Sediment trapping efficiency of adjustable check dam in laboratory and field experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chiang; Chen, Su-Chin; Lu, Sheng-Jui

2014-05-01

Check dam has been constructed at mountain area to block debris flow, but has been filled after several events and lose its function of trapping. For the reason, the main facilities of our research is the adjustable steel slit check dam, which with the advantages of fast building, easy to remove or adjust it function. When we can remove transverse beams to drain sediments off and keep the channel continuity. We constructed adjustable steel slit check dam on the Landow torrent, Huisun Experiment Forest station as the prototype to compare with model in laboratory. In laboratory experiments, the Froude number similarity was used to design the dam model. The main comparisons focused on types of sediment trapping and removing, sediment discharge, and trapping rate of slit check dam. In different types of removing transverse beam showed different kind of sediment removal and differences on rate of sediment removing, removing rate, and particle size distribution. The sediment discharge in check dam with beams is about 40%~80% of check dam without beams. Furthermore, the spacing of beams is considerable factor to the sediment discharge. In field experiment, this research uses time-lapse photography to record the adjustable steel slit check dam on the Landow torrent. The typhoon Soulik made rainfall amounts of 600 mm in eight hours and induced debris flow in Landow torrent. Image data of time-lapse photography demonstrated that after several sediment transport event the adjustable steel slit check dam was buried by debris flow. The result of lab and field experiments: (1)Adjustable check dam could trap boulders and stop woody debris flow and flush out fine sediment to supply the need of downstream river. (2)The efficiency of sediment trapping in adjustable check dam with transverse beams was significantly improved. (3)The check dam without transverse beams can remove the sediment and keep the ecosystem continuity.

Method of Error Floor Mitigation in Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamkins, Jon (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A digital communication decoding method for low-density parity-check coded messages. The decoding method decodes the low-density parity-check coded messages within a bipartite graph having check nodes and variable nodes. Messages from check nodes are partially hard limited, so that every message which would otherwise have a magnitude at or above a certain level is re-assigned to a maximum magnitude.

75 FR 47895 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 13818-The Limited Payability Claim Against the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-09

... 13818--The Limited Payability Claim Against the United States For Proceeds of An Internal Revenue Refund... Limited Payability Claim Against the United States For Proceeds of An Internal Revenue Refund Check. DATES... Against the United States For Proceeds of An Internal Revenue Refund Check. OMB Number: 1545-2024. Form...

21 CFR 1301.93 - Sources of information for employee checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...-Practitioners § 1301.93 Sources of information for employee checks. DEA recommends that inquiries concerning... enforcement agencies. DEA inquiries. Inquiries supplying identifying information should also be furnished to DEA Field Division Offices along with written consent from the concerned individual for a check of DEA...

21 CFR 1301.93 - Sources of information for employee checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...-Practitioners § 1301.93 Sources of information for employee checks. DEA recommends that inquiries concerning... enforcement agencies. DEA inquiries. Inquiries supplying identifying information should also be furnished to DEA Field Division Offices along with written consent from the concerned individual for a check of DEA...

Radar mapping, archaeology, and ancient land use in the Maya lowlands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, R. E. W.; Brown, W. E., Jr.; Culbert, T. P.

1981-01-01

Data from the use of synthetic aperture radar in aerial survey of the southern Maya lowlands suggest the presence of very large areas drained by ancient canals for the purpose of intensive cultivation. Preliminary ground checks in several very limited areas confirm the existence of canals and raised fields. Excavations and ground surveys by several scholars provide valuable comparative information. Taken together, the new data suggest that Late Classic period Maya civilization was firmly grounded in large-scale and intensive cultivation of swampy zones.

Orbital Signature Analyzer (OSA): A spacecraft health/safety monitoring and analysis tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, Steven; Degeorges, Charles; Bush, Joy; Shendock, Robert; Mandl, Daniel

1993-01-01

Fixed or static limit sensing is employed in control centers to ensure that spacecraft parameters remain within a nominal range. However, many critical parameters, such as power system telemetry, are time-varying and, as such, their 'nominal' range is necessarily time-varying as well. Predicted data, manual limits checking, and widened limit-checking ranges are often employed in an attempt to monitor these parameters without generating excessive limits violations. Generating predicted data and manual limits checking are both resource intensive, while broadening limit ranges for time-varying parameters is clearly inadequate to detect all but catastrophic problems. OSA provides a low-cost solution by using analytically selected data as a reference upon which to base its limits. These limits are always defined relative to the time-varying reference data, rather than as fixed upper and lower limits. In effect, OSA provides individual limits tailored to each value throughout all the data. A side benefit of using relative limits is that they automatically adjust to new reference data. In addition, OSA provides a wealth of analytical by-products in its execution.

Testing paleointensity determinations on recent lava flows and scorias from Miyakejima, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuma, K.

2013-12-01

Still no consensus has been reached on paleointensity method. Even the classical Thellier method has not been fully tested on recent lava flows with known geomagnetic field intensity based on a systematic sampling scheme. In this study, Thellier method was applied for 1983, 1962 and 1940 basaltic lava flows and scorias from Miyakejima, Japan. Several vertical lava sections and quenched scorias, which are quite variable in magnetic mineralogy and grain size, provide an unparalleled opportunity to test paleointensity methods. Thellier experiments were conducted on a completely automated three-component spinner magnetometer with thermal demagnetizer 'tspin'. Specimens were heated in air, applied laboratory field was 45 microT, and pTRM checks were performed at every two heating steps. Curie points and hysteresis properties were obtained on small fragments removed from cylindrical specimens. For lava flows sigmoidal curves were commonly observed on the Arai diagrams. Especially the interior part of lava flows always revealed sigmoidal patterns and sometimes resulted in erroneously blurred behaviors. The directions after zero-field heating were not necessarily stable in the course of the Thellier experiments. It was very difficult, for the interior part, to ascertain linear segments on Arai diagrams corresponding to the geomagnetic field intensity at the eruption. Upper and lower clinker samples also generally revealed sigmoidal or upward concave curves on Arai diagrams. Neither lower nor higher temperature portions of the sigmoids or concaves gave the expected geomagnetic field intensities. However, there were two exceptional cases of lava flows giving correct field intensities: upper clinkers with relatively low unblocking temperatures (< 400 deg.C) and lower clinkers with broad unblocking temperature ranges from room temperature to 600 deg.C. A most promising target for paleointensity experiments within the volcanic rocks is scoria. Scoria samples always carry single Curie temperatures higher than 500 deg.C, and the ratios of saturation remanence to saturation magnetization (Mr/Ms) of about 0.5 are indicative of truly single-domain low-titanium titanomagnetite. Unambiguous straight lines were always observed on Arai diagrams covering broad temperature ranges like the lower clinker samples, and the gradients gave the expected field values within a few percent errors. Thellier experiments applied for the recent lava flows did not successfully recover the expected field intensity from most samples. No linear segment was recognized or incorrect paleointensity values were obtained from short segments with limited temperature ranges. In Thellier or other types of paleointensity experiments laboratory alteration is checked in details, but if a sample once passed the alteration check, the TRM/NRM ratios of any limited temperature or field ranges were accepted as reflecting paleointensity. Previously published paleointensity data from lava flows should include much of such dubious data. Generally lava flows are not suitable for paleointensity determinations in light of its large grain-size and mixed magnetic mineralogy, except for scoria and clinker.

A New Method for Analyzing Near-Field Faraday Probe Data in Hall Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Wensheng; Shastry, Rohit; Herman, Daniel A.; Soulas, George C.; Kamhawi, Hani

2013-01-01

This paper presents a new method for analyzing near-field Faraday probe data obtained from Hall thrusters. Traditional methods spawned from far-field Faraday probe analysis rely on assumptions that are not applicable to near-field Faraday probe data. In particular, arbitrary choices for the point of origin and limits of integration have made interpretation of the results difficult. The new method, called iterative pathfinding, uses the evolution of the near-field plume with distance to provide feedback for determining the location of the point of origin. Although still susceptible to the choice of integration limits, this method presents a systematic approach to determining the origin point for calculating the divergence angle. The iterative pathfinding method is applied to near-field Faraday probe data taken in a previous study from the NASA-300M and NASA-457Mv2 Hall thrusters. Since these two thrusters use centrally mounted cathodes the current density associated with the cathode plume is removed before applying iterative pathfinding. A procedure is presented for removing the cathode plume. The results of the analysis are compared to far-field probe analysis results. This paper ends with checks on the validity of the new method and discussions on the implications of the results.

A New Method for Analyzing Near-Field Faraday Probe Data in Hall Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Wensheng; Shastry, Rohit; Herman, Daniel A.; Soulas, George C.; Kamhawi, Hani

2013-01-01

This paper presents a new method for analyzing near-field Faraday probe data obtained from Hall thrusters. Traditional methods spawned from far-field Faraday probe analysis rely on assumptions that are not applicable to near-field Faraday probe data. In particular, arbitrary choices for the point of origin and limits of integration have made interpretation of the results difficult. The new method, called iterative pathfinding, uses the evolution of the near-field plume with distance to provide feedback for determining the location of the point of origin. Although still susceptible to the choice of integration limits, this method presents a systematic approach to determining the origin point for calculating the divergence angle. The iterative pathfinding method is applied to near-field Faraday probe data taken in a previous study from the NASA-300M and NASA-457Mv2 Hall thrusters. Since these two thrusters use centrally mounted cathodes, the current density associated with the cathode plume is removed before applying iterative pathfinding. A procedure is presented for removing the cathode plume. The results of the analysis are compared to far-field probe analysis results. This paper ends with checks on the validity of the new method and discussions on the implications of the results.

Investigating and addressing student difficulties with the corrections to the energies of the hydrogen atom for the strong and weak field Zeeman effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keebaugh, Christof; Marshman, Emily; Singh, Chandralekha

2018-07-01

Understanding when and how to make limiting case approximations and why they are valid in a particular situation is a hallmark of expertise in physics. Using limiting cases can simplify the problem-solving process significantly and they often provide a means to check that the results obtained are reasonable. We discuss an investigation of student difficulties with the corrections to the energy spectrum of the hydrogen atom for the limiting cases of the strong and weak field Zeeman effects using degenerate perturbation theory. This investigation was carried out in advanced quantum mechanics courses by administering written free-response and multiple-choice questions and conducting individual interviews with students. Here we first discuss the common student difficulties related to these concepts. We then describe how the research on student difficulties was used as a guide to develop and evaluate a quantum interactive learning tutorial (QuILT) which strives to help students develop a functional understanding of the concepts necessary for finding the corrections to the energy spectrum of the hydrogen atom for the strong field and weak field Zeeman effects. The development of the QuILT and its evaluation in the undergraduate and PhD level courses are presented.

The Implications of Bank-Issued Check Surveys for Evaluators: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, Jason; Taylor, Ted K.; Johnson-Shelton, Deborah

2007-01-01

This article describes an innovative data collection procedure. A subsample (n = 164) of a longitudinal research project was assessed using a bank-issued check survey procedure (a removable bank check on which response fields were printed). Using the new procedure, parents returned their surveys simply by depositing or cashing their incentive…

Design, Development, and Demonstration of a Prognostic and Diagnostics Health Monitoring System for the CROWS Platform

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

automatically appended onto the data packet by the CC2420 transceiver. The frame control field (FCF), data sequence number, and frame check sequence (FCS...by the CC2420 over the MAC protocol data unit (MPDU), i.e., the length field is not part of the FCS. This field is automatically generated and...verified by the CC2420 hardware when the AUTOCRC control bit is set in the MODEMCTRL0 control register’s field . If the FCS check indicates that a data

FIELD CHECK MANUAL FOR LANGUAGE LABORATORIES, A SERIES OF TESTS WHICH A NON-TECHNICAL PERSON CAN CONDUCT TO VERIFY SPECIFICATIONS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GRITTNER, FRANK; PAVLAT, RUSSELL

IN ORDER TO ASSIST NON-TECHNICAL PEOPLE IN SCHOOLS TO CONDUCT A FIELD CHECK OF LANGUAGE LABORATORY EQUIPMENT BEFORE THEY MAKE FINAL PAYMENTS, THIS MANUAL OFFERS CRITERIA, TESTS, AND METHODS OF SCORING THE QUALITY OF THE EQUIPMENT. CHECKLISTS ARE PROVIDED FOR EVALUATING CONSOLE FUNCTIONS, TAPE RECORDERS, AMPLIFIERS, SOUND QUALITY (INCLUDING…

Computational Fact Checking by Mining Knowledge Graphs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shiralkar, Prashant

2017-01-01

Misinformation and rumors have become rampant on online social platforms with adverse consequences for the real world. Fact-checking efforts are needed to mitigate the risks associated with the spread of digital misinformation. However, the pace at which information is generated online limits the capacity to fact-check claims at the same rate…

Evaluation of multispectral middle infrared aircraft images for lithologic mapping the East Tintic Mountains, Utah( USA).

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kahle, A.B.; Rowan, L.C.

1980-01-01

Six channels of moultispectral middle infrared (8 to 14 micrometres) aircraft scanner data were acquired over the East Tintic mining district, Utah. The digital image data were computer processed to create a color-composite image based on principal component transformations. When combined with a visible and near infrared color-composite image from a previous flight, with limited field checking, it is possible to discriminate quartzite, carbonate rocks, quartz latitic and quartz monzonitic rocks, latitic and monzonitic rocks, silicified altered rocks, argillized altered rocks, and vegetation. -from Authors

Checking in: An Analysis of the (Lack of) Body Checking in Women's Ice Hockey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weaving, Charlene; Roberts, Samuel

2012-01-01

Despite the growing popularity of women's ice hockey in North America, players continue to face limitations because of the prohibition of body checking. In this paper, we argue from a liberal feminist philosophical perspective that this prohibition reinforces existing traditional stereotypes of female athletes. Because the women's game does not…

Checking and Balancing: Banking and Budgeting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thypin, Marilyn; Glasner, Lynne

A short fictional work for limited English speakers is presented that relates a young couple's experience in learning about managing their money more carefully by budgeting and maintaining a checking account. Since the couple did not have a checking account, they had to go to their savings bank in order to pay each bill and they had to keep cash…

Poster — Thur Eve — 17: In-phantom and Fluence-based Measurements for Quality Assurance of Volumetric-driven Adaptation of Arc Therapy

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

Schaly, B; Hoover, D; Mitchell, S

2014-08-15

During volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) of head and neck cancer, some patients lose weight which may result in anatomical deviations from the initial plan. If these deviations are substantial a new treatment plan can be designed for the remainder of treatment (i.e., adaptive planning). Since the adaptive treatment process is resource intensive, one possible approach to streamlining the quality assurance (QA) process is to use the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) to measure the integrated fluence for the adapted plans instead of the currently-used ArcCHECK device (Sun Nuclear). Although ArcCHECK is recognized as the clinical standard for patient-specific VMATmore » plan QA, it has limited length (20 cm) for most head and neck field apertures and has coarser detector spacing than the EPID (10 mm vs. 0.39 mm). In this work we compared measurement of the integrated fluence using the EPID with corresponding measurements from the ArcCHECK device. In the past year nine patients required an adapted plan. Each of the plans (the original and adapted) is composed of two arcs. Routine clinical QA was performed using the ArcCHECK device, and the same plans were delivered to the EPID (individual arcs) in integrated mode. The dose difference between the initial plan and adapted plan was compared for ArcCHECK and EPID. In most cases, it was found that the EPID is more sensitive in detecting plan differences. Therefore, we conclude that EPID provides a viable alternative for QA of the adapted head and neck plans and should be further explored.« less

Seeking more Opportunities of Check Dams' harmony with nearby Circumstances via Design Thinking Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Huan-Chun; Chen, Su-Chin; Tsai, Chen-Chen

2014-05-01

The contents of engineering design should indeed contain both science and art fields. However, the art aspect is too less discussed to cause an inharmonic impact with natural surroundings, and so are check dams. This study would like to seek more opportunities of check dams' harmony with nearby circumstances. According to literatures review of philosophy and cognition science fields, we suggest a thinking process of three phases to do check dams design work for reference. The first phase, conceptualization, is to list critical problems, such as the characteristics of erosion or deposition, and translate them into some goal situations. The second phase, transformation, is to use cognition methods such as analogy, association and metaphors to shape an image and prototypes. The third phase, formation, is to decide the details of the construction, such as stable safety analysis of shapes or materials. According to the previous descriptions, Taiwan's technological codes or papers about check dam design mostly emphasize the first and third phases, still quite a few lacks of the second phase. We emphases designers shouldn't ignore any phase of the framework especially the second one, or they may miss some chances to find more suitable solutions. Otherwise, this conceptual framework is simple to apply and we suppose it's a useful tool to design a more harmonic check dam with nearby natural landscape. Key Words: check dams, design thinking process, conceptualization, transformation, formation.

Effects of Check In/Checkout with a Fading Procedure on the Academic Engagement and Problem Behavior of Elementary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Leila Mullooly

2013-01-01

Though preliminary research indicates Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is an effective intervention for improving problematic behavior in a variety of populations, the literature is limited in several ways. Several studies have relied on indirect measures of behavior, such as office discipline referrals (ODRs) and teacher ratings, to determine the…

76 FR 477 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-05

... to these aircraft if Bombardier Service Bulletin (SB) 601-0590 [Scheduled Maintenance Instructions... information: Challenger 601 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, PSP 601-5, Revision 38, dated June 19, 2009. Challenger 601 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, PSP 601A-5, Revision 34, dated June 19, 2009. Challenger 604...

Signal processing and calibration procedures for in situ diode-laser absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Werle, P W; Mazzinghi, P; D'Amato, F; De Rosa, M; Maurer, K; Slemr, F

2004-07-01

Gas analyzers based on tunable diode-laser spectroscopy (TDLS) provide high sensitivity, fast response and highly specific in situ measurements of several atmospheric trace gases simultaneously. Under optimum conditions even a shot noise limited performance can be obtained. For field applications outside the laboratory practical limitations are important. At ambient mixing ratios below a few parts-per-billion spectrometers become more and more sensitive towards noise, interference, drift effects and background changes associated with low level signals. It is the purpose of this review to address some of the problems which are encountered at these low levels and to describe a signal processing strategy for trace gas monitoring and a concept for in situ system calibration applicable for tunable diode-laser spectroscopy. To meet the requirement of quality assurance for field measurements and monitoring applications, procedures to check the linearity according to International Standard Organization regulations are described and some measurements of calibration functions are presented and discussed.

Development and field testing of a mobile chlorine dioxide generation system for the decontamination of buildings contaminated with Bacillus anthracis.

PubMed

Wood, Joseph P; Blair Martin, G

2009-05-30

The numerous buildings that became contaminated with Bacillus anthracis (the bacterium causing the disease anthrax) in 2001, and more recent B. anthracis - related events, point to the need to have effective decontamination technologies for buildings contaminated with biological threat agents. The U.S. Government developed a portable chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)) generation system to decontaminate buildings contaminated with B. anthracis spores, and this so-called mobile decontamination trailer (MDT) prototype was tested through a series of three field trials. The first test of the MDT was conducted at Fort McClellan in Anniston, AL. during October 2004. Four test attempts occurred over two weekends; however, a number of system problems resulted in termination of the activity prior to any ClO(2) introduction into the test building. After making several design enhancements and equipment changes, the MDT was subjected to a second test. During this test, extensive leak checks were made using argon and nitrogen in lieu of chlorine gas; each subsystem was checked for functionality, and the MDT was operated for 24h. This second test demonstrated the MDT flow and control systems functioned satisfactorily, and thus it was decided to proceed to a third, more challenging field trial. In the last field test, ClO(2) was generated and routed directly to the scrubber in a 12-h continuous run. Measurement of ClO(2) levels at the generator outlet showed that the desired production rate was not achieved. Additionally, only one of the two scrubbers performed adequately with regard to maintaining ClO(2) emissions below the limit. Numerous lessons were learned in the field trials of this ClO(2) decontamination technology.

Effects of a growth check on daily age estimates of age-0 alligator gar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snow, Richard A.; Long, James M.

2016-01-01

Accurate age and growth information is essential for a complete knowledge of life history, growth rates, age at sexual maturity, and average life span in fishes. Alligator gar are becoming increasingly managed throughout their range and because this species spawns in backwater flooded areas, their offspring are prone to stranding in areas with limited prey, potentially affecting their growth. Because fish growth is tightly linked with otolith growth and annulus formation, the ability to discern marks not indicative of annuli (age checks) in alligator gar would give managers some insight when estimating ages. Previous studies have suggested that checks are often present prior to the first annulus in otoliths of alligator gar, affecting age estimates. We investigated check formation in otoliths of alligator gar in relation to growth and food availability. Sixteen age-0 alligator gar were marked with oxytetracycline (OTC) to give a reference point and divided equitably into two groups: a control group with abundant prey and an experimental group with limited prey. The experimental group was given 2 g of food per week for 20 days and then given the same prey availability as the control group for the next 20 days. After 40 days, the gar were measured, sacrificed, and their sagittae removed to determine if checks were present. Checks were visible on 14 of the 16 otoliths in the experimental group, associated with low growth during the first 20 days when prey was limited and accelerated growth after prey availability was increased. No checks were observed on otoliths of the control group, where growth and prey availability were consistent. Age estimates of fish in the control group were more accurate than those in the experimental group, showing that fish growth as a function of prey availability likely induced the checks by compressing daily ring formation.

Rain Check Application: Mobile tool to monitor rainfall in remote parts of Haiti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, X.; Baird, J.; Chiu, M. T.; Morelli, R.; de Lanerolle, T. R.; Gourley, J. R.

2011-12-01

Rainfall observations performed uniformly and continuously over a period of time are valuable inputs in developing climate models and predicting events such as floods and droughts. Rain-Check is a mobile application developed in Google App Inventor Platform, for android based smart phones, to allow field researchers to monitor various rain gauges distributed though out remote regions of Haiti and send daily readings via SMS messages for further analysis and long term trending. Rainfall rate and quantity interact with many other factors to influence erosion, vegetative cover, groundwater recharge, stream water chemistry and runoff into streams impacting agriculture and livestock. Rainfall observation from various sites is especially significant in Haiti with over 80% of the country is mountainous terrain. Data sets from global models and limited number of ground stations do not capture the fine-scale rainfall patterns necessary to describe local climate. Placement and reading of rain gauges are critical to accurate measurement of rainfall.

'Constraint consistency' at all orders in cosmological perturbation theory

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

Nandi, Debottam; Shankaranarayanan, S., E-mail: debottam@iisertvm.ac.in, E-mail: shanki@iisertvm.ac.in

2015-08-01

We study the equivalence of two—order-by-order Einstein's equation and Reduced action—approaches to cosmological perturbation theory at all orders for different models of inflation. We point out a crucial consistency check which we refer to as 'Constraint consistency' condition that needs to be satisfied in order for the two approaches to lead to identical single variable equation of motion. The method we propose here is quick and efficient to check the consistency for any model including modified gravity models. Our analysis points out an important feature which is crucial for inflationary model building i.e., all 'constraint' inconsistent models have higher ordermore » Ostrogradsky's instabilities but the reverse is not true. In other words, one can have models with constraint Lapse function and Shift vector, though it may have Ostrogradsky's instabilities. We also obtain single variable equation for non-canonical scalar field in the limit of power-law inflation for the second-order perturbed variables.« less

MIG-seq: an effective PCR-based method for genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping using the next-generation sequencing platform

PubMed Central

Suyama, Yoshihisa; Matsuki, Yu

2015-01-01

Restriction-enzyme (RE)-based next-generation sequencing methods have revolutionized marker-assisted genetic studies; however, the use of REs has limited their widespread adoption, especially in field samples with low-quality DNA and/or small quantities of DNA. Here, we developed a PCR-based procedure to construct reduced representation libraries without RE digestion steps, representing de novo single-nucleotide polymorphism discovery, and its genotyping using next-generation sequencing. Using multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, thousands of genome-wide regions were amplified effectively from a wide variety of genomes, without prior genetic information. We demonstrated: 1) Mendelian gametic segregation of the discovered variants; 2) reproducibility of genotyping by checking its applicability for individual identification; and 3) applicability in a wide variety of species by checking standard population genetic analysis. This approach, called multiplexed ISSR genotyping by sequencing, should be applicable to many marker-assisted genetic studies with a wide range of DNA qualities and quantities. PMID:26593239

Higher-Loop Amplitude Monodromy Relations in String and Gauge Theory.

PubMed

Tourkine, Piotr; Vanhove, Pierre

2016-11-18

The monodromy relations in string theory provide a powerful and elegant formalism to understand some of the deepest properties of tree-level field theory amplitudes, like the color-kinematics duality. This duality has been instrumental in tremendous progress on the computations of loop amplitudes in quantum field theory, but a higher-loop generalization of the monodromy construction was lacking. In this Letter, we extend the monodromy relations to higher loops in open string theory. Our construction, based on a contour deformation argument of the open string diagram integrands, leads to new identities that relate planar and nonplanar topologies in string theory. We write one and two-loop monodromy formulas explicitly at any multiplicity. In the field theory limit, at one-loop we obtain identities that reproduce known results. At two loops, we check our formulas by unitarity in the case of the four-point N=4 super-Yang-Mills amplitude.

Double checking: a second look

PubMed Central

Chreim, Samia; Forster, Alan

2015-01-01

Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives Double checking is a standard practice in many areas of health care, notwithstanding the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy. We ask in this study: ‘How do front line practitioners conceptualize double checking? What are the weaknesses of double checking? What alternate views of double checking could render it a more robust process?’ Method This is part of a larger qualitative study based on 85 semi‐structured interviews of health care practitioners in general internal medicine and obstetrics and neonatology; thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews was undertaken. Inductive and deductive themes are reported. Results Weaknesses in the double checking process include inconsistent conceptualization of double checking, double (or more) checking as a costly and time‐consuming procedure, double checking trusted as an accepted and stand‐alone process, and double checking as preventing reporting of near misses. Alternate views of double checking that would render it a more robust process include recognizing that double checking requires training and a dedicated environment, Introducing automated double checking, and expanding double checking beyond error detection. These results are linked with the concepts of collective efficiency thoroughness trade off (ETTO), an in‐family approach, and resilience. Conclusion(s) Double checking deserves more questioning, as there are limitations to the process. Practitioners could view double checking through alternate lenses, and thus help strengthen this ubiquitous practice that is rarely challenged. PMID:26568537

General equations for the motions of ice crystals and water drops in gravitational and electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nisbet, John S.

1988-01-01

General equations for the Reynolds number of a variety of types of ice crystals and water drops are given in terms of the Davies, Bond, and Knudsen numbers. The equations are in terms of the basic physical parameters of the system and are valid for calculating velocities in gravitational and electric fields over a very wide range of sizes and atmospheric conditions. The equations are asymptotically matched at the bottom and top of the size spectrum, useful when checking large computer codes. A numerical system for specifying the dimensional properties of ice crystals is introduced. Within the limits imposed by such variables as particle density, which have large deviations, the accuracy of velocities appears to be within 10 percent over the entire range of sizes of interest.

Reconciling water harvesting and soil erosion control by thoughtful implementation of SWC measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellin, N.; Vanacker, V.; van Wesemael, B.

2012-04-01

Soil and water conservation (SWC) structures are largely present in Southeast Spain. Traditionally, SWC structures such as step terraces and earthen check dams were implemented in agricultural fields. They are usually found in semi-arid traditional rainfed agricultural systems that heavily rely on SWC structures to supplement the sparse rainfall. The on-site SWC measures favor water infiltration and reduce water runoff and soil erosion. In the river system (off site), large concrete/gabion check dams have been constructed since the 70's. The analysis of orthophotographs and field survey observations indicate a severe decay of on-site SWC structures in the agricultural area. This has been observed for the Cárcavo catchment (Murcia). The density of step terraces and check dams decreased by 25% between 1956 and 2005. Changes in the agricultural area can be summarized as: (i) rapid expansion of rainfed crops in marginal areas and (ii) mechanization of agriculture associated with frequent tillage operations. It became evident that the high density of SWC structures has now become a nuisance in rainfed orchards that are maintained by regular shallow tillage. We constrained the effects of SWC structures on hydrological connectivity by assessing their functioning during a heavy storm (return period 8.2 yrs in 2006). The percentage of cropland draining directly on the river system without interference of a check dam has increased from 9% in 1956 to 31% in 2005 and 40 % after the storm in November 2006. While there is a strong decrease of traditional SWC structures, several hundred large check dams have been constructed during the last decades in ephemeral streams (Almeria). 36 of them have been investigated in selected Sierras. The volume of sediment retained was found low (mean: 1.4 t ha-1 yr-1). 67% of the variability has been explained by topographical, land use and agricultural activities. After a field survey in 2009, a large majority of check dams located in non-agricultural catchments have been found only partially filled with sediments. Extensive reforestation programs, recovery of natural vegetation (dense matorral) and abandonment of agricultural fields in the Sierras led to a strong reduction of the sediment transport towards the river system. Although the effect of the check dams on the transport of sediment has not been important, the check dams have played a major role in flood control in the area. Our data indicate that thoughtful design of SWC schemes is necessary to reconcile water harvesting, erosion mitigation and flood control. Currently, the erosion hotspots are clearly localized in the agricultural fields, and not in the marginal lands in the Sierras. The combination of on-site and off-site SWC measures in the agricultural areas is highly efficient to reduce fluxes of sediment and surface water.

The influence of social anxiety on the body checking behaviors of female college students.

PubMed

White, Emily K; Warren, Cortney S

2014-09-01

Social anxiety and eating pathology frequently co-occur. However, there is limited research examining the relationship between anxiety and body checking, aside from one study in which social physique anxiety partially mediated the relationship between body checking cognitions and body checking behavior (Haase, Mountford, & Waller, 2007). In an independent sample of 567 college women, we tested the fit of Haase and colleagues' foundational model but did not find evidence of mediation. Thus we tested the fit of an expanded path model that included eating pathology and clinical impairment. In the best-fitting path model (CFI=.991; RMSEA=.083) eating pathology and social physique anxiety positively predicted body checking, and body checking positively predicted clinical impairment. Therefore, women who endorse social physique anxiety may be more likely to engage in body checking behaviors and experience impaired psychosocial functioning. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Identification of Poetntially Creative Persons from the Adjective Check List

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Domino, George

1970-01-01

The initial development and cross validation of a Creativity (CR) scale for the Adjective Check List (ACL) is presented. The Cr scale significantly differentiated creatives from controls in every field of endeavor, but was not influenced by sex or type of creativity. (Author)

Chemical Safety Alert: Shaft Blow-Out Hazard of Check and Butterfly Valves

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Certain types of check and butterfly valves can undergo shaft-disk separation and fail catastrophically, even when operated within their design limits of pressure and temperature, causing toxic/flammable gas releases, fires, and vapor cloud explosions.

Accident study of torrential protective structures based on the French RTM database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boncompain, Ingrid; Quefféléan, Yann; Carladous, Simon

2017-04-01

Torrential protective structures such as dikes, sediment traps, and check dams aim to reduce damage on elements at risk. They are built given a reference scenario. Nevertheless, this scenario can be exceeded or structures can fail because of their design or their ageing. We later talk about "accidents". The 1996 Aras disaster near Biescas (Spain) showed that consequences can be significant: 35 of 40 check dams were destroyed which involved 87 fatalities in a campsite. The accident probability and its consequences must be taken into account to analyze risk. Databases are useful tools to extract needed information. In France, the Restoration of Mountainous Areas department (RTM) has been public funded to develop a database, specific to mountainous areas (the Alps and the Pyrenees). Almost 12 500 check dams, 80 sediment traps and 600 dikes were registered in public forests in 2011. These samples were assumed significant for check dams and sediment traps but not for dikes because the most part was missing. In parallel, more than 31 000 torrential events were registered. Given these elements, an accident study was developed. We first extracted 1 925 events with accidents on protective structures: 39 % occurred during the 19th century and 53 % have occurred since 1900. Sediment traps were involved in 37 events, check dams in 336, and dikes in 1488. Then, a detailed analysis was specifically carried out for check dams. Event phenomena were extracted: torrential flood, liquid flood, snow avalanche, rock fall, and landslide. Accident typology was also specified: scouring, breaking of several check dams, total or partial destruction of one structure, overflowing. Causes of accidents on check dams were first analyzed. Torrential floods were responsible of 85 % of events (284 of 336) even if other phenomena must be also taken into account. Almost 45 % of events (152 of 336) involved total destruction of one or several check dams. Taking into account events for the last 150 years, 30 events were registered with destruction of several check dams: the annual probability of occurrence is 3.10-4. Analyzing consequences, only 11 of previously retained events (1925) were registered with fatalities. Finally, these quantitative elements were compared to qualitative feedback analysis from field practitioners and were illustrated with the 1987 Saint-Antoine event, in Modane. The total or partial destruction of 25 check dams released between 20 000 and 30 000 m3, which was one third of the estimated debris flow volume (85 000 m3) which damaged an industrial area. The lack of their maintenance partially explained this accident. As a conclusion, we must keep in mind that these results are limited to available data (all events have not been necessarily reported). Accidents on check dams are rare according to these data. It can be due to their general maintenance. This first analysis could be improved taking into account expert analysis, completing with information from other countries databases and formalizing the approach through a dependability analysis framework.

Take the Reins on Model Quality with ModelCHECK and Gatekeeper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Corey

2012-01-01

Model quality and consistency has been an issue for us due to the diverse experience level and imaginative modeling techniques of our users. Fortunately, setting up ModelCHECK and Gatekeeper to enforce our best practices has helped greatly, but it wasn't easy. There were many challenges associated with setting up ModelCHECK and Gatekeeper including: limited documentation, restrictions within ModelCHECK, and resistance from end users. However, we consider ours a success story. In this presentation we will describe how we overcame these obstacles and present some of the details of how we configured them to work for us.

AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL MAINTENANCE 2. UNIT XXV, MICHIGAN/CLARK TRANSMISSION--TROUBLESHOOTING.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minnesota State Dept. of Education, St. Paul. Div. of Vocational and Technical Education.

THIS MODULE OF A 25-MODULE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES FOR A SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION USED ON DIESEL POWERED EQUIPMENT. TOPICS ARE (1) PRELIMINARY CHECKS, (2) PRESSURE AND OIL FLOW CHECKS, (3) TROUBLESHOOTING TABLES, (4) TROUBLESHOOTING VEHICLES UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS, AND (5) ANALYZING UNACCEPTABLE…

Development and Field Test of Task-Based MOS-Specific Criterion Measures. Volume 1. Appendixes A-E

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

WOUND 081-831-1033 APPLY A DRESSING TO AN OPEN HEAD WOUND 081-831-1005 PREVENT SHOCK 081-831-1034 SPLINT A SUSPECTED FRACTURE 081-831-1007 GTVE FIRST...Check seat belts and shoulder harnesses Check unit vehicle/trailer blackout system Service refrigeration unit Check and clean cab interior/exterior...DRESSING TO AN OPEN HEAD WOUND 081-831-1040 TRANSPORT A CASUALTY USING A ONE MAN CARRY 081-831-1041 TRANSPORT A CASUALTY USING A TWO MAN CARRY OR

Statistical process control analysis for patient-specific IMRT and VMAT QA.

PubMed

Sanghangthum, Taweap; Suriyapee, Sivalee; Srisatit, Somyot; Pawlicki, Todd

2013-05-01

This work applied statistical process control to establish the control limits of the % gamma pass of patient-specific intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) quality assurance (QA), and to evaluate the efficiency of the QA process by using the process capability index (Cpml). A total of 278 IMRT QA plans in nasopharyngeal carcinoma were measured with MapCHECK, while 159 VMAT QA plans were undertaken with ArcCHECK. Six megavolts with nine fields were used for the IMRT plan and 2.5 arcs were used to generate the VMAT plans. The gamma (3%/3 mm) criteria were used to evaluate the QA plans. The % gamma passes were plotted on a control chart. The first 50 data points were employed to calculate the control limits. The Cpml was calculated to evaluate the capability of the IMRT/VMAT QA process. The results showed higher systematic errors in IMRT QA than VMAT QA due to the more complicated setup used in IMRT QA. The variation of random errors was also larger in IMRT QA than VMAT QA because the VMAT plan has more continuity of dose distribution. The average % gamma pass was 93.7% ± 3.7% for IMRT and 96.7% ± 2.2% for VMAT. The Cpml value of IMRT QA was 1.60 and VMAT QA was 1.99, which implied that the VMAT QA process was more accurate than the IMRT QA process. Our lower control limit for % gamma pass of IMRT is 85.0%, while the limit for VMAT is 90%. Both the IMRT and VMAT QA processes are good quality because Cpml values are higher than 1.0.

14 CFR 142.49 - Training center instructor and evaluator privileges and limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and Flight Training Equipment Requirements § 142.49 Training center instructor and evaluator... each curriculum for which that instructor is qualified. (2) Testing and checking for which that instructor is qualified. (3) Instruction, testing, and checking intended to satisfy the requirements of any...

14 CFR 142.49 - Training center instructor and evaluator privileges and limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and Flight Training Equipment Requirements § 142.49 Training center instructor and evaluator... each curriculum for which that instructor is qualified. (2) Testing and checking for which that instructor is qualified. (3) Instruction, testing, and checking intended to satisfy the requirements of any...

14 CFR 142.49 - Training center instructor and evaluator privileges and limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... and Flight Training Equipment Requirements § 142.49 Training center instructor and evaluator... each curriculum for which that instructor is qualified. (2) Testing and checking for which that instructor is qualified. (3) Instruction, testing, and checking intended to satisfy the requirements of any...

14 CFR 142.49 - Training center instructor and evaluator privileges and limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... and Flight Training Equipment Requirements § 142.49 Training center instructor and evaluator... each curriculum for which that instructor is qualified. (2) Testing and checking for which that instructor is qualified. (3) Instruction, testing, and checking intended to satisfy the requirements of any...

14 CFR 142.49 - Training center instructor and evaluator privileges and limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... and Flight Training Equipment Requirements § 142.49 Training center instructor and evaluator... each curriculum for which that instructor is qualified. (2) Testing and checking for which that instructor is qualified. (3) Instruction, testing, and checking intended to satisfy the requirements of any...

LSPM J1314+1320: An Oversized Magnetic Star with Constraints on the Radio Emission Mechanism

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

MacDonald, James; Mullan, D. J.

LSPM J1314+1320 (=NLTT 33370) is a binary star system consisting of two nearly identical pre-main-sequence stars of spectral type M7. The system is remarkable among ultracool dwarfs for being the most luminous radio emitter over the widest frequency range. Masses and luminosities are at first sight consistent with the system being coeval at age ∼80 Myr according to standard (nonmagnetic) evolutionary models. However, these models predict an average effective temperature of ∼2950 K, which is 180 K hotter than the empirical value. Thus, the empirical radii are oversized relative to the standard models by ≈13%. We demonstrate that magnetic stellarmore » models can quantitatively account for the oversizing. As a check on our models, we note that the radio emission limits the surface magnetic field strengths: the limits depend on identifying the radio emission mechanism. We find that the field strengths required by our magnetic models are too strong to be consistent with gyrosynchrotron emission but are consistent with electron cyclotron maser emission.« less

An analysis of the ArcCHECK-MR diode array's performance for ViewRay quality assurance.

PubMed

Ellefson, Steven T; Culberson, Wesley S; Bednarz, Bryan P; DeWerd, Larry A; Bayouth, John E

2017-07-01

The ArcCHECK-MR diode array utilizes a correction system with a virtual inclinometer to correct the angular response dependencies of the diodes. However, this correction system cannot be applied to measurements on the ViewRay MR-IGRT system due to the virtual inclinometer's incompatibility with the ViewRay's multiple simultaneous beams. Additionally, the ArcCHECK's current correction factors were determined without magnetic field effects taken into account. In the course of performing ViewRay IMRT quality assurance with the ArcCHECK, measurements were observed to be consistently higher than the ViewRay TPS predictions. The goals of this study were to quantify the observed discrepancies and test whether applying the current factors improves the ArcCHECK's accuracy for measurements on the ViewRay. Gamma and frequency analysis were performed on 19 ViewRay patient plans. Ion chamber measurements were performed at a subset of diode locations using a PMMA phantom with the same dimensions as the ArcCHECK. A new method for applying directionally dependent factors utilizing beam information from the ViewRay TPS was developed in order to analyze the current ArcCHECK correction factors. To test the current factors, nine ViewRay plans were altered to be delivered with only a single simultaneous beam and were measured with the ArcCHECK. The current correction factors were applied using both the new and current methods. The new method was also used to apply corrections to the original 19 ViewRay plans. It was found the ArcCHECK systematically reports doses higher than those actually delivered by the ViewRay. Application of the current correction factors by either method did not consistently improve measurement accuracy. As dose deposition and diode response have both been shown to change under the influence of a magnetic field, it can be concluded the current ArcCHECK correction factors are invalid and/or inadequate to correct measurements on the ViewRay system. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

"Check Your Smile", Prototype of a Collaborative LSP Website for Technical Vocabulary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yassine-Diab, Nadia; Alazard-Guiu, Charlotte; Loiseau, Mathieu; Sorin, Laurent; Orliac, Charlotte

2016-01-01

In a design-based research approach (Barab & Squire, 2004), we are currently developing the first prototype of a collaborative Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) website. It focuses on technical vocabulary to help students master any field of LSP better. "Check Your Smile" is a platform aggregating various types of gameplays for…

Pulse Check: National Trends in Drug Abuse.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunt, Dana

This Pulse Check is a report of national trends in illicit drug abuse and drug markets in the United States. The report draws on conversations with ethnographers and epidemiologists working in the drug field, law enforcement agents, and drug treatment providers across the United States. Information from each of these sources is summarized in…

Evaluation of dry-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes for resistance to soil insect pests, 2012

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An insect susceptible check cultivar (‘SC1149 19’), an insect resistant check cultivar (‘Ruddy’), 20 advanced dry-fleshed genotypes, and five dry-fleshed cultivars (‘Bonita’, ‘Liberty’, ‘NC Japanese’, ‘Picadito’, and ‘Sumor’) were evaluated for insect resistance in replicated field trials at Charles...

78 FR 23830 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-23

... daily post-flight checks of the engine tachometer's unit cycle-counting feature. This AD also requires ground-run functional checks within every 1,000 operating hours. This AD was prompted by detailed... Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) of Arriel 1 Maintenance Manuals has been updated in order to clarify the...

Phase Two Feasibility Study for Software Safety Requirements Analysis Using Model Checking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turgeon, Gregory; Price, Petra

2010-01-01

A feasibility study was performed on a representative aerospace system to determine the following: (1) the benefits and limitations to using SCADE , a commercially available tool for model checking, in comparison to using a proprietary tool that was studied previously [1] and (2) metrics for performing the model checking and for assessing the findings. This study was performed independently of the development task by a group unfamiliar with the system, providing a fresh, external perspective free from development bias.

Development of a check sheet for collecting information necessary for occupational safety and health activities and building relevant systems in overseas business places.

PubMed

Kajiki, Shigeyuki; Kobayashi, Yuichi; Uehara, Masamichi; Nakanishi, Shigemoto; Mori, Koji

2016-06-07

This study aimed to develop an information gathering check sheet to efficiently collect information necessary for Japanese companies to build global occupational safety and health management systems in overseas business places. The study group consisted of 2 researchers with occupational physician careers in a foreign-affiliated company in Japan and 3 supervising occupational physicians who were engaged in occupational safety and health activities in overseas business places. After investigating information and sources of information necessary for implementing occupational safety and health activities and building relevant systems, we conducted information acquisition using an information gathering check sheet in the field, by visiting 10 regions in 5 countries (first phase). The accuracy of the information acquired and the appropriateness of the information sources were then verified in study group meetings to improve the information gathering check sheet. Next, the improved information gathering check sheet was used in another setting (3 regions in 1 country) to confirm its efficacy (second phase), and the information gathering check sheet was thereby completed. The information gathering check sheet was composed of 9 major items (basic information on the local business place, safety and health overview, safety and health systems, safety and health staff, planning/implementation/evaluation/improvement, safety and health activities, laws and administrative organs, local medical care systems and public health, and medical support for resident personnel) and 61 medium items. We relied on the following eight information sources: the internet, company (local business place and head office in Japan), embassy/consulate, ISO certification body, university or other educational institutions, and medical institutions (aimed at Japanese people or at local workers). Through multiple study group meetings and a two-phased field survey (13 regions in 6 countries), an information gathering check sheet was completed. We confirmed the possibility that this check sheet would enable the user to obtain necessary information when expanding safety and health activities in a country or region that is new to the user. It is necessary in the future to evaluate safety and health systems and activities using this information gathering check sheet in a local business place in any country in which a Japanese business will be established, and to verify the efficacy of the check sheet by conducting model programs to test specific approaches.

How fast does water flow in carbon nanotubes?

PubMed

Kannam, Sridhar Kumar; Todd, B D; Hansen, J S; Daivis, Peter J

2013-03-07

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we review the existing literature on flow rates of water in carbon nanotubes. Data for the slip length which characterizes the flow rate are scattered over 5 orders of magnitude for nanotubes of diameter 0.81-10 nm. Second, we precisely compute the slip length using equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations, from which the interfacial friction between water and carbon nanotubes can be found, and also via external field driven non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD). We discuss some of the issues in simulation studies which may be reasons for the large disagreements reported. By using the EMD method friction coefficient to determine the slip length, we overcome the limitations of NEMD simulations. In NEMD simulations, for each tube we apply a range of external fields to check the linear response of the fluid to the field and reliably extrapolate the results for the slip length to values of the field corresponding to experimentally accessible pressure gradients. Finally, we comment on several issues concerning water flow rates in carbon nanotubes which may lead to some future research directions in this area.

Check that JFET! Easy-to-Build Tester Makes It Simple

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harman, Charles

2008-01-01

This article describes an activity that will allow students to learn how to make a junction field effect transistor (JFET) checker. Most electronics students do not have the experience or knowledge that it takes to recognize whether a JFET is operating normally, and both instructors and students will find having the means to check the operation of…

Effects of Check and Connect on Attendance, Behavior, and Academics: A Randomized Effectiveness Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maynard, Brandy R.; Kjellstrand, Elizabeth K.; Thompson, Aaron M.

2014-01-01

Objectives: This study examined the effects of Check & Connect (C&C) on the attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes of at-risk youth in a field-based effectiveness trial. Method: A multisite randomized block design was used, wherein 260 primarily Hispanic (89%) and economically disadvantaged (74%) students were randomized to treatment…

The Implicit Construction of "Children at Risk": On the Dynamics of Practice and Programme in Development Screenings in Early Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bollig, Sabine; Kelle, Helga

2013-01-01

This article presents findings from an ethnographic study on preventive paediatric check-ups in Germany. In accordance with system-theoretical and governmentality approaches (referencing Foucault), preventive check-ups are conceptualised as fields where risk concepts related to children's development are applied, produced and reworked. In order to…

Beyond Member-Checking: A Dialogic Approach to the Research Interview

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Lou

2015-01-01

This article presents a dialogic qualitative interview design for a narrative study of six international UK university students' motivation for learning English. Based on the work of Mikhail Bakhtin, this design was developed in order to address the limitations of member-checking [Lincoln, Y. S., and E. G. Guba. 1985. "Naturalistic…

48 CFR 352.237-72 - Crime Control Act-requirement for background checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. “Child care services” include, but are not limited to, social services, health and mental health care, child (day) care, education (whether...

48 CFR 352.237-72 - Crime Control Act-requirement for background checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. “Child care services” include, but are not limited to, social services, health and mental health care, child (day) care, education (whether...

48 CFR 352.237-72 - Crime Control Act-requirement for background checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. “Child care services” include, but are not limited to, social services, health and mental health care, child (day) care, education (whether...

48 CFR 352.237-72 - Crime Control Act-requirement for background checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. “Child care services” include, but are not limited to, social services, health and mental health care, child (day) care, education (whether...

48 CFR 352.237-72 - Crime Control Act-requirement for background checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. “Child care services” include, but are not limited to, social services, health and mental health care, child (day) care, education (whether...

Microspheres as resistive elements in a check valve for low pressure and low flow rate conditions.

PubMed

Ou, Kevin; Jackson, John; Burt, Helen; Chiao, Mu

2012-11-07

In this paper we describe a microsphere-based check valve integrated with a micropump. The check valve uses Ø20 μm polystyrene microspheres to rectify flow in low pressure and low flow rate applications (Re < 1). The microspheres form a porous medium in the check valve increasing fluidic resistance based on the direction of flow. Three check valve designs were fabricated and characterized to study the microspheres' effectiveness as resistive elements. A maximum diodicity (ratio of flow in the forward and reverse direction) of 18 was achieved. The pumping system can deliver a minimum flow volume of 0.25 μL and a maximum flow volume of 1.26 μL under an applied pressure of 0.2 kPa and 1 kPa, respectively. A proof-of-concept study was conducted using a pharmaceutical agent, docetaxel (DTX), as a sample drug showing the microsphere check valve's ability to limit diffusion from the micropump. The proposed check valve and pumping concept shows strong potential for implantable drug delivery applications with low flow rate requirements.

Singular gauge transformation and the Erler-Maccaferri solution in bosonic open string field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miwa, Akitsugu; Sugita, Kazuhiro

2017-09-01

We study candidate multiple-brane solutions of bosonic open string field theory. They are constructed by performing a singular gauge transformation n times for the Erler-Maccaferri solution. We check the equation of motion in the strong sense, and find that it is satisfied only when we perform the gauge transformation once. We calculate the energy for that case and obtain a support that the solution is a multiple-brane solution. We also check the tachyon profile for a specific solution that we interpret as describing a D24-brane placed on a D25-brane.

Lake water quality mapping from LANDSAT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scherz, J. P.

1977-01-01

The lakes in three LANDSAT scenes were mapped by the Bendix MDAS multispectral analysis system. Field checking the maps by three separate individuals revealed approximately 90-95% correct classification for the lake categories selected. Variations between observers was about 5%. From the MDAS color coded maps the lake with the worst algae problem was easily located. This lake was closely checked and a pollution source of 100 cows was found in the springs which fed this lake. The theory, lab work and field work which made it possible for this demonstration project to be a practical lake classification procedure are presented.

A computational study of entropy generation in magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer over an unsteady stretching permeable sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed Butt, Adnan; Ali, Asif

2014-01-01

The present article aims to investigate the entropy effects in magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer over an unsteady permeable stretching surface. The time-dependent partial differential equations are converted into non-linear ordinary differential equations by suitable similarity transformations. The solutions of these equations are computed analytically by the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) then solved numerically by the MATLAB built-in routine. Comparison of the obtained results is made with the existing literature under limiting cases to validate our study. The effects of unsteadiness parameter, magnetic field parameter, suction/injection parameter, Prandtl number, group parameter and Reynolds number on flow and heat transfer characteristics are checked and analysed with the aid of graphs and tables. Moreover, the effects of these parameters on entropy generation number and Bejan number are also shown graphically. It is examined that the unsteadiness and presence of magnetic field augments the entropy production.

Global Assessment of Volcanic Debris Hazards from Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watters, Robert J.

2003-01-01

Hazard (slope stability) assessment for different sectors of volcano edifices was successfully obtained from volcanoes in North and South America. The assessment entailed Hyperion images to locate portions of the volcano that were hydrothermally altered to clay rich rocks with zones that were also rich in alunite and other minerals. The identified altered rock zones were field checked and sampled. The rock strength of these zones was calculated from the field and laboratory measurements. Volcano modeling utilizing the distinct element method and limit equilibrium technique, with the calculated strength data was used to assess stability and deformation of the edifice. Modeling results give indications of possible failure volumes, velocities and direction. The models show the crucial role hydrothermally weak rock plays in reducing the strength o the volcano edifice and the rapid identification of weak rock through remote sensing techniques. Volcanoes were assessed in the Cascade Range (USA), Mexico, and Chile (ongoing).

Neuropathies of the optic nerve and visual evoked potentials with special reference to color vision and differential light threshold measured with the computer perimeter OCTOPUS.

PubMed

Wildberger, H

1984-10-31

The contrast evoked potentials (VEPs) to different check sizes were recorded in about 200 cases of discrete optic neuropathies (ON) of different origin. Differential light threshold (DLT) was tested with the computer perimeter OCTOPUS. Saturated and desaturated tests were applied to evaluate the degree of acquired color vision deficiency. Delayed VEP responses are not confined to optic neuritis (RBN) alone and the different latency times obtained from other ON are confluent. The delay may be due to demyelination, to an increasing dominance of paramacular VEP subcomponents or to an increasing dominance of the upper half-field responses. Recording with smaller check sizes has the advantage that discrete dysfunctions in the visual field (VF) center are more easily detected: a correlation between amplitudes and visual acuity is best in strabismic amblyopias, is less expressed in maculopathies of the retina and weak in ON. The absence or reduction of amplitudes to smaller check sizes, however, is an important indication of a disorder in the VF center of ON in an early or recovered stage. Acquired color vision defects of the tritan-like type are more confined to discrete ON, whereas the red/green type is reserved to more severe ON. The DLT of the VF center is reduced in a different, significant and non significant extent in discrete optic neuropathies and the correlation between DLT and visual acuity is weak. A careful numerical analysis is needed in types of discrete ON where the central DLT lies within normal statistical limits: a side difference of the DLT between the affected and the normal fellow eye is always present. Evaluation of visual fatigue effects and of the relative sensitivity loss of VF center and VF periphery may provide further diagnostic information.

Real Time Navigation-Assisted Orbital Wall Reconstruction in Blowout Fractures.

PubMed

Shin, Ho Seong; Kim, Se Young; Cha, Han Gyu; Han, Ba Leun; Nam, Seung Min

2016-03-01

Limitation in performing restoration of orbital structures is the narrow, deep, and dark surgical field, which makes it difficult to view the operative site directly. To avoid perioperative complications from this limitation, the authors have evaluated the usefulness of computer-assisted navigation techniques in surgical treatment of blowout fracture. Total 37 patients (14 medial orbital wall fractures and 23 inferior orbital wall fractures) with facial deformities had surgical treatment under the guide of navigation system between September 2012 and January 2015. All 37 patients were treated successfully and safely with navigation-assisted surgery without any complications, including diplopia, retrobulbar hematoma, globe injury, implant migration, and blindness. Blowout fracture can be treated safely under guidance of a surgical navigation system. In orbital surgery, navigation-assisted technology could give rise to improvements in the functional and aesthetic outcome and checking the position of the instruments on the surgical site in real time, without injuring important anatomic structures.

IR Image upconversion using band-limited ASE illumination fiber sources.

PubMed

Maestre, H; Torregrosa, A J; Capmany, J

2016-04-18

We study the field-of-view (FOV) of an upconversion imaging system that employs an Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) fiber source to illuminate a transmission target. As an intermediate case between narrowband laser and thermal illumination, an ASE fiber source allows for higher spectral intensity than thermal illumination and still keeps a broad wavelength spectrum to take advantage of an increased non-collinear phase-matching angle acceptance that enlarges the FOV of the upconversion system when compared to using narrowband laser illumination. A model is presented to predict the angular acceptance of the upconverter in terms of focusing and ASE spectral width and allocation. The model is experimentally checked in case of 1550-630 nm upconversion.

75 FR 63045 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-14

... the fitting and wing structure. Checking the nuts with a suitable torque spanner to the specifications in the torque figures shown in Table 2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS... installed, and Doing either an ultrasonic inspection for damaged bolts or torque check of the tension bolts...

76 FR 13069 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP Airplanes; BAE Systems...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-10

..., an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated sufficiently to cause a rubbing.... Recently, during a walk round check, an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated... walk round check, an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated sufficiently to...

26 CFR 301.6867-1 - Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Revenue Code, relating to abatements, credits, and refunds, and may not institute a suit for refund in... 6532(c), relating to the 9-month statute of limitations for suits under section 7426. In addition, the...) Postage stamps; (F) Traveler's checks in any form; (G) Negotiable instruments (including personal checks...

26 CFR 301.6867-1 - Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Revenue Code, relating to abatements, credits, and refunds, and may not institute a suit for refund in... 6532(c), relating to the 9-month statute of limitations for suits under section 7426. In addition, the...) Postage stamps; (F) Traveler's checks in any form; (G) Negotiable instruments (including personal checks...

Validation of daily increments and a marine-entry check in the otoliths of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka post-smolts.

PubMed

Freshwater, C; Trudel, M; Beacham, T D; Neville, C-E; Tucker, S; Juanes, F

2015-07-01

Juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka that were reared and smolted in laboratory conditions were found to produce otolith daily increments, as well as a consistently visible marine-entry check formed during their transition to salt water. Field-collected O. nerka post-smolts of an equivalent age also displayed visible checks; however, microchemistry estimates of marine-entry date using Sr:Ca ratios differed from visual estimates by c. 9 days suggesting that microstructural and microchemical processes occur on different time scales. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: A novel possible model of OCD?

PubMed Central

Eagle, Dawn M.; Noschang, Cristie; d’Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A.; Day, Jacob O.; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E.; Mar, Adam C.; Urcelay, Gonzalo P.; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W.

2014-01-01

Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an ‘observing’ lever for information about the location of an ‘active’ lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be beneficial. PMID:24406720

Code development for ships -- A demonstration

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

Ayyub, B.; Mansour, A.E.; White, G.

1996-12-31

A demonstration summary of a reliability-based structural design code for ships is presented for two ship types, a cruiser and a tanker. For both ship types, code requirements cover four failure modes: hull girder bulking, unstiffened plate yielding and buckling, stiffened plate buckling, and fatigue of critical detail. Both serviceability and ultimate limit states are considered. Because of limitation on the length, only hull girder modes are presented in this paper. Code requirements for other modes will be presented in future publication. A specific provision of the code will be a safety check expression. The design variables are to bemore » taken at their nominal values, typically values in the safe side of the respective distributions. Other safety check expressions for hull girder failure that include load combination factors, as well as consequence of failure factors, are considered. This paper provides a summary of safety check expressions for the hull girder modes.« less

Commissioning and comprehensive evaluation of the ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array for VMAT pretreatment delivery QA.

PubMed

Chaswal, Vibha; Weldon, Michael; Gupta, Nilendu; Chakravarti, Arnab; Rong, Yi

2014-07-08

We present commissioning and comprehensive evaluation for ArcCHECK as a QA equipment for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), using the 6 MV photon beam with and without the flattening filter, and the SNC patient software (version 6.2). In addition to commissioning involving absolute dose calibration, array calibration, and PMMA density verification, ArcCHECK was evaluated for its response dependency on linac dose rate, instantaneous dose rate, radiation field size, beam angle, and couch insertion. Scatter dose characterization, consistency and symmetry of response, and dosimetry accuracy evaluation for fixed aperture arcs and clinical VMAT patient plans were also investigated. All the evaluation tests were performed with the central plug inserted and the homogeneous PMMA density value. Results of gamma analysis demonstrated an overall agreement between ArcCHECK-measured and TPS-calculated reference doses. The diode based field size dependency was found to be within 0.5% of the reference. The dose rate-based dependency was well within 1% of the TPS reference, and the angular dependency was found to be ± 3% of the reference, as tested for BEV angles, for both beams. Dosimetry of fixed arcs, using both narrow and wide field widths, resulted in clinically acceptable global gamma passing rates on the 3%/3mm level and 10% threshold. Dosimetry of narrow arcs showed an improvement over published literature. The clinical VMAT cases demonstrated high level of dosimetry accuracy in gamma passing rates.

Perturbative test of exact vacuum expectation values of local fields in affine Toda theories

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

Ahn, Changrim; Baseilhac, P.; Kim, Chanju

Vacuum expectation values of local fields for all dual pairs of nonsimply laced affine Toda field theories recently proposed are checked against perturbative analysis. The computations based on Feynman diagram expansion are performed up to the two-loop level. We obtain, good agreement.

DataPlus™ - a revolutionary applications generator for DOS hand-held computers

Treesearch

David Dean; Linda Dean

2000-01-01

DataPlus allows the user to easily design data collection templates for DOS-based hand-held computers that mimic clipboard data sheets. The user designs and tests the application on the desktop PC and then transfers it to a DOS field computer. Other features include: error checking, missing data checks, and sensor input from RS-232 devices such as bar code wands,...

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

Belley, M; Schmidt, M; Knutson, N

Purpose: Physics second-checks for external beam radiation therapy are performed, in-part, to verify that the machine parameters in the Record-and-Verify (R&V) system that will ultimately be sent to the LINAC exactly match the values initially calculated by the Treatment Planning System (TPS). While performing the second-check, a large portion of the physicists’ time is spent navigating and arranging display windows to locate and compare the relevant numerical values (MLC position, collimator rotation, field size, MU, etc.). Here, we describe the development of a software tool that guides the physicist by aggregating and succinctly displaying machine parameter data relevant to themore » physics second-check process. Methods: A data retrieval software tool was developed using Python to aggregate data and generate a list of machine parameters that are commonly verified during the physics second-check process. This software tool imported values from (i) the TPS RT Plan DICOM file and (ii) the MOSAIQ (R&V) Structured Query Language (SQL) database. The machine parameters aggregated for this study included: MLC positions, X&Y jaw positions, collimator rotation, gantry rotation, MU, dose rate, wedges and accessories, cumulative dose, energy, machine name, couch angle, and more. Results: A GUI interface was developed to generate a side-by-side display of the aggregated machine parameter values for each field, and presented to the physicist for direct visual comparison. This software tool was tested for 3D conformal, static IMRT, sliding window IMRT, and VMAT treatment plans. Conclusion: This software tool facilitated the data collection process needed in order for the physicist to conduct a second-check, thus yielding an optimized second-check workflow that was both more user friendly and time-efficient. Utilizing this software tool, the physicist was able to spend less time searching through the TPS PDF plan document and the R&V system and focus the second-check efforts on assessing the patient-specific plan-quality.« less

Quantum corrections for spinning particles in de Sitter

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

Fröb, Markus B.; Verdaguer, Enric, E-mail: mbf503@york.ac.uk, E-mail: enric.verdaguer@ub.edu

We compute the one-loop quantum corrections to the gravitational potentials of a spinning point particle in a de Sitter background, due to the vacuum polarisation induced by conformal fields in an effective field theory approach. We consider arbitrary conformal field theories, assuming only that the theory contains a large number N of fields in order to separate their contribution from the one induced by virtual gravitons. The corrections are described in a gauge-invariant way, classifying the induced metric perturbations around the de Sitter background according to their behaviour under transformations on equal-time hypersurfaces. There are six gauge-invariant modes: two scalarmore » Bardeen potentials, one transverse vector and one transverse traceless tensor, of which one scalar and the vector couple to the spinning particle. The quantum corrections consist of three different parts: a generalisation of the flat-space correction, which is only significant at distances of the order of the Planck length; a constant correction depending on the undetermined parameters of the renormalised effective action; and a term which grows logarithmically with the distance from the particle. This last term is the most interesting, and when resummed gives a modified power law, enhancing the gravitational force at large distances. As a check on the accuracy of our calculation, we recover the linearised Kerr-de Sitter metric in the classical limit and the flat-space quantum correction in the limit of vanishing Hubble constant.« less

Using the WSA Model to Test the Parker Spiral Approximation for SEP Event Magnetic Connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahler, S. W.; Arge, C. N.; Smith, D. A.

2016-08-01

In studies of solar energetic (E > 10 MeV) particle (SEP) events the Parker spiral (PS) field approximation, based only on the measured 1 AU solar wind (SW) speed Vsw, is nearly always used to determine the coronal or photospheric source locations of the 1 AU magnetic fields. There is no objective way to validate that approximation, but here we seek guidelines for optimizing its application. We first review recent SEP studies showing the extensive use of the PS approximation with various assumptions about coronal and photospheric source fields. We then run the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model over selected Carrington rotations (CRs) to track both the photospheric and 5 R_{⊙} source locations of the forecasted 1 AU SW, allowing us to compare those WSA sources with the PS sources inferred from the WSA Vsw forecast. We compile statistics of the longitude differences (WSA-PS) for all the CRs and discuss the limitations of using the WSA model to validate the PS approximation. Over nearly all of each CR the PS and WSA source longitudes agree to within several degrees. The agreement is poor only in the slow-fast SW interaction regions characterized by high-speed events (HSEs), where the longitude differences can reach several tens of degrees. This result implies that SEP studies should limit use of the PS approximation around HSEs and use magnetic field polarities as an additional check of solar source connections.

Creation of a master table for checking indication and contraindication of medicine from a knowledge base linked with a thesaurus.

PubMed

Ji, Shanmei; Matsumura, Yasushi; Kuwata, Shigeki; Nakano, Hirohiko; Chen, Yufeng; Teratani, Tadamasa; Zhang, Qiyan; Mineno, Takahiro; Takeda, Hiroshi

2004-12-01

To develop a system for checking indication and contraindication of medicines in prescription order entry system, a master table consisting of the disease names corresponding to the medicines adopted in a hospital is needed. The creation of this table requires a considerable manpower. We developed a Web-based system for constructing a medicine/disease thesaurus and a knowledge base. By authority management of users, this system enables many specialists to create the thesaurus collaboratively without confusion. It supports the creation of a knowledge base using concept names by referring to the thesaurus, which is automatically converted to the check master table. When a disease name or medicine name was added to the thesaurus, the check table was automatically updated. We constructed a thesaurus and a knowledge base in the field of circulatory system disease. The knowledge base linked with the thesaurus proved to be efficient for making the check master table for indication/contraindication of medicines.

Ethnic and language disparities in diabetes care among California residents.

PubMed

Choi, Sarah; Lee, Jung-Ah; Rush, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

We examined ethnic and language disparities in diabetes care and management among California residents with type 2 diabetes based on ethnicity and English-language proficiency. Data were drawn from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey with a total of 3,531 Asian, Latino, and Caucasian adults with diabetes. Latino and Asian groups were subdivided by their limited English proficiency (LEP) level. Population-weighted regression analyses were conducted to examine group differences, controlling for socioeconomic and clinical variables. Latino English Proficient (EP) and Latino LEP respondents received fewer hemoglobin A1c checks (EP: b = -0.11, P < .05; LEP: b = -0.27, P < .01) than Caucasians. Latino and Asian LEP respondents checked their glucose less frequently than Caucasians (Latino LEP: b = -0.49, P < .05; Asian LEP: b = -0.79, P < .01). Asian LEP respondents were less likely to receive feet checks than Caucasians (Asian LEP: b = -.52, P < .001). Asian LEP respondents received significantly fewer feet checks than Asian EP respondents (P < .05). Ethnic disparities in disease management exist among California residents. However, beyond ethnicity, English proficiency should be taken into account when examining diabetes management among minority groups. Diabetic Californians who belong to ethnic minorities and speak limited English, particularly Asians, are less likely to receive the standard of care for diabetes than English proficient Caucasians. From a policy perspective, care should be taken to ensure that adequate information about diabetes management is available in multiple languages for patients with limited English skills.

Checking Questionable Entry of Personally Identifiable Information Encrypted by One-Way Hash Transformation

PubMed Central

Chen, Xianlai; Fann, Yang C; McAuliffe, Matthew; Vismer, David

2017-01-01

Background As one of the several effective solutions for personal privacy protection, a global unique identifier (GUID) is linked with hash codes that are generated from combinations of personally identifiable information (PII) by a one-way hash algorithm. On the GUID server, no PII is permitted to be stored, and only GUID and hash codes are allowed. The quality of PII entry is critical to the GUID system. Objective The goal of our study was to explore a method of checking questionable entry of PII in this context without using or sending any portion of PII while registering a subject. Methods According to the principle of GUID system, all possible combination patterns of PII fields were analyzed and used to generate hash codes, which were stored on the GUID server. Based on the matching rules of the GUID system, an error-checking algorithm was developed using set theory to check PII entry errors. We selected 200,000 simulated individuals with randomly-planted errors to evaluate the proposed algorithm. These errors were placed in the required PII fields or optional PII fields. The performance of the proposed algorithm was also tested in the registering system of study subjects. Results There are 127,700 error-planted subjects, of which 114,464 (89.64%) can still be identified as the previous one and remaining 13,236 (10.36%, 13,236/127,700) are discriminated as new subjects. As expected, 100% of nonidentified subjects had errors within the required PII fields. The possibility that a subject is identified is related to the count and the type of incorrect PII field. For all identified subjects, their errors can be found by the proposed algorithm. The scope of questionable PII fields is also associated with the count and the type of the incorrect PII field. The best situation is to precisely find the exact incorrect PII fields, and the worst situation is to shrink the questionable scope only to a set of 13 PII fields. In the application, the proposed algorithm can give a hint of questionable PII entry and perform as an effective tool. Conclusions The GUID system has high error tolerance and may correctly identify and associate a subject even with few PII field errors. Correct data entry, especially required PII fields, is critical to avoiding false splits. In the context of one-way hash transformation, the questionable input of PII may be identified by applying set theory operators based on the hash codes. The count and the type of incorrect PII fields play an important role in identifying a subject and locating questionable PII fields. PMID:28213343

Checking Questionable Entry of Personally Identifiable Information Encrypted by One-Way Hash Transformation.

PubMed

Chen, Xianlai; Fann, Yang C; McAuliffe, Matthew; Vismer, David; Yang, Rong

2017-02-17

As one of the several effective solutions for personal privacy protection, a global unique identifier (GUID) is linked with hash codes that are generated from combinations of personally identifiable information (PII) by a one-way hash algorithm. On the GUID server, no PII is permitted to be stored, and only GUID and hash codes are allowed. The quality of PII entry is critical to the GUID system. The goal of our study was to explore a method of checking questionable entry of PII in this context without using or sending any portion of PII while registering a subject. According to the principle of GUID system, all possible combination patterns of PII fields were analyzed and used to generate hash codes, which were stored on the GUID server. Based on the matching rules of the GUID system, an error-checking algorithm was developed using set theory to check PII entry errors. We selected 200,000 simulated individuals with randomly-planted errors to evaluate the proposed algorithm. These errors were placed in the required PII fields or optional PII fields. The performance of the proposed algorithm was also tested in the registering system of study subjects. There are 127,700 error-planted subjects, of which 114,464 (89.64%) can still be identified as the previous one and remaining 13,236 (10.36%, 13,236/127,700) are discriminated as new subjects. As expected, 100% of nonidentified subjects had errors within the required PII fields. The possibility that a subject is identified is related to the count and the type of incorrect PII field. For all identified subjects, their errors can be found by the proposed algorithm. The scope of questionable PII fields is also associated with the count and the type of the incorrect PII field. The best situation is to precisely find the exact incorrect PII fields, and the worst situation is to shrink the questionable scope only to a set of 13 PII fields. In the application, the proposed algorithm can give a hint of questionable PII entry and perform as an effective tool. The GUID system has high error tolerance and may correctly identify and associate a subject even with few PII field errors. Correct data entry, especially required PII fields, is critical to avoiding false splits. In the context of one-way hash transformation, the questionable input of PII may be identified by applying set theory operators based on the hash codes. The count and the type of incorrect PII fields play an important role in identifying a subject and locating questionable PII fields. ©Xianlai Chen, Yang C Fann, Matthew McAuliffe, David Vismer, Rong Yang. Originally published in JMIR Medical Informatics (http://medinform.jmir.org), 17.02.2017.

Beyond the Unified Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frauendorf, S.

2018-04-01

The key elements of the Unified Model are reviewed. The microscopic derivation of the Bohr Hamiltonian by means of adiabatic time-dependent mean field theory is presented. By checking against experimental data the limitations of the Unified Model are delineated. The description of the strong coupling between the rotational and intrinsic degrees of freedom in framework of the rotating mean field is presented from a conceptual point of view. The classification of rotational bands as configurations of rotating quasiparticles is introduced. The occurrence of uniform rotation about an axis that differs from the principle axes of the nuclear density distribution is discussed. The physics behind this tilted-axis rotation, unknown in molecular physics, is explained on a basic level. The new symmetries of the rotating mean field that arise from the various orientations of the angular momentum vector with respect to the triaxial nuclear density distribution and their manifestation by the level sequence of rotational bands are discussed. Resulting phenomena, as transverse wobbling, rotational chirality, magnetic rotation and band termination are discussed. Using the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking the microscopic underpinning of the rotational degrees is refined.

An efficient decoding for low density parity check codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ling; Zhang, Xiaolin; Zhu, Manjie

2009-12-01

Low density parity check (LDPC) codes are a class of forward-error-correction codes. They are among the best-known codes capable of achieving low bit error rates (BER) approaching Shannon's capacity limit. Recently, LDPC codes have been adopted by the European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-S2) standard, and have also been proposed for the emerging IEEE 802.16 fixed and mobile broadband wireless-access standard. The consultative committee for space data system (CCSDS) has also recommended using LDPC codes in the deep space communications and near-earth communications. It is obvious that LDPC codes will be widely used in wired and wireless communication, magnetic recording, optical networking, DVB, and other fields in the near future. Efficient hardware implementation of LDPC codes is of great interest since LDPC codes are being considered for a wide range of applications. This paper presents an efficient partially parallel decoder architecture suited for quasi-cyclic (QC) LDPC codes using Belief propagation algorithm for decoding. Algorithmic transformation and architectural level optimization are incorporated to reduce the critical path. First, analyze the check matrix of LDPC code, to find out the relationship between the row weight and the column weight. And then, the sharing level of the check node updating units (CNU) and the variable node updating units (VNU) are determined according to the relationship. After that, rearrange the CNU and the VNU, and divide them into several smaller parts, with the help of some assistant logic circuit, these smaller parts can be grouped into CNU during the check node update processing and grouped into VNU during the variable node update processing. These smaller parts are called node update kernel units (NKU) and the assistant logic circuit are called node update auxiliary unit (NAU). With NAUs' help, the two steps of iteration operation are completed by NKUs, which brings in great hardware resource reduction. Meanwhile, efficient techniques have been developed to reduce the computation delay of the node processing units and to minimize hardware overhead for parallel processing. This method may be applied not only to regular LDPC codes, but also to the irregular ones. Based on the proposed architectures, a (7493, 6096) irregular QC-LDPC code decoder is described using verilog hardware design language and implemented on Altera field programmable gate array (FPGA) StratixII EP2S130. The implementation results show that over 20% of logic core size can be saved than conventional partially parallel decoder architectures without any performance degradation. If the decoding clock is 100MHz, the proposed decoder can achieve a maximum (source data) decoding throughput of 133 Mb/s at 18 iterations.

Unitarity check in gravitational Higgs mechanism

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

Berezhiani, Lasha; Mirbabayi, Mehrdad

2011-03-15

The effective field theory of massive gravity has long been formulated in a generally covariant way [N. Arkani-Hamed, H. Georgi, and M. D. Schwartz, Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 305, 96 (2003).]. Using this formalism, it has been found recently that there exists a class of massive nonlinear theories that are free of the Boulware-Deser ghosts, at least in the decoupling limit [C. de Rham and G. Gabadadze, Phys. Rev. D 82, 044020 (2010).]. In this work we study other recently proposed models that go under the name of 'gravitational Higgs theories' [A. H. Chamseddine and V. Mukhanov, J. High Energy Phys.more » 08 (2010) 011.]. We show that these models, although seemingly different from the effective field theories of massive gravity, are in fact equivalent to them. Furthermore, based on the results obtained in the effective field theory approach, we conclude that the gravitational Higgs theories need the same adjustment of the Lagrangian to avoid the ghosts. We also show the equivalence between the noncovariant mode decomposition used in the Higgs theories, and the covariant Stueckelberg parametrization adopted in the effective field theories, thus proving that the presence or absence of the ghost is independent of the parametrization used in either theory.« less

77 FR 34784 - Removal of Six Month Line Check Requirement for Pilots Over Age 60; Technical Amendment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-12

...-0486; Amdt. No. 121-359] Removal of Six Month Line Check Requirement for Pilots Over Age 60; Technical... years of age that applied to air carriers engaged in part 121 operations. This technical amendment... December 13, 2007. This legislation raised the upper age limit for pilots in part 121 from age 60 to age 65...

Quantum Kronecker sum-product low-density parity-check codes with finite rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalev, Alexey A.; Pryadko, Leonid P.

2013-07-01

We introduce an ansatz for quantum codes which gives the hypergraph-product (generalized toric) codes by Tillich and Zémor and generalized bicycle codes by MacKay as limiting cases. The construction allows for both the lower and the upper bounds on the minimum distance; they scale as a square root of the block length. Many thus defined codes have a finite rate and limited-weight stabilizer generators, an analog of classical low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Compared to the hypergraph-product codes, hyperbicycle codes generally have a wider range of parameters; in particular, they can have a higher rate while preserving the estimated error threshold.

76 FR 73477 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-29

... of the AMM [aircraft maintenance manual] to introduce a new hydraulic filter assembly life limit and...: The BAe 146/AVRO 146-RJ Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) includes chapters 05-10 ``Time Limits'', 05...'' and 05-20 ``Scheduled Maintenance Checks'', some sub-chapters of which have been identified as...

14 CFR 142.31 - Advertising limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Advertising limitations. 142.31 Section 142...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES TRAINING CENTERS General § 142.31 Advertising limitations. (a) A certificate holder may not conduct, and may not advertise to conduct, any training, testing, and checking that...

14 CFR 142.31 - Advertising limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Advertising limitations. 142.31 Section 142...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES TRAINING CENTERS General § 142.31 Advertising limitations. (a) A certificate holder may not conduct, and may not advertise to conduct, any training, testing, and checking that...

14 CFR 142.31 - Advertising limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Advertising limitations. 142.31 Section 142...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES TRAINING CENTERS General § 142.31 Advertising limitations. (a) A certificate holder may not conduct, and may not advertise to conduct, any training, testing, and checking that...

14 CFR 142.31 - Advertising limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Advertising limitations. 142.31 Section 142...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES TRAINING CENTERS General § 142.31 Advertising limitations. (a) A certificate holder may not conduct, and may not advertise to conduct, any training, testing, and checking that...

14 CFR 142.31 - Advertising limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Advertising limitations. 142.31 Section 142...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES TRAINING CENTERS General § 142.31 Advertising limitations. (a) A certificate holder may not conduct, and may not advertise to conduct, any training, testing, and checking that...

14 CFR 91.1055 - Pilot operating limitations and pairing requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Pilot operating limitations and pairing... Ownership Operations Program Management § 91.1055 Pilot operating limitations and pairing requirement. (a... aircraft being flown, and the pilot in command is not an appropriately qualified check pilot, the pilot in...

14 CFR 91.1055 - Pilot operating limitations and pairing requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Pilot operating limitations and pairing... Ownership Operations Program Management § 91.1055 Pilot operating limitations and pairing requirement. (a... aircraft being flown, and the pilot in command is not an appropriately qualified check pilot, the pilot in...

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: a novel possible model of OCD.

PubMed

Eagle, Dawn M; Noschang, Cristie; d'Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A; Day, Jacob O; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E; Mar, Adam C; Urcelay, Gonzalo P; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W

2014-05-01

Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an 'observing' lever for information about the location of an 'active' lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be beneficial. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CheckMATE 2: From the model to the limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dercks, Daniel; Desai, Nishita; Kim, Jong Soo; Rolbiecki, Krzysztof; Tattersall, Jamie; Weber, Torsten

2017-12-01

We present the latest developments to the CheckMATE program that allows models of new physics to be easily tested against the recent LHC data. To achieve this goal, the core of CheckMATE now contains over 60 LHC analyses of which 12 are from the 13 TeV run. The main new feature is that CheckMATE 2 now integrates the Monte Carlo event generation via MadGraph5_aMC@NLO and Pythia 8. This allows users to go directly from a SLHA file or UFO model to the result of whether a model is allowed or not. In addition, the integration of the event generation leads to a significant increase in the speed of the program. Many other improvements have also been made, including the possibility to now combine signal regions to give a total likelihood for a model.

An in-situ Mobile pH Calibrator for application with HOV and ROV platform in deep sea environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, C.; Ding, K.; Seyfried, W. E., Jr.

2014-12-01

Recently, a novel in-situ sensor calibration instrument, Mobile pH Calibrator (MpHC), was developed for application with HOV Alvin. It was specifically designed to conduct in-situ pH measurement in deep sea hydrothermal diffuse fluids with in-situ calibration function. In general, the sensor calibrator involves three integrated electrodes (pH, dissolved H2 and H2S) and a temperature sensor, all of which are installed in a cell with a volume of ~ 1 ml. A PEEK check valve cartridge is installed at the inlet end of the cell to guide the flow path during the measurement and calibration processes. Two PEEK tubes are connected at outlet end of the cell for drawing out hydrothermal fluid and delivering pH buffer fluids. During its measurement operation, the pump draws in hydrothermal fluid, which then passes through the check valve directly into the sensing cell. When in calibration mode, the pump delivers pH buffers into the cell, while automatically closing the check valve to the outside environment. This probe has two advantages compared to our previous unit used during KNOX18RR MAR cruise in 2008 and MARS cabled observatory deployment in 2012. First, in the former design, a 5 cm solenoid valve was equipped with the probe. This enlarged size prevented its application in specific point or small area. In this version, the probe has only a dimension of 1.6 cm for an easy access to hydrothermal biological environments. Secondly, the maximum temperature condition of the earlier system was limited by the solenoid valve precluding operation in excess of 50 ºC. The new design avoids this problem, which improves its temperature tolerance. The upper limit of temperature condition is now up to 100oC, therefore enabling broader application in hydrothermal diffuse flow system on the seafloor. During SVC cruise (AT26-12) in the Gulf of Mexico this year, the MpHC was successfully tested with Alvin dives at the depth up to 2600 m for measuring pH with in-situ calibration in seafloor cold seep environment. The measurement and calibration were also conducted in hydrothermal diffuse flow at temperature condition exceeding 70 ºC with Alvin dives during a recent cruise AT26-17 in ASHES vent field and Main Endeavour Field on Juan de Fuca Ridge. Data from these seagoing deployments will be presented, with emphasis on both technical and scientific aplications.

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

Otani, Y; Sumida, I; Yagi, M

Purpose: Brachytherapy has multiple manual procedures which are prone to human error, especially during the connection process of the treatment device to applicator. This is when considerable attention is required. In this study, we propose a new connection verification device concept. Methods: The system is composed of a ring magnet (anisotropic ferrite : magfine Inc), hole device (A1324LUA-T : Allegro MicroSystems Phil Inc) and an in-house check cable, which is made from magnetic material (Figure1). The magnetic field distribution is affected by the check cable position and any magnetic field variation is detected by the hole device. This system frequencymore » is 20Hz and the average of 4 signals was used as hole device value to reduce noise. Results: The value of the hole device is altered, depending on the location of the check cable. The resolution of the check cable position is 5mm and 10mm, around a 10mm region from the hole device and over 10mm, respectively. There was a reduction in sensitivity of the hole device, in our test, which was linked to the distance of the hole device from the check cable. Conclusion: We demonstrated a new concept of connection verification in a brachytherapy. This system has the possibility to detect an incorrect connection. Moreover, the system is capable of self-optimization, such as determining the number of hole device and the magnet strength.Acknowledgement:This work was supported by JSPS Core -to-Core program Number 23003 and KAKENHI Grant Number 26860401. This work was supported by JSPS Core-to-Core program Number 23003 and KAKENHI Grant Number 26860401.« less

Throughput Optimization Via Adaptive MIMO Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-30

End-to-end matlab packet simulation platform. * Low density parity check code (LDPCC). * Field trials with Silvus DSP MIMO testbed. * High mobility...incorporate advanced LDPC (low density parity check) codes . Realizing that the power of LDPC codes come at the price of decoder complexity, we also...Channel Coding Binary Convolution Code or LDPC Packet Length 0 - 216-1, bytes Coding Rate 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6 MIMO Channel Training Length 0 - 4, symbols

Above Ground Field Evaluation and GC-MS Analysis of Naturally Durable Wood Species

Treesearch

G.T. Kirker; A.B. Blodgett; S.T. Lebow; C.A. Clausen

2012-01-01

Nine wood species are being evaluated in above ground field studies in Mississippi and Wisconsin. Candidate naturally durable wood (NDW) species are being rated at yearly intervals for resistance to decay, cupping, and checking. Field ratings after 12 months exposure are presented. To date, Paulownia tomentosa (PAW) and southern yellow pine (SYP)...

75 FR 36298 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-25

... Airworthiness Limitations inspections (ALIs). This proposed AD results from a design review of the fuel tank...,'' and also adds ALI 30-1 for a pneumatic system decay check to minimize the risk of hot air impingement... 5, 2010, adds ALI 28-1, ``DC-8 Alternate and Center Auxiliary Tank Fuel Pump Control Systems Check...

The design of temporary sediment controls with special reference to water quality.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

The laboratory and field trapping efficiencies of several types of flow barriers were ascertained. The materials used to fabricate the barriers were various types of hay straw crushed stone and crushed stone/straw mixes. Field checks of systems of ba...

Scaling with System Size of the Lyapunov Exponents for the Hamiltonian Mean Field Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manos, Thanos; Ruffo, Stefano

2011-12-01

The Hamiltonian Mean Field model is a prototype for systems with long-range interactions. It describes the motion of N particles moving on a ring, coupled with an infinite-range potential. The model has a second-order phase transition at the energy density Uc =3/4 and its dynamics is exactly described by the Vlasov equation in the N→∞ limit. Its chaotic properties have been investigated in the past, but the determination of the scaling with N of the Lyapunov Spectrum (LS) of the model remains a challenging open problem. Here we show that the N -1/3 scaling of the Maximal Lyapunov Exponent (MLE), found in previous numerical and analytical studies, extends to the full LS; scaling is "precocious" for the LS, meaning that it becomes manifest for a much smaller number of particles than the one needed to check the scaling for the MLE. Besides that, the N -1/3 scaling appears to be valid not only for U>Uc , as suggested by theoretical approaches based on a random matrix approximation, but also below a threshold energy Ut ≈0.2. Using a recently proposed method (GALI) devised to rapidly check the chaotic or regular nature of an orbit, we find that Ut is also the energy at which a sharp transition from weak to strong chaos is present in the phase-space of the model. Around this energy the phase of the vector order parameter of the model becomes strongly time dependent, inducing a significant untrapping of particles from a nonlinear resonance.

The Moon as Possible Calibration Reference for Microwave Radiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgdorf, Martin; Buehler, Stefan; Hans, Imke; Lang, Theresa; Michel, Simon

2016-04-01

Instruments on satellites for Earth observation on polar orbits usually employ a two-point calibration technique, in which deep space and an on-board calibration target provide two reference flux levels. As the direction of the deep space view is in general close to the celestial equator, the Moon moves sometimes through the field of view and introduces an unwelcome additional signal. One can take advantage of this intrusion, however, by using the Moon as a third flux standard, and this has actually been done for checking the lifetime stability of sensors operating at visible wavelengths. We discuss the advantages and problems of extending this concept to microwaves, concentrating on the frequency of appearances of the Moon in the deep space view, the factors limiting the accuracy of both measurements and models of the Moon's brightness, as well as benefits from complementing the naturally occurring appearances of the Moon with dedicated spacecraft maneuvers. Such pre-planned rotations of the instrument would allow to observe the Moon at a well-defined phase angle and to put it at the exact center of the field of view. This way they would eliminate the need for a model of the Moon's brightness temperature when checking instrumental stability. Finally we investigate the question, whether foreground emission from objects other than the Moon can contaminate the measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background, which provides the low reference flux in the deep space view. We show that even the brightest discreet sources do not increase significantly the signal from a single scan.

Socioeconomic differences in health check-ups and medically certified sickness absence: a 10-year follow-up among middle-aged municipal employees in Finland.

PubMed

Piha, Kustaa; Sumanen, Hilla; Lahelma, Eero; Rahkonen, Ossi

2017-04-01

There is contradictory evidence on the association between health check-ups and future morbidity. Among the general population, those with high socioeconomic position participate more often in health check-ups. The main aims of this study were to analyse if attendance to health check-ups are socioeconomically patterned and affect sickness absence over a 10-year follow-up. This register-based follow-up study included municipal employees of the City of Helsinki. 13 037 employees were invited to age-based health check-up during 2000-2002, with a 62% attendance rate. Education, occupational class and individual income were used to measure socioeconomic position. Medically certified sickness absence of 4 days or more was measured and controlled for at the baseline and used as an outcome over follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 years. Poisson regression was used. Men and employees with lower socioeconomic position participated more actively in health check-ups. Among women, non-attendance to health check-up predicted higher sickness absence during follow-up (relative risk =1.26, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.37) in the fully adjusted model. Health check-ups were not effective in reducing socioeconomic differences in sickness absence. Age-based health check-ups reduced subsequent sickness absence and should be promoted. Attendance to health check-ups should be as high as possible. Contextual factors need to be taken into account when applying the results in interventions in other settings. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

"Tech-check-tech": a review of the evidence on its safety and benefits.

PubMed

Adams, Alex J; Martin, Steven J; Stolpe, Samuel F

2011-10-01

The published evidence on state-authorized programs permitting final verification of medication orders by pharmacy technicians, including the programs' impact on pharmacist work hours and clinical activities, is reviewed. Some form of "tech-check-tech" (TCT)--the checking of a technician's order-filling accuracy by another technician rather than a pharmacist--is authorized for use by pharmacies in at least nine states. The results of 11 studies published since 1978 indicate that technicians' accuracy in performing final dispensing checks is very comparable to pharmacists' accuracy (mean ± S.D., 99.6% ± 0.55% versus 99.3% ± 0.68%, respectively). In 6 of those studies, significant differences in accuracy or error detection rates favoring TCT were reported (p < 0.05), although published TCT studies to date have had important limitations. In states with active or pilot TCT programs, pharmacists surveyed have reported that the practice has yielded time savings (estimates range from 10 hours per month to 1 hour per day), enabling them to spend more time providing clinical services. States permitting TCT programs require technicians to complete special training before assuming TCT duties, which are generally limited to restocking automated dispensing machines and filling unit dose batches of refills in hospitals and other institutional settings. The published evidence demonstrates that pharmacy technicians can perform as accurately as pharmacists, perhaps more accurately, in the final verification of unit dose orders in institutional settings. Current TCT programs have fairly consistent elements, including the limitation of TCT to institutional settings, advanced education and training requirements for pharmacy technicians, and ongoing quality assurance.

Applicability of ERTS-1 to lineament and photogeologic mapping in Montana: Preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidman, R. M.; Alt, D. D.; Flood, R. E.; Hawley, K. T.; Wackwitz, L. K.; Berg, R. B.; Johns, W. M.

1973-01-01

A lineament map prepared from a mosaic of western Montana shows about 85 lines not represented on the state geologic map, including elements of a northeast-trending set through central western Montana which merit ground truth checking and consideration in regional structural analysis. Experimental fold annotation resulted in a significant local correction to the state geologic map. Photogeologic mapping studies produced only limited success in identification of rock types, but they did result in the precise delineation of a late Cretaceous or early Tertiary volcanic field (Adel Mountain field) and the mapping of a connection between two granitic bodies shown on the state map. Imagery was used successfully to map clay pans associated with bentonite beds in gently dipping Bearpaw Shale. It is already apparent that ERTS imagery should be used to facilitate preparation of a much needed statewide tectonic map and that satellite imagery mapping, aided by ground calibration, provides and economical means to discover and correct errors in the state geologic map.

Diagrammar in classical scalar field theory

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

Cattaruzza, E., E-mail: Enrico.Cattaruzza@gmail.com; Gozzi, E., E-mail: gozzi@ts.infn.it; INFN, Sezione di Trieste

2011-09-15

In this paper we analyze perturbatively a g{phi}{sup 4}classical field theory with and without temperature. In order to do that, we make use of a path-integral approach developed some time ago for classical theories. It turns out that the diagrams appearing at the classical level are many more than at the quantum level due to the presence of extra auxiliary fields in the classical formalism. We shall show that a universal supersymmetry present in the classical path-integral mentioned above is responsible for the cancelation of various diagrams. The same supersymmetry allows the introduction of super-fields and super-diagrams which considerably simplifymore » the calculations and make the classical perturbative calculations almost 'identical' formally to the quantum ones. Using the super-diagrams technique, we develop the classical perturbation theory up to third order. We conclude the paper with a perturbative check of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. - Highlights: > We provide the Feynman diagrams of perturbation theory for a classical field theory. > We give a super-formalism which links the quantum diagrams to the classical ones. > We check perturbatively the fluctuation-dissipation theorem.« less

Comparing the effectiveness of monetary versus moral motives in environmental campaigning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolderdijk, J. W.; Steg, L.; Geller, E. S.; Lehman, P. K.; Postmes, T.

2013-04-01

Environmental campaigns often promote energy conservation by appealing to economic (for example, lower electricity bills) rather than biospheric concerns (for example, reduced carbon emissions), assuming that people are primarily motivated by economic self-interest. However, people also care about maintaining a favourable view of themselves (they want to maintain a `positive self-concept'), and may prefer to see themselves as `green' rather than `greedy'. Consequently, people may find economic appeals less attractive than biospheric appeals. Across two studies, participants indicated feeling better about biospheric (`Want to protect the environment? Check your car's tire pressure') than economic (`Want to save money? Check your car's tire pressure') tyre-check appeals. In a field experiment, we found that an economic tyre-check appeal (`Do you care about your finances? Get a free tire check') elicited significantly less compliance than parallel biospheric and neutral appeals. Together, these studies discredit the conventional wisdom that appealing to economic self-interest is the best way to secure behaviour change. At least in some cases, our studies suggest, this strategy is not effective.

Mismatched summation mechanisms in older adults for the perception of small moving stimuli.

PubMed

McDougall, Thomas J; Nguyen, Bao N; McKendrick, Allison M; Badcock, David R

2018-01-01

Previous studies have found evidence for reduced cortical inhibition in aging visual cortex. Reduced inhibition could plausibly increase the spatial area of excitation in receptive fields of older observers, as weaker inhibitory processes would allow the excitatory receptive field to dominate and be psychophysically measureable over larger areas. Here, we investigated aging effects on spatial summation of motion direction using the Battenberg summation method, which aims to control the influence of locally generated internal noise changes by holding overall display size constant. This method produces more accurate estimates of summation area than conventional methods that simply increase overall stimulus dimensions. Battenberg stimuli have a checkerboard arrangement, where check size (luminance-modulated drifting gratings alternating with mean luminance areas), but not display size, is varied and compared with performance for a full field stimulus to provide a measure of summation. Motion direction discrimination thresholds, where contrast was the dependent variable, were measured in 14 younger (24-34 years) and 14 older (62-76 years) adults. Older observers were less sensitive for all check sizes, but the relative sensitivity across sizes, also differed between groups. In the older adults, the full field stimulus offered smaller performance improvements compared to that for younger adults, specifically for the small checked Battenberg stimuli. This suggests aging impacts on short-range summation mechanisms, potentially underpinned by larger summation areas for the perception of small moving stimuli. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Character expansion methods for matrix models of dually weighted graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazakov, Vladimir A.; Staudacher, Matthias; Wynter, Thomas

1996-04-01

We consider generalized one-matrix models in which external fields allow control over the coordination numbers on both the original and dual lattices. We rederive in a simple fashion a character expansion formula for these models originally due to Itzykson and Di Francesco, and then demonstrate how to take the large N limit of this expansion. The relationship to the usual matrix model resolvent is elucidated. Our methods give as a by-product an extremely simple derivation of the Migdal integral equation describing the large N limit of the Itzykson-Zuber formula. We illustrate and check our methods by analysing a number of models solvable by traditional means. We then proceed to solve a new model: a sum over planar graphys possessing even coordination numbers on both the original and the dual lattice. We conclude by formulating the equations for the case of arbitrary sets of even, self-dual coupling constants. This opens the way for studying the deep problems of phase transitions from random to flat lattices. January 1995

SU-F-T-467: A Cross-Checking Approach for Dosimetric Verification of Beam- Matched Elekta Linear Accelerators

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

Zheng, Y; Yuan, J; Geis, P

2016-06-15

Purpose: To verify the similarity of the dosimetric characteristics between two Elekta linear accelerators (linacs) in order to treat patients interchangeably on these two machines without re-planning. Methods: To investigate the viability of matching the 6 MV flattened beam on an existing linac (Elekta Synergy with Agility head) with a recently installed new linca (Elekta Versa HD), percent depth doses (PDD), flatness and symmetry output factors were compared for both machines. To validate the beam matching among machines, we carried out two approaches to cross-check the dosimetrical equivalence: 1) the prior treatment plans were re-computed based on the newly builtmore » Versa HD treatment planning system (TPS) model without changing the beam control points; 2) The same plans were delivered on both machines and the radiation dose measurements on a MapCheck2 were compared with TPS calculations. Three VMAT plans (Head and neck, lung, and prostate) were used in the study. Results: The difference between the PDDs for 10×10 cm{sup 2} field at all depths was less than 0.8%. The difference of flatness and symmetry for 30×30 cm{sup 2} field was less than 0.8%, and the measured output factors varies by less than 1% for each field size ranging from 2×2 cm2 to 40×40 cm{sup 2}. For the same plans, the maximum difference of the two calculated dose distributions is 2% of prescription. For the QA measurements, the gamma index passing rates were above 99% for 3%/3mm criteria with 10% threshold for all three clinical plans. Conclusion: A beam modality matching between two Elekta linacs is demonstrated with a cross-checking approach.« less

Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 4-2-013 Commodity Engineering Test Procedures, Recoilless Rifle Ammunition

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-22

test officer). At a minimum, the CIL will be conducted at the operator level (often referred to as “field strip and clean”). More detailed...is checked before each shot is fired. Use a boresight (optical or laser ) as necessary to check alignment to the target aiming point if the barrel is...for this test should be representative of production. All components must be present, including projectile paint and markings, fuzes, any tool

Call for action for setting up an infectious disease control action plan for disaster area activities: learning from the experience of checking suffering volunteers in the field after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

PubMed

Takahashi, Kenzo; Kodama, Mitsuya; Kanda, Hideyuki

2013-12-01

After the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11th, 2011, a journalist visited the disaster area with febrile symptoms and was diagnosed with measles of the D genotype, which is not indigenous to Japan. After continuing activities in disaster areas and Tokyo, 11 measles cases were reported, some of which were identified as genotype D. Meanwhile non-profit activities directed towards volunteers were offered including interviews to screen for subjective symptoms, check body temperature and advise volunteers to refrain from working in shelter areas during the period of sickness. As a consequence, disease transmission was controlled among volunteers. In disaster areas, anyone can be an infection vector. In order to prevent transmission of infectious diseases, a field action plan, which includes body temperature checks and standard precautions should be formulated and put into place. If the action plans are shared among local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), they can become a norm and be expected to control infectious disease transmission.

Dynamics of driven flow with exclusion in graphenelike structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinchcombe, R. B.; de Queiroz, S. L. A.

2015-05-01

We present a mean-field theory for the dynamics of driven flow with exclusion in graphenelike structures, and numerically check its predictions. We treat first a specific combination of bond transmissivity rates, where mean field predicts, and numerics to a large extent confirms, that the sublattice structure characteristic of honeycomb networks becomes irrelevant. Dynamics, in the various regions of the phase diagram set by open boundary injection and ejection rates, is then in general identical to that of one-dimensional systems, although some discrepancies remain between mean-field theory and numerical results, in similar ways for both geometries. However, at the critical point for which the characteristic exponent is z =3 /2 in one dimension, the mean-field value z =2 is approached for very large systems with constant (finite) aspect ratio. We also treat a second combination of bond (and boundary) rates where, more typically, sublattice distinction persists. For the two rate combinations, in continuum or late-time limits, respectively, the coupled sets of mean-field dynamical equations become tractable with various techniques and give a two-band spectrum, gapless in the critical phase. While for the second rate combination quantitative discrepancies between mean-field theory and simulations increase for most properties and boundary rates investigated, theory still is qualitatively correct in general, and gives a fairly good quantitative account of features such as the late-time evolution of density profile differences from their steady-state values.

Parallel Proximity Detection for Computer Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinman, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Wieland, Frederick P. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

The present invention discloses a system for performing proximity detection in computer simulations on parallel processing architectures utilizing a distribution list which includes movers and sensor coverages which check in and out of grids. Each mover maintains a list of sensors that detect the mover's motion as the mover and sensor coverages check in and out of the grids. Fuzzy grids are includes by fuzzy resolution parameters to allow movers and sensor coverages to check in and out of grids without computing exact grid crossings. The movers check in and out of grids while moving sensors periodically inform the grids of their coverage. In addition, a lookahead function is also included for providing a generalized capability without making any limiting assumptions about the particular application to which it is applied. The lookahead function is initiated so that risk-free synchronization strategies never roll back grid events. The lookahead function adds fixed delays as events are scheduled for objects on other nodes.

Parallel Proximity Detection for Computer Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinman, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Wieland, Frederick P. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

The present invention discloses a system for performing proximity detection in computer simulations on parallel processing architectures utilizing a distribution list which includes movers and sensor coverages which check in and out of grids. Each mover maintains a list of sensors that detect the mover's motion as the mover and sensor coverages check in and out of the grids. Fuzzy grids are included by fuzzy resolution parameters to allow movers and sensor coverages to check in and out of grids without computing exact grid crossings. The movers check in and out of grids while moving sensors periodically inform the grids of their coverage. In addition, a lookahead function is also included for providing a generalized capability without making any limiting assumptions about the particular application to which it is applied. The lookahead function is initiated so that risk-free synchronization strategies never roll back grid events. The lookahead function adds fixed delays as events are scheduled for objects on other nodes.

Aircraft Maintenance Expert Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-01

PARA 2 -104)) 44: (( JETCAL ANALYSIS SHOWS SYSTEM READS CORRECT) (REPLACE FAULTY PARTS)) 45: ((OVERTEMP EXCEEDED SERVICE LIMITS) 46: I(ENGINE CONTROL...CIRCUITS WITHIN LIMITS ON JETCAL ) (REPLACE FAULTY PARTS)) 47: (ADJUST EST AT AMPLIFIER AND CHECK TENP)) (SEND ENGINE TO HIGHER LEVEL MAINTENANCE)) 48: 2

Sensor Data Qualification System (SDQS) Implementation Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Edmond; Melcher, Kevin; Fulton, Christopher; Maul, William

2009-01-01

The Sensor Data Qualification System (SDQS) is being developed to provide a sensor fault detection capability for NASA s next-generation launch vehicles. In addition to traditional data qualification techniques (such as limit checks, rate-of-change checks and hardware redundancy checks), SDQS can provide augmented capability through additional techniques that exploit analytical redundancy relationships to enable faster and more sensitive sensor fault detection. This paper documents the results of a study that was conducted to determine the best approach for implementing a SDQS network configuration that spans multiple subsystems, similar to those that may be implemented on future vehicles. The best approach is defined as one that most minimizes computational resource requirements without impacting the detection of sensor failures.

Measuring the Hydraulic Effectiveness of Low Impact Development Practices in a Heavily Urbanised Environment: A Case Study from London, UK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hattab, M. H.; Vernon, D.; Mijic, A.

2017-12-01

Low impact development practices (LID) are deemed to have a synergetic effect in mitigating urban storm water flooding. Designing and implementing effective LID practices require reliable real-life data about their performance in different applications; however, there are limited studies providing such data. In this study an innovative micro-monitoring system to assess the performance of porous pavement and rain gardens as retrofitting technologies was developed. Three pilot streets in London, UK were selected as part of Thames Water Utilities Limited's Counters Creek scheme. The system includes a V-notch weir installed at the outlet of each LID device to provide an accurate and reliable quantification over a wide range of discharges. In addition to, a low flow sensor installed downstream of the V-notch to cross-check the readings. Having a flow survey time-series of the pre-retrofitting conditions from the study streets, extensive laboratory calibrations under different flow conditions depicting the exact site conditions were performed prior to installing the devices in the field. The micro-monitoring system is well suited for high-resolution temporal monitoring and enables accurate long-term evaluation of LID components' performance. Initial results from the field validated the robustness of the system in fulfilling its requirements.

The 3D Kasteleyn transition in dipolar spin ice: a numerical study with the conserved monopoles algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baez, M. L.; Borzi, R. A.

2017-02-01

We study the three-dimensional Kasteleyn transition in both nearest neighbours and dipolar spin ice models using an algorithm that conserves the number of excitations. We first limit the interactions range to nearest neighbours to test the method in the presence of a field applied along ≤ft[1 0 0\\right] , and then focus on the dipolar spin ice model. The effect of dipolar interactions, which is known to be greatly self screened at zero field, is particularly strong near full polarization. It shifts the Kasteleyn transition to lower temperatures, which decreases  ≈0.4 K for the parameters corresponding to the best known spin ice materials, \\text{D}{{\\text{y}}2}\\text{T}{{\\text{i}}2}{{\\text{O}}7} and \\text{H}{{\\text{o}}2}\\text{T}{{\\text{i}}2}{{\\text{O}}7} . This shift implies effective dipolar fields as big as 0.05 T opposing the applied field, and thus favouring the creation of ‘strings’ of reversed spins. We compare the reduction in the transition temperature with results in previous experiments, and study the phenomenon quantitatively using a simple molecular field approach. Finally, we relate the presence of the effective residual field to the appearance of string-ordered phases at low fields and temperatures, and we check numerically that for fields applied along ≤ft[1 0 0\\right] there are only three different stable phases at zero temperature.

SU-F-T-423: Automating Treatment Planning for Cervical Cancer in Low- and Middle- Income Countries

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

Kisling, K; Zhang, L; Yang, J

Purpose: To develop and test two independent algorithms that automatically create the photon treatment fields for a four-field box beam arrangement, a common treatment technique for cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: Two algorithms were developed and integrated into Eclipse using its Advanced Programming Interface:3D Method: We automatically segment bony anatomy on CT using an in-house multi-atlas contouring tool and project the structures into the beam’s-eye-view. We identify anatomical landmarks on the projections to define the field apertures. 2D Method: We generate DRRs for all four beams. An atlas of DRRs for six standard patients with corresponding fieldmore » apertures are deformably registered to the test patient DRRs. The set of deformed atlas apertures are fitted to an expected shape to define the final apertures. Both algorithms were tested on 39 patient CTs, and the resulting treatment fields were scored by a radiation oncologist. We also investigated the feasibility of using one algorithm as an independent check of the other algorithm. Results: 96% of the 3D-Method-generated fields and 79% of the 2D-method-generated fields were scored acceptable for treatment (“Per Protocol” or “Acceptable Variation”). The 3D Method generated more fields scored “Per Protocol” than the 2D Method (62% versus 17%). The 4% of the 3D-Method-generated fields that were scored “Unacceptable Deviation” were all due to an improper L5 vertebra contour resulting in an unacceptable superior jaw position. When these same patients were planned with the 2D method, the superior jaw was acceptable, suggesting that the 2D method can be used to independently check the 3D method. Conclusion: Our results show that our 3D Method is feasible for automatically generating cervical treatment fields. Furthermore, the 2D Method can serve as an automatic, independent check of the automatically-generated treatment fields. These algorithms will be implemented for fully automated cervical treatment planning.« less

γ Pegasi: testing Vega-like magnetic fields in B stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neiner, C.; Monin, D.; Leroy, B.; Mathis, S.; Bohlender, D.

2014-02-01

Context. The bright B pulsator γ Peg shows both p and g modes of β Cep and SPB types. It has also been claimed that it is a magnetic star, while others do not detect any magnetic field. Aims: We check for the presence of a magnetic field, with the aim to characterise it if it exists, or else provide a firm upper limit of its strength if it is not detected. If γ Peg is magnetic as claimed, it would make an ideal asteroseismic target for testing various theoretical scenarios. If it is very weakly magnetic, it would be the first observation of an extension of Vega-like fields to early B stars. Finally, if it is not magnetic and we can provide a very low upper limit on its non-detected field, it would make an important result for stellar evolution models. Methods: We acquired high resolution, high signal-to-noise spectropolarimetric Narval data at Telescope Bernard Lyot (TBL). We also gathered existing dimaPol spectropolarimetric data from the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) and Musicos spectropolarimetric data from TBL. We analysed the Narval and Musicos observations using the least-squares deconvolution (LSD) technique to derive the longitudinal magnetic field and Zeeman signatures in lines. The longitudinal field strength was also extracted from the Hβ line observed with the DAO. With a Monte Carlo simulation we derived the maximum strength of the field possibly hosted by γ Peg. Results: We find that no magnetic signatures are visible in the very high quality spectropolarimetric data. The average longitudinal field measured in the Narval data is Bl = -0.1 ± 0.4 G. We derive a very strict upper limit of the dipolar field strength of Bpol ~ 40 G. Conclusions: We conclude that γ Peg is not magnetic: it hosts neither a strong stable fossil field as observed in a fraction of massive stars nor a very weak Vega-like field. There is therefore no evidence that Vega-like fields exist in B stars, contrary to the predictions by fossil field dichotomy scenarios. These scenarios should thus be revised. Our results also provide strong constraints for stellar evolution models. Based on observations obtained at the Telescope Bernard Lyot (USR5026) operated by the Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.Tables 1-3 are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Timing analysis by model checking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naydich, Dimitri; Guaspari, David

2000-01-01

The safety of modern avionics relies on high integrity software that can be verified to meet hard real-time requirements. The limits of verification technology therefore determine acceptable engineering practice. To simplify verification problems, safety-critical systems are commonly implemented under the severe constraints of a cyclic executive, which make design an expensive trial-and-error process highly intolerant of change. Important advances in analysis techniques, such as rate monotonic analysis (RMA), have provided a theoretical and practical basis for easing these onerous restrictions. But RMA and its kindred have two limitations: they apply only to verifying the requirement of schedulability (that tasks meet their deadlines) and they cannot be applied to many common programming paradigms. We address both these limitations by applying model checking, a technique with successful industrial applications in hardware design. Model checking algorithms analyze finite state machines, either by explicit state enumeration or by symbolic manipulation. Since quantitative timing properties involve a potentially unbounded state variable (a clock), our first problem is to construct a finite approximation that is conservative for the properties being analyzed-if the approximation satisfies the properties of interest, so does the infinite model. To reduce the potential for state space explosion we must further optimize this finite model. Experiments with some simple optimizations have yielded a hundred-fold efficiency improvement over published techniques.

Incremental checking of Master Data Management model based on contextual graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamolle, Myriam; Menet, Ludovic; Le Duc, Chan

2015-10-01

The validation of models is a crucial step in distributed heterogeneous systems. In this paper, an incremental validation method is proposed in the scope of a Model Driven Engineering (MDE) approach, which is used to develop a Master Data Management (MDM) field represented by XML Schema models. The MDE approach presented in this paper is based on the definition of an abstraction layer using UML class diagrams. The validation method aims to minimise the model errors and to optimisethe process of model checking. Therefore, the notion of validation contexts is introduced allowing the verification of data model views. Description logics specify constraints that the models have to check. An experimentation of the approach is presented through an application developed in ArgoUML IDE.

Vehicle Maximum Weight Limitation Based on Intelligent Weight Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raihan, W.; Tessar, R. M.; Ernest, C. O. S.; E Byan, W. R.; Winda, A.

2017-03-01

Vehicle weight is an important factor to be maintained for transportation safety. A weight limitation system is proposed to make sure the vehicle weight is always below its designation prior the vehicle is being used by the driver. The proposed system is divided into two systems, namely vehicle weight confirmation system and weight warning system. In vehicle weight confirmation system, the weight sensor work for the first time after the ignition switch is turned on. When the weight is under the weight limit, the starter engine can be switched on to start the engine system, otherwise it will be locked. The seconds system, will operated after checking all the door at close position, once the door of the car is closed, the weight warning system will check once again the weight during runing engine condition. The results of these two systems, vehicle weight confirmation system and weight warning system have 100 % accuracy, respectively. These show that the proposed vehicle weight limitation system operate well.

Role of the check dam in land development on the Loess Plateau, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiang-Zhou; Zhang, Luo-Hao; Zhu, Tongxin; Dang, Tian-Min; Zhang, Hong-Wu; Xu, Shi-Guo

2017-04-01

Check dam is one of the most effective measures to reduce flow connectivity, which can retain soil and water, and increase land productivity. More than 100,000 check dams have been built on the Loess Plateau since 1950s. However, quantifying the effect of check dams on water resources and water environments remains a challenge. In this study, an in-depth field investigation together with a credible statistical analysis was carried out in two representative catchments on the Loess Plateau, Nanxiaohegou Catchment and Jiuyuangou Catchment, to assess the effectiveness of check dams in soil, water and nutrients conservation. The results show: (1) Check dam plays an important role in conserving water, soil, and nutrients on the Loess Plateau. About half of the total transported water and more than 80 % of the total transported soil and nutrients, had been locally retained in the selected catchments. Hence check dams had a significant benefit to improve soil fertility in the small watersheds, and reducing water pollution downstream of dams. (2) Compared to terrace farmlands, forest lands and grasslands, check-dam lands were much more important in conserving water, soil and nutrients in the catchments. Nearly 50% of the reduced water and more than 70% of the stored soil and nutrients in the study catchments were solely retained by the check dams, whereas the area of the dam lands was less than 7% of the total conservation land area. (3) Check dams are still effective in large storms even if dams were damaged by floods. It is often assumed that check dams could only retain sediment in small flood events whereas most of the stored soil may be washed out as the dams may be destroyed in a disastrous flood. Furthermore, if a major check dam, namely the key project dam, was built in the gully outlet, the flood could be controlled, and thereupon the dam-break can be also avoided. We suggest that a compensation and incentive policy be implemented on dam building to realize the sustainable development of local economy and ecological environment.

Multirate control with incomplete information over Profibus-DP network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salt, J.; Casanova, V.; Cuenca, A.; Pizá, R.

2014-07-01

When a process field bus-decentralized peripherals (Profibus-DP) network is used in an industrial environment, a deterministic behaviour is usually claimed. However, due to some concerns such as bandwidth limitations, lack of synchronisation among different clocks and existence of time-varying delays, a more complex problem must be faced. This problem implies the transmission of irregular and, even, random sequences of incomplete information. The main consequence of this issue is the appearance of different sampling periods at different network devices. In this paper, this aspect is checked by means of a detailed Profibus-DP timescale study. In addition, in order to deal with the different periods, a delay-dependent dual-rate proportional-integral-derivative control is introduced. Stability for the proposed control system is analysed in terms of linear matrix inequalities.

Verifying patient identity and site of surgery: improving compliance with protocol by audit and feedback.

PubMed

Garnerin, P; Arès, M; Huchet, A; Clergue, F

2008-12-01

The potential severity of wrong patient/procedure/site of surgery and the view that these events are avoidable, make the prevention of such errors a priority. An intervention was set up to develop a verification protocol for checking patient identity and the site of surgery with periodic audits to measure compliance while providing feedback. A nurse auditor performed the compliance audits in inpatients and outpatients during three consecutive 3-month periods and three 1-month follow-up periods; 11 audit criteria were recorded, as well as reasons for not performing a check. The nurse auditor provided feedback to the health professionals, including discussion of inadequate checks. 1,000 interactions between patients and their anaesthetist or nurse anaesthetist were observed. Between the first and second audit periods compliance with all audit criteria except "surgical site marked" noticeably improved, such as the proportion of patients whose identities were checked (62.6% to 81.4%); full compliance with protocol in patient identity checks (9.7% to 38.1%); proportion of site of surgery checks carried out (77.1% to 92.6%); and full compliance with protocol in site of surgery checks (32.2% to 52.0%). Thereafter, compliance was stable for most criteria. The reason for failure to perform checks of patient identity or site of surgery was mostly that the anaesthetist in charge had seen the patient at the preanaesthetic consultation. By combining the implementation of a verification protocol with periodic audits with feedback, the intervention changed practice and increased compliance with patient identity and site of surgery checks. The impact of the intervention was limited by communication problems between patients and professionals, and lack of collaboration with surgical services.

20 CFR 653.503 - Field checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... to appropriate enforcement agencies in writing. (b) State agencies, to the maximum extent possible... enforcement agencies. State agencies shall report difficulties in making such formal or informal arrangements...

20 CFR 653.503 - Field checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... to appropriate enforcement agencies in writing. (b) State agencies, to the maximum extent possible... enforcement agencies. State agencies shall report difficulties in making such formal or informal arrangements...

20 CFR 653.503 - Field checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... to appropriate enforcement agencies in writing. (b) State agencies, to the maximum extent possible... enforcement agencies. State agencies shall report difficulties in making such formal or informal arrangements...

20 CFR 653.503 - Field checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... to appropriate enforcement agencies in writing. (b) State agencies, to the maximum extent possible... enforcement agencies. State agencies shall report difficulties in making such formal or informal arrangements...

Monturaqui meteorite impact crater, Chile: A field test of the utility of satellite-based mapping of ejecta at small craters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathbun, K.; Ukstins, I.; Drop, S.

2017-12-01

Monturaqui Crater is a small ( 350 m diameter), simple meteorite impact crater located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile that was emplaced in Ordovician granite overlain by discontinuous Pliocene ignimbrite. Ejecta deposits are granite and ignimbrite, with lesser amounts of dark impact melt and rare tektites and iron shale. The impact restructured existing drainage systems in the area that have subsequently eroded through the ejecta. Satellite-based mapping and modeling, including a synthesis of photographic satellite imagery and ASTER thermal infrared imagery in ArcGIS, were used to construct a basic geological interpretation of the site with special emphasis on understanding ejecta distribution patterns. This was combined with field-based mapping to construct a high-resolution geologic map of the crater and its ejecta blanket and field check the satellite-based geologic interpretation. The satellite- and modeling-based interpretation suggests a well-preserved crater with an intact, heterogeneous ejecta blanket that has been subjected to moderate erosion. In contrast, field mapping shows that the crater has a heavily-eroded rim and ejecta blanket, and the ejecta is more heterogeneous than previously thought. In addition, the erosion rate at Monturaqui is much higher than erosion rates reported elsewhere in the Atacama Desert. The bulk compositions of the target rocks at Monturaqui are similar and the ejecta deposits are highly heterogeneous, so distinguishing between them with remote sensing is less effective than with direct field observations. In particular, the resolution of available imagery for the site is too low to resolve critical details that are readily apparent in the field on the scale of 10s of cm, and which significantly alter the geologic interpretation. The limiting factors for effective remote interpretation at Monturaqui are its target composition and crater size relative to the resolution of the remote sensing methods employed. This suggests that satellite-based mapping of ejecta may have limited utility at small craters due to limitations in source resolution compared to the geology of the site in question.

Absolute Geomagnetic Paleointensity as Recorded by Mafic Dykes of the ~1.98 Ga Bundelkhand Swarm and ~0.75 Ga Malani Igneous Suite from Northern India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piispa, E. J.; Smirnov, A. V.; Pandit, M. K.

2012-12-01

Determining the long-term behavior and configuration of the Precambrian geomagnetic field is crucial for understanding the origin and nature of Earth's early geodynamo. However, our knowledge about strength and morphology of the Precambrian geomagnetic field is extremely limited due to paucity of reliable data on the ancient field strength (paleointensity). Information correlating the strength and characteristics of Earth's ancient geomagnetic field can be gained by measuring the paleodirectional and paleointensity properties of Precambrian rocks. We investigated two Proterozoic mafic dyke swarms from the Indian subcontinent: the extensive NW-SE trending 1979±8 Ma (U-Pb) dyke swarm in the Bundelkhand craton and the N-S trending Malani mafic dyke swarm, the latter representing the third and final phase of magmatism in the Malani Igneous Suite. Malani rhyolites have been precisely dated at 771±2 to 751±3 Ma (U - Pb zircon ages). The Malani mafic dykes have been correlated with the ~750 Ma dolerite dykes of Seychelles based on geological and geochemical criteria. The mafic dykes of both studied swarms are vertical to sub-vertical and show little or no evidence of alteration. Detailed paleomagnetic studies, using both thermal and alternating field demagnetization, revealed the presence of stable dual-polarity magnetic component for both dyke swarms. The primary nature of the magnetization is supported by positive baked contact tests. Typically, the characteristic magnetization is single component with narrow unblocking temperature spectra between ~500°C and 550-570°C, with remanence carried by small PSD magnetite or low-Ti titanomagnetite. Absolute paleointensities of these dyke swarms were obtained by two different heating based methods: multiple specimen domain-state corrected (MSP-DSC) and Thellier double heating method with alternating infield-zerofield (IZ) and zerofield-infield (ZI) steps. The multiple sample protocol incorporated checks for alteration, additivity and reciprocity during heating. The magnetic stability of samples was checked using thermomagnetic curves and by monitoring the magnetic susceptibility changes through the paleointensity experiments. Magnetization measurements before and after low temperature demagnetization (LTD) in liquid nitrogen allowed comparison of the effectiveness of the LTD treatment with other experimental domain state corrections. We will discuss implications of our results for the Precambrian geomagnetic field evolution.

Lot quality assurance sampling of sputum acid-fast bacillus smears for assessing sputum smear microscopy centers.

PubMed

Selvakumar, N; Murthy, B N; Prabhakaran, E; Sivagamasundari, S; Vasanthan, Samuel; Perumal, M; Govindaraju, R; Chauhan, L S; Wares, Fraser; Santha, T; Narayanan, P R

2005-02-01

Assessment of 12 microscopy centers in a tuberculosis unit by blinded checking of eight sputum smears selected by using a lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) method and by unblinded checking of all positive and five negative slides, among the slides examined in a month in a microscopy centre, revealed that the LQAS method can be implemented in the field to monitor the performance of acid-fast bacillus microscopy centers in national tuberculosis control programs.

Lot Quality Assurance Sampling of Sputum Acid-Fast Bacillus Smears for Assessing Sputum Smear Microscopy Centers

PubMed Central

Selvakumar, N.; Murthy, B. N.; Prabhakaran, E.; Sivagamasundari, S.; Vasanthan, Samuel; Perumal, M.; Govindaraju, R.; Chauhan, L. S.; Wares, Fraser; Santha, T.; Narayanan, P. R.

2005-01-01

Assessment of 12 microscopy centers in a tuberculosis unit by blinded checking of eight sputum smears selected by using a lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) method and by unblinded checking of all positive and five negative slides, among the slides examined in a month in a microscopy centre, revealed that the LQAS method can be implemented in the field to monitor the performance of acid-fast bacillus microscopy centers in national tuberculosis control programs. PMID:15695704

SSC Geopositional Assessment of the Advanced Wide Field Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Kenton

2007-01-01

The objective is to provide independent verification of IRS geopositional accuracy claims and of the internal geopositional characterization provided by Lutes (2005). Six sub-scenes (quads) were assessed; Three from each AWiFS camera. Check points were manually matched to digital orthophoto quarter quadrangle (DOQQ) reference (assumed accuracy approx. 5 m, RMSE) Check points were selected to meet or exceed Federal Geographic Data Committee's guidelines. Used ESRI ArcGIS for data collection and SSC-written MATLAB scripts for data analysis.

Lake water quality mapping from Landsat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scherz, J. P.

1977-01-01

In the project described remote sensing was used to check the quality of lake waters. The lakes of three Landsat scenes were mapped with the Bendix MDAS multispectral analysis system. From the MDAS color coded maps, the lake with the worst algae problem was easily located. The lake was closely checked, and the presence of 100 cows in the springs which fed the lake could be identified as the pollution source. The laboratory and field work involved in the lake classification project is described.

Performance characteristics of an automated gas chromatograph-ion trap mass spectrometer system used for the 1995 Southern Oxidants Study field investigation in Nashville, Tennessee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daughtrey, E. Hunter; Adams, Jeffrey R.; Oliver, Karen D.; Kronmiller, Keith G.; McClenny, William A.

1998-09-01

A trailer-deployed automated gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (autoGC-MS) system capable of making continuous hourly measurements was used to determine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air at New Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, in 1995. The system configuration, including the autoGC-MS, trailer and transfer line, siting, and sampling plan and schedule, is described. The autoGC-MS system employs a pair of matched sorbent traps to allow simultaneous sampling and desorption. Desorption is followed by Stirling engine cryofocusing and subsequent GC separation and mass spectral identification and quantification. Quality control measurements described include evaluating precision and accuracy of replicate analyses of independently supplied audit and round-robin canisters and determining the completeness of the data sets taken in Tennessee. Data quality objectives for precision (±10%) and accuracy (±20%) of 10- to 20-ppbv audit canisters and a completeness of >75% data capture were met. Quality assurance measures used in reviewing the data set include retention time stability, calibration checks, frequency distribution checks, and checks of the mass spectra. Special procedures and tests were used to minimize sorbent trap artifacts, to verify the quality of a standard prepared in our laboratory, and to prove the integrity of the insulated, heated transfer line. A rigorous determination of total system blank concentration levels using humidified scientific air spiked with ozone allowed estimation of method detection limits, ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 ppb C, for most of the 100 target compounds, which were a composite list of the target compounds for the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station network, those for Environmental Protection Agency method TO-14, and selected oxygenated VOCs.

Field Tests of Optical Instruments

DTIC Science & Technology

1947-03-15

s > S3KS55Ü j.6),&;i.r..fc..’.w.~— * s1 Field Tests of Optical Instruments ^. (Not known) (Same) Bureau of Ordnance. Washington, D..D...a large-scale field test of optical instruments are described. The tests were instituted to check the correctness of theoretical considerations and...of laboratory tests -which have been v.sed in the selection and design of such instruments. Field con- ditions approximated as far as possible those

Limiting the testing of urea: Urea along with every plasma creatinine test?

PubMed

Zhang, Gao-Ming; Guo, Xu-Xiao; Zhang, Guo-Ming

2017-09-01

We found that it is not necessary to simultaneously detect both creatinine (CREA) and urea until the concentration of CREA is lower than the certain level. To reduce urea testing, we suggest measuring urea only when CREA or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exceeds a predetermined limit. CREA and urea data were analyzed consisting of almost all of people age above 65 years old check-up (n=95441) in Shuyang countryside, and inpatients (n=101631), outpatients (n=18474) and Routine Health Check-up (n=20509) in Shuyang People's Hospital. The proportions of elevated urea were derived. The data used in this study was generated from people more than 13 years old in both outpatients and inpatients. When the limits for initiating urea testing were used at 85 μmol/L CREA and 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR, the percentage of unnecessary urea test are 94.5% and 64.7% (elderly health check-up), 67.9% and 84.5% (outpatients), 88.5% and 73.2% (inpatients), 92.2% and 81.7% (routine health check-up). The missing rate of urea are 1%, 2.5%, 4.6% and 9.2%, 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.9% and 1.8%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.4%, and 2.5%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 1.1%, and 0.8% of ureas exceeding 9.28 mmol/L and 8.3 mmol/L in above each group, respectively. If the CREA≤85 μmol/L or eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , there is 97.5% urea <10.1 mmol/L, the proportion of elevated urea missed is 2.5%. We suggest that the initiating urea testing should be based on the upper limit of Reference Intervals serum CREA of females or a 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR limit. Conservatively, the urea testing would be reduced by 65% at least. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

SU-E-T-649: Quality Assurances for Proton Therapy Delivery Equipment

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

Arjomandy, B; Kase, Y; Flanz, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: The number of proton therapy centers has increased dramatically over the past decade. Currently, there is no comprehensive set of guidelines that addresses quality assurance (QA) procedures for the different technologies used for proton therapy. The AAPM has charged task group 224 (TG-224) to provide recommendations for QA required for accurate and safe dose delivery, using existing and next generation proton therapy delivery equipment. Methods: A database comprised of QA procedures and tolerance limits was generated from many existing proton therapy centers in and outside of the US. These consist of proton therapy centers that possessed double scattering, uniformmore » scanning, and pencil beams delivery systems. The diversity in beam delivery systems as well as the existing devices to perform QA checks for different beam parameters is the main subject of TG-224. Based on current practice at the clinically active proton centers participating in this task group, consensus QA recommendations were developed. The methodologies and requirements of the parameters that must be verified for consistency of the performance of the proton beam delivery systems are discussed. Results: TG-224 provides procedures and QA checks for mechanical, imaging, safety and dosimetry requirements for different proton equipment. These procedures are categorized based on their importance and their required frequencies in order to deliver a safe and consistent dose. The task group provides daily, weekly, monthly, and annual QA check procedures with their tolerance limits. Conclusions: The procedures outlined in this protocol provide sufficient information to qualified medical physicists to perform QA checks for any proton delivery system. Execution of these procedures should provide confidence that proton therapy equipment is functioning as commissioned for patient treatment and delivers dose safely and accurately within the established tolerance limits. The report will be published in late 2015.« less

New investigations of the October 1999 Hector Mine Earthquake surface rupture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sousa, F.; Harvey, J. C.; Hudnut, K. W.; Akciz, S. O.; Stock, J. M.

2013-12-01

We report on new field and computer based investigation of the surface rupture of the October 16, 1999 Hector Mine Earthquake. In cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC), our team was allowed ground and aerial access to the extent of the surface rupture for limited times during October - December 2012. As far as we know, this was the first scientific access granted to the entire surface rupture since the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, and the first scientific access of any kind to some parts of the maximum slip zone since before the event. This locale is an excellent natural laboratory for detailed study of a major earthquake surface rupture because: 1) complete circumscription within the boundaries of MCAGCC severely limit both past and future human disruption of the rupture, particularly in the mountainous maximum slip zone; 2) groundbreaking aerial LiDAR survey carried out six months after the earthquake was followed up by a higher density, wider swath LiDAR survey in May 2012, making the temporal evolution of this rupture perhaps the most completely physically documented of any major rupture; and 3) field investigation immediately following the event was followed up by computer based offset measurements using the April 2000 LiDAR dataset, providing a database of published offset measurements. Due to time constraints imposed by MCAGGC we focused our new research effort along the ~8 km long maximum slip zone of the rupture, roughly corresponding to the zone of >4 m dextral offset. Our investigation includes 1) walking this entire section of the fault and making >30 measurements of dextral slip while photo documenting the current state of the rupture; 2) creating a difference raster for the entire 8 km maximum slip zone from exactly congruent DEM's made from the 2000 and 2012 LiDAR data sets; 3) documenting the fault traces with a Trimble GeoXH high precision handheld GPS unit (+/- 10 cm); 4) carrying out field checks of a small number of computer-based offset measurements made using the 2000 LiDAR dataset; and 5) high-resolution low-altitude (<100 m AGL) photography of the maximum slip zone during a helicopter overflight. To date, important results include 1) identification of two new maximum slip locations where features are offset 7.9 m +/- 0.5 m and 6.7 m +/- 0.5 m; 2) a database of >30 offset measurements (georeferenced and photo documented) made by our team on the ground; 3) clear changes in fracture visibility in the field, with some fractures more visible, and others no longer visible, compared to the 1999-2000 studies; and 4) examples of a few field checks that both strongly agree and disagree with computer based LiDAR offset measurements.

[Yes, we should keep ABO agglutination test within bedside transfusion checks].

PubMed

Daurat, G

2008-11-01

ABO incompatible transfusions are still a frequent cause of serious adverse transfusion reactions. Bedside check is intended to detect patient errors and prevent ABO mismatch. France is one of the few countries that includes ABO agglutination test for red blood cells in bedside checks. Evaluation of this ABO agglutination test, performed with a special card, shows that, on the field, despite frequent users' mishandling, it can detect up to 93% of ABO incompatibilities. This is not enough to rely on this sole test for bedside checks. But, linking it with an another test, currently, checks that the right blood is given to the right patient, rises the sensitivity of the whole bedside procedure up to an estimated 99.65%, for detection of ABO incompatibilities. This linkage has been introduced in the French regulation in 2003. Since then, the incidence of ABO incompatible transfusions has decreased dramatically and faster than in any other country, so France has now, probably, the lowest rate of ABO incompatible transfusions. The investigation of the few ABO accidents that still occur, shows that professionals have always bypassed this linkage. On the other hand, introducing bedside recipient and blood products barcode or radio-chip checks in all the 1500 French hospitals, though technically possible, would provide very little enhancement and lead to major difficulties and expenses. Linkage of ABO agglutination test to patient and blood checks within the bedside procedure has proved to be efficient and should be kept.

Analysis of MASTER Thermal Data in the Greeley Area of the Front Range Urban Corridor, Colorado--Delineation of Sites for Infrastructure Resource Characterization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Livo, K. Eric; Watson, Ken

2002-01-01

Sand and soils southwest of Greeley, Colorado, were characterized for mineral composition and industrial quality. Radi-ance data from the thermal channels of the MASTER simulator were calibrated using estimated atmospheric parameters. Chan-nel emissivities were approximated using an estimated ground temperature. Subsequently, a decorrelation algorithm was used to calculate inverse wave emissivity images. Six soil classes, one vegetation class, water, and several small classes were defined using an unsupervised classification algorithm. Ground covered by each of the derived emissivity spectral classes was studied using color-infrared air photos, color-infrared composite MAS-TER data, geologic maps, NASA/JPL Airborne Visible and Infra-red Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data, and field examination. Spectral classes were characterized by their responses and related to their mineral content through field examination. Classes with a minimum at channel 44, and having a similar spectral shape to quartz, field checked as containing abundant quartz. Classes with a minimum at channel 45, and having a spectral shape similar to the sheet minerals, were found in the field to contain abundant mica and clay. Sandy soil was found to have a positive slope at the longer wavelengths; the more clay rich soils had a negative slope. Spectra with a strong downturn at channel 50 generally indicated low vegetation cover, whereas an upturn indicated more vegetation cover. Mapping revealed a range of classified soils with varying amounts of quartz, silt, clay, and plant humus. Sand and gravel operations along the St. Vrain River, gravel lots, and some fields spectrally classified as quartz-rich sands were confirmed through field examination. Other fields mapped as sandy soils, ranging from quartz-rich sandy soil to quartz-rich silt-sand soil with clay. Flood plains mapped as sandy-silty-organic-rich clay. The city of Greeley contained all classes of materials, with the sand classes mapping as various types of asphalt. Abundant quartz gravel was apparent within the asphalt during field check-ing. The clay classes mapped silt-clay soils in areas of irrigated grass landscaping, some fields, and roofing materials.

Test site suitability assessment for radiation measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borsero, M.; Nano, E.

1980-04-01

Field and attenuation methods for site suitability assessment for radiation measurements are presented. Attention is given to the IEC procedure for checking the suitability of radiation measurement site.

Quantitative modelling in cognitive ergonomics: predicting signals passed at danger.

PubMed

Moray, Neville; Groeger, John; Stanton, Neville

2017-02-01

This paper shows how to combine field observations, experimental data and mathematical modelling to produce quantitative explanations and predictions of complex events in human-machine interaction. As an example, we consider a major railway accident. In 1999, a commuter train passed a red signal near Ladbroke Grove, UK, into the path of an express. We use the Public Inquiry Report, 'black box' data, and accident and engineering reports to construct a case history of the accident. We show how to combine field data with mathematical modelling to estimate the probability that the driver observed and identified the state of the signals, and checked their status. Our methodology can explain the SPAD ('Signal Passed At Danger'), generate recommendations about signal design and placement and provide quantitative guidance for the design of safer railway systems' speed limits and the location of signals. Practitioner Summary: Detailed ergonomic analysis of railway signals and rail infrastructure reveals problems of signal identification at this location. A record of driver eye movements measures attention, from which a quantitative model for out signal placement and permitted speeds can be derived. The paper is an example of how to combine field data, basic research and mathematical modelling to solve ergonomic design problems.

14 CFR 142.65 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... used during line operational simulation for evaluation and line-oriented flight training only to...) When flight testing, flight checking, or line operational simulation is being conducted, the...

14 CFR 142.65 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... used during line operational simulation for evaluation and line-oriented flight training only to...) When flight testing, flight checking, or line operational simulation is being conducted, the...

14 CFR 142.65 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... used during line operational simulation for evaluation and line-oriented flight training only to...) When flight testing, flight checking, or line operational simulation is being conducted, the...

14 CFR 142.65 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... used during line operational simulation for evaluation and line-oriented flight training only to...) When flight testing, flight checking, or line operational simulation is being conducted, the...

14 CFR 142.65 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... used during line operational simulation for evaluation and line-oriented flight training only to...) When flight testing, flight checking, or line operational simulation is being conducted, the...

12 CFR 701.30 - Services for nonmembers within the field of membership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Services for nonmembers within the field of membership. 701.30 Section 701.30 Banks and Banking NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS... international and domestic electronic fund transfers); and (b) Cashing checks and money orders and receiving...

12 CFR 701.30 - Services for nonmembers within the field of membership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Services for nonmembers within the field of membership. 701.30 Section 701.30 Banks and Banking NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS... international and domestic electronic fund transfers); and (b) Cashing checks and money orders and receiving...

Swarm Verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holzmann, Gerard J.; Joshi, Rajeev; Groce, Alex

2008-01-01

Reportedly, supercomputer designer Seymour Cray once said that he would sooner use two strong oxen to plow a field than a thousand chickens. Although this is undoubtedly wise when it comes to plowing a field, it is not so clear for other types of tasks. Model checking problems are of the proverbial "search the needle in a haystack" type. Such problems can often be parallelized easily. Alas, none of the usual divide and conquer methods can be used to parallelize the working of a model checker. Given that it has become easier than ever to gain access to large numbers of computers to perform even routine tasks it is becoming more and more attractive to find alternate ways to use these resources to speed up model checking tasks. This paper describes one such method, called swarm verification.

Adherence to balance tolerance limits at the Upper Mississippi Science Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, C.T.; Kennedy, D.M.

1998-01-01

Verification of balance accuracy entails applying a series of standard masses to a balance prior to use and recording the measured values. The recorded values for each standard should have lower and upper weight limits or tolerances that are accepted as verification of balance accuracy under normal operating conditions. Balance logbooks for seven analytical balances at the Upper Mississippi Science Center were checked over a 3.5-year period to determine if the recorded weights were within the established tolerance limits. A total of 9435 measurements were checked. There were 14 instances in which the balance malfunctioned and operators recorded a rationale in the balance logbook. Sixty-three recording errors were found. Twenty-eight operators were responsible for two types of recording errors: Measurements of weights were recorded outside of the tolerance limit but not acknowledged as an error by the operator (n = 40); and measurements were recorded with the wrong number of decimal places (n = 23). The adherence rate for following tolerance limits was 99.3%. To ensure the continued adherence to tolerance limits, the quality-assurance unit revised standard operating procedures to require more frequent review of balance logbooks.

Inversion of Zeeman polarization for solar magnetic field diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derouich, M.

2017-05-01

The topic of magnetic field diagnostics with the Zeeman effect is currently vividly discussed. There are some testable inversion codes available to the spectropolarimetry community and their application allowed for a better understanding of the magnetism of the solar atmosphere. In this context, we propose an inversion technique associated with a new numerical code. The inversion procedure is promising and particularly successful for interpreting the Stokes profiles in quick and sufficiently precise way. In our inversion, we fit a part of each Stokes profile around a target wavelength, and then determine the magnetic field as a function of the wavelength which is equivalent to get the magnetic field as a function of the height of line formation. To test the performance of the new numerical code, we employed "hare and hound" approach by comparing an exact solution (called input) with the solution obtained by the code (called output). The precision of the code is also checked by comparing our results to the ones obtained with the HAO MERLIN code. The inversion code has been applied to synthetic Stokes profiles of the Na D1 line available in the literature. We investigated the limitations in recovering the input field in case of noisy data. As an application, we applied our inversion code to the polarization profiles of the Fe Iλ 6302.5 Å observed at IRSOL in Locarno.

Strategy optimization for mask rule check in wafer fab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chuen Huei; Lin, Shaina; Lin, Roger; Wang, Alice; Lee, Rachel; Deng, Erwin

2015-07-01

Photolithography process is getting more and more sophisticated for wafer production following Moore's law. Therefore, for wafer fab, consolidated and close cooperation with mask house is a key to achieve silicon wafer success. However, generally speaking, it is not easy to preserve such partnership because many engineering efforts and frequent communication are indispensable. The inattentive connection is obvious in mask rule check (MRC). Mask houses will do their own MRC at job deck stage, but the checking is only for identification of mask process limitation including writing, etching, inspection, metrology, etc. No further checking in terms of wafer process concerned mask data errors will be implemented after data files of whole mask are composed in mask house. There are still many potential data errors even post-OPC verification has been done for main circuits. What mentioned here are the kinds of errors which will only occur as main circuits combined with frame and dummy patterns to form whole reticle. Therefore, strategy optimization is on-going in UMC to evaluate MRC especially for wafer fab concerned errors. The prerequisite is that no impact on mask delivery cycle time even adding this extra checking. A full-mask checking based on job deck in gds or oasis format is necessary in order to secure acceptable run time. Form of the summarized error report generated by this checking is also crucial because user friendly interface will shorten engineers' judgment time to release mask for writing. This paper will survey the key factors of MRC in wafer fab.

Guiding-center equations for electrons in ultraintense laser fields

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

Moore, J.E.; Fisch, N.J.

1994-01-01

The guiding-center equations are derived for electrons in arbitrarily intense laser fields also subject to external fields and ponderomotive forces. Exhibiting the relativistic mass increase of the oscillating electrons, a simple frame-invariant equation is shown to govern the behavior of the electrons for sufficiently weak background fields and ponderomotive forces. The parameter regime for which such a formulation is valid is made precise, and some predictions of the equation are checked by numerical simulation.

46 CFR 61.35-3 - Required tests and checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... controls must control and cycle the unit in the proper manner and sequence. Proper prepurge, ignition...) Limit controls. Shutdown caused by the limit controls must be verified. (9) Water level controls. Water level controls must be tested by slowly lowering the water level in the boiler. Each operating water...

46 CFR 61.35-3 - Required tests and checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... controls must control and cycle the unit in the proper manner and sequence. Proper prepurge, ignition...) Limit controls. Shutdown caused by the limit controls must be verified. (9) Water level controls. Water level controls must be tested by slowly lowering the water level in the boiler. Each operating water...

46 CFR 61.35-3 - Required tests and checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... controls must control and cycle the unit in the proper manner and sequence. Proper prepurge, ignition...) Limit controls. Shutdown caused by the limit controls must be verified. (9) Water level controls. Water level controls must be tested by slowly lowering the water level in the boiler. Each operating water...

46 CFR 61.35-3 - Required tests and checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... controls must control and cycle the unit in the proper manner and sequence. Proper prepurge, ignition...) Limit controls. Shutdown caused by the limit controls must be verified. (9) Water level controls. Water level controls must be tested by slowly lowering the water level in the boiler. Each operating water...

Intramural Comparison of NIST Laser and Optical Fiber Power Calibrations.

PubMed

Lehman, John H; Vayshenker, Igor; Livigni, David J; Hadler, Joshua

2004-01-01

The responsivity of two optical detectors was determined by the method of direct substitution in four different NIST measurement facilities. The measurements were intended to demonstrate the determination of absolute responsivity as provided by NIST calibration services at laser and optical-communication wavelengths; nominally 633 nm, 850 nm, 1060 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm. The optical detectors have been designated as checks standards for the purpose of routine intramural comparison of our calibration services and to meet requirements of the NIST quality system, based on ISO 17025. The check standards are two optical-trap detectors, one based on silicon and the other on indium gallium arsenide photodiodes. The four measurement services are based on: (1) the laser optimized cryogenic radiometer (LOCR) and free field collimated laser light; (2) the C-series isoperibol calorimeter and free-field collimated laser light; (3) the electrically calibrated pyroelectric radiometer and fiber-coupled laser light; (4) the pyroelectric wedge trap detector, which measures light from a lamp source and monochromator. The results indicate that the responsivity of the check standards, as determined independently using the four services, agree to within the published expanded uncertainty ranging from approximately 0.02 % to 1.24 %.

Strain Rate Tensor Estimation in Cine Cardiac MRI Based on Elastic Image Registration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Ferrero, Gonzalo Vegas; Vega, Antonio Tristán; Grande, Lucilio Cordero; de La Higuera, Pablo Casaseca; Fernández, Santiago Aja; Fernández, Marcos Martín; López, Carlos Alberola

In this work we propose an alternative method to estimate and visualize the Strain Rate Tensor (SRT) in Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) when Phase Contrast MRI (PCMRI) and Tagged MRI (TMRI) are not available. This alternative is based on image processing techniques. Concretely, image registration algorithms are used to estimate the movement of the myocardium at each point. Additionally, a consistency checking method is presented to validate the accuracy of the estimates when no golden standard is available. Results prove that the consistency checking method provides an upper bound of the mean squared error of the estimate. Our experiments with real data show that the registration algorithm provides a useful deformation field to estimate the SRT fields. A classification between regional normal and dysfunctional contraction patterns, as compared with experts diagnosis, points out that the parameters extracted from the estimated SRT can represent these patterns. Additionally, a scheme for visualizing and analyzing the local behavior of the SRT field is presented.

Constructing LDPC Codes from Loop-Free Encoding Modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Samuel; Jones, Christopher; Thorpe, Jeremy; Andrews, Kenneth

2009-01-01

A method of constructing certain low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes by use of relatively simple loop-free coding modules has been developed. The subclasses of LDPC codes to which the method applies includes accumulate-repeat-accumulate (ARA) codes, accumulate-repeat-check-accumulate codes, and the codes described in Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate-Accumulate Codes (NPO-41305), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 9 (September 2007), page 90. All of the affected codes can be characterized as serial/parallel (hybrid) concatenations of such relatively simple modules as accumulators, repetition codes, differentiators, and punctured single-parity check codes. These are error-correcting codes suitable for use in a variety of wireless data-communication systems that include noisy channels. These codes can also be characterized as hybrid turbolike codes that have projected graph or protograph representations (for example see figure); these characteristics make it possible to design high-speed iterative decoders that utilize belief-propagation algorithms. The present method comprises two related submethods for constructing LDPC codes from simple loop-free modules with circulant permutations. The first submethod is an iterative encoding method based on the erasure-decoding algorithm. The computations required by this method are well organized because they involve a parity-check matrix having a block-circulant structure. The second submethod involves the use of block-circulant generator matrices. The encoders of this method are very similar to those of recursive convolutional codes. Some encoders according to this second submethod have been implemented in a small field-programmable gate array that operates at a speed of 100 megasymbols per second. By use of density evolution (a computational- simulation technique for analyzing performances of LDPC codes), it has been shown through some examples that as the block size goes to infinity, low iterative decoding thresholds close to channel capacity limits can be achieved for the codes of the type in question having low maximum variable node degrees. The decoding thresholds in these examples are lower than those of the best-known unstructured irregular LDPC codes constrained to have the same maximum node degrees. Furthermore, the present method enables the construction of codes of any desired rate with thresholds that stay uniformly close to their respective channel capacity thresholds.

JSC technician checks STS-44 DSO 316 bioreactor and rotating wall vessel hdwr

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

JSC technician Tacey Prewitt checks the progress on a bioreactor experiment in JSC's Life Sciences Laboratory Bldg 37 biotechnology laboratory. Similar hardware is scheduled for testing aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, during STS-44. Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) 316 Bioreactor/Flow and Particle Trajectory in Microgravity will checkout the rotating wall vessel hardware and hopefully will confirm researchers' theories and calculations about how flow fields work in space. Plastic beads of various sizes rather than cell cultures are being flown in the vessel for the STS-44 test.

SU-F-T-457: A Filmless Method for Measurement of Couch Translation Per Gantry Rotation and Couch Speed for Tomotherapy Using ArcCheck

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

Yang, B; Wong, R; Geng, H

Purpose: To develop a filmless methodology based on an ArcCheck for QA measurement of the couch translation per gantry rotation and couch speed of a Tomotherapy unit. Methods: Two test plans recommended by TG148 were chosen for this study. A helical plan with 1 cm field size opened the leaves for 180 degrees at the 2nd, 7th and 12th of total 13 rotations and was used to verify if the couch travelled the expected distance per gantry rotation. The other test plan was a static plan with the gantry at 0°, 1cm field width and constant couch movement speed ofmore » 0.5mm/s. It was used for couch speed measurement. The ArcCheck was isocentrically set up and recorded movie files which took a snapshot exposure every 50ms. Due to the spiral pattern of diodes distribution, when one of the diodes of the ArcCheck located at the beam center, the dose profile as measured by the row of diodes which surrounded the center diode should have a symmetrical pattern. We divided the profile into left half A and right half B. Then a shape parameter was defined as S=Σ|(A−B)|/Σ(A+B). By searching the local minimum of S parameter, the beam center at different time could be located. The machine trajectory log data were also collected and analyzed for comparison. Results: The mean value of measured couch translation and couch speed by ArcCheck had less than 0.05% deviation from the planned values. For couch speed measurement, our result showed a mean value of 0.5002 with an uncertainty ±0.0031, which agreed very well with both the plan setting of 0.5 mm/s and the machine log data of 0.5005 mm/s. Conclusion: Couch translation measured using ArcCheck is accurate and comparable to the film-based measurement. This filmless method also provides a convenient and independent way for measuring couch speed.« less

Ft. Collins Sugar Beet Germplasm Evaluated for Resistance to Rhizomania and Storability in Idaho, 2010

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sugar beet germplasm and commercial check cultivars were evaluated in a sprinkler-irrigated sugar beet field near Kimberly, ID where sugar beet was grown in 2009. The field trial relied on natural inoculum for rhizomania development. The seed was treated with clothianidin (2.1 oz a.i. per 100,000 ...

50 CFR 32.33 - Indiana.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 8. We require that all hunters check... approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 5. We require hunters to read the current refuge... except in compliance with condition C2. 4. You may take only one deer per day from the refuge. 5. We...

50 CFR 32.33 - Indiana.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 8. We require that all hunters check... approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 5. We require hunters to read the current refuge... except in compliance with condition C2. 4. You may take only two deer per day from the refuge, only one...

50 CFR 32.33 - Indiana.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 8. We require that all hunters check... approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 5. We require hunters to read the current refuge... except in compliance with condition C2. 4. You may take only one deer per day from the refuge. 5. We...

Optimization of the Magnetic Field Homogeneity Area for Solenoid Type Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perepelkin, Eugene; Polyakova, Rima; Tarelkin, Aleksandr; Kovalenko, Alexander; Sysoev, Pavel; Sadovnikova, Marianne; Yudin, Ivan

2018-02-01

Homogeneous magnetic fields are important requisites in modern physics research. In this paper we discuss the problem of magnetic field homogeneity area maximization for solenoid magnets. We discuss A-model and B-model, which are basic types of solenoid magnets used to provide a homogeneous field, and methods for their optimization. We propose C-model which can be used for the NICA project. We have also carried out a cross-check of the C-model with the parameters stated for the CLEO II detector.

Conformal and Nearly Conformal Theories at Large N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarnoplskiy, Grigory M.

In this thesis we present new results in conformal and nearly conformal field theories in various dimensions. In chapter two, we study different properties of the conformal Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) in continuous dimension d. At first we study conformal QED using large Nf methods, where Nf is the number of massless fermions. We compute its sphere free energy as a function of d, ignoring the terms of order 1/Nf and higher. For finite Nf we use the epsilon-expansion. Next we use a large Nf diagrammatic approach to calculate the leading corrections to CT, the coefficient of the two-point function of the stress-energy tensor, and CJ, the coefficient of the two-point function of the global symmetry current. We present explicit formulae as a function of d and check them versus the expectations in 2 and 4 - epsilon dimensions. In chapter three, we discuss vacuum stability in 1 + 1 dimensional conformal field theories with external background fields. We show that the vacuum decay rate is given by a non-local two-form. This two-form is a boundary term that must be added to the effective in/out Lagrangian. The two-form is expressed in terms of a Riemann-Hilbert decomposition for background gauge fields, and is given by its novel "functional'' version in the gravitational case. In chapter four, we explore Tensor models. Such models possess the large N limit dominated by the melon diagrams. The quantum mechanics of a real anti-commuting rank-3 tensor has a large N limit similar to the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. We also discuss the quantum mechanics of a complex 3-index anti-commuting tensor and argue that it is equivalent in the large N limit to a version of SYK model with complex fermions. Finally, we discuss models of a commuting tensor in dimension d. We study the spectrum of the large N quantum field theory of bosonic rank-3 tensors using the Schwinger-Dyson equations. We compare some of these results with the 4 - epsilon expansion, finding perfect agreement. We also study the spectra of bosonic theories of rank q - 1 tensors with φq interactions.

BRST Formalism in Self-Dual Chern-Simons Theory with Matter Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Jialiang; Fan, Engui

2018-04-01

We apply BRST method to the self-dual Chern-Simons gauge theory with matter fields and the generators of symmetries of the system from an elegant Lie algebra structure under the operation of Poisson bracket. We discuss four different cases: abelian, nonabelian, relativistic, and nonrelativistic situations and extend the system to the whole phase space including ghost fields. In addition, we obtain the BRST charge of the field system and check its nilpotence of the BRST transformation which plays an important role such as in topological quantum field theory and string theory.

A review on several key problems of standoff trace explosives detection by optical-related technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhibin; Xiao, Cheng; Xiao, Wenjian; Qin, Mengze; Liu, Xianhong

2016-01-01

To prevent tragic disasters caused by terror acts and warfare threats, security check personnel must be capable of discovering, distinguishing and eliminating the explosives at multiple circumstances. Standoff technology for the remote detection of explosives and their traces on contaminated surfaces is a research field that has become a heightened priority in recent years for homeland security and counter-terrorism applications. There has been a huge increase in research within this area, the improvement of standoff trace explosives detection by optical-related technology. This paper provides a consolidation of information relating to recent advances in several key problems of, without being limited to one specific research area or explosive type. Working laser wavelength of detection system is discussed. Generation and collection of explosives spectra signal are summarized. Techniques for analysing explosives spectra signal are summed up.

40 CFR 86.1324-84 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is within ±2 percent or less of the... exceeds these limits, then the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data within these limits shall be used to determine concentration values. (d) The initial and periodic interference, system check...

40 CFR 86.1324-84 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is within ±2 percent or less of the... exceeds these limits, then the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data within these limits shall be used to determine concentration values. (d) The initial and periodic interference, system check...

40 CFR 86.1324-84 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is within ±2 percent or less of the... exceeds these limits, then the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data within these limits shall be used to determine concentration values. (d) The initial and periodic interference, system check...

40 CFR 86.1323-84 - Oxides of nitrogen analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is within ±2 percent of the value at... exceeds these limits, then the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data within these limits shall be used to determine concentration values. (c) The initial and periodic interference, system check...

40 CFR 86.1323-84 - Oxides of nitrogen analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is within ±2 percent of the value at... exceeds these limits, then the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data within these limits shall be used to determine concentration values. (c) The initial and periodic interference, system check...

Flash Detection Efficiencies of Long Range Lightning Detection Networks During GRIP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mach, Douglas M.; Bateman, Monte G.; Blakeslee, Richard J.

2012-01-01

We flew our Lightning Instrument Package (LIP) on the NASA Global Hawk as a part of the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) field program. The GRIP program was a NASA Earth science field experiment during the months of August and September, 2010. During the program, the LIP detected lighting from 48 of the 213 of the storms overflown by the Global Hawk. The time and location of tagged LIP flashes can be used as a "ground truth" dataset for checking the detection efficiency of the various long or extended range ground-based lightning detection systems available during the GRIP program. The systems analyzed included Vaisala Long Range (LR), Vaisala GLD360, the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN), and the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN). The long term goal of our research is to help understand the advantages and limitations of these systems so that we can utilize them for both proxy data applications and cross sensor validation of the GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) sensor when it is launched in the 2015 timeframe.

A demonstration of a low cost approach to security at shipping facilities and ports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huck, Robert C.; Al Akkoumi, Mouhammad K.; Herath, Ruchira W.; Sluss, James J., Jr.; Radhakrishnan, Sridhar; Landers, Thomas L.

2010-04-01

Government funding for the security at shipping facilities and ports is limited so there is a need for low cost scalable security systems. With over 20 million sea, truck, and rail containers entering the United States every year, these facilities pose a large risk to security. Securing these facilities and monitoring the variety of traffic that enter and leave is a major task. To accomplish this, the authors have developed and fielded a low cost fully distributed building block approach to port security at the inland Port of Catoosa in Oklahoma. Based on prior work accomplished in the design and fielding of an intelligent transportation system in the United States, functional building blocks, (e.g. Network, Camera, Sensor, Display, and Operator Console blocks) can be assembled, mixed and matched, and scaled to provide a comprehensive security system. The following functions are demonstrated and scaled through analysis and demonstration: Barge tracking, credential checking, container inventory, vehicle tracking, and situational awareness. The concept behind this research is "any operator on any console can control any device at any time."

Scattering and sequestering of blow-up moduli in local string models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conlon, Joseph P.; Witkowski, Lukas T.

2011-12-01

We study the scattering and sequestering of blow-up fields - either local to or distant from a visible matter sector - through a CFT computation of the dependence of physical Yukawa couplings on the blow-up moduli. For a visible sector of D3-branes on orbifold singularities we compute the disk correlator left< {tau_s^{{(1)}}tau_s^{{(2)}}...tau_s^{{(n)}}ψ ψ φ } rightrangle between orbifold blow-up moduli and matter Yukawa couplings. For n = 1 we determine the full quantum and classical correlator. This result has the correct factorisation onto lower 3-point functions and also passes numerous other consistency checks. For n > 1 we show that the structure of picture-changing applied to the twist operators establishes the sequestering of distant blow-up moduli at disk level to all orders in α'. We explain how these results are relevant to suppressing soft terms to scales parametrically below the gravitino mass. By giving vevs to the blow-up fields we can move into the smooth limit and thereby derive CFT results for the smooth Swiss-cheese Calabi-Yaus that appear in the Large Volume Scenario.

Implications of the Corotation Theorem on the MRI in Axial Symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montani, G.; Cianfrani, F.; Pugliese, D.

2016-08-01

We analyze the linear stability of an axially symmetric ideal plasma disk, embedded in a magnetic field and endowed with a differential rotation. This study is performed by adopting the magnetic flux function as the fundamental dynamical variable, in order to outline the role played by the corotation theorem on the linear mode structure. Using some specific assumptions (e.g., plasma incompressibility and propagation of the perturbations along the background magnetic field), we select the Alfvénic nature of the magnetorotational instability, and, in the geometric optics limit, we determine the dispersion relation describing the linear spectrum. We show how the implementation of the corotation theorem (valid for the background configuration) on the linear dynamics produces the cancellation of the vertical derivative of the disk angular velocity (we check such a feature also in the standard vector formalism to facilitate comparison with previous literature, in both the axisymmetric and three-dimensional cases). As a result, we clarify that the unstable modes have, for a stratified disk, the same morphology, proper of a thin-disk profile, and the z-dependence has a simple parametric role.

Field-level sublethal effects of approved bee hive chemicals on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L).

PubMed

Berry, Jennifer A; Hood, W Michael; Pietravalle, Stéphane; Delaplane, Keith S

2013-01-01

In a study replicated across two states and two years, we tested the sublethal effects on honey bees of the miticides Apistan (tau fluvalinate) and Check Mite+ (coumaphos) and the wood preservative copper naphthenate applied at label rates in field conditions. A continuous covariate, a colony Varroa mite index, helped us disambiguate the effects of the chemicals on bees while adjusting for a presumed benefit of controlling mites. Mite levels in colonies treated with Apistan or Check Mite+ were not different from levels in non-treated controls. Experimental chemicals significantly decreased 3-day brood survivorship and increased construction of queen supercedure cells compared to non-treated controls. Bees exposed to Check Mite+ as immatures had higher legacy mortality as adults relative to non-treated controls, whereas bees exposed to Apistan had improved legacy mortality relative to non-treated controls. Relative to non-treated controls, Check Mite+ increased adult emergence weight. Although there was a treatment effect on a test of associative learning, it was not possible to statistically separate the treatment means, but bees treated with Apistan performed comparatively well. And finally, there were no detected effects of bee hive chemical on colony bee population, amount of brood, amount of honey, foraging rate, time required for marked released bees to return to their nest, percentage of released bees that return to the nest, and colony Nosema spore loads. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine sublethal effects of bee hive chemicals applied at label rates under field conditions while disambiguating the results from mite control benefits realized from the chemicals. Given the poor performance of the miticides at reducing mites and their inconsistent effects on the host, these results defend the use of bee health management practices that minimize use of exotic hive chemicals.

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

Tuazon, B; Narayanasamy, G; Kirby, N

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of dose calculation algorithms in the second check software programs Radcalc, Diamond, IMSure, and MUcheck, against the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system (TPS). Methods: Baseline accuracy of the second check software was established by comparison against Pinnacle TPS data using open square fields of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40cm in a SAD setup. 18 previously treated patients’ files were exported from the Pinnacle3 TPS to each of the four second check softwares, consisting of 146 step and shoot intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) beams and 60 Smart Arcs.more » Monitor unit (MU) calculated in each of the software were compared with the TPS and the values were represented as a percent difference. Open fields were calculated as a baseline for each software’s accuracy using 5×5, 10×10, 20×20, 30×30, and 40×40 fields. Box plots, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis were used for comparison of the results. Results: The baseline accuracy was established to within 0.6%, −1.4%, −0.2%, and −1.0% for Diamond, IMSure,MUcheck, and Radcalc, respectively. In the clinical data, the dose difference represented as mean ± 1 standard deviation were 0.7%±0.1%, −0.3%±0.1%, −1.5%±0.1%, and 0.4%±0.0% for Diamond, IMSure, MUcheck, and Radcalc, respectively Conclusion: The implementation of Clarkson algorithm for the dose calculation between each of the software in question can vary considerably. The currently used second check software, Radcalc has shown the best agreement on average, variance, and smallest percent range from Pinnacle3 TPS values. The closest in average percent difference from the TPS data was the IMSure software, but has significantly larger variance and percent range. The mean percent differences in Diamond and MUcheck were significantly larger than Radcalc and IMSure.« less

WE-D-BRA-06: IMRT QA with ArcCHECK: The MD Anderson Experience

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

Aristophanous, M; Suh, Y; Chi, P

Purpose: The objective of this project was to report our initial IMRT QA results and experience with the SunNuclear ArcCHECK. Methods: Three thousand one-hundred and sixteen cases were treated with IMRT or VMAT at our institution between October 2013 and September 2014. All IMRT/VMAT treatment plans underwent Quality Assurance (QA) using ArcCHECK prior to therapy. For clinical evaluation, a Gamma analysis is performed following QA delivery using the SNC Patient software (Sun Nuclear Corp) at the 3%/3mm level. QA Gamma pass rates were analyzed based on categories of treatment site, technique, and type of MLCs. Our current clinical threshold formore » passing a QA (Tclin) is set at a Gamma pass rate greater than 90%. We recorded the percent of failures for each category, as well as the Gamma pass rate threshold that would Result in 95% of QAs to pass (T95). Results: Using Tclin a failure rate of 5.9% over all QAs was observed. The highest failure rate was observed for gynecological (22%) and the lowest for CNS (0.9%) treatments. T95 was 91% over all QAs and ranged from 73% (gynecological) to 96.5% (CNS) for individual treatments sites. T95 was lower for IMRT and non-HD (high definition) MLCs at 88.5% and 94.5%, respectively, compared to 92.4% and 97.1% for VMAT and HD MLC treatments, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the passing rates for IMRT vs. VMAT and for HD MLCs vs. non-HD MLCs (p-values << 0.01). Gynecological, IMRT, and HD MLC treatments typically include more plans with larger field sizes. Conclusion: On average, Tclin with ArcCHECK was consistent with T95, as well as the 90% action level reported in TG-119. However, significant variations between the examined categories suggest a link between field size and QA passing rates and may warrant field size-specific passing rate thresholds.« less

Field-Level Sublethal Effects of Approved Bee Hive Chemicals on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L)

PubMed Central

Berry, Jennifer A.; Hood, W. Michael; Pietravalle, Stéphane; Delaplane, Keith S.

2013-01-01

In a study replicated across two states and two years, we tested the sublethal effects on honey bees of the miticides Apistan (tau fluvalinate) and Check Mite+ (coumaphos) and the wood preservative copper naphthenate applied at label rates in field conditions. A continuous covariate, a colony Varroa mite index, helped us disambiguate the effects of the chemicals on bees while adjusting for a presumed benefit of controlling mites. Mite levels in colonies treated with Apistan or Check Mite+ were not different from levels in non-treated controls. Experimental chemicals significantly decreased 3-day brood survivorship and increased construction of queen supercedure cells compared to non-treated controls. Bees exposed to Check Mite+ as immatures had higher legacy mortality as adults relative to non-treated controls, whereas bees exposed to Apistan had improved legacy mortality relative to non-treated controls. Relative to non-treated controls, Check Mite+ increased adult emergence weight. Although there was a treatment effect on a test of associative learning, it was not possible to statistically separate the treatment means, but bees treated with Apistan performed comparatively well. And finally, there were no detected effects of bee hive chemical on colony bee population, amount of brood, amount of honey, foraging rate, time required for marked released bees to return to their nest, percentage of released bees that return to the nest, and colony Nosema spore loads. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine sublethal effects of bee hive chemicals applied at label rates under field conditions while disambiguating the results from mite control benefits realized from the chemicals. Given the poor performance of the miticides at reducing mites and their inconsistent effects on the host, these results defend the use of bee health management practices that minimize use of exotic hive chemicals. PMID:24204638

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on the health of workers in automotive industry.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Zhao, Longyu; Yu, Duo; Ma, Shumei; Liu, Xiaodong

2013-12-01

To observe the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) in automotive industry on occupational workers. A total of 704 workers were investigated, and 374 workers were chosen and divided into two groups (control group and exposure group) according to the inclusive criteria, namely male with age 20-40 years old and ≥ 2 years of exposure. The intensities of ELF-EMFs and noise were detected with EFA-300 Field Analyzer (Narda company, Pfullingen, Germany) and AWA5610D integrating sound level meter (Hangzhou Aihua Instruments Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China), respectively. Survey data were collected by questionnaire, and the physical check-up was done in hospital. All the data were input into SPSS17.0 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA), and the appropriate statistic analyses were carried out. The intensity of EMFs in exposure group was significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05), while the noise in two workplaces showed no difference (p>0.05). The survey data collected by questionnaires showed that the symptoms of loss of hair in exposure group were significantly different as compared with that in control group (p < 0.05). The check-up parameters of cardiovascular, liver and hematology system showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). Survey and check-up data suggest that exposure to ELF-EMFs might have effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, liver, and hematology system of workers.

Long-term behaviour of timber structures in torrent control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rickli, Christian; Graf, Frank

2014-05-01

Timber is widely used for protection measures in torrent control. However, life span of woody constructions such as timber check dams is limited due to fungal decay. However, only sparse scientific information is available on the long-term behaviour of timber structures and the colonisation with decay fungi. Related to this, in practice a controversial discussion has been going on if either Norway Spruce (Picea abies) or Silver Fir (Abies alba) is more enduring and if bark removal increases resistance against fungal decay. In order to going into this matter a series of 15 timber check dams built in 1996 has been monitored. The constructions were alternatively realised with Norway Spruce and Silver Fir, half of them each with remaining and removed bark, respectively. The scientific investigations included the documentation of colonisation with rot fungi and the identification of decayed zones with a simple practical approach as well as based on drilling resistance. Colonisation by decay fungi started three years after construction (e.g. Gloeophyllum sepiarium), detecting two years later first parts with reduced wood resistance. Sixteen years after construction decay was found on all check dams but two. Wood quality was markedly better in watered sections compared to the occasionally dry lateral abutment sections. Taking the whole check dams into consideration, slightly more decay was detected in Norway Spruce compared to logs in Silver Fir and both the practical approach and the drilling resistance measurement yielded in more defects on logs without bark. However, due to limited number of replications and fungal data, it was not possible to statistically verify these results. Statistical analysis was restricted to the drilling resistance data and fruit-bodies of decay fungi of the uppermost log of each check dam. Based on this limited analysis significant differences in the effect on the drilling resistance were found for watered sections and lateral abutments, brown and white rot as well as fir with and without bark. Taking further into account that brown rot reduces wood strength faster than white rot, it may be speculated that spruce logs without bark and fir logs with bark are more resistant against fungal decay compared to logs of spruce with and fir without bark, respectively. However, this has to be treated with caution as only the uppermost logs were considered, the observation period was only 15 years and the relative abundance of the most important decay fungi considerably varied between as well as within the check dams. Consequently, for statistically sound and well-funded recommendations further investigations over a longer period are indispensable.

42 CFR 423.100 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., but are not limited to, any reasonable costs associated with a pharmacist's time in checking the... previous sentence, including the salaries of pharmacists and other pharmacy workers as well as the costs...

Adjustments in channel morphology due to land-use changes and check dam installation in mountain torrents of Calabria (Southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortugno, Diego; Zema, Demetrio Antonio; Bombino, Giuseppe; Tamburino, Vincenzo; Quinonero Rubio, Juan Manuel; Boix-Fayos, Carolina

2016-04-01

In Mediterranean semi-arid conditions the geomorphic effects of land-use changes and check dam installation on active channel headwater morphology are not completely understood. In such environments, the availability of specific studies, which monitor channel adjustments as a response to reforestation and check dams over representative observation periods, could help develop new management strategies and erosion control measures. This investigation is an integrated approach assessing the adjustments of channel morphology in a typical torrent (Sant'Agata, Calabria, Southern Italy) after land-use changes (e.g. fire, reforestation, land abandonment) and check dam construction across a period of about 60 years (1955-2012). A statistical analysis of historical rainfall records, an analysis of land-use change in the catchment area and a geomorphological mapping of channel adjustments were carried out and combined with field surveys of bed surface grain-size over a 5-km reach including 14 check dams. The analysis of the historical rainfall records showed a slight decrease in the amount and erosivity of precipitation. Mapping of land-use changes highlighted a general increase of vegetal coverage on the slopes adjacent to the monitored reaches. Together with the check dam network installation, this increase could have induced a reduction in water and sediment supply. The different erosional and depositional forms and adjustments showed a general narrowing between consecutive check dams together with local modifications detected upstream (bed aggradation and cross section expansion together with low-flow realignments) and downstream (local incision) of the installed check dams. Changes in the torrent bends were also detected as a response to erosional and depositional processes with different intensities. The study highlighted: (i) the efficiency of check dams against the disrupting power of the most intense floods by stabilising the active channel; and (ii) the influence of reforestation in increasing hillslope protection from erosion and disconnectivity of water and sediment flows towards the active channel. The residual sediment deficit circulating in the watershed suggests the need of slight management interventions, as, for instance, the conversion of the existing check dams into open structures, allowing a definite channel and coast stability.

Photon migration through a turbid slab described by a model based on diffusion approximation. II. Comparison with Monte Carlo results.

PubMed

Martelli, F; Contini, D; Taddeucci, A; Zaccanti, G

1997-07-01

In our companion paper we presented a model to describe photon migration through a diffusing slab. The model, developed for a homogeneous slab, is based on the diffusion approximation and is able to take into account reflection at the boundaries resulting from the refractive index mismatch. In this paper the predictions of the model are compared with solutions of the radiative transfer equation obtained by Monte Carlo simulations in order to determine the applicability limits of the approximated theory in different physical conditions. A fitting procedure, carried out with the optical properties as fitting parameters, is used to check the application of the model to the inverse problem. The results show that significant errors can be made if the effect of the refractive index mismatch is not properly taken into account. Errors are more important when measurements of transmittance are used. The effects of using a receiver with a limited angular field of view and the angular distribution of the radiation that emerges from the slab have also been investigated.

Analyzing Phylogenetic Trees with Timed and Probabilistic Model Checking: The Lactose Persistence Case Study.

PubMed

Requeno, José Ignacio; Colom, José Manuel

2014-12-01

Model checking is a generic verification technique that allows the phylogeneticist to focus on models and specifications instead of on implementation issues. Phylogenetic trees are considered as transition systems over which we interrogate phylogenetic questions written as formulas of temporal logic. Nonetheless, standard logics become insufficient for certain practices of phylogenetic analysis since they do not allow the inclusion of explicit time and probabilities. The aim of this paper is to extend the application of model checking techniques beyond qualitative phylogenetic properties and adapt the existing logical extensions and tools to the field of phylogeny. The introduction of time and probabilities in phylogenetic specifications is motivated by the study of a real example: the analysis of the ratio of lactose intolerance in some populations and the date of appearance of this phenotype.

Analyzing phylogenetic trees with timed and probabilistic model checking: the lactose persistence case study.

PubMed

Requeno, José Ignacio; Colom, José Manuel

2014-10-23

Model checking is a generic verification technique that allows the phylogeneticist to focus on models and specifications instead of on implementation issues. Phylogenetic trees are considered as transition systems over which we interrogate phylogenetic questions written as formulas of temporal logic. Nonetheless, standard logics become insufficient for certain practices of phylogenetic analysis since they do not allow the inclusion of explicit time and probabilities. The aim of this paper is to extend the application of model checking techniques beyond qualitative phylogenetic properties and adapt the existing logical extensions and tools to the field of phylogeny. The introduction of time and probabilities in phylogenetic specifications is motivated by the study of a real example: the analysis of the ratio of lactose intolerance in some populations and the date of appearance of this phenotype.

Statistical Anomalies of Bitflips in SRAMs to Discriminate SBUs From MCUs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clemente, Juan Antonio; Franco, Francisco J.; Villa, Francesca; Baylac, Maud; Rey, Solenne; Mecha, Hortensia; Agapito, Juan A.; Puchner, Helmut; Hubert, Guillaume; Velazco, Raoul

2016-08-01

Recently, the occurrence of multiple events in static tests has been investigated by checking the statistical distribution of the difference between the addresses of the words containing bitflips. That method has been successfully applied to Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and the original authors indicate that it is also valid for SRAMs. This paper presents a modified methodology that is based on checking the XORed addresses with bitflips, rather than on the difference. Irradiation tests on CMOS 130 & 90 nm SRAMs with 14-MeV neutrons have been performed to validate this methodology. Results in high-altitude environments are also presented and cross-checked with theoretical predictions. In addition, this methodology has also been used to detect modifications in the organization of said memories. Theoretical predictions have been validated with actual data provided by the manufacturer.

Growth analysis and yield of two varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by different weed control methods.

PubMed

Olayinka, Bolaji U; Etejere, Emmanuel O

Field trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of seven weed management strategies on the growth and yield of two groundnut varieties (Samnut 10 and MK 373) for two successive seasons (2010-2011). The experimental layout was a split plot complete randomized block design with three replications. The two groundnut varieties showed identical pattern of results for leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate as well as yield. All the weed control treatments significantly enhanced the growth and yield compared with the weedy check. The weed free check had the highest growth but the highest yield was recorded from rice straw mulch at 0.1 m depth + one hand weeding at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) due to increase in number of matured pods per plant, seed weight per plant and 100-seed weight. The results showed that rice straw mulch at 0.1 m depth + one hand weeding at 6 WAS was better agronomical practice for enhancing growth and yield of groundnut. This enhancement could be as a result of its positive influence on physiological parameters such as leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate. Its use is also ecofriendly as it limits the need for synthetic herbicide.

Toward realizing high power semiconductor terahertz laser sources at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razeghi, Manijeh

2011-05-01

The terahertz (THz) spectral range offers promising applications in science, industry, and military. THz penetration through nonconductors (fabrics, wood, plastic) enables a more efficient way of performing security checks (for example at airports), as illegal drugs and explosives could be detected. Being a non-ionizing radiation, THz radiation is environment-friendly enabling a safer analysis environment than conventional X-ray based techniques. However, the lack of a compact room temperature THz laser source greatly hinders mass deployment of THz systems in security check points and medical centers. In the past decade, tremendous development has been made in GaAs/AlGaAs based THz Quantum Cascade Laser (QCLs), with maximum operating temperatures close to 200 K (without magnetic field). However, higher temperature operation is severely limited by a small LO-phonon energy (~ 36 meV) in this material system. With a much larger LO-phonon energy of ~ 90 meV, III-Nitrides are promising candidates for room temperature THz lasers. However, realizing high quality material for GaN-based intersubband devices presents a significant challenge. Advances with this approach will be presented. Alternatively, recent demonstration of InP based mid-infrared QCLs with extremely high peak power of 120 W at room temperature opens up the possibility of producing high power THz emission with difference frequency generation through two mid-infrared wavelengths.

Technical Note: Development and performance of a software tool for quality assurance of online replanning with a conventional Linac or MR-Linac.

PubMed

Chen, Guang-Pei; Ahunbay, Ergun; Li, X Allen

2016-04-01

To develop an integrated quality assurance (QA) software tool for online replanning capable of efficiently and automatically checking radiation treatment (RT) planning parameters and gross plan quality, verifying treatment plan data transfer from treatment planning system (TPS) to record and verify (R&V) system, performing a secondary monitor unit (MU) calculation with or without a presence of a magnetic field from MR-Linac, and validating the delivery record consistency with the plan. The software tool, named ArtQA, was developed to obtain and compare plan and treatment parameters from both the TPS and the R&V system database. The TPS data are accessed via direct file reading and the R&V data are retrieved via open database connectivity and structured query language. Plan quality is evaluated with both the logical consistency of planning parameters and the achieved dose-volume histograms. Beams in between the TPS and R&V system are matched based on geometry configurations. To consider the effect of a 1.5 T transverse magnetic field from MR-Linac in the secondary MU calculation, a method based on modified Clarkson integration algorithm was developed and tested for a series of clinical situations. ArtQA has been used in their clinic and can quickly detect inconsistencies and deviations in the entire RT planning process. With the use of the ArtQA tool, the efficiency for plan check including plan quality, data transfer, and delivery check can be improved by at least 60%. The newly developed independent MU calculation tool for MR-Linac reduces the difference between the plan and calculated MUs by 10%. The software tool ArtQA can be used to perform a comprehensive QA check from planning to delivery with conventional Linac or MR-Linac and is an essential tool for online replanning where the QA check needs to be performed rapidly.

Technical Note: Development and performance of a software tool for quality assurance of online replanning with a conventional Linac or MR-Linac

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

Chen, Guang-Pei, E-mail: gpchen@mcw.edu; Ahunbay, Ergun; Li, X. Allen

Purpose: To develop an integrated quality assurance (QA) software tool for online replanning capable of efficiently and automatically checking radiation treatment (RT) planning parameters and gross plan quality, verifying treatment plan data transfer from treatment planning system (TPS) to record and verify (R&V) system, performing a secondary monitor unit (MU) calculation with or without a presence of a magnetic field from MR-Linac, and validating the delivery record consistency with the plan. Methods: The software tool, named ArtQA, was developed to obtain and compare plan and treatment parameters from both the TPS and the R&V system database. The TPS data aremore » accessed via direct file reading and the R&V data are retrieved via open database connectivity and structured query language. Plan quality is evaluated with both the logical consistency of planning parameters and the achieved dose–volume histograms. Beams in between the TPS and R&V system are matched based on geometry configurations. To consider the effect of a 1.5 T transverse magnetic field from MR-Linac in the secondary MU calculation, a method based on modified Clarkson integration algorithm was developed and tested for a series of clinical situations. Results: ArtQA has been used in their clinic and can quickly detect inconsistencies and deviations in the entire RT planning process. With the use of the ArtQA tool, the efficiency for plan check including plan quality, data transfer, and delivery check can be improved by at least 60%. The newly developed independent MU calculation tool for MR-Linac reduces the difference between the plan and calculated MUs by 10%. Conclusions: The software tool ArtQA can be used to perform a comprehensive QA check from planning to delivery with conventional Linac or MR-Linac and is an essential tool for online replanning where the QA check needs to be performed rapidly.« less

Relativistic Ionization with Intense Linearly Polarized Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, Douglas Plummer

The Strong Field Approximation (SFA) method is used to derive relativistic ionization rate expressions for ground state hydrogen-like atoms in the presence of an intense electromagnetic field. The emitted particle, which is initially bound to a hydrogen nucleus, is either an electron described by the Dirac equation, with spin effects fully included, or a spinless "electron" described by the Klein-Gordon equation. The derivations and subsequent calculations for both particles are made assuming a linearly polarized electromagnetic field which is monochromatic and which exhibits neither diffraction nor temporal dependence. From each of the relativistic ionization rate expressions, the corresponding expression in the nonrelativistic limit is derived. The resultant expressions are found to be equivalent to those derived using the SFA with the nonrelativistic formalism. This comparison provides the first check of the validity for the core results of this dissertation. Intensity-dependent ionization rates are then calculated for two ultraviolet frequencies using a numerical implementation of the derived expressions. Calculations of ionization rates and related phenomena demonstrate that there are negligible differences between relativistic and nonrelativistic predictions for low intensities. In addition, the differences in behavior between linearly and circularly polarized ionizing fields and between particles with and without spin are explored. The spin comparisons provide additional confidence in the derivations by showing negligible differences between ionization rates for Dirac and Klein -Gordon particles in strong linearly-polarized fields. Also of interest are the differential transition rates which exhibit dynamic profiles as the intensity is increased. This behavior is interpreted as an indication of more atomic influence for linearly polarized electromagnetic (em) fields than for circularly polarized em fields.

Cone of Darkness: Finding Blank-sky Positions for Multi-object Wide-field Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorente, N. P. F.

2014-05-01

We present the Cone of Darkness, an application to automatically configure blank-sky positions for a series of stacked, wide-field observations, such as those carried out by the SAMI instrument on the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). The Sydney-AAO Multi-object Integral field spectrograph (SAMI) uses a plug-plate to mount its 13×61 core imaging fibre bundles (hexabundles) in the optical plane at the telescope's prime focus. To make the most efficient use of each plug-plate, several observing fields are typically stacked to produce a single plate. When choosing blank-sky positions for the observations it is most effective to select these such that one set of 26 holes gives valid sky positions for all fields on the plate. However, when carried out manually this selection process is tedious and includes a significant risk of error. The Cone of Darkness software aims to provide uniform blank-sky position coverage over the field of observation, within the limits set by the distribution of target positions and the chosen input catalogs. This will then facilitate the production of the best representative median sky spectrum for use in sky subtraction. The application, written in C++, is configurable, making it usable for a range of instruments. Given the plate characteristics and the positions of target holes, the software segments the unallocated space on the plate and determines the position which best fits the uniform distribution requirement. This position is checked, for each field, against the selected catalog using a TAP ADQL search. The process is then repeated until the desired number of sky positions is attained.

Detection of hydrocarbon microseepage in a rain forest environment (Jurua Gas field, northern Brazil) using Landsat MSS data

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

Miranda, F.P.; Cunha, F.M.B.

1990-05-01

The Jurua gas field is the first important hydrocarbon accumulation found in the jungle-covered Solimoes basin. The tectonic framework in this area is characterized by a right-lateral transpressional zone (Jurua structural trend). Hydrocarbon traps are anticlines developed along the upthrown block of a reverse fault. The prospective 2,200-m-thick Paleozoic section is unconformably covered by a 2,800-m-thick pile of Mesozoic and Cenozoic continental sediments. Anomalous concentrations of hydrocarbons (C{sub 2}-C{sub 4}) in soil samples are concordantly aligned with the trace of the reverse fault crossing the gas field, indicating that this feature acted as a conduit for hydrocarbon microseepage. Gas-producing wellsmore » are located over a tabular watershed which coincides with the northeast-southwest Jurua structural trend. An unsupervised classification of Landsat MSS data over the gas field area reveals that one spectral class of vegetation is aligned with the Jurua structural trend. Field checking shows that the vegetation near the gas-producing well 1-JR-1-AM is not as dense as the forest outside the limits of the Jurua gas field. Two geologic factors may account for the vegetation anomaly over the gas field. (1) The northeast-southwest tabular watershed corresponds to a Pleistocene erosional surface associated with weathering products such as bauxite and laterite. The resulting soil is impermeable and low in nutrients. (2) The spectral behavior of vegetation may represent the response of plants to long-term anaerobic soil conditions brought about by gas leakage from the Paleozoic reservoir.« less

Field data observed during the geological excursion in the west-central region of the Sul-Riogrande Shield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parada, N. D. J. (Principal Investigator); Ohara, T.

1984-01-01

Outcrops are studied in the Copper Project test area of the Rio Grande do Sul State of Brazil. The accuracy of LANDSAT-MSS data is checked against field data. A preliminary geological map is included on a scale of 1:500,000 that describes 820 outcrop over an area of 1,700 kilometers.

2010 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-09

Golf Tournament Player check-in & Continental Breakfast Black Horse Golf Course, Seaside, California (Golf Tournament Chair: Chuck...Restructuring materiel modernization strategies • Fielding “incremental” vs. “big bang” solutions • Transitioning to support the establishment of the...Executing a r esponsible draw down from Iraq  Building cap acity in Afghani stan to achieve U.S. objectives  Fielding impr oved Soldier cap abilities

76 FR 2152 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-12

... Management and Budget for extension and approval. Rule 17a-4 requires exchange members, brokers and dealers.... These include, but are not limited to, bank statements, cancelled checks, bills receivable and payable...

Impacts of river-bed aggradation and lahar activity downstream of Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala: a Landsat Thematic Mapper perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flynn, L. P.; Harris, A. J.; Davies, M. A.; Vallence, J. W.; Rose, W. I.

2002-12-01

Lava extrusion at Santiaguito volcano, Guatemala and rainfall runoff cause lahars and river-bed aggradation downstream of the volcano. We present a method that uses vegetation indices extracted from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data to identify zones of impact. The method differentiates vegetation-free and vegetated pixels, constrains areas affected by aggradation, and generates catchment-wide aggradation maps. Application of the technique to 22 TM images acquired between 1987 and 2000 helped us to measure, map and track temporal and spatial variations in the area of lahar impact and river aggradation. To verify our TM-based analyses we carried out 3 field campaigns between 2000 and 2002, during which we focused on a segment of aggraded river beds ~8 km from Santiaguito. We then used our TM and field-based studies to document and validate changes at this location, as follows: (1) Time varying effects of aggradation. The main river to head at Santiaguito is R¡o Nima II. The TM analysis indicated development of a new channel cutting across farm land on the western edge of R¡o Nima II between 1996 and 2000. Field checking showed that development of an aggraded, convex, bed profile caused channels to flow westward away from the aggraded river-channel system. (2) Emplacement of lava flows. The TM time series indicated that a new lava flow extended into the upper reaches of the Rio Nima I during 1996 and triggered aggradation. Field checking confirmed that a new supply of volcaniclastic material had extended aggradation into this previously unaffected drainage. (3) River capture. Capture of R¡o Nima I by R¡o Samal has increased aggradation of along new sections of R¡o Samal , an effect evident in our TM mapping. Field checking showed that, although R¡o Samala does not head at Santiaguito, the new supply of material from R¡o Nima I triggered rapid aggradation of R¡o Samal after 1996.

Anatomy of an online misinformation network.

PubMed

Shao, Chengcheng; Hui, Pik-Mai; Wang, Lei; Jiang, Xinwen; Flammini, Alessandro; Menczer, Filippo; Ciampaglia, Giovanni Luca

2018-01-01

Massive amounts of fake news and conspiratorial content have spread over social media before and after the 2016 US Presidential Elections despite intense fact-checking efforts. How do the spread of misinformation and fact-checking compete? What are the structural and dynamic characteristics of the core of the misinformation diffusion network, and who are its main purveyors? How to reduce the overall amount of misinformation? To explore these questions we built Hoaxy, an open platform that enables large-scale, systematic studies of how misinformation and fact-checking spread and compete on Twitter. Hoaxy captures public tweets that include links to articles from low-credibility and fact-checking sources. We perform k-core decomposition on a diffusion network obtained from two million retweets produced by several hundred thousand accounts over the six months before the election. As we move from the periphery to the core of the network, fact-checking nearly disappears, while social bots proliferate. The number of users in the main core reaches equilibrium around the time of the election, with limited churn and increasingly dense connections. We conclude by quantifying how effectively the network can be disrupted by penalizing the most central nodes. These findings provide a first look at the anatomy of a massive online misinformation diffusion network.

Anatomy of an online misinformation network

PubMed Central

Wang, Lei; Jiang, Xinwen; Flammini, Alessandro; Ciampaglia, Giovanni Luca

2018-01-01

Massive amounts of fake news and conspiratorial content have spread over social media before and after the 2016 US Presidential Elections despite intense fact-checking efforts. How do the spread of misinformation and fact-checking compete? What are the structural and dynamic characteristics of the core of the misinformation diffusion network, and who are its main purveyors? How to reduce the overall amount of misinformation? To explore these questions we built Hoaxy, an open platform that enables large-scale, systematic studies of how misinformation and fact-checking spread and compete on Twitter. Hoaxy captures public tweets that include links to articles from low-credibility and fact-checking sources. We perform k-core decomposition on a diffusion network obtained from two million retweets produced by several hundred thousand accounts over the six months before the election. As we move from the periphery to the core of the network, fact-checking nearly disappears, while social bots proliferate. The number of users in the main core reaches equilibrium around the time of the election, with limited churn and increasingly dense connections. We conclude by quantifying how effectively the network can be disrupted by penalizing the most central nodes. These findings provide a first look at the anatomy of a massive online misinformation diffusion network. PMID:29702657

Design and Varactors: Operational Considerations. A Reliability Study for Robust Planar GaAs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maiwald, Frank; Schlecht, Erich; Ward, John; Lin, Robert; Leon, Rosa; Pearson, John; Mehdi, Imran

2003-01-01

Preliminary conclusions include: Limits for reverse currents cannot be set. Based on current data we want to avoid any reverse bias current. We know 1 micro-A is too high. Leakage current gets suppressed when operated at 120K. Migration and verification: a) Reverse Bias Voltage will be limited; b) Health check with I/V curve: 1) Minimal reverse voltage shall be x0.75 of the calculated voltage breakdown Vbr; 2) Degradation of the Reverse Bias voltage at given current will be used as indication of ESD incidents or other Damages (high RF power, heat); 3) Calculation of diodes parameter to verify initial health check result in forward direction. RF output power starts to degrade when diode I/V curve is very strongly degraded only. Experienced on 400GHz doubler and 200GHz doubler

Elastic wave field computation in multilayered nonplanar solid structures: a mesh-free semianalytical approach.

PubMed

Banerjee, Sourav; Kundu, Tribikram

2008-03-01

Multilayered solid structures made of isotropic, transversely isotropic, or general anisotropic materials are frequently used in aerospace, mechanical, and civil structures. Ultrasonic fields developed in such structures by finite size transducers simulating actual experiments in laboratories or in the field have not been rigorously studied. Several attempts to compute the ultrasonic field inside solid media have been made based on approximate paraxial methods like the classical ray tracing and multi-Gaussian beam models. These approximate methods have several limitations. A new semianalytical method is adopted in this article to model elastic wave field in multilayered solid structures with planar or nonplanar interfaces generated by finite size transducers. A general formulation good for both isotropic and anisotropic solids is presented in this article. A variety of conditions have been incorporated in the formulation including irregularities at the interfaces. The method presented here requires frequency domain displacement and stress Green's functions. Due to the presence of different materials in the problem geometry various elastodynamic Green's functions for different materials are used in the formulation. Expressions of displacement and stress Green's functions for isotropic and anisotropic solids as well as for the fluid media are presented. Computed results are verified by checking the stress and displacement continuity conditions across the interface of two different solids of a bimetal plate and investigating if the results for a corrugated plate with very small corrugation match with the flat plate results.

Charged black holes and the AdS/CFT correspondence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesileanu, Tiberiu

The AdS/CFT duality is an equivalence between string theory and gauge theory. The duality allows one to use calculations done in classical gravity to derive results in strongly-coupled field theories. This thesis explores several applications of the duality that have some relevance to condensed matter physics. In the first of these applications, it is shown that a large class of strongly-coupled (3 + 1)-dimensional conformal field theories undergo a superfluid phase transition in which a certain chiral primary operator develops a non-zero expectation value at low temperatures. A suggestion is made for the identity of the condensing operator in the field theory. In a different application, the conifold theory, an SU(N) x SU(N) gauge theory, is studied at nonzero chemical potential for baryon number density. In the low-temperature limit, the near-horizon geometry of the dual supergravity solution becomes a warped product AdS 2 x R3 x T1,1, with logarithmic warp factors. This encodes a type of emergent quantum near-criticality in the field theory. A similar construction is analyzed in the context of M theory. This construction is based on branes wrapped around topologically nontrivial cycles of the geometry. Several non-supersymmetric solutions are found, which pass a number of stability checks. Reducing one of the solutions to type IIA string theory, and T-dualizing to type IIB yields a product of a squashed Sasaki-Einstein manifold with an extremal BTZ black hole. Possible field theory interpretations are discussed.

State background checks for gun purchase and firearm deaths: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Sen, Bisakha; Panjamapirom, Anantachai

2012-10-01

This study examines the relationship between the types of background-information check required by states prior to firearm purchases, and firearm homicide and suicide deaths. Negative binomial models are used to analyze state-level data for homicides and suicides in the U.S. from 1996 to 2005. Data on types of background information are retrieved from the Surveys of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales, and the violent death data are from the WISQARS. Several other state level factors were controlled for. More background checks are associated with fewer homicide (IRR:0.93, 95% CI:0.91-0.96) and suicide (IRR:0.98, 95% CI:0.96-1.00) deaths. Firearm homicide deaths are lower when states have checks for restraining orders (IRR:0.87, 95% CI:0.79-0.95) and fugitive status (IRR:0.79, 95% CI:0.72-0.88). Firearm suicide deaths are lower when states have background checks for mental illness (IRR:0.96, 95% CI:0.92-0.99), fugitive status (IRR:0.95, 95% CI:0.90-0.99) and misdemeanors (IRR:0.95, 95% CI:0.92-1.00). It does not appear that reductions in firearm deaths are offset by increases in non-firearm violent deaths. More extensive background checks prior to gun purchase are mostly associated with reductions in firearm homicide and suicide deaths. Several study limitations are acknowledged, and further research is called for to ascertain causality. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inverse method predicting spinning modes radiated by a ducted fan from free-field measurements.

PubMed

Lewy, Serge

2005-02-01

In the study the inverse problem of deducing the modal structure of the acoustic field generated by a ducted turbofan is addressed using conventional farfield directivity measurements. The final objective is to make input data available for predicting noise radiation in other configurations that would not have been tested. The present paper is devoted to the analytical part of that study. The proposed method is based on the equations governing ducted sound propagation and free-field radiation. It leads to fast computations checked on Rolls-Royce tests made in the framework of previous European projects. Results seem to be reliable although the system of equations to be solved is generally underdetermined (more propagating modes than acoustic measurements). A limited number of modes are thus selected according to any a priori knowledge of the sources. A first guess of the source amplitudes is obtained by adjusting the calculated maximum of radiation of each mode to the measured sound pressure level at the same angle. A least squares fitting gives the final solution. A simple correction can be made to take account of the mean flow velocity inside the nacelle which shifts the directivity patterns. It consists of modifying the actual frequency to keep the cut-off ratios unchanged.

The provision of NHS health checks in a community setting: an ethnographic account.

PubMed

Riley, Ruth; Coghill, Nikki; Montgomery, Alan; Feder, Gene; Horwood, Jeremy

2015-12-10

The UK National Health Service Health Checks programme aims to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths, disability and health inequalities in England. However, due to the reported lower uptake of screening in specific black and minority ethnic communities who are recognised as being more at risk of cardiovascular disease, there are concerns that NHS Health Checks may increase inequalities in health. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community outreach NHS Health Checks targeted at the Afro-Caribbean community. This paper reports findings from an ethnographic study including direct observation of four outreach events in four different community venues in inner-city Bristol, England and follow up semi-structured interviews with attendees (n = 16) and staff (n = 4). Interviews and field notes were transcribed, anonymized and analysed thematically using a process of constant comparison. Analysis revealed the value of community assets (community engagement workers, churches, and community centres) to publicise the event and engage community members. People were motivated to attend for preventative reasons, often prompted by familial experience of cardiovascular disease. Attendees valued outreach NHS Health Checks, reinforcing or prompting some to make healthy lifestyle changes. The NHS Health Check provided an opportunity for attendees to raise other health concerns with health staff and to discuss their test results with peers. For some participants, the communication of test results, risk and lifestyle information was confusing and unwelcome. The findings additionally highlight the need to ensure community venues are fit for purpose in terms of assuring confidentiality. Outreach events provide evidence of how local health partnerships (family practice staff and health trainers) and community assets, including informal networks, can enhance the delivery of outreach NHS Health Checks and in promoting the health of targeted communities. To deliver NHS Health Checks effectively, the location and timing of events needs to be carefully considered and staff need to be provided with the appropriate training to ensure patients are supported and enabled to make lifestyle changes.

Bayesian truncation errors in chiral effective field theory: model checking and accounting for correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melendez, Jordan; Wesolowski, Sarah; Furnstahl, Dick

2017-09-01

Chiral effective field theory (EFT) predictions are necessarily truncated at some order in the EFT expansion, which induces an error that must be quantified for robust statistical comparisons to experiment. A Bayesian model yields posterior probability distribution functions for these errors based on expectations of naturalness encoded in Bayesian priors and the observed order-by-order convergence pattern of the EFT. As a general example of a statistical approach to truncation errors, the model was applied to chiral EFT for neutron-proton scattering using various semi-local potentials of Epelbaum, Krebs, and Meißner (EKM). Here we discuss how our model can learn correlation information from the data and how to perform Bayesian model checking to validate that the EFT is working as advertised. Supported in part by NSF PHY-1614460 and DOE NUCLEI SciDAC DE-SC0008533.

JSC technician checks STS-44 DSO 316 bioreactor and rotating wall vessel hdwr

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-06-27

S91-40049 (27 June 1991) --- JSC technician Tacey Prewitt checks the progress on a bioreactor experiment in JSC's Life Sciences Laboratory Bldg 37 biotechnology laboratory. Similar hardware is scheduled for testing aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, during STS-44. Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) 316 Bioreactor/Flow and Particle Trajectory in Microgravity will checkout the rotating wall vessel hardware and hopefully will confirm researchers' theories and calculations about how flow fields work in space. Plastic beads of various sizes rather than cell cultures are being flown in the vessel for the STS-44 test.

The Z1 truss is placed in stand to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 rests in the workstand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

The Z1 truss is lowered to stand to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lowers the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 onto a workstand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

The Z1 truss is moved to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an element of the International Space Station, is moved to another stand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

The Z1 truss is moved to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an element of the International Space Station, is lifted for moving to another stand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

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.

Performance Evaluation of LDPC Coding and Iterative Decoding System in BPM R/W Channel Affected by Head Field Gradient, Media SFD and Demagnetization Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Yasuaki; Okamoto, Yoshihiro; Osawa, Hisashi; Aoi, Hajime; Muraoka, Hiroaki

We evaluate the performance of the write-margin for the low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding and iterative decoding system in the bit-patterned media (BPM) R/W channel affected by the write-head field gradient, the media switching field distribution (SFD), the demagnetization field from adjacent islands and the island position deviation. It is clarified that the LDPC coding and iterative decoding system in R/W channel using BPM at 3 Tbit/inch2 has a write-margin of about 20%.

A machine learning approach to the accurate prediction of monitor units for a compact proton machine.

PubMed

Sun, Baozhou; Lam, Dao; Yang, Deshan; Grantham, Kevin; Zhang, Tiezhi; Mutic, Sasa; Zhao, Tianyu

2018-05-01

Clinical treatment planning systems for proton therapy currently do not calculate monitor units (MUs) in passive scatter proton therapy due to the complexity of the beam delivery systems. Physical phantom measurements are commonly employed to determine the field-specific output factors (OFs) but are often subject to limited machine time, measurement uncertainties and intensive labor. In this study, a machine learning-based approach was developed to predict output (cGy/MU) and derive MUs, incorporating the dependencies on gantry angle and field size for a single-room proton therapy system. The goal of this study was to develop a secondary check tool for OF measurements and eventually eliminate patient-specific OF measurements. The OFs of 1754 fields previously measured in a water phantom with calibrated ionization chambers and electrometers for patient-specific fields with various range and modulation width combinations for 23 options were included in this study. The training data sets for machine learning models in three different methods (Random Forest, XGBoost and Cubist) included 1431 (~81%) OFs. Ten-fold cross-validation was used to prevent "overfitting" and to validate each model. The remaining 323 (~19%) OFs were used to test the trained models. The difference between the measured and predicted values from machine learning models was analyzed. Model prediction accuracy was also compared with that of the semi-empirical model developed by Kooy (Phys. Med. Biol. 50, 2005). Additionally, gantry angle dependence of OFs was measured for three groups of options categorized on the selection of the second scatters. Field size dependence of OFs was investigated for the measurements with and without patient-specific apertures. All three machine learning methods showed higher accuracy than the semi-empirical model which shows considerably large discrepancy of up to 7.7% for the treatment fields with full range and full modulation width. The Cubist-based solution outperformed all other models (P < 0.001) with the mean absolute discrepancy of 0.62% and maximum discrepancy of 3.17% between the measured and predicted OFs. The OFs showed a small dependence on gantry angle for small and deep options while they were constant for large options. The OF decreased by 3%-4% as the field radius was reduced to 2.5 cm. Machine learning methods can be used to predict OF for double-scatter proton machines with greater prediction accuracy than the most popular semi-empirical prediction model. By incorporating the gantry angle dependence and field size dependence, the machine learning-based methods can be used for a sanity check of OF measurements and bears the potential to eliminate the time-consuming patient-specific OF measurements. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Modified relativistic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qadir, Asghar; Lee, Hyung Won; Kim, Kyoung Yee

One of the major problems in Cosmology is the fact that there is no good candidate of dark matter in the Standard Model of Particle Physics or any experimentally supported modifications of it. At the same time, one of the major problems of General Relativity is that it cannot be unified with Quantum Theory. Here, we present a program to see if there is not a common source of both problems. The idea is that an interaction term between matter fields and the gravitational field in the total Lagrangian, analogous to that for Electromagnetism, could possibly provide the dynamical effect for which the dark matter is postulated, on the one hand and a Quantum-Field Theory (QFT) incorporating Gravity, that does not have unmanageable divergences, on the other. One could first check that the modified relativistic dynamics, if fitted for the dark matter in individual galaxies fits also for systems and clusters of galaxies, at all scales. If there is no problem with the explanation of the dynamics usually explained by dark matter at all scales, we could check if it leads to a workable QFT of Relativity.

Evaluating the accuracy of technicians and pharmacists in checking unit dose medication cassettes.

PubMed

Ambrose, Peter J; Saya, Frank G; Lovett, Larry T; Tan, Sandy; Adams, Dale W; Shane, Rita

2002-06-15

The accuracy rates of board-registered pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in checking unit dose medication cassettes in the inpatient setting at two separate institutions were examined. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, both in Los Angeles county, petitioned the California State Board of Pharmacy to approve a waiver of the California Code of Regulations to conduct an experimental program to compare the accuracy of unit dose medication cassettes checked by pharmacists with that of cassettes checked by trained, certified pharmacy technicians. The study consisted of three parts: assessing pharmacist baseline checking accuracy (Phase I), developing a technician-training program and certifying technicians who completed the didactic and practical training (Phase II), and evaluating the accuracy of certified technicians checking unit dose medication cassettes as a daily function (Phase III). Twenty-nine pharmacists and 41 technicians (3 of whom were pharmacy interns) participated in the study. Of the technicians, all 41 successfully completed the didactic and practical training, 39 successfully completed the audits and became certified checkers, and 2 (including 1 of the interns) did not complete the certification audits because they were reassigned to another work area or had resigned. In Phase II, the observed accuracy rate and its lower confidence limit exceeded the predetermined minimum requirement of 99.8% for a certified checker. The mean accuracy rates for technicians were identical at the two institutions (p = 1.0). The difference in mean accuracy rates between pharmacists (99.52%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 99.44-99.58%) and technicians, (99.89%; 95% CI 99.87-99.90%) was significant (p < 0.0001). Inpatient technicians who had been trained and certified in a closely supervised program that incorporated quality assurance mechanisms could safely and accurately check unit dose medication cassettes filled by other technicians.

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

Tan, J; Yan, Y; Hager, F

Purpose: Radiation therapy has evolved to become not only more precise and potent, but also more complicated to monitor and deliver. More rigorous and comprehensive quality assurance is needed to safeguard ever advancing radiation therapy. ICRU standards dictate that an ever growing set of treatment parameters are manually checked weekly by medical physicists. This “weekly chart check” procedure is laborious and subject to human errors or other factors. A computer-assisted chart checking process will enable more complete and accurate human review of critical parameters, reduce the risk of medical errors, and improve the efficiency. Methods: We developed a web-based softwaremore » system that enables a thorough weekly quality assurance checks. In the backend, the software retrieves all machine parameters from a Treatment Management System (TMS) and compares them against the corresponding ones from the treatment planning system. They are also checked for validity against preset rules. The results are displayed as a web page in the front-end for physicists to review. Then a summary report is generated and uploaded automatically to the TMS as a record for weekly chart checking. Results: The software system has been deployed on a web server in our department’s intranet, and has been tested thoroughly by our clinical physicists. A plan parameter would be highlighted when it is off the preset limit. The developed system has changed the way of checking charts with significantly improved accuracy, efficiency, and completeness. It has been shown to be robust, fast, and easy to use. Conclusion: A computer-assisted system has been developed for efficient, accurate, and comprehensive weekly chart checking. The system has been extensively validated and is being implemented for routine clinical use.« less

Reliability and utility of citizen science reef monitoring data collected by Reef Check Australia, 2002-2015.

PubMed

Done, Terence; Roelfsema, Chris; Harvey, Andrew; Schuller, Laura; Hill, Jocelyn; Schläppy, Marie-Lise; Lea, Alexandra; Bauer-Civiello, Anne; Loder, Jennifer

2017-04-15

Reef Check Australia (RCA) has collected data on benthic composition and cover at >70 sites along >1000km of Australia's Queensland coast from 2002 to 2015. This paper quantifies the accuracy, precision and power of RCA benthic composition data, to guide its application and interpretation. A simulation study established that the inherent accuracy of the Reef Check point sampling protocol is high (<±7% error absolute), in the range of estimates of benthic cover from 1% to 50%. A field study at three reef sites indicated that, despite minor observer- and deployment-related biases, the protocol does reliably document moderate ecological changes in coral communities. The error analyses were then used to guide the interpretation of inter-annual variability and long term trends at three study sites in RCA's major 2002-2015 data series for the Queensland coast. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated system for automated financial document processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassanein, Khaled S.; Wesolkowski, Slawo; Higgins, Ray; Crabtree, Ralph; Peng, Antai

1997-02-01

A system was developed that integrates intelligent document analysis with multiple character/numeral recognition engines in order to achieve high accuracy automated financial document processing. In this system, images are accepted in both their grayscale and binary formats. A document analysis module starts by extracting essential features from the document to help identify its type (e.g. personal check, business check, etc.). These features are also utilized to conduct a full analysis of the image to determine the location of interesting zones such as the courtesy amount and the legal amount. These fields are then made available to several recognition knowledge sources such as courtesy amount recognition engines and legal amount recognition engines through a blackboard architecture. This architecture allows all the available knowledge sources to contribute incrementally and opportunistically to the solution of the given recognition query. Performance results on a test set of machine printed business checks using the integrated system are also reported.

A novel portable device to measure the temperature of both the inner and the outer tubes of a parabolic receiver in the field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermoso, J. L. Navarro; Espinosa-Rueda, Guillermo; Martinez, Noelia; Heras, Carlos; Osta, Marta

2016-05-01

The performance of parabolic trough (PT) receiver tubes (RT) has a direct impact on Solar Thermal Energy (STE) plant production. As a result, one major need of operation and maintenance (O&M) in STE plants is to monitor the state of the receiver tube as a key element in the solar field. However the lack of specific devices so far has limited the proper evaluation of operating receiver tubés thermal performance. As a consequence non-accurate approximations have been accepted until now using infrared thermal images of the glass outer tube. In order to fulfill this need, Abengoa has developed a unique portable device for evaluating the thermal performance and vacuum state of parabolic trough receiver tubes placed in the field. The novel device described in this paper, simultaneously provides the temperature of both the inner steel tube and the outer glass tube enabling a check on manufacturers specifications. The on-field evaluation of any receiver tube at any operating temperature has become possible thanks to this new measuring device. The features and usability of this new measurement system as a workable portable device in operating solar fields provide a very useful tool for all companies in the sector contributing to technology progress. The originality of the device, patent pending P201431969, is not limited to the CSP sector, also having scientific significance in the general measuring instruments field. This paper presents the work carried out to develop and validate the device, also detailing its functioning properties and including the excellent results obtained in the laboratory to determine its accuracy and standard deviation. This information was validated with data collected by O&M teams using this instrument in a commercial CSP plant. The relevance of the device has been evidenced by evaluating a wide sample of RT and the results are discussed in this paper. Finally, all the on field collected data is used to demonstrate the high impact that using this unique portable device will have on a parabolic trough solar power plant.

Commissioning and comprehensive evaluation of the ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array for VMAT pretreatment delivery QA

PubMed Central

Chaswal, Vibha; Weldon, Michael; Gupta, Nilendu; Chakravarti, Arnab

2014-01-01

We present commissioning and comprehensive evaluation for ArcCHECK as a QA equipment for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), using the 6 MV photon beam with and without the flattening filter, and the SNC patient software (version 6.2). In addition to commissioning involving absolute dose calibration, array calibration, and PMMA density verification, ArcCHECK was evaluated for its response dependency on linac dose rate, instantaneous dose rate, radiation field size, beam angle, and couch insertion. Scatter dose characterization, consistency and symmetry of response, and dosimetry accuracy evaluation for fixed aperture arcs and clinical VMAT patient plans were also investigated. All the evaluation tests were performed with the central plug inserted and the homogeneous PMMA density value. Results of gamma analysis demonstrated an overall agreement between ArcCHECK‐measured and TPS‐calculated reference doses. The diode based field size dependency was found to be within 0.5% of the reference. The dose rate‐based dependency was well within 1% of the TPS reference, and the angular dependency was found to be ± 3% of the reference, as tested for BEV angles, for both beams. Dosimetry of fixed arcs, using both narrow and wide field widths, resulted in clinically acceptable global gamma passing rates on the 3%/3 mm level and 10% threshold. Dosimetry of narrow arcs showed an improvement over published literature. The clinical VMAT cases demonstrated high level of dosimetry accuracy in gamma passing rates. PACS numbers: 87.56.Fc, 87.55.kh, 87.55.Qr PMID:25207411

Field test with helicopter applications of Gardona against gypsy moth in Pennsylvania

Treesearch

Jack H. Barger; Kenneth Helrich

1975-01-01

In 1972, Gardona® WP was field tested against the gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L.), in Pennsylvania. Treatments of 1 gal/acre were applied by helicopter on six 100-acre plots, three at 1 pound AI/gal and three at 1.5 pound Al/gal. Check subplots of 0.1-acre were established throughout the area. Before and after spraying, evaluations were...

Explicit calculation of the two-loop corrections to the chiral magnetic effect with the NJL model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Kit-fai; Huang, Peng-hui; Liu, Hui

2018-05-01

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) is usually believed to not receive higher-order corrections due to the nonrenormalization of the AVV triangle diagram in the framework of quantum field theory. However, the CME-relevant triangle, which is obtained by expanding the current-current correlation, requires zero momentum on the axial vertex and is not equivalent to the general AVV triangle when taking the zero-momentum limit owing to the infrared problem on the axial vertex. Therefore, it is still significant to check if there exists perturbative higher-order corrections to the current-current correlation. In this paper, we explicitly calculate the two-loop corrections of CME within the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model with a Chern-Simons term, which ensures a consistent μ5 . The result shows the two-loop corrections to the CME conductivity are zero, which confirms the nonrenomalization of CME conductivity.

Preliminary digital map of cryptocrystalline occurrences in northern Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moyer, Lorre A.

1999-01-01

The purpose was to identify potential cryptocrystalline material sources for tools used by indigenous people of the northern Nevada portion of the Great Basin. Cryptocrystalline occurrence data combed from the U.S. Geological Survey's Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS, 1995) were combined with sites described in Nevada rockhound guides and entered into a geographic information system (GIS). The map area encompasses northern Nevada (fig.1). This open-file report describes the methods used to convert cryptocrystalline occurrence data into a digital format, documents the file structures, and explains how to download the digital files from the U.S. Geological Survey's World Wide Web site. Uses of the spatial dataset include, but are not limited to, natural and cultural resource management, interdisciplinary activities, recreational rockhounding, and gold exploration. It is important to note that the accuracy of the spatial data varies widely, and for some purposes, field checks are advised.

MPST Software: grl_pef_check

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Call, Jared A.; Kwok, John H.; Fisher, Forest W.

2013-01-01

This innovation is a tool used to verify and validate spacecraft sequences at the predicted events file (PEF) level for the GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, see http://www.nasa. gov/mission_pages/grail/main/index. html) mission as part of the Multi-Mission Planning and Sequencing Team (MPST) operations process to reduce the possibility for errors. This tool is used to catch any sequence related errors or issues immediately after the seqgen modeling to streamline downstream processes. This script verifies and validates the seqgen modeling for the GRAIL MPST process. A PEF is provided as input, and dozens of checks are performed on it to verify and validate the command products including command content, command ordering, flight-rule violations, modeling boundary consistency, resource limits, and ground commanding consistency. By performing as many checks as early in the process as possible, grl_pef_check streamlines the MPST task of generating GRAIL command and modeled products on an aggressive schedule. By enumerating each check being performed, and clearly stating the criteria and assumptions made at each step, grl_pef_check can be used as a manual checklist as well as an automated tool. This helper script was written with a focus on enabling the user with the information they need in order to evaluate a sequence quickly and efficiently, while still keeping them informed and active in the overall sequencing process. grl_pef_check verifies and validates the modeling and sequence content prior to investing any more effort into the build. There are dozens of various items in the modeling run that need to be checked, which is a time-consuming and errorprone task. Currently, no software exists that provides this functionality. Compared to a manual process, this script reduces human error and saves considerable man-hours by automating and streamlining the mission planning and sequencing task for the GRAIL mission.

Explorative Analysis of Wuhan Intra-Urban Human Mobility Using Social Media Check-In Data

PubMed Central

Li, Lin; Yang, Lei; Zhu, Haihong; Dai, Rongrong

2015-01-01

Social media check-in data as a geo-tagged information source have been used for revealing spatio-temporal patterns in the field of social and urban study, such as human behavior or public issues. This paper investigates a case study and presents a new method of representing the mobility of people within a city from check-in data. By dividing the data in a temporal sequence, this study examines the overall mobility in the case study city through the gradient/difference of population density with a series of time after computing the population density from the check-in data using an incorporated Thiessen polygon method. By classifying check-in data with their geo-tags into several groups according to travel purposes, and partitioning the data according to administrative district boundaries, various moving patterns for those travel purposes in those administrative districts are identified by scrutinizing a series of spatial geometries of a weighted standard deviational ellipse (WSDE). Through deep analyses of those data by the adopted approaches, the general pattern of mobility in the case city, such as people moving to the central urban area from the suburb from 4 am to 8 am, is ascertained, and different characteristics of movement in those districts are also depicted. Furthermore, it can tell that in which district less movement is likely for a certain purpose (e.g., for dinner or entertainment). This study has demonstrated the availability of the proposed methodology and check-in data for investigating intra-urban human mobility. PMID:26288273

Experimental investigation of a new method for advanced fast reactor shutdown cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakholkov, V. V.; Kandaurov, A. A.; Potseluev, A. I.; Rogozhkin, S. A.; Sergeev, D. A.; Troitskaya, Yu. I.; Shepelev, S. F.

2017-07-01

We consider a new method for fast reactor shutdown cooling using a decay heat removal system (DHRS) with a check valve. In this method, a coolant from the decay heat exchanger (DHX) immersed into the reactor upper plenum is supplied to the high-pressure plenum and, then, inside the fuel subassemblies (SAs). A check valve installed at the DHX outlet opens by the force of gravity after primary pumps (PP-1) are shut down. Experimental studies of the new and alternative methods of shutdown cooling were performed at the TISEY test facility at OKBM. The velocity fields in the upper plenum of the reactor model were obtained using the optical particle image velocimetry developed at the Institute of Applied Physics (Russian Academy of Sciences). The study considers the process of development of natural circulation in the reactor and the DHRS models and the corresponding evolution of the temperature and velocity fields. A considerable influence of the valve position in the displacer of the primary pump on the natural circulation of water in the reactor through the DHX was discovered (in some modes, circulation reversal through the DHX was obtained). Alternative DHRS designs without a shell at the DHX outlet with open and closed check valve are also studied. For an open check valve, in spite of the absence of a shell, part of the flow is supplied through the DHX pipeline and then inside the SA simulators. When simulating power modes of the reactor operation, temperature stratification of the liquid was observed, which increased in the cooling mode via the DHRS. These data qualitatively agree with the results of tests at BN-600 and BN-800 reactors.

Application of short message service to control blood cholesterol: a field trial.

PubMed

Sadeghian, Saeed; Shams, Mohsen; Alipour, Zahra; Saadat, Soheil; Hamidian, Reza; Shahrzad, Maryam

2017-03-28

Despite recommendations, many middle-age adults neglect to check their blood cholesterol levels. Short message service (SMS, also known as texting) has been seldom studied for preventive education. We estimated how SMS can be a cost-effective method in encouraging people to check their blood cholesterol levels. In a field trial, 3600 cell phone users (age > 30) were randomly assigned to the intervention (N: 1200) and the control groups (N: 2400). An SMS was sent to the intervention group for five rounds every two weeks, which targeted the cognitive and affective learning and finally advised the blood cholesterol level to be checked, if not checked during the past twelve months. Two weeks after the last round, both groups were asked for the time/level of their latest blood cholesterol, family history of early cardiac death and having a family member with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to report their attitude about whether annual blood sampling is worth the cost and time to prevent CHD. Moreover, the intervention group was asked if they remembered the SMS content. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by estimating the "number needed to treat" (NNT) and calculating the cost of sending SMS to that number of people. In the intervention group, 629 individuals (72.0%) recalled the SMS content. The factors associated with cholesterol screening during the past two years were older age, diabetes, family history of coronary disease, higher education, female gender and being non-smoker. In both groups, women were significantly more aware of their blood cholesterol level (68.7% vs. 53.6%). The relative frequency of respondents who believed it was not worth checking their cholesterol annually was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The intervention group was significantly more likely to check its blood cholesterol levels (OR:1.22) after adjustment for age, diabetes, family history of CHD and smoking. The NNT was estimated ≈ 25 for the general population and ≈ 11 for those who received SMS and had a family member with CHD. We would postulate that SMS could affect people's adherence to preventive programs. Relatives of patients admitted with a diagnosis of CHD should be prioritized for superior cost-effectiveness and logistical feasibility.

Mold Testing or Sampling

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards.

Detection of IMRT delivery errors based on a simple constancy check of transit dose by using an EPID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Tae Seong; Chung, Eun Ji; Son, Jaeman; Yoon, Myonggeun

2015-11-01

Beam delivery errors during intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were detected based on a simple constancy check of the transit dose by using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Twenty-one IMRT plans were selected from various treatment sites, and the transit doses during treatment were measured by using an EPID. Transit doses were measured 11 times for each course of treatment, and the constancy check was based on gamma index (3%/3 mm) comparisons between a reference dose map (the first measured transit dose) and test dose maps (the following ten measured dose maps). In a simulation using an anthropomorphic phantom, the average passing rate of the tested transit dose was 100% for three representative treatment sites (head & neck, chest, and pelvis), indicating that IMRT was highly constant for normal beam delivery. The average passing rate of the transit dose for 1224 IMRT fields from 21 actual patients was 97.6% ± 2.5%, with the lower rate possibly being due to inaccuracies of patient positioning or anatomic changes. An EPIDbased simple constancy check may provide information about IMRT beam delivery errors during treatment.

Summer Roof Maintenance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liscum, Curtis L.

1999-01-01

Presents the items to review in roofing maintenance to prepare for the impact of summer, including checking drainage, roof-field surface and membrane, flashings, sheet metal, and rooftop equipment, such as skylights and penthouses. A list of roofing facts facility managers should know are highlighted. (GR)

Internal consistency tests for evaluation of measurements of anthropogenic hydrocarbons in the troposphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parrish, D. D.; Trainer, M.; Young, V.; Goldan, P. D.; Kuster, W. C.; Jobson, B. T.; Fehsenfeld, F. C.; Lonneman, W. A.; Zika, R. D.; Farmer, C. T.; Riemer, D. D.; Rodgers, M. O.

1998-09-01

Measurements of tropospheric nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) made in continental North America should exhibit a common pattern determined by photochemical removal and dilution acting upon the typical North American urban emissions. We analyze 11 data sets collected in the United States in the context of this hypothesis, in most cases by analyzing the geometric mean and standard deviations of ratios of selected NMHCs. In the analysis we attribute deviations from the common pattern to plausible systematic and random experimental errors. In some cases the errors have been independently verified and the specific causes identified. Thus this common pattern provides a check for internal consistency in NMHC data sets. Specific tests are presented which should provide useful diagnostics for all data sets of anthropogenic NMHC measurements collected in the United States. Similar tests, based upon the perhaps different emission patterns of other regions, presumably could be developed. The specific tests include (1) a lower limit for ethane concentrations, (2) specific NMHCs that should be detected if any are, (3) the relatively constant mean ratios of the longer-lived NMHCs with similar atmospheric lifetimes, (4) the constant relative patterns of families of NMHCs, and (5) limits on the ambient variability of the NMHC ratios. Many experimental problems are identified in the literature and the Southern Oxidant Study data sets. The most important conclusion of this paper is that a rigorous field intercomparison of simultaneous measurements of ambient NMHCs by different techniques and researchers is of crucial importance to the field of atmospheric chemistry. The tests presented here are suggestive of errors but are not definitive; only a field intercomparison can resolve the uncertainties.

The Chandra Monitoring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolk, S. J.; Petreshock, J. G.; Allen, P.; Bartholowmew, R. T.; Isobe, T.; Cresitello-Dittmar, M.; Dewey, D.

The NASA Great Observatory Chandra was launched July 23, 1999 aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The Chandra Science Center (CXC) runs a monitoring and trends analysis program to maximize the science return from this mission. At the time of the launch, the monitoring portion of this system was in place. The system is a collection of multiple threads and programming methodologies acting cohesively. Real-time data are passed to the CXC. Our real-time tool, ACORN (A Comprehensive object-ORiented Necessity), performs limit checking of performance related hardware. Chandra is in ground contact less than 3 hours a day, so the bulk of the monitoring must take place on data dumped by the spacecraft. To do this, we have written several tools which run off of the CXC data system pipelines. MTA_MONITOR_STATIC, limit checks FITS files containing hardware data. MTA_EVENT_MON and MTA_GRAT_MON create quick look data for the focal place instruments and the transmission gratings. When instruments violate their operational limits, the responsible scientists are notified by email and problem tracking is initiated. Output from all these codes is distributed to CXC scientists via HTML interface.

"We Do Not See Things as They Are. We See Things as We Are." Capturing the Transformation of Career Changing Women from STEM Fields to Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Catherine

2010-01-01

This qualitative study tracks the journeys of four career changing women in STEM fields as they pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and transition into teaching positions. Through analysis of archived writing, journaling, photo elicitation, interviews and member-checking, the study analyzes participants' thinking and learning at the…

Tensile strength and impact resistance properties of materials used in prosthetic check sockets, copolymer sockets, and definitive laminated sockets.

PubMed

Gerschutz, Maria J; Haynes, Michael L; Nixon, Derek M; Colvin, James M

2011-01-01

Prosthetic sockets serve as the interface between people with amputations and their prostheses. Although most materials used to make prosthetic sockets have been used for many years, knowledge of these materials' properties is limited, especially after they are subjected to fabrication processes. This study evaluated tensile and impact properties of the current state-of-the-art materials used to fabricate prosthetic check sockets, copolymer sockets, and definitive laminated sockets. Thermolyn Rigid and Orfitrans Stiff check socket materials produced significantly lower tensile strength and impact resistance than polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Copolymer socket materials exhibited greater resistance to impact forces than the check socket materials but lower tensile strengths than PETG. The heated molding processes, for the check socket and copolymer materials, reduced both tensile strength and elongation at break. Definitive laminated sockets were sorted according to fabrication techniques. Nyglass material had significantly higher elongation, indicating a more ductile material than carbon-based laminations. Carbon sockets with pigmented resin had higher tensile strength and modulus at break than nonpigmented carbon sockets. Elongation at yield and elongation at break were similar for both types of carbon-based laminations. The material properties determined in this study provide a foundation for understanding and improving the quality of prosthetic sockets using current fabrication materials and a basis for evaluating future technologies.

Field and laboratory comparative evaluation of ten rapid malaria diagnostic tests.

PubMed

Craig, M H; Bredenkamp, B L; Williams, C H Vaughan; Rossouw, E J; Kelly, V J; Kleinschmidt, I; Martineau, A; Henry, G F J

2002-01-01

The paper reports on a comparative evaluation of 10 rapid malaria tests available in South Africa in 1998: AccuCheck (AC, developmental), Cape Biotech (CB), ICT Malaria Pf (ICT1) and Pf/Pv (ICT2), Kat Medical (KAT), MakroMal (MM), OptiMAL (OP), ParaSight-F (PS), Quorum (Q), Determine-Malaria (DM). In a laboratory study, designed to test absolute detection limits, Plasmodium falciparum-infected blood was diluted with uninfected blood to known parasite concentrations ranging from 500 to 0.1 parasites per microlitre (P/microL). The 50% detection limits were: ICT1, 3.28; ICT2, 4.86; KAT, 6.36; MM, 9.37; CB, 11.42; DM, 12.40; Q, 16.98; PS, 20; AC, 31.15 and OP, 91.16 P/microL. A field study was carried out to test post-treatment specificity. Blood samples from malaria patients were tested with all products (except AC and DM) on the day of treatment and 3 and 7 days thereafter, against a gold standard of microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OP and PS produced fewer false-positive results on day 7 (18 and 19%, respectively) than the other rapid tests (38-56%). However, microscopy, PCR, OP and PS disagreed largely as to which individuals remained positive. The tests were further compared with regard to general specificity, particularly cross-reactivity with rheumatoid factor, speed, simplicity, their ability to detect other species, storage requirements and general presentation.

SU-E-J-199: A Software Tool for Quality Assurance of Online Replanning with MR-Linac

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

Chen, G; Ahunbay, E; Li, X

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop a quality assurance software tool, ArtQA, capable of automatically checking radiation treatment plan parameters, verifying plan data transfer from treatment planning system (TPS) to record and verify (R&V) system, performing a secondary MU calculation considering the effect of magnetic field from MR-Linac, and verifying the delivery and plan consistency, for online replanning. Methods: ArtQA was developed by creating interfaces to TPS (e.g., Monaco, Elekta), R&V system (Mosaiq, Elekta), and secondary MU calculation system. The tool obtains plan parameters from the TPS via direct file reading, and retrieves plan data both transferred from TPS and recorded during themore » actual delivery in the R&V system database via open database connectivity and structured query language. By comparing beam/plan datasets in different systems, ArtQA detects and outputs discrepancies between TPS, R&V system and secondary MU calculation system, and delivery. To consider the effect of 1.5T transverse magnetic field from MR-Linac in the secondary MU calculation, a method based on modified Clarkson integration algorithm was developed and tested for a series of clinical situations. Results: ArtQA is capable of automatically checking plan integrity and logic consistency, detecting plan data transfer errors, performing secondary MU calculations with or without a transverse magnetic field, and verifying treatment delivery. The tool is efficient and effective for pre- and post-treatment QA checks of all available treatment parameters that may be impractical with the commonly-used visual inspection. Conclusion: The software tool ArtQA can be used for quick and automatic pre- and post-treatment QA check, eliminating human error associated with visual inspection. While this tool is developed for online replanning to be used on MR-Linac, where the QA needs to be performed rapidly as the patient is lying on the table waiting for the treatment, ArtQA can be used as a general QA tool in radiation oncology practice. This work is partially supported by Elekta Inc.« less

SU-E-T-636: ProteusONE Machine QA Procedure and Stabiity Study: Half Year Clinical Operation

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

Freund, D; Ding, X; Wu, H

2015-06-15

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the stability of ProteusOne, the 1st commercial PBS proton system, throughout the daily QA and monthly over 6 month clinical operation. Method: Daily QA test includes IGRT position/repositioning, output in the middle of SOBP, beam flatness, symmetry, inplane and crossplane dimensions as well as energy range check. Daily range shifter QA consist of output, symmetry and field size checks to make sure its integrity. In 30 mins Daily QA test, all the measurements are performed using the MatriXXPT (IBA dosimetry). The data from these measurement was collected and compare over themore » first 6 month of clinical operation. In addition to the items check in daily QA, the summary also includes the monthly QA gantry star shots, absolute position check using a novel device, XRV-100. Results: Average machine output at the center of the spread out bragg peak was 197.5±.8 cGy and was within 1%of the baseline at 198.4 cGy. Beam flatness was within 1% cross plane with an average of 0.67±0.12% and 2% in-plane with an average of 1.08±0.17% compared to baseline measurements of 0.6 and 1.03, respectively. In all cases the radiation isocenter shift was less than or equal to 1mm. Output for the range shifter was within 2% for each individual measurement and averaged 34.4±.2cGy compare to a baseline reading of 34.5cGy. The average range shifter in and cross plane field size measurements were 19.8±0.5cm and 20.5±0.4cm compared with baseline values of 20.19cm and 20.79cm, respectively. Range shifter field symmetry had an average of less 1% for both in-plane and cross plane measurements. Conclusion: All machine metrics over the past 6 months have proved to be stable. Although, some averages are outside the baseline measurement they are within 1% tolerance and the deviation across all measurements is minimal.« less

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

Hillmer, Kurt T.

radioactive source is material used for its emitted radiation. Sources are sealed or unsealed and are classified as accountable or exempt. Radioactive sources are used for response checks, functional checks, and the calibration of instruments and monitors to traceable standards. To ensure the safety and welfare of all personnel, it is important to maintain control of radioactive sources to minimize the potential for the spread of contamination, unnecessary exposure to personnel, loss or theft, and improper disposal. This course will prepare the student with the skills necessary for RCT qualification by passing quizzes, tests, and the RCT Comprehensive Phase 1,more » Unit 2 Examination (TEST 27566) and will provide in-the-field skills.« less

KSC-04pd1226

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Johnson Controls operator Rick Wetherington checks out one of the recently acquired Contraves-Goerz Kineto Tracking Mounts (KTM). There are 10 KTMs certified for use on the Eastern Range. The KTM, which is trailer-mounted with an electric drive tracking mount, includes a two-camera, camera control unit that will be used during launches. The KTM is designed for remotely controlled operations and offers a combination of film, shuttered and high-speed digital video, and FLIR cameras configured with 20-inch to 150-inch focal length lenses. The KTMs are generally placed in the field and checked out the day before a launch and manned 3 hours prior to liftoff.

KSC-04pd1227

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Johnson Controls operator Kenny Allen checks out one of the recently acquired Contraves-Goerz Kineto Tracking Mounts (KTM). There are 10 KTMs certified for use on the Eastern Range. The KTM, which is trailer-mounted with an electric drive tracking mount, includes a two-camera, camera control unit that will be used during launches. The KTM is designed for remotely controlled operations and offers a combination of film, shuttered and high-speed digital video, and FLIR cameras configured with 20-inch to 150-inch focal length lenses. The KTMs are generally placed in the field and checked out the day before a launch and manned 3 hours prior to liftoff.

The Z1 truss is moved to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers watch as the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an element of the International Space Station, is moved to another stand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

Effects of high voltage transmission lines on honeybees: a feasibility study. Final report

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

Greenberg, B.

1977-07-01

Methodology is described for the investigation of the effects of electric fields generated by high-tension power lines on honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). The parameters to be measured include colony population, honey stores, amount of acoustical noise generated by the bees, in-hive temperature, incidence of queen cell production, and tendency to swarm. Accompanying dosimetric support includes in-hive electric field measurements, development of shielding to eliminate the electric field from selected colonies, analysis of the acoustical data, and periodic checks on the ambient electric field present under the line and at the control site.

Mapping potentialy asbestos-bearing rocks using imaging spectroscopy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swayze, G.A.; Kokaly, R.F.; Higgins, C.T.; Clinkenbeard, J.P.; Clark, R.N.; Lowers, H.A.; Sutley, S.J.

2009-01-01

Rock and soil that may contain naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), a known human carcinogen, were mapped in the Sierra Nevada, California, using the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to determine if these materials could be uniquely identified with spectroscopy. Such information can be used to prepare or refine maps of areas that may contain minerals that can be asbestiform, such as serpentine and tremolite-actinolite, which were the focus of this study. Although thick vegetation can conceal underlying rock and soil, use of linear-mixture spectra calculated from spectra of dry grass and serpentine allowed detection of serpentine in some parts of the study area with up to ~80% dry-grass cover. Chaparral vegetation, which was dominantly, but not exclusively, found in areas underlain by serpentinized ultramafic rocks, was also mapped. Overall, field checking at 201 sites indicated highly accurate identification by AVIRIS of mineral (94%) and vegetation (89%) categories. Practical applications of AVIRIS to mapping areas that may contain NOA include locating roads that are surfaced with serpentine aggregate, identifying sites that may require enhanced dust control or other safety measures, and filling gaps in geologic mapping where field access is limited.

Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients.

PubMed

Beirne, P; Forgie, A; Clarkson, Je; Worthington, H V

2005-04-18

The frequency with which patients should attend for a dental check-up and the potential effects on oral health of altering recall intervals between check-ups have been the subject of ongoing international debate for almost 3 decades. Although recommendations regarding optimal recall intervals vary between countries and dental healthcare systems, 6-monthly dental check-ups have traditionally been advocated by general dental practitioners in many developed countries. To determine the beneficial and harmful effects of different fixed recall intervals (for example 6 months versus 12 months) for the following different types of dental check-up: a) clinical examination only; b) clinical examination plus scale and polish; c) clinical examination plus preventive advice; d) clinical examination plus preventive advice plus scale and polish. To determine the relative beneficial and harmful effects between any of these different types of dental check-up at the same fixed recall interval. To compare the beneficial and harmful effects of recall intervals based on clinicians' assessment of patients' disease risk with fixed recall intervals. To compare the beneficial and harmful effects of no recall interval/patient driven attendance (which may be symptomatic) with fixed recall intervals. We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE. Reference lists from relevant articles were scanned and the authors of some papers were contacted to identify further trials and obtain additional information. Date of most recent searches: 9th April 2003. Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: design- random allocation of participants; participants - all children and adults receiving dental check-ups in primary care settings, irrespective of their level of risk for oral disease; interventions -recall intervals for the following different types of dental check-ups: a) clinical examination only; b) clinical examination plus scale and polish; c) clinical examination plus preventive advice; d) clinical examination plus scale and polish plus preventive advice; e) no recall interval/patient driven attendance (which may be symptomatic); f) clinician risk-based recall intervals; outcomes - clinical status outcomes for dental caries (including, but not limited to, mean dmft/DMFT, dmfs/DMFS scores, caries increment, filled teeth (including replacement restorations), early carious lesions arrested or reversed); periodontal disease (including, but not limited to, plaque, calculus, gingivitis, periodontitis, change in probing depth, attachment level); oral mucosa (presence or absence of mucosal lesions, potentially malignant lesions, cancerous lesions, size and stage of cancerous lesions at diagnosis). In addition the following outcomes were considered where reported: patient-centred outcomes, economic cost outcomes, other outcomes such as improvements in oral health knowledge and attitudes, harms, changes in dietary habits and any other oral health-related behavioural change. Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures and results were independently extracted, in duplicate, by two authors. Authors were contacted, where deemed necessary and where possible, for further details regarding study design and for data clarification. A quality assessment of the included trial was carried out. The Cochrane Oral Health Group's statistical guidelines were followed. Only one study (with 188 participants) was included in this review and was assessed as having a high risk of bias. This study provided limited data for dental caries outcomes (dmfs/DMFS increment) and economic cost outcomes (reported time taken to provide examinations and treatment). There is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to draw any conclusions regarding the potential beneficial and harmful effects of altering the recall interval between dental check-ups. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the practice of encouraging patients to attend for dental check-ups at 6-monthly intervals. It is important that high quality RCTs are conducted for the outcomes listed in this review in order to address the objectives of this review.

Evaluation of a bar-code system to detect unaccompanied baggage

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-02-01

The objective of the Unaccompanied Baggage Detection System (UBDS) Project has : been to gain field experience with a system designed to identify passengers who : check baggage for a flight and subsequently fail to board that flight. In the first : p...

Adjoint BFKL at finite coupling: a short-cut from the collinear limit

DOE PAGES

Basso, Benjamin; Caron-Huot, Simon; Sever, Amit

2015-01-08

In the high energy Regge limit, the six gluons scattering amplitude is controlled by the adjoint BFKL eigenvalue and impact factor. In this paper we determine these two building blocks at any value of the ’t Hooft coupling in planar N=4 SYM theory. This is achieved by means of analytic continuations from the collinear limit, where similar all loops expressions were recently established. We check our predictions against all available data at weak and strong coupling.

SU-F-T-272: Patient Specific Quality Assurance of Prostate VMAT Plans with Portal Dosimetry

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

Darko, J; Osei, E; University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of using the Portal Dosimetry (PD) method for patient specific quality assurance of prostate VMAT plans. Methods: As per institutional protocol all VMAT plans were measured using the Varian Portal Dosimetry (PD) method. A gamma evaluation criterion of 3%-3mm with a minimum area gamma pass rate (gamma <1) of 95% is used clinically for all plans. We retrospectively evaluated the portal dosimetry results for 170 prostate patients treated with VMAT technique. Three sets of criterions were adopted for re-evaluating the measurements; 3%-3mm, 2%-2mm and 1%-1mm. For all criterions two areas, Field+1cm and MLC-CIAO were analysed.Tomore » ascertain the effectiveness of the portal dosimetry technique in determining the delivery accuracy of prostate VMAT plans, 10 patients previously measured with portal dosimetry, were randomly selected and their measurements repeated using the ArcCHECK method. The same criterion used in the analysis of PD was used for the ArcCHECK measurements. Results: All patient plans reviewed met the institutional criteria for Area Gamma pass rate. Overall, the gamma pass rate (gamma <1) decreases for 3%-3mm, 2%-2mm and 1%-1mm criterion. For each criterion the pass rate was significantly reduced when the MLC-CIAO was used instead of FIELD+1cm. There was noticeable change in sensitivity for MLC-CIAO with 2%-2mm criteria and much more significant reduction at 1%-1mm. Comparable results were obtained for the ArcCHECK measurements. Although differences were observed between the clockwise verses the counter clockwise plans in both the PD and ArcCHECK measurements, this was not deemed to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that Portal Dosimetry technique can be effectively used for quality assurance of VMAT plans. Results obtained show similar sensitivity compared to ArcCheck. To reveal certain delivery inaccuracies, the use of a combination of criterions may provide an effective way in improving the overall sensitivity of PD. Funding provided in part by the Prostate Ride for Dad, Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada.« less

Searching for δ Scuti-type pulsation and characterising northern pre-main-sequence field stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Fraile, D.; Rodríguez, E.; Amado, P. J.

2014-08-01

Context. Pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars are objects evolving from the birthline to the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS). Given a mass range near the ZAMS, the temperatures and luminosities of PMS and main-sequence stars are very similar. Moreover, their evolutionary tracks intersect one another causing some ambiguity in the determination of their evolutionary status. In this context, the detection and study of pulsations in PMS stars is crucial for differentiating between both types of stars by obtaining information of their interiors via asteroseismic techniques. Aims: A photometric variability study of a sample of northern field stars, which previously classified as either PMS or Herbig Ae/Be objects, has been undertaken with the purpose of detecting δ Scuti-type pulsations. Determination of physical parameters for these stars has also been carried out to locate them on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and check the instability strip for this type of pulsators. Methods: Multichannel photomultiplier and CCD time series photometry in the uvby Strömgren and BVI Johnson bands were obtained during four consecutive years from 2007 to 2010. The light curves have been analysed, and a variability criterion has been established. Among the objects classified as variable stars, we have selected those which present periodicities above 4 d-1, which was established as the lowest limit for δ Scuti-type pulsations in this investigation. Finally, these variable stars have been placed in a colour-magnitude diagram using the physical parameters derived with the collected uvbyβ Strömgren-Crawford photometry. Results: Five PMS δ Scuti- and three probable β Cephei-type stars have been detected. Two additional PMS δ Scuti stars are also confirmed in this work. Moreover, three new δ Scuti- and two γ Doradus-type stars have been detected among the main-sequence objects used as comparison or check stars.

TU-D-201-06: HDR Plan Prechecks Using Eclipse Scripting API

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

Palaniswaamy, G; Morrow, A; Kim, S

Purpose: Automate brachytherapy treatment plan quality check using Eclipse v13.6 scripting API based on pre-configured rules to minimize human error and maximize efficiency. Methods: The HDR Precheck system is developed based on a rules-driven approach using Eclipse scripting API. This system checks for critical plan parameters like channel length, first source position, source step size and channel mapping. The planned treatment time is verified independently based on analytical methods. For interstitial or SAVI APBI treatment plans, a Patterson-Parker system calculation is performed to verify the planned treatment time. For endobronchial treatments, an analytical formula from TG-59 is used. Acceptable tolerancesmore » were defined based on clinical experiences in our department. The system was designed to show PASS/FAIL status levels. Additional information, if necessary, is indicated appropriately in a separate comments field in the user interface. Results: The HDR Precheck system has been developed and tested to verify the treatment plan parameters that are routinely checked by the clinical physicist. The report also serves as a reminder or checklist for the planner to perform any additional critical checks such as applicator digitization or scenarios where the channel mapping was intentionally changed. It is expected to reduce the current manual plan check time from 15 minutes to <1 minute. Conclusion: Automating brachytherapy plan prechecks significantly reduces treatment plan precheck time and reduces human errors. When fully developed, this system will be able to perform TG-43 based second check of the treatment planning system’s dose calculation using random points in the target and critical structures. A histogram will be generated along with tabulated mean and standard deviation values for each structure. A knowledge database will also be developed for Brachyvision plans which will then be used for knowledge-based plan quality checks to further reduce treatment planning errors and increase confidence in the planned treatment.« less

Cross-correlation limit of a SQUID-based noise thermometer of the pMFFT type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirste, A.; Engert, J.

2018-03-01

The primary magnetic field fluctuation thermometer (pMFFT) is a SQUID-based noise thermometer for temperatures below 1 K, which complies with metrological requirements. It combines two signal channels in order to apply the cross-correlation technique, but it requires statistically independent noise signals for proper operation. In order to check the limit of the cross-correlation readout, we have performed zero measurements in the millikelvin range in a setup that is identical to the pMFFT, except for the removed temperature sensor. We examined the influence of different parameters such as SQUID working point or flux-lock loop parameters on the minimum cross-correlation signal down to 24 mK and below 100 kHz. Depending on the configuration, typical minimum SQUID-referred cross-power spectral densities of 1.5 × 10‑15 Φ _0^2/Hz or even smaller values were observed. For the pMFFT, considering its thermal noise spectrum, these flux densities correspond to a device noise temperature of ≤2.5 µK, thereby ensuring a negligible uncertainty contribution at the lower end of the PLTS-2000 (0.9 mK).

Phytoplankton succession in an isolated upwelled Benguela water body in relation to different initial nutrient conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasmund, Norbert; Nausch, Günther; Hansen, Anja

2014-11-01

Freshly upwelled water is poor in phytoplankton biomass but rich in nutrients. With its ageing, phytoplankton biomass increases whereas the nutrients are consumed. The overall aim of our investigation was to check the succession in the phytoplankton composition as a consequence of changing nutrient conditions. The experiments were carried out in mesocosms filled with surface water in the northern Benguela region and installed on board of R/V "Maria S. Merian". In the freshly upwelled water, phytoplankton took up nitrogen at a higher rate than phosphorus if compared with the Redfield ratio. Therefore, nitrogen was exhausted already by day 6. Nitrogen limitation after day 6 was indicated by decreasing chlorophyll a (chla) concentrations, primary production rates and productivity indices and increasing C/N ratios in particulate matter. Despite nitrogen limitation, phosphorus addition stimulated further growth, mainly of diatoms, pointing to luxury uptake. Cyanobacteria did not develop and nitrogen fixation was zero even with phosphorus and iron addition. Diatoms stay the most important group in the freshly upwelled water, but autotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates increase strongly in the matured upwelled water. Mesocosms excluded disturbances by advective water transports, which influence the study of succssions under field conditions.

40 CFR 63.9035 - How do I monitor and collect data to demonstrate continuous compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... caustic scrubber or a water scrubber/absorber to meet the emission limits in Table 1 to this subpart, you... (including, as applicable, calibration checks and required zero and span adjustments), you must monitor...

40 CFR 63.9035 - How do I monitor and collect data to demonstrate continuous compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... caustic scrubber or a water scrubber/absorber to meet the emission limits in Table 1 to this subpart, you... (including, as applicable, calibration checks and required zero and span adjustments), you must monitor...

40 CFR 63.9035 - How do I monitor and collect data to demonstrate continuous compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... caustic scrubber or a water scrubber/absorber to meet the emission limits in Table 1 to this subpart, you... (including, as applicable, calibration checks and required zero and span adjustments), you must monitor...

78 FR 24232 - Record of Decision for the Denali Park Road Final Vehicle Management Plan and Environmental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-24

... the decision making process. ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD will be available in an electronic format... at the Savage River Check Station. The 160-vehicle limit is derived from traffic model simulation...

A needs assessment and technology evaluation for roadside identification of commercial vehicles.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-06-01

With the limited resources and increasingly heavy truck volumes, roadside enforcement officers must continually make decision which trucks to check and which to allow to proceed. This process of selecting some trucks for closer scrutiny, while allowi...

Microscopic analysis and simulation of check-mark stain on the galvanized steel strip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

So, Hongyun; Yoon, Hyun Gi; Chung, Myung Kyoon

2010-11-01

When galvanized steel strip is produced through a continuous hot-dip galvanizing process, the thickness of adhered zinc film is controlled by plane impinging air gas jet referred to as "air-knife system". In such a gas-jet wiping process, stain of check-mark or sag line shape frequently appears. The check-mark defect is caused by non-uniform zinc coating and the oblique patterns such as "W", "V" or "X" on the coated surface. The present paper presents a cause and analysis of the check-mark formation and a numerical simulation of sag lines by using the numerical data produced by Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the three-dimensional compressible turbulent flow field around the air-knife system. It was found that there is alternating plane-wise vortices near the impinging stagnation region and such alternating vortices move almost periodically to the right and to the left sides on the stagnation line due to the jet flow instability. Meanwhile, in order to simulate the check-mark formation, a novel perturbation model has been developed to predict the variation of coating thickness along the transverse direction. Finally, the three-dimensional zinc coating surface was obtained by the present perturbation model. It was found that the sag line formation is determined by the combination of the instantaneous coating thickness distribution along the transverse direction near the stagnation line and the feed speed of the steel strip.

Data quality assessment for comparative effectiveness research in distributed data networks

PubMed Central

Brown, Jeffrey; Kahn, Michael; Toh, Sengwee

2015-01-01

Background Electronic health information routinely collected during healthcare delivery and reimbursement can help address the need for evidence about the real-world effectiveness, safety, and quality of medical care. Often, distributed networks that combine information from multiple sources are needed to generate this real-world evidence. Objective We provide a set of field-tested best practices and a set of recommendations for data quality checking for comparative effectiveness research (CER) in distributed data networks. Methods Explore the requirements for data quality checking and describe data quality approaches undertaken by several existing multi-site networks. Results There are no established standards regarding how to evaluate the quality of electronic health data for CER within distributed networks. Data checks of increasing complexity are often employed, ranging from consistency with syntactic rules to evaluation of semantics and consistency within and across sites. Temporal trends within and across sites are widely used, as are checks of each data refresh or update. Rates of specific events and exposures by age group, sex, and month are also common. Discussion Secondary use of electronic health data for CER holds promise but is complex, especially in distributed data networks that incorporate periodic data refreshes. The viability of a learning health system is dependent on a robust understanding of the quality, validity, and optimal secondary uses of routinely collected electronic health data within distributed health data networks. Robust data quality checking can strengthen confidence in findings based on distributed data network. PMID:23793049

THE COSMIC RAY EQUATOR FROM DATA OF THE SECOND SOVIET EARTH SATELLITE

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

Savenko, I.A.; Shavrin, P.I.; Nesterov, V.Ye.

1962-11-01

Determination of the geographical position of the line of minimum intensity of primary cosmic radiation (cosmic ray equator) makes is possible to study the structure of the geomagnetic field and to check theoretical and empirical approximations to this field. The minima of cosmic radiation intensity were determined by the second Soviet spaceship for 22 latitude curves obtained from various crossings in the region of the geographical equator. (W.D.M.)

Magnetic Field Satellite (Magsat) data processing system specifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, D.; Gomez, R.; Miller, A.

1980-01-01

The software specifications for the MAGSAT data processing system (MDPS) are presented. The MDPS is divided functionally into preprocessing of primary input data, data management, chronicle processing, and postprocessing. Data organization and validity, and checks of spacecraft and instrumentation are dicussed. Output products of the MDPS, including various plots and data tapes, are described. Formats for important tapes are presented. Dicussions and mathematical formulations for coordinate transformations and field model coefficients are included.

Reconnaissance geologic map of part of the San Isidro Quadrangle, Baja California Sur, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

McLean, Hugh; Hausback, B.P.; Knapp, J.H.

1985-01-01

Mapping was done on aerial photographs and transferred, where possible, to 1:50,000-scale topographic base maps. Areas with roads were field checked; however, in the northeast part of the map area, lack of roads prevented field checks. Previous geologic surveys of parts of the map area were made by horseback in the early 1920's; reports were published by Darton (1921), Heim (1922), and Beal (1948). Subsurface data from petroleum exploration and a geologic map were incorporated in a regional study by Mina (1957). The first radiometric ages of rocks from the map area were published by Gastil and others (1979). Recently determined radiometric ages and chemical analysis of volcanic rocks were reported by Hausback (1984) and by Sawlan and Smith (1984). Our study incorporates geologic mapping with age control based on new radiometric ages as well as paleontology, Flows and tuffs were dated by the K-Ar method. Fossil ages are based on diatom and mollusk assemblages.

Statistical mechanics of broadcast channels using low-density parity-check codes.

PubMed

Nakamura, Kazutaka; Kabashima, Yoshiyuki; Morelos-Zaragoza, Robert; Saad, David

2003-03-01

We investigate the use of Gallager's low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes in a degraded broadcast channel, one of the fundamental models in network information theory. Combining linear codes is a standard technique in practical network communication schemes and is known to provide better performance than simple time sharing methods when algebraic codes are used. The statistical physics based analysis shows that the practical performance of the suggested method, achieved by employing the belief propagation algorithm, is superior to that of LDPC based time sharing codes while the best performance, when received transmissions are optimally decoded, is bounded by the time sharing limit.

Data services providing by the Ukrainian NODC (MHI NASU)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eremeev, V.; Godin, E.; Khaliulin, A.; Ingerov, A.; Zhuk, E.

2009-04-01

At modern stage of the World Ocean study information support of investigation based on ad-vanced computer technologies becomes of particular importance. These abstracts are devoted to presentation of several data services developed in the Ukrainian NODC on the base of the Ma-rine Environmental and Information Technologies Department of MHI NASU. The Data Quality Control Service Using experience of international collaboration in the field of data collection and quality check we have developed the quality control (QC) software providing both preliminary(automatic) and expert(manual) data quality check procedures. The current version of the QC software works for the Mediterranean and Black seas and includes the climatic arrays for hydrological and few hydrochemical parameters based on such products as MEDAR/MEDATLAS II, Physical Oceanography of the Black Sea and Climatic Atlas of Oxygen and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Black sea. The data quality check procedure includes metadata control and hydrological and hydrochemical data control. Metadata control provides checking of duplicate cruises and pro-files, date and chronology, ship velocity, station location, sea depth and observation depth. Data QC procedure includes climatic (or range for parameters with small number of observations) data QC, density inversion check for hydrological data and searching for spikes. Using of cli-matic fields and profiles prepared by regional oceanography experts leads to more reliable results of data quality check procedure. The Data Access Services The Ukrainian NODC provides two products for data access - on-line software and data access module for the MHI NASU local net. This software allows select-ing data on rectangle area, on date, on months, on cruises. The result of query is metadata which are presented in the table and the visual presentation of stations on the map. It is possible to see both metadata and data. For this purpose it is necessary to select station in the table of metadata or on the map. There is also an opportunity to export data in ODV format. The product is avail-able on http://www.ocean.nodc.org.ua/DataAccess.php The local net version provides access to the oceanological database of the MHI NASU. The cur-rent version allows selecting data by spatial and temporal limits, depth, values of parameters, quality flags and works for the Mediterranean and Black seas. It provides visualization of meta-data and data, statistics of data selection, data export into several data formats. The Operational Data Management Services The collaborators of the MHI Experimental Branch developed a system of obtaining information on water pressure and temperature, as well as on atmospheric pressure. Sea level observations are also conducted. The obtained data are transferred online. The interface for operation data access was developed. It allows to select parameters (sea level, water temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind and wa-ter pressure) and time interval to see parameter graphics. The product is available on http://www.ocean.nodc.org.ua/Katsively.php . The Climatic products The current version of the Climatic Atlas includes maps on such pa-rameters as temperature, salinity, density, heat storage, dynamic heights, upper boundary of hy-drogen sulfide and lower boundary of oxygen for the Black sea basin. Maps for temperature, sa-linity, density were calculated on 19 standard depths and averaged monthly for depths 0 - 300 m and annually for lower depth values. The climatic maps of upper boundary of hydrogen sulfide and lower boundary of oxygen were averaged by decades from 20 till 90 of the XX century and by seasons. Two versions of climatic atlas viewer - on-line and desktop for presentation of the climatic maps were developed. They provide similar functions of selection and viewing maps by parameter, month and depth and saving maps in various formats. On-line version of atlas is available on http://www.ocean.nodc.org.ua/Main_Atlas.php .

Disclosure Control of Natural Language Information to Enable Secure and Enjoyable Communication over the Internet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kataoka, Haruno; Utsumi, Akira; Hirose, Yuki; Yoshiura, Hiroshi

Disclosure control of natural language information (DCNL), which we are trying to realize, is described. DCNL will be used for securing human communications over the internet, such as through blogs and social network services. Before sentences in the communications are disclosed, they are checked by DCNL and any phrases that could reveal sensitive information are transformed or omitted so that they are no longer revealing. DCNL checks not only phrases that directly represent sensitive information but also those that indirectly suggest it. Combinations of phrases are also checked. DCNL automatically learns the knowledge of sensitive phrases and the suggestive relations between phrases by using co-occurrence analysis and Web retrieval. The users' burden is therefore minimized, i.e., they do not need to define many disclosure control rules. DCNL complements the traditional access control in the fields where reliability needs to be balanced with enjoyment and objects classes for the access control cannot be predefined.

Antimatter Past, Present and Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zichichi, Antonino

2001-11-01

In order to have matter we need fundamental fermions (quarks and leptons), particles (mesons and baryons) and nuclei. For antimatter to exist, the antifundamental fermions, as well as the antiparticles and the antinuclei, are needed. The masses associated with these components of matter are the "intrinsic" (quarks and leptons), the "confinement" (mesons and baryons) and the "binding" [either nuclear (nuclei), or electromagnetic (atoms)]. The first two are positive, the two "binding" ones are negative. These masses have different origins. No one has been able to establish the origin of the "intrinsic" masses (it could be the Higgs mechanism, but this lacks experimental confirmation so far). The "confinement" masses are QCD non-perturbative effects. The nuclear "binding" masses are QCD-induced colour neutral effects; the electromagnetic "binding" is due to QED and, since QED is the best experimentally checked RQFT, its validity in terms of the CPT symmetry cannot easily be questioned and this is why the electromagnetic "binding" is not included in this review. If CPT were theoretically well established as it was when discovered, all mass differences, between any matter and its antimatter partner, should be zero. The best limits for the validity of CPT invariance in the field of masses are two: i) the determination of a very small upper limit on Δ {m}{{Kbar K}} (the mass difference between a meson and an antimeson) derived from the mass difference between the long- and the short-lived K-mesons, ΔmKLKS ii) the measurements of the charge over mass ratio ({{Q} / {M}}) for protons and antiprotons. These experimental results are discussed in terms of their relevance to check CPT invariance for the "intrinsic" and for the "confinement" masses. It is pointed out that the value of Δ {m}{{Kbar K}} could be totally insensitive to a large CPT breaking in the intrinsic quark masses. Furthermore, the physics of "intrinsic" and "confinement" masses has nothing to do with the nuclear "binding" masses, where the limits are very poor. A deuteron-antideuteron mass difference Δ {m}{{Dbar D}} , many orders of magnitude larger than the present limits in the "confinement" and in the "intrinsic" masses, could exist and have no effects on the CPT limits known so far, including the very high precision measurements on Δ {m}{{Kbar K}} and on ({{Q} / {M}}). New experiments need to be performed in nuclear matter-antimatter in order to establish the validity of CPT invariance in non-perturbative - colour neutral - QCD effects, such as the nuclear binding forces which no one is able to describe in terms of a fundamental RQFT.

A Novel Method to Verify Multilevel Computational Models of Biological Systems Using Multiscale Spatio-Temporal Meta Model Checking

PubMed Central

Gilbert, David

2016-01-01

Insights gained from multilevel computational models of biological systems can be translated into real-life applications only if the model correctness has been verified first. One of the most frequently employed in silico techniques for computational model verification is model checking. Traditional model checking approaches only consider the evolution of numeric values, such as concentrations, over time and are appropriate for computational models of small scale systems (e.g. intracellular networks). However for gaining a systems level understanding of how biological organisms function it is essential to consider more complex large scale biological systems (e.g. organs). Verifying computational models of such systems requires capturing both how numeric values and properties of (emergent) spatial structures (e.g. area of multicellular population) change over time and across multiple levels of organization, which are not considered by existing model checking approaches. To address this limitation we have developed a novel approximate probabilistic multiscale spatio-temporal meta model checking methodology for verifying multilevel computational models relative to specifications describing the desired/expected system behaviour. The methodology is generic and supports computational models encoded using various high-level modelling formalisms because it is defined relative to time series data and not the models used to generate it. In addition, the methodology can be automatically adapted to case study specific types of spatial structures and properties using the spatio-temporal meta model checking concept. To automate the computational model verification process we have implemented the model checking approach in the software tool Mule (http://mule.modelchecking.org). Its applicability is illustrated against four systems biology computational models previously published in the literature encoding the rat cardiovascular system dynamics, the uterine contractions of labour, the Xenopus laevis cell cycle and the acute inflammation of the gut and lung. Our methodology and software will enable computational biologists to efficiently develop reliable multilevel computational models of biological systems. PMID:27187178

Patient experience of NHS health checks: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

PubMed Central

Usher-Smith, Juliet A; Harte, Emma; MacLure, Calum; Martin, Adam; Saunders, Catherine L; Meads, Catherine; Walter, Fiona M; Griffin, Simon J; Mant, Jonathan

2017-01-01

Objective To review the experiences of patients attending NHS Health Checks in England. Design A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies with a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Data sources An electronic literature search of Medline, Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Health, PsycInfo, Web of Science, OpenGrey, the Cochrane Library, National Health Service (NHS) Evidence, Google Scholar, Google, Clinical Trials.gov and the ISRCTN registry to 09/11/16 with no language restriction and manual screening of reference lists of all included papers. Inclusion criteria Primary research reporting experiences of patients who have attended NHS Health Checks. Results 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, 9 reporting quantitative data and 15 qualitative data. There were consistently high levels of reported satisfaction in surveys, with over 80% feeling that they had benefited from an NHS Health Check. Data from qualitative studies showed that the NHS Health Check had been perceived to act as a wake-up call for many who reported having gone on to make substantial lifestyle changes which they attributed to the NHS Health Check. However, some had been left with a feeling of unmet expectations, were confused about or unable to remember their risk scores, found the lifestyle advice too simplistic and non-personalised or were confused about follow-up. Conclusions While participants were generally very supportive of the NHS Health Check programme and examples of behaviour change were reported, there are a number of areas where improvements could be made. These include greater clarity around the aims of the programme within the promotional material, more proactive support for lifestyle change and greater appreciation of the challenges of communicating risk and the limitations of relying on the risk score alone as a trigger for facilitating behaviour change. PMID:28801437

Patient experience of NHS health checks: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis.

PubMed

Usher-Smith, Juliet A; Harte, Emma; MacLure, Calum; Martin, Adam; Saunders, Catherine L; Meads, Catherine; Walter, Fiona M; Griffin, Simon J; Mant, Jonathan

2017-08-11

To review the experiences of patients attending NHS Health Checks in England. A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies with a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. An electronic literature search of Medline, Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Health, PsycInfo, Web of Science, OpenGrey, the Cochrane Library, National Health Service (NHS) Evidence, Google Scholar, Google, Clinical Trials.gov and the ISRCTN registry to 09/11/16 with no language restriction and manual screening of reference lists of all included papers. Primary research reporting experiences of patients who have attended NHS Health Checks. 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, 9 reporting quantitative data and 15 qualitative data. There were consistently high levels of reported satisfaction in surveys, with over 80% feeling that they had benefited from an NHS Health Check. Data from qualitative studies showed that the NHS Health Check had been perceived to act as a wake-up call for many who reported having gone on to make substantial lifestyle changes which they attributed to the NHS Health Check. However, some had been left with a feeling of unmet expectations, were confused about or unable to remember their risk scores, found the lifestyle advice too simplistic and non-personalised or were confused about follow-up. While participants were generally very supportive of the NHS Health Check programme and examples of behaviour change were reported, there are a number of areas where improvements could be made. These include greater clarity around the aims of the programme within the promotional material, more proactive support for lifestyle change and greater appreciation of the challenges of communicating risk and the limitations of relying on the risk score alone as a trigger for facilitating behaviour change. © 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 Novel Method to Verify Multilevel Computational Models of Biological Systems Using Multiscale Spatio-Temporal Meta Model Checking.

PubMed

Pârvu, Ovidiu; Gilbert, David

2016-01-01

Insights gained from multilevel computational models of biological systems can be translated into real-life applications only if the model correctness has been verified first. One of the most frequently employed in silico techniques for computational model verification is model checking. Traditional model checking approaches only consider the evolution of numeric values, such as concentrations, over time and are appropriate for computational models of small scale systems (e.g. intracellular networks). However for gaining a systems level understanding of how biological organisms function it is essential to consider more complex large scale biological systems (e.g. organs). Verifying computational models of such systems requires capturing both how numeric values and properties of (emergent) spatial structures (e.g. area of multicellular population) change over time and across multiple levels of organization, which are not considered by existing model checking approaches. To address this limitation we have developed a novel approximate probabilistic multiscale spatio-temporal meta model checking methodology for verifying multilevel computational models relative to specifications describing the desired/expected system behaviour. The methodology is generic and supports computational models encoded using various high-level modelling formalisms because it is defined relative to time series data and not the models used to generate it. In addition, the methodology can be automatically adapted to case study specific types of spatial structures and properties using the spatio-temporal meta model checking concept. To automate the computational model verification process we have implemented the model checking approach in the software tool Mule (http://mule.modelchecking.org). Its applicability is illustrated against four systems biology computational models previously published in the literature encoding the rat cardiovascular system dynamics, the uterine contractions of labour, the Xenopus laevis cell cycle and the acute inflammation of the gut and lung. Our methodology and software will enable computational biologists to efficiently develop reliable multilevel computational models of biological systems.

Who uses NHS health checks? Investigating the impact of ethnicity and gender and method of invitation on uptake of NHS health checks.

PubMed

Cook, Erica J; Sharp, Chloe; Randhawa, Gurch; Guppy, Andy; Gangotra, Raj; Cox, Jonathon

2016-01-20

NHS Health Checks is a national risk assessment prevention programme for all individuals aged 40-74 that reside in England. Through the systematic assessment of an individual's ten year disease risk, this programme aims to provide early identification and subsequent management of this risk. However, there is limited evidence on how socio-demographic factors impact on uptake and what influence the invitation method has on uptake to this programme. NHS Health Check data from April 2013 to March 2014 was analysed (N = 50,485) for all 30 GP Practices in Luton, a culturally diverse town in England, UK. Data was collected for age, ethnicity, uptake (attendance and non attendance) and invitation method (letter written, verbal face-to-face, telephone). Actual usage of NHS Health Checks was determined for each ethnic group of the population and compared using Chi-square analysis. The overall uptake rate for Luton was 44 %, markedly lower that the set target of 50-75 %. The findings revealed a variation of uptake in relation to age, gender, level of deprivation. Ethnicity and gender variations were also found, with 'White British' 'Black Caribbean' and 'Indian' patients most likely to take up a NHS Health Check. However, patients from 'Any Other White Background' and 'Black African' were significantly less likely to uptake an NHS Health Check compared to all other ethnic groups. Ethnicity and gender differences were also noted in relation to invitation method. The findings revealed that different invitation methods were effective for different ethnic and gender groups. Therefore, it is suggested that established protocols of invitation are specifically designed for maximizing the response rate for each population group. Future research should now focus on uncovering the barriers to uptake in particular culturally diverse population groups to determine how public health teams can better engage with these communities.

Utility of Reference Change Values for Delta Check Limits.

PubMed

Ko, Dae-Hyun; Park, Hae-Il; Hyun, Jungwon; Kim, Hyun Soo; Park, Min-Jeong; Shin, Dong Hoon

2017-10-01

To assess the utility of reference change values (RCVs) as delta check limits. A total of 1,650,518 paired results for 23 general chemistry test results from June 1, 2014, to October 31, 2016, were analyzed. The RCVs for each analyte were calculated from the analytical imprecision and within-subject biological variation. The percent differences between two consecutive results in one patient were categorized into one of four groups: outpatients, inpatients, emergency care, and general health care. For each, 2.5th and 97.5th percentile values were computed and compared with their RCVs. The distributions were assessed for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Most of the estimated limits were larger than the corresponding RCVs and, furthermore, with notable differences across the groups. Patients in the emergency care group usually demonstrated larger delta percent values than those in the other groups. None of the distributions of the percent differences passed tests of normality when subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis. Comparison of estimated RCVs and real-world patient data revealed the pitfalls of applying RCVs in clinical laboratories. Laboratory managers should be aware of the limitations of RCVs and exercise caution when using them. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Ultrasound use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with delays in chest compressions.

PubMed

Huis In 't Veld, Maite A; Allison, Michael G; Bostick, David S; Fisher, Kiondra R; Goloubeva, Olga G; Witting, Michael D; Winters, Michael E

2017-10-01

High-quality chest compressions are a critical component of the resuscitation of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used frequently during emergency department (ED) resuscitations, but there has been limited research assessing its benefits and harms during the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We hypothesized that use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation adversely affects high-quality CPR by lengthening the duration of pulse checks beyond the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommendation of 10s. We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults in cardiac arrest treated in an urban ED between August 2015 and September 2016. Resuscitations were recorded using video equipment in designated resuscitation rooms, and the use of POCUS was documented and timed. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate the effect of POCUS on pulse check duration. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in our study. The mean duration of pulse checks with POCUS was 21.0s (95% CI, 18-24) compared with 13.0s (95% CI, 12-15) for those without POCUS. POCUS increased the duration of pulse checks and CPR interruption by 8.4s (95% CI, 6.7-10.0 [p<0.0001]). Age, body mass index (BMI), and procedures did not significantly affect the duration of pulse checks. The use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation was associated with significantly increased duration of pulse checks, nearly doubling the 10-s maximum duration recommended in current guidelines. It is important for acute care providers to pay close attention to the duration of interruptions in the delivery of chest compressions when using POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stateless and stateful implementations of faithful execution

DOEpatents

Pierson, Lyndon G; Witzke, Edward L; Tarman, Thomas D; Robertson, Perry J; Eldridge, John M; Campbell, Philip L

2014-12-16

A faithful execution system includes system memory, a target processor, and protection engine. The system memory stores a ciphertext including value fields and integrity fields. The value fields each include an encrypted executable instruction and the integrity fields each include an encrypted integrity value for determining whether a corresponding one of the value fields has been modified. The target processor executes plaintext instructions decoded from the ciphertext while the protection engine is coupled between the system memory and the target processor. The protection engine includes logic to retrieve the ciphertext from the system memory, decrypt the value fields into the plaintext instructions, perform an integrity check based on the integrity fields to determine whether any of the corresponding value fields have been modified, and provide the plaintext instructions to the target processor for execution.

Electric field distribution and current emission in a miniaturized geometrical diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jinpu; Wong, Patrick Y.; Yang, Penglu; Lau, Y. Y.; Tang, W.; Zhang, Peng

2017-06-01

We study the electric field distribution and current emission in a miniaturized geometrical diode. Using Schwarz-Christoffel transformation, we calculate exactly the electric field inside a finite vacuum cathode-anode (A-K) gap with a single trapezoid protrusion on one of the electrode surfaces. It is found that there is a strong field enhancement on both electrodes near the protrusion, when the ratio of the A-K gap distance to the protrusion height d /h <2. The calculations are spot checked against COMSOL simulations. We calculate the effective field enhancement factor for the field emission current, by integrating the local Fowler-Nordheim current density along the electrode surfaces. We systematically examine the electric field enhancement and the current rectification of the miniaturized geometrical diode for various geometric dimensions and applied electric fields.

40 CFR 243.202-3 - Recommended procedures: Operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Recommended procedures: Operations. 243.202-3 Section 243.202-3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... receive periodic vehicle safety checks, including, but not limited to, inspection of brakes, windshield...

40 CFR 243.202-3 - Recommended procedures: Operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Recommended procedures: Operations. 243.202-3 Section 243.202-3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... receive periodic vehicle safety checks, including, but not limited to, inspection of brakes, windshield...

40 CFR 243.202-3 - Recommended procedures: Operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Recommended procedures: Operations. 243.202-3 Section 243.202-3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... receive periodic vehicle safety checks, including, but not limited to, inspection of brakes, windshield...

40 CFR 243.202-3 - Recommended procedures: Operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Recommended procedures: Operations. 243.202-3 Section 243.202-3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... receive periodic vehicle safety checks, including, but not limited to, inspection of brakes, windshield...

Views and experiences of the NHS Health Check provided by general medical practices: cross-sectional survey in high-risk patients.

PubMed

Krska, Janet; du Plessis, Ruth; Chellaswamy, Hannah

2015-06-01

Since the NHS Health Check programme was initiated in 2009, no survey has sought patients' views of Checks provided by GP practices and few studies have reported views of the wider public. This study sought the views and experiences of patients with potentially high-cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Cross-sectional postal survey of all the patients with an actual or estimated CVD risk score of at least 20% over 10 years, registered with 16 general practices in Sefton, North West England, with no follow-up. The response rate was 23.4% (644/2958), 67.4% had attended and 73.8% of those not yet invited indicated willingness to attend. Both groups had positive views towards Health Checks, but more non-attenders agreed these should only be performed by doctors. Attenders had better self-reported health and healthy lifestyle than non-attenders. Overall 86.6% of attenders recalled receiving one or more pieces of lifestyle advice and 71.0% claimed to have made at least one lifestyle change; however, perception and understanding of CVD risk appeared limited. Both attenders and non-attenders had positive views towards NHS Health Checks in general practice and resultant self-reported lifestyle change in attenders was high. Clearer written information and explanation of personal CVD risk are required. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Identifying professionals' needs in integrating electronic pain monitoring in community palliative care services: An interview study.

PubMed

Taylor, Sally; Allsop, Matthew J; Bekker, Hilary L; Bennett, Michael I; Bewick, Bridgette M

2017-07-01

Poor pain assessment is a barrier to effective pain control. There is growing interest internationally in the development and implementation of remote monitoring technologies to enhance assessment in cancer and chronic disease contexts. Findings describe the development and testing of pain monitoring systems, but research identifying the needs of health professionals to implement routine monitoring systems within clinical practice is limited. To inform the development and implementation strategy of an electronic pain monitoring system, PainCheck, by understanding palliative care professionals' needs when integrating PainCheck into routine clinical practice. Qualitative study using face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis Setting/participants: Purposive sample of health professionals managing the palliative care of patients living in the community Results: A total of 15 interviews with health professionals took place. Three meta-themes emerged from the data: (1) uncertainties about integration of PainCheck and changes to current practice, (2) appraisal of current practice and (3) pain management is everybody's responsibility Conclusion: Even the most sceptical of health professionals could see the potential benefits of implementing an electronic patient-reported pain monitoring system. Health professionals have reservations about how PainCheck would work in practice. For optimal use, PainCheck needs embedding within existing electronic health records. Electronic pain monitoring systems have the potential to enable professionals to support patients' pain management more effectively but only when barriers to implementation are appropriately identified and addressed.

Unbiased analysis of geomagnetic data sets and comparison of historical data with paleomagnetic and archeomagnetic records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arneitz, Patrick; Egli, Ramon; Leonhardt, Roman

2017-03-01

Reconstructions of the past geomagnetic field provide fundamental constraints for understanding the dynamics of the Earth's interior, as well as serving as basis for magnetostratigraphic and archeomagnetic dating tools. Such reconstructions, when extending over epochs that precede the advent of instrumental measurements, rely exclusively on magnetic records from archeological artifacts, and, further in the past, from rocks and sediments. The most critical component of such indirect records is field intensity because of possible biases introduced by material properties and by laboratory protocols, which do not reproduce exactly the original field recording conditions. Large biases are usually avoided by the use of appropriate checking procedures; however, smaller ones can remain undetected in individual studies and might significantly affect field reconstructions. We introduce a new general approach for analyzing geomagnetic databases in order to investigate the reliability of indirect records. This approach is based on the comparison of historical records with archeomagnetic and volcanic data, considering temporal and spatial mismatches with adequate weighting functions and error estimation. A good overall agreement is found between indirect records and historical measurements, while for several subsets systematic bias is detected (e.g., inclination shallowing of lava records). We also demonstrate that simple approaches to analyzing highly inhomogeneous and internally correlated paleomagnetic data sets can lead to incorrect conclusions about the efficiency of quality checks and corrections. Consistent criteria for selecting and weighting data are presented in this review and can be used to improve current geomagnetic field modeling techniques.

Building Condition and Suitability Evaluation Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MGT of America, Inc., Tallahassee, FL.

This educational facility evaluation manual contains the overall building condition rating form and the supporting check sheets which have been field tested in several states and, where appropriate, modified for use in the Idaho School Facilities Needs Assessment. The exterior building condition form examines the foundation, structure, walls,…

CTEPP STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING COMPLETED DATA FORMS (SOP-4.10)

EPA Science Inventory

This SOP describes the methods for processing completed data forms. Key components of the SOP include (1) field editing, (2) data form Chain-of-Custody, (3) data processing verification, (4) coding, (5) data entry, (6) programming checks, (7) preparation of data dictionaries, cod...

20 CFR 653.503 - Field checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... of agricultural worksites to which JS placements have been made through the intrastate or interstate.... Both the employees and the employer shall be consulted, and JS shall determine and document whether wages, hours, working and housing conditions are as specified in job orders. JS staff shall keep records...

Replication and robustness in developmental research.

PubMed

Duncan, Greg J; Engel, Mimi; Claessens, Amy; Dowsett, Chantelle J

2014-11-01

Replications and robustness checks are key elements of the scientific method and a staple in many disciplines. However, leading journals in developmental psychology rarely include explicit replications of prior research conducted by different investigators, and few require authors to establish in their articles or online appendices that their key results are robust across estimation methods, data sets, and demographic subgroups. This article makes the case for prioritizing both explicit replications and, especially, within-study robustness checks in developmental psychology. It provides evidence on variation in effect sizes in developmental studies and documents strikingly different replication and robustness-checking practices in a sample of journals in developmental psychology and a sister behavioral science-applied economics. Our goal is not to show that any one behavioral science has a monopoly on best practices, but rather to show how journals from a related discipline address vital concerns of replication and generalizability shared by all social and behavioral sciences. We provide recommendations for promoting graduate training in replication and robustness-checking methods and for editorial policies that encourage these practices. Although some of our recommendations may shift the form and substance of developmental research articles, we argue that they would generate considerable scientific benefits for the field. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

The Z1 truss is moved to check weight and balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, photographers focus on the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an element of the International Space Station, suspended by a crane overhead. The truss is being moved to another stand to check its weight and balance. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 trusses that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. The launch will be the 100th in the Shuttle program.

Entanglement entropy in Galilean conformal field theories and flat holography.

PubMed

Bagchi, Arjun; Basu, Rudranil; Grumiller, Daniel; Riegler, Max

2015-03-20

We present the analytical calculation of entanglement entropy for a class of two-dimensional field theories governed by the symmetries of the Galilean conformal algebra, thus providing a rare example of such an exact computation. These field theories are the putative holographic duals to theories of gravity in three-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetimes. We provide a check of our field theory answers by an analysis of geodesics. We also exploit the Chern-Simons formulation of three-dimensional gravity and adapt recent proposals of calculating entanglement entropy by Wilson lines in this context to find an independent confirmation of our results from holography.

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

George, Damien P.; Mooij, Sander; Postma, Marieke, E-mail: dpg39@cam.ac.uk, E-mail: sander.mooij@ing.uchile.cl, E-mail: mpostma@nikhef.nl

We compute the one-loop renormalization group equations for Standard Model Higgs inflation. The calculation is done in the Einstein frame, using a covariant formalism for the multi-field system. All counterterms, and thus the betafunctions, can be extracted from the radiative corrections to the two-point functions; the calculation of higher n-point functions then serves as a consistency check of the approach. We find that the theory is renormalizable in the effective field theory sense in the small, mid and large field regime. In the large field regime our results differ slightly from those found in the literature, due to a differentmore » treatment of the Goldstone bosons.« less

Field Accuracy Test of Rpas Photogrammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, P.; Coakley, R.

2013-08-01

Baseline Surveys Ltd is a company which specialises in the supply of accurate geospatial data, such as cadastral, topographic and engineering survey data to commercial and government bodies. Baseline Surveys Ltd invested in aerial drone photogrammetric technology and had a requirement to establish the spatial accuracy of the geographic data derived from our unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry before marketing our new aerial mapping service. Having supplied the construction industry with survey data for over 20 years, we felt that is was crucial for our clients to clearly understand the accuracy of our photogrammetry so they can safely make informed spatial decisions, within the known accuracy limitations of our data. This information would also inform us on how and where UAV photogrammetry can be utilised. What we wanted to find out was the actual accuracy that can be reliably achieved using a UAV to collect data under field conditions throughout a 2 Ha site. We flew a UAV over the test area in a "lawnmower track" pattern with an 80% front and 80% side overlap; we placed 45 ground markers as check points and surveyed them in using network Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS). We specifically designed the ground markers to meet our accuracy needs. We established 10 separate ground markers as control points and inputted these into our photo modelling software, Agisoft PhotoScan. The remaining GPS coordinated check point data were added later in ArcMap to the completed orthomosaic and digital elevation model so we could accurately compare the UAV photogrammetry XYZ data with the RTK GPS XYZ data at highly reliable common points. The accuracy we achieved throughout the 45 check points was 95% reliably within 41 mm horizontally and 68 mm vertically and with an 11.7 mm ground sample distance taken from a flight altitude above ground level of 90 m.The area covered by one image was 70.2 m × 46.4 m, which equals 0.325 Ha. This finding has shown that XYZ data derived from UAV photogrammetry has a similar practical accuracy to RTK GPS, which is commonly used for cadastral, topographic and engineering survey work. This means that UAV photogrammetry can, for the most part, replace GPS surveying as the main method of data capture for engineering projects, boundary mapping and topographical surveying. Aerial Photogrammetry, in conjunction with RTK GPS, can now be used for projects with a 1:200 map scale accuracy requirement.

Endotracheal cuff pressure changes with change in position in neurosurgical patients.

PubMed

Athiraman, UmeshKumar; Gupta, Rohit; Singh, Georgene

2015-01-01

Placement of a cuffed endotracheal tube for the administration of general anesthesia is routine. The cuff of the endotracheal tube is inflated with air to achieve an adequate seal to prevent micro-aspiration. Over inflation of the cuff can decrease the mucosal perfusion, leading to pressure necrosis and nerve palsies. Inadequate seal can lead to micro aspiration. So the cuff pressure has to be monitored and kept within the prescribed limits of 20-30 cms of water. To observe the effect of different positions on the endotracheal cuff pressure in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. This is an observational study conducted on 70 patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures in various positions. After intubation, the cuff pressure was checked with a cuff pressure manometer, Endotest (Teleflex Medical, Rush) and adjusted to be within the allowable pressure limits as is the routine practice. The cuff pressure was checked again at three time points after achieving the final position with the head on pins, at the end of the procedure and before extubation. Various factors such as the age, position, duration of surgery were studied. There were no major complications like aspiration, stridor or hoarseness of voice post extubation in any of the patients. A significant decline in the cuff pressures were noted from the initial supine position to extubation (P < .001) in the supine group. Also a significant decline in the cuff pressures were found in the prone group from their initial intubated supine position to all the other three corresponding time points namely after final positioning (P < .001), at the end of the procedure (P < .001) and before extubation (P < .001). Cuff pressure has to be checked after achieving the final positioning of the patient and adjusted to the prescribed limits to prevent micro aspiration.

Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 3-2-045 Small Arms - Hand and Shoulder Weapons and Machine Guns

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-17

often referred to as “field strip and clean”). More detailed maintenance will be done as needed. All maintenance actions will be recorded. TOP...of weapon after complete disassembly. (3) Dismounting of the operating parts and magazine or feeder (field strip ). (4) Assembly of...optical or laser ) as necessary to check alignment to the target aiming point if the weapon is not equipped with sights. For weapons capable of

Model selection and assessment for multi­-species occupancy models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Broms, Kristin M.; Hooten, Mevin B.; Fitzpatrick, Ryan M.

2016-01-01

While multi-species occupancy models (MSOMs) are emerging as a popular method for analyzing biodiversity data, formal checking and validation approaches for this class of models have lagged behind. Concurrent with the rise in application of MSOMs among ecologists, a quiet regime shift is occurring in Bayesian statistics where predictive model comparison approaches are experiencing a resurgence. Unlike single-species occupancy models that use integrated likelihoods, MSOMs are usually couched in a Bayesian framework and contain multiple levels. Standard model checking and selection methods are often unreliable in this setting and there is only limited guidance in the ecological literature for this class of models. We examined several different contemporary Bayesian hierarchical approaches for checking and validating MSOMs and applied these methods to a freshwater aquatic study system in Colorado, USA, to better understand the diversity and distributions of plains fishes. Our findings indicated distinct differences among model selection approaches, with cross-validation techniques performing the best in terms of prediction.

40 CFR 243.202-3 - Recommended procedures: Operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2012-07-01 2011-07-01 true Recommended procedures: Operations. 243.202-3 Section 243.202-3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID... receive periodic vehicle safety checks, including, but not limited to, inspection of brakes, windshield...

Applicator Training Manual for: Aerial Application of Pesticides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Overhults, Douglas G.

This training manual discusses both the advantages and limitations of aerial application of pesticides. Other topics included are: agricultural aircraft equipment, dispersal accessories, drift control, calibration, spray testing, granular materials testing, operations, and personal safety. Safety check lists are given for pilots, ground crew, and…

Net Weight Issue LLNL DOE-STD-3013 Containers

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

Wilk, P

2008-01-16

The following position paper will describe DOE-STD-3013 container sets No.L000072 and No.L000076, and how they are compliant with DOE-STD-3013-2004. All masses of accountable nuclear materials are measured on LLNL certified balances maintained under an MC&A Program approved by DOE/NNSA LSO. All accountability balances are recalibrated annually and checked to be within calibration on each day that the balance is used for accountability purposes. A statistical analysis of the historical calibration checks from the last seven years indicates that the full-range Limit of Error (LoE, 95% confidence level) for the balance used to measure the mass of the contents of themore » above indicated 3013 containers is 0.185 g. If this error envelope, at the 95% confidence level, were to be used to generate an upper-limit to the measured weight of the containers No.L000072 and No.L000076, the error-envelope would extend beyond the 5.0 kg 3013-standard limit on the package contents by less than 0.3 g. However, this is still well within the intended safety bounds of DOE-STD-3013-2004.« less

Options and limits of quantitative and qualitative online-monitoring of industrial discharges into municipal sewage systems.

PubMed

Hoppe, H; Messmann, S; Giga, A; Grüning, H

2009-01-01

In some cities, industrial enterprises' discharges into municipal sewage systems have a major impact on the quantity and quality of inflows to the municipal treatment plants. In many cases, industrial discharges stand out on account of the great fluctuations in their volumetric rates of flow, pollution loads and temperatures. As a result, these discharges put a great strain on the sewage system, the treatment plant, and ultimately the receiving waters. The enterprises concerned have to pay the treatment plant operators fees based on the load and/or volume discharged. In most cases, qualitative monitoring operations merely consist of spot checks. This means that continuously surveillance is not possible and infringements of the permissible limit values are only discovered by accident. If impermissible discharges are carried out that may be susceptible to causing a treatment plant failure, the rapid initiation of countermeasures is not possible. Hence, spectrometer probes and mobile flowmeters were used in order to determine volumetric rates of flow, COD concentrations, and ultimately the loads discharged. The possibilities for, and limits to, online monitoring as well as shortcomings of spot-checks are discussed in the course of this paper, which also includes an uncertainty analysis.

Professional Identity of an Early Childhood Black Teacher in a Predominantly White School: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Khatib, Amal J.; Lash, Martha J.

2017-01-01

This qualitative case study investigated the role of race, school context, and personal and professional experiences in the formation of an early childhood minority teacher's professional identity. Data sources included interviews, observations, conversations, field notes and school artefacts. Member checking, triangulation and extended…

50 CFR 32.50 - New Mexico.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... State seasons and regulations. 2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see... 21 or older. Each adult companion can supervise no more than one youth hunter. We issue one adult... youth hunters only one legally harvested bearded Rio Grande turkey per hunt. 16. Hunters must check out...

SU-E-T-361: Energy Dependent Radiation/light-Field Misalignment On Truebeam Linear Accelerator

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

Sperling, N; Tanny, S; Parsai, E

2015-06-15

Purpose: Verifying the co-incidence of the radiation and light field is recommended by TG-142 for monthly and annual checks. On a digital accelerator, it is simple to verify that beam steering settings are consistent with accepted and commissioned values. This fact should allow for physicists to verify radiation-light-field co-incidence for a single energy and accept that Result for all energies. We present a case where the radiation isocenter deviated for a single energy without any apparent modification to the beam steering parameters. Methods: The radiation isocenter was determined using multiple Methods: Gafchromic film, a BB test, and radiation profiles measuredmore » with a diode. Light-field borders were marked on Gafchromic film and then irradiated for all photon energies. Images of acceptance films were compared with films taken four months later. A phantom with a radio-opaque BB was aligned to isocenter using the light-field and imaged using the EPID for all photon energies. An unshielded diode was aligned using the crosshairs and then beam profiles of multiple field sizes were obtained. Field centers were determined using Omni-Pro v7.4 software, and compared to similar scans taken during commissioning. Beam steering parameter files were checked against backups to determine that the steering parameters were unchanged. Results: There were no differences between the configuration files from acceptance. All three tests demonstrated that a single energy had deviated from accepted values by 0.8 mm in the inline direction. The other two energies remained consistent with previous measurements. The deviated energy was re-steered to be within our clinical tolerance. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that radiation-light-field coincidence is an energy dependent effect for modern linacs. We recommend that radiation-light-field coincidence be verified for all energies on a monthly basis, particularly for modes used to treat small fields, as these may drift without influencing results from other tests.« less

SU-F-T-560: Measurement of Dose Blurring Effect Due to Respiratory Motion for Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Using Monte Carlo Based Calculation Algorithm

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

Badkul, R; Pokhrel, D; Jiang, H

2016-06-15

Purpose: Intra-fractional tumor motion due to respiration may potentially compromise dose delivery for SBRT of lung tumors. Even sufficient margins are used to ensure there is no geometric miss of target volume, there is potential dose blurring effect may present due to motion and could impact the tumor coverage if motions are larger. In this study we investigated dose blurring effect of open fields as well as Lung SBRT patients planned using 2 non-coplanar dynamic conformal arcs(NCDCA) and few conformal beams(CB) calculated with Monte Carlo (MC) based algorithm utilizing phantom with 2D-diode array(MapCheck) and ion-chamber. Methods: SBRT lung patients weremore » planned on Brainlab-iPlan system using 4D-CT scan and ITV were contoured on MIP image set and verified on all breathing phase image sets to account for breathing motion and then 5mm margin was applied to generate PTV. Plans were created using two NCDCA and 4-5 CB 6MV photon calculated using XVMC MC-algorithm. 3 SBRT patients plans were transferred to phantom with MapCheck and 0.125cc ion-chamber inserted in the middle of phantom to calculate dose. Also open field 3×3, 5×5 and 10×10 were calculated on this phantom. Phantom was placed on motion platform with varying motion from 5, 10, 20 and 30 mm with duty cycle of 4 second. Measurements were carried out for open fields as well 3 patients plans at static and various degree of motions. MapCheck planar dose and ion-chamber reading were collected and compared with static measurements and computed values to evaluate the dosimetric effect on tumor coverage due to motion. Results: To eliminate complexity of patients plan 3 simple open fields were also measured to see the dose blurring effect with the introduction of motion. All motion measured ionchamber values were normalized to corresponding static value. For open fields 5×5 and 10×10 normalized central axis ion-chamber values were 1.00 for all motions but for 3×3 they were 1 up to 10mm motion and 0.97 and 0.87 for 20 and 30mm motion respectively. For SBRT plans central axis dose values were within 1% upto 10mm motions but decreased to average of 5% for 20mm and 8% for 30mm motion. Mapcheck comparison with static showed penumbra enlargement due to motion blurring at the edges of the field for 3×3,5×5,10×10 pass rates were 88% to 12%, 100% to 43% and 100% to 63% respectively as motion increased from 5 to 30mm. For SBRT plans MapCheck mean pass rate were decreased from 73.8% to 39.5% as motion increased from 5mm to 30mm. Conclusion: Dose blurring effect has been seen in open fields as well as SBRT lung plans using NCDCA with CB which worsens with increasing respiratory motion and decreasing field size(tumor size). To reduce this effect larger margins and appropriate motion reduction techniques should be utilized.« less

Geomorphological and ecological effects of check dams in mountain torrents of Southern Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zema, Demetrio Antonio; Bombino, Giuseppe; Denisi, Pietro; Tamburino, Vincenzo; Marcello Zimbone, Santo

2017-04-01

It is known that installation of check dams noticeably influences torrent morphology and ecology. However, the effects of check dams on channel section and riparian vegetation of torrents are not yet completely understood. This paper provides a further contribution to a better comprehension of the actions played by check dams on hydrological and geomorphological processes in headwaters and their effects on riparian ecosystem. Field surveys on channel morphology, bed material and riparian vegetation were carried out close to five check dams in each of four mountain reaches of Calabria (Southern Italy). For each check dam three transects (one upstream, one downstream and one far from the check dam, located in the undisturbed zone and adopted as control) were identified; at each transect, a set of geomorphological and ecological indicators were surveyed as follows. Channel section morphology was assessed by the width/depth ratio (w/d); the median particle size (D50) and the finer sediment fraction (%fines) were chosen to characterize channel bed material; the specific discharge (q, the discharge per channel unit width) was assumed as measure of the flow regime. Vegetation cover and structure were evaluated by Global Canopy Cover (GCC) and Weighted Canopy Height (WCH) respectively (Bombino et al., 2008); the index of alpha-diversity (H-alpha, Hill, 1973) and the ratio between the number of alien species and the number of native species (NSA/NSN) were chosen as indicators of species richness/abundance and degree of vegetation integrity, respectively. Compared to the control transects, the values of w/d were higher upstream of check dams and lower downstream; conversely, q was lower upstream and higher in downstream sites. Upstream of the check dams D50 of bed material was lower and %fines was higher compared to the control transects; vice versa, the downstream transects showed higher D50 and lower %fines. The differences in the riparian vegetation among transects were found as the torrent ecological response to the strong contrasts surveyed in hydrological (q) and geomorphological (w/d, D50 and %fines) characteristics. Compared to control transects, vegetation was more extensive (higher GCC) and developed (higher WCH) in the upstream zones; the reverse pattern was noticed in the downstream transects (lower GCC and WCH). The indexes H-alpha and NSA/NSN were higher upstream of check dams: the presence of the check dams induced higher species richness and evenness, with alien species prevailing over native ones in the sedimentation wedge. Conversely, downstream of check dams H-alpha and NSA/NSN were lower: here, riparian vegetation lost some herbaceous species and assumed a terrestrial character. Overall, this study confirms on a quantitative approach that check dams have far reaching effects on geomorphology and ecology of mountain torrent channels; as a consequence, important and complex changes occur not only in the extent and development of riparian vegetation, but also in the species diversity and distribution. REFERENCES - Bombino G., Gurnell A.M., Tamburino V., Zema D.A., Zimbone S.M. 2008. Sediment size variation in torrents with check-dams: effects on riparian vegetation. Ecological Engineering 32(2), 166-177. - Hill MO. 1973. Diversity and evenness: a unifying notation and its consequences. Ecology 54: 427-431.

Suprathreshold contrast summation over area using drifting gratings.

PubMed

McDougall, Thomas J; Dickinson, J Edwin; Badcock, David R

2018-04-01

This study investigated contrast summation over area for moving targets applied to a fixed-size contrast pedestal-a technique originally developed by Meese and Summers (2007) to demonstrate strong spatial summation of contrast for static patterns at suprathreshold contrast levels. Target contrast increments (drifting gratings) were applied to either the entire 20% contrast pedestal (a full fixed-size drifting grating), or in the configuration of a checkerboard pattern in which the target increment was applied to every alternate check region. These checked stimuli are known as "Battenberg patterns" and the sizes of the checks were varied (within a fixed overall area), across conditions, to measure summation behavior. Results showed that sensitivity to an increment covering the full pedestal was significantly higher than that for the Battenberg patterns (areal summation). Two observers showed strong summation across all check sizes (0.71°-3.33°), and for two other observers the summation ratio dropped to levels consistent with probability summation once check size reached 2.00°. Therefore, areal summation with moving targets does operate at high contrast, and is subserved by relatively large receptive fields covering a square area extending up to at least 3.33° × 3.33° for some observers. Previous studies in which the spatial structure of the pedestal and target covaried were unable to demonstrate spatial summation, potentially due to increasing amounts of suppression from gain-control mechanisms which increases as pedestal size increases. This study shows that when this is controlled, by keeping the pedestal the same across all conditions, extensive summation can be demonstrated.

A risk analysis approach applied to field surveillance in utility meters in legal metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues Filho, B. A.; Nonato, N. S.; Carvalho, A. D.

2018-03-01

Field surveillance represents the level of control in metrological supervision responsible for checking the conformity of measuring instruments in-service. Utility meters represent the majority of measuring instruments produced by notified bodies due to self-verification in Brazil. They play a major role in the economy once electricity, gas and water are the main inputs to industries in their production processes. Then, to optimize the resources allocated to control these devices, the present study applied a risk analysis in order to identify among the 11 manufacturers notified to self-verification, the instruments that demand field surveillance.

Anomalous optical scattering from intersecting fine particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paley, Alina V.; Radchik, Alex V.; Smith, Geoffrey B.

1995-09-01

There are many areas of science and technology where the scattering of electromagnetic waves by clusters or merging particles are of interest. The merging particles under study might be inclusions in high-density composites, liquid drops, biological cells, macroscopic ceramic particles, etc. As intersecting particles are bounded by a complex physical surface, the problem of scattering from these particles valid for any degree of merging, including touching, and for arbitrary materials of the constituents, has received limited attention. Here we present solutions which are valid and exact in the long wavelength limit compared with the size of intersecting spherical particles and cardioidal particles of similar dimensions. Both shapes are almost coincident everywhere except in the region of intersection. We treat the case when the waves are polarized along the common axis (longitudinal field). The solutions of Laplace's equation are integrals (spheres) or sums (cardioids) over continuous or discrete eigenvalue spectra respectively. The spectral dependencies of the resulting extinction coefficients and the scattering for the spherical and cardioidal particles are quite distinct. There is an enormous difference in the magnitude of absorption responses. Overall the cardioidal particle behaves as if it is almost invisible in terms of effects on the external field for a very broad band of optical frequencies. THe latter result was checked for a number of dielectric permittivities and seems to be universal. It scatters far more weakly than the isolated sphere. In constrast the intersecting sphere has an extinction band which is broad and is much enhanced at longer wavelegnths relative to the simple sphere. This result has significant implications for the design of surfaces with minimum scattering.

Developing a framework of service convenience in health care: An exploratory study for a primary care provider.

PubMed

Tuzovic, Sven; Kuppelwieser, Volker

2016-01-01

From retail health clinics and online appointment scheduling to (mobile) kiosks that enable patient check-in and automate the collection of copays and open balances, convenience has become an important topic in the health care sector over the last few years. While service convenience has also gained much interest in academia, one common limitation is that authors have adopted a "goods-centered" perspective focusing primarily on retail settings. Results of this exploratory study reveal that health care service convenience encompasses seven different dimensions: decision, access, scheduling, registration and check-in, transaction, care delivery, and postconsultation convenience. Implications and future research suggestions are discussed.

78 FR 58973 - Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-25

... 2000EX type design are included in Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000EX (F2000EX) Aircraft Maintenance Manual... numbers. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/ Maintenance Checks... to introduce a corrosion prevention control program, among other changes, to the maintenance...

Searching for a Free Press in Indian Country.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benton, Sherrole

1994-01-01

Describes the tribally controlled media's efforts to provide a form of checks and balances against the tribal council on behalf of the tribal community. Examines the issue of freedom of the tribal press, suggesting that tribal council's control of press's operating funds may limit press freedom. (MAB)

Good Sense With Our Dollars.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Sarah

A booklet for limited English speakers on money management provides information on savings accounts, checking accounts, choosing a bank, and the basics of budgeting. Cartoons, questions about the message in cartoons and narrative passages, checklists on things to consider, and the phonetic pronunciation of key words are presented. Specific topics…

14 CFR 91.1095 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting flight instruction. (4) Proper evaluation of student... unsatisfactory training progress. (6) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the... instructor certificate— (i) The fundamental principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching...

14 CFR 91.1095 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting flight instruction. (4) Proper evaluation of student... unsatisfactory training progress. (6) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the... instructor certificate— (i) The fundamental principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching...

14 CFR 91.1095 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting flight instruction. (4) Proper evaluation of student... unsatisfactory training progress. (6) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the... instructor certificate— (i) The fundamental principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching...

14 CFR 91.1095 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting flight instruction. (4) Proper evaluation of student... unsatisfactory training progress. (6) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the... instructor certificate— (i) The fundamental principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching...

40 CFR Table 2 to Subpart Sssss of... - Operating Limits

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... hour) at or below the maximum organic HAP processing rate established during the most recent... allowable operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test. 6... operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test; and b. Check the...

40 CFR Table 2 to Subpart Sssss of... - Operating Limits

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... hour) at or below the maximum organic HAP processing rate established during the most recent... allowable operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test. 6... operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test; and b. Check the...

40 CFR Table 2 to Subpart Sssss of... - Operating Limits

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... hour) at or below the maximum organic HAP processing rate established during the most recent... allowable operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test. 6... operating temperature for the oxidizer established during the most recent performance test; and b. Check the...

Top-down and bottom-up competition in visual stimuli processing.

PubMed

Ligeza, Tomasz S; Tymorek, Agnieszka D; Wyczesany, Mirosław

2017-01-01

Limited attention capacity results that not all the stimuli present in the visual field are equally processed. While processing of salient stimuli is automatically boosted by bottom‑up attention, processing of task‑relevant stimuli can be boosted volitionally by top‑down attention. Usually, both top‑down and bottom‑up influences are present simultaneously, which creates a competition between these two types of attention. We examined this competition using both behavioral and electrophysiological measures. Participants responded to letters superimposed on background pictures. We assumed that responding to different conditions of the letter task engages top‑down attention to different extent, whereas processing of background pictures of varying salience engages bottom‑up attention to different extent. To check how manipulation of top‑down attention influences bottom‑up processing, we measured evoked response potentials (ERPs) in response to pictures (engaging mostly bottom‑up attention) during three conditions of a letter task (different levels of top‑down engagement). Conversely, to check how manipulation of bottom‑up attention influences top‑down processing, we measured ERP responses for letters (engaging mostly top‑down attention) while manipulating the salience of background pictures (different levels of bottom‑up engagement). The correctness and reaction times in response to letters were also analyzed. As expected, most of the ERPs and behavioral measures revealed a trade‑off between both types of processing: a decrease of bottom‑up processing was associated with an increase of top‑down processing and, similarly, a decrease of top‑down processing was associated with an increase in bottom‑up processing. Results proved competition between the two types of attentions.

Development of a 2 MHz Sonar Sensor for Inspection of Bridge Substructures.

PubMed

Park, Chul; Kim, Youngseok; Lee, Heungsu; Choi, Sangsik; Jung, Haewook

2018-04-16

Hydraulic factors account for a large part of the causes of bridge collapse. Due to the nature of the underwater environment, quick and accurate inspection is required when damage occurs. In this study, we developed a 2 MHz side scan sonar sensor module and effective operation technique by improving the limitations of existing sonar. Through field tests, we analyzed the correlation of factors affecting the resolution of the sonar data such as the angle of survey, the distance from the underwater structure and the water depth. The effect of the distance and the water depth and the structure on the survey angle was 66~82%. We also derived the relationship between these factors as a regression model for effective operating techniques. It is considered that application of the developed 2 MHz side scan sonar and its operation method could contribute to prevention of bridge collapses and disasters by quickly and accurately checking the damage of bridge substructures due to hydraulic factors.

Development of a 2 MHz Sonar Sensor for Inspection of Bridge Substructures

PubMed Central

Park, Chul; Lee, Heungsu; Choi, Sangsik; Jung, Haewook

2018-01-01

Hydraulic factors account for a large part of the causes of bridge collapse. Due to the nature of the underwater environment, quick and accurate inspection is required when damage occurs. In this study, we developed a 2 MHz side scan sonar sensor module and effective operation technique by improving the limitations of existing sonar. Through field tests, we analyzed the correlation of factors affecting the resolution of the sonar data such as the angle of survey, the distance from the underwater structure and the water depth. The effect of the distance and the water depth and the structure on the survey angle was 66~82%. We also derived the relationship between these factors as a regression model for effective operating techniques. It is considered that application of the developed 2 MHz side scan sonar and its operation method could contribute to prevention of bridge collapses and disasters by quickly and accurately checking the damage of bridge substructures due to hydraulic factors. PMID:29659557

An Evaluation Method for PV Systems by using Limited Data Item

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oozeki, Takashi; Izawa, Toshiyasu; Otani, Kenji; Tsuzuku, Ken; Koike, Hisafumi; Kurokawa, Kosuke

Beside photovoltaic (PV) systems are recently expected to introduce around Japan, almost all of them have not been taken care after established since PV systems are called maintenance free. In fact, there are few troubles about PV operations behind owners of PV systems because characteristics of them cannot be identified completely such as the ideal output energy. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the characteristics of them. For evaluating them, equipments of measuring are required, and they, especially Pyrheliometer, are expensive as much as owners of the PV system cannot equip usually. Consequently, An evaluation method which can reveal the performance of operation such as the performance ratio with a very few kinds of data is necessary. In this paper, proposed method can evaluate performance ratio, shading losses, inverter efficiency losses by using only system output data items. The adequacies of the method are indicated by comparing with actual data and field survey results. As a result, the method is intended to be checking tool of PV system performance.

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

Wannamaker, Philip E.

We have developed an algorithm for the inversion of magnetotelluric (MT) data to a 3D earth resistivity model based upon the finite element method. Hexahedral edge finite elements are implemented to accommodate discontinuities in the electric field across resistivity boundaries, and to accurately simulate topographic variations. All matrices are reduced and solved using direct solution modules which avoids ill-conditioning endemic to iterative solvers such as conjugate gradients, principally PARDISO for the finite element system and PLASMA for the parameter step estimate. Large model parameterizations can be handled by transforming the Gauss-Newton estimator to data-space form. Accuracy of the forward problemmore » and jacobians has been checked by comparison to integral equations results and by limiting asymptotes. Inverse accuracy and performance has been verified against the public Dublin Secret Test Model 2 and the well-known Mount St Helens 3D MT data set. This algorithm we believe is the most capable yet for forming 3D images of earth resistivity structure and their implications for geothermal fluids and pathways.« less

Lidar/DIAL detection of bomb factories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiorani, Luca; Puiu, Adriana; Rosa, Olga; Palucci, Antonio

2013-10-01

One of the aims of the project BONAS (BOmb factory detection by Networks of Advanced Sensors) is to develop a lidar/DIAL (differential absorption lidar) to detect precursors employed in the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). At first, a spectroscopic study has been carried out: the infrared (IR) gas phase spectrum of acetone, one of the more important IED precursors, has been procured from available databases and checked with cell measurements. Then, the feasibility of a lidar/DIAL for the detection of acetone vapors has been shown in laboratory, simulating the experimental conditions of a field campaign. Eventually, having in mind measurements in a real scenario, an interferent study has been performed, looking for all known compounds that share with acetone IR absorption in the spectral band selected for its detection. Possible interfering species were investigated, simulating both urban and industrial atmospheres and limits of acetone detection in both environments were identified. This study confirmed that a lidar/DIAL can detect low concentration of acetone at considerable distances.

A Swiss cheese error detection method for real-time EPID-based quality assurance and error prevention.

PubMed

Passarge, Michelle; Fix, Michael K; Manser, Peter; Stampanoni, Marco F M; Siebers, Jeffrey V

2017-04-01

To develop a robust and efficient process that detects relevant dose errors (dose errors of ≥5%) in external beam radiation therapy and directly indicates the origin of the error. The process is illustrated in the context of electronic portal imaging device (EPID)-based angle-resolved volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) quality assurance (QA), particularly as would be implemented in a real-time monitoring program. A Swiss cheese error detection (SCED) method was created as a paradigm for a cine EPID-based during-treatment QA. For VMAT, the method compares a treatment plan-based reference set of EPID images with images acquired over each 2° gantry angle interval. The process utilizes a sequence of independent consecutively executed error detection tests: an aperture check that verifies in-field radiation delivery and ensures no out-of-field radiation; output normalization checks at two different stages; global image alignment check to examine if rotation, scaling, and translation are within tolerances; pixel intensity check containing the standard gamma evaluation (3%, 3 mm) and pixel intensity deviation checks including and excluding high dose gradient regions. Tolerances for each check were determined. To test the SCED method, 12 different types of errors were selected to modify the original plan. A series of angle-resolved predicted EPID images were artificially generated for each test case, resulting in a sequence of precalculated frames for each modified treatment plan. The SCED method was applied multiple times for each test case to assess the ability to detect introduced plan variations. To compare the performance of the SCED process with that of a standard gamma analysis, both error detection methods were applied to the generated test cases with realistic noise variations. Averaged over ten test runs, 95.1% of all plan variations that resulted in relevant patient dose errors were detected within 2° and 100% within 14° (<4% of patient dose delivery). Including cases that led to slightly modified but clinically equivalent plans, 89.1% were detected by the SCED method within 2°. Based on the type of check that detected the error, determination of error sources was achieved. With noise ranging from no random noise to four times the established noise value, the averaged relevant dose error detection rate of the SCED method was between 94.0% and 95.8% and that of gamma between 82.8% and 89.8%. An EPID-frame-based error detection process for VMAT deliveries was successfully designed and tested via simulations. The SCED method was inspected for robustness with realistic noise variations, demonstrating that it has the potential to detect a large majority of relevant dose errors. Compared to a typical (3%, 3 mm) gamma analysis, the SCED method produced a higher detection rate for all introduced dose errors, identified errors in an earlier stage, displayed a higher robustness to noise variations, and indicated the error source. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

AZ-101 Mixer Pump Test Qualification Test Procedures (QTP)

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

THOMAS, W.K.

2000-01-10

Describes the Qualification test procedure for the AZ-101 Mixer Pump Data Acquisition System (DAS). The purpose of this Qualification Test Procedure (QTP) is to confirm that the AZ-101 Mixer Pump System has been properly programmed and hardware configured correctly. This QTP will test the software setpoints for the alarms and also check the wiring configuration from the SIMcart to the HMI. An Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP), similar to this QTP will be performed to test field devices and connections from the field.

SSC Geopositional Assessment of the Advanced Wide Field Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Kenton

2006-01-01

The geopositional accuracy of the standard geocorrected product from the Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) was evaluated using digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles and other reference sources of similar accuracy. Images were analyzed from summer 2004 through spring 2005. Forty to fifty check points were collected manually per scene and analyzed to determine overall circular error, estimates of horizontal bias, and other systematic errors. Measured errors were somewhat higher than the specifications for the data, but they were consistent with the analysis of the distributing vendor.

Pure field theories and MACSYMA algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ament, W. S.

1977-01-01

A pure field theory attempts to describe physical phenomena through singularity-free solutions of field equations resulting from an action principle. The physics goes into forming the action principle and interpreting specific results. Algorithms for the intervening mathematical steps are sketched. Vacuum general relativity is a pure field theory, serving as model and providing checks for generalizations. The fields of general relativity are the 10 components of a symmetric Riemannian metric tensor; those of the Einstein-Straus generalization are the 16 components of a nonsymmetric. Algebraic properties are exploited in top level MACSYMA commands toward performing some of the algorithms of that generalization. The light cone for the theory as left by Einstein and Straus is found and simplifications of that theory are discussed.

GLOBE Aerosol Field Campaign - U.S. Pilot Study 2016

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pippin, Margaret; Marentette, Christina; Bujosa, Robert; Taylor, Jessica; Lewis, Preston

2016-01-01

During the spring of 2016, from April 4 - May 27, sixteen GLOBE schools participated in the GLOBE Aerosol Field Campaign - U.S. Pilot Study. Thirteen teachers from these schools had previously participated in the NASA LEARN program (Long-term Experience in Authentic Research with NASA) where they were GLOBE trained in Atmosphere protocols, and engaged in 1-3 years of research under the mentorship of NASA scientists. Each school was loaned two aerosol instruments for the Campaign duration, either 2 GLOBE sun photometers, 2 Calitoo sun photometers, or 1 of each. This allowed for students to make measurements side-by-side and in the case of the Calitoos, to compare AOT results immediately with each other for better consistency in data collection. Additionally, as part of the Field Campaign evaluation, multiple instruments allow for an assessment of the ease of use of each instrument for grade level of students, whether in middle school or high school. Before the Campaign, all GLOBE and Calitoo instruments were 'checked out' against an AERONET, then checked again upon return after the Campaign. By examining all data, before, during and after the Campaign, this gives an indication of instrument performance and proficiency obtained by the students. Support was provided to each teacher and their students at the level requested, via email, phone or video conferencing.

CheckM: assessing the quality of microbial genomes recovered from isolates, single cells, and metagenomes

PubMed Central

Parks, Donovan H.; Imelfort, Michael; Skennerton, Connor T.; Hugenholtz, Philip; Tyson, Gene W.

2015-01-01

Large-scale recovery of genomes from isolates, single cells, and metagenomic data has been made possible by advances in computational methods and substantial reductions in sequencing costs. Although this increasing breadth of draft genomes is providing key information regarding the evolutionary and functional diversity of microbial life, it has become impractical to finish all available reference genomes. Making robust biological inferences from draft genomes requires accurate estimates of their completeness and contamination. Current methods for assessing genome quality are ad hoc and generally make use of a limited number of “marker” genes conserved across all bacterial or archaeal genomes. Here we introduce CheckM, an automated method for assessing the quality of a genome using a broader set of marker genes specific to the position of a genome within a reference genome tree and information about the collocation of these genes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CheckM using synthetic data and a wide range of isolate-, single-cell-, and metagenome-derived genomes. CheckM is shown to provide accurate estimates of genome completeness and contamination and to outperform existing approaches. Using CheckM, we identify a diverse range of errors currently impacting publicly available isolate genomes and demonstrate that genomes obtained from single cells and metagenomic data vary substantially in quality. In order to facilitate the use of draft genomes, we propose an objective measure of genome quality that can be used to select genomes suitable for specific gene- and genome-centric analyses of microbial communities. PMID:25977477

CheckM: assessing the quality of microbial genomes recovered from isolates, single cells, and metagenomes.

PubMed

Parks, Donovan H; Imelfort, Michael; Skennerton, Connor T; Hugenholtz, Philip; Tyson, Gene W

2015-07-01

Large-scale recovery of genomes from isolates, single cells, and metagenomic data has been made possible by advances in computational methods and substantial reductions in sequencing costs. Although this increasing breadth of draft genomes is providing key information regarding the evolutionary and functional diversity of microbial life, it has become impractical to finish all available reference genomes. Making robust biological inferences from draft genomes requires accurate estimates of their completeness and contamination. Current methods for assessing genome quality are ad hoc and generally make use of a limited number of "marker" genes conserved across all bacterial or archaeal genomes. Here we introduce CheckM, an automated method for assessing the quality of a genome using a broader set of marker genes specific to the position of a genome within a reference genome tree and information about the collocation of these genes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CheckM using synthetic data and a wide range of isolate-, single-cell-, and metagenome-derived genomes. CheckM is shown to provide accurate estimates of genome completeness and contamination and to outperform existing approaches. Using CheckM, we identify a diverse range of errors currently impacting publicly available isolate genomes and demonstrate that genomes obtained from single cells and metagenomic data vary substantially in quality. In order to facilitate the use of draft genomes, we propose an objective measure of genome quality that can be used to select genomes suitable for specific gene- and genome-centric analyses of microbial communities. © 2015 Parks et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Symbolic discrete event system specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeigler, Bernard P.; Chi, Sungdo

1992-01-01

Extending discrete event modeling formalisms to facilitate greater symbol manipulation capabilities is important to further their use in intelligent control and design of high autonomy systems. An extension to the DEVS formalism that facilitates symbolic expression of event times by extending the time base from the real numbers to the field of linear polynomials over the reals is defined. A simulation algorithm is developed to generate the branching trajectories resulting from the underlying nondeterminism. To efficiently manage symbolic constraints, a consistency checking algorithm for linear polynomial constraints based on feasibility checking algorithms borrowed from linear programming has been developed. The extended formalism offers a convenient means to conduct multiple, simultaneous explorations of model behaviors. Examples of application are given with concentration on fault model analysis.

Generalized expression for optical source fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamacıoğlu, Canan; Baykal, Yahya

2012-09-01

A generalized optical beam expression is developed that presents the majority of the existing optical source fields such as Bessel, Laguerre-Gaussian, dark hollow, bottle, super Gaussian, Lorentz, super-Lorentz, flat-topped, Hermite-sinusoidal-Gaussian, sinusoidal-Gaussian, annular, Gauss-Legendre, vortex, also their higher order modes with their truncated, elegant and elliptical versions. Source intensity profiles derived from the generalized optical source beam fields are checked to match the intensity profiles of many individual known beam types. Source intensities for several interesting beam combinations are presented. Our generalized optical source beam field expression can be used to examine both the source characteristics and the propagation properties of many different optical beams in a single formulation.

Poster — Thur Eve — 58: Dosimetric validation of electronic compensation for radiotherapy treatment planning

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

Gräfe, James; Khan, Rao; Meyer, Tyler

2014-08-15

In this study we investigate the deliverability of dosimetric plans generated by the irregular surface compensator (ISCOMP) algorithm for 6 MV photon beams in Eclipse (Varian Medical System, CA). In contrast to physical tissue compensation, the electronic ISCOMP uses MLCs to dynamically modulate the fluence of a photon beam in order to deliver a uniform dose at a user defined plane in tissue. This method can be used to shield critical organs that are located within the treatment portal or improve dose uniformity by tissue compensation in inhomogeneous regions. Three site specific plans and a set of test fields weremore » evaluated using the γ-metric of 3%/ 3 mm on Varian EPID, MapCHECK, and Gafchromic EBT3 film with a clinical tolerance of >95% passing rates. Point dose measurements with an NRCC calibrated ionization chamber were also performed to verify the absolute dose delivered. In all cases the MapCHECK measured plans met the gamma criteria. The mean passing rate for the six EBT3 film field measurements was 96.2%, with only two fields at 93.4 and 94.0% passing rates. The EPID plans passed for fields encompassing the central ∼10 × 10 cm{sup 2} region of the detector; however for larger fields and greater off-axis distances discrepancies were observed and attributed to the profile corrections and modeling of backscatter in the portal dose calculation. The magnitude of the average percentage difference for 21 ion chamber point dose measurements and 17 different fields was 1.4 ± 0.9%, and the maximum percentage difference was −3.3%. These measurements qualify the algorithm for routine clinical use subject to the same pre-treatment patient specific QA as IMRT.« less

SU-F-T-300: Impact of Electron Density Modeling of ArcCHECK Cylindricaldiode Array On 3DVH Patient Specific QA Software Tool Analysis

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

Patwe, P; Mhatre, V; Dandekar, P

Purpose: 3DVH software is a patient specific quality assurance tool which estimates the 3D dose to the patient specific geometry with the help of Planned Dose Perturbation algorithm. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of HU value of ArcCHECK phantom entered in Eclipse TPS on 3D dose & DVH QA analysis. Methods: Manufacturer of ArcCHECK phantom provides CT data set of phantom & recommends considering it as a homogeneous phantom with electron density (1.19 gm/cc or 282 HU) close to PMMA. We performed this study on Eclipse TPS (V13, VMS) & trueBEAM STx VMS Linac &more » ArcCHECK phantom (SNC). Plans were generated for 6MV photon beam, 20cm×20cm field size at isocentre & SPD (Source to phantom distance) of 86.7 cm to deliver 100cGy at isocentre. 3DVH software requires patients DICOM data generated by TPS & plan delivered on ArcCHECK phantom. Plans were generated in TPS by assigning different HU values to phantom. We analyzed gamma index & the dose profile for all plans along vertical down direction of beam’s central axis for Entry, Exit & Isocentre dose. Results: The global gamma passing rate (2% & 2mm) for manufacturer recommended HU value 282 was 96.3%. Detector entry, Isocentre & detector exit Doses were 1.9048 (1.9270), 1.00(1.0199) & 0.5078(0.527) Gy for TPS (Measured) respectively.The global gamma passing rate for electron density 1.1302 gm/cc was 98.6%. Detector entry, Isocentre & detector exit Doses were 1.8714 (1.8873), 1.00(0.9988) & 0.5211(0.516) Gy for TPS (Measured) respectively. Conclusion: Electron density value assigned by manufacturer does not hold true for every user. Proper modeling of electron density of ArcCHECK in TPS is essential to avoid systematic error in dose calculation of patient specific QA.« less

A procedure for seismic risk reduction in Campania Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuccaro, G.; Palmieri, M.; Maggiò, F.; Cicalese, S.; Grassi, V.; Rauci, M.

2008-07-01

The Campania Region has set and performed a peculiar procedure in the field of seismic risk reduction. Great attention has been paid to public strategic buildings such as town halls, civil protection buildings and schools. The Ordinance 3274 promulgate in the 2004 by the Italian central authority obliged the owners of strategic buildings to perform seismic analyses within 2008 in order to check the safety of the structures and the adequacy to the use. In the procedure the Campania region, instead of the local authorities, ensure the complete drafting of seismic checks through financial resources of the Italian Government. A regional scientific technical committee has been constituted, composed of scientific experts, academics in seismic engineering. The committee has drawn up guidelines for the processing of seismic analyses. At the same time, the Region has issued a public competition to select technical seismic engineering experts to appoint seismic analysis in accordance with guidelines. The scientific committee has the option of requiring additional documents and studies in order to approve the safety checks elaborated. The Committee is supported by a technical and administrative secretariat composed of a group of expert in seismic engineering. At the moment several seismic safety checks have been completed. The results will be presented in this paper. Moreover, the policy to mitigate the seismic risk, set by Campania region, was to spend the most of the financial resources available on structural strengthening of public strategic buildings rather than in safety checks. A first set of buildings of which the response under seismic action was already known by data and studies of vulnerability previously realised, were selected for immediate retrofitting designs. Secondly, an other set of buildings were identified for structural strengthening. These were selected by using the criteria specified in the Guide Line prepared by the Scientific Committee and based on data obtained by the first set of safety checks. The strengthening philosophy adopt in the projects will be described in the paper.

46 CFR 162.050-33 - Bilge alarm: Design specification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., however, onboard testing in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions is permitted for the purposes of checking instrument drift and repeatability of the instrument reading, as well as the ability to re-zero the instrument. The accuracy of the readings must at all times remain within the limits...

14 CFR 125.221 - Icing conditions: Operating limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... airplane that has frost, ice, or snow adhering to any propeller, windshield, stabilizing or control surface; to a powerplant installation; or to an airspeed, altimeter, rate of climb, flight attitude instrument... is a check to make sure the wings and control surfaces are free of frost, ice, or snow. (2) The...

14 CFR 125.221 - Icing conditions: Operating limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... airplane that has frost, ice, or snow adhering to any propeller, windshield, stabilizing or control surface; to a powerplant installation; or to an airspeed, altimeter, rate of climb, flight attitude instrument... is a check to make sure the wings and control surfaces are free of frost, ice, or snow. (2) The...

14 CFR 125.221 - Icing conditions: Operating limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... airplane that has frost, ice, or snow adhering to any propeller, windshield, stabilizing or control surface; to a powerplant installation; or to an airspeed, altimeter, rate of climb, flight attitude instrument... is a check to make sure the wings and control surfaces are free of frost, ice, or snow. (2) The...

14 CFR 125.221 - Icing conditions: Operating limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... airplane that has frost, ice, or snow adhering to any propeller, windshield, stabilizing or control surface; to a powerplant installation; or to an airspeed, altimeter, rate of climb, flight attitude instrument... is a check to make sure the wings and control surfaces are free of frost, ice, or snow. (2) The...

Cognitive Style Mapping at Mt. Hood Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keyser, John S.

1980-01-01

Describes Mount Hood Community College's experiences using the Modified Hill Model for Cognitive Style Mapping (CSM). Enumerates the nine dimensions of cognitive style assessed by the model. Discusses the value and limitations of CSM, five major checks on the validity of the model, and Mount Hood faculty's involvement with CSM. (AYC)

78 FR 17865 - Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-25

... TBO were moved from Chapter 5: Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, to Chapter 4: Structural, Component and... Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final... all PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. This AD results from...

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61.30-20 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC... and safety tests. Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, combustion controls...

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61.30-20 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC... and safety tests. Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, combustion controls...

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61.30-20 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC... and safety tests. Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, combustion controls...

46 CFR 61.35-3 - Required tests and checks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... heaters without water level controls) must be tested by interrupting the feed water supply. Manual reset... alarm and visible indicator must be verified. The shutdown times must be verified. (3) Fuel supply... draft loss interlock switch must be tested to ensure proper operation. The draft limit control must...

14 CFR 250.5 - Amount of denied boarding compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS OVERSALES § 250.5 Amount of denied... transportation benefit and receive the cash/check payment; and (3) The carrier fully discloses all material restrictions, including but not limited to, administrative fees, advance purchase or capacity restrictions, and...

14 CFR 250.5 - Amount of denied boarding compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS OVERSALES § 250.5 Amount of denied... transportation benefit and receive the cash/check payment; and (3) The carrier fully discloses all material restrictions, including but not limited to, administrative fees, advance purchase or capacity restrictions, and...

14 CFR 250.5 - Amount of denied boarding compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS OVERSALES § 250.5 Amount of denied... transportation benefit and receive the cash/check payment; and (3) The carrier fully discloses all material restrictions, including but not limited to, administrative fees, advance purchase or capacity restrictions, and...

Health Literacy and Women's Health-Related Behaviors in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Shoou-Yih D.; Tsai, Tzu-I; Tsai, Yi-Wen; Kuo, Ken N.

2012-01-01

Extant health literacy research is unclear about the contribution of health literacy to health behaviors and is limited regarding women's health issues. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the association between health literacy and five health behaviors (Pap smear screening, annual physical checkup, smoking, checking food…

77 FR 15813 - Preoperational Testing of Instrument and Control Air Systems

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-16

... seismic requirement, ICAS air-dryer testing to meet dew point design requirements, ICAS accumulator check... ensure consideration only for comments received on or before this date. Although a time limit is given... improvements in all published guides are encouraged at any time. ADDRESSES: You may access information and...

Science and Public Policy since World War II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rossiter, Margaret W.

1985-01-01

Discusses: material/personnel shortages and surpluses around 1950; federal aid to nonmilitary research; loyalty oaths and security checks; rise of the behavioral sciences; science education, from the Cold War to creationism; antinuclear protests and the limited test ban treaty, 1954-1963; Sputnik and the space program; and health, safety, and…

14 CFR 135.340 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching methods and procedures; and (iii) The instructor... certificate holder's policies and procedures. (3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for... approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency...

14 CFR 135.340 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching methods and procedures; and (iii) The instructor... certificate holder's policies and procedures. (3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for... approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency...

14 CFR 135.340 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching methods and procedures; and (iii) The instructor... certificate holder's policies and procedures. (3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for... approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency...

14 CFR 135.340 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching methods and procedures; and (iii) The instructor... certificate holder's policies and procedures. (3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for... approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency...

14 CFR 135.340 - Initial and transition training and checking: Flight instructors (aircraft), flight instructors...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... principles of the teaching-learning process; (ii) Teaching methods and procedures; and (iii) The instructor... certificate holder's policies and procedures. (3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for... approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency...

40 CFR 89.320 - Carbon monoxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... monoxide as described in this section. (b) Initial and periodic interference check. Prior to its... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data...

40 CFR 89.320 - Carbon monoxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... monoxide as described in this section. (b) Initial and periodic interference check. Prior to its... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data...

40 CFR 89.320 - Carbon monoxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... monoxide as described in this section. (b) Initial and periodic interference check. Prior to its... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data...

40 CFR 89.320 - Carbon monoxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... monoxide as described in this section. (b) Initial and periodic interference check. Prior to its... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data...

32 CFR Attachment C to Subpart B... - Standard C-Single Scope Background Investigation Periodic Reinvestigation (SSBI-PR)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... social knowledge of the subject and collectively span the entire period of the reinvestigation. As..., employment, or education exceeds six months, local agency checks should be performed as deemed appropriate... or to resolve issues, including but not limited to cohabitants, relatives, psychiatrists...

32 CFR Attachment C to Subpart B... - Standard C-Single Scope Background Investigation Periodic Reinvestigation (SSBI-PR)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... social knowledge of the subject and collectively span the entire period of the reinvestigation. As..., employment, or education exceeds six months, local agency checks should be performed as deemed appropriate... or to resolve issues, including but not limited to cohabitants, relatives, psychiatrists...

32 CFR Attachment C to Subpart B... - Standard C-Single Scope Background Investigation Periodic Reinvestigation (SSBI-PR)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... social knowledge of the subject and collectively span the entire period of the reinvestigation. As..., employment, or education exceeds six months, local agency checks should be performed as deemed appropriate... or to resolve issues, including but not limited to cohabitants, relatives, psychiatrists...

Optical alignment of electrodes on electrical discharge machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boissevain, A. G.; Nelson, B. W.

1972-01-01

Shadowgraph system projects magnified image on screen so that alignment of small electrodes mounted on electrical discharge machines can be corrected and verified. Technique may be adapted to other machine tool equipment where physical contact cannot be made during inspection and access to tool limits conventional runout checking procedures.

Inter-laboratory Comparison of Three Earplug Fit-test Systems

PubMed Central

Byrne, David C.; Murphy, William J.; Krieg, Edward F.; Ghent, Robert M.; Michael, Kevin L.; Stefanson, Earl W.; Ahroon, William A.

2017-01-01

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sponsored tests of three earplug fit-test systems (NIOSH HPD Well-Fit™, Michael & Associates FitCheck, and Honeywell Safety Products VeriPRO®). Each system was compared to laboratory-based real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) measurements in a sound field according to ANSI/ASA S12.6-2008 at the NIOSH, Honeywell Safety Products, and Michael & Associates testing laboratories. An identical study was conducted independently at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), which provided their data for inclusion in this report. The Howard Leight Airsoft premolded earplug was tested with twenty subjects at each of the four participating laboratories. The occluded fit of the earplug was maintained during testing with a soundfield-based laboratory REAT system as well as all three headphone-based fit-test systems. The Michael & Associates lab had highest average A-weighted attenuations and smallest standard deviations. The NIOSH lab had the lowest average attenuations and the largest standard deviations. Differences in octave-band attenuations between each fit-test system and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sound field method were calculated (Attenfit-test - AttenANSI). A-weighted attenuations measured with FitCheck and HPD Well-Fit systems demonstrated approximately ±2 dB agreement with the ANSI sound field method, but A-weighted attenuations measured with the VeriPRO system underestimated the ANSI laboratory attenuations. For each of the fit-test systems, the average A-weighted attenuation across the four laboratories was not significantly greater than the average of the ANSI sound field method. Standard deviations for residual attenuation differences were about ±2 dB for FitCheck and HPD Well-Fit compared to ±4 dB for VeriPRO. Individual labs exhibited a range of agreement from less than a dB to as much as 9.4 dB difference with ANSI and REAT estimates. Factors such as the experience of study participants and test administrators, and the fit-test psychometric tasks are suggested as possible contributors to the observed results. PMID:27786602

Impact characteristics for high-pressure large-flow water-based emulsion pilot operated check valve reverse opening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Huang, Chuanhui; Yu, Ping; Zhang, Lei

2017-10-01

To improve the dynamic characteristics and cavitation characteristics of large-flow pilot operated check valve, consider the pilot poppet as the research object, analyses working principle and design three different kinds of pilot poppets. The vibration characteristics and impact characteristics are analyzed. The simulation model is established through flow field simulation software. The cavitation characteristics of large-flow pilot operated check valve are studied and discussed. On this basis, high-pressure large-flow impact experimental system is used for impact experiment, and the cavitation index is discussed. Then optimal structure is obtained. Simulation results indicate that the increase of pilot poppet half cone angle can effectively reduce the cavitation area, reducing the generation of cavitation. Experimental results show that the pressure impact is not decreasing with increasing of pilot poppet half cone angle in process of unloading, but the unloading capacity, response speed and pilot poppet half cone angle are positively correlated. The impact characteristics of 60° pilot poppet, and its cavitation index is lesser, which indicates 60° pilot poppet is the optimal structure, with the theory results are basically identical.

Low-cost and high-speed optical mark reader based on an intelligent line camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussmann, Stephan; Chan, Leona; Fung, Celine; Albrecht, Martin

2003-08-01

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) is thoroughly reliable and highly efficient provided that high standards are maintained at both the planning and implementation stages. It is necessary to ensure that OMR forms are designed with due attention to data integrity checks, the best use is made of features built into the OMR, used data integrity is checked before the data is processed and data is validated before it is processed. This paper describes the design and implementation of an OMR prototype system for marking multiple-choice tests automatically. Parameter testing is carried out before the platform and the multiple-choice answer sheet has been designed. Position recognition and position verification methods have been developed and implemented in an intelligent line scan camera. The position recognition process is implemented into a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), whereas the verification process is implemented into a micro-controller. The verified results are then sent to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for answers checking and statistical analysis. At the end of the paper the proposed OMR system will be compared with commercially available system on the market.

On the concept of virtual current as a means to enhance verification of electromagnetic flowmeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Roger C.

2011-10-01

Electromagnetic flowmeters are becoming increasingly widely used in the water industry and other industries which handle electrically conducting liquids. When installed they are often difficult to remove for calibration without disturbing the liquid flow. Interest has therefore increased in the possibility of in situ calibration. The result has been the development of verification which attempts to approach calibration. However, while it checks on magnetic field and amplification circuits, it does not check adequately on the internals of the flowmeter pipe. This paper considers the use of the virtual voltage, a key element of the weight function theory of the flowmeter, to identify changes which have occurred in the flow tube and its liner. These could include a deformed insulating liner to the flow tube, or a deposit in the tube resulting from solids in the flow. The equation for virtual voltage is solved using a finite difference approach and the results are checked using a tank to simulate the flow tube, and tests on a flow rig. The concept is shown to be promising as a means of approaching verification of calibration.

Stochastic Ocean Predictions with Dynamically-Orthogonal Primitive Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramani, D. N.; Haley, P., Jr.; Lermusiaux, P. F. J.

2017-12-01

The coastal ocean is a prime example of multiscale nonlinear fluid dynamics. Ocean fields in such regions are complex and intermittent with unstationary heterogeneous statistics. Due to the limited measurements, there are multiple sources of uncertainties, including the initial conditions, boundary conditions, forcing, parameters, and even the model parameterizations and equations themselves. For efficient and rigorous quantification and prediction of these uncertainities, the stochastic Dynamically Orthogonal (DO) PDEs for a primitive equation ocean modeling system with a nonlinear free-surface are derived and numerical schemes for their space-time integration are obtained. Detailed numerical studies with idealized-to-realistic regional ocean dynamics are completed. These include consistency checks for the numerical schemes and comparisons with ensemble realizations. As an illustrative example, we simulate the 4-d multiscale uncertainty in the Middle Atlantic/New York Bight region during the months of Jan to Mar 2017. To provide intitial conditions for the uncertainty subspace, uncertainties in the region were objectively analyzed using historical data. The DO primitive equations were subsequently integrated in space and time. The probability distribution function (pdf) of the ocean fields is compared to in-situ, remote sensing, and opportunity data collected during the coincident POSYDON experiment. Results show that our probabilistic predictions had skill and are 3- to 4- orders of magnitude faster than classic ensemble schemes.

Measurement of the line-of-sight velocity of high-altitude barium clouds A technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mende, S. B.; Harris, S. E.

1982-01-01

It is demonstrated that for maximizing the scientific output of future ionospheric and magnetospheric ion cloud release experiments a new type of instrument is required which will measure the line-of-sight velocity of the ion cloud by the Doppler technique. A simple instrument was constructed using a 5-cm diam solid Fabry-Perot etalon coupled to a low-light-level integrating TV camera. It was demonstrated that the system has both the sensitivity and spectral resolution for detection of ion clouds and measurement of their line-of-sight Doppler velocity. The tests consisted of (1) a field experiment using a rocket barium cloud release to check sensitivity, and (2) laboratory experiments to show the spectral resolving capabilities of the system. The instrument was found to be operational if the source was brighter than approximately 1 kR, and it had a wavelength resolution much better than 0.2 A, which corresponds to approximately 12 km/sec or in the case of barium ion an acceleration potential of 100 V. The instrument is rugged and, therefore, simple to use in field experiments or on flight instruments. The sensitivity limit of the instrument can be increased by increasing the size of the etalon.

Drug loaded silica coated MnFe2O4 ferromagnetic biomaterials for targeted cancer treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand, Vikas; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder; Bhatia, Gaurav

2017-05-01

Magnetically attracted silica coated MnFe2O4 samples have been prepared by using co-precipitation method. Structural changes have been confirmed from XRD spectra. Ferromagnetic behavior of samples has been studied by using vibration sample magnetometer. Cytotoxicity and cell culture of samples have been investigated by using human MG63 cell line and found that sample provide a healthy environment to the growth of cell lines. Drug carrier ability of sample has been checked with gentamycin as an antibiotic and results show that sample can be used as excellent drug carriers. Drug loaded samples can be easily targeted to specific area due to their attractive nature towards external magnetic field. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles can also be used to kill the cancer cells by using hyperthermia technique. Hyperthermia is a process to raise the temperature of surrounding cells in the presence of external AC magnetic field above the maximum temperature limit for surviving of the cancer cells. Cancer cell can survive only up to 47°C. After that cancer cells start to die, but healthy cells can easily survive up to higher temperature. Our results indicate that prepared samples possess good drug carrier ability and hence, can be potential candidates for cancer cell treatment.

Recent Advances in Stellarator Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gates, David; Brown, T.; Breslau, J.; Landreman, M.; Lazerson, S. A.; Mynick, H.; Neilson, G. H.; Pomphrey, N.

2016-10-01

Computational optimization has revolutionized the field of stellarator design. To date, optimizations have focused primarily on optimization of neoclassical confinement and ideal MHD stability, although limited optimization of other parameters has also been performed. One criticism that has been levelled at this method of design is the complexity of the resultant field coils. Recently, a new coil optimization code, COILOPT + + , was written and included in the STELLOPT suite of codes. The advantage of this method is that it allows the addition of real space constraints on the locations of the coils. As an initial exercise, a constraint that the windings be vertical was placed on large major radius half of the non-planar coils. Further constraints were also imposed that guaranteed that sector blanket modules could be removed from between the coils, enabling a sector maintenance scheme. Results of this exercise will be presented. We have also explored possibilities for generating an experimental database that could check whether the reduction in turbulent transport that is predicted by GENE as a function of local shear would be consistent with experiments. To this end, a series of equilibria that can be made in the now latent QUASAR experiment have been identified. This work was supported by U.S. DoE Contract #DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Study of application of ERTS-1 imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wier, C. E. (Principal Investigator); Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator); Russell, O. R.; Amato, R. V.

1972-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Numerous fractures are identifiable on the 1:120,000 color infrared photography. Some of these fractures are in the proximity of operating open pit mines and should provide opportunities for field checking and confirmation.

50 CFR 32.55 - Oklahoma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... hunt duck during designated refuge seasons. 6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the... during designated refuge seasons. 4. Shotgun hunters may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the... shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). 2. We require hunters to check-in and out of the refuge. 3...

Phenotypic and ionome profiling of Triticum aestivum x Aegilops tauschii introgression lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Eighty-four single homozygous introgressions of the Aegilops tauschii D-genome in the ‘Chinese Spring’ genetic background were used to study phenotypic and ionome profiles during two years of field experiments. An augmented design was used with a repeated check of a local bread wheat cultivar was im...

What We Learned about Using Metaphors in College Teaching: Methods and Meanings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Heather Lynn; Fisher-Ari, Teresa Renae

2018-01-01

The field of education is rich with metaphors that reveal one's perspective on the nature of teaching and learning--ideas are "covered," students "absorb" information, teachers offer writing "clinics." Each of these metaphors indicate nuanced ideas about what schooling is and is for--to be checked off? Taken in…

White HDPE bottles as source of serious contamination of water samples with Ba and Zn.

PubMed

Reimann, Clemens; Grimstvedt, Andreas; Frengstad, Bjørn; Finne, Tor Erik

2007-03-15

During a recent study of surface water quality factory new white high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles were used for collecting the water samples. According to the established field protocol of the Geological Survey of Norway the bottles were twice carefully rinsed with water in the field prior to sampling. Several blank samples using milli-Q (ELGA) water (>18.2 MOmega) were also prepared. On checking the analytical results the blanks returned values of Ag, Ba, Sr, V, Zn and Zr. For Ba and Zn the values (c. 300 microg/l and 95 microg/l) were about 10 times above the concentrations that can be expected in natural waters. A laboratory test of the bottles demonstrated that the bottles contaminate the samples with significant amounts of Ba and Zn and some Sr. Simple acid washing of the bottles prior to use did not solve the contamination problem for Ba and Zn. The results suggest that there may exist "clean" and "dirty" HDPE bottles depending on manufacturer/production process. When collecting water samples it is mandatory to check bottles regularly as a possible source of contamination.

SU-F-T-32: Evaluation of the Performance of a Multiple-Array-Diode Detector for Quality Assurance Tests in High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy with Ir-192 Source

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

Harpool, K; De La Fuente Herman, T; Ahmad, S

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of a two-dimensional (2D) array-diode- detector for geometric and dosimetric quality assurance (QA) tests of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy with an Ir-192-source. Methods: A phantom setup was designed that encapsulated a two-dimensional (2D) array-diode-detector (MapCheck2) and a catheter for the HDR brachytherapy Ir-192 source. This setup was used to perform both geometric and dosimetric quality assurance for the HDR-Ir192 source. The geometric tests included: (a) measurement of the position of the source and (b) spacing between different dwell positions. The dosimteric tests include: (a) linearity of output with time, (b) end effect and (c) relative dosemore » verification. The 2D-dose distribution measured with MapCheck2 was used to perform the previous tests. The results of MapCheck2 were compared with the corresponding quality assurance testes performed with Gafchromic-film and well-ionization-chamber. Results: The position of the source and the spacing between different dwell-positions were reproducible within 1 mm accuracy by measuring the position of maximal dose using MapCheck2 in contrast to the film which showed a blurred image of the dwell positions due to limited film sensitivity to irradiation. The linearity of the dose with dwell times measured from MapCheck2 was superior to the linearity measured with ionization chamber due to higher signal-to-noise ratio of the diode readings. MapCheck2 provided more accurate measurement of the end effect with uncertainty < 1.5% in comparison with the ionization chamber uncertainty of 3%. Although MapCheck2 did not provide absolute calibration dosimeter for the activity of the source, it provided accurate tool for relative dose verification in HDR-brachytherapy. Conclusion: The 2D-array-diode-detector provides a practical, compact and accurate tool to perform quality assurance for HDR-brachytherapy with an Ir-192 source. The diodes in MapCheck2 have high radiation sensitivity and linearity that is superior to Gafchromic-films and ionization chamber used for geometric and dosimetric QA in HDR-brachytherapy, respectively.« less

Uptake of health checks by residents from the Danish social housing sector - a register-based cross-sectional study of patient characteristics in the 'Your Life - Your Health' program.

PubMed

Larsen, Lars Bruun; Sandbaek, Annelli; Thomsen, Janus Laust; Bjerregaard, Anne-Louise

2018-05-02

Poor uptake among socio-economically disadvantaged and susceptible populations is a well-known challenge of general health check interventions, and is widely cited as one of the reasons for the lack of population level effects seen in many studies. We report on patient characteristics among attendees and non-attendees of health checks made available to residents in the social housing sector of the municipality of Aarhus. We focus on this general population, as well as a particular sub-group living in an exceptionally deprived social housing area, and discuss the properties of intervention uptake that we need to be aware of to qualify and compare the effects of general versus targeted health checks in socially deprived areas. Cross-sectionally in a sample of 6650 residents of the Aarhus social housing sector who were invited for a health check in the first year of the 'Your Life - Your Health' program. The analyses consisted of 1) descriptive analysis of the characteristics of attenders/non-attenders, 2) unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression to examine associations of patient characteristics and uptake of health checks, and 3) decision tree analyses (CHAID) to examine interaction and homogeneity in patient characteristics among attenders. Of the overall population 30% attended. In a nested cohort of people residing in a particularly deprived social housing settlement, 25% attended. Further, in the overall population, we found an association between the likelihood of taking up a health check and age, sex, country of origin, educational attainment, cohabitation, occupational status, and past medical treatment. In the nested cohort the association between uptake and medical treatment was non-significant, while the association between uptake and occupation was limited to people who were employed. These results resonate with past evidence on health check attendance. Attendance in the 'Your Life - Your Health' program is higher among people of a higher socio-economic status. This should be taken into consideration when analysing and interpreting the overall study effects. Moreover, the results suggest that a targeted approach in the social housing sector could be more effective than a mass screening approach. However, more information is required to make such assertion definitive.

Remote preenrollment checking of consent forms to reduce nonconformity.

PubMed

Journot, Valérie; Pérusat-Villetorte, Sophie; Bouyssou, Caroline; Couffin-Cadiergues, Sandrine; Tall, Aminata; Chêne, Geneviève

2013-01-01

In biomedical research, the signed consent form must be checked for compliance with regulatory requirements. Checking usually is performed on site, most frequently after a participant's final enrollment. We piloted a procedure for remote preenrollment consent forms checking. We applied it in five trials and assessed its efficiency to reduce form nonconformity before participant enrollment. Our clinical trials unit (CTU) routinely uses a consent form with an additional copy that contains a pattern that partially masks the participant's name and signature. After completion and signatures by the participant and investigator, this masked copy is faxed to the CTU for checking. In case of detected nonconformity, the CTU suspends the participant's enrollment until the form is brought into compliance. We checked nonconformities of consent forms both remotely before enrollment and on site in five trials conducted in our CTU. We tabulated the number and nature of nonconformities by location of detection: at the CTU or on site. We used these data for a pseudo before-and-after analysis and estimated the efficiency of this remote checking procedure in terms of reduction of nonconformities before enrollment as compared to the standard on-site checking procedure. We searched for nonconformity determinants among characteristics of trials, consent forms, investigator sites, and participants through multivariate logistic regression so as to identify opportunities for improvement in our procedure. Five trials, starting sequentially but running concurrently, with remote preenrollment and on-site checking of consent forms from 415 participants screened in 2006-2009 led to 518 consent forms checked; 94 nonconformities were detected in 75 forms, 75 (80%) remotely and 19 more (20%) on site. Nonconformities infrequently concerned dates of signatures (7%) and information about participants (12%). Most nonconformities dealt with investigator information (76%), primarily contact information (54%). The procedure reduced nonconformities by 81% (95% confidence interval (CI): 73%-89%) before enrollment. Nonconforming consent forms dropped from 25% to 0% over the period, indicating a rapid learning effect between trials. Fewer nonconformities were observed for participants screened later in a trial (odds ratio (95% CI): 0.5 (0.3-0.8); p = 0.004), indicating a learning effect within trials. Nonconformities were more common for participants enrolled after screening (2.4 (1.1-5.3); p = 0.03), indicating a stricter scrutiny by form checkers. Although our study had a pseudo before-and-after design, no major bias was identified. Power and generalizability of our findings were sufficient to support implementation in future trials. This procedure substantially limited nonconformity of consent forms with regulatory requirements before enrollment, thus proving a key component of a risk-based monitoring strategy that has been recommended to optimize resources for clinical research.

Full implementation of a distributed hydrological model based on check dam trapped sediment volumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bussi, Gianbattista; Francés, Félix

2014-05-01

Lack of hydrometeorological data is one of the most compelling limitations to the implementation of distributed environmental models. Mediterranean catchments, in particular, are characterised by high spatial variability of meteorological phenomena and soil characteristics, which may prevents from transferring model calibrations from a fully gauged catchment to a totally o partially ungauged one. For this reason, new sources of data are required in order to extend the use of distributed models to non-monitored or low-monitored areas. An important source of information regarding the hydrological and sediment cycle is represented by sediment deposits accumulated at the bottom of reservoirs. Since the 60s, reservoir sedimentation volumes were used as proxy data for the estimation of inter-annual total sediment yield rates, or, in more recent years, as a reference measure of the sediment transport for sediment model calibration and validation. Nevertheless, the possibility of using such data for constraining the calibration of a hydrological model has not been exhaustively investigated so far. In this study, the use of nine check dam reservoir sedimentation volumes for hydrological and sedimentological model calibration and spatio-temporal validation was examined. Check dams are common structures in Mediterranean areas, and are a potential source of spatially distributed information regarding both hydrological and sediment cycle. In this case-study, the TETIS hydrological and sediment model was implemented in a medium-size Mediterranean catchment (Rambla del Poyo, Spain) by taking advantage of sediment deposits accumulated behind the check dams located in the catchment headwaters. Reservoir trap efficiency was taken into account by coupling the TETIS model with a pond trap efficiency model. The model was calibrated by adjusting some of its parameters in order to reproduce the total sediment volume accumulated behind a check dam. Then, the model was spatially validated by obtaining the simulated sedimentation volume at the other eight check dams and comparing it to the observed sedimentation volumes. Lastly, the simulated water discharge at the catchment outlet was compared with observed water discharge records in order to check the hydrological sub-model behaviour. Model results provided highly valuable information concerning the spatial distribution of soil erosion and sediment transport. Spatial validation of the sediment sub-model provided very good results at seven check dams out of nine. This study shows that check dams can be a useful tool also for constraining hydrological model calibration, as model results agree with water discharge observations. In fact, the hydrological model validation at a downstream water flow gauge obtained a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.8. This technique is applicable to all catchments with presence of check dams, and only requires rainfall and temperature data and soil characteristics maps.

Transport Phenomena of Water in Molecular Fluidic Channels

PubMed Central

Vo, Truong Quoc; Kim, BoHung

2016-01-01

In molecular-level fluidic transport, where the discrete characteristics of a molecular system are not negligible (in contrast to a continuum description), the response of the molecular water system might still be similar to the continuum description if the time and ensemble averages satisfy the ergodic hypothesis and the scale of the average is enough to recover the classical thermodynamic properties. However, even in such cases, the continuum description breaks down on the material interfaces. In short, molecular-level liquid flows exhibit substantially different physics from classical fluid transport theories because of (i) the interface/surface force field, (ii) thermal/velocity slip, (iii) the discreteness of fluid molecules at the interface and (iv) local viscosity. Therefore, in this study, we present the result of our investigations using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with continuum-based energy equations and check the validity and limitations of the continuum hypothesis. Our study shows that when the continuum description is subjected to the proper treatment of the interface effects via modified boundary conditions, the so-called continuum-based modified-analytical solutions, they can adequately predict nanoscale fluid transport phenomena. The findings in this work have broad effects in overcoming current limitations in modeling/predicting the fluid behaviors of molecular fluidic devices. PMID:27650138

Anatomical limits on interaural time differences: an ecological perspective

PubMed Central

Hartmann, William M.; Macaulay, Eric J.

2013-01-01

Human listeners, and other animals too, use interaural time differences (ITD) to localize sounds. If the sounds are pure tones, a simple frequency factor relates the ITD to the interaural phase difference (IPD), for which there are known iso-IPD boundaries, 90°, 180°… defining regions of spatial perception. In this article, iso-IPD boundaries for humans are translated into azimuths using a spherical head model (SHM), and the calculations are checked by free-field measurements. The translated boundaries provide quantitative tests of an ecological interpretation for the dramatic onset of ITD insensitivity at high frequencies. According to this interpretation, the insensitivity serves as a defense against misinformation and can be attributed to limits on binaural processing in the brainstem. Calculations show that the ecological explanation passes the tests only if the binaural brainstem properties evolved or developed consistent with heads that are 50% smaller than current adult heads. Measurements on more realistic head shapes relax that requirement only slightly. The problem posed by the discrepancy between the current head size and a smaller, ideal head size was apparently solved by the evolution or development of central processes that discount large IPDs in favor of interaural level differences. The latter become more important with increasing head size. PMID:24592209

Argyres-Douglas theories, the Macdonald index, and an RG inequality

DOE PAGES

Buican, Matthew; Nishinaka, Takahiro

2016-02-24

Here we conjecture closed-form expressions for the Macdonald limits of the superconformal indices of the (A 1,A 2n₋3) and (A 1,D 2n) Argyres-Douglas (AD) theories in terms of certain simple deformations of Macdonald polynomials. As checks of our conjectures, we demonstrate compatibility with two S-dualities, we show symmetry enhancement for special values of n, and we argue that our expressions encode a non-trivial set of renormalization group flows. Moreover, we demonstrate that, for certain values of n, our conjectures imply simple operator relations involving composites built out of the SU(2) R currents and flavor symmetry moment maps, and we findmore » a consistent picture in which these relations give rise to certain null states in the corresponding chiral algebras. In addition, we show that the Hall-Littlewood limits of our indices are equivalent to the corresponding Higgs branch Hilbert series. We explain this fact by considering the S 1 reductions of our theories and showing that the equivalence follows from an inequality on monopole quantum numbers whose coefficients are fixed by data of the four-dimensional parent theories. Finally, we comment on the implications of our work for more general $N = 2$ superconformal field theories.« less

Argyres-Douglas theories, the Macdonald index, and an RG inequality

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

Buican, Matthew; Nishinaka, Takahiro

Here we conjecture closed-form expressions for the Macdonald limits of the superconformal indices of the (A 1,A 2n₋3) and (A 1,D 2n) Argyres-Douglas (AD) theories in terms of certain simple deformations of Macdonald polynomials. As checks of our conjectures, we demonstrate compatibility with two S-dualities, we show symmetry enhancement for special values of n, and we argue that our expressions encode a non-trivial set of renormalization group flows. Moreover, we demonstrate that, for certain values of n, our conjectures imply simple operator relations involving composites built out of the SU(2) R currents and flavor symmetry moment maps, and we findmore » a consistent picture in which these relations give rise to certain null states in the corresponding chiral algebras. In addition, we show that the Hall-Littlewood limits of our indices are equivalent to the corresponding Higgs branch Hilbert series. We explain this fact by considering the S 1 reductions of our theories and showing that the equivalence follows from an inequality on monopole quantum numbers whose coefficients are fixed by data of the four-dimensional parent theories. Finally, we comment on the implications of our work for more general $N = 2$ superconformal field theories.« less

Construction method of QC-LDPC codes based on multiplicative group of finite field in optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Sheng; Ao, Xiang; Li, Yuan-yuan; Zhang, Rui

2016-09-01

In order to meet the needs of high-speed development of optical communication system, a construction method of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes based on multiplicative group of finite field is proposed. The Tanner graph of parity check matrix of the code constructed by this method has no cycle of length 4, and it can make sure that the obtained code can get a good distance property. Simulation results show that when the bit error rate ( BER) is 10-6, in the same simulation environment, the net coding gain ( NCG) of the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code with the code rate of 93.7% in this paper is improved by 2.18 dB and 1.6 dB respectively compared with those of the RS(255, 239) code in ITU-T G.975 and the LDPC(3 2640, 3 0592) code in ITU-T G.975.1. In addition, the NCG of the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code is respectively 0.2 dB and 0.4 dB higher compared with those of the SG-QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code based on the two different subgroups in finite field and the AS-QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code based on the two arbitrary sets of a finite field. Thus, the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code in this paper can be well applied in optical communication systems.

Space-time precipitation extremes for urban hydrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardossy, A.; Pegram, G. G. S.

2017-12-01

Precipitation extremes are essential for hydrological design. In urban hydrology intensity duration frequency curves (IDFs) are estimated from observation records to design sewer systems. The conventional approaches seldom consider the areal extent of events. If they do so, duration-dependent area reduction factors (ARFs) are applied. In this contribution we investigate the influence of the size of the target urban area on the frequency of occurrence of extremes. We introduce two new concepts, (i) the maximum over an area and (ii) the sub-areal extremes. The properties of these are discussed. The space-time dependence of extremes strongly influences these statistics. The findings of this presentation show that the risk of urban flooding is routinely underestimated. We do this by sampling a long sequence of radar rainfall fields of 1 km resolution, not the usual limited information from gauge records at scattered point locations. The procedure we use is to generate 20 years of plausible 'radar' fields of 5 minute precipitation on a square frame of 128x128 one kilometer pixels and sample them in a regimented way. In this presentation we find that the traditional calculations are underestimating the extremes [by up to 30 % to 50 % depending on size and duration] and we show how we can revise them sensibly. The methodology we devise from simulated radar fields is checked against the records of a dense network of pluviometers covered by a radar in Baden-Württemberg, with a (regrettably) short 4-year record, as proof of concept.

Posters as a tool for disseminating health related information in a developing country: a pilot experience.

PubMed

Nishtar, S; Zoka, N; Nishtar, S S; Khan, S Y; Jehan, S; Mirza, Y A

2004-09-01

To investigate the effectiveness of posters as a tool, for imparting information related to high blood pressure. The intervention involved hanging posters conveying information about blood pressure, in the waiting rooms of 339 health facilities. The impact of this intervention was assessed after 30 days of hanging the posters with the main assessment component of the survey aimed at the target audience at the facilities. 1017 people attending the facilities were interviewed. Mean age of this population was 40.4 (SD 11.06) years. There were 79% males and 21% females. 80.2% (n=816) of the respondents had noticed the posters. 84.5% of the people were of the opinion that the poster was good. 63.7% of the people understood the overall message of the poster correctly. Regarding change in behaviour, 96.7% (n=789) of the people thought that the poster was asking them to do something; 85.9% (n=501) of these got their blood pressure checked compared to 60.9% (n=14) of those who did not think the poster was asking them to do anything (p=0.004). Of those who said that the poster was asking them to do something, there were varied responses as to what they thought the poster was asking them to do. If the response was that they should have their blood pressure checked, it was taken as a correct response. 87.3% of those who said that the poster was asking them to get their blood pressure checked, actually got their blood pressure checked compared to 83.7% of those who did not understand this message (p=0.241). Given the limitations of the study it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the poster in changing people's behaviour regarding blood pressure check up. This experience will serve as a pilot for a larger prospective study to assess poster as a tool for prompting people to get their blood pressure checked.

SU-G-JeP2-15: Proton Beam Behavior in the Presence of Realistic Magnet Fields

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

Santos, D M; Wachowicz, K; Fallone, B G

2016-06-15

Purpose: To investigate the effects of magnetic fields on proton therapy beams for integration with MRI. Methods: 3D magnetic fields from an open-bore superconducting MRI model (previously developed by our group) and 3D magnetic fields from an in-house gradient coil design were applied to various mono energetic proton pencil beam (80MeV to 250MeV) simulations. In all simulations, the z-axis of the simulation geometry coincided with the direction of the B0 field and magnet isocentre. In each simulation, the initial beam trajectory was varied. The first set of simulations performed was based on analytic magnetic force equations (analytic simulations), which couldmore » be rapidly calculated yet were limited to propagating proton beams in vacuum. The second set is full Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, which used GEANT4 MC toolkit. Metrics such as the beam position and dose profiles were extracted. Comparisons between the cases with and without magnetic fields present were made. Results: The analytic simulations served as verification checks for the MC simulations when the same simulation geometries were used. The results of the analytic simulations agreed with the MC simulations performed in vacuum. The presence of the MRI’s static magnetic field causes proton pencil beams to follow a slight helical trajectory when there were some initial off-axis components. The 80MeV, 150MeV, and 250MeV proton beams rotated by 4.9o, 3.6o, and 2.8o, respectively, when they reached z=0cm. The deflections caused by gradient coils’ magnetic fields show spatially invariant patterns with a maximum range of 0.5mm at z=0cm. Conclusion: This investigation reveals that both the MRI’s B0 and gradient magnetic fields can cause small but observable deflections of proton beams at energies studied. The MRI’s static field caused a rotation of the beam while the gradient coils’ fields effects were spatially invariant. Dr. B Gino Fallone is a co-founder and CEO of MagnetTx Oncology Solutions (under discussions to license Alberta bi-planar linac MR for commercialization)« less

Holographic CBK relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabadadze, Gregory; Tukhashvili, Giorgi

2018-07-01

The Crewther-Broadhurst-Kataev (CBK) relation connects the Bjorken function for deep-inelastic sum rules (or the Gross-Llewellyn Smith function) with the Adler function for electron-positron annihilation in QCD; it has been checked to hold up to four loops in perturbation theory. Here we study non-perturbative terms in the CBK relation using a holographic dual theory that is believed to capture properties of QCD. We show that for the large invariant momenta the perturbative CBK relation is exactly satisfied. For the small momenta non-perturbative corrections enter the relation and we calculate their significant effects. We also give an exact holographic expression for the Bjorken function, as well as for the entire three-point axial-vector-vector correlation function, and check their consistency in the conformal limit.

Reaching soldiers with untreated substance use disorder: lessons learned in the development of a marketing campaign for the Warrior Check-Up study.

PubMed

Walton, Thomas O; Walker, Denise D; Kaysen, Debra L; Roffman, Roger A; Mbilinyi, Lyungai; Neighbors, Clayton

2013-07-01

The Warrior Check-Up, a confidential telephone-delivered intervention, is designed to reach active-duty soldiers with untreated substance-use disorder at a large U.S. military base. This paper describes the development and successful implementation of the study's marketing strategies at the recruitment period's midpoint (2010-2012). Qualitative analyses of focus groups (n = 26) and survey responses (n = 278) describe the process of campaign design. Measures of demographics, media exposure, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression gathered from callers (n = 172) are used in quantitative analysis assessing the campaign's success in reaching this population. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. Department of Defense provided study funding.

Control of the electromagnetic drag using fluctuating light fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastor, Víctor J. López; Marqués, Manuel I.

2018-05-01

An expression for the electromagnetic drag force experienced by an electric dipole in a light field consisting of a monochromatic plane wave with polarization and phase randomly fluctuating is obtained. The expression explicitly considers the transformations of the field and frequency due to the Doppler shift and the change of the polarizability response of the electric dipole. The conditions to be fulfilled by the polarizability of the dipole in order to obtain a positive, a null, and a negative drag coefficient are analytically determined and checked against numerical simulations for the dynamics of a silver nanoparticle. The theoretically predicted diffusive, superdiffusive, and exponentially accelerated dynamical regimes are numerically confirmed.

Optical near-field analysis of spherical metals: Application of the FDTD method combined with the ADE method.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Takashi; Hinata, Takashi

2007-09-03

The time-average energy density of the optical near-field generated around a metallic sphere is computed using the finite-difference time-domain method. To check the accuracy, the numerical results are compared with the rigorous solutions by Mie theory. The Lorentz-Drude model, which is coupled with Maxwell's equation via motion equations of an electron, is applied to simulate the dispersion relation of metallic materials. The distributions of the optical near-filed generated around a metallic hemisphere and a metallic spheroid are also computed, and strong optical near-fields are obtained at the rim of them.

A PUBLIC, K-SELECTED, OPTICAL-TO-NEAR-INFRARED CATALOG OF THE EXTENDED CHANDRA DEEP FIELD SOUTH (ECDFS) FROM THE MULTIWAVELENGTH SURVEY BY YALE-CHILE (MUSYC)

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

Taylor, Edward N.; Franx, Marijn; Quadri, Ryan F.

2009-08-01

We present a new, K-selected, optical-to-near infrared photometric catalog of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDFS), making it publicly available to the astronomical community.{sup 22}Imaging and spectroscopy data and catalogs are freely available through the MUSYC Public Data Release webpage: http://www.astro.yale.edu/MUSYC/. The data set is founded on publicly available imaging, supplemented by original z'JK imaging data collected as part of the MUltiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC). The final photometric catalog consists of photometry derived from UU {sub 38} BVRIz'JK imaging covering the full 1/2 x 1/2 square circ of the ECDFS, plus H-band photometry for approximately 80% of themore » field. The 5{sigma} flux limit for point sources is K{sup (AB)}{sub tot}= 22.0. This is also the nominal completeness and reliability limit of the catalog: the empirical completeness for 21.75 < K < 22.00 is {approx}>85%. We have verified the quality of the catalog through both internal consistency checks, and comparisons to other existing and publicly available catalogs. As well as the photometric catalog, we also present catalogs of photometric redshifts and rest-frame photometry derived from the 10-band photometry. We have collected robust spectroscopic redshift determinations from published sources for 1966 galaxies in the catalog. Based on these sources, we have achieved a (1{sigma}) photometric redshift accuracy of {delta}z/(1 + z) = 0.036, with an outlier fraction of 7.8%. Most of these outliers are X-ray sources. Finally, we describe and release a utility for interpolating rest-frame photometry from observed spectral energy distributions, dubbed InterRest.{sup 23}InterRest is available via http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/{approx}ent/InterRest. Documentation and a complete walkthrough can be found at the same address.« less

Optimizing revenue at a cosmetic surgery centre

PubMed Central

Funk, Joanna M; Verheyden, Charles N; Mahabir, Raman C

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND: The demand for cosmetic surgery and services has diminished with recent fluctuations in the economy. To stay ahead, surgeons must appreciate and attend to the fiscal challenges of private practice. A key component of practice economics is knowledge of the common methods of payment. OBJECTIVE: To review methods of payment in a five-surgeon group practice in central Texas, USA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the financial records of a cosmetic surgery centre in Texas was conducted. Data were collected for the five-year period from 2003 to 2008, and included the method of payment, the item purchased (product, service or surgery) and the dollar amount. RESULTS: More than 11,000 transactions were reviewed. The most common method of payment used for products and services was credit card, followed by check and cash. For procedures, the most common form of payment was personal check, followed by credit card and financing. Of the credit card purchases for both products and procedures, an overwhelming majority of patients (more than 75%) used either Visa (Visa Inc, USA) or MasterCard (MasterCard Worldwide, USA). If the amount of the individual transaction surpassed US$1,000, the most common method of payment transitioned from credit card to personal check. CONCLUSIONS: In an effort to maximize revenue, surgeons should consider limiting the credit cards accepted by the practice and encourage payment through personal check. PMID:22942656

Optimizing revenue at a cosmetic surgery centre.

PubMed

Funk, Joanna M; Verheyden, Charles N; Mahabir, Raman C

2011-01-01

The demand for cosmetic surgery and services has diminished with recent fluctuations in the economy. To stay ahead, surgeons must appreciate and attend to the fiscal challenges of private practice. A key component of practice economics is knowledge of the common methods of payment. To review methods of payment in a five-surgeon group practice in central Texas, USA. A retrospective chart review of the financial records of a cosmetic surgery centre in Texas was conducted. Data were collected for the five-year period from 2003 to 2008, and included the method of payment, the item purchased (product, service or surgery) and the dollar amount. More than 11,000 transactions were reviewed. The most common method of payment used for products and services was credit card, followed by check and cash. For procedures, the most common form of payment was personal check, followed by credit card and financing. Of the credit card purchases for both products and procedures, an overwhelming majority of patients (more than 75%) used either Visa (Visa Inc, USA) or MasterCard (MasterCard Worldwide, USA). If the amount of the individual transaction surpassed US$1,000, the most common method of payment transitioned from credit card to personal check. In an effort to maximize revenue, surgeons should consider limiting the credit cards accepted by the practice and encourage payment through personal check.

Retailer compliance with tobacco control laws in New York City before and after raising the minimum legal purchase age to 21.

PubMed

Silver, Diana; Macinko, James; Giorgio, Margaret; Bae, Jin Yung; Jimenez, Geronimo

2016-11-01

New York City (NYC) is the first large city to increase the legal minimum age for possessing tobacco products from 18 to 21 (Tobacco 21) and establish a minimum price law to reduce smoking rates among youth. However, retailer compliance with these regulations is unknown. Youthful investigators purchased cigarettes pre and post-Tobacco 21 implementation in 92 NYC neighbourhoods. Investigators recorded whether their ID was checked, the pack's purchase price, and observed compliance with additional regulations. Multivariable OLS and Poisson regression models assess pre and post Tobacco 21 compliance with ID checks and purchase prices, controlling for retailer type, location and compliance with other laws. Retailer compliance with ID checks declined from 71% to 62% (p<0.004) between periods, and holding constant other factors, compliance with ID checks and sales at legal prices declined significantly after the laws changed. Compared to chain stores, independent retailers had significantly lower compliance rates (p<0.01). Several aspects of tobacco control appear to have deteriorated in NYC. Greater attention to monitoring retailer compliance with all tobacco regulations will be important for Tobacco 21 laws to be effective in reducing youth access to tobacco products. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Integrating Microscopic Analysis into Existing Quality Assurance Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frühberger, Peter; Stephan, Thomas; Beyerer, Jürgen

When technical goods, like mainboards and other electronic components, are produced, quality assurance (QA) is very important. To achieve this goal, different optical microscopes can be used to analyze a variety of specimen to gain comprehensive information by combining the acquired sensor data. In many industrial processes, cameras are used to examine these technical goods. Those cameras can analyze complete boards at once and offer a high level of accuracy when used for completeness checks. When small defects, e.g. soldered points, need to be examined in detail, those wide area cameras are limited. Microscopes with large magnification need to be used to analyze those critical areas. But microscopes alone cannot fulfill this task within a limited time schedule, because microscopic analysis of complete motherboards of a certain size is time demanding. Microscopes are limited concerning their depth of field and depth of focus, which is why additional components like XY moving tables need to be used to examine the complete surface. Yet today's industrial production quality standards require a 100 % control of the soldered components within a given time schedule. This level of quality, while keeping inspection time low, can only be achieved when combining multiple inspection devices in an optimized manner. This paper presents results and methods of combining industrial cameras with microscopy instrumenting a classificatory based approach intending to keep already deployed QA processes in place but extending them with the purpose of increasing the quality level of the produced technical goods while maintaining high throughput.

Adding gauge fields to Kaplan's fermions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blum, T.; Kärkkäinen, Leo

1994-04-01

We experiment with adding dynamical gauge field to Kaplan (defect) fermions. In the case of U (1) gauge theory we use an inhomogenous Higgs mechanism to restrict the 3d gauge dynamics to a planar 2d defect. In our simulations the 3d theory produce the correct 2d gauge dynamics. We measure fermion propagators with dynamical gauge fields. They posses the correct chiral structure. The fermions at the boundary of the support of the gauge field (waveguide) are non-chiral, and have a mass two times heavier than the chiral modes. Moreover, these modes cannot be excited by a source at the defect; implying that they are dynamically decoupled. We have also checked that the anomaly relation is fullfilled for the case of a smooth external gauge field.

Metasemantics: On the Limits of Semantic Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parent, T.

2009-01-01

METASEMANTICS is a wake-up call for semantic theory: It reveals that some semantic questions have no adequate answer. (This is meant to be the "epistemic" point that certain semantic questions cannot be "settled"--not a metaphysical point about whether there is a fact-of-the-matter.) METASEMANTICS thus checks our default "optimism" that any…

Check Your Orientalism at the Door: Edward Said, Sanjay Seth, and the Adequacy of Western Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paschyn, Christina

2014-01-01

Western pedagogy and its preconceived notions of the non-Western world can limit scholars from developing accurate understandings of culturally different societies. Western academics teaching at foreign and Western institutions abroad must be mindful of how ingrained and subconscious Orientalist thinking can distort and hinder their interactions…

41 CFR 102-38.290 - What types of payment may we accept?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... limited to, the following: (a) U.S. currency or any form of credit instrument made payable on demand in U.S. currency, e.g., cashier's check, money order. Promissory notes and postdated credit instruments are not acceptable. (b) Irrevocable commercial letters of credit issued by a United States bank...

Shear design of wood beams : state of the art

Treesearch

Lawrence A. Soltis; Terry D. Gerhardt

1988-01-01

Current shear design technology in the United States for lumber or glued- laminated beams is confusing. This report summarizes shear stress and strength research including both analytical and experimental approaches. Both checked and unchecked beams are included. The analytical work has been experimentally verified for only limited load conditions and span-to- depth...

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61... TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Tests and Inspections of Fired Thermal Fluid Heaters § 61.30-20 Automatic control and safety tests. Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, combustion controls...

Making an Impact with Impact Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marcus, Adam; Leman, Melissa

2011-01-01

Until last year, PS 32 in Brooklyn, New York, had no working library for children. The 2009 graduating class of fifth graders had gone through their entire elementary school experience without checking out a book or doing research in a well-equipped school library. The library collection was limited. The shelves were half-empty. Books were shelved…

Attitudes to Childhood Overweight and Obesity: The Limits of Cultural Explanations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chakrabarti, Suparna; Abbott, Stephen

2012-01-01

Objectives: To explore attitudes to and beliefs about childhood overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi mothers and to check maternal perceptions of their children's weight status. Design: Mixed methods cross-sectional study. Setting: A general practice in East London, UK. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 14 mothers; weighing and measuring 22…

40 CFR 89.322 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data... interference, system check, and calibration test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 1065 may be used in lieu...

40 CFR 89.322 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data... interference, system check, and calibration test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 1065 may be used in lieu...

40 CFR 89.322 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data... interference, system check, and calibration test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 1065 may be used in lieu...

40 CFR 89.322 - Carbon dioxide analyzer calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... engineering practice. For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line... range. If the deviation exceeds these limits, the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data... interference, system check, and calibration test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 1065 may be used in lieu...

Complexing Methylene Blue with Phosphorus Dendrimers to Increase Photodynamic Activity.

PubMed

Dabrzalska, Monika; Janaszewska, Anna; Zablocka, Maria; Mignani, Serge; Majoral, Jean Pierre; Klajnert-Maculewicz, Barbara

2017-02-23

The efficiency of photodynamic therapy is limited mainly due to low selectivity, unfavorable biodistribution of photosensitizers, and long-lasting skin sensitivity to light. However, drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles may overcome the limitations mentioned above. Among others, dendrimers are particularly attractive as carriers, because of their globular architecture and high loading capacity. The goal of the study was to check whether an anionic phosphorus dendrimer is suitable as a carrier of a photosensitizer-methylene blue (MB). As a biological model, basal cell carcinoma cell lines were used. We checked the influence of the MB complexation on its singlet oxygen production ability using a commercial fluorescence probe. Next, cellular uptake, phototoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell death were investigated. The MB-anionic dendrimer complex (MB-1an) was found to generate less singlet oxygen; however, the complex showed higher cellular uptake and phototoxicity against basal cell carcinoma cell lines, which was accompanied with enhanced ROS production. Owing to the obtained results, we conclude that the photodynamic activity of MB complexed with an anionic dendrimer is higher than free MB against basal cell carcinoma cell lines.

PolyCheck: Dynamic Verification of Iteration Space Transformations on Affine Programs

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

Bao, Wenlei; Krishnamoorthy, Sriram; Pouchet, Louis-noel

2016-01-11

High-level compiler transformations, especially loop transformations, are widely recognized as critical optimizations to restructure programs to improve data locality and expose parallelism. Guaranteeing the correctness of program transformations is essential, and to date three main approaches have been developed: proof of equivalence of affine programs, matching the execution traces of programs, and checking bit-by-bit equivalence of the outputs of the programs. Each technique suffers from limitations in either the kind of transformations supported, space complexity, or the sensitivity to the testing dataset. In this paper, we take a novel approach addressing all three limitations to provide an automatic bug checkermore » to verify any iteration reordering transformations on affine programs, including non-affine transformations, with space consumption proportional to the original program data, and robust to arbitrary datasets of a given size. We achieve this by exploiting the structure of affine program control- and data-flow to generate at compile-time lightweight checker code to be executed within the transformed program. Experimental results assess the correctness and effectiveness of our method, and its increased coverage over previous approaches.« less

Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center, 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

RF Fields Microwaves Magnetic Flux Analysis Magnetic Particles * ULTRASONIC AND ACOUSTIC TESTING Ultrasonic Transmission and Reflectometry Ultrasonic... Reflectometry and Transmission Holography THERMAL TESTING Infrared Radiometry Thermography 3 The present organization and personnel of NTIAC are...the current core and secondary serials. As an added check on our surveillance effectiveness, we also scan Current Contents, NASA /SCAN, as well as the

Aerial field tests of five insecticides on western spruce budworm in Idaho and Montana, 1978-1980

Treesearch

George P. Markin; David R. Johnson

1986-01-01

Each of five insecticides was applied at two or three application rates by helicopter to 20-ha plots. Effectiveness of each application rateagainst eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis) was judged by comparing larval population reduction at 15 or 20 days aftertreatment against populations in untreated check plots. Performance of each...

Electromagnetic Waves in a Uniform Gravitational Field and Planck's Postulate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Acedo, Luis; Tung, Michael M.

2012-01-01

The gravitational redshift forms the central part of the majority of the classical tests for the general theory of relativity. It could be successfully checked even in laboratory experiments on the earth's surface. The standard derivation of this effect is based on the distortion of the local structure of spacetime induced by large masses. The…

Effect of faulting on ground-water movement in the Death Valley Region, Nevada and California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Faunt, Claudia C.

1997-01-01

The current crustal stress field was combined with fault orientations to predict potential effects of faults on the regional groundwater flow regime. Numerous examples of faultcontrolled ground-water flow exist within the study area. Hydrologic data provided an independent method for checking some of the assumptions concerning preferential flow paths.

A comparison of two methods of heart rate variability assessment at high altitude.

PubMed

Boos, Christopher John; Bakker-Dyos, Josh; Watchorn, Jim; Woods, David Richard; O'Hara, John Paul; Macconnachie, Lee; Mellor, Adrian

2017-11-01

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful index of autonomic function and has been linked to the development of high altitude (HA) related illness. However, its assessment at HA has been undermined by the relative expense and limited portability of traditional HRV devices which have mandated at least a minute heart rate recording. In this study, the portable ithlete ™ HRV system, which uses a 55 s recording, was compared with a reference method of HRV which utilizes a 5 min electrocardiograph recording (CheckMyHeart ™ ). The root mean squares of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) for each device was converted to a validated HRV score (lnRMSSD × 20) for comparison. Twelve healthy volunteers were assessed for HRV using the two devices across seven time points at HA over 10 days. There was no significant change in the HRV values with either the ithlete (P = 0·3) or the CheckMyHeart ™ (P = 0·19) device over the seven altitudes. There was also a strong overall correlation between the ithlete ™ and CheckMyHeart ™ device (r = 0·86; 95% confidence interval: 0·79-0·91). The HRV was consistently, though non-significantly higher with ithlete ™ than with the CheckMyHeart ™ device [mean difference (bias) 1·8 l; 95% CI -12·3 to 8·5]. In summary, the ithlete ™ and CheckMyHeart ™ system provide relatively similar results with good overall agreement at HA. © 2016 Crown Copyright. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging © 2016 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.

Performance Evaluation of 3d Modeling Software for Uav Photogrammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagi, H.; Chikatsu, H.

2016-06-01

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) photogrammetry, which combines UAV and freely available internet-based 3D modeling software, is widely used as a low-cost and user-friendly photogrammetry technique in the fields such as remote sensing and geosciences. In UAV photogrammetry, only the platform used in conventional aerial photogrammetry is changed. Consequently, 3D modeling software contributes significantly to its expansion. However, the algorithms of the 3D modelling software are black box algorithms. As a result, only a few studies have been able to evaluate their accuracy using 3D coordinate check points. With this motive, Smart3DCapture and Pix4Dmapper were downloaded from the Internet and commercial software PhotoScan was also employed; investigations were performed in this paper using check points and images obtained from UAV.

Referees check robots after qualifying match at regional robotic competition at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Referees check the robots on the floor of the playing field after a qualifying match of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex . Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow- like disks from the floor, as well as climb onto the platform (with flags) and raise the cache of pillows to a height of eight feet. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers.

Field joint environmental protection system vibration/pressurization qualification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, M.

1989-01-01

The procedures used and results obtained from vibration testing the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) field joint environmental protection system (FJEPS), hereafter referred to as the joint protection system (JPS) are documented. The major purposes were to certify that the flight-designed JPS will withstand the dynamic environmental conditions of the redesigned solid rocket booster, and to certify that the cartridge check valve (vent valve) will relieve pressure build-up under the JPS during the initial 120 sec of flight. Also, an evaluation of the extruded cork insulation bonding was performed after the vibration testing.

Quasi-cylindrical theory of wing-body interference at supersonic speeds and comparison with experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, Jack N

1955-01-01

A theoretical method is presented for calculating the flow field about wing-body combinations employing bodies deviating only slightly in shape from a circular cylinder. The method is applied to the calculation of the pressure field acting between a circular cylindrical body and a rectangular wing. The case of zero body angle of attack and variable wing incidence is considered as well as the case of zero wing incidence and variable body angle of attack. An experiment was performed especially for the purpose of checking the calculative examples.

Sediment depositions upstream of open check dams: new elements from small scale models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piton, Guillaume; Le Guern, Jules; Carbonari, Costanza; Recking, Alain

2015-04-01

Torrent hazard mitigation remains a big issue in mountainous regions. In steep slope streams and especially in their fan part, torrential floods mainly result from abrupt and massive sediment deposits. To curtail such phenomenon, soil conservation measures as well as torrent control works have been undertaken for decades. Since the 1950s, open check dams complete other structural and non-structural measures in watershed scale mitigation plans1. They are often built to trap sediments near the fan apexes. The development of earthmoving machinery after the WWII facilitated the dredging operations of open check dams. Hundreds of these structures have thus been built for 60 years. Their design evolved with the improving comprehension of torrential hydraulics and sediment transport; however this kind of structure has a general tendency to trap most of the sediments supplied by the headwaters. Secondary effects as channel incision downstream of the traps often followed an open check dam creation. This sediment starvation trend tends to propagate to the main valley rivers and to disrupt past geomorphic equilibriums. Taking it into account and to diminish useless dredging operation, a better selectivity of sediment trapping must be sought in open check dams, i.e. optimal open check dams would trap sediments during dangerous floods and flush them during normal small floods. An accurate description of the hydraulic and deposition processes that occur in sediment traps is needed to optimize existing structures and to design best-adjusted new structures. A literature review2 showed that if design criteria exist for the structure itself, little information is available on the dynamic of the sediment depositions upstream of open check dams, i.e. what are the geomorphic patterns that occur during the deposition?, what are the relevant friction laws and sediment transport formula that better describe massive depositions in sediment traps?, what are the range of Froude and Shields numbers that the flows tend to adopt? New small scale model experiments have been undertaken focusing on depositions processes and their related hydraulics. Accurate photogrammetric measurements allowed us to better describe the deposition processes3. Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LS-PIV) was performed to determine surface velocity fields in highly active channels with low grain submersion4. We will present preliminary results of our experiments showing the new elements we observed in massive deposit dynamics. REFERENCES 1.Armanini, A., Dellagiacoma, F. & Ferrari, L. From the check dam to the development of functional check dams. Fluvial Hydraulics of Mountain Regions 37, 331-344 (1991). 2.Piton, G. & Recking, A. Design of sediment traps with open check dams: a review, part I: hydraulic and deposition processes. (Accepted by the) Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 1-23 (2015). 3.Le Guern, J. Ms Thesis: Modélisation physique des plages de depot : analyse de la dynamique de remplissage.(2014) . 4.Carbonari, C. Ms Thesis: Small scale experiments of deposition processes occuring in sediment traps, LS-PIV measurments and geomorphological descriptions. (in preparation).

Comparison of isolated-check visual evoked potential and standard automated perimetry in early glaucoma and high-risk ocular hypertension

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiang-Wu; Zhao, Ying-Xi

2017-01-01

AIM To compare the diagnostic performance of isolated-check visual evoked potential (icVEP) and standard automated perimetry (SAP), for evaluating the application values of icVEP in the detection of early glaucoma. METHODS Totally 144 subjects (288 eyes) were enrolled in this study. icVEP testing was performed with the Neucodia visual electrophysiological diagnostic system. A 15% positive-contrast (bright) condition pattern was used in this device to differentiate between glaucoma patients and healthy control subjects. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were derived based on a multivariate statistic. The eyes were judged as abnormal if the test yielded an SNR≤1. SAP testing was performed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer II. The visual fields were deemed as abnormality if the glaucoma hemifield test results outside normal limits; or the pattern standard deviation with P<0.05; or the cluster of three or more non-edge points on the pattern deviation plot in a single hemifield with P<0.05, one of which must have a P<0.01. Disc photographs were graded as either glaucomatous optic neuropathy or normal by two experts who were masked to all other patient information. Moorfields regression analysis (MRA) used as a separate diagnostic classification was performed by Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT). RESULTS When the disc photograph grader was used as diagnostic standard, the sensitivity for SAP and icVEP was 32.3% and 38.5% respectively and specificity was 82.3% and 77.8% respectively. When the MRA Classifier was used as the diagnostic standard, the sensitivity for SAP and icVEP was 48.6% and 51.4% respectively and specificity was 84.1% and 78.0% respectively. When the combined structural assessment was used as the diagnostic standard, the sensitivity for SAP and icVEP was 59.2% and 53.1% respectively and specificity was 84.2% and 84.6% respectivlely. There was no statistical significance between the sensitivity or specificity of SAP and icVEP, regardless of which diagnostic standard was based on. CONCLUSION The diagnostic performance of icVEP is not better than that of SAP in the detection of early glaucoma. PMID:28503434

Application of partial inversion pulse to ultrasonic time-domain correlation method to measure the flow rate in a pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Sanehiro; Furuichi, Noriyuki; Shimada, Takashi

2017-11-01

This paper proposes the application of a novel ultrasonic pulse, called a partial inversion pulse (PIP), to the measurement of the velocity profile and flow rate in a pipe using the ultrasound time-domain correlation (UTDC) method. In general, the measured flow rate depends on the velocity profile in the pipe; thus, on-site calibration is the only method of checking the accuracy of on-site flow rate measurements. Flow rate calculation using UTDC is based on the integration of the measured velocity profile. The advantages of this method compared with the ultrasonic pulse Doppler method include the possibility of the velocity range having no limitation and its applicability to flow fields without a sufficient amount of reflectors. However, it has been previously reported that the measurable velocity range for UTDC is limited by false detections. Considering the application of this method to on-site flow fields, the issue of velocity range is important. To reduce the effect of false detections, a PIP signal, which is an ultrasound signal that contains a partially inverted region, was developed in this study. The advantages of the PIP signal are that it requires little additional hardware cost and no additional software cost in comparison with conventional methods. The effects of inversion on the characteristics of the ultrasound transmission were estimated through numerical calculation. Then, experimental measurements were performed at a national standard calibration facility for water flow rate in Japan. The experimental results demonstrate that measurements made using a PIP signal are more accurate and yield a higher detection ratio than measurements using a normal pulse signal.

Determination of the duty cycle of WLAN for realistic radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure assessment.

PubMed

Joseph, Wout; Pareit, Daan; Vermeeren, Günter; Naudts, Dries; Verloock, Leen; Martens, Luc; Moerman, Ingrid

2013-01-01

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are commonly deployed in various environments. The WLAN data packets are not transmitted continuously but often worst-case exposure of WLAN is assessed, assuming 100% activity and leading to huge overestimations. Actual duty cycles of WLAN are thus of importance for time-averaging of exposure when checking compliance with international guidelines on limiting adverse health effects. In this paper, duty cycles of WLAN using Wi-Fi technology are determined for exposure assessment on large scale at 179 locations for different environments and activities (file transfer, video streaming, audio, surfing on the internet, etc.). The median duty cycle equals 1.4% and the 95th percentile is 10.4% (standard deviation SD = 6.4%). Largest duty cycles are observed in urban and industrial environments. For actual applications, the theoretical upper limit for the WLAN duty cycle is 69.8% and 94.7% for maximum and minimum physical data rate, respectively. For lower data rates, higher duty cycles will occur. Although counterintuitive at first sight, poor WLAN connections result in higher possible exposures. File transfer at maximum data rate results in median duty cycles of 47.6% (SD = 16%), while it results in median values of 91.5% (SD = 18%) at minimum data rate. Surfing and audio streaming are less intensively using the wireless medium and therefore have median duty cycles lower than 3.2% (SD = 0.5-7.5%). For a specific example, overestimations up to a factor 8 for electric fields occur, when considering 100% activity compared to realistic duty cycles. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of satellite remote sensing as a monitoring tool for land and water resources development activities in an Indian tropical site.

PubMed

Behera, M D; Gupta, A K; Barik, S K; Das, P; Panda, R M

2018-06-15

With the availability of satellite data from free data domain, remote sensing has increasingly become a fast-hand tool for monitoring of land and water resources development activities with minimal cost and time. Here, we verified construction of check dams and implementation of plantation activities in two districts of Tripura state using Landsat and Sentinel-2 images for the years 2008 and 2016-2017, respectively. We applied spectral reflectance curves and index-based proxies to quantify these activities for two time periods. A subset of the total check dams and plantation sites was chosen on the basis of site condition, nature of check dams, and planted species for identification on satellite images, and another subset was randomly chosen to validate identification procedure. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) derived from Landsat and Senitnel-2 were used to quantify water area evolved, qualify the water quality, and influence of associated tree shadows. Three types of check dams were observed, i.e., full, partial, and fully soil exposed on the basis of the presence of grass or scrub on the check dams. Based on the nature of check dam and site characteristics, we classified the water bodies under 11-categories using six interpretation keys (size, shape, water depth, quality, shadow of associated trees, catchment area). The check dams constructed on existing narrow gullies totally covered by branches or associated plants were not identified without field verification. Further, use of EVI enabled us to approve the plantation activities and adjudge the corresponding increase in vegetation vigor. The plantation activities were established based on the presence and absence of existing vegetation. Clearing on the plantation sites for plantation shows differential increase in EVI values during the initial years. The 403 plantation sites were categorized into 12 major groups on the basis of presence of dominant species and site conditions. The dominant species were Areca catechu, Musa paradisiaca, Ananas comosus, Bambusa sp., and mix plantation of A. catechu and M. paradisiaca. However, the highest maximum increase in average EVI was observed for the pine apple plantation sites (0.11), followed by Bambussa sp. (0.10). These sites were fully covered with plantation without any exposed soil. The present study successfully demonstrates a satellite-based survey supplemented with ground information evaluating the changes in vegetation profile due to plantation activities, locations of check dams, extent of water bodies, downstream irrigation, and catchment area of water bodies.

Singular Stokes-polarimetry as new technique for metrology and inspection of polarized speckle fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soskin, Marat S.; Denisenko, Vladimir G.; Egorov, Roman I.

2004-08-01

Polarimetry is effective technique for polarized light fields characterization. It was shown recently that most full "finger-print" of light fields with arbitrary complexity is network of polarization singularities: C points with circular polarization and L lines with variable azimuth. The new singular Stokes-polarimetry was elaborated for such measurements. It allows define azimuth, eccentricity and handedness of elliptical vibrations in each pixel of receiving CCD camera in the range of mega-pixels. It is based on precise measurement of full set of Stokes parameters by the help of high quality analyzers and quarter-wave plates with λ/500 preciseness and 4" adjustment. The matrices of obtained data are processed in PC by special programs to find positions of polarization singularities and other needed topological features. The developed SSP technique was proved successfully by measurements of topology of polarized speckle-fields produced by multimode "photonic-crystal" fibers, double side rubbed polymer films, biomedical samples. Each singularity is localized with preciseness up to +/- 1 pixel in comparison with 500 pixels dimensions of typical speckle. It was confirmed that network of topological features appeared in polarized light field after its interaction with specimen under inspection is exact individual "passport" for its characterization. Therefore, SSP can be used for smart materials characterization. The presented data show that SSP technique is promising for local analysis of properties and defects of thin films, liquid crystal cells, optical elements, biological samples, etc. It is able discover heterogeneities and defects, which define essentially merits of specimens under inspection and can"t be checked by usual polarimetry methods. The detected extra high sensitivity of polarization singularities position and network to any changes of samples position and deformation opens quite new possibilities for sensing of deformations and displacement of checked elements in the sub-micron range.

Reports on investigations of uranium anomalies. National Uranium Resource Evaluation

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

Goodknight, C.S.; Burger, J.A.

1982-10-01

During the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program, conducted for the US Department of Energy (DOE) by Bendix Field Engineering Corporation (BFEC), radiometric and geochemical surveys and geologic investigations detected anomalies indicative of possible uranium enrichment. Data from the Aerial Radiometric and Magnetic Survey (ARMS) and the Hydrogeochemical and Stream-Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR), both of which were conducted on a national scale, yielded numerous anomalies that may signal areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium deposits. Results from geologic evaluations of individual 1/sup 0/ x 2/sup 0/ quadrangles for the NURE program also yielded anomalies, which could not be adequately checkedmore » during scheduled field work. Included in this volume are individual reports of field investigations for the following six areas which were shown on the basis of ARMS, HSSR, and (or) geologic data to be anomalous: (1) Hylas zone and northern Richmond basin, Virginia; (2) Sischu Creek area, Alaska; (3) Goodman-Dunbar area, Wisconsin; (4) McCaslin syncline, Wisconsin; (5) Mt. Withington Cauldron, Socorro County, New Mexico; (6) Lake Tecopa, Inyo County, California. Field checks were conducted in each case to verify an indicated anomalous condition and to determine the nature of materials causing the anomaly. The ultimate objective of work is to determine whether favorable conditions exist for the occurrence of uranium deposits in areas that either had not been previously evaluated or were evaluated before data from recent surveys were available. Most field checks were of short duration (2 to 5 days). The work was done by various investigators using different procedures, which accounts for variations in format in their reports. All papers have been abstracted and indexed.« less

Development and validation of a single LC-MS/MS assay following SPE for simultaneous hair analysis of amphetamines, opiates, cocaine and metabolites.

PubMed

Imbert, L; Dulaurent, S; Mercerolle, M; Morichon, J; Lachâtre, G; Gaulier, J-M

2014-01-01

The two major challenges in hair analysis are the limited amount of samples usually available and the low targeted concentrations. To overcome these limitations, a liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-ESI-MS/MS) allowing the simultaneous analysis of 17 amphetamines (amphetamine, BDB, m-CPP, dexfenfluramine, DOB, DOM, ephedrine, MBDB, MDA, MDEA, MDMA, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, 4-MTA, norephedrine, norfenfluramine and PMA), 5 opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin, ethylmorphine, and 6AM), cocaine and 5 metabolites [ecgonine methyl ester (EME), benzoylecgonine (BZE), anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AME), cocaethylene, and norcocaine] has been developed. The validation procedure included linearity, intra-day and inter-day variability and accuracy for 5 days (5 replicates at 3 concentration levels). Proficiency studies were used to check the accuracy of the method. As a result, all amphetamines, opiates and cocaine derivatives were satisfactory identified by 2 MRM transitions in 15 min. Calibration curves were performed by a quadratic 1/X weighted regression. The calibration model fits from 0.05 to 10 ng/mg. The limits of detection (LODs) range between 0.005 and 0.030 ng/mg. Precision has been checked by intra-day and inter-day RSD, and associated relative bias, which were lower than 25% for the limits of quantifications (LOQs) and lower than 20% for the other levels tested. This method was routinely applied to hair samples: two positive results of adult drug addicts are presented. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of group supervision of nurses: a systematic literature review.

PubMed

Francke, Anneke L; de Graaff, Fuusje M

2012-09-01

To gain insight into the existing scientific evidence on the effects of group supervision for nurses. A systematic literature study of original research publications. Searches were performed in February 2010 in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, ERIC, the NIVEL catalogue, and PsycINFO. No limitations were applied regarding date of publication, language or country. Original research publications were eligible for review when they described group supervision programmes directed at nurses; used a control group or a pre-test post-test design; and gave information about the effects of group supervision on nurse or patient outcomes. The two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was also independently assessed by the review authors, using a check list developed by Van Tulder et al. in collaboration with the Dutch Cochrane Centre. Data related to the original publications were extracted by one review author and checked by a second review author. No statistical pooling of outcomes was performed, because there was large heterogeneity of outcomes. A total of 1087 potentially relevant references were found. After screening of the references, eight studies with a control group and nine with a pre-test post-test design were included. Most of the 17 studies included have serious methodological limitations, but four Swedish publications in the field of dementia care had high methodological quality and all point to positive effects on nurses' attitudes and skills and/or nurse-patient interactions. However, in interpreting these positive results, it must be taken into account that these four high-quality publications concern sub-studies of one 'sliced' research project using the same study sample. Moreover, these four publications combined a group supervision intervention with the introduction of individual care planning, which also hampers conclusions about the effectiveness of group supervision alone. Although there are rather a lot of indications that group supervision of nurses is effective, evidence on the effects is still scarce. Further methodologically sound research is needed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Injector Mixing Efficiency Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moser, Marlow D.

1998-01-01

Various optical diagnostic techniques such as laser induce fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, laser Doppler velocimetry, and laser light scattering have been employed to study the flowfield downstream of a single injector element in a optically accessible rocket chamber at Penn State for a number o years. These techniques have been used with both liquid and gaseous oxygen at pressures up to 1000 psia which is the limit of the facility. The purpose of the test programs at Penn State were to develop the techniques and to study the flow field from various injector designs. To extend these studies to higher pressure and ultimately to multiple injectors require the capabilities of the Marshall Space Flight Center. These studies will extend the data base available for the various injector designs to higher pressure as well as to determine the interaction between multiple injectors. During this effort the Princeton Instruments ICCD camera was set up and checked out. The functionality of the system has been thoroughly checked and the shutter compensation time was found to be not working. The controller was returned to the manufacturer for warranty repair. The sensitivity has been measured and found to be approximately 60 counts per photon at maximum gain which agrees with the test data supplied by the manufacturer. The actual value depends on wavelength. The Princeton Instruments camera was been installed in a explosion proof tube for use with the rocket combustor. A 35 mm camera was also made ready for taking still photos inside the combustor. A fiber optic was used to transmit the laser light from an argon-ion laser to the rocket combustor for the light scattering images. This images were obtained for a LOX-hydrogen swirl coax injector. Several still photos were also obtained with the 35 mm camera for these firings.

An experimental method to verify soil conservation by check dams on the Loess Plateau, China.

PubMed

Xu, X Z; Zhang, H W; Wang, G Q; Chen, S C; Dang, W Q

2009-12-01

A successful experiment with a physical model requires necessary conditions of similarity. This study presents an experimental method with a semi-scale physical model. The model is used to monitor and verify soil conservation by check dams in a small watershed on the Loess Plateau of China. During experiments, the model-prototype ratio of geomorphic variables was kept constant under each rainfall event. Consequently, experimental data are available for verification of soil erosion processes in the field and for predicting soil loss in a model watershed with check dams. Thus, it can predict the amount of soil loss in a catchment. This study also mentions four criteria: similarities of watershed geometry, grain size and bare land, Froude number (Fr) for rainfall event, and soil erosion in downscaled models. The efficacy of the proposed method was confirmed using these criteria in two different downscaled model experiments. The B-Model, a large scale model, simulates watershed prototype. The two small scale models, D(a) and D(b), have different erosion rates, but are the same size. These two models simulate hydraulic processes in the B-Model. Experiment results show that while soil loss in the small scale models was converted by multiplying the soil loss scale number, it was very close to that of the B-Model. Obviously, with a semi-scale physical model, experiments are available to verify and predict soil loss in a small watershed area with check dam system on the Loess Plateau, China.

Cure-WISE: HETDEX Data Reduction with Astro-WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snigula, J. M.; Drory, N.; Fabricius, M.; Landriau, M.; Montesano, F.; Hill, G. J.; Gebhardt, K.; Cornell, M. E.

2014-05-01

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX, Hill et al. 2012b) is a blind spectroscopic survey to map the evolution of dark energy using Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies at redshifts 1.9< ɀ <3.5 as tracers. The survey will use an array of 75 integral field spectrographs called the Visible Integral field Replicable Unit (IFU) Spectrograph (VIRUS, Hill et al. 2012c). The 10m HET (Ramsey et al. 1998) currently receives a wide-field upgrade (Hill et al. 2012a) to accomodate the spectrographs and to provide the needed field of view. Over the projected five year run of the survey we expect to obtain approximately 170 GB of data each night. For the data reduction we developed the Cure pipeline, to automatically find and calibrate the observed spectra, subtract the sky background, and detect and classify different types of sources. Cure employs rigorous statistical methods and complete pixel-level error propagation throughout the reduction process to ensure Poisson-limited performance and meaningful significance values. To automate the reduction of the whole dataset we implemented the Cure pipeline in the Astro-WISE framework. This integration provides for HETDEX a database backend with complete dependency tracking of the various reduction steps, automated checks, and a searchable interface to the detected sources and user management. It can be used to create various web interfaces for data access and quality control. Astro-WISE allows us to reduce the data from all the IFUs in parallel on a compute cluster. This cluster allows us to reduce the observed data in quasi real time and still have excess capacity for rerunning parts of the reduction. Finally, the Astro-WISE interface will be used to provide access to reduced data products to the general community.

Comparative Validation of Five Quantitative Rapid Test Kits for the Analysis of Salt Iodine Content: Laboratory Performance, User- and Field-Friendliness

PubMed Central

Rohner, Fabian; Kangambèga, Marcelline O.; Khan, Noor; Kargougou, Robert; Garnier, Denis; Sanou, Ibrahima; Ouaro, Bertine D.; Petry, Nicolai; Wirth, James P.; Jooste, Pieter

2015-01-01

Background Iodine deficiency has important health and development consequences and the introduction of iodized salt as national programs has been a great public health success in the past decades. To render national salt iodization programs sustainable and ensure adequate iodization levels, simple methods to quantitatively assess whether salt is adequately iodized are required. Several methods claim to be simple and reliable, and are available on the market or are in development. Objective This work has validated the currently available quantitative rapid test kits (quantRTK) in a comparative manner for both their laboratory performance and ease of use in field settings. Methods Laboratory performance parameters (linearity, detection and quantification limit, intra- and inter-assay imprecision) were conducted on 5 quantRTK. We assessed inter-operator imprecision using salt of different quality along with the comparison of 59 salt samples from across the globe; measurements were made both in a laboratory and a field setting by technicians and non-technicians. Results from the quantRTK were compared against iodometric titration for validity. An ‘ease-of-use’ rating system was developed to identify the most suitable quantRTK for a given task. Results Most of the devices showed acceptable laboratory performance, but for some of the devices, use by non-technicians revealed poorer performance when working in a routine manner. Of the quantRTK tested, the iCheck® and I-Reader® showed most consistent performance and ease of use, and a newly developed paper-based method (saltPAD) holds promise if further developed. Conclusions User- and field-friendly devices are now available and the most appropriate quantRTK can be selected depending on the number of samples and the budget available. PMID:26401655

Reionization and CMB non-Gaussianity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munshi, D.; Corasaniti, P. S.; Coles, P.; Heavens, A.; Pandolfi, S.

2014-08-01

We show how cross-correlating a high-redshift external tracer field, such as the 21-cm neutral hydrogen distribution and product maps involving cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization fields, that probe mixed bispectrum involving these fields, can help to determine the reionization history of the Universe, beyond what can be achieved from cross-spectrum analysis. Taking clues from recent studies for the detection of primordial non-Gaussianity, we develop a set of estimators that can study reionization using a power spectrum associated with the bispectrum (or skew-spectrum). We use the matched filtering inherent in this method to investigate different reionization histories. We check to what extent they can be used to rule out various models of reionization and study cross-contamination from different sources such as the lensing of the CMB. The estimators can be fine-tuned to optimize study of a specific reionization history. We consider three different types of tracers in our study, namely: proto-galaxies; 21-cm maps of neutral hydrogen; and quasars. We also consider four alternative models of reionization. We find that the cumulative signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detection at ℓmax = 2000 can reach O(70) for cosmic variance limited all-sky experiments. Combining 100 GHz, 143 GHz and 217 GHz channels of the Planck experiment, we find that the S/N lies in the range O(5)-O(35). The S/N depends on the specific choice of a tracer field, and multiple tracers can be effectively used to map out the entire reionization history with reasonable S/N. Contamination from weak lensing is investigated and found to be negligible, and the effects of Thomson scattering from patchy reionization are also considered.

Analyses of Fusarium wilt race 3 resistance in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

PubMed

Abdullaev, Alisher A; Salakhutdinov, Ilkhom B; Egamberdiev, Sharof Sh; Kuryazov, Zarif; Glukhova, Ludmila A; Adilova, Azoda T; Rizaeva, Sofiya M; Ulloa, Mauricio; Abdurakhmonov, Ibrokhim Y

2015-06-01

Fusarium wilt [Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (FOV) Atk. Sny & Hans] represents a serious threat to cotton (Gossypium spp.) production. For the last few decades, the FOV pathogen has become a significant problem in Uzbekistan causing severe wilt disease and yield losses of G. hirsutum L. cultivars. We present the first genetic analyses of FOV race 3 resistance on Uzbek Cotton Germplasm with a series of field and greenhouse artificial inoculation-evaluations and inheritance studies. The field experiments were conducted in two different sites: the experimental station in Zangiota region-Environment (Env) 1 and the Institute of Cotton Breeding (Env-2, Tashkent province). The Env-1 was known to be free of FOV while the Env-2 was known to be a heavily FOV infested soil. In both (Env-1 and Env-2) of these sites, field soil was inoculated with FOV race 3. F2 and an F3 Upland populations ("Mebane B1" × "11970") were observed with a large phenotypic variance for plant survival and FOV disease severity within populations and among control or check Upland accessions. Wilt symptoms among studied F2 individuals and F3 families significantly differed depending on test type and evaluation site. Distribution of Mendelian rations of susceptible (S) and resistant (R) phenotypes were 1S:1R field Env-1 and 3S:1R field Env-2 in the F2 population, and 1S:3R greenhouse site in the F3 population. The different segregation distribution of the Uzbek populations may be explained by differences in FOV inoculum level and environmental conditions during assays. However, genetic analysis indicated a recessive single gene action under high inoculum levels or disease pressure for FOV race 3 resistance. Uzbek germplasm may be more susceptible than expected to FOV race 3, and sources of resistance to FOV may be limited under the FOV inoculum levels present in highly-infested fields making the breeding process more complex.

SU-F-T-301: Planar Dose Pass Rate Inflation Due to the MapCHECK Measurement Uncertainty Function

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

Bailey, D; Spaans, J; Kumaraswamy, L

Purpose: To quantify the effect of the Measurement Uncertainty function on planar dosimetry pass rates, as analyzed with Sun Nuclear Corporation analytic software (“MapCHECK” or “SNC Patient”). This optional function is toggled on by default upon software installation, and automatically increases the user-defined dose percent difference (%Diff) tolerance for each planar dose comparison. Methods: Dose planes from 109 IMRT fields and 40 VMAT arcs were measured with the MapCHECK 2 diode array, and compared to calculated planes from a commercial treatment planning system. Pass rates were calculated within the SNC analytic software using varying calculation parameters, including Measurement Uncertainty onmore » and off. By varying the %Diff criterion for each dose comparison performed with Measurement Uncertainty turned off, an effective %Diff criterion was defined for each field/arc corresponding to the pass rate achieved with MapCHECK Uncertainty turned on. Results: For 3%/3mm analysis, the Measurement Uncertainty function increases the user-defined %Diff by 0.8–1.1% average, depending on plan type and calculation technique, for an average pass rate increase of 1.0–3.5% (maximum +8.7%). For 2%, 2 mm analysis, the Measurement Uncertainty function increases the user-defined %Diff by 0.7–1.2% average, for an average pass rate increase of 3.5–8.1% (maximum +14.2%). The largest increases in pass rate are generally seen with poorly-matched planar dose comparisons; the MapCHECK Uncertainty effect is markedly smaller as pass rates approach 100%. Conclusion: The Measurement Uncertainty function may substantially inflate planar dose comparison pass rates for typical IMRT and VMAT planes. The types of uncertainties incorporated into the function (and their associated quantitative estimates) as described in the software user’s manual may not accurately estimate realistic measurement uncertainty for the user’s measurement conditions. Pass rates listed in published reports or otherwise compared to the results of other users or vendors should clearly indicate whether the Measurement Uncertainty function is used.« less

The Multiple Doppler Radar Workshop, November 1979.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carbone, R. E.; Harris, F. I.; Hildebrand, P. H.; Kropfli, R. A.; Miller, L. J.; Moninger, W.; Strauch, R. G.; Doviak, R. J.; Johnson, K. W.; Nelson, S. P.; Ray, P. S.; Gilet, M.

1980-10-01

The findings of the Multiple Doppler Radar Workshop are summarized by a series of six papers. Part I of this series briefly reviews the history of multiple Doppler experimentation, fundamental concepts of Doppler signal theory, and organization and objectives of the Workshop. Invited presentations by dynamicists and cloud physicists are also summarized.Experimental design and procedures (Part II) are shown to be of critical importance. Well-defined and limited experimental objectives are necessary in view of technological limitations. Specified radar scanning procedures that balance temporal and spatial resolution considerations are discussed in detail. Improved siting for suppression of ground clutter as well as scanning procedures to minimize errors at echo boundaries are discussed. The need for accelerated research using numerically simulated proxy data sets is emphasized.New technology to eliminate various sampling limitations is cited as an eventual solution to many current problems in Part III. Ground clutter contamination may be curtailed by means of full spectral processing, digital filters in real time, and/or variable pulse repetition frequency. Range and velocity ambiguities also may be minimized by various pulsing options as well as random phase transmission. Sidelobe contamination can be reduced through improvements in radomes, illumination patterns, and antenna feed types. Radar volume-scan time can be sharply reduced by means of wideband transmission, phased array antennas, multiple beam antennas, and frequency agility.Part IV deals with synthesis of data from several radars in the context of scientific requirements in cumulus clouds, widespread precipitation, and severe convective storms. The important temporal and spatial scales are examined together with the accuracy required for vertical air motion in each phenomenon. Factors that introduce errors in the vertical velocity field are identified and synthesis techniques are discussed separately for the dual Doppler and multiple Doppler cases. Various filters and techniques, including statistical and variational approaches, are mentioned. Emphasis is placed on the importance of experiment design and procedures, technological improvements, incorporation of all information from supporting sensors, and analysis priority for physically simple cases. Integrated reliability is proposed as an objective tool for radar siting.Verification of multiple Doppler-derived vertical velocity is discussed in Part V. Three categories of verification are defined as direct, deductive, and theoretical/numerical. Direct verification consists of zenith-pointing radar measurements (from either airborne or ground-based systems), air motion sensing aircraft, instrumented towers, and tracking of radar chaff. Deductive sources include mesonetworks, aircraft (thermodynamic and microphysical) measurements, satellite observations, radar reflectivity, multiple Doppler consistency, and atmospheric soundings. Theoretical/numerical sources of verification include proxy data simulation, momentum checking, and numerical cloud models. New technology, principally in the form of wide bandwidth radars, is seen as a development that may reduce the need for extensive verification of multiple Doppler-derived vertical air motions. Airborne Doppler radar is perceived as the single most important source of verification within the bounds of existing technology.Nine stages of data processing and display are identified in Part VI. The stages are identified as field checks, archival, selection, editing, coordinate transformation, synthesis of Cartesian fields, filtering, display, and physical analysis. Display of data is considered to be a problem critical to assimilation of data at all stages. Interactive computing systems and software are concluded to be very important, particularly for the editing stage. Three- and 4-dimensional displays are considered essential for data assimilation, particularly at the physical analysis stage. The concept of common data tape formats is approved both for data in radar spherical space as well as for synthesized Cartesian output.1169

Reaching Soldiers with Untreated Substance Use Disorder: Lessons Learned in the Development of a Marketing Campaign for the Warrior Check-Up Study

PubMed Central

Walton, Thomas O.; Walker, Denise D.; Kaysen, Debra L.; Roffman, Roger A.; Mbilinyi, Lyungai; Neighbors, Clayton

2016-01-01

The Warrior Check-Up, a confidential telephone-delivered intervention, is designed to reach active-duty soldiers with untreated substance-use disorder at a large US military base. This paper describes the development and successful implementation of the study’s marketing strategies at the recruitment period’s midpoint (2010–2012). Qualitative analyses of focus groups (n = 26) and survey responses (n = 278) describe the process of campaign design. Measures of demographics, media exposure, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression gathered from callers (n = 172) are used in quantitative analysis assessing the campaign’s success in reaching this population. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. Department of Defense provided study funding. PMID:23869462

Fertilization increases paddy soil organic carbon density.

PubMed

Wang, Shao-xian; Liang, Xin-qiang; Luo, Qi-xiang; Fan, Fang; Chen, Ying-xu; Li, Zu-zhang; Sun, Huo-xi; Dai, Tian-fang; Wan, Jun-nan; Li, Xiao-jun

2012-04-01

Field experiments provide an opportunity to study the effects of fertilization on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. We sampled soils from a long-term (25 years) paddy experiment in subtropical China. The experiment included eight treatments: (1) check, (2) PK, (3) NP, (4) NK, (5) NPK, (6) 7F:3M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+30% organic N), (7) 5F:5M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+50% organic N), (8) 3F:7M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+70% organic N). Fertilization increased SOC content in the plow layers compared to the non-fertilized check treatment. The SOC density in the top 100 cm of soil ranged from 73.12 to 91.36 Mg/ha. The SOC densities of all fertilizer treatments were greater than that of the check. Those treatments that combined inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments had greater SOC densities than those receiving only inorganic fertilizers. The SOC density was closely correlated to the sum of the soil carbon converted from organic amendments and rice residues. Carbon sequestration in paddy soils could be achieved by balanced and combined fertilization. Fertilization combining both inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments is an effective sustainable practice to sequestrate SOC.

Fertilization increases paddy soil organic carbon density*

PubMed Central

Wang, Shao-xian; Liang, Xin-qiang; Luo, Qi-xiang; Fan, Fang; Chen, Ying-xu; Li, Zu-zhang; Sun, Huo-xi; Dai, Tian-fang; Wan, Jun-nan; Li, Xiao-jun

2012-01-01

Field experiments provide an opportunity to study the effects of fertilization on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. We sampled soils from a long-term (25 years) paddy experiment in subtropical China. The experiment included eight treatments: (1) check, (2) PK, (3) NP, (4) NK, (5) NPK, (6) 7F:3M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+30% organic N), (7) 5F:5M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+50% organic N), (8) 3F:7M (N, P, K inorganic fertilizers+70% organic N). Fertilization increased SOC content in the plow layers compared to the non-fertilized check treatment. The SOC density in the top 100 cm of soil ranged from 73.12 to 91.36 Mg/ha. The SOC densities of all fertilizer treatments were greater than that of the check. Those treatments that combined inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments had greater SOC densities than those receiving only inorganic fertilizers. The SOC density was closely correlated to the sum of the soil carbon converted from organic amendments and rice residues. Carbon sequestration in paddy soils could be achieved by balanced and combined fertilization. Fertilization combining both inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments is an effective sustainable practice to sequestrate SOC. PMID:22467369

Spectral Deformation for Two-Body Dispersive Systems with e.g. the Yukawa Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelmann, Matthias; Rasmussen, Morten Grud

2016-12-01

We find an explicit closed formula for the k'th iterated commutator {{ad}Ak}(HV(ξ )) of arbitrary order k ⩾ 1 between a Hamiltonian HV(ξ )=M_{ω _{ξ }}+S_{\\check V} and a conjugate operator A={i}/2(v_{ξ}\\cdotnabla+nabla\\cdot v_{ξ}), where M_{ω _{ξ }} is the operator of multiplication with the real analytic function ω ξ which depends real analytically on the parameter ξ, and the operator S_{\\check V} is the operator of convolution with the (sufficiently nice) function \\check V, and v ξ is some vector field determined by ω ξ . Under certain assumptions, which are satisfied for the Yukawa potential, we then prove estimates of the form {{{ad}Ak}(HV(ξ ))(H0(ξ )+{i} )}|≤ C_{ξ }kk! where C ξ is some constant which depends continuously on ξ. The Hamiltonian is the fixed total momentum fiber Hamiltonian of an abstract two-body dispersive system and the work is inspired by a recent result [3] which, under conditions including estimates of the mentioned type, opens up for spectral deformation and analytic perturbation theory of embedded eigenvalues of finite multiplicity.

Dynamic modeling and simulation of an integral bipropellant propulsion double-valve combined test system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yang; Wang, Huasheng; Xia, Jixia; Cai, Guobiao; Zhang, Zhenpeng

2017-04-01

For the pressure reducing regulator and check valve double-valve combined test system in an integral bipropellant propulsion system, a system model is established with modular models of various typical components. The simulation research is conducted on the whole working process of an experiment of 9 MPa working condition from startup to rated working condition and finally to shutdown. Comparison of simulation results with test data shows: five working conditions including standby, startup, rated pressurization, shutdown and halt and nine stages of the combined test system are comprehensively disclosed; valve-spool opening and closing details of the regulator and two check valves are accurately revealed; the simulation also clarifies two phenomena which test data are unable to clarify, one is the critical opening state in which the check valve spools slightly open and close alternately in their own fully closed positions, the other is the obvious effects of flow-field temperature drop and temperature rise in pipeline network with helium gas flowing. Moreover, simulation results with consideration of component wall heat transfer are closer to the test data than those under the adiabatic-wall condition, and more able to reveal the dynamic characteristics of the system in various working stages.

Statistical Quality Control of Moisture Data in GEOS DAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dee, D. P.; Rukhovets, L.; Todling, R.

1999-01-01

A new statistical quality control algorithm was recently implemented in the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System (GEOS DAS). The final step in the algorithm consists of an adaptive buddy check that either accepts or rejects outlier observations based on a local statistical analysis of nearby data. A basic assumption in any such test is that the observed field is spatially coherent, in the sense that nearby data can be expected to confirm each other. However, the buddy check resulted in excessive rejection of moisture data, especially during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The analysis moisture variable in GEOS DAS is water vapor mixing ratio. Observational evidence shows that the distribution of mixing ratio errors is far from normal. Furthermore, spatial correlations among mixing ratio errors are highly anisotropic and difficult to identify. Both factors contribute to the poor performance of the statistical quality control algorithm. To alleviate the problem, we applied the buddy check to relative humidity data instead. This variable explicitly depends on temperature and therefore exhibits a much greater spatial coherence. As a result, reject rates of moisture data are much more reasonable and homogeneous in time and space.

Weak-field H3O+ ion cyclotron resonance alters water refractive index.

PubMed

D'Emilia, E; Ledda, M; Foletti, A; Lisi, A; Giuliani, L; Grimaldi, S; Liboff, A R

2017-01-01

Heretofore only observed in living systems, we report that weak-field ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) also occurs in inanimate matter. Weak magnetic field (50 nT) hydronium ICR at the field combination (7.84 Hz, 7.5 µT) markedly changes water structure, as evidenced by finding an altered index of refraction exactly at this combined field. This observation utilizes a novel technique which measures the scattering of a He-Ne laser beam as the sample is exposed to a ramped magnetic field frequency. In addition to the hydronium resonance, we find evidence of ICR coupling to a more massive structure, possibly a tetrahedral combination of three waters and a single hydronium ion. To check our observations, we extended this technique to D 2 O, successfully predicting the specific ICR charge-to-mass ratio for D 3 O + that alters the index of refraction.

Physics of Gravitational Interaction: Geometry of Space or Quantum Field in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baryshev, Yurij

2006-03-01

Thirring-Feynman's tensor field approach to gravitation opens new understanding on the physics of gravitational interaction and stimulates novel experiments on the nature of gravity. According to Field Gravity, the universal gravity force is caused by exchange of gravitons - the quanta of gravity field. Energy of this field is well-defined and excludes the singularity. All classical relativistic effects are the same as in General Relativity. The intrinsic scalar (spin 0) part of gravity field corresponds to ``antigravity'' and only together with the pure tensor (spin 2) part gives the usual Newtonian force. Laboratory and astrophysical experiments which may test the predictions of FG, will be performed in near future. In particular, observations at gravity observatories with bar and interferometric detectors, like Explorer, Nautilus, LIGO and VIRGO, will check the predicted scalar gravitational waves from supernova explosions. New types of cosmological models in Minkowski space are possible too.

Correlation between topological structure and its properties in dynamic singular vector fields.

PubMed

Vasilev, Vasyl; Soskin, Marat

2016-04-20

A new technique for establishment of topology measurements for static and dynamic singular vector fields is elaborated. It is based on precise measurement of the 3D landscape of ellipticity distribution for a checked singular optical field with C points on the tops of ellipticity hills. Vector fields possess three-component topology: areas with right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) ellipses, and delimiting those L lines as the singularities of handedness. The azimuth map of polarization ellipses is common for both RH and LH ellipses of vector fields and do not feel L lines. The strict rules were confirmed experimentally, which define the connection between the sign of underlying optical vortices and morphological parameters of upper-lying C points. Percolation phenomena explain their realization in-between singular vector fields and long duration of their chains of 10³  s order.

The Effects of Check-In, Check-Up, Check-Out for Students with Moderate Intellectual Disability during On- and Off-Site Vocational Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boden, Lauren J.; Jolivette, Kristine; Alberto, Paul A.

2018-01-01

Check-in/check-out is a secondary-tier intervention within the positive behavior interventions and supports framework. Check-in/check-out pairs the use of an adult mentor with a daily progress report to help students meet individualized behavioral goals. This study adds to the research base by examining the effects of check-in, check-up, check-out…

Distributioin, orientation and scales of the field-aligned currents measured by Swarm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J.; Dunlop, M. W.

2016-12-01

We have statistically studied the R1, R2 and net field aligned currents using the FAC data of the Swarm satellites. We also have investigated the statistical, dual-spacecraft correlations of field-aligned current signatures between two Swarm spacecraft (A and C). For the first time we have inferred the orientations of the current sheets of FACs directly, using the maximum correlations, obtained from sliding data segments, which show clear trends in magnetic local time (MLT). To compare with this we also check the MVAB method. To explore the scale and variability of the current sheet supposition, we investigate the MLT dependence of the maximum correlations in different time shift or longitude shift bins.

17 CFR 230.430B - Prospectus in a registration statement after effective date.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... during the past three years neither the issuer nor any of its predecessors was: (A) A blank check company... purpose of section 5(b)(1) thereof. This provision shall not limit the information required to be... EXCHANGE COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Form and Content of Prospectuses...

77 FR 41800 - Notice of Proposed Partial Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-16

..., Bayer CropScience Inc., News Publishing Australia Limited, and Stauffer Management Company LLC--will... may also be obtained by mail from the Consent Decree Library, P.O. Box 7611, U.S. Department of... a copy from the Consent Decree Library, please enclose a check in the amount of [[Page 41801

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Sssss of... - Continuous Compliance with Operating Limits

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... activity level of the catalyst at least every 12 months and taking any necessary corrective action, such as... temperature measured during the most recent performance test; and vi. Checking the activity level of the... hopper. c. Maintain the limestone feeder setting at or above the level established during the most recent...

Checking in: Location Services for Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rethlefsen, Melissa L.

2010-01-01

As always in real estate, everything in technology these days seems to be about location. From Google's recent addition of a "nearby" location limit to its suite of search options to the spate of location-based mobile apps and social networks, physical proximity has become the linchpin of a trend to connect technology to the real world. In this…

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... maintenance test flight with a second pilot or certificated mechanic, and no passengers or cargo are carried... are distributed by Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc. You may obtain a copy from Turbine Aircraft.... Supplementary NTS E. In Flight Post Maintenance Checks 1. NTS In-Flight 2. Flight Idle Fuel Flow F. Limitations...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... maintenance test flight with a second pilot or certificated mechanic, and no passengers or cargo are carried... are distributed by Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc. You may obtain a copy from Turbine Aircraft.... Supplementary NTS E. In Flight Post Maintenance Checks 1. NTS In-Flight 2. Flight Idle Fuel Flow F. Limitations...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... maintenance test flight with a second pilot or certificated mechanic, and no passengers or cargo are carried... are distributed by Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc. You may obtain a copy from Turbine Aircraft.... Supplementary NTS E. In Flight Post Maintenance Checks 1. NTS In-Flight 2. Flight Idle Fuel Flow F. Limitations...

40 CFR Appendix F to Part 60 - Quality Assurance Procedures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... plus the 2.5 percent error confidence coefficient of a series of tests divided by the mean of the RM...-level) CD or the daily high-level CD exceeds two times the limits of the applicable PS's in appendix B... result exceeds four times the applicable drift specification in appendix B during any CD check, the CEMS...

40 CFR Appendix F to Part 60 - Quality Assurance Procedures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... plus the 2.5 percent error confidence coefficient of a series of tests divided by the mean of the RM...-level) CD or the daily high-level CD exceeds two times the limits of the applicable PS's in appendix B... result exceeds four times the applicable drift specification in appendix B during any CD check, the CEMS...

40 CFR Appendix F to Part 60 - Quality Assurance Procedures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... plus the 2.5 percent error confidence coefficient of a series of tests divided by the mean of the RM...-level) CD or the daily high-level CD exceeds two times the limits of the applicable PS's in appendix B... result exceeds four times the applicable drift specification in appendix B during any CD check, the CEMS...

LDPC Codes--Structural Analysis and Decoding Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Xiaojie

2012-01-01

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes have been the focus of much research over the past decade thanks to their near Shannon limit performance and to their efficient message-passing (MP) decoding algorithms. However, the error floor phenomenon observed in MP decoding, which manifests itself as an abrupt change in the slope of the error-rate curve,…

75 FR 38058 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... torque spanner to the specifications in the torque figures shown in Table 2. of the Accomplishment... torque check of the tension bolts. Related investigative actions include: Inspecting the condition of the... of the nut being tightened to the end of the thread. Examining the wear pattern on the seating...