase on November 7, 2006, and by July 2007, met it minimum requirement to collect 15 Tbits of data after only eight months of operations. Currently we have collected 22 Tbits. b) Based on current performance, mission data return could return 70 Tbits of data by the end of the primary science phase in 2008.

  16. Whiting events in SW Florida coastal waters: a case study using MODIS medium-resolution data

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Long, Jacqueline; Hu, Chuanmin; Robbins, Lisa

    2014-01-01

    Whitings, floating patches of calcium carbonate mud, have been found in both shallow carbonate banks and freshwater environments around the world. Although these events have been studied for many decades, much of their characteristics remain unknown. Recent sightings of whitings near Ten Thousand Islands, Florida suggest a phenomenon that has not previously been documented in this area. Using medium-resolution (250-m) data collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from December 2010 to November 2013, we documented whiting events and their spatial and temporal patterns in this region. Classification rules were first established, and then applied to all 474 cloud-free and sun glint-free MODIS images. Whiting occurrences were found between 25°46′N and 25°20′N and less than 40 km from the southwest Florida coastline. Over the 3-year period, whiting occurrence peaked in spring and autumn and reached a minimum during the winter and summer months. Further field and laboratory research are needed to explain driving force(s) behind these events.

  17. 40 CFR 63.1365 - Test methods and initial compliance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... design minimum and average temperature in the combustion zone and the combustion zone residence time. (B... establish the design minimum and average flame zone temperatures and combustion zone residence time, and... carbon bed temperature after regeneration, design carbon bed regeneration time, and design service life...

  18. Establishing the content validity of the Sexual Arousal, Interest, and Drive Scale and the Hypogonadism Energy Diary.

    PubMed

    Hayes, R P; Henne, J; Kinchen, K S

    2015-04-01

    The aim of this qualitative analysis was to establish the content validity of two new patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures: Sexual Arousal, Interest, and Drive Scale (SAID) and Hypogonadism Energy Diary (HED). Four separate qualitative studies were conducted with 125 men with hypogonadism (mean age: 53 years, 85% adult onset). Study 1 used focus groups/interviews to identify important and relevant concepts related to the experience of hypogonadism and its treatment in men primarily with adult-onset hypogonadism. Study 2 tested items generated for assessments of low sex drive and low energy. Study 3 used interviews to confirm in men with early-onset hypogonadism that low sex drive and low energy were also important and relevant symptoms. Study 4 tested final versions of the two PROs and determined equivalency of paper-based and electronic versions of the two PROs. Of the concepts emerging in Studies 1 and 3, low sex drive and low energy were the symptoms most often spontaneously mentioned. Coding of transcripts from Studies 1 and 3 led to the generation of items for the SAID and HED. After item testing (Studies 2 and 4), the final SAID included five items pertaining to arousal, interest in sex and sex drive with a 7-day recall period and the final HED included two items (energy, tired/exhausted) to be administered three times per day. The SAID and HED have content validity established according to regulatory guidance and, therefore, the potential to provide the patient perspective of treatments for hypogonadism. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. 76 FR 22082 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-20

    ..., 2011. ADDRESSES: A listening station will be established at the Council office, 4055 Faber Place Drive... Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC...

  20. Executive Order 13513---federal leadership on reducing text messaging while driving

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-10-01

    Presidential Executive Order establishing a Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment. This policy also extends to cover Federal contractors and co...

  1. Real-time stop sign detection and distance estimation using a single camera

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Wenpeng; Su, Yuxuan; Cheng, Ming

    2018-04-01

    In modern world, the drastic development of driver assistance system has made driving a lot easier than before. In order to increase the safety onboard, a method was proposed to detect STOP sign and estimate distance using a single camera. In STOP sign detection, LBP-cascade classifier was applied to identify the sign in the image, and the principle of pinhole imaging was based for distance estimation. Road test was conducted using a detection system built with a CMOS camera and software developed by Python language with OpenCV library. Results shows that that the proposed system reach a detection accuracy of maximum of 97.6% at 10m, a minimum of 95.00% at 20m, and 5% max error in distance estimation. The results indicate that the system is effective and has the potential to be used in both autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance driving systems.

  2. Hard disk drive based microsecond X-ray chopper for characterization of ionization chambers and photodiodes.

    PubMed

    Müller, O; Lützenkirchen-Hecht, D; Frahm, R

    2015-03-01

    A fast X-ray chopper capable of producing ms long X-ray pulses with a typical rise time of few μs was realized. It is ideally suited to investigate the temporal response of X-ray detectors with response times of the order of μs to ms, in particular, any kind of ionization chambers and large area photo diodes. The drive mechanism consists of a brushless DC motor and driver electronics from a common hard disk drive, keeping the cost at an absolute minimum. Due to its simple construction and small dimensions, this chopper operates at home lab based X-ray tubes and synchrotron radiation sources as well. The dynamics of the most important detectors used in time resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy, namely, ionization chambers and Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon photodiodes, were investigated in detail. The results emphasize the applicability of this X-ray chopper.

  3. Development of real-world driving cycles and estimation of emission factors for in-use light-duty gasoline vehicles in urban areas.

    PubMed

    Hwa, Mei-Yin; Yu, Tai-Yi

    2014-07-01

    This investigation adopts vehicle tracking manner to establish real-world driving patterns and estimates emission factors with dynamometers with 23 traffic-driving variables for 384 in-use light-duty passenger vehicles during non-rush hour. Adequate numbers of driving variables were decided with factor analysis and cluster analysis. The dynamometer tests were performed on FTP75 cycle and five local driving cycles derived from real-world speed profiles. Results presented that local driving cycles and FTP75 cycle were completely different in driving characteristic parameters of typical driving cycles and emission factors. The highest values of emission factor ratios of local driving cycle and FTP75 cycle for CO, NMHC, NO x , CH4, and CO2 were 1.38, 1.65, 1.58, 1.39, and 1.14, respectively.

  4. 36 CFR 223.61 - Establishing minimum stumpage rates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER Timber Sale Contracts Appraisal and Pricing.... No timber may be sold or cut under timber sale contracts for less than minimum stumpage rates except... amounts of material not meeting utilization standards of the timber sale contract. For any timber sale...

  5. 40 CFR 600.010-86 - Vehicle test requirements and minimum data requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... additional model types established under § 600.207(a)(2), data from each subconfiguration included within the... data requirements. 600.010-86 Section 600.010-86 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... requirements and minimum data requirements. (a) For each certification vehicle defined in this part, and for...

  6. 25 CFR 36.1 - Purpose, scope, and information collection requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    .... 36.1 Section 36.1 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR THE BASIC EDUCATION OF INDIAN CHILDREN AND NATIONAL CRITERIA FOR DORMITORY... of this rule is to establish minimum academic standards for the basic education of Indian children...

  7. 76 FR 43534 - Alternative to Minimum Days Off Requirements

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-21

    ... fatigue does not adversely affect public health and safety and the common defense and security. Among... health and safety and the common defense and security by establishing clear and enforceable requirements... public health and safety and common defense and security. B. Alternative to the Minimum Days Off...

  8. 12 CFR 3.12 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedures. 3.12 Section 3.12 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MINIMUM CAPITAL RATIOS; ISSUANCE OF DIRECTIVES Establishment of Minimum Capital Ratios for an Individual Bank § 3.12 Procedures. (a) Notice. When the OCC...

  9. 78 FR 2868 - Draft Environmental Assessment for Rulemaking To Establish Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-14

    ... require hybrid and electric passenger cars, light trucks, medium and heavy duty trucks and buses, low... Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety... minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. DATES: Comments must be received on or before...

  10. 50 CFR 648.72 - Minimum surf clam size.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries § 648.72 Minimum surf clam size. Link to an amendment... quahog specifications. (a) Establishing catch quotas. The amount of surfclams or ocean quahogs that may... paragraph (b) of this section. The amount of surfclams available for harvest annually must be specified...

  11. 29 CFR 780.1 - General scope of the Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... application which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, equal pay, and child labor requirements that apply... for compliance and, in the event of violations, to supervise the payment of unpaid minimum wages or... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STATEMENTS OF GENERAL...

  12. Reducing Tobacco Use and Access Through Strengthened Minimum Price Laws

    PubMed Central

    Pearson, Anne; Laird-Metke, Elisa; Ribisl, Kurt

    2014-01-01

    Higher prices reduce consumption and initiation of tobacco products. A minimum price law that establishes a high statutory minimum price and prohibits the industry’s discounting tactics for tobacco products is a promising pricing strategy as an alternative to excise tax increases. Although some states have adopted minimum price laws on the basis of statutorily defined price “markups” over the invoice price, existing state laws have been largely ineffective at increasing the retail price. We analyzed 3 new variations of minimum price laws that hold great potential for raising tobacco prices and reducing consumption: (1) a flat rate minimum price law similar to a recent enactment in New York City, (2) an enhanced markup law, and (3) a law that incorporates both elements. PMID:25121820

  13. An Analysis of Minimum System Requirements to Support Computerized Adaptive Testing.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-09-01

    adaptive test ( CAT ); adaptive test ing A;4SRAC:’ (Continue on reverie of necessary and ident4f by block number) % This pape-r discusses the minimum system...requirements needed to develop a computerized adaptive test ( CAT ). It lists some of the benefits of adaptive testing, establishes a set of...discusses the minimum system requirements needed to develop a computerized adaptive test ( CAT ). It lists some of the benefits of adaptive testing

  14. A guide for statewide impaired-driving task forces.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-09-01

    The purpose of the guide is to assist State officials and other stakeholders who are interested in establishing an : Impaired-Driving Statewide Task Force or who are exploring ways to improve their current Task Force. The guide : addresses issues suc...

  15. Social and economic impacts of driving cessation in the United States

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2003-05-31

    This presentation explores the complex interrelationships among health, economics, and driving cessations in the older adult population. While there is a significant body of literature for each of these areas there is not an established methodology t...

  16. 23 CFR 1313.1 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving motor vehicles while under the influence of... TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVE GRANT CRITERIA FOR ALCOHOL-IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION PROGRAMS § 1313.1 Scope. This part establishes criteria, in accordance with 23 U.S.C...

  17. 16 CFR 1211.7 - Inherent entrapment protection requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... door a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm). (b)(1) A solid object is to be placed on the floor of the test... when the door is fully closed. (2) For operators other than those attached to the door, a solid object is not required to be located in line with the driving point of the operator. The solid object is to...

  18. 16 CFR 1211.7 - Inherent entrapment protection requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... door a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm). (b)(1) A solid object is to be placed on the floor of the test... when the door is fully closed. (2) For operators other than those attached to the door, a solid object is not required to be located in line with the driving point of the operator. The solid object is to...

  19. Simulations of electron transport and ignition for direct-drive fast-ignition targets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Solodov, A. A.; Anderson, K. S.; Betti, R.; Gotcheva, V.; Myatt, J.; Delettrez, J. A.; Skupsky, S.; Theobald, W.; Stoeckl, C.

    2008-11-01

    The performance of high-gain, fast-ignition fusion targets is investigated using one-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of implosion and two-dimensional (2D) hybrid fluid-particle simulations of hot-electron transport, ignition, and burn. The 2D/3D hybrid-particle-in-cell code LSP [D. R. Welch et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A 464, 134 (2001)] and the 2D fluid code DRACO [P. B. Radha et al., Phys. Plasmas 12, 056307 (2005)] are integrated to simulate the hot-electron transport and heating for direct-drive fast-ignition targets. LSP simulates the transport of hot electrons from the place where they are generated to the dense fuel core where their energy is absorbed. DRACO includes the physics required to simulate compression, ignition, and burn of fast-ignition targets. The self-generated resistive magnetic field is found to collimate the hot-electron beam, increase the coupling efficiency of hot electrons with the target, and reduce the minimum energy required for ignition. Resistive filamentation of the hot-electron beam is also observed. The minimum energy required for ignition is found for hot electrons with realistic angular spread and Maxwellian energy-distribution function.

  20. Ideal MHD stability and performance of ITER steady-state scenarios with ITBs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poli, F. M.; Kessel, C. E.; Chance, M. S.; Jardin, S. C.; Manickam, J.

    2012-06-01

    Non-inductive steady-state scenarios on ITER will need to operate with internal transport barriers (ITBs) in order to reach adequate fusion gain at typical currents of 9 MA. The large pressure gradients at the location of the internal barrier are conducive to the development of ideal MHD instabilities that may limit the plasma performance and may lead to plasma disruptions. Fully non-inductive scenario simulations with five combinations of heating and current drive sources are presented in this work, with plasma currents in the range 7-10 MA. For each configuration the linear, ideal MHD stability is analysed for variations of the Greenwald fraction and of the pressure peaking factor around the operating point, aiming at defining an operational space for stable, steady-state operations at optimized performance. It is shown that plasmas with lower hybrid heating and current drive maintain the minimum safety factor above 1.5, which is desirable in steady-state operations to avoid neoclassical tearing modes. Operating with moderate ITBs at 2/3 of the minor radius, these plasmas have a minimum safety factor above 2, are ideal MHD stable and reach Q ≳ 5 operating above the ideal no-wall limit.

  1. Vital signs: drinking and driving among high school students aged ≥16 years - United States, 1991-2011.

    PubMed

    2012-10-05

    Although every state prohibits persons aged <21 years from driving with any measurable amount of blood alcohol, many young persons still drink and drive. Additionally, fatal crash data indicate that most teen drivers with positive (>0.00%) blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) who are involved in fatal crashes have BACs ≥0.08%, the level designated as illegal for adult drivers. CDC analyzed data from the 1991-2011 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) to describe the trend in prevalence of drinking and driving (defined as driving one or more times when they had been drinking alcohol during the 30 days before the survey) among U.S. high school students aged ≥16 years. The 2011 national YRBS data were used to describe selected subgroup differences in drinking and driving, and 2011 state YRBSs data were used to describe drinking and driving prevalence in 41 states. During 1991-2011, the national prevalence of self-reported drinking and driving among high school students aged ≥16 years declined by 54%, from 22.3% to 10.3%. In 2011, 84.6% of students who drove after drinking also binge drank. Drinking and driving prevalence varied threefold across 41 states, from 4.6% in Utah to 14.5% in North Dakota; higher prevalences were clustered among states in the upper Midwest and along the Gulf Coast. Although substantial progress has been made during the past 2 decades to reduce drinking and driving among teens, in 2011, one in 10 students aged ≥16 years reported driving after drinking during the past 30 days. Most students who drove after drinking alcohol also binge drank. Effective interventions to reduce drinking and driving among teens include enforcement of minimum legal drinking age laws, zero tolerance laws (i.e., no alcohol consumption allowed before driving for persons aged <21 years), and graduated driver licensing systems.

  2. Multidisciplinary design optimization of the belt drive system considering both structure and vibration characteristics based on improved genetic algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Yongliang; Song, Xueguan; Sun, Wei; Wang, Xiaobang

    2018-05-01

    The dynamic performance of a belt drive system is composed of many factors, such as the efficiency, the vibration, and the optimal parameters. The conventional design only considers the basic performance of the belt drive system, while ignoring its overall performance. To address all these challenges, the study on vibration characteristics and optimization strategies could be a feasible way. This paper proposes a new optimization strategy and takes a belt drive design optimization as a case study based on the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO). The MDO of the belt drive system is established and the corresponding sub-systems are analyzed. The multidisciplinary optimization is performed by using an improved genetic algorithm. Based on the optimal results obtained from the MDO, the three-dimension (3D) model of the belt drive system is established for dynamics simulation by virtual prototyping. From the comparison of the results with respect to different velocities and loads, the MDO method can effectively reduce the transverse vibration amplitude. The law of the vibration displacement, the vibration frequency, and the influence of velocities on the transverse vibrations has been obtained. Results show that the MDO method is of great help to obtain the optimal structural parameters. Furthermore, the kinematics principle of the belt drive has been obtained. The belt drive design case indicates that the proposed method in this paper can also be used to solve other engineering optimization problems efficiently.

  3. Inertial piezoelectric linear motor driven by a single-phase harmonic wave with automatic clamping mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Liangguo; Chu, Yuheng; Hao, Sai; Zhao, Xiaoyong; Dong, Yuge; Wang, Yong

    2018-05-01

    A novel, single-phase, harmonic-driven, inertial piezoelectric linear motor using an automatic clamping mechanism was designed, fabricated, and tested to reduce the sliding friction and simplify the drive mechanism and power supply control of the inertial motor. A piezoelectric bimorph and a flexible hinge were connected in series to form the automatic clamping mechanism. The automatic clamping mechanism was used as the driving and clamping elements. A dynamic simulation by Simulink was performed to prove the feasibility of the motor. The finite element method software COMSOL was used to design the structure of the motor. An experimental setup was built to validate the working principle and evaluate the performance of the motor. The prototype motor outputted a no-load velocity of 3.178 mm/s at a voltage of 220 Vp-p and a maximum traction force of 4.25 N under a preload force of 8 N. The minimum resolution of 1.14 μm was achieved at a driving frequency of 74 Hz, a driving voltage of 50 Vp-p, and a preload force of 0 N.

  4. Modeling take-over performance in level 3 conditionally automated vehicles.

    PubMed

    Gold, Christian; Happee, Riender; Bengler, Klaus

    2018-07-01

    Taking over vehicle control from a Level 3 conditionally automated vehicle can be a demanding task for a driver. The take-over determines the controllability of automated vehicle functions and thereby also traffic safety. This paper presents models predicting the main take-over performance variables take-over time, minimum time-to-collision, brake application and crash probability. These variables are considered in relation to the situational and driver-related factors time-budget, traffic density, non-driving-related task, repetition, the current lane and driver's age. Regression models were developed using 753 take-over situations recorded in a series of driving simulator experiments. The models were validated with data from five other driving simulator experiments of mostly unrelated authors with another 729 take-over situations. The models accurately captured take-over time, time-to-collision and crash probability, and moderately predicted the brake application. Especially the time-budget, traffic density and the repetition strongly influenced the take-over performance, while the non-driving-related tasks, the lane and drivers' age explained a minor portion of the variance in the take-over performances. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Mobile Pit verification system design based on passive special nuclear material verification in weapons storage facilities

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

    Paul, J. N.; Chin, M. R.; Sjoden, G. E.

    2013-07-01

    A mobile 'drive by' passive radiation detection system to be applied in special nuclear materials (SNM) storage facilities for validation and compliance purposes has been designed through the use of computational modeling and new radiation detection methods. This project was the result of work over a 1 year period to create optimal design specifications to include creation of 3D models using both Monte Carlo and deterministic codes to characterize the gamma and neutron leakage out each surface of SNM-bearing canisters. Results were compared and agreement was demonstrated between both models. Container leakages were then used to determine the expected reactionmore » rates using transport theory in the detectors when placed at varying distances from the can. A 'typical' background signature was incorporated to determine the minimum signatures versus the probability of detection to evaluate moving source protocols with collimation. This established the criteria for verification of source presence and time gating at a given vehicle speed. New methods for the passive detection of SNM were employed and shown to give reliable identification of age and material for highly enriched uranium (HEU) and weapons grade plutonium (WGPu). The finalized 'Mobile Pit Verification System' (MPVS) design demonstrated that a 'drive-by' detection system, collimated and operating at nominally 2 mph, is capable of rapidly verifying each and every weapon pit stored in regularly spaced, shelved storage containers, using completely passive gamma and neutron signatures for HEU and WGPu. This system is ready for real evaluation to demonstrate passive total material accountability in storage facilities. (authors)« less

  6. The Role of Rotation in Convective Heat Transport: an Application to Low-Mass Stars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matilsky, Loren; Hindman, Bradley W.; Toomre, Juri; Featherstone, Nicholas

    2018-06-01

    It is often supposed that the convection zones (CZs) of low-mass stars are purely adiabatically stratified. This is thought to be because convective motions are extremely efficient at homogenizing entropy within the CZ. For a purely adiabatic fluid layer, only very small temperature variations are required to drive convection, making the amplitude and overall character of the convection highly sensitive to the degree of adiabaticity established in the CZ. The presence of rotation, however, fundamentally changes the dynamics of the CZ; the strong downflow plumes that are required to homogenize entropy are unable to penetrate through the entire fluid layer if they are deflected too soon by the Coriolis force. This talk discusses 3D global models of spherical-shell convection subject to different rotation rates. The simulation results emphasize the possibility that for stars with a high enough rotation rate, large fractions of their CZs are not in fact adiabatically stratified; rather, there is a finite superadiabatic gradient that varies in magnitude with radius, being at a minimum in the CZ’s middle layers. Two consequences of the varying superadiabatic gradient are that the convective amplitudes at the largest length scales are effectively suppressed and that there is a strong latitudinal temperature gradient from a cold equator to a hot pole, which self-consistently drives a thermal wind. A connection is naturally drawn to the Sun’s CZ, which has supergranulation as an upper limit to its convective length scales and isorotational contours along radial lines, which can be explained by the presence of a thermal wind.

  7. Antimicrobial flavonoids from Tridax procumbens.

    PubMed

    Jindal, Alka; Kumar, Padma

    2012-01-01

    Callus culture of Tridax procumbens has been established on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with NAA and BAP from nodal segments. Free and bound flavonoids were extracted from 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks old calli by a well-established method. These free flavonoids were then screened against Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and Candida albicans (yeast) for their antimicrobial potential. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations and total activity were also evaluated. Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol were identified from free flavonoids of 4 weeks old callus (most active) through, thin layer chromatography, (TLC) preparative TLC, MP and IR spectral studies.

  8. 40 CFR 600.010-86 - Vehicle test requirements and minimum data requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... base level, and (iii) For additional model types established under § 600.207(a)(2), data from each... data requirements. 600.010-86 Section 600.010-86 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... Provisions § 600.010-86 Vehicle test requirements and minimum data requirements. (a) For each certification...

  9. 30 CFR 784.16 - Reclamation plan: Siltation structures, impoundments, and refuse piles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Resources Conservation Service's Web site athttp://www.info.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/TR/TR_210_60.htm... State program approval process engineering design standards that ensure stability comparable to a 1.3 minimum static safety factor in lieu of engineering tests to establish compliance with the minimum static...

  10. Minimum viable populations: Is there a 'magic number' for conservation practitioners?

    Treesearch

    Curtis H. Flather; Gregory D. Hayward; Steven R. Beissinger; Philip A. Stephens

    2011-01-01

    Establishing species conservation priorities and recovery goals is often enhanced by extinction risk estimates. The need to set goals, even in data-deficient situations, has prompted researchers to ask whether general guidelines could replace individual estimates of extinction risk. To inform conservation policy, recent studies have revived the concept of the minimum...

  11. 25 CFR 542.1 - What does this part cover?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 25 Indians 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false What does this part cover? 542.1 Section 542.1 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS § 542.1 What does this part cover? This part establishes the minimum internal control standards...

  12. 78 FR 71688 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Order Approving a...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-29

    ... orders.\\10\\ In addition, because CBOE's electronic complex order execution systems, the Complex Order..., ``Minimum Increments for Bids and Offers,'' to establish a minimum quoting increment for complex orders. The... 6.42(4) provides that bids and offers on complex orders may be expressed in any increment regardless...

  13. A single cell penetration system by ultrasonic driving

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Zhaoying; Xiao, Mingfei; Yang, Xing; Wu, Ting

    2008-12-01

    The researches of single cell's control and operation are the hotspots in whole world. Among the various technologies, the transmission of ectogenic genetic materials between cell membrane is very significant. Imitating the Chinese traditional acupuncture therapy, a new ultrasonic resonance driving method, is imported to drive a cell's penetration probe. A set of the single cell penetration system was established to perform this function. This system includes four subsystems: driving part, micromanipulation part, observation and measurement part, and actuation part. Some fish egg experiments indicate that this system is workable and effective.

  14. Survey of health and licensing policies for taxi drivers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia: a perspective from evidence on older drivers.

    PubMed

    Chan, M L; Gustafsson, L; Liddle, J

    2010-12-01

    With an ageing population, policy makers need to balance active ageing needs with older driver safety. In 2009, a survey of licensing policies for taxi drivers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia was undertaken for an evidence-based review of policies. Licensing requirements collected using semi-structured questionnaires were compared descriptively and with evidence from licensing policies on older drivers. All the regions used medical certifications with vision screening. The frequency of medical certification varied according to the renewal cycle and age. Medical guidelines on fitness to drive were available in Australia and Singapore. Legislation for self-reporting of medical conditions by drivers existed in Australia and Hong Kong. Legislation for reporting at-risk drivers by doctors was limited to two Australian states. There were differences in the minimum age and driving experience criteria, the use of practical training, written and English tests, age-based screening, mandatory retirement age, refresher courses, off- and on-road tests. Medical screening for at-risk drivers remains crucial. Age-based mandatory retirement policy at 73 years in Singapore is contrary to evidence-based practice. The lack of legislation for self-reporting of illness by drivers, the high minimum age criteria and therapy driving assessments for healthy taxi drivers are also unique to Singapore. There was stricter age-based relicensing from the age of 65 years in some Australian states and in Singapore. Continuing education for doctors, multi-tier screening for at-risk drivers and licensing policy changes are indicated.

  15. Quantifying the relationships : aging, driving cessation, health, and costs : a project memorandum

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2004-01-31

    The purpose of this effort was to explore the complex interrelationships among health, economics, and driving cessations in the older adult population. While there is a significant body of literature for each of these areas there is not an establishe...

  16. Design and simulation of MEMS-actuated adjustable optical wedge for laser beam scanners

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bahgat, Ahmed S.; Zaki, Ahmed H.; Abdo Mohamed, Mohamed; El Sherif, Ashraf Fathy

    2018-01-01

    This paper introduces both optical and mechanical design and simulation of large static deflection MOEMS actuator. The designed device is in the form of an adjustable optical wedge (AOW) laser scanner. The AOW is formed of 1.5-mm-diameter plano-convex lens separated by air gap from plano-concave fixed lens. The convex lens is actuated by staggered vertical comb drive and suspended by rectangular cross-section torsion beam. An optical analysis and simulation of air separated AOW as well as detailed design, analysis, and static simulation of comb -drive are introduced. The dynamic step response of the full system is also introduced. The analytical solution showed a good agreement with the simulation results. A general global minimum optimization algorithm is applied to the comb-drive design to minimize driving voltage. A maximum comb-drive mechanical deflection angle of 12 deg in each direction was obtained under DC actuation voltage of 32 V with a settling time of 90 ms, leading to 1-mm one-dimensional (1-D) steering of laser beam with continuous optical scan angle of 5 deg in each direction. This optimization process provided a design of larger deflection actuator with smaller driving voltage compared with other conventional devices. This enhancement could lead to better performance of MOEMS-based laser beam scanners for imaging and low-speed applications.

  17. The effect of the learner license Graduated Driver Licensing components on teen drivers' crashes.

    PubMed

    Ehsani, Johnathon Pouya; Bingham, C Raymond; Shope, Jean T

    2013-10-01

    Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) have focused on the overall system. Studies examining individual components have rarely accounted for the confounding of multiple, simultaneously implemented components. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the effects of a required learner license duration and required hours of supervised driving on teen driver fatal crashes. States that introduced a single GDL component independent of any other during the period 1990-2009 were identified. Monthly and quarterly fatal crash rates per 100,000 population of 16- and 17-year-old drivers were analyzed using single-state time series analysis, adjusting for adult crash rates and gasoline prices. Using the parameter estimates from each state's time series model, the pooled effect of each GDL component on 16- and 17-year-old drivers' fatal crashes was estimated using a random effects meta-analytic model to combine findings across states. In three states, a six-month minimum learner license duration was associated with a significant decline in combined 16- and 17-year-old drivers' fatal crash rates. The pooled effect of the minimum learner license duration across all states in the sample was associated with a significant change in combined 16- and 17-year-old driver fatal crash rates of -.07 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] -.11, -.03). Following the introduction of 30 h of required supervised driving in one state, novice drivers' fatal crash rates increased 35%. The pooled effect across all states in the study sample of having a supervised driving hour requirement was not significantly different from zero (.04, 95% CI -.15, .22). These findings suggest that a learner license duration of at least six-months may be necessary to achieve a significant decline in teen drivers' fatal crash rates. Evidence of the effect of required hours of supervised driving on teen drivers' fatal crash rates was mixed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. [Storage of plant protection products in farms: minimum safety requirements].

    PubMed

    Dutto, Moreno; Alfonzo, Santo; Rubbiani, Maristella

    2012-01-01

    Failure to comply with requirements for proper storage and use of pesticides in farms can be extremely hazardous and the risk of accidents involving farm workers, other persons and even animals is high. There are still wide differences in the interpretation of the concept of "securing or making safe", by workers in this sector. One of the critical points detected, particularly in the fruit sector, is the establishment of an adequate storage site for plant protection products. The definition of "safe storage of pesticides" is still unclear despite the recent enactment of Legislative Decree 81/2008 regulating health and work safety in Italy. In addition, there are no national guidelines setting clear minimum criteria for storage of plant protection products in farms. The authors, on the basis of their professional experience and through analysis of recent legislation, establish certain minimum safety standards for storage of pesticides in farms.

  19. 16 CFR § 1211.7 - Inherent entrapment protection requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... operator reverses the door a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm). (b)(1) A solid object is to be placed on the... the door, a solid object is not required to be located in line with the driving point of the operator. The solid object is to be located at points at the center, and within 1 foot of each end of the door...

  20. Establishing Minimum Flow Requirements Based on Benthic Vegetation: What are Some Issues Related to Identifying Quantity of Inflow and Tools Used to Quantify Ecosystem Response?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hunt, M. J.; Nuttle, W. K.; Cosby, B. J.; Marshall, F. E.

    2005-05-01

    Establishing minimum flow requirements in aquatic ecosystems is one way to stipulate controls on water withdrawals in a watershed. The basis of the determination is to identify the amount of flow needed to sustain a threshold ecological function. To develop minimum flow criteria an understanding of ecological response in relation to flow is essential. Several steps are needed including: (1) identification of important resources and ecological functions, (2) compilation of available information, (3) determination of historical conditions, (4) establishment of technical relationships between inflow and resources, and (5) identification of numeric criteria that reflect the threshold at which resources are harmed. The process is interdisciplinary requiring the integration of hydrologic and ecologic principles with quantitative assessments. The tools used quantify the ecological response and key questions related to how the quantity of flow influences the ecosystem are examined by comparing minimum flow determination in two different aquatic systems in South Florida. Each system is characterized by substantial hydrologic alteration. The first, the Caloosahatchee River is a riverine system, located on the southwest coast of Florida. The second, the Everglades- Florida Bay ecotone, is a wetland mangrove ecosystem, located on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. In both cases freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (Vallisneria americana or Ruppia maritima), located in areas of the saltwater- freshwater interface has been identified as a basis for minimum flow criteria. The integration of field studies, laboratory studies, and literature review was required. From this information we developed ecological modeling tools to quantify and predict plant growth in response to varying environmental variables. Coupled with hydrologic modeling tools questions relating to the quantity and timing of flow and ecological consequences in relation to normal variability are addressed.

  1. The Dula Dangerous Driving Index: An Investigation of Reliability and Validity across Cultures

    PubMed Central

    Willemsen, Jochem; Dula, Chris S.; Declercq, Frédéric; Verhaeghe, Paul

    2008-01-01

    The aim of this study is to further establish the validity and reliability of the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI). The reliability and validity of the instrument was investigated by comparing data from a US university sample, a US community sample, and a sample of Belgian traffic offenders. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported the presence of a four-factor structure with items for Drunk Driving forming a separate scale apart from items for Risky Driving, Negative Cognitive/Emotional Driving and Aggressive Driving. A multi-group confirmatory factor analysis with model constraints supported the validity of the DDDI. Inter-correlations revealed that the DDDI subscales are closely interrelated and uni-dimensionality of the measure was found in all three samples. This suggests the DDDI Total score can be used as a composite measure for dangerous driving. However, the validity of the subscales was demonstrated in the Belgian sample, as specific traffic offender groups (convicted for drunk driving, aggressive driving, speeding) scored higher on corresponding scales (Drunk Driving, Aggressive Driving, and Risky Driving, respectively), indicating that it is clinically meaningful to differentiate the subscales. PMID:18329435

  2. Dynamic analysis and vibration testing of CFRP drive-line system used in heavy-duty machine tool

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Mo; Gui, Lin; Hu, Yefa; Ding, Guoping; Song, Chunsheng

    2018-03-01

    Low critical rotary speed and large vibration in the metal drive-line system of heavy-duty machine tool affect the machining precision seriously. Replacing metal drive-line with the CFRP drive-line can effectively solve this problem. Based on the composite laminated theory and the transfer matrix method (TMM), this paper puts forward a modified TMM to analyze dynamic characteristics of CFRP drive-line system. With this modified TMM, the CFRP drive-line of a heavy vertical miller is analyzed. And the finite element modal analysis model of the shafting is established. The results of the modified TMM and finite element analysis (FEA) show that the modified TMM can effectively predict the critical rotary speed of CFRP drive-line. And the critical rotary speed of CFRP drive-line is 20% higher than that of the original metal drive-line. Then, the vibration of the CFRP and the metal drive-line were tested. The test results show that application of the CFRP drive shaft in the drive-line can effectively reduce the vibration of the heavy-duty machine tool.

  3. Potential of mean force between two hydrophobic solutes in water.

    PubMed

    Southall, Noel T; Dill, Ken A

    2002-12-10

    We study the potential of mean force between two nonpolar solutes in the Mercedes Benz model of water. Using NPT Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the solute size determines the relative preference of two solute molecules to come into contact ('contact minimum') or to be separated by a single layer of water ('solvent-separated minimum'). Larger solutes more strongly prefer the contacting state, while smaller solutes have more tendency to become solvent-separated, particularly in cold water. The thermal driving forces oscillate with solute separation. Contacts are stabilized by entropy, whereas solvent-separated solute pairing is stabilized by enthalpy. The free energy of interaction for small solutes is well-approximated by scaled-particle theory. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

  4. A cellular glass substrate solar concentrator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bedard, R.; Bell, D.

    1980-01-01

    The design of a second generation point focusing solar concentration is discussed. The design is based on reflective gores fabricated of thin glass mirror bonded continuously to a contoured substrate of cellular glass. The concentrator aperture and structural stiffness was optimized for minimum concentrator cost given the performance requirement of delivering 56 kWth to a 22 cm diameter receiver aperture with a direct normal insolation of 845 watts sq m and an operating wind of 50 kmph. The reflective panel, support structure, drives, foundation and instrumentation and control subsystem designs, optimized for minimum cost, are summarized. The use of cellular glass as a reflective panel substrate material is shown to offer significant weight and cost advantages compared to existing technology materials.

  5. Performance of Velicer's Minimum Average Partial Factor Retention Method with Categorical Variables

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garrido, Luis E.; Abad, Francisco J.; Ponsoda, Vicente

    2011-01-01

    Despite strong evidence supporting the use of Velicer's minimum average partial (MAP) method to establish the dimensionality of continuous variables, little is known about its performance with categorical data. Seeking to fill this void, the current study takes an in-depth look at the performance of the MAP procedure in the presence of…

  6. Long-Run Impact of the Thirty Cent Revision in Ontario's Minimum Wage on Five Industries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKenna, Ian B.

    To determine the effect of a legislated increase in the minimum wage in Ontario, 219 establishments in five industries were surveyed. The industries were shoe factories; luggage, handbag, and small leather goods manufacturers; hosiery mills, children's clothing industry; and the foundation garment industry. Data were gathered at three different…

  7. Minimum College Admission Standards for Students Entering College or University Summer or Fall 2012. [Revised Mar 2011

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2011

    2011-01-01

    The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) has responsibility to "Establish minimum admission standards for four-year institutions, including a requirement that coursework in American sign language or an American Indian language shall satisfy any requirement for instruction in a language other than English that the board or the…

  8. 49 CFR 384.229 - Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... must be performed at least once every year; (c) Establish and maintain a database to track pass/fail... maintain a database of all third party testers and examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and... and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and...

  9. 49 CFR 384.229 - Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... must be performed at least once every year; (c) Establish and maintain a database to track pass/fail... maintain a database of all third party testers and examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and... and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and...

  10. 29 CFR 520.403 - What information is required when applying for authority to pay less than the minimum wage?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... than the minimum wage? (a) A separate application must be made for each plant or establishment...; (5) If requesting authorization for the employment of learners at subminimum wages for a learning... period prior to making application; (7) Total number of nonsupervisory workers in the particular plant or...

  11. Long-term performance of minimum-input oak restoration plantings

    Treesearch

    Elizabeth Bernhardt; Tedmund J. Swiecki

    2015-01-01

    Starting in 1989, we used minimum-input methods to restore native oaks to parts of their former ranges in Vacaville, California. Each restoration site was analyzed, and only those inputs deemed necessary to overcome expected limiting factors for oak establishment were used. We avoided unnecessary inputs that added to cost and could have unintended negative consequences...

  12. 76 FR 35503 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-17

    ... Price Reporting Authority (``OPRA''), the Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') tape and/or the Market... equal to $100. The minimum price variation shall be established on a class-by- class basis by the..., the proposal permits the Exchange to designate $0.01 as the minimum price variation for quotes and...

  13. 76 FR 37996 - West Virginia Regulatory Program

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-29

    ... Regulations (CSR) to provide for the establishment of a minimum incremental bonding rate as authorized by... minimum incremental bonding rate of $10,000 per increment at CSR 38-2-11.4.a.2. Because these revisions... at CSR 38-2-11.4.a.2. Section 22-3-11(a) of WVSCMRA currently requires mining operators to furnish a...

  14. Design criteria monograph on centrifugal flow turbopumps

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    Monograph reviews and assesses current design practices, and from them establishes firm guidance for achieving greater consistency in design, increased reliability in end product, and greater efficiency in design effort. Review should be of interest to manufacturers and users of pumps, power drives, turbine drives, and rotary equipment in general.

  15. Adaptive evolution of Escherichia coli to Ciprofloxacin in controlled stress environments: emergence of resistance in continuous and step-wise gradients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, J.; Zhou, L.; Dong, Y.; Sanford, R. A.; Shechtman, L. A.; Alcalde, R.; Werth, C. J.; Fouke, B. W.

    2017-12-01

    Microorganisms in nature have evolved in response to a variety of environmental stresses, including gradients in pH, flow and chemistry. While environmental stresses are generally considered to be the driving force of adaptive evolution, the impact and extent of any specific stress needed to drive such changes has not been well characterized. In this study, a microfluidic diffusion chamber (MDC) and a batch culturing system were used to systematically study the effects of continuous versus step-wise stress increments on adaptation of E. coli to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. In the MDC, a diffusion gradient of ciprofloxacin was established across a microfluidic well array to microscopically observe changes in Escherichia coli strain 307 replication and migration patterns that would indicate emergence of resistance due to genetic mutations. Cells recovered from the MDC only had resistance of 50-times the original minimum inhibition concentration (MICoriginal) of ciprofloxacin, although minimum exposure concentrations were over 80 × MICoriginal by the end of the experiment. In complementary batch experiments, E. coli 307 were exposed to step-wise daily increases of ciprofloxacin at rates equivalent to 0.1×, 0.2×, 0.4× or 0.8× times MICoriginal/day. Over a period of 18 days, E. coli cells were able to acquire resistance of up to 225 × MICoriginal, with exposure to ciprofloxacin concentration up to only 14.9 × MIC­original. The different levels of acquired resistance in the continuous MDC versus step-wise batch increment experiments suggests that the intrinsic rate of E. coli adaptation was exceeded in the MDC, while the step-wise experiments favor adaptation to the highest ciprofloxacin experiments. Genomic analyses of E. coli DNA extracted from the microfluidic cell and batch cultures indicated four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations of amino acid 82, 83 and 87 in the gyrA gene. The progression of adaptation in the step-wise increments of ciprofloxacin indicate that the Ser83-Leu mutation gradually becomes dominant over other gyrA mutations with increased antibiotic resistance. Co-existence of the Ser83-Leu and Asp87—Gly mutations appear to provide the greatest level of resistance (i.e., 85 × to 225 × MICoriginal), and only emerged after the whole community acquired the Ser83—Leu mutation.

  16. Travel time and attrition from VHA care among women veterans: how far is too far?

    PubMed

    Friedman, Sarah A; Frayne, Susan M; Berg, Eric; Hamilton, Alison B; Washington, Donna L; Saechao, Fay; Maisel, Natalya C; Lin, Julia Y; Hoggatt, Katherine J; Phibbs, Ciaran S

    2015-04-01

    Travel time, an access barrier, may contribute to attrition of women veterans from Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. We examined whether travel time influences attrition: (a) among women veterans overall, (b) among new versus established patients, and (c) among rural versus urban patients. This retrospective cohort study used logistic regression to estimate the association between drive time and attrition, overall and for new/established and rural/urban patients. In total, 266,301 women veteran VHA outpatients in the Fiscal year 2009. An "attriter" did not return for VHA care during the second through third years after her first 2009 visit (T0). Drive time (log minutes) was between the patient's residence and her regular source of VHA care. "New" patients had no VHA visits within 3 years before T0. Models included age, service-connected disability, health status, and utilization as covariates. Overall, longer drive times were associated with higher odds of attrition: drive time adjusted odds ratio=1.11 (99% confidence interval, 1.09-1.14). The relationship between drive time and attrition was stronger among new patients but was not modified by rurality. Attrition among women veterans is sensitive to longer drive time. Linking new patients to VHA services designed to reduce distance barriers (telemedicine, community-based clinics, mobile clinics) may reduce attrition among women new to VHA.

  17. Polymer translocation under time-dependent driving forces: resonant activation induced by attractive polymer-pore interactions.

    PubMed

    Ikonen, Timo; Shin, Jaeoh; Sung, Wokyung; Ala-Nissila, Tapio

    2012-05-28

    We study the driven translocation of polymers under time-dependent driving forces using N-particle Langevin dynamics simulations. We consider the force to be either sinusoidally oscillating in time or dichotomic noise with exponential correlation time, to mimic both plausible experimental setups and naturally occurring biological conditions. In addition, we consider both the case of purely repulsive polymer-pore interactions and the case with additional attractive polymer-pore interactions, typically occurring inside biological pores. We find that the nature of the interaction fundamentally affects the translocation dynamics. For the non-attractive pore, the translocation time crosses over to a fast translocation regime as the frequency of the driving force decreases. In the attractive pore case, because of a free energy well induced inside the pore, the translocation time can be a minimum at the optimal frequency of the force, the so-called resonant activation. In the latter case, we examine the effect of various physical parameters on the resonant activation, and explain our observations using simple theoretical arguments.

  18. Recommendations for toxicological investigation of drug-impaired driving and motor vehicle fatalities.

    PubMed

    Logan, Barry K; Lowrie, Kayla J; Turri, Jennifer L; Yeakel, Jillian K; Limoges, Jennifer F; Miles, Amy K; Scarneo, Colleen E; Kerrigan, Sarah; Farrell, Laurel J

    2013-10-01

    This report describes the review and update of a set of minimum recommendations for the toxicological investigation of suspected alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases and motor vehicle fatalities involving drugs or alcohol. The recommendations have the goal of ensuring that a consistent set of data regarding the most frequently encountered drugs linked to driving impairment is collected for practical application in the investigation of these cases and to allow epidemiological monitoring and the development of evidence-based public policy on this important public safety issue. The recommendations are based on a survey of practices in US laboratories performing this kind of analysis, consideration of existing epidemiological crash and arrest data and practical considerations of widely available technology platforms in laboratories performing this work. The final recommendations were derived from a consensus meeting of experts recruited from survey respondents and the membership of the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drug and Impairment Division (formerly known as the Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs, CAOD).

  19. Development of an ultrasonic linear motor with ultra-positioning capability and four driving feet.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Cong; Chu, Xiangcheng; Yuan, Songmei; Zhong, Zuojin; Zhao, Yanqiang; Gao, Shuning

    2016-12-01

    This paper presents a novel linear piezoelectric motor which is suitable for rapid ultra-precision positioning. The finite element analysis (FEA) was applied for optimal design and further analysis, then experiments were conducted to investigate its performance. By changing the input signal, the proposed motor was found capable of working in the fast driving mode as well as in the precision positioning mode. When working in the fast driving mode, the motor acts as an ultrasonic motor with maximum no-load speed up to 181.2mm/s and maximum thrust of 1.7N at 200Vp-p. Also, when working in precision positioning mode, the motor can be regarded as a flexible hinge piezoelectric actuator with arbitrary motion in the range of 8μm. The measurable minimum output displacement was found to be 0.08μm, but theoretically, can be even smaller. More importantly, the motor can be quickly and accurately positioned in a large stroke. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Using the minimum requirement concept to manage research in the Yosemite Wilderness

    Treesearch

    Mark Fincher

    2007-01-01

    Ninety-five percent of Yosemite National Park is designated wilderness. More than 30 million people live within a day’s drive of the park, and visitation to the wilderness is more than 400,000 people annually. Yosemite is also popular with researchers. In recent years the park has received about 100 research permit applications per year, of which about 75 percent are...

  1. Impacts of Interior Permanent Magnet Machine Technology for Electric Vehicles

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    corrosion constraints of magnets  Minimum gear and more direct drive  Regenerative braking and short charging cycle of batteries  Impulse...be found in limited applications such as, antilock braking system (ABS) of the vehicles. Considering the performance enhancement and reliability of... system forms the backbone of modern society. Electricity and its accessibility is one of the major engineering achievements. In order to maintain and

  2. Key node selection in minimum-cost control of complex networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Jie; Wen, Changyun; Li, Guoqi

    2017-11-01

    Finding the key node set that is connected with a given number of external control sources for driving complex networks from initial state to any predefined state with minimum cost, known as minimum-cost control problem, is critically important but remains largely open. By defining an importance index for each node, we propose revisited projected gradient method extension (R-PGME) in Monte-Carlo scenario to determine key node set. It is found that the importance index of a node is strongly correlated to occurrence rate of that node to be selected as a key node in Monte-Carlo realizations for three elementary topologies, Erdős-Rényi and scale-free networks. We also discover the distribution patterns of key nodes when the control cost reaches its minimum. Specifically, the importance indices of all nodes in an elementary stem show a quasi-periodic distribution with high peak values in the beginning and end of a quasi-period while they approach to a uniform distribution in an elementary cycle. We further point out that an elementary dilation can be regarded as two elementary stems whose lengths are the closest, and the importance indices in each stem present similar distribution as in an elementary stem. Our results provide a better understanding and deep insight of locating the key nodes in different topologies with minimum control cost.

  3. On the effective turbulence driving mode of molecular clouds formed in disc galaxies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, Keitaro; Salim, Diane M.; Federrath, Christoph; Tasker, Elizabeth J.; Habe, Asao; Kainulainen, Jouni T.

    2017-07-01

    We determine the physical properties and turbulence driving mode of molecular clouds formed in numerical simulations of a Milky Way-type disc galaxy with parsec-scale resolution. The clouds form through gravitational fragmentation of the gas, leading to average values for mass, radii and velocity dispersion in good agreement with observations of Milky Way clouds. The driving parameter (b) for the turbulence within each cloud is characterized by the ratio of the density contrast (σ _{ρ /ρ _0}) to the average Mach number (M) within the cloud, b=σ _{ρ /ρ _0}/M. As shown in previous works, b ˜ 1/3 indicates solenoidal (divergence-free) driving and b ˜ 1 indicates compressive (curl-free) driving. We find that the average b value of all the clouds formed in the simulations has a lower limit of b > 0.2. Importantly, we find that b has a broad distribution, covering values from purely solenoidal to purely compressive driving. Tracking the evolution of individual clouds reveals that the b value for each cloud does not vary significantly over their lifetime. Finally, we perform a resolution study with minimum cell sizes of 8, 4, 2 and 1 pc and find that the average b value increases with increasing resolution. Therefore, we conclude that our measured b values are strictly lower limits and that a resolution better than 1 pc is required for convergence. However, regardless of the resolution, we find that b varies by factors of a few in all cases, which means that the effective driving mode alters significantly from cloud to cloud.

  4. Using thermal limits to assess establishment of fish dispersing to high-latitude and high-elevation watersheds

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dunmall, Karen M.; Mochnacz, Neil J.; Zimmerman, Christian E.; Lean, Charles; Reist, James D.

    2016-01-01

    Distributional shifts of biota to higher latitudes and elevations are presumably influenced by species-specific physiological tolerances related to warming temperatures. However, it is establishment rather than dispersal that may be limiting colonizations in these cold frontier areas. In freshwater ecosystems, perennial groundwater springs provide critical winter thermal refugia in these extreme environments. By reconciling the thermal characteristics of these refugia with the minimum thermal tolerances of life stages critical for establishment, we develop a strategy to focus broad projections of northward and upward range shifts to the specific habitats that are likely for establishments. We evaluate this strategy using chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) that seem poised to colonize Arctic watersheds. Stream habitats with a minimum temperature of 4 °C during spawning and temperatures above 2 °C during egg incubation were most vulnerable to establishments by chum and pink salmon. This strategy will improve modelling forecasts of range shifts for cold freshwater habitats and focus proactive efforts to conserve both newly emerging fisheries and native species at northern and upper distributional extremes.

  5. A method to estimate the environmental impact of an electric city car during six months of testing in an Italian city

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Donateo, T.; Ingrosso, F.; Licci, F.; Laforgia, D.

    2014-12-01

    The present investigation describes the results of a research project (P.R.I.M.E.) aimed at testing the performance and the environmental impact of an electric city car in Italian cities. The vehicle considered in the project is the Daimler AG Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. A Smart ED vehicle was tested at the University of Salento for six months over different driving conditions (routes, traffic, use of auxiliaries). A data acquisition system has been designed on purpose and assembled on board to provide information about driving cycle and energy flows. The system was also used to evaluate the losses of energy during recharges due to the battery cooling system. The experimental tests were used to identify the average, minimum and maximum consumption of electricity in the Smart ED in Lecce according to driving conditions and in particular according to the usage of auxiliaries. The measured data of electric consumption have been used to quantify the emissions of CO2 and pollution of the vehicle using information about the Italian electricity production mix of each recharging event and the emissions factors of the Italian power plants with an innovative and comprehensive methodology.

  6. Why We Should Establish a National System of Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hennen, Thomas J., Jr.

    2000-01-01

    Explains the need to establish a national system of standards for public libraries. Discusses local standards, state standards, and international standards, and suggests adopting a tiered approach including three levels: minimum standards; target standards; and benchmarking standards, as found in total quality management. (LRW)

  7. 29 CFR 528.3 - Withdrawal and annulment of certificates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... RETAIL OR SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS AT SPECIAL MINIMUM WAGE RATES § 528.3 Withdrawal and annulment of....3 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... agriculture, retail, or service establishments, or in institutions of higher education at subminimum wages...

  8. Why Does the Human Body Maintain a Constant 37-Degree Temperature?: Thermodynamic Switch Controls Chemical Equilibrium in Biological Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chun, Paul W.

    2005-01-01

    Applying the Planck-Benzinger methodology to biological systems, we have established that the negative Gibbs free energy minimum at a well-defined stable temperature, langTSrang, where the bound unavailable energy TΔS° = 0, has its origin in the sequence-specific hydrophobic interactions. Each such system we have examined confirms the existence of a thermodynamic molecular switch wherein a change of sign in [ΔCp°]reaction leads to a true negative minimum in the Gibbs free energy change of reaction, and hence a maximum in the related equilibrium constant, Keq. At this temperature, langTSrang, where ΔH°(TS)(-) = ΔG°(TS)(-)min, the maximum work can be accomplished in transpiration, digestion, reproduction or locomotion. In the human body, this temperature is 37°C. The langTSrang values may vary from one living organism to another, but the fact that the value of TΔS°(T) = 0 will not. There is a lower cutoff point, langThrang, where enthalpy is unfavorable but entropy is favorable, i.e. ΔH°(Th)(+) = TΔS°(Th)(+), and an upper limit, langTmrang, above which enthalpy is favorable but entropy is unfavorable, i.e. ΔH°(Tm)(-) = TΔS°(Tm)(-). Only between these two temperature limits, where ΔG°(T) = 0, is the net chemical driving force favorable for such biological processes as protein folding, protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid or protein-membrane interactions, and protein self-assembly. All interacting biological systems examined using the Planck-Benzinger methodology have shown such a thermodynamic switch at the molecular level, suggesting that its existence may be universal.

  9. Performance of J33 turbojet engine with shaft-power extraction III : turbine performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huppert, M C; Nettles, J C

    1949-01-01

    The performance of the turbine component of a J33 turbojet engine was determined over a range of turbine speeds from 8000 to 11,500 rpm.Turbine-inlet temperature was varied from the minimum required to drive the compressor to a maximum of approximately 2000 degrees R at each of several intermediate turbine speeds. Data are presented that show the horsepower developed by the turbine per pound of gas flow. The relation between turbine-inlet stagnation pressure, turbine-outlet stagnation pressure, and turbine-outlet static pressure was established. The turbine-weight-flow parameter varied from 39.2 to 43.6. The maximum turbine efficiency measured was 0.86 at a pressure ratio of 3.5 and a ratio of blade speed to theoretical nozzle velocity of 0.39. A generalized performance map of the turbine-horsepower parameter plotted against the turbine-speed parameter indicated that the best turbine efficiency is obtained when the turbine power is 10 percent greater than the compressor horsepower. The variation of efficiency with the ratio of blade speed to nozzle velocity indicated that the turbine operates at a speed above that for maximum efficiency when the engine is operated normally with the 19-inch-diameter jet nozzle.

  10. The Solar Wind Environment in Time

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pognan, Quentin; Garraffo, Cecilia; Cohen, Ofer; Drake, Jeremy J.

    2018-03-01

    We use magnetograms of eight solar analogs of ages 30 Myr–3.6 Gyr obtained from Zeeman Doppler Imaging and taken from the literature, together with two solar magnetograms, to drive magnetohydrodynamical wind simulations and construct an evolutionary scenario of the solar wind environment and its angular momentum loss rate. With observed magnetograms of the radial field strength as the only variant in the wind model, we find that a power-law model fitted to the derived angular momentum loss rate against time, t, results in a spin-down relation Ω ∝ t ‑0.51, for angular speed Ω, which is remarkably consistent with the well-established Skumanich law Ω ∝ t ‑0.5. We use the model wind conditions to estimate the magnetospheric standoff distances for an Earth-like test planet situated at 1 au for each of the stellar cases, and to obtain trends of minimum and maximum wind ram pressure and average ram pressure in the solar system through time. The wind ram pressure declines with time as \\overline{{P}ram}}\\propto {t}2/3, amounting to a factor of 50 or so over the present lifetime of the solar system.

  11. A Physiological Neural Controller of a Muscle Fiber Oculomotor Plant in Horizontal Monkey Saccades

    PubMed Central

    Enderle, John D.

    2014-01-01

    A neural network model of biophysical neurons in the midbrain is presented to drive a muscle fiber oculomotor plant during horizontal monkey saccades. Neural circuitry, including omnipause neuron, premotor excitatory and inhibitory burst neurons, long lead burst neuron, tonic neuron, interneuron, abducens nucleus, and oculomotor nucleus, is developed to examine saccade dynamics. The time-optimal control strategy by realization of agonist and antagonist controller models is investigated. In consequence, each agonist muscle fiber is stimulated by an agonist neuron, while an antagonist muscle fiber is unstimulated by a pause and step from the antagonist neuron. It is concluded that the neural network is constrained by a minimum duration of the agonist pulse and that the most dominant factor in determining the saccade magnitude is the number of active neurons for the small saccades. For the large saccades, however, the duration of agonist burst firing significantly affects the control of saccades. The proposed saccadic circuitry establishes a complete model of saccade generation since it not only includes the neural circuits at both the premotor and motor stages of the saccade generator, but also uses a time-optimal controller to yield the desired saccade magnitude. PMID:24944832

  12. A brief peripheral motion contrast threshold test predicts older drivers' hazardous behaviors in simulated driving.

    PubMed

    Henderson, Steven; Woods-Fry, Heather; Collin, Charles A; Gagnon, Sylvain; Voloaca, Misha; Grant, John; Rosenthal, Ted; Allen, Wade

    2015-05-01

    Our research group has previously demonstrated that the peripheral motion contrast threshold (PMCT) test predicts older drivers' self-report accident risk, as well as simulated driving performance. However, the PMCT is too lengthy to be a part of a battery of tests to assess fitness to drive. Therefore, we have developed a new version of this test, which takes under two minutes to administer. We assessed the motion contrast thresholds of 24 younger drivers (19-32) and 25 older drivers (65-83) with both the PMCT-10min and the PMCT-2min test and investigated if thresholds were associated with measures of simulated driving performance. Younger participants had significantly lower motion contrast thresholds than older participants and there were no significant correlations between younger participants' thresholds and any measures of driving performance. The PMCT-10min and the PMCT-2min thresholds of older drivers' predicted simulated crash risk, as well as the minimum distance of approach to all hazards. This suggests that our tests of motion processing can help predict the risk of collision or near collision in older drivers. Thresholds were also correlated with the total lane deviation time, suggesting a deficiency in processing of peripheral flow and delayed detection of adjacent cars. The PMCT-2min is an improved version of a previously validated test, and it has the potential to help assess older drivers' fitness to drive. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Effect of consecutive driving on accident risk: a comparison between passenger and freight train driving.

    PubMed

    Chang, Hsin-Li; Ju, Lai-Shun

    2008-11-01

    This study combined driver-responsible accidents with on-board driving hours to examine the effect of consecutive driving on the accident risk of train operations. The data collected from the Taiwan Railway Administration for the period 1996-2006 was used to compute accident rates for varied accumulated driving hours for passenger and freight trains. The results showed that accident risk grew with increased consecutive driving hours for both passenger and freight trains, and doubled that of the first hour after four consecutive hours of driving. Additional accident risk was found for freight trains during the first hour due to required shunting in the marshalling yards where there are complex track layouts and semi-automatic traffic controls. Also, accident risk for train driving increased more quickly over consecutive driving hours than for automobile driving, and accumulated fatigue caused by high working pressure and monotony of the working environment are considered to be the part of the reason. To prevent human errors accidents, enhancing safety equipment, driver training programs, and establishing a sound auditing system are suggested and discussed.

  14. Driving habits in older patients with central vision loss.

    PubMed

    Sengupta, Sabyasachi; van Landingham, Suzanne W; Solomon, Sharon D; Do, Diana V; Friedman, David S; Ramulu, Pradeep Y

    2014-03-01

    To determine if central visual loss is associated with driving cessation, driving restriction, or other-driver preference. Cross-sectional study. Sixty-four subjects with bilateral visual loss (<20/32 in better eye) or severe unilateral visual loss (<20/200) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 58 normally sighted controls between 60 and 80 years of age. Participants self-reported driving habits. Other-driver preference was defined as preferring that another drive when there is more than 1 driver in the car. Subjects reporting 2 or more driving limitations were considered to have restricted their driving. Self-reported driving cessation, other-driver preference, and driving restriction. Age-related macular degeneration subjects were older (74.7 vs. 69.7 years), had worse visual acuity (VA; mean better-eye VA, 0.43 vs. 0.08 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) and contrast sensitivity (CS; 1.4 vs. 1.9 log units of CS [logCS]), and were more likely to be white when compared with controls (P<0.001 for all). Drivers with AMD-related vision loss were more likely to avoid driving over longer distances, beyond 1 hour, at night, and in unfamiliar conditions (P < 0.05 for all). In multivariate models, driving cessation was associated with worse better-eye VA (odds ratio [OR], 1.5 per 1-line decrement in VA; P<0.001) and worse binocular CS (OR, 1.36 per 0.1 logCS increment; P = 0.005); however, AMD group status was not associated with driving cessation (OR, 1.9; P = 0.35). Factors predicting driving restriction were AMD (OR, 9.0; P = 0.004), worse vision (OR, 2.5 per line of VA loss; P<0.001), lower CS (OR, 2.2 per 0.1-logCS increment; P<0.001), and female gender (OR, 27.9; P = 0.002). Other-driver preference was more common with worse vision (OR, 1.6 per 0.1-logMAR increment; P = 0.003), female gender (OR, 4.5; P = 0.02), and being married (OR, 3.8; P = 0.04). Most patients with AMD-related central vision loss continue to drive, but demonstrate significant driving restrictions, especially with more severe VA and CS loss. Future work should determine which driving adaptations the visually impaired best balance safety and independence. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Driving Procedures. A Resource Guide for Driver Education Teachers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Texas State Dept. of Public Safety, Austin.

    Designed to provide instructors with resource materials for driver education, this book contains mainly materials on established safe driving procedures. An introduction defines a procedure as describing ways in which a driver can comply with the law to do something extra that will increase his/her safety and prevent congestion and collision.…

  16. A Driving Simulator Evaluation of Red Arrows and Flashing Yellow Arrows in Right-Turn Applications : Establishing the Foundation for Future Research

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-11-01

    Driver understanding of flashing yellow arrow (FYA) indications for left turns has been studied extensively; however, the use of FYA for right-turn applications is an area that needs to be better understood through evaluations focused on actual drive...

  17. Steady state scenario development with elevated minimum safety factor on DIII-D

    DOE PAGES

    Holcomb, Christopher T.; Ferron, John R.; Luce, Timothy C.; ...

    2014-08-15

    On DIII-D, a high β scenario with minimum safety factor (q min) near 1.4 has been optimized with new tools and shown to be a favourable candidate for long pulse or steady state operation in future devices. Furthermore, the new capability to redirect up to 5 MW of neutral beam injection (NBI) from on- to off-axis improves the ability to sustain elevated q min with a less peaked pressure profile. The observed changes increase the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) n = 1 mode β N limit thus providing a path forward for increasing the noninductive current drive fraction by operating atmore » high β N. Quasi-stationary discharges free of tearing modes have been sustained at βN = 3.5 and β T = 3.6% for two current profile diffusion timescales (about 3 s) limited by neutral beam duration. The discharge performance has normalized fusion performance expected to give fusion gain Q ≈ 5 in a device the size of ITER. Analysis of the poloidal flux evolution and current drive balance show that the loop voltage profile is almost relaxed even with 25% of the current driven inductively, and q min remains elevated near 1.4. Our observations increase confidence that the current profile will not evolve to one unstable to a tearing mode. In preliminary tests a divertor heat flux reduction technique based on producing a radiating mantle with neon injection appears compatible with this operating scenario. 0D model extrapolations suggest it may be possible to push this scenario up to 100% noninductive current drive by raising β N. Similar discharges with q min = 1.5–2 were susceptible to tearing modes and off-axis fishbones, and with q min > 2 lower normalized global energy confinement time is observed.« less

  18. Compliance with driver's license laws and illegal licensing among commercial bus drivers in Lagos, Nigeria: policy implications and evidence for action.

    PubMed

    Okafor, I P; Odeyemi, K A; Dolapo, D C; Adegbola, A A

    2014-09-01

    To determine the level of compliance with driver's license laws among commercial bus drivers in Lagos, Nigeria. Two intercity motor parks were selected by simple random sampling and all consenting minibus drivers participated in the study. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted with selected officials in the driver training and licensing authorities. Compliance with the minimum age for driving was high (93.6%), so also was having driving test prior to driver's license procurement (83.3%). Formal driver training and VA testing were very low, (26.1% and 32.9% respectively) Overall, only 9.3% of them were found to have fulfilled all the pre-license obligations before obtaining their first driver's license. The odds of a driver with a secondary education having formal driver training is 3.33 times higher than those with no education (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.01-11.35). Drivers who were 60 years or older were 3.62 times more likely to be compliant than those who were between 20-29 years (OR 3.62, 95% CI 0.56-29.19). For the 98.3% of them who possessed valid licenses, 52.3% of them obtained them illegally. All the key officials saw RTIs as a serious public health problem but faced several challenges in the course of their work. Overall compliance with pre-license regulations was very poor. There is need for a review and strict enforcement of driver's license laws to improve compliance. Also vital are fostering inter-sectoral collaboration and improvement in the operations of all establishments involved in driver training and license procurement in Nigeria.

  19. Steady state compact toroidal plasma production

    DOEpatents

    Turner, William C.

    1986-01-01

    Apparatus and method for maintaining steady state compact toroidal plasmas. A compact toroidal plasma is formed by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun and held in close proximity to the gun electrodes by applied magnetic fields or magnetic fields produced by image currents in conducting walls. Voltage supply means maintains a constant potential across the electrodes producing an increasing magnetic helicity which drives the plasma away from a minimum energy state. The plasma globally relaxes to a new minimum energy state, conserving helicity according to Taylor's relaxation hypothesis, and injecting net helicity into the core of the compact toroidal plasma. Controlling the voltage so as to inject net helicity at a predetermined rate based on dissipative processes maintains or increases the compact toroidal plasma in a time averaged steady state mode.

  20. Biodiversity and body size are linked across metazoans

    PubMed Central

    McClain, Craig R.; Boyer, Alison G.

    2009-01-01

    Body size variation across the Metazoa is immense, encompassing 17 orders of magnitude in biovolume. Factors driving this extreme diversification in size and the consequences of size variation for biological processes remain poorly resolved. Species diversity is invoked as both a predictor and a result of size variation, and theory predicts a strong correlation between the two. However, evidence has been presented both supporting and contradicting such a relationship. Here, we use a new comprehensive dataset for maximum and minimum body sizes across all metazoan phyla to show that species diversity is strongly correlated with minimum size, maximum size and consequently intra-phylum variation. Similar patterns are also observed within birds and mammals. The observations point to several fundamental linkages between species diversification and body size variation through the evolution of animal life. PMID:19324730

  1. Towards understanding what contributes to forming an opinion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Peng; Song, Jia; Huo, Jie; Hao, Rui; Wang, Xu-Ming

    Opinion evolution mechanism can be captured by physical modeling. In this paper, a kinetic equation is established by defining a generalized displacement(cognitive level), a driving force and the related factors such as generalized potential, information quantity and attitude. It has been shown that the details of opinion evolution depend on the type of the driving force, self-dominated driving or environment-dominated driving. In the former case, the participants can have their attitudes changed in the process of competition between the self-driving force and environment-driving force. In the latter case, all of the participants are pulled by the environment. Some regularities behind the dynamics of opinion are also revealed, for instance, the information entropy decays with time in a special way, etc. The results may help us to get some deep understanding for the formation of a public opinion.

  2. Dimensions of driving anger and their relationships with aberrant driving.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Tingru; Chan, Alan H S; Zhang, Wei

    2015-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between driving anger and aberrant driving behaviours. An internet-based questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of Chinese drivers, with driving anger measured by a 14-item short Driving Anger Scale (DAS) and the aberrant driving behaviours measured by a 23-item Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ). The results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that the three-factor model (hostile gesture, arrival-blocking and safety-blocking) of the DAS fitted the driving anger data well. The Exploratory Factor Analysis on DBQ data differentiated four types of aberrant driving, viz. emotional violation, error, deliberate violation and maintaining progress violation. For the anger-aberration relation, it was found that only "arrival-blocking" anger was a significant positive predictor for all four types of aberrant driving behaviours. The "safety-blocking" anger revealed a negative impact on deliberate violations, a finding different from previously established positive anger-aberration relation. These results suggest that drivers with different patterns of driving anger would show different behavioural tendencies and as a result intervention strategies may be differentially effective for drivers of different profiles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Nursing Minimum Data Set Based on EHR Archetypes Approach.

    PubMed

    Spigolon, Dandara N; Moro, Cláudia M C

    2012-01-01

    The establishment of a Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS) can facilitate the use of health information systems. The adoption of these sets and represent them based on archetypes are a way of developing and support health systems. The objective of this paper is to describe the definition of a minimum data set for nursing in endometriosis represent with archetypes. The study was divided into two steps: Defining the Nursing Minimum Data Set to endometriosis, and Development archetypes related to the NMDS. The nursing data set to endometriosis was represented in the form of archetype, using the whole perception of the evaluation item, organs and senses. This form of representation is an important tool for semantic interoperability and knowledge representation for health information systems.

  4. Nursing Minimum Data Set Based on EHR Archetypes Approach

    PubMed Central

    Spigolon, Dandara N.; Moro, Cláudia M.C.

    2012-01-01

    The establishment of a Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS) can facilitate the use of health information systems. The adoption of these sets and represent them based on archetypes are a way of developing and support health systems. The objective of this paper is to describe the definition of a minimum data set for nursing in endometriosis represent with archetypes. The study was divided into two steps: Defining the Nursing Minimum Data Set to endometriosis, and Development archetypes related to the NMDS. The nursing data set to endometriosis was represented in the form of archetype, using the whole perception of the evaluation item, organs and senses. This form of representation is an important tool for semantic interoperability and knowledge representation for health information systems. PMID:24199126

  5. Design Considerations of Polishing Lap for Computer-Controlled Cylindrical Polishing Process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khan, Gufran S.; Gubarev, Mikhail; Arnold, William; Ramsey, Brian D.

    2009-01-01

    This paper establishes a relationship between the polishing process parameters and the generation of mid spatial-frequency error. The consideration of the polishing lap design to optimize the process in order to keep residual errors to a minimum and optimization of the process (speeds, stroke, etc.) and to keep the residual mid spatial-frequency error to a minimum, is also presented.

  6. Development of the CLAES instrument aperture door system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stubbs, D. M.

    1990-01-01

    The design, assembly, and test processes followed in developing a space-qualified aperture door system are described. A blackbody calibration source is mounted inside the door, requiring the assembly to open and close a minimum of 150 cycles for instrument recalibration. Within the door system are four separate mechanisms, three of which are redundant; a pyro launch latch, a hinge bearing assembly, and a pair of pivot mechanisms. Decoupling devices within the pivot mechanisms allow an active drive unit to automatically overdrive a failed drive unit. The door is also stowable for possible Shuttle retrieval and re-entry. Illustrations and photographs of the flight hardware help acquaint the reader with the design. The aim is to pass on lessons learned in all phases of developing this spaceflight mechanism.

  7. FLEXIBLE COUPLING

    DOEpatents

    Babelay, E.F.

    1962-02-13

    A flexible shaft coupling for operation at speeds in excess of 14,000 rpm is designed which requires no lubrication. A driving sleeve member and a driven sleeve member are placed in concentric spaced relationship. A torque force is transmitted to the driven member from the driving member through a plurality of nylon balls symmetrically disposed between the spaced sleeves. The balls extend into races and recesses within the respective sleeve members. The sleeve members have a suitable clearance therebetween and the balls have a suitable radial clearance during operation of the coupling to provide a relatively loose coupling. These clearances accommodate for both parallel and/or angular misalignments and avoid metal-tometal contact between the sleeve members during operation. Thus, no lubrication is needed, and a minimum of vibrations is transmitted between the sleeve members. (AEC)

  8. Phase 1 of the First Small Power System Experiment (engineering Experiment No. 1). Volume 3: Experimental System Descriptions. [development and testing of a solar thermal power plant

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holl, R. J.

    1979-01-01

    The design and development of a modular solar thermal power system for application in the 1 to 10 MWe range is described. The system consists of five subsystems: the collector, power conversion, energy transport, energy storage, and the plant control subsystem. The collector subsystem consists of concentrator, receiver, and tower assemblies. The energy transport subsystem uses a mixture of salts with a low melting temperature to transport thermal energy. A steam generator drives a steam Rankine cycle turbine which drives an electrical generator to produce electricity. Thermal and stress analysis tests are performed on each subsystem in order to determine the operational reliability, the minimum risk of failure, and the maintenance and repair characteristics.

  9. Optimal Control for Quantum Driving of Two-Level Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, Xiao-Qiu

    2018-01-01

    In this paper, the optimal quantum control of two-level systems is studied by the decompositions of SU(2). Using the Pontryagin maximum principle, the minimum time of quantum control is analyzed in detail. The solution scheme of the optimal control function is given in the general case. Finally, two specific cases, which can be applied in many quantum systems, are used to illustrate the scheme, while the corresponding optimal control functions are obtained.

  10. Drinking-Age Laws: An Evaluation Synthesis of Their Impact on Highway Safety. Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Committee on Public Works and Transportation, House of Representatives.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Program Evaluation and Methodology Div.

    This study examined existing evaluations of drinking-age laws to determine the extent to which they provide empirical support for federal and state initiatives to change the legal drinking age. It specifically examined the effects that raising the minimum drinking age has had on traffic accidents, beverage alcohol consumption, driving after…

  11. Automated Camouflage Pattern Generation Technology Survey.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-08-07

    supported by high speed data communications? Costs: 9 What are your rates? $/CPU hour: $/MB disk storage/day: S/connect hour: other charges: What are your... data to the workstation, tape drives are needed for backing up and archiving completed patterns, 256 megabytes of on-line hard disk space as a minimum...is needed to support multiple processes and data files, and 4 megabytes of actual or virtual memory is needed to process the largest expected single

  12. 28 CFR 301.314 - Establishing the amount of award.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... ACCIDENT COMPENSATION Compensation for Work-Related Physical Impairment or Death § 301.314 Establishing the... body members or organs (section 8107). (c) All awards of Inmate Accident Compensation shall be based upon the minimum wage (as prescribed by the Fair Labor Standards Act). (1) For body members or organs...

  13. 29 CFR 541.4 - Other laws and collective bargaining agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Section 541.4 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... OUTSIDE SALES EMPLOYEES General Regulations § 541.4 Other laws and collective bargaining agreements. The... ordinances establishing a higher minimum wage or lower maximum workweek than those established under the Act...

  14. 5 CFR 430.204 - Agency performance appraisal system(s).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Other Employees § 430.204 Agency performance appraisal system(s). (a) Each agency as defined at section... employees covered by this subpart. (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and... covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall— (1) Provide for— (i) Establishing employee...

  15. 5 CFR 430.204 - Agency performance appraisal system(s).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Other Employees § 430.204 Agency performance appraisal system(s). (a) Each agency as defined at section... employees covered by this subpart. (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and... covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall— (1) Provide for— (i) Establishing employee...

  16. 5 CFR 430.204 - Agency performance appraisal system(s).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Other Employees § 430.204 Agency performance appraisal system(s). (a) Each agency as defined at section... employees covered by this subpart. (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and... covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall— (1) Provide for— (i) Establishing employee...

  17. 5 CFR 430.204 - Agency performance appraisal system(s).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Other Employees § 430.204 Agency performance appraisal system(s). (a) Each agency as defined at section... employees covered by this subpart. (b) An agency appraisal system shall establish agencywide policies and... covered by the system. At a minimum, an agency system shall— (1) Provide for— (i) Establishing employee...

  18. 78 FR 21607 - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Partnership Opportunity on a Research...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-11

    ... Performance of Isolation Gowns AGENCY: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the...) International standards development to establish minimum performance requirements for isolation gowns for health... will be recognized as contributing to the establishment of the performance standard. Manufacturers...

  19. 77 FR 24730 - Submission of Information Collection Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; Reinstatement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-25

    ... regulatory authorities to establish and implement tribal internal control standards that provide a level of... system that, at a minimum, complies with the tribal internal control standards established by the tribal... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Indian Gaming Commission Submission of Information Collection...

  20. 77 FR 9261 - Submission of Information Collection Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; Reinstatement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-16

    ... regulatory authorities to establish and implement tribal internal control standards that provide a level of... system that, at a minimum, complies with the tribal internal control standards established by the tribal... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Indian Gaming Commission Submission of Information Collection...

  1. 40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Jjjjjj... - Establishing Operating Limits

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Dry sorbent or activated carbon injection rate operating parameters Establish a site-specific minimum sorbent or activated carbon injection rate operating limit according to § 63.11211(b) Data from the sorbent or activated carbon injection rate monitors and the mercury performance stack tests (a) You must...

  2. 40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Jjjjjj... - Establishing Operating Limits

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Dry sorbent or activated carbon injection rate operating parameters Establish a site-specific minimum sorbent or activated carbon injection rate operating limit according to § 63.11211(b) Data from the sorbent or activated carbon injection rate monitors and the mercury performance stack tests (a) You must...

  3. Dynamics and control of instrumented harmonic drives

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kazerooni, H.; Ellis, S. R. (Principal Investigator)

    1995-01-01

    Since torque in harmonic drives is transmitted by a pure couple, harmonic drives do not generate radial forces and therefore can be instrumented with torque sensors without interference from radial forces. The installation of torque sensors on the stationary component of harmonic drives (the Flexipline cup in this research work) produce backdrivability needed for robotic and telerobotic compliant maneuvers. Backdrivability of a harmonic drive, when used as torque increaser, means that the output shaft can be rotated via finite amount of torque. A high ratio harmonic drive is non-backdrivable because its output shaft cannot be turned by applying a torque on it. This article first develops the dynamic behavior of a harmonic drive, in particular the non-backdrivability, in terms of a sensitivity transfer function. The instrumentation of the harmonic drive with torque sensor is then described. This leads to a description of the control architecture which allows modulation of the sensitivity transfer function within the limits established by the closed-loop stability. A set of experiments on an active hand controller, powered by a DC motor coupled to an instrumented harmonic drive, is given to exhibit this method's limitations.

  4. Impact of sleep deprivation and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on daytime vigilance and driving performance: a laboratory perspective.

    PubMed

    Pizza, F; Contardi, S; Mondini, S; Cirignotta, F

    2012-01-01

    To study the impact of sleepiness, a well-established cause of car accidents, on driving ability, we designed a 30-min monotonous simulated driving task. Our simulated driving task encompasses both primary vehicle control (standard deviation of lane position, crash occurrence) and secondary tasks (type and reaction times to divided attention tasks). Driving simulator data were correlated to subjective (state/trait) and objective (MSLT/MWT) sleepiness measures in healthy subjects undergoing sleep deprivation (SD) and in obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) patients. SD induced severe sleepiness during nighttime, when state sleepiness increased while primary vehicle control ability worsened. After SD, driving ability decreased and was inversely correlated to subjective and objective sleepiness at MSLT. OSAS patients driving ability was well correlated to objective sleepiness, with inverse correlation to sleep propensity at the MSLT and even more strict relation with the ability to maintain wakefulness at the MWT. Sleepiness worsens driving ability in healthy subjects after SD and in OSAS patients. Driving ability correlates with subjective and objective sleepiness measures, in particular to the ability to maintain wakefulness.

  5. Ego, drives, and the dynamics of internal objects

    PubMed Central

    Boag, Simon

    2014-01-01

    This paper addresses the relationship between the ego, id, and internal objects. While ego psychology views the ego as autonomous of the drives, a less well-known alternative position views the ego as constituted by the drives. Based on Freud’s ego-instinct account, this position has developed into a school of thought which postulates that the drives act as knowers. Given that there are multiple drives, this position proposes that personality is constituted by multiple knowers. Following on from Freud, the ego is viewed as a composite sub-set of the instinctual drives (ego-drives), whereas those drives cut off from expression form the id. The nature of the “self” is developed in terms of identification and the possibility of multiple personalities is also established. This account is then extended to object-relations and the explanatory value of the ego-drive account is discussed in terms of the addressing the nature of ego-structures and the dynamic nature of internal objects. Finally, the impact of psychological conflict and the significance of repression for understanding the nature of splits within the psyche are also discussed. PMID:25071640

  6. Sleep apnoea and driving risk: the need for regulation.

    PubMed

    McNicholas, Walter T; Rodenstein, Daniel

    2015-12-01

    Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent chronic respiratory disorder with prevalence among adult males of ≥10%. The most common daytime symptom associated with OSAS is excessive sleepiness, which in more severe manifestations can result in sleepiness at the wheel while driving and probably contributes to the substantial increase in accident risk among patients with OSAS. Fortunately, current evidence indicates that successful therapy of OSAS, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure, can bring the accident risk down to levels similar to an equivalent general population. The recognition of the increased driving accident risk in OSAS prompted the Transport and Mobility Directorate of the European Commission to establish a working group on this topic in 2012, which ultimately led to a revision of Annex III of the EU Driving Licence Directive, which is subject to mandatory implementation by European Union member states by December 2015. This directive specifies that patients with moderate or severe OSAS associated with significant daytime sleepiness should be prohibited from driving until effective therapy is established. These new regulations are designed to balance the legitimate objective of public safety with not penalising OSAS patients who are complying with effective therapy. Successful implementation of regulations on driving in OSAS patients must also include measures to educate relevant stakeholders including patients, medical personnel, traffic police and employers in the transport industry. The key objective is to encourage patients with possible OSAS to seek diagnosis and treatment and not to inhibit OSAS patients from coming forward. Copyright ©ERS 2015.

  7. 78 FR 60852 - Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction of the East Span of the...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-02

    ... a result of the proposed pile- driving. A detailed description of the acoustic measurements is... measurements, CALTRANS shall establish these zones based on prior measurements conducted during SF-OBB... Driving H-pile NA 1,000 235 95 Dismantling 2,000 NA 100 100 Once the underwater acoustic measurements are...

  8. Energy efficient engine. Core engine bearings, drives and configuration: Detailed design report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Broman, C. L.

    1981-01-01

    The detailed design of the forward and aft sumps, the accessory drive system, the lubrication system, and the piping/manifold configuration to be employed in the core engine test of the Energy Efficient Engine is addressed. The design goals for the above components were established based on the requirements of the test cell engine.

  9. Unique Power Electronics and Drives Experimental Bench (PEDEB) to Facilitate Learning and Research

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anand, S.; Farswan, R. S.; Fernandes, B. G.

    2012-01-01

    Experimentation is important for learning and research in the field of power electronics and drives. However, a great deal of equipment is required to study the various topologies, controllers, and functionalities. Thus, the cost of establishing good laboratories and research centers is high. To address this problem, the authors have developed a…

  10. Is it reliable to assess visual attention of drivers affected by Parkinson's disease from the backseat?—a simulator study

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Hoe C.; Yanting Chee, Derserri; Selander, Helena; Falkmer, Torbjorn

    2012-01-01

    Background Current methods of determining licence retainment or cancellation is through on-road driving tests. Previous research has shown that occupational therapists frequently assess drivers’ visual attention while sitting in the back seat on the opposite side of the driver. Since the eyes of the driver are not always visible, assessment by eye contact becomes problematic. Such procedural drawbacks may challenge validity and reliability of the visual attention assessments. In terms of correctly classified attention, the aim of the study was to establish the accuracy and the inter-rater reliability of driving assessments of visual attention from the back seat. Furthermore, by establishing eye contact between the assessor and the driver through an additional mirror on the wind screen, the present study aimed to establish how much such an intervention would enhance the accuracy of the visual attention assessment. Methods Two drivers with Parkinson's disease (PD) and six control drivers drove a fixed route in a driving simulator while wearing a head mounted eye tracker. The eye tracker data showed where the foveal visual attention actually was directed. These data were time stamped and compared with the simultaneous manual scoring of the visual attention of the drivers. In four of the drivers, one with Parkinson's disease, a mirror on the windscreen was set up to arrange for eye contact between the driver and the assessor. Inter-rater reliability was performed with one of the Parkinson drivers driving, but without the mirror. Results Without mirror, the overall accuracy was 56% when assessing the three control drivers and with mirror 83%. However, for the PD driver without mirror the accuracy was 94%, whereas for the PD driver with a mirror the accuracy was 90%. With respect to the inter-rater reliability, a 73% agreement was found. Conclusion If the final outcome of a driving assessment is dependent on the subcategory of a protocol assessing visual attention, we suggest the use of an additional mirror to establish eye contact between the assessor and the driver. The clinicians’ observations on-road should not be a standalone assessment in driving assessments. Instead, eye trackers should be employed for further analyses and correlation in cases where there is doubt about a driver's attention. PMID:22461850

  11. Minimum Information about a Cardiac Electrophysiology Experiment (MICEE): Standardised Reporting for Model Reproducibility, Interoperability, and Data Sharing

    PubMed Central

    Quinn, TA; Granite, S; Allessie, MA; Antzelevitch, C; Bollensdorff, C; Bub, G; Burton, RAB; Cerbai, E; Chen, PS; Delmar, M; DiFrancesco, D; Earm, YE; Efimov, IR; Egger, M; Entcheva, E; Fink, M; Fischmeister, R; Franz, MR; Garny, A; Giles, WR; Hannes, T; Harding, SE; Hunter, PJ; Iribe, G; Jalife, J; Johnson, CR; Kass, RS; Kodama, I; Koren, G; Lord, P; Markhasin, VS; Matsuoka, S; McCulloch, AD; Mirams, GR; Morley, GE; Nattel, S; Noble, D; Olesen, SP; Panfilov, AV; Trayanova, NA; Ravens, U; Richard, S; Rosenbaum, DS; Rudy, Y; Sachs, F; Sachse, FB; Saint, DA; Schotten, U; Solovyova, O; Taggart, P; Tung, L; Varró, A; Volders, PG; Wang, K; Weiss, JN; Wettwer, E; White, E; Wilders, R; Winslow, RL; Kohl, P

    2011-01-01

    Cardiac experimental electrophysiology is in need of a well-defined Minimum Information Standard for recording, annotating, and reporting experimental data. As a step toward establishing this, we present a draft standard, called Minimum Information about a Cardiac Electrophysiology Experiment (MICEE). The ultimate goal is to develop a useful tool for cardiac electrophysiologists which facilitates and improves dissemination of the minimum information necessary for reproduction of cardiac electrophysiology research, allowing for easier comparison and utilisation of findings by others. It is hoped that this will enhance the integration of individual results into experimental, computational, and conceptual models. In its present form, this draft is intended for assessment and development by the research community. We invite the reader to join this effort, and, if deemed productive, implement the Minimum Information about a Cardiac Electrophysiology Experiment standard in their own work. PMID:21745496

  12. The Effect of Rotor Cruise Tip Speed, Engine Technology and Engine/Drive System RPM on the NASA Large Civil Tiltrotor (LCTR2) Size and Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robuck, Mark; Wilkerson, Joseph; Maciolek, Robert; Vonderwell, Dan

    2012-01-01

    A multi-year study was conducted under NASA NNA06BC41C Task Order 10 and NASA NNA09DA56C task orders 2, 4, and 5 to identify the most promising propulsion system concepts that enable rotor cruise tip speeds down to 54% of the hover tip speed for a civil tiltrotor aircraft. Combinations of engine RPM reduction and 2-speed drive systems were evaluated. Three levels of engine and the drive system advanced technology were assessed; 2015, 2025 and 2035. Propulsion and drive system configurations that resulted in minimum vehicle gross weight were identified. Design variables included engine speed reduction, drive system speed reduction, technology, and rotor cruise propulsion efficiency. The NASA Large Civil Tiltrotor, LCTR, aircraft served as the base vehicle concept for this study and was resized for over thirty combinations of operating cruise RPM and technology level, quantifying LCTR2 Gross Weight, size, and mission fuel. Additional studies show design sensitivity to other mission ranges and design airspeeds, with corresponding relative estimated operational cost. The lightest vehicle gross weight solution consistently came from rotor cruise tip speeds between 422 fps and 500 fps. Nearly equivalent results were achieved with operating at reduced engine RPM with a single-speed drive system or with a two-speed drive system and 100% engine RPM. Projected performance for a 2025 engine technology provided improved fuel flow over a wide range of operating speeds relative to the 2015 technology, but increased engine weight nullified the improved fuel flow resulting in increased aircraft gross weights. The 2035 engine technology provided further fuel flow reduction and 25% lower engine weight, and the 2035 drive system technology provided a 12% reduction in drive system weight. In combination, the 2035 technologies reduced aircraft takeoff gross weight by 14% relative to the 2015 technologies.

  13. Effects of tidal current phase at the junction of two straits

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Warner, J.; Schoellhamer, D.; Burau, J.; Schladow, G.

    2002-01-01

    Estuaries typically have a monotonic increase in salinity from freshwater at the head of the estuary to ocean water at the mouth, creating a consistent direction for the longitudinal baroclinic pressure gradient. However, Mare Island Strait in San Francisco Bay has a local salinity minimum created by the phasing of the currents at the junction of Mare Island and Carquinez Straits. The salinity minimum creates converging baroclinic pressure gradients in Mare Island Strait. Equipment was deployed at four stations in the straits for 6 months from September 1997 to March 1998 to measure tidal variability of velocity, conductivity, temperature, depth, and suspended sediment concentration. Analysis of the measured time series shows that on a tidal time scale in Mare Island Strait, the landward and seaward baroclinic pressure gradients in the local salinity minimum interact with the barotropic gradient, creating regions of enhanced shear in the water column during the flood and reduced shear during the ebb. On a tidally averaged time scale, baroclinic pressure gradients converge on the tidally averaged salinity minimum and drive a converging near-bed and diverging surface current circulation pattern, forming a "baroclinic convergence zone" in Mare Island Strait. Historically large sedimentation rates in this area are attributed to the convergence zone. 

  14. PLZT Ceramic Driving Rotary Micro-mirror Based on Photoelectric-electrostatic Mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Yujuan; Yang, Zhong; Chen, Yusong; Wang, Xinjie

    2017-12-01

    Based on the anomalous photovoltaic effect of PLZT, a rotary micro-mirror driven by hybrid photoelectric-electrostatic actuation of PLZT ceramic is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical modelling of coupled multi-physics fields of PLZT ceramic is established during illumination and light off phases. Then, the relationship between the rotation angle and the photovoltage of PLZT ceramics is established. In addition, the feasibility of rotary micro-mirror with hybrid photoelectric-electrostatic driving is verified via closed-loop control for photo-induced voltage of PLZT ceramic. The experimental results show that the photo-induced voltage of PLZT ceramics has good dynamic control precision using on-off closed-loop control method.

  15. Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol-related crime.

    PubMed

    Stockwell, Tim; Zhao, Jinhui; Sherk, Adam; Callaghan, Russell C; Macdonald, Scott; Gatley, Jodi

    2017-07-01

    Saskatchewan's introduction in April 2010 of minimum prices graded by alcohol strength led to an average minimum price increase of 9.1% per Canadian standard drink (=13.45 g ethanol). This increase was shown to be associated with reduced consumption and switching to lower alcohol content beverages. Police also informally reported marked reductions in night-time alcohol-related crime. This study aims to assess the impacts of changes to Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol-pricing regulations between 2008 and 2012 on selected crime events often related to alcohol use. Data were obtained from Canada's Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Auto-regressive integrated moving average time series models were used to test immediate and lagged associations between minimum price increases and rates of night-time and police identified alcohol-related crimes. Controls were included for simultaneous crime rates in the neighbouring province of Alberta, economic variables, linear trend, seasonality and autoregressive and/or moving-average effects. The introduction of increased minimum-alcohol prices was associated with an abrupt decrease in night-time alcohol-related traffic offences for men (-8.0%, P < 0.001), but not women. No significant immediate changes were observed for non-alcohol-related driving offences, disorderly conduct or violence. Significant monthly lagged effects were observed for violent offences (-19.7% at month 4 to -18.2% at month 6), which broadly corresponded to lagged effects in on-premise alcohol sales. Increased minimum alcohol prices may contribute to reductions in alcohol-related traffic-related and violent crimes perpetrated by men. Observed lagged effects for violent incidents may be due to a delay in bars passing on increased prices to their customers, perhaps because of inventory stockpiling. [Stockwell T, Zhao J, Sherk A, Callaghan RC, Macdonald S, Gatley J. Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol-related crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:492-501]. © 2016 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

  16. Effect of handling characteristics on minimum time cornering with torque vectoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, E. N.; Velenis, E.; Tavernini, D.; Cao, D.

    2018-02-01

    In this paper, the effect of both passive and actively-modified vehicle handling characteristics on minimum time manoeuvring for vehicles with 4-wheel torque vectoring (TV) capability is studied. First, a baseline optimal TV strategy is sought, independent of any causal control law. An optimal control problem (OCP) is initially formulated considering 4 independent wheel torque inputs, together with the steering angle rate, as the control variables. Using this formulation, the performance benefit using TV against an electric drive train with a fixed torque distribution, is demonstrated. The sensitivity of TV-controlled manoeuvre time to the passive understeer gradient of the vehicle is then studied. A second formulation of the OCP is introduced where a closed-loop TV controller is incorporated into the system dynamics of the OCP. This formulation allows the effect of actively modifying a vehicle's handling characteristic via TV on its minimum time cornering performance of the vehicle to be assessed. In particular, the effect of the target understeer gradient as the key tuning parameter of the literature-standard steady-state linear single-track model yaw rate reference is analysed.

  17. Efficient micromagnetics for magnetic storage devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Escobar Acevedo, Marco Antonio

    Micromagnetics is an important component for advancing the magnetic nanostructures understanding and design. Numerous existing and prospective magnetic devices rely on micromagnetic analysis, these include hard disk drives, magnetic sensors, memories, microwave generators, and magnetic logic. The ability to examine, describe, and predict the magnetic behavior, and macroscopic properties of nanoscale magnetic systems is essential for improving the existing devices, for progressing in their understanding, and for enabling new technologies. This dissertation describes efficient micromagnetic methods as required for magnetic storage analysis. Their performance and accuracy is demonstrated by studying realistic, complex, and relevant micromagnetic system case studies. An efficient methodology for dynamic micromagnetics in large scale simulations is used to study the writing process in a full scale model of a magnetic write head. An efficient scheme, tailored for micromagnetics, to find the minimum energy state on a magnetic system is presented. This scheme can be used to calculate hysteresis loops. An efficient scheme, tailored for micromagnetics, to find the minimum energy path between two stable states on a magnetic system is presented. This minimum energy path is intimately related to the thermal stability.

  18. Driving simulation for evaluation and rehabilitation of driving after stroke.

    PubMed

    Akinwuntan, Abiodun Emmanuel; Wachtel, Jerry; Rosen, Peter Newman

    2012-08-01

    Driving is an important activity of daily living. Loss of driving privileges can lead to depression, decreased access to medical care, and increased healthcare costs. The ability to drive is often affected after stroke. In approximately 30% of stroke survivors, it is clear from the onset that driving will no longer be possible. Approximately 33% of survivors will be able to return to driving with little or no retraining, and 35% will require driving-related rehabilitation before they can resume safe driving again. The ability to drive is not routinely evaluated after stroke, and there is no established rehabilitation program for poststroke driving. When driving evaluation does occur, it is not always clear which tests are the most salient for accurately assessing poststroke driving ability. Investigators have examined the efficacy of various methodologies to predict driving performance after stroke and have found mixed results, with each method having unique weaknesses, including poor predictive ability, poor face validity, poor sensitivity or specificity, and limited reliability. Here we review common models of driving to gain insight into why single-construct visual or cognitive off-road measures are inadequate for evaluating driving, a complex and dynamic activity that involves timely interaction of multiple motor, visual, cognitive, and perceptual skills. We also examine the potential for driving simulators to overcome the problems currently faced in the evaluation and rehabilitation of driving after stroke. Finally, we offer suggestions for the future direction of simulator-based poststroke driving evaluation and training. Copyright © 2012 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Cannabis use: a perspective in relation to the proposed UK drug-driving legislation.

    PubMed

    Wolff, Kim; Johnston, Atholl

    2014-01-01

    With regard to THC (Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive constituent identified in the plant Cannabis sativa L, several facts are indisputable. Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug in the UK among those who reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs in the previous 12 months. There is a significant dose-related decrement in driving performance following cannabis use; raised blood THC concentrations are significantly associated with increased traffic crash and death risk. When cannabis and alcohol are detected together, there is a greater risk to road safety than when either drug is used alone. Patterns of use are important when interpreting blood concentration data: Smoking infrequently a single cannabis cigarette leads to peak plasma THC concentrations (21-267 µg/L) causing acute intoxication. In habitual, daily users, plasma THC concentrations range from 1.0 to 11.0 µg/L and are maintained by sequestration of the drug from the tissues. These facts undoubtedly make setting thresholds for drug-driving legislation difficult but there is clearly a case for cannabis. Determining minimum blood THC concentrations at which a driver becomes sufficiently impaired to be unable to safely drive a vehicle is of particular concern given the increasing medicinal use of the drug. Internationally legislation for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is based on either a proof of impairment or a per se approach. For the latter this can be either zero-tolerance or based on concentration limits such as those used for alcohol. The different approaches are considered against current scientific evidence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Preferential accumulation of sex and Bs chromosomes in biarmed karyotypes by meiotic drive and rates of chromosomal changes in fishes.

    PubMed

    Molina, Wagner F; Martinez, Pablo A; Bertollo, Luiz A C; Bidau, Claudio J

    2014-12-01

    Mechanisms of accumulation based on typical centromeric drive or of chromosomes carrying pericentric inversions are adjusted to the general karyotype differentiation in the principal Actinopterygii orders. Here, we show that meiotic drive in fish is also supported by preferential establishment of sex chromosome systems and B chromosomes in orders with predominantly bi-brachial chromosomes. The mosaic of trends acting at an infra-familiar level in fish could be explained as the interaction of the directional process of meiotic drive as background, modulated on a smaller scale by adaptive factors or specific karyotypic properties of each group, as proposed for the orthoselection model.

  1. Preferential accumulation of sex and Bs chromosomes in biarmed karyotypes by meiotic drive and rates of chromosomal changes in fishes.

    PubMed

    Molina, Wagner F; Martinez, Pablo A; Bertollo, Luiz A C; Bidau, Claudio J

    2014-11-14

    Mechanisms of accumulation based on typical centromeric drive or of chromosomes carrying pericentric inversions are adjusted to the general karyotype differentiation in the principal Actinopterygii orders. Here, we show that meiotic drive in fish is also supported by preferential establishment of sex chromosome systems and B chromosomes in orders with predominantly bi-brachial chromosomes. The mosaic of trends acting at an infra-familiar level in fish could be explained as the interaction of the directional process of meiotic drive as background, modulated on a smaller scale by adaptive factors or specific karyotypic properties of each group, as proposed for the orthoselection model.

  2. 30 CFR 780.25 - Reclamation plan: Siltation structures, impoundments, and refuse piles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Resources Conservation Service's Web site at http://www.info.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/TR/TR_210_60.htm... authority may establish through the State program approval process, engineering design standards that ensure stability comparable to a 1.3 minimum static safety factor in lieu of engineering tests to establish...

  3. 40 CFR Table 2 to Subpart Dddd of... - Operating Requirements

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... minimum temperature established during the performance test Maintain the 3-hour block average THC... representative sample of the catalyst at least every 12 months Maintain the 3-hour block average THC... established according to § 63.2262(m) Maintain the 24-hour block average THC concentration a in the biofilter...

  4. 40 CFR Table 2 to Subpart Dddd of... - Operating Requirements

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... minimum temperature established during the performance test Maintain the 3-hour block average THC... representative sample of the catalyst at least every 12 months Maintain the 3-hour block average THC... established according to § 63.2262(m) Maintain the 24-hour block average THC concentration a in the biofilter...

  5. 14 CFR 27.1509 - Rotor speed.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Rotor speed. 27.1509 Section 27.1509... Rotor speed. (a) Maximum power-off (autorotation). The maximum power-off rotor speed must be established... minimum power-off rotor speed must be established so that it is not less than 105 percent of the greater...

  6. 14 CFR 27.1509 - Rotor speed.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Rotor speed. 27.1509 Section 27.1509... Rotor speed. (a) Maximum power-off (autorotation). The maximum power-off rotor speed must be established... minimum power-off rotor speed must be established so that it is not less than 105 percent of the greater...

  7. Minimum threshold for establishment and dispersal of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelide): a biological control agent of Dioscorea bulbifera

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The successful establishment or failure of a new population is often attributed to propagule pressure, the combination of the number of independent introduction events, and the number of individuals released at each event. Design of optimal release strategies for biological control agents benefits f...

  8. 40 CFR Table 5 to Subpart Mmmmm of... - Continuous Compliance With Emission Limits and Operating Limits

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    .... Each new or reconstructed flame lamination affected source using a scrubber a. Maintain the daily average scrubber inlet liquid flow rate above the minimum value established during the performanceb. Maintain the daily average scrubber effluent pH within the operating range established during the...

  9. Minimum velocity necessary for nonconventional projectiles to penetrate the eye: an experimental study using pig eyes.

    PubMed

    Marshall, John W; Dahlstrom, Dean B; Powley, Kramer D

    2011-06-01

    To satisfy the Criminal Code of Canada's definition of a firearm, a barreled weapon must be capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person. Canadian courts have accepted the forensically established criteria of "penetration or rupture of an eye" as serious bodily injury. The minimal velocity of nonconventional ammunition required to penetrate the eye including airsoft projectiles has yet to be established. To establish minimal threshold requirements for eye penetration, empirical tests were conducted using a variety of airsoft projectiles. Using the data obtained from these tests, and previous research using "air gun" projectiles, an "energy density" parameter was calculated for the minimum penetration threshold of an eye. Airsoft guns capable of achieving velocities in excess of 99 m/s (325 ft/s) using conventional 6-mm airsoft ammunition will satisfy the forensically established criteria of "serious bodily injury." The energy density parameter for typical 6-mm plastic airsoft projectiles is 4.3 to 4.8 J/cm². This calculation also encompasses 4.5-mm steel BBs.

  10. Higher Accuracy of the Lactate Minimum Test Compared to Established Threshold Concepts to Determine Maximal Lactate Steady State in Running.

    PubMed

    Wahl, Patrick; Zwingmann, Lukas; Manunzio, Christian; Wolf, Jacob; Bloch, Wilhelm

    2018-05-18

    This study evaluated the accuracy of the lactate minimum test, in comparison to a graded-exercise test and established threshold concepts (OBLA and mDmax) to determine running speed at maximal lactate steady state. Eighteen subjects performed a lactate minimum test, a graded-exercise test (2.4 m·s -1 start,+0.4 m·s -1 every 5 min) and 2 or more constant-speed tests of 30 min to determine running speed at maximal lactate steady state. The lactate minimum test consisted of an initial lactate priming segment, followed by a short recovery phase. Afterwards, the initial load of the subsequent incremental segment was individually determined and was increased by 0.1 m·s -1 every 120 s. Lactate minimum was determined by the lowest measured value (LM abs ) and by a third-order polynomial (LM pol ). The mean difference to maximal lactate steady state was+0.01±0.14 m·s -1 (LM abs ), 0.04±0.15 m·s -1 (LM pol ), -0.06±0.31 m·s 1 (OBLA) and -0.08±0.21 m·s 1 (mDmax). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between running velocity at maximal lactate steady state and LM abs was highest (ICC=0.964), followed by LM pol (ICC=0.956), mDmax (ICC=0.916) and OBLA (ICC=0.885). Due to the higher accuracy of the lactate minimum test to determine maximal lactate steady state compared to OBLA and mDmax, we suggest the lactate minimum test as a valid and meaningful concept to estimate running velocity at maximal lactate steady state in a single session for moderately up to well-trained athletes. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  11. Exact results for the Floquet coin toss for driven integrable models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhattacharya, Utso; Maity, Somnath; Banik, Uddipan; Dutta, Amit

    2018-05-01

    We study an integrable Hamiltonian reducible to free fermions, which is subjected to an imperfect periodic driving with the amplitude of driving (or kicking), randomly chosen from a binary distribution like a coin-toss problem. The randomness present in the driving protocol destabilizes the periodic steady state reached in the limit of perfectly periodic driving, leading to a monotonic rise of the stroboscopic residual energy with the number of periods (N ) for such Hamiltonians. We establish that a minimal deviation from the perfectly periodic driving in the present case using such protocols would always result in a bounded heating up of the system with N to an asymptotic finite value. Exploiting the completely uncorrelated nature of the randomness and the knowledge of the stroboscopic Floquet operator in the perfectly periodic situation, we provide an exact analytical formalism to derive the disorder averaged expectation value of the residual energy through a disorder operator. This formalism not only leads to an immense numerical simplification, but also enables us to derive an exact analytical form for the residual energy in the asymptotic limit which is universal, i.e., independent of the bias of coin-toss and the protocol chosen. Furthermore, this formalism clearly establishes the nature of the monotonic growth of the residual energy at intermediate N while clearly revealing the possible nonuniversal behavior of the same.

  12. Growth of Myxococcus xanthus in continuous-flow-cell bioreactors as a method for studying development.

    PubMed

    Smaldone, Gregory T; Jin, Yujie; Whitfield, Damion L; Mu, Andrew Y; Wong, Edward C; Wuertz, Stefan; Singer, Mitchell

    2014-04-01

    Nutrient sensors and developmental timers are two classes of genes vital to the establishment of early development in the social soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. The products of these genes trigger and regulate the earliest events that drive the colony from a vegetative state to aggregates, which ultimately leads to the formation of fruiting bodies and the cellular differentiation of the individual cells. In order to more accurately identify the genes and pathways involved in the initiation of this multicellular developmental program in M. xanthus, we adapted a method of growing vegetative populations within a constant controllable environment by using flow cell bioreactors, or flow cells. By establishing an M. xanthus community within a flow cell, we are able to test developmental responses to changes in the environment with fewer concerns for effects due to nutrient depletion or bacterial waste production. This approach allows for greater sensitivity in investigating communal environmental responses, such as nutrient sensing. To demonstrate the versatility of our growth environment, we carried out time-lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize M. xanthus biofilm growth and fruiting body development, as well as fluorescence staining of exopolysaccharides deposited by biofilms. We also employed the flow cells in a nutrient titration to determine the minimum concentration required to sustain vegetative growth. Our data show that by using a flow cell, M. xanthus can be held in a vegetative growth state at low nutrient concentrations for long periods, and then, by slightly decreasing the nutrient concentration, cells can be allowed to initiate the developmental program.

  13. System for computer controlled shifting of an automatic transmission

    DOEpatents

    Patil, Prabhakar B.

    1989-01-01

    In an automotive vehicle having an automatic transmission that driveably connects a power source to the driving wheels, a method to control the application of hydraulic pressure to a clutch, whose engagement produces an upshift and whose disengagement produces a downshift, the speed of the power source, and the output torque of the transmission. The transmission output shaft torque and the power source speed are the controlled variables. The commanded power source torque and commanded hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch are the control variables. A mathematical model is formulated that describes the kinematics and dynamics of the powertrain before, during and after a gear shift. The model represents the operating characteristics of each component and the structural arrangement of the components within the transmission being controlled. Next, a close loop feedback control is developed to determine the proper control law or compensation strategy to achieve an acceptably smooth gear ratio change, one in which the output torque disturbance is kept to a minimum and the duration of the shift is minimized. Then a computer algorithm simulating the shift dynamics employing the mathematical model is used to study the effects of changes in the values of the parameters established from a closed loop control of the clutch hydraulic and the power source torque on the shift quality. This computer simulation is used also to establish possible shift control strategies. The shift strategies determine from the prior step are reduced to an algorithm executed by a computer to control the operation of the power source and the transmission.

  14. Closed loop computer control for an automatic transmission

    DOEpatents

    Patil, Prabhakar B.

    1989-01-01

    In an automotive vehicle having an automatic transmission that driveably connects a power source to the driving wheels, a method to control the application of hydraulic pressure to a clutch, whose engagement produces an upshift and whose disengagement produces a downshift, the speed of the power source, and the output torque of the transmission. The transmission output shaft torque and the power source speed are the controlled variables. The commanded power source torque and commanded hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch are the control variables. A mathematical model is formulated that describes the kinematics and dynamics of the powertrain before, during and after a gear shift. The model represents the operating characteristics of each component and the structural arrangement of the components within the transmission being controlled. Next, a close loop feedback control is developed to determine the proper control law or compensation strategy to achieve an acceptably smooth gear ratio change, one in which the output torque disturbance is kept to a minimum and the duration of the shift is minimized. Then a computer algorithm simulating the shift dynamics employing the mathematical model is used to study the effects of changes in the values of the parameters established from a closed loop control of the clutch hydraulic and the power source torque on the shift quality. This computer simulation is used also to establish possible shift control strategies. The shift strategies determined from the prior step are reduced to an algorithm executed by a computer to control the operation of the power source and the transmission.

  15. Free terminal time optimal control problem of an HIV model based on a conjugate gradient method.

    PubMed

    Jang, Taesoo; Kwon, Hee-Dae; Lee, Jeehyun

    2011-10-01

    The minimum duration of treatment periods and the optimal multidrug therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection are considered. We formulate an optimal tracking problem, attempting to drive the states of the model to a "healthy" steady state in which the viral load is low and the immune response is strong. We study an optimal time frame as well as HIV therapeutic strategies by analyzing the free terminal time optimal tracking control problem. The minimum duration of treatment periods and the optimal multidrug therapy are found by solving the corresponding optimality systems with the additional transversality condition for the terminal time. We demonstrate by numerical simulations that the optimal dynamic multidrug therapy can lead to the long-term control of HIV by the strong immune response after discontinuation of therapy.

  16. Electromechanical flight control actuator, volume 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    An electromechanical actuator was developed that will follow a proportional control command with minimum wasted energy to demonstrate the feasibility of meeting space vehicle actuator requirements using advanced electromechanical concepts. The approach was restricted to a four-channel redundant configuration. Each channel has independent drive and control electronics, a brushless electric motor with brake, and velocity and position feedback transducers. A differential gearbox sums the output velocities of the motors. Normally, two motors are active and the other two are braked.

  17. Bifurcation of quiescent H-mode to a wide pedestal regime in DIII-D and advances in the understanding of edge harmonic oscillations

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Xi; Burrell, K. H.; Osborne, T. H.; ...

    2017-06-14

    New experimental studies and modelling of the coherent edge harmonic oscillation (EHO), which regulates the conventional Quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) edge, validate the proposed hypothesis of edge rotational shear in destabilizing the low-n kink-peeling mode as the additional drive mechanism for the EHO. The observed minimum edge E×B shear required for the EHO decreases linearly with pedestal collisionalitymore » $$\

  18. Pneu-Scan - A novel, lightweight two-axis telemetry tracking system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sullivan, A.

    The development of Pneu-Scan, a conically scanning tracking antenna feed for telemetry applications, is described. Pneu-Scan has the advantage of being pneumatically driven, thereby eliminating the need for a heavy electric drive motor. Air from the dehydrator/pressurizer system is used to drive the Pneu-Scan pedestal at a scan speed which is proportional to the continuously varying pressure. The S-band tracking feed of the Pneu-Scan is less than five inches in diameter and is considerably lighter than single-channel monopulse (SCM) feeds. Aperture blocking of Pneu-Scan is more than two times smaller than conventional SCM designs. The antenna reflector of the Pneu-Scan system is a lightweight 5-foot graphite-epoxy parabolical reflector positioned by an elevator-over-azimuth pedestal. The elevation assembly is surrounded by an inflatable rotodome which rotates with azimuth. The rotating sphere was designed to have a minimum wind-induced torque, thereby minimizing the required drive power. The weight of the entire system is less than 135 pounds. The principle characteristics of the Pneu-Scan system are summarized in a table.

  19. Experimental assessment of the potential to decrease diesel NOx emissions beyond minimum requirements for Euro 6 Real Drive Emissions (RDE) compliance.

    PubMed

    Triantafyllopoulos, Georgios; Katsaounis, Dimitrios; Karamitros, Dimitrios; Ntziachristos, Leonidas; Samaras, Zissis

    2018-03-15

    The objective of this study was to test the potential for NO x emissions improvements on a typical Euro 6 diesel vehicle, following modifications to its emissions control system, under Real Drive Emissions (RDE) testing conditions. A commercially available car was selected and was first measured in its original configuration according to RDE on the road and an initial conformity factor (CF) of 5.4 was determined. Subsequent engine calibration and installation of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) device were conducted and tested on a fully transient engine dyno setup, which precisely reproduced the engine operation under the on-road RDE test. The NO x reduction achieved with those upgrades was 90%, leading to a CF of 0.53, with no CO 2 or fuel consumption penalty. These findings demonstrate that diesel vehicles can reach low NO x levels under real world driving conditions, when well-designed modern exhaust aftertreatment components are installed and properly calibrated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Modeling and Positioning of a PZT Precision Drive System.

    PubMed

    Liu, Che; Guo, Yanling

    2017-11-08

    The fact that piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) precision drive systems in 3D printing are faced with nonlinear problems with respect to positioning, such as hysteresis and creep, has had an extremely negative impact on the precision of laser focusing systems. To eliminate the impact of PZT nonlinearity during precision drive movement, mathematical modeling and theoretical analyses of each module comprising the system were carried out in this study, a micro-displacement measurement circuit based on Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) is constructed, followed by the establishment of system closed-loop control and creep control models. An XL-80 laser interferometer (Renishaw, Wotton-under-Edge, UK) was used to measure the performance of the precision drive system, showing that system modeling and control algorithms were correct, with the requirements for precision positioning of the drive system satisfied.

  1. Development of a drive system for a sequential space camera

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sharpsteen, J. T.; Solheim, C. D.; Stoap, L. J.

    1976-01-01

    Breadboard models of single and dual motor drives for the shutter, claw and magazine of a space camera system were designed and tested. The single motor technique utilizes a single electronically commutated motor to drive the claw and shutter without resorting to a solenoid actuated clutch for pulse operation. Shutter speed is established by a combination of the cinemode speed and the opening of the conventional DAC two piece shutter. Pulse mode operation is obtained by applying power at a fixed clock rate and removing power at an appropriate point in the mechanical cycle such that the motor comes to rest by system friction. The dual motor approach utilizes a stepper motor to drive the shutter and an electronically commutated dc motor to drive the claw and magazine functions. The motors are synchronized electronically.

  2. Modeling and Positioning of a PZT Precision Drive System

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Che; Guo, Yanling

    2017-01-01

    The fact that piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) precision drive systems in 3D printing are faced with nonlinear problems with respect to positioning, such as hysteresis and creep, has had an extremely negative impact on the precision of laser focusing systems. To eliminate the impact of PZT nonlinearity during precision drive movement, mathematical modeling and theoretical analyses of each module comprising the system were carried out in this study, a micro-displacement measurement circuit based on Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) is constructed, followed by the establishment of system closed-loop control and creep control models. An XL-80 laser interferometer (Renishaw, Wotton-under-Edge, UK) was used to measure the performance of the precision drive system, showing that system modeling and control algorithms were correct, with the requirements for precision positioning of the drive system satisfied. PMID:29117140

  3. How mantle slabs drive plate tectonics.

    PubMed

    Conrad, Clinton P; Lithgow-Bertelloni, Carolina

    2002-10-04

    The gravitational pull of subducted slabs is thought to drive the motions of Earth's tectonic plates, but the coupling between slabs and plates is not well established. If a slab is mechanically attached to a subducting plate, it can exert a direct pull on the plate. Alternatively, a detached slab may drive a plate by exciting flow in the mantle that exerts a shear traction on the base of the plate. From the geologic history of subduction, we estimated the relative importance of "pull" versus "suction" for the present-day plates. Observed plate motions are best predicted if slabs in the upper mantle are attached to plates and generate slab pull forces that account for about half of the total driving force on plates. Slabs in the lower mantle are supported by viscous mantle forces and drive plates through slab suction.

  4. Development of a drive system for a sequential space camera

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sharpsteen, J. T.; Solheim, C. D.; Stoap, L. J.

    1976-01-01

    An electronically commutated dc motor is reported for driving the camera claw and magazine, and a stepper motor is described for driving the shutter with the two motors synchronized electrically. Subsequent tests on the breadboard positively proved the concept, but further development beyond this study should be done. The breadboard testing also established that the electronically commutated motor can control speed over a wide dynamic range, and has a high torque capability for accelerating loads. This performance suggested the possibility of eliminating the clutch from the system while retaining all of the other mechanical features of the DAC, if the requirement for independent shutter speeds and frame rates can be removed. Therefore, as a final step in the study, the breadboard shutter and shutter drive were returned to the original DAC configuration, while retaining the brushless dc motor drive.

  5. Application of Face-Gear Drives in Helicopter Transmissions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Litvin, F. L.; Wang, J.-C.; Bossler, R. B., Jr.; Chen, Y.-J. D.; Heath, G.; Lewicki, D. G.

    1992-01-01

    The use of face gears in helicopter transmissions was explored. A light-weight, split torque transmission design utilizing face gears was described. Face-gear design and geometry were investigated. Topics included tooth generation, limiting inner and outer radii, tooth contact analysis, contact ratio, gear eccentricity, and structural stiffness. Design charts were developed to determine minimum and maximum face-gear inner and outer radii. Analytical study of transmission error showed face-gear drives were relatively insensitive to gear misalignment, but tooth contact was affected by misalignment. A method of localizing bearing contact to compensate for misalignment was explored. The proper choice of shaft support stiffness enabled good load sharing in the split torque transmission design. Face-gear experimental studies were also included and the feasibility of face gears in high-speed, high-load applications such as helicopter transmissions was demonstrated.

  6. Automatic Parking of Self-Driving CAR Based on LIDAR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, B.; Wei, Y.; Guo, I. Y.

    2017-09-01

    To overcome the deficiency of ultrasonic sensor and camera, this paper proposed a method of autonomous parking based on the self-driving car, using HDL-32E LiDAR. First the 3-D point cloud data was preprocessed. Then we calculated the minimum size of parking space according to the dynamic theories of vehicle. Second the rapidly-exploring random tree algorithm (RRT) algorithm was improved in two aspects based on the moving characteristic of autonomous car. And we calculated the parking path on the basis of the vehicle's dynamics and collision constraints. Besides, we used the fuzzy logic controller to control the brake and accelerator in order to realize the stably of speed. At last the experiments were conducted in an autonomous car, and the results show that the proposed automatic parking system is feasible and effective.

  7. NASA safety standard for lifting devices and equipment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1990-09-01

    NASA's minimum safety requirements are established for the design, testing, inspection, maintenance, certification, and use of overhead and gantry cranes (including top running monorail, underhung, and jib cranes), mobile cranes, derrick hoists, and special hoist supported personnel lifting devices (these do not include elevators, ground supported personnel lifts, or powered platforms). Minimum requirements are also addressed for the testing, inspection, and use of Hydra-sets, hooks, and slings. Safety standards are thoroughly detailed.

  8. NASA safety standard for lifting devices and equipment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1990-01-01

    NASA's minimum safety requirements are established for the design, testing, inspection, maintenance, certification, and use of overhead and gantry cranes (including top running monorail, underhung, and jib cranes), mobile cranes, derrick hoists, and special hoist supported personnel lifting devices (these do not include elevators, ground supported personnel lifts, or powered platforms). Minimum requirements are also addressed for the testing, inspection, and use of Hydra-sets, hooks, and slings. Safety standards are thoroughly detailed.

  9. When one is not necessarily a lonely number: initial colonization dynamics of Adelges tsugae on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis

    Treesearch

    Patrick C. Tobin; Richard M. Turcotte; Daniel A. Snider

    2013-01-01

    The ability to establish successfully in a new area can vary considerably among species. In addition to the well-recognized importance of propagule pressure in driving the rates of establishment of biological invaders, the life history strategy of a species can also affect establishment success, such as in the extent to which Allee effects (positive densitydependence...

  10. Effectiveness and acceptance of the intelligent speeding prediction system (ISPS).

    PubMed

    Zhao, Guozhen; Wu, Changxu

    2013-03-01

    The intelligent speeding prediction system (ISPS) is an in-vehicle speed assistance system developed to provide quantitative predictions of speeding. Although the ISPS's prediction of speeding has been validated, whether the ISPS can regulate a driver's speed behavior or whether a driver accepts the ISPS needs further investigation. Additionally, compared to the existing intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) system, whether the ISPS performs better in terms of reducing excessive speeds and improving driving safety needs more direct evidence. An experiment was conducted to assess and compare the effectiveness and acceptance of the ISPS and the ISA. We conducted a driving simulator study with 40 participants. System type served as a between-subjects variable with four levels: no speed assistance system, pre-warning system developed based on the ISPS, post-warning system ISA, and combined pre-warning and ISA system. Speeding criterion served as a within-subjects variable with two levels: lower (posted speed limit plus 1 mph) and higher (posted speed limit plus 5 mph) speed threshold. Several aspects of the participants' driving speed, speeding measures, lead vehicle response, and subjective measures were collected. Both pre-warning and combined systems led to greater minimum time-to-collision. The combined system resulted in slower driving speed, fewer speeding exceedances, shorter speeding duration, and smaller speeding magnitude. The results indicate that both pre-warning and combined systems have the potential to improve driving safety and performance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Hand on the wheel, mind on the mobile: an analysis of social factors contributing to texting while driving.

    PubMed

    Seiler, Steven J

    2015-02-01

    In an era defined by social technology, mobile phones provide constant connection to others. However, they also present a very dangerous situation when people choose to use their mobile phones while driving. In particular, exchanging text messages while driving has resulted in numerous accidents and fatalities. The purpose of this study is to examine social factors that lead people to text while driving. Specifically, using a multivariate logistic regression analysis of data from a 2010 survey by the Pew Research Center, variables for general mobile talk, driving while talking on a mobile, using the Internet on a mobile, sexting, and various motivations for texting were examined to determine factors that increase the likelihood of texting while driving. The findings suggest that people engage in mobile multiplexing (i.e., communication using two or more media on the mobile) while driving. Additionally, exchanging text messages in public, and consequently texting while driving, has become normalized. Furthermore, people are socialized into such behaviors through observing others texting while driving and using a mobile recklessly while driving. Finally, a number of motivations for texting were found to increase the likelihood of texting while driving significantly. Ultimately, the author contends that texting while driving has become a cultural artifact in the United States, which conflicts with driver safety as well as laws prohibiting texting while driving. The findings of this study could inform future awareness campaigns and technology developers to help establish a safer driving environment within the multitasking culture.

  12. Influence of personality traits on sexual functioning of patients suffering from schizophrenia or depression.

    PubMed

    Peitl, Marija Vucić; Peitl, Vjekoslav; Pavlović, Eduard; Blazević-Zelić, Sandra; Petrić, Daniela

    2011-09-01

    Aim of this research was to establish effects and influence of personality traits on sexual functioning of schizophrenic and depressive patients, compared to healthy individuals. 300 participants were included in this research. For patients suffering from schizophrenia it was established that the more they are open to experience and the less they are neurotic their sexual drive is stronger. For patients suffering from depression it was established that the more they are open to experience and conscientious and the less they are agreeable their sexual drive is stronger. Furthermore, higher openness is a significant predictor for easier sexual arousal and the more those patients are conscientious and the less they are agreeable easier is for them to achieve orgasms. Personality traits proved to be significant predictors of sexual functioning in schizophrenic and depressive patients, but not in healthy individuals.

  13. 25 CFR 36.2 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... CHILDREN AND NATIONAL CRITERIA FOR DORMITORY SITUATIONS General Provisions § 36.2 Applicability. The national criteria for dormitory situations established under subpart H will serve as a minimum requirement...

  14. 25 CFR 36.2 - Applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... CHILDREN AND NATIONAL CRITERIA FOR DORMITORY SITUATIONS General Provisions § 36.2 Applicability. The national criteria for dormitory situations established under subpart H will serve as a minimum requirement...

  15. Glaucoma and disability: which tasks are affected, and at what stage of disease?

    PubMed

    Ramulu, Pradeep

    2009-03-01

    To summarize recent work from clinical and epidemiological studies that describe how, and at what stage, glaucoma affects the performance of important vision-related activities. Difficulties with the extremes of lighting are the most frequent complaint in glaucoma. Individuals with bilateral glaucoma also self-report difficulty with a broad array of tasks, including reading, walking, and driving. Bilateral glaucoma is associated with driving cessation and limitation, bumping into objects, slower walking, and falls. Some, but not all, studies also demonstrate higher accident rates in glaucoma. Measurable effects on reading speed have only been observed with field damage severe enough to affect binocular central acuity. Glaucoma with bilateral visual field loss is associated with increased symptoms and a measurable decline in mobility and driving. Further work is necessary to establish whether unilateral glaucoma has a significant impact on patients, to determine whether reading difficulty is common in patients with bilateral glaucoma, and to establish the effects of lighting conditions on task performance in glaucoma.

  16. Experimental and Theoretical Study on Minimum Achievable Foil Thickness during Asymmetric Rolling

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Delin; Liu, Xianghua; Song, Meng; Yu, Hailiang

    2014-01-01

    Parts produced by microforming are becoming ever smaller. Similarly, the foils required in micro-machines are becoming ever thinner. The asymmetric rolling technique is capable of producing foils that are thinner than those produced by the conventional rolling technique. The difference between asymmetric rolling and conventional rolling is the ‘cross-shear’ zone. However, the influence of the cross-shear zone on the minimum achievable foil thickness during asymmetric rolling is still uncertain. In this paper, we report experiments designed to understand this critical influencing factor on the minimum achievable thickness in asymmetric rolling. Results showed that the minimum achievable thickness of rolled foils produced by asymmetric rolling with a rolling speed ratio of 1.3 can be reduced to about 30% of that possible by conventional rolling technique. Furthermore, the minimum achievable thickness during asymmetric rolling could be correlated to the cross-shear ratio, which, in turn, could be related to the rolling speed ratio. From the experimental results, a formula to calculate the minimum achievable thickness was established, considering the parameters cross-shear ratio, friction coefficient, work roll radius, etc. in asymmetric rolling. PMID:25203265

  17. A Review of Research on Driving Styles and Road Safety.

    PubMed

    Sagberg, Fridulv; Selpi; Piccinini, Giulio Francesco Bianchi; Engström, Johan

    2015-11-01

    The aim of this study was to outline a conceptual framework for understanding driving style and, on this basis, review the state-of-the-art research on driving styles in relation to road safety. Previous research has indicated a relationship between the driving styles adopted by drivers and their crash involvement. However, a comprehensive literature review of driving style research is lacking. A systematic literature search was conducted, including empirical, theoretical, and methodological research, on driving styles related to road safety. A conceptual framework was proposed whereby driving styles are viewed in terms of driving habits established as a result of individual dispositions as well as social norms and cultural values. Moreover, a general scheme for categorizing and operationalizing driving styles was suggested. On this basis, existing literature on driving styles and indicators was reviewed. Links between driving styles and road safety were identified and individual and sociocultural factors influencing driving style were reviewed. Existing studies have addressed a wide variety of driving styles, and there is an acute need for a unifying conceptual framework in order to synthesize these results and make useful generalizations. There is a considerable potential for increasing road safety by means of behavior modification. Naturalistic driving observations represent particularly promising approaches to future research on driving styles. Knowledge about driving styles can be applied in programs for modifying driver behavior and in the context of usage-based insurance. It may also be used as a means for driver identification and for the development of driver assistance systems. © 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

  18. The association of minimum wage change on child nutritional status in LMICs: A quasi-experimental multi-country study.

    PubMed

    Ponce, Ninez; Shimkhada, Riti; Raub, Amy; Daoud, Adel; Nandi, Arijit; Richter, Linda; Heymann, Jody

    2017-08-02

    There is recognition that social protection policies such as raising the minimum wage can favourably impact health, but little evidence links minimum wage increases to child health outcomes. We used multi-year data (2003-2012) on national minimum wages linked to individual-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 23 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that had least two DHS surveys to establish pre- and post-observation periods. Over a pre- and post-interval ranging from 4 to 8 years, we examined minimum wage growth and four nutritional status outcomes among children under 5 years: stunting, wasting, underweight, and anthropometric failure. Using a differences-in-differences framework with country and time-fixed effects, a 10% increase in minimum wage growth over time was associated with a 0.5 percentage point decline in stunting (-0.054, 95% CI (-0.084,-0.025)), and a 0.3 percentage point decline in failure (-0.031, 95% CI (-0.057,-0.005)). We did not observe statistically significant associations between minimum wage growth and underweight or wasting. We found similar results for the poorest households working in non-agricultural and non-professional jobs, where minimum wage growth may have the most leverage. Modest increases in minimum wage over a 4- to 8-year period might be effective in reducing child undernutrition in LMICs.

  19. 77 FR 30321 - Proposed Concession Contract for Yellowstone National Park-Alternative Formula for Calculating...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-22

    ... franchise fee payable to the Government that is based upon consideration of the probable value to the... depreciation. Thus, if we use the standard LSI formula to establish the required minimum franchise fee for the... franchise fee that we would establish under the standard LSI formula, this business decision relies on...

  20. Observation of High Transformer Ratio of Shaped Bunch Generated by an Emittance-Exchange Beam Line.

    PubMed

    Gao, Q; Ha, G; Jing, C; Antipov, S P; Power, J G; Conde, M; Gai, W; Chen, H; Shi, J; Wisniewski, E E; Doran, D S; Liu, W; Whiteford, C E; Zholents, A; Piot, P; Baturin, S S

    2018-03-16

    Collinear wakefield acceleration has been long established as a method capable of generating ultrahigh acceleration gradients. Because of the success on this front, recently, more efforts have shifted towards developing methods to raise the transformer ratio (TR). This figure of merit is defined as the ratio of the peak acceleration field behind the drive bunch to the peak deceleration field inside the drive bunch. TR is always less than 2 for temporally symmetric drive bunch distributions and therefore recent efforts have focused on generating asymmetric distributions to overcome this limitation. In this Letter, we report on using the emittance-exchange method to generate a shaped drive bunch to experimentally demonstrate a TR≈5 in a dielectric wakefield accelerator.

  1. Persistent RNA virus infections: do PAMPS drive chronic disease?

    PubMed Central

    McCarthy, Mary K.; Morrison, Thomas E.

    2017-01-01

    Chronic disease associated with persistent RNA virus infections represents a key public health concern. While human immunodeficiency virus-1 and hepatitis C virus are perhaps the most well-known examples of persistent RNA viruses that cause chronic disease, evidence suggests that many other RNA viruses, including re-emerging viruses such as chikungunya virus, Ebola virus and Zika virus, establish persistent infections. The mechanisms by which RNA viruses drive chronic disease are poorly understood. Here, we discuss how the persistence of viral RNA may drive chronic disease manifestations via the activation of RNA sensing pathways. PMID:28214732

  2. Spontaneous dressed-state polarization in the strong driving regime of cavity QED.

    PubMed

    Armen, Michael A; Miller, Anthony E; Mabuchi, Hideo

    2009-10-23

    We utilize high-bandwidth phase-quadrature homodyne measurement of the light transmitted through a Fabry-Perot cavity, driven strongly and on resonance, to detect excess phase noise induced by a single intracavity atom. We analyze the correlation properties and driving-strength dependence of the atom-induced phase noise to establish that it corresponds to the long-predicted phenomenon of spontaneous dressed-state polarization. Our experiment thus provides a demonstration of cavity quantum electrodynamics in the strong-driving regime in which one atom interacts strongly with a many-photon cavity field to produce novel quantum stochastic behavior.

  3. Minimum Transendothelial Electrical Resistance Thresholds for the Study of Small and Large Molecule Drug Transport in a Human in Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model.

    PubMed

    Mantle, Jennifer L; Min, Lie; Lee, Kelvin H

    2016-12-05

    A human cell-based in vitro model that can accurately predict drug penetration into the brain as well as metrics to assess these in vitro models are valuable for the development of new therapeutics. Here, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are differentiated into a polarized monolayer that express blood-brain barrier (BBB)-specific proteins and have transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values greater than 2500 Ω·cm 2 . By assessing the permeabilities of several known drugs, a benchmarking system to evaluate brain permeability of drugs was established. Furthermore, relationships between TEER and permeability to both small and large molecules were established, demonstrating that different minimum TEER thresholds must be achieved to study the brain transport of these two classes of drugs. This work demonstrates that this hPSC-derived BBB model exhibits an in vivo-like phenotype, and the benchmarks established here are useful for assessing functionality of other in vitro BBB models.

  4. Research Study Towards a MEFFV Electric Armament System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-01-01

    CHPSPerf Inputs Parameter Setting Engine Power (kW) 500 per engine Generator Power (kW) 500/generator Traction Motors Power (kW) 500/side # Battery Pack...Cells in Parallel 2 # Motors in Drive Train 2 Max Power of Traction Motors 200 Minimum Engine Power (kW) 50 Optimum Engine Power (kW) 750 Stop... motors . Other options were examined for the energy storage system. Of particular interest in this regard is the use of the CPA flywheel as the load

  5. The European ALMA production antennas: new drive applications for better performances and low cost management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giacomel, L.; Manfrin, C.; Marchiori, G.

    2008-07-01

    From the first application on the VLT Telescopes till today, the linear motor identifies the best solution in terms of quality/cost for any technological application in the astronomical field. Its application also in the radio-astronomy sector with the ALMA project represents a whole of forefront technology, high reliability and minimum maintenance. The adoption of embedded electronics on each motor sector makes it a system at present modular, redundant with resetting of EMC troubles.

  6. High-Risk Driving Behaviors among Adolescent Binge-Drinkers

    PubMed Central

    Marcotte, Thomas D.; Bekman, Nicole M.; Meyer, Rachel A.; Brown, Sandra A.

    2013-01-01

    Background Binge drinking is common among adolescents. Alcohol use, and binge-drinking in particular, has been associated with neurocognitive deficits as well as risk-taking behaviors, which may contribute to negative driving outcomes among adolescents even while sober. Objectives To examine differences in self-reported driving behaviors between adolescent binge-drinkers and a matched sample of controls, including (a) compliance with graduated licensing laws, (b) high risk driving behaviors, and (c) driving outcomes (crashes, traffic tickets). Methods The present study examined driving behaviors and outcomes in adolescent recent binge drinkers (n=21) and demographically and driving history matched controls (n=17), ages 16-18. Results Binge drinkers more frequently violated graduated licensing laws (e.g., driving late at night), and engaged in more “high risk” driving behaviors, such as speeding and using a cell-phone while driving. Binge drinkers had more traffic tickets, crashes and “near crashes” than the control group. In a multivariate analysis, binge drinker status and speeding were the most robust predictors of a crash. Conclusion Binge drinking teens consistently engage in more dangerous driving behaviors and experience more frequent crashes and traffic tickets. They are also less compliant with preventative restrictions placed on youth while they are learning critical safe driving skills. Scientific Significance These findings highlight a need to examine the contribution of underlying traits (such as sensation seeking) and binge-related cognitive changes to these high-risk driving behaviors, which may assist researchers in establishing alternative prevention and policy efforts targeting this population. PMID:22324748

  7. Parkinson's disease and driving ability

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Rajiv; Pentland, Brian; Hunter, John; Provan, Frances

    2007-01-01

    Objectives To explore the driving problems associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to ascertain whether any clinical features or tests predict driver safety. Methods The driving ability of 154 individuals with PD referred to a driving assessment centre was determined by a combination of clinical tests, reaction times on a test rig and an in‐car driving test. Results The majority of cases (104, 66%) were able to continue driving although 46 individuals required an automatic transmission and 10 others needed car modifications. Ability to drive was predicted by the severity of physical disease, age, presence of other associated medical conditions, particularly dementia, duration of disease, brake reaction, time on a test rig and score on a driving test (all p<0.001). The level of drug treatment and the length of driving history were not correlated. Discriminant analysis revealed that the most important features in distinguishing safety to drive were severe physical disease (Hoehn and Yahr stage 3), reaction time, moderate disease associated with another medical condition and high score on car testing. Conclusions Most individuals with PD are safe to drive, although many benefit from car modifications or from using an automatic transmission. A combination of clinical tests and in‐car driving assessment will establish safety to drive, and a number of clinical correlates can be shown to predict the likely outcome and may assist in the decision process. This is the largest series of consecutive patients seen at a driving assessment centre reported to date, and the first to devise a scoring system for on‐road driving assessment. PMID:17178820

  8. Effect of a powered drive on pushing and pulling forces when transporting bariatric hospital beds.

    PubMed

    Wiggermann, Neal

    2017-01-01

    Powered drives designed to assist with moving hospital beds are commercially available but no studies have evaluated whether they reduce the push and pull forces likely contributing to injury in caregivers. This study measured hand forces of 10 caregivers maneuvering a manual and powered bariatric bed through simulated hospital environments (hallway, elevator, and ramp). Peak push and pull forces exceeded previously established psychophysical limits for all activities with the manual bed. For the powered bed, peak forces were significantly (p < 0.05) lower for all tasks, and below psychophysical limits. Powered drive reduced peak forces between 38% (maneuvering into elevator) and 94% (descending ramp). Powered drive also reduced stopping distance by 55%. When maneuvering, the integral of hand force was 34% lower with powered drive, but average forces during straight-line pushing did not differ between beds. Powered drive may reduce the risk of injury or the number of caregivers needed for transport. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Microbial diversity from chlorophyll maximum, oxygen minimum and bottom zones in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Medina-Silva, Renata; de Oliveira, Rafael R.; Pivel, Maria A. G.; Borges, Luiz G. A.; Simão, Taiz L. L.; Pereira, Leandro M.; Trindade, Fernanda J.; Augustin, Adolpho H.; Valdez, Fernanda P.; Eizirik, Eduardo; Utz, Laura R. P.; Groposo, Claudia; Miller, Dennis J.; Viana, Adriano R.; Ketzer, João M. M.; Giongo, Adriana

    2018-02-01

    Conspicuous physicochemical vertical stratification in the deep sea is one of the main forces driving microbial diversity in the oceans. Oxygen and sunlight availability are key factors promoting microbial diversity throughout the water column. Ocean currents also play a major role in the physicochemical stratification, carrying oxygen down to deeper zones as well as moving deeper water masses up towards shallower depths. Water samples within a 50-km radius in a pockmark location of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean were collected and the prokaryotic communities from different water depths - chlorophyll maximum, oxygen minimum and deep-sea bottom (down to 1355 m) - were described. At phylum level, Proteobacteria were the most frequent in all water depths, Cyanobacteria were statistically more frequent in chlorophyll maximum zone, while Thaumarchaeota were significantly more abundant in both oxygen minimum and bottom waters. The most frequent microorganism in the chlorophyll maximum and oxygen minimum zones was a Pelagibacteraceae operational taxonomic unit (OTU). At the bottom, the most abundant genus was the archaeon Nitrosopumilus. Beta diversity analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing data uncovered in this study shows high spatial heterogeneity among water zones communities. Our data brings important contribution for the characterisation of oceanic microbial diversity, as it consists of the first description of prokaryotic communities occurring in different oceanic water zones in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

  10. 36 CFR 27.1 - General objectives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... this part are designed and promulgated to establish minimum standards which local zoning bylaws must... commercial and industrial use, other than existing commercial or industrial use not inconsistent with the...

  11. 49 CFR 531.2 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 531.2 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to increase the fuel economy of passenger automobiles by establishing minimum levels of...

  12. 49 CFR 531.2 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 531.2 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to increase the fuel economy of passenger automobiles by establishing minimum levels of...

  13. 49 CFR 531.2 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 531.2 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to increase the fuel economy of passenger automobiles by establishing minimum levels of...

  14. 49 CFR 531.2 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 531.2 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to increase the fuel economy of passenger automobiles by establishing minimum levels of...

  15. 49 CFR 531.2 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... OF TRANSPORTATION PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS § 531.2 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to increase the fuel economy of passenger automobiles by establishing minimum levels of...

  16. Climate drives adaptive genetic responses associated with survival in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Chaney, Lindsay; Richardson, Bryce A.; Germino, Matthew J.

    2017-01-01

    A genecological approach was used to explore genetic variation for survival in Artemisia tridentata(big sagebrush). Artemisia tridentata is a widespread and foundational shrub species in western North America. This species has become extremely fragmented, to the detriment of dependent wildlife, and efforts to restore it are now a land management priority. Common-garden experiments were established at three sites with seedlings from 55 source-populations. Populations included each of the three predominant subspecies, and cytotype variations. Survival was monitored for 5 years to assess differences in survival between gardens and populations. We found evidence of adaptive genetic variation for survival. Survival within gardens differed by source-population and a substantial proportion of this variation was explained by seed climate of origin. Plants from areas with the coldest winters had the highest levels of survival, while populations from warmer and drier sites had the lowest levels of survival. Survival was lowest, 36%, in the garden that was prone to the lowest minimum temperatures. These results suggest the importance of climatic driven genetic differences and their effect on survival. Understanding how genetic variation is arrayed across the landscape, and its association with climate can greatly enhance the success of restoration and conservation.

  17. Biogeochemical modelling of dissolved oxygen in a changing ocean.

    PubMed

    Andrews, Oliver; Buitenhuis, Erik; Le Quéré, Corinne; Suntharalingam, Parvadha

    2017-09-13

    Secular decreases in dissolved oxygen concentration have been observed within the tropical oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) and at mid- to high latitudes over the last approximately 50 years. Earth system model projections indicate that a reduction in the oxygen inventory of the global ocean, termed ocean deoxygenation, is a likely consequence of on-going anthropogenic warming. Current models are, however, unable to consistently reproduce the observed trends and variability of recent decades, particularly within the established tropical OMZs. Here, we conduct a series of targeted hindcast model simulations using a state-of-the-art global ocean biogeochemistry model in order to explore and review biases in model distributions of oceanic oxygen. We show that the largest magnitude of uncertainty is entrained into ocean oxygen response patterns due to model parametrization of p CO 2 -sensitive C : N ratios in carbon fixation and imposed atmospheric forcing data. Inclusion of a p CO 2 -sensitive C : N ratio drives historical oxygen depletion within the ocean interior due to increased organic carbon export and subsequent remineralization. Atmospheric forcing is shown to influence simulated interannual variability in ocean oxygen, particularly due to differences in imposed variability of wind stress and heat fluxes.This article is part of the themed issue 'Ocean ventilation and deoxygenation in a warming world'. © 2017 The Author(s).

  18. Biogeochemical modelling of dissolved oxygen in a changing ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Andrews, Oliver; Buitenhuis, Erik; Le Quéré, Corinne; Suntharalingam, Parvadha

    2017-08-01

    Secular decreases in dissolved oxygen concentration have been observed within the tropical oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) and at mid- to high latitudes over the last approximately 50 years. Earth system model projections indicate that a reduction in the oxygen inventory of the global ocean, termed ocean deoxygenation, is a likely consequence of on-going anthropogenic warming. Current models are, however, unable to consistently reproduce the observed trends and variability of recent decades, particularly within the established tropical OMZs. Here, we conduct a series of targeted hindcast model simulations using a state-of-the-art global ocean biogeochemistry model in order to explore and review biases in model distributions of oceanic oxygen. We show that the largest magnitude of uncertainty is entrained into ocean oxygen response patterns due to model parametrization of pCO2-sensitive C : N ratios in carbon fixation and imposed atmospheric forcing data. Inclusion of a pCO2-sensitive C : N ratio drives historical oxygen depletion within the ocean interior due to increased organic carbon export and subsequent remineralization. Atmospheric forcing is shown to influence simulated interannual variability in ocean oxygen, particularly due to differences in imposed variability of wind stress and heat fluxes. This article is part of the themed issue 'Ocean ventilation and deoxygenation in a warming world'.

  19. Go out or stay in? The effects of zero tolerance laws on alcohol use and drinking and driving patterns among college students.

    PubMed

    Liang, Lan; Huang, Jidong

    2008-11-01

    Zero tolerance laws make it illegal per se for anyone under age 21 to drive with any measurable amount of blood alcohol. Although a link has been established between zero tolerance laws and lower motor vehicle fatalities, research has not produced strong evidence on how zero tolerance laws influence individual alcohol use and drinking and driving behaviors. Using a unique data set and a difference-in-difference-in-difference-type research design, we are able to analyze a number of pathways through which zero tolerance laws can work among an important underage population, college students. We find that zero tolerance laws reduce drinking and driving among college students. Further analysis of our detailed alcohol use measures suggests that zero tolerance laws are particularly effective at reducing the probability of driving after drinking for those who reported drinking away from home.

  20. KSC CENTER DIRECTOR ACCEPTS PLAQUE FOR RECORD-SETTING BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRATION DRIVE

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    Kennedy Space Center's Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive Chairman Dr. George A. Martin and Center Director Jay Honeycutt (left to right) accept a plaque from the Leukemia Society of America's Associate Executive Director Martin Bernstine and the American Red Cross' Southeast Regional Director Jeff Koenreich. Representatives from the American Red Cross and the Leukemia Society of America came to KSC to honor those involved in the record-setting Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive held here earlier this year. Over 900 potential donors were added to the National Bone Marrow Registry as a result of the KSC drive. The drive established a new record for the most people registered in a single day for the American Red Cross in the three state region of which Florida is a part.

  1. Using driving simulators to assess driving safety.

    PubMed

    Boyle, Linda Ng; Lee, John D

    2010-05-01

    Changes in drivers, vehicles, and roadways pose substantial challenges to the transportation safety community. Crash records and naturalistic driving data are useful for examining the influence of past or existing technology on drivers, and the associations between risk factors and crashes. However, they are limited because causation cannot be established and technology not yet installed in production vehicles cannot be assessed. Driving simulators have become an increasingly widespread tool to understand evolving and novel technologies. The ability to manipulate independent variables in a randomized, controlled setting also provides the added benefit of identifying causal links. This paper introduces a special issue on simulator-based safety studies. The special issue comprises 25 papers that demonstrate the use of driving simulators to address pressing transportation safety problems and includes topics as diverse as neurological dysfunction, work zone design, and driver distraction. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Assessing Cognitive Ability and Simulator-Based Driving Performance in Poststroke Adults

    PubMed Central

    Falkmer, Torbjörn; Willstrand, Tania Dukic

    2017-01-01

    Driving is an important activity of daily living, which is increasingly relied upon as the population ages. It has been well-established that cognitive processes decline following a stroke and these processes may influence driving performance. There is much debate on the use of off-road neurological assessments and driving simulators as tools to predict driving performance; however, the majority of research uses unlicensed poststroke drivers, making the comparability of poststroke adults to that of a control group difficult. It stands to reason that in order to determine whether simulators and cognitive assessments can accurately assess driving performance, the baseline should be set by licenced drivers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess differences in cognitive ability and driving simulator performance in licensed community-dwelling poststroke drivers and controls. Two groups of licensed drivers (37 poststroke and 43 controls) were assessed using several cognitive tasks and using a driving simulator. The poststroke adults exhibited poorer cognitive ability; however, there were no differences in simulator performance between groups except that the poststroke drivers demonstrated less variability in driver headway. The application of these results as a prescreening toolbox for poststroke drivers is discussed. PMID:28559646

  3. Timeframe for return to driving for patients with minimally invasive knee arthroplasty is associated with knee performance on functional tests

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background This study hopes to establish the timeframe for a safe return to driving under different speed conditions for patients after minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty and further explores how well various kinds of functional tests on knee performance can predict the patients’ braking ability. Methods 14 patients with right knee osteoarthritis were included in the present study and instructed to perform three simulated driving tasks at preoperative, 2 weeks postoperative and 4 weeks postoperative. Results The results showed that the total braking time at 4 week postoperative has attained the preoperative level at the driving speed 50 and 70 km/hr but not at the driving speed 90 km/hr. It had significantly improving in knee reaction time and maximum isometric force at 4 weeks postoperative. Besides, there was a moderate to high correlation between the scores of the step counts and the total braking time. Conclusions Summary, it is recommended that driving may be resumed 4 weeks after a right knee replacement but had to drive at low or moderate speed and the best predictor of safety driving is step counts. PMID:24913312

  4. Applications of film thickness equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hamrock, B. J.; Dowson, D.

    1983-01-01

    A number of applications of elastohydrodynamic film thickness expressions were considered. The motion of a steel ball over steel surfaces presenting varying degrees of conformity was examined. The equation for minimum film thickness in elliptical conjunctions under elastohydrodynamic conditions was applied to roller and ball bearings. An involute gear was also introduced, it was again found that the elliptical conjunction expression yielded a conservative estimate of the minimum film thickness. Continuously variable-speed drives like the Perbury gear, which present truly elliptical elastohydrodynamic conjunctions, are favored increasingly in mobile and static machinery. A representative elastohydrodynamic condition for this class of machinery is considered for power transmission equipment. The possibility of elastohydrodynamic films of water or oil forming between locomotive wheels and rails is examined. The important subject of traction on the railways is attracting considerable attention in various countries at the present time. The final example of a synovial joint introduced the equation developed for isoviscous-elastic regimes of lubrication.

  5. Annual maximum and minimum lake levels for Indiana, 1942-85

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fowler, Kathleen K.

    1988-01-01

    Indiana has many natural and manmade lakes. Lake-level data are available for 217 lakes. These data were collected during water years 1942-85 by use of staff gages and, more recently, continuous recorders. The period of record at each site ranges from 1 to 43 years. Data from the lake stations have been compiled, and maximum and minimum lake levels for each year of record are reported. In addition to annual maximum and minimum lake levels, each lake station is described by gage location, surface area, drainage area, period of record, datum of gage, gage type, established legal level, lake level control, inlets and outlets, and extremes for the period of record. 

  6. Minimum savings requirements in shared savings provider payment.

    PubMed

    Pope, Gregory C; Kautter, John

    2012-11-01

    Payer (insurer) sharing of savings is a way of motivating providers of medical services to reduce cost growth. A Medicare shared savings program is established for accountable care organizations in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. However, savings created by providers cannot be distinguished from the normal (random) variation in medical claims costs, setting up a classic principal-agent problem. To lessen the likelihood of paying undeserved bonuses, payers may pay bonuses only if observed savings exceed minimum levels. We study the trade-off between two types of errors in setting minimum savings requirements: paying bonuses when providers do not create savings and not paying bonuses when providers create savings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  7. NCDOT : bridge policy

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1994-11-01

    NCDOTs Bridge Policy establishes controlling design elements for new and reconstructed bridges on the state road system. It includes information to address sidewalks and bicycle facilities on bridges, including minimum handrail heights and sidewal...

  8. Model Development for Risk Assessment of Driving on Freeway under Rainy Weather Conditions

    PubMed Central

    Cai, Xiaonan; Wang, Chen; Chen, Shengdi; Lu, Jian

    2016-01-01

    Rainy weather conditions could result in significantly negative impacts on driving on freeways. However, due to lack of enough historical data and monitoring facilities, many regions are not able to establish reliable risk assessment models to identify such impacts. Given the situation, this paper provides an alternative solution where the procedure of risk assessment is developed based on drivers’ subjective questionnaire and its performance is validated by using actual crash data. First, an ordered logit model was developed, based on questionnaire data collected from Freeway G15 in China, to estimate the relationship between drivers’ perceived risk and factors, including vehicle type, rain intensity, traffic volume, and location. Then, weighted driving risk for different conditions was obtained by the model, and further divided into four levels of early warning (specified by colors) using a rank order cluster analysis. After that, a risk matrix was established to determine which warning color should be disseminated to drivers, given a specific condition. Finally, to validate the proposed procedure, actual crash data from Freeway G15 were compared with the safety prediction based on the risk matrix. The results show that the risk matrix obtained in the study is able to predict driving risk consistent with actual safety implications, under rainy weather conditions. PMID:26894434

  9. Passive Assessment of Routine Driving with Unobtrusive Sensors: A New Approach for Identifying and Monitoring Functional Level in Normal Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment

    PubMed Central

    Seelye, Adriana; Mattek, Nora; Sharma, Nicole; Witter, Phelps; Brenner, Ariella; Wild, Katherine; Dodge, Hiroko; Kaye, Jeffrey

    2017-01-01

    Background Driving is a key functional activity for many older adults, and changes in routine driving may be associated with emerging cognitive decline due to early neurodegenerative disease. Current methods for assessing driving such as self-report are inadequate for identifying and monitoring subtle changes in driving patterns that may be the earliest signals of functional change in developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective This proof of concept study aimed to establish the feasibility of continuous driving monitoring in a sample of cognitively normal and MCI older adults for an average of 206 days using an unobtrusive driving sensor and demonstrate that derived sensor-based driving metrics could effectively discriminate between MCI and cognitively intact groups. Methods Novel objective driving measures derived from 6 months of routine driving monitoring were examined in older adults with intact cognition (n = 21) and MCI (n = 7) who were enrolled in the Oregon Center for Aging and Technology (ORCATECH) longitudinal assessment program. Results Unobtrusive continuous monitoring of older adults’ routine driving using a driving sensor was feasible and well accepted. MCI participants drove fewer miles and spent less time on the highway per day than cognitively intact participants. MCI drivers showed less day-to-day fluctuations in their driving habits than cognitively intact drivers. Conclusion Sensor-based driving measures are objective, unobtrusive, and can be assessed every time a person drives his or her vehicle to identify clinically meaningful changes in daily driving. This novel methodology has the potential to be useful for the early detection and monitoring of changes in daily functioning within individuals. PMID:28731434

  10. Support for stroke patients in resumption of driving: patient survey and driving simulator trial

    PubMed Central

    Hitosugi, Masahito; Takehara, Itaru; Watanabe, Shu; Hayashi, Yasufumi; Tokudome, Shogo

    2011-01-01

    Background: Encouragement of stroke patients to resume driving is important to promote their reintegration into the community. Limited rehabilitation has been performed in this regard, owing to lack of specific knowledge on the part of medical staff. To establish an effective support program for stroke patients who wish to resume driving, we propose comprehensive training by medical staff using a driving simulator. Methods: A survey of stroke patients admitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Rehabilitation Hospital was first performed. A questionnaire was sent to 525 patients. Of 218 responses, the answers of 118 patients who had been driving before their stroke were analyzed. More than 80% of stroke patients did not obtain enough information about resuming driving during their hospital stay, and 38.1% of patients would have liked to have had driving training with a simulator. From these results, we set out to determine the effect of driving training using a realistic and technically advanced driving simulator. Twenty-four stroke patients and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Results: Repeat training with the simulator resulted in an increased ability to perform braking and an improvement in driving ability. The majority of stroke patients who had the mental and physical ability to drive a car were likely to be assessed as being able to resume driving as a result of the training program. Conclusion: This study indicates that comprehensive support by medical staff and provision of adequate information about resumption of driving and the opportunity for training on a driving simulator are likely to aid resumption of driving by stroke patients, thus enhancing their rehabilitation and social reintegration. PMID:21475633

  11. Motorized mobility scooters – The use of training/intervention and technology for improving driving skills in aging adults - A Mini-Review

    PubMed Central

    Toosizadeh, Nima; Bunting, Matthew; Howe, Carol; Mohler, Jane; Sprinkle, Jonathan; Najafi, Bijan

    2014-01-01

    Background Motorized mobility scooters (MMS) have become the most acceptable powered assistive device for those with impaired mobility, who have sufficient upper body strength and dexterity, and postural stability. Although several benefits have been attributed to MMS usage, there are likewise risks of use, including injuries and even deaths. Objective The aim of the current review was to summarize results from clinical studies regarding the enhancement of MMS driver safety with a primary focus on improving driving skills/performance using clinical approaches. We addressed three main objectives: 1) to identify and summarize any available evidence (strong, moderate, or weak evidence based on the quality of studies) regarding improved driving skills/performance following training/intervention; 2) to identify types of driving skills/performance that might be improved by training/intervention; and 3) to identify the use of technology in improving MMS performance or training procedure. Methods Articles were searched for in the following medical and engineering electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, EI Compendix, IEEE Explore, and REHABDATA. Inclusion criteria included: aging adults or those with ambulatory problems; intervention or targeted training; and clinical trial. Outcomes included: MMS skills/performance. Results Six articles met the inclusion criteria and are analyzed in this review. Four of the six articles contained training approaches for MMS drivers including skill trainings using real MMS inside and outside (i.e., in community) and in a 3D virtual environment. The other two studies contain infrastructural assessments (i.e., the minimum space required for safe maneuverability of MMS users) and additional mobility assistance tools to improve maneuverability and to enhance driving performance. Conclusions Results from the current review showed improved driving skills/performance by training, infrastructural assessments, and incorporating mobility assistance tools. MMS driving skills that can be improved through driver training include: weaving, negotiating with and avoiding pedestrian interference, simultaneous reading of signs and obstacle avoidance in path, level driving, forward and reverse driving, figure 8s, turning in place, crossing left slope, maneuvering down a 2-inch curb, and driving up and down inclines. However, several limitations exist in the available literature regarding evidence of improved driving skills/performance following training/intervention, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups and statistical analysis. PMID:24481257

  12. Get the Message: A Teen Distracted Driving Program.

    PubMed

    Adeola, Ruth; Omorogbe, Ashleigh; Johnson, Abree

    Elimination of distracted driving is becoming a public health priority. Each day, an average of 8 people are killed due to a distracted driver in the United Sates. Although all drivers are at risk, research has indicated that teenage drivers are overrepresented in motor vehicle crashes due to distracted driving. Teenage drivers are hindered by limited driving experience, and the illusion of invincibility is a common phase in social and cognitive adolescent development. "Get the Message: A Teenage Distracted Driving Program" was established at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center to identify, define, and measure the factors that contribute to distracted driving in teens. A convenience sample of 1,238 teenagers in this study represented all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and 21 other countries. At the beginning of each program, a presurvey is administered to assess baseline behavior, attitude, and knowledge regarding distracted driving. After completing the program, teens complete a postsurvey to measure proposed changes in driving behaviors, attitude, and knowledge. The program employs the use of a slide presentation, hospital tour, video, and survivor's testimony to influence teen driving behaviors and increase knowledge. Research has indicated that an increase in the Health Belief Model constructs may enhance engagement in health-promoting behaviors, such as safe driving practices in teens. Based on the postsurvey results, the reduction in projected phone use while driving in this teen population indicates the effectiveness of this hospital-based teen distracted driving program.

  13. Examining the aging process through the stress-coping framework: application to driving cessation in later life

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Moon; Adams, Kathryn Betts; Mezuk, Briana

    2017-01-01

    The aging process is marked by a series of transitions that influence multiple domains of well-being. One important transition for older adults is the process of driving cessation. Numerous studies have examined risk factors for driving cessation among older adults to identify at-risk older drivers for road safety. Recent research has focused on the consequences of driving cessation in later life for health and well-being. However, these reports have been largely empirical and are not drawn from a defined conceptual framework. Establishing a theoretical model of ‘how driving cessation interacts with other processes and domains of aging’ will promote synthesis of seemingly disparate findings and also link the empirical research on cessation to the broader field of gerontology. This article describes a conceptual model for articulating and examining the components of the driving cessation process based on the stress-coping paradigm. This model situates driving cessation within the context of exogenous stressors, individual vulnerabilities and coping strategies, and environmental hazards and buffers over the lifespan. This model could assist in guiding intervention strategies aimed at reducing premature driving cessation in older drivers with ameliorable impairments while assisting at-risk older drivers to reduce or stop driving in a less stressful way. PMID:21702704

  14. The need for drugged driving per se laws: a commentary.

    PubMed

    DuPont, Robert L; Voas, Robert B; Walsh, J Michael; Shea, Corinne; Talpins, Stephen K; Neil, Mark M

    2012-01-01

    Triggered by the new federal commitment announced by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONCDP) to encourage states to enact drugged driving per se laws, this article reviews the reasons to establish such laws and the issues that may arise when trying to enforce them. A review of the state of drunk driving per se laws and their implications for drugged driving is presented, with a review of impaired driving enforcement procedures and drug testing technology. Currently, enforcement of drugged driving laws is an adjunct to the enforcement of laws regarding alcohol impairment. Drivers are apprehended when showing signs of alcohol intoxication and only in the relatively few cases where the blood alcohol concentration of the arrested driver does not account for the observed behavior is the possibility of drug impairment pursued. In most states, the term impaired driving covers both alcohol and drug impairment; thus, driver conviction records may not distinguish between the two different sources of impairment. As a result, enforcement statistics do not reflect the prevalence of drugged driving. Based on the analysis presented, this article recommends a number of steps that can be taken to evaluate current drugged driving enforcement procedures and to move toward the enactment of drug per se laws.

  15. Examining the aging process through the stress-coping framework: application to driving cessation in later life.

    PubMed

    Choi, Moon; Adams, Kathryn Betts; Mezuk, Briana

    2012-01-01

    The aging process is marked by a series of transitions that influence multiple domains of well-being. One important transition for older adults is the process of driving cessation. Numerous studies have examined risk factors for driving cessation among older adults to identify at-risk older drivers for road safety. Recent research has focused on the consequences of driving cessation in later life for health and well-being. However, these reports have been largely empirical and are not drawn from a defined conceptual framework. Establishing a theoretical model of 'how driving cessation interacts with other processes and domains of aging' will promote synthesis of seemingly disparate findings and also link the empirical research on cessation to the broader field of gerontology. This article describes a conceptual model for articulating and examining the components of the driving cessation process based on the stress-coping paradigm. This model situates driving cessation within the context of exogenous stressors, individual vulnerabilities and coping strategies, and environmental hazards and buffers over the lifespan. This model could assist in guiding intervention strategies aimed at reducing premature driving cessation in older drivers with ameliorable impairments while assisting at-risk older drivers to reduce or stop driving in a less stressful way.

  16. Population distributions of time to collision at brake application during car following from naturalistic driving data.

    PubMed

    Kusano, Kristofer D; Chen, Rong; Montgomery, Jade; Gabler, Hampton C

    2015-09-01

    Forward collision warning (FCW) systems are designed to mitigate the effects of rear-end collisions. Driver acceptance of these systems is crucial to their success, as perceived "nuisance" alarms may cause drivers to disable the systems. In order to make customizable FCW thresholds, system designers need to quantify the variation in braking behavior in the driving population. The objective of this study was to quantify the time to collision (TTC) that drivers applied the brakes during car following scenarios from a large scale naturalistic driving study (NDS). Because of the large amount of data generated by NDS, an automated algorithm was developed to identify lead vehicles using radar data recorded as part of the study. Using the search algorithm, all trips from 64 drivers from the 100-Car NDS were analyzed. A comparison of the algorithm to 7135 brake applications where the presence of a lead vehicle was manually identified found that the algorithm agreed with the human review 90.6% of the time. This study examined 72,123 trips that resulted in 2.6 million brake applications. Population distributions of the minimum, 1st, and 10th percentiles were computed for each driver in speed ranges between 3 and 60 mph in 10 mph increments. As speed increased, so did the minimum TTC experience by drivers as well as variance in TTC. Younger drivers (18-30) had lower TTC at brake application compared to older drivers (30-51+), especially at speeds between 40 mph and 60 mph. This is one of the first studies to use large scale NDS data to quantify braking behavior during car following. The results of this study can be used to design and evaluate FCW systems and calibrate traffic simulation models. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and National Safety Council. All rights reserved.

  17. Impact factors on expansion of built-up areas in Zhejiang Province, China

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Dong; Zhu, Qiankun; Li, Yan; Gong, Fang

    2017-10-01

    Built-up areas are the results of human activities. Not only are they the real reflection of human and society activities, but also one of the most important input parameters for the simulation of biogeochemical cycle. Therefore, it is very necessary to map the distribution of built-up areas and monitor their changes by using new technologies and methods at high spatiotemporal resolution. By combining technologies of GIS (Geographic Information System) and RS (Remote Sensing), this study mainly explored the expansion and driving factors of built-up areas at the beginning of the 21st century in Zhejiang Province, China. Firstly, it introduced the mapping processes of LULC (Land Use and Land Cover) based on the method which combined object-oriented method and binary decision tree. Then, it analyzed the expansion features of built-up areas in Zhejiang from 2000 to 2005 and 2005 to 2010. In addition to these, potential driving factors on the expansion of built-up areas were also explored, which contained physical geographical factors, railways, highways, rivers, urban centers, elevation, and slop. Results revealed that the expansions of built-up areas in Zhejiang from 2000 to 2005 and from 2005 to 2010 were very obvious and they showed high levels of variation in spatial heterogeneity. Except those, increased built-up areas with distance to railways, highways, rivers, and urban centers could be fitted with power function (y = a*xb ), with minimum R2 of 0.9507 for urban centers from 2000 to 2005; the increased permillages of built-up areas to mean elevation and mean slop could be fitted with exponential functions (y = a*ebx), with minimum R2 of 0.6657 for mean slop from 2005 to 2010. Besides, government policy could also impact expansion of built-up areas. In a nutshell, a series of conclusions were obtained through this study about the spatial features and driving factors of evolution of built-up areas in Zhejiang from 2000 to 2010.

  18. 29 CFR 779.311 - Employees working in more than one establishment of same employer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... employer. 779.311 Section 779.311 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION... establishment under section 13(a)(2) or (4) is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Act... hand, it may be stated as a general rule that if such an employer employs an employee in the work of...

  19. 49 CFR 195.11 - What is a regulated rural gathering line and what requirements apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... established under § 195.406 corresponding to— (i) A stress level greater than 20-percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the line pipe; or (ii) If the stress level is unknown or the pipeline is not....410. (7) Establish a continuing public education program in compliance with § 195.440 before...

  20. 49 CFR 195.11 - What is a regulated rural gathering line and what requirements apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... established under § 195.406 corresponding to— (i) A stress level greater than 20-percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the line pipe; or (ii) If the stress level is unknown or the pipeline is not....410. (7) Establish a continuing public education program in compliance with § 195.440 before...

  1. 49 CFR 195.11 - What is a regulated rural gathering line and what requirements apply?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... established under § 195.406 corresponding to— (i) A stress level greater than 20-percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the line pipe; or (ii) If the stress level is unknown or the pipeline is not....410. (7) Establish a continuing public education program in compliance with § 195.440 before...

  2. Computation of the target state and feedback controls for time optimal consensus in multi-agent systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mulla, Ameer K.; Patil, Deepak U.; Chakraborty, Debraj

    2018-02-01

    N identical agents with bounded inputs aim to reach a common target state (consensus) in the minimum possible time. Algorithms for computing this time-optimal consensus point, the control law to be used by each agent and the time taken for the consensus to occur, are proposed. Two types of multi-agent systems are considered, namely (1) coupled single-integrator agents on a plane and, (2) double-integrator agents on a line. At the initial time instant, each agent is assumed to have access to the state information of all the other agents. An algorithm, using convexity of attainable sets and Helly's theorem, is proposed, to compute the final consensus target state and the minimum time to achieve this consensus. Further, parts of the computation are parallelised amongst the agents such that each agent has to perform computations of O(N2) run time complexity. Finally, local feedback time-optimal control laws are synthesised to drive each agent to the target point in minimum time. During this part of the operation, the controller for each agent uses measurements of only its own states and does not need to communicate with any neighbouring agents.

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

    Müller, O., E-mail: o.mueller@uni-wuppertal.de; Lützenkirchen-Hecht, D.; Frahm, R.

    A fast X-ray chopper capable of producing ms long X-ray pulses with a typical rise time of few μs was realized. It is ideally suited to investigate the temporal response of X-ray detectors with response times of the order of μs to ms, in particular, any kind of ionization chambers and large area photo diodes. The drive mechanism consists of a brushless DC motor and driver electronics from a common hard disk drive, keeping the cost at an absolute minimum. Due to its simple construction and small dimensions, this chopper operates at home lab based X-ray tubes and synchrotron radiationmore » sources as well. The dynamics of the most important detectors used in time resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy, namely, ionization chambers and Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon photodiodes, were investigated in detail. The results emphasize the applicability of this X-ray chopper.« less

  4. Increased temperature and entropy production in cancer: the role of anti-inflammatory drugs.

    PubMed

    Pitt, Michael A

    2015-02-01

    Some cancers have been shown to have a higher temperature than surrounding normal tissue. This higher temperature is due to heat generated internally in the cancer. The higher temperature of cancer (compared to surrounding tissue) enables a thermodynamic analysis to be carried out. Here I show that there is increased entropy production in cancer compared with surrounding tissue. This is termed excess entropy production. The excess entropy production is expressed in terms of heat flow from the cancer to surrounding tissue and enzymic reactions in the cancer and surrounding tissue. The excess entropy production in cancer drives it away from the stationary state that is characterised by minimum entropy production. Treatments that reduce inflammation (and therefore temperature) should drive a cancer towards the stationary state. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and also thyroxine analogues have been shown (using various criteria) to reduce the progress of cancer.

  5. Fabrication of comb-drive actuators for straining nanostructured suspended graphene.

    PubMed

    Goldsche, Matthias; Verbiest, G J; Khodkov, Tymofiy; Sonntag, Jens; von den Driesch, Nils; Buca, Dan; Stampfer, Christoph

    2018-06-20

    We report on the fabrication and characterization of an optimized comb-drive actuator design for strain-dependent transport measurements on suspended graphene. We fabricate devices from highly p-doped silicon using deep reactive ion etching with a chromium mask. Crucially, we implement a gold layer to reduce the device resistance from ≈51.6 kΩ to ≈236 Ω at room temperature in order to allow for strain-dependent transport measurements. The graphene is integrated by mechanically transferring it directly onto the actuator using a polymethylmethacrylate membrane. Importantly, the integrated graphene can be nanostructured afterwards to optimize device functionality. The minimum feature size of the structured suspended graphene is 30~nm, which allows for interesting device concepts such as mechanically-tunable nanoconstrictions. Finally, we characterize the fabricated devices by measuring the Raman spectrum as well as the a mechanical resonance frequency of an integrated graphene sheet for different strain values. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

  6. Increases in plasma sheet temperature with solar wind driving during substorm growth phases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forsyth, C.; Watt, C. E. J.; Rae, I. J.; Fazakerley, A. N.; Kalmoni, N. M. E.; Freeman, M. P.; Boakes, P. D.; Nakamura, R.; Dandouras, I.; Kistler, L. M.; Jackman, C. M.; Coxon, J. C.; Carr, C. M.

    2014-12-01

    During substorm growth phases, magnetic reconnection at the magnetopause extracts ~1015 J from the solar wind which is then stored in the magnetotail lobes. Plasma sheet pressure increases to balance magnetic flux density increases in the lobes. Here we examine plasma sheet pressure, density, and temperature during substorm growth phases using 9 years of Cluster data (>316,000 data points). We show that plasma sheet pressure and temperature are higher during growth phases with higher solar wind driving, whereas the density is approximately constant. We also show a weak correlation between plasma sheet temperature before onset and the minimum SuperMAG AL (SML) auroral index in the subsequent substorm. We discuss how energization of the plasma sheet before onset may result from thermodynamically adiabatic processes; how hotter plasma sheets may result in magnetotail instabilities, and how this relates to the onset and size of the subsequent substorm expansion phase.

  7. Motorcycle fatalities in Sweden.

    PubMed

    Björnstig, U L; Bylund, P O; Lekander, T; Brorsson, B

    1985-01-01

    An analysis has been made of 129 motorcycle fatalities, 119 men and 10 women, who were killed in 125 accidents during 1979-1981. Sixty-seven of the 125 drivers were teenagers. Twenty-seven drivers had no licence. Ninety-nine riders were killed on sections of roads with a speed limit of 70 km/h or less. More than half of the decreased died in collisions with other vehicles. Eight lost their lives in accidents where an animal, in seven cases a moose, was involved, and six people died in wobbling accidents. The injuries were often multiple and serious, most of the riders died of head or cervical spine injuries (73) or of chest injuries (44). Altogether, 30 riders died in accidents in which people who were under the influence of alcohol were involved. Raising the minimum driving age, minimizing the possibility of illicit driving and elimination of such roadside hazards as poles and trees would reduce the fatality rate.

  8. Increases in plasma sheet temperature with solar wind driving during substorm growth phases

    PubMed Central

    Forsyth, C; Watt, C E J; Rae, I J; Fazakerley, A N; Kalmoni, N M E; Freeman, M P; Boakes, P D; Nakamura, R; Dandouras, I; Kistler, L M; Jackman, C M; Coxon, J C; Carr, C M

    2014-01-01

    During substorm growth phases, magnetic reconnection at the magnetopause extracts ∼1015 J from the solar wind which is then stored in the magnetotail lobes. Plasma sheet pressure increases to balance magnetic flux density increases in the lobes. Here we examine plasma sheet pressure, density, and temperature during substorm growth phases using 9 years of Cluster data (>316,000 data points). We show that plasma sheet pressure and temperature are higher during growth phases with higher solar wind driving, whereas the density is approximately constant. We also show a weak correlation between plasma sheet temperature before onset and the minimum SuperMAG AL (SML) auroral index in the subsequent substorm. We discuss how energization of the plasma sheet before onset may result from thermodynamically adiabatic processes; how hotter plasma sheets may result in magnetotail instabilities, and how this relates to the onset and size of the subsequent substorm expansion phase. PMID:26074645

  9. Increases in plasma sheet temperature with solar wind driving during substorm growth phases.

    PubMed

    Forsyth, C; Watt, C E J; Rae, I J; Fazakerley, A N; Kalmoni, N M E; Freeman, M P; Boakes, P D; Nakamura, R; Dandouras, I; Kistler, L M; Jackman, C M; Coxon, J C; Carr, C M

    2014-12-28

    During substorm growth phases, magnetic reconnection at the magnetopause extracts ∼10 15  J from the solar wind which is then stored in the magnetotail lobes. Plasma sheet pressure increases to balance magnetic flux density increases in the lobes. Here we examine plasma sheet pressure, density, and temperature during substorm growth phases using 9 years of Cluster data (>316,000 data points). We show that plasma sheet pressure and temperature are higher during growth phases with higher solar wind driving, whereas the density is approximately constant. We also show a weak correlation between plasma sheet temperature before onset and the minimum SuperMAG AL (SML) auroral index in the subsequent substorm. We discuss how energization of the plasma sheet before onset may result from thermodynamically adiabatic processes; how hotter plasma sheets may result in magnetotail instabilities, and how this relates to the onset and size of the subsequent substorm expansion phase.

  10. Optimization of self-study room open problem based on green and low-carbon campus construction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Baoyou

    2017-04-01

    The optimization of self-study room open arrangement problem in colleges and universities is conducive to accelerate the fine management of the campus and promote green and low-carbon campus construction. Firstly, combined with the actual survey data, the self-study area and living area were divided into different blocks, and the electricity consumption in each self-study room and distance between different living and studying areas were normalized. Secondly, the minimum of total satisfaction index and the minimum of the total electricity consumption were selected as the optimization targets respectively. The mathematical models of linear programming were established and resolved by LINGO software. The results showed that the minimum of total satisfaction index was 4055.533 and the total minimum electricity consumption was 137216 W. Finally, some advice had been put forward on how to realize the high efficient administration of the study room.

  11. Minimum information about a marker gene sequence (MIMARKS) and minimum information about any (x) sequence (MIxS) specifications

    PubMed Central

    Yilmaz, Pelin; Kottmann, Renzo; Field, Dawn; Knight, Rob; Cole, James R; Amaral-Zettler, Linda; Gilbert, Jack A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Johnston, Anjanette; Cochrane, Guy; Vaughan, Robert; Hunter, Christopher; Park, Joonhong; Morrison, Norman; Rocca-Serra, Philippe; Sterk, Peter; Arumugam, Manimozhiyan; Bailey, Mark; Baumgartner, Laura; Birren, Bruce W; Blaser, Martin J; Bonazzi, Vivien; Booth, Tim; Bork, Peer; Bushman, Frederic D; Buttigieg, Pier Luigi; Chain, Patrick S G; Charlson, Emily; Costello, Elizabeth K; Huot-Creasy, Heather; Dawyndt, Peter; DeSantis, Todd; Fierer, Noah; Fuhrman, Jed A; Gallery, Rachel E; Gevers, Dirk; Gibbs, Richard A; Gil, Inigo San; Gonzalez, Antonio; Gordon, Jeffrey I; Guralnick, Robert; Hankeln, Wolfgang; Highlander, Sarah; Hugenholtz, Philip; Jansson, Janet; Kau, Andrew L; Kelley, Scott T; Kennedy, Jerry; Knights, Dan; Koren, Omry; Kuczynski, Justin; Kyrpides, Nikos; Larsen, Robert; Lauber, Christian L; Legg, Teresa; Ley, Ruth E; Lozupone, Catherine A; Ludwig, Wolfgang; Lyons, Donna; Maguire, Eamonn; Methé, Barbara A; Meyer, Folker; Muegge, Brian; Nakielny, Sara; Nelson, Karen E; Nemergut, Diana; Neufeld, Josh D; Newbold, Lindsay K; Oliver, Anna E; Pace, Norman R; Palanisamy, Giriprakash; Peplies, Jörg; Petrosino, Joseph; Proctor, Lita; Pruesse, Elmar; Quast, Christian; Raes, Jeroen; Ratnasingham, Sujeevan; Ravel, Jacques; Relman, David A; Assunta-Sansone, Susanna; Schloss, Patrick D; Schriml, Lynn; Sinha, Rohini; Smith, Michelle I; Sodergren, Erica; Spor, Aymé; Stombaugh, Jesse; Tiedje, James M; Ward, Doyle V; Weinstock, George M; Wendel, Doug; White, Owen; Whiteley, Andrew; Wilke, Andreas; Wortman, Jennifer R; Yatsunenko, Tanya; Glöckner, Frank Oliver

    2012-01-01

    Here we present a standard developed by the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC) for reporting marker gene sequences—the minimum information about a marker gene sequence (MIMARKS). We also introduce a system for describing the environment from which a biological sample originates. The ‘environmental packages’ apply to any genome sequence of known origin and can be used in combination with MIMARKS and other GSC checklists. Finally, to establish a unified standard for describing sequence data and to provide a single point of entry for the scientific community to access and learn about GSC checklists, we present the minimum information about any (x) sequence (MIxS). Adoption of MIxS will enhance our ability to analyze natural genetic diversity documented by massive DNA sequencing efforts from myriad ecosystems in our ever-changing biosphere. PMID:21552244

  12. Natural migration rates of trees: Global terrestrial carbon cycle implications. Book chapter

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

    Solomon, A.M.

    The paper discusses the forest-ecological processes which constrain the rate of response by forests to rapid future environmental change. It establishes a minimum response time by natural tree populations which invade alien landscapes and reach the status of a mature, closed canopy forest when maximum carbon storage is realized. It considers rare long-distance and frequent short-distance seed transport, seedling and tree establishment, sequential tree and stand maturation, and spread between newly established colonies.

  13. NONLINEAR AND FIBER OPTICS: Transmission of submillimeter laser beams along hollow-core dielectric waveguides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Epishin, V. A.; Maslov, Vyacheslav A.; Ryabykh, V. N.; Svich, V. A.; Topkov, A. N.

    1990-04-01

    Theoretical and experimental investigations are reported of the propagation of axisymmetric linearly polarized laser radiation beams along hollow-core dielectric waveguides. The conditions for transmission with minimum distortion of the complex amplitude and minimum excitation losses are established for beams in the form of Gaussian-Laguerre modes. A scaling relationship is obtained for the attenuation constant of the EH11 mode in glass waveguides acting as transmission lines and for laser cells handling submillimeter wavelengths.

  14. Maximum Kolmogorov-Sinai Entropy Versus Minimum Mixing Time in Markov Chains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mihelich, M.; Dubrulle, B.; Paillard, D.; Kral, Q.; Faranda, D.

    2018-01-01

    We establish a link between the maximization of Kolmogorov Sinai entropy (KSE) and the minimization of the mixing time for general Markov chains. Since the maximisation of KSE is analytical and easier to compute in general than mixing time, this link provides a new faster method to approximate the minimum mixing time dynamics. It could be interesting in computer sciences and statistical physics, for computations that use random walks on graphs that can be represented as Markov chains.

  15. 77 FR 52791 - Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Minimum Regulatory...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-30

    ...The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (collectively, the agencies) are seeking comment on three Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) that would revise and replace the agencies' current capital rules. In this NPR, the agencies are proposing to revise their risk-based and leverage capital requirements consistent with agreements reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) in ``Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems'' (Basel III). The proposed revisions would include implementation of a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement, a higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement, and, for banking organizations subject to the advanced approaches capital rules, a supplementary leverage ratio that incorporates a broader set of exposures in the denominator measure. Additionally, consistent with Basel III, the agencies are proposing to apply limits on a banking organization's capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a specified amount of common equity tier 1 capital in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk- based capital requirements. This NPR also would establish more conservative standards for including an instrument in regulatory capital. As discussed in the proposal, the revisions set forth in this NPR are consistent with section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), which requires the agencies to establish minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements. In connection with the proposed changes to the agencies' capital rules in this NPR, the agencies are also seeking comment on the two related NPRs published elsewhere in today's Federal Register. The two related NPRs are discussed further in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

  16. A holistic framework for design of cost-effective minimum water utilization network.

    PubMed

    Wan Alwi, S R; Manan, Z A; Samingin, M H; Misran, N

    2008-07-01

    Water pinch analysis (WPA) is a well-established tool for the design of a maximum water recovery (MWR) network. MWR, which is primarily concerned with water recovery and regeneration, only partly addresses water minimization problem. Strictly speaking, WPA can only lead to maximum water recovery targets as opposed to the minimum water targets as widely claimed by researchers over the years. The minimum water targets can be achieved when all water minimization options including elimination, reduction, reuse/recycling, outsourcing and regeneration have been holistically applied. Even though WPA has been well established for synthesis of MWR network, research towards holistic water minimization has lagged behind. This paper describes a new holistic framework for designing a cost-effective minimum water network (CEMWN) for industry and urban systems. The framework consists of five key steps, i.e. (1) Specify the limiting water data, (2) Determine MWR targets, (3) Screen process changes using water management hierarchy (WMH), (4) Apply Systematic Hierarchical Approach for Resilient Process Screening (SHARPS) strategy, and (5) Design water network. Three key contributions have emerged from this work. First is a hierarchical approach for systematic screening of process changes guided by the WMH. Second is a set of four new heuristics for implementing process changes that considers the interactions among process changes options as well as among equipment and the implications of applying each process change on utility targets. Third is the SHARPS cost-screening technique to customize process changes and ultimately generate a minimum water utilization network that is cost-effective and affordable. The CEMWN holistic framework has been successfully implemented on semiconductor and mosque case studies and yielded results within the designer payback period criterion.

  17. Into the Past: A Step Towards a Robust Kimberley Rock Art Chronology

    PubMed Central

    Hayward, John

    2016-01-01

    The recent establishment of a minimum age estimate of 39.9 ka for the origin of rock art in Sulawesi has challenged claims that Western Europe was the locus for the production of the world’s earliest art assemblages. Tantalising excavated evidence found across northern Australian suggests that Australia too contains a wealth of ancient art. However, the dating of rock art itself remains the greatest obstacle to be addressed if the significance of Australian assemblages are to be recognised on the world stage. A recent archaeological project in the northwest Kimberley trialled three dating techniques in order to establish chronological markers for the proposed, regional, relative stylistic sequence. Applications using optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) provided nine minimum age estimates for fossilised mudwasp nests overlying a range of rock art styles, while Accelerator Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) results provided an additional four. Results confirm that at least one phase of the northwest Kimberley rock art assemblage is Pleistocene in origin. A complete motif located on the ceiling of a rockshelter returned a minimum age estimate of 16 ± 1 ka. Further, our results demonstrate the inherent problems in relying solely on stylistic classifications to order rock art assemblages into temporal sequences. An earlier than expected minimum age estimate for one style and a maximum age estimate for another together illustrate that the Holocene Kimberley rock art sequence is likely to be far more complex than generally accepted with different styles produced contemporaneously well into the last few millennia. It is evident that reliance on techniques that produce minimum age estimates means that many more dating programs will need to be undertaken before the stylistic sequence can be securely dated. PMID:27579865

  18. Into the Past: A Step Towards a Robust Kimberley Rock Art Chronology.

    PubMed

    Ross, June; Westaway, Kira; Travers, Meg; Morwood, Michael J; Hayward, John

    2016-01-01

    The recent establishment of a minimum age estimate of 39.9 ka for the origin of rock art in Sulawesi has challenged claims that Western Europe was the locus for the production of the world's earliest art assemblages. Tantalising excavated evidence found across northern Australian suggests that Australia too contains a wealth of ancient art. However, the dating of rock art itself remains the greatest obstacle to be addressed if the significance of Australian assemblages are to be recognised on the world stage. A recent archaeological project in the northwest Kimberley trialled three dating techniques in order to establish chronological markers for the proposed, regional, relative stylistic sequence. Applications using optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) provided nine minimum age estimates for fossilised mudwasp nests overlying a range of rock art styles, while Accelerator Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) results provided an additional four. Results confirm that at least one phase of the northwest Kimberley rock art assemblage is Pleistocene in origin. A complete motif located on the ceiling of a rockshelter returned a minimum age estimate of 16 ± 1 ka. Further, our results demonstrate the inherent problems in relying solely on stylistic classifications to order rock art assemblages into temporal sequences. An earlier than expected minimum age estimate for one style and a maximum age estimate for another together illustrate that the Holocene Kimberley rock art sequence is likely to be far more complex than generally accepted with different styles produced contemporaneously well into the last few millennia. It is evident that reliance on techniques that produce minimum age estimates means that many more dating programs will need to be undertaken before the stylistic sequence can be securely dated.

  19. Finite element analysis of ROPS for mechanical driving dump truck cab

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yong; Xie, Heping; Fang, Yuanbin; Feng, Handui; Dong, Lei

    2018-02-01

    For roll-over protective structures (ROPS) in a mechanical driving dump truck cab, it simulates the lateral, vertical and longitudinal loads of ROPS. It obtains stress and deformation of the cab that occurs to roll. For the relative weak position of ROPS in the cab, the structure of the cab is improved and verified according to the ISO 3164: 1995. The results show that the established finite element model can effectively predict the deformation and stress distribution of ROPS, and optimize the weak structure of the cab, which has important guiding significance for structural design of the cab and ROPS optimization of the mechanical driving dump truck cab.

  20. Topographic aspects of photic driving in the electroencephalogram of children and adolescents.

    PubMed

    Lazarev, V V; Infantosi, A F C; Valencio-de-Campos, D; deAzevedo, L C

    2004-06-01

    The electroencephalogram amplitude spectra at 11 fixed frequencies of intermittent photic stimulation of 3 to 24 Hz were combined into driving "profiles" for 14 scalp points in 8 male and 7 female normal subjects aged 9 to 17 years. The driving response varied over frequency and was detected in 70 to 100% of cases in the occipital areas (maximum) and in 27 to 77% of cases in the frontal areas (minimum) using as a criterion peak amplitude 20% higher than those of the neighbors. Each subject responded, on average, to 9.7 +/- 1.15 intermittent photic stimulation frequencies in the right occipital area and to 6.8 +/- 1.97 frequencies in the right frontal area. Most of the driving responses (in relation to the previous background) were significant according to the spectral F-test (alpha = 0.05), which also detected changes in some cases of low amplitude responses not revealed by the peak criterion. The profiles had two maxima in the alpha and theta bands in all leads. The latter was not present in the background spectra in the posterior areas and was less pronounced in the anterior ones. The weight of the profile theta maximum increased towards the frontal areas where the two maxima were similar, while the profile amplitudes decreased. The profiles repeated the shape of the background spectra, except for the theta band. The interhemispheric correlation between profiles was high. The theta driving detected in all areas recorded suggests a generalized influence of the theta generators in prepubertal and pubertal subjects.

  1. Influence of driving cycles on exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of gasoline passenger car in Bangkok.

    PubMed

    Nutramon, Tamsanya; Supachart, Chungpaibulpatana

    2009-01-01

    The influence of different driving cycles on their exhaust emissions and fuel consumption rate of gasoline passenger car was investigated in Bangkok based on the actual measurements obtained from a test vehicle driving on a standard chassis dynamometer. A newly established Bangkok driving cycle (BDC) and the European driving cycle (EDC) which is presently adopted as the legislative cycle for testing automobiles registered in Thailand were used. The newly developed BDC is constructed using the driving characteristic data obtained from the real on-road driving tests along selected traffic routes. A method for selecting appropriate road routes for real driving tests is also introduced. Variations of keyed driving parameters of BDC with different driving cycles were discussed. The results showed that the HC and CO emission factors of BDC are almost two and four times greater than those of EDC, respectively. Although the difference in the NOx emission factor is small, the value from BDC is still greater than that of EDC by 10%. Under BDC, the test vehicle consumes fuel about 25% more than it does under EDC. All these differences are mainly attributed to the greater proportion of idle periods and higher fluctuations of vehicle speed in the BDC cycle. This result indicated that the exhausted emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles obtained from tests under the legislative modal-type driving cycle (EDC) are significantly different from those actually produced under real traffic conditions especially during peak periods.

  2. Process Specification for Eddy Current Inspection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Koshti, Ajay

    2011-01-01

    This process specification establishes the minimum requirements for eddy current inspection of flat surfaces, fastener holes, threaded fasteners and seamless and welded tubular products made from nonmagnetic alloys such as aluminum and stainless steel.

  3. Forensic Science

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cobb, P. G. W.

    1973-01-01

    Summarizes the type of work carried out by forensic chemists and the minimum qualification needed for appointment. Indicates that there are eight Home Office regional forensic science laboratories in addition to the Central Research Establishment at Aldermaston. (CC)

  4. Bioeconomic synergy between tactics for insect eradication in the presence of Allee effects

    Treesearch

    Julie C. ​Blackwood; Ludek Berec; Takehiko Yamanaka; Rebecca S. Epanchin-Niell; Alan Hastings; Andrew M. Liebhold

    2012-01-01

    Preventing the establishment of invading pest species can be beneficial with respect to averting future environmental and economic impacts and also in preventing the accumulation of control costs. Allee effects play an important role in the dynamics of newly established, low-density populations by driving small populations into self-extinction, making Allee effects...

  5. Upper Neogene stratigraphy and tectonics of Death Valley - A review

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Knott, J.R.; Sarna-Wojcicki, A. M.; Machette, M.N.; Klinger, R.E.

    2005-01-01

    New tephrochronologic, soil-stratigraphic and radiometric-dating studies over the last 10 years have generated a robust numerical stratigraphy for Upper Neogene sedimentary deposits throughout Death Valley. Critical to this improved stratigraphy are correlated or radiometrically-dated tephra beds and tuffs that range in age from > 3.58 Ma to < 1.1 ka. These tephra beds and tuffs establish relations among the Upper Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene sedimentary deposits at Furnace Creek basin, Nova basin, Ubehebe-Lake Rogers basin, Copper Canyon, Artists Drive, Kit Fox Hills, and Confidence Hills. New geologic formations have been described in the Confidence Hills and at Mormon Point. This new geochronology also establishes maximum and minimum ages for Quaternary alluvial fans and Lake Manly deposits. Facies associated with the tephra beds show that ???3.3 Ma the Furnace Creek basin was a northwest-southeast-trending lake flanked by alluvial fans. This paleolake extended from the Furnace Creek to Ubehebe. Based on the new stratigraphy, the Death Valley fault system can be divided into four main fault zones: the dextral, Quaternary-age Northern Death Valley fault zone; the dextral, pre-Quaternary Furnace Creek fault zone; the oblique-normal Black Mountains fault zone; and the dextral Southern Death Valley fault zone. Post -3.3 Ma geometric, structural, and kinematic changes in the Black Mountains and Towne Pass fault zones led to the break up of Furnace Creek basin and uplift of the Copper Canyon and Nova basins. Internal kinematics of northern Death Valley are interpreted as either rotation of blocks or normal slip along the northeast-southwest-trending Towne Pass and Tin Mountain fault zones within the Eastern California shear zone. ?? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. The impact of self-driving cars on existing transportation networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ji, Xiang

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, considering the usage of self-driving, I research the congestion problems of traffic networks from both macro and micro levels. Firstly, the macroscopic mathematical model is established using the Greenshields function, analytic hierarchy process and Monte Carlo simulation, where the congestion level is divided into five levels according to the average vehicle speed. The roads with an obvious congestion situation is investigated mainly and the traffic flow and topology of the roads are analyzed firstly. By processing the data, I propose a traffic congestion model. In the model, I assume that half of the non-self-driving cars only take the shortest route and the other half can choose the path randomly. While self-driving cars can obtain vehicle density data of each road and choose the path more reasonable. When the path traffic density exceeds specific value, it cannot be selected. To overcome the dimensional differences of data, I rate the paths by BORDA sorting. The Monte Carlo simulation of Cellular Automaton is used to obtain the negative feedback information of the density of the traffic network, where the vehicles are added into the road network one by one. I then analyze the influence of negative feedback information on path selection of intelligent cars. The conclusion is that the increase of the proportion of intelligent vehicles will make the road load more balanced, and the self-driving cars can avoid the peak and reduce the degree of road congestion. Combined with other models, the optimal self-driving ratio is about sixty-two percent. From the microscopic aspect, by using the single-lane traffic NS rule, another model is established to analyze the road Partition scheme. The self-driving traffic is more intelligent, and their cooperation can reduce the random deceleration probability. By the model, I get the different self-driving ratio of space-time distribution. I also simulate the case of making a lane separately for self-driving, compared to the former model. It is concluded that a single lane is more efficient in a certain interval. However, it is not recommended to offer a lane separately. However, the self-driving also faces the problem of hacker attacks and greater damage after fault. So, when self-driving ratio is higher than a certain value, the increase of traffic flow rate is small. In this article, that value is discussed, and the optimal proportion is determined. Finally, I give a nontechnical explanation of the problem.

  7. Exciplexes versus Loose Ion Pairs: How Does the Driving Force Impact the Initial Product Ratio of Photoinduced Charge Separation Reactions?

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Many donor–acceptor systems can undergo a photoinduced charge separation reaction, yielding loose ion pairs (LIPs). LIPs can be formed either directly via (distant) electron transfer (ET) or indirectly via the dissociation of an initially formed exciplex or tight ion pair. Establishing the prevalence of one of the reaction pathways is challenging because differentiating initially formed exciplexes from LIPs is difficult due to similar spectroscopic footprints. Hence, no comprehensive reaction model has been established for moderately polar solvents. Here, we employ an approach based on the time-resolved magnetic field effect (MFE) of the delayed exciplex luminescence to distinguish the two reaction channels. We focus on the effects of the driving force of ET and the solvent permittivity. We show that, surprisingly, the exciplex channel is significant even for an exergonic ET system with a free energy of ET of −0.58 eV and for the most polar solutions studied (butyronitrile). Our findings demonstrate that exciplexes play a crucial role even in polar solvents and at moderate driving forces, contrary to what is usually assumed. PMID:25243054

  8. Stockpile Model of Personal Protective Equipment in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yu-Ju; Chiang, Po-Jung; Cheng, Yu-Hsin; Huang, Chun-Wei; Kao, Hui-Yun; Chang, Chih-Kai; Huang, Hsun-Miao; Liu, Pei-Yin; Wang, Jen-Hsin; Chih, Yi-Chien; Chou, Shu-Mei; Yang, Chin-Hui; Chen, Chang-Hsun

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has established a 3-tier personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiling framework that could maintain a minimum stockpile for the surge demand of PPE in the early stage of a pandemic. However, PPE stockpiling efforts must contend with increasing storage fees and expiration problems. In 2011, the Taiwan CDC initiated a stockpile replacement model in order to optimize the PPE stockpiling efficiency, ensure a minimum stockpile, use the government's limited funds more effectively, and achieve the goal of sustainable management. This stockpile replacement model employs a first-in-first-out principle in which the oldest stock in the central government stockpile is regularly replaced and replenished with the same amount of new and qualified products, ensuring the availability and maintenance of the minimum stockpiles. In addition, a joint electronic procurement platform has been established for merchandising the replaced PPE to local health authorities and medical and other institutions for their routine or epidemic use. In this article, we describe the PPE stockpile model in Taiwan, including the 3-tier stockpiling framework, the operational model, the components of the replacement system, implementation outcomes, epidemic supports, and the challenges and prospects of this model.

  9. Population demographics and genetic diversity in remnant and translocated populations of sea otters

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bodkin, James L.; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Cronin, M.A.; Scribner, K.T.

    1999-01-01

    The effects of small population size on genetic diversity and subsequent population recovery are theoretically predicted, but few empirical data are available to describe those relations. We use data from four remnant and three translocated sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations to examine relations among magnitude and duration of minimum population size, population growth rates, and genetic variation. Metochondrial (mt)DNA haplotype diversity was correlated with the number of years at minimum population size (r = -0.741, p = 0.038) and minimum population size (r = 0.709, p = 0.054). We found no relation between population growth and haplotype diversity, altough growth was significantly greater in translocated than in remnant populations. Haplotype diversity in populations established from two sources was higher than in a population established from a single source and was higher than in the respective source populations. Haplotype frequencies in translocated populations of founding sizes of 4 and 28 differed from expected, indicating genetic drift and differential reproduction between source populations, whereas haplotype frequencies in a translocated population with a founding size of 150 did not. Relations between population demographics and genetic characteristics suggest that genetic sampling of source and translocated populations can provide valuable inferences about translocations.

  10. Stockpile Model of Personal Protective Equipment in Taiwan

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yu-Ju; Cheng, Yu-Hsin; Huang, Chun-Wei; Kao, Hui-Yun; Chang, Chih-Kai; Huang, Hsun-Miao; Liu, Pei-Yin; Wang, Jen-Hsin; Chih, Yi-Chien; Chou, Shu-Mei; Yang, Chin-Hui; Chen, Chang-Hsun

    2017-01-01

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has established a 3-tier personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiling framework that could maintain a minimum stockpile for the surge demand of PPE in the early stage of a pandemic. However, PPE stockpiling efforts must contend with increasing storage fees and expiration problems. In 2011, the Taiwan CDC initiated a stockpile replacement model in order to optimize the PPE stockpiling efficiency, ensure a minimum stockpile, use the government's limited funds more effectively, and achieve the goal of sustainable management. This stockpile replacement model employs a first-in-first-out principle in which the oldest stock in the central government stockpile is regularly replaced and replenished with the same amount of new and qualified products, ensuring the availability and maintenance of the minimum stockpiles. In addition, a joint electronic procurement platform has been established for merchandising the replaced PPE to local health authorities and medical and other institutions for their routine or epidemic use. In this article, we describe the PPE stockpile model in Taiwan, including the 3-tier stockpiling framework, the operational model, the components of the replacement system, implementation outcomes, epidemic supports, and the challenges and prospects of this model. PMID:28418743

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

    Guha, Saikat; Shapiro, Jeffrey H.; Erkmen, Baris I.

    Previous work on the classical information capacities of bosonic channels has established the capacity of the single-user pure-loss channel, bounded the capacity of the single-user thermal-noise channel, and bounded the capacity region of the multiple-access channel. The latter is a multiple-user scenario in which several transmitters seek to simultaneously and independently communicate to a single receiver. We study the capacity region of the bosonic broadcast channel, in which a single transmitter seeks to simultaneously and independently communicate to two different receivers. It is known that the tightest available lower bound on the capacity of the single-user thermal-noise channel is thatmore » channel's capacity if, as conjectured, the minimum von Neumann entropy at the output of a bosonic channel with additive thermal noise occurs for coherent-state inputs. Evidence in support of this minimum output entropy conjecture has been accumulated, but a rigorous proof has not been obtained. We propose a minimum output entropy conjecture that, if proved to be correct, will establish that the capacity region of the bosonic broadcast channel equals the inner bound achieved using a coherent-state encoding and optimum detection. We provide some evidence that supports this conjecture, but again a full proof is not available.« less

  12. Tripropellant engine study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wheeler, D. B.

    1977-01-01

    Work conducted was devoted to three main tasks. Thermochemical equilibrium performance data were assembled to establish the expected performance calculations of the mode 1 engine propellant combinations and thermodynamic and transport data for the products of combustion. Turbine drive gas characteristics were also established. Thrust chamber and nozzle cooling studies were devoted to the evaluation of H2, C3H8, CH4, and RP-1 as coolants in the existing SSME cooling circuit geometry. It was found that all these candidate coolants are feasible without limiting the desired operating conditions with the exception of RP-1, which would limit the maximum P(c) to 2000 psia. RP-1 could be used, however, to cool the nozzle only without imposing the chamber pressure limit. A total of 15 candidate engine system cycles were selected and a preliminary engine system balance was conducted for 12 of these systems to establish component operating flowrates, pressures and temperatures. It was found that the staged combustion cycles employing fuel rich LOX/hydrocarbon turbine drive gases are power limited.

  13. Minimum Detectable Dose as a Measure of Bioassay Programme Capability

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

    Carbaugh, Eugene H.

    2003-01-01

    This paper suggests that minimum detectable dose (MDD) be used to describe the capability of bioassay programs for which intakes are expected to be rare. This allows expression of the capability in units that correspond directly to primary dose limits. The concept uses the well-established analytical statistic minimum detectable amount (MDA) as the starting point and assumes MDA detection at a prescribed time post intake. The resulting dose can then be used as an indication of the adequacy or capability of the program for demonstrating compliance with the performance criteria. MDDs can be readily tabulated or plotted to demonstrate themore » effectiveness of different types of monitoring programs. The inclusion of cost factors for bioassay measurements can allow optimisation.« less

  14. Minimum detectable dose as a measure of bioassay programme capability.

    PubMed

    Carbaugh, E H

    2003-01-01

    This paper suggests that minimum detectable dose (MDD) be used to describe the capability of bioassay programmes for which intakes are expected to be rare. This allows expression of the capability in units that correspond directly to primary dose limits. The concept uses the well established analytical statistic minimum detectable amount (MDA) as the starting point, and assumes MDA detection at a prescribed time post-intake. The resulting dose can then be used as an indication of the adequacy or capability of the programme for demonstrating compliance with the performance criteria. MDDs can be readily tabulated or plotted to demonstrate the effectiveness of different types of monitoring programmes. The inclusion of cost factors for bioassay measurements can allow optimisation.

  15. Flow convergence caused by a salinity minimum in a tidal channel

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Warner, John C.; Schoellhamer, David H.; Burau, Jon R.; Schladow, S. Geoffrey

    2006-01-01

    Residence times of dissolved substances and sedimentation rates in tidal channels are affected by residual (tidally averaged) circulation patterns. One influence on these circulation patterns is the longitudinal density gradient. In most estuaries the longitudinal density gradient typically maintains a constant direction. However, a junction of tidal channels can create a local reversal (change in sign) of the density gradient. This can occur due to a difference in the phase of tidal currents in each channel. In San Francisco Bay, the phasing of the currents at the junction of Mare Island Strait and Carquinez Strait produces a local salinity minimum in Mare Island Strait. At the location of a local salinity minimum the longitudinal density gradient reverses direction. This paper presents four numerical models that were used to investigate the circulation caused by the salinity minimum: (1) A simple one-dimensional (1D) finite difference model demonstrates that a local salinity minimum is advected into Mare Island Strait from the junction with Carquinez Strait during flood tide. (2) A three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic finite element model is used to compute the tidally averaged circulation in a channel that contains a salinity minimum (a change in the sign of the longitudinal density gradient) and compares that to a channel that contains a longitudinal density gradient in a constant direction. The tidally averaged circulation produced by the salinity minimum is characterized by converging flow at the bed and diverging flow at the surface, whereas the circulation produced by the constant direction gradient is characterized by converging flow at the bed and downstream surface currents. These velocity fields are used to drive both a particle tracking and a sediment transport model. (3) A particle tracking model demonstrates a 30 percent increase in the residence time of neutrally buoyant particles transported through the salinity minimum, as compared to transport through a constant direction density gradient. (4) A sediment transport model demonstrates increased deposition at the near-bed null point of the salinity minimum, as compared to the constant direction gradient null point. These results are corroborated by historically noted large sedimentation rates and a local maximum of selenium accumulation in clams at the null point in Mare Island Strait.

  16. Sensorimotor and postural control factors associated with driving safety in a community-dwelling older driver population.

    PubMed

    Lacherez, Philippe; Wood, Joanne M; Anstey, Kaarin J; Lord, Stephen R

    2014-02-01

    To establish whether sensorimotor function and balance are associated with on-road driving performance in older adults. The performance of 270 community-living adults aged 70-88 years recruited via the electoral roll was measured on a battery of peripheral sensation, strength, flexibility, reaction time, and balance tests and on a standardized measure of on-road driving performance. Forty-seven participants (17.4%) were classified as unsafe based on their driving assessment. Unsafe driving was associated with reduced peripheral sensation, lower limb weakness, reduced neck range of motion, slow reaction time, and poor balance in univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified poor vibration sensitivity, reduced quadriceps strength, and increased sway on a foam surface with eyes closed as significant and independent risk factors for unsafe driving. These variables classified participants into safe and unsafe drivers with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 70%. A number of sensorimotor and balance measures were associated with driver safety and the multivariate model comprising measures of sensation, strength, and balance was highly predictive of unsafe driving in this sample. These findings highlight important determinants of driver safety and may assist in developing efficacious driver safety strategies for older drivers.

  17. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Marijuana, and Alcohol and Marijuana Combined Among Persons Aged 16-25 Years - United States, 2002-2014.

    PubMed

    Azofeifa, Alejandro; Mattson, Margaret E; Lyerla, Rob

    2015-12-11

    Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among youths and young adults aged 16-25 years in the United States (1). The prevalence of drinking and driving among high school students aged 16-19 years has declined by 54%, from 22.3% in 1991 to 10.3% in 2011 (2). However, the prevalence of weekend nighttime driving under the influence of marijuana (based on biochemical assays) among drivers aged ≥16 years has increased by 48%, from 8.6% in 2007 to 12.6% in 2013-2014 (3). Use of marijuana alone and in combination with alcohol has been shown to impair driving abilities (4-9). This report provides the most recent self-reported national estimates of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and alcohol and marijuana combined among persons aged 16-25 years, using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2002-2014. Prevalence data on driving under the influence of both substances were examined for two age groups (16-20 years and 21-25 years) and by sex and race/ethnicity. During 2002-2014, the prevalence of driving under the influence of alcohol alone significantly declined by 59% among persons aged 16-20 years (from 16.2% in 2002 to 6.6% in 2014; p<0.001) and 38% among persons 21-25 years (from 29.1% in 2002 to 18.1% in 2014; p<0.001). In addition, the prevalence of driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana combined significantly declined by 39%, from 2.3% in 2002 to 1.4% in 2014 (p<0.001) among persons aged 16-20 years and from 3.1% in 2002 to 1.9% in 2014 (p<0.001) among persons aged 21-25 years. The prevalence of driving under the influence of marijuana alone declined 18%, from 3.8% in 2002 to 3.1% in 2014 (p = 0.05) only among persons aged 16-20 years. Effective public safety interventions,* such as minimum legal drinking age laws, prohibition of driving with any alcohol level >0 for persons aged <21 years, targeted mass media campaigns, roadside testing (e.g., sobriety checkpoints), and graduated driver licensing programs (10) have contributed to the decline in driving under the influence of alcohol in this population. These or similar interventions might be useful to prevent driving under the influence of other substances, such as marijuana alone or combined with other substances.

  18. Driving safety among patients with neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope.

    PubMed

    Bhatia, A; Dhala, A; Blanck, Z; Deshpande, S; Akhtar, M; Sra, A J

    1999-11-01

    Neurocardiogenic syncope is one of the most common causes of syncope. However, the important issue of driving related injury due to syncope in this population is not well defined. Risk of injury due to syncope while driving and driving behavior was evaluated in 155 consecutive patients (92 women and 63 men; mean age 49 +/- 19 years) with history of syncope in whom hypotension and syncope or presyncope could be provoked during head-up tilt testing. Patients with syncope and positive head-up tilt table test were treated with pharmacological therapy. All participants were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire regarding any driving related injuries and their driving behavior before tilt table testing and during follow-up. Prior to head-up tilt testing two patients had syncope while driving, and one of these patients had syncope related injury during driving. The mean duration of syncopal episodes was 50 +/- 14 months (range 12-72 months). Of the 155 patients, 52 (34%) had no warning prior to syncope, while 103 (6%) had warning symptoms such as dizziness prior to their clinical syncope. Following a diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope established by head-up tilt testing, six patients stopped driving on their own. During a median follow-up of 22 months recurrent syncope occurred in five (3.2%) patients. No patient had syncope or injury during driving. In conclusion, syncope and injury while driving in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope is rare. The precise mechanism of this is unclear but may be related to posture during driving. Consensus among the medical community will be needed to provide specific guidelines in these patients.

  19. Minimum detectable gas concentration performance evaluation method for gas leak infrared imaging detection systems.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xu; Jin, Weiqi; Li, Jiakun; Wang, Xia; Li, Shuo

    2017-04-01

    Thermal imaging technology is an effective means of detecting hazardous gas leaks. Much attention has been paid to evaluation of the performance of gas leak infrared imaging detection systems due to several potential applications. The minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) and the minimum detectable temperature difference (MDTD) are commonly used as the main indicators of thermal imaging system performance. This paper establishes a minimum detectable gas concentration (MDGC) performance evaluation model based on the definition and derivation of MDTD. We proposed the direct calculation and equivalent calculation method of MDGC based on the MDTD measurement system. We build an experimental MDGC measurement system, which indicates the MDGC model can describe the detection performance of a thermal imaging system to typical gases. The direct calculation, equivalent calculation, and direct measurement results are consistent. The MDGC and the minimum resolvable gas concentration (MRGC) model can effectively describe the performance of "detection" and "spatial detail resolution" of thermal imaging systems to gas leak, respectively, and constitute the main performance indicators of gas leak detection systems.

  20. Confinement of gene drive systems to local populations: A comparative analysis

    PubMed Central

    Marshall, John M.; Hay, Bruce A.

    2011-01-01

    Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever pose a major health problem through much of the world. One approach to disease prevention involves the use of selfish genetic elements to drive disease-refractory genes into wild mosquito populations. Recently engineered synthetic drive systems have provided encouragement for this strategy; but at the same time have been greeted with caution over the concern that transgenes may spread into countries and communities without their consent. Consequently, there is also interest in gene drive systems that, while strong enough to bring about local population replacement, are unable to establish themselves beyond a partially-isolated release site, at least during the testing phase. Here, we develop simple deterministic and stochastic models to compare the confinement properties of a variety of gene drive systems. Our results highlight several systems with desirable features for confinement – a high migration rate required to become established in neighboring populations, and low-frequency persistence in neighboring populations for moderate migration rates. Single-allele underdominance and single-locus engineered underdominance have the strongest confinement properties, but are difficult to engineer and require a high introduction frequency, respectively. Toxin-antidote systems such as Semele, Merea and two-locus engineered underdominance show promising confinement properties and require lower introduction frequencies. Killer-rescue is self-limiting in time, but is able to disperse to significant levels in neighboring populations. We discuss the significance of these results in the context of a phased release of transgenic mosquitoes, and the need for characterization of local ecology prior to a release. PMID:22094363

  1. Human embryonic stem cell lines model experimental human cytomegalovirus latency.

    PubMed

    Penkert, Rhiannon R; Kalejta, Robert F

    2013-05-28

    Herpesviruses are highly successful pathogens that persist for the lifetime of their hosts primarily because of their ability to establish and maintain latent infections from which the virus is capable of productively reactivating. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a betaherpesvirus, establishes latency in CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells during natural infections in the body. Experimental infection of CD34(+) cells ex vivo has demonstrated that expression of the viral gene products that drive productive infection is silenced by an intrinsic immune defense mediated by Daxx and histone deacetylases through heterochromatinization of the viral genome during the establishment of latency. Additional mechanistic details about the establishment, let alone maintenance and reactivation, of HCMV latency remain scarce. This is partly due to the technical challenges of CD34(+) cell culture, most notably, the difficulty in preventing spontaneous differentiation that drives reactivation and renders them permissive for productive infection. Here we demonstrate that HCMV can establish, maintain, and reactivate in vitro from experimental latency in cultures of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), for which spurious differentiation can be prevented or controlled. Furthermore, we show that known molecular aspects of HCMV latency are faithfully recapitulated in these cells. In total, we present ESCs as a novel, tractable model for studies of HCMV latency.

  2. 23 CFR 1275.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration above the permitted limit as established by each State, or an equivalent non-BAC intoxicated driving offense. (d...

  3. Impact of performance goals on the needs of highway infrastructure maintenance.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-07-01

    Although it is widely accepted that establishing suitable performance goal is critical for system : maintenance and preservation, a framework that considers the inter-relationship between conflicting : objectives of minimum maintenance and rehabilita...

  4. Trees and highway safety.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-03-01

    To minimize the severity of run-off-road collisions of vehicles with trees, departments of transportation (DOTs) : commonly establish clear zones for trees and other fixed objects. Caltrans clear zone on freeways is 30 feet : minimum (40 feet pref...

  5. Financial responsibility requirements for commercial motor vehicles.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-01-01

    Minimum liability insurance levels and related requirements for motor carriers to demonstrate financial responsibility in case of damages from crashes were established in the 1980s by Congressional legislation. These levels have not been changed s...

  6. 49 CFR 229.201 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design...-rail grade crossing. (b) This subpart prescribes minimum crashworthiness standards for locomotives. It also establishes the requirements for obtaining FRA approval of: new locomotive crashworthiness design...

  7. 49 CFR 229.201 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design...-rail grade crossing. (b) This subpart prescribes minimum crashworthiness standards for locomotives. It also establishes the requirements for obtaining FRA approval of: new locomotive crashworthiness design...

  8. 49 CFR 229.201 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design...-rail grade crossing. (b) This subpart prescribes minimum crashworthiness standards for locomotives. It also establishes the requirements for obtaining FRA approval of: new locomotive crashworthiness design...

  9. 49 CFR 229.201 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design...-rail grade crossing. (b) This subpart prescribes minimum crashworthiness standards for locomotives. It also establishes the requirements for obtaining FRA approval of: new locomotive crashworthiness design...

  10. 49 CFR 229.201 - Purpose and scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design...-rail grade crossing. (b) This subpart prescribes minimum crashworthiness standards for locomotives. It also establishes the requirements for obtaining FRA approval of: new locomotive crashworthiness design...

  11. 29 CFR 570.120 - Eighteen-year minimum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... mining, other than coal. No. 10. Occupations in or about slaughtering and meat packing establishments and... July 19, 2010. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows: § 570.120...

  12. WG 3: EWV and Observations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huffman, George J.

    2017-01-01

    Establish a minimum set of EWV and assess the status for each EWV. Assess opportunities in applying citizen science and private source data to provide EWV data. Promote continuity in observational systems and open access to data.

  13. Controlled Speed Accessory Drive demonstration program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hoehn, F. W.

    1981-01-01

    A Controlled Speed Accessory Drive System was examined in an effort to improve the fuel economy of passenger cars. Concept feasibility and the performance of a typical system during actual road driving conditions were demonstrated. The CSAD system is described as a mechanical device which limits engine accessory speeds, thereby reducing parasitic horsepower losses and improving overall vehicle fuel economy. Fuel consumption data were compiled for fleets of GSA vehicles. Various motor pool locations were selected, each representing different climatic conditions. On the basis of a total accumulated fleet usage of nearly three million miles, an overall fuel economy improvement of 6 percent to 7 percent was demonstrated. Coincident chassis dynamometer tests were accomplished on selected vehicles to establish the effect of different accessory drive systems on exhaust emissions, and to evaluate the magnitude of the mileage benefits which could be derived.

  14. Cyclists' perceptions of motorist harassment pre- to post-trial of the minimum passing distance road rule amendment in Queensland, Australia.

    PubMed

    Heesch, Kristiann C; Schramm, Amy; Debnath, Ashim Kumar; Haworth, Narelle

    2017-12-01

    Issues addressed Cyclists' perceptions of harassment from motorists discourages cycling. This study examined changes in cyclists' reporting of harassment pre- to post-introduction of the Queensland trial of the minimum passing distance road rule amendment (MPD-RRA). Methods Cross-sectional online surveys of cyclists in Queensland, Australia were conducted in 2009 (pre-trial; n=1758) and 2015 (post-trial commencement; n=1997). Cyclists were asked about their experiences of harassment from motorists while cycling. Logistic regression modelling was used to examine differences in the reporting of harassment between these time periods, after adjustments for demographic characteristics and cycling behaviour. Results At both time periods, the most reported types of harassment were deliberately driving too close (causing fear or anxiety), shouting abuse and making obscene gestures or engaging in sexual harassment. The percentage of cyclists who reported tailgating by motorists increased between 2009 and 2015 (15.1% to 19.5%; P<0.001). The percentage of cyclists reporting other types of harassment did not change significantly. Conclusions Cyclists in Queensland continue to perceive harassment while cycling on the road. The amendment to the minimum passing distance rule in Queensland appears to be having a negative effect on one type of harassment but no significant effects on others. So what? Minimum passing distance rules may not be improving cyclists' perceptions of motorists' behaviours. Additional strategies are required to create a supportive environment for cycling.

  15. Noninductively Driven Tokamak Plasmas at Near-Unity Toroidal Beta

    DOE PAGES

    Schlossberg, David J.; Bodner, Grant M.; Bongard, Michael W.; ...

    2017-07-01

    Access to and characterization of sustained, toroidally confined plasmas with a very high plasma-to-magnetic pressure ratio (β t), low internal inductance, high elongation, and nonsolenoidal current drive is a central goal of present tokamak plasma research. Stable access to this desirable parameter space is demonstrated in plasmas with ultralow aspect ratio and high elongation. Local helicity injection provides nonsolenoidal sustainment, low internal inductance, and ion heating. Equilibrium analyses indicate β t up to ~100% with a minimum |B| well spanning up to ~50% of the plasma volume.

  16. Stereo Science Results at Solar Minimum

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Christian, Eric R.; Kaiser, Michael L.; Kucera Therese A.; St. Cyr, O. C.; van Driel-Gesztelyi, Lidia; Mandrini, Cristina H.

    2009-01-01

    The magnetic fields that drive solar activity are complex and inherently three-dimensional structures. Twisted flux ropes, magnetic reconnection and the initiation of solar storms, as well as space weather propagation through the heliosphere, are just a few of the topics that cannot properly be observed or modeled in only two dimensions. Examination of this three-dimensional complex has been hampered by the fact that solar remote sensing observations have occurred only from the Earth-Sun line, and in situ observations, while available from a greater variety of locations, have been sparse throughout the heliosphere.

  17. Experimental Optimization of Propeller Rudder Orientation for Minimum Vibratory Loading

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1975-02-01

    8217 he "reado -~ orly" Position. iri this mode no fur-her -- - f- ~-~-- ~-hLe Instrum-ent srm "v scans D I.-s place, lrr- -..I ItS mercry_ and suppli-.ev...magnetic pick -up, located at the rear end of the propeller drive, which activated a ice generator everytise a tooth of the five-tooth gear rotati...recorded signals -of the two-channels obtained at a given-point. The amplitude of the signal is equal to half the peak to peak value directly measured on the

  18. Noninductively Driven Tokamak Plasmas at Near-Unity Toroidal Beta.

    PubMed

    Schlossberg, D J; Bodner, G M; Bongard, M W; Burke, M G; Fonck, R J; Perry, J M; Reusch, J A

    2017-07-21

    Access to and characterization of sustained, toroidally confined plasmas with a very high plasma-to-magnetic pressure ratio (β_{t}), low internal inductance, high elongation, and nonsolenoidal current drive is a central goal of present tokamak plasma research. Stable access to this desirable parameter space is demonstrated in plasmas with ultralow aspect ratio and high elongation. Local helicity injection provides nonsolenoidal sustainment, low internal inductance, and ion heating. Equilibrium analyses indicate β_{t} up to ∼100% with a minimum |B| well spanning up to ∼50% of the plasma volume.

  19. A data-drive analysis for heavy quark diffusion coefficient

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yingru; Nahrgang, Marlene; Cao, Shanshan; Bernhard, Jonah E.; Bass, Steffen A.

    2018-02-01

    We apply a Bayesian model-to-data analysis on an improved Langevin framework to estimate the temperature and momentum dependence of the heavy quark diffusion coefficient in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). The spatial diffusion coefficient is found to have a minimum around 1-3 near Tc in the zero momentum limit, and has a non-trivial momentum dependence. With the estimated diffusion coefficient, our improved Langevin model is able to simultaneously describe the D-meson RAA and v2 in three different systems at RHIC and the LHC.

  20. Conscientious personality and young drivers’ crash risk

    PubMed Central

    Ehsani, Johnathon P.; Li, Kaigang; Simons-Morton, Bruce; Tree-McGrath, Cheyenne Fox; Perlus, Jessamyn; O’Brien, Fearghal; Klauer, Sheila G.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Personality characteristics are associated with many risk behaviors. However, the relationship between personality traits, risky driving behavior, and crash risk is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between personality, risky driving behavior and crashes and near-crashes, using naturalistic driving research methods. Method Participants’ driving exposure, kinematic risky driving (KRD), high-risk secondary task engagement, and the frequency of crashes and near-crashes (CNC) were assessed over the first 18 months of licensure using naturalistic driving methods. A personality survey (NEO-Five Factor Inventory) was administered at baseline. The association between personality characteristics, KRD rate, secondary task engagement rate and CNC rate was estimated using a linear regression model. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine if participants’ KRD rate or secondary task engagement rate mediated the relationship between personality and CNC. Data were collected as part of the Naturalistic Teen Driving Study. Results Conscientiousness was marginally negatively associated with CNC (path c = −0.034, p = .09) and both potential mediators KRD (path a = −0.040, p = .09) and secondary task engagement while driving (path a = −0.053, p = .03). KRD, but not secondary task engagement, was found to mediate (path b = 0.376, p = .02) the relationship between conscientiousness and CNC (path c’ = −0.025, p = .20). Conclusions Using objective measures of driving behavior and a widely used personality construct, these findings present a causal pathway through which personality and risky driving are associated with CNC. Specifically, more conscientious teenage drivers engaged in fewer risky driving maneuvers, suffered fewer CNC. Practical Applications Part of the variability in crash-risk observed among newly licensed teenage drivers can be explained by personality. Parents and driving instructors may take teenage drivers’ personality into account when providing guidance, and establishing norms and expectations about driving. PMID:26403906

  1. Conscientious personality and young drivers' crash risk.

    PubMed

    Ehsani, Johnathon P; Li, Kaigang; Simons-Morton, Bruce G; Fox Tree-McGrath, Cheyenne; Perlus, Jessamyn G; O'Brien, Fearghal; Klauer, Sheila G

    2015-09-01

    Personality characteristics are associated with many risk behaviors. However, the relationship between personality traits, risky driving behavior, and crash risk is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between personality, risky driving behavior, and crashes and near-crashes, using naturalistic driving research methods. Participants' driving exposure, kinematic risky driving (KRD), high-risk secondary task engagement, and the frequency of crashes and near-crashes (CNC) were assessed over the first 18months of licensure using naturalistic driving methods. A personality survey (NEO-Five Factor Inventory) was administered at baseline. The association between personality characteristics, KRD rate, secondary task engagement rate, and CNC rate was estimated using a linear regression model. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine if participants' KRD rate or secondary task engagement rate mediated the relationship between personality and CNC. Data were collected as part of the Naturalistic Teen Driving Study. Conscientiousness was marginally negatively associated with CNC (path c=-0.034, p=.09) and both potential mediators KRD (path a=-0.040, p=.09) and secondary task engagement while driving (path a=-0.053, p=.03). KRD, but not secondary task engagement, was found to mediate (path b=0.376, p=.02) the relationship between conscientiousness and CNC (path c'=-0.025, p=.20). Using objective measures of driving behavior and a widely used personality construct, these findings present a causal pathway through which personality and risky driving are associated with CNC. Specifically, more conscientious teenage drivers engaged in fewer risky driving maneuvers, and suffered fewer CNC. Part of the variability in crash risk observed among newly licensed teenage drivers can be explained by personality. Parents and driving instructors may take teenage drivers' personality into account when providing guidance, and establishing norms and expectations about driving. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  2. A simulation study of the effects of alcohol on driving performance in a Chinese population.

    PubMed

    Li, Y C; Sze, N N; Wong, S C; Yan, Wei; Tsui, K L; So, F L

    2016-10-01

    Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) is a significant factor contributing to road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Although the effects of alcohol on driving performance are widely acknowledged, studies of the effects of alcohol impairment on driving performance and particularly on the control system of Chinese adults are rare. This study attempts to evaluate the effects of alcohol on the driving performance of Chinese adults using a driving simulator. A double-blind experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of alcohol impairment on the driving performance of 52 Chinese participants using a driving simulator. A series of simulated driving tests covering two driving modules, including emergency braking (EB) and following braking (FB), at 50km/h and 80km/h were performed. Linear mixed models were established to evaluate driving performance in terms of braking reaction time (BRT), the standard deviation of lateral position (SD-LANE), and the standard deviation of speed (SD-SPEED). Driving performance in terms of BRT and SD-LANE was highly correlated with the level of alcohol consumption, with a one-unit increase in breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) degrading BRT and SD-LANE by 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Frequent drinkers generally reacted faster in their BRT than less-frequent drinkers and non-drinkers by 10.2% and 30.6%, respectively. Moreover, alcohol impairment had varying effects on certain aspects of the human control system, and automatic action was less likely to be affected than voluntary action from a psychological viewpoint. The findings should be useful for planning and developing effective measures to combat drink driving in Chinese communities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Effects of familial climate on the adolescents' driving habits: a recent literature.

    PubMed

    Foo, K Y

    2015-01-01

    Driving is a functional task that requires a complex interaction of visual perception, cognitive and motor skills. Next to circulatory diseases and cancer, road accidents remain the third epidemic cause of death internationally, with approximately half a million teen drivers killed annually. Driver behaviour has been cited as the pervasive marker of automotive crashes. A reliable and firm relationship between the positive parental model, message, and communication has been established. Specifically, the familial climate is proposed to be an important element of reinforcement, modelling, support and environmental determinant in interpreting personal perceptions, habits, values, and belief system. Confirming the assertion, this bibliographic review presents the most recent research findings on the contributions of families to the driving habits of teens. The emphasis is speculated on parental alcohol use, aggressiveness, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, relationship, and intergenerational transmission of driving styles. Besides, the effects of familial supervision, monitoring, education and awareness, and genders, partners, and demographic influence on the driving habits are discussed and outlined.

  4. Open problems of magnetic island control by electron cyclotron current drive

    DOE PAGES

    Grasso, Daniela; Lazzaro, E.; Borgogno, D.; ...

    2016-11-17

    This study reviews key aspects of the problem of magnetic islands control by electron cyclotron current drive in fusion devices. On the basis of the ordering of the basic spatial and time scales of the magnetic reconnection physics, we present the established results, highlighting some of the open issues posed by the small-scale structures that typically accompany the nonlinear evolution of the magnetic islands and constrain the effect of the control action.

  5. Space climate implications from substorm frequency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Newell, P. T.; Gjerloev, J. W.; Mitchell, E. J.

    2013-10-01

    solar wind impacting the Earth varies over a wide range of time scales, driving a corresponding range of geomagnetic activity. Past work has strongly indicated that the rate of merging on the frontside magnetosphere is the most important predictor for magnetospheric activity, especially over a few hours. However, the magnetosphere exhibits variations on other time scales, including UT, seasonal, and solar cycle variations. Much of this geomagnetic variation cannot be reasonably attributed to changes in the solar wind driving—that is, it is not created by the original Russell-McPherron effect or any generalization thereof. In this paper we examine the solar cycle, seasonal, and diurnal effects based upon the frequency of substorm onsets, using a data set of 53,000 substorm onsets. These were identified through the SuperMAG collaboration and span three decades with continuous coverage. Solar cycle variations include a profound minimum in 2009 (448 substorms) and peak in 2003 (3727). The magnitude of this variation (a factor of 8.3) is not explained through variations in estimators of the frontside merging rate (such as dΦMP/dt), even when the more detailed probability distribution functions are examined. Instead, v, or better, n1/2v2 seems to be implicated in the dramatic difference between active and quiet years, even beyond the role of velocity in modulating merging. Moreover, we find that although most substorms are preceded by flux loading (78.5% are above the mean and 83.8% above median solar wind driving), a high solar wind v is almost as important (68.3% above mean, 74.8% above median). This and other evidence suggest that either v or n1/2v2 (but probably not p) plays a strong secondary role in substorm onset. As for the seasonal and diurnal effects, the elliptical nature of the Earth's orbit, which is closest to the Sun in January, leads to a larger solar wind driving (measured by Bs, vBs, or dΦMP/dt) in November, as is confirmed by 22 years of solar wind observations. However, substorms peak in October and March and have a UT dependence best explained by whether a conducting path established by solar illumination exists in at least one hemisphere in the region where substorm onsets typically occur.

  6. Saccadic eye movement performance as an indicator of driving ability in elderly drivers.

    PubMed

    Schmitt, Kai-Uwe; Seeger, Rolf; Fischer, Hartmut; Lanz, Christian; Muser, Markus; Walz, Felix; Schwarz, Urs

    2015-01-01

    Regular checking of the fitness to drive of elderly car-license holders is required in some countries, and this will become increasingly important as more countries face aging populations. The present study investigated whether the analysis of saccadic eye movements could be used as a screening method for the assessment of driving ability. Three different paradigms (prosaccades, antisaccades, and visuovisual interactive (VVI) saccades) were used to test saccadic eye movements in 144 participants split into four groups: elderly drivers who came to the attention of road authorities for suspected lack of fitness to drive, a group of elderly drivers who served as a comparison group, a group of neurology patients with established brain lesion diagnoses, and a young comparison group. The group of elderly drivers with suspected deficits in driving skills also underwent a medical examination and a practical on-road driving test. The results of the saccadic eye tests of the different groups were compared. Antisaccade results indicated a strong link to driving behaviour: elderly drivers who were not fit to drive exhibited a poor performance on the antisaccade task and the performance in the VVI task was also clearly poorer in this group. Testing saccadic eye movements appears to be a promising and efficient method for screening large numbers of people such as elderly drivers. This study indicated a link between antisaccade performance and the ability to drive. Hence, measuring saccadic eye movements should be considered as a tool for screening the fitness to drive.

  7. Using Policy to Drive Organizational Change

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hornsby, Eunice Ellen

    2006-01-01

    This chapter addresses recent changes in public policy and organizational practices that affect LGBTQ individuals and the role that organizational policy can play in establishing and maintaining respectful and inclusive workplaces.

  8. Calculation of Appropriate Minimum Size of Isolation Rooms based on Questionnaire Survey of Experts and Analysis on Conditions of Isolation Room Use

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Won, An-Na; Song, Hae-Eun; Yang, Young-Kwon; Park, Jin-Chul; Hwang, Jung-Ha

    2017-07-01

    After the outbreak of the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic, issues were raised regarding response capabilities of medical institutions, including the lack of isolation rooms at hospitals. Since then, the government of Korea has been revising regulations to enforce medical laws in order to expand the operation of isolation rooms and to strengthen standards regarding their mandatory installation at hospitals. Among general and tertiary hospitals in Korea, a total of 159 are estimated to be required to install isolation rooms to meet minimum standards. For the purpose of contributing to hospital construction plans in the future, this study conducted a questionnaire survey of experts and analysed the environment and devices necessary in isolation rooms, to determine their appropriate minimum size to treat patients. The result of the analysis is as follows: First, isolation rooms at hospitals are required to have a minimum 3,300mm minor axis and a minimum 5,000mm major axis for the isolation room itself, and a minimum 1,800mm minor axis for the antechamber where personal protective equipment is donned and removed. Second, the 15 ㎡-or-larger standard for the floor area of isolation rooms will have to be reviewed and standards for the minimum width of isolation rooms will have to be established.

  9. Safe Driving Climate among Friends (SDCaF): A new scale.

    PubMed

    Guggenheim, Noga; Taubman-Ben-Ari, Orit

    2018-01-01

    Reckless driving among young people, especially young men, is a major cause of injury and fatalities the world over. Like other aspects of this age group, young drivers' driving behaviors and norms are influenced by the accepted social discourse of their peers. Yet despite extensive existing knowledge on young drivers, very few studies have dealt specifically with their characteristic friendship relations. This lacuna in the literature may reflect the absence of specific research tools for examining driving with friends. To fill this gap, we conducted a series of studies with 706 young drivers (aged 17-24) of both sexes aimed at developing and validating a multidimensional scale designed to examine the effect of the social relations of adolescents and young adults on their driving. Entitled Safe Driving Climate among Friends (SDCaF), the final scale consists of 19 items, which tap four dimensions of driving with friends: friends' pressure; social costs of driving with friends; communication with friends about driving; and shared commitment to safe driving. The validity of the scale was established by examining associations between its four dimensions and various variables of personality, friendship, and driving. The findings indicate good reliability and validity, with the three variables of resistance to peer influence, self-disclosure, and personal responsibility for safe driving yielding positive associations with the SDCaF dimensions communication and shared commitment to safe driving, and negative associations with the dimensions friends' pressure and social costs. General tendency to respond to social pressure was positively associated with the dimensions of friends' pressure and social costs, and negatively associated with shared commitment to safe driving. Gender differences were also found, with men scoring higher than women on friends' pressure, and lower than women on shared commitment to safe driving. The SDCaF can serve as a research tool, as well as a diagnostic instrument for detecting susceptibility to reckless driving among young drivers, thereby aiding in the design of targeted educational and intervention programs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Signed reward prediction errors drive declarative learning

    PubMed Central

    Naert, Lien; Janssens, Clio; Talsma, Durk; Van Opstal, Filip; Verguts, Tom

    2018-01-01

    Reward prediction errors (RPEs) are thought to drive learning. This has been established in procedural learning (e.g., classical and operant conditioning). However, empirical evidence on whether RPEs drive declarative learning–a quintessentially human form of learning–remains surprisingly absent. We therefore coupled RPEs to the acquisition of Dutch-Swahili word pairs in a declarative learning paradigm. Signed RPEs (SRPEs; “better-than-expected” signals) during declarative learning improved recognition in a follow-up test, with increasingly positive RPEs leading to better recognition. In addition, classic declarative memory mechanisms such as time-on-task failed to explain recognition performance. The beneficial effect of SRPEs on recognition was subsequently affirmed in a replication study with visual stimuli. PMID:29293493

  11. Signed reward prediction errors drive declarative learning.

    PubMed

    De Loof, Esther; Ergo, Kate; Naert, Lien; Janssens, Clio; Talsma, Durk; Van Opstal, Filip; Verguts, Tom

    2018-01-01

    Reward prediction errors (RPEs) are thought to drive learning. This has been established in procedural learning (e.g., classical and operant conditioning). However, empirical evidence on whether RPEs drive declarative learning-a quintessentially human form of learning-remains surprisingly absent. We therefore coupled RPEs to the acquisition of Dutch-Swahili word pairs in a declarative learning paradigm. Signed RPEs (SRPEs; "better-than-expected" signals) during declarative learning improved recognition in a follow-up test, with increasingly positive RPEs leading to better recognition. In addition, classic declarative memory mechanisms such as time-on-task failed to explain recognition performance. The beneficial effect of SRPEs on recognition was subsequently affirmed in a replication study with visual stimuli.

  12. Can the High School Newspaper Pay for Itself?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smoot, Marie

    1978-01-01

    Explains how a high school newspaper can establish a sound financial program through organizing a business staff, setting up a realistic budget, and conducting advertising campaigns and subscription drives. (GW)

  13. 76 FR 44339 - Office of Biotechnology Activities; Recombinant DNA Research: Action Under the NIH Guidelines for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-25

    ...) classification for several common attenuated strains of bacteria and viruses that are frequently used in... establishes the minimum containment level required for experiments subject to the NIH Guidelines. The...

  14. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  15. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  16. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  17. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  18. 49 CFR 229.205 - General requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS Locomotive Crashworthiness Design... the minimum crashworthiness performance requirements set forth in Appendix E of this part. Compliance with those performance criteria must be established by: (1) Meeting an FRA-approved crashworthiness...

  19. Forest Pest Control. Manual 94.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Missouri Univ., Columbia. Agricultural Experiment Station.

    This training manual provides information needed to meet the minimum EPA standards for certification as a commercial applicator of pesticides in forest pest control. The text discusses disease problems, insects, and herbicide use in both established forests and nurseries. (CS)

  20. Development of deployable structures for large space platform systems, part 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cox, R. L.; Nelson, R. A.

    1982-01-01

    Eight deployable platform design objectives were established: autodeploy/retract; fully integrated utilities; configuration variability; versatile payload and subsystem interfaces; structural and packing efficiency; 1986 technology readiness; minimum EVA/RMS; and Shuttle operational compatibility.

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