On the validity of effective formulations for transport through heterogeneous porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Dreuzy, J.-R.; Carrera, J.

2015-11-01

Geological heterogeneity enhances spreading of solutes, and causes transport to be anomalous (i.e., non-Fickian), with much less mixing than suggested by dispersion. This implies that modeling transport requires adopting either stochastic approaches that model heterogeneity explicitly or effective transport formulations that acknowledge the effects of heterogeneity. A number of such formulations have been developed and tested as upscaled representations of enhanced spreading. However, their ability to represent mixing has not been formally tested, which is required for proper reproduction of chemical reactions and which motivates our work. We propose that, for an effective transport formulation to be considered a valid representation of transport through Heterogeneous Porous Media (HPM), it should honor mean advection, mixing and spreading. It should also be flexible enough to be applicable to real problems. We test the capacity of the Multi-Rate Mass Transfer (MRMT) to reproduce mixing observed in HPM, as represented by the classical multi-Gaussian log-permeability field with a Gaussian correlation pattern. Non-dispersive mixing comes from heterogeneity structures in the concentration fields that are not captured by macrodispersion. These fine structures limit mixing initially, but eventually enhance it. Numerical results show that, relative to HPM, MRMT models display a much stronger memory of initial conditions on mixing than on dispersion because of the sensitivity of the mixing state to the actual values of concentration. Because MRMT does not restitute the local concentration structures, it induces smaller non-dispersive mixing than HPM. However long-lived trapping in the immobile zones may sustain the deviation from dispersive mixing over much longer times. While spreading can be well captured by MRMT models, non-dispersive mixing cannot.

Human movement data for malaria control and elimination strategic planning.

PubMed

Pindolia, Deepa K; Garcia, Andres J; Wesolowski, Amy; Smith, David L; Buckee, Caroline O; Noor, Abdisalan M; Snow, Robert W; Tatem, Andrew J

2012-06-18

Recent increases in funding for malaria control have led to the reduction in transmission in many malaria endemic countries, prompting the national control programmes of 36 malaria endemic countries to set elimination targets. Accounting for human population movement (HPM) in planning for control, elimination and post-elimination surveillance is important, as evidenced by previous elimination attempts that were undermined by the reintroduction of malaria through HPM. Strategic control and elimination planning, therefore, requires quantitative information on HPM patterns and the translation of these into parasite dispersion. HPM patterns and the risk of malaria vary substantially across spatial and temporal scales, demographic and socioeconomic sub-groups, and motivation for travel, so multiple data sets are likely required for quantification of movement. While existing studies based on mobile phone call record data combined with malaria transmission maps have begun to address within-country HPM patterns, other aspects remain poorly quantified despite their importance in accurately gauging malaria movement patterns and building control and detection strategies, such as cross-border HPM, demographic and socioeconomic stratification of HPM patterns, forms of transport, personal malaria protection and other factors that modify malaria risk. A wealth of data exist to aid filling these gaps, which, when combined with spatial data on transport infrastructure, traffic and malaria transmission, can answer relevant questions to guide strategic planning. This review aims to (i) discuss relevant types of HPM across spatial and temporal scales, (ii) document where datasets exist to quantify HPM, (iii) highlight where data gaps remain and (iv) briefly put forward methods for integrating these datasets in a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework for analysing and modelling human population and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection movements.

Human movement data for malaria control and elimination strategic planning

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Recent increases in funding for malaria control have led to the reduction in transmission in many malaria endemic countries, prompting the national control programmes of 36 malaria endemic countries to set elimination targets. Accounting for human population movement (HPM) in planning for control, elimination and post-elimination surveillance is important, as evidenced by previous elimination attempts that were undermined by the reintroduction of malaria through HPM. Strategic control and elimination planning, therefore, requires quantitative information on HPM patterns and the translation of these into parasite dispersion. HPM patterns and the risk of malaria vary substantially across spatial and temporal scales, demographic and socioeconomic sub-groups, and motivation for travel, so multiple data sets are likely required for quantification of movement. While existing studies based on mobile phone call record data combined with malaria transmission maps have begun to address within-country HPM patterns, other aspects remain poorly quantified despite their importance in accurately gauging malaria movement patterns and building control and detection strategies, such as cross-border HPM, demographic and socioeconomic stratification of HPM patterns, forms of transport, personal malaria protection and other factors that modify malaria risk. A wealth of data exist to aid filling these gaps, which, when combined with spatial data on transport infrastructure, traffic and malaria transmission, can answer relevant questions to guide strategic planning. This review aims to (i) discuss relevant types of HPM across spatial and temporal scales, (ii) document where datasets exist to quantify HPM, (iii) highlight where data gaps remain and (iv) briefly put forward methods for integrating these datasets in a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework for analysing and modelling human population and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection movements. PMID:22703541

On HPM approximation for the perihelion precession angle in general relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shchigolev, Victor; Bezbatko, Dmitrii

2017-03-01

In this paper, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied for calculating the perihelion precession angle of planetary orbits in General Relativity. The HPM is quite efficient and is practically well suited for use in many astrophysical and cosmological problems. For our purpose, we applied HPM to the approximate solutions for the orbits in order to calculate the perihelion shift. On the basis of the main idea of HPM, we construct the appropriate homotopy that leads to the problem of solving the set of linear algebraic equations. As a result, we obtain a simple formula for the angle of precession avoiding any restrictions on the smallness of physical parameters. First of all, we consider the simple examples of the Schwarzschild metric and the Reissner - Nordström spacetime of a charged star for which the approximate geodesics solutions are known. Furthermore, the implementation of HPM has allowed us to readily obtain the precession angle for the orbits in the gravitational field of Kiselev black hole.

Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program Resulted in Several New Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2003-01-01

Hybrid Power Management (HPM) is the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications. The appropriate application and control of the various power devices significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. The advanced power devices include ultracapacitors, fuel cells, and photovoltaics. HPM has extremely wide potential with applications from nanowatts to megawatts. Applications include power generation, transportation systems, biotechnology systems, and space power systems. HPM has the potential to significantly alleviate global energy concerns, improve the environment, and stimulate the economy.

Moxibustion inhibits interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and modulates intestinal flora in rat with ulcerative colitis

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiao-Mei; Lu, Yuan; Wu, Lu-Yi; Yu, Shu-Guang; Zhao, Bai-Xiao; Hu, Hong-Yi; Wu, Huan-Gan; Bao, Chun-Hui; Liu, Hui-Rong; Wang, Jin-Hai; Yao, Yi; Hua, Xue-Gui; Guo, Hui-Ying; Shen, Li-Rong

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are associated with an inflamed colon, were significantly lower in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (0.244 ± 0.107, 0.628 ± 0.257 vs 1.691 ± 0.683, P < 0.01 for E. coli, and 0.351 ± 0.181, 0.416 ± 0.329 vs 1.285 ± 1.039, P < 0.01 for B. fragilis). The expression of TNF-α and IL-12 was decreased after HPM and SA treatment as compared to UC model alone (4970.81 ± 959.78, 6635.45 ± 1135.16 vs 12333.81 ± 680.79, P < 0.01 for TNF-α, and 5528.75 ± 1245.72, 7477.38 ± 1259.16 vs 12550.29 ± 1973.30, P < 0.01 for IL-12). CONCLUSION: HPM treatment can regulate intestinal flora and inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the colon tissues of UC rats, indicating that HPM can improve colonic immune response. PMID:23239920

High power microwave source development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benford, James N.; Miller, Gabriel; Potter, Seth; Ashby, Steve; Smith, Richard R.

1995-05-01

The requirements of this project have been to: (1) improve and expand the sources available in the facility for testing purposes and (2) perform specific tasks under direction of the Defense Nuclear Agency about the applications of high power microwaves (HPM). In this project the HPM application was power beaming. The requirements of this program were met in the following way: (1) We demonstrated that a compact linear induction accelerator can drive HPM sources at repetition rates in excess of 100 HZ at peak microwave powers of a GW. This was done for the relativistic magnetron. Since the conclusion of this contract such specifications have also been demonstrated for the relativistic klystron under Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding. (2) We demonstrated an L band relativistic magnetron. This device has been used both on our single pulse machines, CAMEL and CAMEL X, and the repetitive system CLIA. (3) We demonstrated that phase locking of sources together in large numbers is a feasible technology and showed the generation of multigigawatt S-band radiation in an array of relativistic magnetrons.

Hyper-polyhedron model applied to molecular screening of guanidines as Na/H exchange inhibitors.

PubMed

Bao, Xin-Hua; Lu, Wen-Cong; Liu, Liang; Chen, Nian-Yi

2003-05-01

To investigate structure-activity relationships of N-(3-Oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazine-6-carbonyl) guanidines in Na/H exchange inhibitory activities and probe into a new method of the computer-aided molecular screening. The hyper-polyhedron model (HPM) was proposed in our lab. The samples with probably higher activities could be determined in such a way that their representing points should be in the hyper-polyhedron region where all known samples with high activities were distributed. And the predictive ability of different methods available was tested by the cross-validation experiment. The accurate rate of molecular screening of N-(3-Oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazine-6-carbonyl) guanidines by HPM was much higher than that obtained by PCA (principal component analysis) and Fisher methods for the data set available here. Therefore, HPM could be used as a powerful tool for screening new compounds with probably higher activities.

Neuroprotective effects of dietary supplement Kang-fu-ling against high-power microwave through antioxidant action.

PubMed

Hu, Shaohua; Peng, Ruiyun; Wang, Changzhen; Wang, Shuiming; Gao, Yabing; Dong, Ji; Zhou, Hongmei; Su, Zhentao; Qiao, Shanyi; Zhang, Shouguo; Wang, Lin; Wen, Xiaoxue

2014-09-01

Kang-fu-ling (KFL) is a polybotanical dietary supplement with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of KFL on cognitive deficit induced by high-power microwave (HPM) and the underlying mechanism for this neuroprotection. The electron spin resonance technique was employed to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of KFL in vitro and KFL exhibited scavenging hydroxyl radical activity. KFL at doses of 0.75, 1.5 and 3 g kg(-1) and vehicle were administered orally once daily for 14 days to male Wistar rats after being exposed to 30 mW cm(-2) HPM for 15 minutes. KFL reversed HPM-induced memory loss and the histopathological changes in hippocampus of rats. In addition, KFL displayed a protective effect against HPM-induced oxidative stress and activated the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target genes in the hippocampus of rats. The Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway may be involved in the neuroprotective effects of KFL against HPM-induced oxidative stress. In summary, the dietary supplement KFL is a promising natural complex, which ameliorates oxidative stress, with neuroprotective effects against HPM.

Effect of the high-pitch mode in dual-source computed tomography on the accuracy of three-dimensional volumetry of solid pulmonary nodules: a phantom study.

PubMed

Hwang, Sung Ho; Oh, Yu-Whan; Ham, Soo-Youn; Kang, Eun-Young; Lee, Ki Yeol

2015-01-01

To evaluate the influence of high-pitch mode (HPM) in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) on the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) volumetry for solid pulmonary nodules. A lung phantom implanted with 45 solid pulmonary nodules (n = 15 for each of 4-mm, 6-mm, and 8-mm in diameter) was scanned twice, first in conventional pitch mode (CPM) and then in HPM using DSCT. The relative percentage volume errors (RPEs) of 3D volumetry were compared between the HPM and CPM. In addition, the intermode volume variability (IVV) of 3D volumetry was calculated. In the measurement of the 6-mm and 8-mm nodules, there was no significant difference in RPE (p > 0.05, respectively) between the CPM and HPM (IVVs of 1.2 ± 0.9%, and 1.7 ± 1.5%, respectively). In the measurement of the 4-mm nodules, the mean RPE in the HPM (35.1 ± 7.4%) was significantly greater (p < 0.01) than that in the CPM (18.4 ± 5.3%), with an IVV of 13.1 ± 6.6%. However, the IVVs were in an acceptable range (< 25%), regardless of nodule size. The accuracy of 3D volumetry with HPM for solid pulmonary nodule is comparable to that with CPM. However, the use of HPM may adversely affect the accuracy of 3D volumetry for smaller (< 5 mm in diameter) nodule.

Breakthroughs in Low-Profile Leaky-Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-18

presentation of our work at the 17th annual DEPS conference. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Leaky-wave Antennas. High Power Microwaves (HPM) Antennas. Low-profile...the performance, behavior, and design of innovative High Power Microwave (HPM, GW-class) antennas of the forward-traveling, fast-wave, leaky-wave...Conformal Antennas. 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON (Monitor

Homotopy perturbation method: a versatile tool to evaluate linear and nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integral equations of the second kind.

PubMed

Narayanamoorthy, S; Sathiyapriya, S P

2016-01-01

In this article, we focus on linear and nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integral equations of the second kind and we propose a numerical scheme using homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to obtain fuzzy approximate solutions to them. To facilitate the benefits of this proposal, an algorithmic form of the HPM is also designed to handle the same. In order to illustrate the potentiality of the approach, two test problems are offered and the obtained numerical results are compared with the existing exact solutions and are depicted in terms of plots to reveal its precision and reliability.

Effect of the High-Pitch Mode in Dual-Source Computed Tomography on the Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Volumetry of Solid Pulmonary Nodules: A Phantom Study

PubMed Central

Hwang, Sung Ho; Ham, Soo-Youn; Kang, Eun-Young; Lee, Ki Yeol

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the influence of high-pitch mode (HPM) in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) on the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) volumetry for solid pulmonary nodules. Materials and Methods A lung phantom implanted with 45 solid pulmonary nodules (n = 15 for each of 4-mm, 6-mm, and 8-mm in diameter) was scanned twice, first in conventional pitch mode (CPM) and then in HPM using DSCT. The relative percentage volume errors (RPEs) of 3D volumetry were compared between the HPM and CPM. In addition, the intermode volume variability (IVV) of 3D volumetry was calculated. Results In the measurement of the 6-mm and 8-mm nodules, there was no significant difference in RPE (p > 0.05, respectively) between the CPM and HPM (IVVs of 1.2 ± 0.9%, and 1.7 ± 1.5%, respectively). In the measurement of the 4-mm nodules, the mean RPE in the HPM (35.1 ± 7.4%) was significantly greater (p < 0.01) than that in the CPM (18.4 ± 5.3%), with an IVV of 13.1 ± 6.6%. However, the IVVs were in an acceptable range (< 25%), regardless of nodule size. Conclusion The accuracy of 3D volumetry with HPM for solid pulmonary nodule is comparable to that with CPM. However, the use of HPM may adversely affect the accuracy of 3D volumetry for smaller (< 5 mm in diameter) nodule. PMID:25995695

Mating-Induced Transcriptome Changes in the Reproductive Tract of Female Aedes aegypti

PubMed Central

Degner, Ethan C.; Avila, Frank W.; Villarreal, Susan M.; Pleiss, Jeffrey A.; Wolfner, Mariana F.; Harrington, Laura C.

2016-01-01

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a significant public health threat, as it is the main vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses. Disease control efforts could be enhanced through reproductive manipulation of these vectors. Previous work has revealed a relationship between male seminal fluid proteins transferred to females during mating and female post-mating physiology and behavior. To better understand this interplay, we used short-read RNA sequencing to identify gene expression changes in the lower reproductive tract of females in response to mating. We characterized mRNA expression in virgin and mated females at 0, 6 and 24 hours post-mating (hpm) and identified 364 differentially abundant transcripts between mating status groups. Surprisingly, 60 transcripts were more abundant at 0hpm compared to virgin females, suggesting transfer from males. Twenty of these encode known Ae. aegypti seminal fluid proteins. Transfer and detection of male accessory gland-derived mRNA in females at 0hpm was confirmed by measurement of eGFP mRNA in females mated to eGFP-expressing males. In addition, 150 transcripts were up-regulated at 6hpm and 24hpm, while 130 transcripts were down-regulated at 6hpm and 24hpm. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that proteases, a protein class broadly known to play important roles in reproduction, were among the most enriched protein classes. RNAs associated with immune system and antimicrobial function were also up-regulated at 24hpm. Collectively, our results suggest that copulation initiates broad transcriptome changes across the mosquito female reproductive tract, “priming” her for important subsequent processes of blood feeding, egg development and immune defense. Our transcriptome analysis provides a vital foundation for future studies of the consequences of mating on female biology and will aid studies seeking to identify specific gene families, molecules and pathways that support key reproductive processes in the female mosquito. PMID:26901677

Compact Power Conditioning and RF Systems for a High Power RF Source

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

RF systems have increasing potential for application by the Army. High power RF, or high power microwave ( HPM ), systems can disrupt or disable...that are small, lightweight, portable, and use an independent energy source. The resulting system will be able to produce HPM from a compact package...The consortium was formed to advance the technology of the components required for a compact HPM source with the final goal of full system

Understanding and Improving Modifiable Cardiovascular Risks within the Air Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-04

Promotion Model ( HPM ). Findings: The definition of health included exercise, proper eating, sleep, and a spiritual connection, as well as the absence of...to health behaviors, including what it takes to be healthy, knowing oneself, and existing Air Force policies. The HPM did not fully address all of the...was used to arrange the data into data-driven themes. These themes were then compared to the elements of the Health Promotion Model ( HPM

Methylation of yeast ribosomal protein Rpl3 promotes translational elongation fidelity.

PubMed

Al-Hadid, Qais; Roy, Kevin; Chanfreau, Guillaume; Clarke, Steven G

2016-04-01

Rpl3, a highly conserved ribosomal protein, is methylated at histidine 243 by the Hpm1 methyltransferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Histidine 243 lies close to the peptidyl transferase center in a functionally important region of Rpl3 designated as the basic thumb that coordinates the decoding, peptidyl transfer, and translocation steps of translation elongation. Hpm1 was recently implicated in ribosome biogenesis and translation. However, the biological role of methylation of its Rpl3 substrate has not been identified. Here we interrogate the role of Rpl3 methylation at H243 by investigating the functional impact of mutating this histidine residue to alanine (rpl3-H243A). Akin to Hpm1-deficient cells, rpl3-H243A cells accumulate 35S and 23S pre-rRNA precursors to a similar extent, confirming an important role for histidine methylation in pre-rRNA processing. In contrast, Hpm1-deficient cells but not rpl3-H243A mutants show perturbed levels of ribosomal subunits. We show that Hpm1 has multiple substrates in different subcellular fractions, suggesting that methylation of proteins other than Rpl3 may be important for controlling ribosomal subunit levels. Finally, translational fidelity assays demonstrate that like Hpm1-deficient cells, rpl3-H243A mutants have defects in translation elongation resulting in decreased translational accuracy. These data suggest that Rpl3 methylation at H243 is playing a significant role in translation elongation, likely via the basic thumb, but has little impact on ribosomal subunit levels. Hpm1 is therefore a multifunctional methyltransferase with independent roles in ribosome biogenesis and translation. © 2016 Al-Hadid et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

The restriction of grazing duration does not compromise lamb meat colour and oxidative stability.

PubMed

Luciano, G; Biondi, L; Pagano, R I; Scerra, M; Vasta, V; López-Andrés, P; Valenti, B; Lanza, M; Priolo, A; Avondo, M

2012-09-01

Over 72 days, 33 lambs were fed: concentrates in stall (S), grass at pasture for 8 hours (8 h), or grass at pasture for 4 hours in the afternoon (4h-PM). The 4h-PM treatment did not affect the carcass yield compared to the 8h treatment. Meat colour development after blooming was unaffected by the treatments. The 4 h-PM treatment increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P<0.0005) and of the highly peroxidizable fatty acids (HP-PUFA; P<0.001) in meat compared to the 8h treatment. The S treatment increased lipid oxidation (higher TBARS values) and impaired colour stability (higher H* values) of meat over storage compared to the 8h and 4 h-PM treatments (P<0.0005 and P=0.003, respectively). No difference in meat oxidative stability was found between the 8h and the 4h-PM treatments. In conclusion, growing lambs can tolerate a restriction of grazing duration without detrimental effects on performances and meat oxidative stability. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Simulation of propagation of the HPM in the low-pressure argon plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhigang, LI; Zhongcai, YUAN; Jiachun, WANG; Jiaming, SHI

2018-02-01

The propagation of the high-power microwave (HPM) with a frequency of 6 GHz in the low-pressure argon plasma was studied by the method of fluid approximation. The two-dimensional transmission model was built based on the wave equation, the electron drift-diffusion equations and the heavy species transport equations, which were solved by means of COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation results showed that the propagation characteristic of the HPM was closely related to the average electron density of the plasma. The attenuation of the transmitted wave increased nonlinearly with the electron density. Specifically, the growth of the attenuation slowed down as the electron density increased uniformly. In addition, the concrete transmission process of the HPM wave in the low-pressure argon plasma was given.

Overview of HPM Effects in Electronics

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

Holloway, Michael A.

2012-06-04

The following presentation contains an overview of HPM effects in modern electronics. HPM effects can be categorized into two basic level of effects, which are damaging and non-damaging. Damaging effects include junction breakdowns, dielectric breakdowns, and latch-up. These types of effects render a system inoperable until repaired. With non-damaging effects, HPM signals couple to into system components generating circuit responses that can overwhelm normal operation. Non-damaging effects can temporarily render a system inoperable or cause a system to lock and require a restart. Since modern systems are so complex, fundamental mechanisms of upset in circuit primitives are studied. All topicsmore » covered and all figured contained within are found in open literature. All data plots presented were obtained from experimental measurements conducted at the University of Maryland College Park and are also found in the open literature.« less

Effect of high pressure microfluidization on the crystallization behavior of palm stearin - palm olein blends.

PubMed

Han, Lijuan; Li, Lin; Li, Bing; Zhao, Lei; Liu, Guoqin; Liu, Xinqi; Wang, Xuede

2014-04-24

Moderate and high microfluidization pressures (60 and 120 MPa) and different treatment times (once and twice) were used to investigate the effect of high-pressure microfluidization (HPM) treatment on the crystallization behavior and physical properties of binary mixtures of palm stearin (PS) and palm olein (PO). The polarized light microscopy (PLM), texture analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were applied to analyze the changes in crystal network structure, hardness, polymorphism and thermal property of the control and treated blends. PLM results showed that HPM caused significant reductions in maximum crystal diameter in all treated blends, and thus led to changes in the crystal network structure, and finally caused higher hardness in than the control blends. The XRD study demonstrated that HPM altered crystalline polymorphism. The HPM-treated blends showed a predominance of the more stable β' form, which is of more interest for food applications, while the control blend had more α- and β-form. This result was further confirmed by DSC observations. These changes in crystallization behavior indicated that HPM treatment was more likely to modify the crystallization processes and nucleation mechanisms.

Establishing a regional, multisite database for quality improvement and service planning in community-based palliative care and hospice.

PubMed

Bull, Janet; Zafar, S Yousuf; Wheeler, Jane L; Harker, Matthew; Gblokpor, Agbessi; Hanson, Laura; Hulihan, Deirdre; Nugent, Rikki; Morris, John; Abernethy, Amy P

2010-08-01

Outpatient palliative care, an evolving delivery model, seeks to improve continuity of care across settings and to increase access to services in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM). It can provide a critical bridge between inpatient palliative care and hospice, filling the gap in community-based supportive care for patients with advanced life-limiting illness. Low capacities for data collection and quantitative research in HPM have impeded assessment of the impact of outpatient palliative care. In North Carolina, a regional database for community-based palliative care has been created through a unique partnership between a HPM organization and academic medical center. This database flexibly uses information technology to collect patient data, entered at the point of care (e.g., home, inpatient hospice, assisted living facility, nursing home). HPM physicians and nurse practitioners collect data; data are transferred to an academic site that assists with analyses and data management. Reports to community-based sites, based on data they provide, create a better understanding of local care quality. The data system was developed and implemented over a 2-year period, starting with one community-based HPM site and expanding to four. Data collection methods were collaboratively created and refined. The database continues to grow. Analyses presented herein examine data from one site and encompass 2572 visits from 970 new patients, characterizing the population, symptom profiles, and change in symptoms after intervention. A collaborative regional approach to HPM data can support evaluation and improvement of palliative care quality at the local, aggregated, and statewide levels.

The effect of low- and high-power microwave irradiation on in vitro grown Sequoia plants and their recovery after cryostorage.

PubMed

Halmagyi, A; Surducan, E; Surducan, V

2017-09-01

Two distinct microwave power levels and techniques have been studied in two cases: low-power microwave (LPM) irradiation on in vitro Sequoia plants and high-power microwave (HPM) exposure on recovery rates of cryostored (-196°C) Sequoia shoot apices. Experimental variants for LPM exposure included: (a) in vitro plants grown in regular conditions (at 24 ± 1°C during a 16-h light photoperiod with a light intensity of 39.06 μEm -2 s -1 photosynthetically active radiation), (b) in vitro plants grown in the anechoic chamber with controlled environment without microwave irradiation, and (c) in vitro plants grown in the anechoic chamber with LPM irradiation for various times (5, 15, 30, 40 days). In comparison to control plants, significant differences in shoot multiplication and growth parameters (length of shoots and roots) were observed after 40 days of LPM exposure. An opposite effect was achieved regarding the content of total soluble proteins, which decreased with increasing exposure time to LPM. HPM irradiation was tested as a novel rewarming method following storage in liquid nitrogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report using this type of rewarming method. Although, shoot tips subjected to HPM exposure showed 28% recovery following cryostorage compared to 44% for shoot tips rewarmed in liquid medium at 22 ± 1 °C, we consider that the method represent a basis and can be further improved. The results lead to the overall conclusion that LPM had a stimulating effect on growth and multiplication of in vitro Sequoia plants, while the HPM used for rewarming of cryopreserved apices was not effective to achieve high rates of regrowth after liquid nitrogen exposure.

Hydrogen plant module (HPM) and vehicle fueled by same.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-09-29

The goal / objective of the project was to design and fabricate hydrogen plant module (HPM) that is capable of producing : hydrogen fuel onboard a vehicle and that obviates one or more of the present issues related to compressed hydrogen fuel : stora...

Sequence-structure relationship study in all-α transmembrane proteins using an unsupervised learning approach.

PubMed

Esque, Jérémy; Urbain, Aurélie; Etchebest, Catherine; de Brevern, Alexandre G

2015-11-01

Transmembrane proteins (TMPs) are major drug targets, but the knowledge of their precise topology structure remains highly limited compared with globular proteins. In spite of the difficulties in obtaining their structures, an important effort has been made these last years to increase their number from an experimental and computational point of view. In view of this emerging challenge, the development of computational methods to extract knowledge from these data is crucial for the better understanding of their functions and in improving the quality of structural models. Here, we revisit an efficient unsupervised learning procedure, called Hybrid Protein Model (HPM), which is applied to the analysis of transmembrane proteins belonging to the all-α structural class. HPM method is an original classification procedure that efficiently combines sequence and structure learning. The procedure was initially applied to the analysis of globular proteins. In the present case, HPM classifies a set of overlapping protein fragments, extracted from a non-redundant databank of TMP 3D structure. After fine-tuning of the learning parameters, the optimal classification results in 65 clusters. They represent at best similar relationships between sequence and local structure properties of TMPs. Interestingly, HPM distinguishes among the resulting clusters two helical regions with distinct hydrophobic patterns. This underlines the complexity of the topology of these proteins. The HPM classification enlightens unusual relationship between amino acids in TMP fragments, which can be useful to elaborate new amino acids substitution matrices. Finally, two challenging applications are described: the first one aims at annotating protein functions (channel or not), the second one intends to assess the quality of the structures (X-ray or models) via a new scoring function deduced from the HPM classification.

The Growing Demand for Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physicians: Will the Supply Keep Up?

PubMed

Lupu, Dale; Quigley, Leo; Mehfoud, Nicholas; Salsberg, Edward S

2018-04-01

The need for hospice and palliative care is growing rapidly as the population increases and ages and as both hospice and palliative care become more accepted. Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) is a relatively new physician specialty, currently training 325 new fellows annually. Given the time needed to increase the supply of specialty-trained physicians, it is important to assess future needs to guide planning for future training capacity. We modeled the need for and supply of specialist HPM physicians through the year 2040 to determine whether training capacity should continue growing. To create a benchmark for need, we used a population-based approach to look at the current geographic distribution of the HPM physician supply. To model future supply, we calculated the annual change in current supply by adding newly trained physicians and subtracting physicians leaving the labor force. The current U.S. supply of HPM specialists is 13.35 per 100,000 adults 65 and older. This ratio varies greatly across the country. Using alternate assumptions for future supply and demand, we project that need in 2040 will range from 10,640 to almost 24,000 HPM specialist physicians. Supply will range from 8100 to 19,000. Current training capacity is insufficient to keep up with population growth and demand for services. HPM fellowships would need to grow from the current 325 graduates annually to between 500 and 600 per year by 2030 to assure sufficient physician workforce for hospice and palliative care services given current service provision patterns. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A smart repetitive-rate wideband high power microwave source

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

Li, Wei; Zhang, Jun; Qian, Bao-liang

2016-01-15

A smart repetitive-rate wideband High Power Microwave (HPM) source based on the A6 Magnetron with Diffraction Output is described in this paper. The length of the HPM source is 30 cm and its weight is 35 kg. Computer simulations show that the source can produce microwave with central frequency of 1.91 GHz and bandwidth of about 11%. Experimental measurements show that the output microwave power from the source reaches in maximum 110 MW when the input electric power from the pulsed driver is ∼500 MW, which gives the power conversion efficiency 22%. Central frequency of the output HPM in the experiment is 1.94 GHz withmore » the bandwidth ranging from 1.82 GHz to 2.02 GHz. The jitter of the output HPM power is lower than 3 dB when the source operates in the repetition mode with 50 Hz rate.« less

Hybrid Power Management Program Evaluated Fuel Cell/Ultracapacitor Combinations and Developed Other New Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2004-01-01

In fiscal year 2003, the continuation of the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program through NASA Glenn Research Center's Commercial Technology Office resulted in several new successful applications of this pioneering technology. HPM is the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications. The appropriate application and control of the various power devices significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. The advanced power devices include ultracapacitors, fuel cells, and photovoltaics. HPM has extremely wide potential, with applications from nanowatts to megawatts--including power generation, transportation systems, biotechnology systems, and space power systems. HPM has the potential to significantly alleviate global energy concerns, improve the environment, and stimulate the economy. Fuel cells provide excellent efficiency and energy density, but do not have good power density. In contrast, ultracapacitors have excellent power density and virtually unlimited cycle life. To improve the power density of the fuel cell, the combination of fuel cells and ultracapacitors was evaluated.

Hpm of Estrogen Model on the Dynamics of Breast Cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govindarajan, A.; Balamuralitharan, S.; Sundaresan, T.

2018-04-01

We enhance a deterministic mathematical model involving universal dynamics on breast cancer with immune response. This is population model so includes Normal cells class, Tumor cells, Immune cells and Estrogen. The eects regarding Estrogen are below incorporated in the model. The effects show to that amount the arrival of greater Estrogen increases the danger over growing breast cancer. Furthermore, approximate solution regarding nonlinear differential equations is arrived by Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). Hes HPM is good and correct technique after solve nonlinear differential equation directly. Approximate solution learnt with the support of that method is suitable same as like the actual results in accordance with this models.

Assessment of the hybrid propagation model, Volume 2: Comparison with the Integrated Noise Model

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-31

This is the second of two volumes of the report on the Hybrid Propagation Model (HPM), an advanced prediction model for aviation noise propagation. This volume presents comparisons of the HPM and the Integrated Noise Model (INM) for conditions of une...

Inspired by nonenveloped viruses escaping from endo-lysosomes: a pH-sensitive polyurethane micelle for effective intracellular trafficking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Nijia; Zhou, Lijuan; Li, Jiehua; Pan, Zhicheng; He, Xueling; Tan, Hong; Wan, Xinyuan; Li, Jianshu; Ran, Rong; Fu, Qiang

2016-03-01

A multifunctional drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer therapy still faces great challenges due to multiple physiological barriers encountered in vivo. To increase the efficacy of current cancer treatment a new anticancer DDS mimicking the response of nonenveloped viruses, triggered by acidic pH to escape endo-lysosomes, is developed. Such a smart DDS is self-assembled from biodegradable pH-sensitive polyurethane containing hydrazone bonds in the backbone, named pHPM. The pHPM exhibits excellent micellization characteristics and high loading capacity for hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. The responses of the pHPM in acidic media, undergoing charge conversion and hydrophobic core exposure, resulting from the detachment of the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell, are similar to the behavior of a nonenveloped virus when trapped in acidic endo-lysosomes. Moreover, the degradation mechanism was verified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The endo-lysosomal membrane rupture induced by these transformed micelles is clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, excellent antitumor activity is confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The results verify that the pHPM could be a promising new drug delivery tool for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.A multifunctional drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer therapy still faces great challenges due to multiple physiological barriers encountered in vivo. To increase the efficacy of current cancer treatment a new anticancer DDS mimicking the response of nonenveloped viruses, triggered by acidic pH to escape endo-lysosomes, is developed. Such a smart DDS is self-assembled from biodegradable pH-sensitive polyurethane containing hydrazone bonds in the backbone, named pHPM. The pHPM exhibits excellent micellization characteristics and high loading capacity for hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. The responses of the pHPM in acidic media, undergoing charge conversion and hydrophobic core exposure, resulting from the detachment of the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell, are similar to the behavior of a nonenveloped virus when trapped in acidic endo-lysosomes. Moreover, the degradation mechanism was verified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The endo-lysosomal membrane rupture induced by these transformed micelles is clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, excellent antitumor activity is confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The results verify that the pHPM could be a promising new drug delivery tool for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00859c

High-power broadband plasma maser with magnetic self-insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litvin, Vitaliy O.; Loza, Oleg T.

2018-01-01

Presented in this paper are the results of a particle-in-cell modelling of a novel high-power microwave (HPM) source which combines the properties of two devices. The first prototype is a magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO), an HPM self-oscillator which does not need an external magnetic field and irradiates a narrow spectrum depending on its iris-loaded slow-wave structure. The second prototype is a plasma maser, a Cherenkov HPM amplifier driven by a high-current relativistic electron beam propagating in a strong external magnetic field in plasma which acts as a slow-wave structure. The radiation frequency of plasma masers mainly depends on an easily variable plasma concentration; hence, their spectrum may overlap a few octaves. The plasma-based HPM device described in this paper operates without an external magnetic field: it looks like an MILO in which the iris-loaded slow-wave structure is substituted by a hollow plasma tube. The small pulse duration of ˜1.5 ns prevents a feedback rise in the 20-cm long generation section so that the device operates as a noise amplifier. Unlike conventional ultra wideband generators, the spectrum depends not only on the pulse duration but mainly on plasma, so the operation frequency of the device ranges within 12 GHz. For irradiated frequencies above 2 GHz, the total pulse energy efficiency of 7% is demonstrated at the HPM power level ˜1 GW.

Huntingtin-Interacting Protein 1 Phosphorylation by Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

PubMed Central

Ames, Heather M.; Wang, Anmin A.; Coughran, Alanna; Evaul, Kristen; Huang, Sha; Graves, Chiron W.; Soyombo, Abigail A.

2013-01-01

Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) binds inositol lipids, clathrin, actin, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). HIP1 is elevated in many tumors, and its expression is prognostic in prostate cancer. HIP1 overexpression increases levels of the RTK epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforms fibroblasts. Here we report that HIP1 is tyrosine phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR and platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) as well as the oncogenic derivatives EGFRvIII, HIP1/PDGFβR (H/P), and TEL/PDGFβR (T/P). We identified a four-tyrosine “HIP1 phosphorylation motif” (HPM) in the N-terminal region of HIP1 that is required for phosphorylation mediated by both EGFR and PDGFβR but not by the oncoproteins H/P and T/P. We also identified a tyrosine residue (Y152) within the HPM motif of HIP1 that inhibits HIP1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The HPM tyrosines are conserved in HIP1's only known mammalian relative, HIP1-related protein (HIP1r), and are also required for HIP1r phosphorylation. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine point mutations in the HPM of HIP1 result in proapoptotic activity, indicating that an intact HPM may be necessary for HIP1's role in cellular survival. These data suggest that phosphorylation of HIP1 by RTKs in an N-terminal region contributes to the promotion of cellular survival. PMID:23836884

Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 phosphorylation by receptor tyrosine kinases.

PubMed

Ames, Heather M; Wang, Anmin A; Coughran, Alanna; Evaul, Kristen; Huang, Sha; Graves, Chiron W; Soyombo, Abigail A; Ross, Theodora S

2013-09-01

Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) binds inositol lipids, clathrin, actin, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). HIP1 is elevated in many tumors, and its expression is prognostic in prostate cancer. HIP1 overexpression increases levels of the RTK epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforms fibroblasts. Here we report that HIP1 is tyrosine phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR and platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) as well as the oncogenic derivatives EGFRvIII, HIP1/PDGFβR (H/P), and TEL/PDGFβR (T/P). We identified a four-tyrosine "HIP1 phosphorylation motif" (HPM) in the N-terminal region of HIP1 that is required for phosphorylation mediated by both EGFR and PDGFβR but not by the oncoproteins H/P and T/P. We also identified a tyrosine residue (Y152) within the HPM motif of HIP1 that inhibits HIP1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The HPM tyrosines are conserved in HIP1's only known mammalian relative, HIP1-related protein (HIP1r), and are also required for HIP1r phosphorylation. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine point mutations in the HPM of HIP1 result in proapoptotic activity, indicating that an intact HPM may be necessary for HIP1's role in cellular survival. These data suggest that phosphorylation of HIP1 by RTKs in an N-terminal region contributes to the promotion of cellular survival.

Calculation of the neutron diffusion equation by using Homotopy Perturbation Method

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

Koklu, H., E-mail: koklu@gantep.edu.tr; Ozer, O.; Ersoy, A.

The distribution of the neutrons in a nuclear fuel element in the nuclear reactor core can be calculated by the neutron diffusion theory. It is the basic and the simplest approximation for the neutron flux function in the reactor core. In this study, the neutron flux function is obtained by the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) that is a new and convenient method in recent years. One-group time-independent neutron diffusion equation is examined for the most solved geometrical reactor core of spherical, cubic and cylindrical shapes, in the frame of the HPM. It is observed that the HPM produces excellent resultsmore » consistent with the existing literature.« less

Solutions of the epidemic of EIAV infection by HPM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balamuralitharan, S.; Geethamalini, S.

2018-04-01

In this article, Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) is to process of estimate to the arrangements to a model for Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) disease. This technique allows a direct scheme for solving the problem. MATLAB is operated to complete the computations. Graphical results are displayed and discussed quantitatively and simplicity of the method.

Investigation on transmission and reflection characteristics of plasma array to 6 GHz high-power microwave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liu; Yang, Zhongcun; Wan, Jianing; Liu, Hao

2016-10-01

For the safety of electronic equipment, a double-layer barrier of cylindrical plasma array was designed, and its protective performance to high-power microwave (HPM) were analyzed and the protective performance experiment was conducted. Combining the density distribution characteristic of the discharge plasma, the shielding effectiveness of the double-layer plasma on 6GHz HPM pulse was studied. The experiment results indicate that the protective effectiveness of two layers plasma array is better than that of one layer. Two layers plasma array can make the peak electric field of transmission waveform less than interference threshold of electronic equipment to achieve better protection effectiveness. Transmission attenuation of one layer and two layers plasma array to HPM can reach -6.6066dB and -24.9357dB. The results also show that for the existence of multiple reflection, even the plasma electron density is not high enough, it can realize a strong attenuation. The experiment results in this paper are of great significance in protecting against HPM and electromagnetic pulse.

Minimally invasive surgery using the open magnetic resonance imaging system combined with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for synchronous hepatic and pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer: report of four cases.

PubMed

Sonoda, Hiromichi; Shimizu, Tomoharu; Takebayashi, Katsushi; Ohta, Hiroyuki; Murakami, Koichiro; Shiomi, Hisanori; Naka, Shigeyuki; Hanaoka, Jun; Tani, Tohru

2015-05-01

Simultaneous resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases (HPM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported to be effective, but it is also considered invasive. We report the preliminary results of performing minimally invasive surgery using the open magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system to resect synchronous HPM from CRC in four patients. All four patients were referred for thoracoscopy-assisted interventional MR-guided microwave coagulation therapy (T-IVMR-MCT) combined with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The median diameters of the HPM were 18.2 and 23.2 mm, respectively. The median duration of VATS and T-IVMR-MCT was 82.5 and 139 min, respectively. All patients were discharged without any major postoperative complications. One patient was still free of disease at 24 months and the others died of disease progression 13, 36, and 47 months without evidence of recurrence in the treated area. Thus, simultaneous VATS + T-IVMR-MCT appears to be an effective option as a minimally invasive treatment for synchronous HPM from CRC.

Growth performance and histological intestinal alterations in piglets fed dietary raw and heated pigeon pea seed meal.

PubMed

Mekbungwan, A; Yamauchi, K

2004-04-01

Histological intestinal villus alterations were studied in piglets fed raw (PM) or heated (HPM) pigeon pea seed meal. The trypsin inhibition rate was 99.15% in PM and 54.31% HPM. The PM and HPM were added into the basal diet (crude protein; 176.3 g/kg, gross energy; 4.15 kcal/g, control) at 20% and 40% levels, respectively. The diets were formulated in order to adjust protein to 180 g/kg and gross energy to about 4.20 kcal/g. The feed intake was not different among groups. The daily body weight gain and feed efficiency tended to decrease with the increasing PM level, and they decreased significantly in the 40% PM group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, HPM groups showed a growth performance similar to the control. The villus height, cell area and cell mitosis tended to decrease with the increasing PM level, and they decreased significantly in the 40% PM group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In HPM group, these villus height, cell area and cell mitosis were significantly higher than those of the 40% PM group (P < 0.05), and did not show a significant difference compared with the control. Compared with the duodenal villus surface of the control group, the PM groups had a smooth surface due to flat cells and the HPM group showed a rough surface due to protuberated cells. The current histological alterations of intestinal villi demonstrate that the villi might be atrophied in the piglets fed raw PM due to anti-nutritional factors, resulting in the decreased growth performance, and that heating PM might abolish such a harmful effect of the anti-nutritional factors on the villus function, resulting in a similar growth performance to the control. Raw PM could be incorporated under a level of 40%, but heated PM increases the incorporation rate up to the 40% level.

Theory analysis for Pender's health promotion model (HPM) by Barnum's criteria: a critical perspective.

PubMed

Khoshnood, Zohreh; Rayyani, Masoud; Tirgari, Batool

2018-01-13

Background Analysis of nursing theoretical works and its role in knowledge development is presented as an essential process of critical reflection. Health promotion model (HPM) focuses on helping people achieve higher levels of well-being and identifies background factors that influence health behaviors. Objectives This paper aims to evaluate, and critique HPM by Barnum's criteria. Methods The present study reviewed books and articles derived from Proquest, PubMed, Blackwell Databases. The method of evaluation for this model is based on Barnum's criteria for analysis, application and evaluation of nursing theories. The criteria selected by Barnum embrace both internal and external criticism. Internal criticism deals with how theory components fit with each other (internal construction of theory) and external criticism deals with the way in which theory relates to the extended world (which considers theory in its relationships to human beings, nursing, and health). Results The electronic database search yielded over 27,717 titles and abstracts. Following removal of duplicates, 18,963 titles and abstracts were screened using the inclusion criteria and 1278 manuscripts were retrieved. Of these, 80 were specific to HPM and 23 to analysis of any theory in nursing relating to the aim of this article. After final selection using the inclusion criteria for this review, 28 manuscripts were identified as examining the factors contributing to theory analysis. Evaluation of health promotion theory showed that the philosophical claims and their content are consistent and clear. HPM has a logical structure and was applied to diverse age groups from differing cultures with varying health concerns. Conclusion In conclusion, among the strategies for theory critique, the Barnum approach is structured and accurate, considers theory in its relationship to human beings, community psychiatric nursing, and health. While according to Pender, nursing assessment, diagnosis and interventions are utilized to operationalize the HPM through practical application and research.

Series Expansion of Functions with He's Homotopy Perturbation Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khattri, Sanjay Kumar

2012-01-01

Finding a series expansion, such as Taylor series, of functions is an important mathematical concept with many applications. Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is a new, easy to use and effective tool for solving a variety of mathematical problems. In this study, we present how to apply HPM to obtain a series expansion of functions. Consequently,…

A reliable, compact, and repetitive-rate high power microwave generation system.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Li, Zhi-qiang; Sun, Xiao-liang; Zhang, Jun

2015-11-01

A compact high power microwave (HPM) generation system is described in this paper. The main parts of the HPM system are a Marx generator with a pulse forming line and a magnetron with diffraction output. The total weight and length of the system are 250 kg and 120 cm, respectively. The output microwave power of the HPM system at 550 kV of applied voltage and 0.33 T of magnetic field reaches 1 GW at 2.32 GHz of central frequency with 38 ns of pulse duration, 23% of power conversion efficiency, and Gaussian radiation pattern. In the bursts operation, both time and amplitude jitters are less than 4 ns and lower than 1.5 dB, respectively.

A reliable, compact, and repetitive-rate high power microwave generation system

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

Li, Wei; Li, Zhi-qiang; Sun, Xiao-liang

2015-11-15

A compact high power microwave (HPM) generation system is described in this paper. The main parts of the HPM system are a Marx generator with a pulse forming line and a magnetron with diffraction output. The total weight and length of the system are 250 kg and 120 cm, respectively. The output microwave power of the HPM system at 550 kV of applied voltage and 0.33 T of magnetic field reaches 1 GW at 2.32 GHz of central frequency with 38 ns of pulse duration, 23% of power conversion efficiency, and Gaussian radiation pattern. In the bursts operation, both timemore » and amplitude jitters are less than 4 ns and lower than 1.5 dB, respectively.« less

The Five Key Questions of Human Performance Modeling.

PubMed

Wu, Changxu

2018-01-01

Via building computational (typically mathematical and computer simulation) models, human performance modeling (HPM) quantifies, predicts, and maximizes human performance, human-machine system productivity and safety. This paper describes and summarizes the five key questions of human performance modeling: 1) Why we build models of human performance; 2) What the expectations of a good human performance model are; 3) What the procedures and requirements in building and verifying a human performance model are; 4) How we integrate a human performance model with system design; and 5) What the possible future directions of human performance modeling research are. Recent and classic HPM findings are addressed in the five questions to provide new thinking in HPM's motivations, expectations, procedures, system integration and future directions.

Soliton Microwave Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degrassie, J. S.

1990-12-01

The Soliton Microwave Generator (SMG) represents a truly new concept in the field of high power microwave (HPM) generation. A nonlinear, dispersive transmission line is used to convert an input voltage pulse into an HPM burst at the output. The system is all solid state and projects to be efficient and reliable. Single module peak powers in excess of 1 GW appear feasible, while combining modular units leads to a 10 GW system projection. This project for the DOE has allowed the first steps necessary in experimentally demonstrating the SMG. The project has ended successfully. A relatively high power lumped circuit SMG operating in the uhf band was designed, fabricated, and tested. The maximum peak output RF power was 16 MW from this line approx. 90 cm in length and 2 sq cm in cross section with a peak power efficiency of roughly 20 percent. Additionally a low power continuous strip-line approach demonstrated microwave generation well into L band, at approx. 2 GHz.

Preliminary experimental investigation of an X-band Cerenkov-type high power microwave oscillator without guiding magnetic field.

PubMed

Guo, Liming; Shu, Ting; Li, Zhiqiang; Ju, Jinchuan; Fang, Xiaoting

2017-02-01

Among high power microwave (HPM) generators without guiding magnetic field, Cerenkov-type oscillator is expected to achieve a relatively high efficiency, which has already been realized in X-band in our previous simulation work. This paper presents the preliminary experimental investigations into an X-band Cerenkov-type HPM oscillator without guiding magnetic field. Based on the previous simulation structure, some modifications regarding diode structure were made. Different cathode structures and materials were tested in the experiments. By using a ring-shaped graphite cathode, microwave of about one hundred megawatt level was generated with a pure center frequency of 9.14 GHz, and an efficiency of about 1.3%. As analyzed in the paper, some practical issues reduce the efficiency in experiments, such as real features of the electron beam, probable breakdown regions on the cathode surface which can damage the diode, and so forth.

Alternative blade materials for technical and ecological optimization of a hydraulic pressure machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwyzer, Olivier; Saenger, Nicole

2016-11-01

The Hydraulic Pressure Machine (HPM) is an energy converter to exploit head differences between 0.5 and 2.5 m in small streams and irrigation canals. Previous investigations show that efficiencies above 60% are possible. Several case studies indicate good continuity for aquatic life (e.g. fish) and bed load for the technology. The technology is described as an economically and ecologically viable option for small scale hydropower generation. Primary goal of this research is to improve the HPM blade design regarding its continuity properties by maintaining good efficiency rates. This is done by modifying the blade tip and testing within a large physical model under laboratory condition. Blade tips from steel (conventional - reference case) and a combination of EPDM rubber and steel as sandwich construction (rubber, steel, rubber - adhesive layered) are tested and compared. Both materials reach similar values for hydraulic efficiency (approx. 58%) and mechanical power output (approx. 220 W). The variation of different gap sizes pointed out the importance of small clearance gaps to reach high efficiencies. For assessing the two blade tip materials regarding continuity for aquatic life, fish dummies were led through the wheel. Analysis of slow motion video of dummies hit by the blade show significant advantages for the EPDM blade tip. The EPDM rubber allows to bend and thus reduces the shock and the probability for cuts on the fish dummy. It was shown that blade tips from EPDM have certain advantages regarding continuity compared to standard blade tips from steel. No compromise regarding energy production had to be made. These results from the HPM can be transferred to breast shot water wheel and may be applied for new and retrofitting projects.

UNIPIC code for simulations of high power microwave devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jianguo; Zhang, Dianhui; Liu, Chunliang; Li, Yongdong; Wang, Yue; Wang, Hongguang; Qiao, Hailiang; Li, Xiaoze

2009-03-01

In this paper, UNIPIC code, a new member in the family of fully electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) codes for simulations of high power microwave (HPM) generation, is introduced. In the UNIPIC code, the electromagnetic fields are updated using the second-order, finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and the particles are moved using the relativistic Newton-Lorentz force equation. The convolutional perfectly matched layer method is used to truncate the open boundaries of HPM devices. To model curved surfaces and avoid the time step reduction in the conformal-path FDTD method, CP weakly conditional-stable FDTD (WCS FDTD) method which combines the WCS FDTD and CP-FDTD methods, is implemented. UNIPIC is two-and-a-half dimensional, is written in the object-oriented C++ language, and can be run on a variety of platforms including WINDOWS, LINUX, and UNIX. Users can use the graphical user's interface to create the geometric structures of the simulated HPM devices, or input the old structures created before. Numerical experiments on some typical HPM devices by using the UNIPIC code are given. The results are compared to those obtained from some well-known PIC codes, which agree well with each other.

Steering Electromagnetic Fields in MRI: Investigating Radiofrequency Field Interactions with Endogenous and External Dielectric Materials for Improved Coil Performance at High Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaidya, Manushka

Although 1.5 and 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) systems remain the clinical standard, the number of 7 T MR systems has increased over the past decade because of the promise of higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which can translate to images with higher resolution, improved image quality and faster acquisition times. However, there are a number of technical challenges that have prevented exploiting the full potential of ultra-high field (≥ 7 T) MR imaging (MRI), such as the inhomogeneous distribution of the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field and specific energy absorption rate (SAR), which can compromise image quality and patient safety. To better understand the origin of these issues, we first investigated the dependence of the spatial distribution of the magnetic field associated with a surface RF coil on the operating frequency and electrical properties of the sample. Our results demonstrated that the asymmetries between the transmit (B1+) and receive (B 1-) circularly polarized components of the magnetic field, which are in part responsible for RF inhomogeneity, depend on the electric conductivity of the sample. On the other hand, when sample conductivity is low, a high relative permittivity can result in an inhomogeneous RF field distribution, due to significant constructive and destructive interference patterns between forward and reflected propagating magnetic field within the sample. We then investigated the use of high permittivity materials (HPMs) as a method to alter the field distribution and improve transmit and receive coil performance in MRI. We showed that HPM placed at a distance from an RF loop coil can passively shape the field within the sample. Our results showed improvement in transmit and receive sensitivity overlap, extension of coil field-of-view, and enhancement in transmit/receive efficiency. We demonstrated the utility of this concept by employing HPM to improve performance of an existing commercial head coil for the inferior regions of the brain, where the specific coil's imaging efficiency was inherently poor. Results showed a gain in SNR, while the maximum local and head SAR values remained below the prescribed limits. We showed that increasing coil performance with HPM could improve detection of functional MR activation during a motor-based task for whole brain fMRI. Finally, to gain an intuitive understanding of how HPM improves coil performance, we investigated how HPM separately affects signal and noise sensitivity to improve SNR. For this purpose, we employed a theoretical model based on dyadic Green's functions to compare the characteristics of current patterns, i.e. the optimal spatial distribution of coil conductors, that would either maximize SNR (ideal current patterns), maximize signal reception (signal-only optimal current patterns), or minimize sample noise (dark mode current patterns). Our results demonstrated that the presence of a lossless HPM changed the relative balance of signal-only optimal and dark mode current patterns. For a given relative permittivity, increasing the thickness of the HPM altered the magnitude of the currents required to optimize signal sensitivity at the voxel of interest as well as decreased the net electric field in the sample, which is associated, via reciprocity, to the noise received from the sample. Our results also suggested that signal-only current patterns could be used to identify HPM configurations that lead to high SNR gain for RF coil arrays. We anticipate that physical insights from this work could be utilized to build the next generation of high performing RF coils integrated with HPM.

Breakthroughs in Low-Profile Leaky-Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-21

sqrt(a^2-z1(n)^2); % drivative value, f’(z1(n)) w11 = atan(-fpz1); w1(n) = w11; % slope angle is stored to testing ...compensation. 3.5. Design approximation for the lower (PEC) wall of the LWA In this section we attempt to develop and test an algorithm for...Three different alternatives were tested : A function created by interpolating a polynomial that passes through all the computed points seemed to be a

The brain is not an isolated "black box," nor is its goal to become one.

PubMed

Froese, Tom; Ikegami, Takashi

2013-06-01

In important ways, Clark's "hierarchical prediction machine" (HPM) approach parallels the research agenda we have been pursuing. Nevertheless, we remain unconvinced that the HPM offers the best clue yet to the shape of a unified science of mind and action. The apparent convergence of research interests is offset by a profound divergence of theoretical starting points and ideal goals.

Innovative Inverted Magnetron Experiments and Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

and characterized the Recirculating Planar Magnetron (RPM), a new type of High Power Microwave (HPM) device. Researchers have simulated the operation... power extraction is desired. In simulation, the RPM-CACE was up to 70% efficient, producing peak microwave powers of 420 MW. 15. SUBJECT TERMS High ...type of High Power Microwave (HPM) device. Using HFSS, MAGIC, and ICEPIC, researchers have simulated the operation of the device in both a

Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) v5: Augmentations, Motivations, and Directions for Aeronautics Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gore, Brian F.

2011-01-01

As automation and advanced technologies are introduced into transport systems ranging from the Next Generation Air Transportation System termed NextGen, to the advanced surface transportation systems as exemplified by the Intelligent Transportations Systems, to future systems designed for space exploration, there is an increased need to validly predict how the future systems will be vulnerable to error given the demands imposed by the assistive technologies. One formalized approach to study the impact of assistive technologies on the human operator in a safe and non-obtrusive manner is through the use of human performance models (HPMs). HPMs play an integral role when complex human-system designs are proposed, developed, and tested. One HPM tool termed the Man-machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) is a NASA Ames Research Center HPM software tool that has been applied to predict human-system performance in various domains since 1986. MIDAS is a dynamic, integrated HPM and simulation environment that facilitates the design, visualization, and computational evaluation of complex man-machine system concepts in simulated operational environments. The paper will discuss a range of aviation specific applications including an approach used to model human error for NASA s Aviation Safety Program, and what-if analyses to evaluate flight deck technologies for NextGen operations. This chapter will culminate by raising two challenges for the field of predictive HPMs for complex human-system designs that evaluate assistive technologies: that of (1) model transparency and (2) model validation.

Breakthroughs in Low-Profile Leaky-Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-21

conical horn antenna, as was commonly done in the 1980s) yields a low-gain pattern with a null on the axis. This is inconvenient for both effects testing ...Line Oscillator," IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 312-319, Jun 1998. Honey , R.C., “A Flush-Mounted Leaky-Wave Antenna with Predictable

Ultra-fast HPM detectors improve NAD(P)H FLIM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Wolfgang; Wetzker, Cornelia; Benda, Aleš

2018-02-01

Metabolic imaging by NAD(P)H FLIM requires the decay functions in the individual pixels to be resolved into the decay components of bound and unbound NAD(P)H. Metabolic information is contained in the lifetime and relative amplitudes of the components. The separation of the decay components and the accuracy of the amplitudes and lifetimes improves substantially by using ultra-fast HPM-100-06 and HPM-100-07 hybrid detectors. The IRF width in combination with the Becker & Hickl SPC-150N and SPC-150NX TCSPC modules is less than 20 ps. An IRF this fast does not interfere with the fluorescence decay. The usual deconvolution process in the data analysis then virtually becomes a simple curve fitting, and the parameters of the NAD(P)H decay components are obtained at unprecedented accuracy.

Making the business case for health and productivity management.

PubMed

Sullivan, Sean

2004-06-01

Health and productivity management (HPM) is an important innovation for businesses concerned with rising health care costs. Like any innovation, however, it will not be adopted rapidly unless it is tailored to the needs of employers. For the last 6 years the Institute for Health and Productivity Management has studied the needs of American employers and sponsored employer driven case studies of health care and productivity. From these studies and the work of academic experts we have fashioned a set of programs to effectively communicate the advantages of health and productivity measurement and management. To make the business case for health and productivity management, researchers need to (1) demonstrate the relative advantage of HPM, (2) keep the evidence simple, (3) show that HPM is compatible with employer practices, and (4) communicate the results within and across corporate departments.

A Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Based Vehicle Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2011-01-01

Society desires vehicles with reduced fuel consumption and reduced emissions. This presents a challenge and an opportunity for industry and the government. The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center (GRC) has developed a Hybrid Power Management (HPM) based vehicle architecture for space and terrestrial vehicles. GRC's Electrical and Electromagnetics Branch of the Avionics and Electrical Systems Division initiated the HPM Program for the GRC Technology Transfer and Partnership Office. HPM is the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications. The appropriate application and control of the various power devices significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. The basic vehicle architecture consists of a primary power source, and possibly other power sources, providing all power to a common energy storage system, which is used to power the drive motors and vehicle accessory systems, as well as provide power as an emergency power system. Each component is independent, permitting it to be optimized for its intended purpose. This flexible vehicle architecture can be applied to all vehicles to considerably improve system efficiency, reliability, safety, security, and performance. This unique vehicle architecture has the potential to alleviate global energy concerns, improve the environment, stimulate the economy, and enable new missions.

A Hybrid Probabilistic Model for Unified Collaborative and Content-Based Image Tagging.

PubMed

Zhou, Ning; Cheung, William K; Qiu, Guoping; Xue, Xiangyang

2011-07-01

The increasing availability of large quantities of user contributed images with labels has provided opportunities to develop automatic tools to tag images to facilitate image search and retrieval. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid probabilistic model (HPM) which integrates low-level image features and high-level user provided tags to automatically tag images. For images without any tags, HPM predicts new tags based solely on the low-level image features. For images with user provided tags, HPM jointly exploits both the image features and the tags in a unified probabilistic framework to recommend additional tags to label the images. The HPM framework makes use of the tag-image association matrix (TIAM). However, since the number of images is usually very large and user-provided tags are diverse, TIAM is very sparse, thus making it difficult to reliably estimate tag-to-tag co-occurrence probabilities. We developed a collaborative filtering method based on nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) for tackling this data sparsity issue. Also, an L1 norm kernel method is used to estimate the correlations between image features and semantic concepts. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been evaluated using three databases containing 5,000 images with 371 tags, 31,695 images with 5,587 tags, and 269,648 images with 5,018 tags, respectively.

Periodic homogenization and consistent estimates of transport parameters through sphere and polyhedron packings in the whole porosity range.

PubMed

Boutin, Claude; Geindreau, Christian

2010-09-01

This paper presents a study of transport parameters (diffusion, dynamic permeability, thermal permeability, trapping constant) of porous media by combining the homogenization of periodic media (HPM) and the self-consistent scheme (SCM) based on a bicomposite spherical pattern. The link between the HPM and SCM approaches is first established by using a systematic argument independent of the problem under consideration. It is shown that the periodicity condition can be replaced by zero flux and energy through the whole surface of the representative elementary volume. Consequently the SCM solution can be considered as a geometrical approximation of the local problem derived through HPM for materials such that the morphology of the period is "close" to the SCM pattern. These results are then applied to derive the estimates of the effective diffusion, the dynamic permeability, the thermal permeability and the trapping constant of porous media. These SCM estimates are compared with numerical HPM results obtained on periodic arrays of spheres and polyhedrons. It is shown that SCM estimates provide good analytical approximations of the effective parameters for periodic packings of spheres at porosities larger than 0.6, while the agreement is excellent for periodic packings of polyhedrons in the whole range of porosity.

A high-power microwave circular polarizer and its application on phase shifter.

PubMed

Shao, Hao; Hu, Yongmei; Chang, Chao; Guo, Letian

2016-04-01

A high-power waveguide dual circular polarizer was theoretically designed and proof-of-principle was experimentally tested. It consists of two incident rectangular waveguides with a perpendicular H-plane junction, one circular waveguide with a pair of trapezoidal grooves coupled in E-plane at the top, a spherical crown located at the bottom, and an iris at the perpendicular junction of two rectangular waveguides. When wave incidents at one of the two separated rectangular waveguides, it, respectively, generates a left-hand circular polarized wave or a right-hand circular polarized wave in the circular waveguide. By adding a dumbbell-like metal plug driven with a high speed servomotor, a movable short circuit is formed along the circular waveguide to adjust the output RF phase of the rectangular port, realizing a high-speed high-power phase shifter. The C-band high power microwave (HPM) experiments were carried out, and the power capacity of the HPM polarizer and phase shifter was demonstrated to reach gigawatt level.

In Situ Immobilization of Heavy-Metal Contaminated Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

Scavenging DH 524 Molecules DH 565 DH 566 Natural Materials Clays Slurry BEN 125 Bentonite 325 Bentonite HPM 20 Microfine Bentonite Attasorb LVM Satintone...HPM 20 Microfine Bentonite are sodium- montmorillonite clays of different particle sizes and purities. Na- montmorillonite clay is a three-layered...a powder of 325 Mesh and has a purity of 90 percent. - -PM 20 Microfine Bentonite (Reference 24). This is a microfine clay having a purity of 99.75

High-performance mesoporous LiFePO₄ from Baker's yeast.

PubMed

Zhang, Xudong; Zhang, Xueguang; He, Wen; Sun, Caiyun; Ma, Jingyun; Yuan, Junling; Du, Xiaoyong

2013-03-01

Based on the biomineralization assembly concept, a simple and inexpensive biomimetic sol-gel method is found to synthesize high-performance mesoporous LiFePO(4) (HPM-LFP). The key step of this approach is to apply Baker's yeast cells as both a structural template and a biocarbon source. The formation mechanism of ordered hierarchical mesoporous network structure is revealed by characterizing its morphology and microstructure. The HPM-LFP exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances. The HPM-LFP has a high discharge capacity (about 153 mAh g(-1) at a 0.1 C rate), only 2% capacity loss from the initial value after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 C. This simple and potentially universal design strategy is currently being pursued in the synthesis of an ideal cathode-active material for high power applications. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Homotopy perturbation method with Laplace Transform (LT-HPM) for solving Lane-Emden type differential equations (LETDEs).

PubMed

Tripathi, Rajnee; Mishra, Hradyesh Kumar

2016-01-01

In this communication, we describe the Homotopy Perturbation Method with Laplace Transform (LT-HPM), which is used to solve the Lane-Emden type differential equations. It's very difficult to solve numerically the Lane-Emden types of the differential equation. Here we implemented this method for two linear homogeneous, two linear nonhomogeneous, and four nonlinear homogeneous Lane-Emden type differential equations and use their appropriate comparisons with exact solutions. In the current study, some examples are better than other existing methods with their nearer results in the form of power series. The Laplace transform used to accelerate the convergence of power series and the results are shown in the tables and graphs which have good agreement with the other existing method in the literature. The results show that LT-HPM is very effective and easy to implement.

Final Environmental Assessment for the Integration and Developmental Testing of High Power Microwave Systems at Edwards Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-16

spawning sites, feeding sites, 20 seasonal wetlands or drylands, water quality or quantity, host species or plant pollinators , geological 21...rufus]). 12 These areas also contain relatively large areas of sensitive plants . 13 3.9.2.9 Significant Ecological Areas found within the R-2515 and...for complete aircraft, avionics systems, and integrated 21 airframe weapons support. Thus, HPM testing would continue the evolution of the primary

Hybrid Power Management-Based Vehicle Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2011-01-01

Hybrid Power Management (HPM) is the integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications (s ee figure). The appropriate application and control of the various power devices significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. The basic vehicle architecture consists of a primary power source, and possibly other power sources, that provides all power to a common energy storage system that is used to power the drive motors and vehicle accessory systems. This architecture also provides power as an emergency power system. Each component is independent, permitting it to be optimized for its intended purpose. The key element of HPM is the energy storage system. All generated power is sent to the energy storage system, and all loads derive their power from that system. This can significantly reduce the power requirement of the primary power source, while increasing the vehicle reliability. Ultracapacitors are ideal for an HPM-based energy storage system due to their exceptionally long cycle life, high reliability, high efficiency, high power density, and excellent low-temperature performance. Multiple power sources and multiple loads are easily incorporated into an HPM-based vehicle. A gas turbine is a good primary power source because of its high efficiency, high power density, long life, high reliability, and ability to operate on a wide range of fuels. An HPM controller maintains optimal control over each vehicle component. This flexible operating system can be applied to all vehicles to considerably improve vehicle efficiency, reliability, safety, security, and performance. The HPM-based vehicle architecture has many advantages over conventional vehicle architectures. Ultracapacitors have a much longer cycle life than batteries, which greatly improves system reliability, reduces life-of-system costs, and reduces environmental impact as ultracapacitors will probably never need to be replaced and disposed of. The environmentally safe ultracapacitor components reduce disposal concerns, and their recyclable nature reduces the environmental impact. High ultracapacitor power density provides high power during surges, and the ability to absorb high power during recharging. Ultracapacitors are extremely efficient in capturing recharging energy, are rugged, reliable, maintenance-free, have excellent lowtemperature characteristic, provide consistent performance over time, and promote safety as they can be left indefinitely in a safe, discharged state whereas batteries cannot.

Hybrid Power Management Program Continued

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2002-01-01

Hybrid Power Management (HPM) is the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications. The appropriate application and control of the various power devices significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. The advanced power devices include ultracapacitors and photovoltaics. HPM has extremely wide potential with applications including power-generation, transportation, biotechnology, and space power systems. It may significantly alleviate global energy concerns, improve the environment, and stimulate the economy.

Behavior of GaSb (100) and InSb (100) surfaces in the presence of H2O2 in acidic and basic cleaning solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Dongwan; Na, Jihoon; Lee, Seunghyo; Lim, Sangwoo

2017-03-01

Gallium antimonide (GaSb) and indium antimonide (InSb) have attracted strong attention as new channel materials for transistors due to their excellent electrical properties and lattice matches with various group III-V compound semiconductors. In this study, the surface behavior of GaSb (100) and InSb (100) was investigated and compared in hydrochloric acid/hydrogen peroxide mixture (HPM) and ammonium hydroxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture (APM) solutions. In the acidic HPM solution, surface oxidation was greater and the etching rates of the GaSb and InSb surfaces increased when the solution is concentrated, which indicates that H2O2 plays a key role in the surface oxidation of GaSb and InSb in acidic HPM solution. However, the GaSb and InSb surfaces were hardly oxidized in basic APM solution in the presence of H2O2 because gallium and indium are in the thermodynamically stable forms of H2GaO3- and InO2-, respectively. When the APM solution was diluted, however, the Ga on the GaSb surface was oxidized by H2O, increasing the etching rate. However, the effect of dilution of the APM solution on the oxidation of the InSb surface was minimal; thus, the InSb surface was less oxidized than the GaSb surface and the change in the etching rate of InSb with dilution of the APM solution was not significant. Additionally, the oxidation behavior of gallium and indium was more sensitive to the composition of the HPM and APM solutions than that of antimony. Therefore, the surface properties and etching characteristics of GaSb and InSb in HPM and APM solutions are mainly dependent on the behavior of the group III elements rather than the group V elements.

Hybrid Power Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis

2005-01-01

An engineering discipline denoted as hybrid power management (HPM) has emerged from continuing efforts to increase energy efficiency and reliability of hybrid power systems. HPM is oriented toward integration of diverse electric energy-generating, energy-storing, and energy-consuming devices in optimal configurations for both terrestrial and outer-space applications. The basic concepts of HPM are potentially applicable at power levels ranging from nanowatts to megawatts. Potential applications include terrestrial power-generation, terrestrial transportation, biotechnology, and outer-space power systems. Instances of this discipline at prior stages of development were reported (though not explicitly labeled as HPM) in three prior NASA Tech Briefs articles: "Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle"(LEW-16876), Vol. 24, No. 4 (April 2000), page 63; "Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage" (LEW-17177), Vol. 27, No. 8 (August 2003), page 38; and "Flasher Powered by Photovoltaic Cells and Ultracapacitors" (LEW-17246), Vol. 24, No. 10 (October 2003), page 37. As the titles of the cited articles indicate, the use of ultracapacitors as energy-storage devices lies at the heart of HPM. An ultracapacitor is an electrochemical energy-storage device, but unlike in a conventional rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery, chemical reactions do not take place during operation. Instead, energy is stored electrostatically at an electrode/electrolyte interface. The capacitance per unit volume of an ultracapacitor is much greater than that of a conventional capacitor because its electrodes have much greater surface area per unit volume and the separation between the electrodes is much smaller. Power-control circuits for ultracapacitors can be simpler than those for batteries, for two reasons: (1) Because of the absence of chemical reactions, charge and discharge currents can be greater than those in batteries, limited only by the electrical resistances of conductors; and (2) whereas the charge level of a battery depends on voltage, temperature, age, and load condition, the charge level of an ultracapacitor, like that of a conventional capacitor, depends only on voltage.

A New Remote-Sensing Method for Mine Detection using HPM Irradiation and IR Detection.

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

absorption of microwave energy by the mine. This signature appears at the soil surface after a brief time-delay from the start of HPM illumination. At...detection de cible, l’operation de teledetection, la capacite de detecter des cibles sous un ciel couvert avec peu de dependance du cycle solaire et la...the temperature of the sample depends on the microwave energy absorbed by the sample and varies inversely with the sample thermal heat capacity. The

The study of the Boltzmann equation of solid-gas two-phase flow with three-dimensional BGK model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chang-jiang; Pang, Song; Xu, Qiang; He, Ling; Yang, Shao-peng; Qing, Yun-jie

2018-06-01

The motion of many solid-gas two-phase flows can be described by the Boltzmann equation. In order to simplify the Boltzmann equation, the convective-diffusion term is reserved and the collision term is replaced by the three-dimensional Bharnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) model. Then the simplified Boltzmann equation is solved by homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and its approximate analytical solution is obtained. Through the analyzing, it is proved that the analytical solution satisfies all the constraint conditions, and its formation is in accord with the formation of the solution that is obtained by traditional Chapman-Enskog method, and the solving process of HPM is much more simple and convenient. This preliminarily shows the effectiveness and rapidness of HPM to solve the Boltzmann equation. The results obtained herein provide some theoretical basis for the further study of dynamic model of solid-gas two-phase flows, such as the sturzstrom of high-speed distant landslide caused by microseism and the sand storm caused by strong breeze.

1.5-GW S-band relativistic klystron amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Patrick E.

1992-04-01

There is a strong symbiotic relationship between a developing technology and its applications. New technologies can generate applications previously either unrealizable or impractical. Conversely, applications can demand the development of new technological capability. Examples of both types of development can be found in the evolution of HPM. The high power and energy output made possible by HPM have created a technology driven interest in directed energy weapons and short pulse radar. On the other hand, the requirements for heating of fusion plasmas have resulted in an application driven program to develop high average power microwave devices. In this paper we address these and other applications such as RF electron linacs, laser pumping, and beaming of power. Emerging applications, such as ionispheric modification and environmental cleanup, are also touched upon. The approach of this paper will be to review each application separately and then compare the requirements of the applications in terms of the power, frequency and other key requirements necessary for HPM to usefully address the application.

The modified scheme of optimized in simulations Cherenkov type high-power microwave oscillator without guiding magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Li M.; Shu, T.; Li, Zhi Q.; Ju, Jin C.

2017-12-01

The compactness and miniaturization of high-power-microwave (HPM) systems are drawing more and more attention. Based on this demand, HPM generators without a guiding magnetic field are being developed. This paper presents an X-band Cherenkov type HPM oscillator without the guiding magnetic field. By particle-in-cell codes, this oscillator achieves an efficiency of 40% in simulation. When the diode voltage and current are 620 kV and 9.0 kA, respectively, a TEM mode microwave is generated with a power of 2.2 GW and a frequency of 9.1 GHz. In this oscillator, electrons are modulated in both longitudinal and radial directions, and the radial modulation has a significant effect on the energy conversion efficiency. As analyzed in this paper, the different radial modulation effects depend on the phase matching differences of the microwave and electrons. The modified scheme of simulations achieves a structure with an efficient longitudinal beam-wave interaction and optimized radial modulation.

High-pitch spiral computed tomography: effect on image quality and radiation dose in pediatric chest computed tomography.

PubMed

Lell, Michael M; May, Matthias; Deak, Paul; Alibek, Sedat; Kuefner, Michael; Kuettner, Axel; Köhler, Henrik; Achenbach, Stephan; Uder, Michael; Radkow, Tanja

2011-02-01

computed tomography (CT) is considered the method of choice in thoracic imaging for a variety of indications. Sedation is usually necessary to enable CT and to avoid deterioration of image quality because of patient movement in small children. We evaluated a new, subsecond high-pitch scan mode (HPM), which obviates the need of sedation and to hold the breath. a total of 60 patients were included in this study. 30 patients (mean age, 14 ± 17 month; range, 0-55 month) were examined with a dual source CT system in an HPM. Scan parameters were as follows: pitch = 3.0, 128 × 0.6 mm slice acquisition, 0.28 seconds gantry rotation time, ref. mAs adapted to the body weight (50-100 mAs) at 80 kV. Images were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 0.75 mm. None of the children was sedated for the CT examination and no breathing instructions were given. Image quality was assessed focusing on motion artifacts and delineation of the vascular structures and lung parenchyma. Thirty patients (mean age, 15 ± 17 month; range, 0-55 month) were examined under sedation on 2 different CT systems (10-slice CT, n = 18; 64-slice CT, n = 13 patients) in conventional pitch mode (CPM). Dose values were calculated from the dose length product provided in the patient protocol/dose reports, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess dose distribution for CPM and HPM. all scans were performed without complications. Image quality was superior with HPM, because of a significant reduction in motion artifacts, as compared to CPM with 10- and 64-slice CT. In the control group, artifacts were encountered at the level of the diaphragm (n = 30; 100%), the borders of the heart (n = 30; 100%), and the ribs (n = 20; 67%) and spine (n = 6; 20%), whereas motion artifacts were detected in the HPM-group only in 6 patients in the lung parenchyma next to the diaphragm or the heart (P < 0,001). Dose values were within the same range in the patient examinations (CPM, 1.9 ± 0.6 mSv; HPM, 1.9 ± 0.5 mSv; P = 0.95), although z-overscanning increased with the increase of detector width and pitch-value. high-pitch chest CT is a robust method to provide highest image quality making sedation or controlled ventilation for the examination of infants, small or uncooperative children unnecessary, whereas maintaining low radiation dose values.

Bias-field controlled phasing and power combination of gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission lines

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

Reale, D. V., E-mail: david.reale@ttu.edu; Bragg, J.-W. B.; Gonsalves, N. R.

2014-05-15

Gyromagnetic Nonlinear Transmission Lines (NLTLs) generate microwaves through the damped gyromagnetic precession of the magnetic moments in ferrimagnetic material, and are thus utilized as compact, solid-state, frequency agile, high power microwave (HPM) sources. The output frequency of a NLTL can be adjusted by control of the externally applied bias field and incident voltage pulse without physical alteration to the structure of the device. This property provides a frequency tuning capability not seen in many conventional e-beam based HPM sources. The NLTLs developed and tested are mesoband sources capable of generating MW power levels in the L, S, and C bandsmore » of the microwave spectrum. For an individual NLTL the output power at a given frequency is determined by several factors including the intrinsic properties of the ferrimagnetic material and the transmission line structure. Hence, if higher power levels are to be achieved, it is necessary to combine the outputs of multiple NLTLs. This can be accomplished in free space using antennas or in a transmission line via a power combiner. Using a bias-field controlled delay, a transient, high voltage, coaxial, three port, power combiner was designed and tested. Experimental results are compared with the results of a transient COMSOL simulation to evaluate combiner performance.« less

Bias-field controlled phasing and power combination of gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission lines.

PubMed

Reale, D V; Bragg, J-W B; Gonsalves, N R; Johnson, J M; Neuber, A A; Dickens, J C; Mankowski, J J

2014-05-01

Gyromagnetic Nonlinear Transmission Lines (NLTLs) generate microwaves through the damped gyromagnetic precession of the magnetic moments in ferrimagnetic material, and are thus utilized as compact, solid-state, frequency agile, high power microwave (HPM) sources. The output frequency of a NLTL can be adjusted by control of the externally applied bias field and incident voltage pulse without physical alteration to the structure of the device. This property provides a frequency tuning capability not seen in many conventional e-beam based HPM sources. The NLTLs developed and tested are mesoband sources capable of generating MW power levels in the L, S, and C bands of the microwave spectrum. For an individual NLTL the output power at a given frequency is determined by several factors including the intrinsic properties of the ferrimagnetic material and the transmission line structure. Hence, if higher power levels are to be achieved, it is necessary to combine the outputs of multiple NLTLs. This can be accomplished in free space using antennas or in a transmission line via a power combiner. Using a bias-field controlled delay, a transient, high voltage, coaxial, three port, power combiner was designed and tested. Experimental results are compared with the results of a transient COMSOL simulation to evaluate combiner performance.

Reflection measurement of waveguide-injected high-power microwave antennas.

PubMed

Yuan, Chengwei; Peng, Shengren; Shu, Ting; Zhang, Qiang; Zhao, Xuelong

2015-12-01

A method for reflection measurements of High-power Microwave (HPM) antennas excited with overmoded waveguides is proposed and studied systemically. In theory, principle of the method is proposed and the data processing formulas are developed. In simulations, a horn antenna excited by a TE11 mode exciter is examined and its reflection is calculated by CST Microwave Studio and by the method proposed in this article, respectively. In experiments, reflection measurements of two HPM antennas are conducted, and the measured results are well consistent with the theoretical expectations.

Reusable Hybrid Propellant Modules for Outer-Space Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazanek, Daniel D.; Mankins, John C.

2005-01-01

A report summarizes the concept of reusable hybrid propellant modules (HPMs), which would be used in outer space for long-term cryogenic storage of liquefied spacecraft-propellant gases, including for example, oxygen and hydrogen for combustion-based chemical rocket engines and xenon for electric thrusters. The HPM concept would provide the fundamental building block for an efficient, reusable in-space transportation system for both crewed and uncrewed missions. Each HPM would be equipped to implement an advanced zero-boil-off method of managing cryogenic fluids, and would include a fluid-transfer interface comprising standardized fittings that would be compatible with fittings on all supply facilities and on spacecraft to be supplied. The HPM, combined with a chemical or electric orbital transfer spacecraft, would provide an integrated propulsion system. HPMs would supply chemical propellant for time-critical transfers such as crewed missions, and utilize the more efficient electric-propulsion transfer vehicles to transport filled HPMs to the destinations and to return empty HPMs back to near-Earth orbits or other intermediate locations for replenishment and reuse. The HPM prepositioned using electric propulsion would provide the chemical propellant for the crew s return trip in a much more efficient manner than a chemical-only approach. The propellants to fill the HPMs would be delivered from the Earth or other initial supply locations to the intermediate locations by use of automated, compatible spacecraft designed specifically for that purpose. Additionally, multiple HPMs could be aggregated and positioned in orbits and on planets, moons, and asteroids to supply fluids to orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft.

Sodium intake prediction with health promotion model constructs in rural hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Kamran, Aziz; Sharifirad, Gholamreza; Shafaeei, Yousef; Azadbakht, Leila

2015-01-01

Hypertension is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease, and the growing epidemic is a serious warning to pay more attention to this disease. The aims of this study were to examine the relationships between the health promotion model (HPM) constructs and sodium intake, and to determine the predictive power of the HPM constructs as the possible mediators of sodium intake in rural Iranian hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 671 hypertensive patients in Ardabil, Iran in 2013. The data were obtained during a 25-40 min face-to-face conversation by validated and reliable instruments. The nutritional data were assessed with Nutritionist version 4 (N4) software. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlations were calculated using SPSS Statistics version 18.0. Structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS version 18. Sodium intake was negatively correlated with perceived benefits (r = -0.707; P < 0.01), perceived self-efficacy (r = -0.719; P < 0.01), situational influences (r = -0.590; P < 0.01), interpersonal influences (r = -0.637; P < 0.01), commitment to action (r = -0.605; P < 0.01), affects related behavior (r = -0.499; P < 0.01), and positively associated with the perceived barriers score (r = 0.563; P < 0.01). The structural equation modeling showed that the model explained 63.0% of the variation in sodium intake. HPM constructs were significantly associated with sodium intake and dietary perceptions based on HPM constructs can predict acceptable rate of the variation of sodium intake. Therefore, we suggest using this model constructs to improve the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.

Lithium, boron and chlorine as tracers for metasomatism in high-pressure metamorphic rocks: a case study from Syros (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marschall, Horst R.; Altherr, Rainer; Gméling, Katalin; Kasztovszky, Zsolt

2009-03-01

High-pressure metamorphic (HPM) rocks (derived from igneous protoliths) and their metasomatised rinds from the island of Syros (Greece) were analysed for their B and Cl whole-rock abundances and their H2O content by prompt-gamma neutron-activation analysis (PGNAA) and for their Li and Be whole-rock abundances by ICP-OES. In the HPM rocks, B /Be and Cl /Be ratios correlate with H2O contents and appear to be controlled by extraction of B and Cl during dehydration and prograde metamorphism. In contrast, samples of the metasomatised rinds show no such correlation. B /Be ratios in the rinds are solely governed by the presence or absence of tourmaline, and Cl /Be ratios vary significantly, possibly related to fluid inclusions. Li/Be ratios do not correlate with H2O contents in the HPM rocks, which may in part be explained by a conservative behaviour of Li during dehydration. However, Li abundances exceed the vast majority of published values for Li abundances in fresh, altered, or differentiated oceanic igneous rocks and presumably result from metasomatic enrichment of Li. High Li concentrations and highly elevated Li/Be ratios in most metasomatised samples demonstrate an enrichment of Li in the Syros HP mélange during fluid infiltration. This study suggests that B and Cl abundances of HPM meta-igneous rocks can be used to trace prograde dehydration, while Li concentrations seem to be more sensitive for retrograde metasomatic processes in such lithologies.

Re-establishment of rigor mortis: evidence for a considerably longer post-mortem time span.

PubMed

Crostack, Chiara; Sehner, Susanne; Raupach, Tobias; Anders, Sven

2017-07-01

Re-establishment of rigor mortis following mechanical loosening is used as part of the complex method for the forensic estimation of the time since death in human bodies and has formerly been reported to occur up to 8-12 h post-mortem (hpm). We recently described our observation of the phenomenon in up to 19 hpm in cases with in-hospital death. Due to the case selection (preceding illness, immobilisation), transfer of these results to forensic cases might be limited. We therefore examined 67 out-of-hospital cases of sudden death with known time points of death. Re-establishment of rigor mortis was positive in 52.2% of cases and was observed up to 20 hpm. In contrast to the current doctrine that a recurrence of rigor mortis is always of a lesser degree than its first manifestation in a given patient, muscular rigidity at re-establishment equalled or even exceeded the degree observed before dissolving in 21 joints. Furthermore, this is the first study to describe that the phenomenon appears to be independent of body or ambient temperature.

Human performance modeling for system of systems analytics :soldier fatigue.

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

Lawton, Craig R.; Campbell, James E.; Miller, Dwight Peter

2005-10-01

The military has identified Human Performance Modeling (HPM) as a significant requirement and challenge of future systems modeling and analysis initiatives as can be seen in the Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense Modeling and Simulation Office's (DMSO) Master Plan (DoD 5000.59-P 1995). To this goal, the military is currently spending millions of dollars on programs devoted to HPM in various military contexts. Examples include the Human Performance Modeling Integration (HPMI) program within the Air Force Research Laboratory, which focuses on integrating HPMs with constructive models of systems (e.g. cockpit simulations) and the Navy's Human Performance Center (HPC) established in Septembermore » 2003. Nearly all of these initiatives focus on the interface between humans and a single system. This is insufficient in the era of highly complex network centric SoS. This report presents research and development in the area of HPM in a system-of-systems (SoS). Specifically, this report addresses modeling soldier fatigue and the potential impacts soldier fatigue can have on SoS performance.« less

An 8-GW long-pulse generator based on Tesla transformer and pulse forming network

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

Su, Jiancang; Zhang, Xibo; Li, Rui

A long-pulse generator TPG700L based on a Tesla transformer and a series pulse forming network (PFN) is constructed to generate intense electron beams for the purpose of high power microwave (HPM) generation. The TPG700L mainly consists of a 12-stage PFN, a built-in Tesla transformer in a pulse forming line, a three-electrode gas switch, a transmission line with a trigger, and a load. The Tesla transformer and the compact PFN are the key technologies for the development of the TPG700L. This generator can output electrical pulses with a width as long as 200 ns at a level of 8 GW andmore » a repetition rate of 50 Hz. When used to drive a relative backward wave oscillator for HPM generation, the electrical pulse width is about 100 ns on a voltage level of 520 kV. Factors affecting the pulse waveform of the TPG700L are also discussed. At present, the TPG700L performs well for long-pulse HPM generation in our laboratory.« less

An 8-GW long-pulse generator based on Tesla transformer and pulse forming network.

PubMed

Su, Jiancang; Zhang, Xibo; Li, Rui; Zhao, Liang; Sun, Xu; Wang, Limin; Zeng, Bo; Cheng, Jie; Wang, Ying; Peng, Jianchang; Song, Xiaoxin

2014-06-01

A long-pulse generator TPG700L based on a Tesla transformer and a series pulse forming network (PFN) is constructed to generate intense electron beams for the purpose of high power microwave (HPM) generation. The TPG700L mainly consists of a 12-stage PFN, a built-in Tesla transformer in a pulse forming line, a three-electrode gas switch, a transmission line with a trigger, and a load. The Tesla transformer and the compact PFN are the key technologies for the development of the TPG700L. This generator can output electrical pulses with a width as long as 200 ns at a level of 8 GW and a repetition rate of 50 Hz. When used to drive a relative backward wave oscillator for HPM generation, the electrical pulse width is about 100 ns on a voltage level of 520 kV. Factors affecting the pulse waveform of the TPG700L are also discussed. At present, the TPG700L performs well for long-pulse HPM generation in our laboratory.

Relativistic electron motion in cylindrical waveguide with strong guiding magnetic field and high power microwave

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

Wu, Ping; Science and Technology on High Power Microwave Laboratory, Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024; Sun, Jun

2015-06-15

In O-type high power microwave (HPM) devices, the annular relativistic electron beam is constrained by a strong guiding magnetic field and propagates through an interaction region to generate HPM. Some papers believe that the E × B drift of electrons may lead to beam breakup. This paper simplifies the interaction region with a smooth cylindrical waveguide to research the radial motion of electrons under conditions of strong guiding magnetic field and TM{sub 01} mode HPM. The single-particle trajectory shows that the radial electron motion presents the characteristic of radial guiding-center drift carrying cyclotron motion. The radial guiding-center drift is spatiallymore » periodic and is dominated by the polarization drift, not the E × B drift. Furthermore, the self fields of the beam space charge can provide a radial force which may pull electrons outward to some extent but will not affect the radial polarization drift. Despite the radial drift, the strong guiding magnetic field limits the drift amplitude to a small value and prevents beam breakup from happening due to this cause.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: OGLE high proper motion stars towards MC (Soszynski+, 2002)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soszynski, I.; Zebrun, K.; Udalski, A.; Wozniak, P. R.; Szymanski, M.; Kubiak, M.; Pietrzynski, G.; Szewczyk, O.; Wyrzykowski, L.

2002-11-01

We present a catalog of high proper motion (HPM) stars detected in the foreground of central parts of the Magellanic Clouds. The Catalog contains 2161 objects in the 4.5 square degree area towards the LMC, and 892 HPM stars in the 2.4 square degree area towards the SMC. The Catalog is based on observations collected during four years of the OGLE-II microlensing survey. The Difference Image Analysis (DIA) of the images provided candidate HPM stars with proper motion as small as 4mas/yr. These appeared as pseudo-variables, and were all measured astrometrically on all CCD images, providing typically about 400 data points per star. The reference frame was defined by the majority of background stars, most of them members of the Magellanic Clouds. The reflex motion due to solar velocity with respect to the local standards of rest is clearly seen. The largest proper motion in our sample is 363mas/yr. Parallaxes were measured with errors smaller than 20% for several stars. (2 data files).

Technical Evaluation Motor No. 7 (TEM-07)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hugh, Phil

1991-01-01

Technical Evaluation Motor Number 7 (TEM-7) was a full scale, full-duration static test firing of a high performance motor (HPM) configuration solid rocket motor (SRM) with nozzle vectoring. The static test fire occurred on 11 December 1990 at the Thiokol Corporation Static Test Bay T-97. Documented here are the procedures, performance, and results available through 22 January 1991. Critical post test hardware activities and assessment of the test data are not complete. A completed test report will be submitted 60 days after the test date. Included here is a presentation and discussion of the TEM-7 performance, anomalies, and test result concurrence with the objectives outlined in CTP-0107 Revision A, Space Shuttle Technical Evaluation Motor number 7 (TEM-07) Static Fire Test Plan.

Fuel-Cell-Powered Vehicle with Hybrid Power Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2010-01-01

Figure 1 depicts a hybrid electric utility vehicle that is powered by hydrogenburning proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells operating in conjunction with a metal hydride hydrogen-storage unit. Unlike conventional hybrid electric vehicles, this vehicle utilizes ultracapacitors, rather than batteries, for storing electric energy. This vehicle is a product of continuing efforts to develop the technological discipline known as hybrid power management (HPM), which is oriented toward integration of diverse electric energy-generating, energy-storing, and energy- consuming devices in optimal configurations. Instances of HPM were reported in five prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, though not explicitly labeled as HPM in the first three articles: "Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle" (LEW-16876), Vol. 24, No. 4 (April 2000), page 63; "Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage" (LEW- 17177), Vol. 27, No. 8 (August 2003), page 38; "Flasher Powered by Photovoltaic Cells and Ultracapacitors" (LEW-17246), Vol. 27, No. 10 (October 2003), page 37; "Hybrid Power Management" (LEW-17520), Vol. 29, No. 12 (December 2005), page 35; and "Ultracapacitor-Powered Cordless Drill" (LEW-18116-1), Vol. 31, No. 8 (August 2007), page 34. To recapitulate from the cited prior articles: The use of ultracapacitors as energy- storage devices lies at the heart of HPM. An ultracapacitor is an electrochemical energy-storage device, but unlike in a conventional rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery, chemical reactions do not take place during operation. Instead, energy is stored electrostatically at an electrode/electrolyte interface. The capacitance per unit volume of an ultracapacitor is much greater than that of a conventional capacitor because its electrodes have much greater surface area per unit volume and the separation between the electrodes is much smaller.

Evaluation of a Spiral Groove Geometry for Improvement of Hemolysis Level in a Hydrodynamically Levitated Centrifugal Blood Pump.

PubMed

Murashige, Tomotaka; Kosaka, Ryo; Sakota, Daisuke; Nishida, Masahiro; Kawaguchi, Yasuo; Yamane, Takashi; Maruyama, Osamu

2015-08-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a spiral groove geometry for a thrust bearing to improve the hemolysis level in a hydrodynamically levitated centrifugal blood pump. We compared three geometric models: (i) the groove width is the same as the ridge width at any given polar coordinate (conventional model); (ii) the groove width contracts inward from 9.7 to 0.5 mm (contraction model); and (iii) the groove width expands inward from 0.5 to 4.2 mm (expansion model). To evaluate the hemolysis level, an impeller levitation performance test and in vitro hemolysis test were conducted using a mock circulation loop. In these tests, the driving conditions were set at a pressure head of 200 mm Hg and a flow rate of 4.0 L/min. As a result of the impeller levitation performance test, the bottom bearing gaps of the contraction and conventional models were 88 and 25 μm, respectively. The impeller of the expansion model touched the bottom housing. In the hemolysis test, the relative normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) ratios of the contraction model in comparison with BPX-80 and HPM-15 were 0.6 and 0.9, respectively. In contrast, the relative NIH ratios of the conventional model in comparison with BPX-80 and HPM-15 were 9.6 and 13.7, respectively. We confirmed that the contraction model achieved a large bearing gap and improved the hemolysis level in a hydrodynamically levitated centrifugal blood pump. Copyright © 2015 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An evaluation of ionizing radiation emitted by high power microwave generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovell, C. David; Bolch, W. Emmett

1992-02-01

Ionizing radiation emitted by electron-beam driven high power microwave (HPM) generators were measured in the near and far-field using lithium fluoride (LiF) thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's). Simplified photon energy spectra were determined by measuring radiation transmission, at electron beam energies of 300 to 650 keV, through various thicknesses of steel and lead attenuators. These data were used to calculate the effective energy of the x-rays produced by interactions between the electrons and the walls or other structures of the HPM generators. Operators were polled to determine locations of burn marks or other visible damage to locate potential ionizing radiation source regions.

Effect of morning vs. afternoon grazing on intramuscular fatty acid composition in lamb.

PubMed

Vasta, Valentina; Pagano, Renato Italo; Luciano, Giuseppe; Scerra, Manuel; Caparra, Pasquale; Foti, Francesco; Cilione, Caterina; Biondi, Luisa; Priolo, Alessandro; Avondo, Marcella

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess whether different grazing management affect animal performance and meat fatty acid composition. Thirty-five lambs were divided into three groups: 12 lambs grazed from 9 am to 5 pm (8 h group); 11 lambs grazed from 9 am to 1 pm (4hAM group) and 12 lambs grazed from 1 pm to 5 pm (4hPM group). The trial was conducted over 72 days. The 8 h lambs had greater DMI (P<0.0005) and final body weight (P<0.05) than the 4hPM and 4hAM lambs while carcass weight was not different between the three groups. The meat of the 4hPM lambs contained greater (P<0.05) percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids, C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 and lower saturated fatty acids and C18:0 than the meat of the 8 h and 4hAM lambs. It is concluded that allowing lambs to graze during the afternoon rather than during 8 h does not compromise the carcass yield and results in a healthier meat fatty acid profile. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solution of Fifth-order Korteweg and de Vries Equation by Homotopy perturbation Transform Method using He's Polynomial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Dinkar; Singh, Prince; Chauhan, Shubha

2017-06-01

In this paper, a combined form of the Laplace transform method with the homotopy perturbation method is applied to solve nonlinear fifth order Korteweg de Vries (KdV) equations. The method is known as homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM). The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He's polynomials. Two test examples are considered to illustrate the present scheme. Further the results are compared with Homotopy perturbation method (HPM).

Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Program Overview and Lessons Learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graves, Stan R.; McCool, Alex (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

An overview of the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) program is provided with a summary of lessons learned since the first test firing in 1977. Fifteen different lessons learned are discussed that fundamentally changed the motor's design, processing, and RSRM program risk management systems. The evolution of the rocket motor design is presented including the baseline or High Performance Solid Rocket Motor (HPM), the Filament Wound Case (FWC), the RSRM, and the proposed Five-Segment Booster (FSB).

Simultaneous stabilization/solidification of Mn2+ and NH4+-N from electrolytic manganese residue using MgO and different phosphate resource.

PubMed

Shu, Jiancheng; Wu, Haiping; Liu, Renlong; Liu, Zuohua; Li, Bing; Chen, Mengjun; Tao, Changyuan

2018-02-01

This study examined simultaneous stabilization and solidification (S/S) of Mn 2+ and NH 4 + -N from electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) using MgO and different phosphate resource. The characteristics of EMR NH 4 + -N and Mn 2+ S/S behavior, S/S mechanisms, leaching test and economic analysis, were investigated. The results show that the S/S efficiency of Mn 2+ and NH 4 + -N could reach 91.58% and 99.98%, respectively, and the pH value is 8.75 when the molar ratio of Mg:P is 3:1 and the dose of PM (MgO and Na 3 PO 4 ·12H 2 O) is 8wt%. In this process, Mn 2+ could mainly be stabilized in the forms of Mn(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ·2H 2 O, Mn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ·3H 2 O, Mn(OH) 2 , and MnOOH, and NH 4 + -N in the form of NH 4 MgPO 4 ·6H 2 O. Economic evaluation indicates that using PM process has a lower cost than HPM and HOM process for the S/S of Mn 2+ and NH 4 + -N from EMR at the same stabilization agent dose. Leaching test values of all the measured metals are within the permitted level for the GB8978-1996 test suggested when the dose of PM, HPM and HOM is 8wt%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New tools using the hardware performance monitor to help users tune programs on the Cray X-MP

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

Engert, D.E.; Rudsinski, L.; Doak, J.

1991-09-25

The performance of a Cray system is highly dependent on the tuning techniques used by individuals on their codes. Many of our users were not taking advantage of the tuning tools that allow them to monitor their own programs by using the Hardware Performance Monitor (HPM). We therefore modified UNICOS to collect HPM data for all processes and to report Mflop ratings based on users, programs, and time used. Our tuning efforts are now being focused on the users and programs that have the best potential for performance improvements. These modifications and some of the more striking performance improvements aremore » described.« less

Light curing through glass ceramics with a second- and a third-generation LED curing unit: effect of curing mode on the degree of conversion of dual-curing resin cements.

PubMed

Flury, Simon; Lussi, Adrian; Hickel, Reinhard; Ilie, Nicoleta

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of five dual-curing resin cements after different curing modes with a second- and a third-generation light-emitting diode (LED) curing unit. Additionally, irradiance of both light curing units was measured at increasing distances and through discs of two glass ceramics for computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Irradiance and spectra of the Elipar FreeLight 2 (Standard Mode (SM)) and of the VALO light curing unit (High Power Mode (HPM) and Xtra Power Mode (XPM)) were measured with a MARC radiometer. Irradiance was measured at increasing distances (control) and through discs (1.5 to 6 mm thickness) of IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD. DC of Panavia F2.0, RelyX Unicem 2 Automix, SpeedCEM, BisCem, and BeautiCem SA was measured with an attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer when self-cured (negative control) or light cured in SM for 40 s, HPM for 32 s, or XPM for 18 s. Light curing was performed directly (positive control) or through discs of either 1.5- or 3-mm thickness of IPS Empress CAD or IPS e.max CAD. DC was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum tests (α = 0.05). Maximum irradiances were 1,545 mW/cm(2) (SM), 2,179 mW/cm(2) (HPM), and 4,156 mW/cm(2) (XPM), and all irradiances decreased by >80 % through discs of 1.5 mm, ≥95 % through 3 mm, and up to >99 % through 6 mm. Generally, self-curing resulted in the lowest DC. For some cements, direct light curing did not result in higher DC compared to when light cured through ceramic discs. For other cements, light curing through ceramic discs of 3 mm generally reduced DC. Light curing was favourable for dual-curing cements. Some cements were more susceptible to variations in curing mode than others. When light curing a given cement, the higher irradiances of the third-generation LED curing unit resulted in similar DC compared to the second-generation one, though at shorter light curing times.

[Effects of electromagnetic radiation on RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in rats hippocampus].

PubMed

Zuo, Hong-yan; Wang, De-wen; Peng, Rui-yun; Wang, Shui-ming; Gao, Ya-bing; Xu, Xin-ping; Ma, Jun-Jie

2009-05-01

To study the development of changes for signaling molecules related to Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in hippocampus of rats after electromagnetic radiation, and investigate the mechanisms of radiation injury. Rats were exposed to X-HPM, S-HPM and EMP radiation source respectively, and animal model of electromagnetic radiation was established. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Raf-1, phosphorylated Raf-1 and phospholylated ERK. The expression of Raf-1 down-regulated during 6 h-14 d after radiation, most significantly at 7 d, and recovered at 28 d. There was no significant difference between the radiation groups. The expression of phosphorylated Raf-1 and phosphorylated ERK both up-regulated at 6 h and 7 d after radiation, more significantly at 6 h, and the two microwave groups were more serious for phosphorylated ERK. During 6 h-14 d after S-HPM radiation, the expression of phosphorylated Raf-1 increased continuously, but phosphorylated ERK changed wavily, 6 h and 7 d were expression peak. Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway participates in the hippocampus injury induced by electromagnetic radiation. The excessive activation of ERK pathway may result in the apoptosis and death of neurons, which is the important mechanism of recognition disfunction caused by electromagnetic radiation.

Retrofits Convert Gas Vehicles into Hybrids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2012-01-01

Successful space missions can rarely be attributed to a single thing. Rather, they are the result of a system of systems: integrated elements functioning effectively in their individual roles and together with related components, then those systems interacting with and supporting other systems to form a collaborative whole - from the spacecraft itself to the engineering and research teams that design and build it. An example is found in spacecraft power systems. Unlike a gas-powered car or a battery-powered laptop, most spacecraft are powered by multiple energy sources - such as photovoltaic panels, fuel cells, and batteries - working in tandem to ensure the spacecraft functions throughout the course of a mission. As with any system, the appropriate combination of elements and the method of their management are key to high performance and efficiency. One initiative at Glenn Research Center, the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) program, focused on joining new and mature technologies for optimal power systems applications in space and on Earth, with the goal not only to develop ultra-efficient space power systems, but to advance HPM to address global energy issues. The HPM program emerged from Glenn s long history of electric vehicle research dating back to the 1970s, including the NASA Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB) project in the 1990s, which was the largest vehicle to use supercapacitor energy storage.

The Hybrid Propellant Module (HPM): A New Concept for Space Transfer in the Earth's Neighborhood and Beyond

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mankins, John C.; Mazanek, Daniel D.

2001-01-01

The safe, affordable and effective transfer of ever-larger payloads and eventually personnel beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a major challenge facing future commercial development and human exploration of space. Without reusable systems, sustained exploration or large scale development beyond LEO appears to be economically non-viable. However, reusable systems must be capable of both good fuel efficiency and "high utilization of capacity", or else economic costs will remain unacceptably high. Various options exist that can provide high fuel efficiency - for example, Solar Electric Propulsion Systems (SEPS) - but only at the cost of low thrust and concomitant long transit times. Chemical propulsion systems offer the potential for high thrust and short transit times - including both cryogenic and non-cryogenic options - but only at the cost of relatively low specific impulse (Isp). Nuclear thermal propulsion systems offer relatively good thrust-to-weight and Isp - but involve public concerns that may be insurmountable for all except the most-critical of public purposes. Fixed infrastructures have been suggested as one approach to solving this challenge; for example, rotating tether approaches. However, these systems tend to suffer from high initial costs or unacceptable operational constraints. A new concept has been identified - the Hybrid Propellant Module (HPM) - that integrates the best features of both chemical and solar electric transportation architectures. The HPM approach appears to hold promise of solving the issues associated with other approaches, opening a new family of capabilities for future space exploration and development of near-Earth space and beyond. This paper provides a summary overview of the challenge of Earth neighborhood transportation and discusses how various systems concepts might be applied to meet the needs of these architectures. The paper describes a new approach, the HPM, and illustrates the application of the concept for a typical mission concept. The paper concludes with a discussion of needed technologies and a possible timeline for the development and evolution of this class of systems concepts.

Human factors in safety and business management.

PubMed

Vogt, Joachim; Leonhardt, Jorg; Koper, Birgit; Pennig, Stefan

2010-02-01

Human factors in safety is concerned with all those factors that influence people and their behaviour in safety-critical situations. In aviation these are, for example, environmental factors in the cockpit, organisational factors such as shift work, human characteristics such as ability and motivation of staff. Careful consideration of human factors is necessary to improve health and safety at work by optimising the interaction of humans with their technical and social (team, supervisor) work environment. This provides considerable benefits for business by increasing efficiency and by preventing incidents/accidents. The aim of this paper is to suggest management tools for this purpose. Management tools such as balanced scorecards (BSC) are widespread instruments and also well known in aviation organisations. Only a few aviation organisations utilise management tools for human factors although they are the most important conditions in the safety management systems of aviation organisations. One reason for this is that human factors are difficult to measure and therefore also difficult to manage. Studies in other domains, such as workplace health promotion, indicate that BSC-based tools are useful for human factor management. Their mission is to develop a set of indicators that are sensitive to organisational performance and help identify driving forces as well as bottlenecks. Another tool presented in this paper is the Human Resources Performance Model (HPM). HPM facilitates the integrative assessment of human factors programmes on the basis of a systematic performance analysis of the whole system. Cause-effect relationships between system elements are defined in process models in a first step and validated empirically in a second step. Thus, a specific representation of the performance processes is developed, which ranges from individual behaviour to system performance. HPM is more analytic than BSC-based tools because HPM also asks why a certain factor is facilitating or obstructing success. A significant need for research and development is seen here because human factors are of increasing importance for organisational success. This paper suggests integrating human factors in safety management of aviation businesses - a top-ranking partner of technology and finance - and managing it with professional tools. The tools HPM and BSC were identified as potentially useful for this purpose. They were successfully applied in case studies briefly presented in this paper. In terms of specific safety-steering tools in the aviation industry, further elaboration and empirical study is crucial. Statement of Relevance: The importance of human factors is recognised by operators at the sharp end of aviation, where flights are conducted or coordinated. At the blunt end, measurement tools are needed to manage operational resources.

A Guillemin type E pulse forming network as the driver for a pulsed, high density plasma source.

PubMed

Rathod, Priyavandna J; Anitha, V P; Sholapurwala, Z H; Saxena, Y C

2014-06-01

A Guillemin type E pulse forming network (PFN) has been designed, developed, and tested for its application in generating high density (~1 × 10(18) m(-3)) plasmas. In the present study, plasma thus generated is utilized to investigate the interaction of high power microwaves (HPMs) with plasma in an experimental architecture known as SYMPLE (System for Microwave PLasma Experiment). Plasma discharges of ~100 μs (max) duration are to be produced, by delivering energy of 5 kJ stored in a PFN to the plasma source, a washer gun. The output of the PFN, in terms of its rise time, flat top and amplitude, needs to be tailored, depending on the experimental requirements. An ignitron (NL8900) trigger generator (ITG) is developed in-house to control the PFN discharge through the gun. This ITG is also to be used in a circuit that synchronizes the HPM and plasma shots, to ensure that HPM-plasma interaction takes place during a temporal regime where appropriate parametric conditions are satisfied. Hence it is necessary to retain the jitter within ±2.5 μs. Further, requirement on plasma quiescence (~10%) necessitates maintaining the ripple within 5%. The developmental work of the PFN, keeping in view the above criteria and the test results, is presented in this paper. The parameters of the PFN have been analytically approximated and verified with PSPICE simulation. The test results presented include rise time ~5-8 μs, flat top variable in the range 20-100 μs, ripple within ~1.5%, and jitter within ±2.5 μs, producing quiescent (<10%) plasma discharge meeting the experimental requirements.

Optimal solutions for the evolution of a social obesity epidemic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikander, Waseem; Khan, Umar; Mohyud-Din, Syed Tauseef

2017-06-01

In this work, a novel modification in the traditional homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is proposed by embedding an auxiliary parameter in the boundary condition. The scheme is used to carry out a mathematical evaluation of the social obesity epidemic model. The incidence of excess weight and obesity in adulthood population and prediction of its behavior in the coming years is analyzed by using a modified algorithm. The proposed method increases the convergence of the approximate analytical solution over the domain of the problem. Furthermore, a convenient way is considered for choosing an optimal value of auxiliary parameters via minimizing the total residual error. The graphical comparison of the obtained results with the standard HPM explicitly reveals the accuracy and efficiency of the developed scheme.

Multi-mode multi-band power amplifier module with high low-power efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuguang, Zhang; Jie, Jin

2015-10-01

Increasingly, mobile communications standards require high power efficiency and low currents in the low power mode. This paper proposes a fully-integrated multi-mode and multi-band power amplifier module (PAM) to meet these requirements. A dual-path PAM is designed for high-power mode (HPM), medium-power mode (MPM), and low-power mode (LPM) operations without any series switches for different mode selection. Good performance and significant current saving can be achieved by using an optimized load impedance design for each power mode. The PAM is tapeout with the InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) process and the 0.18-μm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The test results show that the PAM achieves a very low quiescent current of 3 mA in LPM. Meanwhile, across the 1.7-2.0 GHz frequency, the PAM performs well. In HPM, the output power is 28 dBm with at least 39.4% PAE and -40 dBc adjacent channel leakage ratio 1 (ACLR1). In MPM, the output power is 17 dBm, with at least 21.3% PAE and -43 dBc ACLR1. In LPM, the output power is 8 dBm, with at least 18.2% PAE and -40 dBc ACLR1. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61201244).

Experimental study on parasitic mode suppression using FeSiAl in relativistic klystron amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zehai

2015-03-01

Experimental study of parasitic mode suppression using electromagnetic attenuate material FeSiAl in an S-band Relativistic Klystron Amplifier (RKA) is presented in this paper. The FeSiAl powder is coated and sintered onto the inner surface of a drift tube which locates between the input and the middle cavity of the RKA. Cold tests show that the attenuate rate of the tube against parasitic mode TE11 is about 50%. Experiments carried out on the Torch-01 accelerator present that the tube is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode. Two typical outputs are obtained. When the diode voltage is on a moderate level, the RKA operates well and the parasitic mode is totally suppressed. The pulse length of the High Power Microwave (HPM) almost equals the electron beam pulse length and the HPM average output power is about 300 MW, with a power efficiency of 10%. When the diode voltage is on a higher level, the output power and efficiency rise but the parasitic mode oscillation occurred and the pulse length is shortened. By contrast, the parasitic mode oscillation is too strong for the RKA to operate normally with un-sintered drift tube. The experimental study implies that FeSiAl is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode oscillation in a certain extent. However, total suppression needs a deeper attenuate rate and further investigation.

Experimental study on parasitic mode suppression using FeSiAl in Relativistic Klystron Amplifier.

PubMed

Zhang, Zehai

2015-03-01

Experimental study of parasitic mode suppression using electromagnetic attenuate material FeSiAl in an S-band Relativistic Klystron Amplifier (RKA) is presented in this paper. The FeSiAl powder is coated and sintered onto the inner surface of a drift tube which locates between the input and the middle cavity of the RKA. Cold tests show that the attenuate rate of the tube against parasitic mode TE11 is about 50%. Experiments carried out on the Torch-01 accelerator present that the tube is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode. Two typical outputs are obtained. When the diode voltage is on a moderate level, the RKA operates well and the parasitic mode is totally suppressed. The pulse length of the High Power Microwave (HPM) almost equals the electron beam pulse length and the HPM average output power is about 300 MW, with a power efficiency of 10%. When the diode voltage is on a higher level, the output power and efficiency rise but the parasitic mode oscillation occurred and the pulse length is shortened. By contrast, the parasitic mode oscillation is too strong for the RKA to operate normally with un-sintered drift tube. The experimental study implies that FeSiAl is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode oscillation in a certain extent. However, total suppression needs a deeper attenuate rate and further investigation.

An Overview of the NASA Aviation Safety Program (AVSP) Systemwide Accident Prevention (SWAP) Human Performance Modeling (HPM) Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foyle, David C.; Goodman, Allen; Hooley, Becky L.

2003-01-01

An overview is provided of the Human Performance Modeling (HPM) element within the NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP). Two separate model development tracks for performance modeling of real-world aviation environments are described: the first focuses on the advancement of cognitive modeling tools for system design, while the second centers on a prescriptive engineering model of activity tracking for error detection and analysis. A progressive implementation strategy for both tracks is discussed in which increasingly more complex, safety-relevant applications are undertaken to extend the state-of-the-art, as well as to reveal potential human-system vulnerabilities in the aviation domain. Of particular interest is the ability to predict the precursors to error and to assess potential mitigation strategies associated with the operational use of future flight deck technologies.

Estimation of the time since death--reconsidering the re-establishment of rigor mortis.

PubMed

Anders, Sven; Kunz, Michaela; Gehl, Axel; Sehner, Susanne; Raupach, Tobias; Beck-Bornholdt, Hans-Peter

2013-01-01

In forensic medicine, there is an undefined data background for the phenomenon of re-establishment of rigor mortis after mechanical loosening, a method used in establishing time since death in forensic casework that is thought to occur up to 8 h post-mortem. Nevertheless, the method is widely described in textbooks on forensic medicine. We examined 314 joints (elbow and knee) of 79 deceased at defined time points up to 21 h post-mortem (hpm). Data were analysed using a random intercept model. Here, we show that re-establishment occurred in 38.5% of joints at 7.5 to 19 hpm. Therefore, the maximum time span for the re-establishment of rigor mortis appears to be 2.5-fold longer than thought so far. These findings have major impact on the estimation of time since death in forensic casework.

Plasma Physics Challenges of MM-to-THz and High Power Microwave Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booske, John

2007-11-01

Homeland security and military defense technology considerations have stimulated intense interest in mobile, high power sources of millimeter-wave to terahertz regime electromagnetic radiation, from 0.1 to 10 THz. While sources at the low frequency end, i.e., the gyrotron, have been deployed or are being tested for diverse applications such as WARLOC radar and active denial systems, the challenges for higher frequency sources have yet to be completely met for applications including noninvasive sensing of concealed weapons and dangerous agents, high-data-rate communications, and high resolution spectroscopy and atmospheric sensing. The compact size requirements for many of these high frequency sources requires miniscule, micro-fabricated slow wave circuits with high rf ohmic losses. This necessitates electron beams with not only very small transverse dimensions but also very high current density for adequate gain. Thus, the emerging family of mm-to-THz e-beam-driven vacuum electronics devices share many of the same plasma physics challenges that currently confront ``classic'' high power microwave (HPM) generators [1] including bright electron sources, intense beam transport, energetic electron interaction with surfaces and rf air breakdown at output windows. Multidimensional theoretical and computational models are especially important for understanding and addressing these challenges. The contemporary plasma physics issues, recent achievements, as well as the opportunities and outlook on THz and HPM will be addressed. [1] R.J. Barker, J.H. Booske, N.C. Luhmann, and G.S. Nusinovich, Modern Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Power Electronics (IEEE/Wiley, 2005).

Experimental study on parasitic mode suppression using FeSiAl in relativistic klystron amplifier

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

Zhang, Zehai

2015-03-15

Experimental study of parasitic mode suppression using electromagnetic attenuate material FeSiAl in an S-band Relativistic Klystron Amplifier (RKA) is presented in this paper. The FeSiAl powder is coated and sintered onto the inner surface of a drift tube which locates between the input and the middle cavity of the RKA. Cold tests show that the attenuate rate of the tube against parasitic mode TE{sub 11} is about 50%. Experiments carried out on the Torch-01 accelerator present that the tube is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode. Two typical outputs are obtained. When the diode voltage is on a moderate level,more » the RKA operates well and the parasitic mode is totally suppressed. The pulse length of the High Power Microwave (HPM) almost equals the electron beam pulse length and the HPM average output power is about 300 MW, with a power efficiency of 10%. When the diode voltage is on a higher level, the output power and efficiency rise but the parasitic mode oscillation occurred and the pulse length is shortened. By contrast, the parasitic mode oscillation is too strong for the RKA to operate normally with un-sintered drift tube. The experimental study implies that FeSiAl is effective in suppressing the parasitic mode oscillation in a certain extent. However, total suppression needs a deeper attenuate rate and further investigation.« less

Investigation of concrete mixtures incorporating hollow plastic microspheres.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

This study investigated the potential of hollow plastic microspheres, HPM, for providing non-air-entrained portland cement concrete resistance to damage from cycles of freezing and thawing. In the study, a mixture with an air-entraining agent (vinsol...

Block 2 Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) conceptual design study, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Segmented and monolithic Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) design concepts were evaluated with emphasis on joints and seals. Particular attention was directed to eliminating deficiencies in the SRM High Performance Motor (HPM). The selected conceptual design is described and discussed.

Effect of health belief model and health promotion model on breast cancer early diagnosis behavior: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ersin, Fatma; Bahar, Zuhal

2011-01-01

Breast cancer is an important public health problem on the grounds that it is frequently seen and it is a fatal disease. The objective of this systematic analysis is to indicate the effects of interventions performed by nurses by using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Health Promotion Model (HPM) on the breast cancer early diagnosis behaviors and on the components of the Health Belief Model and Health Promotion Model. The reveiw was created in line with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guide dated 2009 (CRD) and developed by York University National Institute of Health Researches. Review was conducted by using PUBMED, OVID, EBSCO and COCHRANE databases. Six hundred seventy eight studies (PUBMED: 236, OVID: 162, EBSCO: 175, COCHRANE:105) were found in total at the end of the review. Abstracts and full texts of these six hundred seventy eight studies were evaluated in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria and 9 studies were determined to meet the criteria. Samplings of the studies varied between ninety four and one thousand six hundred fifty five. It was detected in the studies that educations provided by taking the theories as basis became effective on the breast cancer early diagnosis behaviors. When the literature is examined, it is observed that the experimental researches which compare the concepts of Health Belief Model (HBM) and Health Promotion Model (HPM) preoperatively and postoperatively and show the effect of these concepts on education and are conducted by nurses are limited in number. Randomized controlled studies which compare HBM and HPM concepts preoperatively and postoperatively and show the efficiency of the interventions can be useful in evaluating the efficiency of the interventions.

Assessment of the hybrid propagation model, Volume 1: Analysis of noise propagation effects

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-31

This is the first of two volumes of a report on the Hybrid Propagation Model (HPM), an advanced prediction model for aviation noise propagation. This volume presents the noise level predictions for eleven different sets of propagation conditions, run...

Search for a Low-Mass Neutral Higgs Boson with Suppressed Couplings to Fermions Using Events with Multiphoton Final States

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

Aaltonen, Timo Antero

A search for a Higgs boson with suppressed couplings to fermions,more » $$h_f$$, assumed to be the neutral, lower-mass partner of the Higgs boson discovered at the Large Hadron Collider, is reported. Such a Higgs boson could exist in extensions of the standard model with two Higgs doublets, and could be produced via $$p\\bar{p} \\to H^\\pm h_f \\to W^* h_f h_f \\to 4\\gamma + X$$, where $$H^\\pm$$ is a charged Higgs boson. This analysis uses all events with at least three photons in the final state from proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96~TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.2~$${\\rm fb}^{-1}$$. No evidence of a signal is observed in the data. Values of Higgs-boson masses between 10 and 100 GeV/$c^2$ are excluded at 95\\% Bayesian credibility.« less

Search for a Low-Mass Neutral Higgs Boson with Suppressed Couplings to Fermions Using Events with Multiphoton Final States

DOE PAGES

Aaltonen, Timo Antero

2016-06-20

A search for a Higgs boson with suppressed couplings to fermions,more » $$h_f$$, assumed to be the neutral, lower-mass partner of the Higgs boson discovered at the Large Hadron Collider, is reported. Such a Higgs boson could exist in extensions of the standard model with two Higgs doublets, and could be produced via $$p\\bar{p} \\to H^\\pm h_f \\to W^* h_f h_f \\to 4\\gamma + X$$, where $$H^\\pm$$ is a charged Higgs boson. This analysis uses all events with at least three photons in the final state from proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96~TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.2~$${\\rm fb}^{-1}$$. No evidence of a signal is observed in the data. Values of Higgs-boson masses between 10 and 100 GeV/$c^2$ are excluded at 95\\% Bayesian credibility.« less

Larvicidal study of tetrahydropyrimidine scaffolds against Anopheles arabiensis and structural insight by single crystal X-ray studies.

PubMed

Bairagi, Keshab M; Venugopala, Katharigatta N; Mondal, Pradip Kumar; Gleiser, Raquel M; Chopra, Deepak; García, Daniel; Odhav, Bharti; Nayak, Susanta K

2018-06-20

A series of methyl or ethyl 4-(substitutedphenyl/pyridyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo/thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate (HPM) analogues 4a-g was synthesized and evaluated for larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis. These newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral studies such as FT-IR, NMR ( 1 H and 13 C), LC-MS and elemental analysis. The conformational features and supramolecular assembly of molecules 4a, 4b and 4e were further analyzed from single crystal X-ray study. The larvicidal activity of these tetrahydropyrimidine pharmacophore series were analyzed based on their relative substituent's. Among the synthesized HPM analogous from the series, compounds 4d and 4e both having electron withdrawing chlorine group on phenyl ring at the fourth position of the tetrahydropyrimidine pharmacophore exhibited the most promising larvicidal activity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

High Power Microwave (HPM) and Ionizing Radiation Effects on CMOS Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

24 xviii Symbol Page VIH minimum input voltage for proper high voltage output...38 VOH output voltage corresponding to VIH ...design. The high level at the input, VIH , along with VDD, define the maximum permitted “Logic 1” region, which allows for proper state change for a

Clinical Trial of Tailored Activity and Eating Newsletters with Older Rural Women

PubMed Central

Walker, Susan Noble; Pullen, Carol H.; Boeckner, Linda; Hageman, Patricia A.; Hertzog, Melody; Oberdorfer, Maureen K.; Rutledge, Matthew J.

2009-01-01

Background Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity increase rural midlife and older women’s risk for chronic diseases and premature death, and they are behind urban residents in meeting Healthy People 2010 objectives. Objectives To compare a tailored intervention based on the Health Promotion Model (HPM) and a generic intervention to increase physical activity and healthy eating among rural women. Methods In a randomized by site community-based controlled clinical trial, Wellness for Women, 225 women aged 50 to 69 years were recruited in two similar rural areas. Over 12 months, women received by mail either 18 generic newsletters or 18 newsletters computer-tailored on HPM behavior-specific cognitions (benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and interpersonal support), activity, and eating. Outcomes at 6 and 12 months included behavioral markers and biomarkers of physical activity and eating. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and χ2 tests (α < .05). Results Both groups significantly increased stretching and strengthening exercise and fruit and vegetable servings and decreased % calories from fat, while only the tailored group increased ≥ moderate intensity activity and decreased % calories from saturated fat from baseline to 6 months. Both groups increased stretching and strengthening exercise, while only the tailored group increased ≥ moderate activity and fruit and vegetable servings and decreased % calories from fat from baseline to 12 months. Both groups had several changes in biomarkers over the study. A higher proportion of women receiving tailored newsletters met Healthy People 2010 criteria for ≥ moderate activity, fruit and vegetable servings, and % calories from fat at 12 months. Discussion Mailed computer-tailored and generic print newsletters facilitated the adoption of change in both activity and eating over 6 months. Tailored newsletters were more efficacious in facilitating change over 12 months. PMID:19289928

Results of Research on Overcoming Pulse Shortening of GW Class HPM Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-05-29

The RPM sources basic research program of the Air Force has a major emphasis on the pulse shortening problem. This includes collaborative work in...universities and the Phillips Laboratory . We have demonstrated two fundamentally different RPM sources which radiate rf power in excess of 1 GW and are

Pulsed Beamless High Power Microwave (HPM) Source with Integrated Antenna

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

lengt ance matchin ces have bee ntenna. Thi self-containe 150-550 MH power of thi m with a puls MICRO ED ANTE tromagnetic eign Trade ltgilbers U z...nal at ith a igned, ng of ve the 0-550 a. The ed by dance lowed peak ically- tional efined 88. 330

Surface and Bulk Characteristics of Cesium Iodide (CsI) coated Carbon (C) Fibers for High Power Microwave (HPM) Field Emission Cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlahos, Vasilios; Morgan, Dane; Booske, John H.; Shiffler, Don

2008-11-01

CsI coated C fibers [1] are promising field emission cathodes for HPM applications. Ab initio computational modeling has shown that atomically-thin CsI coatings reduce the work function of C substrates by a surface dipole mechanism [2]. Characterization measurements of the composition and morphology of the CsI-coated C fibers are underway for determining the properties and characteristics of the following important regions of the fiber: (i) the surface on the tip of the fiber where the majority of electron emission is believed to occur, (ii) the surface covering the body of the fiber and its role on the emission properties of the system, and (iii) the interior volume of the fiber and its effects on the CsI surface re-supply process and rate. The results will be interpreted in terms of surface electronic properties and theoretical electron emission models. [1]D. Shiffler, et al., Phys. Plasmas 11 (2004) 1680. [2]V.Vlahos et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 91 (2007) 144102.

Integrated approach for managing health risks at work--the role of occupational health nurses.

PubMed

Marinescu, Luiza G

2007-02-01

Currently, many organizations are using a department-centered approach to manage health risks at work. In such a model, segregated departments are providing employee benefits such as health insurance, workers' compensation, and short- and long-term disability or benefits addressing work-life issues. In recent years, a new model has emerged: health and productivity management (HPM). This is an employee-centered, integrated approach, designed to increase efficiency, reduce competition for scarce resources, and increase employee participation in prevention activities. Evidence suggests that corporations using integrated HPM programs achieve better health outcomes for their employees, with consequent increased productivity and decreased absenteeism. Occupational health nurses are well positioned to assume leadership roles in their organizations by coordinating efforts and programs across departments that offer health, wellness, and safety benefits. To assume their role as change agents to improve employees' health, nurses should start using the language of business more often by improving their communication skills, computer skills, and ability to quantify and articulate results of programs and services to senior management.

The mercury species and their association with carbonaceous compositions, bromine and iodine in PM2.5 in Shanghai.

PubMed

Duan, Lian; Xiu, Guangli; Feng, Ling; Cheng, Na; Wang, Chenggang

2016-03-01

PM2.5 samples were collected in south Shanghai from November 2013 to October 2014. The species of particulate bounded mercury (PBM), including hydrochloric soluble particle-phase mercury (HPM), element soluble particle-phase mercury (EPM) and residual soluble particle-phase mercury (RPM), were determined in PM2.5. The chemical composition of PM2.5 including organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), total bromine and iodine were also analyzed. The results showed that the annual average concentration of PBM was 0.30 ± 0.31 ng m(-3) and 0.34 ± 0.32 ng m(-3) in winter, 0.31 ± 0.19 ng m(-3) in spring, 0.30 ± 0.45 ng m(-3) in fall and 0.28 ± 0.17 ng m(-3) in summer. HPM took the highest fraction 51.2% in PBM, followed by RPM 27.7% and EPM 21.1%. EC positively correlated to particle mercury, especially in winter (r = 0.70), the same for OC in winter (r = 0.72), which indicated that the carbonaceous composition may affect the transformation of Hg in the atmosphere. Mercury species showed different correlations with bromine and iodine in the four seasons. The strongest correlation between bromine, iodine and mercury was found in spring and fall, respectively. Bromine showed the stronger correlation with total mercury and speciated particle mercury than iodine. In addition, the days were classified into haze and non-haze days based on the visibility and relative humidity, while the ratio of HPM in haze days was much higher than that in non-haze days. EC strongly correlated with PBM during haze and non-haze days while OC only positively correlated with PBM in non-haze days, this may indicate that the different carbonaceous part may affect PBM differently. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring the limits of knowledge on boreal peatland development using a new model: the Holocene Peatland Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quillet, Anne; Garneau, Michelle; Frolking, Steve; Roulet, Nigel; Peng, Changhui

2010-05-01

The Holocene Peatland Model (HPM) (Frolking et al. 2009, Frolking et al. in prep.) is a recently developed tool integrating up-to-date knowledge on peatland dynamics that explores peatland development and carbon dynamics on a millennial timescale. HPM combines the water and carbon cycles with net primary production and peat decomposition and takes the multiple feedbacks into account. The model remains simple and few site-specific inputs are needed. HPM simulates the transient development of the peatland and delivers peat age, peat depth, peat composition, carbon accumulation and water table depth for each simulated year. Evaluating the ability of the model to reproduce peatland development can be achieved in several manners. Commonly one could choose to compare simulations results with observations from field data. However, we argue that the overall response of the model does not give much information about the value of the model design. Modelling of peatlands dynamics requires a lot of information regarding the behaviour of a peatland system within its environment (including allogenic changes in climate, hydrological conditions, nutrient availability or autogenic processes such as microtopographical effects). The actual state of knowledge does not cover all processes, interactions or feedbacks and a lot of peatland properties are neither well defined nor measured yet, so that estimates have been needed to build the model. The work presented here aims at analyzing the role of the model parameterization on the simulation results. To do so, a sensitivity analysis is performed with a Monte-Carlo analysis and with help of the GUI-HDMR software (Ziehn and Tomlin, 2009). This method ranks the parameters and combinations of them according to their influence on simulation results. The results will emphasize how the simulation is sensitive to the parameter values. First, the distribution of outputs gives insight into the possible responses of the simulation to HPM's assemblage of current knowledge. Second, the importance of some parameters on simulation results points out certain gaps in the current understanding of peatland dynamics. Thus, this study helps determine some avenues that should be explored in future in order to improve peatlands dynamics understanding. Frolking S, NT Roulet, A Quillet, E Tuittila, JL Bubier. 2009. Simulating long-term carbon and water dynamics in northern peatlands Eos Trans. AGU, 90(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract PP12B-05. Frolking S, NT Roulet, E Tuittila, JL Bubier, A Quillet. XXXX. A new model of Holocene peatland net primary production, decomposition, and peat accumulation. in prep. Ziehn T, AS Tomlin. 2009. GUI-HDMR - A solftware tool for global sensitivity analysis of complex models. Environmental Modelling & Software, 24, 775-785.

Metamorphism, Plate Tectonics, and the Supercontinent Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Michael

Granulite facies ultrahigh temperature metamorphism (G-UHTM) is documented in the rock record predominantly from Neoarchean to Cambrian; G-UHTM facies series rocks may be inferred at depth in younger, particularly Cenozoic orogenic systems. The first occurrence of G-UHTM in the rock record signifies a change in geodynamics that generated transient sites of very high heat flow. Many G-UHTM belts may have developed in settings analogous to modern continental backarcs. On a warmer Earth, the cyclic formation of supercontinents and their breakup, particularly by extroversion, which involved destruction of ocean basins floored by thinner lithosphere, may have generated hotter continental backarcs than those associated with the modern Pacific rim. Medium-temperature eclogite, high-pressure granulite metamorphism (E-HPGM), is also first recognized in the Neoarchean rock record and occurs at intervals throughout the Proterozoic and Paleozoic rock record. E-HPGM belts are complementary to G-UHTM belts and are generally inferred to record subduction-to-collision orogenesis. Blueschists become evident in the Neoproterozoic rock record; they record the low thermal gradients associated with modern subduction. Lawsonite blueschists and eclogites (high-pressure metamorphism, HPM) and ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (UHPM) characterized by coesite (±lawsonite) or diamond are predominantly Phanerozoic phenomena. HPM-UHPM registers the low thermal gradients and deep subduction of continental crust during the early stage of the collision process in Phanerozoic subduction-to-collision orogens. Although perhaps counterintuitive, many HPM-UHPM belts appear to have developed by closure of small ocean basins in the process of accretion of a continental terrane during a period of supercontinent introversion (Wilson cycle ocean basin opening and closing). A duality of metamorphic belts—reflecting a duality of thermal regimes—appears in the record only since the Neoarchean Era. A duality of thermal regimes is the hallmark of modern plate tectonics and the duality of metamorphic belts is the characteristic imprint of plate tectonics in the rock record. The occurrence of both G-UHTM and E-HPGM belts since the Neoarchean manifests the onset of a 'Proterozoic plate tectonics regime', although the style of tectonics likely involved differences. The 'Proterozoic plate tectonics regime' evolved during a Neoproterozoic transition to the 'modern plate tectonics regime' characterized by colder subduction and subduction of continental crust deep into the mantle and its (partial) return from depths of up to 300 km, as chronicled by the appearance of HPM-UHPM in the rock record. The age distribution of metamorphic belts that record extreme conditions of metamorphism is not uniform, and metamorphism occurs in periods that correspond to amalgamation of continental lithosphere into supercratons (e.g. Superia/Sclavia) or supercontinents (e.g. Nuna (Columbia), Rodinia, Gondwana, and Pangea).

Technical Evaluation Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

of biological , behavioral & socio-cultural knowledge for the purposes of understanding those capabilities and limitations of relevance to the...However, HPM and HPO manipulations are not immune to bioethical dilemmas. With the burgeoning use of nutraceuticals, 1 control of soldiers’ diet...on the symposium recommendation and will be convening an exploratory team to discuss performance-related bioethical issues. The team will be

Breakthroughs In Low-profile Leaky-Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-18

this approach to help us finally to include, and manage quantitatively, this essential piece of the theoretical puzzle as we continue to revise and...appreciate ONR’s continuing support for this R&D. 10 http://www.uttyler.edu/ math /faculty...dkoslover.php & https://www.uttyler.edu/ math /curriculavitae/dkoslover.pdf 11 These include Variational Methods, Integral Equation Method, Equivalent

Flight Investigation of NACA D(subS) Cowlings on the XP-42 Airplane. 4 - High-Inlet-Velocity Cowling Tested in Climb with and without Propeller Cuffs and in High-Speed Level Flight Without Propeller Cuffs

DTIC Science & Technology

1943-01-01

11 .11 .14 .14 .14 .IS .14 .11 .11 .11 .11 .11 .10 .11 O-HPM «• SH o-jr , 1 S»W|U ,AS AS A4 AS A4 AS . kO AO SI... kO .51 .3k .Ik .41 .41 .40 .451.41 .45 45 .40 .S3 .54 .54 SI . .54 .51 .54 .34 .45 4k 44 .41 . 43 .4b...41 34 53 30 .15 .11 .41 .10 .It .11 1.01 1.01 vot .11 .11 .11 .11 .10 .11 .13 .11 31 . kO .kl .10 .31 .33 .34 .33 Ut

Recent advances in high-pressure freezing: equipment- and specimen-loading methods.

PubMed

McDonald, Kent L; Morphew, Mary; Verkade, Paul; Müller-Reichert, Thomas

2007-01-01

This chapter is an update of material first published by McDonald in the first volume of this book. Here, we discuss the improvements in the technology and the methodology of high-pressure freezing (HPF) since that article was published. First, we cover the latest innovation in HPF, the Leica EM PACT2. This machine differs significantly from the BAL-TEC HPM 010 high-pressure freezer, which was the main subject of the former chapter. The EM PACT2 is a smaller, portable machine and has an optional attachment, the Rapid Transfer System (RTS). This RTS permits easy and reproducible loading of the sample and allows one to do correlative light and electron microscopy with high time resolution. We also place more emphasis in this article on the details of specimen loading for HPF, which is considered the most critical phase of the whole process. Detailed procedures are described for how to high-pressure freeze cells in suspension, cells attached to substrates, tissue samples, or whole organisms smaller than 300 microm, and tissues or organisms greater than 300 microm in size. We finish the article with a brief discussion of freeze substitution and recommend some sample protocols for this procedure.

Plasma physics and related challenges of millimeter-wave-to-terahertz and high power microwave generationa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booske, John H.

2008-05-01

Homeland security and military defense technology considerations have stimulated intense interest in mobile, high power sources of millimeter-wave (mmw) to terahertz (THz) regime electromagnetic radiation, from 0.1 to 10THz. While vacuum electronic sources are a natural choice for high power, the challenges have yet to be completely met for applications including noninvasive sensing of concealed weapons and dangerous agents, high-data-rate communications, high resolution radar, next generation acceleration drivers, and analysis of fluids and condensed matter. The compact size requirements for many of these high frequency sources require miniscule, microfabricated slow wave circuits. This necessitates electron beams with tiny transverse dimensions and potentially very high current densities for adequate gain. Thus, an emerging family of microfabricated, vacuum electronic devices share many of the same plasma physics challenges that are currently confronting "classic" high power microwave (HPM) generators including long-life bright electron beam sources, intense beam transport, parasitic mode excitation, energetic electron interaction with surfaces, and rf air breakdown at output windows. The contemporary plasma physics and other related issues of compact, high power mmw-to-THz sources are compared and contrasted to those of HPM generation, and future research challenges and opportunities are discussed.

[The role of RKIP mediated ERK pathway in hippocampus neurons injured by electromagnetic radiation].

PubMed

Zuo, Hong-Yan; Wang, De-Wen; Peng, Rui-Yun; Wang, Shui-Ming; Gao, Ya-Bing; Zhang, Zhi-Yi; Xiao, Feng-Jun

2008-07-01

To study the effects of electromagnetic radiation on RKIP and phosphorylated ERK in primary cultured hippocampus neurons. The inhibitor of MEK U0126 was applied to investigate the role of RKIP mediated ERK pathway in radiation injury. Primary hippocampus neurons were cultured in vitro. X-HPM, S-HPM and EMP were taken as radiation source respectively to establish three cell models exposed to electromagnetic radiation. RKIP and phosphorylated ERK were measured by immunofluorescent labelling and laser scanning confocal microscope. Apoptosis and death fraction of the cells were detected by Annexin V-PI double labelling and flow cytometry. After three kinds of electromagnetic radiation, the expression of RKIP in hippocampus neurons decreased but the expression of phosphorylated ERK increased, and its nuclear translocation occurred. No significant differences were seen between radiation groups. Apoptosis and death fraction of the neurons in U0126 pretreatment groups was significantly lower than that in radiation groups but they were still higher than those in sham-radiation group. The excessive activation of RKIP mediated ERK pathway is one of the important mechanisms for the apoptosis and death of hippocampus neurons induced by electromagnetic radiation. U0126 have some protective effects on radiation injury.

Medical cost savings for participants and nonparticipants in health risk assessments, lifestyle management, disease management, depression management, and nurseline in a large financial services corporation.

PubMed

Serxner, Seth; Alberti, Angela; Weinberger, Sarah

2012-01-01

To compare changes in medical costs between participants and nonparticipants in five different health and productivity management (HPM) programs. Quasi-experimental pre/post intervention study. A large financial services corporation. A cohort population of employees enrolled in medical plans (n  =  49,723) [corrected]. A comprehensive HPM program, which addressed health risks, acute and chronic conditions, and psychosocial disorders from 2005 to 2007. Incentives were used to encourage health risk assessment participation in years 2 and 3. Program participation and medical claims data were collected for members at the end of each program year to assess the change in total costs from the baseline period. Analysis . Multivariate analyses for participation categories were conducted comparing baseline versus program year cost differences, controlling for demographics. All participation categories yielded a lower cost increase compared to nonparticipation and a positive return on investment (ROI) for years 2 and 3, resulting in a 2.45∶1 ROI for the combined program years. Medical cost savings exceeded program costs in a wide variety of health and productivity management programs by the second year.

The Relational-Behavior Survey as a Predictor of HIV-Related Parental Miscommunication: Implications for HIV, Prevention and Education at Primary Healthcare Service Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chandler, Michele Denise; Chandler, Donald S.; Chandler, Donald S., Jr.; Race, James

2012-01-01

The study examined the relational-behavior survey (RBS) as a predictor of HIV-related parental miscommunication (HPM) among a voluntary sample 75 African American parents at a private healthcare facility located in the southwest region of the United States. A multiple regression analysis indicated that there was significant marginal prediction of…

EMP and HPM Suppression Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-03-10

34 IEEE International Electromagnetic Compatibility Symposium, Anaheim, California (1993). 6 Jerry Behling. 7 Karen Shrier . 8 Dutcher, Clinton...York (1972). II-A-3-16 II-R REFERENCES SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY [I] Hyatt, H. M.; Shrier , K. P., "Electrical Overstress Pulse Protection Material...EI-11(2) (1976). [19] Böhm, David , "Quantum Theory," Prentice-Hall, New Jersey (1951). [20] Dutcher, Clinton, "Vector Space Quantum Formalism

Role of African American Churches in Cancer Prevention Services

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-08-01

first meeting of the Steering Committee a) Denomination selection occurred for three denominations: Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), Presbyterian, and...ksydnor@jhsph.edu Dr. DeWitt Williams Health and Temperance Director World Headquarters of Seventh - Day Adventist 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring...Fellows Program in HPM and also as a member of the Seventh - Day Adventist Church (SDA). Dr. Glassman develops consumer-oriented, tailored health messages

The Post-Dam System. Volume 5. Harvard Project Manager (HPM).

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-01

cQllected and analyzed to determine structural integrity and usability. From this analysis, a repair schedule is developed. This is currently a time...information on mission-critical facility damage is collected and analyzed to determine structural integrity and usability. From this analysis, a repair...to determine repair strategies with an expert system, keep track of materials and equipment with a relational database management system, and

Analysis of Broadband Metamaterial Shielding for Counter-Directed Energy Weapons

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

SHIELDING FOR COUNTER-DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS by Chester H. Hewitt III June 2017 Thesis Advisor: Dragoslav Grbovic Second Reader: James H...COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE ANALYSIS OF BROADBAND METAMATERIAL SHIELDING FOR COUNTER-DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6...high-power microwave (HPM) directed- energy weapons (DEWs), which can disrupt electronics remotely with great accuracy without the need to inflict

Predictive Ability of Pender's Health Promotion Model for Physical Activity and Exercise in People with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keegan, John P.; Chan, Fong; Ditchman, Nicole; Chiu, Chung-Yi

2012-01-01

The main objective of this study was to validate Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) as a motivational model for exercise/physical activity self-management for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Quantitative descriptive research design using hierarchical regression analysis (HRA) was used. A total of 126 individuals with SCI were recruited…

Characteristics and source appointment of atmospheric particulate mercury over East China Sea: Implication on the deposition of atmospheric particulate mercury in marine environment.

PubMed

Duan, Lian; Cheng, Na; Xiu, Guangli; Wang, Fujiang; Chen, Ying

2017-05-01

Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) samples were collected at Huaniao Island in northern East China Sea (ECS) from March 2012 to January 2013. Chemical analysis were conducted to measure the concentration of total particulate mercury (TPM) and speciated particulate mercury including HCl-soluble particulate mercury (HPM), elemental particulate mercury (EPM) and residual particulate mercury (RPM). The bromine (Br) and iodine (I) on particles were also detected. The mean concentration of TPM during the study period was 0.23 ± 0.15 ng m -3 , while the obviously seasonal variation was found that the concentrations of TPM in spring, summer, fall and winter were 0.34 ± 0.20 ng m -3 , 0.15 ± 0.03 ng m -3 , 0.15 ± 0.05 ng m -3 and 0.27 ± 0.26 ng m -3 , respectively. The statistically strong correlation of bromine and iodine to HPM was only found in spring with r = 0.81 and 0.77 (p < 0.01), respectively. While the strongest correlations between EPM and bromine and iodine were found in winter with r = 0.92 (Br) and 0.96 (I) (p < 0.01), respectively. The clustered 72-h backward trajectories of different seasons and the whole sampling period were categorized into 4 groups. In spring, the clusters passed a long distance across the East China Sea and brought about low concentration of mercury due to the deposition of mercury over the sea. The cluster of air mass across the sea had low concentration of HPM in winter, which suggested that the oxidation of mercury in winter might be related to other oxidants. During the whole sampling period, the air mass from the north of China contributed to the higher concentration of TPM in Huaniao Island. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Prevention of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides for high power microwave radiation induced testicular injury in rats: an experimental research].

PubMed

Zhao, Li-Wei; Zhong, Xiu-Hong; Sun, Yan-Mei; Yang, Shu-Yan; Shen, Nan; Zhang, Yi-Zhong; Yang, Ning-Jiang; Ren, Kuang; Lu, Shi-Jie

2014-07-01

To investigate the effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides on testicular injury induced by exposure to high power microwave (HPM) in rats. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the microwave radiation model group, the treatment group, the new microwave radiation model group, and the prevention group, 6 in each group. All rats, except those in the normal control group, were exposed to microwave at an average power density of 200 mW/cm2 for 6 min. Rats in the control group and the model group were administered with normal saline by gastrogavage, once a day. Rats in the treatment group and the prevention group were given with Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides by gastrogavage, 2 mL each time (400 mg/kg body weight), once a day. All rats were sacrificed on the 11th day.The sperm density and the rate of sperm deformity were determined. Pathological changes of testis were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Short-term HPM irradiation could significantly reduce the sperm density and increase the sperm deformity rate (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, obvious pathological changes of testes occurred. Compared with the two model groups, the sperm density increased and the sperm deformity rate decreased in the treatment group and the prevention group (P < 0.05). Under the light microscope, injuries of spermatogenic cells and stromal cells, as well as vascular dilatation and congestion were obviously alleviated in the treatment group and the prevention group. Mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum expansion shown by ultrastructural observation were also significantly alleviated. Of them, injuries of spermatogenic cells and inflammation response were milder in the treatment group than in the prevention group. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides had significant protective effect on microwave radiation induced testicular injury. Better effect was obtained by therapeutic medication than preventive medication.

The Effect of Theory Based Nutritional Education on Fat Intake, Weight and Blood Lipids.

PubMed

Kamran, Aziz; Sharifirad, Gholamreza; Heydari, Heshmatolah; Sharifian, Elham

2016-12-01

Though Nutrition plays a key role in the control of hypertension, it is often forgotten in Iranian patients' diet. In fact, dietary behavior can be regarded as unsatisfactory among Iranian patients. This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of theory based educational intervention on fat intake, weight, and blood lipids among rural hypertensive patients. This quasi experimental study was conducted on 138 hypertensive patients who had referred to Ardabil rural health centers during 2014. The nutritional education based on DASH and Health Promotion Model (HPM) was treated for six sessions. The pre-test and post-test had intervals of two and six months. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18 and Chi-square, independent-samples t-test, paired-samples t-test and repeated measure ANOVA. After treating intervention, weight, dietary fat, LDL_C and Total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast, HDL_C increased significantly in the intervention group. Educational intervention, provided based on Pender's health promotion model, affecting fat intake, blood lipids, and blood pressure, led to their decrease.

High-Power Microwave Metamaterials for Phased-Array, anti-HPM, and Pulse-Shaping Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-23

examined single-layer metasurfaces composed of miniature LC resonators arranged in a 2-D periodic lattice. These metasurfaces are engineered to be...with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Additionally, when the unit cell of the metasurface was composed of two different resonators, breakdown was...Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we demonstrated that such single-layer metasurfaces can be used to reduce

Coherent Structures and Chaos Control in High-Power Microwave Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-29

Theory of Multiresonator Cylindrical Magnetrons 2. High - Power Klystron Research 9 2.1. Determination of the Current Limit on the Confinement of Finite...Size Bunched Pencil Beams in High - Power Relativistic Klystrons 2.2. Exploration of the Possibility of Magnetic Cusp Formation in Highly Bunched...Annular Beams in High - Power Relativistic Klystrons 3. Development of Ellipse-Shaped Ribbon-Beam Theory for HPM Device Applications 12 3.1. Theory of

Survey of Human Systems Integration (HSI) Tools for USCG Acquisitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

an IMPRINT HPM. IMPRINT uses task network modeling to represent human performance. As the name implies, task networks use a flowchart type format...tools; and built-in tutoring support for beginners . A perceptual/motor layer extending ACT-R’s theory of cognition to perception and action is also...chisystems.com B.8 Information and Functional Flow Analysis Description In information flow analysis, a flowchart of the information and decisions

Breakthroughs in Low-Profile Leaky-Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-21

information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and... traveling , fast-wave, leaky-wave class. 1.1. Overview of Previous Activities (1st thru 11th Quarter) During the first quarter, we prepared and...theory to guide the design of high-gain configurations (again, limited to 2D, H-plane representations) for linear, forward traveling -wave, leaky

Changes in Healthcare Use Across the Transition From Civilian to Military Life

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

Naval Health Research Center Changes in Healthcare Use Across the Transition from Civilian to Military Life Stephanie K. McWhorter...Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2176Changes in healthcare use across the transition from civilian to military life Stephanie K...entry into the Military Health System (MHS). Entrance into the MHS was marked by increased use of preventive care. Although few systematic differences

2007 Armaments Technology Seminar and Exhibition - Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-13

MTOP APS LOS-KE TBX Ceramic Barrel Novel Energetic Materials for the Future Force Multimode HPM and Laser Induced Plasma Channel Technology T Force...in one item • Enhanced incendiary device • Replacement of environmentally unfriendly materials • Insensitive munitions compliance 12 Pyrotechnics...simulators • Pocket sized hand held signals • Replacement of environmentally unfriendly materials • Improve pyrotechnic characteristics with nanotechnologies

Characteristics of a velvet cathode under high repetition rate pulse operation

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

Xun Tao; Zhang Jiande; Yang Hanwu

2009-10-15

As commonly used material for cold cathodes, velvet works well in single shot and low repetition rate (rep-rate) high-power microwave (HPM) sources. In order to determine the feasibility of velvet cathodes under high rep-rate operation, a series of experiments are carried out on a high-power diode, driven by a {approx}300 kV, {approx}6 ns, {approx}100 {omega}, and 1-300 Hz rep-rate pulser, Torch 02. Characteristics of vacuum compatibility and cathode lifetime under different pulse rep-rate are focused on in this paper. Results of time-resolved pressure history, diode performance, shot-to-shot reproducibility, and velvet microstructure changes are presented. As the rep-rate increases, the equilibriummore » pressure grows hyperlinearly and the velvet lifetime decreases sharply. At 300 Hz, the pressure in the given diode exceeded 1 Pa, and the utility shots decreased to 2000 pulses for nonstop mode. While, until the velvet begins to degrade, the pulse-to-pulse instability of diode voltage and current is quite small, even under high rep-rate conditions. Possible reasons for the operation limits are discussed, and methods to improve the performance of a rep-rate velvet cathode are also suggested. These results may be of interest to the repetitive HPM systems with cold cathodes.« less

Analysis of nonlinear axial vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes using Homotopy perturbation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatahi-Vajari, A.; Azimzadeh, Z.

2018-05-01

This paper investigates the nonlinear axial vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) based on Homotopy perturbation method (HPM). A second order partial differential equation that governs the nonlinear axial vibration for such nanotubes is derived using doublet mechanics (DM) theory. To obtain the nonlinear natural frequency in axial vibration mode, this nonlinear equation is solved using HPM. The influences of some commonly used boundary conditions, amplitude of vibration, changes in vibration modes and variations of the nanotubes geometrical parameters on the nonlinear axial vibration characteristics of SWCNTs are discussed. It was shown that unlike the linear one, the nonlinear natural frequency is dependent to maximum vibration amplitude. Increasing the maximum vibration amplitude decreases the natural frequency of vibration compared to the predictions of the linear models. However, with increase in tube length, the effect of the amplitude on the natural frequency decreases. It was also shown that the amount and variation of nonlinear natural frequency is more apparent in higher mode vibration and two clamped boundary conditions. To show the accuracy and capability of this method, the results obtained herein were compared with the fourth order Runge-Kuta numerical results and good agreement was observed. It is notable that the results generated herein are new and can be served as a benchmark for future works.

Damage effect and mechanism of the GaAs high electron mobility transistor induced by high power microwave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liu; Chang-Chun, Chai; Yin-Tang, Yang; Jing, Sun; Zhi-Peng, Li

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present the damage effect and mechanism of high power microwave (HPM) on AlGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) of low-noise amplifier (LNA). A detailed investigation is carried out by simulation and experiment study. A two-dimensional electro-thermal model of the typical GaAs pHEMT induced by HPM is established in this paper. The simulation result reveals that avalanche breakdown, intrinsic excitation, and thermal breakdown all contribute to damage process. Heat accumulation occurs during the positive half cycle and the cylinder under the gate near the source side is most susceptible to burn-out. Experiment is carried out by injecting high power microwave into GaAs pHEMT LNA samples. It is found that the damage to LNA is because of the burn-out at first stage pHEMT. The interiors of the damaged samples are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Experimental results accord well with the simulation of our model. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2014CB339900) and the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Complex Electromagnetic Environment Science and Technology, China Academy of Engineering Physics (Grant No. 2015-0214.XY.K).

Technical Evaluation Motor no. 5 (TEM-5)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, M.

1990-01-01

Technical Evaluation Motor No. 5 (TEM-5) was static test fired at the Thiokol Corporation Static Test Bay T-97. TEM-5 was a full scale, full duration static test fire of a high performance motor (HPM) configuration solid rocket motor (SRM). The primary purpose of TEM static tests is to recover SRM case and nozzle hardware for use in the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) flight program. Inspection and instrumentation data indicate that the TEM-5 static test firing was successful. The ambient temperature during the test was 41 F and the propellant mean bulk temperature (PMBT) was 72 F. Ballistics performance values were within the specified requirements. The overall performance of the TEM-5 components and test equipment was nominal. Dissembly inspection revealed that joint putty was in contact with the inner groove of the inner primary seal of the ignitor adapter-to-forward dome (inner) joint gasket; this condition had not occurred on any previous static test motor or flight RSRM. While no qualification issues were addressed on TEM-5, two significant component changes were evaluated. Those changes were a new vented assembly process for the case-to-nozzle joint and the installation of two redesigned field joint protection systems. Performance of the vented case-to-nozzle joint assembly was successful, and the assembly/performance differences between the two field joint protection system (FJPS) configurations were compared.

Basic Research on Plasma Cathode for HPM Sources (NE - Luginsland)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-30

to NEPP Vacuum Pump for Mock Magnetron 12 (b) Borosilicate glass (Insulator)  Anode Cathode Vacuum chamber Ion gauge controller Charge...channeling may be one physical mechanism that can explain the stability of the pinch in the discharge. (a) Scroll Pump High Voltage Power Supply DC... vacuum and/or low vacuum slow wave devices and cross field devices) in burst mode? Here, burst mode effectively implies an impulse-like (short pulse

Approximate Solutions for Flow with a Stretching Boundary due to Partial Slip

PubMed Central

Filobello-Nino, U.; Vazquez-Leal, H.; Sarmiento-Reyes, A.; Benhammouda, B.; Jimenez-Fernandez, V. M.; Pereyra-Diaz, D.; Perez-Sesma, A.; Cervantes-Perez, J.; Huerta-Chua, J.; Sanchez-Orea, J.; Contreras-Hernandez, A. D.

2014-01-01

The homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is coupled with versions of Laplace-Padé and Padé methods to provide an approximate solution to the nonlinear differential equation that describes the behaviour of a flow with a stretching flat boundary due to partial slip. Comparing results between approximate and numerical solutions, we concluded that our results are capable of providing an accurate solution and are extremely efficient. PMID:27433526

Wave Chaos and HPM Effects on Electronic Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-12

Perturbations Author(s): Taddese BT, Johnson MD, Hart JA, et al. Source: ACTA PHYSICA POLONICA A Volume: 116 Issue: 5 Pages: 729-732 Published...NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a . REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT Standard Form 298...Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a

Slotted Waveguide and Antenna Study for HPM and RF Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-25

parallel metal plates separated by lmm, depending on the particular characteristics of the case (waveguide dimensions, SEY (secondary e lectron yield...waveguide antenna, shown in Figure 23, was studied . A new feed ing network based on a composite right-hand/left-hand (CRLH) waveguide structure was...approach is based on the assumption that the external coupling between the array elements is negligible, which is acceptable in the case of the

Advanced RF Sources Based on Novel Nonlinear Transmission Lines

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-26

microwave (HPM) sources. It is also critical to thin film devices and integrated circuits, carbon nanotube based cathodes and interconnects, field emitters ... line model (TLM) in Fig. 6b. Our model is compared with TLM, shown in Fig. 7a. When the interface resistance rc is small, TLM becomes inaccurate...due to current crowding. Fig. 6. (a) Electrical contact including specific interfacial resistivity ρc, and (b) its transmission line model

Directed Energy HPM, PP, & PPS Efforts: Magnetized Target Fusion - Field Reversed Configuration

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-04

interior. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC), Alternative Confinement Concepts, Fusion Energy 16...research, the Department of Energy’s Office of Fusion Energy Studies (DOE OFES). Sections 2 through 4, which follow, describe in detail SAIC’s, FabTek’s...the plasma physics areas (FRCs and fusion energy ) in which we are working. The conference paper was submitted at this time, as well, and will

High power coaxial ubitron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balkcum, Adam J.

In the ubitron, also known as the free electron laser, high power coherent radiation is generated from the interaction of an undulating electron beam with an electromagnetic signal and a static periodic magnetic wiggler field. These devices have experimentally produced high power spanning the microwave to x-ray regimes. Potential applications range from microwave radar to the study of solid state material properties. In this dissertation, the efficient production of high power microwaves (HPM) is investigated for a ubitron employing a coaxial circuit and wiggler. Designs for the particular applications of an advanced high gradient linear accelerator driver and a directed energy source are presented. The coaxial ubitron is inherently suited for the production of HPM. It utilizes an annular electron beam to drive the low loss, RF breakdown resistant TE01 mode of a large coaxial circuit. The device's large cross-sectional area greatly reduces RF wall heat loading and the current density loading at the cathode required to produce the moderate energy (500 keV) but high current (1-10 kA) annular electron beam. Focusing and wiggling of the beam is achieved using coaxial annular periodic permanent magnet (PPM) stacks without a solenoidal guide magnetic field. This wiggler configuration is compact, efficient and can propagate the multi-kiloampere electron beams required for many HPM applications. The coaxial PPM ubitron in a traveling wave amplifier, cavity oscillator and klystron configuration is investigated using linear theory and simulation codes. A condition for the dc electron beam stability in the coaxial wiggler is derived and verified using the 2-1/2 dimensional particle-in-cell code, MAGIC. New linear theories for the cavity start-oscillation current and gain in a klystron are derived. A self-consistent nonlinear theory for the ubitron-TWT and a new nonlinear theory for the ubitron oscillator are presented. These form the basis for simulation codes which, along with MAGIC, are used to design a representative 200 MW, 40% efficient, X-band amplifier for linear accelerators and a 1 GW, 21% efficient, S-band oscillator for directed energy. The technique of axial mode profiling in the ubitron cavity oscillator is also proposed and shown to increase the simulated interaction efficiency to 46%. These devices are realizable and their experimental implementation, including electron beam formation and spurious mode suppression techniques, is discussed.

Beam and Plasma Physics Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

La di~raDy in high power microwave computations and thi-ory and high energy plasma computations and theory. The HPM computations concentrated on...2.1 REPORT INDEX 7 2.2 TASK AREA 2: HIGH-POWER RF EMISSION AND CHARGED- PARTICLE BEAM PHYSICS COMPUTATION , MODELING AND THEORY 10 2.2.1 Subtask 02-01...Vulnerability of Space Assets 22 2.2.6 Subtask 02-06, Microwave Computer Program Enhancements 22 2.2.7 Subtask 02-07, High-Power Microwave Transvertron Design 23

Hardening Unmanned Aerial Systems Against High Power Microwave Threats in Support of Forward Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

spectrum ( EMS ) to disrupt, degrade, damage, or destroy targets. They can theoretically be used against all Groups of UAS. C-UAS weapons utilizing HPM...18 This pulse creates an electromagnetic ( EM ) field surrounding the target, typically measured in volts per meter, kilovolts per meter, or watts...through a normally utilized input device, such as an antenna. This type of coupling typically only occurs within the narrow band of the EMS that

E-Bomb: The Key Element of the Contemporary Military-Technical Revolution

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

section. (1) Klystron . The klystron is a high -frequency oscillator and amplifier that was invented in the late 1930s by R. H. Varian and S . F. Varian... klystrons became commercially available. However, a relativistic magnetron source in the L band producing 1.8 GW of peak power is now commercially...Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Weapons. In addition, a measure of effectiveness model is proposed to compare the

Development of an Annular Electron Beam HPM Amplifier

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

34, Phys.Rev.Lett., 64(19), ppgs 2320-2323, 7 May 1990 9. Lau, Y.Y. and Chernin, D., "A review of the ac space - charge effect in electron-circuit interactions...the Child-Lanamuir, space - charge limiting current in the beam line. This removes the potential of torming a virtual cathode (Ref. 19). The...propagates the electron beam through a single modulating gap, with a specified voltage, frequency, and gap extent. The beam space charge is an input

Breakthroughs in Low Profile Leaky Wave HPM Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-17

3D RF modeling, but the design time and effort will be greatly reduced compared to starting from scratch. The LWAs featured here exhibit beam...Section 4 present related and novel antenna designs that leverage some of the concepts from this research program. Section 5 and Section 6 present...parameters that we used previously for the wire-grill design in Figure 3, but this time with the intent to combine it with an acrylic (εr=2.55) window of

Current Practices in Injury Prevention and Safety Helmet Use Among Head Injury Patients in an Army Outpatient Care Setting

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-05-01

health promotion activities ( Pender , 1996). Health care providers activities in prevention of injuries are explained by Nola Pender s theory identifying...prevention behaviors can be explained by Nola Pender s behavior theory model. Primary care providers need to be more proactive in counseling patients...Theoretical Framework The Health Promotion Model (HPM) ( Pender , 1996) was designed as a framework to predict overall health-promoting lifestyles and

Ribosomal protein methyltransferases in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Roles in ribosome biogenesis and translation.

PubMed

Al-Hadid, Qais; White, Jonelle; Clarke, Steven

2016-02-12

A significant percentage of the methyltransferasome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and higher eukaryotes is devoted to methylation of the translational machinery. Methylation of the RNA components of the translational machinery has been studied extensively and is important for structure stability, ribosome biogenesis, and translational fidelity. However, the functional effects of ribosomal protein methylation by their cognate methyltransferases are still largely unknown. Previous work has shown that the ribosomal protein Rpl3 methyltransferase, histidine protein methyltransferase 1 (Hpm1), is important for ribosome biogenesis and translation elongation fidelity. In this study, yeast strains deficient in each of the ten ribosomal protein methyltransferases in S. cerevisiae were examined for potential defects in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Like Hpm1-deficient cells, loss of four of the nine other ribosomal protein methyltransferases resulted in defects in ribosomal subunit synthesis. All of the mutant strains exhibited resistance to the ribosome inhibitors anisomycin and/or cycloheximide in plate assays, but not in liquid culture. Translational fidelity assays measuring stop codon readthrough, amino acid misincorporation, and programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting, revealed that eight of the ten enzymes are important for translation elongation fidelity and the remaining two are necessary for translation termination efficiency. Altogether, these results demonstrate that ribosomal protein methyltransferases in S. cerevisiae play important roles in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microwave Triggered Laser Ionization of Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vadiee, Ehsan; Prasad, Sarita; Jerald Buchenauer, C.; Schamiloglu, Edl

2012-10-01

The goal of this work is to study the evolution and dynamics of plasma expansion when a high power microwave (HPM) pulse is overlapped in time and space on a very small, localized region of plasma formed by a high energy laser pulse. The pulsed Nd:YAG laser (8 ns, 600mJ, repetition rate 10 Hz) is focused to generate plasma filaments in air with electron density of 10^17/cm^3. When irradiated with a high power microwave pulse these electrons would gain enough kinetic energy and further escalate avalanche ionization of air due to elastic electron-neutral collisions thereby causing an increased volumetric discharge region. An X-band relativistic backward wave oscillator(RBWO) at the Pulsed Power,Beams and Microwaves laboratory at UNM is constructed as the microwave source. The RBWO produces a microwave pulse of maximum power 400 MW, frequency of 10.1 GHz, and energy of 6.8 Joules. Special care is being given to synchronize the RBWO and the pulsed laser system in order to achieve a high degree of spatial and temporal overlap. A photodiode and a microwave waveguide detector will be used to ensure the overlap. Also, a new shadowgraph technique with a nanosecond time resolution will be used to detect changes in the shock wave fronts when the HPM signal overlaps the laser pulse in time and space.

Anthocyanins in chokeberry and purple maize attenuate diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.

PubMed

Bhaswant, Maharshi; Shafie, Siti Raihanah; Mathai, Michael L; Mouatt, Peter; Brown, Lindsay

2017-09-01

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as functional foods leads to the reduction of signs of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to measure and compare cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic parameters following chronic administration of the same dose of anthocyanins either from chokeberry (CB) or purple maize (PM) in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Male Wistar rats were fed a maize starch (C) or high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) and divided into six groups for 16 wk. The rats were fed C, C with CB or PM for the last 8 wk (CCB or CPM), H, H with CB or PM for the last 8 wk (HCB or HPM); CB and PM rats received ∼8 mg anthocyanins/kg daily. The rats were monitored for changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular and hepatic structure and function, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue mass. HCB and HPM rats showed reduced visceral adiposity index, total body fat mass, and systolic blood pressure; improved glucose tolerance, liver, and cardiovascular structure and function; decreased plasma triacylglycerols and total cholesterol compared with H rats. Inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in heart and liver. CB and PM interventions gave similar responses, suggesting that anthocyanins are the bioactive molecules in the attenuation or reversal of metabolic syndrome by prevention of inflammation-induced damage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A new approach for electrical properties estimation using a global integral equation and improvements using high permittivity materials.

PubMed

Schmidt, Rita; Webb, Andrew

2016-01-01

Electrical Properties Tomography (EPT) using MRI is a technique that has been developed to provide a new contrast mechanism for in vivo imaging. Currently the most common method relies on the solution of the homogeneous Helmholtz equation, which has limitations in accurate estimation at tissue interfaces. A new method proposed in this work combines a Maxwell's integral equation representation of the problem, and the use of high permittivity materials (HPM) to control the RF field, in order to reconstruct the electrical properties image. The magnetic field is represented by an integral equation considering each point as a contrast source. This equation can be solved in an inverse method. In this study we use a reference simulation or scout scan of a uniform phantom to provide an initial estimate for the inverse solution, which allows the estimation of the complex permittivity within a single iteration. Incorporating two setups with and without the HPM improves the reconstructed result, especially with respect to the very low electric field in the center of the sample. Electromagnetic simulations of the brain were performed at 3T to generate the B1(+) field maps and reconstruct the electric properties images. The standard deviations of the relative permittivity and conductivity were within 14% and 18%, respectively for a volume consisting of white matter, gray matter and cerebellum. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From P-T-age to secular change and global tectonic regimes (or Essene in reverse - from granulites to blueschists and eclogites over time)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, M.

2006-12-01

Essene's contributions began pre-plate tectonics more than 40 years ago; they range from mineralogy to tectonics, from experiments and thermobarometry to elements and isotopes, and from the Phanerozoic to the Precambrian. Eric is a true polymath! Assessing the P-T conditions and age distribution of crustal metamorphism is an important step in evaluating secular change in tectonic regimes and geodynamics. In general, Archean rocks exhibit moderate-P - moderate-to-high-T facies series metamorphism (greenstone belts and granulite terranes); neither blueschists nor any record of deep continental subduction and return are documented and only one example of granulite facies ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism is reported. Granulite facies ultrahigh temperature metamorphism (G-UHTM) is documented in the rock record predominantly from Neoarchean to Cambrian, although G-UHTM facies series rocks may be inferred at depth in younger orogenic systems. The first occurrence of G-UHTM in the rock record signifies a change in geodynamics that generated transient sites of very high heat flow. Many G-UHTM belts may have developed in settings analogous to modern continental backarcs. On a warmer Earth, the formation and breakup of supercontinents, particularly by extroversion, which involved destruction of ocean basins floored by thinner lithosphere, may have generated hotter continental backarcs than those around the modern Pacific rim. Medium-temperature eclogite - high-pressure granulite metamorphism (E-HPGM) also is first recognized in the Neoarchean rock record, and occurs at intervals throughout the Proterozoic and Paleozoic rock record. E- HPGM belts are complementary to G-UHTM belts, and are generally inferred to record subduction-to-collision orogenesis. Blueschists become evident in the Neoproterozoic rock record; lawsonite blueschists and eclogites (high-pressure metamorphism, HPM), and ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (UHPM) characterized by coesite or diamond are predominantly Phanerozoic phenomena. HPM-UHPM registers low thermal gradients and deep subduction of continental crust during the early stage of the collision process in Phanerozoic subduction-to-collision orogens. Although counterintuitive, many HPM-UHPM belts appear to have developed by closure of small ocean basins in the process of accretion of a continental terrane during a period of supercontinent introversion (Wilson cycle ocean basin opening and closing). A duality of metamorphic belts - reflecting a duality of thermal regimes - appears in the record only since the Neoarchean Era. A duality of thermal regimes is the hallmark of modern plate tectonics and the duality of metamorphic belts is the characteristic imprint of plate tectonics in the rock record. The occurrence of both G- UHTM and E-HPGM belts since the Neoarchean manifests the onset of a `Proterozoic plate tectonics regime', although the style of tectonics likely involved differences from modern Earth. Although the style of Proterozoic subduction remains cryptic, the change in tectonic regime whereby interactions between discrete lithospheric plates generated tectonic settings with contrasting thermal regimes was a landmark event in Earth history. The `Proterozoic plate tectonics regime' evolved during a Neoproterozoic transition to the `modern plate tectonics regime' characterized by colder subduction, and subduction of continental crust deep into the mantle and its (partial) return from depths of up to 300 km, as chronicled by the appearance of blueschists and HPM-UHPM in the rock record.

High Power Microwaves (HPM) (les Micro-ondes de forte puissance (MFP).

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-03-01

the polarization vector , [C/m 2], P1 is the polarization term which is linearly dependent on the electric field, and Pnl is The soliton laser [35...which utilizes Kerr nonlinearity in the polarization vector which is nonlinearly dependent on the optical fiber, has also been demonstrated. In the case...forward propa- then applied across the cathode. If the electric gating volume harmonics of the TMO1 mode, field is of the proper polarity , a phase tran- as

A Compact 700-KV Erected Pulse Forming Network for HPM Applications (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-28

previously investigated for driving rail guns , electric launchers, or other nonlinear loads albeit for much longer pulse lengths [8]. In this version...The output of the generator was connected to a coaxial CuS04 resistor through 100-ft of coaxial high-voltage cable. The current pulse on the cable was...shown in Figure 6. This pulse was delivered to a 50-ohm cable and measured by a coaxial inline CVR at the generator output. Typical pulse

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

Bacon, L. D.

Hybrid Band{trademark} (H-band) is a Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) designation for a specific RF modulation that causes disruption of select electronic components and circuits. H-Band enables conventional high-power microwave (HPM) effects (with a center frequency of 1 to 2 GHz, for example) using a higher frequency carrier signal. The primary technical objective of this project was to understand the fundamental physics of Hybrid Band{trademark} Radio Frequency effects on electronic systems. The follow-on objective was to develop and validate a Hybrid Band{trademark} effects analysis process.

An Investigation of Human Performance Model Validation

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

of design decisions, what the costs and benefits are for each of the stages of analysis options. On the ’benefits’ side, the manager needs to know...confidence. But we also want to know that we are not expending any more effort (and other costs ) than necessary to ensure that the right decision is...supported at each stage. Ultimately, we want to enable SBA managers to have confidence that they are selecting the right HPM tools and using them correctly in

Innovative Advances in HPM: From Metamaterials to Buridan’s Ass

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-17

beam kinetic energy into electromagnetic radiation. The output can be from S - to X- band microwave frequencies with powers over 100 MW. These...Modulator Symposium and High Voltage Workshop (San Diego, CA, June 3-7, 2012), p. 752-755. 12. A. Elfrgani, M. Fuks, S . Prasad, and E. Schamiloglu, “X- band ...field in the device and they weigh about 250 lbs for an S - band source [13]. Output power levels up to 1 GW are feasible. Pulse repetition rate and

Wave Chaos and HPM Effects on Electronic Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-13

if one examines these pas- sages, one will find that, as the orbit length approaches infinity, (i) the fraction of time spent by the orbit in the...as the orbits in a complete quarter circle billiard having the same radius R (see Fig. 3.2(a)). These orbits are tangent to a circular caustic 62 with...a radius Cr. If the caustic radius Cr > ρ0, (see Fig. 3.1) this orbit is trapped in the cap, and is integrable. There are also chaotic orbits that

Baseline Testing of The EV Global E-Bike

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.; Kolacz, John S.; Tavernelli, Paul F.

2001-01-01

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center initiated baseline testing of the EV Global E-Bike as a way to reduce pollution in urban areas, reduce fossil fuel consumption and reduce Operating costs for transportation systems. The work was done Linder the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which includes the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB). The E-Bike is a state of the art, ground up, hybrid electric bicycle. Unique features of the vehicle's power system include the use of an efficient, 400 W. electric hub motor and a 7-speed derailleur system that permits operation as fully electric, fully pedal, or a combination of the two. Other innovative features, such as regenerative braking through ultracapacitor energy storage are planned. Regenerative braking recovers much of the kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration. The E-Bike is an inexpensive approach to advance the state of the art in hybrid technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via nontraditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future space applications. A description of the E-bike, the results of performance testing, and future vehicle development plans is the subject of this report. The report concludes that the E-Bike provides excellent performance, and that the implementation of ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant performance improvements.

Baseline Testing of the Club Car Carryall With Asymmetric Ultracapacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2003-01-01

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center initiated baseline testing of the Club Car Carryall with asymmetric ultracapacitors as a way to reduce pollution in industrial settings, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and reduce operating costs for transportation systems. The Club Car Carryall provides an inexpensive approach to advance the state of the art in electric vehicle technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via non-traditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future space applications. The work was done under the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which includes the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB). The Carryall is a state of the art, ground up, electric utility vehicle. A unique aspect of the project was the use of a state of the art, long life ultracapacitor energy storage system. Innovative features, such as regenerative braking through ultracapacitor energy storage, are planned. Regenerative braking recovers much of the kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration. The Carryall was tested with the standard lead acid battery energy storage system, as well as with an asymmetric ultracapacitor energy storage system. The report concludes that the Carryall provides excellent performance, and that the implementation of asymmetric ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant performance improvements.

A long-pulse repetitive operation magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator.

PubMed

Fan, Yu-Wei; Zhong, Hui-Huang; Zhang, Jian-De; Shu, Ting; Liu, Jin Liang

2014-05-01

The improved magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) is a gigawatt-class L-band high power microwave tube. It has allowed us to generate 3.1 GW pulse of 40 ns duration in the single-pulse operation and 500 MW pulse of 25 ns duration in the repetition rate operation. However, because of the severe impedance mismatch, the power conversion efficiency is only about 4% in the repetition rate operation. In order to eliminate the impedance mismatch and obtain repetitive long-pulse high-power microwave (HPM), a series of experiments are carried out and the recent progress is presented in this paper. In the single-pulse operation, when the diode voltage is 466 kV and current is 41.6 kA, the radiated microwave power is above 2.2 GW, the pulse duration is above 102 ns, the microwave frequency is about 1.74 GHz, and the power conversion efficiency is about 11.5%. In the repetition rate operation, under the condition of the diode voltage about 400 kV, beam current about 38 kA, the radiated microwave power is about 1.0 GW, the pulse duration is about 85 ns. Moreover, the radiated microwave power and the pulse duration decline little by little when the shot numbers increase gradually. The experimental results show that the impedance matching is a vital factor for HPM systems and one of the major technical challenges is to improve the cathode for the repetition rate operation MILO.

Human performance modeling for system of systems analytics: combat performance-shaping factors.

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

Lawton, Craig R.; Miller, Dwight Peter

The US military has identified Human Performance Modeling (HPM) as a significant requirement and challenge of future systems modeling and analysis initiatives. To support this goal, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has undertaken a program of HPM as an integral augmentation to its system-of-system (SoS) analytics capabilities. The previous effort, reported in SAND2005-6569, evaluated the effects of soldier cognitive fatigue on SoS performance. The current effort began with a very broad survey of any performance-shaping factors (PSFs) that also might affect soldiers performance in combat situations. The work included consideration of three different approaches to cognition modeling and how appropriate theymore » would be for application to SoS analytics. This bulk of this report categorizes 47 PSFs into three groups (internal, external, and task-related) and provides brief descriptions of how each affects combat performance, according to the literature. The PSFs were then assembled into a matrix with 22 representative military tasks and assigned one of four levels of estimated negative impact on task performance, based on the literature. Blank versions of the matrix were then sent to two ex-military subject-matter experts to be filled out based on their personal experiences. Data analysis was performed to identify the consensus most influential PSFs. Results indicate that combat-related injury, cognitive fatigue, inadequate training, physical fatigue, thirst, stress, poor perceptual processing, and presence of chemical agents are among the PSFs with the most negative impact on combat performance.« less

Proceedings of the Annual Chemical Defense Bioscience Review (5th) Held at Columbia, Maryland on 29-31 May 1985. Appendix 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

and Meyer, H.G. Life Sciences 36: 1715-1720, 1985. 3. Van Helden, H.P.M.; van der Well, H.J.; and Wolthius, O.L. TNO Technical Report # MBL-1984-3...SYNTHESIS IN OUR LABORA- TORY BY STANDARD LITERATURE PROCEDURES OR AS A GIFT FROM PHARMA - CEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS THAT MARKET THE DRUGS, ALL OF THE COM- POUNDS...Rosenberry, T. L. Croatia Chemica Acto 1975, _7 235 Incursion of other steps then general base catalysis, such as confor-:ational changes, in rate

Topics in HPM (High-Power Microwave) Generation, Coupling, and Interaction

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

return to unity at kd/ir = 1. This effect is readily understood in terms of the circuit model of Figure 115. As kd/ir increases, the admittance seen...virtue of the linearity of the integration and expectation operations . Using Equations (6) and (7), we obtain < E.(r,O,0) > - JkEow)(J W2 21-2 e-(1k...coupled from the exterior to the interior of a shielded system by means of penetration through apertures in the " skin ". In this section we

Spatial and Social Media Data Analytics of Housing Prices in Shenzhen, China.

PubMed

Wu, Chao; Ye, Xinyue; Ren, Fu; Wan, You; Ning, Pengfei; Du, Qingyun

2016-01-01

Housing is among the most pressing issues in urban China and has received considerable scholarly attention. Researchers have primarily concentrated on identifying the factors that influence residential property prices and how such mechanisms function. However, few studies have examined the potential factors that influence housing prices from a big data perspective. In this article, we use a big data perspective to determine the willingness of buyers to pay for various factors. The opinions and geographical preferences of individuals for places can be represented by visit frequencies given different motivations. Check-in data from the social media platform Sina Visitor System is used in this article. Here, we use kernel density estimation (KDE) to analyse the spatial patterns of check-in spots (or places of interest, POIs) and employ the Getis-Ord [Formula: see text] method to identify the hot spots for different types of POIs in Shenzhen, China. New indexes are then proposed based on the hot-spot results as measured by check-in data to analyse the effects of these locations on housing prices. This modelling is performed using the hedonic price method (HPM) and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) method. The results show that the degree of clustering of POIs has a significant influence on housing values. Meanwhile, the GWR method has a better interpretive capacity than does the HPM because of the former method's ability to capture spatial heterogeneity. This article integrates big social media data to expand the scope (new study content) and depth (study scale) of housing price research to an unprecedented degree.

Spatial and Social Media Data Analytics of Housing Prices in Shenzhen, China

PubMed Central

Ye, Xinyue; Ren, Fu; Wan, You; Ning, Pengfei; Du, Qingyun

2016-01-01

Housing is among the most pressing issues in urban China and has received considerable scholarly attention. Researchers have primarily concentrated on identifying the factors that influence residential property prices and how such mechanisms function. However, few studies have examined the potential factors that influence housing prices from a big data perspective. In this article, we use a big data perspective to determine the willingness of buyers to pay for various factors. The opinions and geographical preferences of individuals for places can be represented by visit frequencies given different motivations. Check-in data from the social media platform Sina Visitor System is used in this article. Here, we use kernel density estimation (KDE) to analyse the spatial patterns of check-in spots (or places of interest, POIs) and employ the Getis-Ord Gi* method to identify the hot spots for different types of POIs in Shenzhen, China. New indexes are then proposed based on the hot-spot results as measured by check-in data to analyse the effects of these locations on housing prices. This modelling is performed using the hedonic price method (HPM) and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) method. The results show that the degree of clustering of POIs has a significant influence on housing values. Meanwhile, the GWR method has a better interpretive capacity than does the HPM because of the former method’s ability to capture spatial heterogeneity. This article integrates big social media data to expand the scope (new study content) and depth (study scale) of housing price research to an unprecedented degree. PMID:27783645

Functional neural circuits that underlie developmental stuttering

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guihu; Huo, Yuankai; Herder, Carl L.; Sikora, Chamonix O.; Peterson, Bradley S.

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify differences in functional and effective brain connectivity between persons who stutter (PWS) and typically developing (TD) fluent speakers, and to assess whether those differences can serve as biomarkers to distinguish PWS from TD controls. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in 44 PWS and 50 TD controls. We then used Independent Component Analysis (ICA) together with Hierarchical Partner Matching (HPM) to identify networks of robust, functionally connected brain regions that were highly reproducible across participants, and we assessed whether connectivity differed significantly across diagnostic groups. We then used Granger Causality (GC) to study the causal interactions (effective connectivity) between the regions that ICA and HPM identified. Finally, we used a kernel support vector machine to assess how well these measures of functional connectivity and granger causality discriminate PWS from TD controls. Functional connectivity was stronger in PWS compared with TD controls in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and primary motor cortices, but weaker in inferior frontal cortex (IFG, Broca’s area), caudate, putamen, and thalamus. Additionally, causal influences were significantly weaker in PWS from the IFG to SMA, and from the basal ganglia to IFG through the thalamus, compared to TD controls. ICA and GC indices together yielded an accuracy of 92.7% in classifying PWS from TD controls. Our findings suggest the presence of dysfunctional circuits that support speech planning and timing cues for the initiation and execution of motor sequences in PWS. Our high accuracy of classification further suggests that these aberrant brain features may serve as robust biomarkers for PWS. PMID:28759567

Functional neural circuits that underlie developmental stuttering.

PubMed

Qiao, Jianping; Wang, Zhishun; Zhao, Guihu; Huo, Yuankai; Herder, Carl L; Sikora, Chamonix O; Peterson, Bradley S

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify differences in functional and effective brain connectivity between persons who stutter (PWS) and typically developing (TD) fluent speakers, and to assess whether those differences can serve as biomarkers to distinguish PWS from TD controls. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in 44 PWS and 50 TD controls. We then used Independent Component Analysis (ICA) together with Hierarchical Partner Matching (HPM) to identify networks of robust, functionally connected brain regions that were highly reproducible across participants, and we assessed whether connectivity differed significantly across diagnostic groups. We then used Granger Causality (GC) to study the causal interactions (effective connectivity) between the regions that ICA and HPM identified. Finally, we used a kernel support vector machine to assess how well these measures of functional connectivity and granger causality discriminate PWS from TD controls. Functional connectivity was stronger in PWS compared with TD controls in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and primary motor cortices, but weaker in inferior frontal cortex (IFG, Broca's area), caudate, putamen, and thalamus. Additionally, causal influences were significantly weaker in PWS from the IFG to SMA, and from the basal ganglia to IFG through the thalamus, compared to TD controls. ICA and GC indices together yielded an accuracy of 92.7% in classifying PWS from TD controls. Our findings suggest the presence of dysfunctional circuits that support speech planning and timing cues for the initiation and execution of motor sequences in PWS. Our high accuracy of classification further suggests that these aberrant brain features may serve as robust biomarkers for PWS.

Baseline Testing of the EV Global E-Bike with Ultracapacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.; Kolacz, John S.; Tavernelli, Paul F.

2001-01-01

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center initiated baseline testing of the EV Global E-Bike SX with ultracapacitors as a way to reduce pollution in urban areas, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and reduce operating costs for transportation systems. The E-Bike provides an inexpensive approach to advance the state of art in hybrid technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via nontraditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future space applications. The work was done under the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which includes the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB). The E-Bike is a state of the art, ground up, hybrid electrical bicycle. Unique features of the vehicle's power system include the use of an efficient, 400 W electric hub motor, and a seven-speed derailleur system that permits operation as fully electric, fully pedal, or a combination of the two. Other innovative features, such as regenerative braking through ultracapacitor energy storage, are planned. Regenerative braking recovers much of the kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration. A description of the E-bike, the results of performance testing, and future vehicle development plans are given in this report. The report concludes that the E-Bike provides excellent performance, and that the implementation of ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant performance improvements.

Human Performance Models of Pilot Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foyle, David C.; Hooey, Becky L.; Byrne, Michael D.; Deutsch, Stephen; Lebiere, Christian; Leiden, Ken; Wickens, Christopher D.; Corker, Kevin M.

2005-01-01

Five modeling teams from industry and academia were chosen by the NASA Aviation Safety and Security Program to develop human performance models (HPM) of pilots performing taxi operations and runway instrument approaches with and without advanced displays. One representative from each team will serve as a panelist to discuss their team s model architecture, augmentations and advancements to HPMs, and aviation-safety related lessons learned. Panelists will discuss how modeling results are influenced by a model s architecture and structure, the role of the external environment, specific modeling advances and future directions and challenges for human performance modeling in aviation.

Measurements of UV-A radiation and hazard limits from some types of outdoor lamps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Moghazy, Essam; Abd-Elmageed, Alaa-Eldin; Reda, Sameh

2015-05-01

Illumination using artificial light sources is common in these days. Many manufactures are paying for the design of lamps depending on high efficacy and low UV hazards. This research is focusing on the most useable lamps in the Egyptian markets; High Pressure Mercury (HPM), Metal Halide (MH), and High Pressure Sodium (HPS). A set up for relative spectral power distribution based on single monochromator and UVA silicon detector for absolute irradiance measurements are used. The absolute irradiance in (W/m2) in UVA region of the lamps and their accompanied standard uncertainty are evaluated.

Investigation of a stripline transmission line structure for gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line high power microwave sources.

PubMed

Reale, D V; Parson, J M; Neuber, A A; Dickens, J C; Mankowski, J J

2016-03-01

A stripline gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) was constructed out of yttrium iron garnet ferrite and tested at charge voltages of 35 kV-55 kV with bias fields ranging from 10 kA/m to 20 kA/m. Typically, high power gyromagnetic NLTLs are constructed in a coaxial geometry. While this approach has many advantages, including a uniform transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode, simple interconnection between components, and the ability to use oil or pressurized gas as an insulator, the coaxial implementation suffers from complexity of construction, especially when using a solid insulator. By moving to a simpler transmission line geometry, NLTLs can be constructed more easily and arrayed on a single substrate. This work represents a first step in exploring the suitability of various transmission line structures, such as microstrips and coplanar waveguides. The resulting high power microwave (HPM) source operates in ultra high frequency (UHF) band with an average bandwidth of 40.1% and peak rf power from 2 MW to 12.7 MW.

Investigation of a stripline transmission line structure for gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line high power microwave sources

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

Reale, D. V., E-mail: david.reale@ttu.edu; Parson, J. M.; Neuber, A. A.

2016-03-15

A stripline gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) was constructed out of yttrium iron garnet ferrite and tested at charge voltages of 35 kV–55 kV with bias fields ranging from 10 kA/m to 20 kA/m. Typically, high power gyromagnetic NLTLs are constructed in a coaxial geometry. While this approach has many advantages, including a uniform transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode, simple interconnection between components, and the ability to use oil or pressurized gas as an insulator, the coaxial implementation suffers from complexity of construction, especially when using a solid insulator. By moving to a simpler transmission line geometry, NLTLs can be constructedmore » more easily and arrayed on a single substrate. This work represents a first step in exploring the suitability of various transmission line structures, such as microstrips and coplanar waveguides. The resulting high power microwave (HPM) source operates in ultra high frequency (UHF) band with an average bandwidth of 40.1% and peak rf power from 2 MW to 12.7 MW.« less

Clinical outcomes of the high-performance membrane dialyzer.

PubMed

Koda, Yutaka

2011-01-01

HPM (high-performance membrane or high-flux membrane) has better biocompatibility and higher capacity to remove retention solutes of large molecular weight, which has been proven to be toxic especially to cardiovascular and skeletal organs. To date, several non-randomized observational studies have shown a reduction in morbidity and mortality in HPM-treated patients compared with low-flux conventional membrane. Meanwhile, two randomized controlled trials were unable to reveal the superiority of high-flux membrane in survival of all-cause mortality, but suggested a significant benefit by subgroup analyses or post-hoc analyses in patients with diabetes, hypoalbuminemia and long duration of prior dialysis. Thus, the results of the published studies are conflicting and it still cannot be explained whether the effect is based on the biocompatibility of the membrane or on the differences in the clearance of middle molecules, or on the microbiological purity of dialysate which improved simultaneously with the flux increment. As survival outcome might be determined by additional multiple confounding factors, dialysis-related or non-dialysis-related, investigations to control them are difficult to perform. Although the clinical results are non-conclusive and it is still unanswered how much large molecule removal is required to improve outcomes in routine clinical practice, there is a considerable amount of biological plausibility for high-flux dialysis or middle molecule removal. Further trials will be required to confirm what patient group benefits the most, the magnitude of advantages and how large the molecules are and how much molecule removal is acceptable using advanced high-performance dialyzers. Dispersing hazardous effects by a low-quality therapy should be taken more seriously than practicing a high-quality therapy of uncertain superiority. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Distribution and elimination of Norfloxacin in Fenneropenaeus chinensis larvae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ming; Li, Jian; Zhao, Fazhen; Li, Jitao; Chang, Zhiqiang

2013-09-01

This study examined the distribution and elimination of Norfloxacin (NFLX) in Fenneropenaeus chinensis ovary and egg and newly hatched larvae. Mature parental shrimp were exposed to 4 or 10 mg L-1 NFLX for 2 or 5 d. Ovary and eggs of the shrimp were sampled after spawning in order to detect NFLX residue using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that NFLX residue accumulated in F. chinensis eggs after the parental exposure, with the highest residue detected in ovary. To examine the fate of NFLX residue in larvae, we further determined the concentration of NFLX residue in F. chinensis eggs and larvae at 4 different developmental stages after 24-h exposure. From the newly metamorphosed larvae (0 h post-metamorphosis, h.p.m), samples were taken at different time intervals to 72 h.p.m. HPLC assay showed that the concentrations of NFLX residue in zoea exposed to 4 and 10 mg L-1 NFLX were the highest at 1.5 h, i.e., 0.332 and 0.454 μg g-1, respectively. At the two NFLX exposure levels, the elimination time of half NFLX (half life) in nauplius was 45.36 and 49.85 h, respectively, followed by that in zoea (31.68 and 33.13 h), mysis larvae (42.24 and 47.28 h) and postlarvae (24.48 and 30.96 h). Both NFLX exposure levels had a germicidal effect. The distribution and elimination of NFLX residue in F. chinensis tissue, eggs and larvae correlated well with the drug exposure level. The disappearance of NFLX residue coincided with the larval growth, and the half-life of NFLX decreased with the larval development.

Definition of high-performance membranes - from the clinical point of view.

PubMed

Saito, Akira

2011-01-01

Global knowledge of the molecular target of uremic toxins (UTs) was significantly different in the 1980s than it is now. In 1971, Babb et al. hypothesized that UTs such as neurotoxin existed in mid-sized molecules ranging from 300 to 3,000 Da. In the 1980s, larger molecular weight substances > 5,000 Da were targeted for removal, as well as small and medium size toxins in Japan, while urea was considered a surrogate marker of UTs, and Kt/V for urea was used as a measure of dialysis dose in the USA. In Japan, albumin-bound toxins in addition to low-molecular-weight proteins were targeted for removal as glomerular filtration in the normal kidney. As binding capacity of albumin is significantly lowered and, on the other hand, the α-helical content of albumin also lowered in uremic patients because of binding of UTs to albumin, a small amount of albumin should be removed to stimulate the synthesis of new albumin. KF101 C-2 (EVAL) used as a high-performance dialysis membrane (HPM) at the first step, in which approximately 7 g of albumin is removed per dialysis session. It resulted in lowered plasma albumin levels in hemodialysis patients, although accumulated levels of low-molecular-weight proteins were significantly lowered. Therefore, the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy has recommended limitation of albumin removal to < 3 g/session by the second generation of HPMs. Many different HPMs have been developed since the Japanese Society of HPM was first organized in 1985. Approximately 98% of the dialyzers used in Japan employ HPMs. New technology is required to suppress fouling on the surface and in the pores of HPMs. This would maintain permeation of inflammatory cytokines during dialysis sessions. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Crustal structure of the Dabie orogenic belt (eastern China) inferred from gravity and magnetic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yu-shan; Li, Yuan-yuan

2018-01-01

In order to better characterize the crustal structure of the Dabie orogen and its tectonic history, we present a crustal structure along a 500 km long profile across the Dabie orogenic belt using various data processing and interpretation of the gravity and magnetic data. Source depth estimations from the spectral analysis by continuous wavelet transform (CWT) provide better constraints for constructing the initial density model. The calculated gravity effects from the initial model show great discrepancy with the observed data, especially at the center of the profile. More practical factors are then incorporated into the gravity modeling. First, we add a high density body right beneath the high pressure metamorphic (HPM) and ultrahigh pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt considering the exposed HPM and UHPM rocks in the mid of our profile. Then, the anomalous bodies A, B, and C inferred from the CWT-based spectral analysis results are fixed in the model geometry. In the final crustal density structure, two anomalous bodies B and C with high density and low magnetization could possibly be attributed to metasomatised mantle materials by SiO2-rich melt derived from the foundering subducted mafic lower crust. Under the extensional environment in the early Cretaceous, the upwelling metasomatised mantle was partially melted to produce the parental magma of the post-collisional mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks. As for the low density body A with strong magnetization located in the lower crust right beneath the HP and UHP metamorphic belt, it is more likely to be composed of serpentinized mantle peridotite (SMP). This serpentinized mantle peridotite body (SMPB) represents the emplacement of mantle-derived peridotites in the crust, accompanying the exhumation of the UHP metamorphic rocks.

ONR Far East Scientific Bulletin. Volume 12, Number 3, July-September 1987,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

populated, some- sediment transport. times right down to the beaches. Sea Wave data for a 5-year period walls have been built for the last 30 or have...The average wave power varies season that the sea walls just do not from 15.5 kW/m (i.e., 1.34 hp/m work. In order to combat the problems, parallel to...to 1980. Dr. Burt’s current interest is in air- sea interaction. P . N P nSN nM’lVa ME nMln n °. .’V 4,i 4 .4 ’% %’ " , * .., , STATUS OF FRACTURE

UCAC3 Proper Motion Survey. 2. Discovery of New Proper Motion Stars in UCAC3 with 0.40 yr-1 micro or = 0.18 yr-1 between Declinations -47 deg and 00 deg

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

Micron All Sky Survey ( 2MASS ) infrared photometry. We find five new red dwarf systems estimated to be within 25 pc. These discoveries support results...re-reduction of the pixel data (Zacharias 2010). In addition, data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey ( 2MASS ) were used in UCAC3 to probe for and...errors ranging from 50 to 200 mas when compared to 2MASS data. To identify previously known high proper motion (HPM) stars in the UCAC3, a source list was

Baseline Testing of the EV Global E-Bike SX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenherg, Dennis J.; Kolacz, John S.; Tavernelli, Paul F.

2001-01-01

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center initiated baseline testing of the EV Global E-Bike SX as an update of the state of the art in hybrid electric bicycles. The E-bike is seen as a way to reduce pollution in urban areas, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and reduce operating costs for transportation systems. The work was done under the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which includes the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB). The SX is a high performance, state of the art, ground up, hybrid electric bicycle. Unique features of the SX's 36 V power system include the use of an efficient, 400 W, electric hub motor, and a seven-speed derailleur system that permits operation as fully electric, fully pedal, or a combination of the two. Other innovative features, such as regenerative braking through ultracapacitor energy storage, are planned. Regenerative braking recovers much of the kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration. The E-Bike is an inexpensive approach to advance the state of the art in hybrid technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via nontraditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future space applications. A description of the SX, the results of performance testing, and future vehicle development plans are given in this report. The report concludes that the SX provides excellent performance, and that the implementation of ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant performance improvements.

Further distinctive investigations of the Sumudu transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belgacem, Fethi Bin Muhammad; Silambarasan, Rathinavel

2017-01-01

The Sumudu transform of time function f (t) is computed by making the transform variable u of Sumudu as factor of function f (t) and then integrated against exp(-t). Being a factor in the original function f (t), becomes f (ut) preserves units and dimension. This preservation property distinguishes Sumudu from other integral transforms. With obtained definition, the related complete set of properties were derived for the Sumudu transform. Framgment of Symbolic C++ program was given for Sumudu computation as series. Also procedure in Maple was given for Sumudu computation in closed form. The Method proposed herein not depends neither on any of homotopy methods such as HPM, HAM nor any of decomposition methods such as ADM.

Greek rheumatoid arthritis patients have elevated levels of antibodies against antigens from Proteus mirabilis.

PubMed

Christopoulos, Georgios; Christopoulou, V; Routsias, J G; Babionitakis, A; Antoniadis, C; Vaiopoulos, G

2017-03-01

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from different ethnic groups present elevated levels of antibodies against Proteus mirabilis. This finding implicates P. mirabilis in the development of RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of P. mirabilis in the etiopathogenesis of RA in Greek RA patients. In this study, 63 patients with RA and 38 healthy controls were included. Class-specific antibodies IgM, IgG, and IgA against three human cross-reactive and non-cross-reactive synthetic peptides from P. mirabilis-hemolysin (HpmB), urease C (UreC), and urease F (UreF)-were performed in all subjects, using the ELISA method. RA patients had elevated levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies against HpmB and UreC Proteus peptide which are significantly different compared to healthy controls: p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, correspondingly. Also, elevated levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies against the UreF Proteus peptide-which are non-cross-reactive with human tissue antigens-were observed and their significant difference compared to healthy controls (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Anti-peptide antibodies in RA patients showed a significant correlation with rheumatoid factors (Rf), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), especially when patients were divided into subgroups according to the receiving treatment. Greek RA patients present elevated levels of antibodies against P. mirabilis antigenic epitopes, such as in North European populations, albeit Greek RA patients presenting the cross-reaction antigen in a low percentage. These results indicate that P. mirabilis through the molecular mimicry mechanism leads to inflammation and damage of the joints in RA.

Renal Resistance Trend During Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Is More Predictive of Postoperative Outcome Than Biopsy Score: Preliminary Experience in 35 Consecutive Kidney Transplantations.

PubMed

Bissolati, Massimiliano; Gazzetta, Paolo Giovanni; Caldara, Rossana; Guarneri, Giovanni; Adamenko, Olga; Giannone, Fabio; Mazza, Michele; Maggi, Giulia; Tomanin, Deborah; Rosati, Riccardo; Secchi, Antonio; Socci, Carlo

2018-03-30

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HPM) grants a better postoperative outcome in transplantation of organs procured from extended criteria donors (ECDs) and donors after cardiac death (DCD). So far, the only available parameter for outcome prediction concerning those organs is pretransplant biopsy score. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether renal resistance (RR) trend during HPM may be used as a predictive marker for post-transplantation outcome. From December 2015 to present, HMP has been systematically applied to all organs from ECDs and DCD. All grafts underwent pretransplantation biopsy evaluation using Karpinski's histological score. Only organs that reached RR value ≤1.0 within 3 hours of perfusion were transplanted. Single kidney transplantation (SKT) or double kidney transplantation (DKT) were performed according to biopsy score results. Sixty-five HMPs were performed (58 from ECDs and 7 from DCD/ECMO donors). Fifteen kidneys were insufficiently reconditioned (RR > 1) and were therefore discarded. Forty-nine kidneys were transplanted, divided between 21 SKT and 14 DKT. Overall primary nonfunction (PNF) and delayed graft function (DGF) rate were 2.9 and 17.1%, respectively. DGF were more common in kidneys from DCD (67 vs. 7%; P = 0.004). Biopsy score did not correlate with PNF/DGF rate (P = 0.870) and postoperative creatinine trend (P = 0.796). Recipients of kidneys that reached RR ≤ 1.0 within 1 hour of HMP had a lower PNF/DGF rate (11 vs. 44%; P = 0.033) and faster serum creatinine decrease (POD10 creatinine: 1.79 mg/dL vs. 4.33 mg/dL; P = 0.019). RR trend is more predictive of post-transplantation outcome than biopsy score. Hence, RR trend should be taken into account in the pretransplantation evaluation of the organs. © 2018 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Baseline Testing of the Ultracapacitor Enhanced Photovoltaic Power Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.; Kolacz, John S.; Tavernelli, Paul F.

2001-01-01

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center is developing an advanced ultracapacitor enhanced photovoltaic power station. Goals of this effort include maximizing photovoltaic power generation efficiency and extending the life of photovoltaic energy storage systems. Unique aspects of the power station include the use of a solar tracker, and ultracapacitors for energy storage. The photovoltaic power station is seen as a way to provide electric power in remote locations that would otherwise not have electric power, provide independence form utility systems, reduce pollution, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and reduce operating costs. The work was done under the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which includes the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB), and the E-Bike. The power station complements the E-Bike extremely well in that it permits the charging of the vehicle batteries in remote locations. Other applications include scientific research and medical power sources in isolated regions. The power station is an inexpensive approach to advance the state of the art in power technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via nontraditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future space applications. A description of the ultracapacitor enhanced power station, the results of performance testing and future power station development plans is the subject of this report. The report concludes that the ultracapacitor enhanced power station provides excellent performance, and that the implementation of ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant performance improvements.

Weapon Simulator Test Methodology Investigation: Comparison of Live Fire and Weapon Simulator Test Methodologies and the Effects of Clothing and Individual Equipment on Marksmanship

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-15

METHODOLOGY INVESTIGATION: COMPARISON OF LIVE FIRE AND WEAPON SIMULATOR TEST METHODOLOGIES AND THE EFFECTS OF CLOTHING AND INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT ON...2. REPORT TYPE Final 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) October 2014 – August 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE WEAPON SIMULATOR TEST METHODOLOGY INVESTIGATION...COMPARISON OF LIVE FIRE AND WEAPON SIMULATOR TEST METHODOLOGIES AND THE EFFECTS OF CLOTHING AND INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT ON MARKSMANSHIP 5a. CONTRACT

Speckle-field digital holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Park, YongKeun; Choi, Wonshik; Yaqoob, Zahid; Dasari, Ramachandra; Badizadegan, Kamran; Feld, Michael S

2009-07-20

The use of coherent light in conventional holographic phase microscopy (HPM) poses three major drawbacks: poor spatial resolution, weak depth sectioning, and fixed pattern noise due to unwanted diffraction. Here, we report a technique which can overcome these drawbacks, but maintains the advantage of phase microscopy - high contrast live cell imaging and 3D imaging. A speckle beam of a complex spatial pattern is used for illumination to reduce fixed pattern noise and to improve optical sectioning capability. By recording of the electric field of speckle, we demonstrate high contrast 3D live cell imaging without the need for axial scanning - neither objective lens nor sample stage. This technique has great potential in studying biological samples with improved sensitivity, resolution and optical sectioning capability.

Power combination of a self-coherent high power microwave source

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

Yan, Xiaolu, E-mail: yanxl-dut@163.com; Zhang, Xiaoping; Li, Yangmei

2015-09-15

In our previous work, generating two phase-locked high power microwaves (HPMs) in a single self-coherent HPM device has been demonstrated. In this paper, after optimizing the structure of the previous self-coherent source, we design a power combiner with a folded phase-adjustment waveguide to realize power combination between its two sub-sources. Further particle-in-cell simulation of the combined source shows that when the diode voltage is 687 kV and the axial magnetic field is 0.8 T, a combined output microwave with 3.59 GW and 9.72 GHz is generated. The impedance of the combined device is 36 Ω and the total power conversion efficiency is 28%.

The argument for a unified approach to non-ionizing radiation protection

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

Perala, R.A.; Rigden, G.J.; Pfeffer, R.A.

1993-12-01

In the next decade military equipment will be required to operate in severe electromagnetic environments. These environments are expected to contain most non-ionizing frequencies (D.C. to GHz), from hostile and/or non-hostile sources, and be severe enough to cause temporary upset or even catastrophic failure of electronic equipment. Over the past thirty years considerable emphasis has been placed on hardening critical systems to one or more of these non-ionizing radiation environments, the most prevalent being the nuclear-induced electromagnetic pulse (EMD). From this technology development there has evolved a hardening philosophy that applies to most of these non-ionizing radiation environments. The philosophy,more » which stresses the application of zonal shields plus penetration protection, can provide low-cost hardening against such diverse non-ionizing radiation as p-static, lightning, electromagnetic interference (EMI), EMP, high intensity radiated fields (HIRF), electromagnetic radiation (EMR), and high power microwaves (HPM). The objective in this paper is to describe the application of this philosophy to Army helicopters. The authors develop a unified specification complete with threat definitions and test methods which illustrates integration of EMP, lightning, and HIRF at the box qualification level. This paper is a summary of the effort documented in a cited reference.« less

A Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with overmoded slow-wave-structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Tao; He, Jun-Tao; Zhang, Jian-De; Li, Zhi-Qiang; Ling, Jun-Pu

2016-12-01

In order to enhance the power capacity, an improved Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) with overmoded slow-wave-structure (SWS) is proposed and investigated numerically and experimentally. The analysis of the dispersion relationship and the resonant curve of the cold test indicate that the device can operate at the near π mode of the TM01 mode, which is useful for mode selection and control. In the particle simulation, the improved Ku-band MILO generates a microwave with a power of 1.5 GW and a frequency of 12.3 GHz under an input voltage of 480 kV and input current of 42 kA. Finally, experimental investigation of the improved Ku-band MILO is carried out. A high-power microwave (HPM) with an average power of 800 MW, a frequency of 12.35 GHz, and pulse width of 35 ns is generated under a diode voltage of 500 kV and beam current of 43 kA. The consistency between the experimental and simulated far-field radiation pattern confirms that the operating mode of the improved Ku-band MILO is well controlled in π mode of the TM01 mode. Project supported partly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61171021).

The Use of Behavior Models for Predicting Complex Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gore, Brian F.

2010-01-01

Modeling and simulation (M&S) plays an important role when complex human-system notions are being proposed, developed and tested within the system design process. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an agency uses many different types of M&S approaches for predicting human-system interactions, especially when it is early in the development phase of a conceptual design. NASA Ames Research Center possesses a number of M&S capabilities ranging from airflow, flight path models, aircraft models, scheduling models, human performance models (HPMs), and bioinformatics models among a host of other kinds of M&S capabilities that are used for predicting whether the proposed designs will benefit the specific mission criteria. The Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) is a NASA ARC HPM software tool that integrates many models of human behavior with environment models, equipment models, and procedural / task models. The challenge to model comprehensibility is heightened as the number of models that are integrated and the requisite fidelity of the procedural sets are increased. Model transparency is needed for some of the more complex HPMs to maintain comprehensibility of the integrated model performance. This will be exemplified in a recent MIDAS v5 application model and plans for future model refinements will be presented.

Measuring the upset of CMOS and TTL due to HPM-signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esser, N.; Smailus, B.

2004-05-01

To measure the performance of electronic components when stressed by High Power Microwave signals a setup was designed and tested which allows a well-defined voltage signal to enter the component during normal operation, and to discriminate its effect on the component. The microwave signal is fed to the outside conductor of a coaxial cable and couples into the inner signal line connected to the device under test (DUT). The disturbing HF-signal is transferred almost independent from frequency to maintain the pulse shape in the time domain. The configuration designed to perform a TEM-coupling within a 50 Ohm system prevents the secondary system from feeding back to the primary system and, due to the geometrical parameters chosen, the coupling efficiency is as high as 50-90%. Linear dimensions and terminations applied allow for pulses up to a width of 12ns and up to a voltage level of 4-5 kV on the outside conductor. These pulse parameters proved to be sufficient to upset the DUTs tested so far. In more than 400 measurements a rectangular pulse of increasing voltage level was applied to different types of CMOS and TTL until the individual DUT was damaged. As well the pulse width (3, 6 or 12 ns) and its polarity were varied in single-shot or repetitive-shot experiments (500 shots per voltage at a repetition rate of 3 Hz). The state of the DUT was continuously monitored by measuring both the current of the DUT circuit and that of the oscillator providing the operating signal for the DUT. The results show a very good reproducibility within a set of identical samples, remarkable differences between manufacturers and lower thresholds for repetitive testing, which indicates a memory effect of the DUT to exist for voltage levels significantly below the single-shot threshold.

A strategy for design and fabrication of low cost microchannel for future reproductivity of bio/chemical lab-on-chip application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humayun, Q.; Hashim, U.; Ruzaidi, C. M.; Noriman, N. Z.

2017-03-01

The fabrication and characterization of sensitive and selective fluids delivery system for the application of nano laboratory on a single chip is a challenging task till to date. This paper is one of the initial attempt to resolve this challenging task by using a simple, cost effective and reproductive technique for pattering a microchannel structures on SU-8 resist. The objective of the research is to design, fabricate and characterize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel. The proposed device mask was designed initially by using AutoCAD software and then the designed was transferred to transparency sheet and to commercial chrome mask for better photo masking process. The standard photolithography process coupled with wet chemical etching process was used for the fabrication of proposed microchannel. This is a low cost fabrication technique for the formation of microchannel structure at resist. The fabrication process start from microchannel formation and then the structure was transformed to PDMS substrate, the microchannel structure was cured from mold and then the cured mold was bonded with the glass substrate by plasma oxidation bonding process. The surface morphology was characterized by high power microscope (HPM) and the structure was characterized by Hawk 3 D surface nanoprofiler. The next part of the research will be focus onto device testing and validation by using real biological samples by the implementation of a simple manual injection technique.

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

Sharma, V.K.; Patel, A.S.; Sharma, A.

This paper presents the design of magnetic coil for relativistic magnetron (RM) for LIA (Linear Induction Accelerator)-400 systems. Vacuum improves the efficiency of RM for HPM generation. Magnetic field in RM is very critical parameter and should be nearly constant in the active region. Typical coils are helical in nature, which have multi turns of varying radius. Magnetic field calculation of such coils with basic equations of Helmholtz coils or solenoid with mean radius can only give estimation. Field computational softwares like CST require small mesh size and boundary at very far so consume large memory and take very muchmore » time. Helical coils are simplified such that the basic law of magnetic field calculation i.e. Bio-Savart law can be applied with less complexity. Pairs of spiral coils have been analyzed for magnetic field and Lorenz's force. The approach is field experimentally validated. (author)« less

Technology of fast spark gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Standler, Ronald B.

1989-09-01

To protect electronic systems from the effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) form nuclear weapons and high-power microwave (HPM) weapons, it is desirable to have fast responding protection components. The gas-filled spark gap appears to be an attractive protection component, except that it can be slow to conduct under certain conditions. This report reviews the literature and presents ideas for construction of a spark gap that will conduct in less than one nanosecond. The key concept to making a fast-responding spark gap is to produce a large number of free electrons quickly. Seven different mechanisms for production of free electrons are reviewed, and several that are relevant to miniature spark gaps for protective applications are discussed in detail. These mechanisms include: inclusion of radioactive materials, photoelectric effect, secondary electrode emission from the anode, and field emission from the cathode.

12 CFR 46.6 - Stress test methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Stress test methodologies and practices. 46.6 Section 46.6 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ANNUAL STRESS TEST § 46.6 Stress test methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. During each quarter of...

12 CFR 46.6 - Stress test methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Stress test methodologies and practices. 46.6 Section 46.6 Banks and Banking COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ANNUAL STRESS TEST § 46.6 Stress test methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. During each quarter of...

A methodology of SiP testing based on boundary scan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, He; Quan, Haiyang; Han, Yifei; Zhu, Tianrui; Zheng, Tuo

2017-10-01

System in Package (SiP) play an important role in portable, aerospace and military electronic with the microminiaturization, light weight, high density, and high reliability. At present, SiP system test has encountered the problem on system complexity and malfunction location with the system scale exponentially increase. For SiP system, this paper proposed a testing methodology and testing process based on the boundary scan technology. Combining the character of SiP system and referencing the boundary scan theory of PCB circuit and embedded core test, the specific testing methodology and process has been proposed. The hardware requirement of the under test SiP system has been provided, and the hardware platform of the testing has been constructed. The testing methodology has the character of high test efficiency and accurate malfunction location.

Joint Test Protocol: Environmentally Friendly Zirconium Oxide Pretreatment Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

coatings . Loss of paint adhesion is the primary failure mode on aluminum and steel. 3.7.3 Test Methodology The test methodology for pencil hardness...conversion pretreatment coatings . Loss of paint adhesion is the primary failure mode on aluminum and steel. 3.8.3 Test Methodology The test...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT There is a need to implement innovative and cost- effective replacement technologies to address the multiple health, safety

Assessing the Impact of Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE) on Soldier Physical, Biomechanical, and Cognitive Performance Part 1: Test Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-02-01

29 during Soldier Equipment Configuration Impact on Performance: Establishing a Test Methodology for the...Performance of Medium Rucksack Prototypes An investigation: Comparison of live-fire and weapon simulator test methodologies and the of three extremity armor

75 FR 62403 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-08

... Project: 2011-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Methodological Field Tests (OMB No. 0930-0290..., SAMHSA received a three-year renewal of its generic clearance for methodological field tests. This will be a request for another renewal of the generic approval to continue methodological tests over the...

Eye-Tracking as a Tool in Process-Oriented Reading Test Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solheim, Oddny Judith; Uppstad, Per Henning

2011-01-01

The present paper addresses the continuous need for methodological reflection on how to validate inferences made on the basis of test scores. Validation is a process that requires many lines of evidence. In this article we discuss the potential of eye tracking methodology in process-oriented reading test validation. Methodological considerations…

Experimental demonstration of a Ku-band radial-line relativistic klystron oscillator based on transition radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Fangchao; Zhang, Xiaoping; Zhang, Jun; Ju, Jinchuan; Zhong, Huihuang

2017-03-01

We report on a radial-line relativistic klystron oscillator (RL-RKO), which is physically designed to generate gigawatt-level high power microwaves (HPMs) at Ku-band. The 3π/4 mode of a four-gap buncher is selected to highly modulate the radially propagating intense relativistic electron beam (IREB). A three-gap extractor operating at the π mode is employed to extract the radio-frequency energy efficiently. The Ku-band RL-RKO is investigated experimentally on an intense-current electron beam accelerator. The radially propagating IREB is well focused with an axial-width of 2 mm by a radial magnetic field of 0.4 T. Microwaves with a frequency of 14.86 GHz and a power of 1.5 GW are generated, corresponding to an efficiency of 24%, which indicates a significant advance for the research of radial-line HPM sources.

Analysis of the hot-cavity mode composition of an X-band overmoded relativistic backward wave oscillators

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

Yuan, Yuzhang; Zhang, Jun; Zhong, Huihuang

Overmoded RBWO (Relativistic Backward Wave Oscillators) is utilized more and more often for its high power capacity. However, both sides of SWS (Slow Wave Structure) of overmoded RBWO consist multi TM{sub 0n} modes; in order to achieve the design of reflector, it is essential to make clear of the mode composition of TM{sub 0n}. NUDT (National University of Defence Technology) had done research of the output mode composition in overmoded O-type Cerenkov HPM (High Power Microwave) Oscillators in detail, but in the area where the electron beam exists, the influence of electron beam must be taken into account. Hot-cavity dispersionmore » equation is figured out in this article first, and then analyzes the hot-cavity mode composition of an X-band overmoded RBWO tentatively. The results show that in collimating hole, the hot-cavity mode analysis is more accurate.« less

Force on Force Modeling with Formal Task Structures and Dynamic Geometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-24

task framework, derived using the MMF methodology to structure a complex mission. It further demonstrated the integration of effects from a range of...application methodology was intended to support a combined developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT) strategy for selected systems under test... methodology to develop new or modify existing Models and Simulations (M&S) to: • Apply data from multiple, distributed sources (including test

Field Test of the Methodology for Succession Planning for Technical Experts

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

Cain, Ronald A.; Kirk, Bernadette Lugue; Agreda, Carla L.

This report complements A Methodology for Succession Planning for Technical Experts (Ron Cain, Shaheen Dewji, Carla Agreda, Bernadette Kirk, July 2017), which describes a methodology for identifying and evaluating the loss of key technical skills at nuclear operations facilities. This report targets the methodology for identifying critical skills, hereafter referred to as “core competencies”. The methodology has been field tested by interviewing selected retiring subject matter experts (SMEs).

Stress Optical Coefficient, Test Methodology, and Glass Standard Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

identifying and mapping flaw size distributions on glass surfaces for predicting mechanical response. International Journal of Applied Glass ...ARL-TN-0756 ● MAY 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Stress Optical Coefficient, Test Methodology, and Glass Standard Evaluation...Stress Optical Coefficient, Test Methodology, and Glass Standard Evaluation by Clayton M Weiss Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

75 FR 78720 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-16

.... Proposed Project: 2011-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Methodological Field Tests (OMB No..., SAMHSA received a 3-year renewal of its generic clearance for methodological field tests. This will be a request for another renewal of the generic approval to continue methodological tests over the next 3 years...

Axial Magneto-Inductive Effect in Soft Magnetic Microfibers, Test Methodology, and Experiments

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-24

NUWC-NPT Technical Report 12,186 24 March 2016 Axial Magneto-Inductive Effect in Soft Magnetic Microfibers, Test Methodology , and...Microfibers, Test Methodology , and Experiments 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Anthony B...5 4 MEASUREMENTS AND EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS ...........................................9 5 SAMPLE PREPARATION

TESTING TREE-CLASSIFIER VARIANTS AND ALTERNATE MODELING METHODOLOGIES IN THE EAST GREAT BASIN MAPPING UNIT OF THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL GAP ANALYSIS PROJECT (SW REGAP)

EPA Science Inventory

We tested two methods for dataset generation and model construction, and three tree-classifier variants to identify the most parsimonious and thematically accurate mapping methodology for the SW ReGAP project. Competing methodologies were tested in the East Great Basin mapping un...

76 FR 67515 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-01

..., determined by the Clearing House using stress test methodology equal to the theoretical two largest IRS Clearing Member losses produced by such stress test or such other methodology determined by the IRS Risk... portion, determined by the Clearing House using stress test methodology equal to the theoretical third and...

76 FR 50993 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Generic Clearance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-17

...: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Generic Clearance to Conduct Methodological Testing, Surveys, Focus... proposed information collection. This information collection will conduct research by methodological... Methodological Testing, Surveys, Focus Groups, and Related Tools to Improve the Management of Federal Nutrition...

Analysis of Two Advanced Smoothing Algorithms.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

59 B. METHODOLOGY . ......... ........... 60 6 C. TESTING AND RESULTS ---- LINEAR UNDERLYING FUNCTION...SMOOTHING ALGORITHMS ...... .................... 94 A. GENERAL ......... ....................... .. 94 B. METHODOLOGY ............................ .95 C...to define succinctly. 59 B. METHODOLOGY There is no established procedure to follow in testing the efficiency and effectiveness of a smoothing

Proposed Objective Odor Control Test Methodology for Waste Containment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vos, Gordon

2010-01-01

The Orion Cockpit Working Group has requested that an odor control testing methodology be proposed to evaluate the odor containment effectiveness of waste disposal bags to be flown on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. As a standardized "odor containment" test does not appear to be a matter of record for the project, a new test method is being proposed. This method is based on existing test methods used in industrial hygiene for the evaluation of respirator fit in occupational settings, and takes into consideration peer reviewed documentation of human odor thresholds for standardized contaminates, industry stardnard atmostpheric testing methodologies, and established criteria for laboratory analysis. The proposed methodology is quantitative, though it can readily be complimented with a qualitative subjective assessment. Isoamyl acetate (IAA - also known at isopentyl acetate) is commonly used in respirator fit testing, and there are documented methodologies for both measuring its quantitative airborne concentrations. IAA is a clear, colorless liquid with a banana-like odor, documented detectable smell threshold for humans of 0.025 PPM, and a 15 PPB level of quantation limit.

A Nested PCR Assay to Avoid False Positive Detection of the Microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in Environmental Samples in Shrimp Farms

PubMed Central

Jaroenlak, Pattana; Sanguanrut, Piyachat; Williams, Bryony A. P.; Stentiford, Grant D.; Flegel, Timothy W.; Sritunyalucksana, Kallaya

2016-01-01

Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is an important disease of cultivated shrimp. Heavy infections may lead to retarded growth and unprofitable harvests. Existing PCR detection methods target the EHP small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene (SSU-PCR). However, we discovered that they can give false positive test results due to cross reactivity of the SSU-PCR primers with DNA from closely related microsporidia that infect other aquatic organisms. This is problematic for investigating and monitoring EHP infection pathways. To overcome this problem, a sensitive and specific nested PCR method was developed for detection of the spore wall protein (SWP) gene of EHP (SWP-PCR). The new SWP-PCR method did not produce false positive results from closely related microsporidia. The first PCR step of the SWP-PCR method was 100 times (104 plasmid copies per reaction vial) more sensitive than that of the existing SSU-PCR method (106 copies) but sensitivity was equal for both in the nested step (10 copies). Since the hepatopancreas of cultivated shrimp is not currently known to be infected with microsporidia other than EHP, the SSU-PCR methods are still valid for analyzing hepatopancreatic samples despite the lower sensitivity than the SWP-PCR method. However, due to its greater specificity and sensitivity, we recommend that the SWP-PCR method be used to screen for EHP in feces, feed and environmental samples for potential EHP carriers. PMID:27832178

A Nested PCR Assay to Avoid False Positive Detection of the Microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in Environmental Samples in Shrimp Farms.

PubMed

Jaroenlak, Pattana; Sanguanrut, Piyachat; Williams, Bryony A P; Stentiford, Grant D; Flegel, Timothy W; Sritunyalucksana, Kallaya; Itsathitphaisarn, Ornchuma

2016-01-01

Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is an important disease of cultivated shrimp. Heavy infections may lead to retarded growth and unprofitable harvests. Existing PCR detection methods target the EHP small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene (SSU-PCR). However, we discovered that they can give false positive test results due to cross reactivity of the SSU-PCR primers with DNA from closely related microsporidia that infect other aquatic organisms. This is problematic for investigating and monitoring EHP infection pathways. To overcome this problem, a sensitive and specific nested PCR method was developed for detection of the spore wall protein (SWP) gene of EHP (SWP-PCR). The new SWP-PCR method did not produce false positive results from closely related microsporidia. The first PCR step of the SWP-PCR method was 100 times (104 plasmid copies per reaction vial) more sensitive than that of the existing SSU-PCR method (106 copies) but sensitivity was equal for both in the nested step (10 copies). Since the hepatopancreas of cultivated shrimp is not currently known to be infected with microsporidia other than EHP, the SSU-PCR methods are still valid for analyzing hepatopancreatic samples despite the lower sensitivity than the SWP-PCR method. However, due to its greater specificity and sensitivity, we recommend that the SWP-PCR method be used to screen for EHP in feces, feed and environmental samples for potential EHP carriers.

A methodology for testing fault-tolerant software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, D. M.; Mahmood, A.; Mccluskey, E. J.

1985-01-01

A methodology for testing fault tolerant software is presented. There are problems associated with testing fault tolerant software because many errors are masked or corrected by voters, limiter, or automatic channel synchronization. This methodology illustrates how the same strategies used for testing fault tolerant hardware can be applied to testing fault tolerant software. For example, one strategy used in testing fault tolerant hardware is to disable the redundancy during testing. A similar testing strategy is proposed for software, namely, to move the major emphasis on testing earlier in the development cycle (before the redundancy is in place) thus reducing the possibility that undetected errors will be masked when limiters and voters are added.

Standardized Laboratory Test Requirements for Hardening Equipment to Withstand Wave Impact Shock in Small High Speed Craft

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-06

and methodology for transitioning craft acceleration data to laboratory shock test requirements are summarized and example requirements for...engineering rationale, assumptions, and methodology for transitioning craft acceleration data to laboratory shock test requirements are summarized and... Methodologies for Small High-Speed Craft Structure, Equipment, Shock Isolation Seats, and Human Performance At-Sea, 10 th Symposium on High

Methodology for designing accelerated aging tests for predicting life of photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaines, G. B.; Thomas, R. E.; Derringer, G. C.; Kistler, C. W.; Bigg, D. M.; Carmichael, D. C.

1977-01-01

A methodology for designing aging tests in which life prediction was paramount was developed. The methodology builds upon experience with regard to aging behavior in those material classes which are expected to be utilized as encapsulant elements, viz., glasses and polymers, and upon experience with the design of aging tests. The experiences were reviewed, and results are discussed in detail.

Validating a Finite Element Model of a Structure Subjected to Mine Blast with Experimental Modal Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-01

The Under-body Blast Methodology (UBM) for the Test and Evaluation (T&E) program was established to provide a capability for the US Army Test and... Evaluation Command to assess the vulnerability of vehicles to under-body blast. Finite element (FE) models are part of the current UBM for T&E methodology...Methodology (UBM) for the Test and Evaluation (T&E) program was established to provide a capability for the US Army Test and Evaluation Command

Single Event Test Methodologies and System Error Rate Analysis for Triple Modular Redundant Field Programmable Gate Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Gregory; Edmonds, Larry D.; Swift, Gary; Carmichael, Carl; Tseng, Chen Wei; Heldt, Kevin; Anderson, Scott Arlo; Coe, Michael

2010-01-01

We present a test methodology for estimating system error rates of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) mitigated with Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). The test methodology is founded in a mathematical model, which is also presented. Accelerator data from 90 nm Xilins Military/Aerospace grade FPGA are shown to fit the model. Fault injection (FI) results are discussed and related to the test data. Design implementation and the corresponding impact of multiple bit upset (MBU) are also discussed.

Methodology for testing infrared focal plane arrays in simulated nuclear radiation environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divita, E. L.; Mills, R. E.; Koch, T. L.; Gordon, M. J.; Wilcox, R. A.; Williams, R. E.

1992-07-01

This paper summarizes test methodology for focal plane array (FPA) testing that can be used for benign (clear) and radiation environments, and describes the use of custom dewars and integrated test equipment in an example environment. The test methodology, consistent with American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, is presented for the total accumulated gamma dose, transient dose rate, gamma flux, and neutron fluence environments. The merits and limitations of using Cobalt 60 for gamma environment simulations and of using various fast-neutron reactors and neutron sources for neutron simulations are presented. Test result examples are presented to demonstrate test data acquisition and FPA parameter performance under different measurement conditions and environmental simulations.

Assessment of change in knowledge about research methods among delegates attending research methodology workshop.

PubMed

Shrivastava, Manisha; Shah, Nehal; Navaid, Seema

2018-01-01

In an era of evidence based medicine research is an essential part of medical profession whether clinical or academic. A research methodology workshop intends to help participants, those who are newer to research field or those who are already doing empirical research. The present study was conducted to assess the changes in knowledge of the participants of a research methodology workshop through a structured questionnaire. With administrative and ethical approval, a four day research methodology workshop was planned. The participants were subjected to a structured questionnaire (pre-test) containing 20 multiple choice questions (Q1-Q 20) related to the topics to be covered in research methodology workshop before the commencement of the workshop and then subjected to similar posttest questionnaire after the completion of workshop. The mean values of pre and post-test scores were calculated and the results were analyzed and compared. Out of the total 153 delegates, 45(29 %) were males and 108 were (71 %) females. 92 (60%) participants consented to fill the pre-test questionnaire and 68 (44%) filled the post-test questionnaire. The mean Pre-test and post-test scores at 95% Confidence Interval were 07.62 (SD ±3.220) and 09.66 (SD ±2.477) respectively. The differences were found to be significant using Paired Sample T test ( P <0.003). There was increase in knowledge of the delegates after attending research methodology workshops. Participatory research methodology workshops are good methods of imparting knowledge, also the long term effects needs to be evaluated.

Novel optoelectronic methodology for testing of MOEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pryputniewicz, Ryszard J.; Furlong, Cosme

2003-01-01

Continued demands for delivery of high performance micro-optoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) place unprecedented requirements on methods used in their development and operation. Metrology is a major and inseparable part of these methods. Optoelectronic methodology is an essential field of metrology. Due to its scalability, optoelectronic methodology is particularly suitable for testing of MOEMS where measurements must be made with ever increasing accuracy and precision. This was particularly evident during the last few years, characterized by miniaturization of devices, when requirements for measurements have rapidly increased as the emerging technologies introduced new products, especially, optical MEMS. In this paper, a novel optoelectronic methodology for testing of MOEMS is described and its applications are illustrated with representative examples. These examples demonstrate capability to measure submicron deformations of various components of the micromirror device, under operating conditions, and show viability of the optoelectronic methodology for testing of MOEMS.

An enhanced methodology for spacecraft correlation activity using virtual testing tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remedia, Marcello; Aglietti, Guglielmo S.; Appolloni, Matteo; Cozzani, Alessandro; Kiley, Andrew

2017-11-01

Test planning and post-test correlation activity have been issues of growing importance in the last few decades and many methodologies have been developed to either quantify or improve the correlation between computational and experimental results. In this article the methodologies established so far are enhanced with the implementation of a recently developed procedure called Virtual Testing. In the context of fixed-base sinusoidal tests (commonly used in the space sector for correlation), there are several factors in the test campaign that affect the behaviour of the satellite and are not normally taken into account when performing analyses: different boundary conditions created by the shaker's own dynamics, non-perfect control system, signal delays etc. All these factors are the core of the Virtual Testing implementation, which will be thoroughly explained in this article and applied to the specific case of Bepi-Colombo spacecraft tested on the ESA QUAD Shaker. Correlation activity will be performed in the various stages of the process, showing important improvements observed after applying the final complete methodology.

Integrating Test-Form Formatting into Automated Test Assembly

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diao, Qi; van der Linden, Wim J.

2013-01-01

Automated test assembly uses the methodology of mixed integer programming to select an optimal set of items from an item bank. Automated test-form generation uses the same methodology to optimally order the items and format the test form. From an optimization point of view, production of fully formatted test forms directly from the item pool using…

Experimental Methodology for Measuring Combustion and Injection-Coupled Responses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavitt, Ryan C.; Frederick, Robert A.; Bazarov, Vladimir G.

2006-01-01

A Russian scaling methodology for liquid rocket engines utilizing a single, full scale element is reviewed. The scaling methodology exploits the supercritical phase of the full scale propellants to simplify scaling requirements. Many assumptions are utilized in the derivation of the scaling criteria. A test apparatus design is presented to implement the Russian methodology and consequently verify the assumptions. This test apparatus will allow researchers to assess the usefulness of the scaling procedures and possibly enhance the methodology. A matrix of the apparatus capabilities for a RD-170 injector is also presented. Several methods to enhance the methodology have been generated through the design process.

Automated Test-Form Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Linden, Wim J.; Diao, Qi

2011-01-01

In automated test assembly (ATA), the methodology of mixed-integer programming is used to select test items from an item bank to meet the specifications for a desired test form and optimize its measurement accuracy. The same methodology can be used to automate the formatting of the set of selected items into the actual test form. Three different…

Development and Validation of a Translation Test.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghonsooly, Behzad

1993-01-01

Translation testing methodology has been criticized for its subjective character. No real strides have so far been made in developing an objective translation test. In this paper, certain detailed procedures including various phases of pretesting have been performed to achieve objectivity and scorability in translation testing methodology. In…

76 FR 52892 - Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-24

... between the DOE test data and the data submitted by NEMA; describe the methodological changes DOE is... differences between test data obtained by DOE and test data submitted by NEMA; (3) describe the methodological...

Methodological strategies in using home sleep apnea testing in research and practice.

PubMed

Miller, Jennifer N; Schulz, Paula; Pozehl, Bunny; Fiedler, Douglas; Fial, Alissa; Berger, Ann M

2017-11-14

Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) has increased due to improvements in technology, accessibility, and changes in third party reimbursement requirements. Research studies using HSAT have not consistently reported procedures and methodological challenges. This paper had two objectives: (1) summarize the literature on use of HSAT in research of adults and (2) identify methodological strategies to use in research and practice to standardize HSAT procedures and information. Search strategy included studies of participants undergoing sleep testing for OSA using HSAT. MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase with the following search terms: "polysomnography," "home," "level III," "obstructive sleep apnea," and "out of center testing." Research articles that met inclusion criteria (n = 34) inconsistently reported methods and methodological challenges in terms of: (a) participant sampling; (b) instrumentation issues; (c) clinical variables; (d) data processing; and (e) patient acceptability. Ten methodological strategies were identified for adoption when using HSAT in research and practice. Future studies need to address the methodological challenges summarized in this paper as well as identify and report consistent HSAT procedures and information.

The Impact of Explicit Teaching of Methodological Aspects of Physics on Scientistic Beliefs and Interest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korte, Stefan; Berger, Roland; Hänze, Martin

2017-01-01

We assessed the impact of teaching methodological aspects of physics on students' scientistic beliefs and subject interest in physics in a repeated-measurement design with a total of 142 students of upper secondary physics classes. Students gained knowledge of methodological aspects from the pre-test to the post-test and reported reduced…

On Improving the Experiment Methodology in Pedagogical Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horakova, Tereza; Houska, Milan

2014-01-01

The paper shows how the methodology for a pedagogical experiment can be improved through including the pre-research stage. If the experiment has the form of a test procedure, an improvement of methodology can be achieved using for example the methods of statistical and didactic analysis of tests which are traditionally used in other areas, i.e.…

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

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

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

77 FR 6971 - Establishment of User Fees for Filovirus Testing of Nonhuman Primate Liver Samples

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-10

... (ELISA) or other appropriate methodology. Each specimen will be held for six months. After six months.../CDC's analysis of costs to the Government is based on the current methodology (ELISA) used to test NHP... different methodology or changes in the availability of ELISA reagents will affect the amount of the user...

Instrumentation Methodology for Automobile Crash Testing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-08-01

Principal characteristics of existing data acquisition practices and instrumentation methodologies have been reviewed to identify differences which are responsible for difficulties in comparing and interpreting structural crash test data. Recommendat...

An improved approach for flight readiness certification: Probabilistic models for flaw propagation and turbine blade failure. Volume 1: Methodology and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, N. R.; Ebbeler, D. H.; Newlin, L. E.; Sutharshana, S.; Creager, M.

1992-01-01

An improved methodology for quantitatively evaluating failure risk of spaceflight systems to assess flight readiness and identify risk control measures is presented. This methodology, called Probabilistic Failure Assessment (PFA), combines operating experience from tests and flights with analytical modeling of failure phenomena to estimate failure risk. The PFA methodology is of particular value when information on which to base an assessment of failure risk, including test experience and knowledge of parameters used in analytical modeling, is expensive or difficult to acquire. The PFA methodology is a prescribed statistical structure in which analytical models that characterize failure phenomena are used conjointly with uncertainties about analysis parameters and/or modeling accuracy to estimate failure probability distributions for specific failure modes. These distributions can then be modified, by means of statistical procedures of the PFA methodology, to reflect any test or flight experience. State-of-the-art analytical models currently employed for designs failure prediction, or performance analysis are used in this methodology. The rationale for the statistical approach taken in the PFA methodology is discussed, the PFA methodology is described, and examples of its application to structural failure modes are presented. The engineering models and computer software used in fatigue crack growth and fatigue crack initiation applications are thoroughly documented.

An improved approach for flight readiness certification: Methodology for failure risk assessment and application examples. Volume 2: Software documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, N. R.; Ebbeler, D. H.; Newlin, L. E.; Sutharshana, S.; Creager, M.

1992-01-01

An improved methodology for quantitatively evaluating failure risk of spaceflight systems to assess flight readiness and identify risk control measures is presented. This methodology, called Probabilistic Failure Assessment (PFA), combines operating experience from tests and flights with engineering analysis to estimate failure risk. The PFA methodology is of particular value when information on which to base an assessment of failure risk, including test experience and knowledge of parameters used in engineering analyses of failure phenomena, is expensive or difficult to acquire. The PFA methodology is a prescribed statistical structure in which engineering analysis models that characterize failure phenomena are used conjointly with uncertainties about analysis parameters and/or modeling accuracy to estimate failure probability distributions for specific failure modes, These distributions can then be modified, by means of statistical procedures of the PFA methodology, to reflect any test or flight experience. Conventional engineering analysis models currently employed for design of failure prediction are used in this methodology. The PFA methodology is described and examples of its application are presented. Conventional approaches to failure risk evaluation for spaceflight systems are discussed, and the rationale for the approach taken in the PFA methodology is presented. The statistical methods, engineering models, and computer software used in fatigue failure mode applications are thoroughly documented.

An improved approach for flight readiness certification: Methodology for failure risk assessment and application examples, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, N. R.; Ebbeler, D. H.; Newlin, L. E.; Sutharshana, S.; Creager, M.

1992-01-01

An improved methodology for quantitatively evaluating failure risk of spaceflight systems to assess flight readiness and identify risk control measures is presented. This methodology, called Probabilistic Failure Assessment (PFA), combines operating experience from tests and flights with engineering analysis to estimate failure risk. The PFA methodology is of particular value when information on which to base an assessment of failure risk, including test experience and knowledge of parameters used in engineering analyses of failure phenomena, is expensive or difficult to acquire. The PFA methodology is a prescribed statistical structure in which engineering analysis models that characterize failure phenomena are used conjointly with uncertainties about analysis parameters and/or modeling accuracy to estimate failure probability distributions for specific failure modes. These distributions can then be modified, by means of statistical procedures of the PFA methodology, to reflect any test or flight experience. Conventional engineering analysis models currently employed for design of failure prediction are used in this methodology. The PFA methodology is described and examples of its application are presented. Conventional approaches to failure risk evaluation for spaceflight systems are discussed, and the rationale for the approach taken in the PFA methodology is presented. The statistical methods, engineering models, and computer software used in fatigue failure mode applications are thoroughly documented.

Hypothesis testing on the fractal structure of behavioral sequences: the Bayesian assessment of scaling methodology.

PubMed

Moscoso del Prado Martín, Fermín

2013-12-01

I introduce the Bayesian assessment of scaling (BAS), a simple but powerful Bayesian hypothesis contrast methodology that can be used to test hypotheses on the scaling regime exhibited by a sequence of behavioral data. Rather than comparing parametric models, as typically done in previous approaches, the BAS offers a direct, nonparametric way to test whether a time series exhibits fractal scaling. The BAS provides a simpler and faster test than do previous methods, and the code for making the required computations is provided. The method also enables testing of finely specified hypotheses on the scaling indices, something that was not possible with the previously available methods. I then present 4 simulation studies showing that the BAS methodology outperforms the other methods used in the psychological literature. I conclude with a discussion of methodological issues on fractal analyses in experimental psychology. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Numerical solution to generalized Burgers'-Fisher equation using Exp-function method hybridized with heuristic computation.

PubMed

Malik, Suheel Abdullah; Qureshi, Ijaz Mansoor; Amir, Muhammad; Malik, Aqdas Naveed; Haq, Ihsanul

2015-01-01

In this paper, a new heuristic scheme for the approximate solution of the generalized Burgers'-Fisher equation is proposed. The scheme is based on the hybridization of Exp-function method with nature inspired algorithm. The given nonlinear partial differential equation (NPDE) through substitution is converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE). The travelling wave solution is approximated by the Exp-function method with unknown parameters. The unknown parameters are estimated by transforming the NODE into an equivalent global error minimization problem by using a fitness function. The popular genetic algorithm (GA) is used to solve the minimization problem, and to achieve the unknown parameters. The proposed scheme is successfully implemented to solve the generalized Burgers'-Fisher equation. The comparison of numerical results with the exact solutions, and the solutions obtained using some traditional methods, including adomian decomposition method (ADM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), show that the suggested scheme is fairly accurate and viable for solving such problems.

Numerical Solution to Generalized Burgers'-Fisher Equation Using Exp-Function Method Hybridized with Heuristic Computation

PubMed Central

Malik, Suheel Abdullah; Qureshi, Ijaz Mansoor; Amir, Muhammad; Malik, Aqdas Naveed; Haq, Ihsanul

2015-01-01

In this paper, a new heuristic scheme for the approximate solution of the generalized Burgers'-Fisher equation is proposed. The scheme is based on the hybridization of Exp-function method with nature inspired algorithm. The given nonlinear partial differential equation (NPDE) through substitution is converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE). The travelling wave solution is approximated by the Exp-function method with unknown parameters. The unknown parameters are estimated by transforming the NODE into an equivalent global error minimization problem by using a fitness function. The popular genetic algorithm (GA) is used to solve the minimization problem, and to achieve the unknown parameters. The proposed scheme is successfully implemented to solve the generalized Burgers'-Fisher equation. The comparison of numerical results with the exact solutions, and the solutions obtained using some traditional methods, including adomian decomposition method (ADM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), show that the suggested scheme is fairly accurate and viable for solving such problems. PMID:25811858

A high-efficiency tunable TEM-TE11 mode converter for high-power microwave applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-Yu; Fan, Yu-Wei; Shu, Ting; Yuan, Cheng-wei; Zhang, Qiang

2017-03-01

The tunable high power microwave source (HPM's) is considered to be an important research direction. However, the corresponding mode converter has been researched little. In this paper, a high-efficiency tunable mode converter (HETMC) is investigated for high-power microwave applications. The HETMC that is consisted of coaxial inner and outer conductors, with four metal plates arranged radially, at 90° in the coaxial gap, and matching rods can transform coaxial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode to TE11 coaxial waveguide mode. The results show that adjusting the length of the downstream plate, and the distance between the rods installed upstream and the closest edges of the plates, can improve the conversion efficiency and bandwidth remarkably. Moreover, when the frequency ranges from 1.63 GHz to 2.12 GHz, the conversion efficiency is above 95% between 1.63 GHz and 2.12 GHz with a bandwidth of 26.1%. Besides, the unwished reflection and transmission can be eliminated effectively in the HETMC.

Proteolysis of truncated hemolysin A yields a stable dimerization interface

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

Novak, Walter R. P.; Bhattacharyya, Basudeb; Grilley, Daniel P.

2017-02-21

Wild-type and variant forms of HpmA265 (truncated hemolysin A) fromProteus mirabilisreveal a right-handed, parallel β-helix capped and flanked by segments of antiparallel β-strands. The low-salt crystal structures form a dimeric structureviathe implementation of on-edge main-chain hydrogen bonds donated by residues 243–263 of adjacent monomers. Surprisingly, in the high-salt structures of two variants, Y134A and Q125A-Y134A, a new dimeric interface is formedviamain-chain hydrogen bonds donated by residues 203–215 of adjacent monomers, and a previously unobserved tetramer is formed. In addition, an eight-stranded antiparallel β-sheet is formed from the flap regions of crystallographically related monomers in the high-salt structures. This new interfacemore » is possible owing to additional proteolysis of these variants after Tyr240. The interface formed in the high-salt crystal forms of hemolysin A variants may mimic the on-edge β-strand positioning used in template-assisted hemolytic activity.« less

12 CFR 325.205 - Methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... procedures, that are designed to ensure that its stress test processes satisfy the requirements in this... POLICY CAPITAL MAINTENANCE Annual Stress Test § 325.205 Methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. In conducting a stress test under this subpart, during each quarter of the planning...

12 CFR 325.205 - Methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... procedures, that are designed to ensure that its stress test processes satisfy the requirements in this... POLICY CAPITAL MAINTENANCE Annual Stress Test § 325.205 Methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. In conducting a stress test under this subpart, during each quarter of the planning...

Testing Methodology in the Student Learning Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gorbunova, Tatiana N.

2017-01-01

The subject of the research is to build methodologies to evaluate the student knowledge by testing. The author points to the importance of feedback about the mastering level in the learning process. Testing is considered as a tool. The object of the study is to create the test system models for defence practice problems. Special attention is paid…

An engineering methodology for implementing and testing VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated) circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corliss, Walter F., II

1989-03-01

The engineering methodology for producing a fully tested VLSI chip from a design layout is presented. A 16-bit correlator, NPS CORN88, that was previously designed, was used as a vehicle to demonstrate this methodology. The study of the design and simulation tools, MAGIC and MOSSIM II, was the focus of the design and validation process. The design was then implemented and the chip was fabricated by MOSIS. This fabricated chip was then used to develop a testing methodology for using the digital test facilities at NPS. NPS CORN88 was the first full custom VLSI chip, designed at NPS, to be tested with the NPS digital analysis system, Tektronix DAS 9100 series tester. The capabilities and limitations of these test facilities are examined. NPS CORN88 test results are included to demonstrate the capabilities of the digital test system. A translator, MOS2DAS, was developed to convert the MOSSIM II simulation program to the input files required by the DAS 9100 device verification software, 91DVS. Finally, a tutorial for using the digital test facilities, including the DAS 9100 and associated support equipments, is included as an appendix.

Application of validity theory and methodology to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): building an argument for validity.

PubMed

Hawkins, Melanie; Elsworth, Gerald R; Osborne, Richard H

2018-07-01

Data from subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are now being used in the health sector to make or support decisions about individuals, groups and populations. Contemporary validity theorists define validity not as a statistical property of the test but as the extent to which empirical evidence supports the interpretation of test scores for an intended use. However, validity testing theory and methodology are rarely evident in the PROM validation literature. Application of this theory and methodology would provide structure for comprehensive validation planning to support improved PROM development and sound arguments for the validity of PROM score interpretation and use in each new context. This paper proposes the application of contemporary validity theory and methodology to PROM validity testing. The validity testing principles will be applied to a hypothetical case study with a focus on the interpretation and use of scores from a translated PROM that measures health literacy (the Health Literacy Questionnaire or HLQ). Although robust psychometric properties of a PROM are a pre-condition to its use, a PROM's validity lies in the sound argument that a network of empirical evidence supports the intended interpretation and use of PROM scores for decision making in a particular context. The health sector is yet to apply contemporary theory and methodology to PROM development and validation. The theoretical and methodological processes in this paper are offered as an advancement of the theory and practice of PROM validity testing in the health sector.

78 FR 47217 - Proposed Supervisory Guidance on Implementing Dodd-Frank Act Company-Run Stress Tests for Banking...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-05

..., that are designed to ensure that its stress testing processes are effective in meeting the requirements... specific methodological practices. Consistent with this approach, this guidance sets general supervisory... use any specific methodological practices for their stress tests. Companies may use various practices...

Assessing Personality and Mood With Adjective Check List Methodology: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Robert J.

2005-01-01

This article addresses the benefits and problems in using adjective check list methodology to assess personality. Recent developments in this assessment method are reviewed, emphasizing seminal adjective-based personality tests (Gough's Adjective Check List), mood tests (Lubin's Depressive Adjective Test, Multiple Affect Adjective Check List),…

An improved approach for flight readiness certification: Methodology for failure risk assessment and application examples. Volume 3: Structure and listing of programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, N. R.; Ebbeler, D. H.; Newlin, L. E.; Sutharshana, S.; Creager, M.

1992-01-01

An improved methodology for quantitatively evaluating failure risk of spaceflight systems to assess flight readiness and identify risk control measures is presented. This methodology, called Probabilistic Failure Assessment (PFA), combines operating experience from tests and flights with engineering analysis to estimate failure risk. The PFA methodology is of particular value when information on which to base an assessment of failure risk, including test experience and knowledge of parameters used in engineering analyses of failure phenomena, is expensive or difficult to acquire. The PFA methodology is a prescribed statistical structure in which engineering analysis models that characterize failure phenomena are used conjointly with uncertainties about analysis parameters and/or modeling accuracy to estimate failure probability distributions for specific failure modes. These distributions can then be modified, by means of statistical procedures of the PFA methodology, to reflect any test or flight experience. Conventional engineering analysis models currently employed for design of failure prediction are used in this methodology. The PFA methodology is described and examples of its application are presented. Conventional approaches to failure risk evaluation for spaceflight systems are discussed, and the rationale for the approach taken in the PFA methodology is presented. The statistical methods, engineering models, and computer software used in fatigue failure mode applications are thoroughly documented.

An improved approach for flight readiness certification: Probabilistic models for flaw propagation and turbine blade failure. Volume 2: Software documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, N. R.; Ebbeler, D. H.; Newlin, L. E.; Sutharshana, S.; Creager, M.

1992-01-01

An improved methodology for quantitatively evaluating failure risk of spaceflights systems to assess flight readiness and identify risk control measures is presented. This methodology, called Probabilistic Failure Assessment (PFA), combines operating experience from tests and flights with analytical modeling of failure phenomena to estimate failure risk. The PFA methodology is of particular value when information on which to base an assessment of failure risk, including test experience and knowledge of parameters used in analytical modeling, is expensive or difficult to acquire. The PFA methodology is a prescribed statistical structure in which analytical models that characterize failure phenomena are used conjointly with uncertainties about analysis parameters and/or modeling accuracy to estimate failure probability distributions for specific failure modes. These distributions can then be modified, by means of statistical procedures of the PFA methodology, to reflect any test or flight experience. State-of-the-art analytical models currently employed for design, failure prediction, or performance analysis are used in this methodology. The rationale for the statistical approach taken in the PFA methodology is discussed, the PFA methodology is described, and examples of its application to structural failure modes are presented. The engineering models and computer software used in fatigue crack growth and fatigue crack initiation applications are thoroughly documented.

Advanced Technologies and Methodology for Automated Ultrasonic Testing Systems Quantification

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-29

For automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) detection and sizing accuracy, this program developed a methodology for quantification of AUT systems, advancing and quantifying AUT systems imagecapture capabilities, quantifying the performance of multiple AUT...

Topology optimization under stochastic stiffness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadpoure, Alireza

Topology optimization is a systematic computational tool for optimizing the layout of materials within a domain for engineering design problems. It allows variation of structural boundaries and connectivities. This freedom in the design space often enables discovery of new, high performance designs. However, solutions obtained by performing the optimization in a deterministic setting may be impractical or suboptimal when considering real-world engineering conditions with inherent variabilities including (for example) variabilities in fabrication processes and operating conditions. The aim of this work is to provide a computational methodology for topology optimization in the presence of uncertainties associated with structural stiffness, such as uncertain material properties and/or structural geometry. Existing methods for topology optimization under deterministic conditions are first reviewed. Modifications are then proposed to improve the numerical performance of the so-called Heaviside Projection Method (HPM) in continuum domains. Next, two approaches, perturbation and Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE), are proposed to account for uncertainties in the optimization procedure. These approaches are intrusive, allowing tight and efficient coupling of the uncertainty quantification with the optimization sensitivity analysis. The work herein develops a robust topology optimization framework aimed at reducing the sensitivity of optimized solutions to uncertainties. The perturbation-based approach combines deterministic topology optimization with a perturbation method for the quantification of uncertainties. The use of perturbation transforms the problem of topology optimization under uncertainty to an augmented deterministic topology optimization problem. The PCE approach combines the spectral stochastic approach for the representation and propagation of uncertainties with an existing deterministic topology optimization technique. The resulting compact representations for the response quantities allow for efficient and accurate calculation of sensitivities of response statistics with respect to the design variables. The proposed methods are shown to be successful at generating robust optimal topologies. Examples from topology optimization in continuum and discrete domains (truss structures) under uncertainty are presented. It is also shown that proposed methods lead to significant computational savings when compared to Monte Carlo-based optimization which involve multiple formations and inversions of the global stiffness matrix and that results obtained from the proposed method are in excellent agreement with those obtained from a Monte Carlo-based optimization algorithm.

A new hybrid transfinite element computational methodology for applicability to conduction/convection/radiation heat transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamma, Kumar K.; Railkar, Sudhir B.

1988-01-01

This paper describes new and recent advances in the development of a hybrid transfinite element computational methodology for applicability to conduction/convection/radiation heat transfer problems. The transfinite element methodology, while retaining the modeling versatility of contemporary finite element formulations, is based on application of transform techniques in conjunction with classical Galerkin schemes and is a hybrid approach. The purpose of this paper is to provide a viable hybrid computational methodology for applicability to general transient thermal analysis. Highlights and features of the methodology are described and developed via generalized formulations and applications to several test problems. The proposed transfinite element methodology successfully provides a viable computational approach and numerical test problems validate the proposed developments for conduction/convection/radiation thermal analysis.

Evaluation of glucose controllers in virtual environment: methodology and sample application.

PubMed

Chassin, Ludovic J; Wilinska, Malgorzata E; Hovorka, Roman

2004-11-01

Adaptive systems to deliver medical treatment in humans are safety-critical systems and require particular care in both the testing and the evaluation phase, which are time-consuming, costly, and confounded by ethical issues. The objective of the present work is to develop a methodology to test glucose controllers of an artificial pancreas in a simulated (virtual) environment. A virtual environment comprising a model of the carbohydrate metabolism and models of the insulin pump and the glucose sensor is employed to simulate individual glucose excursions in subjects with type 1 diabetes. The performance of the control algorithm within the virtual environment is evaluated by considering treatment and operational scenarios. The developed methodology includes two dimensions: testing in relation to specific life style conditions, i.e. fasting, post-prandial, and life style (metabolic) disturbances; and testing in relation to various operating conditions, i.e. expected operating conditions, adverse operating conditions, and system failure. We define safety and efficacy criteria and describe the measures to be taken prior to clinical testing. The use of the methodology is exemplified by tuning and evaluating a model predictive glucose controller being developed for a wearable artificial pancreas focused on fasting conditions. Our methodology to test glucose controllers in a virtual environment is instrumental in anticipating the results of real clinical tests for different physiological conditions and for different operating conditions. The thorough testing in the virtual environment reduces costs and speeds up the development process.

The Long Exercise Test in Periodic Paralysis: A Bayesian Analysis.

PubMed

Simmons, Daniel B; Lanning, Julie; Cleland, James C; Puwanant, Araya; Twydell, Paul T; Griggs, Robert C; Tawil, Rabi; Logigian, Eric L

2018-05-12

The long exercise test (LET) is used to assess the diagnosis of periodic paralysis (PP), but LET methodology and normal "cut-off" values vary. To determine optimal LET methodology and cut-offs, we reviewed LET data (abductor digiti minimi (ADM) motor response amplitude, area) from 55 PP patients (32 genetically definite) and 125 controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and area-under-the-curve (AUC) calculated to compare 1) peak-to-nadir versus baseline-to-nadir methodologies, and 2) amplitude versus area decrements. Using Bayesian principles, optimal "cut-off" decrements that achieved 95% post-test probability of PP were calculated for various pre-test probabilities (PreTPs). AUC was highest for peak-to-nadir methodology and equal for amplitude and area decrements. For PreTP ≤50%, optimal decrement cut-offs (peak-to-nadir) were >40% (amplitude) or >50% (area). For confirmation of PP, our data endorse the diagnostic utility of peak-to-nadir LET methodology using 40% amplitude or 50% area decrement cut-offs for PreTPs ≤50%. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Integrating Low-Cost Rapid Usability Testing into Agile System Development of Healthcare IT: A Methodological Perspective.

PubMed

Kushniruk, Andre W; Borycki, Elizabeth M

2015-01-01

The development of more usable and effective healthcare information systems has become a critical issue. In the software industry methodologies such as agile and iterative development processes have emerged to lead to more effective and usable systems. These approaches highlight focusing on user needs and promoting iterative and flexible development practices. Evaluation and testing of iterative agile development cycles is considered an important part of the agile methodology and iterative processes for system design and re-design. However, the issue of how to effectively integrate usability testing methods into rapid and flexible agile design cycles has remained to be fully explored. In this paper we describe our application of an approach known as low-cost rapid usability testing as it has been applied within agile system development in healthcare. The advantages of the integrative approach are described, along with current methodological considerations.

An Alternative Methodology for Creating Parallel Test Forms Using the IRT Information Function.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ackerman, Terry A.

The purpose of this paper is to report results on the development of a new computer-assisted methodology for creating parallel test forms using the item response theory (IRT) information function. Recently, several researchers have approached test construction from a mathematical programming perspective. However, these procedures require…

77 FR 7109 - Establishment of User Fees for Filovirus Testing of Nonhuman Primate Liver Samples

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-10

... assay (ELISA) or other appropriate methodology. Each specimen will be held for six months. After six... loss of the only commercially available antigen-detection ELISA filovirus testing facility. Currently... current methodology (ELISA) used to test NHP liver samples. This cost determines the amount of the user...

Report on FY17 testing in support of integrated EPP-SMT design methods development

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

Wang, Yanli .; Jetter, Robert I.; Sham, T. -L.

The goal of the proposed integrated Elastic Perfectly-Plastic (EPP) and Simplified Model Test (SMT) methodology is to incorporate a SMT data-based approach for creep-fatigue damage evaluation into the EPP methodology to avoid the separate evaluation of creep and fatigue damage and eliminate the requirement for stress classification in current methods; thus greatly simplifying evaluation of elevated temperature cyclic service. The purpose of this methodology is to minimize over-conservatism while properly accounting for localized defects and stress risers. To support the implementation of the proposed methodology and to verify the applicability of the code rules, thermomechanical tests continued in FY17. Thismore » report presents the recent test results for Type 1 SMT specimens on Alloy 617 with long hold times, pressurization SMT on Alloy 617, and two-bar thermal ratcheting test results on SS316H at the temperature range of 405 °C to 705 °C. Preliminary EPP strain range analysis on the two-bar tests are critically evaluated and compared with the experimental results.« less

Interrelationship of Nondestructive Evaluation Methodologies Applied to Testing of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leifeste, Mark R.

2007-01-01

Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) are commonly used in spacecraft for containment of pressurized gases and fluids, incorporating strength and weight savings. The energy stored is capable of extensive spacecraft damage and personal injury in the event of sudden failure. These apparently simple structures, composed of a metallic media impermeable liner and fiber/resin composite overwrap are really complex structures with numerous material and structural phenomena interacting during pressurized use which requires multiple, interrelated monitoring methodologies to monitor and understand subtle changes critical to safe use. Testing of COPVs at NASA Johnson Space Center White Sands T est Facility (WSTF) has employed multiple in-situ, real-time nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methodologies as well as pre- and post-test comparative techniques to monitor changes in material and structural parameters during advanced pressurized testing. The use of NDE methodologies and their relationship to monitoring changes is discussed based on testing of real-world spacecraft COPVs. Lessons learned are used to present recommendations for use in testing, as well as a discussion of potential applications to vessel health monitoring in future applications.

Education Research: The challenge of incorporating formal research methodology training in a neurology residency.

PubMed

Leira, E C; Granner, M A; Torner, J C; Callison, R C; Adams, H P

2008-05-13

Physicians often do not have good understanding of research methodology. Unfortunately, the mechanism to achieve this important competency in a busy neurology residency program remains unclear. We tested the value and degree of acceptance by neurology residents of a multimodal educational intervention that consisted of biweekly teaching sessions in place of an existing journal club, as a way to provide formal training in research and statistical techniques. We used a pre- and post-test design with an educational intervention in between using neurology residents at the University of Iowa as subjects. Each test had 40 questions of research methodology. The educational intervention consisted of a biweekly, structured, topic-centered, research methodology-oriented elective seminar following a year-long predefined curriculum. An exit survey was offered to gather resident's perceptions about the course. While a majority of residents agreed that the intervention enhanced their knowledge of research methodology, only 23% attended more than 40% of the sessions. There was no difference between pretest and post-test scores (p = 0.40). Our experience suggests that, in order to accomplish the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education goals regarding increasing competency of residents in knowledge about research methodology, a major restructuring in the neurology residency curriculum with more intense formal training would be necessary.

An investigation of the direct-drive method of susceptibility testing

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

Bonn, R.H.

1992-07-01

The Naval Surface Weapons Laboratory has constructed a small electrical subsystem for the purpose of evaluating electrical upset from various electromagnetic sources. The subsystem consists of three boxes, two of which are intended to be illuminated by electromagnetic waves. The two illuminated boxes are connected by two unshielded cable bundles. The goal of the Navy test series is to expose the subsystem to electromagnetic illumination from several different types of excitation, document upset levels, and compare the results. Before its arrival at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) the system was illuminated in a mode stirred chamber and in an anechoic chamber.more » This effort was a continuation of that test program. The Sandia tests involved the test methodology referred to as bulk current injection (BCI). Because this is a poorly-shielded, multiple-aperture system, the method was not expected to compare closely to the other test methods. The test results show that. The BCI test methodology is a useful test technique for a subset of limited aperture systems; the methodology will produce incorrect answers when used improperly on complex systems; the methodology can produce accurate answers on simple systems with a well-controlled electromagnetic topology. This is a preliminary study and the results should be interpreted carefully.« less

Suggestions for Job and Curriculum Ladders in Health Center Ambulatory Care: A Pilot Test of the Health Services Mobility Study Methodology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilpatrick, Eleanor

This report contains the results of a pilot test which represents the first complete field test of methodological work begun in October 1967 under a Federal grant for the purpose of job analysis in the health services. This 4-year Health Services Mobility Study permitted basic research, field testing, practical application, and policy involvement…

Test-treatment RCTs are susceptible to bias: a review of the methodological quality of randomized trials that evaluate diagnostic tests.

PubMed

Ferrante di Ruffano, Lavinia; Dinnes, Jacqueline; Sitch, Alice J; Hyde, Chris; Deeks, Jonathan J

2017-02-24

There is a growing recognition for the need to expand our evidence base for the clinical effectiveness of diagnostic tests. Many international bodies are calling for diagnostic randomized controlled trials to provide the most rigorous evidence of impact to patient health. Although these so-called test-treatment RCTs are very challenging to undertake due to their methodological complexity, they have not been subjected to a systematic appraisal of their methodological quality. The extent to which these trials may be producing biased results therefore remains unknown. We set out to address this issue by conducting a methodological review of published test-treatment trials to determine how often they implement adequate methods to limit bias and safeguard the validity of results. We ascertained all test-treatment RCTs published 2004-2007, indexed in CENTRAL, including RCTs which randomized patients to diagnostic tests and measured patient outcomes after treatment. Tests used for screening, monitoring or prognosis were excluded. We assessed adequacy of sequence generation, allocation concealment and intention-to-treat, appropriateness of primary analyses, blinding and reporting of power calculations, and extracted study characteristics including the primary outcome. One hundred three trials compared 105 control with 119 experimental interventions, and reported 150 primary outcomes. Randomization and allocation concealment were adequate in 57 and 37% of trials. Blinding was uncommon (patients 5%, clinicians 4%, outcome assessors 21%), as was an adequate intention-to-treat analysis (29%). Overall 101 of 103 trials (98%) were at risk of bias, as judged using standard Cochrane criteria. Test-treatment trials are particularly susceptible to attrition and inadequate primary analyses, lack of blinding and under-powering. These weaknesses pose much greater methodological and practical challenges to conducting reliable RCT evaluations of test-treatment strategies than standard treatment interventions. We suggest a cautious approach that first examines whether a test-treatment intervention can accommodate the methodological safeguards necessary to minimize bias, and highlight that test-treatment RCTs require different methods to ensure reliability than standard treatment trials. Please see the companion paper to this article: http://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12874-016-0286-0 .

Reliability based design optimization: Formulations and methodologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Harish

Modern products ranging from simple components to complex systems should be designed to be optimal and reliable. The challenge of modern engineering is to ensure that manufacturing costs are reduced and design cycle times are minimized while achieving requirements for performance and reliability. If the market for the product is competitive, improved quality and reliability can generate very strong competitive advantages. Simulation based design plays an important role in designing almost any kind of automotive, aerospace, and consumer products under these competitive conditions. Single discipline simulations used for analysis are being coupled together to create complex coupled simulation tools. This investigation focuses on the development of efficient and robust methodologies for reliability based design optimization in a simulation based design environment. Original contributions of this research are the development of a novel efficient and robust unilevel methodology for reliability based design optimization, the development of an innovative decoupled reliability based design optimization methodology, the application of homotopy techniques in unilevel reliability based design optimization methodology, and the development of a new framework for reliability based design optimization under epistemic uncertainty. The unilevel methodology for reliability based design optimization is shown to be mathematically equivalent to the traditional nested formulation. Numerical test problems show that the unilevel methodology can reduce computational cost by at least 50% as compared to the nested approach. The decoupled reliability based design optimization methodology is an approximate technique to obtain consistent reliable designs at lesser computational expense. Test problems show that the methodology is computationally efficient compared to the nested approach. A framework for performing reliability based design optimization under epistemic uncertainty is also developed. A trust region managed sequential approximate optimization methodology is employed for this purpose. Results from numerical test studies indicate that the methodology can be used for performing design optimization under severe uncertainty.

Supplement to a Methodology for Succession Planning for Technical Experts

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

Kirk, Bernadette Lugue; Cain, Ronald A.; Agreda, Carla L.

This report complements A Methodology for Succession Planning for Technical Experts (Ron Cain, Shaheen Dewji, Carla Agreda, Bernadette Kirk, July 2017), which describes a draft methodology for identifying and evaluating the loss of key technical skills at nuclear operations facilities. This report targets the methodology for identifying critical skills, and the methodology is tested through interviews with selected subject matter experts.

Preloading To Accelerate Slow-Crack-Growth Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John P.; Choi, Sung R.; Pawlik, Ralph J.

2004-01-01

An accelerated-testing methodology has been developed for measuring the slow-crack-growth (SCG) behavior of brittle materials. Like the prior methodology, the accelerated-testing methodology involves dynamic fatigue ( constant stress-rate) testing, in which a load or a displacement is applied to a specimen at a constant rate. SCG parameters or life prediction parameters needed for designing components made of the same material as that of the specimen are calculated from the relationship between (1) the strength of the material as measured in the test and (2) the applied stress rate used in the test. Despite its simplicity and convenience, dynamic fatigue testing as practiced heretofore has one major drawback: it is extremely time-consuming, especially at low stress rates. The present accelerated methodology reduces the time needed to test a specimen at a given rate of applied load, stress, or displacement. Instead of starting the test from zero applied load or displacement as in the prior methodology, one preloads the specimen and increases the applied load at the specified rate (see Figure 1). One might expect the preload to alter the results of the test and indeed it does, but fortunately, it is possible to account for the effect of the preload in interpreting the results. The accounting is done by calculating the normalized strength (defined as the strength in the presence of preload the strength in the absence of preload) as a function of (1) the preloading factor (defined as the preload stress the strength in the absence of preload) and (2) a SCG parameter, denoted n, that is used in a power-law crack-speed formulation. Figure 2 presents numerical results from this theoretical calculation.

Psychometric evaluation of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Oorschot, Sander; Chiwaridzo, Matthew; CM Smits-Engelsman, Bouwien

2017-01-01

Objectives To (1) give an overview of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby and (2) evaluate available psychometric information of these tests. Methods The databases PubMed, MEDLINE CINAHL and Africa Wide information were systematically searched for articles published between January 1995 and March 2017. First, commonly used game-specific skills tests were identified. Second, the available psychometrics of these tests were evaluated and the methodological quality of the studies assessed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments checklist. Studies included in the first step had to report detailed information on the construct and testing procedure of at least one game-specific skill, and studies included in the second step had additionally to report at least one psychometric property evaluating reliability, validity or responsiveness. Results 287 articles were identified in the first step, of which 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and 64 articles were identified in the second step of which 10 articles were included. Reactive agility, tackling and simulated rugby games were the most commonly used tests. All 10 studies reporting psychometrics reported reliability outcomes, revealing mainly strong evidence. However, all studies scored poor or fair on methodological quality. Four studies reported validity outcomes in which mainly moderate evidence was indicated, but all articles had fair methodological quality. Conclusion Game-specific skills tests indicated mainly high reliability and validity evidence, but the studies lacked methodological quality. Reactive agility seems to be a promising domain, but the specific tests need further development. Future high methodological quality studies are required in order to develop valid and reliable test batteries for rugby talent identification. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42015029747. PMID:29259812

Towards Intelligent Interpretation of Low Strain Pile Integrity Testing Results Using Machine Learning Techniques.

PubMed

Cui, De-Mi; Yan, Weizhong; Wang, Xiao-Quan; Lu, Lie-Min

2017-10-25

Low strain pile integrity testing (LSPIT), due to its simplicity and low cost, is one of the most popular NDE methods used in pile foundation construction. While performing LSPIT in the field is generally quite simple and quick, determining the integrity of the test piles by analyzing and interpreting the test signals (reflectograms) is still a manual process performed by experienced experts only. For foundation construction sites where the number of piles to be tested is large, it may take days before the expert can complete interpreting all of the piles and delivering the integrity assessment report. Techniques that can automate test signal interpretation, thus shortening the LSPIT's turnaround time, are of great business value and are in great need. Motivated by this need, in this paper, we develop a computer-aided reflectogram interpretation (CARI) methodology that can interpret a large number of LSPIT signals quickly and consistently. The methodology, built on advanced signal processing and machine learning technologies, can be used to assist the experts in performing both qualitative and quantitative interpretation of LSPIT signals. Specifically, the methodology can ease experts' interpretation burden by screening all test piles quickly and identifying a small number of suspected piles for experts to perform manual, in-depth interpretation. We demonstrate the methodology's effectiveness using the LSPIT signals collected from a number of real-world pile construction sites. The proposed methodology can potentially enhance LSPIT and make it even more efficient and effective in quality control of deep foundation construction.

Data mining of text as a tool in authorship attribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visa, Ari J. E.; Toivonen, Jarmo; Autio, Sami; Maekinen, Jarno; Back, Barbro; Vanharanta, Hannu

2001-03-01

It is common that text documents are characterized and classified by keywords that the authors use to give them. Visa et al. have developed a new methodology based on prototype matching. The prototype is an interesting document or a part of an extracted, interesting text. This prototype is matched with the document database of the monitored document flow. The new methodology is capable of extracting the meaning of the document in a certain degree. Our claim is that the new methodology is also capable of authenticating the authorship. To verify this claim two tests were designed. The test hypothesis was that the words and the word order in the sentences could authenticate the author. In the first test three authors were selected. The selected authors were William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and George Bernard Shaw. Three texts from each author were examined. Every text was one by one used as a prototype. The two nearest matches with the prototype were noted. The second test uses the Reuters-21578 financial news database. A group of 25 short financial news reports from five different authors are examined. Our new methodology and the interesting results from the two tests are reported in this paper. In the first test, for Shakespeare and for Poe all cases were successful. For Shaw one text was confused with Poe. In the second test the Reuters-21578 financial news were identified by the author relatively well. The resolution is that our text mining methodology seems to be capable of authorship attribution.

Acceleration-based methodology to assess the blast mitigation performance of explosive ordnance disposal helmets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dionne, J. P.; Levine, J.; Makris, A.

2018-01-01

To design the next generation of blast mitigation helmets that offer increasing levels of protection against explosive devices, manufacturers must be able to rely on appropriate test methodologies and human surrogates that will differentiate the performance level of various helmet solutions and ensure user safety. Ideally, such test methodologies and associated injury thresholds should be based on widely accepted injury criteria relevant within the context of blast. Unfortunately, even though significant research has taken place over the last decade in the area of blast neurotrauma, there currently exists no agreement in terms of injury mechanisms for blast-induced traumatic brain injury. In absence of such widely accepted test methods and injury criteria, the current study presents a specific blast test methodology focusing on explosive ordnance disposal protective equipment, involving the readily available Hybrid III mannequin, initially developed for the automotive industry. The unlikely applicability of the associated brain injury criteria (based on both linear and rotational head acceleration) is discussed in the context of blast. Test results encompassing a large number of blast configurations and personal protective equipment are presented, emphasizing the possibility to develop useful correlations between blast parameters, such as the scaled distance, and mannequin engineering measurements (head acceleration). Suggestions are put forward for a practical standardized blast testing methodology taking into account limitations in the applicability of acceleration-based injury criteria as well as the inherent variability in blast testing results.

Does Maltreatment Beget Maltreatment? A Systematic Review of the Intergenerational Literature

PubMed Central

Thornberry, Terence P.; Knight, Kelly E.; Lovegrove, Peter J.

2014-01-01

In this paper, we critically review the literature testing the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis which posits continuity in maltreatment across adjacent generations. That is, we examine whether a history of maltreatment victimization is a significant risk factor for the later perpetration of maltreatment. We begin by establishing 11 methodological criteria that studies testing this hypothesis should meet. They include such basic standards as using representative samples, valid and reliable measures, prospective designs, and different reporters for each generation. We identify 47 studies that investigated this issue and then evaluate them with regard to the 11 methodological criteria. Overall, most of these studies report findings consistent with the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis. Unfortunately, at the same time, few of them satisfy the basic methodological criteria that we established; indeed, even the stronger studies in this area only meet about half of them. Moreover, the methodologically stronger studies present mixed support for the hypothesis. As a result, the positive association often reported in the literature appears to be based largely on the methodologically weaker designs. Based on our systematic methodological review, we conclude that this small and methodologically weak body of literature does not provide a definitive test of the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis. We conclude that it is imperative to develop more robust and methodologically adequate assessments of this hypothesis to more accurately inform the development of prevention and treatment programs. PMID:22673145

[The methodological assessment and qualitative evaluation of psychometric performance tests based on the example of modern tests that assess reading and spelling skills].

PubMed

Galuschka, Katharina; Rothe, Josefine; Schulte-Körne, Gerd

2015-09-01

This article looks at a means of objectively evaluating the quality of psychometric tests. This approach enables users to evaluate psychometric tests based on their methodological characteristics, in order to decide which instrument should be used. Reading and spelling assessment tools serve as examples. The paper also provides a review of German psychometric tests for the assessment of reading and spelling skills. This method facilitates the identification of psychometric tests.of high methodological quality which can be used for the assessment of reading and spelling skills. Reading performance should ideally be assessed with the following instruments: ELFE 1-6, LGVT 6-12, LESEN 6-7, LESEN 8-9, or WLLP-R. The tests to be used for the evaluation of spelling skills are DERET 1-2+, DERET 3-4+, WRT 1+, WRT 2+, WRT 3+, WRT 4+ or HSP 1-10.

Enhancing the Benefit of the Chemical Mixture Methodology: A Report on Methodology Testing and Potential Approaches for Improving Performance

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

Yu, Xiao-Ying; Yao, Juan; He, Hua

2012-01-01

Extensive testing shows that the current version of the Chemical Mixture Methodology (CMM) is meeting its intended mission to provide conservative estimates of the health effects from exposure to airborne chemical mixtures. However, the current version of the CMM could benefit from several enhancements that are designed to improve its application of Health Code Numbers (HCNs) and employ weighting factors to reduce over conservatism.

Development and testing of methodology for evaluating the performance of multi-input/multi-output digital control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polotzky, Anthony S.; Wieseman, Carol; Hoadley, Sherwood Tiffany; Mukhopadhyay, Vivek

1990-01-01

The development of a controller performance evaluation (CPE) methodology for multiinput/multioutput digital control systems is described. The equations used to obtain the open-loop plant, controller transfer matrices, and return-difference matrices are given. Results of applying the CPE methodology to evaluate MIMO digital flutter suppression systems being tested on an active flexible wing wind-tunnel model are presented to demonstrate the CPE capability.

System testing of a production Ada (trademark) project: The GRODY study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seigle, Jeffrey; Esker, Linda; Shi, Ying-Liang

1990-01-01

The use of the Ada language and design methodologies that utilize its features has a strong impact on all phases of the software development project lifecycle. At the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), the Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) conducted an experiment in parallel development of two flight dynamics systems in FORTRAN and Ada. The teams found some qualitative differences between the system test phases of the two projects. Although planning for system testing and conducting of tests were not generally affected by the use of Ada, the solving of problems found in system testing was generally facilitated by Ada constructs and design methodology. Most problems found in system testing were not due to difficulty with the language or methodology but to lack of experience with the application.

Cassini's Test Methodology for Flight Software Verification and Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Eric; Brown, Jay

2007-01-01

The Cassini spacecraft was launched on 15 October 1997 on a Titan IV-B launch vehicle. The spacecraft is comprised of various subsystems, including the Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS). The AACS Flight Software (FSW) and its development has been an ongoing effort, from the design, development and finally operations. As planned, major modifications to certain FSW functions were designed, tested, verified and uploaded during the cruise phase of the mission. Each flight software upload involved extensive verification testing. A standardized FSW testing methodology was used to verify the integrity of the flight software. This paper summarizes the flight software testing methodology used for verifying FSW from pre-launch through the prime mission, with an emphasis on flight experience testing during the first 2.5 years of the prime mission (July 2004 through January 2007).

A Test Method for Monitoring Modulus Changes during Durability Tests on Building Joint Sealants

Treesearch

Christopher C. White; Donald L. Hunston; Kar Tean Tan; Gregory T. Schueneman

2012-01-01

The durability of building joint sealants is generally assessed using a descriptive methodology involving visual inspection of exposed specimens for defects. It is widely known that this methodology has inherent limitations, including that the results are qualitative. A new test method is proposed that provides more fundamental and quantitative information about...

17 CFR 39.5 - Review of swaps for Commission determination on clearing requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... publicly; (vi) Risk management procedures, including measurement and monitoring of credit exposures, initial and variation margin methodology, methodologies for stress testing and back testing, settlement procedures, and default management procedures; (vii) Applicable rules, manuals, policies, or procedures...

A Brief Introduction to Q Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Yang

2016-01-01

Q methodology is a method to systematically study subjective matters such as thoughts and beliefs on any given topic. Q methodology can be used for both theory building and theory testing. The purpose of this paper was to give a brief overview of Q methodology to readers with various backgrounds. This paper discussed several advantages of Q…

Rotary-wing flight test methods used for the evaluation of night vision devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haworth, Loran A.; Blanken, Christopher J.; Szoboszlay, Zoltan P.

2001-08-01

The U.S. Army Aviation mission includes flying helicopters at low altitude, at night, and in adverse weather. Night Vision Devices (NVDs) are used to supplement the pilot's visual cues for night flying. As the military requirement to conduct night helicopter operations has increased, the impact of helicopter flight operations with NVD technology in the Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) became increasingly important to quantify. Aeronautical Design Standard-33 (ADS- 33) was introduced to update rotorcraft handling qualities requirements and to quantify the impact of the NVDs in the DVE. As reported in this paper, flight test methodology in ADS-33 has been used by the handling qualities community to measure the impact of NVDs on task performance in the DVE. This paper provides the background and rationale behind the development of ADS-33 flight test methodology for handling qualities in the DVE, as well as the test methodology developed for human factor assessment of NVDs in the DVE. Lessons learned, shortcomings and recommendations for NVD flight test methodology are provided in this paper.

Proceedings of the Annual Mechanics of Composites Review (12th) Held in Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio on 16-17 October 1987

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

ignored but the Volkersen model is extended to include adherend deformations will be discussed. STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR DESIGN ALLOWABLES [15-17...structure. In the certification methodology , the development test program and the calculation of composite design allowables is orchestrated to support...Development of design methodology of thick composites and their test methods. (b) Role of interface in emerging composite systems. *CONTRACTS IMPROVED DAMAGE

An Investigation into the Effect of the Mode of Presentation on Contract Evaluation When Cost/Schedule Control System Criteria Is Used.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

inversely related to years of experience. 1 18 IV. Methodology The methods used to test the research hypotheses were experimentation and survey. Two test...17 IV. Methodology .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. ... .. .... 19 Task. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. ... .. ... .... 19 Population...Attribute Ratings vs Mode of Presentation (Paired T-test). . 53 XXVI. Preferences ............................... 53 vii Abstract This rsearch -focused

Integrated vehicle-based safety systems heavy truck field operational test, methodology and results report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-01

"This document presents the methodology and results from the heavy-truck field operational test conducted as part of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems program. These findings are the result of analyses performed by the University of Michiga...

Integrated vehicle-based safety systems light-vehicle field operational test, methodology and results report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-01

"This document presents the methodology and results from the light-vehicle field operational test conducted as part of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems program. These findings are the result of analyses performed by the University of Michi...

77 FR 47077 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Office of Planning, Research...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-07

...; surveys, research and evaluation methodologies; demonstration testing and model development; synthesis and..., policy and program analysis; surveys, research and evaluation methodologies; demonstration testing and... Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation AGENCY...

12 CFR 252.155 - Methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... SYSTEM (CONTINUED) ENHANCED PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS (REGULATION YY) Company-Run Stress Test Requirements for....155 Methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. In conducting a stress test under...) Losses, pre-provision net revenue, provision for loan and lease losses, and net income; and (2) The...

12 CFR 252.155 - Methodologies and practices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... SYSTEM (CONTINUED) ENHANCED PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS (REGULATION YY) Company-Run Stress Test Requirements for....155 Methodologies and practices. (a) Potential impact on capital. In conducting a stress test under...) Losses, pre-provision net revenue, provision for loan and lease losses, and net income; and (2) The...

Microplastic Generation in the Marine Environment Through Degradation and Fragmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perryman, M. E.; Jambeck, J.; Woodson, C. B.; Locklin, J.

2016-02-01

Plastic use has become requisite in our global economy; as population continues to increase, so too, will plastic production. At its end-of-life, some amount of plastic is mismanaged and ends up in the ocean. Once there, various environmental stresses eventually fragment plastic into microplastic pieces, now ubiquitous in the marine environment. Microplastics pose a serious threat to marine biota and possibly humans. Though the general mechanisms of microplastic formation are known, the rate and extent is not. Currently, no standard methodology for testing the formation of microplastic exists. We developed a replicable and flexible methodology for testing the formation of microplastics. We used this methodology to test the effects of UV, thermal, and mechanical stress on various types of plastic. We tested for fragmentation by measuring weight and size distribution, and looked for signs of degraded plastic using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Though our results did not find any signs of fragmentation, we did see degradation. Additionally, we established a sound methodology and provided a benchmark for additional studies.

Effects of surface chemistry on hot corrosion life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fryxell, R. E.; Leese, G. E.

1985-01-01

This program has its primary objective: the development of hot corrosion life prediction methodology based on a combination of laboratory test data and evaluation of field service turbine components which show evidence of hot corrosion. The laboratory program comprises burner rig testing by TRW. A summary of results is given for two series of burner rig tests. The life prediction methodology parameters to be appraised in a final campaign of burner rig tests are outlined.

NASA Handbook for Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kern, Dennis L.; Scharton, Terry D.

2005-01-01

Recent advances in the area of structural dynamics and vibrations, in both methodology and capability, have the potential to make spacecraft system testing more effective from technical, cost, schedule, and hardware safety points of view. However, application of these advanced test methods varies widely among the NASA Centers and their contractors. Identification and refinement of the best of these test methodologies and implementation approaches has been an objective of efforts by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on behalf of the NASA Office of the Chief Engineer. But to develop the most appropriate overall test program for a flight project from the selection of advanced methodologies, as well as conventional test methods, spacecraft project managers and their technical staffs will need overall guidance and technical rationale. Thus, the Chief Engineer's Office has recently tasked JPL to prepare a NASA Handbook for Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Testing. An outline of the proposed handbook, with a synopsis of each section, has been developed and is presented herein. Comments on the proposed handbook are solicited from the spacecraft structural dynamics testing community.

NASA Handbook for Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kern, Dennis L.; Scharton, Terry D.

2004-01-01

Recent advances in the area of structural dynamics and vibrations, in both methodology and capability, have the potential to make spacecraft system testing more effective from technical, cost, schedule, and hardware safety points of view. However, application of these advanced test methods varies widely among the NASA Centers and their contractors. Identification and refinement of the best of these test methodologies and implementation approaches has been an objective of efforts by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on behalf of the NASA Office of the Chief Engineer. But to develop the most appropriate overall test program for a flight project from the selection of advanced methodologies, as well as conventional test methods, spacecraft project managers and their technical staffs will need overall guidance and technical rationale. Thus, the Chief Engineer's Office has recently tasked JPL to prepare a NASA Handbook for Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Testing. An outline of the proposed handbook, with a synopsis of each section, has been developed and is presented herein. Comments on the proposed handbook is solicited from the spacecraft structural dynamics testing community.

Refinement of a methodology for siting maintenance area headquarters.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-01-01

Prior to this study, a methodology that generates travel time, or isochronal, contours around area headquarters or the housing bases of maintenance crews was developed. The methodology was then pilot tested for the Charlottesville Residency, and was ...

Parametric evaluation of the cost effectiveness of Shuttle payload vibroacoustic test plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahle, C. V.; Gongloff, H. R.; Keegan, W. B.; Young, J. P.

1978-01-01

Consideration is given to alternate vibroacoustic test plans for sortie and free flyer Shuttle payloads. Statistical decision models for nine test plans provide a viable method of evaluating the cost effectiveness of alternate vibroacoustic test plans and the associated test levels. The methodology is a major step toward the development of a useful tool for the quantitative tailoring of vibroacoustic test programs to sortie and free flyer payloads. A broader application of the methodology is now possible by the use of the OCTAVE computer code.

Proof test methodology for composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Edward M.; Bell, David K.

1992-01-01

The special requirements for proof test of composites are identified based on the underlying failure process of composites. Two proof test methods are developed to eliminate the inevitable weak fiber sites without also causing flaw clustering which weakens the post-proof-test composite. Significant reliability enhancement by these proof test methods has been experimentally demonstrated for composite strength and composite life in tension. This basic proof test methodology is relevant to the certification and acceptance of critical composite structures. It can also be applied to the manufacturing process development to achieve zero-reject for very large composite structures.

Novel integrated nondestructive testing methodology for detection and evaluation of corrosion in cement-based materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-06-01

The objective of this project focused on the development of a hybrid nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) methodology that combines the benefits of microwave NDT and thermography into one new technique. In this way, unique features of both N...

Report on an Assessment of the Application of EPP Results from the Strain Limit Evaluation Procedure to the Prediction of Cyclic Life Based on the SMT Methodology

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

Jetter, R. I.; Messner, M. C.; Sham, T. -L.

The goal of the proposed integrated Elastic Perfectly-Plastic (EPP) and Simplified Model Test (SMT) methodology is to incorporate an SMT data based approach for creep-fatigue damage evaluation into the EPP methodology to avoid the separate evaluation of creep and fatigue damage and eliminate the requirement for stress classification in current methods; thus greatly simplifying evaluation of elevated temperature cyclic service. This methodology should minimize over-conservatism while properly accounting for localized defects and stress risers. To support the implementation of the proposed methodology and to verify the applicability of the code rules, analytical studies and evaluation of thermomechanical test results continuedmore » in FY17. This report presents the results of those studies. An EPP strain limits methodology assessment was based on recent two-bar thermal ratcheting test results on 316H stainless steel in the temperature range of 405 to 7050C. Strain range predictions from the EPP evaluation of the two-bar tests were also evaluated and compared with the experimental results. The role of sustained primary loading on cyclic life was assessed using the results of pressurized SMT data from tests on Alloy 617 at 9500C. A viscoplastic material model was used in an analytic simulation of two-bar tests to compare with EPP strain limits assessments using isochronous stress strain curves that are consistent with the viscoplastic material model. A finite element model of a prior 304H stainless steel Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) nozzle-to-sphere test was developed and used for an EPP strain limits and creep-fatigue code case damage evaluations. A theoretical treatment of a recurring issue with convergence criteria for plastic shakedown illustrated the role of computer machine precision in EPP calculations.« less

Factors in Human-Computer Interface Design (A Pilot Study).

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-12-01

This study used a pretest - posttest control group experimental design to test the effect of consistency on speed, retention, and user satisfaction. Four...analysis. The overall methodology was a pretest - posttest control group experimental design using different prototypes to test the effects of...methodology used for this study was a pretest - posttest control group experimental design using different prototypes to test for features of the human

Prediction of Composite Pressure Vessel Failure Location using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kreger, Steven T.; Taylor, F. Tad; Ortyl, Nicholas E.; Grant, Joseph

2006-01-01

Ten composite pressure vessels were instrumented with fiber Bragg grating sensors in order to assess the strain levels of the vessel under various loading conditions. This paper and presentation will discuss the testing methodology, the test results, compare the testing results to the analytical model, and present a possible methodology for predicting the failure location and strain level of composite pressure vessels.

Protecting Files Hosted on Virtual Machines With Out-of-Guest Access Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

analyzes the design and methodology of the implemented mechanism, while Chapter 4 explains the test methodology, test cases, and performance testing ...SACL, we verify that the user or group accessing the file has sufficient permissions. If that is correct, the callback function returns control to...ferify. In the first section, we validate our design of ferify. Next, we explain the tests we performed to verify that ferify has the results we expected

Methodological Issues in Achieving School Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linn, Robert L.

2008-01-01

Test-based educational accountability is widely used in many countries, but is pervasive in the US. Key features of test-based accountability required by the US No Child Left Behind Act are discussed. Particular attention is given to methodological issues such as the distinction between status and growth approaches, the setting of performance…

A Review of Traditional Cloze Testing Methodology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heerman, Charles E.

To analyze the validity of W. L. Taylor's cloze testing methodology, this paper first examines three areas contributing to Taylor's thinking: communications theory, the psychology of speech and communication, and the theory of dispositional mechanisms--or nonessential words--in speech. It then evaluates Taylor's research to determine how he…

Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Scale: Some Methodological Considerations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rubin, Kenneth H.; Trotter, Kristin T.

1977-01-01

Examined 3 methodological issues in the use of Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Scale: (1) test-retest reliability, (2) consistency of moral judgment stages from one dilemma to the next, and (3) influence of subject's verbal facility on the projective test scores. Forty children in grades 3 and 5 participated. (JMB)

SIMCA T 1.0: A SAS Computer Program for Simulating Computer Adaptive Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raiche, Gilles; Blais, Jean-Guy

2006-01-01

Monte Carlo methodologies are frequently applied to study the sampling distribution of the estimated proficiency level in adaptive testing. These methods eliminate real situational constraints. However, these Monte Carlo methodologies are not currently supported by the available software programs, and when these programs are available, their…

Using historical perspective in designing discovery learning on Integral for undergraduate students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abadi; Fiangga, S.

2018-01-01

In the course of Integral Calculus, to be able to calculate an integral of a given function is becoming the main idea in the teaching beside the ability in implementing the application of integral. The students tend to be unable to understand the conceptual idea of what is integration actually. One of the promising perspectives that can be used to invite students to discover the idea of integral is the History and Pedagogy Mathematics (HPM). The method of exhaustion and indivisible appear in the discussion on the early history of area measurement. This paper study will discuss the designed learning activities based on the method of exhaustion and indivisible in providing the undergraduate student’s discovery materials for integral using design research. The designed learning activities were conducted into design experiment that consists of three phases, i.e., preliminary, design experimental, and teaching experiment. The teaching experiment phase was conducted in two cycles for refinement purpose. The finding suggests that the implementation of the method of exhaustion and indivisible enable students to reinvent the idea of integral by using the concept of derivative.

The HelCat basic plasma science device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilmore, M.; Lynn, A. G.; Desjardins, T. R.; Zhang, Y.; Watts, C.; Hsu, S. C.; Betts, S.; Kelly, R.; Schamiloglu, E.

2015-01-01

The Helicon-Cathode(HelCat) device is a medium-size linear experiment suitable for a wide range of basic plasma science experiments in areas such as electrostatic turbulence and transport, magnetic relaxation, and high power microwave (HPM)-plasma interactions. The HelCat device is based on dual plasma sources located at opposite ends of the 4 m long vacuum chamber - an RF helicon source at one end and a thermionic cathode at the other. Thirteen coils provide an axial magnetic field B >= 0.220 T that can be configured individually to give various magnetic configurations (e.g. solenoid, mirror, cusp). Additional plasma sources, such as a compact coaxial plasma gun, are also utilized in some experiments, and can be located either along the chamber for perpendicular (to the background magnetic field) plasma injection, or at one of the ends for parallel injection. Using the multiple plasma sources, a wide range of plasma parameters can be obtained. Here, the HelCat device is described in detail and some examples of results from previous and ongoing experiments are given. Additionally, examples of planned experiments and device modifications are also discussed.

The Fuel Cell Powered Club Car Carryall

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2005-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center initiated development of the Fuel Cell Powered Club Car Carryall as a way to reduce pollution in industrial settings, reduce fossil fuel consumption and reduce operating costs for transportation systems. The Club Car Carryall provides an inexpensive approach to advance the state of the art in electric vehicle technology in a practical application. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via non-traditional partners, and provides power system data valuable for future aeronautics and space applications. The work was done under the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program. The Carryall is a state of the art, dedicated, electric utility vehicle. Hydrogen powered proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are the primary power source. Ultracapacitors were used for energy storage as long life, maintenance free operation, and excellent low temperature performance is essential. Metal hydride hydrogen storage was used to store hydrogen in a safe and efficient low-pressure solid form. The report concludes that the Fuel Cell Powered Club Car Carryall can provide excellent performance, and that the implementation of fuel cells in conjunction with ultracapacitors in the power system can provide significant reliability and performance improvements.

Relationship of work injury severity to family member hospitalization.

PubMed

Asfaw, Abay G; Bushnell, P Timothy; Ray, Tapas K

2010-05-01

Working while under stress due to a family health event may result in injuries of greater severity. Work leave might mitigate such consequences. Workers' compensation data for 33,817 injured workers and inpatient medical data for 76,077 members of their families were extracted from the 2002-2005 Thomson Reuters Medstat MarketScan Health and Productivity Management (HPM) and Commercial Claims and Encounter (CCE) datasets. Using a probit model, the impact of family hospitalization on the probability that a subsequent injury would be severe (above average indemnity costs) was estimated, adjusting for age, sex, hourly versus salaried status, industry sector, state, and family size. Family hospitalization within 15 days before injury increased the likelihood that the injury would be severe (from 12.5% to 21.5%) and was associated with 40% higher indemnity costs and 50% higher medical costs. Hospitalizations over 30 days before injury had no impact. The observed higher severity of work injuries following family hospitalizations suggests additional analyses may find higher injury rates as well, and that timely family leaves might help prevent severe workplace injuries. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A life prediction methodology for encapsulated solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coulbert, C. D.

1978-01-01

This paper presents an approach to the development of a life prediction methodology for encapsulated solar cells which are intended to operate for twenty years or more in a terrestrial environment. Such a methodology, or solar cell life prediction model, requires the development of quantitative intermediate relationships between local environmental stress parameters and the basic chemical mechanisms of encapsulant aging leading to solar cell failures. The use of accelerated/abbreviated testing to develop these intermediate relationships and in revealing failure modes is discussed. Current field and demonstration tests of solar cell arrays and the present laboratory tests to qualify solar module designs provide very little data applicable to predicting the long-term performance of encapsulated solar cells. An approach to enhancing the value of such field tests to provide data for life prediction is described.

A Methodology for Loading the Advanced Test Reactor Driver Core for Experiment Analysis

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

Cowherd, Wilson M.; Nielsen, Joseph W.; Choe, Dong O.

In support of experiments in the ATR, a new methodology was devised for loading the ATR Driver Core. This methodology will replace the existing methodology used by the INL Neutronic Analysis group to analyze experiments. Studied in this paper was the as-run analysis for ATR Cycle 152B, specifically comparing measured lobe powers and eigenvalue calculations.

Medicine, methodology, and values: trade-offs in clinical science and practice.

PubMed

Ho, Vincent K Y

2011-01-01

The current guidelines of evidence-based medicine (EBM) presuppose that clinical research and clinical practice should advance from rigorous scientific tests as they generate reliable, value-free knowledge. Under this presupposition, hypotheses postulated by doctors and patients in the process of their decision making are preferably tested in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and in systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarizing outcomes from multiple RCTs. Since testing under this scheme is predominantly focused on the criteria of generality and precision achieved through methodological rigor, at the cost of the criterion of realism, translating test results to clinical practice is often problematic. Choices concerning which methodological criteria should have priority are inevitable, however, as clinical trials, and scientific research in general, cannot meet all relevant criteria at the same time. Since these choices may be informed by considerations external to science, we must acknowledge that science cannot be value-free in a strict sense, and this invites a more prominent role for value-laden considerations in evaluating clinical research. The urgency for this becomes even more apparent when we consider the important yet implicit role of scientific theories in EBM, which may also be subjected to methodological evaluation and for which selectiveness in methodological focus is likewise inevitable.

Testing the methodology for dosimetry audit of heterogeneity corrections and small MLC-shaped fields: Results of IAEA multi-center studies

PubMed Central

Izewska, Joanna; Wesolowska, Paulina; Azangwe, Godfrey; Followill, David S.; Thwaites, David I.; Arib, Mehenna; Stefanic, Amalia; Viegas, Claudio; Suming, Luo; Ekendahl, Daniela; Bulski, Wojciech; Georg, Dietmar

2016-01-01

Abstract The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a long tradition of supporting development of methodologies for national networks providing quality audits in radiotherapy. A series of co-ordinated research projects (CRPs) has been conducted by the IAEA since 1995 assisting national external audit groups developing national audit programs. The CRP ‘Development of Quality Audits for Radiotherapy Dosimetry for Complex Treatment Techniques’ was conducted in 2009–2012 as an extension of previously developed audit programs. Material and methods. The CRP work described in this paper focused on developing and testing two steps of dosimetry audit: verification of heterogeneity corrections, and treatment planning system (TPS) modeling of small MLC fields, which are important for the initial stages of complex radiation treatments, such as IMRT. The project involved development of a new solid slab phantom with heterogeneities containing special measurement inserts for thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and radiochromic films. The phantom and the audit methodology has been developed at the IAEA and tested in multi-center studies involving the CRP participants. Results. The results of multi-center testing of methodology for two steps of dosimetry audit show that the design of audit procedures is adequate and the methodology is feasible for meeting the audit objectives. A total of 97% TLD results in heterogeneity situations obtained in the study were within 3% and all results within 5% agreement with the TPS predicted doses. In contrast, only 64% small beam profiles were within 3 mm agreement between the TPS calculated and film measured doses. Film dosimetry results have highlighted some limitations in TPS modeling of small beam profiles in the direction of MLC leave movements. Discussion. Through multi-center testing, any challenges or difficulties in the proposed audit methodology were identified, and the methodology improved. Using the experience of these studies, the participants could incorporate the auditing procedures in their national programs. PMID:26934916

Testing the methodology for dosimetry audit of heterogeneity corrections and small MLC-shaped fields: Results of IAEA multi-center studies.

PubMed

Izewska, Joanna; Wesolowska, Paulina; Azangwe, Godfrey; Followill, David S; Thwaites, David I; Arib, Mehenna; Stefanic, Amalia; Viegas, Claudio; Suming, Luo; Ekendahl, Daniela; Bulski, Wojciech; Georg, Dietmar

2016-07-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a long tradition of supporting development of methodologies for national networks providing quality audits in radiotherapy. A series of co-ordinated research projects (CRPs) has been conducted by the IAEA since 1995 assisting national external audit groups developing national audit programs. The CRP 'Development of Quality Audits for Radiotherapy Dosimetry for Complex Treatment Techniques' was conducted in 2009-2012 as an extension of previously developed audit programs. The CRP work described in this paper focused on developing and testing two steps of dosimetry audit: verification of heterogeneity corrections, and treatment planning system (TPS) modeling of small MLC fields, which are important for the initial stages of complex radiation treatments, such as IMRT. The project involved development of a new solid slab phantom with heterogeneities containing special measurement inserts for thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and radiochromic films. The phantom and the audit methodology has been developed at the IAEA and tested in multi-center studies involving the CRP participants. The results of multi-center testing of methodology for two steps of dosimetry audit show that the design of audit procedures is adequate and the methodology is feasible for meeting the audit objectives. A total of 97% TLD results in heterogeneity situations obtained in the study were within 3% and all results within 5% agreement with the TPS predicted doses. In contrast, only 64% small beam profiles were within 3 mm agreement between the TPS calculated and film measured doses. Film dosimetry results have highlighted some limitations in TPS modeling of small beam profiles in the direction of MLC leave movements. Through multi-center testing, any challenges or difficulties in the proposed audit methodology were identified, and the methodology improved. Using the experience of these studies, the participants could incorporate the auditing procedures in their national programs.

[Feasibility of prismatic correction of microesotropia using the measuring and correcting methodology by H.-J. Haase].

PubMed

Kromeier, M; Kommerell, G

2006-01-01

The "Measuring and Correcting Methodology after H.-J. Haase" is based on the assumption that a minute deviation from the orthovergence position (fixation disparity) indicates a difficulty to overcome a larger "vergence angle of rest". Objective recordings have, however, revealed that the subjective tests applied in the "Measuring and Correcting Methodology after H.-J. Haase" can mislead to the assumption of a fixation disparity, although both eyes are aligned exactly to the fixation point. How do patients with an inconspicuously small, yet objectively verified strabismus react to the "Measuring and Correcting Methodology by H.-J. Haase"? Eight patients with a microesotropia between 0.5 and 3 degrees were subjected to the "Measuring and Correcting Methodology after H.-J. Haase. In all 8 patients, the prisms determined with the Cross-, Pointer- and Rectangle Tests increased the angle of squint, without reaching a full correction: the original angle prevailed. In the Stereobalance Test, prisms did not reduce the 100 % preponderance of the non-squinting eye. The stereoscopic threshold was between 36 and 1170 arcsec in 7 out of the 8 subjects, and above 4000 arcsec in 1 subject. (1) In all 8 patients, prisms determined with the "Measuring and Correcting Methodology by H.-J. Haase" increased the angle of strabismus, without reaching bifoveal vision. This uniform result suggests that primary microesotropia cannot be corrected with the "Measuring and Correcting Methodology after H.-J. Haase" (2) A lacking contribution of the strabismic eye to the recognition of a lateral offset between stereo objects, as determined with the Stereobalance Test, does not imply a lack of binocular stereopsis.

Efficient preliminary floating offshore wind turbine design and testing methodologies and application to a concrete spar design

PubMed Central

Matha, Denis; Sandner, Frank; Molins, Climent; Campos, Alexis; Cheng, Po Wen

2015-01-01

The current key challenge in the floating offshore wind turbine industry and research is on designing economic floating systems that can compete with fixed-bottom offshore turbines in terms of levelized cost of energy. The preliminary platform design, as well as early experimental design assessments, are critical elements in the overall design process. In this contribution, a brief review of current floating offshore wind turbine platform pre-design and scaled testing methodologies is provided, with a focus on their ability to accommodate the coupled dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind systems. The exemplary design and testing methodology for a monolithic concrete spar platform as performed within the European KIC AFOSP project is presented. Results from the experimental tests compared to numerical simulations are presented and analysed and show very good agreement for relevant basic dynamic platform properties. Extreme and fatigue loads and cost analysis of the AFOSP system confirm the viability of the presented design process. In summary, the exemplary application of the reduced design and testing methodology for AFOSP confirms that it represents a viable procedure during pre-design of floating offshore wind turbine platforms. PMID:25583870

Analytical Methodology Used To Assess/Refine Observatory Thermal Vacuum Test Conditions For the Landsat 8 Data Continuity Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fantano, Louis

2015-01-01

Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop Silver Spring, MD NCTS 21070-15 The Landsat 8 Data Continuity Mission, which is part of the United States Geologic Survey (USGS), launched February 11, 2013. A Landsat environmental test requirement mandated that test conditions bound worst-case flight thermal environments. This paper describes a rigorous analytical methodology applied to assess refine proposed thermal vacuum test conditions and the issues encountered attempting to satisfy this requirement.

Multiple Testing in the Context of Gene Discovery in Sickle Cell Disease Using Genome-Wide Association Studies.

PubMed

Kuo, Kevin H M

2017-01-01

The issue of multiple testing, also termed multiplicity, is ubiquitous in studies where multiple hypotheses are tested simultaneously. Genome-wide association study (GWAS), a type of genetic association study that has gained popularity in the past decade, is most susceptible to the issue of multiple testing. Different methodologies have been employed to address the issue of multiple testing in GWAS. The purpose of the review is to examine the methodologies employed in dealing with multiple testing in the context of gene discovery using GWAS in sickle cell disease complications.

Development of Probabilistic Life Prediction Methodologies and Testing Strategies for MEMS and CMC's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jadaan, Osama

2003-01-01

This effort is to investigate probabilistic life prediction methodologies for ceramic matrix composites and MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and to analyze designs that determine stochastic properties of MEMS. For CMC's this includes a brief literature survey regarding lifing methodologies. Also of interest for MEMS is the design of a proper test for the Weibull size effect in thin film (bulge test) specimens. The Weibull size effect is a consequence of a stochastic strength response predicted from the Weibull distribution. Confirming that MEMS strength is controlled by the Weibull distribution will enable the development of a probabilistic design methodology for MEMS - similar to the GRC developed CARES/Life program for bulk ceramics. A main objective of this effort is to further develop and verify the ability of the Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/Life (CARES/Life) code to predict the time-dependent reliability of MEMS structures subjected to multiple transient loads. A second set of objectives is to determine the applicability/suitability of the CARES/Life methodology for CMC analysis, what changes would be needed to the methodology and software, and if feasible, run a demonstration problem. Also important is an evaluation of CARES/Life coupled to the ANSYS Probabilistic Design System (PDS) and the potential of coupling transient reliability analysis to the ANSYS PDS.

77 FR 69693 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-20

... collection activities at national conferences will use identical methodologies or otherwise share a common element. Similarly, the BEP's scientific studies will use very similar methodologies or share a common... conducting scientific tests. Using those methodologies, the BEP or its contracted specialists will conduct...

78 FR 12033 - Census Advisory Committees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-21

... Other Populations (NAC). The Committee will address census policies, research and methodology, tests..., methodological, geographic, behavioral, and operational variables affecting the cost, accuracy, and...

Preliminary Validation of Composite Material Constitutive Characterization

Treesearch

John G. Michopoulos; Athanasios lliopoulos; John C. Hermanson; Adrian C. Orifici; Rodney S. Thomson

2012-01-01

This paper is describing the preliminary results of an effort to validate a methodology developed for composite material constitutive characterization. This methodology involves using massive amounts of data produced from multiaxially tested coupons via a 6-DoF robotic system called NRL66.3 developed at the Naval Research Laboratory. The testing is followed by...

Measuring Sense of Community: A Methodological Interpretation of the Factor Structure Debate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, N. Andrew; Speer, Paul W.; Hughey, Joseph

2006-01-01

Instability in the factor structure of the Sense of Community Index (SCI) was tested as a methodological artifact. Confirmatory factor analyses, tested with two data sets, supported neither the proposed one-factor nor the four-factor (needs fulfillment, group membership, influence, and emotional connection) SCI. Results demonstrated that the SCI…

A flight-test methodology for identification of an aerodynamic model for a V/STOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bach, Ralph E., Jr.; Mcnally, B. David

1988-01-01

Described is a flight test methodology for developing a data base to be used to identify an aerodynamic model of a vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) fighter aircraft. The aircraft serves as a test bed at Ames for ongoing research in advanced V/STOL control and display concepts. The flight envelope to be modeled includes hover, transition to conventional flight, and back to hover, STOL operation, and normaL cruise. Although the aerodynamic model is highly nonlinear, it has been formulated to be linear in the parameters to be identified. Motivation for the flight test methodology advocated in this paper is based on the choice of a linear least-squares method for model identification. The paper covers elements of the methodology from maneuver design to the completed data base. Major emphasis is placed on the use of state estimation with tracking data to ensure consistency among maneuver variables prior to their entry into the data base. The design and processing of a typical maneuver is illustrated.

Effects of disease severity distribution on the performance of quantitative diagnostic methods and proposal of a novel 'V-plot' methodology to display accuracy values.

PubMed

Petraco, Ricardo; Dehbi, Hakim-Moulay; Howard, James P; Shun-Shin, Matthew J; Sen, Sayan; Nijjer, Sukhjinder S; Mayet, Jamil; Davies, Justin E; Francis, Darrel P

2018-01-01

Diagnostic accuracy is widely accepted by researchers and clinicians as an optimal expression of a test's performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of disease severity distribution on values of diagnostic accuracy as well as propose a sample-independent methodology to calculate and display accuracy of diagnostic tests. We evaluated the diagnostic relationship between two hypothetical methods to measure serum cholesterol (Chol rapid and Chol gold ) by generating samples with statistical software and (1) keeping the numerical relationship between methods unchanged and (2) changing the distribution of cholesterol values. Metrics of categorical agreement were calculated (accuracy, sensitivity and specificity). Finally, a novel methodology to display and calculate accuracy values was presented (the V-plot of accuracies). No single value of diagnostic accuracy can be used to describe the relationship between tests, as accuracy is a metric heavily affected by the underlying sample distribution. Our novel proposed methodology, the V-plot of accuracies, can be used as a sample-independent measure of a test performance against a reference gold standard.

Design of experiments enhanced statistical process control for wind tunnel check standard testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Ben D.

The current wind tunnel check standard testing program at NASA Langley Research Center is focused on increasing data quality, uncertainty quantification and overall control and improvement of wind tunnel measurement processes. The statistical process control (SPC) methodology employed in the check standard testing program allows for the tracking of variations in measurements over time as well as an overall assessment of facility health. While the SPC approach can and does provide researchers with valuable information, it has certain limitations in the areas of process improvement and uncertainty quantification. It is thought by utilizing design of experiments methodology in conjunction with the current SPC practices that one can efficiently and more robustly characterize uncertainties and develop enhanced process improvement procedures. In this research, methodologies were developed to generate regression models for wind tunnel calibration coefficients, balance force coefficients and wind tunnel flow angularities. The coefficients of these regression models were then tracked in statistical process control charts, giving a higher level of understanding of the processes. The methodology outlined is sufficiently generic such that this research can be applicable to any wind tunnel check standard testing program.

An omnibus test for family-based association studies with multiple SNPs and multiple phenotypes.

PubMed

Lasky-Su, Jessica; Murphy, Amy; McQueen, Matthew B; Weiss, Scott; Lange, Christoph

2010-06-01

We propose an omnibus family-based association test (MFBAT) that can be applied to multiple markers and multiple phenotypes and that has only one degree of freedom. The proposed test statistic extends current FBAT methodology to incorporate multiple markers as well as multiple phenotypes. Using simulation studies, power estimates for the proposed methodology are compared with the standard methodologies. On the basis of these simulations, we find that MFBAT substantially outperforms other methods, including haplotypic approaches and doing multiple tests with single single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and single phenotypes. The practical relevance of the approach is illustrated by an application to asthma in which SNP/phenotype combinations are identified and reach overall significance that would not have been identified using other approaches. This methodology is directly applicable to cases in which there are multiple SNPs, such as candidate gene studies, cases in which there are multiple phenotypes, such as expression data, and cases in which there are multiple phenotypes and genotypes, such as genome-wide association studies that incorporate expression profiles as phenotypes. This program is available in the PBAT analysis package.

Summarizing Monte Carlo Results in Methodological Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harwell, Michael R.

Monte Carlo studies of statistical tests are prominently featured in the methodological research literature. Unfortunately, the information from these studies does not appear to have significantly influenced methodological practice in educational and psychological research. One reason is that Monte Carlo studies lack an overarching theory to guide…

Science and Television Commercials: Adding Relevance to the Research Methodology Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solomon, Paul R.

1979-01-01

Contends that research methodology courses can be relevant to issues outside of psychology and describes a method which relates the course to consumer problems. Students use experimental methodology to test claims made in television commercials advertising deodorant, bathroom tissues, and soft drinks. (KC)

Technology Implementation Plan: Irradiation Testing and Qualification for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Fuel

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

Harrison, Thomas J.; Howard, Richard H.; Rader, Jordan D.

This document is a notional technology implementation plan (TIP) for the development, testing, and qualification of a prototypic fuel element to support design and construction of a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) engine, specifically its pre-flight ground test. This TIP outlines a generic methodology for the progression from non-nuclear out-of-pile (OOP) testing through nuclear in-pile (IP) testing, at operational temperatures, flows, and specific powers, of an NTP fuel element in an existing test reactor. Subsequent post-irradiation examination (PIE) will occur in existing radiological facilities. Further, the methodology is intended to be nonspecific with respect to fuel types and irradiation or examinationmore » facilities. The goals of OOP and IP testing are to provide confidence in the operational performance of fuel system concepts and provide data to program leadership for system optimization and fuel down-selection. The test methodology, parameters, collected data, and analytical results from OOP, IP, and PIE will be documented for reference by the NTP operator and the appropriate regulatory and oversight authorities. Final full-scale integrated testing would be performed separately by the reactor operator as part of the preflight ground test.« less

Latent Trait Model Contributions to Criterion-Referenced Testing Technology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

levels of ability (ranging from very low to very high). The steps in the reserach were as follows: 1. Specify the characteristics of a "typical" pool...conventional testing methodologies displayed good fit to both of the latent trait models. The one-parameter model compared favorably with the three- parameter... Methodological developments: New directions for testing a!nd measurement (No. 4). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1979. Haubleton, R. K. Advances in

78 FR 57128 - Census Advisory Committees; Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-17

... Other Populations (NAC). The Committee will address census policies, research and methodology, tests..., methodological, geographic, behavioral and operational variables affecting the cost, accuracy and implementation...

Methodologies for Crawler Based Web Surveys.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thelwall, Mike

2002-01-01

Describes Web survey methodologies used to study the content of the Web, and discusses search engines and the concept of crawling the Web. Highlights include Web page selection methodologies; obstacles to reliable automatic indexing of Web sites; publicly indexable pages; crawling parameters; and tests for file duplication. (Contains 62…

Single event test methodology for integrated optoelectronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Label, Kenneth A.; Cooley, James A.; Stassinopoulos, E. G.; Marshall, Paul; Crabtree, Christina

1993-01-01

A single event upset (SEU), defined as a transient or glitch on the output of a device, and its applicability to integrated optoelectronics are discussed in the context of spacecraft design and the need for more than a bit error rate viewpoint for testing and analysis. A methodology for testing integrated optoelectronic receivers and transmitters for SEUs is presented, focusing on the actual test requirements and system schemes needed for integrated optoelectronic devices. Two main causes of single event effects in the space environment, including protons and galactic cosmic rays, are considered along with ground test facilities for simulating the space environment.

Developing a Validity Argument through Abductive Reasoning with an Empirical Demonstration of the Latent Class Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Amery D.; Stone, Jake E.; Liu, Yan

2016-01-01

This article proposes and demonstrates a methodology for test score validation through abductive reasoning. It describes how abductive reasoning can be utilized in support of the claims made about test score validity. This methodology is demonstrated with a real data example of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program…

The Decisions of Elementary School Principals: A Test of Ideal Type Methodology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greer, John T.

Interviews with 25 Georgia elementary school principals provided data that could be used to test an application of Max Weber's ideal type methodology to decision-making. Alfred Schuetz's model of the rational act, based on one of Weber's ideal types, was analyzed and translated into describable acts and behaviors. Interview procedures were…

Ambient Vibration Testing for Story Stiffness Estimation of a Heritage Timber Building

PubMed Central

Min, Kyung-Won; Kim, Junhee; Park, Sung-Ah; Park, Chan-Soo

2013-01-01

This paper investigates dynamic characteristics of a historic wooden structure by ambient vibration testing, presenting a novel estimation methodology of story stiffness for the purpose of vibration-based structural health monitoring. As for the ambient vibration testing, measured structural responses are analyzed by two output-only system identification methods (i.e., frequency domain decomposition and stochastic subspace identification) to estimate modal parameters. The proposed methodology of story stiffness is estimation based on an eigenvalue problem derived from a vibratory rigid body model. Using the identified natural frequencies, the eigenvalue problem is efficiently solved and uniquely yields story stiffness. It is noteworthy that application of the proposed methodology is not necessarily confined to the wooden structure exampled in the paper. PMID:24227999

How effective is drug testing as a workplace safety strategy? A systematic review of the evidence.

PubMed

Pidd, Ken; Roche, Ann M

2014-10-01

The growing prevalence of workplace drug testing and the narrow scope of previous reviews of the evidence base necessitate a comprehensive review of research concerning the efficacy of drug testing as a workplace strategy. A systematic qualitative review of relevant research published between January 1990 and January 2013 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were studies that evaluated the effectiveness of drug testing in deterring employee drug use or reducing workplace accident or injury rates. Methodological adequacy was assessed using a published assessment tool specifically designed to assess the quality of intervention studies. A total of 23 studies were reviewed and assessed, six of which reported on the effectiveness of testing in reducing employee drug use and 17 which reported on occupational accident or injury rates. No studies involved randomised control trials. Only one study was assessed as demonstrating strong methodological rigour. That study found random alcohol testing reduced fatal accidents in the transport industry. The majority of studies reviewed contained methodological weaknesses including; inappropriate study design, limited sample representativeness, the use of ecological data to evaluate individual behaviour change and failure to adequately control for potentially confounding variables. This latter finding is consistent with previous reviews and indicates the evidence base for the effectiveness of testing in improving workplace safety is at best tenuous. Better dissemination of the current evidence in relation to workplace drug testing is required to support evidence-informed policy and practice. There is also a pressing need for more methodologically rigorous research to evaluate the efficacy and utility of drug testing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HIV Risk Perception and Behavior among Sex Workers in Three Major Urban Centers of Mozambique

PubMed Central

Langa, Judite; Sousa, César; Sidat, Mohsin; Kroeger, Karen; McLellan-Lemal, Eleanor; Belani, Hrishikesh; Patel, Shama; Shodell, Daniel; Shodell, Michael; Benech, Irene; Needle, Richard

2014-01-01

HIV risk perceptions and behaviors of 236 commercial sex workers from three major Mozambican urban centers were studied using the International Rapid Assessment, Response and Evaluation (I-RARE) methodology. All were offered HIV testing and, in Maputo, syphilis testing was offered as well. Sixty-three of the 236 opted for HIV testing, with 30 (48%) testing positive for HIV. In Maputo, all 30 receiving HIV tests also had syphilis testing, with 6 (20%) found to be positive. Results include interview excerpts and qualitative results using I-RARE methodology and AnSWR-assisted analyses of the interviews and focus group sessions. PMID:24736653

A Survey Examining Photopatch Test and Phototest Methodologies of Contact Dermatologists in the United States: Platform for Developing A Consensus.

PubMed

Asemota, Eseosa; Crawford, Glen; Kovarik, Carrie; Brod, Bruce A

There is currently no standardized protocol for photopatch testing and phototesting in the United States. Certain testing paramaters (such as chemicals tested, time between test application and irradiation, and time of final interpretation) vary from provider to provider. These variations may impact comparability and consistency of test results. The goal of our survey-based study was to outline the photopatch test and phototest protocols used by US contact dermatologists. The information obtained will aid in the development of a national consensus on testing methodologies. Based on a literature search conducted on differences in testing methodologies, we constructed a questionnaire. The survey was distributed at the American Contact Dermatitis Society annual meeting and via the American Contact Dermatitis Society Web site. Standard descriptive analysis was performed on data obtained. Of the 800 dermatologists contacted, 117 agreed to participate in the survey. Among these respondents, 64 (54.8%) conduct photopatch testing. Results of the survey are presented, and they confirm that a variety of techniques and testing materials are used. It would be beneficial to enlist a panel of expert contact dermatologists to create by formal consensus, using these research findings, a standard photopatch test protocol for use in this country.

Methodological quality of systematic reviews on influenza vaccination.

PubMed

Remschmidt, Cornelius; Wichmann, Ole; Harder, Thomas

2014-03-26

There is a growing body of evidence on the risks and benefits of influenza vaccination in various target groups. Systematic reviews are of particular importance for policy decisions. However, their methodological quality can vary considerably. To investigate the methodological quality of systematic reviews on influenza vaccination (efficacy, effectiveness, safety) and to identify influencing factors. A systematic literature search on systematic reviews on influenza vaccination was performed, using MEDLINE, EMBASE and three additional databases (1990-2013). Review characteristics were extracted and the methodological quality of the reviews was evaluated using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) tool. U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, and multivariable linear regression analysis were used to assess the influence of review characteristics on AMSTAR-score. Fourty-six systematic reviews fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Average methodological quality was high (median AMSTAR-score: 8), but variability was large (AMSTAR range: 0-11). Quality did not differ significantly according to vaccination target group. Cochrane reviews had higher methodological quality than non-Cochrane reviews (p=0.001). Detailed analysis showed that this was due to better study selection and data extraction, inclusion of unpublished studies, and better reporting of study characteristics (all p<0.05). In the adjusted analysis, no other factor, including industry sponsorship or journal impact factor had an influence on AMSTAR score. Systematic reviews on influenza vaccination showed large differences regarding their methodological quality. Reviews conducted by the Cochrane collaboration were of higher quality than others. When using systematic reviews to guide the development of vaccination recommendations, the methodological quality of a review in addition to its content should be considered. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Dionne, B.; Tzanos, C. P.

To support the safety analyses required for the conversion of the Belgian Reactor 2 (BR2) from highly-enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, the simulation of a number of loss-of-flow tests, with or without loss of pressure, has been undertaken. These tests were performed at BR2 in 1963 and used instrumented fuel assemblies (FAs) with thermocouples (TC) imbedded in the cladding as well as probes to measure the FAs power on the basis of their coolant temperature rise. The availability of experimental data for these tests offers an opportunity to better establish the credibility of the RELAP5-3D model andmore » methodology used in the conversion analysis. In order to support the HEU to LEU conversion safety analyses of the BR2 reactor, RELAP simulations of a number of loss-of-flow/loss-of-pressure tests have been undertaken. Preliminary analyses showed that the conservative power distributions used historically in the BR2 RELAP model resulted in a significant overestimation of the peak cladding temperature during the transient. Therefore, it was concluded that better estimates of the steady-state and decay power distributions were needed to accurately predict the cladding temperatures measured during the tests and establish the credibility of the RELAP model and methodology. The new approach ('best estimate' methodology) uses the MCNP5, ORIGEN-2 and BERYL codes to obtain steady-state and decay power distributions for the BR2 core during the tests A/400/1, C/600/3 and F/400/1. This methodology can be easily extended to simulate any BR2 core configuration. Comparisons with measured peak cladding temperatures showed a much better agreement when power distributions obtained with the new methodology are used.« less

Acceptance testing for PACS: from methodology to design to implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Brent J.; Huang, H. K.

2004-04-01

Acceptance Testing (AT) is a crucial step in the implementation process of a PACS within a clinical environment. AT determines whether the PACS is ready for clinical use and marks the official sign off of the PACS product. Most PACS vendors have Acceptance Testing (AT) plans, however, these plans do not provide a complete and robust evaluation of the full system. In addition, different sites will have different special requirements that vendor AT plans do not cover. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a protocol for AT design and present case studies of AT performed on clinical PACS. A methodology is presented that includes identifying testing components within PACS, quality assurance for both functionality and performance, and technical testing focusing on key single points-of-failure within the PACS product. Tools and resources that provide assistance in performing AT are discussed. In addition, implementation of the AT within the clinical environment and the overall implementation timeline of the PACS process are presented. Finally, case studies of actual AT of clinical PACS performed in the healthcare environment will be reviewed. The methodology for designing and implementing a robust AT plan for PACS was documented and has been used in PACS acceptance tests in several sites. This methodology can be applied to any PACS and can be used as a validation for the PACS product being acquired by radiology departments and hospitals. A methodology for AT design and implementation was presented that can be applied to future PACS installations. A robust AT plan for a PACS installation can increase both the utilization and satisfaction of a successful implementation of a PACS product that benefits both vendor and customer.

Development of a BALB/c 3T3 neutral red uptake cytotoxicity test using a mainstream cigarette smoke exposure system

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Tobacco smoke toxicity has traditionally been assessed using the particulate fraction under submerged culture conditions which omits the vapour phase elements from any subsequent analysis. Therefore, methodologies that assess the full interactions and complexities of tobacco smoke are required. Here we describe the adaption of a modified BALB/c 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) cytotoxicity test methodology, which is based on the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) protocol for in vitro acute toxicity testing. The methodology described takes into account the synergies of both the particulate and vapour phase of tobacco smoke. This is of particular importance as both phases have been independently shown to induce in vitro cellular cytotoxicity. Findings The findings from this study indicate that mainstream tobacco smoke and the gas vapour phase (GVP), generated using the Vitrocell® VC 10 smoke exposure system, have distinct and significantly different toxicity profiles. Within the system tested, mainstream tobacco smoke produced a dilution IC50 (dilution (L/min) at which 50% cytotoxicity is observed) of 6.02 L/min, whereas the GVP produced a dilution IC50 of 3.20 L/min. In addition, we also demonstrated significant dose-for-dose differences between mainstream cigarette smoke and the GVP fraction (P < 0.05). This demonstrates the importance of testing the entire tobacco smoke aerosol and not just the particulate fraction, as has been the historical preference. Conclusions We have adapted the NRU methodology based on the ICCVAM protocol to capture the full interactions and complexities of tobacco smoke. This methodology could also be used to assess the performance of traditional cigarettes, blend and filter technologies, tobacco smoke fractions and individual test aerosols. PMID:24935030

Efficient preliminary floating offshore wind turbine design and testing methodologies and application to a concrete spar design.

PubMed

Matha, Denis; Sandner, Frank; Molins, Climent; Campos, Alexis; Cheng, Po Wen

2015-02-28

The current key challenge in the floating offshore wind turbine industry and research is on designing economic floating systems that can compete with fixed-bottom offshore turbines in terms of levelized cost of energy. The preliminary platform design, as well as early experimental design assessments, are critical elements in the overall design process. In this contribution, a brief review of current floating offshore wind turbine platform pre-design and scaled testing methodologies is provided, with a focus on their ability to accommodate the coupled dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind systems. The exemplary design and testing methodology for a monolithic concrete spar platform as performed within the European KIC AFOSP project is presented. Results from the experimental tests compared to numerical simulations are presented and analysed and show very good agreement for relevant basic dynamic platform properties. Extreme and fatigue loads and cost analysis of the AFOSP system confirm the viability of the presented design process. In summary, the exemplary application of the reduced design and testing methodology for AFOSP confirms that it represents a viable procedure during pre-design of floating offshore wind turbine platforms. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Model-based testing with UML applied to a roaming algorithm for bluetooth devices.

PubMed

Dai, Zhen Ru; Grabowski, Jens; Neukirchen, Helmut; Pals, Holger

2004-11-01

In late 2001, the Object Management Group issued a Request for Proposal to develop a testing profile for UML 2.0. In June 2003, the work on the UML 2.0 Testing Profile was finally adopted by the OMG. Since March 2004, it has become an official standard of the OMG. The UML 2.0 Testing Profile provides support for UML based model-driven testing. This paper introduces a methodology on how to use the testing profile in order to modify and extend an existing UML design model for test issues. The application of the methodology will be explained by applying it to an existing UML Model for a Bluetooth device.

The reliability of physical examination tests for the diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament rupture--A systematic review.

PubMed

Lange, Toni; Freiberg, Alice; Dröge, Patrik; Lützner, Jörg; Schmitt, Jochen; Kopkow, Christian

2015-06-01

Systematic literature review. Despite their frequent application in routine care, a systematic review on the reliability of clinical examination tests to evaluate the integrity of the ACL is missing. To summarize and evaluate intra- and interrater reliability research on physical examination tests used for the diagnosis of ACL tears. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED until May 30th 2013. Studies were included if they assessed the intra- and/or interrater reliability of physical examination tests for the integrity of the ACL. Methodological quality was evaluated with the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) tool by two independent reviewers. 110 hits were achieved of which seven articles finally met the inclusion criteria. These studies examined the reliability of four physical examination tests. Intrarater reliability was assessed in three studies and ranged from fair to almost perfect (Cohen's k = 0.22-1.00). Interrater reliability was assessed in all included studies and ranged from slight to almost perfect (Cohen's k = 0.02-0.81). The Lachman test is the physical tests with the highest intrarater reliability (Cohen's k = 1.00), the Lachman test performed in prone position the test with the highest interrater reliability (Cohen's k = 0.81). Included studies were partly of low methodological quality. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity in study populations, reliability measures and methodological quality of included studies. Systematic investigations on the reliability of physical examination tests to assess the integrity of the ACL are scarce and of varying methodological quality. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 21162 - Notice of Intent to Establish an Information Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-09

... Programs. NCSES, under generic clearance (OMB 3145-0174), has conducted a methodological study to test a.... Estimate of Burden: In the methodological study, HAs required 1 hour on average to complete these tasks...,206 hours. Most ECs were able to complete this task in less than 30 minutes in the methodological...

Testing Orr's document delivery test on biomedical journals in South Africa.

PubMed Central

Steynberg, S; Rossouw, S F

1995-01-01

This paper describes the use of a document delivery test (DDT) to measure the availability of biomedical research journals in South African health sciences libraries. The methodology employed was developed twenty years ago by a team of researchers from the Institute for the Advancement of Medical Communication under the direction of R. H. Orr. The testing of the methodology was in itself an objective of the present research. A citation pool consisting of 307 items was constructed from references to journal articles in papers published in 1989 by South African biomedical researchers. The availability of each article was determined at each of seven medical library sites; the performance was measured and presented as an arithmetical value or document delivery capability index (CI). The results of the tests show a high level of availability, ranging from CI = 81.68 to CI = 92.97 for the journals sampled. The DDT methodology was found to be practical, applicable to such studies, and flexible. Its use is recommended for similar studies. Images PMID:7703944

Software Testing and Verification in Climate Model Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clune, Thomas L.; Rood, RIchard B.

2011-01-01

Over the past 30 years most climate models have grown from relatively simple representations of a few atmospheric processes to a complex multi-disciplinary system. Computer infrastructure over that period has gone from punch card mainframes to modem parallel clusters. Model implementations have become complex, brittle, and increasingly difficult to extend and maintain. Existing verification processes for model implementations rely almost exclusively upon some combination of detailed analysis of output from full climate simulations and system-level regression tests. In additional to being quite costly in terms of developer time and computing resources, these testing methodologies are limited in terms of the types of defects that can be detected, isolated and diagnosed. Mitigating these weaknesses of coarse-grained testing with finer-grained "unit" tests has been perceived as cumbersome and counter-productive. In the commercial software sector, recent advances in tools and methodology have led to a renaissance for systematic fine-grained testing. We discuss the availability of analogous tools for scientific software and examine benefits that similar testing methodologies could bring to climate modeling software. We describe the unique challenges faced when testing complex numerical algorithms and suggest techniques to minimize and/or eliminate the difficulties.

Age-Related Deficits in Intentional Memory for Spatial Location in Small-Scale Space: A Meta-Analysis and Methodological Critique.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foisy, Pierre

1994-01-01

Meta analysis of 22 studies testing 1,598 subjects revealed that aging has a great effect on intentional memory for spatial location. However, methodological limits were found: fewer than half of the studies controlled for age differences in visual acuity or did not use a test phase of fixed duration. (SK)

Design and development of a prototypical software for semi-automatic generation of test methodologies and security checklists for IT vulnerability assessment in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Möller, Thomas; Bellin, Knut; Creutzburg, Reiner

2015-03-01

The aim of this paper is to show the recent progress in the design and prototypical development of a software suite Copra Breeder* for semi-automatic generation of test methodologies and security checklists for IT vulnerability assessment in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Test Methodology to Evaluate the Safety of Materials Using Spark Incendivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhler, Charles; Calle, Carlos; Clements, Sid; Ritz, Mindy; Starnes, Jeff

2007-01-01

For many years scientists and engineers have been searching for the proper test method to evaluate an electrostatic risk for materials used in hazardous environments. A new test standard created by the International Electrotechnical Commission is a promising addition to conventional test methods used throughout industry. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate this test into a proposed new methodology for the evaluation of materials exposed to flammable environments. However, initial testing using this new standard has uncovered some unconventional behavior in materials that conventional test methods were thought to have reconciled. For example some materials tested at higher humidities were more susceptible to incendive discharges than at lower humidity even though the surface resistivity was lower.

Analysis of crack initiation and growth in the high level vibration test at Tadotsu

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

Kassir, M.K.; Park, Y.J.; Hofmayer, C.H.

1993-08-01

The High Level Vibration Test data are used to assess the accuracy and usefulness of current engineering methodologies for predicting crack initiation and growth in a cast stainless steel pipe elbow under complex, large amplitude loading. The data were obtained by testing at room temperature a large scale modified model of one loop of a PWR primary coolant system at the Tadotsu Engineering Laboratory in Japan. Fatigue crack initiation time is reasonably predicted by applying a modified local strain approach (Coffin-Mason-Goodman equation) in conjunction with Miner`s rule of cumulative damage. Three fracture mechanics methodologies are applied to investigate the crackmore » growth behavior observed in the hot leg of the model. These are: the {Delta}K methodology (Paris law), {Delta}J concepts and a recently developed limit load stress-range criterion. The report includes a discussion on the pros and cons of the analysis involved in each of the methods, the role played by the key parameters influencing the formulation and a comparison of the results with the actual crack growth behavior observed in the vibration test program. Some conclusions and recommendations for improvement of the methodologies are also provided.« less

A Methodology for Assessing the Impact of Sea Level Rise on Representative Military Installations in the Southwestern United States (RC-1703)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-03

results. As part of this research and development effort, a number of products were developed that served to advance the research and provided a testing ...Teams, U.S. Navy SEALs, brown‐water Navy personnel, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen. The base conducts research and tests of newly...effort, a number of products were developed that served to advance the research , and provided a testing ground for our methodologies. In addition

Methodology to identify risk-significant components for inservice inspection and testing

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

Anderson, M.T.; Hartley, R.S.; Jones, J.L. Jr.

1992-08-01

Periodic inspection and testing of vital system components should be performed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear processing facilities. Probabilistic techniques may be used to help identify and rank components by their relative risk. A risk-based ranking would allow varied DOE sites to implement inspection and testing programs in an effective and cost-efficient manner. This report describes a methodology that can be used to rank components, while addressing multiple risk issues.

Testing for genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Past, present and future perspectives.

PubMed

Holst-Jensen, Arne

2009-01-01

This paper presents an overview of GMO testing methodologies and how these have evolved and may evolve in the next decade. Challenges and limitations for the application of the test methods as well as to the interpretation of results produced with the methods are highlighted and discussed, bearing in mind the various interests and competences of the involved stakeholders. To better understand the suitability and limitations of detection methodologies the evolution of transformation processes for creation of GMOs is briefly reviewed.

New methodologies for calculation of flight parameters on reduced scale wings models in wind tunnel =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Mosbah, Abdallah

In order to improve the qualities of wind tunnel tests, and the tools used to perform aerodynamic tests on aircraft wings in the wind tunnel, new methodologies were developed and tested on rigid and flexible wings models. A flexible wing concept is consists in replacing a portion (lower and/or upper) of the skin with another flexible portion whose shape can be changed using an actuation system installed inside of the wing. The main purpose of this concept is to improve the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, and especially to reduce the fuel consumption of the airplane. Numerical and experimental analyses were conducted to develop and test the methodologies proposed in this thesis. To control the flow inside the test sections of the Price-Paidoussis wind tunnel of LARCASE, numerical and experimental analyses were performed. Computational fluid dynamics calculations have been made in order to obtain a database used to develop a new hybrid methodology for wind tunnel calibration. This approach allows controlling the flow in the test section of the Price-Paidoussis wind tunnel. For the fast determination of aerodynamic parameters, new hybrid methodologies were proposed. These methodologies were used to control flight parameters by the calculation of the drag, lift and pitching moment coefficients and by the calculation of the pressure distribution around an airfoil. These aerodynamic coefficients were calculated from the known airflow conditions such as angles of attack, the mach and the Reynolds numbers. In order to modify the shape of the wing skin, electric actuators were installed inside the wing to get the desired shape. These deformations provide optimal profiles according to different flight conditions in order to reduce the fuel consumption. A controller based on neural networks was implemented to obtain desired displacement actuators. A metaheuristic algorithm was used in hybridization with neural networks, and support vector machine approaches and their combination was optimized, and very good results were obtained in a reduced computing time. The validation of the obtained results has been made using numerical data obtained by the XFoil code, and also by the Fluent code. The results obtained using the methodologies presented in this thesis have been validated with experimental data obtained using the subsonic Price-Paidoussis blow down wind tunnel.

Wind Tunnel to Atmospheric Mapping for Static Aeroelastic Scaling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heeg, Jennifer; Spain, Charles V.; Rivera, J. A.

2004-01-01

Wind tunnel to Atmospheric Mapping (WAM) is a methodology for scaling and testing a static aeroelastic wind tunnel model. The WAM procedure employs scaling laws to define a wind tunnel model and wind tunnel test points such that the static aeroelastic flight test data and wind tunnel data will be correlated throughout the test envelopes. This methodology extends the notion that a single test condition - combination of Mach number and dynamic pressure - can be matched by wind tunnel data. The primary requirements for affecting this extension are matching flight Mach numbers, maintaining a constant dynamic pressure scale factor and setting the dynamic pressure scale factor in accordance with the stiffness scale factor. The scaling is enabled by capabilities of the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) and by relaxation of scaling requirements present in the dynamic problem that are not critical to the static aeroelastic problem. The methodology is exercised in two example scaling problems: an arbitrarily scaled wing and a practical application to the scaling of the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight vehicle for testing in the TDT.

Application of damage tolerance methodology in certification of the Piaggio P-180 Avanti

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Jerry

1992-01-01

The Piaggio P-180 Avanti, a twin pusher-prop engine nine-passenger business aircraft was certified in 1990, to the requirements of FAR Part 23 and Associated Special Conditions for Composite Structure. Certification included the application of a damage tolerant methodology to the design of the composite forward wing and empennage (vertical fin, horizontal stabilizer, tailcone, and rudder) structure. This methodology included an extensive analytical evaluation coupled with sub-component and full-scale testing of the structure. The work from the Damage Tolerance Analysis Assessment was incorporated into the full-scale testing. Damage representing hazards such as dropped tools, ground equipment, handling, and runway debris, was applied to the test articles. Additional substantiation included allowing manufacturing discrepancies to exist unrepaired on the full-scale articles and simulated bondline failures in critical elements. The importance of full-scale testing in the critical environmental conditions and the application of critical damage are addressed. The implication of damage tolerance on static and fatigue testing is discussed. Good correlation between finite element solutions and experimental test data was observed.

Development of a flight software testing methodology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccluskey, E. J.; Andrews, D. M.

1985-01-01

The research to develop a testing methodology for flight software is described. An experiment was conducted in using assertions to dynamically test digital flight control software. The experiment showed that 87% of typical errors introduced into the program would be detected by assertions. Detailed analysis of the test data showed that the number of assertions needed to detect those errors could be reduced to a minimal set. The analysis also revealed that the most effective assertions tested program parameters that provided greater indirect (collateral) testing of other parameters. In addition, a prototype watchdog task system was built to evaluate the effectiveness of executing assertions in parallel by using the multitasking features of Ada.

Product assurance technology efforts: Technical accomplishments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

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

Developing an Item Bank for Use in Testing in Africa: Theory and Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Furtuna, Daniela

2014-01-01

The author describes the steps taken by a research team, of which she was part, to develop a specific methodology for assessing student attainment in primary school, working with the Programme for the Analysis of Education Systems (PASEC) of the Conference of Ministers of Education of French-speaking Countries (CONFEMEN). This methodology provides…

The relevance of chemical interactions with CYP17 enzyme activity: Assessment using a novel in vitro assay

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

Roelofs, Maarke J.E., E-mail: m.j.e.roelofs@uu.nl; Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment; Piersma, Aldert H.

The steroidogenic cytochrome P450 17 (CYP17) enzyme produces dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is the most abundant circulating endogenous sex steroid precursor. DHEA plays a key role in e.g. sexual functioning and development. To date, no rapid screening assay for effects on CYP17 is available. In this study, a novel assay using porcine adrenal cortex microsomes (PACMs) was described. Effects of twenty-eight suggested endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on CYP17 activity were compared with effects in the US EPA validated H295R (human adrenocorticocarcinoma cell line) steroidogenesis assay. In the PACM assay DHEA production was higher compared with the H295R assay (4.4 versus 2.2more » nmol/h/mg protein). To determine the additional value of a CYP17 assay, all compounds were also tested for interaction with CYP19 (aromatase) using human placental microsomes (HPMs) and H295R cells. 62.5% of the compounds showed enzyme inhibition in at least one of the microsomal assays. Only the cAMP inducer forskolin induced CYP17 activity, while CYP19 was induced by four test compounds in the H295R assay. These effects remained unnoticed in the PACM and HPM assays. Diethylstilbestrol and tetrabromobisphenol A inhibited CYP17 but not CYP19 activity, indicating different mechanisms for the inhibition of these enzymes. From our results it becomes apparent that CYP17 can be a target for EDCs and that this interaction differs from interactions with CYP19. Our data strongly suggest that research attention should focus on validating a specific assay for CYP17 activity, such as the PACM assay, that can be included in the EDC screening battery. - Highlights: ► DHEA, produced by CYP17, plays a key role in sexual functioning and development. ► No rapid screening assay for effects on CYP17 is available yet. ► A novel assay using porcine adrenal cortex microsomes (PACMs) was described. ► Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) targeting CYP17 interact differently with CYP19. ► A specific CYP17 assay is a valuable screening for effects early in steroidogenesis.« less

Methodology for extracting local constants from petroleum cracking flows

DOEpatents

Chang, Shen-Lin; Lottes, Steven A.; Zhou, Chenn Q.

2000-01-01

A methodology provides for the extraction of local chemical kinetic model constants for use in a reacting flow computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer code with chemical kinetic computations to optimize the operating conditions or design of the system, including retrofit design improvements to existing systems. The coupled CFD and kinetic computer code are used in combination with data obtained from a matrix of experimental tests to extract the kinetic constants. Local fluid dynamic effects are implicitly included in the extracted local kinetic constants for each particular application system to which the methodology is applied. The extracted local kinetic model constants work well over a fairly broad range of operating conditions for specific and complex reaction sets in specific and complex reactor systems. While disclosed in terms of use in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) riser, the inventive methodology has application in virtually any reaction set to extract constants for any particular application and reaction set formulation. The methodology includes the step of: (1) selecting the test data sets for various conditions; (2) establishing the general trend of the parametric effect on the measured product yields; (3) calculating product yields for the selected test conditions using coupled computational fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics; (4) adjusting the local kinetic constants to match calculated product yields with experimental data; and (5) validating the determined set of local kinetic constants by comparing the calculated results with experimental data from additional test runs at different operating conditions.

Analysis of wind tunnel test results for a 9.39-per cent scale model of a VSTOL fighter/attack aircraft. Volume 2: Evaluation of prediction methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lummus, J. R.; Joyce, G. T.; Omalley, C. D.

1980-01-01

An evaluation of current prediction methodologies to estimate the aerodynamic uncertainties identified for the E205 configuration is presented. This evaluation was accomplished by comparing predicted and wind tunnel test data in three major categories: untrimmed longitudinal aerodynamics; trimmed longitudinal aerodynamics; and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics.

AMOVA ["Accumulative Manifold Validation Analysis"]: An Advanced Statistical Methodology Designed to Measure and Test the Validity, Reliability, and Overall Efficacy of Inquiry-Based Psychometric Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osler, James Edward, II

2015-01-01

This monograph provides an epistemological rational for the Accumulative Manifold Validation Analysis [also referred by the acronym "AMOVA"] statistical methodology designed to test psychometric instruments. This form of inquiry is a form of mathematical optimization in the discipline of linear stochastic modelling. AMOVA is an in-depth…

Policy Implications for Continuous Employment Decisions of High School Principals: An Alternative Methodological Approach for Using High-Stakes Testing Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, I. Phillip; Fawcett, Paul

2013-01-01

Several teacher models exist for using high-stakes testing outcomes to make continuous employment decisions for principals. These models are reviewed, and specific flaws are noted if these models are retrofitted for principals. To address these flaws, a different methodology is proposed on the basis of actual field data. Specially addressed are…

Laboratory and field testing of commercial rotational seismometers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nigbor, R.L.; Evans, J.R.; Hutt, C.R.

2009-01-01

There are a small number of commercially available sensors to measure rotational motion in the frequency and amplitude ranges appropriate for earthquake motions on the ground and in structures. However, the performance of these rotational seismometers has not been rigorously and independently tested and characterized for earthquake monitoring purposes as is done for translational strong- and weak-motion seismometers. Quantities such as sensitivity, frequency response, resolution, and linearity are needed for the understanding of recorded rotational data. To address this need, we, with assistance from colleagues in the United States and Taiwan, have been developing performance test methodologies and equipment for rotational seismometers. In this article the performance testing methodologies are applied to samples of a commonly used commercial rotational seismometer, the eentec model R-1. Several examples were obtained for various test sequences in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Performance testing of these sensors consisted of measuring: (1) sensitivity and frequency response; (2) clip level; (3) self noise and resolution; and (4) cross-axis sensitivity, both rotational and translational. These sensor-specific results will assist in understanding the performance envelope of the R-1 rotational seismometer, and the test methodologies can be applied to other rotational seismometers.

[Quality of clinical studies published in the RBGO over one decade (1999-2009): methodological and ethical aspects and statistical procedures].

PubMed

de Sá, Joceline Cássia Ferezini; Marini, Gabriela; Gelaleti, Rafael Bottaro; da Silva, João Batista; de Azevedo, George Gantas; Rudge, Marilza Vieira Cunha

2013-11-01

To evaluate the methodological and statistical design evolution of the publications in the Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (RBGO) from resolution 196/96. A review of 133 articles published in 1999 (65) and 2009 (68) was performed by two independent reviewers with training in clinical epidemiology and methodology of scientific research. We included all original clinical articles, case and series reports and excluded editorials, letters to the editor, systematic reviews, experimental studies, opinion articles, besides abstracts of theses and dissertations. Characteristics related to the methodological quality of the studies were analyzed in each article using a checklist that evaluated two criteria: methodological aspects and statistical procedures. We used descriptive statistics and the χ2 test for comparison of the two years. There was a difference between 1999 and 2009 regarding the study and statistical design, with more accuracy in the procedures and the use of more robust tests between 1999 and 2009. In RBGO, we observed an evolution in the methods of published articles and a more in-depth use of the statistical analyses, with more sophisticated tests such as regression and multilevel analyses, which are essential techniques for the knowledge and planning of health interventions, leading to fewer interpretation errors.

[Methods for evaluating diagnostic tests in Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica].

PubMed

Ramos, J M; Hernández, I

1998-04-01

In the field of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, the evaluation of diagnostic tests (DT) is an important research area. The specific difficulties of this type of research has motivated that have not caught the severity methodological of others areas of clinical research. This article try to asses and characterize the methodology of articles about DT published in Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (EIMC) journal. Forty-five articles was selected in the EIMC journal during the 1990-1996 period, because of determinate the sensitivity and specificity of different DT. Methodological standards, extensively accepted was used. In all of articles, except one (98%) the gold standard was specified yours use, however in 4 studies (9%) include the DT in the gold standard (incorporation bias). The correct description of DT was reported in 75% of cases, but only in 11% cases the reproducibility of test was evaluated. The description of source of reference population, standard of inclusion and spectrum of composition was described in 58, 33 and 40% of articles, respectively. In 33% of studies presented workup bias, only 6% commented blind-analysis of results, and 11% presented indeterminate test results. Half of the studies reported test indexes for clinical subgroups, only one article (2%) provided numerical precision for test indexes, and only 7% reported receiver operating characteristics curves. The methodological quality of DT research in the EIMC journal may improve in different aspects of design and presentation of results.

Methodology for the placement of maintenance area headquarters.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-01-01

A methodology for strategically locating Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation maintenance area headquarters throughout the state was developed and pilot tested in the Charlottesville Residency (Albemarle and Greene counties). In the dev...

A philosophical analysis of the general methodology of qualitative research: a critical rationalist perspective.

PubMed

Rudnick, Abraham

2014-09-01

Philosophical discussion of the general methodology of qualitative research, such as that used in some health research, has been inductivist or relativist to date, ignoring critical rationalism as a philosophical approach with which to discuss the general methodology of qualitative research. This paper presents a discussion of the general methodology of qualitative research from a critical rationalist perspective (inspired by Popper), using as an example mental health research. The widespread endorsement of induction in qualitative research is positivist and is suspect, if not false, particularly in relation to the context of justification (or rather theory testing) as compared to the context of discovery (or rather theory generation). Relativism is riddled with philosophical weaknesses and hence it is suspect if not false too. Theory testing is compatible with qualitative research, contrary to much writing about and in qualitative research, as theory testing involves learning from trial and error, which is part of qualitative research, and which may be the form of learning most conducive to generalization. Generalization involves comparison, which is a fundamental methodological requirement of any type of research (qualitative or other); hence the traditional grounding of quantitative and experimental research in generalization. Comparison--rather than generalization--is necessary for, and hence compatible with, qualitative research; hence, the common opposition to generalization in qualitative research is misdirected, disregarding whether this opposition's claims are true or false. In conclusion, qualitative research, similar to quantitative and experimental research, assumes comparison as a general methodological requirement, which is necessary for health research.

Brake testing methodology study : driver effects testing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is exploring the feasibility of developing brake tests to measure brake system performance of light vehicles. Developing test procedures requires controlling test variability so that measured...

Towards Intelligent Interpretation of Low Strain Pile Integrity Testing Results Using Machine Learning Techniques

PubMed Central

Cui, De-Mi; Wang, Xiao-Quan; Lu, Lie-Min

2017-01-01

Low strain pile integrity testing (LSPIT), due to its simplicity and low cost, is one of the most popular NDE methods used in pile foundation construction. While performing LSPIT in the field is generally quite simple and quick, determining the integrity of the test piles by analyzing and interpreting the test signals (reflectograms) is still a manual process performed by experienced experts only. For foundation construction sites where the number of piles to be tested is large, it may take days before the expert can complete interpreting all of the piles and delivering the integrity assessment report. Techniques that can automate test signal interpretation, thus shortening the LSPIT’s turnaround time, are of great business value and are in great need. Motivated by this need, in this paper, we develop a computer-aided reflectogram interpretation (CARI) methodology that can interpret a large number of LSPIT signals quickly and consistently. The methodology, built on advanced signal processing and machine learning technologies, can be used to assist the experts in performing both qualitative and quantitative interpretation of LSPIT signals. Specifically, the methodology can ease experts’ interpretation burden by screening all test piles quickly and identifying a small number of suspected piles for experts to perform manual, in-depth interpretation. We demonstrate the methodology’s effectiveness using the LSPIT signals collected from a number of real-world pile construction sites. The proposed methodology can potentially enhance LSPIT and make it even more efficient and effective in quality control of deep foundation construction. PMID:29068431

Breast Shape Analysis With Curvature Estimates and Principal Component Analysis for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery.

PubMed

Catanuto, Giuseppe; Taher, Wafa; Rocco, Nicola; Catalano, Francesca; Allegra, Dario; Milotta, Filippo Luigi Maria; Stanco, Filippo; Gallo, Giovanni; Nava, Maurizio Bruno

2018-03-20

Breast shape is defined utilizing mainly qualitative assessment (full, flat, ptotic) or estimates, such as volume or distances between reference points, that cannot describe it reliably. We will quantitatively describe breast shape with two parameters derived from a statistical methodology denominated principal component analysis (PCA). We created a heterogeneous dataset of breast shapes acquired with a commercial infrared 3-dimensional scanner on which PCA was performed. We plotted on a Cartesian plane the two highest values of PCA for each breast (principal components 1 and 2). Testing of the methodology on a preoperative and postoperative surgical case and test-retest was performed by two operators. The first two principal components derived from PCA are able to characterize the shape of the breast included in the dataset. The test-retest demonstrated that different operators are able to obtain very similar values of PCA. The system is also able to identify major changes in the preoperative and postoperative stages of a two-stage reconstruction. Even minor changes were correctly detected by the system. This methodology can reliably describe the shape of a breast. An expert operator and a newly trained operator can reach similar results in a test/re-testing validation. Once developed and after further validation, this methodology could be employed as a good tool for outcome evaluation, auditing, and benchmarking.

Overdiagnosis across medical disciplines: a scoping review

PubMed Central

de Groot, Joris A H; Reitsma, Johannes B; Moons, Karel G M; Hooft, Lotty; Naaktgeboren, Christiana A

2017-01-01

Objective To provide insight into how and in what clinical fields overdiagnosis is studied and give directions for further applied and methodological research. Design Scoping review. Data sources Medline up to August 2017. Study selection All English studies on humans, in which overdiagnosis was discussed as a dominant theme. Data extraction Studies were assessed on clinical field, study aim (ie, methodological or non-methodological), article type (eg, primary study, review), the type and role of diagnostic test(s) studied and the context in which these studies discussed overdiagnosis. Results From 4896 studies, 1851 were included for analysis. Half of all studies on overdiagnosis were performed in the field of oncology (50%). Other prevalent clinical fields included mental disorders, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases accounting for 9%, 8% and 6% of studies, respectively. Overdiagnosis was addressed from a methodological perspective in 20% of studies. Primary studies were the most common article type (58%). The type of diagnostic tests most commonly studied were imaging tests (32%), although these were predominantly seen in oncology and cardiovascular disease (84%). Diagnostic tests were studied in a screening setting in 43% of all studies, but as high as 75% of all oncological studies. The context in which studies addressed overdiagnosis related most frequently to its estimation, accounting for 53%. Methodology on overdiagnosis estimation and definition provided a source for extensive discussion. Other contexts of discussion included definition of disease, overdiagnosis communication, trends in increasing disease prevalence, drivers and consequences of overdiagnosis, incidental findings and genomics. Conclusions Overdiagnosis is discussed across virtually all clinical fields and in different contexts. The variability in characteristics between studies and lack of consensus on overdiagnosis definition indicate the need for a uniform typology to improve coherence and comparability of studies on overdiagnosis. PMID:29284720

Delamination onset in polymeric composite laminates under thermal and mechanical loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Roderick H.

1991-01-01

A fracture mechanics damage methodology to predict edge delamination is described. The methodology accounts for residual thermal stresses, cyclic thermal stresses, and cyclic mechanical stresses. The modeling is based on the classical lamination theory and a sublaminate theory. The prediction methodology determines the strain energy release rate, G, at the edge of a laminate and compares it with the fatigue and fracture toughness of the composite. To verify the methodology, isothermal static tests at 23, 125, and 175 C and tension-tension fatigue tests at 23 and 175 C were conducted on laminates. The material system used was a carbon/bismaleimide, IM7/5260. Two quasi-isotropic layups were used. Also, 24 ply unidirectional double cantilever beam specimens were tested to determine the fatigue and fracture toughness of the composite at different temperatures. Raising the temperature had the effect of increasing the value of G at the edge for these layups and also to lower the fatigue and fracture toughness of the composite. The static stress to edge delamination was not affected by temperature but the number of cycles to edge delamination decreased.

LOX/hydrocarbon rocket engine analytical design methodology development and validation. Volume 2: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niiya, Karen E.; Walker, Richard E.; Pieper, Jerry L.; Nguyen, Thong V.

1993-01-01

This final report includes a discussion of the work accomplished during the period from Dec. 1988 through Nov. 1991. The objective of the program was to assemble existing performance and combustion stability models into a usable design methodology capable of designing and analyzing high-performance and stable LOX/hydrocarbon booster engines. The methodology was then used to design a validation engine. The capabilities and validity of the methodology were demonstrated using this engine in an extensive hot fire test program. The engine used LOX/RP-1 propellants and was tested over a range of mixture ratios, chamber pressures, and acoustic damping device configurations. This volume contains time domain and frequency domain stability plots which indicate the pressure perturbation amplitudes and frequencies from approximately 30 tests of a 50K thrust rocket engine using LOX/RP-1 propellants over a range of chamber pressures from 240 to 1750 psia with mixture ratios of from 1.2 to 7.5. The data is from test configurations which used both bitune and monotune acoustic cavities and from tests with no acoustic cavities. The engine had a length of 14 inches and a contraction ratio of 2.0 using a 7.68 inch diameter injector. The data was taken from both stable and unstable tests. All combustion instabilities were spontaneous in the first tangential mode. Although stability bombs were used and generated overpressures of approximately 20 percent, no tests were driven unstable by the bombs. The stability instrumentation included six high-frequency Kistler transducers in the combustion chamber, a high-frequency Kistler transducer in each propellant manifold, and tri-axial accelerometers. Performance data is presented, both characteristic velocity efficiencies and energy release efficiencies, for those tests of sufficient duration to record steady state values.

Decision analysis to complete diagnostic research by closing the gap between test characteristics and cost-effectiveness.

PubMed

Schaafsma, Joanna D; van der Graaf, Yolanda; Rinkel, Gabriel J E; Buskens, Erik

2009-12-01

The lack of a standard methodology in diagnostic research impedes adequate evaluation before implementation of constantly developing diagnostic techniques. We discuss the methodology of diagnostic research and underscore the relevance of decision analysis in the process of evaluation of diagnostic tests. Overview and conceptual discussion. Diagnostic research requires a stepwise approach comprising assessment of test characteristics followed by evaluation of added value, clinical outcome, and cost-effectiveness. These multiple goals are generally incompatible with a randomized design. Decision-analytic models provide an important alternative through integration of the best available evidence. Thus, critical assessment of clinical value and efficient use of resources can be achieved. Decision-analytic models should be considered part of the standard methodology in diagnostic research. They can serve as a valid alternative to diagnostic randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methodology for locating defects within hardwood logs and determining their impact on lumber-value yield

Treesearch

Thomas Harless; Francis G. Wagner; Phillip Steele; Fred Taylor; Vikram Yadama; Charles W. McMillin

1991-01-01

A precise research methodology is described by which internal log-defect locations may help select hardwood log ortentation and sawing procedure to improve lumber value. Procedures for data collection, data handling, simulated sawing, and data analysis are described. A single test log verified the methodology. Results from this log showed significant differences in...

Using Design Thinking to Improve Psychological Interventions: The Case of the Growth Mindset during the Transition to High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeager, David S.; Romero, Carissa; Paunesku, Dave; Hulleman, Christopher S.; Schneider, Barbara; Hinojosa, Cintia; Lee, Hae Yeon; O'Brien, Joseph; Flint, Kate; Roberts, Alice; Trott, Jill; Greene, Daniel; Walton, Gregory M.; Dweck, Carol S.

2016-01-01

There are many promising psychological interventions on the horizon, but there is no clear methodology for preparing them to be scaled up. Drawing on design thinking, the present research formalizes a methodology for redesigning and tailoring initial interventions. We test the methodology using the case of fixed versus growth mindsets during the…

The methodology for modeling queuing systems using Petri nets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotyrba, Martin; Gaj, Jakub; Tvarůžka, Matouš

2017-07-01

This papers deals with the use of Petri nets in modeling and simulation of queuing systems. The first part is focused on the explanation of basic concepts and properties of Petri nets and queuing systems. The proposed methodology for the modeling of queuing systems using Petri nets is described in the practical part. The proposed methodology will be tested on specific cases.

Adding value to the learning process by online peer review activities: towards the elaboration of a methodology to promote critical thinking in future engineers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dominguez, Caroline; Nascimento, Maria M.; Payan-Carreira, Rita; Cruz, Gonçalo; Silva, Helena; Lopes, José; Morais, Maria da Felicidade A.; Morais, Eva

2015-09-01

Considering the results of research on the benefits and difficulties of peer review, this paper describes how teaching faculty, interested in endorsing the acquisition of communication and critical thinking (CT) skills among engineering students, has been implementing a learning methodology throughout online peer review activities. While introducing a new methodology, it is important to weight the advantages found and the conditions that might have restrained the activity outcomes, thereby modulating its overall efficiency. Our results show that several factors are decisive for the success of the methodology: the use of specific and detailed orientation guidelines for CT skills, the students' training on how to deliver a meaningful feedback, the opportunity to counter-argument, the selection of good assignments' examples, and the constant teacher's monitoring of the activity. Results also tackle other aspects of the methodology such as the thinking skills evaluation tools (grades and tests) that most suit our reality. An improved methodology is proposed taking in account the encountered limitations, thus offering the possibility to other interested institutions to use/test and/or improve it.

7 CFR 3600.3 - Functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... agricultural and rural economy. (2) Administering a methodological research program to improve agricultural... design and data collection methodologies to the agricultural statistics program. Major functions include...) Designing, testing, and establishing survey techniques and standards, including sample design, sample...

7 CFR 3600.3 - Functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... agricultural and rural economy. (2) Administering a methodological research program to improve agricultural... design and data collection methodologies to the agricultural statistics program. Major functions include...) Designing, testing, and establishing survey techniques and standards, including sample design, sample...

7 CFR 3600.3 - Functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... agricultural and rural economy. (2) Administering a methodological research program to improve agricultural... design and data collection methodologies to the agricultural statistics program. Major functions include...) Designing, testing, and establishing survey techniques and standards, including sample design, sample...

7 CFR 3600.3 - Functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... agricultural and rural economy. (2) Administering a methodological research program to improve agricultural... design and data collection methodologies to the agricultural statistics program. Major functions include...) Designing, testing, and establishing survey techniques and standards, including sample design, sample...

7 CFR 3600.3 - Functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... agricultural and rural economy. (2) Administering a methodological research program to improve agricultural... design and data collection methodologies to the agricultural statistics program. Major functions include...) Designing, testing, and establishing survey techniques and standards, including sample design, sample...

78 FR 66681 - Census Advisory Committees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-06

..., filing of petitions and applications and agency #0;statements of organization and functions are examples... policies, research and methodology, tests, operations, communications/messaging and other activities to..., socioeconomic, linguistic, technological, methodological, geographic, behavioral and operational variables...

Challenges and solutions for high-volume testing of silicon photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polster, Robert; Dai, Liang Yuan; Oikonomou, Michail; Cheng, Qixiang; Rumley, Sebastien; Bergman, Keren

2018-02-01

The first generation of silicon photonic products is now commercially available. While silicon photonics possesses key economic advantages over classical photonic platforms, it has yet to become a commercial success because these advantages can be fully realized only when high-volume testing of silicon photonic devices is made possible. We discuss the costs, challenges, and solutions of photonic chip testing as reported in the recent research literature. We define and propose three underlying paradigms that should be considered when creating photonic test structures: Design for Fast Coupling, Design for Minimal Taps, and Design for Parallel Testing. We underline that a coherent test methodology must be established prior to the design of test structures, and demonstrate how an optimized methodology dramatically reduces the burden when designing for test, by reducing the needed complexity of test structures.

Test Methodologies for Personal Protective Equipment Against Anti-Personnel Mine Blast (Methodologies d’essais pour le materiel de protection prsonnel contre le souffle produit par les mines antipersonnel)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-03-01

probabilistic by design. Finally, as the fragments disperse, fragment density decreases, and the probability of a fragment strike drops rapidly. Given the...Any PPE subjected to such testing needs to be exposed repeatedly to several mines in order to obtain a sufficient number of strikes . This will allow...velocity of each fragment, and the location of fragment strikes cannot be controlled precisely. This means that the same test must be repeated a

Certification Testing Methodology for Composite Structure. Volume 2. Methodology Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-01

parameter, sample size and fa- tigue test duration. The required input are 1. Residual strength Weibull shape parameter ( ALPR ) 2. Fatigue life Weibull shape...INPUT STRENGTH ALPHA’) READ(*,*) ALPR ALPRI = 1.O/ ALPR WRITE(*, 2) 2 FORMAT( 2X, ’PLEASE INPUT LIFE ALPHA’) READ(*,*) ALPL ALPLI - 1.0/ALPL WRITE(*, 3...3 FORMAT(2X,’PLEASE INPUT SAMPLE SIZE’) READ(*,*) N AN - N WRITE(*,4) 4 FORMAT(2X,’PLEASE INPUT TEST DURATION’) READ(*,*) T RALP - ALPL/ ALPR ARGR - 1

Standardizing Methods for Weapons Accuracy and Effectiveness Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

37  B.  MONTE CARLO APPROACH............................37  C.  EXPECTED VALUE THEOREM..........................38  D.  PHIT /PNM METHODOLOGY...MATLAB CODE – SR_CDF_DATA.......................96  F.  MATLAB CODE – GE_EXTRACT........................98  G.  MATLAB CODE - PHIT /PNM...Normal fit to test data.........................18  Figure 11.  Double Normal fit to test data..................19  Figure 12.  PHIT /PNM Methodology (from

Recent advances in Reltron and Super-Reltron HPM source development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Robert B.; Muehlenweg, Carl A.; Habiger, Kerry W.; Smith, John R.; Shiffler, Donald A.

1994-05-01

Reltron and super-reltron microwave tubes use post acceleration of a well-modulated beam and multiple output cavity extraction sections to generate high power microwave pulses with excellent efficiency. We have continued our development of these tubes with emphasis being given to four specific topics: (1) Recent experiments with our 1-GHz super-reltron tube have demonstrated operation at a peak power level of 600 MW. With pulse durations of several hundred nanoseconds, the microwave energy per pulse is about 250 J. (2) We have extracted significant power (several tens of megawatts) at the third multiple (3 GHz) of our 1-GHz super-reltron tube using output cavities designed for operation in S-band. (3) We have fielded a small S-band super-reltron tube on our 260 kV modulator. We have obtained lifetime data for this tube under repetitive (20 Hz), long pulse (2 microsecond(s) ec) operating conditions. (4) We have initiated feasibility experiments of the reltron concept by post accelerating the bunched beam produced by a SLAC XK-5 klystron. In this paper we report our experimental results and discuss relevant theoretical considerations related to each of these four topics.

Couple stress fluid flow in a rotating channel with peristalsis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd elmaboud, Y.; Abdelsalam, Sara I.; Mekheimer, Kh. S.

2018-04-01

This article describes a new model for obtaining closed-form semi-analytical solutions of peristaltic flow induced by sinusoidal wave trains propagating with constant speed on the walls of a two-dimensional rotating infinite channel. The channel rotates with a constant angular speed about the z - axis and is filled with couple stress fluid. The governing equations of the channel deformation and the flow rate inside the channel are derived using the lubrication theory approach. The resulting equations are solved, using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), for exact solutions to the longitudinal velocity distribution, pressure gradient, flow rate due to secondary velocity, and pressure rise per wavelength. The effect of various values of physical parameters, such as, Taylor's number and couple stress parameter, together with some interesting features of peristaltic flow are discussed through graphs. The trapping phenomenon is investigated for different values of parameters under consideration. It is shown that Taylor's number and the couple stress parameter have an increasing effect on the longitudinal velocity distribution till half of the channel, on the flow rate due to secondary velocity, and on the number of closed streamlines circulating the bolus.

Virtual-pulse time integral methodology: A new explicit approach for computational dynamics - Theoretical developments for general nonlinear structural dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Xiaoqin; Tamma, Kumar K.; Sha, Desong

1993-01-01

The present paper describes a new explicit virtual-pulse time integral methodology for nonlinear structural dynamics problems. The purpose of the paper is to provide the theoretical basis of the methodology and to demonstrate applicability of the proposed formulations to nonlinear dynamic structures. Different from the existing numerical methods such as direct time integrations or mode superposition techniques, the proposed methodology offers new perspectives and methodology of development, and possesses several unique and attractive computational characteristics. The methodology is tested and compared with the implicit Newmark method (trapezoidal rule) through a nonlinear softening and hardening spring dynamic models. The numerical results indicate that the proposed explicit virtual-pulse time integral methodology is an excellent alternative for solving general nonlinear dynamic problems.

Test Methodology Development for Experimental Structural Assessment of ASC Planar Spring Material for Long-Term Durability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, Gunjin; Abdullah, A. B. M.; Binienda, Wieslaw; Krause, David L.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

2014-01-01

A vibration-based testing methodology has been developed that will assess fatigue behavior of the metallic material of construction for the Advanced Stirling Convertor displacer (planar) spring component. To minimize the testing duration, the test setup is designed for base-excitation of a multiplespecimen arrangement, driven in a high-frequency resonant mode; this allows completion of fatigue testing in an accelerated period. A high performance electro-dynamic exciter (shaker) is used to generate harmonic oscillation of cantilever beam specimens, which are clasped on the shaker armature with specially-designed clamp fixtures. The shaker operates in closed-loop control with dynamic specimen response feedback provided by a scanning laser vibrometer. A test coordinator function synchronizes the shaker controller and the laser vibrometer to complete the closed-loop scheme. The test coordinator also monitors structural health of the test specimens throughout the test period, recognizing any change in specimen dynamic behavior. As this may be due to fatigue crack initiation, the test coordinator terminates test progression and then acquires test data in an orderly manner. Design of the specimen and fixture geometry was completed by finite element analysis such that peak stress does not occur at the clamping fixture attachment points. Experimental stress evaluation was conducted to verify the specimen stress predictions. A successful application of the experimental methodology was demonstrated by validation tests with carbon steel specimens subjected to fully-reversed bending stress; high-cycle fatigue failures were induced in such specimens using higher-than-prototypical stresses

76 FR 62068 - Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-06

... methodological objectives. The first objective is to test the feasibility of the proposed sampling frame and to... minutes. Results of the methodological component of the feasibility study will be used to assess the...

A methodology to enhance electromagnetic compatibility in joint military operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckellew, William R.

The development and validation of an improved methodology to identify, characterize, and prioritize potential joint EMI (electromagnetic interference) interactions and identify and develop solutions to reduce the effects of the interference are discussed. The methodology identifies potential EMI problems using results from field operations, historical data bases, and analytical modeling. Operational expertise, engineering analysis, and testing are used to characterize and prioritize the potential EMI problems. Results can be used to resolve potential EMI during the development and acquisition of new systems and to develop engineering fixes and operational workarounds for systems already employed. The analytic modeling portion of the methodology is a predictive process that uses progressive refinement of the analysis and the operational electronic environment to eliminate noninterfering equipment pairs, defer further analysis on pairs lacking operational significance, and resolve the remaining EMI problems. Tests are conducted on equipment pairs to ensure that the analytical models provide a realistic description of the predicted interference.

About subjective evaluation of adaptive video streaming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavakoli, Samira; Brunnström, Kjell; Garcia, Narciso

2015-03-01

The usage of HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) technology by content providers is increasing rapidly. Having available the video content in multiple qualities, using HAS allows to adapt the quality of downloaded video to the current network conditions providing smooth video-playback. However, the time-varying video quality by itself introduces a new type of impairment. The quality adaptation can be done in different ways. In order to find the best adaptation strategy maximizing users perceptual quality it is necessary to investigate about the subjective perception of adaptation-related impairments. However, the novelties of these impairments and their comparably long time duration make most of the standardized assessment methodologies fall less suited for studying HAS degradation. Furthermore, in traditional testing methodologies, the quality of the video in audiovisual services is often evaluated separated and not in the presence of audio. Nevertheless, the requirement of jointly evaluating the audio and the video within a subjective test is a relatively under-explored research field. In this work, we address the research question of determining the appropriate assessment methodology to evaluate the sequences with time-varying quality due to the adaptation. This was done by studying the influence of different adaptation related parameters through two different subjective experiments using a methodology developed to evaluate long test sequences. In order to study the impact of audio presence on quality assessment by the test subjects, one of the experiments was done in the presence of audio stimuli. The experimental results were subsequently compared with another experiment using the standardized single stimulus Absolute Category Rating (ACR) methodology.

Verification of nonlinear dynamic structural test results by combined image processing and acoustic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tene, Yair; Tene, Noam; Tene, G.

1993-08-01

An interactive data fusion methodology of video, audio, and nonlinear structural dynamic analysis for potential application in forensic engineering is presented. The methodology was developed and successfully demonstrated in the analysis of heavy transportable bridge collapse during preparation for testing. Multiple bridge elements failures were identified after the collapse, including fracture, cracks and rupture of high performance structural materials. Videotape recording by hand held camcorder was the only source of information about the collapse sequence. The interactive data fusion methodology resulted in extracting relevant information form the videotape and from dynamic nonlinear structural analysis, leading to full account of the sequence of events during the bridge collapse.

A Single Conversation with a Wise Man Is Better than Ten Years of Study: A Model for Testing Methodologies for Pedagogy or Andragogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Bryan; Kroth, Michael

2009-01-01

This article creates the Teaching Methodology Instrument (TMI) to help determine the level of adult learning principles being used by a particular teaching methodology in a classroom. The instrument incorporates the principles and assumptions set forth by Malcolm Knowles of what makes a good adult learning environment. The Socratic method as used…

Facility Energy Performance Benchmarking in a Data-Scarce Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

environment, and analyze occupant-, system-, and component-level faults contributing to energy in- efficiency. A methodology for developing DoD-specific...Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDTE) Program to develop an intelligent framework, encompassing methodology and model- ing, that...energy performers by installation, climate zone, and other criteria. A methodology for creating the DoD-specific EUIs would be an important part of a

Conceptual and Preliminary Design of a Low-Cost Precision Aerial Delivery System

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

test results. It includes an analysis of the failure modes encountered during flight experimentation , methodology used for conducting coordinate...and experimentation . Additionally, the current and desired end state of the research is addressed. Finally, this chapter outlines the methodology ...preliminary design phases are utilized to investigate and develop a potentially low-cost alternative to existing systems. Using an Agile methodology

Analysis of pressure distortion testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koch, K. E.; Rees, R. L.

1976-01-01

The development of a distortion methodology, method D, was documented, and its application to steady state and unsteady data was demonstrated. Three methodologies based upon DIDENT, a NASA-LeRC distortion methodology based upon the parallel compressor model, were investigated by applying them to a set of steady state data. The best formulation was then applied to an independent data set. The good correlation achieved with this data set showed that method E, one of the above methodologies, is a viable concept. Unsteady data were analyzed by using the method E methodology. This analysis pointed out that the method E sensitivities are functions of pressure defect level as well as corrected speed and pattern.

Assessment of capillary suction time (CST) test methodologies.

PubMed

Sawalha, O; Scholz, M

2007-12-01

The capillary suction time (CST) test is a commonly used method to measure the filterability and the easiness of removing moisture from slurry and sludge in numerous environmental and industrial applications. This study assessed several novel alterations of both the test methodology and the current standard capillary suction time (CST) apparatus. Twelve different papers including the standard Whatman No. 17 chromatographic paper were tested. The tests were run using four different types of sludge including a synthetic sludge, which was specifically developed for benchmarking purposes. The standard apparatus was altered by the introduction of a novel rectangular funnel instead of a standard circular one. A stirrer was also introduced to solve the problem of test inconsistency (e.g. high CST variability) particularly for heavy types of sludge. Results showed that several alternative papers, which are cheaper than the standard paper, can be used to estimate CST values accurately, and that the test repeatability can be improved in many cases and for different types of sludge. The introduction of the rectangular funnel demonstrated an obvious enhancement of test repeatability. The use of a stirrer to avoid sedimentation of heavy sludge did not have statistically significant impact on the CST values or the corresponding data variability. The application of synthetic sludge can support the testing of experimental methodologies and should be used for subsequent benchmarking purposes.

Development and exploration of a new methodology for the fitting and analysis of XAS data.

PubMed

Delgado-Jaime, Mario Ulises; Kennepohl, Pierre

2010-01-01

A new data analysis methodology for X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) is introduced and tested using several examples. The methodology has been implemented within the context of a new Matlab-based program discussed in a companion related article [Delgado-Jaime et al. (2010), J. Synchrotron Rad. 17, 132-137]. The approach makes use of a Monte Carlo search method to seek appropriate starting points for a fit model, allowing for the generation of a large number of independent fits with minimal user-induced bias. The applicability of this methodology is tested using various data sets on the Cl K-edge XAS data for tetragonal CuCl(4)(2-), a common reference compound used for calibration and covalency estimation in M-Cl bonds. A new background model function that effectively blends together background profiles with spectral features is an important component of the discussed methodology. The development of a robust evaluation function to fit multiple-edge data is discussed and the implications regarding standard approaches to data analysis are discussed and explored within these examples.

Development and exploration of a new methodology for the fitting and analysis of XAS data

PubMed Central

Delgado-Jaime, Mario Ulises; Kennepohl, Pierre

2010-01-01

A new data analysis methodology for X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) is introduced and tested using several examples. The methodology has been implemented within the context of a new Matlab-based program discussed in a companion related article [Delgado-Jaime et al. (2010 ▶), J. Synchrotron Rad. 17, 132–137]. The approach makes use of a Monte Carlo search method to seek appropriate starting points for a fit model, allowing for the generation of a large number of independent fits with minimal user-induced bias. The applicability of this methodology is tested using various data sets on the Cl K-edge XAS data for tetragonal CuCl4 2−, a common reference compound used for calibration and covalency estimation in M—Cl bonds. A new background model function that effectively blends together background profiles with spectral features is an important component of the discussed methodology. The development of a robust evaluation function to fit multiple-edge data is discussed and the implications regarding standard approaches to data analysis are discussed and explored within these examples. PMID:20029120

The Shock and Vibration Bulletin. Part 1. Welcome, Keynote Address, Invited Papers, Pyrotechnic Shock, and Shock Testing and Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

DESIGN PROCEDURE M. S. IIAndal, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT Machinery Dynamics ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ROTATING BLADE... methodology to accurately predict rotor vibratory loads and has recently been initiated for detail design and bench test- coupled rotor/airframe vibrations... design methodology , a trating on the basic disciplines of aerodynamics and struc. coupled rotor/airframe vibration analysis has been developed. tural

Design, Progressive Modeling, Manufacture, and Testing of Composite Shield for Turbine Engine Blade Containment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Binienda, Wieslaw K.; Sancaktar, Erol; Roberts, Gary D. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

An effective design methodology was established for composite jet engine containment structures. The methodology included the development of the full and reduced size prototypes, and FEA models of the containment structure, experimental and numerical examination of the modes of failure clue to turbine blade out event, identification of materials and design candidates for future industrial applications, and design and building of prototypes for testing and evaluation purposes.

Electric Propulsion Test and Evaluation Methodologies for Plasma in the Environments of Space and Testing (EP TEMPEST)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-14

Swanson AEDC Path 1: Magnetized electron transport impeded across magnetic field lines; transport via electron-particle collisions Path 2*: Electron...T&E (higher pressure, metallic walls) → Impacts stability, performance, plume properties, thruster lifetime Magnetic Field Lines Plasma Plume...Development of T&E Methodologies • Current-Voltage- Magnetic Field (I-V-B) Mapping • Facility Interaction Studies • Background Pressure • Plasma Wall

A Human-Centered Design Methodology to Enhance the Usability, Human Factors, and User Experience of Connected Health Systems: A Three-Phase Methodology

PubMed Central

Harte, Richard; Glynn, Liam; Rodríguez-Molinero, Alejandro; Baker, Paul MA; Scharf, Thomas; ÓLaighin, Gearóid

2017-01-01

Background Design processes such as human-centered design, which involve the end user throughout the product development and testing process, can be crucial in ensuring that the product meets the needs and capabilities of the user, particularly in terms of safety and user experience. The structured and iterative nature of human-centered design can often present a challenge when design teams are faced with the necessary, rapid, product development life cycles associated with the competitive connected health industry. Objective We wanted to derive a structured methodology that followed the principles of human-centered design that would allow designers and developers to ensure that the needs of the user are taken into account throughout the design process, while maintaining a rapid pace of development. In this paper, we present the methodology and its rationale before outlining how it was applied to assess and enhance the usability, human factors, and user experience of a connected health system known as the Wireless Insole for Independent and Safe Elderly Living (WIISEL) system, a system designed to continuously assess fall risk by measuring gait and balance parameters associated with fall risk. Methods We derived a three-phase methodology. In Phase 1 we emphasized the construction of a use case document. This document can be used to detail the context of use of the system by utilizing storyboarding, paper prototypes, and mock-ups in conjunction with user interviews to gather insightful user feedback on different proposed concepts. In Phase 2 we emphasized the use of expert usability inspections such as heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs with small multidisciplinary groups to review the prototypes born out of the Phase 1 feedback. Finally, in Phase 3 we emphasized classical user testing with target end users, using various metrics to measure the user experience and improve the final prototypes. Results We report a successful implementation of the methodology for the design and development of a system for detecting and predicting falls in older adults. We describe in detail what testing and evaluation activities we carried out to effectively test the system and overcome usability and human factors problems. Conclusions We feel this methodology can be applied to a wide variety of connected health devices and systems. We consider this a methodology that can be scaled to different-sized projects accordingly. PMID:28302594

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-11-01

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

12 CFR 252.141 - Authority and purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... (CONTINUED) ENHANCED PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS (REGULATION YY) Company-Run Stress Test Requirements for Covered... stress tests. This subpart also establishes definitions of stress test and related terms, methodologies for conducting stress tests, and reporting and disclosure requirements. ...

12 CFR 252.141 - Authority and purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... (CONTINUED) ENHANCED PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS (REGULATION YY) Company-Run Stress Test Requirements for Covered... stress tests. This subpart also establishes definitions of stress test and related terms, methodologies for conducting stress tests, and reporting and disclosure requirements. ...

A Novel Consensus-Based Particle Swarm Optimization-Assisted Trust-Tech Methodology for Large-Scale Global Optimization.

PubMed

Zhang, Yong-Feng; Chiang, Hsiao-Dong

2017-09-01

A novel three-stage methodology, termed the "consensus-based particle swarm optimization (PSO)-assisted Trust-Tech methodology," to find global optimal solutions for nonlinear optimization problems is presented. It is composed of Trust-Tech methods, consensus-based PSO, and local optimization methods that are integrated to compute a set of high-quality local optimal solutions that can contain the global optimal solution. The proposed methodology compares very favorably with several recently developed PSO algorithms based on a set of small-dimension benchmark optimization problems and 20 large-dimension test functions from the CEC 2010 competition. The analytical basis for the proposed methodology is also provided. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methodology can rapidly obtain high-quality optimal solutions that can contain the global optimal solution. The scalability of the proposed methodology is promising.

Response Time Analysis and Test of Protection System Instrument Channels for APR1400 and OPR1000

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

Lee, Chang Jae; Han, Seung; Yun, Jae Hee

2015-07-01

Safety limits are required to maintain the integrity of physical barriers designed to prevent the uncontrolled release of radioactive materials in nuclear power plants. The safety analysis establishes two critical constraints that include an analytical limit in terms of a measured or calculated variable, and a specific time after the analytical limit is reached to begin protective action. Keeping with the nuclear regulations and industry standards, satisfying these two requirements will ensure that the safety limit will not be exceeded during the design basis event, either an anticipated operational occurrence or a postulated accident. Various studies on the setpoint determinationmore » methodology for the safety-related instrumentation have been actively performed to ensure that the requirement of the analytical limit is satisfied. In particular, the protection setpoint methodology for the advanced power reactor 1400 (APP1400) and the optimized power reactor 1000 (OPR1000) has been recently developed to cover both the design basis event and the beyond design basis event. The developed setpoint methodology has also been quantitatively validated using specific computer programs and setpoint calculations. However, the safety of nuclear power plants cannot be fully guaranteed by satisfying the requirement of the analytical limit. In spite of the response time verification requirements of nuclear regulations and industry standards, it is hard to find the studies on the systematically integrated methodology regarding the response time evaluation. In cases of APR1400 and OPR1000, the response time analysis for the plant protection system is partially included in the setpoint calculation and the response time test is separately performed via the specific plant procedure. The test technique has a drawback which is the difficulty to demonstrate completeness of timing test. The analysis technique has also a demerit of resulting in extreme times that not actually possible. Thus, the establishment of the systematic response time evaluation methodology is needed to justify the conformance to the response time requirement used in the safety analysis. This paper proposes the response time evaluation methodology for APR1400 and OPR1000 using the combined analysis and test technique to confirm that the plant protection system can meet the analytical response time assumed in the safety analysis. In addition, the results of the quantitative evaluation performed for APR1400 and OPR1000 are presented in this paper. The proposed response time analysis technique consists of defining the response time requirement, determining the critical signal path for the trip parameter, allocating individual response time to each component on the signal path, and analyzing the total response time for the trip parameter, and demonstrates that the total analyzed response time does not exceed the response time requirement. The proposed response time test technique is composed of defining the response time requirement, determining the critical signal path for the trip parameter, determining the test method for each component on the signal path, performing the response time test, and demonstrates that the total test result does not exceed the response time requirement. The total response time should be tested in a single test that covers from the sensor to the final actuation device on the instrument channel. When the total channel is not tested in a single test, separate tests on groups of components or single components including the total instrument channel shall be combined to verify the total channel response. For APR1400 and OPR1000, the ramp test technique is used for the pressure and differential pressure transmitters and the step function testing technique is applied to the signal processing equipment and final actuation device. As a result, it can be demonstrated that the response time requirement is satisfied by the combined analysis and test technique. Therefore, the proposed methodology in this paper plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety of the nuclear power plants systematically satisfying one of two critical requirements from the safety analysis. (authors)« less

TTCN-3 Based Conformance Testing of Mobile Broadcast Business Management System in 3G Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiliang; Yin, Xia; Xiang, Yang; Zhu, Ruiping; Gao, Shirui; Wu, Xin; Liu, Shijian; Gao, Song; Zhou, Li; Li, Peng

Mobile broadcast service is one of the emerging most important new services in 3G networks. To better operate and manage mobile broadcast services, mobile broadcast business management system (MBBMS) should be designed and developed. Such a system, with its distributed nature, complicated XML data and security mechanism, faces many challenges in testing technology. In this paper, we study the conformance testing methodology of MBBMS, and design and implement a MBBMS protocol conformance testing tool based on TTCN-3, a standardized test description language that can be used in black-box testing of reactive and distributed system. In this methodology and testing tool, we present a semi-automatic XML test data generation method of TTCN-3 test suite and use HMSC model to help the design of test suite. In addition, we also propose an integrated testing method for hierarchical MBBMS security architecture. This testing tool has been used in industrial level’s testing.

Instruments for Assessing Risk of Bias and Other Methodological Criteria of Published Animal Studies: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Krauth, David; Woodruff, Tracey J.

2013-01-01

Background: Results from animal toxicology studies are critical to evaluating the potential harm from exposure to environmental chemicals or the safety of drugs prior to human testing. However, there is significant debate about how to evaluate the methodology and potential biases of the animal studies. There is no agreed-upon approach, and a systematic evaluation of current best practices is lacking. Objective: We performed a systematic review to identify and evaluate instruments for assessing the risk of bias and/or other methodological criteria of animal studies. Method: We searched Medline (January 1966–November 2011) to identify all relevant articles. We extracted data on risk of bias criteria (e.g., randomization, blinding, allocation concealment) and other study design features included in each assessment instrument. Discussion: Thirty distinct instruments were identified, with the total number of assessed risk of bias, methodological, and/or reporting criteria ranging from 2 to 25. The most common criteria assessed were randomization (25/30, 83%), investigator blinding (23/30, 77%), and sample size calculation (18/30, 60%). In general, authors failed to empirically justify why these or other criteria were included. Nearly all (28/30, 93%) of the instruments have not been rigorously tested for validity or reliability. Conclusion: Our review highlights a number of risk of bias assessment criteria that have been empirically tested for animal research, including randomization, concealment of allocation, blinding, and accounting for all animals. In addition, there is a need for empirically testing additional methodological criteria and assessing the validity and reliability of a standard risk of bias assessment instrument. Citation: Krauth D, Woodruff TJ, Bero L. 2013. Instruments for assessing risk of bias and other methodological criteria of published animal studies: a systematic review. Environ Health Perspect 121:985–992 (2013); http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1206389 PMID:23771496

A Methodology for the Development of a Reliability Database for an Advanced Reactor Probabilistic Risk Assessment

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

Grabaskas, Dave; Brunett, Acacia J.; Bucknor, Matthew

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Argonne National Laboratory are currently engaged in a joint effort to modernize and develop probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) techniques for advanced non-light water reactors. At a high level the primary outcome of this project will be the development of next-generation PRA methodologies that will enable risk-informed prioritization of safety- and reliability-focused research and development, while also identifying gaps that may be resolved through additional research. A subset of this effort is the development of a reliability database (RDB) methodology to determine applicable reliability data for inclusion in the quantification of the PRA. The RDBmore » method developed during this project seeks to satisfy the requirements of the Data Analysis element of the ASME/ANS Non-LWR PRA standard. The RDB methodology utilizes a relevancy test to examine reliability data and determine whether it is appropriate to include as part of the reliability database for the PRA. The relevancy test compares three component properties to establish the level of similarity to components examined as part of the PRA. These properties include the component function, the component failure modes, and the environment/boundary conditions of the component. The relevancy test is used to gauge the quality of data found in a variety of sources, such as advanced reactor-specific databases, non-advanced reactor nuclear databases, and non-nuclear databases. The RDB also establishes the integration of expert judgment or separate reliability analysis with past reliability data. This paper provides details on the RDB methodology, and includes an example application of the RDB methodology for determining the reliability of the intermediate heat exchanger of a sodium fast reactor. The example explores a variety of reliability data sources, and assesses their applicability for the PRA of interest through the use of the relevancy test.« less

Methodology in diagnostic laboratory test research in clinical chemistry and clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.

PubMed

Lumbreras-Lacarra, Blanca; Ramos-Rincón, José Manuel; Hernández-Aguado, Ildefonso

2004-03-01

The application of epidemiologic principles to clinical diagnosis has been less developed than in other clinical areas. Knowledge of the main flaws affecting diagnostic laboratory test research is the first step for improving its quality. We assessed the methodologic aspects of articles on laboratory tests. We included articles that estimated indexes of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) and were published in Clinical Chemistry or Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in 1996, 2001, and 2002. Clinical Chemistry has paid special attention to this field of research since 1996 by publishing recommendations, checklists, and reviews. Articles were identified through electronic searches in Medline. The strategy combined the Mesh term "sensitivity and specificity" (exploded) with the text words "specificity", "false negative", and "accuracy". We examined adherence to seven methodologic criteria used in the study by Reid et al. (JAMA1995;274:645-51) of papers published in general medical journals. Three observers evaluated each article independently. Seventy-nine articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The percentage of studies that satisfied each criterion improved from 1996 to 2002. Substantial improvement was observed in reporting of the statistical uncertainty of indices of diagnostic accuracy, in criteria based on clinical information from the study population (spectrum composition), and in avoidance of workup bias. Analytical reproducibility was reported frequently (68%), whereas information about indeterminate results was rarely provided. The mean number of methodologic criteria satisfied showed a statistically significant increase over the 3 years in Clinical Chemistry but not in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. The methodologic quality of the articles on diagnostic test research published in Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine is comparable to the quality observed in the best general medical journals. The methodologic aspects that most need improvement are those linked to the clinical information of the populations studied. Editorial actions aimed to increase the quality of reporting of diagnostic studies could have a relevant positive effect, as shown by the improvement observed in Clinical Chemistry.

Effects of disease severity distribution on the performance of quantitative diagnostic methods and proposal of a novel ‘V-plot’ methodology to display accuracy values

PubMed Central

Dehbi, Hakim-Moulay; Howard, James P; Shun-Shin, Matthew J; Sen, Sayan; Nijjer, Sukhjinder S; Mayet, Jamil; Davies, Justin E; Francis, Darrel P

2018-01-01

Background Diagnostic accuracy is widely accepted by researchers and clinicians as an optimal expression of a test’s performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of disease severity distribution on values of diagnostic accuracy as well as propose a sample-independent methodology to calculate and display accuracy of diagnostic tests. Methods and findings We evaluated the diagnostic relationship between two hypothetical methods to measure serum cholesterol (Cholrapid and Cholgold) by generating samples with statistical software and (1) keeping the numerical relationship between methods unchanged and (2) changing the distribution of cholesterol values. Metrics of categorical agreement were calculated (accuracy, sensitivity and specificity). Finally, a novel methodology to display and calculate accuracy values was presented (the V-plot of accuracies). Conclusion No single value of diagnostic accuracy can be used to describe the relationship between tests, as accuracy is a metric heavily affected by the underlying sample distribution. Our novel proposed methodology, the V-plot of accuracies, can be used as a sample-independent measure of a test performance against a reference gold standard. PMID:29387424

Software production methodology tested project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tausworthe, R. C.

1976-01-01

The history and results of a 3 1/2-year study in software development methodology are reported. The findings of this study have become the basis for DSN software development guidelines and standard practices. The article discusses accomplishments, discoveries, problems, recommendations and future directions.

Comparison of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Water as Solvents for Echinocandin Susceptibility Testing by the EUCAST Methodology

PubMed Central

Alastruey-Izquierdo, Ana; Gómez-López, Alicia; Arendrup, Maiken C.; Lass-Florl, Cornelia; Hope, William W.; Perlin, David S.; Rodriguez-Tudela, Juan L.

2012-01-01

Ninety-six strains of Candida, including 29 resistant and 67 susceptible isolates with mutations in the FKS1 and FKS2 genes were tested by the European Committee on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing EDef 7.1 and 7.2 methodologies to determine the impact on the MIC when water was replaced with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent for caspofungin and micafungin. The MICs were significantly lower and the MIC ranges were narrower when DMSO was used as the solvent. The use of DMSO may help to better discriminate between susceptible and resistant populations. PMID:22535988

Comparison of dimethyl sulfoxide and water as solvents for echinocandin susceptibility testing by the EUCAST methodology.

PubMed

Alastruey-Izquierdo, Ana; Gómez-López, Alicia; Arendrup, Maiken C; Lass-Florl, Cornelia; Hope, William W; Perlin, David S; Rodriguez-Tudela, Juan L; Cuenca-Estrella, Manuel

2012-07-01

Ninety-six strains of Candida, including 29 resistant and 67 susceptible isolates with mutations in the FKS1 and FKS2 genes were tested by the European Committee on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing EDef 7.1 and 7.2 methodologies to determine the impact on the MIC when water was replaced with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent for caspofungin and micafungin. The MICs were significantly lower and the MIC ranges were narrower when DMSO was used as the solvent. The use of DMSO may help to better discriminate between susceptible and resistant populations.

Methodological Behaviorism from the Standpoint of a Radical Behaviorist.

PubMed

Moore, J

2013-01-01

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

Methodological Behaviorism from the Standpoint of a Radical Behaviorist

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

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

Assessment and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bachman, Lyle F.

1989-01-01

Applied linguistics and psychometrics have influenced language testing, providing additional tools for investigating factors affecting language test performance and assuring measurement reliability. An examination is presented of language testing, including the theoretical issues involved, the methodological advances, language test development,…

Space telescope observatory management system preliminary test and verification plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fritz, J. S.; Kaldenbach, C. F.; Williams, W. B.

1982-01-01

The preliminary plan for the Space Telescope Observatory Management System Test and Verification (TAV) is provided. Methodology, test scenarios, test plans and procedure formats, schedules, and the TAV organization are included. Supporting information is provided.

Infantry Weapons Test METHODOLOGY Study. Volume 2. Antitank Weapons Test Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

1972-01-17

the event of a hit so located (e..g., on the treads) as to disable a tank. A - I 14 AtIjj’ LA...which disable the tank’s guns. Guided Missile - An unmanned vohicle moving above the surface of the earth, whose trajectory or flight path is capable...attitude and well-being. People can be classed according to a need to achievje and the characteristics displayed by high-need achievers and low-need

Human perception testing methodology for evaluating EO/IR imaging systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graybeal, John J.; Monfort, Samuel S.; Du Bosq, Todd W.; Familoni, Babajide O.

2018-04-01

The U.S. Army's RDECOM CERDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) Perception Lab is tasked with supporting the development of sensor systems for the U.S. Army by evaluating human performance of emerging technologies. Typical research questions involve detection, recognition and identification as a function of range, blur, noise, spectral band, image processing techniques, image characteristics, and human factors. NVESD's Perception Lab provides an essential bridge between the physics of the imaging systems and the performance of the human operator. In addition to quantifying sensor performance, perception test results can also be used to generate models of human performance and to drive future sensor requirements. The Perception Lab seeks to develop and employ scientifically valid and efficient perception testing procedures within the practical constraints of Army research, including rapid development timelines for critical technologies, unique guidelines for ethical testing of Army personnel, and limited resources. The purpose of this paper is to describe NVESD Perception Lab capabilities, recent methodological improvements designed to align our methodology more closely with scientific best practice, and to discuss goals for future improvements and expanded capabilities. Specifically, we discuss modifying our methodology to improve training, to account for human fatigue, to improve assessments of human performance, and to increase experimental design consultation provided by research psychologists. Ultimately, this paper outlines a template for assessing human perception and overall system performance related to EO/IR imaging systems.

Active learning on the ward: outcomes from a comparative trial with traditional methods.

PubMed

Melo Prado, Hegla; Hannois Falbo, Gilliatt; Rodrigues Falbo, Ana; Natal Figueirôa, José

2011-03-01

Academic activity during internship is essentially practical and ward rounds are traditionally considered the cornerstone of clinical education. However, the efficacy and effectiveness of ward rounds for learning purposes have been under-investigated and it is necessary to assess alternative educational paradigms for this activity. This study aimed to compare the educational effectiveness of ward rounds conducted with two different learning methodologies. Student subjects were first tested on 30 true/false questions to assess their initial degree of knowledge on pneumonia and diarrhoea. Afterwards, they attended ward rounds conducted using an active and a traditional learning methodology. The participants were submitted to a second test 48hours later in order to assess knowledge acquisition and were asked to answer two questions about self-directed learning and their opinions on the two learning methodologies used. Seventy-two medical students taking part in a paediatric clinic rotation were enrolled. The active methodology proved to be more effective than the traditional methodology for the three outcomes considered: knowledge acquisition (33 students [45.8%] versus 21 students [29.2%]; p=0.03); self-directed learning (38 students [52.8%] versus 11 students [15.3%]; p<0.001), and student opinion on the methods (61 students [84.7%] versus 38 students [52.8%]; p<0.001). The active methodology produced better results than the traditional methodology in a ward-based context. This study seems to be valuable in terms of the new evidence it demonstrates on learning methodologies in the context of the ward round. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011.

Product environmental footprint in policy and market decisions: Applicability and impact assessment.

PubMed

Lehmann, Annekatrin; Bach, Vanessa; Finkbeiner, Matthias

2015-07-01

In April 2013, the European Commission published the Product and Organisation Environmental Footprint (PEF/OEF) methodology--a life cycle-based multicriteria measure of the environmental performance of products, services, and organizations. With its approach of "comparability over flexibility," the PEF/OEF methodology aims at harmonizing existing methods, while decreasing the flexibility provided by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards regarding methodological choices. Currently, a 3-y pilot phase is running, aiming at testing the methodology and developing product category and organization sector rules (PEFCR/OEFSR). Although a harmonized method is in theory a good idea, the PEF/OEF methodology presents challenges, including a risk of confusion and limitations in applicability to practice. The paper discusses the main differences between the PEF and ISO methodologies and highlights challenges regarding PEF applicability, with a focus on impact assessment. Some methodological aspects of the PEF and PEFCR Guides are found to contradict the ISO 14044 (2006) and ISO 14025 (2006). Others, such as prohibition of inventory cutoffs, are impractical. The evaluation of the impact assessment methods proposed in the PEF/OEF Guide showed that the predefined methods for water consumption, land use, and abiotic resources are not adequate because of modeling artefacts, missing inventory data, or incomplete characterization factors. However, the methods for global warming and ozone depletion perform very well. The results of this study are relevant for the PEF (and OEF) pilot phase, which aims at testing the PEF (OEF) methodology (and potentially adapting it) as well as addressing challenges and coping with them. © 2015 SETAC.

Propellant Readiness Level: A Methodological Approach to Propellant Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bossard, John A.; Rhys, Noah O.

2010-01-01

A methodological approach to defining propellant characterization is presented. The method is based on the well-established Technology Readiness Level nomenclature. This approach establishes the Propellant Readiness Level as a metric for ascertaining the readiness of a propellant or a propellant combination by evaluating the following set of propellant characteristics: thermodynamic data, toxicity, applications, combustion data, heat transfer data, material compatibility, analytical prediction modeling, injector/chamber geometry, pressurization, ignition, combustion stability, system storability, qualification testing, and flight capability. The methodology is meant to be applicable to all propellants or propellant combinations; liquid, solid, and gaseous propellants as well as monopropellants and propellant combinations are equally served. The functionality of the proposed approach is tested through the evaluation and comparison of an example set of hydrocarbon fuels.

Development and testing of controller performance evaluation methodology for multi-input/multi-output digital control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pototzky, Anthony; Wieseman, Carol; Hoadley, Sherwood Tiffany; Mukhopadhyay, Vivek

1991-01-01

Described here is the development and implementation of on-line, near real time controller performance evaluation (CPE) methods capability. Briefly discussed are the structure of data flow, the signal processing methods used to process the data, and the software developed to generate the transfer functions. This methodology is generic in nature and can be used in any type of multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) digital controller application, including digital flight control systems, digitally controlled spacecraft structures, and actively controlled wind tunnel models. Results of applying the CPE methodology to evaluate (in near real time) MIMO digital flutter suppression systems being tested on the Rockwell Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model are presented to demonstrate the CPE capability.

Methodology evaluation: Effects of independent verification and intergration on one class of application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, J.

1981-01-01

The effects of an independent verification and integration (V and I) methodology on one class of application are described. Resource profiles are discussed. The development environment is reviewed. Seven measures are presented to test the hypothesis that V and I improve the development and product. The V and I methodology provided: (1) a decrease in requirements ambiguities and misinterpretation; (2) no decrease in design errors; (3) no decrease in the cost of correcting errors; (4) a decrease in the cost of system and acceptance testing; (5) an increase in early discovery of errors; (6) no improvement in the quality of software put into operation; and (7) a decrease in productivity and an increase in cost.

Mechanistic evaluation of test data from LTPP flexible pavement test sections, Vol. I

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

This report summarizes the process and lessons learned from the Standardized Travel Time Surveys and Field Test project. The field tests of travel time data collection were conducted in Boston, Seattle, and Lexington in 1993. The methodologies tested...

A Risk Analysis Methodology to Address Human and Organizational Factors in Offshore Drilling Safety: With an Emphasis on Negative Pressure Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabibzadeh, Maryam

According to the final Presidential National Commission report on the BP Deepwater Horizon (DWH) blowout, there is need to "integrate more sophisticated risk assessment and risk management practices" in the oil industry. Reviewing the literature of the offshore drilling industry indicates that most of the developed risk analysis methodologies do not fully and more importantly, systematically address the contribution of Human and Organizational Factors (HOFs) in accident causation. This is while results of a comprehensive study, from 1988 to 2005, of more than 600 well-documented major failures in offshore structures show that approximately 80% of those failures were due to HOFs. In addition, lack of safety culture, as an issue related to HOFs, have been identified as a common contributing cause of many accidents in this industry. This dissertation introduces an integrated risk analysis methodology to systematically assess the critical role of human and organizational factors in offshore drilling safety. The proposed methodology in this research focuses on a specific procedure called Negative Pressure Test (NPT), as the primary method to ascertain well integrity during offshore drilling, and analyzes the contributing causes of misinterpreting such a critical test. In addition, the case study of the BP Deepwater Horizon accident and their conducted NPT is discussed. The risk analysis methodology in this dissertation consists of three different approaches and their integration constitutes the big picture of my whole methodology. The first approach is the comparative analysis of a "standard" NPT, which is proposed by the author, with the test conducted by the DWH crew. This analysis contributes to identifying the involved discrepancies between the two test procedures. The second approach is a conceptual risk assessment framework to analyze the causal factors of the identified mismatches in the previous step, as the main contributors of negative pressure test misinterpretation. Finally, a rational decision making model is introduced to quantify a section of the developed conceptual framework in the previous step and analyze the impact of different decision making biases on negative pressure test results. Along with the corroborating findings of previous studies, the analysis of the developed conceptual framework in this paper indicates that organizational factors are root causes of accumulated errors and questionable decisions made by personnel or management. Further analysis of this framework identifies procedural issues, economic pressure, and personnel management issues as the organizational factors with the highest influence on misinterpreting a negative pressure test. It is noteworthy that the captured organizational factors in the introduced conceptual framework are not only specific to the scope of the NPT. Most of these organizational factors have been identified as not only the common contributing causes of other offshore drilling accidents but also accidents in other oil and gas related operations as well as high-risk operations in other industries. In addition, the proposed rational decision making model in this research introduces a quantitative structure for analysis of the results of a conducted NPT. This model provides a structure and some parametric derived formulas to determine a cut-off point value, which assists personnel in accepting or rejecting an implemented negative pressure test. Moreover, it enables analysts to assess different decision making biases involved in the process of interpreting a conducted negative pressure test as well as the root organizational factors of those biases. In general, although the proposed integrated research methodology in this dissertation is developed for the risk assessment of human and organizational factors contributions in negative pressure test misinterpretation, it can be generalized and be potentially useful for other well control situations, both offshore and onshore; e.g. fracking. In addition, this methodology can be applied for the analysis of any high-risk operations, in not only the oil and gas industry but also in other industries such as nuclear power plants, aviation industry, and transportation sector.

Fatigue Life Methodology for Bonded Composite Skin/Stringer Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Paris, Isabelle L.; OBrien, T. Kevin

2000-01-01

A methodology is presented for determining the fatigue life of bonded composite skin/stringer structures based on delamination fatigue characterization data and geometric nonlinear finite element analyses. Results were compared to fatigue tests on stringer flange/skin specimens to verify the approach.

Employee Turnover: An Empirical and Methodological Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muchinsky, Paul M.; Tuttle, Mark L.

1979-01-01

Reviews research on the prediction of employee turnover. Groups predictor variables into five general categories: attitudinal (job satisfaction), biodata, work-related, personal, and test-score predictors. Consistent relationships between common predictor variables and turnover were found for four categories. Eight methodological problems/issues…

An assessment of behavioral tests to detect impaired drivers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-12-01

This study was conducted to assess the feasibility and practicality of roadside behavioral tests for driving impairment. Such tests are seen as complementary to chemical tests of blood drug concentration. Methodological issues in the use of behaviora...

Results from Alloy 600 And Alloy 690 Caustic SCC Model Boiler Tests

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

Miller, Frederick D.; Thomas, Larry E.

2009-08-03

A versatile model boiler test methodology was developed and used to compare caustic stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of mill annealed Alloy 600 and thermally treated Alloy 690. The model boiler included simulated crevice devices that efficiently and consistently concentrated Na2CO3, resulting in volatilization of CO2 with the steam and concentration of NaOH at the tube surfaces. The test methodology also included variation in tube stress, either produced by the primary to secondary side pressure differential, or by a novel method that reproducibly yields a higher stress condition on the tube. The significant effect of residual stress on tube SCC wasmore » also considered. SCC of both Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 were evaluated as a function of temperature and stress. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) evaluations of the cracks and the grain boundaries ahead of the cracks were performed, providing insight into the SCC mechanism. This model boiler test methodology may be applicable to a range of bulkwater secondary chemistries that concentrate to produce aggressive crevice environments.« less

Methodology for Flight Relevant Arc-Jet Testing of Flexible Thermal Protection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazaheri, Alireza; Bruce, Walter E., III; Mesick, Nathaniel J.; Sutton, Kenneth

2013-01-01

A methodology to correlate flight aeroheating environments to the arc-jet environment is presented. For a desired hot-wall flight heating rate, the methodology provides the arcjet bulk enthalpy for the corresponding cold-wall heating rate. A series of analyses were conducted to examine the effects of the test sample model holder geometry to the overall performance of the test sample. The analyses were compared with arc-jet test samples and challenges and issues are presented. The transient flight environment was calculated for the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Earth Atmospheric Reentry Test (HEART) vehicle, which is a planned demonstration vehicle using a large inflatable, flexible thermal protection system to reenter the Earth's atmosphere from the International Space Station. A series of correlations were developed to define the relevant arc-jet test environment to properly approximate the HEART flight environment. The computed arcjet environments were compared with the measured arc-jet values to define the uncertainty of the correlated environment. The results show that for a given flight surface heat flux and a fully-catalytic TPS, the flight relevant arc-jet heat flux increases with the arc-jet bulk enthalpy while for a non-catalytic TPS the arc-jet heat flux decreases with the bulk enthalpy.

A comparison of fatigue life prediction methodologies for rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Everett, R. A., Jr.

1990-01-01

Because of the current U.S. Army requirement that all new rotorcraft be designed to a 'six nines' reliability on fatigue life, this study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of the current safe life philosophy using the nominal stress Palmgrem-Miner linear cumulative damage rule to predict the fatigue life of rotorcraft dynamic components. It has been shown that this methodology can predict fatigue lives that differ from test lives by more than two orders of magnitude. A further objective of this work was to compare the accuracy of this methodology to another safe life method called the local strain approach as well as to a method which predicts fatigue life based solely on crack growth data. Spectrum fatigue tests were run on notched (k(sub t) = 3.2) specimens made of 4340 steel using the Felix/28 tests fairly well, being slightly on the unconservative side of the test data. The crack growth method, which is based on 'small crack' crack growth data and a crack-closure model, also predicted the fatigue lives very well with the predicted lives being slightly longer that the mean test lives but within the experimental scatter band. The crack growth model was also able to predict the change in test lives produced by the rainflow reconstructed spectra.

ECSIN's methodological approach for hazard evaluation of engineered nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bregoli, Lisa; Benetti, Federico; Venturini, Marco; Sabbioni, Enrico

2013-04-01

The increasing production volumes and commercialization of engineered nanomaterials (ENM), together with data on their higher biological reactivity when compared to bulk counterpart and ability to cross biological barriers, have caused concerns about their potential impacts on the health and safety of both humans and the environment. A multidisciplinary component of the scientific community has been called to evaluate the real risks associated with the use of products containing ENM, and is today in the process of developing specific definitions and testing strategies for nanomaterials. At ECSIN we are developing an integrated multidisciplinary methodological approach for the evaluation of the biological effects of ENM on the environment and human health. While our testing strategy agrees with the most widely advanced line of work at the European level, the choice of methods and optimization of protocols is made with an extended treatment of details. Our attention to the methodological and technical details is based on the acknowledgment that the innovative characteristics of matter at the nano-size range may influence the existing testing methods in a partially unpredictable manner, an aspect which is frequently recognized at the discussion level but oftentimes disregarded at the laboratory bench level. This work outlines the most important steps of our testing approach. In particular, each step will be briefly discussed in terms of potential technical and methodological pitfalls that we have encountered, and which are often ignored in nanotoxicology research. The final aim is to draw attention to the need of preliminary studies in developing reliable tests, a crucial aspect to confirm the suitability of the chosen analytical and toxicological methods to be used for the specific tested nanoparticle, and to express the idea that in nanotoxicology,"devil is in the detail".

Methodological issues with adaptation of clinical trial design.

PubMed

Hung, H M James; Wang, Sue-Jane; O'Neill, Robert T

2006-01-01

Adaptation of clinical trial design generates many issues that have not been resolved for practical applications, though statistical methodology has advanced greatly. This paper focuses on some methodological issues. In one type of adaptation such as sample size re-estimation, only the postulated value of a parameter for planning the trial size may be altered. In another type, the originally intended hypothesis for testing may be modified using the internal data accumulated at an interim time of the trial, such as changing the primary endpoint and dropping a treatment arm. For sample size re-estimation, we make a contrast between an adaptive test weighting the two-stage test statistics with the statistical information given by the original design and the original sample mean test with a properly corrected critical value. We point out the difficulty in planning a confirmatory trial based on the crude information generated by exploratory trials. In regards to selecting a primary endpoint, we argue that the selection process that allows switching from one endpoint to the other with the internal data of the trial is not very likely to gain a power advantage over the simple process of selecting one from the two endpoints by testing them with an equal split of alpha (Bonferroni adjustment). For dropping a treatment arm, distributing the remaining sample size of the discontinued arm to other treatment arms can substantially improve the statistical power of identifying a superior treatment arm in the design. A common difficult methodological issue is that of how to select an adaptation rule in the trial planning stage. Pre-specification of the adaptation rule is important for the practicality consideration. Changing the originally intended hypothesis for testing with the internal data generates great concerns to clinical trial researchers.

Methodologies nouvelles pour la realisation d'essais dans la soufflerie Price-Paidoussis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores Salinas, Manuel

Le present memoire en genie de la production automatisee vise a decrire le travail effectue dans la soufflerie Price-Paidoussis du laboratoire LARCASE pour trouver les methodologies experimentales et les procedures de tests, qui seront utilisees avec les modeles d'ailes actuellement au laboratoire. Les methodologies et procedures presentees ici vont permettre de preparer les tests en soufflerie du projet MDO-505 Architectures et technologies deformables pour l'amelioration des performances des ailes, qui se derouleront durant l'annee 2015. D'abord, un bref historique des souffleries subsoniques sera fait. Les differentes sections de la soufflerie Price-Paidoussis seront decrites en mettant l'emphase sur leur influence dans la qualite de l'ecoulement qui se retrouve dans la chambre d'essai. Ensuite, une introduction a la pression, a sa mesure lors de tests en soufflerie et les instruments utilises pour les tests en soufflerie au laboratoire LARCASE sera presente, en particulier le capteur piezoelectrique XCQ-062. Une attention particuliere sera portee au mode de fonctionnement, a son installation, a la mesure et a la detection des frequences et aux sources d'erreurs lorsqu'on utilise des capteurs de haute precision comme la serie XCQ-062 du fournisseur Kulite. Finalement, les procedures et les methodologies elaborees pour les tests dans la soufflerie Price-Paidoussis seront utilisees sur quatre types d'ailes differentes. L'article New methodology for wind tunnel calibration using neural networks - EGD approch portant sur une nouvelle facon de predire les caracteristiques de l'ecoulement a l'interieur de la soufflerie Price-Paidoussis se trouve dans l'annexe 2 de ce document. Cet article porte sur la creation d'un reseau de neurones multicouche et sur l'entrainement des neurones, Ensuite, une comparaison des resultats du reseau de neurones a ete fait avec des valeurs simules avec le logiciel Fluent.

Overdiagnosis across medical disciplines: a scoping review.

PubMed

Jenniskens, Kevin; de Groot, Joris A H; Reitsma, Johannes B; Moons, Karel G M; Hooft, Lotty; Naaktgeboren, Christiana A

2017-12-27

To provide insight into how and in what clinical fields overdiagnosis is studied and give directions for further applied and methodological research. Scoping review. Medline up to August 2017. All English studies on humans, in which overdiagnosis was discussed as a dominant theme. Studies were assessed on clinical field, study aim (ie, methodological or non-methodological), article type (eg, primary study, review), the type and role of diagnostic test(s) studied and the context in which these studies discussed overdiagnosis. From 4896 studies, 1851 were included for analysis. Half of all studies on overdiagnosis were performed in the field of oncology (50%). Other prevalent clinical fields included mental disorders, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases accounting for 9%, 8% and 6% of studies, respectively. Overdiagnosis was addressed from a methodological perspective in 20% of studies. Primary studies were the most common article type (58%). The type of diagnostic tests most commonly studied were imaging tests (32%), although these were predominantly seen in oncology and cardiovascular disease (84%). Diagnostic tests were studied in a screening setting in 43% of all studies, but as high as 75% of all oncological studies. The context in which studies addressed overdiagnosis related most frequently to its estimation, accounting for 53%. Methodology on overdiagnosis estimation and definition provided a source for extensive discussion. Other contexts of discussion included definition of disease, overdiagnosis communication, trends in increasing disease prevalence, drivers and consequences of overdiagnosis, incidental findings and genomics. Overdiagnosis is discussed across virtually all clinical fields and in different contexts. The variability in characteristics between studies and lack of consensus on overdiagnosis definition indicate the need for a uniform typology to improve coherence and comparability of studies on overdiagnosis. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

A New Real - Time Fault Detection Methodology for Systems Under Test. Phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Roger W.; Jayaram, Sanjay; Hull, Richard A.

1998-01-01

The purpose of this research is focussed on the identification/demonstration of critical technology innovations that will be applied to various applications viz. Detection of automated machine Health Monitoring (BM, real-time data analysis and control of Systems Under Test (SUT). This new innovation using a High Fidelity Dynamic Model-based Simulation (BFDMS) approach will be used to implement a real-time monitoring, Test and Evaluation (T&E) methodology including the transient behavior of the system under test. The unique element of this process control technique is the use of high fidelity, computer generated dynamic models to replicate the behavior of actual Systems Under Test (SUT). It will provide a dynamic simulation capability that becomes the reference truth model, from which comparisons are made with the actual raw/conditioned data from the test elements.

Methodologies for the Statistical Analysis of Memory Response to Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosser, Alexandre L.; Gupta, Viyas; Tsiligiannis, Georgios; Frost, Christopher D.; Zadeh, Ali; Jaatinen, Jukka; Javanainen, Arto; Puchner, Helmut; Saigné, Frédéric; Virtanen, Ari; Wrobel, Frédéric; Dilillo, Luigi

2016-08-01

Methodologies are proposed for in-depth statistical analysis of Single Event Upset data. The motivation for using these methodologies is to obtain precise information on the intrinsic defects and weaknesses of the tested devices, and to gain insight on their failure mechanisms, at no additional cost. The case study is a 65 nm SRAM irradiated with neutrons, protons and heavy ions. This publication is an extended version of a previous study [1].

Nonlinear maneuver autopilot for the F-15 aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menon, P. K. A.; Badgett, M. E.; Walker, R. A.

1989-01-01

A methodology is described for the development of flight test trajectory control laws based on singular perturbation methodology and nonlinear dynamic modeling. The control design methodology is applied to a detailed nonlinear six degree-of-freedom simulation of the F-15 and results for a level accelerations, pushover/pullup maneuver, zoom and pushover maneuver, excess thrust windup turn, constant thrust windup turn, and a constant dynamic pressure/constant load factor trajectory are presented.

Structural Benchmark Creep Testing for Microcast MarM-247 Advanced Stirling Convertor E2 Heater Head Test Article SN18

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krause, David L.; Brewer, Ethan J.; Pawlik, Ralph

2013-01-01

This report provides test methodology details and qualitative results for the first structural benchmark creep test of an Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) heater head of ASC-E2 design heritage. The test article was recovered from a flight-like Microcast MarM-247 heater head specimen previously used in helium permeability testing. The test article was utilized for benchmark creep test rig preparation, wall thickness and diametral laser scan hardware metrological developments, and induction heater custom coil experiments. In addition, a benchmark creep test was performed, terminated after one week when through-thickness cracks propagated at thermocouple weld locations. Following this, it was used to develop a unique temperature measurement methodology using contact thermocouples, thereby enabling future benchmark testing to be performed without the use of conventional welded thermocouples, proven problematic for the alloy. This report includes an overview of heater head structural benchmark creep testing, the origin of this particular test article, test configuration developments accomplished using the test article, creep predictions for its benchmark creep test, qualitative structural benchmark creep test results, and a short summary.

Site characterization methodology for aquifers in support of bioreclamation activities. Volume 2: Borehole flowmeter technique, tracer tests, geostatistics and geology. Final report, August 1987-September 1989

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

Young, S.C.

1993-08-01

This report discusses a field demonstration of a methodology for characterizing an aquifer's geohydrology in the detail required to design an optimum network of wells and/or infiltration galleries for bioreclamation systems. The project work was conducted on a 1-hectare test site at Columbus AFB, Mississippi. The technical report is divided into two volumes. Volume I describes the test site and the well network, the assumptions, and the application of equations that define groundwater flow to a well, the results of three large-scale aquifer tests, and the results of 160 single-pump tests. Volume II describes the bore hole flowmeter tests, themore » tracer tests, the geological investigations, the geostatistical analysis and the guidelines for using groundwater models to design bioreclamation systems. Site characterization, Hydraulic conductivity, Groundwater flow, Geostatistics, Geohydrology, Monitoring wells.« less

Counter unmanned aerial system testing and evaluation methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-05-01

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

FY16 Progress Report on Test Results In Support Of Integrated EPP and SMT Design Methods Development

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

Wang, Yanli; Jetter, Robert I.; Sham, T. -L.

2016-08-08

The proposed integrated Elastic Perfectly-Plastic (EPP) and Simplified Model Test (SMT) methodology consists of incorporating an SMT data-based approach for creep-fatigue damage evaluation into the EPP methodology to avoid using the creep-fatigue interaction diagram (the D diagram) and to minimize over-conservatism while properly accounting for localized defects and stress risers. To support the implementation of the proposed code rules and to verify their applicability, a series of thermomechanical tests have been initiated. This report presents the recent test results for Type 2 SMT specimens on Alloy 617, Pressurization SMT on Alloy 617, Type 1 SMT on Gr. 91, and two-barmore » thermal ratcheting test results on Alloy 617 with a new thermal loading profile.« less

77 FR 3166 - Annual Stress Test

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-23

... the stress test; A general description of the methodologies employed to estimate losses, pre-provision... of stress test results and related information. 325.206 Supervisory review of stress tests and post....206 Supervisory review of stress tests and post-assessment actions. (a) Each covered bank shall take...

A variational Bayes discrete mixture test for rare variant association

PubMed Central

Logsdon, Benjamin A.; Dai, James Y.; Auer, Paul L.; Johnsen, Jill M.; Ganesh, Santhi K.; Smith, Nicholas L.; Wilson, James G.; Tracy, Russell P.; Lange, Leslie A.; Jiao, Shuo; Rich, Stephen S.; Lettre, Guillaume; Carlson, Christopher S.; Jackson, Rebecca D.; O’Donnell, Christopher J.; Wurfel, Mark M.; Nickerson, Deborah A.; Tang, Hua; Reiner, Alexander P.; Kooperberg, Charles

2014-01-01

Recently, many statistical methods have been proposed to test for associations between rare genetic variants and complex traits. Most of these methods test for association by aggregating genetic variations within a predefined region, such as a gene. Although there is evidence that “aggregate” tests are more powerful than the single marker test, these tests generally ignore neutral variants and therefore are unable to identify specific variants driving the association with phenotype. We propose a novel aggregate rare-variant test that explicitly models a fraction of variants as neutral, tests associations at the gene-level, and infers the rare-variants driving the association. Simulations show that in the practical scenario where there are many variants within a given region of the genome with only a fraction causal our approach has greater power compared to other popular tests such as the Sequence Kernel Association Test (SKAT), the Weighted Sum Statistic (WSS), and the collapsing method of Morris and Zeggini (MZ). Our algorithm leverages a fast variational Bayes approximate inference methodology to scale to exome-wide analyses, a significant computational advantage over exact inference model selection methodologies. To demonstrate the efficacy of our methodology we test for associations between von Willebrand Factor (VWF) levels and VWF missense rare-variants imputed from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Exome Sequencing project into 2,487 African Americans within the VWF gene. Our method suggests that a relatively small fraction (~10%) of the imputed rare missense variants within VWF are strongly associated with lower VWF levels in African Americans. PMID:24482836

A variational Bayes discrete mixture test for rare variant association.

PubMed

Logsdon, Benjamin A; Dai, James Y; Auer, Paul L; Johnsen, Jill M; Ganesh, Santhi K; Smith, Nicholas L; Wilson, James G; Tracy, Russell P; Lange, Leslie A; Jiao, Shuo; Rich, Stephen S; Lettre, Guillaume; Carlson, Christopher S; Jackson, Rebecca D; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Wurfel, Mark M; Nickerson, Deborah A; Tang, Hua; Reiner, Alexander P; Kooperberg, Charles

2014-01-01

Recently, many statistical methods have been proposed to test for associations between rare genetic variants and complex traits. Most of these methods test for association by aggregating genetic variations within a predefined region, such as a gene. Although there is evidence that "aggregate" tests are more powerful than the single marker test, these tests generally ignore neutral variants and therefore are unable to identify specific variants driving the association with phenotype. We propose a novel aggregate rare-variant test that explicitly models a fraction of variants as neutral, tests associations at the gene-level, and infers the rare-variants driving the association. Simulations show that in the practical scenario where there are many variants within a given region of the genome with only a fraction causal our approach has greater power compared to other popular tests such as the Sequence Kernel Association Test (SKAT), the Weighted Sum Statistic (WSS), and the collapsing method of Morris and Zeggini (MZ). Our algorithm leverages a fast variational Bayes approximate inference methodology to scale to exome-wide analyses, a significant computational advantage over exact inference model selection methodologies. To demonstrate the efficacy of our methodology we test for associations between von Willebrand Factor (VWF) levels and VWF missense rare-variants imputed from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Exome Sequencing project into 2,487 African Americans within the VWF gene. Our method suggests that a relatively small fraction (~10%) of the imputed rare missense variants within VWF are strongly associated with lower VWF levels in African Americans.

Sensitivity of Ethiopian aquatic macroinvertebrates to the pesticides endosulfan and diazinon, compared to literature data.

PubMed

Teklu, Berhan M; Retta, Negussie; Van den Brink, Paul J

2016-08-01

The aims of the present study were to present a methodology for toxicity tests that can be used when analytical resources to verify the test concentrations are limited, and to evaluate whether the sensitivity of a limited number of Ethiopian species to pesticides differs from literature values for, mainly, temperate species. Acute toxicity tests were performed using three Ethiopian aquatic invertebrate species, one crustacean (Diaphanosoma brachyurum) and two insects (Anopheles pharoensis and Culex pipiens) and using the pesticides endosulfan and diazinon. All species-pesticide combinations were tested in duplicate to estimate the consistency, i.e. the intra-laboratory variation, in test results. Daphnia magna was tested as well to allow the test results to be compared directly with values from the literature. Results indicate that the differences between the EC50s obtained for D. magna in this study and those reported in the literature were less than a factor of 2. This indicates that the methodology used is able to provide credible toxicity values. The results of the duplicated tests showed intra-laboratory variation in EC50 values of up to a factor of 3, with one test showing a difference of a factor of 6 at 48 h. Comparison with available literature results for arthropod species using species sensitivity distributions indicated that the test results obtained in this study fit well in the log-normal distribution of the literature values. We conclude that the methodology of performing multiple tests to check for consistency of test results and performing tests with D. magna for comparison with literature values to check for accuracy is able to provide reliable effect threshold levels and that the tested Ethiopian species did not differ in sensitivity from the arthropod species reported on in the literature.

Development of Testing Methodologies to Evaluate Postflight Locomotor Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulavara, A. P.; Peters, B. T.; Cohen, H. S.; Richards, J. T.; Miller, C. A.; Brady, R.; Warren, L. E.; Bloomberg, J. J.

2006-01-01

Crewmembers experience locomotor and postural instabilities during ambulation on Earth following their return from space flight. Gait training programs designed to facilitate recovery of locomotor function following a transition to a gravitational environment need to be accompanied by relevant assessment methodologies to evaluate their efficacy. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the operational validity of two tests of locomotor function that were used to evaluate performance after long duration space flight missions on the International Space Station (ISS).

Methodology to Assess No Touch Audit Software Using Field Data

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

Cai, Jie; Braun, James E.; Langner, M. Rois

The research presented in this report builds upon these previous efforts and proposes a set of tests to assess no touch audit tools using real utility bill and on-site data. The proposed assessment methodology explicitly investigates the behaviors of the monthly energy end uses with respect to outdoor temperature, i.e., the building energy signature, to help understand the Tool's disaggregation accuracy. The project team collaborated with Field Diagnosis Services, Inc. (FDSI) to identify appropriate test sites for the evaluation.

Infantry Weapons Test Methodology Study. Volume 3. Light Machine Gun Test Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

1972-06-01

Trajjectnry and marionim ordiwate. to the target increases beyond 500 meters, the beaten zone will become shorter and wider. When fires are de - livered into...traversing amount of elevation change is de - handwheel. To insure adequate tar- termined by the slope of the terrain get coverage, a burst is fired after and...to the traversing handwheel. The 6-mii increments on the traversing amount of elevation change Is de - handwheel. To insure adequate tar- termined by