A Dual-Beam Irradiation Facility for a Novel Hybrid Cancer Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabchevski, Svilen Petrov; Idehara, Toshitaka; Ishiyama, Shintaro; Miyoshi, Norio; Tatsukawa, Toshiaki

2013-01-01

In this paper we present the main ideas and discuss both the feasibility and the conceptual design of a novel hybrid technique and equipment for an experimental cancer therapy based on the simultaneous and/or sequential application of two beams, namely a beam of neutrons and a CW (continuous wave) or intermittent sub-terahertz wave beam produced by a gyrotron for treatment of cancerous tumors. The main simulation tools for the development of the computer aided design (CAD) of the prospective experimental facility for clinical trials and study of such new medical technology are briefly reviewed. Some tasks for a further continuation of this feasibility analysis are formulated as well.

[A Feasibility Study of closing the small bowel with high-frequency welding device].

PubMed

Zhou, Huabin; Han, Shuai; Chen, Jun; Huang, Dequn; Peng, Liang; Ning, Jingxuan; Li, Zhou

2014-12-01

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of closing the small bowel in an ex vivo porcine model with high-frequency welding device. A total of 100 porcine small bowels were divided into two groups, and then were closed with two different methods. The fifty small bowels in experimental group were closed by the high-frequency welding device, and the other fifty small bowels in comparison group were hand-sutured. All the small bowels were subjected to leak pressure testing later on. The speed of closure and bursting pressure were compared. The 50 porcine small bowels closed by the high-frequency welding device showed a success rate of 100%. Compared with the hand-sutured group, the bursting pressures of the former were significantly lower (P<0.01) and the closing process was significantly shorter (P<0.01). The pathological changes of the closed ends mainly presented as acute thermal and pressure induced injury. Experimental results show that the high-frequency welding device has higher feasibility in closing the small bowel.

Experimental feasibility of investigating acoustic waves in Couette flow with entropy and pressure gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrott, Tony L.; Zorumski, William E.; Rawls, John W., Jr.

1990-01-01

The feasibility is discussed for an experimental program for studying the behavior of acoustic wave propagation in the presence of strong gradients of pressure, temperature, and flow. Theory suggests that gradients effects can be experimentally observed as resonant frequency shifts and mode shape changes in a waveguide. A convenient experimental geometry for such experiments is the annular region between two co-rotating cylinders. Radial temperature gradients in a spinning annulus can be generated by differentially heating the two cylinders via electromagnetic induction. Radial pressure gradients can be controlled by varying the cylinder spin rates. Present technology appears adequate to construct an apparatus to allow independent control of temperature and pressure gradients. A complicating feature of a more advanced experiment, involving flow gradients, is the requirement for independently controlled cylinder spin rates. Also, the boundary condition at annulus terminations must be such that flow gradients are minimally disturbed. The design and construction of an advanced apparatus to include flow gradients will require additional technology development.

An experimental prescribed burn to reduce fuel hazard in chaparral

Treesearch

Lisle R. Green

1970-01-01

The feasibility of reducing fuel hazard in chaparral during safe weather conditions was studied in an experimental prescribed burn in southern California. Burning was done under fuel and weather conditions when untreated brush would not bum readily. Preparatory treatment included smashing of brush on strips with a bulldozer, and reduction of moisture content of leaves...

Constrained Multiobjective Biogeography Optimization Algorithm

PubMed Central

Mo, Hongwei; Xu, Zhidan; Xu, Lifang; Wu, Zhou; Ma, Haiping

2014-01-01

Multiobjective optimization involves minimizing or maximizing multiple objective functions subject to a set of constraints. In this study, a novel constrained multiobjective biogeography optimization algorithm (CMBOA) is proposed. It is the first biogeography optimization algorithm for constrained multiobjective optimization. In CMBOA, a disturbance migration operator is designed to generate diverse feasible individuals in order to promote the diversity of individuals on Pareto front. Infeasible individuals nearby feasible region are evolved to feasibility by recombining with their nearest nondominated feasible individuals. The convergence of CMBOA is proved by using probability theory. The performance of CMBOA is evaluated on a set of 6 benchmark problems and experimental results show that the CMBOA performs better than or similar to the classical NSGA-II and IS-MOEA. PMID:25006591

A quasi-experimental feasibility study to determine the effect of a systematic treatment programme on the scores of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale of individuals with visual field deficits following stroke.

PubMed

Taylor, Lisa; Poland, Fiona; Harrison, Peter; Stephenson, Richard

2011-01-01

To evaluate a systematic treatment programme developed by the researcher that targeted aspects of visual functioning affected by visual field deficits following stroke. The study design was a non-equivalent control (conventional) group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental feasibility design, using multisite data collection methods at specified stages. The study was undertaken within three acute hospital settings as outpatient follow-up sessions. Individuals who had visual field deficits three months post stroke were studied. A treatment group received routine occupational therapy and an experimental group received, in addition, a systematic treatment programme. The treatment phase of both groups lasted six weeks. The Nottingham Adjustment Scale, a measure developed specifically for visual impairment, was used as the primary outcome measure. The change in Nottingham Adjustment Scale score was compared between the experimental (n = 7) and conventional (n = 8) treatment groups using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The result of Z = -2.028 (P = 0.043) showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the change in Nottingham Adjustment Scale score between both groups. The introduction of the systematic treatment programme resulted in a statistically significant change in the scores of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale.

Electrocardiogram Scanner-System Requirements

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-03-01

An experimental and analytical study has been conducted to establish the feasibility for scanning and digitizing electrocardiogram records. The technical requirements and relative costs for two systems are discussed herein. One is designed to automat...

Feasibility Study for a Plasma Dynamo Facility to Investigate Fundamental Processes in Plasma Astrophysics. Final report

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

Forest, Cary B.

The scientific equipment purchased on this grant was used on the Plasma Dynamo Prototype Experiment as part of Professor Forest's feasibility study for determining if it would be worthwhile to propose building a larger plasma physics experiment to investigate various fundamental processes in plasma astrophysics. The initial research on the Plasma Dynamo Prototype Experiment was successful so Professor Forest and Professor Ellen Zweibel at UW-Madison submitted an NSF Major Research Instrumentation proposal titled "ARRA MRI: Development of a Plasma Dynamo Facility for Experimental Investigations of Fundamental Processes in Plasma Astrophysics." They received funding for this project and the Plasma Dynamomore » Facility also known as the "Madison Plasma Dynamo Experiment" was constructed. This experiment achieved its first plasma in the fall of 2012 and U.S. Dept. of Energy Grant No. DE-SC0008709 "Experimental Studies of Plasma Dynamos," now supports the research.« less

Research and development of low cost processes for integrated solar arrays. Final report, April 15, 1974--January 14, 1976

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

Graham, C.D.; Kulkarni, S.; Louis, E.

1976-05-01

Results of a program to study process routes leading to a low cost large area integrated silicon solar array manufacture for terrestrial applications are reported. Potential processes for the production of solar-grade silicon are evaluated from thermodynamic, economic, and technical feasibility points of view. Upgrading of the present arc-furnace process is found most favorable. Experimental studies of the Si/SiF/sub 4/ transport and purification process show considerable impurity removal and reasonable transport rates. Silicon deformation experiments indicate production of silicon sheet by rolling at 1350/sup 0/C is feasible. Significant recrystallization by strain-anneal technique has been observed. Experimental recrystallization studies using anmore » electron beam line source are discussed. A maximum recrystallization velocity of approximately 9 m/hr is calculated for silicon sheet. A comparative process rating technique based on detailed cost analysis is presented.« less

Development of experimental systems for material sciences under microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanii, Jun; Obi, Shinzo; Kamimiyata, Yotsuo; Ajimine, Akio

1988-01-01

As part of the Space Experiment Program of the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies, three experimental systems (G452, G453, G454) have been developed for materials science studies under microgravity by the NEC Corporation. These systems are to be flown as Get Away Special payloads for studying the feasibility of producing new materials. Together with the experimental modules carrying the hardware specific to the experiment, the three systems all comprise standard subsystems consisting of a power supply, sequence controller, temperature controller, data recorder, and video recorder.

[Feasibility of using connective tissue prosthesis for autoplastic repair of urinary bladder wall defects (an experimental study)].

PubMed

Tyumentseva, N V; Yushkov, B G; Medvedeva, S Y; Kovalenko, R Y; Uzbekov, O K; Zhuravlev, V N

2016-12-01

Experiments on laboratory rats have shown the feasibility of autoplastic repair of urinary bladder wall defects using a connective-tissue capsule formed as the result of an inflammatory response to the presence of a foreign body. The formation of connective tissue prosthesis is characterized by developing fibrous connective tissue, ordering of collagen fibers, reducing the number of cells per unit area with a predominance of more mature cells - fibroblasts. With increasing time of observation, connective tissue prostheses were found to acquire a morphological structure similar to that of the urinary bladder wall. By month 12, the mucosa, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers were formed. The proposed method of partial autoplastic repair of urinary bladder wall is promising, has good long-term results, but requires further experimental studies.

Spatial encoding using the nonlinear field perturbations from magnetic materials.

PubMed

Karimi, Hirad; Dominguez-Viqueira, William; Cunningham, Charles H

2014-08-01

A proof-of-concept study was performed to assess the technical feasibility of using magnetic materials to generate spatial encoding fields. Spatially varying magnetic fields were generated by the placement of markers with different volume susceptibilities within the imaging volume. No linear gradients were used for spatial encoding during the signal acquisition. A signal-encoding model is described for reconstructing the images encoded with these field perturbations. Simulation and proof-of-concept experimental results are presented. Experiments were performed using field perturbations from a cylindrical marker as an example of the new encoding fields. Based on this experimental setup, annular rings were reconstructed from signals encoded with the new fields. Simulation results were presented for different acquisition parameters. Proof-of-concept was supported by the correspondence of regions in an image reconstructed from experimental data compared to those in a conventional gradient-echo image. Experimental results showed that inclusions of dimensions 1.5 mm in size could be resolved with the experimental setup. This study shows the technical feasibility of using magnetic markers to produce encoding fields. Magnetic materials will allow generating spatial encoding fields, which can be tailored to an imaging application with less complexity and at lower cost compared to the use of gradient inserts. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measurements of trace constituents from atmospheric infrared emission and absorption spectra, a feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldman, A.; Williams, W. J.; Murcray, D. G.

1974-01-01

The feasibility of detecting eight trace constituents (CH4, HCl, HF, HNO3, NH3, NO, NO2 and SO2) against the rest of the atmospheric background at various altitudes from infrared emission and absorption atmospheric spectra was studied. Line-by-line calculations and observational data were used to establish features that can be observed in the atmospheric spectrum due to each trace constituent. Model calculations were made for experimental conditions which approximately represent state of the art emission and absorption spectrometers.

Internal voltage control of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells: Feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prokopius, P. R.

1975-01-01

An experimental study was conducted to assess the feasibility of internal voltage regulation of fuel cell systems. Two methods were tested. In one, reactant partial pressure was used as the voltage control parameter and in the other reactant total pressure was used for control. Both techniques were breadboarded and tested on a single alkaline-electrolyte fuel cell. Both methods were found to be possible forms of regulation, however, of the two the total pressure technique would be more efficient, simpler to apply and would provide better transient characteristics.

The Use of Wiki in Teaching Programming: Effects upon Achievement, Attitudes, and Collaborative Programming Behaviors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Yu-Tzu; Wu, Cheng-Chih; Chiu, Chiung-Fang

2018-01-01

This article explores the feasibility of employing cooperative program editing tools in teaching programming. A quasi-experimental study was conducted, in which the experimental group co-edited the programs with peers using the wiki. The control group co-edited the programs with peers using only the face-to-face approach. The findings show that…

Response of Eucalyptus species to frost damage at the Redwood Experimental Forest

Treesearch

Danny G. Heavilin

1978-01-01

In 1961 a feasibility study was done to determine if certain Eucalyptus species could be grown along the California North Coast for timber or ornamental purposes. Of the 207 trees, representing 31 species, planted on the Redwood Experimental Forest, only 12 trees in 5 species were recorded in the 1976 survival examination. The single most damaging factor was frost....

An Experimental Text in Transformational Geometry; Teachers' Guide; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 43b.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, Newton, MA.

This teachers' guide was written to be used in conjunction with the student text, An Experimental Text in Transformational Geometry. The guide is intended to help teachers who have responsibility for teaching the topics Motions and Transformations in the Plane. Each section commences with a general discussion concerning the major ideas which are…

[Experimental Course in Elementary Number Theory, Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 35.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatch, Mary Jacqueline

In the winter of 1965, an experimental course in Elementary Number Theory was presented to a 6th grade class in the Hosmer School, Watertown, Massachusetts. Prior to the introduction of the present material, students had been exposed in class to such topics from the University of Illinois Arithmetic Project as lattices, number lines, frame…

Games for Traffic Education: An Experimental Study of a Game-Based Driving Simulator

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Backlund, Per; Engstrom, Henrik; Johannesson, Mikael; Lebram, Mikael

2010-01-01

In this article, the authors report on the construction and evaluation of a game-based driving simulator using a real car as a joystick. The simulator is constructed from off-the-shelf hardware and the simulation runs on open-source software. The feasibility of the simulator as a learning tool has been experimentally evaluated. Results are…

Evaluation of an Experimental Adhesive Resin for Orthodontic Bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durgesh, B. H.; Alkheraif, A. A.; Pavithra, D.; Hashem, M. I.; Alkhudhairy, F.; Elsharawy, M.; Divakar, D. D.; Vallittu, P. K.; Matinlinna, J. P.

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of an experimental adhesive resin for orthodontic bonding by measuring some the chemical and mechanical properties. The resin demonstrated increased values of nanohardness and elastic modulus, but the differences were not significant compared with those for the Transbond XT adhesives. The experimental adhesive resin could be a feasible choice or a substitute for the traditional bis-GMA-based resins used in bonding orthodontic attachments.

TummyTrials: A Feasibility Study of Using Self-Experimentation to Detect Individualized Food Triggers.

PubMed

Karkar, Ravi; Schroeder, Jessica; Epstein, Daniel A; Pina, Laura R; Scofield, Jeffrey; Fogarty, James; Kientz, Julie A; Munson, Sean A; Vilardaga, Roger; Zia, Jasmine

2017-05-02

Diagnostic self-tracking, the recording of personal information to diagnose or manage a health condition, is a common practice, especially for people with chronic conditions. Unfortunately, many who attempt diagnostic self-tracking have trouble accomplishing their goals. People often lack knowledge and skills needed to design and conduct scientifically rigorous experiments, and current tools provide little support. To address these shortcomings and explore opportunities for diagnostic self-tracking, we designed, developed, and evaluated a mobile app that applies a self-experimentation framework to support patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in identifying their personal food triggers. TummyTrials aids a person in designing, executing, and analyzing self-experiments to evaluate whether a specific food triggers their symptoms. We examined the feasibility of this approach in a field study with 15 IBS patients, finding that participants could use the tool to reliably undergo a self-experiment. However, we also discovered an underlying tension between scientific validity and the lived experience of self-experimentation. We discuss challenges of applying clinical research methods in everyday life, motivating a need for the design of self-experimentation systems to balance rigor with the uncertainties of everyday life.

A propagation experiment for modelling high elevation angle land mobile satellite channels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richharia, M.; Evans, B. G.; Butt, G.

1990-01-01

This paper summarizes the results of a feasibility study for conducting high elevation angle propagation experiments in the European region for land mobile satellite communication. The study addresses various aspects of a proposed experiment. These include the selection of a suitable source for transmission, possibility of gathering narrow and wide band propagation data in various frequency bands, types of useful data, data acquisition technique, possible experimental configuration, and other experimental details.

Advanced radiator concepts feasibility demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, Hyop S.; Begg, Lester; Wetch, Joseph R.; Juhasz, Albert J.

1991-01-01

An innovative pumped loop concept for 600 K space power system radiators is under development utilizing direct contact heat transfer, which facilitates repeated startup/shutdown of the power system without complex and time-consuming coolant thawing during power startup. The melting/freezing process of Li in a NaK flow was studied experimentally to demonstrate the Li/NaK radiator feasibility during startup (thawing) and shutdown (cold-trapping). Results of the vapor grown carbon fiber/composite thermal conductivity measurements are also presented.

Advanced radiator concepts feasibility demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, Hyop S.; Begg, Lester; Wetch, Joseph R.; Juhasz, Albert J.

An innovative pumped loop concept for 600 K space power system radiators is under development utilizing direct contact heat transfer, which facilitates repeated startup/shutdown of the power system without complex and time-consuming coolant thawing during power startup. The melting/freezing process of Li in a NaK flow was studied experimentally to demonstrate the Li/NaK radiator feasibility during startup (thawing) and shutdown (cold-trapping). Results of the vapor grown carbon fiber/composite thermal conductivity measurements are also presented.

Continuous Postoperative Pericardial Flushing: A Pilot Study on Safety, Feasibility, and Effect on Blood Loss

PubMed Central

Manshanden, Johan S.J.; Gielen, Chantal L.I.; de Borgie, Corianne A.J.M.; Klautz, Robert J.M.; de Mol, Bas A.J.M.; Koolbergen, David R.

2015-01-01

Background Prolonged or excessive blood loss is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Blood remnants and clots, remaining in the pericardial space in spite of chest tube drainage, induce high fibrinolytic activity that may contribute to bleeding complications. Continuous postoperative pericardial flushing (CPPF) with an irrigation solution may reduce blood loss by preventing the accumulation of clots. In this pilot study, the safety and feasibility of CPPF were evaluated and the effect on blood loss and other related complications was investigated. Methods Between November 2011 and April 2012 twenty-one adult patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) received CPPF from sternal closure up to 12 h postoperative. With an inflow Redivac drain that was inserted through one of the chest tube incision holes, an irrigation solution (NaCl 0.9% at 38 °C) was delivered to the pericardial cavity using a volume controlled flushing system. Safety aspects, feasibility issues and complications were registered. The mean actual blood loss in the CPPF group was compared to the mean of a retrospective group (n = 126). Results CPPF was successfully completed in 20 (95.2%) patients, and no method related complications were observed. Feasibility was good in this experimental setting. Patients receiving CPPF showed a 30% (P = 0.038) decrease in mean actual blood loss 12 h postoperatively. Conclusions CPPF after cardiac surgery was found to be safe and feasible in this experimental setting. The clinically relevant effect on blood loss needs to be confirmed in a randomized clinical trial. PMID:26501121

Field study of a shredded-tire embankment in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-01

In response to increased environmental concerns, the Virginia Department of Transportation, with the support of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, developed an experimental project designed to test the feasibility of using shredded tir...

A randomized controlled pilot study feasibility of a tablet-based guided audio-visual relaxation intervention for reducing stress and pain in adults with sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Ezenwa, Miriam O; Yao, Yingwei; Engeland, Christopher G; Molokie, Robert E; Wang, Zaijie Jim; Suarez, Marie L; Wilkie, Diana J

2016-06-01

To test feasibility of a guided audio-visual relaxation intervention protocol for reducing stress and pain in adults with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell pain is inadequately controlled using opioids, necessitating further intervention such as guided relaxation to reduce stress and pain. Attention-control, randomized clinical feasibility pilot study with repeated measures. Randomized to guided relaxation or control groups, all patients recruited between 2013-2014 during clinical visits, completed stress and pain measures via a Galaxy Internet-enabled Android tablet at the Baseline visit (pre/post intervention), 2-week posttest visit and also daily at home between the two visits. Experimental group patients were asked to use a guided relaxation intervention at the Baseline visit and at least once daily for 2 weeks. Control group patients engaged in a recorded sickle cell discussion at the Baseline visit. Data were analysed using linear regression with bootstrapping. At baseline, 27/28 of consented patients completed the study protocol. Group comparison showed that guided relaxation significantly reduced current stress and pain. At the 2-week posttest, 24/27 of patients completed the study, all of whom reported liking the study. Patients completed tablet-based measures on 71% of study days (69% in control group, 72% in experiment group). At the 2-week posttest, the experimental group had significantly lower composite pain index scores, but the two groups did not differ significantly on stress intensity. This study protocol appears feasible. The tablet-based guided relaxation intervention shows promise for reducing sickle cell pain and warrants a larger efficacy trial. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is: NCT02501447. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Quasi experimental designs in pharmacist intervention research.

PubMed

Krass, Ines

2016-06-01

Background In the field of pharmacist intervention research it is often difficult to conform to the rigorous requirements of the "true experimental" models, especially the requirement of randomization. When randomization is not feasible, a practice based researcher can choose from a range of "quasi-experimental designs" i.e., non-randomised and at time non controlled. Objective The aim of this article was to provide an overview of quasi-experimental designs, discuss their strengths and weaknesses and to investigate their application in pharmacist intervention research over the previous decade. Results In the literature quasi experimental studies may be classified into five broad categories: quasi-experimental design without control groups; quasi-experimental design that use control groups with no pre-test; quasi-experimental design that use control groups and pre-tests; interrupted time series and stepped wedge designs. Quasi-experimental study design has consistently featured in the evolution of pharmacist intervention research. The most commonly applied of all quasi experimental designs in the practice based research literature are the one group pre-post-test design and the non-equivalent control group design i.e., (untreated control group with dependent pre-tests and post-tests) and have been used to test the impact of pharmacist interventions in general medications management as well as in specific disease states. Conclusion Quasi experimental studies have a role to play as proof of concept, in the pilot phases of interventions when testing different intervention components, especially in complex interventions. They serve to develop an understanding of possible intervention effects: while in isolation they yield weak evidence of clinical efficacy, taken collectively, they help build a body of evidence in support of the value of pharmacist interventions across different practice settings and countries. However, when a traditional RCT is not feasible for logistical and/or ethical reasons researchers should endeavour to use the more robust of the quasi experimental designs.

Development of thermocouple generators for small-caliber munitions fuze. Phase I. Final report, 1 Feb--3 Sep 1974. [Aerodynamically heated thermoelectric converters to power rf proximity fuses

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

Eggers, P.E.

1975-03-01

An analytical study has been performed to assess the feasibility of using aerodynamically heated thermoelectric convertors to power RF proximity fuzes. The collective results of this study indicate that such a thermoelectric power supply is feasible for use with 20 mm projectiles and is compatible with the existing RF fuze circuit and safe arming distance requirements. A disc module concept has evolved from this study involving thin-film bismuth telluride as the basic thermoelectric element. Preliminary experimental studies were completed in order to identify principal parameters for the bismuth telluride.

Radar multipath study for rain-on-radome experiments at the Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackenzie, Anne I.; Staton, Leo D.

1990-01-01

An analytical study to determine the feasibility of a rain-on-radome experiment at the Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF) at the Langley Research Center is described. The experiment would measure the effects of heavy rain on the transmission of X-band weather radar signals, looking in particular for sources of anomalous attenuation. Feasibility is determined with regard to multipath signals arising from the major structural components of the ALDF. A computer program simulates the transmit and receive antennas, direct-path and multipath signals, and expected attenuation by rain. In the simulation, antenna height, signal polarization, and rainfall rate are variable parameters. The study shows that the rain-on-radome experiment is feasible with regard to multipath signals. The total received signal, taking into account multipath effects, could be measured by commercially available equipment. The study also shows that horizontally polarized signals would produce better experimental results than vertically polarized signals.

New vibro-acoustic paradigms in biological tissues with application to diagnosis of pulmonary disorders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiangling

The fundamental objective of the present study is to improve our understanding of audible sound propagation in the pulmonary system and torso. A related applied objective is to assess the feasibility of using audible acoustics for diagnosis of specific pulmonary conditions, such as pneumothorax (PTX). To accomplish these objectives, this study includes theoretical, computational and experimental developments aimed at: (1) better identifying the mechanical dynamic properties of soft biological tissues found in the torso region, (2) investigating the mechanisms of sound attenuation that occur when a PTX is present using greatly simplified theoretical and computational models, and (3) exploring the feasibility and utility of more comprehensive and precise computational finite element models of audible sound propagation in the pulmonary system and torso that would aid in related diagnostic developments. Mechanical material properties of soft biological tissue are studied for the low audible frequency range. The sensitivity to shear viscoelastic material constants of theoretical solutions for radiation impedance and surface wave motion are compared. Theoretical solutions are also compared to experimental measurements and numerical results from finite element analysis. It is found that, while prior theoretical solutions for radiation impedance are accurate, use of such measurements to estimate shear viscoelastic constants is not as precise as the use of surface wave measurements. The feasibility of using audible sound for diagnosis of pneumothorax is studied. Simplified one- and two-dimensional theoretical and numerical models of sound transmission through the pulmonary system and chest region to the chest wall surface are developed to more clearly understand the mechanism of energy loss when a pneumothorax is present, relative to a baseline case. A canine study on which these models are based predicts significant decreases in acoustic transmission strength when a pneumothorax is presented, in qualitative agreement with experimental measurements in dogs. Finally, the feasibility of building three-dimensional computational models is studied based on CT images of human subject or combination of the Horsfield airway model with geometry of other parts approximate from medical illustration. Preliminary results from these models show the same trend of acoustic energy loss when a PTX is present.

Effectiveness and feasibility of Socratic feedback to increase awareness of deficits in patients with acquired brain injury: Four single-case experimental design (SCED) studies.

PubMed

Schrijnemaekers, Anne-Claire M C; Winkens, Ieke; Rasquin, Sascha M C; Verhaeg, Annette; Ponds, Rudolf W H M; van Heugten, Caroline M

2018-06-29

To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of a Socratic feedback programme to improve awareness of deficits in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Rehabilitation centre. Four patients with ABI with awareness problems. A series of single-case experimental design studies with random intervention starting points (A-B + maintenance design). Rate of trainer-feedback and self-control behaviour on everyday tasks, patient competency rating scale (PCRS), self-regulating skills interview (SRSI), hospital anxiety and depression scale. All patients needed less trainer feedback, the change was significant in 3 out of 4. One patient increased in overt self-corrective behaviour. SRSI performance increased in all patients (medium to strong effect size), and PCRS performance increased in two patients (medium and strong effect size). Mood and anxiety levels were elevated in one patient at the beginning of the training and decreased to normal levels at the end of the training. The feasibility of the programme was scored 9 out of 10. The Socratic feedback method is a promising intervention for improving awareness of deficits in patients with ABI. Controlled studies with larger populations are needed to draw more solid conclusions about the effect of this method.

Magnetoacoustic imaging of human liver tumor with magnetic induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Gang; Cressman, Erik; He, Bin

2011-01-01

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is an imaging technique under development to achieve imaging of electrical impedance contrast in biological tissues with spatial resolution close to ultrasound imaging. However, previously reported MAT-MI experimental results are obtained either from low salinity gel phantoms, or from normal animal tissue samples. In this study, we report the experimental study on the performance of the MAT-MI imaging method for imaging in vitro human liver tumor tissue. The present promising experimental results suggest the feasibility of MAT-MI to image electrical impedance contrast between the cancerous tissue and its surrounding normal tissues.

Development of an Experimental Airborne Laser Remote Sensor for Oil Detection and Classification in Spills

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-02-01

A study and measurements program to determine the feasibility of using laser-excited oil fluorescence as a means of detecting and classifying oils in spills in the marine environment was undertaken at the DOT/Transportation System Center. The study c...

A Novel GMM-Based Behavioral Modeling Approach for Smartwatch-Based Driver Authentication.

PubMed

Yang, Ching-Han; Chang, Chin-Chun; Liang, Deron

2018-03-28

All drivers have their own distinct driving habits, and usually hold and operate the steering wheel differently in different driving scenarios. In this study, we proposed a novel Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based method that can improve the traditional GMM in modeling driving behavior. This new method can be applied to build a better driver authentication system based on the accelerometer and orientation sensor of a smartwatch. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, we created an experimental system that analyzes driving behavior using the built-in sensors of a smartwatch. The experimental results for driver authentication-an equal error rate (EER) of 4.62% in the simulated environment and an EER of 7.86% in the real-traffic environment-confirm the feasibility of this approach.

Feasibility study for production of I-131 radioisotope using MNSR research reactor.

PubMed

Elom Achoribo, A S; Akaho, Edward H K; Nyarko, Benjamin J B; Osae Shiloh, K D; Odame Duodu, Godfred; Gibrilla, Abass

2012-01-01

A feasibility study for (131)I production using a Low Power Research Reactor was conducted to predict the yield of (131)I by cyclic activation technique. A maximum activity of 5.1GBq was achieved through simulation using FORTRAN 90, for an irradiation of 6h. But experimentally only 4h irradiation could be done, which resulted in an activity of 4.0×10(5)Bq. The discrepancy in the activities was due to the fact that beta decays released during the process could not be considered. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A CFD-Based Study of the Feasibility of Adapting an Erosion Burner Rig for Examining the Effect of CMAS Deposition Corrosion on Environmental Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A.; Kuczmarski, Maria A.

2015-01-01

Thermodynamic and computational fluid dynamics modeling has been conducted to examine the feasibility of adapting the NASA-Glenn erosion burner rigs for use in studies of corrosion of environmental barrier coatings by the deposition of molten CMAS. The effect of burner temperature, Mach number, particle preheat, duct heating, particle size, and particle phase (crystalline vs. glass) were analyzed. Detailed strategies for achieving complete melting of CMAS particles were developed, thereby greatly improving the probability of future successful experimental outcomes.

Feasibility study for mega-electron-volt electron beam tomography.

PubMed

Hampel, U; Bärtling, Y; Hoppe, D; Kuksanov, N; Fadeev, S; Salimov, R

2012-09-01

Electron beam tomography is a promising imaging modality for the study of fast technical processes. But for many technical objects of interest x rays of several hundreds of keV energy are required to achieve sufficient material penetration. In this article we report on a feasibility study for fast electron beam computed tomography with a 1 MeV electron beam. The experimental setup comprises an electrostatic accelerator with beam optics, transmission target, and a single x-ray detector. We employed an inverse fan-beam tomography approach with radiographic projections being generated from the linearly moving x-ray source. Angular projections were obtained by rotating the object.

iStart smart: a primary-care based and community partnered childhood obesity management program for Chinese-American children: feasibility study.

PubMed

Chen, Jyu-Lin; Kwan, Monica; Mac, Allison; Chin, Nai-Ching; Liu, Katrina

2013-12-01

Children who are ethnic minorities, low income and live in urban neighborhoods are at higher risk for obesity. This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of a primary care-based and community partnered obesity intervention in Chinese American children. An experimental design with a historical comparison group was used to explore the feasibility of an obesity intervention for overweight Chinese American children, ages 7-12. Data were collected on weight, height, blood pressure, waist circumference, physical activity, food intake, knowledge, and self-efficacy about diet and physical activity at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months post-baseline. Significant improvements in BMI, blood pressure, and nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy were found in the intervention group. Intervention group reduced their BMI compared to the comparison group (F = 8.65, p = .004). An obesity intervention in primary care setting is feasible and demonstrates a short-term effect on weight loss in Chinese American children.

Experimental Investigation of Acousto-Optic Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

acousto - optic sensor shows promise as a means for detecting acoustic data projected towards the water surface from a submerged platform. The laser...simulation studies were conducted to demonstrate acousto - optic sensor feasibility for obtaining robust recordings of acoustic communication signals across

Lidar systems for measuring visibility : a technical assessment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-09-01

A study has been made of the feasibility of using a laser backscatter system (lidar) to measure slant visibility at airports. This report summarizes the present status of lidar from a technical standpoint. Based largely on the results of experimental...

Ultrasonic detection of plate cracks in railway wheels

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-07-31

The results of experimental efforts established the feasibility of the detection of railway wheel plate cracks by an ultrasonic pulse echo testing technique from the tread surface. Feasibility and test sensitivities were established using artificial ...

Intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow-derived ex vivo expanded mesenchymal stem cells in acute myocardial infarction patients is feasible and safe up to 5 years of follow-up.

PubMed

Rodrigo, Sander F; van Ramshorst, Jan; Hoogslag, Georgette E; Boden, Helèn; Velders, Matthijs A; Cannegieter, Suzanne C; Roelofs, Helene; Al Younis, Imad; Dibbets-Schneider, Petra; Fibbe, Willem E; Zwaginga, Jaap Jan; Bax, Jeroen J; Schalij, Martin J; Beeres, Saskia L; Atsma, Douwe E

2013-10-01

In experimental studies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) models has been associated with enhanced neovascularization and myogenesis. Clinical data however, are scarce. Therefore, the present study evaluates the safety and feasibility of intramyocardial MSC injection in nine patients, shortly after AMI during short-term and 5-year follow-up. Periprocedural safety analysis demonstrated one transient ischemic attack. No other adverse events related to MSC treatment were observed during 5-year follow-up. Clinical events were compared to a nonrandomized control group comprising 45 matched controls. A 5-year event-free survival after MSC-treatment was comparable to controls (89 vs. 91 %, P = 0.87). Echocardiographic imaging for evaluation of left ventricular function demonstrated improvements up to 5 years after MSC treatment. These findings were not significantly different when compared to controls. The present safety and feasibility study suggest that intramyocardial injection of MSC in patients shortly after AMI is feasible and safe up to 5-year follow-up.

Understanding Regulation of Metabolism through Feasibility Analysis

PubMed Central

Nikerel, Emrah; Berkhout, Jan; Hu, Fengyuan; Teusink, Bas; Reinders, Marcel J. T.; de Ridder, Dick

2012-01-01

Understanding cellular regulation of metabolism is a major challenge in systems biology. Thus far, the main assumption was that enzyme levels are key regulators in metabolic networks. However, regulation analysis recently showed that metabolism is rarely controlled via enzyme levels only, but through non-obvious combinations of hierarchical (gene and enzyme levels) and metabolic regulation (mass action and allosteric interaction). Quantitative analyses relating changes in metabolic fluxes to changes in transcript or protein levels have revealed a remarkable lack of understanding of the regulation of these networks. We study metabolic regulation via feasibility analysis (FA). Inspired by the constraint-based approach of Flux Balance Analysis, FA incorporates a model describing kinetic interactions between molecules. We enlarge the portfolio of objectives for the cell by defining three main physiologically relevant objectives for the cell: function, robustness and temporal responsiveness. We postulate that the cell assumes one or a combination of these objectives and search for enzyme levels necessary to achieve this. We call the subspace of feasible enzyme levels the feasible enzyme space. Once this space is constructed, we can study how different objectives may (if possible) be combined, or evaluate the conditions at which the cells are faced with a trade-off among those. We apply FA to the experimental scenario of long-term carbon limited chemostat cultivation of yeast cells, studying how metabolism evolves optimally. Cells employ a mixed strategy composed of increasing enzyme levels for glucose uptake and hexokinase and decreasing levels of the remaining enzymes. This trade-off renders the cells specialized in this low-carbon flux state to compete for the available glucose and get rid of over-overcapacity. Overall, we show that FA is a powerful tool for systems biologists to study regulation of metabolism, interpret experimental data and evaluate hypotheses. PMID:22808034

Health Auctions: a Valuation Experiment (HAVE) study protocol.

PubMed

Kularatna, Sanjeewa; Petrie, Dennis; Scuffham, Paul A; Byrnes, Joshua

2016-04-07

Quality-adjusted life years are derived using health state utility weights which adjust for the relative value of living in each health state compared with living in perfect health. Various techniques are used to estimate health state utility weights including time-trade-off and standard gamble. These methods have exhibited limitations in terms of complexity, validity and reliability. A new composite approach using experimental auctions to value health states is introduced in this protocol. A pilot study will test the feasibility and validity of using experimental auctions to value health states in monetary terms. A convenient sample (n=150) from a population of university staff and students will be invited to participate in 30 auction sets with a group of 5 people in each set. The 9 health states auctioned in each auction set will come from the commonly used EQ-5D-3L instrument. At most participants purchase 2 health states, and the participant who acquires the 2 'best' health states on average will keep the amount of money they do not spend in acquiring those health states. The value (highest bid and average bid) of each of the 24 health states will be compared across auctions to test for reliability across auction groups and across auctioneers. A test retest will be conducted for 10% of the sample to assess reliability of responses for health states auctions. Feasibility of conducting experimental auctions to value health states will also be examined. The validity of estimated health states values will be compared with published utility estimates from other methods. This pilot study will explore the feasibility, reliability and validity in using experimental auction for valuing health states. Ethical clearance was obtained from Griffith University ethics committee. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and major international conferences. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Investigation of feasibility of wind turbulence measurement by a pulsed coherent doppler lidar in the atmospheric boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smalikho, Igor; Banakh, Viktor

2018-04-01

Feasibilities of determination of the wind turbulence parameters from data measured by the Stream Line coherent Doppler lidar under different atmospheric conditions have been studied experimentally. It has been found that the spatial structure of the turbulence is described well by the von Karman model in the layer of intensive mixing. From the lidar measurements at night under stable conditions the estimation of the outer scale of turbulence with the use of the von Karman model is not possible.

Feasibility of collision warning, precision approach and landing using GPS, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruedger, W. H.

1981-01-01

The use of GPS, with an appropriately configured data link, to enhance general aviation avionic functions encountered in the terminal area and on approach was investigated with emphasis on approach and landing guidance and collision warning. The feasibility of using differential GPS to obtain the precision navigation solutions required for landing was studied. Results show that the concept is sound. An experimental program was developed to demonstrate this concept. The collision avoidance/warning concept was examined through the development of a functional system specification.

Feasibility analysis of gravitational experiments in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Everitt, C. W. F.

1977-01-01

Experiments on gravitation and general relativity suggested by different workers in the past ten or more years are reviewed, their feasibility examined, and the advantages of performing them in space were studied. The experiments include: (1) the gyro relativity experiment; (2) experiments to test the equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass; (3) an experiment to look for nongeodesic motion of spinning bodies in orbit around the earth; (4) experiments to look for changes of the gravitational constant G with time; (5) a variety of suggestions; laboratory tests of experimental gravity; and (6) gravitational wave experiments.

Payload-Directed Control of Geophysical Magnetic Surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Ritchie; Yeh, Yoo-Hsiu; Ippolito, Corey; Spritzer, John; Phelps, Geoffrey

2010-01-01

Using non-navigational (e.g. imagers, scientific) sensor information in control loops is a difficult problem to which no general solution exists. Whether the task can be successfully achieved in a particular case depends highly on problem specifics, such as application domain and sensors of interest. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using magnetometer data for control feedback in the context of geophysical magnetic surveys. An experimental system was created and deployed to (a) assess sensor integration with autonomous vehicles, (b) investigate how magnetometer data can be used for feedback control, and (c) evaluate the feasibility of using such a system for geophysical magnetic surveys. Finally, we report the results of our experiments and show that payload-directed control of geophysical magnetic surveys is indeed feasible.

Physiological Anatomical Rodent Experiment (PARE) .04 feasibility test 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burden, Hubert W.

1994-01-01

The objective of this feasibility study was to subject pregnant rats of the same age, strain, and size that will be utilized in a shuttle flight experiment to all flight conditions except the unique microgravity of space flight and determine the feasibility of the proposed experimental design to meet the experimental objectives. The study utilized facilities at NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA to subject the rats to the gravitational stresses of a simulated shuttle launch and simulated shuttle landing. One hundred pregnant rats were received on gestation day (G) 2 (day 1 = day of vaginal sperm) and on G7, eighty rats were laparotomized to determine the condition of pregnancy and allow assignment to test groups. The five test groups (N=10 each group) were as follows: Group 1, Nominal Flight; Group 2, Laparotomy Control; Group 3, Hysterectomy Control; Group 4, Vivarium Control; Group 5, Delayed Recovery. On G9, animals in groups 1,2,3, and 5 were subjected to a shuttle launch simulation. On G18, groups 1,2, and 3 were subjected to a shuttle landing simulation and on this same day groups 1 and 2 were subjected to unilateral hysterectomy to obtain fetuses and placentas for evaluation. Fetal crown-rump length and fetal weight of the Nominal Flight group was significantly less than the Laparotomy Control group, but placentas were similar. On G20, group 5 was subjected to a shuttle landing simulation and on this day this group received a unilateral hysterectomy and fetuses and placentas were weighed. Animals in all groups were allowed to go to term and all animals delivered between 06:00 hours G22 and 18:00 hours G23. After delivery, a blood sample was taken from each experimental dam, and they were euthanized and the thymus and adrenal glands weighed. The thymus weight from all experimental group dams was decreased relative to the Vivarium Control group but adrenal glands and hormone values in dam plasma was similar in all groups. Pups from experimental groups were tattooed for identification, the anogenital distance of male pups was measured, and all pups placed with foster dams and litter sizes were standardized to 10. There was no difference in anogenital distances between male pups from different test groups. Pups delivered from Delayed Recovery animals were smaller than pups delivered from Nominal Flight animals. On neonatal day 7, all pups were euthanized and pup adrenal glands and thymus weighed. There was no difference in weights of thymus and adrenal glands in pups euthanized at neonatal day 7. Collectively, these data confirm the feasibility of the experimental design to meet objectives of the studies proposed for shuttle flight.

Feasibility studies for the Forward Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biernat, Jacek; P¯ANDA Collaboration

2015-04-01

The Forward Spectrometer designed for the P¯ANDA detector will consist of many different detector systems allowing for precise track reconstruction and particle identification. Feasibility studies for Forward Spectrometer done by means of specific reactions will be presented. In the first part of the paper, results of simulations focussing on rate estimates of the tracking stations based on straw tubes will be presented. Next, the importance of the Forward Tracker will be demonstrated through the reconstruction of the ψ(4040) → DD¯ decay. Finally, results from the analysis of the experimental data collected with a straw tube prototype designed and constructed at the Research Center in Juelich will be discussed.

An investigation of the feasibility of active boundary layer thickening for aircraft drag reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ash, R. L.; Koodalattupuram, C.

1986-01-01

The feasibility of using a forward mounted windmilling propeller to extract momentum from the flow around an axisymmetric body to reduce total drag has been studied. Numerical calculations indicate that a net drag reduction is possible when the energy extracted is returned to an aft mounted pusher propeller. However, net drag reduction requires very high device efficiencies. Results of an experimental program to study the coupling between a propeller wake and a turbulent boundary layer are also reported. The experiments showed that a complex coupling exists and simple modes for the flow field are not sufficiently accurate to predict total drag.

Novel Use of Google Glass for Procedural Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring.

PubMed

Liebert, Cara A; Zayed, Mohamed A; Aalami, Oliver; Tran, Jennifer; Lau, James N

2016-08-01

Purpose This study investigates the feasibility and potential utility of head-mounted displays for real-time wireless vital sign monitoring during surgical procedures. Methods In this randomized controlled pilot study, surgery residents (n = 14) performed simulated bedside procedures with traditional vital sign monitors and were randomized to addition of vital sign streaming to Google Glass. Time to recognition of preprogrammed vital sign deterioration and frequency of traditional monitor use was recorded. User feedback was collected by electronic survey. Results The experimental group spent 90% less time looking away from the procedural field to view traditional monitors during bronchoscopy (P = .003), and recognized critical desaturation 8.8 seconds earlier; the experimental group spent 71% (P = .01) less time looking away from the procedural field during thoracostomy, and recognized hypotension 10.5 seconds earlier. Trends toward earlier recognition of deterioration did not reach statistical significance. The majority of participants agreed that Google Glass increases situational awareness (64%), is helpful in monitoring vitals (86%), is easy to use (93%), and has potential to improve patient safety (85%). Conclusion In this early feasibility study, use of streaming to Google Glass significantly decreased time looking away from procedural fields and resulted in a nonsignificant trend toward earlier recognition of vital sign deterioration. Vital sign streaming with Google Glass or similar platforms is feasible and may enhance procedural situational awareness. © The Author(s) 2016.

Drug use and the role of patients and prescribers.

PubMed

Sterky, G; Tomson, G; Diwan, V K; Sachs, L

1991-01-01

In order to move towards rational drug use in any national or local setting the methods of inquiry have to be expanded. Both the public and private sector have to be addressed. In the latter the pharmacists might be studied using a tracer, fictitious client. One important factor influencing prescribing, drug information, has rarely been assessed scientifically. Experimental studies using group randomization are, however feasible even in developing countries. The individual human being must be in the focus of drug studies and health care and health in the foreground. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will assist us to achieve rational drug use that is culturally acceptable, economically feasible and pharmacologically sound.

New Trends on Green Buildings: Investigation of the Feasibility of Using Plastic Members in RC Buildings with SWs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arslan, M. H.; Arslan, H. D.

2017-08-01

Shear walled (SW) reinforced concrete (RC) buildings are considered to be a type of high seismic safety building. Although this structural system has an important seismic advantage, it also has some disadvantages, especially in acoustic and thermal comfort. In this study, experimental studies have been conducted on RC members produced with plastic material having circular sections to determine structural performance. RC members have been produced with and without 6 cm diameter balls to analyze the structural behaviour under loading and to investigate the thermal performance and sound absorption behaviour of the members. In the study, structural parameters have been determined for RC members such as slabs and SWs produced with and without balls to discover the feasibility of the research and discuss the findings comparatively. The results obtained from the experimental studies show that PB used in RC with suitable positions do not significantly decrease strength but improve the thermal and acoustic features. It has been also seen that using plastic balls reduce the total concrete materials.

Neural control of magnetic suspension systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gray, W. Steven

1993-01-01

The purpose of this research program is to design, build and test (in cooperation with NASA personnel from the NASA Langley Research Center) neural controllers for two different small air-gap magnetic suspension systems. The general objective of the program is to study neural network architectures for the purpose of control in an experimental setting and to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. The specific objectives of the research program are: (1) to demonstrate through simulation and experimentation the feasibility of using neural controllers to stabilize a nonlinear magnetic suspension system; (2) to investigate through simulation and experimentation the performance of neural controllers designs under various types of parametric and nonparametric uncertainty; (3) to investigate through simulation and experimentation various types of neural architectures for real-time control with respect to performance and complexity; and (4) to benchmark in an experimental setting the performance of neural controllers against other types of existing linear and nonlinear compensator designs. To date, the first one-dimensional, small air-gap magnetic suspension system has been built, tested and delivered to the NASA Langley Research Center. The device is currently being stabilized with a digital linear phase-lead controller. The neural controller hardware is under construction. Two different neural network paradigms are under consideration, one based on hidden layer feedforward networks trained via back propagation and one based on using Gaussian radial basis functions trained by analytical methods related to stability conditions. Some advanced nonlinear control algorithms using feedback linearization and sliding mode control are in simulation studies.

Bridging the goal intention-action gap in rehabilitation: a study of if-then implementation intentions in neurorehabilitation.

PubMed

Kersten, Paula; McPherson, Kathryn M; Kayes, Nicola M; Theadom, Alice; McCambridge, Alana

2015-01-01

To test the feasibility and acceptability of an implementation intention strategy (if-then plans) increasingly used in health psychology to bridge the goal intention-action gap in rehabilitation with people with neurological conditions who are experiencing difficulties with mobility. Twenty people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke, randomised to an experimental and control group, set up to three mobility related goals with a physiotherapist. The experimental group also formulated if-then plans for every goal. Focus groups and interviews with participants and therapists; Patient Activation Measure (PAM), 10-m walk test, Rivermead Mobility Index, self-efficacy, subjective health status, quality of life. Qualitative data highlighted one main theme: Rehabilitation in context, encapsulating the usefulness of the if-then strategy in thinking about the patient in the context of complexity, the usefulness of home-based rehabilitation, and the perceived need for a few more sessions. Changes in walking speed were in the expected direction for both groups; PAM scores improved over 3 months in both groups. If-then plans were feasible and acceptable in bridging the goal intention-action gap in rehabilitation with people with MS and stroke, who are experiencing difficulties with mobility. This approach can now be adapted and trialled further in a definitive study. Goal planning in rehabilitation necessitates specific strategies that help people engage in goal-related tasks. If-then plans aim to support people to deal more effectively with self-regulatory problems that might undermine goal striving and have been found to be effective in health promotion and health behaviour change. This feasibility study with people with a stroke and multiple sclerosis has demonstrated that if-then plans are feasible and acceptable to patients and physiotherapists in supporting goal-directed behaviour.

Systematic bioinformatics and experimental validation of yeast complexes reduces the rate of attrition during structural investigations.

PubMed

Brooks, Mark A; Gewartowski, Kamil; Mitsiki, Eirini; Létoquart, Juliette; Pache, Roland A; Billier, Ysaline; Bertero, Michela; Corréa, Margot; Czarnocki-Cieciura, Mariusz; Dadlez, Michal; Henriot, Véronique; Lazar, Noureddine; Delbos, Lila; Lebert, Dorothée; Piwowarski, Jan; Rochaix, Pascal; Böttcher, Bettina; Serrano, Luis; Séraphin, Bertrand; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Aloy, Patrick; Perrakis, Anastassis; Dziembowski, Andrzej

2010-09-08

For high-throughput structural studies of protein complexes of composition inferred from proteomics data, it is crucial that candidate complexes are selected accurately. Herein, we exemplify a procedure that combines a bioinformatics tool for complex selection with in vivo validation, to deliver structural results in a medium-throughout manner. We have selected a set of 20 yeast complexes, which were predicted to be feasible by either an automated bioinformatics algorithm, by manual inspection of primary data, or by literature searches. These complexes were validated with two straightforward and efficient biochemical assays, and heterologous expression technologies of complex components were then used to produce the complexes to assess their feasibility experimentally. Approximately one-half of the selected complexes were useful for structural studies, and we detail one particular success story. Our results underscore the importance of accurate target selection and validation in avoiding transient, unstable, or simply nonexistent complexes from the outset. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analytical and experimental investigation of aircraft metal structures reinforced with filamentary composites. Phase 1: Concept development and feasibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oken, S.; June, R. R.

1971-01-01

The analytical and experimental investigations are described in the first phase of a program to establish the feasibility of reinforcing metal aircraft structures with advanced filamentary composites. The interactions resulting from combining the two types of materials into single assemblies as well as their ability to function structurally were studied. The combinations studied were boron-epoxy reinforced aluminum, boron-epoxy reinforced titanium, and boron-polyimide reinforced titanium. The concepts used unidirectional composites as reinforcement in the primary loading direction and metal for carrying the transverse loads as well as its portion of the primary load. The program established that several realistic concepts could be fabricated, that these concepts could perform to a level that would result in significant weight savings, and that there are means for predicting their capability within a reasonable degree of accuracy. This program also encountered problems related to the application of polyimide systems that resulted in their relatively poor and variable performance.

An environmental friendly animal waste disposal process with ammonia recovery and energy production: Experimental study and economic analysis.

PubMed

Shen, Ye; Tan, Michelle Ting Ting; Chong, Clive; Xiao, Wende; Wang, Chi-Hwa

2017-10-01

Animal manure waste is considered as an environmental challenge especially in farming areas mainly because of gaseous emission and water pollution. Among all the pollutants emitted from manure waste, ammonia is of greatest concern as it could contribute to formation of aerosols in the air and could hardly be controlled by traditional disposal methods like landfill or composting. On the other hand, manure waste is also a renewable source for energy production. In this work, an environmental friendly animal waste disposal process with combined ammonia recovery and energy production was proposed and investigated both experimentally and economically. Lab-scale feasibility study results showed that 70% of ammonia in the manure waste could be converted to struvite as fertilizer, while solid manure waste was successfully gasified in a 10kW downdraft fixed-bed gasifier producing syngas with the higher heating value of 4.9MJ/(Nm 3 ). Based on experimental results, economic study for the system was carried out using a cost-benefit analysis to investigate the financial feasibility based on a Singapore case study. In addition, for comparison, schemes of gasification without ammonia removal and incineration were also studied for manure waste disposal. The results showed that the proposed gasification-based manure waste treatment process integrated with ammonia recovery was most financially viable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Facebook in a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy.

PubMed

Ling, Jiying; Robbins, Lorraine B; Zhang, Nanhua; Kerver, Jean M; Lyons, Haley; Wieber, Nicole; Zhang, Mi

2018-02-01

The purpose of this pilot quasi-experimental study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using Facebook in a 10-week lifestyle intervention with Head Start caregiver-preschooler dyads to improve healthy behaviors and reduce body mass index. Sixty-nine dyads participated with 39 in the intervention group. Average preschooler attendance rate for the Head Start center-based program was 77%, and caregiver participation rate was 87%. About 94% of the caregivers were satisfied with the program, and 97% would recommend the program to others and/or participate again. The intervention decreased preschoolers' body mass index z score (Cohen's d = -.30) and screen time ( d = -.21), and increased their fruit and vegetable intake ( d = .40) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ( d = .42). The intervention increased caregivers' fruit and vegetable intake ( d = .40). The intervention is feasible, and preliminary efficacy is encouraging, but further investigation using a rigorous study design is warranted.

Creation of the First French Database in Primary Care Using the ICPC2: Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Lacroix-Hugues, V; Darmon, D; Pradier, C; Staccini, P

2017-01-01

The objective of our study was to assess the feasibility of gathering data stored in primary care Electronic Health records (EHRs) in order to create a research database (PRIMEGE PACA project). The software for EHR models of two office and patient data management systems were analyzed; anonymized data was extracted and imported into a MySQL database. An ETL procedure to code text in ICPC2 codes was implemented. Eleven general practitioners (GPs) were enrolled as "data producers" and data were extracted from 2012 to 2015. In this paper, we explain the ways to make this process feasible as well as illustrate its utility for estimating epidemiological indicators and professional practice assessments. Other software is currently being analyzed for integration and expansion of this panel of GPs. This experimentation is recognized as a robust framework and is considered to be the technical foundation of the first regional observatory of primary care data.

Feasibility Study for Casting of High Temperature Refractory Superalloy Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jonathan A.

1998-01-01

Abstract This study investigated the feasibility of using conventional casting technique to fabricate refractory wires reinforced superalloy composites. These composites were being developed for advanced rocket engine turbine blades and other high temperature applications operating up to 2000 F. Several types of refractory metal wires such as W- Th, W-Re, Mo-Hf-C and W-HF-C reinforced waspaloy were experimentally cast and heat treated at 2000 F up to 48 hrs. Scanning electron microscope analysis was conducted in regions adjacent to the wire-matrix interface to determine the reaction zone and chemical compatibility resulting from material interdiffusion. It was concluded that fabrication using conventional casting may be feasible because the wire-matrix reaction zone thickness was comparable to similar composites produced by arc-sprayed monotape with hot isostatic pressing technique, Moreover, it was also found that the chemical compatibility could be improved significantly through a slight modification of the superalloy matrix compositions.

Online and offline experimental techniques for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons recovery and measurement.

PubMed

Comandini, A; Malewicki, T; Brezinsky, K

2012-03-01

The implementation of techniques aimed at improving engine performance and reducing particulate matter (PM) pollutant emissions is strongly influenced by the limited understanding of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formation chemistry, in combustion devices, that produces the PM emissions. New experimental results which examine the formation of multi-ring compounds are required. The present investigation focuses on two techniques for such an experimental examination by recovery of PAH compounds from a typical combustion oriented experimental apparatus. The online technique discussed constitutes an optimal solution but not always feasible approach. Nevertheless, a detailed description of a new online sampling system is provided which can serve as reference for future applications to different experimental set-ups. In comparison, an offline technique, which is sometimes more experimentally feasible but not necessarily optimal, has been studied in detail for the recovery of a variety of compounds with different properties, including naphthalene, biphenyl, and iodobenzene. The recovery results from both techniques were excellent with an error in the total carbon balance of around 10% for the online technique and an uncertainty in the measurement of the single species of around 7% for the offline technique. Although both techniques proved to be suitable for measurement of large PAH compounds, the online technique represents the optimal solution in view of the simplicity of the corresponding experimental procedure. On the other hand, the offline technique represents a valuable solution in those cases where the online technique cannot be implemented.

Adaptive antenna arrays for satellite communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Inder J.

1989-01-01

The feasibility of using adaptive antenna arrays to provide interference protection in satellite communications was studied. The feedback loops as well as the sample matric inversion (SMI) algorithm for weight control were studied. Appropriate modifications in the two were made to achieve the required interference suppression. An experimental system was built to test the modified feedback loops and the modified SMI algorithm. The performance of the experimental system was evaluated using bench generated signals and signals received from TVRO geosynchronous satellites. A summary of results is given. Some suggestions for future work are also presented.

An Experimental Investigation into NO sub X Control of a Gas Turbine Combustor and Augmentor Tube Incorporating a Catalytic Reduction System

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-01

An initial experimental investigation was conducted to examine the feasibility of NOx emission control using catalytic reduction techniques in the ...current configuration impractical. Recommendations for alternative configurations are presented. The results of the investigation have proven that further study is warranted....used as a gas generator and catalytic reduction system. Four data runs were made. Three runs were completed without the catalyst installed

The effects of in-service education to promote emergent literacy in child care centers: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Girolametto, Luigi; Weitzman, Elaine; Lefebvre, Pascal; Greenberg, Janice

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a 2-day in-service education program for (a) promoting the use of two emergent literacy strategies by early childhood educators and (b) increasing children's responses to these strategies. Sixteen early childhood educators were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. The experimental in-service program sought to increase educators' use of abstract utterances and print references. Educators were videotaped with small groups of preschoolers during storybook reading and a post-story craft activity. Pretest and posttest videotapes were coded to yield rates of abstract language, verbal print references, and children's responses. In comparison to the control group, educators in the experimental program used more abstract utterances that elicited talk about emotions and children's past experiences during storybook reading. They also used significantly more print references during a post-story craft activity. In addition, children in the experimental group responded more often with appropriate responses to abstract utterances and print references in comparison to children in the control group. A 2-day in-service education program resulted in short-term behavioral changes in educators' use of abstract language and print references. Suggestions for improving instruction include providing opportunities for classroom practice with feedback, modeling the use of strategies in classroom routines, and long-term mentoring of educators to promote retention of gains.

Sugarsquare, a Web-Based Patient Portal for Parents of a Child With Type 1 Diabetes: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

PubMed Central

Maas-Van Schaaijk, Nienke M; Sas, Theo C; Clement-de Boers, Agnes; Smallenbroek, Mischa; Nuboer, Roos; Noordam, Cees; Verhaak, Chris M

2017-01-01

Background Raising a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means combining the demands of the disease management with everyday parenting, which is associated with increased levels of distress. A Web-based patient portal, Sugarsquare, was developed to support parents, by providing online parent-professional communication, online peer support and online disease information. Objective The first aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in Dutch parents of a child with T1D. The second aim was to assess the feasibility of implementing Sugarsquare in clinical practice. Methods The parents of 105 children (N=105) with T1D below the age of 13 participated in a 6-month multicenter randomized controlled feasibility trial. They were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=54, usual care and Sugarsquare) or a control group (n=51, usual care). Attrition rates and user statistics were gathered to evaluate feasibility of the trial and implementation. To determine potential efficacy, the parenting stress index (PSI-SF) was assessed at baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T1). Results Of a potential population of parents of 445 children, 189 were willing to participate (enrollment refusal=57.5%, n=256), 142 filled in the baseline questionnaire (baseline attrition rate=25%, n=47), and 105 also filled in the questionnaire at T1 (post randomization attrition rate during follow-up=26%, n=32). As such, 24% of the potential population participated. Analysis in the experimental group (n=54) revealed a total of 32 (59%) unique users, divided into 12 (38%) frequent users, 9 (28%) incidental users, and 11 (34%) low-frequent users. Of the total of 44 professionals, 34 (77%) logged in, and 32 (73%) logged in repeatedly. Analysis of the user statistics in the experimental group further showed high practicability and integration in all users, moderate acceptability and demand in parents, and high acceptability and demand in health care professionals. Baseline parenting stress index scores were related to the parents’ frequency of logging on (ρ=.282, P=.03) and page-views (ρ=.304, P=.01). No significant differences in change in parenting stress between experimental and control group were found (F3,101=.49, P=.49). Conclusions The trial can be considered feasible, considering the average enrollment refusal rate, baseline attrition rate and postrandomization attrition rate, compared to other eHealth studies, although lower than hypothesized. Implementing Sugarsquare in clinical practice was partly feasible, given moderate demand and acceptability in parent users and lack of potential efficacy. Parents who reported higher levels of parenting stress used Sugarsquare more often than other parents, although Sugarsquare did not reduce parenting stress. These results indicate that Web-based interventions are a suitable way of providing parents of children with T1D with additional support. Future studies should determine how Sugarsquare could reduce parenting stress, for instance by adding targeted interventions. Factors potentially contributing to successful implementation are suggested. Trial Registration Nederlands Trial Register Number: NTR3643; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3643 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qihOVCi6) PMID:28830853

Sugarsquare, a Web-Based Patient Portal for Parents of a Child With Type 1 Diabetes: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

PubMed

Boogerd, Emiel; Maas-Van Schaaijk, Nienke M; Sas, Theo C; Clement-de Boers, Agnes; Smallenbroek, Mischa; Nuboer, Roos; Noordam, Cees; Verhaak, Chris M

2017-08-22

Raising a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means combining the demands of the disease management with everyday parenting, which is associated with increased levels of distress. A Web-based patient portal, Sugarsquare, was developed to support parents, by providing online parent-professional communication, online peer support and online disease information. The first aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in Dutch parents of a child with T1D. The second aim was to assess the feasibility of implementing Sugarsquare in clinical practice. The parents of 105 children (N=105) with T1D below the age of 13 participated in a 6-month multicenter randomized controlled feasibility trial. They were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=54, usual care and Sugarsquare) or a control group (n=51, usual care). Attrition rates and user statistics were gathered to evaluate feasibility of the trial and implementation. To determine potential efficacy, the parenting stress index (PSI-SF) was assessed at baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T1). Of a potential population of parents of 445 children, 189 were willing to participate (enrollment refusal=57.5%, n=256), 142 filled in the baseline questionnaire (baseline attrition rate=25%, n=47), and 105 also filled in the questionnaire at T1 (post randomization attrition rate during follow-up=26%, n=32). As such, 24% of the potential population participated. Analysis in the experimental group (n=54) revealed a total of 32 (59%) unique users, divided into 12 (38%) frequent users, 9 (28%) incidental users, and 11 (34%) low-frequent users. Of the total of 44 professionals, 34 (77%) logged in, and 32 (73%) logged in repeatedly. Analysis of the user statistics in the experimental group further showed high practicability and integration in all users, moderate acceptability and demand in parents, and high acceptability and demand in health care professionals. Baseline parenting stress index scores were related to the parents' frequency of logging on (ρ=.282, P=.03) and page-views (ρ=.304, P=.01). No significant differences in change in parenting stress between experimental and control group were found (F 3,101 =.49, P=.49). The trial can be considered feasible, considering the average enrollment refusal rate, baseline attrition rate and postrandomization attrition rate, compared to other eHealth studies, although lower than hypothesized. Implementing Sugarsquare in clinical practice was partly feasible, given moderate demand and acceptability in parent users and lack of potential efficacy. Parents who reported higher levels of parenting stress used Sugarsquare more often than other parents, although Sugarsquare did not reduce parenting stress. These results indicate that Web-based interventions are a suitable way of providing parents of children with T1D with additional support. Future studies should determine how Sugarsquare could reduce parenting stress, for instance by adding targeted interventions. Factors potentially contributing to successful implementation are suggested. Nederlands Trial Register Number: NTR3643; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3643 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qihOVCi6). ©Emiel Boogerd, Nienke M Maas-Van Schaaijk, Theo C Sas, Agnes Clement-de Boers, Mischa Smallenbroek, Roos Nuboer, Cees Noordam, Chris M Verhaak. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 22.08.2017.

Prospects for a Muon Spin Resonance Facility in the MuCool Test Area

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

Johnstone, John A.

2017-04-12

This paper investigates the feasibility of re-purposing the MuCool Test Area beamline and experimental hall to support a Muon Spin Resonance facility, which would make it the only such facility in the US. This report reviews the basic muon production concepts studied and operationally implemented at TRIUMF, PSI, and RAL and their application to the MTA facility. Two scenarios were determined feasible. One represents an initial minimal-shielding and capital-cost investment stage with a single secondary muon beamline that transports the primary beam to an existing high-intensity beam absorber located outside of the hall. Another, upgraded stage, involves an optimized productionmore » target pile and high-intensity absorber installed inside the experimental hall and potentially multiple secondary muon lines. In either scenario, with attention to target design, the MTA can host enabling and competitive Muon Spin Resonance experiments« less

A Comparative Study on the Teaching Effects of TRIZ Courses for the Humanities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luo, Lingling; Li, Peng; Zhang, Ping

2017-01-01

In order to test the feasibility of the curriculum system of TRIZ used in humanities and social science majors, this study will test whether it is effective to cultivate students' creativity and to train their ability to solve problems. This study designs the randomly experimental targets in the two control groups for pretest and post-test. This…

PREP-T1 (Preteen Re-Education With Parents-Type 1 Diabetes) Feasibility Intervention Results.

PubMed

Sullivan-Bolyai, Susan; Crawford, Sybil; Johnson, Kim; Ramchandani, Neesha; Quinn, Diane; D'Alesandro, Bianca; Stern, Kailyn; Lipman, Terry; Melkus, Gail; Streisand, Randi

2016-11-01

There has been a 2% to 3% increase in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children below 11 years old. Preteens (9-12 years old) with T1D are often overlooked regarding future diabetes self-management (DSM) expectations because parents are still in the "driver's seat." The study purpose was to explore feasibility/ability to recruit and conduct a two-arm trial on reeducation, collaboration, and social support. One component of DSM was reviewed (hypoglycemia) with preteens (n = 22) and parents (n = 22). The experimental preteens discussed hypoglycemia management with a teen mentor and nurse educator using a human patient simulator for practice, and working collaboratively with parents. Concurrently, mothers met with a parent mentor and psychologist to discuss growth and development, and collaborative shared management. Comparison dyads discussed hypoglycemia management with a nurse. Preteens slightly improved in diabetes knowledge; the experimental arm had higher problem-solving scores. Parents in the experimental arm had higher self-efficacy scores. Findings will inform future research. © The Author(s) 2016.

Numerical and experimental study of a high port-density WDM optical packet switch architecture for data centers.

PubMed

Di Lucente, S; Luo, J; Centelles, R Pueyo; Rohit, A; Zou, S; Williams, K A; Dorren, H J S; Calabretta, N

2013-01-14

Data centers have to sustain the rapid growth of data traffic due to the increasing demand of bandwidth-hungry internet services. The current intra-data center fat tree topology causes communication bottlenecks in the server interaction process, power-hungry O-E-O conversions that limit the minimum latency and the power efficiency of these systems. In this paper we numerically and experimentally investigate an optical packet switch architecture with modular structure and highly distributed control that allow configuration times in the order of nanoseconds. Numerical results indicate that the candidate architecture scaled over 4000 ports, provides an overall throughput over 50 Tb/s and a packet loss rate below 10(-6) while assuring sub-microsecond latency. We present experimental results that demonstrate the feasibility of a 16x16 optical packet switch based on parallel 1x4 integrated optical cross-connect modules. Error-free operations can be achieved with 4 dB penalty while the overall energy consumption is of 66 pJ/b. Based on those results, we discuss feasibility to scale the architecture to a much larger port count.

Expanding the Range of the First Step to Success Intervention: Tertiary-Level Support for Children, Teachers, and Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frey, Andy J.; Small, Jason W.; Lee, Jon; Walker, Hill M.; Seeley, John R.; Feil, Edward G.; Golly, Annemeike

2015-01-01

This study presents the findings of a quasi-experimental feasibility study examining the Tertiary First Step intervention, an enhanced version of the First Step to Success early intervention program. Tertiary FirstStep was developed to engage families more effectively and influence and improve parenting practices for children having challenging…

Testing a Violence-Prevention Intervention for Incarcerated Women Using a Randomized Control Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kubiak, Sheryl Pimlott; Kim, Woo Jong; Fedock, Gina; Bybee, Deborah

2015-01-01

Objective: Beyond Violence (BV), a new prevention program for women with assaultive offenses, demonstrated feasibility in previous studies. This study's purpose is to assess the efficacy of BV using a randomized control trial. Method: Eligible women were randomly assigned to treatment as usual (TAU) and the experimental condition (BV). Measures of…

Expanding the Range of the First Step to Success Intervention: Tertiary-Level Support for Children, Teachers, and Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frey, Andy J.; Small, Jason W.; Lee, Jon; Walker, Hill M.; Seeley, John R.; Feil, Edward G.; Golly, Annemeike

2015-01-01

This study presents the findings of a quasi-experimental feasibility study examining the Tertiary First Step intervention, an enhanced version of the First Step to Success early intervention program. Tertiary First Step was developed to engage families more effectively and influence and improve parenting practices for children having challenging…

Evaluating Listening and Speaking Skills in a Mobile Game-Based Learning Environment with Situational Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hwang, Wu-Yuin; Shih, Timothy K.; Ma, Zhao-Heng; Shadiev, Rustam; Chen, Shu-Yu

2016-01-01

Game-based learning activities that facilitate students' listening and speaking skills were designed in this study. To participate in learning activities, students in the control group used traditional methods, while students in the experimental group used a mobile system. In our study, we looked into the feasibility of mobile game-based learning…

Measuring the Newtonian constant of gravitation with a differential free-fall gradiometer: A feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothleitner, Christian; Francis, Olivier

2014-04-01

An original setup is presented to measure the Newtonian Constant of Gravitation G. It is based on the same principle as used in ballistic absolute gravimeters. The differential acceleration of three simultaneously freely falling test masses is measured in order to determine G. In this paper, a description of the experimental setup is presented. A detailed uncertainty budget estimates the relative uncertainty to be of the order of 5.3 × 10-4, however with some improvements a relative uncertainty in G of one part in 104 could be feasible.

Improving the governance of patient safety in emergency care: a systematic review of interventions

PubMed Central

Hesselink, Gijs; Berben, Sivera; Beune, Thimpe

2016-01-01

Objectives To systematically review interventions that aim to improve the governance of patient safety within emergency care on effectiveness, reliability, validity and feasibility. Design A systematic review of the literature. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PsychInfo were searched for studies published between January 1990 and July 2014. We included studies evaluating interventions relevant for higher management to oversee and manage patient safety, in prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) organisations and hospital-based emergency departments (EDs). Two reviewers independently selected candidate studies, extracted data and assessed study quality. Studies were categorised according to study quality, setting, sample, intervention characteristics and findings. Results Of the 18 included studies, 13 (72%) were non-experimental. Nine studies (50%) reported data on the reliability and/or validity of the intervention. Eight studies (44%) reported on the feasibility of the intervention. Only 4 studies (22%) reported statistically significant effects. The use of a simulation-based training programme and well-designed incident reporting systems led to a statistically significant improvement of safety knowledge and attitudes by ED staff and an increase of incident reports within EDs, respectively. Conclusions Characteristics of the interventions included in this review (eg, anonymous incident reporting and validation of incident reports by an independent party) could provide useful input for the design of an effective tool to govern patient safety in EMS organisations and EDs. However, executives cannot rely on a robust set of evidence-based and feasible tools to govern patient safety within their emergency care organisation and in the chain of emergency care. Established strategies from other high-risk sectors need to be evaluated in emergency care settings, using an experimental design with valid outcome measures to strengthen the evidence base. PMID:26826151

Low-cost Solar Array Project. Feasibility of the Silane Process for Producing Semiconductor-grade Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The feasibility of Union Carbide's silane process for commercial application was established. An integrated process design for an experimental process system development unit and a commercial facility were developed. The corresponding commercial plant economic performance was then estimated.

Study of the joining of polycarbonate panels in butt joint configuration through friction stir welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astarita, Antonello; Boccarusso, Luca; Carrino, Luigi; Durante, Massimo; Minutolo, Fabrizio Memola Capece; Squillace, Antonino

2018-05-01

Polycarbonate sheets, 3 mm thick, were successfully friction stir welded in butt joint configuration. Aiming to study the feasibility of the process and the influence of the process parameters joints under different processing conditions, obtained by varying the tool rotational speed and the tool travel speed, were realized. Tensile tests were carried out to characterize the joints. Moreover the forces arising during the process were recorded and carefully studied. The experimental outcomes proved the feasibility of the process when the process parameters are properly set, joints retaining more than 70% of the UTS of the base material were produced. The trend of the forces was described and explained, the influence of the process parameters was also introduced.

A feasibility study of ion implantation techniques for mass spectrometer calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koslin, M. E.; Krycuk, G. A.; Schatz, J. G., Jr.; White, F. A.; Wood, G. M.

1978-01-01

An experimental study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of using ion-implanted filaments doped with either an alkali metal or noble gas for in situ recalibration of onboard mass spectrometers during extended space missions. Implants of rubidium and krypton in rhenium ribbon filaments were subsequently tested in a bakeable 60 deg sector mass spectrometer operating in the static mode. Surface ionization and electron impact ion sources were both used, each yielding satisfactory results. The metallic implant with subsequent ionization provided a means of mass scale calibration and determination of system operating parameters, whereas the noble gas thermally desorbed into the system was more suited for partial pressure and sensitivity determinations.

Test using expansive cement in cement stabilized base to eliminate or prevent cracking : experimental projects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-08-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using an : expansive cement, TXI 4C Chem Comp, in lieu of the regular Type I Portland : Cement in a cement stabilized gravel screenings base so as to eliminate : or reduce cracks associate...

EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF A CONTROLLABLE-PITCH SUPERCAVITATING PROPELLER.

DTIC Science & Technology

Studies were made of cavitation performance and open-water characteristics of a controllable-pitch supercavitating propeller with two, three, and...By means of several numerical examples, the feasibility of using a controllable-pitch supercavitating propeller is demonstrated. A practical application to a hydrofoil boat is also presented. (Author)

75 FR 36378 - JD Products, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-25

... to study the feasibility of the proposed San Onofre OWEG Electricity Farm Project (project). The proposed project would utilize 11,443 Ocean Wave Electricity Generation (OWEG) units, an experimental... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13679-000] JD Products, LLC...

Animal Experimentation in High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ansevin, Kystyna D.

1970-01-01

Recommends that teacher and student be provided with the broadest possible spectrum of meaningful and feasible experiments in which the comfort of the experimental animal is protected by the design of the experiment. (BR)

Feasibility of using near-infrared spectroscopy to diagnose testicular torsion: an experimental study in sheep.

PubMed

Capraro, Geoffrey A; Mader, Timothy J; Coughlin, Bret F; Lovewell, Carolanne; St Louis, Myron R L; Tirabassi, Michael; Wadie, George; Smithline, Howard A

2007-04-01

To assess whether near-infrared spectroscopy can detect testicular hypoxia in a sheep model of testicular torsion within 6 hours of experimental torsion. This was a randomized, controlled, nonblinded study. Trans-scrotal, near-infrared, spectroscopy-derived testicular tissue saturation of oxygen values were obtained from the posterior hemiscrota of 6 anesthetized sheep at baseline and every 15 minutes for 6 hours after either experimental-side, 720-degree, unilateral, medial testicular torsion and orchidopexy or control-side sham procedure with orchidopexy and then for 75 minutes after reduction of torsion and pexy. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed every 30 minutes to confirm loss of vascular flow on the experimental side, return of flow after torsion reduction, and preserved flow on the control side. Near infrared spectroscopy detected a prompt, sustained reduction in testicular tissue saturation of oxygen after experimental torsion. Further, it documented a rapid return of these values to pretorsion levels after reduction of torsion. Experimental-side testicular tissue saturation of oxygen fell from a median value of 59% (interquartile range [IQR] 57% to 69%) at baseline to 14% (IQR 11% to 29%) at 2.5 hours of torsion, and postreduction values were approximately 70%. Control-side testicular tissue saturation of oxygen values increased from a median value of 67% (IQR 59% to 68%) at baseline to 77% (IQR 77% to 94%) at 2.5 hours and remained at approximately 80% for the entire protocol. The difference in median testicular tissue saturation of oxygen between experimental and control sides, using the Friedman test, was found to be significant (P=.017). This study demonstrates the feasibility, in a sheep model, of using near-infrared spectroscopy for the noninvasive diagnosis of testicular torsion and for quantification of reperfusion after torsion reduction. The applicability of these findings, from an animal model using complete torsion, to the clinical setting remains to be established.

Definition of smolder experiments for Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summerfield, M.; Messina, N. A.; Ingram, L. S.

1979-01-01

The feasibility of conducting experiments in space on smoldering combustion was studied to conceptually design specific smoldering experiments to be conducted in the Shuttle/Spacelab System. Design information for identified experiment critical components is provided. The analytical and experimental basis for conducting research on smoldering phenomena in space was established. Physical descriptions of the various competing processes pertaining to smoldering combustion were identified. The need for space research was defined based on limitations of existing knowledge and limitations of ground-based reduced-gravity experimental facilities.

Predicting network modules of cell cycle regulators using relative protein abundance statistics.

PubMed

Oguz, Cihan; Watson, Layne T; Baumann, William T; Tyson, John J

2017-02-28

Parameter estimation in systems biology is typically done by enforcing experimental observations through an objective function as the parameter space of a model is explored by numerical simulations. Past studies have shown that one usually finds a set of "feasible" parameter vectors that fit the available experimental data equally well, and that these alternative vectors can make different predictions under novel experimental conditions. In this study, we characterize the feasible region of a complex model of the budding yeast cell cycle under a large set of discrete experimental constraints in order to test whether the statistical features of relative protein abundance predictions are influenced by the topology of the cell cycle regulatory network. Using differential evolution, we generate an ensemble of feasible parameter vectors that reproduce the phenotypes (viable or inviable) of wild-type yeast cells and 110 mutant strains. We use this ensemble to predict the phenotypes of 129 mutant strains for which experimental data is not available. We identify 86 novel mutants that are predicted to be viable and then rank the cell cycle proteins in terms of their contributions to cumulative variability of relative protein abundance predictions. Proteins involved in "regulation of cell size" and "regulation of G1/S transition" contribute most to predictive variability, whereas proteins involved in "positive regulation of transcription involved in exit from mitosis," "mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint" and "negative regulation of cyclin-dependent protein kinase by cyclin degradation" contribute the least. These results suggest that the statistics of these predictions may be generating patterns specific to individual network modules (START, S/G2/M, and EXIT). To test this hypothesis, we develop random forest models for predicting the network modules of cell cycle regulators using relative abundance statistics as model inputs. Predictive performance is assessed by the areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC). Our models generate an AUC range of 0.83-0.87 as opposed to randomized models with AUC values around 0.50. By using differential evolution and random forest modeling, we show that the model prediction statistics generate distinct network module-specific patterns within the cell cycle network.

Latex modified asphalt and experimental joint treatments on asphaltic concrete overlays : experimental project No. 3 : asphalt additives.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-06-01

This report documents the construction and initial evaluation of several experimental features which were incorporated as part of an overlay of an existing PCC pavement in order to determine the feasibility of extending overlay service life. The expe...

Feasibility study for a biomedical experimental facility based on LEIR at CERN.

PubMed

Abler, Daniel; Garonna, Adriano; Carli, Christian; Dosanjh, Manjit; Peach, Ken

2013-07-01

In light of the recent European developments in ion beam therapy, there is a strong interest from the biomedical research community to have more access to clinically relevant beams. Beamtime for pre-clinical studies is currently very limited and a new dedicated facility would allow extensive research into the radiobiological mechanisms of ion beam radiation and the development of more refined techniques of dosimetry and imaging. This basic research would support the current clinical efforts of the new treatment centres in Europe (for example HIT, CNAO and MedAustron). This paper presents first investigations on the feasibility of an experimental biomedical facility based on the CERN Low Energy Ion Ring LEIR accelerator. Such a new facility could provide beams of light ions (from protons to neon ions) in a collaborative and cost-effective way, since it would rely partly on CERN's competences and infrastructure. The main technical challenges linked to the implementation of a slow extraction scheme for LEIR and to the design of the experimental beamlines are described and first solutions presented. These include introducing new extraction septa into one of the straight sections of the synchrotron, changing the power supply configuration of the magnets, and designing a new horizontal beamline suitable for clinical beam energies, and a low-energy vertical beamline for particular radiobiological experiments.

Feasibility study for a biomedical experimental facility based on LEIR at CERN

PubMed Central

Abler, Daniel; Garonna, Adriano; Carli, Christian; Dosanjh, Manjit; Peach, Ken

2013-01-01

In light of the recent European developments in ion beam therapy, there is a strong interest from the biomedical research community to have more access to clinically relevant beams. Beamtime for pre-clinical studies is currently very limited and a new dedicated facility would allow extensive research into the radiobiological mechanisms of ion beam radiation and the development of more refined techniques of dosimetry and imaging. This basic research would support the current clinical efforts of the new treatment centres in Europe (for example HIT, CNAO and MedAustron). This paper presents first investigations on the feasibility of an experimental biomedical facility based on the CERN Low Energy Ion Ring LEIR accelerator. Such a new facility could provide beams of light ions (from protons to neon ions) in a collaborative and cost-effective way, since it would rely partly on CERN's competences and infrastructure. The main technical challenges linked to the implementation of a slow extraction scheme for LEIR and to the design of the experimental beamlines are described and first solutions presented. These include introducing new extraction septa into one of the straight sections of the synchrotron, changing the power supply configuration of the magnets, and designing a new horizontal beamline suitable for clinical beam energies, and a low-energy vertical beamline for particular radiobiological experiments. PMID:23824122

The reliability, validity and feasibility of tools used to screen for caregiver burden: a systematic review.

PubMed

Whalen, Kimberly J; Buchholz, Susan W

The overall objective of this review is to quantitatively measure the psychometric properties and the feasibility of caregiver burden screening tools. The more specific objectives were to determine the reliability, validity as well as feasibility of tools that are used to screen for caregiver burden and strain. This review considered international quantitative research papers that addressed the psychometric properties and feasibility of caregiver burden screening tools. The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies from 1980-2007 published only in the English language. An initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken followed by analysis of the text words contained in the title and abstract and the index terms used to describe the article. A second search identified keywords and index terms across major databases. Third, the reference list of identified reports and articles was searched for additional studies. Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using an appropriate critical appraisal instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institutes' System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review (SUMARI) package. Because burden is a multidimensional construct defined internationally with a multitude of other terms, only those studies whose title, abstract or keywords contained the search terminology developed for this review were identified for retrieval. The construct of caregiver burden is not standardized, and many terms are used to describe burden. A caregiver is also identified as a carer. Instruments exist in multiple languages and have been tested in multiple populations. A total of 112 papers, experimental and non-experimental in nature, were included in the review. The majority of papers were non-experimental studies that tested or used a caregiver burden screening tool. Because of the nature of these papers, a meta-analysis of the results was not possible. Instead a table is used to depict the 74 caregiver burden screening tools that meet the psychometric and feasibility standards of this review. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), in particular the 22-item version, has been examined the most throughout the literature. In addition to its sound psychometric properties, the ZBI has been widely used across languages and cultures. The significant amount of research that has already been done on psychometric testing of caregiver burden tools has provided a solid foundation for additional research. Although some tools have been well tested, many tools have published limited psychometric properties and feasibility data. The clinician needs to be aware of this and may need to team up with a researcher to obtain additional research data on their specific population before using a minimally tested caregiver burden screening tool. Because caregiver burden is multidimensional and many different terms are used to describe burden, both the clinician and researcher need to be precise in their selection of the appropriate tool for their work.

Nondestructive evaluation tools and experimental studies for monitoring the health of space propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.

1991-01-01

An overview is given of background and information on space propulsion systems on both the programmatic and technical levels. Feasibility experimental studies indicate that nondestructive evaluation tools such as ultrasonic, eddy current and x-ray may be successfully used to monitor the life limiting failure mechanisms of space propulsion systems. Encouraging results were obtained for monitoring the life limiting failure mechanisms for three space propulsion systems; the degradation of tungsten arcjet and magnetoplasmadynamic electrodes; presence and thickness of spallable electrically conducting molybdenum films in ion thrusters; and the degradation of the catalyst in hydrazine thrusters.

An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.

PubMed

Jones, Sandra C; Kervin, Lisa

2011-08-01

The present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices. Children were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention 'store' to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants' parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n 24). Three vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia. Children aged 5-12 years (n 47). Children in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen). This was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.

Classroom intervention to change peers' attitudes towards children who stutter: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Kathard, Harsha; Walters, Freda; Frieslaar, Kareemah; Mhlongo, Thembeka; Rhoode, Melissa; Shaboodien, Raeesa; Weidmann, Julia; Zimmerman, Nicole; Zoetmulder, Amy; Camroodien-Surve, Fatemah

2014-12-03

Before interventions are implemented, the potential treatment benefit must be determined. The primary objective of this feasibility study was to assess if peers' attitudes towards children who stutter (CWS) change one month after the administration of the Classroom Communication Resource (CCR). The secondary objectives of the study were to determine if differences in peer attitudes were related to gender and to previous exposure to a person who stutters. The study used a cluster randomised control trial design. The study included 211 Grade 7 participants from schools in the Cape Town Metropole. The CCR intervention was administered to 97 participants in the experimental group, whilst 114 participants in the control group did not receive the intervention. The Stuttering Resource Outcome Measure(SROM) used as the outcome measure during pre- and post-test period. STATISTICA was used for in-depth data analysis. An overall positive direction of change in scores was observed for the experimental group compared with the control group. However, the magnitude of change in the experimental group was not statistically significant (p = 0.2683). Male and female participants did not differ significantly in their scores on the SROM across pre-test and post-test periods. Participants who had exposure to individuals who stutter had significantly more positive scores on the SROM in the pre-test and post-test periods compared to those who had no direct exposure to stuttering. This result indicated the beginning of positive attitude change which may be attributed to the intervention. Further investigation is warranted.

Design and evaluation of bilayered buccal film preparations for local administration of lidocaine hydrochloride.

PubMed

Preis, Maren; Woertz, Christina; Schneider, Katharina; Kukawka, Jennifer; Broscheit, Jens; Roewer, Norbert; Breitkreutz, Jörg

2014-04-01

Bilayered oromucosal film preparations (buccal films) offer a promising way to enable drug administration via the oral cavity. Adding a non-soluble or slowly eroding/dissolving backing layer to a mucoadhesive drug-loaded layer enables unidirectional drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate different approaches to the manufacture of bilayered films and to examine their properties by applying different characterization methods including an optimized experimental setup for the study of drug release from bilayered films. A solvent suitability study was performed screening over 15 polymers with respect to their feasibility for viscous film formation for film preparation by solvent casting method. Two methods (double-casting and pasting) were found as suitable methods for bilayered film manufacturing. Results from drug release experiments indicated that slowly eroding hypromellose backing layer films revealed the best shielding of the drug-loaded layer to enable unidirectional drug release. In summary, manufacturing of bilayered films using the described methods was feasible. Furthermore, the use of an optimized experimental setup for drug dissolution studies enabled monitoring of drug release without delays in sampling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Feasibility study of a cosmetic cream added with aqueous extract and oil from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit seed using experimental design.

PubMed

Lecheb, Fatma; Benamara, Salem

2015-01-01

This article reports on the feasibility study of a cosmetic cream added with aqueous extract and oil from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit seed using experimental design. First, the mixture design was applied to optimize the cosmetic formula. The responses (dependent variables) were the spreadability (YSp) and viscosity (YVis), the factors (independent variables) being the weight proportions of the fatty phase (X1), the aqueous date seed extract (X2), and the beeswax (X3). Second, the cosmetic stability study was conducted by applying a full factorial design. Here, three responses were considered [spreadability (Sp), viscosity (Vis), and peroxide index (PI)], the independent variables being the concentration of the date seed oil (DSO) (x1), storage temperature (x2), and storage time (x3). Results showed that in the case of mixture design, the second-order polynomial equations correctly described experimental data. Globally, results show that there is a relatively wide composition range to ensure a suitable cosmetic cream from the point of view of Sp and Vis. Regarding the cosmetic stability, the storage time was found to be the most influential factor on both Vis and PI, which are considered here as indicators of physical and chemical stability of the emulsion, respectively. Finally, the elaborated and commercial cosmetics were compared in terms of pH, Sp, and centrifugation test (Ct).

Reduce chest pain using modified silicone fluted drain tube for chest drainage after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung resection.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Hu, Bin; Miao, Jinbai; Li, Hui

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a modified silicone fluted drain tube after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung resection. The prospective randomized study included 50 patients who underwent VATS lung resection between March 2015 and June 2015. Eligible patients were randomized into two groups: experimental group (using the silicone fluted drain tubes for chest drainage) and control group (using standard drain tubes for chest drainage). The volume and characteristics of drainage, postoperative (PO) pain scores and hospital stay were recorded. All patients received standard care during hospital admission. In accordance with the exit criteria, three patients were excluded from study. The remaining 47 patients included in the final analysis were divided into two groups: experiment group (N=24) and control group (N=23). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, height, weight, clinical diagnosis and type of surgical procedure. There was a trend toward less PO pain in experimental group on postoperative day (POD) 1, with a statistically significant difference. Patients in experimental group had a reduced occurrence of fever [temperature (T) >37.4 °C] compared to the control group. The silicone fluted drain tube is feasible and safe and may relieve patient PO pain and reduce occurrence of fever without the added risk of PO complications.

Investigation of the feasibility of optical diagnostic measurements at the exit of the SSME

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirley, John A.; Boedeker, Laurence R.

1993-01-01

Under Contract NAS8-36861 sponsored by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the United Technologies Research Center is conducting an investigation of the feasibility of remote optical diagnostics to measure temperature, species concentration and velocity at the exit of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). This is a two phase study consisting of a conceptual design phase followed by a laboratory experimental investigation. The first task of the conceptual design studies is to screen and evaluate the techniques which can be used for the measurements. The second task is to select the most promising technique or techniques, if as expected, more than one type of measurement must be used to measure all the flow variables of interest. The third task is to examine in detail analytically the capabilities and limitations of the selected technique(s). The results of this study are described in the section of this report entitled Conceptual Design Investigations. The conceptual design studies identified spontaneous Raman scattering and photodissociative flow-tagging for measurements respectively of gas temperature and major species concentration and for velocity. These techniques and others that were considered are described in the section describing the conceptual design. The objective of the second phase of investigations was to investigate experimentally the techniques identified in the first phase. The first task of the experimental feasibility study is to design and assemble laboratory scale experimental apparatus to evaluate the best approaches for SSME exit optical diagnostics for temperature, species concentrations and velocity, as selected in the Phase I conceptual design study. The second task is to evaluate performance, investigate limitations, and establish actual diagnostic capabilities, accuracies and precision for the selected optical systems. The third task is to evaluate design requirements and system trade-offs of conceptual instruments. Spontaneous Raman scattering excited by a KrF excimer laser pulse was investigated for SSME exit plane temperature and major species concentration measurements. The relative concentrations of molecular hydrogen and water vapor would be determined by measuring the integrated Q-branch scattering signals through narrow bandpass filters in front of photomultipliers. The temperature would be determined by comparing the signal from a single hydrogen rotational Raman line to the total hydrogen Q-branch signal. The rotational Raman line would be isolated by a monochromator and detected with a PMT.

Latex modified asphalt and experimental joint treatments on asphalt concrete overlays experimental project No. 3 : asphalt additives : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1991-06-01

This report documents the construction, initial evaluation and final evaluation of several experimental features which were incorporated as part of an overlay of an existing PCC pavement in order to determine the feasibility of extending the asphalti...

Bistatic radar sea state monitoring system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruck, G. T.; Krichbaum, C. K.; Everly, J. O.

1975-01-01

Remote measurement of the two-dimensional surface wave height spectrum of the ocean by the use of bistatic radar techniques was examined. Potential feasibility and experimental verification by field experiment are suggested. The required experimental hardware is defined along with the designing, assembling, and testing of several required experimental hardware components.

Feasibility of a home-based program to improve handwriting after stroke: a pilot study.

PubMed

Simpson, Bronwyn; McCluskey, Annie; Lannin, Natasha; Cordier, Reinie

2016-01-01

To test the feasibility of a handwriting retraining program with adults after stroke; specifically the feasibility of: (i) recruiting people with stroke to the study, (ii) delivering the handwriting retraining program and (iii) outcome measures of handwriting performance. A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used. A four-week, home-based handwriting retraining program was delivered by an occupational therapist using task-specific practice. Legibility, speed, pen control and self-perception of handwriting were measured at baseline and completion of the program. Legibility was scored by a blinded rater. Seven adults with stroke were recruited (eligibility fraction 43% of those screened, and enrolment fraction 78% of those eligible). There were no dropouts. Although, recruitment was slow the intervention was feasible and acceptable to adults with stroke. No statistically or clinically significant changes in legibility were reported in this small sample, but a ceiling effect was evident for some outcome measures. The study was not powered to determine efficacy. Delivery of a four-week handwriting intervention with eight supervised sessions in the community was feasible; however, recruitment of an adequate sample size would require greater investment than the single site used in this pilot. Handwriting difficulty is common following hemiparesis after stroke, however research addressing handwriting retraining for adults with stroke is lacking. A four-week home-based handwriting program using task-specific practice and feedback was feasible to deliver and appropriate for adults with stroke. Improving handwriting legibility and neatness across a range of tasks were important goals for adults with handwriting impairment.

Experimental analysis and simulation calculation of the inductances of loosely coupled transformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerui, Chen; Yang, Han; Yan, Zhang; Nannan, Gao; Ying, Pei; Hongbo, Li; Pei, Li; Liangfeng, Guo

2017-11-01

The experimental design of iron-core wireless power transmission system is designed, and an experimental model of loosely coupled transformer is built. Measuring the air gap on both sides of the transformer 15mm inductor under the parameters. The feasibility and feasibility of using the finite element method to calculate the coil inductance parameters of the loosely coupled transformer are analyzed. The system was modeled by ANSYS, and the magnetic field was calculated by finite element method, and the inductance parameters were calculated. The finite element method is used to calculate the inductive parameters of the loosely coupled transformer, and the basis for the accurate compensation of the capacitance of the wireless power transmission system is established.

Feasibility study on conducting overflight measurements of shaped sonic boom signatures using the Firebee BQM-34E RPV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maglieri, Domenic J.; Sothcott, Victor E.; Keefer, Thomas N., Jr.

1993-01-01

A study was performed to determine the feasibility of establishing if a 'shaped' sonic boom signature, experimentally shown in wind tunnel models out to about 10 body lengths, will persist out to representative flight conditions of 200 to 300 body lengths. The study focuses on the use of a relatively large supersonic remotely-piloted and recoverable vehicle. Other simulation methods that may accomplish the objective are also addressed and include the use of nonrecoverable target drones, missiles, full-scale drones, very large wind tunnels, ballistic facilities, whirling-arm techniques, rocket sled tracks, and airplane nose probes. In addition, this report will also present a background on the origin of the feasibility study including a brief review of the equivalent body concept, a listing of the basic sonic boom signature characteristics and requirements, identification of candidate vehicles in terms of desirable features/availability, and vehicle characteristics including geometries, area distributions, and resulting sonic boom signatures. A program is developed that includes wind tunnel sonic boom and force models and tests for both a basic and modified vehicles and full-scale flight tests.

A study of air-to-ground sound propagation using an instrumented meteorological tower

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kasper, P. K.; Pappa, R. S.; Keefe, L. R.; Sutherland, L. C.

1975-01-01

The results of an exploratory NASA study, leading to a better understanding of the effects of meteorological conditions on the propagation of aircraft noise, are reported. The experimental program utilized a known sound source fixed atop an instrumented meteorological tower. The basic experimental scheme consisted of measuring the amplitude of sound radiated toward the ground along a line of microphones fixed to a tower guy wire. Experimental results show the feasibility of this approach in the acquisition of data indicating the variations encountered in the time-averaged and instantaneous amplitudes of propagated sound. The investigation included a consideration of ground reflections, a comparison of measured attenuations with predicted atmospheric absorption losses, and an evaluation of the amplitude fluctuations of recorded sound pressures.

Feasibility of Wii Fit training to improve clinical measures of balance in older adults.

PubMed

Bieryla, Kathleen A; Dold, Neil M

2013-01-01

Numerous interventions have been proposed to improve balance in older adults with varying degrees of success. A novel approach may be to use an off-the-shelf video game system utilizing real-time force feedback to train older adults. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using Nintendo's Wii Fit for training to improve clinical measures of balance in older adults and to retain the improvements after a period of time. Twelve healthy older adults (aged >70 years) were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group completed training using Nintendo's Wii Fit game three times a week for 3 weeks while the control group continued with normal activities. Four clinical measures of balance were assessed before training, 1 week after training, and 1 month after training: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, Functional Reach (FR), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Friedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks was conducted on the control and experimental group to determine if training using the Wii Balance Board with Wii Fit had an influence on clinical measures of balance. Nine older adults completed the study (experimental group n = 4, control group n = 5). The experimental group significantly increased their BBS after training while the control group did not. There was no significant change for either group with FAB, FR, and TUG. Balance training with Nintendo's Wii Fit may be a novel way for older adults to improve balance as measured by the BBS.

A Randomized Crossover Study of Web-Based Media Literacy to Prevent Smoking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shensa, Ariel; Phelps-Tschang, Jane; Miller, Elizabeth; Primack, Brian A.

2016-01-01

Feasibly implemented Web-based smoking media literacy (SML) programs have been associated with improving SML skills among adolescents. However, prior evaluations have generally had weak experimental designs. We aimed to examine program efficacy using a more rigorous crossover design. Seventy-two ninth grade students completed a Web-based SML…

POTENTIAL FOR INVASION OF UNDERGROUND SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER THROUGH MUD-PLUGGED WELLS: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPRAISAL

EPA Science Inventory

The main objective of the feasibility study described here was to test the hypothesis that properly plugged wells are effectively sealed by drilling mud. In The process of testing the hypothesis, evidence about dynamics of building mud cake on the wellbore-face was obtained, as ...

Design Implications of Real-Time Feedback in Continuous Combinatorial Auctions: An Experimental Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanyal, Pallab

2009-01-01

Information Technology (IT) has spawned the growth of novel and innovative market mechanisms (such as online auctions) and associated businesses (such as eBay and Priceline) that were not feasible without the capabilities and reach of these modern information technologies. Previous studies on designing trading mechanisms for online markets…

Improving Kindergarten Students' Writing Outcomes Using Peer-Assisted Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puranik, Cynthia S.; Petscher, Yaacov; Al Otaiba, Stephanie; Lemons, Christopher J.

2018-01-01

The primary focus of this study was to determine the feasibility of teacher implementation of peer-assisted writing strategies (PAWS) in improving the writing outcomes of kindergarten children. Six classrooms were recruited, and 3 were randomly assigned to the experimental condition. Results indicated that the content, length, and formatting of…

Direct solar pumping of semiconductor lasers: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Neal G.

1991-01-01

The primary goals of the feasibility study are the following: (1) to provide a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of pumping semiconductor lasers in space directly focused sunlight; and (2) to identify semiconductor laser structures expected to operate at the lowest possible focusing intensities. It should be emphasized that the structures under consideration would provide direct optical-to-optical conversion of sunlight into laser light in a single crystal, in contrast to a configuration consisting of a solar cell or battery electrically pumping a current injection laser. With external modulation, such lasers may prove to be efficient sources for intersatellite communications. We proposed to develop a theoretical model of semiconductor quantum-well lasers photopumped by a broadband source, test it against existing experimental data where possible, and apply it to estimating solar pumping requirements and identifying optimum structures for operation for operation at low pump intensities. This report outlines our progress toward these goals. Discussion of several technical details are left to the attached summary abstract.

Rail accelerator technology and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zana, L. M.; Kerslake, W. R.

1985-01-01

Rail accelerators offer a viable means of launching ton-size payloads from the Earth's surface to space. The results of two mission studies which indicate that an Earth-to-Space Rail Launcher (ESRL) system is not only technically feasible but also economically beneficial, particularly when large amounts of bulk cago are to be delivered to space are given. An in-house experimental program at the Lewis Research Center (LeRC) was conducted in parallel with the mission studies with the objective of examining technical feasibility issues. A 1 m long - 12.5 by 12.5 mm bore rail accelerator as designed with clear polycarbonate sidewalls to visually observe the plasma armature acceleration. The general character of plasma/projectile dynamics is described for a typical test firing.

Feasibility and effectiveness of a Chen-style Tai Chi programme for stress reduction in junior secondary school students.

PubMed

Lee, Linda Y K; Chong, Yeuk Lan; Li, Ngai Yin; Li, Man Chung; Lin, Lai Na; Wong, Lee Yi; Wong, Brian Kit; Yip, Wing Ping; Hon, Cho Hang; Chung, Pui Kuen; Man, Shuk Yee

2013-04-01

Stress is common in junior secondary school students (JSSS). This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a Chen-style Tai Chi programme for stress reduction in JSSS. A non-equivalent pre-test/post-test control group design was adopted, and a convenience sample of 69 JSSS was recruited. The experimental group (n = 32) joined a Chen-style Tai Chi programme, which included 10 sessions of 80-minute Tai Chi training (one session per week). The control group (n = 37) proceeded with self-study. Participants' stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Feasibility was determined as the percentage of participants completing and attending the programme. Effectiveness was measured as the significant difference in changes in stress levels before and after the intervention between the two groups. Results preliminarily supported that the programme was feasible for JSSS. Completion rate was 100%, and attendance rate was 90%. However, no significant difference was noted in changes in stress levels before and after the intervention between the two groups. The potential health benefits of Tai Chi could not be detected owing to the restrictions imposed by the research setting and study limitations. The present study represents initial efforts in this direction and serves as reference for future study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Feasibility Study of a Generalized Framework for Developing Computer-Aided Detection Systems-a New Paradigm.

PubMed

Nemoto, Mitsutaka; Hayashi, Naoto; Hanaoka, Shouhei; Nomura, Yukihiro; Miki, Soichiro; Yoshikawa, Takeharu

2017-10-01

We propose a generalized framework for developing computer-aided detection (CADe) systems whose characteristics depend only on those of the training dataset. The purpose of this study is to show the feasibility of the framework. Two different CADe systems were experimentally developed by a prototype of the framework, but with different training datasets. The CADe systems include four components; preprocessing, candidate area extraction, candidate detection, and candidate classification. Four pretrained algorithms with dedicated optimization/setting methods corresponding to the respective components were prepared in advance. The pretrained algorithms were sequentially trained in the order of processing of the components. In this study, two different datasets, brain MRA with cerebral aneurysms and chest CT with lung nodules, were collected to develop two different types of CADe systems in the framework. The performances of the developed CADe systems were evaluated by threefold cross-validation. The CADe systems for detecting cerebral aneurysms in brain MRAs and for detecting lung nodules in chest CTs were successfully developed using the respective datasets. The framework was shown to be feasible by the successful development of the two different types of CADe systems. The feasibility of this framework shows promise for a new paradigm in the development of CADe systems: development of CADe systems without any lesion specific algorithm designing.

Sheep as a large animal model for middle and inner ear implantable hearing devices: a feasibility study in cadavers.

PubMed

Schnabl, Johannes; Glueckert, Rudolf; Feuchtner, Gudrun; Recheis, Wolfgang; Potrusil, Thomas; Kuhn, Volker; Wolf-Magele, Astrid; Riechelmann, Herbert; Sprinzl, Georg M

2012-04-01

Currently, no large animal model exists for surgical-experimental exploratory analysis of implantable hearing devices. In a histomorphometric study, we sought to investigate whether sheep or pig cochleae are suitable for this purpose and whether device implantation is feasible. Skulls of pig and sheep cadavers were examined using high-resolution 128-slice computed tomography (CT) to study anatomic relationships. A cochlear implant and an active middle ear implant could be successfully implanted into the sheep's inner and middle ear, respectively. Correct device placement was verified by CT and histology. The cochlear anatomy of the sheep was further studied by micro-CT and histology. Our investigations indicate that the sheep is a suitable animal model for implantation of implantable hearing devices. The implantation of the devices was successfully performed by access through a mastoidectomy. The histologic, morphologic, and micro-CT study of the sheep cochlea showed that it is highly similar to the human cochlea. The temporal bone of the pig was not suitable for these microsurgical procedures because the middle and inner ear were not accessible owing to distinct soft and fatty tissue coverage of the mastoid. The sheep is an appropriate large animal model for experimental studies with implantable hearing devices, whereas the pig is not.

Stage-Based Healthy Lifestyles Program for Non-College Young Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walsh, Jennifer; Kattelmann, Kendra; White, Adrienne

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of implementing a healthy lifestyles intervention to maintain or achieve healthy weight for low-income young adults in vocational education. Design/methodology/approach: Non-randomized, quasi-experimental feasibility test of a ten-week intervention with follow-up assessment designed…

Feasibility of Robotics and Machine Vision in Military Combat Ration Inspection (Short Term Project STP No. 11)

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

signals. Industrial robot controllers have several general purpose ports which can be programmed within manipulator program. In this way the gen ri...well as a fanc - tional end- effector was developed and evaluated. The workcell was found technologically feasible; however, further experimental work

Effects of Culturally Adapted Parent Management Training on Latino Youth Behavioral Health Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Charles R.; Eddy, J. Mark

2005-01-01

A randomized experimental test of the implementation feasibility and the efficacy of a culturally adapted Parent Management Training intervention was conducted with a sample of 73 Spanish-speaking Latino parents with middle-school-aged youth at risk for problem behaviors. Intervention feasibility was evaluated through weekly parent satisfaction…

Optimization of Feasibility Stage for Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamuro, Yoshitomo; Coales, Stephen J.

2018-03-01

The practice of HDX-MS remains somewhat difficult, not only for newcomers but also for veterans, despite its increasing popularity. While a typical HDX-MS project starts with a feasibility stage where the experimental conditions are optimized and the peptide map is generated prior to the HDX study stage, the literature usually reports only the HDX study stage. In this protocol, we describe a few considerations for the initial feasibility stage, more specifically, how to optimize quench conditions, how to tackle the carryover issue, and how to apply the pepsin specificity rule. Two sets of quench conditions are described depending on the presence of disulfide bonds to facilitate the quench condition optimization process. Four protocols are outlined to minimize carryover during the feasibility stage: (1) addition of a detergent to the quench buffer, (2) injection of a detergent or chaotrope to the protease column after each sample injection, (3) back-flushing of the trap column and the analytical column with a new plumbing configuration, and (4) use of PEEK (or PEEK coated) frits instead of stainless steel frits for the columns. The application of the pepsin specificity rule after peptide map generation and not before peptide map generation is suggested. The rule can be used not only to remove falsely identified peptides, but also to check the sample purity. A well-optimized HDX-MS feasibility stage makes subsequent HDX study stage smoother and the resulting HDX data more reliable. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Results of a Test and Win Contest to Raise Radon Awareness in Urban and Rural Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hahn, Ellen J.; Rayens, Mary Kay; Kercsmar, Sarah E.; Robertson, Heather; Adkins, Sarah M.

2014-01-01

Background: Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, but few test their homes to determine radon levels. Purpose: The study assessed feasibility and success of a Test and Win Contest to promote radon testing in rural and urban communities. Methods: The prospective, quasi-experimental study tested a novel contest to raise radon awareness. Paid and…

Power generation by high head water in a building using micro hydro turbine-a greener approach.

PubMed

M M S R S, Bhargav; V, Ratna Kishore; S P, Anbuudayasankar; K, Balaji

2016-05-01

Demand for green energy production is arising all over the world. A lot of emphasis is laid in making the buildings green. Even a small amount of energy savings made contribute to saving the environment. In this study, an idea is proposed and studied to extract power from the high head water in the pipelines of a building. A building of height 15 m is considered for this study. Water flowing in the pipe has sufficient energy to run a micro hydro turbine. The feasibility of producing electrical energy from the energy of pipe water is found. The motivation is to find the feasibility of generating power using a low-cost turbine. The experimental setup consists of micro turbine of 135 mm diameter coupled to a 12-V DC generator; LEDs and resistors are employed to validate the results. The theoretical calculations were presented using the fundamental equations of fluid mechanics. The theoretical results are validated using experimental and numerical results using CFD simulation. In addition, exergy analysis has been carried out to quantify the irreversibilities during the process in the system.

Optimal Health (Spirit, Mind, and Body): A Feasibility Study Promoting Well-Being for Health Behavior Change.

PubMed

Walker, Jenelle; Ainsworth, Barbara; Hooker, Steven; Keller, Colleen; Fleury, Julie; Chisum, Jack; Swan, Pamela

2015-10-01

Faith-based programs have shown beneficial effects for health and behaviors. Few have specifically intervened on the spiritual, mental (i.e., stress), and physical dimensions of well-being combined for health and healthy behaviors (i.e., exercise and diet). The purpose of this report is to describe the feasibility of executing a spirituality-based health behavior change, program founded upon the Spiritual Framework of Coping. This study was a quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design. Feasibility objectives were assessed, and limited efficacy of pretest and posttest measures was analyzed using paired t test (p < .05). Acceptance of the program was positive, and modest demand was shown with initial interest and an average attendance of 78.7%. The program was successfully implemented as shown by meeting session objectives and 88% homework completion. The program was practical for the intended participants and was successfully integrated within the existing environment. Limited efficacy measures showed no pre-post changes. This study provided preliminary support for the design and further testing of the theoretical components of the Spiritual Framework of Coping that informed the program.

Rail accelerators for space transportation: An experimental investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zana, L. M.; Kerslake, W. R.; Sturman, J. L.

1986-01-01

An experimental program was conducted at the Lewis Research Center with the objective of investigating the technical feasibility of rail accelerators for propulsion applications. Single-stage, plasma driven rail accelerators of small (4 by 6 mm) and medium (12.5 by 12.5 mm) bores were tested at peak accelerating currents of 50 to 450 kA. Streak-camera photography was used to provide a qualitative description of plasma armature acceleration. The effects of plasma blowby and varying bore pressure on the behavior of plasma armatures were studied.

Cryogenic On-Orbit Liquid Depot Storage, Acquisition, and Transfer satellite (COLD-SAT) feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, William J.; Weiner, Stephen P.; Beekman, Douglas H.; Dennis, Mark F.; Martin, Timothy A.

1990-01-01

The Cryogenic On-Orbit Liquid Depot Storage, Acquisition, and Transfer Satellite (COLD-SAT) is an experimental spacecraft launched from an expendable launch vehicle which is designed to investigate the systems and technologies required for efficient, effective, and reliable management of cryogenic fluid in the reduced gravity space environment. The COLD-SAT program will provide the necessary data base and provide low-g proving of fluid and thermal models of cryogenic storage, transfer, and resupply concepts and processes. A conceptual approach was developed and an overview of the results of the 24 month COLD-SAT Phase A feasibility is described which includes: (1) a definition of the technology needs and the accompanying experimental 3 month baseline mission; (2) a description of the experiment subsystem, major features and rationale for satisfaction of primary and secondary experiment requirements using liquid hydrogen as the test fluid; and (3) a presentation of the conceptual design of the COLD-SAT spacecraft subsystems which support the on-orbit experiment with emphasis on areas of greatest challenge.

A wire calorimeter for the SPIDER beam: Experimental tests and feasibility study

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

Pasqualotto, R., E-mail: roberto.pasqualotto@igi.cnr.it; Serianni, G.; Veltri, P.

2015-04-08

To study and optimize negative ion production and acceleration, in view of the use of neutral beam injectors in the ITER project, the SPIDER test facility (particle energy 100keV; beam current 50A, distributed over 1280 beamlets) is under construction in Padova, with the aim of testing beam characteristics and to verify the source proper operation, by means of several diagnostic systems. An array of tungsten wires, directly exposed to the beam and consequently heated to high temperature, is used in similar experiments at IPP-Garching to study the beam optics, which is one of the most important issues, in a qualitativemore » way. The present contribution gives a description of an experimental investigation of the behavior of tungsten wires under high heat loads in vacuum. Samples of tungsten wires are heated by electrical currents and the emitted light is measured by a camera in the 400-1100nm wavelength range, which is proposed as a calibration tool. Simultaneously, the voltage applied to the wire is measured to study the dependency of emissivity on temperature. The feasibility study of a wire calorimeter for SPIDER is finally proposed; to this purpose, the expected behaviour of tungsten with the two-dimensional beam profile in SPIDER is numerically addressed.« less

Experimental study on the thrust modulation performance of powdered magnesium and CO2 bipropellant engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chao; Hu, Chunbo; Zhu, Xiaofei; Hu, Jiaming; Li, Yue; Hu, Xu

2018-06-01

Powdered Mg and CO2 bipropellant engine providing a practical demonstration of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) for Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission seems to be feasible by current investigations. However, essential functions of the engine to satisfy the complicated ballistics requirements such as thrust modulation and multiple pulse have not been established yet. The aim of this experimental study is to evaluate the engine's thrust modulation feasibility and to investigate its thrust modulation characteristics. A powdered Mg and CO2 bipropellant engine construction aiming to achieve thrust modulation ability was proposed. A mass flow rate calibration experiment to evaluate the gas-solid mass flow rate regulating performance was conducted before fire tests. Fire test result shows that the engine achieved successful ignition as well as self-sustaining combustion; Thrust modulation of the engine is feasible, detail thrust estimating result of the test shows that maximum thrust is 135.91 N and the minimum is 5.65 N with a 22.11 thrust modulation ratio, moreover, the transportation period is quick and the thrust modulation ratio is adjustable. At the same time, the powder feed system reaches a two-step flow rate regulating with a modulation ratio of 4.5-5. What' more, caused by the uneven engine working conditions, there is an obvious difference in combustion efficiency value, maximum combustion efficiency of the powdered Mg and CO2 bipropellant engine is 80.20%.

Feasibility of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to Investigate the Mirror Neuron System: An Experimental Study in a Real-Life Situation

PubMed Central

Sun, Pei-Pei; Tan, Fu-Lun; Zhang, Zong; Jiang, Yi-Han; Zhao, Yang; Zhu, Chao-Zhe

2018-01-01

The mirror neuron system (MNS), mainly including the premotor cortex (PMC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), superior parietal lobule (SPL), and rostral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), has attracted extensive attention as a possible neural mechanism of social interaction. Owing to high ecological validity, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has become an ideal approach for exploring the MNS. Unfortunately, for the feasibility of fNIRS to detect the MNS, none of the four dominant regions were found in previous studies, implying a very limited capacity of fNIRS to investigate the MNS. Here, we adopted an experimental paradigm in a real-life situation to evaluate whether the MNS activity, including four dominant regions, can be detected by using fNIRS. Specifically, 30 right-handed subjects were asked to complete a table-setting task that included action execution and action observation. A double density probe configuration covered the four regions of the MNS in the left hemisphere. We used a traditional channel-based group analysis and also a ROI-based group analysis to find which regions are activated during both action execution and action observation. The results showed that the IFG, adjacent PMC, SPL, and IPL were involved in both conditions, indicating the feasibility of fNIRS to detect the MNS. Our findings provide a foundation for future research to explore the functional role of the MNS in social interaction and various disorders using fNIRS. PMID:29556185

Sustainability of an Integrated Adventure-Based Training and Health Education Program to Enhance Quality of Life Among Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Chung, Oi Kwan Joyce; Li, Ho Cheung William; Chiu, Sau Ying; Ho, Ka Yan; Lopez, Violeta

2015-01-01

Physical activity is of paramount importance to enhance the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. The objectives of this study were to examine the sustainability, feasibility, and acceptability of an adventure-based training and health education program in changing the exercise behavior and enhancing the physical activity levels, self-efficacy, and quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. A follow-up study (12 and 18 months) of a previous study was conducted. Participants in the experimental group (n = 33) joined a 4-day integrated adventure-based training and health education program. The control group (n = 36) received the standard medical care. Changes in exercise behavior, levels of physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life were assessed from the time of recruitment, and at 12 and 18 months after starting the intervention. Process evaluation was conducted to determine whether the program was feasible and acceptable to participants. From baseline to 18 months after the intervention, the experimental group reported statistically significant differences in the stages of change in physical activity and higher levels of physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life than did the control group. The results of process evaluation revealed that the program was both feasible and acceptable to participants. The program was found to have substantial effects on enhancing the physical activity levels, self-efficacy, and quality of life of childhood cancer survivors over at least 18 months. Healthcare professionals should consider adopting such programs to promote the regular physical activity among childhood cancer survivors.

Development of new port in Minahasa Utara: A-pre feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamzah, Suharman; Abdurahman, Asad; Saputra, Reza; Aprianti, Evi

2017-11-01

In order to support Indonesian Government priority sector to build toll maritime in conjunction to connect "nusantara" as an archipelago country, and also to develop the frontier area of Indonesia, the existence of a port should get more in attention as the gate of Indonesia. A port has significant role in changing of transport mode and at the end as catalyst of economic growth. An important thing from pre-feasibility studies is the priority factor will clearly shown wheather it is good or fair. As a supporting to service passenger moving, container, general cargo and also bulk, a port is necessary to have an excellent design and planning. A pre-feasibility study is required to obtain a scientific basis based on value of interest and the necessity of the region. A pre-feasibility study in this paper aims to identify potential support of the region and giving priority location of development of new port in Minahasa Utara regarding to spatial, government issues, transportation aspect, regional economics, environmental aspect and technical aspect consideration. Experimental Method used are qualitative and quantitative, going through to the data obtained and supported by interview on the spot as well as questionnaire surveys. Result of this paper showing that there are 5 locations suitable with the requirements. Based on the level of priority, high (Kema, Likupang), moderate (Linuhu, Kahuku) and low (Gangga 1).

Inequalities and Real Numbers as a Basis for School Mathematics, Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 38.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lomon, Earle

These materials were developed as a practical response to some of the recommendations of the 1963 Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM). Experimental sessions are described in detail in this report. In the Estabrook Elementary School, Lexington, Massachusetts, first grade children (1964-65 Academic Year) concentrated on material…

NANDA Diagnoses, NIC Interventions, and NOC Outcomes Used in an Electronic Health Record with Elementary School Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lunney, Margaret

2006-01-01

This is a report of a secondary analysis of data from a published quasi-experimental feasibility study of the effects of implementing diagnoses from North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International, interventions from the Nursing Interventions Classification, and outcomes from the Nursing Outcomes Classification (referred to as NNN) on…

76 FR 30341 - Town of Edgartown; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-25

...), filed an application for a successive preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the feasibility of the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project to be..., and one experimental turbine unit that would be used to test various open- bladed and helical tidal...

The study of theoretical and experimental feasibilities of the rocket fuel components ignition by laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, Vadim S.; Guterman, Vitaly Y.; Ivanov, Anatoly V.

2004-06-01

The report presents the theoretical and experimental results obtained during the first year of the ISTC project No. 1926. The energy and temporal characteristics of the laser radiation necessary to ignite the working components mixture in a rocket engine combustion chamber have been predicted. Two approaches have been studied: the optical gas fuel laser-induced breakdown; the laser-initiated plasma torch on target surface. The possibilities and conditions of the rocket fuel components ignition by a laser beam in the differently designed combustion chambers have been estimated and studied. The comparative analysis shows that both the optical spark and light focusing on target techniques can ignite the mixture.

Situated Learning: The Feasibility of an Experimental Learning of Information Technology for Academic Nursing Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonen, Ayala; Lev-Ari, Lilac; Sharon, Dganit; Amzalag, Meital

2016-01-01

As part of the Bachelor's degree of nursing education, nursing students are exposed to the increasingly complex world of Information Technology. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of a situated learning approach for Information Technology course by assessing students' perceptions at the end of the course. Methods: Course participants completed a pre…

Nonlinear feedback method of robot control - A preliminary experimental study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarn, T. J.; Ganguly, S.; Li, Z.; Bejczy, A. K.

1990-01-01

The nonlinear feedback method of robot control has been experimentally implemented on two PUMA 560 robot arms. The feasibility of the proposed controller, which was shown viable through simulation results earlier, is stressed. The servomechanism operates in task space, and the nonlinear feedback takes care of the necessary transformations to compute the necessary joint currents. A discussion is presented of the implementation with details of the experiments performed. The performance of the controller is encouraging but was limited to 100-Hz sampling frequency and to derived velocity information at the time of the experimentation. The setup of the lab, the software aspects, results, and the control hardware architecture that has recently been implemented are discussed.

Reduce chest pain using modified silicone fluted drain tube for chest drainage after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung resection

PubMed Central

Li, Xin; Hu, Bin; Miao, Jinbai

2016-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a modified silicone fluted drain tube after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung resection. Methods The prospective randomized study included 50 patients who underwent VATS lung resection between March 2015 and June 2015. Eligible patients were randomized into two groups: experimental group (using the silicone fluted drain tubes for chest drainage) and control group (using standard drain tubes for chest drainage). The volume and characteristics of drainage, postoperative (PO) pain scores and hospital stay were recorded. All patients received standard care during hospital admission. Results In accordance with the exit criteria, three patients were excluded from study. The remaining 47 patients included in the final analysis were divided into two groups: experiment group (N=24) and control group (N=23). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, height, weight, clinical diagnosis and type of surgical procedure. There was a trend toward less PO pain in experimental group on postoperative day (POD) 1, with a statistically significant difference. Patients in experimental group had a reduced occurrence of fever [temperature (T) >37.4 °C] compared to the control group. Conclusions The silicone fluted drain tube is feasible and safe and may relieve patient PO pain and reduce occurrence of fever without the added risk of PO complications. PMID:26941976

Reducing salt in bread: a quasi-experimental feasibility study in a bakery in Lima, Peru.

PubMed

Saavedra-Garcia, Lorena; Sosa-Zevallos, Vanessa; Diez-Canseco, Francisco; Miranda, J Jaime; Bernabe-Ortiz, Antonio

2016-04-01

To explore salt content in bread and to evaluate the feasibility of reducing salt contained in 'pan francés' bread. The study had two phases. Phase 1, an exploratory phase, involved the estimation of salt contained in bread as well as a triangle taste test to establish the amount of salt to be reduced in 'pan francés' bread without detection by consumers. In Phase 2, a quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study assessed the effects of the introduction of low-salt bread on bakery sales. A municipal bakery in Miraflores, Lima, Peru. Sixty-five clients of the bakery in Phase 1 of the study; sales to usual costumers in Phase 2. On average, there was 1·25 g of salt per 100 g of bread. Sixty-five consumers were enrolled in the triangle taste test: fifty-four (83·1 %) females, mean age 58·9 (sd 13·7) years. Based on taste, bread samples prepared with salt reductions of 10 % (P=0·82) and 20 % (P=0·37) were not discernible from regular bread. The introduction of bread with 20 % of salt reduction, which contained 1 g of salt per 100 g of bread, did not change sales of 'pan francés' (P=0·70) or other types of bread (P=0·36). Results were consistent when using different statistical techniques. The introduction of bread with a 20 % reduction in salt is feasible without affecting taste or bakery sales. Results suggest that these interventions are easily implementable, with the potential to contribute to larger sodium reduction strategies impacting the population's cardiovascular health.

Mindfulness Meditation-Based Intervention Is Feasible, Acceptable, and Safe for Chronic Low Back Pain Requiring Long-Term Daily Opioid Therapy

PubMed Central

Burzinski, Cindy A.; Cox, Jennifer; Kloke, John; Singles, Janice; Mirgain, Shilagh; Stegner, Aaron; Cook, Dane B.; Bačkonja, Miroslav

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: Although mindfulness meditation (MM) is increasingly used for chronic pain treatment, limited evidence supports its clinical application for opioid-treated chronic low back pain (CLBP). The goal of this study was to determine feasibility, acceptability, and safety of an MM-based intervention in patients with CLBP requiring daily opioid therapy. Design: 26-week pilot randomized controlled trial comparing MM-based intervention, combined with usual care, to usual care alone. Setting: Outpatient. Patients: Adults with CLBP treated with ≥30 mg of morphine-equivalent dose (MED) per day for 3 months or longer. Interventions: Targeted MM-based intervention consisted of eight weekly 2-hour group sessions and home practice (30 minutes/d, 6 days/wk) during the study. “Usual care” for opioid-treated CLBP was provided to participants by their regular clinicians. Outcome measures: Feasibility and acceptability of the MM intervention were assessed by adherence to intervention protocol and treatment satisfaction among experimental participants. Safety was evaluated by inquiry about side effects/adverse events and opioid dose among all study participants. Results: Thirty-five participants enrolled during the 10-week recruitment period. The mean age (±standard deviation) was 51.8 ± 9.7 years; the patients were predominantly female, with substantial CLBP-related pain and disability, and treated with 148.3 ± 129.2 mg of MED per day. All participants completed baseline assessments; none missed both follow-up assessments or withdrew. Among experimental participants (n = 21), 19 attended 1 or more intervention sessions and 14 attended 4 or more. They reported, on average, 164.0 ± 122.1 minutes of formal practice per week during the 26-week study and 103.5 ± 111.5 minutes of brief, informal practice per week. Seventeen patients evaluated the intervention, indicating satisfaction; their qualitative responses described the course as useful for pain management (n = 10) and for improving pain coping skills (n = 8). No serious adverse events or safety concerns occurred among the study participants. Conclusions: MM-based intervention is feasible, acceptable, and safe in opioid-treated CLBP. PMID:27267151

Feasibility Study of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Flight Test on the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

A study was performed to determine the feasibility of conducting a flight test of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Experiment Module on one of the reflights of the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA). EURECA was developed expressly to accommodate space science experimentation, while providing a high quality microgravity environment. As a retrievable carrier, it offers the ability to recover science experiments after a nominal six months of operations in orbit. The study concluded that the SGG Experiment Module can be accommodated and operated in a EURECA reflight mission. It was determined that such a flight test would enable the verification of the SGG Instrument flight performance and validate the design and operation of the Experiment Module. It was also concluded that a limited amount of scientific data could be obtained on this mission.

Human beta-globin gene polymorphisms characterized in DNA extracted from ancient bones 12,000 years old.

PubMed

Béraud-Colomb, E; Roubin, R; Martin, J; Maroc, N; Gardeisen, A; Trabuchet, G; Goosséns, M

1995-12-01

Analyzing the nuclear DNA from ancient human bones is an essential step to the understanding of genetic diversity in current populations, provided that such systematic studies are experimentally feasible. This article reports the successful extraction and amplification of nuclear DNA from the beta-globin region from 5 of 10 bone specimens up to 12,000 years old. These have been typed for beta-globin frameworks by sequencing through two variable positions and for a polymorphic (AT) chi (T) gamma microsatellite 500 bp upstream of the beta-globin gene. These specimens of human remains are somewhat older than those analyzed in previous nuclear gene sequencing reports and considerably older than those used to study high-copy-number human mtDNA. These results show that the systematic study of nuclear DNA polymorphisms of ancient populations is feasible.

Study and Characterization of Subharmonic Emissions by Using Shaped Ultrasonic Driving Pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masotti, L.; Biagi, E.; Breschi, L.; Vannacci, E.

Subharmonic emissions from Ultrasound Contrast Agents (UCAs) were studied by a Pulse Inversion method in order to assess the feasibility of implementation of this technique to subharmonic imaging. Interesting results concerning the dependence of the subharmonic emission with respect to initial pulse shape are presented. The experimentation was performed also by varying the acoustic pressure and concentration of the contrast agent (SonoVue®)

Sensory Adapted Dental Environments to Enhance Oral Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cermak, Sharon A.; Stein Duker, Leah I.; Williams, Marian E.; Dawson, Michael E.; Lane, Christianne J.; Polido, José C.

2015-01-01

This pilot and feasibility study examined the impact of a sensory adapted dental environment (SADE) to reduce distress, sensory discomfort, and perception of pain during oral prophylaxis for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 44 children ages 6-12 (n = 22 typical, n = 22 ASD). In an experimental crossover design, each…

Experimental program for the operational study of data collection platforms in Bolivia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The system developed for the SMS/GOES satellite while learning the limitations possessed by this system with regard to the LANDSAT 1 and 2 satellites with respect to the transmission distance and horizon angle is investigated. The advantages possessed by this system in comparison with conventional methods are evaluated so as to permit studying the feasibility of introducing it into this country in the near future.

Electric power generation using geothermal brine resources for a proof of concept facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hankin, J. W.

1974-01-01

An exploratory systems study of a geothermal proof-of-concept facility is being conducted. This study is the initial phase (Phase 0) of a project to establish the technical and economic feasibility of using hot brine resources for electric power production and other industrial applications. Phase 0 includes the conceptual design of an experimental test-bed facility and a 10-MWe power generating facility.

SSME leak detection feasibility investigation by utilization of infrared sensor technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shohadaee, Ahmad A.; Crawford, Roger A.

1990-01-01

This investigation examined the potential of using state-of-the-art technology of infrared (IR) thermal imaging systems combined with computer, digital image processing and expert systems for Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) propellant path peak detection as an early warning system of imminent engine failure. A low-cost, laboratory experiment was devised and an experimental approach was established. The system was installed, checked out, and data were successfully acquired demonstrating the proof-of-concept. The conclusion from this investigation is that both numerical and experimental results indicate that the leak detection by using infrared sensor technology proved to be feasible for a rocket engine health monitoring system.

Feasibility of using PZT actuators to study the dynamic behavior of a rotating disk due to rotor-stator interaction.

PubMed

Presas, Alexandre; Egusquiza, Eduard; Valero, Carme; Valentin, David; Seidel, Ulrich

2014-07-07

In this paper, PZT actuators are used to study the dynamic behavior of a rotating disk structure due to rotor-stator interaction excitation. The disk is studied with two different surrounding fluids-air and water. The study has been performed analytically and validated experimentally. For the theoretical analysis, the natural frequencies and the associated mode shapes of the rotating disk in air and water are obtained with the Kirchhoff-Love thin plate theory coupled with the interaction with the surrounding fluid. A model for the Rotor Stator Interaction that occurs in many rotating disk-like parts of turbomachinery such as compressors, hydraulic runners or alternators is presented. The dynamic behavior of the rotating disk due to this excitation is deduced. For the experimental analysis a test rig has been developed. It consists of a stainless steel disk (r = 198 mm and h = 8 mm) connected to a variable speed motor. Excitation and response are measured from the rotating system. For the rotating excitation four piezoelectric patches have been used. Calibrating the piezoelectric patches in amplitude and phase, different rotating excitation patterns are applied on the rotating disk in air and in water. Results show the feasibility of using PZT to control the response of the disk due to a rotor-stator interaction.

Feasibility of Wii Fit training to improve clinical measures of balance in older adults

PubMed Central

Bieryla, Kathleen A; Dold, Neil M

2013-01-01

Background and purpose Numerous interventions have been proposed to improve balance in older adults with varying degrees of success. A novel approach may be to use an off-the-shelf video game system utilizing real-time force feedback to train older adults. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using Nintendo’s Wii Fit for training to improve clinical measures of balance in older adults and to retain the improvements after a period of time. Methods Twelve healthy older adults (aged >70 years) were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group completed training using Nintendo’s Wii Fit game three times a week for 3 weeks while the control group continued with normal activities. Four clinical measures of balance were assessed before training, 1 week after training, and 1 month after training: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, Functional Reach (FR), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Friedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks was conducted on the control and experimental group to determine if training using the Wii Balance Board with Wii Fit had an influence on clinical measures of balance. Results Nine older adults completed the study (experimental group n = 4, control group n = 5). The experimental group significantly increased their BBS after training while the control group did not. There was no significant change for either group with FAB, FR, and TUG. Conclusion Balance training with Nintendo’s Wii Fit may be a novel way for older adults to improve balance as measured by the BBS. PMID:23836967

A study of the feasibility of conducting the ELISE and EXL experiments at the ITEP accelerator complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolshakov, A. E.; Golubev, A. A.; Zenkevich, P. R.; Kats, M. M.; Kolomiets, A. A.

2014-09-01

We report the results of a study into the feasibility of conducting the ELISE and EXL experiments on collisions of nuclei of radioactive fragments with electrons at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP). A scheme for uranium ion acceleration in the ITEP accelerator complex is chosen, and it is shown that uranium ions may be accelerated with an intensity of ˜1 × 1011 ions/s as soon as the complex is modified and a new injector is constructed. The basic parameters of the modified complex are given, and a layout diagram indicating the positions of the target that serves to produce radioactive fragments, the separator, and the storage rings (CR, RESR, NESR, and ER) at the ITEP site is presented.

All-fiber variable optical delay line for applications in optical coherence tomography: feasibility study for a novel delay line.

PubMed

Choi, Eunseo; Na, Jihoon; Ryu, Seon; Mudhana, Gopinath; Lee, Byeong

2005-02-21

We have implemented an all-fiber optical delay line using two linearly chirped fiber Bragg gratings cascaded in reverse order and all-fiber optics components. The features of the proposed all-fiber based technique for variable delay line are discussed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. The non-invasive cross-sectional images of biomedical samples as well as a transparent glass plate obtained with implemented all-fiber delay line having the axial resolution of 100 mum and the dynamic range of 50dB are presented to validates the imaging performance and demonstrate the feasibility of the delay line for optical coherence tomography.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Local Scour Around Submarine Piggyback Pipeline Under Steady Current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Enjin; Shi, Bing; Qu, Ke; Dong, Wenbin; Zhang, Jing

2018-04-01

As a new type of submarine pipeline, the piggyback pipeline has been gradually adopted in engineering practice to enhance the performance and safety of submarine pipelines. However, limited simulation work and few experimental studies have been published on the scour around the piggyback pipeline under steady current. This study numerically and experimentally investigates the local scour of the piggyback pipe under steady current. The influence of prominent factors such as pipe diameter, inflow Reynolds number, and gap between the main and small pipes, on the maximum scour depth have been examined and discussed in detail. Furthermore, one formula to predict the maximum scour depth under the piggyback pipeline has been derived based on the theoretical analysis of scour equilibrium. The feasibility of the proposed formula has been effectively calibrated by both experimental data and numerical results. The findings drawn from this study are instructive in the future design and application of the piggyback pipeline.

Room-temperature phosphorescence logic gates developed from nucleic acid functionalized carbon dots and graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Rijun; Jin, Hui; Wang, Zonghua; Zhang, Feifei; Xia, Jianfei; Yang, Min; Bi, Sai; Xia, Yanzhi

2015-04-01

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) logic gates were developed using capture ssDNA (cDNA) modified carbon dots and graphene oxide (GO). The experimental results suggested the feasibility of these developed RTP-based ``OR'', ``INHIBIT'' and ``OR-INHIBIT'' logic gate operations, using Hg2+, target ssDNA (tDNA) and doxorubicin (DOX) as inputs.Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) logic gates were developed using capture ssDNA (cDNA) modified carbon dots and graphene oxide (GO). The experimental results suggested the feasibility of these developed RTP-based ``OR'', ``INHIBIT'' and ``OR-INHIBIT'' logic gate operations, using Hg2+, target ssDNA (tDNA) and doxorubicin (DOX) as inputs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: All experimental details, Part S1-3, Fig. S1-6 and Table S1. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07620f

Medical yoga in the workplace setting-perceived stress and work ability-a feasibility study.

PubMed

Axén, Iben; Follin, Gabriella

2017-02-01

This study examined the feasibility of using an intervention of Medical Yoga in the workplace and investigated its effects on perceived stress and work ability. This was a quasi-experimental pilot study comparing a group who received Medical Yoga (intervention group, N=17), with a group waiting to receive Medical Yoga (control group, N=15). Medical Yoga in nine weekly sessions led by a certified instructor, as well as an instruction film to be followed at home twice weekly. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, eligibility, willingness to participate, response to questionnaires and adherence to the intervention plan. Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, work ability with the Work Ability Index. Convincing unit managers to let their employees participate in this intervention was difficult. Eligibility was perfect, but only 40% of workers were willing to participate. The subjects adhered to a great extent to the intervention and answered the questionnaires satisfactorily. Reaching target individuals requires careful attention to informing participants. The intervention showed no significant effects on stress and work ability, though the two measures correlated significantly over time. Factors limiting feasibility of this workplace intervention were identified. Work place interventions may need to be sanctioned at a higher managerial level. The optimal time, length and availability of the workplace intervention should be explored further. Knowledge from this study could be used as a foundation when planning a larger scale study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of using phase change materials to control the heat of hydration in massive concrete structures.

PubMed

Choi, Won-Chang; Khil, Bae-Soo; Chae, Young-Seok; Liang, Qi-Bo; Yun, Hyun-Do

2014-01-01

This paper presents experimental results that can be applied to select a possible phase change material (PCM), such as a latent heat material (LHM), to control the hydration heat in mass concrete structures. Five experimental tests (microconduction, simplified adiabatic temperature rise, heat, and compressive strength tests) were conducted to select the most desirable LHM out of seven types of inorganic PCM used in cement mortar and to determine the most suitable mix design. The results of these experimental tests were used to assess the feasibility of using PCM to reduce hydration heat in mass concrete that was examined. The experimental results show that cement mortar containing barium- [Ba(OH)2 · 8H2O] based PCM has the lowest amount of total hydration heat of the cement pastes. The barium-based PCM provides good latent heat properties that help to prevent volume change and microcracks caused by thermal stress in mass concrete.

USDA Forest Service farm woodlands case study - 50 year results from West Virgina

Treesearch

David W. McGill; Thomas M. Schuler

2003-01-01

Recognizing that fire, grazing, and poor cutting practices had compromised much productivity in farm woodlots in the early 1900s, USDA Forest Service personnel established a demonstration on the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) to show the feasibility of two harvesting systems that could be used to maintain or enhance stand productivity and provide private forest land...

An Experimental Text in Transformational Geometry, Student Text; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 43a.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, Newton, MA.

This is part of a student text which was written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of The Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for mathematics. The instructional materials were developed for teaching geometry in the secondary schools. This document is chapter six and titled Motions and…

USDA Forest Service farm woodlands case study - 50 year results from West Virginia

Treesearch

David W. McGill; Thomas M. Schuler

2003-01-01

Recognizing that fire, grazing, and poor cutting practices had compromised much productivity in farm woodlots in the early 1900s, USDA Forest Service personnel established a demonstration on the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) to show the feasibility of two harvesting systems that could be used to maintain or enhance stand productivity and provide private forest land...

Selecting promising treatments in randomized Phase II cancer trials with an active control.

PubMed

Cheung, Ying Kuen

2009-01-01

The primary objective of Phase II cancer trials is to evaluate the potential efficacy of a new regimen in terms of its antitumor activity in a given type of cancer. Due to advances in oncology therapeutics and heterogeneity in the patient population, such evaluation can be interpreted objectively only in the presence of a prospective control group of an active standard treatment. This paper deals with the design problem of Phase II selection trials in which several experimental regimens are compared to an active control, with an objective to identify an experimental arm that is more effective than the control or to declare futility if no such treatment exists. Conducting a multi-arm randomized selection trial is a useful strategy to prioritize experimental treatments for further testing when many candidates are available, but the sample size required in such a trial with an active control could raise feasibility concerns. In this study, we extend the sequential probability ratio test for normal observations to the multi-arm selection setting. The proposed methods, allowing frequent interim monitoring, offer high likelihood of early trial termination, and as such enhance enrollment feasibility. The termination and selection criteria have closed form solutions and are easy to compute with respect to any given set of error constraints. The proposed methods are applied to design a selection trial in which combinations of sorafenib and erlotinib are compared to a control group in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer using a continuous endpoint of change in tumor size. The operating characteristics of the proposed methods are compared to that of a single-stage design via simulations: The sample size requirement is reduced substantially and is feasible at an early stage of drug development.

Experimental system for measurement of radiologists' performance by visual search task.

PubMed

Maeda, Eriko; Yoshikawa, Takeharu; Nakashima, Ryoichi; Kobayashi, Kazufumi; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko; Hayashi, Naoto; Masutani, Yoshitaka; Yoshioka, Naoki; Akahane, Masaaki; Ohtomo, Kuni

2013-01-01

Detective performance of radiologists for "obvious" targets should be evaluated by visual search task instead of ROC analysis, but visual task have not been applied to radiology studies. The aim of this study was to set up an environment that allows visual search task in radiology, to evaluate its feasibility, and to preliminarily investigate the effect of career on the performance. In a darkroom, ten radiologists were asked to answer the type of lesion by pressing buttons, when images without lesions, with bulla, ground-glass nodule, and solid nodule were randomly presented on a display. Differences in accuracy and reaction times depending on board certification were investigated. The visual search task was successfully and feasibly performed. Radiologists were found to have high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values in non-board and board groups. Reaction time was under 1 second for all target types in both groups. Board radiologists were significantly faster in answering for bulla, but there were no significant differences for other targets and values. We developed an experimental system that allows visual search experiment in radiology. Reaction time for detection of bulla was shortened with experience.

Theoretical and experimental study on active sound transmission control based on single structural mode actuation using point force actuators.

PubMed

Sanada, Akira; Tanaka, Nobuo

2012-08-01

This study deals with the feedforward active control of sound transmission through a simply supported rectangular panel using vibration actuators. The control effect largely depends on the excitation method, including the number and locations of actuators. In order to obtain a large control effect at low frequencies over a wide frequency, an active transmission control method based on single structural mode actuation is proposed. Then, with the goal of examining the feasibility of the proposed method, the (1, 3) mode is selected as the target mode and a modal actuation method in combination with six point force actuators is considered. Assuming that a single input single output feedforward control is used, sound transmission in the case minimizing the transmitted sound power is calculated for some actuation methods. Simulation results showed that the (1, 3) modal actuation is globally effective at reducing the sound transmission by more than 10 dB in the low-frequency range for both normal and oblique incidences. Finally, experimental results also showed that a large reduction could be achieved in the low-frequency range, which proves the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.

Hybrid test on building structures using electrodynamic fatigue test machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhao-Dong; Wang, Kai-Yang; Guo, Ying-Qing; Wu, Min-Dong; Xu, Meng

2017-01-01

Hybrid simulation is an advanced structural dynamic experimental method that combines experimental physical models with analytical numerical models. It has increasingly been recognised as a powerful methodology to evaluate structural nonlinear components and systems under realistic operating conditions. One of the barriers for this advanced testing is the lack of flexible software for hybrid simulation using heterogeneous experimental equipment. In this study, an electrodynamic fatigue test machine is made and a MATLAB program is developed for hybrid simulation. Compared with the servo-hydraulic system, electrodynamic fatigue test machine has the advantages of small volume, easy operation and fast response. A hybrid simulation is conducted to verify the flexibility and capability of the whole system whose experimental substructure is one spring brace and numerical substructure is a two-storey steel frame structure. Experimental and numerical results show the feasibility and applicability of the whole system.

Anticipatory precrash restraint sensor feasibility study: Final report

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

Kercel, S.W.; Dress, W.B.

1995-08-01

This report explores feasibility of an anticipatory precrash restraint sensor. The foundation principle is the anticipation mechanism found at a primitive level of biological intelligence and originally formalized by the mathematical biologist Robert Rosen. A system based on formal anticipatory principles should significantly outperform conventional technologies. It offers the prospect of high payoff in prevention of death and injury. Sensors and processes are available to provide a good, fast, and inexpensive description of the present dynamical state of the vehicle to the embedded system model in the anticipation engine. The experimental part of this study found that inexpensive radar inmore » a real-world setting does return useful data on target dynamics. The data produced by a radar system can be converted to target dynamical information by good, fast and inexpensive signal-processing techniques. Not only is the anticipatory sensor feasible, but further development under the sponsorship of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is necessary and desirable. There are a number of possible lines of follow-on investigation. The level of effort and expected benefits of various alternatives are discussed.« less

Feasibility of nitric oxide administration by neonatal helmet-CPAP: a bench study.

PubMed

Trevisanuto, Daniele; Doglioni, Nicoletta; Micaglio, Massimo; Zanardo, Vincenzo

2007-09-01

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) may have a role in the treatment of preterm infants with respiratory failure. We evaluated the feasibility of administering NO therapy by a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system (neonatal helmet-CPAP). While maintaining a constant total flow of 8, 10, and 12 l.min(-1), NO concentrations were progressively increased to 5, 10, 20, and 40 p.p.m. in the neonatal helmet-CPAP pressure chamber (5 cmH2O). NO, NO2, and O2 concentrations were measured in the pressure chamber and the immediate external environment. In the chamber, NO2 levels remained low (

Experimental study of the electrolysis of silicate melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, R.; Larimer, K. T.

1991-01-01

To produce oxygen from lunar resources, it may be feasible to melt and electrolyze local silicate ores. This possibility was explored experimentally with synthesized melts of appropriate compositions. Platinum electrodes were employed at a melt temperature of 1425 C. When silicon components of the melt were reduced, the platinum cathode degraded rapidly, which prompted the substitution of a graphite cathode substrate. Discrete particles containing iron or titanium were found in the solidified electrolyte after three hours of electrolysis. Electrolyte conductivities did not decrease substantially, but the escape of gas bubbles, in some cases, appeared to be hindered by high viscosity of the melt.

Tensile Yielding of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wei, Chenyu; Cho, Kyeongjae; Srivastava, Deepak; Parks, John W. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The tensile yielding of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been studied using Molecular Dynamics simulations and a Transition State Theory based model. We find a strong dependence of the yielding on the strain rate. A critical strain rate has been predicted above/below which yielding strain of a MWCNT is larger/smaller than that of the corresponding single-wall carbon nanotubes. At experimentally feasible strain rate of 1% /hour and T = 300K, the yield strain of a MWCNT is estimated to be about 3-4 % higher than that of an equivalent SWCNT (Single Wall Carbon Nanotube), in good agreement with recent experimental observations.

Ultrasonic Phased Array Inspection for an Isogrid Structural Element with Cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D. J.; Tokars, R. P.; Martin, R. E.; Rauser, R. W.; Aldrin, J. C.; Schumacher, E. J.

2010-01-01

In this investigation, a T-shaped aluminum alloy isogrid stiffener element used in aerospace applications was inspected with ultrasonic phased array methods. The isogrid stiffener element had various crack configurations emanating from bolt holes. Computational simulation methods were used to mimic the experiments in order to help understand experimental results. The results of this study indicate that it is at least partly feasible to interrogate this type of geometry with the given flaw configurations using phased array ultrasonics. The simulation methods were critical in helping explain the experimental results and, with some limitation, can be used to predict inspection results.

Using Non-experimental Data to Estimate Treatment Effects

PubMed Central

Stuart, Elizabeth A.; Marcus, Sue M.; Horvitz-Lennon, Marcela V.; Gibbons, Robert D.; Normand, Sharon-Lise T.

2009-01-01

While much psychiatric research is based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where patients are randomly assigned to treatments, sometimes RCTs are not feasible. This paper describes propensity score approaches, which are increasingly used for estimating treatment effects in non-experimental settings. The primary goal of propensity score methods is to create sets of treated and comparison subjects who look as similar as possible, in essence replicating a randomized experiment, at least with respect to observed patient characteristics. A study to estimate the metabolic effects of antipsychotic medication in a sample of Florida Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia illustrates methods. PMID:20563313

Advanced Reservoir Characterization and Evaluation of CO2 Gravity Drainage in the Naturally Fractured Spraberry Trend Area, Class III

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

Knight, Bill; Schechter, David S.

The goal of this project was to assess the economic feasibility of CO2 flooding the naturally fractured Spraberry Trend Area in west Texas. This objective was accomplished through research in four areas: (1) extensive characterization of the reservoirs, (2) experimental studies of crude oil/brine/rock (COBR) interactions in the reservoirs, (3) reservoir performance analysis, and (4) experimental investigations on CO2 gravity drainage in Spraberry whole cores. This provides results of the final year of the six-year project for each of the four areas.

Dissipative particle dynamics simulations of polymersomes.

PubMed

Ortiz, Vanessa; Nielsen, Steven O; Discher, Dennis E; Klein, Michael L; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Shillcock, Julian

2005-09-22

A DPD model of PEO-based block copolymer vesicles in water is developed by introducing a new density based coarse graining and by using experimental data for interfacial tension. Simulated as a membrane patch, the DPD model is in excellent agreement with experimental data for both the area expansion modulus and the scaling of hydrophobic core thickness with molecular weight. Rupture simulations of polymer vesicles, or "polymersomes", are presented to illustrate the system sizes feasible with DPD. The results should provide guidance for theoretical derivations of scaling laws and also illustrate how spherical polymer vesicles might be studied in simulation.

Depot effect of bioactive components in experimental membrane filtrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitev, D.; Peshev, D.; Peev, G.; Peeva, L.

2017-01-01

Depot effects were found to be accompanying phenomena of membrane separation processes. Accumulation of target species in the membrane matrix during feasibility tests can hamper proper conclusions or compromise the filtration results. Therefore, we investigated the effects of delayed membrane release of chlorogenic acid and caffeine, considered as key compounds of interest in spent coffee products’ recovery treatment. Permeate fluxes and key components release were studied in course of 24 hours via nanofiltration of pure solvent, both immediately after the mock solution filtration and after idle stay. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations advised for proper analysis of experimental data on membrane screening.

Study of Thermodynamic Vent and Screen Baffle Integration for Orbital Storage and Transfer of Liquid Hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cady, E. C.

1973-01-01

A comprehensive analytical and experimental program was performed to determine the feasibility of integrating an internal thermodynamic vent system and a full wall-screen liner for the orbital storage and transfer of liquid hydrogen (LH2). Ten screens were selected from a comprehensive screen survey. The experimental study determined the screen bubble point, flow-through pressure loss, and pressure loss along rectangular channels lined with screen on one side, for the 10 screens using LH2 saturated at 34.5 N/cm2 (50 psia). The correlated experimental data were used in an analysis to determine the optimum system characteristics in terms of minimum weight for 6 tanks ranging from 141.6 m3 (5,000 ft3) to 1.416 m3 (50 ft3) for orbital storage times of 30 and 300 days.

Exhaustively characterizing feasible logic models of a signaling network using Answer Set Programming.

PubMed

Guziolowski, Carito; Videla, Santiago; Eduati, Federica; Thiele, Sven; Cokelaer, Thomas; Siegel, Anne; Saez-Rodriguez, Julio

2013-09-15

Logic modeling is a useful tool to study signal transduction across multiple pathways. Logic models can be generated by training a network containing the prior knowledge to phospho-proteomics data. The training can be performed using stochastic optimization procedures, but these are unable to guarantee a global optima or to report the complete family of feasible models. This, however, is essential to provide precise insight in the mechanisms underlaying signal transduction and generate reliable predictions. We propose the use of Answer Set Programming to explore exhaustively the space of feasible logic models. Toward this end, we have developed caspo, an open-source Python package that provides a powerful platform to learn and characterize logic models by leveraging the rich modeling language and solving technologies of Answer Set Programming. We illustrate the usefulness of caspo by revisiting a model of pro-growth and inflammatory pathways in liver cells. We show that, if experimental error is taken into account, there are thousands (11 700) of models compatible with the data. Despite the large number, we can extract structural features from the models, such as links that are always (or never) present or modules that appear in a mutual exclusive fashion. To further characterize this family of models, we investigate the input-output behavior of the models. We find 91 behaviors across the 11 700 models and we suggest new experiments to discriminate among them. Our results underscore the importance of characterizing in a global and exhaustive manner the family of feasible models, with important implications for experimental design. caspo is freely available for download (license GPLv3) and as a web service at http://caspo.genouest.org/. Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online. santiago.videla@irisa.fr.

Exhaustively characterizing feasible logic models of a signaling network using Answer Set Programming

PubMed Central

Guziolowski, Carito; Videla, Santiago; Eduati, Federica; Thiele, Sven; Cokelaer, Thomas; Siegel, Anne; Saez-Rodriguez, Julio

2013-01-01

Motivation: Logic modeling is a useful tool to study signal transduction across multiple pathways. Logic models can be generated by training a network containing the prior knowledge to phospho-proteomics data. The training can be performed using stochastic optimization procedures, but these are unable to guarantee a global optima or to report the complete family of feasible models. This, however, is essential to provide precise insight in the mechanisms underlaying signal transduction and generate reliable predictions. Results: We propose the use of Answer Set Programming to explore exhaustively the space of feasible logic models. Toward this end, we have developed caspo, an open-source Python package that provides a powerful platform to learn and characterize logic models by leveraging the rich modeling language and solving technologies of Answer Set Programming. We illustrate the usefulness of caspo by revisiting a model of pro-growth and inflammatory pathways in liver cells. We show that, if experimental error is taken into account, there are thousands (11 700) of models compatible with the data. Despite the large number, we can extract structural features from the models, such as links that are always (or never) present or modules that appear in a mutual exclusive fashion. To further characterize this family of models, we investigate the input–output behavior of the models. We find 91 behaviors across the 11 700 models and we suggest new experiments to discriminate among them. Our results underscore the importance of characterizing in a global and exhaustive manner the family of feasible models, with important implications for experimental design. Availability: caspo is freely available for download (license GPLv3) and as a web service at http://caspo.genouest.org/. Supplementary information: Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: santiago.videla@irisa.fr PMID:23853063

An experimental study on the shear strength of FRP perfobond shear connector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gwon, S. C.; Kim, S. H.; Yoon, S. J.; Choi, C. W.

2018-06-01

In this study, push-out tests were conducted to investigate shear behaviour of FRP perfobond shear connector. The parameters influencing shear capacity of FRP perfobond shear connector are concrete dowel effect, shear resistance effect of the laterally reinforced FRP re- bar, and frictional effect between shear connector and concrete. The specimens were designed to consider these parameters. The specimens coated with sand to increase frictional resistance between the FRP re-bar and concrete. Based on the test results and the parameters, new equation was suggested to predict shear strength of FRP perfobond shear connectors. The predicted results and the experimental results were compared to check the feasibility of prediction.

An experimental study of potential residential and commercial applications of small-scale hybrid power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acosta, Michael Anthony

The research presented in this thesis provides an understanding of small-scale hybrid power systems. Experiments were conducted to identify potential applications of renewable energy in residential and commercial applications in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Solar and wind energy converted into electric energy was stored in batteries and inverted to power common household and commercial appliances. Several small to medium size hybrid power systems were setup and utilized to conduct numerous tests to study renewable energy prospects and feasibility for various applications. The experimental results obtained indicate that carefully constructed solar power systems can provide people living in isolated communities with sufficient energy to consistently meet their basic power needs.

Experimental study of a quantum random-number generator based on two independent lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shi-Hai; Xu, Feihu

2017-12-01

A quantum random-number generator (QRNG) can produce true randomness by utilizing the inherent probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Recently, the spontaneous-emission quantum phase noise of the laser has been widely deployed for quantum random-number generation, due to its high rate, its low cost, and the feasibility of chip-scale integration. Here, we perform a comprehensive experimental study of a phase-noise-based QRNG with two independent lasers, each of which operates in either continuous-wave (CW) or pulsed mode. We implement the QRNG by operating the two lasers in three configurations, namely, CW + CW, CW + pulsed, and pulsed + pulsed, and demonstrate their trade-offs, strengths, and weaknesses.

Study design elements for rigorous quasi-experimental comparative effectiveness research.

PubMed

Maciejewski, Matthew L; Curtis, Lesley H; Dowd, Bryan

2013-03-01

Quasi-experiments are likely to be the workhorse study design used to generate evidence about the comparative effectiveness of alternative treatments, because of their feasibility, timeliness, affordability and external validity compared with randomized trials. In this review, we outline potential sources of discordance in results between quasi-experiments and experiments, review study design choices that can improve the internal validity of quasi-experiments, and outline innovative data linkage strategies that may be particularly useful in quasi-experimental comparative effectiveness research. There is an urgent need to resolve the debate about the evidentiary value of quasi-experiments since equal consideration of rigorous quasi-experiments will broaden the base of evidence that can be brought to bear in clinical decision-making and governmental policy-making.

A quiet flow Ludwieg tube for study of transition in compressible boundary layers: Design and feasibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Steven P.

1991-01-01

Laminar-turbulent transition in high speed boundary layers is a complicated problem which is still poorly understood, partly because of experimental ambiguities caused by operating in noisy wind tunnels. The NASA Langley experience with quiet tunnel design has been used to design a quiet flow tunnel which can be constructed less expensively. Fabrication techniques have been investigated, and inviscid, boundary layer, and stability computer codes have been adapted for use in the nozzle design. Construction of such a facility seems feasible, at a reasonable cost. Two facilities have been proposed: a large one, with a quiet flow region large enough to study the end of transition, and a smaller and less expensive one, capable of studying low Reynolds number issues such as receptivity. Funding for either facility remains to be obtained, although key facility elements have been obtained and are being integrated into the existing Purdue supersonic facilities.

Feasibility study of self-powered magnetorheological damper systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Liao, Wei-Hsin

2012-04-01

This paper is aimed to provide a feasibility study of self-powered magnetorheological (MR) damper systems, which could convert vibration and shock energy into electrical energy to power itself under control. The self-powered feature could bring merits such as higher reliability, energy saving, and less maintenance for the MR damper systems. A self-powered MR damper system is proposed and modeled. The criterion whether the MR damper system is self-powered or not is proposed. A prototype of MR damper with power generation is designed, fabricated, and tested. The modeling of this damper is experimentally validated. Then the damper is applied to a 2 DOF suspension system under on-off skyhook controller, to obtain the self-powered working range and vibration control performance. Effects of key factors on the self-powered MR damper systems are studied. Design considerations are given in order to increase the self-powered working range.

Use of an electronic cognitive aid by a person with Korsakoff syndrome.

PubMed

de Joode, E A; van Boxtel, M P J; Hartjes, P; Verhey, F R J; van Heugten, C M

2013-11-01

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the use of a customized personal digital assistant (PDA) to support cognitive functioning in a person with Korsakoff syndrome. The PDA was compared with no external support and the use of a memory watch in a single case experimental design. Three main personal goal tasks were defined: "arrive at appointments on time", "execute a long-term task successfully", and "remember to ask for medication". No significant differences were found between the use of the memory watch and the use of the customized PDA. PDA use was perceived as feasible and effective and was considered as a more comprehensive aid than the memory watch. This study shows that a person with Korsakoff syndrome is able to use and benefit from a customized PDA. Replication of these findings in a larger effectiveness study is necessary.

Telescience testbed: operational support functions for biomedical experiments.

PubMed

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

1992-07-01

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

Evaluation of gas cooling for pressurized phosphoric acid fuel cell stacks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farooque, M.; Skok, A. J.; Maru, H. C.; Kothmann, R. E.; Harry, R. W.

1983-01-01

Gas cooling is a more reliable, less expensive and a more simple alternative to conventional liquid cooling for heat removal from the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC). The feasibility of gas cooling has already been demonstrated in atmospheric pressure stacks. This paper presents theoretical and experimental investigation of gas cooling for pressurized PAFC. Two approaches to gas cooling, Distributed Gas Cooling (DIGAS) and Separated Gas Cooling (SGC) were considered, and a theoretical comparison on the basis of cell performance indicated SGC to be superior to DIGAS. The feasibility of SGC was experimentally demonstrated by operating a 45-cell stack for 700 hours at pressure, and determining thermal response and the effect of other related parameters.

Evaluation of Gas-Cooled Pressurized Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells for Electric Utility Power Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faroque, M.

1983-01-01

Gas cooling is a more reliable, less expensive and a more simple alternative to conventional liquid cooling for heat removal from the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC). The feasibility of gas-cooling was already demonstrated in atmospheric pressure stacks. Theoretical and experimental investigations of gas-cooling for pressurized PAFC are presented. Two approaches to gas cooling, Distributed Gas-Cooling (DIGAS) and Separated Gas-Cooling (SGC) were considered, and a theoretical comparison on the basis of cell performance indicated SGC to be superior to DIGAS. The feasibility of SGC was experimentally demonstrated by operating a 45-cell stack for 700 hours at pressure, and determining thermal response and the effect of other related parameters.

Cardiovascular self-management support program for preventing cardiovascular complication behaviors and clinical outcomes in the elderly with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indonesia: A pilot study.

PubMed

Hisni, Dayan; Rukmaini, Rukmaini; Saryono, Saryono; Chinnawong, Tippamas; Thaniwattananon, Ploenpit

2018-03-06

The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility, and to evaluate the effect of, a cardiovascular self-management support program by applying the 5A's self-management support program on preventing cardiovascular complication behaviors and to assess the clinical outcomes in the elderly with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This pilot study used a quasi-experimental study design. Twelve elderly persons with poorly controlled type 2 DM were assigned into either a control or experimental group, with six participants in each group. The Preventing Cardiovascular Complication Behaviors (PCCB) was measured by the Preventing Cardiovascular Complication Behaviors Questionnaire, while the clinical outcomes were measured by clinical devices that were provided. These measurements were conducted and compared at baseline and 6 weeks after the completion of the program. The self-management support program was a 6 week program with several implementation methods, based on the 5A's self-management support program. The participants who received the cardiovascular self-management support program reported a significant improvement in their PCCB and clinical outcomes, compared to those receiving the usual care. This study revealed that a cardiovascular self-management support program that applies the 5A's self-management support program is feasible for implementation. © 2018 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.

Thermomechanical simulations and experimental validation for high speed incremental forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrogio, Giuseppina; Gagliardi, Francesco; Filice, Luigino; Romero, Natalia

2016-10-01

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) consists in deforming only a small region of the workspace through a punch driven by a NC machine. The drawback of this process is its slowness. In this study, a high speed variant has been investigated from both numerical and experimental points of view. The aim has been the design of a FEM model able to perform the material behavior during the high speed process by defining a thermomechanical model. An experimental campaign has been performed by a CNC lathe with high speed to test process feasibility. The first results have shown how the material presents the same performance than in conventional speed ISF and, in some cases, better material behavior due to the temperature increment. An accurate numerical simulation has been performed to investigate the material behavior during the high speed process confirming substantially experimental evidence.

Scaling Studies for Advanced High Temperature Reactor Concepts, Final Technical Report: October 2014—December 2017

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

Woods, Brian; Gutowska, Izabela; Chiger, Howard

Computer simulations of nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulic phenomena are often used in the design and licensing of nuclear reactor systems. In order to assess the accuracy of these computer simulations, computer codes and methods are often validated against experimental data. This experimental data must be of sufficiently high quality in order to conduct a robust validation exercise. In addition, this experimental data is generally collected at experimental facilities that are of a smaller scale than the reactor systems that are being simulated due to cost considerations. Therefore, smaller scale test facilities must be designed and constructed in such a fashion tomore » ensure that the prototypical behavior of a particular nuclear reactor system is preserved. The work completed through this project has resulted in scaling analyses and conceptual design development for a test facility capable of collecting code validation data for the following high temperature gas reactor systems and events— 1. Passive natural circulation core cooling system, 2. pebble bed gas reactor concept, 3. General Atomics Energy Multiplier Module reactor, and 4. prismatic block design steam-water ingress event. In the event that code validation data for these systems or events is needed in the future, significant progress in the design of an appropriate integral-type test facility has already been completed as a result of this project. Where applicable, the next step would be to begin the detailed design development and material procurement. As part of this project applicable scaling analyses were completed and test facility design requirements developed. Conceptual designs were developed for the implementation of these design requirements at the Oregon State University (OSU) High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF). The original HTTF is based on a ¼-scale model of a high temperature gas reactor concept with the capability for both forced and natural circulation flow through a prismatic core with an electrical heat source. The peak core region temperature capability is 1400°C. As part of this project, an inventory of test facilities that could be used for these experimental programs was completed. Several of these facilities showed some promise, however, upon further investigation it became clear that only the OSU HTTF had the power and/or peak temperature limits that would allow for the experimental programs envisioned herein. Thus the conceptual design and feasibility study development focused on examining the feasibility of configuring the current HTTF to collect validation data for these experimental programs. In addition to the scaling analyses and conceptual design development, a test plan was developed for the envisioned modified test facility. This test plan included a discussion on an appropriate shakedown test program as well as the specific matrix tests. Finally, a feasibility study was completed to determine the cost and schedule considerations that would be important to any test program developed to investigate these designs and events.« less

Numerical and Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Performance of A Novel Semi-Submersible Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Song; Tao, Long-bin; Kou, Yu-feng; Lu, Chao; Sun, Jiang-long

2018-04-01

Multiple Column Platform (MCP) semi-submersible is a newly proposed concept, which differs from the conventional semi-submersibles, featuring centre column and middle pontoon. It is paramount to ensure its structural reliability and safe operation at sea, and a rigorous investigation is conducted to examine the hydrodynamic and structural performance for the novel structure concept. In this paper, the numerical and experimental studies on the hydrodynamic performance of MCP are performed. Numerical simulations are conducted in both the frequency and time domains based on 3D potential theory. The numerical models are validated by experimental measurements obtained from extensive sets of model tests under both regular wave and irregular wave conditions. Moreover, a comparative study on MCP and two conventional semi-submersibles are carried out using numerical simulation. Specifically, the hydrodynamic characteristics, including hydrodynamic coefficients, natural periods and motion response amplitude operators (RAOs), mooring line tension are fully examined. The present study proves the feasibility of the novel MCP and demonstrates the potential possibility of optimization in the future study.

Feasibility and effects of preventive home visits for at-risk older people: design of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cutchin, Malcolm P; Coppola, Susan; Talley, Vibeke; Svihula, Judie; Catellier, Diane; Shank, Kendra Heatwole

2009-12-03

The search for preventive methods to mitigate functional decline and unwanted relocation by older adults living in the community is important. Preventive home visit (PHV) models use infrequent but regular visits to older adults by trained practitioners with the goal of maintaining function and quality of life. Evidence about PHV efficacy is mixed but generally supportive. Yet interventions have rarely combined a comprehensive (biopsychosocial) occupational therapy intervention protocol with a home visit to older adults. There is a particular need in the USA to create and examine such a protocol. The study is a single-blind randomized controlled pilot trial designed to assess the feasibility, and to obtain preliminary efficacy estimates, of an intervention consisting of preventive home visits to community-dwelling older adults. An occupational therapy-based preventive home visit (PHV) intervention was developed and is being implemented and evaluated using a repeated measures design. We recruited a sample of 110 from a population of older adults (75+) who were screened and found to be at-risk for functional decline. Participants are currently living in the community (not in assisted living or a skilled nursing facility) in one of three central North Carolina counties. After consent, participants were randomly assigned into experimental and comparison groups. The experimental group receives the intervention 4 times over a 12 month follow-up period while the comparison group receives a minimal intervention of mailed printed materials. Pre- and post-intervention measures are being gathered by questionnaires administered face-to-face by a treatment-blinded research associate. Key outcome measures include functional ability, participation, life satisfaction, self-rated health, and depression. Additional information is collected from participants in the experimental group during the intervention to assess the feasibility of the intervention and potential modifiers. Fidelity is being addressed and measured across several domains. Feasibility indications to date are positive. Although the protocol has some limitations, we expect to learn enough about the intervention, delivery and effects to support a larger trial with a more stringent design and enhanced statistical power. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00985283.

Search for a hidden strange baryon-meson bound state from ϕ production in a nuclear medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Haiyan; Huang, Hongxia; Liu, Tianbo; Ping, Jialun; Wang, Fan; Zhao, Zhiwen

2017-05-01

We investigate the hidden strange light baryon-meson system. With the resonating-group method, two bound states, η'-N and ϕ -N , are found in the quark delocalization color screening model. Focusing on the ϕ -N bound state around 1950 MeV, we obtain the total decay width of about 4 MeV by calculating the phase shifts in the resonance scattering processes. To study the feasibility of an experimental search for the ϕ -N bound state, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation of the bound state production with an electron beam and a gold target. In the simulation, we use the CLAS12 detector with the Forward Tagger and the BONUS12 detector in Hall B at Jefferson Lab. Both the signal and the background channels are estimated. We demonstrate that the signal events can be separated from the background with some momentum cuts. Therefore it is feasible to experimentally search for the ϕ -N bound state through the near threshold ϕ meson production from heavy nuclei.

Characterization of Buoyant Fluorescent Particles for Field Observations of Water Flows

PubMed Central

Tauro, Flavia; Aureli, Matteo; Porfiri, Maurizio; Grimaldi, Salvatore

2010-01-01

In this paper, the feasibility of off-the-shelf buoyant fluorescent microspheres as particle tracers in turbid water flows is investigated. Microspheres’ fluorescence intensity is experimentally measured and detected in placid aqueous suspensions of increasing concentrations of clay to simulate typical conditions occurring in natural drainage networks. Experiments are conducted in a broad range of clay concentrations and particle immersion depths by using photoconductive cells and image-based sensing technologies. Results obtained with both methodologies exhibit comparable trends and show that the considered particles are fairly detectable in critically turbid water flows. Further information on performance and integration of the studied microspheres in low-cost measurement instrumentation for field observations is obtained through experiments conducted in a custom built miniature water channel. This experimental characterization provides a first assessment of the feasibility of commercially available buoyant fluorescent beads in the analysis of high turbidity surface water flows. The proposed technology may serve as a minimally invasive sensing system for hazardous events, such as pollutant diffusion in natural streams and flash flooding due to extreme rainfall. PMID:22163540

Characterization of buoyant fluorescent particles for field observations of water flows.

PubMed

Tauro, Flavia; Aureli, Matteo; Porfiri, Maurizio; Grimaldi, Salvatore

2010-01-01

In this paper, the feasibility of off-the-shelf buoyant fluorescent microspheres as particle tracers in turbid water flows is investigated. Microspheres' fluorescence intensity is experimentally measured and detected in placid aqueous suspensions of increasing concentrations of clay to simulate typical conditions occurring in natural drainage networks. Experiments are conducted in a broad range of clay concentrations and particle immersion depths by using photoconductive cells and image-based sensing technologies. Results obtained with both methodologies exhibit comparable trends and show that the considered particles are fairly detectable in critically turbid water flows. Further information on performance and integration of the studied microspheres in low-cost measurement instrumentation for field observations is obtained through experiments conducted in a custom built miniature water channel. This experimental characterization provides a first assessment of the feasibility of commercially available buoyant fluorescent beads in the analysis of high turbidity surface water flows. The proposed technology may serve as a minimally invasive sensing system for hazardous events, such as pollutant diffusion in natural streams and flash flooding due to extreme rainfall.

Various topological Mott insulators and topological bulk charge pumping in strongly-interacting boson system in one-dimensional superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuno, Yoshihito; Shimizu, Keita; Ichinose, Ikuo

2017-12-01

In this paper, we study a one-dimensional boson system in a superlattice potential. This system is experimentally feasible by using ultracold atomic gases, and attracts much attention these days. It is expected that the system has a topological phase called a topological Mott insulator (TMI). We show that in strongly-interacting cases, the competition between the superlattice potential and the on-site interaction leads to various TMIs with a non-vanishing integer Chern number. Compared to the hard-core case, the soft-core boson system exhibits rich phase diagrams including various non-trivial TMIs. By using the exact diagonalization, we obtain detailed bulk-global phase diagrams including the TMIs with high Chern numbers and also various non-topological phases. We also show that in adiabatic experimental setups, the strongly-interacting bosonic TMIs exhibit the topological particle transfer, i.e., the topological charge pumping phenomenon, similarly to weakly-interacting systems. The various TMIs are characterized by topological charge pumping as it is closely related to the Chern number, and therefore the Chern number is to be observed in feasible experiments.

Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Virtual Reality-Based Paradigm for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Individuals with Restricted Movements. A Feasibility Study with a Chronic Stroke Survivor with Severe Hemiparesis.

PubMed

Fuentes, María Antonia; Borrego, Adrián; Latorre, Jorge; Colomer, Carolina; Alcañiz, Mariano; Sánchez-Ledesma, María José; Noé, Enrique; Llorens, Roberto

2018-04-02

Impairments of the upper limb function are a major cause of disability and rehabilitation. Most of the available therapeutic options are based on active exercises and on motor and attentional inclusion of the affected arm in task oriented movements. However, active movements may not be possible after severe impairment of the upper limbs. Different techniques, such as mirror therapy, motor imagery, and non-invasive brain stimulation have been shown to elicit cortical activity in absence of movements, which could be used to preserve the available neural circuits and promote motor learning. We present a virtual reality-based paradigm for upper limb rehabilitation that allows for interaction of individuals with restricted movements from active responses triggered when they attempt to perform a movement. The experimental system also provides multisensory stimulation in the visual, auditory, and tactile channels, and transcranial direct current stimulation coherent to the observed movements. A feasibility study with a chronic stroke survivor with severe hemiparesis who seemed to reach a rehabilitation plateau after two years of its inclusion in a physical therapy program showed clinically meaningful improvement of the upper limb function after the experimental intervention and maintenance of gains in both the body function and activity. The experimental intervention also was reported to be usable and motivating. Although very preliminary, these results could highlight the potential of this intervention to promote functional recovery in severe impairments of the upper limb.

Transfer of obturator nerve for femoral nerve injury: an experiment study in rats.

PubMed

Meng, Depeng; Zhou, Jun; Lin, Yaofa; Xie, Zheng; Chen, Huihao; Yu, Ronghua; Lin, Haodong; Hou, Chunlin

2018-07-01

Quadriceps palsy is mainly caused by proximal lesions in the femoral nerve. The obturator nerve has been previously used to repair the femoral nerve, although only a few reports have described the procedure, and the outcomes have varied. In the present study, we aimed to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of this treatment in a rodent model using the randomized control method. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: the experimental group, wherein rats underwent femoral neurectomy and obturator nerve transfer to the femoral nerve motor branch; and the control group, wherein rats underwent femoral neurectomy without nerve transfer. Functional outcomes were measured using the BBB score, muscle mass, and histological assessment. At 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively, the rats in the experimental group exhibited recovery to a stronger stretch force of the knee and higher BBB score, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The muscle mass and myofiber cross-sectional area of the quadriceps were heavier and larger than those in the control group (p < 0.05). A regenerated nerve with myelinated and unmyelinated fibers was observed in the experimental group. No significant differences were observed between groups at 8 weeks postoperatively (p > 0.05). Obturator nerve transfer for repairing femoral nerve injury was feasible and effective in a rat model, and can hence be considered as an option for the treatment of femoral nerve injury.

Experimental study on joining of AA6063 and AISI 1040 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hynes, N. Rajesh Jesudoss; Raja, S.

2018-05-01

Feasibility of joining of dissimilar metals with different physical, chemical and thermal properties such as AA6063 alloy and AISI 1040 steel is worthwhile study, since it has tremendous applications in all most of all engineering domains. The mechanism of bonding is studied using scanning electron microscopy. Impact strength of AA2024/AISI joints, axial shortening distance, micro hardness distribution and joint strength are determined. Micro hardness profile shows increased hardness value at the joint interface, due to grain refinement.

Pre-market version of a commercially available hearing instrument with a tinnitus sound generator: feasibility of evaluation in a clinical trial.

PubMed

Sereda, Magdalena; Davies, Jeff; Hall, Deborah A

2017-04-01

This report considers feasibility of conducting a UK trial of combination devices for tinnitus, using data from the study which evaluated different listener programmes available within the pre-market version of Oticon Alta with Tinnitus Sound Generator. Open and closed questions addressed the following feasibility issues: (1) Participant recruitment; (2) Device acceptability; (3) Programme preferences in different self-nominated listening situations; (4) Usability; (5) Compliance; (6) Adverse events. Eight current combination hearing aid users (all males) aged between 62-72 years (mean age 67.25 years, SD = 3.8). All eight participants reported the physical aspects and noise options on the experimental device to be acceptable. Programmes with amplification and masking features were equally preferred over the basic amplification-only programme. Individual preferences for the different programme options varied widely, both across participants and across listening situations. A set of recommendations for future trials were formulated which calls for more "real world" trial design rather than tightly controlling the fitting procedure.

The Feasibility and Potential Impact of Brain Training Games on Cognitive and Emotional Functioning in Middle-Aged Adults.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Paula M; Curtis, Ashley F; Branscombe-Caird, Laura M; Comrie, Janna K; Murtha, Susan J E

2018-02-01

To investigate whether a commercially available brain training program is feasible to use with a middle-aged population and has a potential impact on cognition and emotional well-being (proof of concept). Fourteen participants (ages 46-55) completed two 6-week training conditions using a crossover (counterbalanced) design: (1) experimental brain training condition and (2) active control "find answers to trivia questions online" condition. A comprehensive neurocognitive battery and a self-report measure of depression and anxiety were administered at baseline (first time point, before training) and after completing each training condition (second time point at 6 weeks, and third time point at 12 weeks). Cognitive composite scores were calculated for participants at each time point. Study completion and protocol adherence demonstrated good feasibility of this brain training protocol in healthy middle-aged adults. Exploratory analyses suggested that brain training was associated with neurocognitive improvements related to executive attention, as well as improvements in mood. Overall, our findings suggest that brain training programs are feasible in middle-aged cohorts. We propose that brain training games may be linked to improvements in executive attention and affect by promoting cognitive self-efficacy in middle-aged adults.

Feasibility of ultra-wideband SAW RFID tags meeting FCC rules.

PubMed

Härmä, Sanna; Plessky, Victor P; Li, Xianyi; Hartogh, Paul

2009-04-01

We discuss the feasibility of surface acoustic wave (SAW) radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags that rely on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. We propose a design of a UWB SAW tag, carry out numerical experiments on the device performance, and study signal processing in the system. We also present experimental results for the proposed device and estimate the potentially achievable reading distance. UWB SAW tags will have an extremely small chip size (<0.5 x 1 mm(2)) and a low cost. They also can provide a large number of different codes. The estimated read range for UWB SAW tags is about 2 m with a reader radiating as low as <0.1 mW power levels with an extremely low duty factor.

Trade-off between land vehicle antenna cost and gain for satellite mobile communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Trade-offs between antenna cost and gain made for nine antennas as a feasibility study for the experimental land mobile satellite system, M-SAT(X) reported. This system is under development by JPL-NASA for a mobile telephone system to be used throughout the continental USA and Alaska. The mobile antenna is a key element in the development of this system.

Enhancing Learning Performance, Attention, and Meditation Using a Speech-to-Text Recognition Application: Evidence from Multiple Data Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shadiev, Rustam; Wu, Ting-Ting; Huang, Yueh-Min

2017-01-01

In this study, we provide STR-texts to non-native English speaking students during English lectures to facilitate learning, attention, and meditation. We carry out an experiment to test the feasibility of our approach. Our results show that the participants in the experimental group both outperform those in the control group on the post-tests and…

Lunar concrete for construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cullingford, Hatice S.; Keller, M. Dean

1992-01-01

Feasibility of using concrete for lunar base construction was discussed recently without relevant data for the effects of vacuum on concrete. Our experimental studies performed earlier at Los Alamos have shown that concrete is stable in vacuum with no deterioration of its quality as measured by the compressive strength. Various considerations of using concrete successfully on the Moon are provided in this paper, along with specific conclusions from the existing database.

Feasibility and effects of newly developed balance control trainer for mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Lee, So Hyun; Byun, Seung Deuk; Kim, Chul Hyun; Go, Jin Young; Nam, Hyeon Uk; Huh, Jin Seok; Jung, Tae Du

2012-08-01

To investigate the feasibility and effects of balance training with a newly developed Balance Control Trainer (BCT) that applied the concept of vertical movement for the improvements of mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients. Forty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group (n=20) underwent training with a BCT for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks, in addition to concurrent conventional physical therapy. The control group (n=20) underwent only conventional therapy for 4 weeks. All participants were assessed by: the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), 10-meter Walking Test (10mWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Korean Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Manual Muscle Test (MMT) before training, and at 2 and 4 weeks of training. There were statistically significant improvements in all parameters except knee extensor power at 2 weeks of treatment, and in all parameters except MBI which showed further statistically significant progress in the experimental group over the next two weeks (p<0.05). Statistically significant improvements on all measurements were observed in the experimental group after 4 weeks total. Comparing the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks of training respectively, 10mWT, TUG, and BBS showed statistically more significant improvements in the experimental group (p<0.05). Balance training with a newly developed BCT is feasible and may be an effective tool to improve balance and gait in ambulatory chronic stroke patients. Furthermore, it may provide additional benefits when used in conjunction with conventional therapies.

Feasibility of Using PZT Actuators to Study the Dynamic Behavior of a Rotating Disk due to Rotor-Stator Interaction

PubMed Central

Presas, Alexandre; Egusquiza, Eduard; Valero, Carme; Valentin, David; Seidel, Ulrich

2014-01-01

In this paper, PZT actuators are used to study the dynamic behavior of a rotating disk structure due to rotor-stator interaction excitation. The disk is studied with two different surrounding fluids—air and water. The study has been performed analytically and validated experimentally. For the theoretical analysis, the natural frequencies and the associated mode shapes of the rotating disk in air and water are obtained with the Kirchhoff-Love thin plate theory coupled with the interaction with the surrounding fluid. A model for the Rotor Stator Interaction that occurs in many rotating disk-like parts of turbomachinery such as compressors, hydraulic runners or alternators is presented. The dynamic behavior of the rotating disk due to this excitation is deduced. For the experimental analysis a test rig has been developed. It consists of a stainless steel disk (r = 198 mm and h = 8 mm) connected to a variable speed motor. Excitation and response are measured from the rotating system. For the rotating excitation four piezoelectric patches have been used. Calibrating the piezoelectric patches in amplitude and phase, different rotating excitation patterns are applied on the rotating disk in air and in water. Results show the feasibility of using PZT to control the response of the disk due to a rotor-stator interaction. PMID:25004151

Feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of playing Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ for frail elderly: study protocol for a feasibility trial.

PubMed

Gomes, Gisele Cristine Vieira; Bacha, Jéssica Maria Ribeiro; do Socorro Simões, Maria; Lin, Sumika Mori; Viveiro, Larissa Alamino Pereira; Varise, Eliana Maria; Filho, Wilson Jacob; Pompeu, José Eduardo

2017-01-01

Frailty can be defined as a medical syndrome with multiple causes and contributors, characterized by diminished strength and endurance and reduced physiological function that increases the vulnerability to develop functional dependency and/or death. Studies have shown that the most commonly studied exercise protocol for frail older adults is the multimodal training. Interactive video games (IVGs) involve tasks in virtual environments that combine physical and cognitive demands in an attractive and challenging way. The aim of this study will be to evaluate the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of playing Nintendo Wii Fit Plus TM (NWFP) for frail older adults. The study is a randomized controlled, parallel group, feasibility trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The EG will participate in 14 training sessions, each lasting 50 min, twice a week. In each training session, the participants will play five games, with three attempts at each game. The first attempt will be performed with the assistance of a physical therapist to correct the movements and posture of the patients and subsequent attempts will be performed independently. Scores achieved in the games will be recorded. The participants will be evaluated by a blinded physical therapist at three moments: before and after intervention and 30 days after the end of the intervention (follow-up). We will assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and clinical outcomes (postural control, gait, cognition, quality of life, mood, and fear of falling). Due to the deficiencies in multiple systems, studies have shown that multimodal interventions including motor-cognitive stimulation can improve the mobility of frail elderly adults. IVGs, among them the NWFP, are considered as a multimodal motor-cognitive intervention that can potentially improve motor and cognitive functions in the frail elderly. However, there is still no evidence in the literature that proves the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of this intervention in frail elderly individuals. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-823rst). World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set (Additional file 1).

Improving the sensitivity of high-frequency subharmonic imaging with coded excitation: A feasibility study

PubMed Central

Shekhar, Himanshu; Doyley, Marvin M.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Subharmonic intravascular ultrasound imaging (S-IVUS) could visualize the adventitial vasa vasorum, but the high pressure threshold required to incite subharmonic behavior in an ultrasound contrast agent will compromise sensitivity—a trait that has hampered the clinical use of S-IVUS. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using coded-chirp excitations to improve the sensitivity and axial resolution of S-IVUS. Methods: The subharmonic response of Targestar-pTM, a commercial microbubble ultrasound contrast agent (UCA), to coded-chirp (5%–20% fractional bandwidth) pulses and narrowband sine-burst (4% fractional bandwidth) pulses was assessed, first using computer simulations and then experimentally. Rectangular windowed excitation pulses with pulse durations ranging from 0.25 to 3 μs were used in all studies. All experimental studies were performed with a pair of transducers (20 MHz/10 MHz), both with diameter of 6.35 mm and focal length of 50 mm. The size distribution of the UCA was measured with a CasyTM Cell counter. Results: The simulation predicted a pressure threshold that was an order of magnitude higher than that determined experimentally. However, all other predictions were consistent with the experimental observations. It was predicted that: (1) exciting the agent with chirps would produce stronger subharmonic response relative to those produced by sine-bursts; (2) increasing the fractional bandwidth of coded-chirp excitation would increase the sensitivity of subharmonic imaging; and (3) coded-chirp would increase axial resolution. The experimental results revealed that subharmonic-to-fundamental ratios obtained with chirps were 5.7 dB higher than those produced with sine-bursts of similar duration. The axial resolution achieved with 20% fractional bandwidth chirps was approximately twice that achieved with 4% fractional bandwidth sine-bursts. Conclusions: The coded-chirp method is a suitable excitation strategy for subharmonic IVUS imaging. At the 20 MHz transmission frequency and 20% fractional bandwidth, coded-chirp excitation appears to represent the ideal tradeoff between subharmonic strength and axial resolution. PMID:22482626

Theoretical study of some experimentally relevant states of dysprosium

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

Dzuba, V. A.; Flambaum, V. V.

2010-05-15

Configuration interaction method is used to calculate transition amplitudes and other properties of the low states of dysprosium which are used in cooling and in the study of the time variation of the fine structure constant and violation of fundamental symmetries. The branching ratio for the cooling state to decay to states other than ground states is found to be smaller than 10{sup -4}. The matrix element of the weak interaction between degenerate states at E=19797.96 cm{sup -1} is about 4 Hz which is consistent with the experimental limit |H{sub W}|=|2.3{+-}2.9(stat.){+-}0.7(syst.)| Hz [A. T. Nguyen, D. Budker, D. DeMille, andmore » M. Zolotorev, Phys. Rev. A 56, 3453 (1997)] and points to feasibility of its experimental measurement. Applications include the search for physics beyond the standard model using the parity nonconservation (PNC) isotopic chain approach.« less

[Microfiche/Audiotape and Teeth. An Experimental Trial of New Technology: The Second Year.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dills, Charles R.; Bass, Ronald K.

Two papers describe a 3-year project being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of replacing traditional slide-tape materials in a criterion-referenced, modularized, self-paced curriculum in dentistry with color microfiche and audiotapes. The experimental materials are being used with a microfiche-audiotape unit controlled by a microprocessor.…

Catalog of experimental projects for a fissioning plasma reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanzo, C. D.

1973-01-01

Experimental and theoretical investigations were carried out to determine the feasibility of using a small scale fissioning uranium plasma as the power source in a driver reactor. The driver system is a light water cooled and moderated reactor of the MTR type. The eight experiments and proposed configurations for the reactor are outlined.

Social Marketing Improved the Consumption of Iron-Fortified Soy Sauce among Women in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sun, Xinying; Guo, Yan; Wang, Sisun; Sun, Jing

2007-01-01

Objective: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of social marketing on the improvement of women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding iron-fortified soy sauce (FeSS). Design: A community-based intervention was conducted among 4 groups, experimental rural (E[subscript R]), control rural (C[subscript R]), experimental urban…

The Feasibility of Radio Direction Finding for Swarm Localization

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

First, basic RDF theory is presented. Next, a laboratory experiment to evaluate RDF using a SDR is developed. Finally, experimental data are presented...angle vs. the true angle (top) and the recovered angle error (bottom) for noisy phase measurements ............................................... 8...difference (middle), and corrected phase difference (bottom) ................................................... 19 Fig. 22 Experimental phase

Using an individualised consultation and activPAL™ feedback to reduce sedentary time in older Scottish adults: results of a feasibility and pilot study.

PubMed

Fitzsimons, Claire F; Kirk, Alison; Baker, Graham; Michie, Fraser; Kane, Catherine; Mutrie, Nanette

2013-11-01

Sedentary behaviours have been linked to poor health, independent of physical activity levels. The objective of this study was to explore an individualised intervention strategy aimed at reducing sedentary behaviours in older Scottish adults. This feasibility and pilot study was a pre-experimental (one group pretest-posttest) study design. Participants were enrolled into the study in January-March 2012 and data analysis was completed April-October 2012. The study was based in Glasgow, Scotland. Participants received an individualised consultation targeting sedentary behaviour incorporating feedback from an activPAL activity monitor. Outcome measures were objectively (activPAL) and subjectively measured (Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire) sedentary time. Twenty four participants received the intervention. Objectively measured total time spent sitting/lying was reduced by 24 min/day (p=0.042), a reduction of 2.2%. Total time spent in stepping activities, such as walking increased by 13 min/day (p=0.044). Self-report data suggested participants achieved behaviour change by reducing time spent watching television and/or using motorised transport. Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviours in older people are urgently needed. The results of this feasibility and pilot study suggest a consultation approach may help individuals reduce time spent in sedentary behaviours. A larger, controlled trial is warranted with a diverse sample to increase generalisability. © 2013.

Experimental feasibility study of the application of magnetic suspension techniques to large-scale aerodynamic test facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, R. N.; Humphris, R. R.; Henderson, K. C.

1974-01-01

Based on the premises that (1) magnetic suspension techniques can play a useful role in large-scale aerodynamic testing and (2) superconductor technology offers the only practical hope for building large-scale magnetic suspensions, an all-superconductor three-component magnetic suspension and balance facility was built as a prototype and was tested successfully. Quantitative extrapolations of design and performance characteristics of this prototype system to larger systems compatible with existing and planned high Reynolds number facilities have been made and show that this experimental technique should be particularly attractive when used in conjunction with large cryogenic wind tunnels.

Model based manipulator control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrosky, Lyman J.; Oppenheim, Irving J.

1989-01-01

The feasibility of using model based control (MBC) for robotic manipulators was investigated. A double inverted pendulum system was constructed as the experimental system for a general study of dynamically stable manipulation. The original interest in dynamically stable systems was driven by the objective of high vertical reach (balancing), and the planning of inertially favorable trajectories for force and payload demands. The model-based control approach is described and the results of experimental tests are summarized. Results directly demonstrate that MBC can provide stable control at all speeds of operation and support operations requiring dynamic stability such as balancing. The application of MBC to systems with flexible links is also discussed.

Evaluation of a Quartz Bourdon Pressure Gage of Wind Tunnel Mach Number Control System Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapin, W. G.

1986-01-01

A theoretical and experimental study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of using the National Transonic Facility's high accuracy Mach number measurement system as part of a closed loop Mach number control system. The theoretical and experimental procedures described are applicable to the engineering design of pressure control systems. The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of the NTF Mach number gage (a Ruska DDR-6000 quartz absolute pressure gage) coupled to a typical length of pressure tubing were only marginally acceptable within a limited range of the facility's total pressure envelope and could not be used in the Mach number control system.

Ultrasonic Phased Array Inspection Experiments and Simulations for AN Isogrid Structural Element with Cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, D. J.; Tokars, R. P.; Martin, R. E.; Rauser, R. W.; Aldrin, J. C.; Schumacher, E. J.

2010-02-01

In this investigation, a T-shaped aluminum alloy isogrid stiffener element used in aerospace applications was inspected with ultrasonic phased array methods. The isogrid stiffener element had various crack configurations emanating from bolt holes. Computational simulation methods were used to mimic the experiments in order to help understand experimental results. The results of this study indicate that it is at least partly feasible to interrogate this type of geometry with the given flaw configurations using phased array ultrasonics. The simulation methods were critical in helping explain the experimental results and, with some limitation, can be used to predict inspection results.

Fluid Dynamics and Solidification of Molten Solder Droplets Impacting on a Substrate in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Megardis, C. M.; Poulikakos, D.; Diversiev, G.; Boomsma, K.; Xiong, B.; Nayagam, V.

1999-01-01

This program investigates the fluid dynamics and simultaneous solidification of molten solder droplets impacting on a flat smooth substrate. The problem of interest is directly relevant to the printing of microscopic solder droplets in surface mounting of microelectronic devices. The study consists of a theoretical and an experimental component. The theoretical work uses axisymmetric Navier-Stokes models based on finite element techniques. The experimental work will be ultimately performed in microgravity in order to allow for the use of larger solder droplets which make feasible the performance of accurate measurements, while maintaining similitude of the relevant fluid dynamics groups (Re, We).

Fluid Dynamics and Solidification of Molten Solder Droplets Impacting on a Substrate in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poulikakos, Dimos; Megaridis, Constantine M.; Vedha-Nayagam, M.

1996-01-01

This program investigates the fluid dynamics and simultaneous solidification of molten solder droplets impacting on a flat substrate. The problem of interest is directly relevant to the printing of microscopic solder droplets in surface mounting of microelectronic devices. The study consists of a theoretical and an experimental component. The theoretical work uses axisymmetric Navier-Stokes models based on finite element techniques. The experimental work is performed in microgravity to allow for the use of larger solder droplets that make feasible the performance of accurate measurements while maintaining similitude of the relevant fluid dynamics groups (Re, We) and keeping the effect of gravity negligible.

Experimental investigation of an astronaut maneuvering scheme.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kane, T. R.; Headrick, M. R.; Yatteau, J. D.

1972-01-01

A new concept for astronaut maneuvering in space is proposed, and an experimental study undertaken to test this concept is described. The series of experiments performed appear to promise advantages over previously proposed schemes in terms of propellant economy, system weight, reliability, and safety. The simulation tests established the feasibility of the proposed maneuvering concept by showing that test subjects were able to place their bodies sufficiently near the reference position to avoid excessive angular momentum build-up; no difficulties were encountered in selecting self-rotation maneuvers suitable for effecting desired changes in orientation; and the execution of these maneuvers produced predicted reorientations without tiring the test subject significantly.

Experimental feasibility study of the application of magnetic suspension techniques to large-scale aerodynamic test facilities. [cryogenic traonics wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, R. N.; Humphris, R. R.; Henderson, K. C.

1975-01-01

Based on the premises that magnetic suspension techniques can play a useful role in large scale aerodynamic testing, and that superconductor technology offers the only practical hope for building large scale magnetic suspensions, an all-superconductor 3-component magnetic suspension and balance facility was built as a prototype and tested sucessfully. Quantitative extrapolations of design and performance characteristics of this prototype system to larger systems compatible with existing and planned high Reynolds number facilities at Langley Research Center were made and show that this experimental technique should be particularly attractive when used in conjunction with large cryogenic wind tunnels.

Adiabatic pulse propagation in a dispersion-increasing fiber for spectral compression exceeding the fiber dispersion ratio limitation.

PubMed

Chao, Wan-Tien; Lin, Yuan-Yao; Peng, Jin-Long; Huang, Chen-Bin

2014-02-15

Adiabatic soliton spectral compression in a dispersion-increasing fiber (DIF) with a linear dispersion ramp is studied both numerically and experimentally. The anticipated maximum spectral compression ratio (SCR) would be limited by the ratio of the DIF output to the input dispersion values. However, our numerical analyses indicate that SCR greater than the DIF dispersion ratio is feasible, provided the input pulse duration is shorter than a threshold value along with adequate pulse energy control. Experimentally, a SCR of 28.6 is achieved in a 1 km DIF with a dispersion ratio of 22.5.

Physical Modeling of the Polyfrequency Filter-Compensating Device Based on the Capacitor-Coil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butyrin, P. A.; Gusev, G. G.; Mikheev, D. V.; Shakirzianov, F. N.

2017-12-01

The paper presents the results of physical modeling and experimental study of the frequency characteristics of the polyfrequency filter-compensating device (PFCD) based on a capacitor-coil. The amplitude- frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of the physical PFCD model were constructed and its equivalent parameters were identified. The feasibility of a PFCD in the form of a single technical device with high technical and economic characteristics was experimentally proven. In the paper, recommendations for practical applications of the capacitor-coil-based PFCD are made and the advantages of the device over known standard passive filter-compensating devices are evaluated.

Computer-aided design and experimental investigation of a hydrodynamic device: the microwire electrode

PubMed

Fulian; Gooch; Fisher; Stevens; Compton

2000-08-01

The development and application of a new electrochemical device using a computer-aided design strategy is reported. This novel design is based on the flow of electrolyte solution past a microwire electrode situated centrally within a large duct. In the design stage, finite element simulations were employed to evaluate feasible working geometries and mass transport rates. The computer-optimized designs were then exploited to construct experimental devices. Steady-state voltammetric measurements were performed for a reversible one-electron-transfer reaction to establish the experimental relationship between electrolysis current and solution velocity. The experimental results are compared to those predicted numerically, and good agreement is found. The numerical studies are also used to establish an empirical relationship between the mass transport limited current and the volume flow rate, providing a simple and quantitative alternative for workers who would prefer to exploit this device without the need to develop the numerical aspects.

Verifying detailed fluctuation relations for discrete feedback-controlled quantum dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camati, Patrice A.; Serra, Roberto M.

2018-04-01

Discrete quantum feedback control consists of a managed dynamics according to the information acquired by a previous measurement. Energy fluctuations along such dynamics satisfy generalized fluctuation relations, which are useful tools to study the thermodynamics of systems far away from equilibrium. Due to the practical challenge to assess energy fluctuations in the quantum scenario, the experimental verification of detailed fluctuation relations in the presence of feedback control remains elusive. We present a feasible method to experimentally verify detailed fluctuation relations for discrete feedback control quantum dynamics. Two detailed fluctuation relations are developed and employed. The method is based on a quantum interferometric strategy that allows the verification of fluctuation relations in the presence of feedback control. An analytical example to illustrate the applicability of the method is discussed. The comprehensive technique introduced here can be experimentally implemented at a microscale with the current technology in a variety of experimental platforms.

Experimental framework to study tip vortex interactions in multirotor wakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Rongnan; Araya, Daniel

2017-11-01

We present an experimental study to compare the dynamic characteristics of tip vortices shed from a propeller in a crossflow to similar characteristics of an isolated vortex column generated in a closed system. Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility of using this simple isolated system to study the more complicated three-dimensional vortex interactions inherent to multirotor wakes, where the local unsteadiness generated by one rotor can strongly impact the performance of nearby rotors. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry is used to measure the velocity field of the propeller wake flow in a wind tunnel and the vortex column in a water tank. Specific attention is placed on analyzing the observed vortex core precession in the isolated system and comparing this to characteristic tip-vortex wandering phenomenon.

Superelastic tension and bending characteristics of shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bundara, B.; Tokuda, M.; Kuselj, B.; Ule, B.; Tuma, J. V.

2000-08-01

The objective of this study was to develop a numerical model of the superelastic behavior of shape memory alloys (SMA) on a macro-scale level. Results from a study on this behavior under tension and pure bending tests are presented and discussed. Two SMA samples were used in the experimental work and subjected to various loading paths in tension and pure bending: a single crystalline CuZnAl alloy and polycrystalline NiTi wire. Bending tests were performed under a pure bending loading condition on a new testing apparatus designed for the specific needs of this study. The experimental part of this study focused mainly on the response of the SMA to the loading paths in a quasi-plastic domain where the deformation mechanism is dominantly governed by the stress-induced martensitic transformation. Experimental results obtained from the NiTi polycrystals by tensile tests indicate that the superelastic SMA exhibits sufficient repeatability useful enough for a modeling task, while similar results obtained from the single crystalline CuZnAl indicate that the same modeling approach is not easily feasible. The facts have been qualitatively verified by the experimental data from pure bending tests, and a further area as study is suggested.

Feasibility study of a family-focused intervention to improve outcomes for children with FASD.

PubMed

Reid, Natasha; Dawe, Sharon; Harnett, Paul; Shelton, Doug; Hutton, Lauren; O'Callaghan, Frances

2017-08-01

Growing evidence shows that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can benefit from interventions, and specifically interventions focused on improving self-regulation. However, novel ways of improving outcomes for children with FASD need further investigation so that programs target not only the individual child but also the family context, which includes the parent-child relationship. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an adapted version of the Parents under Pressure (PuP) program that addresses self-regulatory processes, through improving the parent-child relationship and the use of mindfulness-based strategies for both children and parents. This was a mixed methods study. Feasibility was examined by evaluating recruitment, data collection/outcome measures, and intervention procedures. The study used a phenomenological approach to obtain qualitative information from caregivers and a single-case experimental design to evaluate the preliminary participant responses to the intervention. Two out of three families completed treatment. The recruitment and intervention procedures were found to be suitable for and acceptable to the families involved. Some concerns were identified regarding the outcome measures that would need to be addressed in future research. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes were positive. The results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of an adapted version of the PuP program. Thus, offering a potential multi-component option, that aims to improve self-regulatory skills for children with FASD, through focusing on improving the parent-child relationship and incorporating mindfulness-based techniques for both parents and children. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of Hyperon Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibirtsev, A.

2007-11-01

The progress of strangeness physics at COSY in both experimental and theoretical aspects is reviewed. It is argued that the dynamics of hyperon production involves excitation of baryons and that it is feasible to study their properties such as mass and total width. It is shown that under certain kinematical cuts the resonance signal can be isolated from the effect due to the final state interaction. Recent puzzles concerning the Σ-hyperon production are discussed.

Preschool life skills: Recent advancements and future directions.

PubMed

Fahmie, Tara A; Luczynski, Kevin C

2018-01-01

Over the past decade, researchers have replicated and extended research on the preschool life skills (PLS) program developed by Hanley, Heal, Tiger, and Ingvarsson (2007). This review summarizes recent research with respect to maximizing skill acquisition, improving generality, evaluating feasibility and acceptability, and testing predictions of the initial PLS study. For each area, we suggest directions for future research. © 2018 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Lunar concrete for construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cullingford, Hatice S.; Keller, M. Dean

1988-01-01

Feasibility of using concrete for lunar-base construction has been discussed recently without relevant data for the effects of vacuum on concrete. Experimental studies performed earlier at Los Alamos have shown that concrete is stable in vacuum with no deterioration of its quality as measured by the compressive strength. Various considerations of using concrete successfully on the moon are provided in this paper along with specific conclusions from the existing data base.

Coherent Extreme Ultraviolet Generation and Surface Studies Using Ultraviolet Excimer Lasers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-10

of Outer-Shell Electrons" 7. "A Theoretical Model of Inner-Shell ......................... 30 A Excitation by Outer-Snell Electrons" E. "Anomalous...rays are feasible. Our work involves a program of activities, involving both experimental and theoretical components, to explore the physical... theoretical effort con- centrating on the character of high order multiquantum coupling in the inten- sity regime above 1017 WcM2 . In addition

Airborne antenna polarization study for the microwave landing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilreath, M. C.

1976-01-01

The feasibility of the microwave landing system (MLS) airborne antenna pattern coverage requirements are investigated for a large commercial aircraft using a single omnidirectional antenna. Omnidirectional antennas having vertical and horizontal polarizations were evaluated at several different station locations on a one-eleventh scale model Boeing 737 aircraft. The results obtained during this experimental program are presented which include principal plane antenna patterns and complete volumetric coverage plots.

Which Teaching Strategy Is Better for Enhancing Anti-Phishing Learning Motivation and Achievement? The Concept Maps on Tablet PCs or Worksheets?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sun, Jerry Chih-Yuan; Lee, Kuan-Hsien

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the integration of concept maps and tablet PCs in anti-phishing education for enhancing students' learning motivation and achievement. The subjects were 155 students from grades 8 and 9. They were divided into an experimental group (77 students) and a control group (78 students). To begin…

Feasibility of a nuclear gauge for fuel quantity measurement aboard aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Signh, J. J.; Mall, G. H.; Sprinkle, D. R.; Chegini, H.

1986-01-01

Capacitance fuel gauges have served as the basis for fuel quantity indicating systems in aircraft for several decades. However, there have been persistent reports by the airlines that these gauges often give faulty indications due to microbial growth and other contaminants in the fuel tanks. This report describes the results of a feasibility study of using gamma ray attenuation as the basis for measuring fuel quantity in the tanks. Studies with a weak Am-241 59.5-keV radiation source indicate that it is possible to continuously monitor the fuel quantity in the tanks to an accuracy of better than 1 percent. These measurements also indicate that there are easily measurable differences in the physical properties and resultant attenuation characteristics of JP-4, JP-5, and Jet A fuels. The experimental results, along with a suggested source-detector geometrical configuration are described.

Characterising encapsulated nuclear waste using cosmic-ray muon tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarkson, A.; Hamilton, D. J.; Hoek, M.; Ireland, D. G.; Johnstone, J. R.; Kaiser, R.; Keri, T.; Lumsden, S.; Mahon, D. F.; McKinnon, B.; Murray, M.; Nutbeam-Tuffs, S.; Shearer, C.; Yang, G.; Zimmerman, C.

2015-03-01

Tomographic imaging techniques using the Coulomb scattering of cosmic-ray muons have been shown previously to successfully identify and characterise low- and high-Z materials within an air matrix using a prototype scintillating-fibre tracker system. Those studies were performed as the first in a series to assess the feasibility of this technology and image reconstruction techniques in characterising the potential high-Z contents of legacy nuclear waste containers for the U.K. Nuclear Industry. The present work continues the feasibility study and presents the first images reconstructed from experimental data collected using this small-scale prototype system of low- and high-Z materials encapsulated within a concrete-filled stainless-steel container. Clear discrimination is observed between the thick steel casing, the concrete matrix and the sample materials assayed. These reconstructed objects are presented and discussed in detail alongside the implications for future industrial scenarios.

Feasibility of estimating cementation rates in a brittle fault zone using Sr/Ca partition coefficients for sedimentary diagenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadizadeh, Jafar; Foit, Franklin F.

2000-04-01

Cement phases such as calcite or quartz often incorporate trace elements from the parent fluids as they crystallize. Experimental sedimentary diagenesis indicates that trace element partition coefficients reflect rates of cementation. The applicability of these findings to fault zone cementation is examined as we make a preliminary attempt to estimate calcite cementation rate in a brittle fault zone directly from the fault-rock composition data. Samples for this study were collected from the Knoxville outcrop of the Saltville fault in Tennessee. The cementation rates for the fault rock samples range from 1×10 -12 to 3×10 -13 m3/ h per m, in agreement with some experimental rates and the rates reported for samples from the DSDP sites. When applied to a non-responsive pore-system model, these rates result in rapid precipitation sealing indicating the influence exerted by the surface-area/volume ratio of the pore network. We find it feasible to obtain a reasonable range of values for the cementation rate using the trace element partition method. However, the study also indicates the need for relatively accurate values for the trace/carrier element ratio in the fault zone syntectonic pore fluid, and exhumed cement.

Endoscopic colostomy with percutaneous colopexy: an animal feasibility study.

PubMed

Bustamante-Lopez, Leonardo Alfonso; Sulbaran, Marianny; Nahas, Sergio Carlos; de Moura, Eduardo Guimaraes Horneaux; Nahas, Caio Sergio; Marques, Carlos Frederico; Sakai, Christiano; Cecconello, Ivan; Sakai, Paulo

2017-04-01

Indications for colostomy in colorectal diseases are obstruction of the large bowel, such as in cancer, diverticular disease in the acute phase, post-radiotherapy enteritis, complex perirectal fistulas, anorectal trauma and severe anal incontinence. Some critically ill patients cannot tolerate an exploratory laparotomy, and laparoscopic assisted colostomy also requires general anesthesia. To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of performing colostomy assisted by colonoscopy and percutaneous colopexy. Five pigs underwent endoscopic assisted colostomy with percutaneous colopexy. Animals were evaluated in post-operative days 1, 2, 5 and 7 for feeding acceptance and colostomy characteristics. On day 7 full colonoscopy was performed on animals followed by exploratory laparotomy. Average procedure time was 27 minutes (21-54 min). Postoperative mobility and feeding of animals were immediate after anesthesia recovery. Position of the colostomy, edges color, appearance of periostomal area, as well as its function was satisfactory in four animals. Retraction of colostomy was present in one pig. The colonoscopy and laparotomy control on the seventh day were considered as normal. A bladder perforation that was successfully repaired through the colostomy incision occurred in one pig. The main limitation of this study is its experimental nature. Endoscopic assisted colostomy with percutaneous colopexy proves to be a safe and effective method with low morbidity for performing colostomy in experimental animals, with possible clinical application in humans.

Analytical and experimental studies of heat pipe radiation cooling of hypersonic propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, R. A.; Merrigan, M. A.; Elder, M. G.; Sena, J. T.; Keddy, E. S.; Silverstein, C. C.

1992-01-01

Analytical and experimental studies were completed to assess the feasibility of using high-temperature heat pipes to cool hypersonic engine components. This new approach involves using heat pipes to transport heat away from the combustor, nozzle, or inlet regions, and to reject it to the environment by thermal radiation from an external heat pipe nacelle. For propulsion systems using heat pipe radiation cooling (HPRC), it is possible to continue to use hydrocarbon fuels into the Mach 4 to Mach 6 speed range, thereby enhancing the economic attractiveness of commercial or military hypersonic flight. In the second-phase feasibility program recently completed, it is found that heat loads produced by considering both convection and radiation heat transfer from the combustion gas can be handled with HPRC design modifications. The application of thermal insulation to ramburner and nozzle walls was also found to reduce the heat load by about one-half and to reduce peak HPRC system temperatures to below 2700 F. In addition, the operation of HPRC at cruise conditions of around Mach 4.5 and at an altitude of 90,000 ft lowers the peak hot-section temperatures to around 2800 F. An HPRC heat pipe was successfully fabricated and tested at Mach 5 conditions of heat flux, heat load, and temperature.

Application of the multiphase optimization strategy to a pilot study: an empirical example targeting obesity among children of low-income mothers.

PubMed

Kugler, Kari C; Balantekin, Katherine N; Birch, Leann L; Savage, Jennifer S

2016-11-22

Emerging approaches to building more efficient and effective behavioral interventions are becoming more widely available. The current paper provides an empirical example of the use of the engineering-inspired multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to build a remotely delivered responsive parenting intervention to prevent obesity among children of low-income mothers with and without depressive symptoms. Participants were 107 mothers with (n = 45) and without (n = 62) depressive symptoms who had a child aged 12 to 42 months participating in the Women, Infants and Children program. Participants were randomized to one of sixteen experimental conditions using a factorial design that included a combination of the following eight remotely delivered intervention components: responsive feeding curriculum (given to all participants), parenting curriculum, portion size guidance, obesogenic risk assessment, personalized feedback on mealtime routines, feeding curriculum counseling, goal setting, mobile messaging, and social support. This design enabled efficient identification of components with low feasibility and acceptability. Completion rates were high (85%) and did not statistically differ by depressive symptoms. However, mothers with depressive symptoms who received obesogenic risk assessment and personalized feedback on mealtime routines components had lower completion rates than mothers without depressive symptoms. All intervention components were feasible to implement except the social support component. Regardless of experimental condition, most participants reported that the program increased their awareness of what, when, and how to feed their children. MOST provided an efficient way to assess the feasibility of components prior to testing them with a fully powered experiment. This framework helped identify potentially challenging combinations of remotely delivered intervention components. Consideration of how these results can inform future studies focused on the optimization phase of MOST is discussed.

An individualized exercise programme with and without behavioural change enhancement strategies for managing fatigue among frail older people: a quasi-experimental pilot study.

PubMed

Liu, Justina Y-W; Lai, Claudia Ky; Siu, Parco M; Kwong, Enid; Tse, Mimi My

2017-04-01

To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of an individualized exercise programme with and without behavioural change enhancement strategies for frail older people with fatigue. A three-arm, single-blinded, quasi-experimental pilot study. Community health centres. A total of 79 frail older people with fatigue, mean age 79.32 years (±7.72). The combined group received a 16-week combined intervention consisting of exercise training and a behavioural change enhancement programme. The exercise group received exercise training and health talks, whereas the control group received only health talks. Feasibility was assessed through the participants' recruitment, retention, attendance and adherence, feedback, and reports of adverse events. The preliminary effects were assessed by the participants' level of fatigue, physical endurance, self-efficacy, and self-perceived compliance with exercise. Feasibility was achievable with high recruitment (87.2%) and low overall attrition (7.1%) rates. A similar reduction in fatigue was identified in all groups, but a trend of greater improvement in physical endurance was observed in the combined group than in the other two groups. The combined group also had a significantly better attendance rate [F(2,76) = 5.64, p < 0.01)] and higher self-perceived exercise compliance than the exercise group. The combined intervention has the potential to enhance the participants' adherence to exercise regimens by improving their attendance in training sessions and their self-perceived exercise compliance. They are important to maintaining an appropriate level of engagement in daily exercises, especially at the beginning stages of behavioural change, when the participants are establishing the habit of exercising daily.

Conoscopic holography for image registration: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lathrop, Ray A.; Cheng, Tiffany T.; Webster, Robert J., III

2009-02-01

Preoperative image data can facilitate intrasurgical guidance by revealing interior features of opaque tissues, provided image data can be accurately registered to the physical patient. Registration is challenging in organs that are deformable and lack features suitable for use as alignment fiducials (e.g. liver, kidneys, etc.). However, provided intraoperative sensing of surface contours can be accomplished, a variety of rigid and deformable 3D surface registration techniques become applicable. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of conoscopic holography as a new method to sense organ surface shape. We also describe potential advantages of conoscopic holography, including the promise of replacing open surgery with a laparoscopic approach. Our feasibility study investigated use of a tracked off-the-shelf conoscopic holography unit to perform a surface scans on several types of biological and synthetic phantom tissues. After first exploring baseline accuracy and repeatability of distance measurements, we performed a number of surface scan experiments on the phantom and ex vivo tissues with a variety of surface properties and shapes. These indicate that conoscopic holography is capable of generating surface point clouds of at least comparable (and perhaps eventually improved) accuracy in comparison to published experimental laser triangulation-based surface scanning results.

The Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP): feasibility and efficacy.

PubMed

Flannery, Kelly; Resnick, Barbara; Galik, Elizabeth; Lipscomb, Jane; McPhaul, Kathleen; Shaughnessy, Marianne

2012-01-01

Test the feasibility and efficacy of the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP). The WHHIP was a quasi-experimental 6-month pilot performed in 2 long-term care facilities. Thirty-nine female minority nursing assistants participated in this study with a mean age of 42.39 (SD = 12.79) years. Measures were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months and included blood pressure, lipid panel, body mass index, physical activity levels, diet behaviors, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy outcomes. The 3-month WHHIP intervention included 3 components: environmental and policy assessment; education; and on-going motivation. The control site received education only. Subject participation averaged 47% and 58% in exercise and diet related activities, respectively. Generalized estimating equations showed the treatment group showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms (p = .012), systolic blood pressure (p = .028), total cholesterol (p = .002) and triglycerides (p = .011) over time. The treatment group also showed trends for improvement in diet behaviors (p = .069) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .073). This study provided feasibility evidence for the WHHIP and preliminary evidence that the WHHIP can improve heart healthy behaviors and subsequent outcomes among nursing assistants in long-term care settings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Parallel traveling-wave MRI: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Pang, Yong; Vigneron, Daniel B; Zhang, Xiaoliang

2012-04-01

Traveling-wave magnetic resonance imaging utilizes far fields of a single-piece patch antenna in the magnet bore to generate radio frequency fields for imaging large-size samples, such as the human body. In this work, the feasibility of applying the "traveling-wave" technique to parallel imaging is studied using microstrip patch antenna arrays with both the numerical analysis and experimental tests. A specific patch array model is built and each array element is a microstrip patch antenna. Bench tests show that decoupling between two adjacent elements is better than -26-dB while matching of each element reaches -36-dB, demonstrating excellent isolation performance and impedance match capability. The sensitivity patterns are simulated and g-factors are calculated for both unloaded and loaded cases. The results on B 1- sensitivity patterns and g-factors demonstrate the feasibility of the traveling-wave parallel imaging. Simulations also suggest that different array configuration such as patch shape, position and orientation leads to different sensitivity patterns and g-factor maps, which provides a way to manipulate B(1) fields and improve the parallel imaging performance. The proposed method is also validated by using 7T MR imaging experiments. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Validation of a Monte Carlo simulation of the Inveon PET scanner using GATE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Lijun; Zhang, Houjin; Bian, Zhaoying; Ma, Jianhua; Feng, Qiangjin; Chen, Wufan

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study is to validate the application of GATE (Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission) Monte Carlo simulation toolkit in order to model the performance characteristics of Siemens Inveon small animal PET system. The simulation results were validated against experimental/published data in accordance with the NEMA NU-4 2008 protocol for standardized evaluation of spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction (SF) and noise equivalent counting rate (NECR) of a preclinical PET system. An agreement of less than 18% was obtained between the radial, tangential and axial spatial resolutions of the simulated and experimental results. The simulated peak NECR of mouse-size phantom agreed with the experimental result, while for the rat-size phantom simulated value was higher than experimental result. The simulated and experimental SFs of mouse- and rat- size phantom both reached an agreement of less than 2%. It has been shown the feasibility of our GATE model to accurately simulate, within certain limits, all major performance characteristics of Inveon PET system.

Developing leadership capacity for guideline use: a pilot cluster randomized control trial.

PubMed

Gifford, Wendy A; Davies, Barbara L; Graham, Ian D; Tourangeau, Ann; Woodend, A Kirsten; Lefebre, Nancy

2013-02-01

The importance of leadership to influence nurses' use of clinical guidelines has been well documented. However, little is known about how to develop and evaluate leadership interventions for guideline use. The purpose of this study was to pilot a leadership intervention designed to influence nurses' use of guideline recommendations when caring for patients with diabetic foot ulcers in home care nursing. This paper reports on the feasibility of implementing the study protocol, the trial findings related to nursing process outcomes, and leadership behaviors. A mixed methods pilot study was conducted with a post-only cluster randomized controlled trial and descriptive qualitative interviews. Four units were randomized to control or experimental groups. Clinical and management leadership teams participated in a 12-week leadership intervention (workshop, teleconferences). Participants received summarized chart audit data, identified goals for change, and created a team leadership action. Criteria to assess feasibility of the protocol included: design, intervention, measures, and data collection procedures. For the trial, chart audits compared differences in nursing process outcomes. 8-item nursing assessments score. Secondary outcome: 5-item score of nursing care based on goals for change identified by intervention participants. Qualitative interviews described leadership behaviors that influenced guideline use. Conducting this pilot showed some aspects of the study protocol were feasible, while others require further development. Trial findings observed no significant difference in the primary outcome. A significant increase was observed in the 5-item score chosen by intervention participants (p = 0.02). In the experimental group more relations-oriented leadership behaviors, audit and feedback and reminders were described as leadership strategies. Findings suggest that a leadership intervention has the potential to influence nurses' use of guideline recommendations, but further work is required to refine the intervention and outcome measures. A taxonomy of leadership behaviors is proposed to inform future research. © 2012 The authors. World Views on Evidence-Based Nursing © Sigma Theta Tau International.

Experimental Study on Damage Detection in Timber Specimens Based on an Electromechanical Impedance Technique and RMSD-Based Mahalanobis Distance

PubMed Central

Wang, Dansheng; Wang, Qinghua; Wang, Hao; Zhu, Hongping

2016-01-01

In the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method, the PZT patch performs the functions of both sensor and exciter. Due to the high frequency actuation and non-model based characteristics, the EMI method can be utilized to detect incipient structural damage. In recent years EMI techniques have been widely applied to monitor the health status of concrete and steel materials, however, studies on application to timber are limited. This paper will explore the feasibility of using the EMI technique for damage detection in timber specimens. In addition, the conventional damage index, namely root mean square deviation (RMSD) is employed to evaluate the level of damage. On that basis, a new damage index, Mahalanobis distance based on RMSD, is proposed to evaluate the damage severity of timber specimens. Experimental studies are implemented to detect notch and hole damage in the timber specimens. Experimental results verify the availability and robustness of the proposed damage index and its superiority over the RMSD indexes. PMID:27782088

Experimental Study on Damage Detection in Timber Specimens Based on an Electromechanical Impedance Technique and RMSD-Based Mahalanobis Distance.

PubMed

Wang, Dansheng; Wang, Qinghua; Wang, Hao; Zhu, Hongping

2016-10-22

In the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method, the PZT patch performs the functions of both sensor and exciter. Due to the high frequency actuation and non-model based characteristics, the EMI method can be utilized to detect incipient structural damage. In recent years EMI techniques have been widely applied to monitor the health status of concrete and steel materials, however, studies on application to timber are limited. This paper will explore the feasibility of using the EMI technique for damage detection in timber specimens. In addition, the conventional damage index, namely root mean square deviation (RMSD) is employed to evaluate the level of damage. On that basis, a new damage index, Mahalanobis distance based on RMSD, is proposed to evaluate the damage severity of timber specimens. Experimental studies are implemented to detect notch and hole damage in the timber specimens. Experimental results verify the availability and robustness of the proposed damage index and its superiority over the RMSD indexes.

Generic Hypersonic Inlet Module Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cockrell, Chares E., Jr.; Huebner, Lawrence D.

2004-01-01

A computational study associated with an internal inlet drag analysis was performed for a generic hypersonic inlet module. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of computing the internal drag force for a generic scramjet engine module using computational methods. The computational study consisted of obtaining two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions using the Euler and parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations. The solution accuracy was assessed by comparisons with experimental pitot pressure data. The CFD analysis indicates that the 3D PNS solutions show the best agreement with experimental pitot pressure data. The internal inlet drag analysis consisted of obtaining drag force predictions based on experimental data and 3D CFD solutions. A comparative assessment of each of the drag prediction methods is made and the sensitivity of CFD drag values to computational procedures is documented. The analysis indicates that the CFD drag predictions are highly sensitive to the computational procedure used.

Experimental studies on nonpenetrating filtration surgery using the CO2 laser.

PubMed

Assia, Ehud I; Rotenstreich, Yigal; Barequet, Irina S; Apple, David J; Rosner, Mordechai; Belkin, Michael

2007-06-01

This study evaluated the use of a CO2 laser for performing deep sclerectomy in nonpenetrating filtration surgery. Three experimental models were performed: enucleated sheep and cow eyes (n=18) to determine optimal irradiation parameters, live rabbit eyes (n=20) to test feasibility, and cadaver eyes (40 procedures in 20 eyes) to study effects in human eyes tissue. After a half-thickness scleral flap was created, deep sclerectomy was performed by CO2 laser applications on the scleral bed down to the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane. Fluid percolation was repeatedly achieved without penetration in sheep and cow eyes using scanned laser energy of 5-10 W at a pulse duration of 200 micros and a working distance of 35 cm. In live rabbits, deep sclerectomy was achieved without perforation in 19/20 eyes. Intraocular pressure was significantly decreased on the first postoperative day (10.3+/-5.1 mmHg lower, on average, than in the nonoperated fellow eye; P<0.001), and this persisted for 21 days. Operations on all cadaver eyes resulted in effective fluid percolation. Penetration of the scleral wall occurred in five cases only after repeated laser applications with high energy. Histologically, a thin sclerocorneal intact wall was demonstrated at the sclerectomy bed. Collateral tissue damage did not extend beyond 100 microm, and adjacent structures remained unharmed. CO2 laser-assisted deep sclerectomy is a feasible and apparently safe procedure.

Cooled variable-area radial turbine technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Large, G. D.; Meyer, L. J.

1982-01-01

The objective of this study was a conceptual evaluation and design analyses of a cooled variable-area radial turbine capable of maintaining nearly constant high efficiency when operated at a constant speed and pressure ratio over a range of flows corresponding to 50- to 100-percent maximum engine power. The results showed that a 1589K (2400 F) turbine was feasible that would satisfy a 4000-hour duty cycle life goal. The final design feasibility is based on 1988 material technology goals. A peak aerodynamic stage total efficiency of 0.88 was predicted at 100 percent power. Two candidate stators were identified: an articulated trailing-edge and a locally movable sidewall. Both concepts must be experimentally evaluated to determine the optimum configuration. A follow-on test program is proposed for this evaluation.

About the feasibilities of controlling the properties of thermoelectric energy converters using optical radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kshevetsky, Oleg S.

2018-01-01

We represent evaluating analysis of the feasibilities for controlling the properties of thermoelectric energy converters using EM radiation in the regimes of cooling, heating, electromotive force generation, or electric current generation. Thus we investigate the influence of optical radiation both on electric conductivity and thermo-electromotive force coefficient of thermoelectric materials. We also discuss promising applications for controlling the properties of thermoelectric energy converters using EM radiation. We represent the results of experimental study of positionsensitive energy converters in the regimes of electromotive force generation and the electric current generation (in part, photo-thermoelectric position-sensitive temperature detectors), position-sensitive photo-thermoelectric energy converters in the regimes of cooling, heating, parallel photoelectric and thermoelectric conversion of sun-light optical radiation into electric power.

Neutronics Conversion Analyses of the Laue-Langevin Institute (ILL) High Flux Reactor (RHF)

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

Bergeron, A.; Dionne, B.; Calzavara, Y.

2014-09-30

The following report describes the neutronics results obtained with the MCNP model of the RHF U7Mo LEU reference design that has been established in 2010 during the feasibility analysis. This work constitutes a complete and detailed neutronics analysis of that LEU design using models that have been significantly improved since 2010 and the release of the feasibility report. When possible, the credibility of the neutronics model is tested by comparing the HEU model results with experimental data or other codes calculations results. The results obtained with the LEU model are systematically compared to the HEU model. The changes applied tomore » the neutronics model lead to better comparisons with experimental data or improved the calculation efficiency but do not challenge the conclusion of the feasibility analysis. If the U7Mo fuel is commercially available, not cost prohibitive, a back-end solution is established and if it is possible to manufacture the proposed element, neutronics analyses show that the performance of the reactor would not be challenged by the conversion to LEU fuel.« less

No Randomization? No Problem: Experimental Control and Random Assignment in Single Case Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledford, Jennifer R.

2018-01-01

Randomization of large number of participants to different treatment groups is often not a feasible or preferable way to answer questions of immediate interest to professional practice. Single case designs (SCDs) are a class of research designs that are experimental in nature but require only a few participants, all of whom receive the…

Transient Evolution of a Planar Diffusion Flame Aft of a Translating Flat Plate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.

2003-01-01

The high degree of spatial symmetry of a planar diffusion flame affords great simplifications for experimental and modeling studies of gaseous fuel combustion. Particularly, in a microgravity environment, where buoyancy effects are negligible, an effectively strain-rate-free, vigorous flame may be obtained. Such a flame can also provide long residence times and large length scales for practical probing of flame structures and soot processes. This 2-D numerical study explores the feasibility of establishing such a planar diffusion flame in an enclosed container utilizing a realistic test protocol for a microgravity experiment. Fuel and oxygen mixtures, initially segregated into two half-volumes of a squat rectangular container by a thin separator, are ignited as soon as a flammable mixture is formed in the wake of the separator withdrawn in the centerplane. A triple-flame ensues that propagates behind the trailing edge of the separator. The results of calculations show that the mechanically- and thermally-induced convection decays in about two seconds. The establishment of a planar diffusion flame after this period seems feasible in the central region of the container with sufficient quantities of reactants left over for subsequent studies. An analysis of the flame initiation and formation process suggests how the feasibility of creating such a flame can be further improved.

Experimental preparation and verification of quantum money

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Jian-Yu; Arrazola, Juan Miguel; Amiri, Ryan; Zhang, Weijun; Li, Hao; You, Lixing; Wang, Zhen; Zhang, Qiang; Pan, Jian-Wei

2018-03-01

A quantum money scheme enables a trusted bank to provide untrusted users with verifiable quantum banknotes that cannot be forged. In this work, we report a proof-of-principle experimental demonstration of the preparation and verification of unforgeable quantum banknotes. We employ a security analysis that takes experimental imperfections fully into account. We measure a total of 3.6 ×106 states in one verification round, limiting the forging probability to 10-7 based on the security analysis. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of preparing and verifying quantum banknotes using currently available experimental techniques.

Coherent versus incoherent resonant emission: an experimental method for easy discrimination and measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceccherini, S.; Colocci, M.; Gurioli, M.; Bogani, F.

1998-11-01

The distinction between the coherent and the incoherent component of the radiation emitted from resonantly excited material systems is difficult experimentally, particularly when ultra-short optical pulses are used for excitation. We propose an experimental procedure allowing an easy measurement of the two components. The method is completely general and applicable to any kind of physical system; its feasibility is demonstrated on the resonant emission from excitons in a semiconductor quantum well.

The Feasibility and Potential Impact of Brain Training Games on Cognitive and Emotional Functioning in Middle-Aged Adults

PubMed Central

Curtis, Ashley F.; Branscombe-Caird, Laura M.; Comrie, Janna K.; Murtha, Susan J.E.

2018-01-01

Abstract Objectives:To investigate whether a commercially available brain training program is feasible to use with a middle-aged population and has a potential impact on cognition and emotional well-being (proof of concept). Method: Fourteen participants (ages 46–55) completed two 6-week training conditions using a crossover (counterbalanced) design: (1) experimental brain training condition and (2) active control “find answers to trivia questions online” condition. A comprehensive neurocognitive battery and a self-report measure of depression and anxiety were administered at baseline (first time point, before training) and after completing each training condition (second time point at 6 weeks, and third time point at 12 weeks). Cognitive composite scores were calculated for participants at each time point. Results: Study completion and protocol adherence demonstrated good feasibility of this brain training protocol in healthy middle-aged adults. Exploratory analyses suggested that brain training was associated with neurocognitive improvements related to executive attention, as well as improvements in mood. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that brain training programs are feasible in middle-aged cohorts. We propose that brain training games may be linked to improvements in executive attention and affect by promoting cognitive self-efficacy in middle-aged adults. PMID:29189046

Independent Power Generation in a Modern Electrical Substation Based on Thermoelectric Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Z. M.; Zhao, Y. Q.; Liu, W.; Wei, B.; Qiu, M.; Lai, X. K.

2017-05-01

Because of many types of electrical equipment with high power in substations, the potentiality of energy conservation is quite large. From this viewpoint, thermoelectric materials may be chosen to produce electrical energy using the waste heat produced in substations. Hence, a thermoelectric generation system which can recycle the waste heat from electric transformers was proposed to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the burden of the oil cooling system. An experimental prototype was fabricated to perform the experiment and to verify the feasibility. The experimental results showed that the output power could achieve 16 W from waste heat of 900 W, and that the power conversion efficiency was approximately 1.8%. Therefore, power generation is feasible by using the waste heat from the transformers based on thermoelectric technology.

Evaluation of feasibility of prestressed concrete for use in wind turbine blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leiblein, S.; Londahl, D. S.; Furlong, D. B.; Dreier, M. E.

1979-01-01

A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of the use of prestressed concrete as a material for low cost blades for wind turbines was conducted. A baseline blade design was achieved for an experimental wind turbine that met aerodynamic and structural requirements. Significant cost reductions were indicated for volume production. Casting of a model blade section showed no fabrication problems. Coupled dynamic analysis revealed that adverse rotor tower interactions can be significant with heavy rotor blades.

A Feasibility Study of CO2-Based Rankine Cycle Powered by Solar Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin-Rong; Yamaguchi, Hiroshi; Fujima, Katsumi; Enomoto, Masatoshi; Sawada, Noboru

An experiment study was carried out in order to investigate feasibility of CO2-based Rankine cycle powered by solar energy. The proposed cycle is to achieve a cogeneration of heat and power, which consists of evacuated solar tube collectors, power generating turbine, heat recovery system, and feed pump. The Rankine cycle of the system utilizes solar collectors to convert CO2 into high-temperature supercritical state, used to drive a turbine and produce electrical power. The cycle also recovers thermal energy, which can be used for absorption refrigerator, air conditioning, hot water supply so on for a building. A set of experimental set-up was constructed to investigate the performance of the CO2-based Rankine cycle. The results show the cycle can achieve production of heat and power with reasonable thermodynamics efficiency and has a great potential of the application of the CO2-based Rankine cycle powered by solar energy. In addition, some research interests related to the present study will also be discussed in this paper.

A Feasibility Study into the Active Smart Patch Concept for Composite Bonded Repairs

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

electrical resistance foil gauges and PVDF (polyvinylidene) piezoelectric film to sense the local strain relaxation that occurs in re- sponse to failure of...structural components, like a wing skin, that are ‘thin’ in comparison to the wavelengths of low frequency ultrasound , and therefore act as efficient...region for the respective excitation frequency. The processed experimental data is compared to theoretical dispersion curves for both Lamb waves and

Feasibility Analysis of UAV Technology to Improve Tactical Surveillance in South Korea’s Rear Area Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

determine the optimum required operational capability of the unmanned aerial vehicles to support Korean rear area operations. We use Map Aware Non ...area operations. Through further experimentations and analyses, we were able to find the optimum characteristics of an improved unmanned aerial...operations. We use Map Aware Non -Uniform Automata, an agent-based simulation software platform for computational experiments. The study models a scenario

Exploring the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Telehealth Stroke Self-Management Programme: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

McEwen, Sara; Taylor, Denise

2009-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: Moving On after STroke (MOST) is an established self-management programme for persons with stroke and their care partners. Through 18 sessions over 9 weeks, each including discussion and exercise, participants learn about goal-setting, problem-solving, exercise, and community-reintegration skills. This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of telehealth delivery of MOST. Method: Efficacy was evaluated using an experimental non-randomized trial comparing a telehealth MOST intervention group (T-MOST) (n = 10) with a waiting list control group (WLC) (n = 8). Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Reintegration to Normal Living Index, the Stroke-Adapted Sickness Impact Profile, Goal Attainment Scaling, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. The feasibility evaluation included attendance rates, focus groups, and facilitator logs. In MOST Telehealth, one co-facilitator was local and the other was connected by videoconference. Results: Attendance rates for persons with stroke (83.9%, SD = 2.6) and care partners (76.7%, SD = 2.9) and participant and facilitator experiences indicated feasibility of this mode of programme delivery. There was a significant difference in BBS scores between the T-MOST group and the WLC group (mean difference −4.27, 95%CI: −6.66 to −1.87). Participants reported additional benefits, including increased motivation and awareness of partners' needs. Videoconferencing was reported to decrease their sense of isolation. Conclusion: It appears feasible to deliver the MOST programme with two facilitators, one connected by videoconference and one in person. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that the programme is associated with improved well-being in persons with stroke and their care partners. Practitioners delivering self-management programmes may consider wider dissemination using videoconferencing. PMID:20808482

Analysis of the effectiveness of a training program for parents of children with ADHD in a hospital environment.

PubMed

Garreta, Esther; Jimeno, Teresa; Servera, Mateu

2018-01-01

Regarding the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), treatments combined with pharmacological, psychoeducational and parents training programs interventions are recommended. Parenting programs have been proven efficacy in the experimental area, but there is few data about their effectiveness and feasibility in the professional area. The objective of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of a parenting program implemented in a hospital setting to improve internalized and externalized behaviors as well as parenting styles in a sample of ADHD children. A training program for behavior management was applied to parents of 21 children with ADHD in a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, using measures from Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Parenting Scale. Post-treatment data showed significant improvements specially on emotional, anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder measures. A significant but moderate improvement was found on ADHD, and non-significant on conduct problem measure. Additionally, there were moderate but significant improvements in parenting styles. Data support the effectiveness and feasibility of parent training programs for children with ADHD applied in hospital settings as they improve a large part of associated symptoms and parenting styles.

FEASIBILITY AND SAFETY OF CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IN THE DISTAL LIMB OF SIX HORSES.

PubMed

Seiler, Gabriela S; Campbell, Nigel; Nixon, Britton; Tsuruta, James K; Dayton, Paul A; Jennings, Samuel; Redding, W Rich; Lustgarten, Meghann

2016-05-01

Vascular alterations play important roles in many orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and synovitis in both human and equine athletes. Understanding these alterations could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be a valuable method for evaluation of blood flow and perfusion of these processes in the equine distal limb, however no reports were found describing feasibility or safety of the technique. The goal of this prospective, experimental study was to describe the feasibility and safety of distal limb CEUS in a sample of six horses. For each horse, CEUS of the distal limb was performed after intravenous injections of 5 and 10 ml, as well as intra-arterial injections of 0.5 and 1 ml contrast medium. Vital parameters were monitored and CEUS images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for degree of contrast enhancement. None of the horses had clinically significant changes in their vital parameters after contrast medium injection. One horse had a transient increase in respiratory rate, and several horses had mild increases of systolic blood pressure of short duration after intravenous, but not after intra-arterial injections. Intra-arterial injection was possible in all horses and resulted in significantly improved contrast enhancement both quantitatively (P = 0.027) and qualitatively (P = 0.019). Findings from this study indicated that CEUS is a feasible and safe diagnostic test for evaluation of the equine distal limb. Future studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of this test for horses with musculoskeletal diseases. © 2016 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

An experimental study of laser-supported plasmas for laser propulsion: Center director's discretionary fund project DFP-82-33

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eskridge, R. H.; Mccay, T. D.; Vanzandt, D. M.

1987-01-01

The rudiments of a rocket thruster, which receives its enthalpy from an energy source which is remotely beamed from a laser, is described. An experimental study, now partially complete, is discussed which will eventually provide a detailed understanding of the physics for assessing the feasibility of using hydrogen plasmas for accepting and converting this energy to enthalpy. A plasma ignition scheme which uses a pulsed CO2 laser was develped and the properites of the ignition spark documented, including breakdown intensities in hydrogen. A complete diagnostic system capable of determining plasma temperature and the plasma absorptivitiy for subsequent steady-state absorption of a high power CO2 laser beam are developed and demonstrative use is discussed for the preliminary case study, a two atmosphere laser supported argon plasma.

Feasibility of a psychosis information intervention to improve mental health literacy for professional groups in contact with young people.

PubMed

Sutton, Marie; O'Keeffe, Donal; Frawley, Timothy; Madigan, Kevin; Fanning, Felicity; Lawlor, Elizabeth; Roche, Eric; Kelly, Aine; Turner, Niall; Horenstein, Arielle; O'Callaghan, Eadbhard; Clarke, Mary

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a psychosis information intervention for professionals in contact with young people in Ireland. A quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design was used. One thousand and thirty-two professionals received an information intervention designed to improve mental health literacy (MHL) and confidence in providing help to people with psychosis. Seven hundred and fifty-five participants completed the Psychosis Information and Confidence Questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. The information intervention significantly improved participants': (1) knowledge of psychosis; (2) ability to recognize signs and symptoms of psychosis; (3) awareness of how to access services; and (4) confidence in providing help to people experiencing psychosis. Findings provide promising support for the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. The intervention enhanced MHL regarding psychosis among professionals in contact with young people. Further research assessing if such improvements translate to the facilitation of appropriate help seeking, the enhanced early detection of psychosis and a reduction of the duration of untreated psychosis is required. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

A model to assess the feasibility of shifting reaction equilibrium by acetone removal in the transamination of ketones using 2-propylamine.

PubMed

Tufvesson, Pär; Bach, Christian; Woodley, John M

2014-02-01

Acetone removal by evaporation has been proposed as a simple and cheap way to shift the equilibrium in the biocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of optically pure chiral amines, when 2-propylamine is used as the amine donor. However, dependent on the system properties, this may or may not be a suitable strategy. To avoid excessive laboratory work a model was used to assess the process feasibility. The results from the current study show that a simple model of the acetone removal dependence on temperature and sparging gas flowrate can be developed and fits the experimental data well. The model for acetone removal was then coupled to a simple model for biocatalyst kinetics and also for loss of substrate ketone by evaporation. The three models were used to simulate the effects of varying the critical process parameters and reaction equilibrium constants (K eq) as well as different substrate ketone volatilities (Henry's constant). The simulations were used to estimate the substrate losses and also the maximum yield that could be expected. The approach was seen to give a clear indication for which target amines the acetone evaporation strategy would be feasible and for which amines it would not. The study also shows the value of a modeling approach in conceptual process design prior to entering a biocatalyst screening or engineering program to assess the feasibility of a particular process strategy for a given target product. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can Linear Superiorization Be Useful for Linear Optimization Problems?

PubMed Central

Censor, Yair

2017-01-01

Linear superiorization considers linear programming problems but instead of attempting to solve them with linear optimization methods it employs perturbation resilient feasibility-seeking algorithms and steers them toward reduced (not necessarily minimal) target function values. The two questions that we set out to explore experimentally are (i) Does linear superiorization provide a feasible point whose linear target function value is lower than that obtained by running the same feasibility-seeking algorithm without superiorization under identical conditions? and (ii) How does linear superiorization fare in comparison with the Simplex method for solving linear programming problems? Based on our computational experiments presented here, the answers to these two questions are: “yes” and “very well”, respectively. PMID:29335660

Can linear superiorization be useful for linear optimization problems?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Censor, Yair

2017-04-01

Linear superiorization (LinSup) considers linear programming problems but instead of attempting to solve them with linear optimization methods it employs perturbation resilient feasibility-seeking algorithms and steers them toward reduced (not necessarily minimal) target function values. The two questions that we set out to explore experimentally are: (i) does LinSup provide a feasible point whose linear target function value is lower than that obtained by running the same feasibility-seeking algorithm without superiorization under identical conditions? (ii) How does LinSup fare in comparison with the Simplex method for solving linear programming problems? Based on our computational experiments presented here, the answers to these two questions are: ‘yes’ and ‘very well’, respectively.

A summary of special coatings projects conducted in support of the Die Casting Program

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

Selle, J.E.

1988-09-12

The usefulness of various kinds of coatings to the die casting program has been studied. This work includes heat transfer and fluid flow calculations, as well as experimental work, to examine the feasibility and characteristics of various types of coatings. Calculations include the effect of surface roughness on fluid flow, conductance as a function of coating thickness, conductivity as a function of coating porosity, and solidification and possible remelting of microspheres of metal. In each case, the model is described and the results are presented. Experimental work involved evaluating the relative insulating value of various coatings and an analysis ofmore » commercial flame-sprayed coatings, low-density coatings, and release coatings. In each case, description of the experimental arrangement is given and the results are described. 5 refs., 28 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Evolution of sex: Using experimental genomics to select among competing theories.

PubMed

Sharp, Nathaniel P; Otto, Sarah P

2016-08-01

Few topics have intrigued biologists as much as the evolution of sex. Understanding why sex persists despite its costs requires not just rigorous theoretical study, but also empirical data on related fundamental issues, including the nature of genetic variance for fitness, patterns of genetic interactions, and the dynamics of adaptation. The increasing feasibility of examining genomes in an experimental context is now shedding new light on these problems. Using this approach, McDonald et al. recently demonstrated that sex uncouples beneficial and deleterious mutations, allowing selection to proceed more effectively with sex than without. Here we discuss the insights provided by this study, along with other recent empirical work, in the context of the major theoretical models for the evolution of sex. © 2016 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

Feasibility and effectiveness of adding object-related bilateral symmetrical training to mirror therapy in chronic stroke: A randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Letícia Cardoso; Farias, Nayara Correa; Gomes, Raquel Pinheiro; Michaelsen, Stella Maris

2016-01-01

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of adding object-related bilateral symmetrical training to mirror therapy (MT) to improve upper limb (UL) activity in chronic stroke patients. Sixteen patients with moderate UL impairment were randomly allocated to either the experimental (EG) or control (CG) group. Both groups performed 1 hour sessions, 3 days/week for 4 weeks, involving object-related bilateral symmetrical training. EG performed the tasks observing their nonparetic UL reflected in the mirror, while CG observed the paretic UL directly. The primary outcome measure was unilateral and bilateral UL activity according to the Test d'Évaluation des Membres Supérieurs de Personnes Âgées (TEMPA). All measurements were taken at baseline, post-training, and follow-up (2 weeks). TEMPA total score showed the main effect of time. Significant improvement was found for bilateral but not unilateral tasks. Both groups showed gains after training, with no differences between them. This study showed the feasibility of adding object-related bilateral training to MT. Both types of training improved UL bilateral activity; however, a larger sample is required for a definitive study. Other studies need to be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of combining more distal-oriented movements and object-related unilateral training to improve these effects in chronic stroke patients.

An artificial nociceptor based on a diffusive memristor.

PubMed

Yoon, Jung Ho; Wang, Zhongrui; Kim, Kyung Min; Wu, Huaqiang; Ravichandran, Vignesh; Xia, Qiangfei; Hwang, Cheol Seong; Yang, J Joshua

2018-01-29

A nociceptor is a critical and special receptor of a sensory neuron that is able to detect noxious stimulus and provide a rapid warning to the central nervous system to start the motor response in the human body and humanoid robotics. It differs from other common sensory receptors with its key features and functions, including the "no adaptation" and "sensitization" phenomena. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an artificial nociceptor based on a diffusive memristor with critical dynamics for the first time. Using this artificial nociceptor, we further built an artificial sensory alarm system to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility and simplicity of integrating such novel artificial nociceptor devices in artificial intelligence systems, such as humanoid robots.

Burning of liquid pools in reduced gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanury, A. M.

1977-01-01

The existing literature on the combustion of liquid fuel pools is reviewed to identify the physical and chemical aspects which require an improved understanding. Among the pre-, trans- and post-ignition processes, a delineation was made of those which seem to uniquely benefit from studies in the essential environment offered by spacelab. The role played by the gravitational constant in analytical and experimental justifications was developed. The analytical justifications were based on hypotheses, models and dimensional analyses whereas the experimental justifications were based on an examination of the range of gravity and gravity-dependent variables possible in the earth-based laboratories. Some preliminary expositions into the questions of feasibility of the proposed spacelab experiment are also reported.

Ultrasonic Phased Array Simulations of Welded Components at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D. J.; Tokars, R. P.; Martin, R. E.; Rauser, R. W.; Aldrin, J. C.

2009-01-01

Comprehensive and accurate inspections of welded components have become of increasing importance as NASA develops new hardware such as Ares rocket segments for future exploration missions. Simulation and modeling will play an increasing role in the future for nondestructive evaluation in order to better understand the physics of the inspection process, to prove or disprove the feasibility for an inspection method or inspection scenario, for inspection optimization, for better understanding of experimental results, and for assessment of probability of detection. This study presents simulation and experimental results for an ultrasonic phased array inspection of a critical welded structure important for NASA future exploration vehicles. Keywords: nondestructive evaluation, computational simulation, ultrasonics, weld, modeling, phased array

Ultrasonic Phased Array Inspection Simulations of Welded Components at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D. J.; Tokars, R. P.; Martin, R. E.; Rauser, R. W.; Aldrin, J. C.; Schumacher, E. J.

2009-01-01

Comprehensive and accurate inspections of welded components have become of increasing importance as NASA develops new hardware such as Ares rocket segments for future exploration missions. Simulation and modeling will play an increased role in the future for nondestructive evaluation in order to better understand the physics of the inspection process and help explain the experimental results. It will also help to prove or disprove the feasibility for an inspection method or inspection scenario, help optimize inspections, and allow to a first approximation limits of detectability. This study presents simulation and experimental results for an ultrasonic phased array inspection of a critical welded structure important for NASA future exploration vehicles.

Transsutural distraction osteogenesis applied to maxillary complex with new internalized distraction device: analysis of the feasibility and long-term osteogenesis outcome.

PubMed

Tong, Haizhou; Gao, Feng; Yin, Jiapeng; Zhang, Xiangyu; Zhang, Chen; Yin, Ningbei; Zhao, Zhenmin

2015-03-01

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects of transsutural distraction osteogenesis applied to the maxillary complex with a new internalized distraction device and to analyze the long-term osteogenesis outcome. Three-month-old beagle dogs were treated with a self-designed internalized distractor. The feasibility was evaluated, and the effects of the maxillary growth were measured using radiography and computed tomography (CT). The regenerated bone was examined with micro-CT, biomechanical testing, and histology 1 year after the distraction. The experimental group showed significantly larger forward displacement of maxillary during the distraction. One year after the distraction, the micro-CT showed more incompact structure and bone volume/total volume was significantly less in the experimental group. Biomechanical testing also showed a significantly lower yield but with no difference in stiffness. Histologic staining found osteoclasts deposited in the region of the suture and osteoblasts on the bone surface. The immunohistochemical staining of osteoprotegrin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand showed evidence of expression in suture area components and osteocytes with no difference between the groups. Transsutural distraction osteogenesis using an internalized distractor with skull anchorage demonstrated feasibility. It is expected that this device may provide new thoughts in developing an appropriate appliance for clinical use in young patients with midfacial hypoplasia. Moreover, the long-term osteogenesis analysis findings suggest that the metabolism of sutural area still remained active, which enhanced our understanding of bone remodeling in the sutural area to manage maxillary relapse after transsutural distraction osteogenesis.

Quantum tomography for measuring experimentally the matrix elements of an arbitrary quantum operation.

PubMed

D'Ariano, G M; Lo Presti, P

2001-05-07

Quantum operations describe any state change allowed in quantum mechanics, including the evolution of an open system or the state change due to a measurement. We present a general method based on quantum tomography for measuring experimentally the matrix elements of an arbitrary quantum operation. As input the method needs only a single entangled state. The feasibility of the technique for the electromagnetic field is shown, and the experimental setup is illustrated based on homodyne tomography of a twin beam.

Experimental Estimation of Entanglement at the Quantum Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brida, Giorgio; Degiovanni, Ivo Pietro; Florio, Angela; Genovese, Marco; Giorda, Paolo; Meda, Alice; Paris, Matteo G. A.; Shurupov, Alexander

2010-03-01

Entanglement is the central resource of quantum information processing and the precise characterization of entangled states is a crucial issue for the development of quantum technologies. This leads to the necessity of a precise, experimental feasible measure of entanglement. Nevertheless, such measurements are limited both from experimental uncertainties and intrinsic quantum bounds. Here we present an experiment where the amount of entanglement of a family of two-qubit mixed photon states is estimated with the ultimate precision allowed by quantum mechanics.

Experimental studies of forensic odontology to aid in the identification process

PubMed Central

Saxena, Susmita; Sharma, Preeti; Gupta, Nitin

2010-01-01

The importance of dental identification is on the increase year after year. With the passage of time, the role of forensic odontology has increased as very often teeth and dental restorations are the only means of identification. Forensic odontology has played a key role in identification of persons in mass disasters (aviation, earthquakes, Tsunamis), in crime investigations, in ethnic studies, and in identification of decomposed and disfigured bodies like that of drowned persons, fire victims, and victims of motor vehicle accidents. The various methods employed in forensic odontology include tooth prints, radiographs, photographic study, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy and molecular methods. Investigative methods applied in forensic odontology are reasonably reliable, yet the shortcomings must be accounted for to make it a more meaningful and relevant procedure. This paper gives an overview of the various experimental studies to aid in the identification processes, discussing their feasibilities and limitations in day-to-day practice. PMID:21731343

Effects of a Stretching Development and Maintenance Program on Hamstring Extensibility in Schoolchildren: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Mayorga-Vega, Daniel; Merino-Marban, Rafael; Manzano-Lagunas, Jorge; Blanco, Humberto; Viciana, Jesús

2016-01-01

The main purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a physical education-based stretching development and maintenance program on hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren. A sample of 150 schoolchildren aged 7-10 years old from a primary school participated in the present study (140 participants were finally included). The six classes balanced by grade were cluster randomly assigned to the experimental group 1 (n = 51), experimental group 2 (n = 51) or control group (n = 49) (i.e., a cluster randomized controlled trial design was used). During the physical education classes, the students from the experimental groups 1 and 2 performed a four-minute stretching program twice a week for nine weeks (first semester). Then, after a five-week period of detraining coinciding with the Christmas holidays, the students from the experimental groups 1 and 2 completed another stretching program twice a week for eleven weeks (second semester). The students from the experimental group 1 continued performing the stretching program for four minutes while those from the experimental group 2 completed a flexibility maintenance program for only one minute. The results of the two-way analysis of variance showed that the physical education-based stretching development program significantly improved the students’ hamstring extensibility (p < 0.001), as well as that these gains obtained remained after the stretching maintenance program (p < 0.001). Additionally, statistically significant differences between the two experimental groups were not found (p > 0.05). After a short-term stretching development program, a physical education-based stretching maintenance program of only one-minute sessions twice a week is effective in maintaining hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren. This knowledge could help and guide teachers to design programs that allow a feasible and effective development and maintenance of students’ flexibility in the physical education setting. Key points A physical education-based stretching maintenance program of only one-minute sessions twice a week is effective in maintaining hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren. A four-minute maintenance program shows similar effects that the one-minute maintenance program on hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren. Physical education teachers and other practitioners could carry out one-minute programs for a feasible and effective maintenance of students’ flexibility. PMID:26957928

A study of flux control for high-efficiency speed control of variable flux permanent magnet motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young Hyun; Lee, Seong Soo; Lee, Jung Ho

2018-05-01

In this study, we evaluate the performance of permanent magnets (PMs). The efficiency of attraction in the high speed region was studied using the variable flux memory motor (VFMM). It is presented in order to analyze the magnetic characteristics of PMs, using the second quadrant plan data with re- and de-magnetization. In addition, this study focuses on the evaluation of operational characteristics relative to the magnetizing directions according to the d-axis currents, by using one of the finite element solutions. The feasibility of application for the VFMM has been experimentally demonstrated.

Modeling sound transmission through the pulmonary system and chest with application to diagnosis of a collapsed lung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Royston, T. J.; Zhang, X.; Mansy, H. A.; Sandler, R. H.

2002-04-01

A theoretical and experimental study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of using audible-frequency vibro-acoustic waves for diagnosis of pneumothorax, a collapsed lung. The hypothesis was that the acoustic response of the chest to external excitation would change with this condition. In experimental canine studies, external acoustic energy was introduced into the trachea via an endotracheal tube. For the control (nonpneumothorax) state, it is hypothesized that sound waves primarily travel through the airways, couple to the lung parenchyma, and then are transmitted directly to the chest wall. In contradistinction, when a pneumothorax is present the intervening air presents an added barrier to efficient acoustic energy transfer. Theoretical models of sound transmission through the pulmonary system and chest region to the chest wall surface are developed to more clearly understand the mechanisms of intensity loss when a pneumothorax is present, relative to a baseline case. These models predict significant decreases in acoustic transmission strength when a pneumothorax is present, in qualitative agreement with experimental measurements. Development of the models, their extension via finite element analysis, and comparisons with experimental canine studies are reviewed.

Feasibility Assessment of a Fine-Grained Access Control Model on Resource Constrained Sensors.

PubMed

Uriarte Itzazelaia, Mikel; Astorga, Jasone; Jacob, Eduardo; Huarte, Maider; Romaña, Pedro

2018-02-13

Upcoming smart scenarios enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) envision smart objects that provide services that can adapt to user behavior or be managed to achieve greater productivity. In such environments, smart things are inexpensive and, therefore, constrained devices. However, they are also critical components because of the importance of the information that they provide. Given this, strong security is a requirement, but not all security mechanisms in general and access control models in particular are feasible. In this paper, we present the feasibility assessment of an access control model that utilizes a hybrid architecture and a policy language that provides dynamic fine-grained policy enforcement in the sensors, which requires an efficient message exchange protocol called Hidra. This experimental performance assessment includes a prototype implementation, a performance evaluation model, the measurements and related discussions, which demonstrate the feasibility and adequacy of the analyzed access control model.

Feasibility Assessment of a Fine-Grained Access Control Model on Resource Constrained Sensors

PubMed Central

Huarte, Maider; Romaña, Pedro

2018-01-01

Upcoming smart scenarios enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) envision smart objects that provide services that can adapt to user behavior or be managed to achieve greater productivity. In such environments, smart things are inexpensive and, therefore, constrained devices. However, they are also critical components because of the importance of the information that they provide. Given this, strong security is a requirement, but not all security mechanisms in general and access control models in particular are feasible. In this paper, we present the feasibility assessment of an access control model that utilizes a hybrid architecture and a policy language that provides dynamic fine-grained policy enforcement in the sensors, which requires an efficient message exchange protocol called Hidra. This experimental performance assessment includes a prototype implementation, a performance evaluation model, the measurements and related discussions, which demonstrate the feasibility and adequacy of the analyzed access control model. PMID:29438338

Design and simulation of novel laparoscopic renal denervation system: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Ye, Eunbi; Baik, Jinhwan; Lee, Seunghyun; Ryu, Seon Young; Yang, Sunchoel; Choi, Eue-Keun; Song, Won Hoon; Yuk, Hyeong Dong; Jeong, Chang Wook; Park, Sung-Min

2018-05-18

In this study, we propose a novel laparoscopy-based renal denervation (RDN) system for treating patients with resistant hypertension. In this feasibility study, we investigated whether our proposed surgical instrument can ablate renal nerves from outside of the renal artery safely and effectively and can overcome the depth-related limitations of the previous catheter-based system with less damage to the arterial walls. We designed a looped bipolar electrosurgical instrument to be used with laparoscopy-based RDN system. The tip of instrument wraps around the renal artery and delivers the radio-frequency (RF) energy. We evaluated the thermal distribution via simulation study on a numerical model designed using histological data and validated the results by the in vitro study. Finally, to show the effectiveness of this system, we compared the performance of our system with that of catheter-based RDN system through simulations. Simulation results were within the 95% confidence intervals of the in vitro experimental results. The validated results demonstrated that the proposed laparoscopy-based RDN system produces an effective thermal distribution for the removal of renal sympathetic nerves without damaging the arterial wall and addresses the depth limitation of catheter-based RDN system. We developed a novel laparoscope-based electrosurgical RDN method for hypertension treatment. The feasibility of our system was confirmed through a simulation study as well as in vitro experiments. Our proposed method could be an effective treatment for resistant hypertension as well as central nervous system diseases.

Integrative Review of Facility Interventions to Manage Compassion Fatigue in Oncology Nurses.

PubMed

Wentzel, Dorien; Brysiewicz, Petra

2017-05-01

Oncology nurses are regularly exposed to high-stress situations that may lead to compassion fatigue, and many institutions have implemented interventions to reduce burnout in nurses, but knowledge on the feasiblity, effectiveness, and nurses' experience of interventions is lacking.
. Electronic search of literature published from 1992-2015 was performed to evaluate in-facility interventions to manage compassion fatigue in oncology nurses. Databases used included CINAHL®, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO®. 
. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and nurses' experience of interventions to manage compassion fatigue. The study designs, methods, and limitations were independently screened by the authors. 
. Of 164 studies, 31 met eligibility criteria. 
. The majority of the studies were conducted in Western countries, which suggests the need for additional research in other settings to determine effective interventions that address compassion fatigue and stress cross-culturally. Quantitative and qualitative studies failed to gain high scores in terms of quality. Limited conclusions can be drawn from small studies that report on outcomes with many confounding variables, such as turnover rate or general health of nurses, from a single institution. 
. Lack of empirical precision in evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and nurses' experiences of interventions indicates a need for future, more rigorously designed experimental studies. Because of the global increase in the number of patients being diagnosed and living with cancer, oncology nurses should be able to recognize and manage compassion fatigue.

Operating Spin Echo in the Quantum Regime for an Atomic-Ensemble Quantum Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rui, Jun; Jiang, Yan; Yang, Sheng-Jun; Zhao, Bo; Bao, Xiao-Hui; Pan, Jian-Wei

2015-09-01

Spin echo is a powerful technique to extend atomic or nuclear coherence times by overcoming the dephasing due to inhomogeneous broadenings. However, there are disputes about the feasibility of applying this technique to an ensemble-based quantum memory at the single-quanta level. In this experimental study, we find that noise due to imperfections of the rephasing pulses has both intense superradiant and weak isotropic parts. By properly arranging the beam directions and optimizing the pulse fidelities, we successfully manage to operate the spin echo technique in the quantum regime by observing nonclassical photon-photon correlations as well as the quantum behavior of retrieved photons. Our work for the first time demonstrates the feasibility of harnessing the spin echo method to extend the lifetime of ensemble-based quantum memories at the single-quanta level.

An electromechanical, patient positioning system for head and neck radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostyn, Mark; Dwyer, Thomas; Miller, Matthew; King, Paden; Sacks, Rachel; Cruikshank, Ross; Rosario, Melvin; Martinez, Daniel; Kim, Siyong; Yeo, Woon-Hong

2017-09-01

In cancer treatment with radiation, accurate patient setup is critical for proper dose delivery. Improper arrangement can lead to disease recurrence, permanent organ damage, or lack of disease control. While current immobilization equipment often helps for patient positioning, manual adjustment is required, involving iterative, time-consuming steps. Here, we present an electromechanical robotic system for improving patient setup in radiotherapy, specifically targeting head and neck cancer. This positioning system offers six degrees of freedom for a variety of applications in radiation oncology. An analytical calculation of inverse kinematics serves as fundamental criteria to design the system. Computational mechanical modeling and experimental study of radiotherapy compatibility and x-ray-based imaging demonstrates the device feasibility and reliability to be used in radiotherapy. An absolute positioning accuracy test in a clinical treatment room supports the clinical feasibility of the system.

Structural damage continuous monitoring by using a data driven approach based on principal component analysis and cross-correlation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camacho-Navarro, Jhonatan; Ruiz, Magda; Villamizar, Rodolfo; Mujica, Luis; Moreno-Beltrán, Gustavo; Quiroga, Jabid

2017-05-01

Continuous monitoring for damage detection in structural assessment comprises implementation of low cost equipment and efficient algorithms. This work describes the stages involved in the design of a methodology with high feasibility to be used in continuous damage assessment. Specifically, an algorithm based on a data-driven approach by using principal component analysis and pre-processing acquired signals by means of cross-correlation functions, is discussed. A carbon steel pipe section and a laboratory tower were used as test structures in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology to detect abrupt changes in the structural response when damages occur. Two types of damage cases are studied: crack and leak for each structure, respectively. Experimental results show that the methodology is promising in the continuous monitoring of real structures.

Experiments to Determine Neighborhood Reactions to Light Airplanes With and Without External Noise Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elwell, Fred S

1953-01-01

The work reported was part of a program of experimentation with external noise reduction on light airplanes. This particular study was in effect a byproduct survey conceived to utilize already available equipment and personnel to further the findings of the original research and to determine reactions in populated neighborhoods to light aircraft with and without noise-reduction equipment. The findings indicate that at the 10 sites within and about metropolitan Boston the degree of noise reduction previously found to be aerodynamically and structurally feasible did eliminate substantially all neighborhood objections to noise per se. The evidence clearly suggests that, when the noise nuisance is minimized to the extent found feasible, the number and severity of other objections also diminish -- evidently because the flight operations are noticed less when heard less.

Optoacoustic technique for noninvasive monitoring of blood oxygenation: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esenaliev, Rinat O.; Larina, Irina V.; Larin, Kirill V.; Deyo, Donald J.; Motamedi, Massoud; Prough, Donald S.

2002-08-01

Replacement of invasive monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation with noninvasive techniques offers great promise in the management of life-threatening neurologic illnesses including traumatic brain injury. We developed and built an optoacoustic system to noninvasively monitor cerebral venous oxygenation; the system includes a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser and a specially designed optoacoustic probe. We tested the system in vitro in sheep blood with experimentally varied oxygenation. Our results demonstrated that (1) the amplitude and temporal profile of the optoacoustic waves increase with blood oxygenation in the range from 24% to 92%, (2) optoacoustic signals can be detected despite optical and acoustic attenuation by thick bone, and (3) the system is capable of real-time and continuous measurements. These results suggest that the optoacoustic technique is technically feasible for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation.

Diesel-fired self-pumping water heater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gertsmann, Joseph

1994-07-01

The object of this project was to study the feasibility of pumping and heating water by sustained oscillatory vaporization and condensation in a fired heat exchanger. Portable field liquid fueled water heaters would facilitate heating water for sanitation, personal hygiene, food service, laundry, equipment maintenance, and decontamination presently available only from larger, less portable, motorized pumping units. The technical tasks consisted of: development of an analytical model, operation of proof-of-principal prototypes, and determination of the thermal and mechanical relationships to evaluate operating range and control characteristics. Four successive pump models were analyzed and tested. The final analytical model gave reasonable agreement with the experimental results, indicating that the actual pumping effect was an order of magnitude lower than originally anticipated. It was concluded that a thermally-activated self pumping water heater based on the proposed principle is not feasible.

A behavioral medicine intervention for older women living alone with chronic pain – a feasibility study

PubMed Central

Cederbom, Sara; Rydwik, Elisabeth; Söderlund, Anne; Denison, Eva; Frändin, Kerstin; von Heideken Wågert, Petra

2014-01-01

Background To be an older woman, live alone, have chronic pain, and be dependent on support are all factors that may have an impact on daily life. One way to promote ability in everyday activities in people with pain-related conditions is to use individualized, integrated behavioral medicine in physical therapy interventions. How this kind of intervention works for older women living alone at home, with chronic pain, and dependent on formal care to manage their everyday lives has not been studied. The aim was to explore the feasibility of a study and to evaluate an individually tailored integrated behavioral medicine in physical therapy intervention for the target group of women. Materials and methods The study was a 12-week randomized trial with two-group design. Primary effect outcomes were pain-related disability and morale. Secondary effect outcomes focused on pain-related beliefs, self-efficacy for exercise, concerns of falling, physical activity, and physical performance. Results In total, 23 women agreed to participate in the study and 16 women completed the intervention. The results showed that the behavioral medicine in physical therapy intervention was feasible. No effects were seen on the primary effect outcomes. The experimental intervention seemed to improve the level of physical activity and self-efficacy for exercise. Some of the participants in both groups perceived that they could manage their everyday life in a better way after participation in the study. Conclusion Results from this study are encouraging, but the study procedure and interventions have to be refined and tested in a larger feasibility study to be able to evaluate the effects of these kinds of interventions on pain-related disability, pain-related beliefs, self-efficacy in everyday activities, and morale in the target group. Further research is also needed to refine and evaluate effects from individualized reminder routines, support to collect self-report data, safety procedures for balance training, and training of personnel to enhance self-efficacy. PMID:25170262

A behavioral medicine intervention for older women living alone with chronic pain - a feasibility study.

PubMed

Cederbom, Sara; Rydwik, Elisabeth; Söderlund, Anne; Denison, Eva; Frändin, Kerstin; von Heideken Wågert, Petra

2014-01-01

To be an older woman, live alone, have chronic pain, and be dependent on support are all factors that may have an impact on daily life. One way to promote ability in everyday activities in people with pain-related conditions is to use individualized, integrated behavioral medicine in physical therapy interventions. How this kind of intervention works for older women living alone at home, with chronic pain, and dependent on formal care to manage their everyday lives has not been studied. The aim was to explore the feasibility of a study and to evaluate an individually tailored integrated behavioral medicine in physical therapy intervention for the target group of women. The study was a 12-week randomized trial with two-group design. Primary effect outcomes were pain-related disability and morale. Secondary effect outcomes focused on pain-related beliefs, self-efficacy for exercise, concerns of falling, physical activity, and physical performance. In total, 23 women agreed to participate in the study and 16 women completed the intervention. The results showed that the behavioral medicine in physical therapy intervention was feasible. No effects were seen on the primary effect outcomes. The experimental intervention seemed to improve the level of physical activity and self-efficacy for exercise. Some of the participants in both groups perceived that they could manage their everyday life in a better way after participation in the study. Results from this study are encouraging, but the study procedure and interventions have to be refined and tested in a larger feasibility study to be able to evaluate the effects of these kinds of interventions on pain-related disability, pain-related beliefs, self-efficacy in everyday activities, and morale in the target group. Further research is also needed to refine and evaluate effects from individualized reminder routines, support to collect self-report data, safety procedures for balance training, and training of personnel to enhance self-efficacy.

Model and Simulation of an SMA Enhanced Lip Seal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Rui; Gao, Xiujie; Brinson, L. Catherine

2011-07-01

The feasibility of using SMA wires to improve the seal effectiveness has been studied experimentally and numerically. In this article, we present only the numerical study of simulating the thermo-mechanical behavior for an SMA enhanced lip seal, leaving the test setup and results in the experimental counterpart. A pseudo 3D SMA model, considering 1D SMA behavior in the major loading direction and elastic response in other directions, was used to capture the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA wires. The model was then implemented into ABAQUS using the user-defined material subroutine to inherit most features of the commercial finite element package. Two-way shape memory effect was also considered since the SMA material exhibits strong two-way effects. An axisymmetric finite element model was constructed to simulate a seal mounting on a shaft and the sealing pressure was calculated for both the regular seal and the SMA enhanced seal. Finally, the result was qualitatively compared with the experimental observation.

Simulation studies of nucleation of ferroelectric polarization reversal.

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

Brennecka, Geoffrey L.; Winchester, Benjamin Michael

2014-08-01

Electric field-induced reversal of spontaneous polarization is the defining characteristic of a ferroelectric material, but the process(es) and mechanism(s) associated with the initial nucleation of reverse-polarity domains are poorly understood. This report describes studies carried out using phase field modeling of LiTaO 3, a relatively simple prototype ferroelectric material, in order to explore the effects of either mechanical deformation or optically-induced free charges on nucleation and resulting domain configuration during field-induced polarization reversal. Conditions were selected to approximate as closely as feasible those of accompanying experimental work in order to provide not only support for the experimental work but alsomore » ensure that additional experimental validation of the simulations could be carried out in the future. Phase field simulations strongly support surface mechanical damage/deformation as effective for dramatically reducing the overall coercive field (Ec) via local field enhancements. Further, optically-nucleated polarization reversal appears to occur via stabilization of latent nuclei via the charge screening effects of free charges.« less

Design and Evaluation of a Hybrid Radiofrequency Applicator for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and RF Induced Hyperthermia: Electromagnetic Field Simulations up to 14.0 Tesla and Proof-of-Concept at 7.0 Tesla

PubMed Central

Winter, Lukas; Özerdem, Celal; Hoffmann, Werner; Santoro, Davide; Müller, Alexander; Waiczies, Helmar; Seemann, Reiner; Graessl, Andreas; Wust, Peter; Niendorf, Thoralf

2013-01-01

This work demonstrates the feasibility of a hybrid radiofrequency (RF) applicator that supports magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR controlled targeted RF heating at ultrahigh magnetic fields (B0≥7.0T). For this purpose a virtual and an experimental configuration of an 8-channel transmit/receive (TX/RX) hybrid RF applicator was designed. For TX/RX bow tie antenna electric dipoles were employed. Electromagnetic field simulations (EMF) were performed to study RF heating versus RF wavelength (frequency range: 64 MHz (1.5T) to 600 MHz (14.0T)). The experimental version of the applicator was implemented at B0 = 7.0T. The applicators feasibility for targeted RF heating was evaluated in EMF simulations and in phantom studies. Temperature co-simulations were conducted in phantoms and in a human voxel model. Our results demonstrate that higher frequencies afford a reduction in the size of specific absorption rate (SAR) hotspots. At 7T (298 MHz) the hybrid applicator yielded a 50% iso-contour SAR (iso-SAR-50%) hotspot with a diameter of 43 mm. At 600 MHz an iso-SAR-50% hotspot of 26 mm in diameter was observed. RF power deposition per RF input power was found to increase with B0 which makes targeted RF heating more efficient at higher frequencies. The applicator was capable of generating deep-seated temperature hotspots in phantoms. The feasibility of 2D steering of a SAR/temperature hotspot to a target location was demonstrated by the induction of a focal temperature increase (ΔT = 8.1 K) in an off-center region of the phantom. Temperature simulations in the human brain performed at 298 MHz showed a maximum temperature increase to 48.6C for a deep-seated hotspot in the brain with a size of (19×23×32)mm3 iso-temperature-90%. The hybrid applicator provided imaging capabilities that facilitate high spatial resolution brain MRI. To conclude, this study outlines the technical underpinnings and demonstrates the basic feasibility of an 8-channel hybrid TX/RX applicator that supports MR imaging, MR thermometry and targeted RF heating in one device. PMID:23613896

Design and evaluation of a hybrid radiofrequency applicator for magnetic resonance imaging and RF induced hyperthermia: electromagnetic field simulations up to 14.0 Tesla and proof-of-concept at 7.0 Tesla.

PubMed

Winter, Lukas; Özerdem, Celal; Hoffmann, Werner; Santoro, Davide; Müller, Alexander; Waiczies, Helmar; Seemann, Reiner; Graessl, Andreas; Wust, Peter; Niendorf, Thoralf

2013-01-01

This work demonstrates the feasibility of a hybrid radiofrequency (RF) applicator that supports magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR controlled targeted RF heating at ultrahigh magnetic fields (B0≥7.0T). For this purpose a virtual and an experimental configuration of an 8-channel transmit/receive (TX/RX) hybrid RF applicator was designed. For TX/RX bow tie antenna electric dipoles were employed. Electromagnetic field simulations (EMF) were performed to study RF heating versus RF wavelength (frequency range: 64 MHz (1.5T) to 600 MHz (14.0T)). The experimental version of the applicator was implemented at B0 = 7.0T. The applicators feasibility for targeted RF heating was evaluated in EMF simulations and in phantom studies. Temperature co-simulations were conducted in phantoms and in a human voxel model. Our results demonstrate that higher frequencies afford a reduction in the size of specific absorption rate (SAR) hotspots. At 7T (298 MHz) the hybrid applicator yielded a 50% iso-contour SAR (iso-SAR-50%) hotspot with a diameter of 43 mm. At 600 MHz an iso-SAR-50% hotspot of 26 mm in diameter was observed. RF power deposition per RF input power was found to increase with B0 which makes targeted RF heating more efficient at higher frequencies. The applicator was capable of generating deep-seated temperature hotspots in phantoms. The feasibility of 2D steering of a SAR/temperature hotspot to a target location was demonstrated by the induction of a focal temperature increase (ΔT = 8.1 K) in an off-center region of the phantom. Temperature simulations in the human brain performed at 298 MHz showed a maximum temperature increase to 48.6C for a deep-seated hotspot in the brain with a size of (19×23×32)mm(3) iso-temperature-90%. The hybrid applicator provided imaging capabilities that facilitate high spatial resolution brain MRI. To conclude, this study outlines the technical underpinnings and demonstrates the basic feasibility of an 8-channel hybrid TX/RX applicator that supports MR imaging, MR thermometry and targeted RF heating in one device.

Electromagnetic head-and-neck hyperthermia applicator: experimental phantom verification and FDTD model.

PubMed

Paulides, Margarethus M; Bakker, Jurriaan F; van Rhoon, Gerard C

2007-06-01

To experimentally verify the feasibility of focused heating in the neck region by an array of two rings of six electromagnetic antennas. We also measured the dynamic specific absorption rate (SAR) steering possibilities of this setup and compared these SAR patterns to simulations. Using a specially constructed laboratory prototype head-and-neck applicator, including a neck-mimicking cylindrical muscle phantom, we performed SAR measurements by electric field, Schottky-diode sheet measurements and, using the power-pulse technique, by fiberoptic thermometry and infrared thermography. Using phase steering, we also steered the SAR distribution in radial and axial directions. All measured distributions were compared with the predictions by a finite-difference time-domain-based electromagnetic simulator. A central 50% iso-SAR focus of 35 +/- 3 mm in diameter and about 100 +/- 15 mm in length was obtained for all investigated settings. Furthermore, this SAR focus could be steered toward the desired location in the radial and axial directions with an accuracy of approximately 5 mm. The SAR distributions as measured by all three experimental methods were well predicted by the simulations. The results of our study have shown that focused heating in the neck is feasible and that this focus can be effectively steered in the radial and axial directions. For quality assurance measurements, we believe that the Schottky-diode sheet provides the best compromise among effort, speed, and accuracy, although a more specific and improved design is warranted.

Da Vinci Xi Robot-Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty.

PubMed

Chammas, Jimmy; Sauer, Arnaud; Pizzuto, Joëlle; Pouthier, Fabienne; Gaucher, David; Marescaux, Jacques; Mutter, Didier; Bourcier, Tristan

2017-06-01

This study aims (1) to investigate the feasibility of robot-assisted penetrating keratoplasty (PK) using the new Da Vinci Xi Surgical System and (2) to report what we believe to be the first use of this system in experimental eye surgery. Robot-assisted PK procedures were performed on human corneal transplants using the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. After an 8-mm corneal trephination, four interrupted sutures and one 10.0 monofilament running suture were made. For each procedure, duration and successful completion of the surgery as well as any unexpected events were assessed. The depth of the corneal sutures was checked postoperatively using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Robot-assisted PK was successfully performed on 12 corneas. The Da Vinci Xi Surgical System provided the necessary dexterity to perform the different steps of surgery. The mean duration of the procedures was 43.4 ± 8.9 minutes (range: 28.5-61.1 minutes). There were no unexpected intraoperative events. SD-OCT confirmed that the sutures were placed at the appropriate depth. We confirm the feasibility of robot-assisted PK with the new Da Vinci Surgical System and report the first use of the Xi model in experimental eye surgery. Operative time of robot-assisted PK surgery is now close to that of conventional manual surgery due to both improvement of the optical system and the presence of microsurgical instruments. Experimentations will allow the advantages of robot-assisted microsurgery to be identified while underlining the improvements and innovations necessary for clinical use.

The Experimental Control of Littering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Roger N.; And Others

1972-01-01

Behavior, incentives, and education programs were researched as factors relating to littering. Experiments in theaters, forest campgrounds, and hiking and dispersed car camping areas indicate incentive systems are necessary and feasible for curbing litter problems. (BL)

Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avila, Walter B.; And Others

1990-01-01

Described is a microscale organic chemistry experiment which demonstrates one feasible route in preparing ortho-substituted benzoic acids and provides an example of nucleophilic aromatic substitution chemistry. Experimental procedures and instructor notes for this activity are provided. (CW)

Experimental applications of multispectral data to natural resource inventory and survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mallon, H. J.

1970-01-01

The feasibility of using multispectral, color, color infrared, thermal infrared imagery and related ground data to recognize, identify, determine and monitor the status of mineral ore and metals stockpiles is studied. An attempt was made to identify valid, unique spectral signatures of such materials for possible use under a wide variety of environmental circumstances. Research emphasis was upon the analysis of the multiband imagery from the various film-filter combinations, using density analysis techniques.

Feasibility of Measuring the Volition Level in Elderly Patients When Using Audio Encouragement During Gait Training Physical Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

walking speed and tempo of the elderly patients were experimentally measured with a video camera under musical stimulation, however, neither walking...virtual reality, music therapy, aroma therapy I. INTRODUCTION As locomotive capability is one of the most fundamental functional requirements for...cheery voice of a patient’s grandchild, the scolding of a therapist and the cheerful music . In our previous study [3], we found that verbal encouragement

Microprocessor based implementation of attitude and shape control of large space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, A. S. S. R.

1984-01-01

The feasibility of off the shelf eight bit and 16 bit microprocessors to implement linear state variable feedback control laws and assessing the real time response to spacecraft dynamics is studied. The complexity of the dynamic model is described along with the appropriate software. An experimental setup of a beam, microprocessor system for implementing the control laws and the needed generalized software to implement any state variable feedback control system is included.

Photo-Assisted Epitaxial Growth for III-V Semiconductors

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

interferometric technique with an accuracy of ±3 "C. The MOMBE growth of GaAs, InAs, and InGaAs was first studied, by monitoring intensity oscillations of...temperatures. In Section 2.1, we report the use of an infrared laser interferometric technique to calibrate the substrate temperature with a higher accuracy...of AO as a function of AT is not feasible. Therefore, we calibrated the dependence of AO on AT experimentally (the dependence of the interferometric

Earth Systems Questions in Experimental Climate Change Science: Pressing Questions and Necessary Facilities

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

Osmond, B.

2002-05-20

Sixty-four scientists from universities, national laboratories, and other research institutions worldwide met to evaluate the feasibility and potential of the Biosphere2 Laboratory (B2L) as an inclusive multi-user scientific facility (i.e., a facility open to researchers from all institutions, according to agreed principles of access) for earth system studies and engineering research, education, and training relevant to the mission of the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Automated array assembly task, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carbajal, B. G.

1977-01-01

State-of-the-art technologies applicable to silicon solar cell and solar cell module fabrication were assessed. The assessment consisted of a technical feasibility evaluation and a cost projection for high volume production of solar cell modules. Design equations based on minimum power loss were used as a tool in the evaluation of metallization technologies. A solar cell process sensitivity study using models, computer calculations, and experimental data was used to identify process step variation and cell output variation correlations.

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations.

PubMed

Pidaparti, Ramana M; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-04-25

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications.

Space shuttle orbit maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senneff, J. M.

1975-01-01

The feasibility of potential reusable thrust chamber concepts is studied. Propellant condidates were examined and analytically combined with potential cooling schemes. A data base of engine data which would assist in a configuration selection was produced. The data base verification was performed by the demonstration of a thrust chamber of a selected coolant scheme design. A full scale insulated columbium thrust chamber was used for propellant coolant configurations. Combustion stability of the injectors and a reduced size thrust chamber were experimentally verified as proof of concept demonstrations of the design and study results.

THE ARMOUR DUST FUELED REACTOR (ADFR). Quarterly Progress Report No. 1 for the Period February 21, 1958 to May 21, 1958

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

Loewe, W.E.; Krucoff, D.

1958-10-31

Work has begun on the ADFR, a reactor using a new fuel form -- fissionable dust carried in an inent gas. Temperatures in the range 2,000 to 3,000 deg F appear feasible in an all-ceramic system. Experimental study of the fuel form was initiated, and a loop to circulate the fuel dust was constructed. Initial operation is encouraging. Theoretical studies were carried on in the areas of reactor physics, heat transfer, and safety. (auth)

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Evaluated With Simultaneous High Resolution Manometry and Electromyography

PubMed Central

Hutcheson, Katherine A.; Hammer, Michael J.; Rosen, Sarah P.; Jones, Corinne A.; McCulloch, Timothy M.

2017-01-01

Objective To examine feasibility of a simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) and electromyography (EMG) experimental paradigm to detect swallowing-related patterns of palatal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscle activity during expiratory training. Study Design Technical report. Methods Simultaneous HRM, surface submental, and intramuscular EMG were acquired in two healthy participants during five tasks: 10-cc water swallow, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) testing, and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) at three pressure levels (sham, 50%, and 75% MEP). Results Experimental conditions were feasible. Velopharyngeal closing pressure, palate EMG activity, and pharyngeal EMG activity increased as expiratory load increased. In contrast, thyroarytenoid EMG activity was low during the expiratory task, consistent with glottic opening during exhalation. Submental EMG patterns were more variable during expiratory tasks. Intraluminal air pressures recorded with HRM were correlated with measured expiratory pressures and target valve-opening pressures of the EMST device. Conclusion Results suggest that a simultaneous HRM/EMG/EMST paradigm may be used to detect previously unquantified swallowing-related muscle activity during EMST, particularly in the palate and pharynx. Our approach and initial findings will be helpful to guide future hypothesis-driven studies and may enable investigators to evaluate other muscle groups active during these tasks. Defining mechanisms of action is a critical next step toward refining therapeutic algorithms using EMST and other targeted treatments for populations with dysphagia and airway disorders. PMID:28083946

Numerical simulation of high speed incremental forming of aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giuseppina, Ambrogio; Teresa, Citrea; Luigino, Filice; Francesco, Gagliardi

2013-12-01

In this study, an innovative process is analyzed with the aim to satisfy the industrial requirements, such as process flexibility, differentiation and customizing of products, cost reduction, minimization of execution time, sustainable production, etc. The attention is focused on incremental forming process, nowadays used in different fields such as: rapid prototyping, medical sector, architectural industry, aerospace and marine, in the production of molds and dies. Incremental forming consists in deforming only a small region of the workspace through a punch driven by a NC machine. SPIF is the considered variant of the process, in which the punch gives local deformation without dies and molds; consequently, the final product geometry can be changed by the control of an actuator without requiring a set of different tools. The drawback of this process is its slowness. The aim of this study is to assess the IF feasibility at high speeds. An experimental campaign will be performed by a CNC lathe with high speed to test process feasibility and the influence on materials formability mainly on aluminum alloys. The first results show how the material presents the same performance than in conventional speed IF and, in some cases, better material behavior due to the temperature field. An accurate numerical simulation has been performed to investigate the material behavior during the high speed process substantially confirming experimental evidence.

Dosimetric feasibility of using tungsten-based functional paper for flexible chest wall protectors in intraoperative electron radiotherapy for breast cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamomae, Takeshi; Monzen, Hajime; Kawamura, Mariko; Okudaira, Kuniyasu; Nakaya, Takayoshi; Mukoyama, Takashi; Miyake, Yoshikazu; Ishihara, Yoshitomo; Itoh, Yoshiyuki; Naganawa, Shinji

2018-01-01

Intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT), which is an accelerated partial breast irradiation method, has been used for early-stage breast cancer treatment. In IOERT, a protective disk is inserted behind the target volume to minimize the dose received by normal tissues. However, to use such a disk, the surgical incision must be larger than the field size because the disk is manufactured from stiff and unyielding materials. In this study, the applicability of newly developed tungsten-based functional paper (TFP) was assessed as an alternative to the existing protective disk. The radiation-shielding performance of the TFP was verified through experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Percentage depth dose curves and lateral dose profiles with and without TFPs were measured and simulated on a dedicated IOERT accelerator. The number of piled-up TFPs was changed from 1 to 40. In the experimental measurements, the relative doses at the exit plane of the TFPs for 9 MeV were 42.7%, 9.2%, 0.2%, and 0.1% with 10, 20, 30, and 40 TFPs, respectively, whereas those for 12 MeV were 63.6%, 27.1%, 8.6%, and 0.2% with 10, 20, 30, and 40 TFPs, respectively. Slight dose enhancements caused by backscatter radiation from the TFPs were observed at the entrance plane of the TFPs at both beam energies. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation indicated the same tendency as the experimental measurements. Based on the experimental and simulated results, the radiation-shielding performances of 30 TFPs for 9 MeV and 40 TFPs for 12 MeV were confirmed to be acceptable and close to those of the existing protective disk. The findings of this study suggest the feasibility of using TFPs as flexible chest wall protectors in IOERT for breast cancer treatment.

Theoretical modeling of a portable x-ray tube based KXRF system to measure lead in bone

PubMed Central

Specht, Aaron J; Weisskopf, Marc G; Nie, Linda Huiling

2017-01-01

Objective K-shell x-ray fluorescence (KXRF) techniques have been used to identify health effects resulting from exposure to metals for decades, but the equipment is bulky and requires significant maintenance and licensing procedures. A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device was developed to overcome these disadvantages, but introduced a measurement dependency on soft tissue thickness. With recent advances to detector technology, an XRF device utilizing the advantages of both systems should be feasible. Approach In this study, we used Monte Carlo simulations to test the feasibility of an XRF device with a high-energy x-ray tube and detector operable at room temperature. Main Results We first validated the use of Monte Carlo N-particle transport code (MCNP) for x-ray tube simulations, and found good agreement between experimental and simulated results. Then, we optimized x-ray tube settings and found the detection limit of the high-energy x-ray tube based XRF device for bone lead measurements to be 6.91 μg g−1 bone mineral using a cadmium zinc telluride detector. Significance In conclusion, this study validated the use of MCNP in simulations of x-ray tube physics and XRF applications, and demonstrated the feasibility of a high-energy x-ray tube based XRF for metal exposure assessment. PMID:28169835

Alternating steady state free precession for estimation of current-induced magnetic flux density: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Lee, Hyunyeol; Jeong, Woo Chul; Kim, Hyung Joong; Woo, Eung Je; Park, Jaeseok

2016-05-01

To develop a novel, current-controlled alternating steady-state free precession (SSFP)-based conductivity imaging method and corresponding MR signal models to estimate current-induced magnetic flux density (Bz ) and conductivity distribution. In the proposed method, an SSFP pulse sequence, which is in sync with alternating current pulses, produces dual oscillating steady states while yielding nonlinear relation between signal phase and Bz . A ratiometric signal model between the states was analytically derived using the Bloch equation, wherein Bz was estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem for conductivity estimation. A theoretical analysis on the signal-to-noise ratio of Bz was given. Numerical and experimental studies were performed using SSFP-FID and SSFP-ECHO with current pulses positioned either before or after signal encoding to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method in conductivity estimation. Given all SSFP variants herein, SSFP-FID with alternating current pulses applied before signal encoding exhibits the highest Bz signal-to-noise ratio and conductivity contrast. Additionally, compared with conventional conductivity imaging, the proposed method benefits from rapid SSFP acquisition without apparent loss of conductivity contrast. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in estimating current-induced Bz and conductivity distribution. It can be a promising, rapid imaging strategy for quantitative conductivity imaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Theoretical modeling of a portable x-ray tube based KXRF system to measure lead in bone.

PubMed

Specht, Aaron J; Weisskopf, Marc G; Nie, Linda Huiling

2017-03-01

K-shell x-ray fluorescence (KXRF) techniques have been used to identify health effects resulting from exposure to metals for decades, but the equipment is bulky and requires significant maintenance and licensing procedures. A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device was developed to overcome these disadvantages, but introduced a measurement dependency on soft tissue thickness. With recent advances to detector technology, an XRF device utilizing the advantages of both systems should be feasible. In this study, we used Monte Carlo simulations to test the feasibility of an XRF device with a high-energy x-ray tube and detector operable at room temperature. We first validated the use of Monte Carlo N-particle transport code (MCNP) for x-ray tube simulations, and found good agreement between experimental and simulated results. Then, we optimized x-ray tube settings and found the detection limit of the high-energy x-ray tube based XRF device for bone lead measurements to be 6.91 µg g -1 bone mineral using a cadmium zinc telluride detector. In conclusion, this study validated the use of MCNP in simulations of x-ray tube physics and XRF applications, and demonstrated the feasibility of a high-energy x-ray tube based XRF for metal exposure assessment.

A three-stage experimental strategy to evaluate and validate an interplate IC50 format.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Daniel J; Lyons, Richard; Laflin, Philip; Pointon, Wayne; Kammonen, Juha

2007-12-01

The serial dilution of compounds to establish potency against target enzymes or receptors can at times be a rate-limiting step in project progression. We have investigated the possibility of running 50% inhibitory concentration experiments in an interplate format, with dose ranges constructed across plates. The advantages associated with this format include a faster reformatting time for the compounds while also increasing the number of doses that can be potentially generated. These two factors, in particular, would lend themselves to a higher-throughput and more timely testing of compounds, while also maximizing chances to capture fully developed dose-response curves. The key objective from this work was to establish a strategy to assess the feasibility of an interplate format to ensure that the quality of data generated would be equivalent to historical formats used. A three-stage approach was adopted to assess and validate running an assay in an interplate format, compared to an intraplate format. Although the three-stage strategy was tested with two different assay formats, it would be necessary to investigate the feasibility for other assay types. The recommendation is that the three-stage experimental strategy defined here is used to assess feasibility of other assay formats used.

Perfluorocarbon perfused vitrectomy: animal studies.

PubMed

Quiroz-Mercado, Hugo; Suarez-Tatá, Luis; Magdalenic, Rudi; Murillo-López, Sergio; García-Aguirre, Gerardo; Guerrero-Naranjo, Jose; Rodríguez-Reyes, Abelardo A

2004-02-01

To investigate the feasibility and advantages of using perfluorocarbon liquid (PCL) perfusion to remove vitreous during suction-cutting vitrectomy in rabbit and pig eyes. Experimental study. Balanced salt solution (BSS) was replaced by PCL perfusion during experimental vitrectomy. Oxygenated or nonoxygenated PCL was used in a recycling or a nonrecycling system. Recycling was achieved by two systems: a manual recycling system or a closed-loop system. The experiments in this study consisted of: an in vitro solubility observation, safety and feasibility of vitrectomy in rabbit eyes, effectiveness of vitrectomy with equal vitrectomy time in rabbit eyes, and retinal stability and pigment and blood dispersion in porcine eyes. Toxicity was assessed by a complete ophthalmic examination, endothelial cell count, electroretinography, and histopathology. Vitreous, blood, and pigments were immiscible in PCL. Manual recycling required less amounts of PCL than nonrecycling (15 vs 25 cc). Oxygenated and nonoxygenated PCL were not toxic. Perfluorocarbon liquid infusion removed more vitreous than balanced salt solution in a 3-minute vitrectomy time using the same settings on the vitrectomy machine. The PCL infusion in porcine eyes stabilized the retina and isolated vitreous cavity from pigment and blood and maintained a clear vitreous cavity. These data indicate that perfusion of PCL can be used to remove vitreous with a suction-cutting probe in rabbit and pig eyes. Retinal stability and isolation of the vitreous cavity at the time of vitreous removal along with PCL immiscibility and its specific gravity suggest that PCL has a potential clinical use as an irrigating solution to remove vitreous.

Feasible experimental study on the utilization of a 300 MW CFB boiler desulfurizating bottom ash for construction applications

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

Lu, X.F.; Amano, R.S.

2006-12-15

CFB boiler ash cannot be used as a cement replacement in concrete due to its unacceptably high sulfur content. The disposal in landfills has been the most common means of handling ash in circulating fluidized bed boiler power plants. However for a 300 MW CFB boiler power plant, there will be 600,000 tons of ash discharged per year and will result in great volumes and disposal cost of ash byproduct. It was very necessary to solve the utilization of CFB ash and to decrease the disposal cost of CFB ash. The feasible experimental study results on the utilization of themore » bottom ashes of a 300 MW CFB boiler in Baima power plant in China were reported in this paper. The bottom ashes used for test came from the discharged bottom ashes in a 100 MW CFB boiler in which the anthracite and limestone designed for the 300 MW CFB project was burned. The results of this study showed that the bottom ash could be used for cementitious material, road concrete, and road base material. The masonry cements, road concrete with 30 MPa compressive strength and 4.0 MPa flexural strength, and the road base material used for base courses of the expressway, the main road and the minor lane were all prepared with milled CFB bottom ashes in the lab. The better methods of utilization of the bottom ashes were discussed in this paper.« less

Effectiveness of a low-cost virtual reality system for children with developmental delay: a preliminary randomised single-blind controlled trial.

PubMed

Salem, Yasser; Gropack, Stacy Jaffee; Coffin, Dale; Godwin, Ellen M

2012-09-01

Physical and occupational therapists have started to use the Nintendo Wii™ gaming system with adults and children as part of their regular treatment. Despite the growing use of the Wii and trend towards evidence-based practice, limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of virtual reality using the Wii for children with developmental delay. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a low-cost gaming system for young children with developmental delay. Single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Forty children with developmental delay (age 39 to 58 months) who attended a segregated or integrated preschool participated in this study. All children's parents read and signed an informed consent form approved by the institutional review board. Children were assigned at random to an experimental (Wii) group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). Two weekly sessions for 10 weeks using Nintendo Wii Sports™ and Nintendo Wii Fit™, including balance, strength training and aerobics games. Participants were evaluated 1 week before and 1 week after the programme by a blinded investigator. Primary outcomes were gait speed, timed up and go test, single leg stance test, five-times-sit-to-stand test, timed up and down stairs test, 2-minute walk test and grip strength. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was used to assess gross motor skills. The two groups were homogenous regarding all parameters at baseline. The Wii training was feasible and enjoyable for those in the experimental group. There were no adverse effects or injuries reported over 267 training sessions. Comparison of groups following the intervention indicated that the experimental group showed significant improvements compared with the control group in single leg stance test {mean difference 1.03 [standard deviation (SD) 1.7], 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 1.9; P=0.017}, right grip strength [mean difference 1.11 (SD 1.84), 95% CI 0.15 to 2.06; P=0.024] and left grip strength [mean difference 0.90 (SD 1.67), 95% CI 0.03 to 1.77; P=0.043]. Although changes in other outcome measures were not significant between the study groups, there were trends towards greater improvements in the experimental group compared with the control group. This study supports use of the Wii as a feasible, safe and potentially effective therapeutic tool to augment the rehabilitation of young children with developmental delay. The potential application of the Wii to increase the intensity of therapy or as a rehabilitation tool in children's homes and rural settings is an area worthy of investigation. The promising results of this study suggest that further studies are warranted to validate the potential benefits of a low-cost commercially available gaming system as a treatment strategy to supplement rehabilitation of children with disabilities. Copyright © 2012 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of virtual rehabilitation versus conventional physical therapy on postural control, gait, and cognition of patients with Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial.

PubMed

Silva, Keyte Guedes; De Freitas, Tatiana Beline; Doná, Flávia; Ganança, Fernando Freitas; Ferraz, Henrique Ballalai; Torriani-Pasin, Camila; Pompeu, José Eduardo

2017-01-01

There is an association among postural instability, gait dysfunction, and cognitive impairment in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). Difficulty in dividing attention, response inhibition, and visuospatial attention deficiencies may contribute to the impairment of motor performance during daily activities. There are strong evidences that physical therapy can prevent physical and cognitive decline in individuals with PD. Recently, the European Physiotherapy Guideline (EPG) was developed based on randomized clinical trials about the effectiveness of the physical therapy to improve the functional deficiencies of individuals with PD. The EPG did not include the use of promising new intervention as virtual reality in PD due the lack of studies about its safety, feasibility and effectiveness. Therefore, this study protocol had as objective to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a physical therapy program-based on the European Physiotherapy Guideline (EPG) compared to Kinect-based training on postural control, gait, cognition, and quality of life (QoL) of Individuals with PD. A single-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled feasibility trial will be conducted with a sample of 32 individuals diagnosed with idiopathic PD. Participants will be allocated into control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The intervention of the CG will be conventional physical therapy, and the intervention of the EG will be a supervised practice of five Kinect games. Both groups will perform 14 sessions of 1 h each one, twice a week over 7 weeks. Process outcomes will be safety, feasibility, adherence, and acceptability. Safety will be assessed by the proportion of participants who experienced intervention-related adverse events or any serious adverse event during the study period. Feasibility will be assessed through the scores of the games recorded in all training sessions. Adherence will be assessed through the participant's attendance. Acceptability will be the motivation of the participants regarding the interventions. Clinical outcomes will be (1) postural control, (2) cognitive function, (3) balance, (4) gait, and (5) QoL. Individuals will be assessed pre- and post-interventions and after 30 days by a blinded evaluator. This protocol will clarify if an intervention based on Kinect games will be feasible, safe, and acceptable for individuals with PD compared to conventional physical therapy. We will verify whether the proposed interventions can improve clinical outcomes as postural control, gait, cognition, and QoL of individuals with PD. Our hypothesis is that both Kinect games and conventional physical therapy will be feasible, safe, and acceptable for individuals with PD and will promote positive clinical effects. The results of this feasibility study will be used to design a future definitive clinical trial. Unique identification number in WHO Trial Registration: U1111-1171-0371. Brazilian Clinical Trial Registration Number RBR-27kqv5, registration date: February, 2016.

Gas-Grain Simulation Facility: Fundamental studies of particle formation and interactions. Volume 2: Abstracts, candidate experiments and feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogleman, Guy (Editor); Huntington, Judith L. (Editor); Schwartz, Deborah E. (Editor); Fonda, Mark L. (Editor)

1989-01-01

An overview of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF) project and its current status is provided. The proceedings of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility Experiments Workshop are recorded. The goal of the workshop was to define experiments for the GGSF--a small particle microgravity research facility. The workshop addressed the opportunity for performing, in Earth orbit, a wide variety of experiments that involve single small particles (grains) or clouds of particles. Twenty experiments from the fields of exobiology, planetary science, astrophysics, atmospheric science, biology, physics, and chemistry were described at the workshop and are outlined in Volume 2. Each experiment description included specific scientific objectives, an outline of the experimental procedure, and the anticipated GGSF performance requirements. Since these experiments represent the types of studies that will ultimately be proposed for the facility, they will be used to define the general science requirements of the GGSF. Also included in the second volume is a physics feasibility study and abstracts of example Gas-Grain Simulation Facility experiments and related experiments in progress.

Experimental investigation of basic oxygen furnace slag used as aggregate in asphalt mixture.

PubMed

Xue, Yongjie; Wu, Shaopeng; Hou, Haobo; Zha, Jin

2006-11-16

Chinese researchers have commenced a great deal of researches on the development of application fields of basic oxygen steel making furnace slag (BOF slag) for many years. Lots of new applications and properties have been found, but few of them in asphalt mixture of road construction engineering. This paper discussed the feasibility of BOF steel slag used as aggregate in asphalt pavement by two points of view including BOF steel slag's physical and micro-properties as well as steel slag asphalt materials and pavement performances. For the former part, this paper mainly concerned the mechanochemistry and physical changes of the steel slag and studied it by performing XRD, SEM, TG and mercury porosimeter analysis and testing method. In the second part, this paper intended to use BOF steel slag as raw material, and design steel slag SMA mixture. By using traditional rutting test, soak wheel track and modified Lottman test, the high temperature stability and water resistance ability were tested. Single axes compression test and indirect tensile test were performed to evaluate the low temperature crack resistance performance and fatigue characteristic. Simultaneously, by observing steel slag SMA pavement which was paved successfully. A follow-up study to evaluate the performance of the experimental pavement confirmed that the experimental pavement was comparable with conventional asphalt pavement, even superior to the later in some aspects. All of above test results and analysis had only one main purpose that this paper validated the opinion that using BOF slag in asphalt concrete is feasible. So this paper suggested that treated and tested steel slag should be used in a more extensive range, especially in asphalt mixture paving projects in such an abundant steel slag resource region.

Feasibility of motion laws for planar one degree of freedom linkage mechanisms at dead point configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lores García, E.; Veciana Fontanet, J. M.; Jordi Nebot, L.

2018-01-01

This paper proposes an analytical solution of the Inverse Kinematics (IK) problem at dead point configurations for any planar one degree of freedom linkage mechanism, with regard to the continuity Cn of the motion law. The systems analyzed are those whose elements are linked with lower pairs and do not present redundancies. The study aims to provide the user with some rules to facilitate the design of feasible motion profiles to be reproduced by conventional electrical actuators at these configurations. During the last decades, several methods and techniques have been developed to study this specific configuration. However, these techniques are mainly focused on solving numerically the IK indeterminacy, rather than analyzing the motion laws that the mechanisms are able to perform at these particular configurations. The analysis presented in this paper has been carried out differentiating and applying l'Hôpital's rule to the system of constraint equations ϕ (q) of the mechanism. The study also considers the feasibility of the time-domain profiles to be reproduced with conventional electrical actuators (i.e. AC/DC motors, linear actuators, etc.). To show the usefulness and effectiveness of the method, the development includes the analytical application and numerical simulations for two common one degree of freedom systems: a slider-crank and a four linkage mechanisms. Finally, experimental results are presented on a four linkage mechanism test bed.

Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface

PubMed Central

Smits, Kathleen; Eagen, Victoria; Trautz, Andrew

2015-01-01

Evaporation is directly influenced by the interactions between the atmosphere, land surface and soil subsurface. This work aims to experimentally study evaporation under various surface boundary conditions to improve our current understanding and characterization of this multiphase phenomenon as well as to validate numerical heat and mass transfer theories that couple Navier-Stokes flow in the atmosphere and Darcian flow in the porous media. Experimental data were collected using a unique soil tank apparatus interfaced with a small climate controlled wind tunnel. The experimental apparatus was instrumented with a suite of state of the art sensor technologies for the continuous and autonomous collection of soil moisture, soil thermal properties, soil and air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. This experimental apparatus can be used to generate data under well controlled boundary conditions, allowing for better control and gathering of accurate data at scales of interest not feasible in the field. Induced airflow at several distinct wind speeds over the soil surface resulted in unique behavior of heat and mass transfer during the different evaporative stages. PMID:26131928

Feasibility of Using a Novel 2.45 GHz Double Short Distance Slot Coaxial Antenna for Minimally Invasive Cancer Breast Microwave Ablation Therapy: Computational Model, Phantom, and In Vivo Swine Experimentation

PubMed Central

Cepeda Rubio, M. F. J.; Leija, L.

2018-01-01

Microwave ablation (MWA) by using coaxial antennas is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. A double short distance slot coaxial antenna as a newly optimized applicator for minimally invasive treatment of breast cancer is proposed. To validate and to analyze the feasibility of using this method in clinical treatment, a computational model, phantom, and breast swine in vivo experimentation were carried out, by using four microwave powers (50 W, 30 W, 20 W, and 10 W). The finite element method (FEM) was used to develop the computational model. Phantom experimentation was carried out in breast phantom. The in vivo experimentation was carried out in a 90 kg swine sow. Tissue damage was estimated by comparing control and treated micrographs of the porcine mammary gland samples. The coaxial slot antenna was inserted in swine breast glands by using image-guided ultrasound. In all cases, modeling, in vivo and phantom experimentation, and ablation temperatures (above 60°C) were reached. The in vivo experiments suggest that this new MWA applicator could be successfully used to eliminate precise and small areas of tissue (around 20–30 mm2). By modulating the power and time applied, it may be possible to increase/decrease the ablation area. PMID:29854360

Recommendations for research design of telehealth studies.

PubMed

Chumbler, Neale R; Kobb, Rita; Brennan, David M; Rabinowitz, Terry

2008-11-01

Properly designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard to use when examining the effectiveness of telehealth interventions on clinical outcomes. Some published telehealth studies have employed well-designed RCTs. However, such methods are not always feasible and practical in particular settings. This white paper addresses not only the need for properly designed RCTs, but also offers alternative research designs, such as quasi-experimental designs, and statistical techniques that can be employed to rigorously assess the effectiveness of telehealth studies. This paper further offers design and measurement recommendations aimed at and relevant to administrative decision-makers, policymakers, and practicing clinicians.

Water-gas-shift over metal-free nanocrystalline ceria: An experimental and theoretical study

DOE PAGES

Guild, Curtis J.; Vovchok, Dimitriy; Kriz, David A.; ...

2017-01-23

A tandem experimental and theoretical investigation of a mesoporous ceria catalyst reveals the properties of the metal oxide are conducive for activity typically ascribed to metals, suggesting reduced Ce 3+ and oxygen vacancies are responsible for the inherent bi-functionality of CO oxidation and dissociation of water required for facilitating the production of H 2. The degree of reduction of the ceria, specifically the (1 0 0) face, is found to significantly influence the binding of reagents, suggesting reduced surfaces harbor the necessary reactive sites. The metal-free catalysis of the reaction is significant for catalyst design considerations, and the suite ofmore » in situ analyses provides a comprehensive study of the dynamic nature of the high surface area catalyst system. Finally, this study postulates feasible improvements in catalytic activity may redirect the purpose of the water-gas shift reaction from CO purification to primary hydrogen production.« less

Water-gas-shift over metal-free nanocrystalline ceria: An experimental and theoretical study

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

Guild, Curtis J.; Vovchok, Dimitriy; Kriz, David A.

A tandem experimental and theoretical investigation of a mesoporous ceria catalyst reveals the properties of the metal oxide are conducive for activity typically ascribed to metals, suggesting reduced Ce 3+ and oxygen vacancies are responsible for the inherent bi-functionality of CO oxidation and dissociation of water required for facilitating the production of H 2. The degree of reduction of the ceria, specifically the (1 0 0) face, is found to significantly influence the binding of reagents, suggesting reduced surfaces harbor the necessary reactive sites. The metal-free catalysis of the reaction is significant for catalyst design considerations, and the suite ofmore » in situ analyses provides a comprehensive study of the dynamic nature of the high surface area catalyst system. Finally, this study postulates feasible improvements in catalytic activity may redirect the purpose of the water-gas shift reaction from CO purification to primary hydrogen production.« less

An orbital angular momentum radio communication system optimized by intensity controlled masks effectively: Theoretical design and experimental verification

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

Gao, Xinlu; Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Department of Physics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875; Huang, Shanguo, E-mail: shghuang@bupt.edu.cn

A system of generating and receiving orbital angular momentum (OAM) radio beams, which are collectively formed by two circular array antennas (CAAs) and effectively optimized by two intensity controlled masks, is proposed and experimentally investigated. The scheme is effective in blocking of the unwanted OAM modes and enhancing the power of received radio signals, which results in the capacity gain of system and extended transmission distance of the OAM radio beams. The operation principle of the intensity controlled masks, which can be regarded as both collimator and filter, is feasible and simple to realize. Numerical simulations of intensity and phasemore » distributions at each key cross-sectional plane of the radio beams demonstrate the collimated results. The experimental results match well with the theoretical analysis and the receive distance of the OAM radio beam at radio frequency (RF) 20 GHz is extended up to 200 times of the wavelength of the RF signals, the measured distance is 5 times of the original measured distance. The presented proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates the feasibility of the system.« less

Constructing experimental devices for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator and its performance.

PubMed

Park, Young Seo; Jang, Yeong Min; Joo, Kyung Kwang

2018-04-01

This paper describes in brief features of various experimental devices constructed for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium(Gd)-loaded liquid scintillator (GdLS) and also includes the performances and detailed chemical and physical results of a 0.5% high-concentration GdLS. Various feasibility studies on useful apparatus used for loading Gd into solvents have been carried out. The transmittance, Gd concentration, density, light yield, and moisture content were measured for quality control. We show that with the help of adequate automated experimental devices and tools, it is possible to perform ton scale synthesis of GdLS at moderate laboratory scale without difficulty. The synthesized GdLS was satisfactory to meet chemical, optical, and physical properties and various safety requirements. These synthesizing devices can be expanded into massive scale next-generation neutrino experiments of several hundred tons.

Motion of a virtual cathode in a cylindrical channel with electron beam transport in the “compressed” state

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

Belomyttsev, S. Ya.; Grishkov, A. A.; Tsygankov, R. V.

2014-03-15

This paper studies the motion of a virtual cathode in a two-section drift tube with the formation and breakup of the “compressed” state of an electron beam. Experimental arrangements to intercept part of the injected current during the voltage pulse and to provide virtual cathode motion toward the collector are proposed. The arrangements were implemented on the SINUS-7 high-current electron accelerator. Theoretical and experimental dependences of the virtual cathode velocity on the injected current and cathode voltage are presented. The experimental data on virtual cathode motion agree with its theoretical model based on analytical solutions of equations assisted by computermore » simulation with the PIC code KARAT. The results of the work demonstrate the feasibility of controlling the virtual cathode motion which can be used in collective ion acceleration and microwave generation.« less

Constructing experimental devices for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator and its performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Young Seo; Jang, Yeong Min; Joo, Kyung Kwang

2018-04-01

This paper describes in brief features of various experimental devices constructed for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium(Gd)-loaded liquid scintillator (GdLS) and also includes the performances and detailed chemical and physical results of a 0.5% high-concentration GdLS. Various feasibility studies on useful apparatus used for loading Gd into solvents have been carried out. The transmittance, Gd concentration, density, light yield, and moisture content were measured for quality control. We show that with the help of adequate automated experimental devices and tools, it is possible to perform ton scale synthesis of GdLS at moderate laboratory scale without difficulty. The synthesized GdLS was satisfactory to meet chemical, optical, and physical properties and various safety requirements. These synthesizing devices can be expanded into massive scale next-generation neutrino experiments of several hundred tons.

Quantitative analysis of multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lihong; Li, Xiang; Wei, Xinzhou; Sturm, Deborah; Lu, Hongbing; Liang, Zhengrong

2006-03-01

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with a presumed immune-mediated etiology. For treatment of MS, the measurements of white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) are often used in conjunction with clinical evaluation to provide a more objective measure of MS burden. In this paper, we apply a new unifying automatic mixture-based algorithm for segmentation of brain tissues to quantitatively analyze MS. The method takes into account the following effects that commonly appear in MR imaging: 1) The MR data is modeled as a stochastic process with an inherent inhomogeneity effect of smoothly varying intensity; 2) A new partial volume (PV) model is built in establishing the maximum a posterior (MAP) segmentation scheme; 3) Noise artifacts are minimized by a priori Markov random field (MRF) penalty indicating neighborhood correlation from tissue mixture. The volumes of brain tissues (WM, GM) and CSF are extracted from the mixture-based segmentation. Experimental results of feasibility studies on quantitative analysis of MS are presented.

Two candidate systems for unmanned fog bank detection

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-06-01

The detection of coastal fog banks by remote sensing methods is discussed. The feasibility of laser backscattering (LIDAR) and infrared radiometry is explored in detail. These techniques are analyzed theoretically and experimental data are presented ...

Experimental BCAS Performance Results

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-07-01

The results of the (Litchford) Beacon-based Collision Avoidance System concept feasibility evaluation are reported. Included are a description of the concept, analysis and flight test results. The system concept is based on the range and bearing meas...

Partial Least Squares with Structured Output for Modelling the Metabolomics Data Obtained from Complex Experimental Designs: A Study into the Y-Block Coding.

PubMed

Xu, Yun; Muhamadali, Howbeer; Sayqal, Ali; Dixon, Neil; Goodacre, Royston

2016-10-28

Partial least squares (PLS) is one of the most commonly used supervised modelling approaches for analysing multivariate metabolomics data. PLS is typically employed as either a regression model (PLS-R) or a classification model (PLS-DA). However, in metabolomics studies it is common to investigate multiple, potentially interacting, factors simultaneously following a specific experimental design. Such data often cannot be considered as a "pure" regression or a classification problem. Nevertheless, these data have often still been treated as a regression or classification problem and this could lead to ambiguous results. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of designing a hybrid target matrix Y that better reflects the experimental design than simple regression or binary class membership coding commonly used in PLS modelling. The new design of Y coding was based on the same principle used by structural modelling in machine learning techniques. Two real metabolomics datasets were used as examples to illustrate how the new Y coding can improve the interpretability of the PLS model compared to classic regression/classification coding.

Telephonic screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among workers contacting the employee assistance program: A feasibility study.

PubMed

McPherson, Tracy L; Goplerud, Eric; Derr, Dennis; Mickenberg, Judy; Courtemanche, Sherry

2010-11-01

Substantial empirical support exists for alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in medical, but not non-medical settings such as the workplace. Workplace settings remain underutilised for delivering evidenced-based health services. This research aims to translate medical research into behavioural health-care practice in a telephonic call centre acting as a point of entry into an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The goal of the study is to examine the feasibility of implementing routine telephonic alcohol SBIRT in an EAP call centre and assess whether routine SBIRT results in increased identification of workers who misuse alcohol. The design was pretest-posttest, one-group, pre-experimental. An alcohol SBIRT program developed based on World Health Organization recommendations was implemented in one EAP call centre serving one large employer. Workers were offered screening using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) during intake, brief counselling using motivational interviewing, referral to counselling, and follow-up. At 5 months, 93% of workers contacting the EAP completed the AUDIT-C: 40% prescreened positive and 52% went on to screen at moderate or high risk for an alcohol problem. Overall identification rate (18%) approached general US population estimates. Most agreed to follow-up and three-quarters set an appointment for face-to-face counselling. Integration of routine alcohol SBIRT into EAP practice is feasible in telephonic delivery systems and increases identification and opportunity for brief motivational counselling. When SBIRT is seamlessly integrated workers are willing to answer questions about alcohol and participate in follow-up.[McPherson TL, Goplerud E, Derr D, Mickenberg J, Courtemanche S. Telephonic screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among workers contacting the employee assistance program: A feasibility study. © 2010 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Engineering of nonclassical motional states in optomechanical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xun-Wei; Wang, Hui; Zhang, Jing; Liu, Yu-xi

2013-12-01

We propose to synthesize arbitrary nonclassical motional states in optomechanical systems by using sideband excitations and photon blockade. We first demonstrate that the Hamiltonian of the optomechanical systems can be reduced, in the strong single-photon optomechanical coupling regime when the photon blockade occurs, to one describing the interaction between a driven two-level trapped ion and the vibrating modes, and then show a method to generate target states by using a series of classical pulses with desired frequencies, phases, and durations. We further analyze the effect of the photon leakage, due to small anharmonicity, on the fidelity of the expected motional state, and study environment induced decoherence. Moreover, we also discuss the experimental feasibility and provide operational parameters using the possible experimental data.

Generation of dark hollow beam via coherent combination based on adaptive optics.

PubMed

Zheng, Yi; Wang, Xiaohua; Shen, Feng; Li, Xinyang

2010-12-20

A novel method for generating a dark hollow beam (DHB) is proposed and studied both theoretically and experimentally. A coherent combination technique for laser arrays is implemented based on adaptive optics (AO). A beam arraying structure and an active segmented mirror are designed and described. Piston errors are extracted by a zero-order interference detection system with the help of a custom-made photo-detectors array. An algorithm called the extremum approach is adopted to calculate feedback control signals. A dynamic piston error is imported by LiNbO₃ to test the capability of the AO servo. In a closed loop the stable and clear DHB is obtained. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the concept.

Experimental implant communication of high data rate video using an ultra wideband radio link.

PubMed

Chávez-Santiago, Raúl; Balasingham, Ilangko; Bergsland, Jacob; Zahid, Wasim; Takizawa, Kenichi; Miura, Ryu; Li, Huan-Bang

2013-01-01

Ultra wideband (UWB) is one of the radio technologies adopted by the IEEE 802.15.6™-2012 standard for on-body communication in body area networks (BANs). However, a number of simulation-based studies suggest the feasibility of using UWB for high data rate implant communication too. This paper presents an experimental verification of said predictions. We carried out radio transmissions of H.264/1280×720 pixels video at 80 Mbps through a UWB multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) interface in a porcine chirurgical model. The results demonstrated successful transmission up to a maximum depth of 30 mm in the abdomen and 33 mm in the thorax within the 4.2-4.8 GHz frequency band.

Carbon monoxide and oxygen combustion experiments: A demonstration of Mars in situ propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linne, Diane L.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of using carbon monoxide and oxygen as rocket propellants was examined both experimentally and theoretically. The steady-state combustion of carbon monoxide and oxygen was demonstrated for the first time in a subscale rocket engine. Measurements of experimental characteristic velocity, vacuum specific impulse, and thrust coefficient efficiency were obtained over a mixture ratio range of 0.30 to 2.0 and a chamber pressures of 1070 and 530 kPa. The theoretical performance of the propellant combination was studied parametrically over the same mixture ratio range. In addition to one dimensional ideal performance predictions, various performance reduction mechanisms were also modeled, including finite-rate kinetic reactions, two-dimensional divergence effects and viscous boundary layer effects.

Clinical feasibility of brain-computer interface based on steady-state visual evoked potential in patients with locked-in syndrome: Case studies.

PubMed

Hwang, Han-Jeong; Han, Chang-Hee; Lim, Jeong-Hwan; Kim, Yong-Wook; Choi, Soo-In; An, Kwang-Ok; Lee, Jun-Hak; Cha, Ho-Seung; Hyun Kim, Seung; Im, Chang-Hwan

2017-03-01

Although the feasibility of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems based on steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) has been extensively investigated, only a few studies have evaluated its clinical feasibility in patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS), who are the main targets of BCI technology. The main objective of this case report was to share our experiences of SSVEP-based BCI experiments involving five patients with LIS, thereby providing researchers with useful information that can potentially help them to design BCI experiments for patients with LIS. In our experiments, a four-class online SSVEP-based BCI system was implemented and applied to four of five patients repeatedly on multiple days to investigate its test-retest reliability. In the last experiments with two of the four patients, the practical usability of our BCI system was tested using a questionnaire survey. All five patients showed clear and distinct SSVEP responses at all four fundamental stimulation frequencies (6, 6.66, 7.5, 10 Hz), and responses at harmonic frequencies were also observed in three patients. Mean classification accuracy was 76.99% (chance level = 25%). The test-retest reliability experiments demonstrated stable performance of our BCI system over different days even when the initial experimental settings (e.g., electrode configuration, fixation time, visual angle) used in the first experiment were used without significant modifications. Our results suggest that SSVEP-based BCI paradigms might be successfully used to implement clinically feasible BCI systems for severely paralyzed patients. © 2016 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Examining the Feasibility of Smartphone Game Applications for Physical Activity Promotion in Middle School Students.

PubMed

Blackman, Kacie C A; Zoellner, Jamie; Kadir, Adil; Dockery, Brandon; Johnson, Sallie Beth; Almeida, Fabio A; McCrickard, D Scott; Hill, Jennie L; You, Wen; Estabrooks, Paul A

2015-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility (i.e., limited efficacy testing, practicality, and acceptability) of a 6-week smartphone game-based applications program for promoting physical activity (PA) in adolescents in an afterschool program. This mixed-method, quasi-experimental design study included 27 adolescents who evaluated four smartphone PA game-based applications in two Boys & Girls Clubs of America. After an initial baseline week (i.e., usual activity during their visit to the Club), adolescents played each game for 1 week. During a final week, the participants could choose to play any combination of the four games. An established conceptual framework was used to assess feasibility. Efficacy was assessed by changes in PA via wrist-worn accelerometers (model GT3x+; ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL). Practicality was measured through field notes, the number of players attending each session, and the proportion of attendees who played the games. Acceptability was measured using poststudy focus groups. Compared with baseline (3.22 metabolic equivalents [METs]), mean accelerometer values were significantly (P<0.05) higher during "Space Rayders" (4.33 METs) and "Color Hunt" (3.67 METs). Attendance did not differ among games, and weekly number of players averaged 12 of 27 participants. Qualitative findings indicated that participants perceived "Space Rayders" as the most acceptable game. Overall, participants found the games to be enjoyable and easy to use, although they had suggestions to improve graphics and sounds. Smartphone games can be feasible for adolescents to use for PA. Lessons learned will be used to provide improvements for future game development and evaluation.

Design of experimental system for supercritical CO2 fracturing under confining pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Lu, Q.; Li, X.; Yang, B.; Zheng, Y.; Shi, L.; Shi, X.

2018-03-01

Supercritical CO2 has the characteristics of low viscosity, high diffusion and zero surface tension, and it is considered as a new fluid for non-polluting and non-aqueous fracturing which can be used for shale gas development. Fracturing refers to a method of utilizing the high-pressure fluid to generate fractures in the rock formation so as to improve the oil and gas flow conditions and increase the oil and gas production. In this article, a new type of experimental system for supercritical CO2 fracturing under confining pressure conditions is designed, which is based on characteristics of supercritical CO2, shale reservoir and down-hole environment. The experimental system consists of three sub-systems, including supercritical CO2 generation system, supercritical CO2 fracturing system and data analysis system. It can be used to simulate supercritical CO2 fracturing under geo-stress conditions, thus to study the rock initiation pressure, the formation of the rock fractures, fractured surface morphology and so on. The experimental system has successfully carried out a series of supercritical CO2 fracturing experiments. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the experimental system and the high efficiency of supercritical CO2 in fracturing tight rocks.

Feasibility of the runt cow for in vivo testing of a spinal interbody prosthesis with preliminary results.

PubMed

Buttermann, Glenn R; Mendenhall, H Vincent

2012-04-01

The optimal lumbar spinal disc prosthesis has yet to be developed. Failures of clinical device studies may be minimized by appropriate large animal preclinical studies. The lumbar spine of the mature "runt" cow, Corrientes breed, has been shown to have a number of desirable characteristics to the human. This study assessed the feasibility of the "runt" cow for in vivo testing of human-sized lumbar interbody implants and the ability to perform common analyses of explants. Eight cows (four experimental and four controls) were compared. The experimental animals had transosseous implantation of the disc prosthesis at L4-L5, and their spines were harvested at four or six months. They were evaluated for the ease of surgical access and healing, motion segment mobility, ability to remove the implant nondestructively, and microradiography and histomorphology. All animals had successful implantation. All explantations were performed without alteration to the devices. All animals had surgical healing and intended device motion, and histology found device stability by demonstrating bone ingrowth into the device's porous plates. There was a significant 46% increase in the amount of trabecular bone adjacent to the implants. The mature runt cow allows for implantation of human-sized interbody and intrabody spinal prostheses. This animal model allowed for macro- and histological analysis of the implant and surrounding tissues. In vivo stability was demonstrated for the disc prosthesis while also allowing for evaluation of intended mobility. Additionally, this is the first study to suggest increased bone density supporting an interbody prosthesis.

Experimental extractions of particle position from inline holograms using single coefficient of Wigner-Ville analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widjaja, Joewono; Dawprateep, Saowaros; Chuamchaitrakool, Porntip

2017-07-01

Extractions of particle positions from inline holograms using a single coefficient of Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) are experimentally verified. WVD analysis of holograms gives local variation of fringe frequency. Regardless of an axial position of particles, one of the WVD coefficients has the unique characteristics of having the lowest amplitude and being located on a line with a slope inversely proportional to the particle position. Experimental results obtained using two image sensors with different resolutions verify the feasibility of the present method.

Solar Kilns: Feasibility of Utilizing Solar Energy for Drying Lumber in Developing Countries,

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-01-01

Design. .. ............. ... 52 Direct ( Greenhouse ) Design .. .. ............ ... 57 Literature Cited and Partial Bibliography of Solar Lumber Drying...experimental performance of a greenhouse -type solar kiln in Puerto Rico. (Chudnoff et al., 1966). 36"J. Table 9.--Comparison of experimental and calculated...at one dryer orientation (long axis north-south) from 30 percent to 10 percent moisture content. 49 Table 15.-- Greenhouse -type solar kiln capacity

Woodward Effect Experimental Verifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

March, Paul

2004-02-01

The work of J. F. Woodward (1990 1996a; 1996b; 1998; 2002a; 2002b; 2004) on the existence of ``mass fluctuations'' and their use in exotic propulsion schemes was examined for possible application in improving space flight propulsion and power generation. Woodward examined Einstein's General Relativity Theory (GRT) and assumed that if the strong Machian interpretation of GRT as well as gravitational / inertia like Wheeler-Feynman radiation reaction forces hold, then when an elementary particle is accelerated through a potential gradient, its rest mass should fluctuate around its mean value during its acceleration. Woodward also used GRT to clarify the precise experimental conditions necessary for observing and exploiting these mass fluctuations or ``Woodward effect'' (W-E). Later, in collaboration with his ex-graduate student T. Mahood, they also pushed the experimental verification boundaries of these proposals. If these purported mass fluctuations occur as Woodward claims, and his assumption that gravity and inertia are both byproducts of the same GRT based phenomenon per Mach's Principle is correct, then many innovative applications such as propellantless propulsion and gravitational exotic matter generators may be feasible. This paper examines the reality of mass fluctuations and the feasibility of using the W-E to design propellantless propulsion devices in the near to mid-term future. The latest experimental results, utilizing MHD-like force rectification systems, will also be presented.

Attention Training in Smokers: A Feasibility Study of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-04

assessed state anxiety (Sayette, Martin, Wertz, Perrott, & Peters, 2001); 5) Hunger - One item assessed the degree of hunger . In addition, 3 items...Children With ADHD. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology , 24(6), 781-791. 46 Lubman, D. I., Peters, L. A., Mogg, K., Bradley, B... Hunger (1-7) 3.03 (1.49) 2.89 (1.52) 3.24 (1.97) 3.13 (2.02) 3.04 (1.84) Table 6 Note. Mean (SD) for Bias scores, Craving, and other

Testing and analyses of electrochemical cells using frequency response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, O. A., Jr.; Thomas, D. L.

1992-01-01

The feasibility of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a method for analyzing battery state of health and state of charge was investigated. Porous silver, zinc, nickel, and cadmium electrodes as well as silver/zinc cells were studied. State of charge could be correlated with impedance data for all but the nickel electrodes. State of health was correlated with impedance data for two silver/zinc cells, one apparently good and the other dead. The experimental data were fit to equivalent circuit models.

Descriptive Summaries of the Research Development Test & Evaluation. Army Appropriation FY 1984. Supporting Data FY 1984 Budget Estimate Submitted to Congress--February 1983. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

s.,ccesstully modeled to enhance future computer design simulations; (2) a new methodology for conduc*n dynamic analysis of vehicle mechanics was...to prelminary design methodology for tilt rotors, advancing blade concepts configuration helicopters, and compound helicopters in conjunction with...feasibility of low-level personnel parachutes has been demon- strated. A study was begun to design a free-fall water contalner. An experimental program to

Experimental study of the electrolysis of silicate melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, Rudolf

1992-01-01

Melting and electrolyzing lunar silicates yields oxygen gas and potentially can be practiced in situ to produce oxygen. With the present experiments conducted with simulant oxides at 1425-1480 C, it was ascertained that oxygen can be obtained anodically at feasible rates and current efficiencies. An electrolysis cell was operated with platinum anodes in a sealed vessel, and the production of gas was monitored. In these electrolysis experiments, stability of anodes remained a problem, and iron and silicon did not reduce readily into the liquid silver cathode.

Pilot Comparisons of Temporary Open Revascularization Using Stent Grafts vs. Standard Shunts in a Sheep (Ovis aries) Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-14

using stent grafts vs. standard shunts in a sheep (Ovis aries) model." PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Pl) I TRAINING COORDINATOR (TC): Lt Col James Sampson...Objectives: Pilot study and development of an experimental model to test and compare the performance of endovascular stent -graft as an arterial shunt...FDG2015001 OA 2 Results: Exposure and placement of vascular stent -grafts and shunts into the common carotid artery was feasible. Stent -graft and

Feasibility study of complex wavefield retrieval in off-axis acoustic holography employing an acousto-optic sensor

PubMed Central

Rodríguez, Guillermo López; Weber, Joshua; Sandhu, Jaswinder Singh; Anastasio, Mark A.

2011-01-01

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new method for complex-valued wavefield retrieval in off-axis acoustic holography. The method involves use of an intensity-sensitive acousto-optic (AO) sensor, optimized for use at 3.3 MHz, to record the acoustic hologram and a computational method for reconstruction of the object wavefield. The proposed method may circumvent limitations of conventional implementations of acoustic holography and may facilitate the development of acoustic-holography-based biomedical imaging methods. PMID:21669451

Potassium Permanganate as an Alternative for Gold Mining Wastewater Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ordiales, M.; Fernández, D.; Verdeja, L. F.; Sancho, J.

2015-09-01

The feasibility of using potassium permanganate as a reagent for cyanide oxidation in wastewater was experimentally studied. Both artificial and production wastewater from two different gold mines were tested. The experiments had three goals: determine the optimum reagent concentration and reaction time required to achieve total cyanide removal, obtain knowledge of the reaction kinetics, and improve the management of the amount of reagent. The results indicate that potassium permanganate is an effective and reliable oxidizing agent for the removal of cyanide from gold mining wastewater.

Optical-beam wavefront control based on the atmospheric backscatter signal

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

Banakh, V A; Razenkov, I A; Rostov, A P

2015-02-28

The feasibility of compensating for aberrations of the optical-beam initial wavefront by aperture sounding, based on the atmospheric backscatter signal from an additional laser source with a different wavelength, is experimentally studied. It is shown that the adaptive system based on this principle makes it possible to compensate for distortions of the initial beam wavefront on a surface path in atmosphere. Specifically, the beam divergence decreases, while the level of the detected mean backscatter power from the additional laser source increases. (light scattering)

Proof of Concept for Efficient Application of Quantum Chemical Techniques to Model Enviromental Mercury Depletion Reactions Through Transition State Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-01-02

Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 10...Collaborators: Award Information Award Number ARO W911NF-16-1-0486 Title of Research Proof of Concept for Efficient Application of Quantum...figure out the feasibility of the interconversion between the two forms of mercury. For this purpose, we mainly deal with the experimental studies of

Laser-Based Remote Sensing of Explosives by a Differential Absorption and Scattering Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayrapetyan, V. S.

2018-01-01

A multifunctional IR parametric laser system is developed and tested for remote detection and identification of atmospheric gases, including explosive and chemically aggressive substances. Calculations and experimental studies of remote determination of the spectroscopic parameters of the best known explosive substances TNT, RDX, and PETN are carried out. The feasibility of high sensitivity detection ( 1 ppm) of these substances with the aid of a multifunctional IR parametric light source by differential absorption and scattering is demonstrated.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using a newly designed metal stent with a thin delivery system: a preclinical study in phantom and porcine models.

PubMed

Minaga, Kosuke; Kitano, Masayuki; Itonaga, Masahiro; Imai, Hajime; Miyata, Takeshi; Yamao, Kentaro; Tamura, Takashi; Nuta, Junya; Warigaya, Kenji; Kudo, Masatoshi

2017-12-08

This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a newly designed self-expandable metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) when it was delivered via three different stent delivery systems: a 7.5Fr delivery catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7.5Fr-bullet), a 7Fr catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7Fr-bullet), or a 7Fr catheter with a tee-shaped tip (7Fr-tee). This experimental study utilized a porcine model of biliary dilatation involving ten pigs. In the animal study, technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of the stent when placed with each of the delivery systems were examined. In addition, a phantom model was used to measure the resistance of these delivery systems to advancement. Phantom experiments showed that, compared with 7Fr-bullet, 7Fr-tee had less resistance force to the advancement of the stent delivery system. EUS-BD was technically successful in all ten pigs. Fistulous tract dilation was necessary in 100% (2/2), 75% (3/4), and 0% (0/4) of the pigs that underwent EUS-BD using 7.5Fr-bullet, 7Fr-bullet, and 7Fr-tee, respectively. There were no procedure-related complications. Our newly designed metal stent may be feasible and safe for EUS-BD, particularly when delivered by 7Fr-tee, because it eliminates the need for fistulous tract dilation.

Final Research Performance Progress Report: Geothermal Resource Development with Zero Mass Withdrawal, Engineered Convection, and Wellbore Energy Conversion

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

Hughes, Richard; Tyagi, Mayank; Radonjic, Mileva

This project is intended to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility, and environmental and social attractiveness of a novel method of heat extraction from geothermal reservoirs. The emphasis is on assessing the potential for a heat extraction method that couples forced and free convection to maximize extraction efficiency. The heat extraction concept is enhanced by considering wellbore energy conversion, which may include only a boiler for a working fluid, or perhaps a complete boiler, turbine, and condenser cycle within the wellbore. The feasibility of this system depends on maintaining mechanical and hydraulic integrity of the wellbore, so the material propertiesmore » of the casing-cement system are examined both experimentally and with well design calculations. The attractiveness depends on mitigation of seismic and subsidence risks, economic performance, environmental impact, and social impact – all of which are assessed as components of this study.« less

Development of superconductor magnetic suspension and balance prototype facility for studying the feasibility of applying this technique to large scale aerodynamic testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, R. N.; Humphris, R. R.; Henderson, K. C.

1975-01-01

The unique design and operational characteristics of a prototype magnetic suspension and balance facility which utilizes superconductor technology are described and discussed from the point of view of scalability to large sizes. The successful experimental demonstration of the feasibility of this new magnetic suspension concept of the University of Virginia, together with the success of the cryogenic wind-tunnel concept developed at Langley Research Center, appear to have finally opened the way to clean-tunnel, high-Re aerodynamic testing. Results of calculations corresponding to a two-step design extrapolation from the observed performance of the prototype magnetic suspension system to a system compatible with the projected cryogenic transonic research tunnel are presented to give an order-of-magnitude estimate of expected performance characteristics. Research areas where progress should lead to improved design and performance of large facilities are discussed.

Experimental feasibility study of estimation of the normalized central blood pressure waveform from radial photoplethysmogram.

PubMed

Zahedi, Edmond; Sohani, Vahid; Ali, M A Mohd; Chellappan, Kalaivani; Beng, Gan Kok

2015-01-01

The feasibility of a novel system to reliably estimate the normalized central blood pressure (CBPN) from the radial photoplethysmogram (PPG) is investigated. Right-wrist radial blood pressure and left-wrist PPG were simultaneously recorded in five different days. An industry-standard applanation tonometer was employed for recording radial blood pressure. The CBP waveform was amplitude-normalized to determine CBPN. A total of fifteen second-order autoregressive models with exogenous input were investigated using system identification techniques. Among these 15 models, the model producing the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) of the fitness during the five days was selected as the reference model. Results show that the proposed model is able to faithfully reproduce CBPN (mean fitness = 85.2% ± 2.5%) from the radial PPG for all 15 segments during the five recording days. The low CV value of 3.35% suggests a stable model valid for different recording days.

Feasibility of energy harvesting techniques for wearable medical devices.

PubMed

Voss, Thaddaeus J; Subbian, Vignesh; Beyette, Fred R

2014-01-01

Wearable devices are arguably one of the most rapidly growing technologies in the computing and health care industry. These systems provide improved means of monitoring health status of humans in real-time. In order to cope with continuous sensing and transmission of biological and health status data, it is desirable to move towards energy autonomous systems that can charge batteries using passive, ambient energy. This not only ensures uninterrupted data capturing, but could also eliminate the need to frequently remove, replace, and recharge batteries. To this end, energy harvesting is a promising area that can lead to extremely power-efficient portable medical devices. This paper presents an experimental prototype to study the feasibility of harvesting two energy sources, solar and thermoelectric energy, in the context of wearable devices. Preliminary results show that such devices can be powered by transducing ambient energy that constantly surrounds us.

Detection of magnetically enhanced cancer tumors using SQUID magnetometry: A feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenning, G. G.; Rodriguez, R.; Zotev, V. S.; Moslemi, A.; Wilson, S.; Hawel, L.; Byus, C.; Kovach, J. S.

2005-01-01

Nanoparticles bound to various biological molecules and pharmacological agents can be administered systemically, to humans without apparent toxicity. This opens an era in the targeting of specific tissues and disease processes for noninvasive imaging and treatment. An important class of particles used predominantly for magnetic resonance imaging is based on iron-oxide ferrites. We performed computer simulations using experimentally determined values for concentrations of superparamagnetic particles achievable in specific tissues of the mouse in vivo and concentrations of particles linked to monoclonal antibodies specific to antigens of two human cancer cell lines in vitro. An instrument to target distance of 12cm, into the body, was selected as relevant to our goal of developing a rapid inexpensive method of scanning the body for occult disease. The simulations demonstrate the potential feasibility of superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry to detect induced magnetic fields in focal concentrations of superparamagnetic particles targeted, in vivo, to sites of disease.

HOLLOTRON switch for megawatt lightweight space inverters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poeschel, R. L.; Goebel, D. M.; Schumacher, R. W.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of satisfying the switching requirements for a megawatt ultralight inverter system using HOLLOTRON switch technology was determined. The existing experimental switch hardware was modified to investigate a coaxial HOLLOTRON switch configuration and the results were compared with those obtained for a modified linear HOLLOTRON configuration. It was concluded that scaling the HOLLOTRON switch to the current and voltage specifications required for a megawatt converter system is indeed feasible using a modified linear configuration. The experimental HOLLOTRON switch operated at parameters comparable to the scaled coaxial HOLLOTRON. However, the linear HOLLOTRON data verified the capability for meeting all the design objectives simultaneously including current density (greater than 2 A/sq cm), voltage (5 kV), switching frequency (20 kHz), switching time (300 ns), and forward voltage drop (less than or equal to 20 V). Scaling relations were determined and a preliminary design was completed for an engineering model linear HOLLOTRON switch to meet the megawatt converter system specifications.

Experimental testing of prototype face gears for helicopter transmissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, R.; Lewicki, D.; Bossler, R.

1992-01-01

An experimental program to test the feasibility of using face gears in a high-speed and high-power environment was conducted. Four face gear sets were tested, two sets at a time, in a closed-loop test stand at pinion rotational speeds to 19,100 rpm and to 271 kW. The test gear sets were one-half scale of the helicopter design gear set. Testing the gears at one-eighth power, the test gear set had slightly increased bending and compressive stresses when compared to the full scale design. The tests were performed in the LeRC spiral bevel gear test facility. All four sets of gears successfully ran at 100 percent of design torque and speed for 30 million pinion cycles, and two sets successfully ran at 200 percent of torque for an additional 30 million pinion cycles. The results, although limited, demonstrated the feasibility of using face gears for high-speed, high-load applications.

Experimental investigation of active loads control for aircraft landing gear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgehee, J. R.; Dreher, R. C.

1982-01-01

Aircraft dynamic loads and vibrations resulting from landing impact and from runway and taxiway unevenness are recognized as significant in causing fatigue damage, dynamic stress on the airframe, crew and passenger discomfort, and reduction of the pilot's ability to control the aircraft during ground operations. One potential method for improving operational characteistics of aircraft on the ground is the application of active control technology to the landing gears to reduce ground loads applied to the airframe. An experimental investigation was conducted which simulated the landing dynamics of a light airplane to determine the feasibility and potential of a series hydraulic active control main landing gear. The experiments involved a passive gear and an active control gear. Results of this investigation show that a series hydraulically controlled gear is feasible and that such a gear is very effective in reducing the loads transmitted by the gear to the airframe during ground operations.

Initial experimental evaluation of wireless capsule endoscopes in the bladder: implications for capsule cystoscopy.

PubMed

Gettman, Matthew T; Swain, Paul

2009-05-01

Cystoscopy remains one of the most important diagnostic procedures for the lower urinary tract. Wireless capsule endoscopy was introduced in the 1990s but use to date is limited to gastroenterology. We evaluated the feasibility in the pig model of using wireless capsule endoscopes (WCEs) for cystoscopy. Experimental evaluation of capsule cystoscopy was performed in a 50-kg farm pig. The capsule was deployed into the bladder through a custom access sheath. Images were continuously transmitted at a rate of four frames per second to a laptop computer and processed using proprietary software. Manipulation of the WCE within the bladder was performed using a set protocol. The animal was then euthanized and gross inspection was performed. We measured the ability to deploy and manipulate the capsule within the bladder. Feasibility of capturing and retrieving images in real time was also assessed. The WCE was efficiently deployed and manipulated within the bladder passively and with the use of external magnets. The entire bladder mucosa was visualized. Real-time image transmission and capture were successful. No complications were seen during capsule cystoscopy. Minor urethral bleeding was observed after the experiment, likely related to placement of the access sheath required for deployment of the WCE. Limitations are that the evaluation of WCE was performed in the pig model, in only one female animal, using a nonsurvival approach. Furthermore, the study was not designed to differentiate normal from abnormal mucosal findings and focused solely on inspection of the bladder. This report suggests that cystoscopy with a WCE is feasible. With this device, all aspects of the bladder mucosa could be visualized, and ongoing technologic and procedural developments are warranted for this new approach.

The Feasibility of Applying AC Driven Low-Temperature Plasma for Multi-Cycle Detonation Initiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dianfeng

2016-11-01

Ignition is a key system in pulse detonation engines (PDE). As advanced ignition methods, nanosecond pulse discharge low-temperature plasma ignition is used in some combustion systems, and continuous alternating current (AC) driven low-temperature plasma using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is used for the combustion assistant. However, continuous AC driven plasmas cannot be used for ignition in pulse detonation engines. In this paper, experimental and numerical studies of pneumatic valve PDE using an AC driven low-temperature plasma igniter were described. The pneumatic valve was jointly designed with the low-temperature plasma igniter, and the numerical simulation of the cold-state flow field in the pneumatic valve showed that a complex flow in the discharge area, along with low speed, was beneficial for successful ignition. In the experiments ethylene was used as the fuel and air as oxidizing agent, ignition by an AC driven low-temperature plasma achieved multi-cycle intermittent detonation combustion on a PDE, the working frequency of the PDE reached 15 Hz and the peak pressure of the detonation wave was approximately 2.0 MPa. The experimental verifications of the feasibility in PDE ignition expanded the application field of AC driven low-temperature plasma. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51176001)

Feasibility of a Mobile Phone App to Support Recovery From Addiction in China: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Study.

PubMed

Han, Hui; Zhang, Jing Ying; Hser, Yih-Ing; Liang, Di; Li, Xu; Wang, Shan Shan; Du, Jiang; Zhao, Min

2018-02-27

Mobile health technologies have been found to improve the self-management of chronic diseases. However, there is limited research regarding their feasibility in supporting recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) in China. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a mobile phone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) app by testing the concordance of drug use assessed by the EMA, urine testing, and a life experience timeline (LET) assessment. A total of 75 participants dependent on heroin or amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) in Shanghai were recruited to participate in a 4-week pilot study. Of the participants, 50 (67% [50/75]) were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 25 (33% [25/75]) were assigned to the control group. The experimental group used mobile health (mHealth) based EMA technology to assess their daily drug use in natural environments and received 2 short health messages each day, whereas the control group only received 2 short health messages each day from the app. Urine tests and LET assessments were conducted each week and a post-intervention survey was administered to both groups. The correlations among the EMA, the LET assessment, and the urine test were investigated. The mean age of the participants was 41.6 (SD 8.0) years, and 71% (53/75) were male. During the 4 weeks of observation, 690 daily EMA survey data were recorded, with a response rate of 49.29% (690/1400). With respect to drug use, the percent of agreement between the EMA and the LET was 66.7%, 79.2%, 72.4%, and 85.8%, respectively, for each of the 4 weeks, whereas the percent of agreement between the EMA and the urine test was 51.2%, 65.1%, 61.9%, and 71.5%, respectively. The post-intervention survey indicated that 46% (32/70) of the participants preferred face-to-face interviews rather than the mHealth app. This study demonstrated poor agreement between the EMA data and the LET and found that the acceptance of mHealth among individuals with SUDs in China was not positive. Hence, greater efforts are needed to improve the feasibility of mHealth in China. ©Hui Han, Jing Ying Zhang, Yih-Ing Hser, Di Liang, Xu Li, Shan Shan Wang, Jiang Du, Min Zhao. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 27.02.2018.

Dissolution of used nuclear fuel using recycled nitric acid

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

Almond, Philip M.; Daniel, Jr., William E.; Rudisill, Tracy S.

An evaluation was performed on the feasibility of using HB-Line anion exchange column waste streams from Alternate Feedstock 2 (AFS-2) processing for the dissolver solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) processing. The targeted UNF for dissolution using recycled solution are fuels similar to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) fuel. Furthermore, the objectives of this experimental program were to validate the feasibility of using impure dissolver solutions with the MURR dissolution flowsheet to verify they would not significantly affect dissolution of the UNF in a detrimental manner.

Dissolution of used nuclear fuel using recycled nitric acid

DOE PAGES

Almond, Philip M.; Daniel, Jr., William E.; Rudisill, Tracy S.

2017-03-20

An evaluation was performed on the feasibility of using HB-Line anion exchange column waste streams from Alternate Feedstock 2 (AFS-2) processing for the dissolver solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) processing. The targeted UNF for dissolution using recycled solution are fuels similar to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) fuel. Furthermore, the objectives of this experimental program were to validate the feasibility of using impure dissolver solutions with the MURR dissolution flowsheet to verify they would not significantly affect dissolution of the UNF in a detrimental manner.

Preclinical electrogastrography in experimental pigs

PubMed Central

Květina, Jaroslav; Varayil, Jithinraj Edakkanambeth; Ali, Shahzad Marghoob; Kuneš, Martin; Bureš, Jan; Tachecí, Ilja; Rejchrt, Stanislav; Kopáčová, Marcela

2010-01-01

Surface electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive means of recording gastric myoelectric activity or slow waves from cutaneous leads placed over the stomach. This paper provides a comprehensive review of preclinical EGG. Our group recently set up and worked out the methods for EGG in experimental pigs. We gained our initial experience in the use of EGG in assessment of porcine gastric myoelectric activity after volume challenge and after intragastric administration of itopride and erythromycin. The mean dominant frequency in pigs is comparable with that found in humans. EGG in experimental pigs is feasible. Experimental EGG is an important basis for further preclinical projects in pharmacology and toxicology. PMID:21217873

An experimental topographic amplification study at Los Alamos National Laboratory using ambient vibrations

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

Stolte, Andrew C.; Cox, Brady R.; Lee, Richard C.

An experimental study aimed at investigating potential topographic amplification of seismic waves was conducted on a 50-m-tall and 185-m-wide soft-rock ridge located at Los Alamos National Laboratory near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Ten portable broadband seismograph stations were placed in arrays across the ridge and left to record ambient vibration data for ~9 hours. Clear evidence of topographic amplification was observed by comparing spectral ratios calculated from ambient noise recordings at the toe, slope, and crest of the instrumented ridge. The inferred resonance frequency of the ridge obtained from the experimental recordings was found to agree well with several simplemore » estimates of the theoretical resonance frequency based on its geometry and stiffness. Results support the feasibility of quantifying the frequency range of topographic amplification solely using ambient vibrations, rather than strong or weak ground motions. Additionally, comparisons have been made between a number of widely used experimental methods for quantifying topographic effects, such as the standard spectral ratio, median reference method, and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio. As a result, differences in the amplification and frequency range of topographic effects indicated by these methods highlight the importance of choosing a reference condition that is appropriate for the site-specific conditions and goals associated with an experimental topographic amplification study.« less

An experimental topographic amplification study at Los Alamos National Laboratory using ambient vibrations

DOE PAGES

Stolte, Andrew C.; Cox, Brady R.; Lee, Richard C.

2017-03-14

An experimental study aimed at investigating potential topographic amplification of seismic waves was conducted on a 50-m-tall and 185-m-wide soft-rock ridge located at Los Alamos National Laboratory near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Ten portable broadband seismograph stations were placed in arrays across the ridge and left to record ambient vibration data for ~9 hours. Clear evidence of topographic amplification was observed by comparing spectral ratios calculated from ambient noise recordings at the toe, slope, and crest of the instrumented ridge. The inferred resonance frequency of the ridge obtained from the experimental recordings was found to agree well with several simplemore » estimates of the theoretical resonance frequency based on its geometry and stiffness. Results support the feasibility of quantifying the frequency range of topographic amplification solely using ambient vibrations, rather than strong or weak ground motions. Additionally, comparisons have been made between a number of widely used experimental methods for quantifying topographic effects, such as the standard spectral ratio, median reference method, and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio. As a result, differences in the amplification and frequency range of topographic effects indicated by these methods highlight the importance of choosing a reference condition that is appropriate for the site-specific conditions and goals associated with an experimental topographic amplification study.« less

Factors affecting the sticking of insects on modified aircraft wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yi, O.; Chan, R.; Eiss, N. S.; Pingali, U.; Wightman, J. P.

1988-01-01

The adhesion of insects to aircraft wings is studied. Insects were collected in road tests in past studies and a large experimental error was introduced caused by the variability of insect flux. The presence of such errors has been detected by studying the insect distribution across an aluminum-strip covered half-cylinder mounted on the top of a car. After a nonuniform insect distribution (insect flux) was found from three road tests, a new arrangement of samples was developed. The feasibility of coating aircraft wing surfaces with polymers to reduce the number of insects sticking onto the surfaces was studied using fluorocarbon elastomers, styrene butadiene rubbers, and Teflon.

Penrose-Hameroff orchestrated objective-reduction proposal for human consciousness is not biologically feasible.

PubMed

McKemmish, Laura K; Reimers, Jeffrey R; McKenzie, Ross H; Mark, Alan E; Hush, Noel S

2009-08-01

Penrose and Hameroff have argued that the conventional models of a brain function based on neural networks alone cannot account for human consciousness, claiming that quantum-computation elements are also required. Specifically, in their Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) model [R. Penrose and S. R. Hameroff, J. Conscious. Stud. 2, 99 (1995)], it is postulated that microtubules act as quantum processing units, with individual tubulin dimers forming the computational elements. This model requires that the tubulin is able to switch between alternative conformational states in a coherent manner, and that this process be rapid on the physiological time scale. Here, the biological feasibility of the Orch OR proposal is examined in light of recent experimental studies on microtubule assembly and dynamics. It is shown that the tubulins do not possess essential properties required for the Orch OR proposal, as originally proposed, to hold. Further, we consider also recent progress in the understanding of the long-lived coherent motions in biological systems, a feature critical to Orch OR, and show that no reformation of the proposal based on known physical paradigms could lead to quantum computing within microtubules. Hence, the Orch OR model is not a feasible explanation of the origin of consciousness.

Development and feasibility of a Swallowing intervention Package (SiP) for patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer-the SiP study protocol.

PubMed

Wells, Mary; King, Emma; Toft, Kate; MacAulay, Fiona; Patterson, Joanne; Dougall, Nadine; Hulbert-Williams, Nick; Boa, Sally; Slaven, Eleanor; Cowie, Julie; McGarva, John; Niblock, Patricia Gail; Philp, Julie; Roe, Justin

2016-01-01

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and the functional, psychological and social consequences of HNC cancer and its treatment can be severe and chronic. Dysphagia (swallowing problems) affects up to two thirds of patients undergoing combined chemoradiotherapy. Recent reviews suggest that prophylactic swallowing exercises may improve a range of short- and long-term outcomes; however, the importance of psychological and behavioural factors on adherence to swallowing exercises has not been adequately studied. This study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a Swallowing intervention Package (SiP) designed in partnership with patients, speech and language therapists (SLTs) and other members of the head and neck multi-disciplinary team (MDT), for patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. This feasibility study uses quantitative and qualitative research methods, within a quasi-experimental design, to assess whether patients will tolerate and adhere to the SiP intervention, which aspects of the intervention can be implemented and which cannot, whether treatment fidelity can be achieved across different contexts, whether study processes and outcome measures will be feasible and acceptable and to what extent the intervention is likely to have an impact on swallowing dysfunction and quality of life. Patients are being recruited from five sites in Scotland and England (three interventions and two usual care). The SLT based in the relevant intervention centre teaches the exercise programme and provides supporting materials. A combination of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), adherence measures and clinical swallowing assessments are used prior to intervention (baseline), at the end of treatment, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. This collaborative study has taken a unique approach to the development of a patient-centred and evidence-based swallowing intervention. The introduction of an e-SiP app provides an exploration of the use of technology in delivering this intervention. The study provides an opportunity to examine the feasibility of delivering and participating in a supported swallowing intervention across several different NHS sites and will provide the evidence needed to refine intervention and study processes for a future trial. NCRI portfolio, 18192 & 20259.

Experimental and theoretical studies of implant assisted magnetic drug targeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aviles, Misael O.

One way to achieve drug targeting in the body is to incorporate magnetic nanoparticles into drug carriers and then retain them at the site using an externally applied magnetic field. This process is referred to as magnetic drug targeting (MDT). However, the main limitation of MDT is that an externally applied magnetic field alone may not be able to retain a sufficient number of magnetic drug carrier particles (MDCPs) to justify its use. Such a limitation might not exist when high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) principles are applied to assist MDT by means of ferromagnetic implants. It was hypothesized that an Implant Assisted -- MDT (IA-MDT) system would increase the retention of the MDCPs at a target site where an implant had been previously located, since the magnetic forces are produced internally. With this in mind, the overall objective of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of an IA-MDT system through mathematical modeling and in vitro experimentation. The mathematical models were developed and used to demonstrate the behavior and limitations of IA-MDT, and the in vitro experiments were designed and used to validate the models and to further elucidate the important parameters that affect the performance of the system. IA-MDT was studied with three plausible implants, ferromagnetic stents, seed particles, and wires. All implants were studied theoretically and experimentally using flow through systems with polymer particles containing magnetite nanoparticles as MDCPs. In the stent studies, a wire coil or mesh was simply placed in a flow field and the capture of the MDCPs was studied. In the other cases, a porous polymer matrix was used as a surrogate capillary tissue scaffold to study the capture of the MDCPs using wires or particle seeds as the implant, with the seeds either fixed within the polymer matrix or captured prior to capturing the MDCPs. An in vitro heart tissue perfusion model was also used to study the use of stents. In general, all the results demonstrated that IA-MDT is indeed feasible and that careful modification of the MDCP properties and implant properties are fundamental to the success of this technology.

Congestive heart failure adherence redesign trial: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Mangla, Ashvarya; Doukky, Rami; Powell, Lynda H; Avery, Elizabeth; Richardson, DeJuran; Calvin, James E

2014-01-01

Objective Heart failure (HF) continues to be a leading cause of hospital admissions, particularly in underserved patients. We hypothesised that providing individualised self-management support to patients and feedback on use of evidence-based HF therapies (EBT) to physicians could lead to improvements in care and decrease hospitalisations. To assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial testing the efficacy of this dual-level intervention, we conducted the Congestive Heart failure Adherence Redesign Trial Pilot (CHART-P), a proof-of-concept, quasi-experimental, feasibility pilot study. Setting A large tertiary care medical centre in Chicago. Participants Low-income patients (80% of interventions at 1 month and by study completion, respectively. Median sodium intake declined (3.5 vs 2.0 g; p<0.01). There was no statistically significant change in medication adherence based on electronic pill cap monitoring or the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS); however, there was a trend towards improved adherence based on MMAS. All physicians received timely intervention. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrated that the protocol was feasible. It provided important insights about the need for intervention and the difficulties in treating patients with a variety of psychosocial problems that undercut their effective care. PMID:25475245

Design and analysis of field studies with bees: A critical review of the draft EFSA guidance.

PubMed

Bakker, Frank

2016-07-01

The specific protection goal, primary assessment endpoints, acceptable effect thresholds, and experimental design proposed in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) update of the bee guidance document are subjected to critical review. It is concluded that the negligible effect criteria were established without sufficient regulatory definition and without convincing scientific argumentation. For the assessment endpoints, effects on hive strength lack temporal definition and the reduction to numbers of bees is inappropriate to evaluate effects. Restricting mortality assessments to homing failure is not theoretically justified and specific criteria were incorrectly derived. The combination of acute effect estimates with models for chronic stressors is biased risk assessment and a temporal basis for the acceptability of effects is missing. Effects on overwintering success cannot be experimentally assessed using the proposed criteria. The experimental methodology proposed is inappropriate and the logistical consequences, in particular those related to replication and land use are such that field studies are no longer a feasible option for the risk assessment. It may be necessary to explore new lines of thought for the set-up of field studies and to clearly separate experimentation from monitoring. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:422-428. © 2015 SETAC. © 2015 SETAC.

Scheme for teleportation of quantum states onto a mechanical resonator.

PubMed

Mancini, Stefano; Vitali, David; Tombesi, Paolo

2003-04-04

We propose an experimentally feasible scheme to teleport an unkown quantum state onto the vibrational degree of freedom of a macroscopic mirror. The quantum channel between the two parties is established by exploiting radiation pressure effects.

Da Vinci Xi Robot–Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty

PubMed Central

Chammas, Jimmy; Sauer, Arnaud; Pizzuto, Joëlle; Pouthier, Fabienne; Gaucher, David; Marescaux, Jacques; Mutter, Didier; Bourcier, Tristan

2017-01-01

Purpose This study aims (1) to investigate the feasibility of robot-assisted penetrating keratoplasty (PK) using the new Da Vinci Xi Surgical System and (2) to report what we believe to be the first use of this system in experimental eye surgery. Methods Robot-assisted PK procedures were performed on human corneal transplants using the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. After an 8-mm corneal trephination, four interrupted sutures and one 10.0 monofilament running suture were made. For each procedure, duration and successful completion of the surgery as well as any unexpected events were assessed. The depth of the corneal sutures was checked postoperatively using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results Robot-assisted PK was successfully performed on 12 corneas. The Da Vinci Xi Surgical System provided the necessary dexterity to perform the different steps of surgery. The mean duration of the procedures was 43.4 ± 8.9 minutes (range: 28.5–61.1 minutes). There were no unexpected intraoperative events. SD-OCT confirmed that the sutures were placed at the appropriate depth. Conclusions We confirm the feasibility of robot-assisted PK with the new Da Vinci Surgical System and report the first use of the Xi model in experimental eye surgery. Operative time of robot-assisted PK surgery is now close to that of conventional manual surgery due to both improvement of the optical system and the presence of microsurgical instruments. Translational Relevance Experimentations will allow the advantages of robot-assisted microsurgery to be identified while underlining the improvements and innovations necessary for clinical use. PMID:28660096

Experimental aspects of the thermochemical conversion of solar energy - Decarbonation of CaCO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flamant, G.; Hernandez, D.; Bonet, C.; Traverse, J.-P.

1980-01-01

The feasibility of thermochemical conversion of concentrated solar energy is investigated. Consideration is given to heterogeneous systems in the range 500-1500 C. A reaction volume is on a laboratory scale about 30 cu cm. An experimental set-up selected is a fluid bed and a rotary kiln. An endothermal reaction, namely, decarbonation of CaCO3, is selected as a possible application for solar power plants.

In-situ identification of anti-personnel mines using acoustic resonant spectroscopy

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

Perry, R L; Roberts, R S

1999-02-01

A new technique for identifying buried Anti-Personnel Mines is described, and a set of preliminary experiments designed to assess the feasibility of this technique is presented. Analysis of the experimental results indicates that the technique has potential, but additional work is required to bring the technique to fruition. In addition to the experimental results presented here, a technique used to characterize the sensor employed in the experiments is detailed.

Experimental demonstration of a flexible time-domain quantum channel.

PubMed

Xing, Xingxing; Feizpour, Amir; Hayat, Alex; Steinberg, Aephraim M

2014-10-20

We present an experimental realization of a flexible quantum channel where the Hilbert space dimensionality can be controlled electronically. Using electro-optical modulators (EOM) and narrow-band optical filters, quantum information is encoded and decoded in the temporal degrees of freedom of photons from a long-coherence-time single-photon source. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a generic scheme for encoding and transmitting multidimensional quantum information over the existing fiber-optical telecommunications infrastructure.

Feasibility and acceptability of a nursing intervention with family caregiver on self-care among heart failure patients: a randomized pilot trial.

PubMed

Cossette, Sylvie; Belaid, Hayet; Heppell, Sonia; Mailhot, Tanya; Guertin, Marie-Claude

2016-01-01

Self-care practices in heart failure (HF) contribute to quality of life, symptom stabilization, and extended life expectancy. However, adherence to practices such as liquid and salt restriction or symptom monitoring require high motivation on a daily basis. The aim was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a nursing intervention with family caregivers, aimed at improving self-care practice of HF patients. This pilot study involved 32 HF patient-caregiver dyads (16/group) randomized to an experimental (EG) or control group (CG). The intervention, based on the Self-Determination Theory, was designed to enhance patients' autonomy and motivation in self-care practices, by involving their caregivers' support. Five encounters were planned with the EG dyads-two face-to-face during hospitalization and three by telephone after discharge. The feasibility of delivering the protocol was evaluated as well as the acceptability of the intervention. The potential effectiveness of the intervention was assessed based on patient outcomes, including general self-care management and self-care specific to HF, perceived competence to manage HF, autonomous motivation (A-motivation, external extrinsic motivation, internal extrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation), and perceived support from the caregiver. Caregiver outcomes included level of support provided to the patient. Despite recruitment challenges, the intervention was feasible, with 12 of the 16 dyads receiving all 5 encounters delivered per protocol. The 4 other dyads received the two hospital encounters, but at least 1 of the 3 post-discharge planned telephone encounters was not feasible because the patients had been re-hospitalized or was deceased. Participant's satisfaction with the intervention was high. Outcomes favoring the EG include self-care specific to HF, internal extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and caregiver's feeling that they provide a higher level of support. Caregiver involvement was found to be both a feasible and acceptable means of supporting self-care practice in HF patients. This approach presents a potential avenue for enhancing patients' efforts in this regard. However, this pilot study offers preliminary findings only, which need to be replicated in a phase 3 clinical trial.

Truth of Varying Shades: Analyzing Language in Fake News and Political Fact-Checking

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

Rashkin, Hannah J.; Choi, Eunsol; Jang, Jin Yea

We present an analytic study on the language of news media in the context of political fact-checking and fake news detection. We compare the language of real news with that of satire, hoax, and propaganda to find linguistic cues for untruthful text. To probe the feasibility of automatic political fact-checking, we present a case study based on PolitiFact.com using their factuality judgments on a 6-point scale. Experimental results show that while media fact-checking remains to be an open research question, stylistic cues can help determine the truthfulness of text.

Ocean dynamics studies. [of current-wave interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Both the theoretical and experimental investigations into current-wave interactions are discussed. The following three problems were studied: (1) the dispersive relation of a random gravity-capillary wave field; (2) the changes of the statistical properties of surface waves under the influence of currents; and (3) the interaction of capillary-gravity with the nonuniform currents. Wave current interaction was measured and the feasibility of using such measurements for remote sensing of surface currents was considered. A laser probe was developed to measure the surface statistics, and the possibility of using current-wave interaction as a means of current measurement was demonstrated.

Resonant scattering experiments with radioactive nuclear beams - Recent results and future plans

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

Teranishi, T.; Sakaguchi, S.; Uesaka, T.

2013-04-19

Resonant scattering with low-energy radioactive nuclear beams of E < 5 MeV/u have been studied at CRIB of CNS and at RIPS of RIKEN. As an extension to the present experimental technique, we will install an advanced polarized proton target for resonant scattering experiments. A Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to study the feasibility of future experiments with the polarized target. In the Monte-Carlo simulation, excitation functions and analyzing powers were calculated using a newly developed R-matrix calculation code. A project of a small-scale radioactive beam facility at Kyushu University is also briefly described.

Time-domain diffuse optical tomography using silicon photomultipliers: feasibility study.

PubMed

Di Sieno, Laura; Zouaoui, Judy; Hervé, Lionel; Pifferi, Antonio; Farina, Andrea; Martinenghi, Edoardo; Derouard, Jacques; Dinten, Jean-Marc; Mora, Alberto Dalla

2016-11-01

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have been very recently introduced as the most promising detectors in the field of diffuse optics, in particular due to the inherent low cost and large active area. We also demonstrate the suitability of SiPMs for time-domain diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The study is based on both simulations and experimental measurements. Results clearly show excellent performances in terms of spatial localization of an absorbing perturbation, thus opening the way to the use of SiPMs for DOT, with the possibility to conceive a new generation of low-cost and reliable multichannel tomographic systems.

Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations †

PubMed Central

Pidaparti, Ramana M.; Cartin, Charles; Su, Guoguang

2017-01-01

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications. PMID:28952516

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Investigation of an electrooptic multichannel-waveguide modulator as a controlled transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykovskiĭ, Yu A.; Zheregi, V. G.; Kulchin, Yurii N.; Poryadin, Yu D.; Smirnov, V. L.; Fomichev, N. N.

1990-05-01

An investigation was made of a multichannel LiNbO3 waveguide modulator of light in space and time, suitable for processing of analog and digital signals. This modulator had 26 channels and the half-wave control voltage was 4.5 V. A theoretical analysis and an experimental study were made of the functional performance of this modulator depending on the channel interconnections and on the nature of the signals applied to the modulator. The feasibility of processing analog and digital signals was studied.

Studying the P c ( 4450 ) resonance in J / ψ photoproduction off protons

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

Blin, A. N. Hiller; Fernandez-Ramirez, C.; Jackura, A.

2016-08-01

In this study, a resonance-like structure, the P c(4450), has recently been observed in the J/ψ p spectrum by the LHCb collaboration. We discuss the feasibility of detecting this structure in J/ψ photoproduction in the CLAS12 experiment at JLab. We present a first estimate of the upper limit for the branching ratio of the P c(4450) to J/ψ p. Our estimates, which take into account the experimental resolution effects, lead to a sizable cross section close to the J/ψ production threshold, which makes future experiments covering this region very promising.

Benefits of detailed models of muscle activation and mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehman, S. L.; Stark, L.

1981-01-01

Recent biophysical and physiological studies identified some of the detailed mechanisms involved in excitation-contraction coupling, muscle contraction, and deactivation. Mathematical models incorporating these mechanisms allow independent estimates of key parameters, direct interplay between basic muscle research and the study of motor control, and realistic model behaviors, some of which are not accessible to previous, simpler, models. The existence of previously unmodeled behaviors has important implications for strategies of motor control and identification of neural signals. New developments in the analysis of differential equations make the more detailed models feasible for simulation in realistic experimental situations.

Smart Computer-Assisted Markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCabe, Kevin A.; Rassenti, Stephen J.; Smith, Vernon L.

1991-10-01

The deregulation movement has motivated the experimental study of auction markets designed for interdependent network industries such as natural gas pipelines or electric power systems. Decentralized agents submit bids to buy commodity and offers to sell transportation and commodity to a computerized dispatch center. Computer algorithms determine prices and allocations that maximize the gains from exchange in the system relative to the submitted bids and offers. The problem is important, because traditionally the scale and coordination economies in such industries were thought to require regulation. Laboratory experiments are used to study feasibility, limitations, incentives, and performance of proposed market designs for deregulation, providing motivation for new theory.

Oxygen production processes on the Moon: An overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Lawrence A.; Carrier, W. David, III

1991-01-01

The production of oxygen on the Moon utilizing indigenous material is paramount to a successful lunar colonization. Several processes were put forth to accomplish this. The lunar liquid oxygen (LLOX) generation schemes which have received the most study to date are those involving: (1) the reduction of ilmenite (FeTiO3) by H2, C, CO, CH4, CO-Cl2 plasma; (2) magma electrolysis, both unadulterated and fluoride-fluxed, and (3) several others, including carbo-chlorination, HF acid leaching, fluorine extraction, magma oxidation, and vapor pyrolysis. The H2 reduction of ilmenite and magma electrolysis processes have received the most study to date. At this stage of development, they both appear feasible schemes with various pros and cons. However, all processes should be addressed at least at the onset of the considerations. It is ultimatley the energy requirements of the entire process, including the acquisition of feedstock, which will determine the mode of oxygen productions. There is an obvious need for considerably more experimentation and study. Some of these requisite studies are in progress, and several of the most studied and feasible processes for winning oxygen from lunar materials are reviewed.

Florida Tech CubeSat Experiment Feasibility Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arrasmith, William W.; Bucaille, Stephane; Rusovici, Razvan; Platt, Don; Guidry, Todd; Bandar, Deepika; Coots, Everett; Davidson, Russ

2010-01-01

CubeSats are a relatively new type of satellite. Smaller than long-term (5+ year life expectancy) satellites, these pico-satellites are comparatively cheap, small (10x10x10 cm), and are very versatile. Universities world-wide are using CubeSats to conduct a variety of experiments in space without the need for a large experimental platform. Today CubeSats are considered to be one of the most effective ways to send a small payload into space and has attracted the attention of many educational and non-profit organizations. As this pico-satellite model continues to gain penetration into the satellite build and launch industry, it is expected that more governmental, educational, and commercial interests will emerge. As an example, more of the space-related items of high interest to the National Science Foundation may be tackled with a CubeSat platform resulting in lower life cycle costs than traditional satellite options. NASA LSP, in cooperation with the Florida Institute of Technology, has initiated a feasibility study to investigate the technical aspects of measuring and transferring vibration, acceleration, temperature, and video data from a CubeSat to NASA Hanger AE on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) a.k.a. Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This report provides a technical feasibility analysis to determine whether-or-not a specific set of NASA/LSP requirements can be accomplished. Our approach has been to provide a "notional" component layout to determine the feasibility of the NASA/LSP stakeholder requirements. The notional layout is used to consider component level technical issues such as size, weight, & power (SWaP), bandwidth, and other critical technical parameters. Even though the notional components may satisfy the stated requirements and thereby demonstrate feasibility, the notional layout is NOT considered a design since no component optimization and design trade-off analysis has taken place. This activity should be accomplished in an appropriate design phase that is outside of the scope of this effort.

Integrating education, group support, and case management for diabetic Hispanics.

PubMed

Brown, Sharon A; García, Alexandra A; Winter, Mary; Silva, Lita; Brown, Adama; Hanis, Craig L

2011-01-01

Culturally tailored diabetes self-management education (DSME) improves glycemic control and other health outcomes in Mexican Americans but sociocultural barriers to health improvements remain. This study explored the feasibility of adding a nurse case manager (NCM) to DSME to foster DSME attendance and increase utilization of other available health care services. The setting was a rural community on the Texas-Mexico border in one of the poorest counties in the United States. Using a repeated measures pretest, post-test control group design, we enrolled 165 Mexican American adults into: 1) an experimental group that received a DSME intervention plus access to a NCM; or 2) a control group that received DSME only. Both experimental and control groups received the DSME intervention, reported positive changes in diet and physical activity, and showed improved clinical outcomes; there were no significant group differences. A statistically significant reduction in body mass index was seen in women compared to men, regardless of group or number of NCM contacts. For individuals having the most NCM contacts, DSME attendance rates were greater. Participants expressed acceptance of the NCM; they preferred face-to-face contact rather than by telephone. Our previously tested, culturally tailored DSME continues to be an effective strategy for improving glycemic control in Mexican Americans. This feasibility study provided partial support for the NCM model for underserved border communities, but additional research is needed on resource utilization and the nature of NCM contacts.

Effects of a sensory-motor orthotic on postural instability rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

PubMed

Volpe, Daniele; Pelosin, Elisa; Bakdounes, Leila; Masiero, Stefano; Bertagnoni, Giannettore; Sorbera, Chiara; Giantin, Maria Giulia

2017-01-01

Proprioceptive deficits have been largely documented in PD patients, thus external sensory signals (peripheral sensory feedback) are often used to compensate the abnormalities of proprioceptive integration. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of a rehabilitation-training program, combined with the use of a sensory-motor orthotic in improving balance in a small sample of PD patients. Twenty PD patients were randomly allocated into two groups: (i) the Experimental group , where participants were asked to wear a sensory-motor orthotic during the balance training program and (ii) the Control group , where subjects performed an identical training program without wearing any kind of orthotics. In all, the training program lasted 10 sessions (5 days a week for 2 weeks) and the clinical and instrumental assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the end of the training and 4 weeks after the rehabilitative program was stopped. All clinical outcome measures tested improved significantly at post and follow-up evaluations in both groups. Interestingly, at the end of the training, only the experimental group obtained a significant improvement in the functional reaching test (sway area - eyes closed) measured by means of stabilometric platform and this result was maintained in the follow-up evaluation. Our preliminary results suggested that the use of a sensory-motor orthotic, in combination with a tailored balance training, is feasible and it seems to positively impact on balance performance in Parkinson's disease. EudraCT N. 003020-36 - 2013.

Experimental Study on Stress Monitoring of Sand-Filled Steel Tube during Impact Using Piezoceramic Smart Aggregates.

PubMed

Du, Guofeng; Zhang, Juan; Zhang, Jicheng; Song, Gangbing

2017-08-22

The filling of thin-walled steel tubes with quartz sand can help to prevent the premature buckling of the steel tube at a low cost. During an impact, the internal stress of the quartz sand-filled steel tube column is subjected to not only axial force but also lateral confining force, resulting in complicated internal stress. A suitable sensor for monitoring the internal stress of such a structure under an impact is important for structural health monitoring. In this paper, piezoceramic Smart Aggregates (SAs) are embedded into a quartz Sand-Filled Steel Tube Column (SFSTC) to monitor the internal structural stress during impacts. The piezoceramic smart aggregates are first calibrated by an impact hammer. Tests are conducted to study the feasibility of monitoring the internal stress of a structure. The results reflect that the calibration value of the piezoceramic smart aggregate sensitivity test is in good agreement with the theoretical value, and the output voltage value of the piezoceramic smart aggregate has a good linear relationship with external forces. Impact tests are conducted on the sand-filled steel tube with embedded piezoceramic smart aggregates. By analyzing the output signal of the piezoceramic smart aggregates, the internal stress state of the structure can be obtained. Experimental results demonstrated that, under the action of impact loads, the piezoceramic smart aggregates monitor the compressive stress at different locations in the steel tube, which verifies the feasibility of using piezoceramic smart aggregate to monitor the internal stress of a structure.

Integration of a Community Pharmacy Simulation Program into a Therapeutics Course.

PubMed

Shin, Jaekyu; Tabatabai, Daryush; Boscardin, Christy; Ferrone, Marcus; Brock, Tina

2018-02-01

Objective. To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating the computer simulation, MyDispense, into a therapeutics course and to measure its effects on student perception and learning. Methods. We conducted a prospective study with an experimental phase and an implementation phase. In the first phase, students were randomized to complete a therapeutics case using MyDispense or traditional paper methods in class. In the second phase, all students completed two therapeutic cases using MyDispense in class with the option to complete four additional outside-of-class cases using MyDispense. Students completed pre- and post-tests in class and three surveys. Results. In the experimental phase, mean test scores increased from pre- to post-test for both MyDispense and traditional paper groups, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Students in the traditional paper group reported statistically significant gains in confidence compared to the MyDispense group. In the implementation phase, mean test scores again increased, however, student perception of the use of MyDispense for therapeutics was negative. Completing the optional outside-of-class cases, however, was positively and significantly correlated with the midterm and final examination scores. Conclusion. Implementation of MyDispense in therapeutics may be feasible and has positive effects (eg, correlation with exam scores, capacity for immediate feedback, and potential for effective self-study). With short-term use and in the absence of assessment methods that also require seeking information from patients, students prefer to learn via traditional paper cases.

Mindfulness-based Intervention for Female Adolescents with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Trial

PubMed Central

Chadi, Nicholas; McMahon, Audrey; Vadnais, Majorie; Malboeuf-Hurtubise, Catherine; Djemli, Anissa; Dobkin, Patricia L.; Lacroix, Jacques; Luu, Thuy Mai; Haley, Nancy

2016-01-01

Objective To test the feasibility of a randomized-controlled trial measuring the impact of an adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in female adolescents with chronic pain. Methods This was a single center, single-blind, prospective, experimental, longitudinal trial conducted in a pediatric tertiary care center. Participants had a history of chronic pain during at least three months. They were randomized into an intervention group or a wait-list control group. Both groups successively followed an adapted eight-week MBI designed specifically for adolescents with chronic pain. Pre-determined criteria were established to assess the feasibility, validity and acceptability of the study model. Data evaluating changes in quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain perception, psychological distress and salivary cortisol were collected throughout the 4-month study period. Results Nineteen female participants completed the study and had a mean age of 15.8 years (range 13.9 -17.8). Attrition rate was low (17%). Attendance to mindfulness sessions (84%) and compliance to study protocol (100%) were high. All participants reported a positive change in the way they coped with pain. No changes in quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain perception, and psychological distress were detected. Significant reductions in pre-and post-mindfulness session salivary cortisol levels were observed (p<0.001). Conclusions Mindfulness is a promising therapeutic approach for which limited data exist in adolescents with chronic pain. Our study indicates the feasibility of conducting such interventions in teenage girls. A large trial is needed to demonstrate the efficacy and bio-physiological impacts of MBIs in teenagers with chronic pain. PMID:27924146

A multicomponent exercise program for institutionalized older adults.

PubMed

Justine, Maria; Hamid, Tengku Aizan

2010-10-01

This study examined the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on depression and quality of life in institutionalized older adults. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were recruited from a publicly funded shelter home in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia. The experimental group consisted of 23 volunteers 60 or older who performed 60 minutes of supervised exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. The control group consisted of 20 volunteers who continued with a sedentary lifestyle. At 12 weeks, the exercise group demonstrated an improvement in quality of life by 10.74% (p > 0.05) but not depression (-1.6%, p > 0.05). The control group demonstrated a decrease in both quality of life by 11.26% (p > 0.05) and level of depression by 17.7% (p > 0.05). This study suggests a multicomponent exercise program is a feasible intervention to improve quality of life in institutionalized older adults. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

Intracochlear pressure measurements to study bone conduction transmission: State-of-the art and proof of concept of the experimental Procedure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borgers, Charlotte; van Wieringen, Astrid; D'hondt, Christiane; Verhaert, Nicolas

2018-05-01

The cochlea is the main contributor in bone conduction perception. Measurements of differential pressure in the cochlea give a good estimation of the cochlear input provided by bone conduction stimulation. Recent studies have proven the feasibility of intracochlear pressure measurements in chinchillas and in human temporal bones to study bone conduction. However, similar measurements in fresh-frozen whole human cadaveric heads could give a more realistic representation of the five different transmission pathways of bone conduction to the cochlea compared to human temporal bones. The aim of our study is to develop and validate a framework for intracochlear pressure measurements to evaluate different aspects of bone conduction in whole human cadaveric heads. A proof of concept describing our experimental setup is provided together with the procedure. Additionally, we also present a method to fix the stapes footplate in order to simulate otosclerosis in human temporal bones. The effectiveness of this method is verified by some preliminary results.

Eight-hours adaptive deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease

PubMed Central

Arlotti, Mattia; Marceglia, Sara; Foffani, Guglielmo; Volkmann, Jens; Lozano, Andres M.; Moro, Elena; Cogiamanian, Filippo; Prenassi, Marco; Bocci, Tommaso; Cortese, Francesca; Rampini, Paolo; Barbieri, Sergio

2018-01-01

Objectives To assess the feasibility and clinical efficacy of local field potentials (LFPs)–based adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) in patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) during daily activities in an open-label, nonblinded study. Methods We monitored neurophysiologic and clinical fluctuations during 2 perioperative experimental sessions lasting for up to 8 hours. On the first day, the patient took his/her daily medication, while on the second, he/she additionally underwent subthalamic nucleus aDBS driven by LFPs beta band power. Results The beta band power correlated in both experimental sessions with the patient's clinical state (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.506, p < 0.001, and r = 0.477, p < 0.001). aDBS after LFP changes was effective (30% improvement without medication [3-way analysis of variance, interaction day × medication p = 0.036; 30.5 ± 3.4 vs 22.2 ± 3.3, p = 0.003]), safe, and well tolerated in patients performing regular daily activities and taking additional dopaminergic medication. aDBS was able to decrease DBS amplitude during motor “on” states compared to “off” states (paired t test p = 0.046), and this automatic adjustment of STN-DBS prevented dyskinesias. Conclusions The main findings of our study are that aDBS is technically feasible in everyday life and provides a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment method for the management of clinical fluctuations. Classification of evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with advanced PD, aDBS is safe, well tolerated, and effective in controlling PD motor symptoms. PMID:29444973

A crossover randomized prospective pilot study evaluating a central venous catheter team in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric oncology patients.

PubMed

Secola, Rita; Azen, Colleen; Lewis, Mary Ann; Pike, Nancy; Needleman, Jack; Sposto, Richard; Doering, Lynn

2012-01-01

Treatment for most children with cancer includes the use of a central venous catheter (CVC). CVCs provide reliable venous access for delivery of chemotherapy and supportive care. This advantage is mitigated by an increased risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs). Despite the ubiquitous use of CVCs, few prospective studies have been conducted to address infection prevention strategies in pediatric oncology patients. Prospective, crossover pilot study of a CVC team intervention versus standard care. Two inpatient oncology units in a metropolitan children's hospital. A total of 41 patients/135 admissions for the experimental unit (EU) and 41/129 admissions for the control unit (CU). Patients received a CVC blood draw bundle procedure by a CVC registered nurse (RN) team member (experimental intervention: EU) for 6 months and by the assigned bedside RN (standard care: CU) for 6 months. Feasibility of implementing a CVC RN team; a significant difference in CVC-related BSIs between the team intervention versus standard care and risk factors associated in the development of CVC-related BSIs were determined. There were 7 CVC-related BSIs/1238 catheter days in the EU group (5.7/1000 catheter days) versus 3 CVC-related BSIs/1419 catheter days in the CU group (2.1/1000 catheter days; P = .97). Selected risk factors were not significantly associated with the development of a CVC-related BSI. A CVC team in the care of pediatric oncology patients is feasible; however, a larger cohort will be required to adequately determine the effectiveness of the team reducing CVC-related BSIs.

Experimental and feasibility assessment of biogas production by anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste from Joburg Market.

PubMed

Masebinu, S O; Akinlabi, E T; Muzenda, E; Aboyade, A O; Mbohwa, C

2018-05-01

Substrate-induced instability of anaerobic digestion from fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) results in low biogas yield. In this study, substrate management through fruit to vegetable mix ratio in a two-stage semi-continuous digester was investigated as a pathway for optimality of yield. The experiment conducted over 105 days with 62.52 kg of FVWs sourced from Joburg Market, South Africa showed that a stable process was achieved at a fruit to vegetable waste mix ratio of 2.2:2.8. At this ratio, optimal organic loading rate ranged between 2.68 and 2.97 kg VS/m 3 -d which resulted in a specific biogas yield of 0.87 Nm 3 /kg VS with 57.58% methane on average. The results of the experimental study were used as a feasibility assessment for a full-scale 45 tonnes/d plant for Joburg Market considering three energy pathways. The plant will produce 1,605,455 Nm 3 /y of biogas with the potential for offsetting 15.2% of the Joburg Market energy demand. Conversion of all biogas to biomethane was the most economically attractive energy pathway with a net present value of $2,428,021, an internal rate of return of 16.90% and a simple payback period of 6.17 years. This route avoided the greenhouse gas emission of 12,393 tonnes CO 2 , eq. The study shows that the anaerobic digestion of FVWs as sole substrate is possible with financial and environmental attractiveness. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Re-injection feasibility study of fracturing flow-back fluid in shale gas mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Dingyu; Xue, Chen; Chen, Xinjian; Du, Jiajia; Shi, Shengwei; Qu, Chengtun; Yu, Tao

2018-02-01

Fracturing flow-back fluid in shale gas mining is usually treated by re-injecting into formation. After treatment, the fracturing flow-back fluid is injected back into the formation. In order to ensure that it will not cause too much damage to the bottom layer, feasibility evaluations of re-injection of two kinds of fracturing fluid with different salinity were researched. The experimental research of the compatibility of mixed water samples based on the static simulation method was conducted. Through the analysis of ion concentration, the amount of scale buildup and clay swelling rate, the feasibility of re-injection of different fracturing fluid were studied. The result shows that the swelling of the clay expansion rate of treated fracturing fluid is lower than the mixed water of treated fracturing fluid and the distilled water, indicating that in terms of clay expansion rate, the treated fracturing flow-back fluid is better than that of water injection after re-injection. In the compatibility test, the maximum amount of fouling in the Yangzhou oilfield is 12mg/L, and the maximum value of calcium loss rate is 1.47%, indicating that the compatibility is good. For the fracturing fluid with high salinity in the Yanchang oilfield, the maximum amount of scaling is 72mg/L, and the maximum calcium loss rate is 3.50%, indicating that the compatibility is better.

Feasibility, Preliminary Efficacy, and Lessons Learned From a Garden-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Cancer Survivors.

PubMed

Spees, Colleen K; Hill, Emily B; Grainger, Elizabeth M; Buell, Jackie L; White, Susan E; Kleinhenz, Matthew D; Clinton, Steven K

2016-07-01

Cancer survivors remain at increased risk for secondary malignancies, comorbidities, and all-cause mortality. Lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, are strongly linked to a decreased risk of chronic disease and improved health outcomes, yet a paucity of research has been conducted in this vulnerable population. Adult cancer survivors were recruited to participate in Growing Hope, an experimental single-group study designed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a theory-driven and evidence-based intervention. For 4 months, 22 participants received group and individual education and had access to harvesting fresh produce at an urban garden. Data on program satisfaction, compliance, diet, and physical activity were collected via surveys; anthropometrics, blood values, and skin carotenoids were objectively measured. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in consumption of fruits and vegetables (P = .003), decreased consumption of red and processed meats (P = .030) and sugar-sweetened beverages (P = .020). Levels of skin carotenoids, fasting blood glucose, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significantly improved (P = .011, P = .043, and P = .05, respectively). The results of this study support the feasibility and efficacy of a multifaceted, garden-based intervention for cancer survivors. In addition, these preliminary results demonstrate a positive impact aligning with the current lifestyle recommendations for cancer survivorship. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to define impact on sustained health outcomes.

Feasibility, Preliminary Efficacy, and Lessons Learned From a Garden-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Spees, Colleen K.; Hill, Emily B.; Grainger, Elizabeth M.; Buell, Jackie L.; White, Susan E.; Kleinhenz, Matthew D.; Clinton, Steven K.

2016-01-01

Background Cancer survivors remain at increased risk for secondary malignancies, comorbidities, and all-cause mortality. Lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, are strongly linked to a decreased risk of chronic disease and improved health outcomes, yet a paucity of research has been conducted in this vulnerable population. Methods Adult cancer survivors were recruited to participate in Growing Hope, an experimental single-group study designed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a theory-driven and evidence-based intervention. For 4 months, 22 participants received group and individual education and had access to harvesting fresh produce at an urban garden. Data on program satisfaction, compliance, diet, and physical activity were collected via surveys; anthropometrics, blood values, and skin carotenoids were objectively measured. Results The intervention resulted in significant improvements in consumption of fruits and vegetables (P = .003), decreased consumption of red and processed meats (P = .030) and sugar-sweetened beverages (P = .020). Levels of skin carotenoids, fasting blood glucose, and non–high density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significantly improved (P = .011, P = .043, and P = .05, respectively). Conclusions The results of this study support the feasibility and efficacy of a multifaceted, garden-based intervention for cancer survivors. In addition, these preliminary results demonstrate a positive impact aligning with the current lifestyle recommendations for cancer survivorship. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to define impact on sustained health outcomes. PMID:27556671

Modelling and attenuation feasibility of the aeroelastic response of active helicopter rotor systems during the engagement/disengagement phase of maritime operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khouli, F.

An aeroelastic phenomenon, known as blade sailing, encountered during maritime operation of helicopters is identified as being a factor that limits the tactical flexibility of helicopter operation in some sea conditions. The hazards associated with this phenomenon and its complexity, owing to the number of factors contributing to its occurrence, led previous investigators to conclude that advanced and validated simulation tools are best suited to investigate it. A research gap is identified in terms of scaled experimental investigation of this phenomenon and practical engineering solutions to alleviate its negative impact on maritime helicopter operation. The feasibility of a proposed strategy to alleviate it required addressing a gap in modelling thin-walled composite active beams/rotor blades. The modelling is performed by extending a mathematically-consistent and asymptotic reduction strategy of the 3-D elastic problem to account for embedded active materials. The derived active cross-sectional theory is validated using 2-D finite element results for closed and open cross-sections. The geometrically-exact intrinsic formulation of active maritime rotor systems is demonstrated to yield compact and symbolic governing equations. The intrinsic feature is shown to allow a classical and proven solution scheme to be successfully applied to obtain time history solutions. A Froude-scaled experimental rotor was designed, built, and tested in a scaled ship airwake environment and representative ship motion. Based on experimental and simulations data, conclusions are drawn regarding the influence of the maritime operation environment and the rotor operation parameters on the blade sailing phenomenon. The experimental data is also used to successfully validate the developed simulation tools. The feasibility of an open-loop control strategy based on the integral active twist concept to counter blade sailing is established in a Mach-scaled maritime operation environment. Recommendations are proposed to improve the strategy and further establish its validity in a full-scale maritime operation environment.

7 CFR 4279.150 - Feasibility studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Feasibility studies. 4279.150 Section 4279.150... § 4279.150 Feasibility studies. A feasibility study by a qualified independent consultant may be required... affect the borrower's operations. An acceptable feasibility study should include, but not be limited to...

7 CFR 4279.150 - Feasibility studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Feasibility studies. 4279.150 Section 4279.150... § 4279.150 Feasibility studies. A feasibility study by a qualified independent consultant may be required... affect the borrower's operations. An acceptable feasibility study should include, but not be limited to...

Experimental study of an adaptive CFRC reflector for high order wave-front error correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Lan; Fang, Houfei; Wu, Ke; Jiang, Shuidong; Zhou, Yang

2018-03-01

The recent radio frequency communication system developments are generating the need for creating space antennas with lightweight and high precision. The carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRC) materials have been used to manufacture the high precision reflector. The wave-front errors caused by fabrication and on-orbit distortion are inevitable. The adaptive CFRC reflector has received much attention to do the wave-front error correction. Due to uneven stress distribution that is introduced by actuation force and fabrication, the high order wave-front errors such as print-through error is found on the reflector surface. However, the adaptive CFRC reflector with PZT actuators basically has no control authority over the high order wave-front errors. A new design architecture assembled secondary ribs at the weak triangular surfaces is presented in this paper. The virtual experimental study of the new adaptive CFRC reflector has conducted. The controllability of the original adaptive CFRC reflector and the new adaptive CFRC reflector with secondary ribs are investigated. The virtual experimental investigation shows that the new adaptive CFRC reflector is feasible and efficient to diminish the high order wave-front error.

Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Sound Absorption Properties of Finely Perforated Wooden Panels.

PubMed

Song, Boqi; Peng, Limin; Fu, Feng; Liu, Meihong; Zhang, Houjiang

2016-11-22

Perforated wooden panels are typically utilized as a resonant sound absorbing material in indoor noise control. In this paper, the absorption properties of wooden panels perforated with tiny holes of 1-3 mm diameter were studied both experimentally and theoretically. The Maa-MPP (micro perforated panels) model and the Maa-Flex model were applied to predict the absorption regularities of finely perforated wooden panels. A relative impedance comparison and full-factorial experiments were carried out to verify the feasibility of the theoretical models. The results showed that the Maa-Flex model obtained good agreement with measured results. Control experiments and measurements of dynamic mechanical properties were carried out to investigate the influence of the wood characteristics. In this study, absorption properties were enhanced by sound-induced vibration. The relationship between the dynamic mechanical properties and the panel mass-spring vibration absorption was revealed. While the absorption effects of wood porous structure were not found, they were demonstrated theoretically by using acoustic wave propagation in a simplified circular pipe with a suddenly changed cross-section model. This work provides experimental and theoretical guidance for perforation parameter design.

Spacelab cryogenic propellant management experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cady, E. C.

1976-01-01

The conceptual design of a Spacelab cryogen management experiment was performed to demonstrate toe desirability and feasibility of subcritical cryogenic fluid orbital storage and supply. A description of the experimental apparatus, definition of supporting requirements, procedures, data analysis, and a cost estimate are included.

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF MULTI-SPECIES TRANSPORT IN SOILS UNDER ELECTRIC FIELDS

EPA Science Inventory

Electrokinetics employs the use of electrodes implanted in soils-contaminated media. Electrodes are supplied with direct current (dc) facilitating ionic transport and subsequent removal. This project investigates the feasibility and efficiency of electrokinetic transport of lea...

Recycled concrete aggregate : field implementation at the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of using RCA for concrete production in rigid pavement applications. : The experimental program was undertaken to investigate the performance of different concrete made with different...

Millimeter-Wave Generation with Spiraling Electron Beams

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-02-01

An investigation has been carried out of the feasibility : of using the interaction between a thin, solid, : spiraling electron beam of 10-20kV energy and a microwave : cavity to generate watts of CW millimeter-wave power. : Experimental results are ...

Applying Propensity Score Methods in Medical Research: Pitfalls and Prospects

PubMed Central

Luo, Zhehui; Gardiner, Joseph C.; Bradley, Cathy J.

2012-01-01

The authors review experimental and nonexperimental causal inference methods, focusing on assumptions for the validity of instrumental variables and propensity score (PS) methods. They provide guidance in four areas for the analysis and reporting of PS methods in medical research and selectively evaluate mainstream medical journal articles from 2000 to 2005 in the four areas, namely, examination of balance, overlapping support description, use of estimated PS for evaluation of treatment effect, and sensitivity analyses. In spite of the many pitfalls, when appropriately evaluated and applied, PS methods can be powerful tools in assessing average treatment effects in observational studies. Appropriate PS applications can create experimental conditions using observational data when randomized controlled trials are not feasible and, thus, lead researchers to an efficient estimator of the average treatment effect. PMID:20442340

An experimental investigation of a hollow cathode discharge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilbur, P. J.

1971-01-01

An experimental study of the effects of various modifications to the hollow cathode discharge region of a 20 cm electron bombardment ion thruster is presented. The introduction of electrical insulation between the main and cathode discharge regions is shown to have no significant effect on thruster performance. Adjustment of both the diameter and length of the cathode discharge region from the design condition are examined and the reduced sizes are shown to effect large improvements in propellant utilization when the thruster is operating at about 30% of the design thrust level. Performance improvements are shown to be less significant at higher thrust levels. The feasibility of using a high voltage tickler electrode to initiate the cathode-keeper discharge is considered and results obtained suggest this mode of startup is unsatisfactory.

A microfluidic-based lid device for conventional cell culture dishes to automatically control oxygen level.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Yeob; Yang, Sung

2018-04-25

Most conventional hypoxic cell culture systems undergo reoxygenation during experimental manipulations, resulting in undesirable effects including the reduction of cell viability. A lid device was developed herein for conventional cell culture dishes to resolve this limitation. The integration of multilayered microfluidic channels inside a thin membrane was designed to prevent the reoxygenation caused by reagent infusion and automatically control the oxygen level. The experimental data clearly show the reducibility of the dissolved oxygen in the infusing reagent and the controllability of the oxygen level inside the dish. The feasibility of the device for hypoxia studies was confirmed by HIF-1α experiments. Therefore, the device could be used as a compact and convenient hypoxic cell culture system to prevent reoxygenation-related issues.

Experimental demonstration of wavelength domain rogue-free ONU based on wavelength-pairing for TDM/WDM optical access networks.

PubMed

Lee, Jie Hyun; Park, Heuk; Kang, Sae-Kyoung; Lee, Joon Ki; Chung, Hwan Seok

2015-11-30

In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a wavelength domain rogue-free ONU based on wavelength-pairing of downstream and upstream signals for time/wavelength division-multiplexed optical access networks. The wavelength-pairing tunable filter is aligned to the upstream wavelength channel by aligning it to one of the downstream wavelength channels. Wavelength-pairing is implemented with a compact and cyclic Si-AWG integrated with a Ge-PD. The pairing filter covered four 100 GHz-spaced wavelength channels. The feasibility of the wavelength domain rogue-free operation is investigated by emulating malfunction of the misaligned laser. The wavelength-pairing tunable filter based on the Si-AWG blocks the upstream signal in the non-assigned wavelength channel before data collision with other ONUs.

Light field otoscope design for 3D in vivo imaging of the middle ear

PubMed Central

Bedard, Noah; Shope, Timothy; Hoberman, Alejandro; Haralam, Mary Ann; Shaikh, Nader; Kovačević, Jelena; Balram, Nikhil; Tošić, Ivana

2016-01-01

We present a light field digital otoscope designed to measure three-dimensional shape of the tympanic membrane. This paper describes the optical and anatomical considerations we used to develop the prototype, along with the simulation and experimental measurements of vignetting, field curvature, and lateral resolution. Using an experimental evaluation procedure, we have determined depth accuracy and depth precision of our system to be 0.05–0.07 mm and 0.21–0.44 mm, respectively. To demonstrate the application of our light field otoscope, we present the first three-dimensional reconstructions of tympanic membranes in normal and otitis media conditions, acquired from children who participated in a feasibility study at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. PMID:28101416

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction for imaging electrical impedance of biological tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xu; Xu, Yuan; He, Bin

2006-03-01

An experimental feasibility study was conducted on magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI). It is demonstrated that the two-dimensional MAT-MI system can detect and image the boundaries between regions of different electrical conductivities with high spatial resolution. Utilizing a magnetic stimulation coil, MAT-MI evokes magnetically induced eddy current in an object which is placed in a static magnetic field. Because of the existence of Lorenz forces, the eddy current in turn causes acoustic vibrations, which are measured around the object in order to reconstruct the electrical impedance distribution of the object. The present experimental results from the saline and gel phantoms are promising and suggest the merits of MAT-MI in imaging electrical impedance of biological tissue with high spatial resolution.

Measuring higher-dimensional entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Chandan; Agrawal, Pankaj; Choudhary, Sujit K.

2017-04-01

We study local-realistic inequalities, Bell-type inequalities, for bipartite pure states of finite dimensional quantum systems—qudits. There are a number of proposed Bell-type inequalities for such systems. Our interest is in relating the value of the Bell-type inequality function with a measure of entanglement. Interestingly, we find that one of these inequalities, the Son-Lee-Kim inequality, can be used to measure entanglement of a pure bipartite qudit state and a class of mixed two-qudit states. Unlike the majority of earlier schemes in this direction, where the number of observables needed to characterize the entanglement increases with the dimension of the subsystems, this method needs only four observables. We also discuss the experimental feasibility of this scheme. It turns out that current experimental setups can be used to measure the entanglement using our scheme.

Advanced reservoir characterization and evaluation of CO{sub 2} gravity drainage in the naturally fractured Spraberry Trend Area, Class III

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

Heckman, Tracy; Schechter, David S.

2000-04-11

The overall goal of this project was to assess the economic feasibility of CO{sub 2} flooding the naturally fractured Spraberry Trend Area in West Texas. This objective was accomplished by conducting research in four areas: (1) extensive characterization of the reservoirs, (2) experimental studies of crude oil/brine/rock (COBR) interaction in the reservoirs, (3) analytical and numerical simulation of Spraberry reservoirs, and, (4) experimental investigations on CO{sub 2} gravity drainage in Spraberry whole cores. This report provides results of the fourth year of the five-year project for each of the four areas including a status report of field activities leading upmore » to injection of CO{sub 2}.« less

Adipose-derived stem-cell-implanted poly(ϵ-caprolactone)/chitosan scaffold improves bladder regeneration in a rat model.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhe; Yan, Hao; Liu, Yidong; Xiao, Dongdong; Li, Wei; Wang, Qiong; Zhao, Yang; Sun, Kang; Zhang, Ming; Lu, Mujun

2018-04-01

The study investigated the feasibility of seeding adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) onto a poly(ϵ-caprolactone)/chitosan (PCL/CS) scaffold for bladder reconstruction using a rat model of bladder augmentation. In the experimental group, the autologous ASCs were seeded onto the PCL/CS scaffold for bladder augmentation. An unseeded scaffold was used for bladder augmentation as control group. The sham group was also set. 8 weeks after implantation, more densely smooth muscles were detected in the experimental group with a larger bladder capacity and more intensive blood vessels. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that some of the smooth muscle cells were transdifferentiated from the ASCs. Our findings indicated that ASC-seeded PCL/CS may be a potential scaffold for bladder tissue engineering.

⁶Li-loaded directionally sensitive anti-neutrino detector for possible geo-neutrinographic imaging applications.

PubMed

Tanaka, H K M; Watanabe, H

2014-04-24

Despite the latent and unique benefits of imaging uranium and thorium's distribution in the earth's interior, previously proposed experimental techniques used to identify the incoming geo-neutrino's direction are not applicable to practical imaging due to the high miss-identification in a neutrino's track reconstruction. After performing experimental studies and Monte-Carlo simulations, we confirmed that a significant improvement is possible in neutrino tracking identification with a (6)Li-loaded neutrino detector. For possible imaging applications, we also explore the feasibility of producing geo-neutrinographic images of gigantic magmatic reservoirs and deep structure in the mantle. We anticipate and plan to apply these newly designed detectors to radiographic imaging of the Earth's interior, monitoring of nuclear reactors, and tracking astrophysical sources of neutrinos.

6Li-loaded directionally sensitive anti-neutrino detector for possible geo-neutrinographic imaging applications

PubMed Central

Tanaka, H. K. M.; Watanabe, H.

2014-01-01

Despite the latent and unique benefits of imaging uranium and thorium's distribution in the earth's interior, previously proposed experimental techniques used to identify the incoming geo-neutrino's direction are not applicable to practical imaging due to the high miss-identification in a neutrino's track reconstruction. After performing experimental studies and Monte-Carlo simulations, we confirmed that a significant improvement is possible in neutrino tracking identification with a 6Li-loaded neutrino detector. For possible imaging applications, we also explore the feasibility of producing geo-neutrinographic images of gigantic magmatic reservoirs and deep structure in the mantle. We anticipate and plan to apply these newly designed detectors to radiographic imaging of the Earth's interior, monitoring of nuclear reactors, and tracking astrophysical sources of neutrinos. PMID:24759616

QCL spectroscopy combined with the least squares method for substance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsonov, D. A.; Tabalina, A. S.; Fufurin, I. L.

2017-11-01

The article briefly describes distinctive features of quantum cascade lasers (QCL). It also describes an experimental set-up for acquiring mid-infrared absorption spectra using QCL. The paper demonstrates experimental results in the form of normed spectra. We tested the application of the least squares method for spectrum analysis. We used this method for substance identification and extraction of concentration data. We compare the results with more common methods of absorption spectroscopy. Eventually, we prove the feasibility of using this simple method for quantitative and qualitative analysis of experimental data acquired with QCL.

Corrosion Assessment of Steel Bars Used in Reinforced Concrete Structures by Means of Eddy Current Testing

PubMed Central

de Alcantara, Naasson P.; da Silva, Felipe M.; Guimarães, Mateus T.; Pereira, Matheus D.

2015-01-01

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study on the use of Eddy Current Testing (ECT) to evaluate corrosion processes in steel bars used in reinforced concrete structures. The paper presents the mathematical basis of the ECT sensor built by the authors; followed by a finite element analysis. The results obtained in the simulations are compared with those obtained in experimental tests performed by the authors. Effective resistances and inductances; voltage drops and phase angles of wound coil are calculated using both; simulated and experimental data; and demonstrate a strong correlation. The production of samples of corroded steel bars; by using an impressed current technique is also presented. The authors performed experimental tests in the laboratory using handmade sensors; and the corroded samples. In the tests four gauges; with five levels of loss-of-mass references for each one were used. The results are analyzed in the light of the loss-of-mass and show a strong linear behavior for the analyzed parameters. The conclusions emphasize the feasibility of the proposed technique and highlight opportunities for future works. PMID:26712754

Robustness of high-fidelity Rydberg gates with single-site addressability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goerz, Michael H.; Halperin, Eli J.; Aytac, Jon M.; Koch, Christiane P.; Whaley, K. Birgitta

2014-09-01

Controlled-phase (cphase) gates can be realized with trapped neutral atoms by making use of the Rydberg blockade. Achieving the ultrahigh fidelities required for quantum computation with such Rydberg gates, however, is compromised by experimental inaccuracies in pulse amplitudes and timings, as well as by stray fields that cause fluctuations of the Rydberg levels. We report here a comparative study of analytic and numerical pulse sequences for the Rydberg cphase gate that specifically examines the robustness of the gate fidelity with respect to such experimental perturbations. Analytical pulse sequences of both simultaneous and stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) are found to be at best moderately robust under these perturbations. In contrast, optimal control theory is seen to allow generation of numerical pulses that are inherently robust within a predefined tolerance window. The resulting numerical pulse shapes display simple modulation patterns and can be rationalized in terms of an interference between distinct two-photon Rydberg excitation pathways. Pulses of such low complexity should be experimentally feasible, allowing gate fidelities of order 99.90-99.99% to be achievable under realistic experimental conditions.

An experimental system for coiled tubing partial underbalanced drilling (CT-PUBD) technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, H. Z.; Ji, Z. S.; Zhao, H. Q.; Chen, Z. L.; Zhang, H. Z.

2018-05-01

To improve the rate of penetration (ROP) in hard formations, a new high-speed drilling technique called Coiled Tubing Partial Underbalanced Drilling (CT-PUBD) is proposed. This method uses a rotary packer to realize an underbalanced condition near the bit by creating a micro-annulus and an overbalanced condition at the main part of the annulus. A new full-scale laboratory experimental system is designed and set up to study the hydraulic characteristics and drilling performance of this method. The system is composed of a drilling system, circulation system, and monitor system, including three key devices, namely, cuttings discharge device, rotary packer, and backflow device. The experimental results showed that the pressure loss increased linearly with the flow rate of the drilling fluid. The high drilling speed of CT-PUBD proved it a better drilling method than the conventional drilling. The experimental system may provide a fundamental basis for the research of CT-PUBD, and the results proved that this new method is feasible in enhancing ROP and guaranteeing the drilling safety.

Corrosion Assessment of Steel Bars Used in Reinforced Concrete Structures by Means of Eddy Current Testing.

PubMed

de Alcantara, Naasson P; da Silva, Felipe M; Guimarães, Mateus T; Pereira, Matheus D

2015-12-24

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study on the use of Eddy Current Testing (ECT) to evaluate corrosion processes in steel bars used in reinforced concrete structures. The paper presents the mathematical basis of the ECT sensor built by the authors; followed by a finite element analysis. The results obtained in the simulations are compared with those obtained in experimental tests performed by the authors. Effective resistances and inductances; voltage drops and phase angles of wound coil are calculated using both; simulated and experimental data; and demonstrate a strong correlation. The production of samples of corroded steel bars; by using an impressed current technique is also presented. The authors performed experimental tests in the laboratory using handmade sensors; and the corroded samples. In the tests four gauges; with five levels of loss-of-mass references for each one were used. The results are analyzed in the light of the loss-of-mass and show a strong linear behavior for the analyzed parameters. The conclusions emphasize the feasibility of the proposed technique and highlight opportunities for future works.

Statistical Analysis for Collision-free Boson Sampling.

PubMed

Huang, He-Liang; Zhong, Han-Sen; Li, Tan; Li, Feng-Guang; Fu, Xiang-Qun; Zhang, Shuo; Wang, Xiang; Bao, Wan-Su

2017-11-10

Boson sampling is strongly believed to be intractable for classical computers but solvable with photons in linear optics, which raises widespread concern as a rapid way to demonstrate the quantum supremacy. However, due to its solution is mathematically unverifiable, how to certify the experimental results becomes a major difficulty in the boson sampling experiment. Here, we develop a statistical analysis scheme to experimentally certify the collision-free boson sampling. Numerical simulations are performed to show the feasibility and practicability of our scheme, and the effects of realistic experimental conditions are also considered, demonstrating that our proposed scheme is experimentally friendly. Moreover, our broad approach is expected to be generally applied to investigate multi-particle coherent dynamics beyond the boson sampling.

Implementing shared decision making in federally qualified health centers, a quasi-experimental design study: the Office-Guidelines Applied to Practice (Office-GAP) program.

PubMed

Olomu, Adesuwa; Hart-Davidson, William; Luo, Zhehui; Kelly-Blake, Karen; Holmes-Rovner, Margaret

2016-08-02

Use of Shared Decision-Making (SDM) and Decision Aids (DAs) has been encouraged but is not regularly implemented in primary care. The Office-Guidelines Applied to Practice (Office-GAP) intervention is an application of a previous model revised to address guidelines based care for low-income populations with diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). To evaluate Office-GAP Program feasibility and preliminary efficacy on medication use, patient satisfaction with physician communication and confidence in decision in low-income population with diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) in a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC). Ninety-five patients participated in an Office-GAP program. A quasi-experimental design study, over 6 months with 12-month follow-up. Office-GAP program integrates health literacy, communication skills education for patients and physicians, patient/physician decision support tools and SDM into routine care. 1) Implementation rates of planned program elements 2) Patient satisfaction with communication and confidence in decision, and 3) Medication prescription rates. We used the GEE method for hierarchical logistic models, controlling for confounding. Feasibility of the Office-GAP program in the FQHC setting was established. We found significant increase in use of Aspirin/Plavix, statin and beta-blocker during follow-up compared to baseline: Aspirin OR 1.5 (95 % CI: 1.1, 2.2) at 3-months, 1.9 (1.3, 2.9) at 6-months, and 1.8 (1.2, 2.8) at 12-months. Statin OR 1.1 (1.0, 1.3) at 3-months and 1.5 (1.1, 2.2) at 12-months; beta-blocker 1.8 (1.1, 2.9) at 6-months and 12-months. Program elements were consistently used (≥ 98 % clinic attendance at training and tool used). Patient satisfaction with communication and confidence in decision increased. The use of Office-GAP program to teach SDM and use of DAs in real time was demonstrated to be feasible in FQHCs. It has the potential to improve satisfaction with physician communication and confidence in decisions and to improve medication use. The Office-GAP program is a brief, efficient platform for delivering patient and provider education in SDM and could serve as a model for implementing guideline based care for all chronic diseases in outpatient clinical settings. Further evaluation is needed to establish feasibility outside clinical study, reach, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Replacing fossil based plastic performance products by bio-based plastic products-Technical feasibility.

PubMed

van den Oever, Martien; Molenveld, Karin

2017-07-25

Larger scale market introduction of new bio-based products requires a clear advantage regarding sustainability, as well as an adequate techno-economic positioning relative to fossil based products. In a previous paper [Broeren et al., 2016], LCA results per kg and per functionality equivalent of bio-based plastics were presented, together with economic considerations. The present paper discusses the mechanical and thermal properties of a range of commercially available bio-based plastics based on polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose esters, starch and polyamides, and the feasibility of replacing fossil-based counterparts based on performance. The evaluation is approached from an end user perspective. First, potentially suitable bio-based plastics are selected based on manufacturers' specifications in technical data sheets, then a first experimental evaluation is performed on injection moulded ISO specimens, and finally a further selection of plastics is tested on large 50×70cm panels. This technical feasibility study indicates that so far bio-based plastics do not completely match the properties of high performance materials like flame retardant V-0 PC/ABS blends used in electronic devices. The performance gap is being decreased by the development of stereocomplex PLA and hybrid PLA blends with polycarbonate, which offer clearly improved properties with respect to maximum usage temperature and toughness. In addition, several materials meet the V-0 flammability requirements needed in specific durable applications. On the other hand, improving these properties so far has negative consequences for the bio-based content. This study also shows that replacement of bulk polymers like PS is feasible using PLA compounds with a bio-based content as high as 85%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen as an atomic beam standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, H. E.

1972-01-01

After a preliminary discussion of feasibility, new experimental work with a hydrogen beam is described. A space focused magnetic resonance technique with separated oscillatory fields is used with a monochromatic beam of cold hydrogen atoms which are selected from a higher temperature source. The first resonance curves and other experimental results are presented. These results are interpreted from the point of view of accuracy potential and frequency stability, and are compared with hydrogen maser and cesium beam capabilities.

Transfer of entangled state, entanglement swapping and quantum information processing via the Rydberg blockade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Li; Chen, Ai-Xi; Zhang, Jian-Song

2011-11-01

We provide a scheme with which the transfer of the entangled state and the entanglement swapping can be realized in a system of neutral atoms via the Rydberg blockade. Our idea can be extended to teleport an unknown atomic state. According to the latest theoretical research of the Rydberg excitation and experimental reports of the Rydberg blockade effect in quantum information processing, we discuss the experimental feasibility of our scheme.

43 CFR 404.47 - How will a feasibility study be conducted under this program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How will a feasibility study be conducted... Studies § 404.47 How will a feasibility study be conducted under this program? Feasibility studies will be... feasibility study, including the Principles and Guidelines (incorporated by reference at § 404.4). You can...

Neighbourhood generation mechanism applied in simulated annealing to job shop scheduling problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Chávez, Marco Antonio

2015-11-01

This paper presents a neighbourhood generation mechanism for the job shop scheduling problems (JSSPs). In order to obtain a feasible neighbour with the generation mechanism, it is only necessary to generate a permutation of an adjacent pair of operations in a scheduling of the JSSP. If there is no slack time between the adjacent pair of operations that is permuted, then it is proven, through theory and experimentation, that the new neighbour (schedule) generated is feasible. It is demonstrated that the neighbourhood generation mechanism is very efficient and effective in a simulated annealing.

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

Adhikari, B.; Pellegrino, J.; Stickel, J.

We are currently evaluating the feasibility of performing continuous enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to product sugars using a membrane-assisted reaction/separation process. The overarching technical goals are to continuously remove the sugars—this lowers product feedback inhibition—retain and recycle active enzyme, and continuously recover the co-product of lignin. Experimental d d d currently evaluating the feasibility of performing continuous enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to product sugars using a membrane-assisted reaction/separation process. The overarching technical goals are to continuously remove the sugars -- this lowers product feedback inhibition --retain and recycle active enzyme, and continuously recover the co-product of lignin.

Influencing risk behavior of sexually transmitted infection clinic visitors: efficacy of a new methodology of motivational preventive counseling.

PubMed

Kuyper, Lisette; de Wit, John; Heijman, Titia; Fennema, Han; van Bergen, Jan; Vanwesenbeeck, Ine

2009-06-01

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic to compare the effects of educational counseling and motivational interviewing (MI)-based HIV/STI counseling on determinants of condom use and partner notification at 6-month follow-up. It also examined the feasibility of MI-based counseling in a busy real-life clinic. The counseling approaches were historically compared: respondents in the control condition were recruited between April and July 2005, those in the experimental condition between September and December 2005. The study involved 428 participants. These were all high-risk clients of the STI clinic. Their mean age was 33.7 years, and 39.6% were female. The study showed that MI-based counseling had a more positive effect on self-efficacy, intentions to use condoms with casual partners, and long-term condom use with steady partners. It had no adversarial outcomes on other social cognitions or behaviors compared to educational counseling. Furthermore, MI-based counseling is experienced as a more respectful and structured way of counseling. MI-based counseling was relatively easily implemented into the current clinic procedures. In addition to the implementation of the training, neither specialized staff nor additional or longer client visits were needed. However, some nurses indicated that the new method required more personal investment and effort. Limitations of the current study are the low response rates, the high educational level of most participants, and the small sample size regarding partner notification. Nonetheless, we conclude that MI-based counseling was a more effective approach to preventive counseling compared to educational counseling and feasible in the busy real-life setting.

Active Control of Fan Noise-Feasibility Study. Volume 2: Canceling Noise Source-Design of an Acoustic Plate Radiator Using Piezoceramic Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pla, F. G.; Rajiyah, H.

1995-01-01

The feasibility of using acoustic plate radiators powered by piezoceramic thin sheets as canceling sources for active control of aircraft engine fan noise is demonstrated. Analytical and numerical models of actuated beams and plates are developed and validated. An optimization study is performed to identify the optimum combination of design parameters that maximizes the plate volume velocity for a given resonance frequency. Fifteen plates with various plate and actuator sizes, thicknesses, and bonding layers were fabricated and tested using results from the optimization study. A maximum equivalent piston displacement of 0.39 mm was achieved with the optimized plate samples tested with only one actuator powered, corresponding to a plate deflection at the center of over 1 millimeter. This is very close to the deflection required for a full size engine application and represents a 160-fold improvement over previous work. Experimental results further show that performance is limited by the critical stress of the piezoceramic actuator and bonding layer rather than by the maximum moment available from the actuator. Design enhancements are described in detail that will lead to a flight-worthy acoustic plate radiator by minimizing actuator tensile stresses and reducing nonlinear effects. Finally, several adaptive tuning methods designed to increase the bandwidth of acoustic plate radiators are analyzed including passive, active, and semi-active approaches. The back chamber pressurization and volume variation methods are investigated experimentally and shown to be simple and effective ways to obtain substantial control over the resonance frequency of a plate radiator. This study shows that piezoceramic-based plate radiators can be a viable acoustic source for active control of aircraft engine fan noise.

Psychoeducational Intervention for Symptom Management of Fatigue, Pain, and Sleep Disturbance Cluster Among Cancer Patients: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study.

PubMed

Nguyen, Ly Thuy; Alexander, Kimberly; Yates, Patsy

2018-06-01

To assess the feasibility of conducting a trial of a psychoeducational intervention involving the provision of tailored information and coaching to improve management of a cancer-related symptom cluster (fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance) and reduce symptom cluster impacts on patient health outcomes in the Vietnamese context and to undertake a preliminary evaluation of the intervention. A parallel-group single-blind pilot quasi-experimental trial was conducted with 102 cancer patients in one Vietnamese hospital. The intervention group received one face-to-face session and two phone sessions delivered by a nurse one week apart, and the comparison group received usual care. Patient outcomes were measured at baseline before the chemotherapy cycle and immediately preceding the next chemotherapy cycle. Separate linear mixed models were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on total symptom cluster severity, symptom scores, functional status, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. The study design was feasible with a recruitment rate of 22.6% and attrition rate of 9.8%. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in symptom cluster severity, fatigue severity, fatigue interference, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Significant differences were not observed for pain severity, pain interference, functional status, and health-related quality of life. The intervention was acceptable to the study population, with a high attendance rate of 78% and adherence rate of 95.7%. On the basis of the present study findings, future randomized controlled trials are needed to test the effectiveness of a symptom cluster psychoeducational intervention in Vietnam. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The feasibility study of 177Lu production in Miniature Neutron Source Reactors using a multi-stage approach in Isfahan, Iran.

PubMed

Golabian, A; Hosseini, M A; Ahmadi, M; Soleimani, B; Rezvanifard, M

2018-01-01

Miniature neutron source reactors (MNSRs) are among the safest and economic research reactors with potentials to be used for neutron studies. This manuscript explores the feasibility of 177 Lu production in Isfahan MNSR reactor using direct production route. In this study, to assess the specific activity of the produced radioisotope, a simulation was carried out through the MCNPX2.6 code. The simulation was validated by irradiating a lutetium disc-like (99.98 chemical purity) at the thermal neutron flux of 5 × 10 11 ncm 2 s -1 and an irradiation time of 4min. After the spectrometry of the irradiated sample, the experimental results of 177 Lu production were compared with the simulation results. In addition, factor from the simulation was extracted by replacing it in the related equations in order to calculate specific activity through a multi-stage approach, and by using different irradiation techniques. The results showed that the simulation technique designed in this study is in agreement with the experimental approach (with a difference of approximately 3%). It was also found that the maximum 177 Lu production at the maximum flux and irradiation time allows access to 723.5mCi/g after 27 cycles. Furthermore, the comparison of irradiation techniques showed that increasing the irradiation time is more effective in 177 Lu production efficiency than increasing the number of irradiation cycles. In a way that increasing the irradiation time would postpone the saturation of the productions. On the other hand, it was shown that the choice of an appropriate irradiation technique for 177 Lu production can be economically important in term of the effective fuel consumption in the reactor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foot Massage, Touch, and Presence in Decreasing Anxiety during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Parmar, Rajni; Brewer, Barbara B; Szalacha, Laura A

2018-03-01

The purpose of the study was to determine (1) recruitment feasibility; (2) intervention adherence; (3) intervention acceptability; and (4) the preliminary effects of touch or foot massage interventions on anxiety during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A quasi-experimental design was used. Foot massage and touch were the intervention groups and "presence" was the control group. The study was conducted at the Center for Neurosciences, a freestanding facility, in southern Arizona. The sample (N = 60) was predominantly Caucasian (58.3%), married (55%), and college educated (43.3%). There were 39 females and 21 males. Fifty-three percent of the participants had an MRI head scan. Recruitment feasibility was the percentage of participants enrolled out of those screened. Adherence to foot massage and touch interventions was measured by the researcher's ability to apply full intervention for 20 min. Four factors measured participants' acceptance of the interventions as follows: (1) comfort; (2) acceptability of the length of the treatment; (3) perception of effectiveness; and (4) recommendation of treatment as part of routine MRI care. The MRI technologists' acceptability was measured by whether the intervention: (1) disrupted the workflow and (2) affected the length of the scan. State anxiety was assessed verbally by a single 10-point Likert type item. Recruitment feasibility was 78.2%. There were no barriers to the intervention protocol for 91.6% participants. The overall mean value of perceived effectiveness was 8.53, SD = 2.4 on a 10-point Likert type question. There was a significant difference among the three groups in terms of perceived effectiveness of the intervention F (2, 57)  = 15.19, p < 0.001. Multilevel modeling documented that the foot massage intervention was a significant predictor of decreasing anxiety (β = -1.35, SE = 0.63, p < 0.01). The use of foot massage or touch is feasible, acceptable by patients and technologists, and the use of foot massage was associated with lower state anxiety.

Investigating axial diffusion in cylindrical pores using confocal single-particle fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Fang; Neupane, Bhanu; Li, Peiyuan; Su, Wei; Wang, Gufeng

2016-08-01

We explored the feasibility of using confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study small nanoparticle diffusion in hundred-nanometer-sized cylindrical pores. By modeling single particle diffusion in tube-like confined three-dimensional space aligned parallel to the confocal optical axis, we showed that two diffusion dynamics can be observed in both original intensity traces and the autocorrelation functions (ACFs): the confined two-dimensional lateral diffusion and the unconfined one-dimensional (1D) axial diffusion. The separation of the axial and confined lateral diffusion dynamics provides an opportunity to study diffusions in different dimensions separately. We further experimentally studied 45 nm carboxylated polystyrene particles diffusing in 300 nm alumina pores. The experimental data showed consistency with the simulation. To extract the accurate axial diffusion coefficient, we found that a 1D diffusion model with a Lorentzian axial collection profile needs to be used to analyze the experimental ACFs. The diffusion of the 45 nm nanoparticles in polyethyleneglycol-passivated 300 nm pores slowed down by a factor of ∼2, which can be satisfactorily explained by hydrodynamic frictions. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

7 CFR 1737.70 - Description of feasibility study

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Description of feasibility study 1737.70 Section 1737... TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS Feasibility Determination Procedures § 1737.70 Description of feasibility study (a) In connection with each loan RUS shall prepare a feasibility study that includes sections on consolidated loan...

7 CFR 1737.70 - Description of feasibility study

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Description of feasibility study 1737.70 Section 1737... TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS Feasibility Determination Procedures § 1737.70 Description of feasibility study (a) In connection with each loan RUS shall prepare a feasibility study that includes sections on consolidated loan...

Xenon ventilation during therapeutic hypothermia in neonatal encephalopathy: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Dingley, John; Tooley, James; Liu, Xun; Scull-Brown, Emma; Elstad, Maja; Chakkarapani, Ela; Sabir, Hemmen; Thoresen, Marianne

2014-05-01

Therapeutic hypothermia has become standard of care in newborns with moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy; however, additional interventions are needed. In experimental models, breathing xenon gas during cooling offers long-term additive neuroprotection. This is the first xenon feasibility study in cooled infants. Xenon is expensive, requiring a closed-circuit delivery system. Cooled newborns with neonatal encephalopathy were eligible for this single-arm, dose-escalation study if clinically stable, under 18 hours of age and requiring less than 35% oxygen. Xenon duration increased stepwise from 3 to 18 hours in 14 subjects; 1 received 25% xenon and 13 received 50%. Respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic (ie, amplitude-integrated EEG, seizures), and inflammatory (C-reactive protein) effects were examined. The effects of starting or stopping xenon rapidly or slowly were studied. Three matched control subjects per xenon treated subject were selected from our cooling database. Follow-up was at 18 months using mental developmental and physical developmental indexes of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. No adverse respiratory or cardiovascular effects, including post-extubation stridor, were seen. Xenon increased sedation and suppressed seizures and background electroencephalographic activity. Seizures sometimes occurred during rapid weaning of xenon but not during slow weaning. C-reactive protein levels were similar between groups. Hourly xenon consumption was 0.52 L. Three died, and 7 of 11 survivors had mental and physical developmental index scores ≥70 at follow-up. Breathing 50% xenon for up to 18 hours with 72 hours of cooling was feasible, with no adverse effects seen with 18 months' follow-up. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

First steps in experimental cancer evolution

PubMed Central

Taylor, Tiffany B; Johnson, Louise J; Jackson, Robert W; Brockhurst, Michael A; Dash, Philip R

2013-01-01

Evolutionary processes play a central role in the development, progression and response to treatment of cancers. The current challenge facing researchers is to harness evolutionary theory to further our understanding of the clinical progression of cancers. Central to this endeavour will be the development of experimental systems and approaches by which theories of cancer evolution can be effectively tested. We argue here that the experimental evolution approach – whereby evolution is observed in real time and which has typically employed microorganisms – can be usefully applied to cancer. This approach allows us to disentangle the ecological causes of natural selection, identify the genetic basis of evolutionary changes and determine their repeatability. Cell cultures used in cancer research share many of the desirable traits that make microorganisms ideal for studying evolution. As such, experimental cancer evolution is feasible and likely to give great insight into the selective pressures driving the evolution of clinically destructive cancer traits. We highlight three areas of evolutionary theory with importance to cancer biology that are amenable to experimental evolution: drug resistance, social evolution and resource competition. Understanding the diversity, persistence and evolution of cancers is vital for treatment and drug development, and an experimental evolution approach could provide strategic directions and focus for future research. PMID:23745144

43 CFR 404.48 - What process will Reclamation follow to determine if a feasibility study is ready for review?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... determine if a feasibility study is ready for review? 404.48 Section 404.48 Public Lands: Interior... SUPPLY PROGRAM Feasibility Studies § 404.48 What process will Reclamation follow to determine if a feasibility study is ready for review? (a) Reclamation will evaluate whether the feasibility study adequately...

Applications of mass spectrometry techniques to autoclave curing of materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, A. C.

1983-01-01

Mass spectrometer analysis of gases evolved from polymer materials during a cure cycle can provide a wealth of information useful for studying cure properties and procedures. In this paper data is presented for two materials to support the feasibility of using mass spectrometer gas analysis techniques to enhance the knowledge of autoclave curing of composite materials and provide additional information for process control evaluation. It is expected that this technique will also be useful in working out the details involved in determining the proper cure cycle for new or experimental materials.

First steps towards real-time radiography at the NECTAR facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bücherl, T.; Wagner, F. M.; v. Gostomski, Ch. Lierse

2009-06-01

The beam tube SR10 at Forschungsneutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) provides an intense beam of fission neutrons for medical application (MEDAPP) and for radiography and tomography of technical and other objects (NECTAR). The high neutron flux of up to 9.8E+07 cm -2 s -1 (depending on filters and collimation) with a mean energy of about 1.9 MeV at the sample position at the NECTAR facility prompted an experimental feasibility study to investigate the potential for real-time (RT) radiography.

Reducing the stair step effect of layer manufactured surfaces by ball burnishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiegemann, Lars; Agarwal, Chiranshu; Weddeling, Christian; Tekkaya, A. Erman

2016-10-01

The layer technology enables fast and flexible additive manufacturing of forming tools. The disadvantages of this system is the formation of stair steps in the range of tool radii. Within this work a new method to smooth this stair steps by ball burnishing is introduced. This includes studies on the general feasibility of the process and the determination of the influence of the rolling parameters. The investigations are carried out experimentally and numerically. Ultimately, the gained knowledge is applied to finish a deep drawing tool which is manufactured by layer technology.

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

Yang, C.

Almost every computer architect dreams of achieving high system performance with low implementation costs. A multigauge machine can reconfigure its data-path width, provide parallelism, achieve better resource utilization, and sometimes can trade computational precision for increased speed. A simple experimental method is used here to capture the main characteristics of multigauging. The measurements indicate evidence of near-optimal speedups. Adapting these ideas in designing parallel processors incurs low costs and provides flexibility. Several operational aspects of designing a multigauge machine are discussed as well. Thus, this research reports the technical, economical, and operational feasibility studies of multigauging.

Measures of pilot performance during V/TOL aircraft landings on ships at sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, J. C.

1977-01-01

Simulation experiments to determine the feasibility of landing V/TOL aircraft on ships at sea were studied. The motion and attitude of the aircraft relative to the landing platform was known at the instant of touchdown. The success of these experiments depended on the ability of the experimenter to measure the pilot's performance during the landing maneuver. To facilitate these measurements, the equations describing the motion of the aircraft and its attitude relative to the landing platform are presented in a form which is suitable for simulation purposes.

Eagle Stowage and Shock Mitigation Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1960-11-30

considered to be transient . These summaries are derived from the arrangement utilizing sandwich shear mounts in the fore and aft plane. Summary - Shock...Results indicate the feasibility of this proposed arrangement. Ht . „vei, due to the state of the art and absence of experimental data, it is felt...b2 -(L-x)2]. 9U5xl37x57 [388x137 -1372 -13721 6m J 6xl9l4x29xl06x62 ^ ^ - .0U92 in. Deflection at x • $7* due to P2. y - .0337 Total

Oil-air mist lubrication as an emergency system and as a primary lubrication system. [for helicopter engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loomis, W. R.

1976-01-01

The feasibility of an emergency aspirator once-through lubrication system was demonstrated as a viable survivability concept for Army helicopter mainshaft engine bearings for periods as long as 30 minutes. It was also shown in an experimental study using a 46-mm bore bearing test machine that an oil-air mist once-through system with auxiliary air cooling is an effective primary lubrication system at speeds up to 2,500,000 DN for extended operating periods of at least 50 hours.

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

Basu, Sumit, E-mail: sumit.basu@cern.ch; Chatterjee, Rupa; Nayak, Tapan K.

Heavy-ion collisions at ultra-relativistic energies are often referred to as little bangs. We propose for the first time to map the heavy-ion collisions at ultra-relativistic energies, similar to the maps of the cosmic microwave background radiation, using fluctuations of energy density and temperature in small phase space bins. We study the evolution of fluctuations at each stage of the collision using an event-by-event hydrodynamic framework. We demonstrate the feasibility of making fluctuation maps from experimental data and its usefulness in extracting considerable information regarding the early stages of the collision and its evolution.

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study exhibit C. Volume 3: Experimental verification definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

An environmentally oriented microwave technology exploratory research program aimed at reducing the uncertainty associated with microwave power system critical technical issues is described. Topics discussed include: (1) Solar Power Satellite System (SPS) development plan elements; (2) critical technology issues related to the SPS preliminary reference configuration; (3) pilot plant to demonstrate commercial viability of the SPS system; and (4) research areas required to demonstrate feasibility of the SPS system. Progress in the development of advanced GaAs solar cells is reported along with a power distribution subsystem.

Feasibility study for automatic reduction of phase change imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nossaman, G. O.

1971-01-01

The feasibility of automatically reducing a form of pictorial aerodynamic heating data is discussed. The imagery, depicting the melting history of a thin coat of fusible temperature indicator painted on an aerodynamically heated model, was previously reduced by manual methods. Careful examination of various lighting theories and approaches led to an experimentally verified illumination concept capable of yielding high-quality imagery. Both digital and video image processing techniques were applied to reduction of the data, and it was demonstrated that either method can be used to develop superimposed contours. Mathematical techniques were developed to find the model-to-image and the inverse image-to-model transformation using six conjugate points, and methods were developed using these transformations to determine heating rates on the model surface. A video system was designed which is able to reduce the imagery rapidly, economically and accurately. Costs for this system were estimated. A study plan was outlined whereby the mathematical transformation techniques developed to produce model coordinate heating data could be applied to operational software, and methods were discussed and costs estimated for obtaining the digital information necessary for this software.

Evaluation of the stability and antimicrobial activity of an ethanolic extract of Libidibia ferrea

PubMed Central

de Oliveira Marreiro, Raquel; Bandeira, Maria Fulgência Costa Lima; de Souza, Tatiane Pereira; de Almeida, Mailza Costa; Bendaham, Katiana; Venâncio, Gisely Naura; Rodrigues, Isis Costa; Coelho, Cristiane Nagai; Milério, Patrícia Sâmea Lêdo Lima; de Oliveira, Glauber Palma; de Oliveira Conde, Nikeila Chacon

2014-01-01

Biofilm is a dense, whitish, noncalcified aggregate of bacteria, with desquamated epithelial cells and food debris creating conditions for an imbalance of resident oral microflora and favoring the destruction of hard and soft tissues by development of caries and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize an extract of Libidibia ferrea, ex Caesalpinia ferrea L. and to evaluate its feasibility for formulation as a mouthwash, according to current legislation. For this purpose, pH, sedimentation, density, and stability were evaluated, along with microbiological testing of the extract. The microbiological test was used to verify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi, yeasts, coliforms, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus oralis strains. Characterization, microbiological evaluation, and minimum inhibitory concentration results were tabulated and described using descriptive statistics. The L. ferrea extract showed stable characteristics, product quality, and antibacterial activity against the microorganisms tested irrespective of experimental time intervals. According to these results, it can be concluded that formulation of a mouthwash containing L. ferrea extract to control biofilm is feasible, but further studies are needed. PMID:24501546

Design and fabrication of forward-swept counterrotation blade configuration for wind tunnel testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, G. H.

1994-01-01

Work performed by GE Aircraft on advanced counterrotation blade configuration concepts for high speed turboprop system is described. Primary emphasis was placed on theoretically and experimentally evaluating the aerodynamic, aeromechanical, and acoustic performance of GE-defined counterrotating blade concepts. Several blade design concepts were considered. Feasibility studies were conducted to evaluate a forward-swept versus an aft-swept blade application and how the given blade design would affect interaction between rotors. Two blade designs were initially selected. Both designs involved in-depth aerodynamic, aeromechanical, mechanical, and acoustic analyses followed by the fabrication of forward-swept, forward rotor blade sets to be wind tunnel tested with an aft-swept, aft rotor blade set. A third blade set was later produced from a NASA design that was based on wind tunnel test results from the first two blade sets. This blade set had a stiffer outer ply material added to the original blade design, in order to reach the design point operating line. Detailed analyses, feasibility studies, and fabrication procedures for all blade sets are presented.

A terahertz-vibration to terahertz-radiation converter based on gold nanoobjects: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Moldosanov, Kamil; Postnikov, Andrei

2016-01-01

The need for practical and adaptable terahertz sources is apparent in the areas of application such as early cancer diagnostics, nondestructive inspection of pharmaceutical tablets, visualization of concealed objects. We outline the operation principle and suggest the design of a simple appliance for generating terahertz radiation by a system of nanoobjects - gold nanobars (GNBs) or nanorings (GNRs) - irradiated by microwaves. Our estimations confirm a feasibility of the idea that GNBs and GNRs irradiated by microwaves could become terahertz emitters with photon energies within the full width at half maximum of the longitudinal acoustic phononic DOS of gold (ca. 16-19 meV, i.e., 3.9-4.6 THz). A scheme of the terahertz radiation source is suggested based on the domestic microwave oven irradiating a substrate with multiple deposited GNBs or GNRs. The size of a nanoobject for optimal conversion is estimated to be approx. 3 nm (thickness) by approx. 100 nm (length of GNB, or along the GNR). This detailed prediction is open to experimental verification. An impact is expected onto further studies of interplay between atomic vibrations and electromagnetic waves in nanoobjects.

CARS temperature measurements in the fuel preburner of the Space Shuttle main engine: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beiting, E. J.; Luthe, J. C.

1983-01-01

This report discusses the feasibility of making temperature profile measurements in the fuel preburner of the main engine of the space shuttle (SSME) using coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS). The principal thrust of the work is to identify problems associated with making CARS measurements in high temperature gas phase hydrogen at very high pressures (approx 400 atmospheres). To this end a theoretical study was made of the characteristics of the CAR spectra of H2 as a function of temperature and pressure and the accuracy with which temperatures can be extracted from this spectra. In addition the experimental problems associated with carrying out these measurements on a SSME at NSTL were identified. A conceptual design of a CARS system suitable for this work is included. Many of the results of the calculations made in this report are plotted as a function of temperature. In the course of presenting these results, it was necessary to decide whether the number of density or the pressure should be treated as a fixed parameter.

Core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback for chronic hemiparetic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Chung, Eunjung; Lee, Byoung-Hee; Hwang, Sujin

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback on balance and gait function in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Nineteen stroke subjects were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 10) and control groups (n = 9). Subjects in the experimental group performed core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback training for 30 minutes per day during a period of six weeks. Subjects in the control group performed core stabilization exercise during the same period. This study assessed the kinematic parameters using a portable walkway system, and timed up-and-go test. Gait velocity showed significantly greater improvement in the experimental group (7.3 ± 5.0 sec) than in the control group (-0.7 ± 10.6). Stride length showed significantly greater increase in the experimental group (13.2 ± 7.9 on the affected side and 12.6 ± 8.0 on the less affected side) than the control group (3.5 ± 8.7 on the affected side and 3.4 ± 8.5 on the less affected side). After training, change in results on the timed up and go test was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Core stabilization exercise using real-time feedback produces greater improvement in gait performance in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients than core stabilization exercise only.

A Platform to Monitor Tumor Cellular and Vascular Response to Radiation Therapy by Optical Coherence Tomography and Fluorescence Microscopy in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Michael Ka Kit

Radiotherapy plays a significant role in cancer treatment, and is thought to be curative by mainly killing tumor cells through damage to their genetic material. However, recent findings indicate that the tumor's vascular blood supply is also a major determinant of radiation response. The goals of this thesis are to: (1) develop an experimental platform for small animals to deliver ionizing radiation and perform high-resolution optical imaging to treatment targets, and (2) use this toolkit to longitudinally monitor the response of tumors and the associated vasculature. The thesis has achieved: (1) customization of a novel micro-irradiator for mice, (2) technical development of an improved optical coherence tomography imaging system, (3) comprehensive experimental protocol and imaging optimization for optical microscopy in a specialized animal model, and (4) completion of a feasibility study to demonstrate the capabilities of the experimental platform in monitoring the response of tumor and vasculature to radiotherapy.

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

Bai, Xian-Xu, E-mail: bai@hfut.edu.cn; Wereley, Norman M.; Hu, Wei

A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) semi-active vibration control system based on a magnetorheological (MR) damper with an inner bypass is investigated in this paper. The MR damper employing a pair of concentric tubes, between which the key structure, i.e., the inner bypass, is formed and MR fluids are energized, is designed to provide large dynamic range (i.e., ratio of field-on damping force to field-off damping force) and damping force range. The damping force performance of the MR damper is modeled using phenomenological model and verified by the experimental tests. In order to assess its feasibility and capability in vibration control systems, themore » mathematical model of a SDOF semi-active vibration control system based on the MR damper and skyhook control strategy is established. Using an MTS 244 hydraulic vibration exciter system and a dSPACE DS1103 real-time simulation system, experimental study for the SDOF semi-active vibration control system is also conducted. Simulation results are compared to experimental measurements.« less

Experimental analysis of chaotic neural network models for combinatorial optimization under a unifying framework.

PubMed

Kwok, T; Smith, K A

2000-09-01

The aim of this paper is to study both the theoretical and experimental properties of chaotic neural network (CNN) models for solving combinatorial optimization problems. Previously we have proposed a unifying framework which encompasses the three main model types, namely, Chen and Aihara's chaotic simulated annealing (CSA) with decaying self-coupling, Wang and Smith's CSA with decaying timestep, and the Hopfield network with chaotic noise. Each of these models can be represented as a special case under the framework for certain conditions. This paper combines the framework with experimental results to provide new insights into the effect of the chaotic neurodynamics of each model. By solving the N-queen problem of various sizes with computer simulations, the CNN models are compared in different parameter spaces, with optimization performance measured in terms of feasibility, efficiency, robustness and scalability. Furthermore, characteristic chaotic neurodynamics crucial to effective optimization are identified, together with a guide to choosing the corresponding model parameters.

Feasibility of quasi-random band model in evaluating atmospheric radiance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiwari, S. N.; Mirakhur, N.

1980-01-01

The use of the quasi-random band model in evaluating upwelling atmospheric radiation is investigated. The spectral transmittance and total band adsorptance are evaluated for selected molecular bands by using the line by line model, quasi-random band model, exponential sum fit method, and empirical correlations, and these are compared with the available experimental results. The atmospheric transmittance and upwelling radiance were calculated by using the line by line and quasi random band models and were compared with the results of an existing program called LOWTRAN. The results obtained by the exponential sum fit and empirical relations were not in good agreement with experimental results and their use cannot be justified for atmospheric studies. The line by line model was found to be the best model for atmospheric applications, but it is not practical because of high computational costs. The results of the quasi random band model compare well with the line by line and experimental results. The use of the quasi random band model is recommended for evaluation of the atmospheric radiation.

Squeeze strengthening of magnetorheological fluids using mixed mode operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becnel, A. C.; Sherman, S. G.; Hu, W.; Wereley, N. M.

2015-05-01

This research details a novel method of increasing the shear yield stress of magnetorheological fluids by combining shear and squeeze modes of operation to manipulate particle chain structures, so-called squeeze strengthening. Using a custom built Searle cell magnetorheometer, which is a model device emulating a rotary magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA), the contribution of squeeze strengthening to the total controllable yield force is experimentally investigated. Using an eccentric rotating inner cylinder, characterization data from large (1 mm) and small (0.25 mm) nominal gap geometries are compared to investigate the squeeze strengthening effect. Details of the experimental setup and method are presented, and a hybrid model is used to explain experimental trends. This study demonstrates that it is feasible, utilizing squeeze strengthening to increase yield stress, to either (1) design a rotary MREA of a given volume to achieve higher energy absorption density (energy absorbed normalized by active fluid volume), or (2) reduce the volume of a given rotary MREA to achieve the same energy absorption density.

High-Performance Piezoresistive MEMS Strain Sensor with Low Thermal Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Ahmed A. S.; Moussa, Walied A.; Lou, Edmond

2011-01-01

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of a new piezoresistive MEMS strain sensor. Geometric characteristics of the sensor silicon carrier have been employed to improve the sensor sensitivity. Surface features or trenches have been introduced in the vicinity of the sensing elements. These features create stress concentration regions (SCRs) and as a result, the strain/stress field was altered. The improved sensing sensitivity compensated for the signal loss. The feasibility of this methodology was proved in a previous work using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This paper provides the experimental part of the previous study. The experiments covered a temperature range from −50 °C to +50 °C. The MEMS sensors are fabricated using five different doping concentrations. FEA is also utilized to investigate the effect of material properties and layer thickness of the bonding adhesive on the sensor response. The experimental findings are compared to the simulation results to guide selection of bonding adhesive and installation procedure. Finally, FEA was used to analyze the effect of rotational/alignment errors. PMID:22319384

Water decontamination containing nitrate using biosorption with Moringa oleifera in dynamic mode.

PubMed

Paixão, Rebecca Manesco; Reck, Isabela Maria; Gomes, Raquel Guttierres; Bergamasco, Rosângela; Vieira, Marcelo Fernandes; Vieira, Angélica Marquetotti Salcedo

2018-05-20

This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) seeds in the biosorption of nitrate present in aqueous solutions by means of batch and fixed-bed column biosorption processes. The batch assays showed that nitrate biosorption is enhanced under experimental conditions of pH 3 and a biosorbent mass of 0.05 g. For the experiments in dynamic mode, the results obtained from the statistical parameters showed that lesser pH, lesser feed flow rate, and higher initial concentration will result in an increase of the maximum capacity of the bed. These conditions were confirmed by experimental analysis. The best experimental conditions, according to the values for percentage removal (91.09%) and maximum capacity (7.69 mg g -1 ) of the bed, were those used in assay 1, which utilized pH 3, feed flow rate of 1 mL min -1 , and initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg L -1 .