[Innovation guidelines and strategies for pharmaceutical engineering of Chinese medicine and their industrial translation].

PubMed

Cheng, Yi-Yu; Qu, Hai-Bin; Zhang, Bo-Li

2013-01-01

This paper briefly analyzes the bottlenecks and major technical requirements for pharmaceutical industry of Chinese medicine, providing current status of pharmaceutical engineering of Chinese medicine. The innovation directions and strategies of the pharmaceutical engineering for manufacturing Chinese medicine are proposed along with the framework of their core technology. As a consequence, the development of the third-generation pharmaceutical technology for Chinese medicine, featured as "precision, digital and intelligent", is recommended. The prospects of the pharmaceutical technology are also forecasted.

One year old and growing: a status report of the International Space Station and its partners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartoe, J. D.; Fortenberry, L.

2000-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS), as the largest international science and engineering program in history, features unprecedented technical, cost, scheduling, managerial, and international complexity. A number of major milestones have been accomplished to date, including the construction of major elements of flight hardware, the development of operations and sustaining engineering centers, astronaut training, and eight Space Shuttle/Mir docking missions. International partner contributions and levels of participation have been baselined, and negotiations and discussions are nearing completion regarding bartering arrangements for services and new hardware. As ISS is successfully executed, it can pave the way for more inspiring cooperative achievements in the future. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Technical Support Document for Version 3.6.1 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2009-09-29

This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards.

Technical trends of large-size photomasks for flat panel displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Koichiro

2017-06-01

Currently, flat panel displays (FPDs) are one of the main parts for information technology devices and sets. From 1990's to 2000's, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and plasma displays had been mainstream FPDs. In the middle of 2000's, demand of plasma displays declined and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) newly came into FPD market. And today, major technology of FPDs are LCDs and OLEDs. Especially for mobile devices, the penetration of OLEDs is remarkable. In FPDs panel production, photolithography is the key technology as same as LSI. Photomasks for FPDs are used not only as original master of circuit pattern, but also as a tool to form other functional structures of FPDs. Photomasks for FPDs are called as "Large Size Photomasks(LSPMs)", since the remarkable feature is " Size" which reaches over 1- meter square and over 100kg. In this report, we discuss three LSPMs technical topics with FPDs technical transition and trend. The first topics is upsizing of LSPMs, the second is the challenge for higher resolution patterning, and the last is "Multi-Tone Mask" for "Half -Tone Exposure".

A review of design issues specific to hypersonic flight vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sziroczak, D.; Smith, H.

2016-07-01

This paper provides an overview of the current technical issues and challenges associated with the design of hypersonic vehicles. Two distinct classes of vehicles are reviewed; Hypersonic Transports and Space Launchers, their common features and differences are examined. After a brief historical overview, the paper takes a multi-disciplinary approach to these vehicles, discusses various design aspects, and technical challenges. Operational issues are explored, including mission profiles, current and predicted markets, in addition to environmental effects and human factors. Technological issues are also reviewed, focusing on the three major challenge areas associated with these vehicles: aerothermodynamics, propulsion, and structures. In addition, matters of reliability and maintainability are also presented. The paper also reviews the certification and flight testing of these vehicles from a global perspective. Finally the current stakeholders in the field of hypersonic flight are presented, summarizing the active programs and promising concepts.

BASINS Technical Notes

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA has developed several technical notes that provide in depth information on a specific function in BASINS. Technical notes can be used to answer questions users may have, or to provide additional information on the application of features in BASINS.

Tactical and operational response to major incidents: feasibility and reliability of skills assessment using novel virtual environments.

PubMed

Cohen, Daniel; Sevdalis, Nick; Patel, Vishal; Taylor, Michael; Lee, Henry; Vokes, Mick; Heys, Mick; Taylor, David; Batrick, Nicola; Darzi, Ara

2013-07-01

To determine feasibility and reliability of skills assessment in a multi-agency, triple-site major incident response exercise carried out in a virtual world environment. Skills assessment was carried out across three scenarios. The pre-hospital scenario required paramedics to triage and treat casualties at the site of an explosion. Technical skills assessment forms were developed using training syllabus competencies and national guidelines identified by pre-hospital response experts. Non-technical skills were assessed using a seven-point scale previously developed for use by pre-hospital paramedics. The two in-hospital scenarios, focusing on a trauma team leader and a silver/clinical major incident co-ordinator, utilised the validated Trauma-NOTECHS scale to assess five domains of performance. Technical competencies were assessed using an ATLS-style competency scale for the trauma scenario. For the silver scenario, the assessment document was developed using competencies described from a similar role description in a real-life hospital major incident plan. The technical and non-technical performance of all participants was assessed live by two experts in each of the three scenarios and inter-assessor reliability was computed. Participants also self-assessed their performance using identical proformas immediately after the scenarios were completed. Self and expert assessments were correlated (assessment cross-validation). Twenty-three participants underwent all scenarios and assessments. Performance assessments were feasible for both experts as well as the participants. Non-technical performance was generally scored higher than technical performance. Very good inter-rater reliability was obtained between expert raters across all scenarios and both technical and non-technical aspects of performance (reliability range 0.59-0.90, Ps<0.01). Significant positive correlations were found between self and expert assessment in technical skills across all three scenarios (correlation range 0.52-0.84, Ps<0.05), although no such correlations were observed in non-technical skills. This study establishes feasibility and reliability of virtual environment technical and non-technical skills assessment in major incident scenarios for the first time. The development for further scenarios and validated assessment scales will enable major incident planners to utilise virtual technologies for improved major incident preparation and training. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trainees' perceptions of practitioner competence during patient transfer.

PubMed

Grierson, Lawrence; Dubrowski, Adam; So, Steph; Kistner, Nicole; Carnahan, Heather

2012-01-01

Technical and communicative skills are both important features for one's perception of practitioner competence. This research examines how trainees' perceptions of practitioner competence change as they view health care practitioners who vary in their technical and communicative skill proficiencies. Occupational therapy students watched standardized encounters of a practitioner performing a patient transfer in combinations of low and high technical and communicative proficiency and then reported their perceptions of practitioner competence. The reports indicate that technical and communicative skills have independently identifiable impacts on the perceptions of practitioner competency, but technical proficiency has a special impact on the students' perceptions of practitioner communicative competence. The results are discussed with respect to the way in which students may evaluate their own competence on the basis of either technical or communicative skill. The issue of how this may lead trainees to dedicate their independent learning efforts to an incomplete set of features needed for the development of practitioner competency is raised.

The composing process in technical communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masse, R. E.

1981-01-01

The theory and application of the composing process in technical communications is addressed. The composing process of engineers, some implications for composing research for the teaching and research of technical communication, and an interpretation of the processes as creative experience are also discussed. Two areas of technical communications summarized concern: the rhetorical features of technical communications, and the theoretical background for a process-based view, a problem-solving approach to technical writing.

Advances in systems biology: computational algorithms and applications.

PubMed

Huang, Yufei; Zhao, Zhongming; Xu, Hua; Shyr, Yu; Zhang, Bing

2012-01-01

The 2012 International Conference on Intelligent Biology and Medicine (ICIBM 2012) was held on April 22-24, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The conference featured six technical sessions, one tutorial session, one workshop, and 3 keynote presentations that covered state-of-the-art research activities in genomics, systems biology, and intelligent computing. In addition to a major emphasis on the next generation sequencing (NGS)-driven informatics, ICIBM 2012 aligned significant interests in systems biology and its applications in medicine. We highlight in this editorial the selected papers from the meeting that address the developments of novel algorithms and applications in systems biology.

The Chiasmus of Design: Paradoxical Outcomes in the e-Government Reform of UK Children's Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wastell, David; White, Sue; Broadhurst, Karen

This paper describes a detailed ethnographic study of the design problems of a major national IT system in the UK- The Integrated Children’s System (ICS). The implementation of the ICS has disrupted social work practice and engendered growing professional resistance, prompting a fundamental review of its design. Marshall McLuhan’s concept of chiasmus is a central feature of our analysis of the vicissitudes of ICS. Chiasmus refers to the tendency of any system, when pushed too far, to produce unintended contradictory effects, and is an intrinsic feature of the behaviour of complex, socio-technical systems. The dysfunctions of the ICS provide a pertinent, large-scale example. The ICS constitutes an attempt, via technological means, to re-organize child welfare services in the UK. Whilst aimed at improving child safety, the ICS has had the opposite effect of increasing the potential for error. This chiasmus has been exposed through the multi-site ethnography reported here, which shows how rigidly designed processes, enforced by IT systems, force social work professionals into unsafe investigative and recording practices which increase the risk of errors. The paper ends by proposing an alternative approach to design, based on socio-technical precepts, emphasizing the principles of minimum critical specification, user-centeredness and local autonomy.

A Theory of the Function of Technical Writing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Donald, Jr.

1981-01-01

Advances the theory that technical writing functions as a replacement for memory--an information storage receptacle. Lists the formal and stylistic features implied by such a theory. Considers the future development of technical writing within the context of this theory. (RL)

Geospatial Analysis | Energy Analysis | NREL

Science.gov Websites

products and tools. Image of a triangle divided into sections called Market, Economic, Technical, and Featured Study U.S. Renewable Energy Technical Potentials: A GIS-Based Analysis summarizes the achievable energy generation, or technical potential, of specific renewable energy technologies given system

Materials education activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ries, Heidi R.; Harris, Jonice; Leake, Woodrow W.; Bunnell, L. Roy; Berrettini, Robert

1993-01-01

Last year, at NEW: Update '91, a panel discussion was held to address the unique difficulties of attracting and retaining minorities and women in technical studies. Unfortunately, retention in technical majors is a problem of varying proportions for the entire student population, and must be improved in order to maintain the strength of the nation's industrial base. To investigate the cause of student attrition in technical majors, in-depth interviews of both current and former (non-graduating) engineering students at four colleges and universities in Colorado were conducted by Hewitt and Seymour. They found that there was no significant difference in the level of high school preparation and undergraduate academic performance in these two groups, despite the prevailing faculty perception that most students who switch from technical to nontechnical majors were underprepared. The majority of engineering students who changed majors reported that they were turned off by science, while one-third complained of poor teaching.

Dyadic Behavior Analysis in Depression Severity Assessment Interviews

PubMed Central

Scherer, Stefan; Hammal, Zakia; Yang, Ying; Morency, Louis-Philippe; Cohn, Jeffrey F.

2016-01-01

Previous literature suggests that depression impacts vocal timing of both participants and clinical interviewers but is mixed with respect to acoustic features. To investigate further, 57 middle-aged adults (men and women) with Major Depression Disorder and their clinical interviewers (all women) were studied. Participants were interviewed for depression severity on up to four occasions over a 21 week period using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), which is a criterion measure for depression severity in clinical trials. Acoustic features were extracted for both participants and interviewers using COVAREP Toolbox. Missing data occurred due to missed appointments, technical problems, or insufficient vocal samples. Data from 36 participants and their interviewers met criteria and were included for analysis to compare between high and low depression severity. Acoustic features for participants varied between men and women as expected, and failed to vary with depression severity for participants. For interviewers, acoustic characteristics strongly varied with severity of the interviewee’s depression. Accommodation - the tendency of interactants to adapt their communicative behavior to each other - between interviewers and interviewees was inversely related to depression severity. These findings suggest that interviewers modify their acoustic features in response to depression severity, and depression severity strongly impacts interpersonal accommodation. PMID:28345076

14 CFR 1213.100 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... include, but are not limited to, press releases, media advisories, news features, and Web postings. Not included under this definition are scientific and technical reports, Web postings designed for technical or...

A Green Campus Culture in Wisconsin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jorgensen, Haley

2006-01-01

This article features information about the Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin for preserving the environment as a school-wide initiative. In 2003, Nicolet became the first of the state's 16 technical colleges to embrace a campus-wide focus on renewable energy. In cooperation with the Wisconsin Technical College System…

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy using a directly modulated quantum cascade laser

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

Hangauer, Andreas, E-mail: hangauer@princeton.edu; Nikodem, Michal; Wysocki, Gerard, E-mail: gwysocki@princeton.edu

2013-11-04

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) utilizing direct modulation of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) is presented. By controlling the laser bias nearly single- and dual-sideband CLaDS operation can be realized in an extremely simplified optical setup with no external optical modulators. Capability of direct single-sideband modulation is a unique feature of QCLs that exhibit a low linewidth enhancement factor. The developed analytical model shows excellent agreement with the experimental, directly modulated CLaDS spectra. This method overcomes major technical limitations of mid-infrared CLaDS systems by allowing significantly higher modulation frequencies and eliminating optical fringes introduced by external modulators.

HKHC Community Dashboard: design, development, and function of a Web-based performance monitoring system.

PubMed

Bors, Philip A; Kemner, Allison; Fulton, John; Stachecki, Jessica; Brennan, Laura K

2015-01-01

As part of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities (HKHC) national grant program, a technical assistance team designed the HKHC Community Dashboard, an online progress documentation and networking system. The Dashboard was central to HKHC's multimethod program evaluation and became a communication interface for grantees and technical assistance providers. The Dashboard was designed through an iterative process of identifying needs and priorities; designing the user experience, technical development, and usability testing; and applying visual design. The system was created with an open-source content management system and support for building an online community of users. The site developer trained technical assistance providers at the national program office and evaluators, who subsequently trained all 49 grantees. Evaluators provided support for Dashboard users and populated the site with the bulk of its uploaded tools and resource documents. The system tracked progress through an interactive work plan template, regular documentation by local staff and partners, and data coding and analysis by the evaluation team. Other features included the ability to broadcast information to Dashboard users via e-mail, event calendars, discussion forums, private messaging, a resource clearinghouse, a technical assistance diary, and real-time progress reports. The average number of Dashboard posts was 694 per grantee during the grant period. Technical assistance providers and grantees uploaded a total of 1304 resource documents. The Dashboard functions with the highest grantee satisfaction were its interfaces for sharing and progress documentation. A majority of Dashboard users (69%) indicated a preference for continued access to the Dashboard's uploaded resource documents. The Dashboard was a useful and innovative tool for participatory evaluation of a large national grant program. While progress documentation added some burden to local project staff, the system proved to be a useful resource-sharing technology.

Research Institute for Technical Careers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glenn, Ronald L.

1996-01-01

The NASA research grant to Wilberforce University enabled us to establish the Research Institute for Technical Careers (RITC) in order to improve the teaching of science and engineering at Wilberforce. The major components of the research grant are infrastructure development, establishment of the Wilberforce Intensive Summer Experience (WISE), and Joint Research Collaborations with NASA Scientists. (A) Infrastructure Development. The NASA grant has enabled us to improve the standard of our chemistry laboratory and establish the electronics, design, and robotics laboratories. These laboratories have significantly improved the level of instruction at Wilberforce University. (B) Wilberforce Intensive Summer Experience (WISE). The WISE program is a science and engineering bridge program for prefreshman students. It is an intensive academic experience designed to strengthen students' knowledge in mathematics, science, engineering, computing skills, and writing. (C) Joint Collaboration. Another feature of the grant is research collaborations between NASA Scientists and Wilberforce University Scientists. These collaborations have enabled our faculty and students to conduct research at NASA Lewis during the summer and publish research findings in various journals and scientific proceedings.

Epidemiology of Feature-Specific Injuries Sustained by Skiers in a Snow Park.

PubMed

Carús, Luis; Escorihuela, María

2016-09-01

The objective of the present case series study was to analyze injury types and injured anatomic locations resulting from skiing in snow park (SP) features and to determine potential risk factors for ski injuries in an SP. The study was conducted during the 2013-2014 winter season in the SP of a major winter resort located in the Spanish Pyrenees. Cases involved skiers who experienced feature-related injuries in the SP. A total of 113 cases met the inclusion criteria. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of injury types and injury to anatomic locations on aerial versus nonaerial features. The overall injury rate was 0.9 per 1000 skier runs. The proportion of injuries was higher for aerials (1.18% of uses) than for nonaerials (0.66% of uses). Results revealed that the upper extremities were the most commonly injured body region, and sprains/strains/dislocations and fractures were the most common injury type. The most commonly injured anatomic location on nonaerial features was the face, while on aerial features it was the head. A higher proportion of fractures was observed on aerial features, while a higher proportion of sprains/strains/dislocations was observed on nonaerial features. Prevention strategies to reduce injury risk include SP redesign, safety and communication policies, instruction on technical skills, and promotion of the use of protective equipment. Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Brownfields Green Avenue Sites: Technical Memorandum - Conceptual Design for Sustainable Redevelopment

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This technical memorandum briefly describes the site and proposed conceptual site plan, indicates conceptual design considerations, specifies recommended green and sustainable features, and offers other recommendations

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy: overcoming technical barriers for clinical translation

PubMed Central

Tu, Haohua; Boppart, Stephen A.

2015-01-01

Clinical translation of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy is of great interest because of the advantages of noninvasive label-free imaging, high sensitivity, and chemical specificity. For this to happen, we have identified and review the technical barriers that must be overcome. Prior investigations have developed advanced techniques (features), each of which can be used to effectively overcome one particular technical barrier. However, the implementation of one or a small number of these advanced features in previous attempts for clinical translation has often introduced more tradeoffs than benefits. In this review, we outline a strategy that would integrate multiple advanced features to overcome all the technical barriers simultaneously, effectively reduce tradeoffs, and synergistically optimize CARS microscopy for clinical translation. The operation of the envisioned system incorporates coherent Raman micro-spectroscopy for identifying vibrational biomolecular markers of disease and single-frequency (or hyperspectral) Raman imaging of these specific biomarkers for real-time in vivo diagnostics and monitoring. An optimal scheme of clinical CARS micro-spectroscopy for thin ex vivo tissues. PMID:23674234

Technical communication: Notes toward defining discipline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubens, P. M.

1981-01-01

In the field of technical communication, definitions posited in virtually any major text violate every major rule of definitions. The most popular method for defining the field is to state that technical writing is any writing that supports technology or technological activities. There is a need for a nice yardstick for measuring what "technology" is. Some ways in which the field can be defined in a tightly structured empirical way and some implications of technical communication for a humanistic education in a technological age are suggested.

Identification of low variability textural features for heterogeneity quantification of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.

PubMed

Cortes-Rodicio, J; Sanchez-Merino, G; Garcia-Fidalgo, M A; Tobalina-Larrea, I

To identify those textural features that are insensitive to both technical and biological factors in order to standardise heterogeneity studies on 18 F-FDG PET imaging. Two different studies were performed. First, nineteen series from a cylindrical phantom filled with different 18 F-FDG activity concentration were acquired and reconstructed using three different protocols. Seventy-two texture features were calculated inside a circular region of interest. The variability of each feature was obtained. Second, the data for 15 patients showing non-pathological liver were acquired. Anatomical and physiological features such as patient's weight, height, body mass index, metabolic active volume, blood glucose level, SUV and SUV standard deviation were also recorded. A liver covering region of interest was delineated and low variability textural features calculated in each patient. Finally, a multivariate Spearman's correlation analysis between biological factors and texture features was performed. Only eight texture features analysed show small variability (<5%) with activity concentration and reconstruction protocol making them suitable for heterogeneity quantification. On the other hand, there is a high statistically significant correlation between MAV and entropy (P<0.05). Entropy feature is, indeed, correlated (P<0.05) with all patient parameters, except body mass index. The textural features that are correlated with neither technical nor biological factors are run percentage, short-zone emphasis and intensity, making them suitable for quantifying functional changes or classifying patients. Other textural features are correlated with technical and biological factors and are, therefore, a source of errors if used for this purpose. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

10 CFR 1045.17 - Classification levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... classification include detailed technical descriptions of critical features of a nuclear explosive design that... classification include designs for specific weapon components (not revealing critical features), key features of uranium enrichment technologies, or specifications of weapon materials. (3) Confidential. The Director of...

10 CFR 1045.17 - Classification levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... classification include detailed technical descriptions of critical features of a nuclear explosive design that... classification include designs for specific weapon components (not revealing critical features), key features of uranium enrichment technologies, or specifications of weapon materials. (3) Confidential. The Director of...

10 CFR 1045.17 - Classification levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... classification include detailed technical descriptions of critical features of a nuclear explosive design that... classification include designs for specific weapon components (not revealing critical features), key features of uranium enrichment technologies, or specifications of weapon materials. (3) Confidential. The Director of...

10 CFR 1045.17 - Classification levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... classification include detailed technical descriptions of critical features of a nuclear explosive design that... classification include designs for specific weapon components (not revealing critical features), key features of uranium enrichment technologies, or specifications of weapon materials. (3) Confidential. The Director of...

Applications and limitations of radiomics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yip, Stephen S. F.; Aerts, Hugo J. W. L.

2016-07-01

Radiomics is an emerging field in quantitative imaging that uses advanced imaging features to objectively and quantitatively describe tumour phenotypes. Radiomic features have recently drawn considerable interest due to its potential predictive power for treatment outcomes and cancer genetics, which may have important applications in personalized medicine. In this technical review, we describe applications and challenges of the radiomic field. We will review radiomic application areas and technical issues, as well as proper practices for the designs of radiomic studies.

National Profiles in Technical and Vocational Education in Asia and the Pacific: Fiji.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Bangkok (Thailand). Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

This technical and vocational education (TVE) profile on Fiji is one in a series of profiles of UNESCO member countries. It is intended to be a handy reference on TVE systems, staff development, technical cooperation, and information networking. Part I, General Information, covers the following: location, area, and physical features; economic and…

National policies for technical change: Where are the increasing returns to economic research?

PubMed Central

Pavitt, Keith

1996-01-01

Improvements over the past 30 years in statistical data, analysis, and related theory have strengthened the basis for science and technology policy by confirming the importance of technical change in national economic performance. But two important features of scientific and technological activities in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries are still not addressed adequately in mainstream economics: (i) the justification of public funding for basic research and (ii) persistent international differences in investment in research and development and related activities. In addition, one major gap is now emerging in our systems of empirical measurement—the development of software technology, especially in the service sector. There are therefore dangers of diminishing returns to the usefulness of economic research, which continues to rely completely on established theory and established statistical sources. Alternative propositions that deserve serious consideration are: (i) the economic usefulness of basic research is in the provision of (mainly tacit) skills rather than codified and applicable information; (ii) in developing and exploiting technological opportunities, institutional competencies are just as important as the incentive structures that they face; and (iii) software technology developed in traditional service sectors may now be a more important locus of technical change than software technology developed in “high-tech” manufacturing. PMID:8917481

Technical support and delegation to practice staff - status quo and (possible) future perspectives for primary health care in Germany.

PubMed

Urban, Elisabeth; Ose, Dominik; Joos, Stefanie; Szecsenyi, Joachim; Miksch, Antje

2012-08-01

Primary health care in industrialized countries faces major challenges due to demographic changes, an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a shortage of primary care physicians. One approach to counteract these developments might be to reduce primary care physicians' workload supported by the use of health information technology (HIT) and non-physician practice staff. In 2009, the U.S. Commonwealth Fund (CWF) conducted an international survey of primary care physicians which the present secondary descriptive analysis is based on. The aim of this analysis was twofold: First, to explore to what extend German primary care physicians already get support by HIT and non-physician practice staff, and second, to show possible future perspectives. The CWF questionnaire was sent to a representative random sample of 1,500 primary care physicians all over Germany. The data was descriptively analyzed. Group comparisons regarding differences in gender and age groups were made by means of Chi Square Tests for categorical variables. An alpha-level of p < 0.05 was used for statistical significance. Altogether 715 primary care physicians answered the questionnaire (response rate 49%). Seventy percent of the physicians use electronic medical records. Technical features such as electronic ordering and access to laboratory parameters are mainly used. However, the majority does not routinely use technical functions for drug prescribing, reminder-systems for guideline-based interventions or recall of patients. Six percent of surveyed physicians are able to transfer prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy, 1% use email communication with patients regularly. Seventy-two percent of primary care physicians get support by non-physician practice staff in patient care, mostly in administrative tasks or routine preventive services. One fourth of physicians is supported in telephone calls to the patient or in patient education and counseling. Within this sample the majority of primary care physicians get support by HIT and non-physician practice staff in their daily work. However, the potential has not yet been fully used. Supportive technical functions like electronic alarm functions for medication or electronic prescribing should be improved technically and more adapted to physicians' needs. To warrant pro-active health care, recall and reminder systems should get refined to encourage their use. Adequately qualified non-physician practice staff could play a more active role in patient care. Reimbursement should not only be linked to doctors', but also to non-physician practice staff services.

A systematic literature review on security and privacy of electronic health record systems: technical perspectives.

PubMed

Rezaeibagha, Fatemeh; Win, Khin Than; Susilo, Willy

Even though many safeguards and policies for electronic health record (EHR) security have been implemented, barriers to the privacy and security protection of EHR systems persist. This article presents the results of a systematic literature review regarding frequently adopted security and privacy technical features of EHR systems. Our inclusion criteria were full articles that dealt with the security and privacy of technical implementations of EHR systems published in English in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings between 1998 and 2013; 55 selected studies were reviewed in detail. We analysed the review results using two International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards (29100 and 27002) in order to consolidate the study findings. Using this process, we identified 13 features that are essential to security and privacy in EHRs. These included system and application access control, compliance with security requirements, interoperability, integration and sharing, consent and choice mechanism, policies and regulation, applicability and scalability and cryptography techniques. This review highlights the importance of technical features, including mandated access control policies and consent mechanisms, to provide patients' consent, scalability through proper architecture and frameworks, and interoperability of health information systems, to EHR security and privacy requirements.

Analytical Components of the Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act 1990-2020, the Second Prospective Study

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The major analytical components of the Second Prospective Study are shown on this page. For other major components of the study, supporting technical reports are available which provide additional technical information.

The Mod-2 wind turbine development project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linscott, B. S.; Dennett, J. T.; Gordon, L. H.

1981-01-01

A major phase of the Federal Wind Energy Program, the Mod-2 wind turbine, a second-generation machine developed by the Boeing Engineering and Construction Co. for the U.S. Department of Energy and the Lewis Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is described. The Mod-2 is a large (2.5-MW power rating) horizontal-axis wind turbine designed for the generation of electrical power on utility networks. Three machines were built and are located in a cluster at Goodnoe Hills, Washington. All technical aspects of the project are described: design approach, significant innovation features, the mechanical system, the electrical power system, the control system, and the safety system.

A Novel Passive Millimeter Imager for Broad-Area Search - Final Report on Project PL09-NPMI-PD07 (PNNL-55180)

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

Tedeschi, Jonathan R.; Bernacki, Bruce E.; Kelly, James F.

2011-12-31

This report describes research and development efforts toward a novel passive millimeter-wave (mm-wave) electromagnetic imaging device for broad-area search. It addresses the technical challenge of detecting anomalies that occupy a small fraction of a pixel. The purpose of the imager is to pinpoint suspicious locations for cuing subsequent higher-resolution imaging. The technical basis for the approach is to exploit thermal and polarization anomalies that distinguish man-made features from natural features.

Brownfields Waterfront Sustainability Pilot, Allentown PA: Technical Memorandum on Conceptual Design Using Low Impact Development

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This technical memorandum briefly describes the site and the master plan, indicates design constraints considered, specifies recommended LID stormwater techniques and features for sustainable redevelopment of the site, and offers other recommendations.

Using case studies to teach an engineering technology technical writing class

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, M. M.

1981-01-01

The use of the case method in teaching various technical communication skills is described. Features of the method considered include: solving communication problems, identifying an audience, planning written communications, presenting written communications, and using visual aids.

An analysis of the technical status of high level radioactive waste and spent fuel management systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

English, T.; Miller, C.; Bullard, E.; Campbell, R.; Chockie, A.; Divita, E.; Douthitt, C.; Edelson, E.; Lees, L.

1977-01-01

The technical status of the old U.S. mailine program for high level radioactive nuclear waste management, and the newly-developing program for disposal of unreprocessed spent fuel was assessed. The method of long term containment for both of these waste forms is considered to be deep geologic isolation in bedded salt. Each major component of both waste management systems is analyzed in terms of its scientific feasibility, technical achievability and engineering achievability. The resulting matrix leads to a systematic identification of major unresolved technical or scientific questions and/or gaps in these programs.

NASA Manufacturing and Test Requirements for Normally Closed Pyrovalves for Hazardous Flight Systems Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDougle, Stephen H.

2015-01-01

Pyrovalves (figure 1, Basic Pyrovalve Design and Features,) are typically lighter, more reliable, and in most cases less expensive than other types of valves. They also consume less electrical power. They are single-use devices that are used in propulsion systems to isolate propellants or pressurant gases. These fluids may be hazardous because of their toxicity, reactivity, temperature, or high pressure. Note that in the simplified block diagram below not all detail features are shown so that those of major interest are more prominent. The diagram is provided to point out the various features that are discussed in this Specification. Features of some NC parent metal valve designs may differ. In 2013, the NESC concluded an extensive study of the reliability and safety of NC parent metal valves used in payloads carried aboard ELVs. The assessment successfully evaluated technical data to determine the risk of NC parent metal valve leakage or inadvertent activation in ELV payloads. The study resulted in numerous recommendations to ensure personnel and hardware/facility safety during ground processing of ELV payloads. One of those recommendations was to establish a NASA specification for NC parent metal valves. This Specification is a result of that recommendation, which is documented in NESC-RP-10-00614.

Technical and Economical Aspects of Current Thermal Barrier Coating Systems for Gas Turbine Engines by Thermal Spray and EBPVD: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feuerstein, Albert; Knapp, James; Taylor, Thomas; Ashary, Adil; Bolcavage, Ann; Hitchman, Neil

2008-06-01

The most advanced thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems for aircraft engine and power generation hot section components consist of electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) applied yttria-stabilized zirconia and platinum modified diffusion aluminide bond coating. Thermally sprayed ceramic and MCrAlY bond coatings, however, are still used extensively for combustors and power generation blades and vanes. This article highlights the key features of plasma spray and HVOF, diffusion aluminizing, and EBPVD coating processes. The coating characteristics of thermally sprayed MCrAlY bond coat as well as low density and dense vertically cracked (DVC) Zircoat TBC are described. Essential features of a typical EBPVD TBC coating system, consisting of a diffusion aluminide and a columnar TBC, are also presented. The major coating cost elements such as material, equipment and processing are explained for the different technologies, with a performance and cost comparison given for selected examples.

A History of the ARPANET: The First Decade

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

10 2.2 Major Technical Problems and Approaches 11-12 2.3 Major Changes in Objectives and Approaches 11-19 3, ,3 Scientific and Technical Results and...successful projects ever undertaken by DARPA! The program has initiated extensive changes in the Defense Department’s use of computers as well as in...the ARPANET project represents a similarly far-reaching change in the use of computers by mankind. The full impact of the technical changes set in

Electron Technology - ELTE 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szczepański, Paweł; Kisiel, Ryszard; Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2013-07-01

The paper presents a digest of chosen research and technical work results shown by researchers from technical universities, governmental institutes and research firms during the XIth Scientific Conference on Electron Technology ELTE 2013. ELTE Conference has been held every three years since more than three decades. The ELTE 2013 conference was held in Ryn Castle (Poland) on 16-20 April 2013 and gathered around 270 scientists, theoreticians, technologists and engineers from such areas as material engineering, chemistry, sensors, integrated circuits, electronics engineering, laser industry, photonics, etc. The conference featured the following major four topical sessions - Micro and Nano, Photonics, Materials and Technologies, and Microsystems; two dedicated sessions - a keynote plenary session on hot topics in electron technology, as well as a session on large research projects and grants realized by the relevant community. Oral topical sessions were accompanied by poster sessions. The paper is a succinct topical introduction to the volume of ELTE 2013 proceedings. Over 100 papers, gathered in the volume, present a very relevant cross section and state-of-the-art of this branch of science and technology in Poland with involved international co-operation.

Collected software engineering papers, volume 9

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This document is a collection of selected technical papers produced by participants in the Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) from November 1990 through October 1991. The purpose of the document is to make available, in one reference, some results of SEL research that originally appeared in a number of different forums. This is the ninth such volume of technical papers produced by the SEL. Although these papers cover several topics related to software engineering, they do not encompass the entire scope of SEL activities and interests. For the convenience of this presentation, the eight papers contained here are grouped into three major categories: (1) software models studies; (2) software measurement studies; and (3) Ada technology studies. The first category presents studies on reuse models, including a software reuse model applied to maintenance and a model for an organization to support software reuse. The second category includes experimental research methods and software measurement techniques. The third category presents object-oriented approaches using Ada and object-oriented features proposed for Ada. The SEL is actively working to understand and improve the software development process at GSFC.

Enhancing the Communication of Climate Change Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerville, R. C.; Hassol, S. J.

2011-12-01

Climate scientists have an important role to play in the critical task of informing the public, media and policymakers. Scientists can help in publicizing and illuminating climate science. However, this task requires combining climate science expertise with advanced communication skills. For example, it is entirely possible to convey scientific information accurately without using jargon or technical concepts unfamiliar to non-scientists. However, making this translation into everyday language is a job that few scientists have been trained to do. In this talk, we give examples from our recent experience working with scientists to enhance their ability to communicate well. Our work includes providing training, technical assistance, and communications tools to climate scientists and universities, government agencies, and research centers. Our experience ranges from preparing Congressional testimony to writing major climate science reports to appearing on television. We have also aided journalists in gathering reliable scientific information and identifying trustworthy experts. Additionally, we are involved in developing resources freely available online at climatecommunication.org. These include a feature on the links between climate change and extreme weather, a climate science primer, and graphics and video explaining key developments in climate change science.

A Review of Intravascular Ultrasound–Based Multimodal Intravascular Imaging: The Synergistic Approach to Characterizing Vulnerable Plaques

PubMed Central

Ma, Teng; Zhou, Bill; Hsiai, Tzung K.; Shung, K. Kirk

2015-01-01

Catheter-based intravascular imaging modalities are being developed to visualize pathologies in coronary arteries, such as high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques known as thin-cap fibroatheroma, to guide therapeutic strategy at preventing heart attacks. Mounting evidences have shown three distinctive histopathological features—the presence of a thin fibrous cap, a lipid-rich necrotic core, and numerous infiltrating macrophages—are key markers of increased vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques. To visualize these changes, the majority of catheter-based imaging modalities used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the technical foundation and integrated emerging intravascular imaging techniques to enhance the characterization of vulnerable plaques. However, no current imaging technology is the unequivocal “gold standard” for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Each intravascular imaging technology possesses its own unique features that yield valuable information although encumbered by inherent limitations not seen in other modalities. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss current scientific innovations, technical challenges, and prospective strategies in the development of IVUS-based multi-modality intravascular imaging systems aimed at assessing atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. PMID:26400676

Automatic generation and simulation of urban building energy models based on city datasets for city-scale building retrofit analysis

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

Chen, Yixing; Hong, Tianzhen; Piette, Mary Ann

Buildings in cities consume 30–70% of total primary energy, and improving building energy efficiency is one of the key strategies towards sustainable urbanization. Urban building energy models (UBEM) can support city managers to evaluate and prioritize energy conservation measures (ECMs) for investment and the design of incentive and rebate programs. This paper presents the retrofit analysis feature of City Building Energy Saver (CityBES) to automatically generate and simulate UBEM using EnergyPlus based on cities’ building datasets and user-selected ECMs. CityBES is a new open web-based tool to support city-scale building energy efficiency strategic plans and programs. The technical details ofmore » using CityBES for UBEM generation and simulation are introduced, including the workflow, key assumptions, and major databases. Also presented is a case study that analyzes the potential retrofit energy use and energy cost savings of five individual ECMs and two measure packages for 940 office and retail buildings in six city districts in northeast San Francisco, United States. The results show that: (1) all five measures together can save 23–38% of site energy per building; (2) replacing lighting with light-emitting diode lamps and adding air economizers to existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are most cost-effective with an average payback of 2.0 and 4.3 years, respectively; and (3) it is not economical to upgrade HVAC systems or replace windows in San Francisco due to the city's mild climate and minimal cooling and heating loads. Furthermore, the CityBES retrofit analysis feature does not require users to have deep knowledge of building systems or technologies for the generation and simulation of building energy models, which helps overcome major technical barriers for city managers and their consultants to adopt UBEM.« less

Automatic generation and simulation of urban building energy models based on city datasets for city-scale building retrofit analysis

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yixing; Hong, Tianzhen; Piette, Mary Ann

2017-08-07

Buildings in cities consume 30–70% of total primary energy, and improving building energy efficiency is one of the key strategies towards sustainable urbanization. Urban building energy models (UBEM) can support city managers to evaluate and prioritize energy conservation measures (ECMs) for investment and the design of incentive and rebate programs. This paper presents the retrofit analysis feature of City Building Energy Saver (CityBES) to automatically generate and simulate UBEM using EnergyPlus based on cities’ building datasets and user-selected ECMs. CityBES is a new open web-based tool to support city-scale building energy efficiency strategic plans and programs. The technical details ofmore » using CityBES for UBEM generation and simulation are introduced, including the workflow, key assumptions, and major databases. Also presented is a case study that analyzes the potential retrofit energy use and energy cost savings of five individual ECMs and two measure packages for 940 office and retail buildings in six city districts in northeast San Francisco, United States. The results show that: (1) all five measures together can save 23–38% of site energy per building; (2) replacing lighting with light-emitting diode lamps and adding air economizers to existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are most cost-effective with an average payback of 2.0 and 4.3 years, respectively; and (3) it is not economical to upgrade HVAC systems or replace windows in San Francisco due to the city's mild climate and minimal cooling and heating loads. Furthermore, the CityBES retrofit analysis feature does not require users to have deep knowledge of building systems or technologies for the generation and simulation of building energy models, which helps overcome major technical barriers for city managers and their consultants to adopt UBEM.« less

Identification of vegetable diseases using neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiacai; Tang, Jianjun; Li, Yao

2007-02-01

Vegetables are widely planted all over China, but they often suffer from the some diseases. A method of major technical and economical importance is introduced in this paper, which explores the feasibility of implementing fast and reliable automatic identification of vegetable diseases and their infection grades from color and morphological features of leaves. Firstly, leaves are plucked from clustered plant and pictures of the leaves are taken with a CCD digital color camera. Secondly, color and morphological characteristics are obtained by standard image processing techniques, for examples, Otsu thresholding method segments the region of interest, image opening following closing algorithm removes noise, Principal Components Analysis reduces the dimension of the original features. Then, a recently proposed boosting algorithm AdaBoost. M2 is applied to RBF networks for diseases classification based on the above features, where the kernel function of RBF networks is Gaussian form with argument taking Euclidean distance of the input vector from a center. Our experiment performs on the database collected by Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and result shows that Boosting RBF Networks classifies the 230 cucumber leaves into 2 different diseases (downy-mildew and angular-leaf-spot), and identifies the infection grades of each disease according to the infection degrees.

Delineating wetland catchments and modeling hydrologic ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In traditional watershed delineation and topographic modeling, surface depressions are generally treated as spurious features and simply removed from a digital elevation model (DEM) to enforce flow continuity of water across the topographic surface to the watershed outlets. In reality, however, many depressions in the DEM are actual wetland landscape features with seasonal to permanent inundation patterning characterized by nested hierarchical structures and dynamic filling–spilling–merging surface-water hydrological processes. Differentiating and appropriately processing such ecohydrologically meaningful features remains a major technical terrain-processing challenge, particularly as high-resolution spatial data are increasingly used to support modeling and geographic analysis needs. The objectives of this study were to delineate hierarchical wetland catchments and model their hydrologic connectivity using high-resolution lidar data and aerial imagery. The graph-theory-based contour tree method was used to delineate the hierarchical wetland catchments and characterize their geometric and topological properties. Potential hydrologic connectivity between wetlands and streams were simulated using the least-cost-path algorithm. The resulting flow network delineated potential flow paths connecting wetland depressions to each other or to the river network on scales finer than those available through the National Hydrography Dataset. The results demonstrated that

Employment of telemedicine in emergency medicine. Clinical requirement analysis, system development and first test results.

PubMed

Czaplik, M; Bergrath, S; Rossaint, R; Thelen, S; Brodziak, T; Valentin, B; Hirsch, F; Beckers, S K; Brokmann, J C

2014-01-01

Demographic change, rising co-morbidity and an increasing number of emergencies are the main challenges that emergency medical services (EMS) in several countries worldwide are facing. In order to improve quality in EMS, highly trained personnel and well-equipped ambulances are essential. However several studies have shown a deficiency in qualified EMS physicians. Telemedicine emerges as a complementary system in EMS that may provide expertise and improve quality of medical treatment on the scene. Hence our aim is to develop and test a specific teleconsultation system. During the development process several use cases were defined and technically specified by medical experts and engineers in the areas of: system administration, start-up of EMS assistance systems, audio communication, data transfer, routine tele-EMS physician activities and research capabilities. Upon completion, technical field tests were performed under realistic conditions to test system properties such as robustness, feasibility and usability, providing end-to-end measurements. Six ambulances were equipped with telemedical facilities based on the results of the requirement analysis and 55 scenarios were tested under realistic conditions in one month. The results indicate that the developed system performed well in terms of usability and robustness. The major challenges were, as expected, mobile communication and data network availability. Third generation networks were only available in 76.4% of the cases. Although 3G (third generation), such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), provides beneficial conditions for higher bandwidth, system performance for most features was also acceptable under adequate 2G (second generation) test conditions. An innovative concept for the use of telemedicine for medical consultations in EMS was developed. Organisational and technical aspects were considered and practical requirements specified. Since technical feasibility was demonstrated in these technical field tests, the next step would be to prove medical usefulness and technical robustness under real conditions in a clinical trial.

Introducing Development Education in Technical Universities: Successful Experiences in Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boni, A.; Perez-Foguet, A.

2008-01-01

This paper presents and analyses the main characteristics of successful experiences of Development Education (DE) introduced in two major Spanish Technical Universities (Technical University of Catalonia, TUC, and Technical University of Valencia, TUV) during the nineties and the beginning of the twenty-first century. In this paper, after a brief…

An Interdisciplinary Program in Technical Communications: Problems Encountered.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckman, Martha

The need for experts in technical communication is growing significantly while the number of college graduates in the field accounts for less than one percent of the need. Three major types of problems should be considered in trying to establish a technical communication program: those involving society's need for better technical communicators,…

LANDFILL GAS ENERGY UTILIZATION EXPERIENCE: DISCUSSION OF TECHNICAL AND NON-TECHNICAL ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, AND TRENDS

EPA Science Inventory

The report discusses technical and non-technical considerations associated with the development and operation of landfill gas to energy projects. Much of the report is based on interviews and site visits with the major developers and operators of the more than 110 projects in the...

Laser geodynamic satellite thermal/optical/ vibrational analyses and testing. Volume 2: Technical report, book 1. [retroreflector design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The results of the LAGEOS thermal/optical/vibrational analysis and test program are reported. Through analyses and tests it is verified that the MSFC LAGEOS design provides a retroreflector thermal environment which maintains acceptable retroflector internal thermal gradients. The technical results of the study, organized by the major task areas are presented. The interrelationships of the major tasks are described and the major decisions are identified.

Identifying the relevant features of the National Digital Cadastral Database (NDCDB) for spatial analysis by using the Delphi Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halim, N. Z. A.; Sulaiman, S. A.; Talib, K.; Ng, E. G.

2018-02-01

This paper explains the process carried out in identifying the relevant features of the National Digital Cadastral Database (NDCDB) for spatial analysis. The research was initially a part of a larger research exercise to identify the significance of NDCDB from the legal, technical, role and land-based analysis perspectives. The research methodology of applying the Delphi technique is substantially discussed in this paper. A heterogeneous panel of 14 experts was created to determine the importance of NDCDB from the technical relevance standpoint. Three statements describing the relevant features of NDCDB for spatial analysis were established after three rounds of consensus building. It highlighted the NDCDB’s characteristics such as its spatial accuracy, functions, and criteria as a facilitating tool for spatial analysis. By recognising the relevant features of NDCDB for spatial analysis in this study, practical application of NDCDB for various analysis and purpose can be widely implemented.

Feature Analysis of Generalized Data Base Management Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conference on Data Systems Languages, Monroeville, PA. Systems Committee.

A more complete definition of the features offered in present day generalized data base management systems is provided by this second technical report of the CODASYL Systems Committee. In a tutorial format, each feature description is followed by either narrative information covering ten systems or by a table for all systems. The ten systems…

Flexbus — an attractive technical solution for small missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Settelmeyer, Eckard; Lampen, Martin; Hartmann, Ralf; Lippner, Gerhard

1996-11-01

Responding to the demand for a 'faster, cheaper, better' implementation of space related services, Domier Satellitensysteme GmbH has established and exercised an approach for the development and production of satellites and the corresponding ground equipment for small missions, referred to as Flexbus. It allows to support space service customers starting from mission engineering via design, development and manufacturing of the necessary hardware, the launch service and ending with the hand-over of the operational system. Flexbus harmonises a modular component concept with a sound design and development approach, as a whole providing the means to offer high quality products in a fairly short time and for competitive pricing. This paper will outline the major features of the Flexbus approach and describe application examples.

Elexbus — An attractive technical solution for small mission opportunities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seltelmeyer, Eckard; Lampen, Martin; Hartmann, Ralf; Lippncr, Gerhard

Responding to the demand for a 'faster, cheaper, better' implementation of space related services. Dornier Satellitensysteme GmbH has established and exercised an approach for the development and production of satellites and the corresponding ground equipment for small missions, referred to as Flexbus. It allows to support space service customers starting from mission engineering via design, development and manufacturing of the necessary hardware, the launch service and ending with the hand-over of the operational system. Flexbus harmonises a modular component concept with a sound design and development approach, as a whole providing the means to offer high quality products in a fairly short time and for competitive pricing. This paper will outline the major features of the Flexbus approach and describe application examples.

Monitoring of blazars on the SPbSU 16" telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troitskiy, I. S.; Morozova, D. A.; Blinov, D. A.; Larionov, V. M.; Ershtadt, S. G.

2012-05-01

The fast variability in the total and polarized fluxes is prominent feature of blazars. The analysis demands dense series of observations. Meade 16" LX200 telescope is one of the basic instruments for these purposes in St.Petersburg State University. The photometry in B, V, R, I bands and polarimetry of the majority of program sources are spent. Thanks to organizational, methodical and technical solutions it was possible to achieve high efficiency of usage of the telescope for blazar monitoring. Unique observаtions series have been received. Results were included into articles published in such magazines, as the Astronomy Letters, Astronomy Reports, A&A, ApJ, Nature. International programs of active galactic nuclei monitoring are regularly spent.

Initial operation of high power ICRF system for long pulse in EAST

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

Qin, C. M., E-mail: chmq@ipp.ac.cn; Zhao, Y. P.; Zhang, X. J.

2015-12-10

The ICRF heating system on EAST upgraded by active cooling aims for long pulse operation. In this paper, the main technical features of the ICRF system are described. One of a major challenges for long pulse operation is RF-edge interactions induced impurity production and heat loading. In EAST, ICRF antenna protections and Faraday screen bars damaged due to LH electron beam are found. Preliminary results for the analysis of the interaction between LHCD and ICRF antenna are discussed. Increase of metal impurities in the plasma during RF pulse and in a larger core radiation are also shown. These RF-edge interactionsmore » at EAST and some preliminary results for the optimizing RF performance will be presented.« less

Access Barriers to Distance Education Perceived by Inservice and Preservice Career and Technical Education Majors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zirkle, Chris

The access barriers to distance education faced by inservice and preservice career and technical education (CTE) majors were examined through a survey of 76 students enrolled in undergraduate- and graduate-level CTE education programs. Completed questionnaires were received from 60 students (response rate, 78.9%). Forty respondents worked…

Vocational-Technical Education; A Prospectus for Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaefer, Carl J., Ed.; Kaufman, Jacob J., Ed.

To seek resolution of problems in providing education for youth and adults oriented toward the world of work, the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Education (MACE) undertook a study of vocational-technical education as a major project. This publication contains the major papers and prepared reactions to these papers, which were presented at a…

TU-G-201-01: What Therapy Physicists Need to Know About CT and PET/CT: Terminology and Latest Developments

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

Hua, C.

This session will update therapeutic physicists on technological advancements and radiation oncology features of commercial CT, MRI, and PET/CT imaging systems. Also described are physicists’ roles in every stage of equipment selection, purchasing, and operation, including defining specifications, evaluating vendors, making recommendations, and optimal and safe use of imaging equipment in radiation oncology environment. The first presentation defines important terminology of CT and PET/CT followed by a review of latest innovations, such as metal artifact reduction, statistical iterative reconstruction, radiation dose management, tissue classification by dual energy CT and spectral CT, improvement in spatial resolution and sensitivity in PET, andmore » potentials of PET/MR. We will also discuss important technical specifications and items in CT and PET/CT purchasing quotes and their impacts. The second presentation will focus on key components in the request for proposal for a MRI simulator and how to evaluate vendor proposals. MRI safety issues in radiation Oncology, including MRI scanner Zones (4-zone design), will be discussed. Basic MR terminologies, important functionalities, and advanced features, which are relevant to radiation therapy, will be discussed. In the third presentation, justification of imaging systems for radiation oncology, considerations in room design and construction in a RO department, shared use with diagnostic radiology, staffing needs and training, clinical/research use cases and implementation, will be discussed. The emphasis will be on understanding and bridging the differences between diagnostic and radiation oncology installations, building consensus amongst stakeholders for purchase and use, and integrating imaging technologies into the radiation oncology environment. Learning Objectives: Learn the latest innovations of major imaging systems relevant to radiation therapy Be able to describe important technical specifications of CT, MRI, and PET/CT Understand the process of budget request, equipment justification, comparisons of technical specifications, site visits, vendor selection, and contract development.« less

TU-G-201-00: Imaging Equipment Specification and Selection in Radiation Oncology Departments

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

NONE

This session will update therapeutic physicists on technological advancements and radiation oncology features of commercial CT, MRI, and PET/CT imaging systems. Also described are physicists’ roles in every stage of equipment selection, purchasing, and operation, including defining specifications, evaluating vendors, making recommendations, and optimal and safe use of imaging equipment in radiation oncology environment. The first presentation defines important terminology of CT and PET/CT followed by a review of latest innovations, such as metal artifact reduction, statistical iterative reconstruction, radiation dose management, tissue classification by dual energy CT and spectral CT, improvement in spatial resolution and sensitivity in PET, andmore » potentials of PET/MR. We will also discuss important technical specifications and items in CT and PET/CT purchasing quotes and their impacts. The second presentation will focus on key components in the request for proposal for a MRI simulator and how to evaluate vendor proposals. MRI safety issues in radiation Oncology, including MRI scanner Zones (4-zone design), will be discussed. Basic MR terminologies, important functionalities, and advanced features, which are relevant to radiation therapy, will be discussed. In the third presentation, justification of imaging systems for radiation oncology, considerations in room design and construction in a RO department, shared use with diagnostic radiology, staffing needs and training, clinical/research use cases and implementation, will be discussed. The emphasis will be on understanding and bridging the differences between diagnostic and radiation oncology installations, building consensus amongst stakeholders for purchase and use, and integrating imaging technologies into the radiation oncology environment. Learning Objectives: Learn the latest innovations of major imaging systems relevant to radiation therapy Be able to describe important technical specifications of CT, MRI, and PET/CT Understand the process of budget request, equipment justification, comparisons of technical specifications, site visits, vendor selection, and contract development.« less

TU-G-201-02: An MRI Simulator From Proposal to Operation

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

Cao, Y.

2015-06-15

This session will update therapeutic physicists on technological advancements and radiation oncology features of commercial CT, MRI, and PET/CT imaging systems. Also described are physicists’ roles in every stage of equipment selection, purchasing, and operation, including defining specifications, evaluating vendors, making recommendations, and optimal and safe use of imaging equipment in radiation oncology environment. The first presentation defines important terminology of CT and PET/CT followed by a review of latest innovations, such as metal artifact reduction, statistical iterative reconstruction, radiation dose management, tissue classification by dual energy CT and spectral CT, improvement in spatial resolution and sensitivity in PET, andmore » potentials of PET/MR. We will also discuss important technical specifications and items in CT and PET/CT purchasing quotes and their impacts. The second presentation will focus on key components in the request for proposal for a MRI simulator and how to evaluate vendor proposals. MRI safety issues in radiation Oncology, including MRI scanner Zones (4-zone design), will be discussed. Basic MR terminologies, important functionalities, and advanced features, which are relevant to radiation therapy, will be discussed. In the third presentation, justification of imaging systems for radiation oncology, considerations in room design and construction in a RO department, shared use with diagnostic radiology, staffing needs and training, clinical/research use cases and implementation, will be discussed. The emphasis will be on understanding and bridging the differences between diagnostic and radiation oncology installations, building consensus amongst stakeholders for purchase and use, and integrating imaging technologies into the radiation oncology environment. Learning Objectives: Learn the latest innovations of major imaging systems relevant to radiation therapy Be able to describe important technical specifications of CT, MRI, and PET/CT Understand the process of budget request, equipment justification, comparisons of technical specifications, site visits, vendor selection, and contract development.« less

Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC): Evaluating Scholary Journals Based on Citation Analysis

PubMed Central

Mehrad, Jaffar; Arastoopoor, Sholeh

2012-01-01

Introduction: Citation analysis is currently one of the most widely used metrics for analyzing the scientific contribution in different fields. The Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) aims at promoting technical cooperation among Muslim scientists and their respected centers based on these theories. It also facilitates the accessibility of knowledge and research contribution among them. This paper aims at revealing some of the outmost features of ISC databases, in order to give a fairly clear view of what it is and what are its products. The paper consists of three major parts. After an introduction about the Islamic World Science Citation Center, the paper deals with major tools and products of ISC. In the third part ISCs’ journal Submission system is presented as an automatic means, by which users can upload journals’ papers into the respected databases. Conclusion: Some complementary remarks have been made regarding the current state of ISC and its future plans. PMID:23322953

[Hepatic resections].

PubMed

Mercado, M A; Paquet, K J

1990-07-01

Liver resection are now accepted as a part of the surgical therapeutic armamentarium. In this review the anatomical and technical aspects, as well as the main indications, are discussed. The new image technique have largely contributed to the early detection of lesions that can be resected. The main indication for these procedures are malignant lesions (primary or metastatic) as well as symptomatic benign lesions. The importance to study, diagnose and treat benign lesions are justified by the possibility to detect and resect a potentially curable malignant disease. Major liver resections are contraindicated in patients with liver cirrhosis, because of a high morbimortality. Operative mortality for major liver resection is about 10% in most centers and the survival of patients with malignant disease treated by this modality is better than that of the patients treated with conservative measures. All patients with space-occupying lesions of the liver deserve the benefit of the doubt to be considered for surgical treatment. The individual features of each patient, with a judicious balance between risk and benefit, indicate or contraindicate these procedures.

A comparative analysis of user preference-based and existing knowledge management systems attributes in the aerospace industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varghese, Nishad G.

Knowledge management (KM) exists in various forms throughout organizations. Process documentation, training courses, and experience sharing are examples of KM activities performed daily. The goal of KM systems (KMS) is to provide a tool set which serves to standardize the creation, sharing, and acquisition of business critical information. Existing literature provides numerous examples of targeted evaluations of KMS, focusing on specific system attributes. This research serves to bridge the targeted evaluations with an industry-specific, holistic approach. The user preferences of aerospace employees in engineering and engineering-related fields were compared to profiles of existing aerospace KMS based on three attribute categories: technical features, system administration, and user experience. The results indicated there is a statistically significant difference between aerospace user preferences and existing profiles in the user experience attribute category, but no statistically significant difference in the technical features and system administration attribute categories. Additional analysis indicated in-house developed systems exhibit higher technical features and user experience ratings than commercial-off-the-self (COTS) systems.

PISA 2009 Technical Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing (NJ1), 2012

2012-01-01

The "PISA 2009 Technical Report" describes the methodology underlying the PISA 2009 survey. It examines additional features related to the implementation of the project at a level of detail that allows researchers to understand and replicate its analyses. The reader will find a wealth of information on the test and sample design,…

Geospatial Data Science Publications | Geospatial Data Science | NREL

Science.gov Websites

research in these publications. Featured Publications U.S. Renewable Energy Technical Potentials: A GIS -Based Analysis, NREL Technical Report (2012) 2016 Offshore Wind Energy Resource Assessment for the -Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States, 40th GRC Annual Meeting (2016) High-Level Overview of

Cosmopolitanism: Extending Our Theoretical Framework for Transcultural Technical Communication Research and Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Zsuzsanna Bacsa

2013-01-01

The effects of globalization on communication products and processes have resulted in document features and interactional practices that are sometimes difficult to describe within current theoretical frameworks of inter/transcultural technical communication. Although it has been recognized in our field that the old theoretical frameworks and…

15 CFR 295.6 - Criteria for selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... proposal will be funded unless the Program determines that it has scientific and technological merit and... does not have an adequate technical and commercialization plan. (a) Scientific and technological merit... innovation, the technical approach, major technical hurdles, the attendant risks, and clearly establish...

Flow in porous media, phase behavior and ultralow interfacial tensions: mechanisms of enhanced petroleum recovery. Final technical report

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

Davis, H.T.; Scriven, L.E.

1982-01-01

A major program of university research, longer-ranged and more fundamental in approach than industrial research, into basic mechanisms of enhancing petroleum recovery and into underlying physics, chemistry, geology, applied mathematics, computation, and engineering science has been built at Minnesota. The 1982 outputs of the interdisciplinary team of investigators were again ideas, instruments, techniques, data, understanding and skilled people: forty-one scientific and engineering papers in leading journals; four pioneering Ph.D. theses; numerous presentations to scientific and technical meetings, and to industrial, governmental and university laboratories; vigorous program of research visits to and from Minnesota; and two outstanding Ph.D.'s to research positionsmore » in the petroleum industry, one to a university faculty position, one to research leadership in a governmental institute. This report summarizes the 1982 papers and theses and features sixteen major accomplishments of the program during that year. Abstracts of all forty-five publications in the permanent literature are appended. Further details of information transfer and personnel exchange with industrial, governmental and university laboratories appear in 1982 Quarterly Reports available from the Department of Energy and are not reproduced here. The Minnesota program continues in 1983, notwithstanding earlier uncertainty about the DOE funding which finally materialized and is the bulk of support. Supplemental grants-in-aid from nine companies in the petroleum industry are important, as are the limited University and departmental contributions. 839 references, 172 figures, 29 tables.« less

Third Progress and Information Report of the Vocational-Technical Education Consortium of States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Connie W.; And Others

This description of major activities and accomplishments of the Vocational-Technical Education Consortium of the States (V-TECS) since the second progress report of May, 1975, is designed to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the processes and procedures used by the consortium in achieving its major goal: The production of catalogs…

48 CFR 207.106 - Additional requirements for major systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... of complete technical data packages. (viii) Periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades. (ix... Government to use technical data to competitively reprocure identical items or components of the system if... otherwise entitled to unlimited rights in technical data. (B) If the contracting officer makes a...

48 CFR 207.106 - Additional requirements for major systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... of complete technical data packages. (viii) Periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades. (ix... Government to use technical data to competitively reprocure identical items or components of the system if... otherwise entitled to unlimited rights in technical data. (B) If the contracting officer makes a...

48 CFR 207.106 - Additional requirements for major systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... of complete technical data packages. (viii) Periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades. (ix... Government to use technical data to competitively reprocure identical items or components of the system if... otherwise entitled to unlimited rights in technical data. (B) If the contracting officer makes a...

48 CFR 207.106 - Additional requirements for major systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... of complete technical data packages. (viii) Periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades. (ix... Government to use technical data to competitively reprocure identical items or components of the system if... otherwise entitled to unlimited rights in technical data. (B) If the contracting officer makes a...

48 CFR 207.106 - Additional requirements for major systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... of complete technical data packages. (viii) Periodic competitions for subsystem upgrades. (ix... Government to use technical data to competitively reprocure identical items or components of the system if... otherwise entitled to unlimited rights in technical data. (B) If the contracting officer makes a...

Major depression with psychotic features

MedlinePlus

... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000933.htm Major depression with psychotic features To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Major depression with psychotic features is a mental disorder in ...

Middlesex Community College Software Technical Writing Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Middlesex Community Coll., Bedford, MA.

This document describes the Software Technical Writing Program at Middlesex Community College (Massachusetts). The program is a "hands-on" course designed to develop job-related skills in three major areas: technical writing, software, and professional skills. The program was originally designed in cooperation with the Massachusetts High…

15 CFR 295.6 - Criteria for selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... innovation, the technical approach, major technical hurdles, the attendant risks, and clearly establish... project and project's organizational structure and management plan, including the extent to which...

MultiLIS: A Description of the System Design and Operational Features.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Glen J.; And Others

1988-01-01

Describes development, hardware requirements, and features of the MultiLIS integrated library software package. A system profile provides pricing information, operational characteristics, and technical specifications. Sidebars discuss MultiLIS integration structure, incremental architecture, and NCR Tower Computers. (4 references) (MES)

Cobra Strikes! High-Performance Car Inspires Students, Markets Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Bonita

2008-01-01

Nestled in the Lower Piedmont region of upstate South Carolina, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is one of 16 technical colleges in the state. Automotive technology is one of its most popular programs. The program features an instructive, motivating activity that the author describes in this article: building a high-performance car. The Cobra…

The intellectual information system for management of geological and technical arrangements during oil field exploitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markov, N. G.; E Vasilyeva, E.; Evsyutkin, I. V.

2017-01-01

The intellectual information system for management of geological and technical arrangements during oil fields exploitation is developed. Service-oriented architecture of its software is a distinctive feature of the system. The results of the cluster analysis of real field data received by means of this system are shown.

MCFire model technical description

Treesearch

David R. Conklin; James M. Lenihan; Dominique Bachelet; Ronald P. Neilson; John B. Kim

2016-01-01

MCFire is a computer program that simulates the occurrence and effects of wildfire on natural vegetation, as a submodel within the MC1 dynamic global vegetation model. This report is a technical description of the algorithms and parameter values used in MCFire, intended to encapsulate its design and features a higher level that is more conceptual than the level...

Troubleshooting Instruction in Vocational-Technical Education Via Dynamic Simulation. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finch, Curtis R.

This study was designed to examine the feasibility of using simulation as a means of teaching vocational-technical students to detect and identify malfunctions in selected electrical and mechanical systems. A dynamic simulator was employed which features interchangeable panels and logic that permits the simulation of electrical or mechanical…

Cultivating Advanced Technical Writing Skills through a Graduate-Level Course on Writing Research Proposals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Brian D.; Dempsey, Jillian L.

2017-01-01

A graduate-level course focused on original research proposals is introduced to address the uneven preparation in technical writing of new chemistry graduate students. This course focuses on writing original research proposals. The general course structure features extensive group discussions, small-group activities, and regular in-class…

Vocational Qualifications, Employment Status and Income: 2006 Census Analysis. Technical Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daly, Anne

2011-01-01

Two features of the labour market for vocationally qualified workers are explored in this technical paper: the likelihood of self-employment versus wage employment and the determinants of income. The analysis showed that demographic, occupational and local labour market characteristics all influence the likelihood of self-employment. Self-employed…

Organizing, Concerns and Control Numbers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington, Gene

A heuristic procedure can be used to teach organizational skills to students of technical writing. Designed to allow students on their own to explore ways that numbers can be used to give a definite shape to technical information, its central feature is a matrix composed of a series of control numbers (horizontal axis) and organizing concerns…

Instructional Features for Training in Virtual Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

Technical Report 1184 Instructional Features for Training in Virtual Environments Michael J. Singer U. S. Army Research Institute Jason P. Kring...Report 1184 Instructional Features for Training in Virtual Environments Michael J. Singer U. S. Army Research Institute Jason P. Kring University of...provides in comparison to traditional, real world experience training programs (Hays & Singer , 1989; Swezey & Andrews, 2001). First, as with the

[The Early Years of Military Laser Research and Technology in the Federal Republic of Germany During the Cold War].

PubMed

Albrecht, Helmuth

2014-01-01

The invention of the laser in 1960 and the innovation process of laser technology during the following years coincided with the dramatic increase of the East-West-conflict during the 1960s - the peak of the so-called Cold War after the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961. The predictable features of the new device, not only for experimental sciences, but also for technical and military applications, led instantly to a laser hype all over the world. Military funding and research played a major part in this development. Especially in the United States military laser research and development played an important role in the formation of Cold War sciences. The European allies followed this example to a certain degree, but their specific national environments led to quite different solutions and results. This article describes and analyzes the special features and background of this development for the Federal Republic of Germany in the area of conflict between science, politics and industry from 1960 to the early 1970s.

Salvage reconstruction of failed interposition arthroplasty at the base of the thumb.

PubMed

Braun, Richard M; Rechnic, Mark; Shah, Kalpit N

2012-12-01

We present an operative procedure designed to revise a failed arthroplasty at the base of the thumb. This report describes a reliable operation that corrects residual instability and malignment which results in thumbs that are weak and painful despite a previous procedure. The operation has also been used as a primary procedure for arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint where instability and subluxation was a major component of the problem requiring joint reconstruction. The unique features of this procedure include a reinforced double-thickness tendon graft, a unique tendon anchor, and a fascia lata allograft spacer. Significant functional improvement is anticipated when joint reconstruction provides increased proximal stability. Pinch and grip measurements improve. Pain scores also diminish after the operation. Hand function and patient satisfaction can be substantially improved with revision arthroplasty when the initial operation has failed to provide a thumb that is mobile, stable, and pain free. The technical features of the procedure address reduction of malignment, restoring of anatomic balance, and secure fixation of the proximal apex of the thumb metacarpal which restores thumb reduction position and digital balance.

The Boston Study: Analysis of a Major Metropolitan Business- and Technical-Communication Market.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buchholz, William J.

1989-01-01

Presents a year-long study of the duties, skills, and knowledge required of business- and technical-communication professionals in Boston, Massachusetts. Focuses on six categories of practice: technical communication, publishing, public relations, marketing, development, and training. Suggests that in the next decade communication practitioners…

A Taxonomy of Technical Assistance Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ogden, Evelyn; Musumeci, Marilyn

To operationalize the Technical Assistance Brokerage System, the first major task called for the development of a taxonomy of training and technical assistance services specifying requisite skills and skill clusters by the dimensions of client type, stages of dissemination, and levels of experience. From a literature search approximately 400…

Delineating wetland catchments and modeling hydrologic connectivity using lidar data and aerial imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qiusheng; Lane, Charles R.

2017-07-01

In traditional watershed delineation and topographic modeling, surface depressions are generally treated as spurious features and simply removed from a digital elevation model (DEM) to enforce flow continuity of water across the topographic surface to the watershed outlets. In reality, however, many depressions in the DEM are actual wetland landscape features with seasonal to permanent inundation patterning characterized by nested hierarchical structures and dynamic filling-spilling-merging surface-water hydrological processes. Differentiating and appropriately processing such ecohydrologically meaningful features remains a major technical terrain-processing challenge, particularly as high-resolution spatial data are increasingly used to support modeling and geographic analysis needs. The objectives of this study were to delineate hierarchical wetland catchments and model their hydrologic connectivity using high-resolution lidar data and aerial imagery. The graph-theory-based contour tree method was used to delineate the hierarchical wetland catchments and characterize their geometric and topological properties. Potential hydrologic connectivity between wetlands and streams were simulated using the least-cost-path algorithm. The resulting flow network delineated potential flow paths connecting wetland depressions to each other or to the river network on scales finer than those available through the National Hydrography Dataset. The results demonstrated that our proposed framework is promising for improving overland flow simulation and hydrologic connectivity analysis.

A new fully covered metal stent with anti-migration features for the treatment of malignant dysphagia.

PubMed

Walter, Daisy; van den Berg, Maarten W; van Hooft, Jeanin E; Boot, Henk; Scheffer, Robert C H; Vleggaar, Frank P; Siersema, Peter D

2014-12-01

A new esophageal stent with two anti-migration features was developed to minimize migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this stent in patients with malignant dysphagia. A total of 40 patients with dysphagia due to a malignant obstruction of the esophagus were prospectively enrolled in this cohort study. Stent placement was technically successful in 39 patients (98 %). The median dysphagia-free time after stent placement was 220 days (95 % confidence interval 94 - 345 days). Nine patients (23 %) experienced recurrent dysphagia due to tissue overgrowth (n = 2), stent fracture (n = 1), and partial (n = 5) or complete (n = 1) stent migration. A total of 16 serious adverse events occurred in 14 patients (36 %), with hemorrhage (n = 3) and severe nausea or vomiting (n = 3) being the most common causes. This new stent design was effective for the palliation of malignant dysphagia and had a low rate of recurrent dysphagia. However, despite the anti-migration features, stent migration was still a major cause of recurrent dysphagia. Furthermore, treatment was associated with a high adverse event rate. Dutch Trial Registration (NTR 3313). © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Larger core size has superior technical and analytical accuracy in bladder tissue microarray.

PubMed

Eskaros, Adel Rh; Egloff, Shanna A Arnold; Boyd, Kelli L; Richardson, Joyce E; Hyndman, M Eric; Zijlstra, Andries

2017-03-01

The construction of tissue microarrays (TMAs) with cores from a large number of paraffin-embedded tissues (donors) into a single paraffin block (recipient) is an effective method of analyzing samples from many patient specimens simultaneously. For the TMA to be successful, the cores within it must capture the correct histologic areas from the donor blocks (technical accuracy) and maintain concordance with the tissue of origin (analytical accuracy). This can be particularly challenging for tissues with small histological features such as small islands of carcinoma in situ (CIS), thin layers of normal urothelial lining of the bladder, or cancers that exhibit intratumor heterogeneity. In an effort to create a comprehensive TMA of a bladder cancer patient cohort that accurately represents the tumor heterogeneity and captures the small features of normal and CIS, we determined how core size (0.6 vs 1.0 mm) impacted the technical and analytical accuracy of the TMA. The larger 1.0 mm core exhibited better technical accuracy for all tissue types at 80.9% (normal), 94.2% (tumor), and 71.4% (CIS) compared with 58.6%, 85.9%, and 63.8% for 0.6 mm cores. Although the 1.0 mm core provided better tissue capture, increasing the number of replicates from two to three allowed with the 0.6 mm core compensated for this reduced technical accuracy. However, quantitative image analysis of proliferation using both Ki67+ immunofluorescence counts and manual mitotic counts demonstrated that the 1.0 mm core size also exhibited significantly greater analytical accuracy (P=0.004 and 0.035, respectively, r 2 =0.979 and 0.669, respectively). Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that capturing two or more 1.0 mm cores for TMA construction provides superior technical and analytical accuracy over the smaller 0.6 mm cores, especially for tissues harboring small histological features or substantial heterogeneity.

Chemical and technical challenges in the analysis of central carbon metabolites by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Siegel, David; Permentier, Hjalmar; Reijngoud, Dirk-Jan; Bischoff, Rainer

2014-09-01

This review deals with chemical and technical challenges in the analysis of small-molecule metabolites involved in central carbon and energy metabolism via liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS). The covered analytes belong to the prominent pathways in biochemical carbon oxidation such as glycolysis or the tricarboxylic acid cycle and, for the most part, share unfavorable properties such as a high polarity, chemical instability or metal-affinity. The topic is introduced by selected examples on successful applications of metabolomics in the clinic. In the core part of the paper, the structural features of important analyte classes such as nucleotides, coenzyme A thioesters or carboxylic acids are linked to "problematic hotspots" along the analytical chain (sample preparation and-storage, separation and detection). We discuss these hotspots from a chemical point of view, covering issues such as analyte degradation or interactions with metals and other matrix components. Based on this understanding we propose solutions wherever available. A major notion derived from these considerations is that comprehensive carbon metabolomics inevitably requires multiple, complementary analytical approaches covering different chemical classes of metabolites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biogenic and Synthetic Peptides with Oppositely Charged Amino Acids as Binding Sites for Mineralization.

PubMed

Lemloh, Marie-Louise; Altintoprak, Klara; Wege, Christina; Weiss, Ingrid M; Rothenstein, Dirk

2017-01-28

Proteins regulate diverse biological processes by the specific interaction with, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins and inorganic molecules. The generation of inorganic hybrid materials, such as shell formation in mollusks, is a protein-controlled mineralization process. Moreover, inorganic-binding peptides are attractive for the bioinspired mineralization of non-natural inorganic functional materials for technical applications. However, it is still challenging to identify mineral-binding peptide motifs from biological systems as well as for technical systems. Here, three complementary approaches were combined to analyze protein motifs consisting of alternating positively and negatively charged amino acids: (i) the screening of natural biomineralization proteins; (ii) the selection of inorganic-binding peptides derived from phage display; and (iii) the mineralization of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-based templates. A respective peptide motif displayed on the TMV surface had a major impact on the SiO₂ mineralization. In addition, similar motifs were found in zinc oxide- and zirconia-binding peptides indicating a general binding feature. The comparative analysis presented here raises new questions regarding whether or not there is a common design principle based on acidic and basic amino acids for peptides interacting with minerals.

Technical Options for Energy Conservation in Buildings. National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards and National Bureau of Standards Joint Emergency Workshop on Energy Conservation in Buildings. (Washington, D.C., June 19, 1973) NBS Technical Note 789.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Bureau of Standards (DOC), Washington, DC. Inst. for Applied Technology.

The purpose of this report is to provide reference material on the technical options for energy conservation in buildings. Actions pertinent to existing buildings and new buildings are considered separately. Regarding existing buildings, principal topics include summer cooling, winter heating, and other energy-related features such as insulation,…

Solar thermal electric power plants - Their performance characteristics and total social costs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caputo, R. S.; Truscello, V. C.

1976-01-01

The central receiver (power tower) concept as a thermal conversion approach to the conversion of solar energy into electricity is compared to other solar power plant designs which feature distributed solar collection and use other types of solar collector configurations. A variety of solar thermal storage concepts are discussed and their impacts on system performance are assessed. Although a good deal of quantification is possible in a comparative study, the subjective judgments carry enormous weight in a socio-economic decision, the ultimate choice of central power plant being more a social than an economic or technical decision. Major elements of the total social cost of each type of central plant are identified as utility economic costs, R&D funds, health costs, and other relevant social impacts.

FAST Mapping of Diffuse HI Gas in the Local Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, M.; Pisano, D. J.; Ai, M.; Jiao, Q.

2016-02-01

We propose to use the Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) to map the diffuse intergalactic HI gas in the local universe at column densities of NHI=1018 cm-2 and below. The major science goal is to study gas accretion during galaxy evolution, and trace cosmic web features in the local universe. We disuss the technical feasibilty of such a deep survey, and have conducted test observations with the Arecibo 305 m telescope. Our preliminary results shows that, with about a few thousand hours of observing time, FAST will be able to map several hundred square degree regions at 1 σ of NHI=2×1017 cm-2 level out to a distance of 5-10 Mpc, and with a volume 1000 larger than that of the Local Group.

A Technical Overview and Description of SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunz, Nans

2003-01-01

This paper provides a technical overview of SOFIA, a unique airborne observatory, from an engineering perspective. It will do this by describing several of the systems of this observatory that are common with mountain top ground based observatories but mostly emphasize those more unique features and systems that are required to facilitate world class astronomy from a highly modified Boeing 747-SP flying at Mach 0.84 in the Stratosphere. This paper provides a technical overview of SOFIA by reviewing each of the performance specifications (the level one requirements for development) and describing some of the technical advancements for the telescope as well as the platform required to achieve these performance specifications. The technical advancements involved include mirror technologies, control system features, the telescope suspension system, and the aircraft open port cavity with associated cavity door that opens in flight and tracks the telescope elevation angle. For background this paper will provide a brief programmatic overview of the SOFIA project including the joint project arrangement between the US and Germany (NASA and DLR). Additionally, this paper will describe the up to date status of the development of SOFIA as the Observatory nears the date of the first test flight in the summer of 2004.

New Features in the ADS Abstract Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichhorn, G.; Accomazzi, A.; Grant, C. S.; Kurtz, M. J.; ReyBacaicoa, V.; Murray, S. S.

2001-11-01

The ADS Abstract Service contains over 2.3 million references in four databases: Astronomy/Astrophysics/Planetary Sciences, Instrumentation, Physics/Geophysics, and Preprints. We provide abstracts and articles free to the astronomical community for all major and many smaller astronomy journals, PhD theses, conference proceedings, and technical reports. These four databases can be queried either separately of jointly. The ADS also has scanned 1.3 million pages in 180,000 articles in the ADS Article Service. This literature archive contains all major Astronomy journals and many smaller journals, as well as conference proceedings, including the abstract books from all the LPSCs back to volume 2. A new feature gives our users the ability to see list of articles that were also read by the readers of a given article. This is a powerful tool to find out what current articles are relevant in a particular field of study. We have recently expanded the citation and reference query capabilities. It allows our users to select papers for which they want to see references or citations and then retrieve these citations/references. Another new capability is the ability to sort a list of articles by their citation count. As usual, users should be reminded that the citations in ADS are incomplete because we do not obtain reference lists from all publishers. In addition, we cannot match all references (e.g. in press, private communications, author errors, some conference papers, etc.). Anyone using the citations for analysis of publishing records should keep this in mind. More work on expanding the citation and reference features is planned over the next year. ADS Home Page http://ads.harvard.edu/

Technical success, technique efficacy and complications of minimally-invasive imaging-guided percutaneous ablation procedures of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mauri, Giovanni; Sconfienza, Luca Maria; Pescatori, Lorenzo Carlo; Fedeli, Maria Paola; Alì, Marco; Di Leo, Giovanni; Sardanelli, Francesco

2017-08-01

To systematically review studies concerning imaging-guided minimally-invasive breast cancer treatments. An online database search was performed for English-language articles evaluating percutaneous breast cancer ablation. Pooled data and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Technical success, technique efficacy, minor and major complications were analysed, including ablation technique subgroup analysis and effect of tumour size on outcome. Forty-five studies were analysed, including 1,156 patients and 1,168 lesions. Radiofrequency (n=577; 50%), microwaves (n=78; 7%), laser (n=227; 19%), cryoablation (n=156; 13%) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU, n=129; 11%) were used. Pooled technical success was 96% (95%CI 94-97%) [laser=98% (95-99%); HIFU=96% (90-98%); radiofrequency=96% (93-97%); cryoablation=95% (90-98%); microwave=93% (81-98%)]. Pooled technique efficacy was 75% (67-81%) [radiofrequency=82% (74-88); cryoablation=75% (51-90); laser=59% (35-79); HIFU=49% (26-74)]. Major complications pooled rate was 6% (4-8). Minor complications pooled rate was 8% (5-13%). Differences between techniques were not significant for technical success (p=0.449), major complications (p=0.181) or minor complications (p=0.762), but significant for technique efficacy (p=0.009). Tumour size did not impact on variables (p>0.142). Imaging-guided percutaneous ablation techniques of breast cancer have a high rate of technical success, while technique efficacy remains suboptimal. Complication rates are relatively low. • Imaging-guided ablation techniques for breast cancer are 96% technically successful. • Overall technique efficacy rate is 75% but largely inhomogeneous among studies. • Overall major and minor complication rates are low (6-8%).

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

Fisher,D

Concerns about the long-term viability of SFS as the metadata store for HPSS have been increasing. A concern that Transarc may discontinue support for SFS motivates us to consider alternative means to store HPSS metadata. The obvious alternative is a commercial database. Commercial databases have the necessary characteristics for storage of HPSS metadata records. They are robust and scalable and can easily accommodate the volume of data that must be stored. They provide programming interfaces, transactional semantics and a full set of maintenance and performance enhancement tools. A team was organized within the HPSS project to study and recommend anmore » approach for the replacement of SFS. Members of the team are David Fisher, Jim Minton, Donna Mecozzi, Danny Cook, Bart Parliman and Lynn Jones. We examined several possible solutions to the problem of replacing SFS, and recommended on May 22, 2000, in a report to the HPSS Technical and Executive Committees, to change HPSS into a database application over either Oracle or DB2. We recommended either Oracle or DB2 on the basis of market share and technical suitability. Oracle and DB2 are dominant offerings in the market, and it is in the best interest of HPSS to use a major player's product. Both databases provide a suitable programming interface. Transaction management functions, support for multi-threaded clients and data manipulation languages (DML) are available. These findings were supported in meetings held with technical experts from both companies. In both cases, the evidence indicated that either database would provide the features needed to host HPSS.« less

A Summary of Technical Problems Associated With Broadband Cable Teleservices Development. A Survey of Technical Requirements for Broadband Cable Teleservices; Volume One.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McManamon, P. M.; Utlaut, W. F.

The results of a survey of cable television (CATV) and related technological industries are summarized. In this, the first of a series of seven reports, attention is focused upon some major technical factors which need to be considered in order that a transition from the technical state of today's cable television and services to new teleservices…

Curriculum Programs in Action, Their Administration and Evaluation; Report of a Conference Devoted to Description, Demonstration, and Evaluative Discussions of Innovative Programs in Vocational-Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

San Francisco State Coll., CA. Center for Technological Education.

The presentation, review and evaluation of innovative vocational-technical curriculums in operation was the major function of a San Francisco conference sponsored jointly by the Center for Technical Education at San Francisco State College and the Center for Studies in Vocational and Technical Education at the University of Wisconsin. Major…

Keys of Japanese Prosody and Didactical-Technical Analysis of OJAD (Online Japanese Accent Dictionary)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delgado Algarra, Emilio José

2016-01-01

Most of the studies focus on the teaching of foreign languages indicate that little attention is paid to the prosodic features both didactic materials and teaching-learning processes (Martinsen, Avord and Tanner, 2014). In this context and throughout this article, an analysis of the didactical and technical dimensions of OJAD (Japanese Accent…

Word Lists to Simplify Vocabulary of Technical Information. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kincaid, J. Peter; And Others

This report describes eight word lists developed for use as part of the computer readability editing system (CRES), which was developed to serve as an author's aid in improving the ease of comprehending Navy technical manuals and training materials. The system has features which flag uncommon and misspelled words and long sentences, suggest simple…

[Experience of the development special medical technical laboratory for studies of effects caused by potent electromagnetic radiation in biologic objects].

PubMed

Gorodetsky, B N; Kalyada, T V; Petrov, S V

2015-01-01

This article covers topics of creating special medical technical laboratory for medial and biologic studies concerning influence of potent high-frequency elecromagnetic radiation on various biologic objects. The authors gave example of such laboratory, described its construction features, purpose and main characteristics of the included devices.

Standardization of the Principal Processes in Scientific and Technical Information and Librarianship in the U.S.S.R.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haritonov, R. P.

1971-01-01

An important feature of standardization work in the Soviet Union is the preparation and establishment of State standards enabling unified systems to be introduced for documentation, classification, coding and technical and economic information, as well as standards for all kinds of information storage media. (Author/MM)

Technology 2001: The Second National Technology Transfer Conference and Exposition, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Papers from the technical sessions of the Technology 2001 Conference and Exposition are presented. The technical sessions featured discussions of advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, computer graphics and simulation, communications, data and information management, electronics, electro-optics, environmental technology, life sciences, materials science, medical advances, robotics, software engineering, and test and measurement.

The Use and Value of Defense Technical Information Center Products and Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roderer, Nancy K.; And Others

This study describes the use and value of the major information products and services provided by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). These products and services include technical report distribution on an on-demand basis and through the Automatic Document Distribution (ADD) program; secondary information dissemination through online…

Scientific and Technical Information in Canada, Part II, Chapter 1: Government Departments and Agencies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Science Council of Canada, Ottawa (Ontario).

Canada's major scientific and technical information resources are supported largely by the Federal Government. They consist of libraries, data files, specialized information centers, and field services. The Canadian Government has no overall policy concerning the handling of scientific and technical information. The need for a national information…

Role-Playing as Critical Thinking in the Technical Writing Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilner, Arlene

Given the affective dimension of writing in the workplace, assignments based on casebook scenarios have definite advantages in a technical or professional writing course. An English professor surveyed faculty in the Schools of Business and Education at Rider College prior to revising a course in technical writing. A majority of faculty, when asked…

Technical Writing 1987: Galloping Off in at Least Two Directions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stohrer, Freda F.

Technical writing instructors generally agree about the absolute need for communication skills throughout the technological work place, but a survey of technical writing journal articles shows a lack of focus on ways to address business's needs for on-the-job literacy. One major advance within the profession in recent years has been the…

Urban Rail Supporting Technology Program Fiscal Year 1974 Year End Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-03-01

Major areas include program management, technical support and application engineering, facilities development, test and evaluation, and technology development. Specific technical discussion includes track measurement systems; UMTA facilities developm...

15 CFR 1180.8 - Appointment of Agency Liaison Officers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING INFORMATION TO THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE § 1180.8... instruments); (3) Appoint additional liaison officers for major units or components of an agency if the...

A Study of the Linguistic Features of Cajun English.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Juanita

The study contrasts Acadian English (Cajun) spoken in Louisiana with the local standard English, describing the linguistic features (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary) of the dialect in non-technical language. The objective is to inform elementary and secondary school teachers and others involved in education and curriculum development for a…

Global Oil & Gas Features Database

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

Kelly Rose; Jennifer Bauer; Vic Baker

This submission contains a zip file with the developed Global Oil & Gas Features Database (as an ArcGIS geodatabase). Access the technical report describing how this database was produced using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/development-of-an-open-global-oil-and-gas-infrastructure-inventory-and-geodatabase

Patterns of technical error among surgical malpractice claims: an analysis of strategies to prevent injury to surgical patients.

PubMed

Regenbogen, Scott E; Greenberg, Caprice C; Studdert, David M; Lipsitz, Stuart R; Zinner, Michael J; Gawande, Atul A

2007-11-01

To identify the most prevalent patterns of technical errors in surgery, and evaluate commonly recommended interventions in light of these patterns. The majority of surgical adverse events involve technical errors, but little is known about the nature and causes of these events. We examined characteristics of technical errors and common contributing factors among closed surgical malpractice claims. Surgeon reviewers analyzed 444 randomly sampled surgical malpractice claims from four liability insurers. Among 258 claims in which injuries due to error were detected, 52% (n = 133) involved technical errors. These technical errors were further analyzed with a structured review instrument designed by qualitative content analysis. Forty-nine percent of the technical errors caused permanent disability; an additional 16% resulted in death. Two-thirds (65%) of the technical errors were linked to manual error, 9% to errors in judgment, and 26% to both manual and judgment error. A minority of technical errors involved advanced procedures requiring special training ("index operations"; 16%), surgeons inexperienced with the task (14%), or poorly supervised residents (9%). The majority involved experienced surgeons (73%), and occurred in routine, rather than index, operations (84%). Patient-related complexities-including emergencies, difficult or unexpected anatomy, and previous surgery-contributed to 61% of technical errors, and technology or systems failures contributed to 21%. Most technical errors occur in routine operations with experienced surgeons, under conditions of increased patient complexity or systems failure. Commonly recommended interventions, including restricting high-complexity operations to experienced surgeons, additional training for inexperienced surgeons, and stricter supervision of trainees, are likely to address only a minority of technical errors. Surgical safety research should instead focus on improving decision-making and performance in routine operations for complex patients and circumstances.

Technical Writing: Library Resources for Engineers. A Self-Paced Workbook for the University of Arkansas Libraries. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dew, Stephen H.

This self-paced library workbook is a course requirement of all "technical writing" freshman English classes at the University of Arkansas. The technical writing course is required of all engineering students, and its major focus is on writing a term paper containing a bibliography produced through library research. The workbook…

Use of Career Education and Occupation Information Services in Boosting Enrolment into Vocational and Technical Education Programs in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Igbinedion, V. I.; Ojeaga, I. J.

2012-01-01

The major thrust of technical and vocational education (TVE) worldwide is to address issues of youth unemployment, poverty and international competitiveness in skills development towards current and projected opportunities and challenges. The paper posits that despite the evidence of numerous reforms in vocational and technical education programs…

Flow of Scientific and Technical Information: The Results of a Recent Major Investigation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodman, A. F.

Characterized were the scientific and technical information needs of 1,500 scientists and engineers from 73 companies, 8 research institutes, and 2 universities; and the flow of scientific and technical information (flow process) inherent in satisfying these needs. Interviewers asked 63 questions in the subject areas of (1) the user of scientific…

Teaching Intercultural Communication in a Basic Technical Writing Course: A Survey of Our Current Practices and Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matveeva, Natalia

2008-01-01

This research article reports the results of an online survey distributed among technical writing instructors in 2006. The survey aimed to examine how we teach intercultural communication in basic technical writing courses: our current practices and methods. The article discusses three major challenges that instructors may face when teaching about…

Scope and Challenges of Technical Education: A Kerala Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahman, M. Abdul; Unnikrishnan, Ramesh

2015-01-01

Technical education contributes a major share to the overall education system and plays a vital role in the social and economic development of our nation. Since independence, the technical education system in our country has grown into a fairly large-sized system, offering opportunities for education and training in a wide variety of trades and…

A Method for Populating the Knowledge Base of AFIT’s Domain-Oriented Application Composition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

Analysis ( FODA ). The approach identifies prominent features (similarities) and distinctive features (differences) of software systems within an... analysis approaches we have summarized, the re- searchers described FODA in sufficient detail to use on large domain analysis projects (ones with...Software Technology Center, July 1991. 18. Kang, Kyo C. and others. Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study. Technical Report, Software

JOVIAL/Ada Microprocessor Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

Study Final Technical Report interesting feature of the nodes is that they provide multiple virtual terminals, so it is possible to monitor several...Terminal Interface Tasking Except ion Handling A more elaborate system could allow such features as spooling, background jobs or multiple users. To a large...Another editor feature is the buffer. Buffers may hold small amounts of text or entire text objects. They allow multiple files to be edited simultaneously

Trends in Articulation Arrangements for Technical and Vocational Education in the South East Asian Region.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haas, Adrian R.

Trends in articulation arrangements for technical and vocational education (TVE) in the South East Asia region were studied. A key feature of articulation is the existence of pathways that allow graduates of one course of study to progress to other courses. Effective articulation opens up advancement for individuals and helps to create a flexible…

First results of ground-based LWIR hyperspectral imaging remote gas detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Wei-jian; Lei, Zheng-gang; Yu, Chun-chao; Wang, Hai-yang; Fu, Yan-peng; Liao, Ning-fang; Su, Jun-hong

2014-11-01

The new progress of ground-based long-wave infrared remote sensing is presented. The LWIR hyperspectral imaging by using the windowing spatial and temporal modulation Fourier spectroscopy, and the results of outdoor ether gas detection, verify the features of LWIR hyperspectral imaging remote sensing and technical approach. It provides a new technical means for ground-based gas remote sensing.

Effects of Performance-Based Financial Incentives on Work Performance: A Study of Technical-Level Employees in the Private Sector in Sri Lanka

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wickramasinghe, Vathsala; Dabere, Sampath

2012-01-01

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of performance-based financial incentives on work performance. The study hypothesized that the design features of performance-based financial incentive schemes themselves may influence individuals' work performance. For the study, survey methodology was used and 93 technical-level employees…

Use of Learner-Centered Strategies in the Preparation of Community and Technical College Leaders: Assessments by Participating Doctoral Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browne-Ferrigno, Tricia; Muth, Rodney

2010-01-01

This paper presents assessments by students actively engaged in a recently redesigned Doctor of Education (EdD) program, delivered at a research-extensive university participating in the the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), to prepare leaders for a statewide system of community and technical colleges. Because a unique feature of…

Technical Note for 8D Likelihood Effective Higgs Couplings Extraction Framework in the Golden Channel

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

Chen, Yi; Di Marco, Emanuele; Lykken, Joe

2014-10-17

In this technical note we present technical details on various aspects of the framework introduced in arXiv:1401.2077 aimed at extracting effective Higgs couplings in themore » $$h\\to 4\\ell$$ `golden channel'. Since it is the primary feature of the framework, we focus in particular on the convolution integral which takes us from `truth' level to `detector' level and the numerical and analytic techniques used to obtain it. We also briefly discuss other aspects of the framework.« less

Multidisciplinary study (CO2 flux, ERT, self-potential, permeability and structural surveys) in Fondi di Baia, Astroni and Agnano volcanoes: insights for the structural architecture of the Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaia, Roberto; Carapezza, Maria Luisa; Conti, Eric; Giulia Di Giuseppe, Maria; Lucchetti, Carlo; Prinzi, Ernesto; Ranaldi, Massimo; Tarchini, Luca; Tramparulo, Francesco; Troiano, Antonio; Vitale, Stefano; Cascella, Enrico; Castello, Nicola; Cicatiello, Alessandro; Maiolino, Marco; Puzio, Domenico; Tazza, Lucia; Villani, Roberto

2017-04-01

Recent volcanism at Campi Flegrei caldera produced more than 70 eruptions in the last 15 ka formed different volcanic edifices. The vent distribution was related to the main volcano-tectonic structure active in the caldera along which also concentrated part of the present hydrothermal and fumarolic activity, such as in the Solfatara area. In order to define the role of major faults in the Campi Flegrei Caldera, we analyzed some volcanic craters (Fondi di Baia and Astroni) and the Agnano caldera, by means of different geochemical and geophysical technics including CO2 flux, electrical resistivity (ERT), self-potential and permeability surveys. We provided some ERT profiles and different maps of geochemical and geophysical features. Major fault planes were identified comparing ERT imaging with alignments of anomalies in maps. The results can improve the knowledge on the present state of these volcanoes actually not fully monitored though included in the area with high probability of future vent opening within the Campi Flegrei caldera.

An intensive combined training program modulates physical, physiological, biomotoric, and technical parameters in women basketball players.

PubMed

Kilinç, Fatih

2008-11-01

The purpose of this study was the investigation of the effects of an intensive combined training program based on the pretest scores of a university women's basketball team on their physical, physiological, biomotoric, and technical features. Twenty-four university volunteers were equally divided into two groups: an experiment group (intensive combined training group) and a control (technical training) group. The 10-week intensive combined training program was performed on the experiment group according to their pretest outcomes. Before and at the end of each period of training, which was scheduled four times a week, the physical, physiological, biomotoric, and technical performance of each subject were determined. With respect to the pre- and posttest measurements, the basketball group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in girth measurements (shoulder, waist, hip, arm, thigh, and calf), in skinfold measurements (percent body fat), in physiological measurements (vital capacity and forced vital capacity), in biomotoric tests (right-left hand grip, dynamic and countermovement jump, sit-up, push-up, 1500-m endurance), and in technique tests (free and inside shooting). It can be concluded that a 10-week intensive combined training program performed on university women basketball players had a significant effect on improving their physical, physiological, biomotoric, and technical features. It proved to be highly recommendable for female basketball players who are preparing for short-term tournaments; the basketball group in this study won a championship.

Independent technical review, handbook

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

Not Available

Purpose Provide an independent engineering review of the major projects being funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management. The independent engineering review will address questions of whether the engineering practice is sufficiently developed to a point where a major project can be executed without significant technical problems. The independent review will focus on questions related to: (1) Adequacy of development of the technical base of understanding; (2) Status of development and availability of technology among the various alternatives; (3) Status and availability of the industrial infrastructure to support project design, equipment fabrication, facility construction,more » and process and program/project operation; (4) Adequacy of the design effort to provide a sound foundation to support execution of project; (5) Ability of the organization to fully integrate the system, and direct, manage, and control the execution of a complex major project.« less

Analysis of the Parameters Required for Performance Monitoring and Assessment of Military Communications Systems by Military Technical Controller

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-01

139 APPENDIX A* BASIC CONCEPT OF MILITARY TECHNICAL CONTROL.142 6 APIENDIX Es TEST EQUIPMENI REQUIRED FOR lEASURF.4ENr OF 1AF’AMETE RS...Control ( SATEC ) Automatic Facilities heport Army Automated Quality Monitoring Reporting System (AQMPS) Army Autcmated Technical Control-Semi (ATC-Semi...technical control then beco.. es equipment status monitoring. All the major equipment in a system wculd have internal sensors with properly selected parameters

A narrative overview of the current status of MRI of the hip and its relevance for osteoarthritis research - what we know, what has changed and where are we going?

PubMed

Crema, M D; Watts, G J; Guermazi, A; Kim, Y-J; Kijowski, R; Roemer, F W

2017-01-01

To review and discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the context of hip osteoarthritis (OA) research. The content of this narrative review, based on an extensive PubMed database research including English literature only, describes the advances in MRI of the hip joint and its potential usefulness in hip OA research, reviews the relevance of different MRI features in regard to symptomatic and structural progression in hip OA, and gives an outlook regarding future use of MRI in hip OA research endeavors. Recent technical advances have helped to overcome many of the past difficulties related to MRI assessment of hip OA. MRI-based morphologic scoring systems allow for detailed assessment of several hip joint tissues and, in combination with the recent advances in MRI, may increase reproducibility and sensitivity to change. Compositional MRI techniques may add to our understanding of disease onset and progression. Knowledge about imaging pitfalls and anatomical variants is crucial to avoid misinterpretation. In comparison to research on knee OA, the associations between MRI features and the incidence and progression of disease as well as with clinical symptoms have been little explored. Anatomic alterations of the hip joint as seen in femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) seem to play a role in the onset and progression of structural damage. With the technical advances occurring in recent years, MRI may play a major role in investigating the natural history of hip OA and provide an improved method for assessment of the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Comparison of the compilation features of Science of Meridians and Acupoints among different editions].

PubMed

Chen, Xiaojun

The compilation features of Jingluo Shuxue Xue ( Science of Meridians and Acupoints ) among different editions were summarized and analyzed. Jingluo Xue ( Science of Meridians ) and Shuxue Xue ( Science of Acupoints ) published by Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers in 1984 are the pioneer as the textbook for the education of acupuncture discipline for the bachelor degree, but there is the big controversy for the editions in 1996. These two books were combined as one, titled Science of Meridians and Acupoints , 2013 edition, published by China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is concise and coherent in content and is regarded as the milestone in the history of textbook compilation. This book was re-edited in 2007 without major changes in content. The one in 2009 was revised a lot on the basis of the original several editions, published by Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers. But unfortunately, it did not bring the big impacts in China. The edition in 2012, published by China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine had made the innovations besides integrating the achievements of the previous editions, characterized as preciseness and conciseness. By contrast, the edition in 2012, published by People's Medical Publishing House was accomplished by simple modification on the basis of the editions in 2003 and in 2007, without great innovation. Regarding the on-going publication of the textbooks in "the 13th five-year plan", it is viewed that the new edition of textbook should maintain the general framework of "the 12th five-year plan", based on which, a few questions should be revised appropriately. Additionally, "less words, more illustration" should be the basic principle for the revision of the new edition.

Design for effective development and prototyping of the HL-20

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urie, David M.; Floreck, Paul A.; McMorris, John A.; Elvin, John D.

1993-10-01

A feasibility study of the HL-20 personnel launch system (PLS) concept was conducted by a team which focused on creating a PLS design approach and an accelerated development plan consistent with the historical 'Skunk Works' approach to rapid prototyping. Technical design, manufacturing, system testing, and operations and support elements of the predefined baseline concept were evaluated. An initial phase program, featuring a concurrent system test during design and development, leading to the orbital flight of an unmanned HL-20 prototype on a Titan III launch system, was prescribed. A second-phase development and manufacturing plan leading to system operational status was also formulated. Baseline design feature modifications were made when necessary, without compromise to performance, to satisfy the prototype development plan. Technical design details and off-the-shelf hardware candidates were also identified for several subsystems, including the launch-system interface adapter/emergency escape system. The technical feasibility of the system and applicability of the Skunk Works approach to development of the HL-20/PLS were verified.

Computer Security Issues in Online Banking: An Assessment from the Context of Usable Security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmadi, FN; Zaaba, ZF; Osman, A.

2016-11-01

Today's online banking is a convenient mode of finance management. Despite the ease of doing online banking, there are people that still sceptical in utilizing it due to perception and its security. This paper highlights the subject of online banking security in Malaysia, especially from the perspective of the end-users. The study is done by assessing human computer interaction, usability and security. An online survey utilising 137 participants was previously conducted to gain preliminary insights on security issues of online banking in Malaysia. Following from those results, 37 participants were interviewed to gauge deeper understanding about end-users perception on online banking within the context of usable security. The results suggested that most of the end-users are continuingly experiencing significant difficulties especially in relation to the technical terminologies, security features and other technical issues. Although the security features are provided to provide a shield or protection, users are still incapable to cope with the technical aspects of such implementation.

Report for borehole explosion data acquired in the 1999 Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment (LARSE II), Southern California; Part II, Data tables and plots

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murphy, Janice M.; Fuis, Gary S.; Okaya, D.A.; Thygesen, Kristina; Baher, Shirley A.; Rybert, Trond; Kaip, Galen; Fort, Michael D.; Asudeh, Isa; Sell, Russell

2002-01-01

The Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment (LARSE), a joint project of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), was conducted to produce seismic images of the subsurface in the Los Angeles region. Primary targets were major fault systems and sedimentary basins; the goal of the project was to address the earthquake hazard posed by these geologic features. The first phase of data collection (LARSE 1) was completed in 1994; the second phase (LARSE 2) was completed in 1999. A description of the 1999 survey and an overview of both phase I and II is given in Fuis and others (2001). In this report, we present the technical details for the explosion data collected in 1999.

Free wake analysis of hover performance using a new influence coefficient method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quackenbush, Todd R.; Bliss, Donald B.; Ong, Ching Cho; Ching, Cho Ong

1990-01-01

A new approach to the prediction of helicopter rotor performance using a free wake analysis was developed. This new method uses a relaxation process that does not suffer from the convergence problems associated with previous time marching simulations. This wake relaxation procedure was coupled to a vortex-lattice, lifting surface loads analysis to produce a novel, self contained performance prediction code: EHPIC (Evaluation of Helicopter Performance using Influence Coefficients). The major technical features of the EHPIC code are described and a substantial amount of background information on the capabilities and proper operation of the code is supplied. Sample problems were undertaken to demonstrate the robustness and flexibility of the basic approach. Also, a performance correlation study was carried out to establish the breadth of applicability of the code, with very favorable results.

The design and implementation of the HY-1B Product Archive System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shibin; Liu, Wei; Peng, Hailong

2010-11-01

Product Archive System (PAS), as a background system, is the core part of the Product Archive and Distribution System (PADS) which is the center for data management of the Ground Application System of HY-1B satellite hosted by the National Satellite Ocean Application Service of China. PAS integrates a series of updating methods and technologies, such as a suitable data transmittal mode, flexible configuration files and log information in order to make the system with several desirable characteristics, such as ease of maintenance, stability, minimal complexity. This paper describes seven major components of the PAS (Network Communicator module, File Collector module, File Copy module, Task Collector module, Metadata Extractor module, Product data Archive module, Metadata catalogue import module) and some of the unique features of the system, as well as the technical problems encountered and resolved.

Modelling Participatory Geographic Information System for Customary Land Conflict Resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyamera, E. A.; Arko-Adjei, A.; Duncan, E. E.; Kuma, J. S. Y.

2017-11-01

Since land contributes to about 73 % of most countries Gross Domestic Product (GDP), attention on land rights have tremendously increased globally. Conflicts over land have therefore become part of the major problems associated with land administration. However, the conventional mechanisms for land conflict resolution do not provide satisfactory result to disputants due to various factors. This study sought to develop a Framework of using Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) for customary land conflict resolution. The framework was modelled using Unified Modelling Language (UML). The PGIS framework, called butterfly model, consists of three units namely, Social Unit (SU), Technical Unit (TU) and Decision Making Unit (DMU). The name butterfly model for land conflict resolution was adopted for the framework based on its features and properties. The framework has therefore been recommended to be adopted for land conflict resolution in customary areas.

Operational Features of the Kamehameha Early Education Project. Technical Report #4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallimore, Ronald; And Others

This report summarizes the operational features of the initial phases of the Kamehameha Early Education Project (KEEP). The rationale for KEEP's focus on conducting research on programs similar to those in the public schools rather than on developing radically innovative educational programs is discussed. Start up procedures such as recruitment of…

Reconstructive Recall of Linguistic Style. Technical Report No. 286.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brewer, William F.; Hay, Anne E.

A study investigated reconstructive recall for linguistic style. It was hypothesized that (1) features of linguistic style would be more difficult to recall than underlying content, (2) reconstructive errors would include stylistic forms recalled as standard forms when subjects lacked productive control of a particular feature of a style, and (3)…

Technical writing in America: A historical perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connaughton, M. E.

1981-01-01

The standard distinction between poetic and referential language, the gulf between science and the humanities, and the distress many teachers of English feel when faced for the first time with the prospect of teaching technical writing are discussed. In the introduction of many technical writing textbooks. Technical communication is divorced from other forms of linguistic experience by making language limiting and reductive rather than creative and expansive. The emphasis on technical/scientific writing as radically different had blinded people to those traits it has in common with all species of composition and has led to a neglect of research, on fundamental rhetorical issues. A complete rhetorical theory of technical discourse should include information about the attitudes and motives of writers, the situations which motivate (or coerce) them to write, definitive features of technical style and form, interrelationship of expression and creativity, and functions of communication in shaping and preserving scientific networds and institutions. The previous areas should be explored with respect to contemporary practice and within an historical perspective.

Utah's 1988-93 Vocational-Technical Education Master Plan: A Powerful Resource for Human and Economic Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utah State Board of Higher Education, Salt Lake City.

For Utah residents to remain in the forefront or even stay competitive economically, the state's work force must acquire the knowledge and skills that match or exceed those of their most technically advanced competitors. A powerful engine for economic growth is a high-quality system of vocational-technical education. The majority of Utah public…

A Report by the Governor's Task Force on Vocational and Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Governor's Task Force on Vocational and Technical Education, Columbus, OH.

On July 19, 1968, a Task Force on Vocational and Technical Education was created by the governor of Ohio to develop proposals for organization, financing, and legislation. Some major problems to which the Task Force gave attention were: (1) the serious gap between the need for and the availability of vocational and technical education, (2) the…

The Technology of Technology Transfer. The Case of the Japan-Singapore Technical Institute. Discussion Paper No. 93.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Araujo e Oliveira, Joao Batista; Pillay, Gerald F.

The new economic and industrial policies of the 1980s called for a major restructuring of the industrial profile of Singapore. The government decided to set up three new technical institutes to prepare and supply skilled workers to new investors: French-, German-, and Japan-Singapore Technical Institutes with the collaboration of the government…

Women and Feminism in Technical Communication: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Journal Articles Published in 1989 through 1997.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Isabelle

1999-01-01

Identifies 40 articles about women and feminism published in five technical communication journals in a period of nine years. Notes major themes, all concerning inclusion. Concludes that although research about women and feminism has been accepted as part of the scholarly purview of technical communication, the ways in which this research has…

Description and Evaluation of a Four-Channel, Coherent 100-kHz Sidescan Sonar

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

document contains color images. 14. ABSTRACT This report documents the design and features of a new, four-channel, coherent 100-kHz sidescan sonar...Atlantic Technical Memorandum DRDC Atlantic TM 2004-204 December 2004 Abstract This report documents the design and features of a new...Results This report documents the design and features of this new high-frequency sonar system. These initial field trial results demonstrate some of

An Approach to the Reuse of Technical Materials for Educational Purposes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levinstein, Irwin; Bryant, Wayne H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This project addresses the problem of transforming technical documents intended for a technical audience into educational materials directed toward segments of the general public. In particular it addresses the conversion of technical material into Internet based educational materials. A major consideration of the project is the conservation of the time of subject matter experts in the organization in recognition of the fact that such experts are likely to be more valuable to the organization for purposes other than the production of educational outreach.

Interdisciplinary prevention and management of wound-related complications in extracranial-to-intracranial bypass surgery.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Rintaro; Mikami, Takeshi; Ukai, Ryo; Komatsu, Katsuya; Kimura, Yusuke; Suzuki, Hime; Honma, Toshimi; Hirano, Toru; Saito, Tamotsu; Yamashita, Ken; Yotsuyanagi, Takatoshi; Houkin, Kiyohiro; Mikuni, Nobuhiro

2018-05-02

Extracranial-to-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery may be necessary in patients with moyamoya disease and other ischemic conditions. However, there is a potential risk of wound-related complications in some cases. In this study, we report our approach to prevention of wound-related complications in EC-IC bypass, and technical consideration and pitfalls of surgery are discussed. This study included 89 patients with ischemic-onset moyamoya disease and atherosclerotic disease, who underwent 108 superficial temporal artery (STA)-to-middle cerebral artery bypass procedures. Our study emphasized 3 major features. First, 3-dimensional simulation imaging was used to confirm STA anatomy. Second, the STA was meticulously dissected on the epigaleal layer, and protected the galeal layer. Third, scalp skin ischemia was taken into consideration at each step until skin closure. There was no neurological morbidity or mortality in this series. There were 2 cases with major wound-related complications that needed plastic surgical intervention, and 4 cases with minor complications that were treated conservatively. In major complication cases, the scalp defect was treated with pedicle flap reconstruction. In EC-IC bypass surgery, interdisciplinary management involving neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and radiology should reduce wound-related complications, and achieve safe surgery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Technical Performance as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery.

PubMed

Fecso, Andras B; Bhatti, Junaid A; Stotland, Peter K; Quereshy, Fayez A; Grantcharov, Teodor P

2018-03-23

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between technical performance and patient outcomes in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery. Laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer is an advanced procedure with high rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Many variables including patient, disease, and perioperative management factors have been shown to impact postoperative outcomes; however, the role of surgical performance is insufficiently investigated. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer at 3 teaching institutions between 2009 and 2015. Patients with available, unedited video-recording of their procedure were included in the study. Video files were rated for technical performance, using Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Generic Error Rating Tool instruments. The main outcome variable was major short-term complications. The effect of technical performance on patient outcomes was assessed using logistic regression analysis with backward selection strategy. Sixty-one patients with available video recordings were included in the study. The overall complication rate was 29.5%. The mean Charlson comorbidity index, type of procedure, and the global OSATS score were included in the final predictive model. Lower performance score (OSATS ≤29) remained an independent predictor for major short-term outcomes (odds ratio 6.49), while adjusting for comorbidities and type of procedure. Intraoperative technical performance predicts major short-term outcomes in laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer. Ongoing assessment and enhancement of surgical skills using modern, evidence-based strategies might improve short-term patient outcomes. Future work should focus on developing and studying the effectiveness of such interventions in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.

48 CFR 52.227-21 - Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of Payment-Major Systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., ________, hereby declares that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the technical data delivered herewith... reflect engineering design changes made during the performance of this contract and affecting the form...

1998 NASA-ASEE-Stanford Summer Faculty Fellowship Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

This report presents the essential features and highlights of the 1998 Summer Faculty Fellowship Program at Ames Research Center and Dryden Flight Research Center in a comprehensive and concise form. Summary reports describing the fellows' technical accomplishments are enclosed in the attached technical report. The proposal for the 1999 NASA-ASEE-Stanford Summer Faculty Fellowship Program is being submitted under separate cover. Of the 31 participating fellows, 27 were at Ames and 4 were at Dryden. The Program's central feature is the active participation by each fellow in one of the key technical activities currently under way at either the NASA Ames Research Center or the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The research topic is carefully chosen in advance to satisfy the criteria of: (1) importance to NASA, (2) high technical level, and (3) a good match to the interests, ability, and experience of the fellow, with the implied possibility of NASA-supported follow-on work at the fellow's home institution. Other features of the Summer Faculty Fellowship Program include participation by the fellows in workshops and seminars at Stanford, the Ames Research Center, and other off-site locations. These enrichment programs take place either directly or remotely, via the Stanford Center for Professional Development, and also involve specific interactions between fellows and Stanford faculty on technical and other academic subjects. A few, brief remarks are in order to summarize the fellows' opinions of the summer program. It is noteworthy that 90% of the fellows gave the NASA-Ames/Dryden- Stanford program an "excellent" rating and the remaining 10%, "good." Also, 100% would recommend the program to their colleagues as an effective means of furthering their professional development as teachers and researchers. Last, but not least, 87% of the fellows stated that a continuing research relationship with their NASA colleagues' organization probably would be maintained. Therefore, the NASA-ASEE- Ames/Dryden-Stanford Program has met its goals very well and every effort will be made to continue to do so in the future.

Computation of rotor aerodynamic loads in forward flight using a full-span free wake analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quackenbush, Todd R.; Bliss, Donald B.; Wachspress, Daniel A.; Boschitsch, Alexander H.; Chua, Kiat

1990-01-01

The development of an advanced computational analysis of unsteady aerodynamic loads on isolated helicopter rotors in forward flight is described. The primary technical focus of the development was the implementation of a freely distorting filamentary wake model composed of curved vortex elements laid out along contours of constant vortex sheet strength in the wake. This model captures the wake generated by the full span of each rotor blade and makes possible a unified treatment of the shed and trailed vorticity in the wake. This wake model was coupled to a modal analysis of the rotor blade dynamics and a vortex lattice treatment of the aerodynamic loads to produce a comprehensive model for rotor performance and air loads in forward flight dubbed RotorCRAFT (Computation of Rotor Aerodynamics in Forward Flight). The technical background on the major components of this analysis are discussed and the correlation of predictions of performance, trim, and unsteady air loads with experimental data from several representative rotor configurations is examined. The primary conclusions of this study are that the RotorCRAFT analysis correlates well with measured loads on a variety of configurations and that application of the full span free wake model is required to capture several important features of the vibratory loading on rotor blades in forward flight.

MIDI face-lift and tricuspidal SMAS-flap.

PubMed

Panfilov, Dimitrije E

2003-01-01

Looking tired is enough for many 40-50-years-olds to ask a plastic surgeon for prophylactic rejuvenation. They want to achieve good and long lasting effects with harmonious features, small scars, and--as they are still very active in their professional and private lives--a quick recovery is very important to them. We have developed a modification of the short-scar face-lift with solid deep support. We call it the MIDI face-lift. MIDI stands for Minimal, Invasive, Deep, Intensive. Technical details are as follows. Two half Z-plasties were performed at each end of modest skin excision, supra-auriculary and retro-auriculary, to avoid even suture edges. By doing so we achieve very unobtrusive scarring. For solid SMAS tension we perform SMAS-plication, simple SMAS-flap, or tricuspidal SMAS-flap. This is an overview of 200 patients we treated over three years. By applying tumescent local anesthesia with adrenaline and ornipressin, and fibrin glue at the end of the procedure, we can the draining so that 96% of our patients were outpatients. Technical details will be discussed as well as complications, adjuvant and alternative procedures. The satisfaction of our patients was high (88%) and no major complications have occurred. Only three out of 200 patients had to undergo revisionary surgery.

Interpretation and Manipulation in Human Plans. Technical Report No. 317.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, Denis; Bruce, Bertram

Analysis of students' interpretations of a complex episode of social interaction was used to illustrate three features of human plans that distinguish them from robot plans and that form a basis for a theory of the development of social action. The features illustrated are that (1) human plans are social, (2) human plans operate on…

Dimensioning appropriate technical and economic parameters of elements in urban distribution power nets based on discrete fast marching method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasyev, A. P.; Bazhenov, R. I.; Luchaninov, D. V.

2018-05-01

The main purpose of the research is to develop techniques for defining the best technical and economic trajectories of cables in urban power systems. The proposed algorithms of calculation of the routes for laying cables take into consideration topological, technical and economic features of the cabling. The discrete option of an algorithm Fast marching method is applied as a calculating tool. It has certain advantages compared to other approaches. In particular, this algorithm is cost-effective to compute, therefore, it is not iterative. Trajectories of received laying cables are considered as optimal ones from the point of view of technical and economic criteria. They correspond to the present rules of modern urban development.

Kindler syndrome: a study of five Egyptian cases with evaluation of severity.

PubMed

Nofal, Eman; Assaf, Magda; Elmosalamy, Khaled

2008-07-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by four major features (acral blisters, photosensitivity, poikiloderma, and cutaneous atrophy) and many associated findings. The diagnosis of KS includes clinical features, ultrastructural findings, and, recently, immunostaining and genetic studies. Varying degrees of severity of the syndrome have been described. Five patients with clinical features consistent with KS were included in this study. All patients were subjected to histopathologic and ultrastructural studies. Cases 1 and 2 presented with severe major features, severe mucosal involvement, and many other associated findings. Case 3 presented with severe major features, but mild and limited mucosal involvement and other associated findings. Cases 4 and 5 showed mild major features and few other findings. Histopathology revealed nonspecific poikiloderma. Marked thickening of the lamina densa and splitting of the lamina lucida were the main ultrastructural findings. KS may be classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to the severity of the major features and mucosal involvement. Because histopathologic and ultrastructural findings are not pathognomonic, clinical features remain the mainstay for the diagnosis of KS, and the need for immunostaining with kindlin antibody and genetic studies may be restricted to early cases with incomplete features.

Special feature on imaging systems and techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wuqiang; Giakos, George

2013-07-01

The IEEE International Conference on Imaging Systems and Techniques (IST'2012) was held in Manchester, UK, on 16-17 July 2012. The participants came from 26 countries or regions: Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, UAE, UK and USA. The technical program of the conference consisted of a series of scientific and technical sessions, exploring physical principles, engineering and applications of new imaging systems and techniques, as reflected by the diversity of the submitted papers. Following a rigorous review process, a total of 123 papers were accepted, and they were organized into 30 oral presentation sessions and a poster session. In addition, six invited keynotes were arranged. The conference not only provided the participants with a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and disseminate research outcomes but also paved a way to establish global collaboration. Following the IST'2012, a total of 55 papers, which were technically extended substantially from their versions in the conference proceeding, were submitted as regular papers to this special feature of Measurement Science and Technology . Following a rigorous reviewing process, 25 papers have been finally accepted for publication in this special feature and they are organized into three categories: (1) industrial tomography, (2) imaging systems and techniques and (3) image processing. These papers not only present the latest developments in the field of imaging systems and techniques but also offer potential solutions to existing problems. We hope that this special feature provides a good reference for researchers who are active in the field and will serve as a catalyst to trigger further research. It has been our great pleasure to be the guest editors of this special feature. We would like to thank the authors for their contributions, without which it would not be possible to have this special feature published. We are grateful to all reviewers, who devoted their time and effort, on a voluntary basis, to ensure that all submissions were reviewed rigorously and fairly. The publishing staff of Measurement Science and Technology are particularly acknowledged for giving us timely advice on guest-editing this special feature.

American Chemical Society. 23rd Great Lakes Regional Meeting. Program and abstracts

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

Not Available

1990-01-01

The technical program includes some 250 papers in 38 sessions, featuring 16 symposia with 99 invited speakers. Program highlights include a plenary lecture, The Origin and Consequences of Scientific Illiteracy, by Jon D. Miller. Sessions for general technical papers are scheduled in the following categories: analytical chemistry; biochemistry; inorganic chemistry; organic chemistry; and physical chemistry. Papers have been processed for inclusion on the data base.

The Chicago Landscape of Career and Technical Education. Feature on Research and Leadership. Vol. 2, No. 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owens, Devean R.; Welton, Anjalé D.

2016-01-01

In this brief, Owens and Welton provide an introductory overview of career and technical education (CTE) programs in both Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). They report that the State of Illinois, and the City of Chicago in particular, have some of the highest unemployment rates in the country for youth ages 16 to…

Spinal fusion for scoliosis in Rett syndrome with an emphasis on early postoperative complications.

PubMed

Gabos, Peter G; Inan, Muharrem; Thacker, Mihir; Borkhu, Buttugs

2012-01-15

Retrospective case-control study. To examine the postoperative complications of posterior spinal fusion in a population of patients with Rett syndrome (RS). Scoliosis is a common feature of RS, a progressive neurologic disorder affecting almost exclusively females. Despite this, there is little published information regarding the surgical treatment of scoliosis in this disorder. Sixteen consecutive female patients with RS treated by posterior spinal fusion and unit rod instrumentation for progressive scoliosis between 1995 and 2003 were evaluated. Only patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were included. Preoperative medical conditions and postoperative complications were recorded. As a control group, we randomly selected 32 spastic quadriplegic patients who underwent the identical procedure during the same time period, selected from our database and matched according to age, level of neurologic impairment, and medical complexity. There was a high rate of early medical complications in the RS patients, with 28 major and 37 minor complications. Only 1 patient did not have a major medical complication, and every patient had at least 1 minor gastrointestinal and/or respiratory complication. Major respiratory complications occurred in 10 patients (63%) and comprised 61% of all major complications. Major gastrointestinal complications occurred in 6 patients (37%) and comprised 21% of all major complications. Other major complications included disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (1 patient), subacute bacterial endocarditis (1 patient), sacral decubiti requiring surgical debridement (2 patients), and extensive bilateral heterotopic ossification of the hips (1 patient). There were no cases of instrumentation failure, pseudarthrosis, deep infection, or need for rod revision. Postoperative complication scores were similar to those in patients with spastic quadriplegic pattern cerebral palsy. Spinal fusion for scoliosis in RS can give a satisfactory technical result, but a high rate of early postoperative medical problems should be anticipated.

Technical design and system implementation of region-line primitive association framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Min; Xing, Jinjin; Wang, Jie; Lv, Guonian

2017-08-01

Apart from regions, image edge lines are an important information source, and they deserve more attention in object-based image analysis (OBIA) than they currently receive. In the region-line primitive association framework (RLPAF), we promote straight-edge lines as line primitives to achieve powerful OBIAs. Along with regions, straight lines become basic units for subsequent extraction and analysis of OBIA features. This study develops a new software system called remote-sensing knowledge finder (RSFinder) to implement RLPAF for engineering application purposes. This paper introduces the extended technical framework, a comprehensively designed feature set, key technology, and software implementation. To our knowledge, RSFinder is the world's first OBIA system based on two types of primitives, namely, regions and lines. It is fundamentally different from other well-known region-only-based OBIA systems, such as eCogntion and ENVI feature extraction module. This paper has important reference values for the development of similarly structured OBIA systems and line-involved extraction algorithms of remote sensing information.

7 CFR 600.9 - Major land resource area soil survey offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Major land resource area soil survey offices. 600.9... CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL ORGANIZATION § 600.9 Major land resource area soil... soil survey production. Major land resource area soil survey offices (MO) provide the technical...

7 CFR 600.9 - Major land resource area soil survey offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Major land resource area soil survey offices. 600.9... CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL ORGANIZATION § 600.9 Major land resource area soil... soil survey production. Major land resource area soil survey offices (MO) provide the technical...

7 CFR 600.9 - Major land resource area soil survey offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Major land resource area soil survey offices. 600.9... CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL ORGANIZATION § 600.9 Major land resource area soil... soil survey production. Major land resource area soil survey offices (MO) provide the technical...

7 CFR 600.9 - Major land resource area soil survey offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Major land resource area soil survey offices. 600.9... CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL ORGANIZATION § 600.9 Major land resource area soil... soil survey production. Major land resource area soil survey offices (MO) provide the technical...

7 CFR 600.9 - Major land resource area soil survey offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Major land resource area soil survey offices. 600.9... CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL ORGANIZATION § 600.9 Major land resource area soil... soil survey production. Major land resource area soil survey offices (MO) provide the technical...

47 CFR 78.109 - Major and minor modifications to stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Major and minor modifications to stations. 78... SERVICES CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE Technical Regulations § 78.109 Major and minor modifications to stations. (a) Amendments to applications and modifications to stations are classified as major or minor. A...

Boiler MACT Technical Assistance (Fact Sheet)

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

Not Available

2012-03-01

Fact sheet describing the changes to Environmental Protection Act process standards. The DOE will offer technical assistance to ensure that major sources burning coal and oil have information on cost-effective, clean energy strategies for compliance, and to promote cleaner, more efficient boiler burning to cut harmful pollution and reduce operational costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to finalize the reconsideration process for its Clean Air Act pollution standards National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (known as Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)), in Spring 2012.more » This rule applies to large and small boilers in a wide range of industrial facilities and institutions. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will offer technical assistance to ensure that major sources burning coal or oil have information on cost-effective clean energy strategies for compliance, including combined heat and power, and to promote cleaner, more efficient boilers to cut harmful pollution and reduce operational costs.« less

Programs of Study as a State Policy Mandate: A Longitudinal Study of the South Carolina Personal Pathways to Success Initiative. Final Technical Report: Major Findings and Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hammond, Cathy; Drew, Sam F.; Withington, Cairen; Griffith, Cathy; Swiger, Caroline M.; Mobley, Catherine; Sharp, Julia L.; Stringfield, Samuel C.; Stipanovic, Natalie; Daugherty, Lindsay

2013-01-01

This is the final technical report from the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education's (NRCCTE's) five-year longitudinal study of South Carolina's Personal Pathway to Success initiative, which was authorized by the state's Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) in 2005. NRCCTE-affiliated researchers at the National…

An Assessment of the College Market Spring-Summer 1980.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

access to jobs which lead to upper management in business or finance. Men are more likely than women to choose technical majors, plan on technical... feminism in society, the women in the sample strongly endorsed equality in jobs and rejected traditional female roles. They were ambivalent about the...appreciation of the difficulties women would face in selecting technical occupations, as well as business occupations. It is generally accepted, though it

Vo-Tech Prototype

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American School and University, 1978

1978-01-01

Solar energy, heat recovery, energy-saving design, and a unique cafeteria/theater are some of the features at the award-winning Tri-County Vocational-Technical Regional High School in Franklin, Massachusetts. (MLF)

Study of aircraft in intraurban transportation systems, San Francisco Bay area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The nine-county San Francisco Bay area is examined in two time periods (1975-1980 and 1985-1990) as a scenario for analyzing the characteristics of an intraurban, commuter-oriented aircraft transportation system. Aircraft have dominated the long-haul passenger market for some time, but efforts to penetrate the very-short-haul intraurban market have met with only token success. Yet, the characteristics of an aircraft transportation system, speed and flexibility, are very much needed to solve the transportation ills of our major urban areas. The aircraft intraurban system is a technically feasible alternative to ground transportation systems. Although requiring some subsidy, it becomes socially viable where substantial commuter traffic exists at ranges of 10 to 15 mi or more and where topographic features constrain ground travel. The general problem areas of community noise, air traffic congestion, ground transportation interface, pollution, and safety appear to have workable solutions.

The development of a center cell structure in bonded aluminum for the Ferrari 408 research vehicle

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

Seeds, A.; Nardini, D.; Cassese, F.

1989-01-01

In F408 research vehicle has enabled Ferrari Engineering to evaluate new forms of transmission, suspension, bodywork and structure for future production vehicles. As Alcan worked with Ferrari Engineering to adapt its Aluminum Structured Vehicle Technology (ASVT) to develop a bonded version of a central section of the structure (center cell). This paper begins with an outline of the major F408 project objectives and indicates the performance and manufacturing advantages for the features of interest, particularly the center cell structure. The paper describes the development stages of the bonded aluminum center cell. It shows that the performance and manufacturing objectives weremore » met with a substantial weight-saving and improvement in stiffness compared to laser-welded stainless steel. The paper concludes with a summary of the other technical innovations and developments in the F408 vehicle.« less

On the terminology of cranial nerves.

PubMed

Simon, František; Marečková-Štolcová, Elena; Páč, Libor

2011-10-20

The present contribution adopts various points of view to discuss the terminology of the twelve nervi craniales. These are paired nerves and have dual names, terms with Roman ordinal numerals, i.e., the nerves are numbered in the top-to-bottom direction, and descriptive historical names. The time of origin and motivation behind the investigated terms are determined. The majority of terms come from the 17th and 18th centuries. The motivation behind most of them is (a) nerve localization, as this is in conformity with anatomical nomenclature in general, (b) nerve function, and rarely (c) nerve appearance. The occurrence of synonymous names and variants is also a focus of attention. In several cases, reference is made to the process called terminologization, meaning when a certain expression acquires technical meaning and the characteristic/feature of the term. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Sandia Advanced MEMS Design Tools v. 3.0

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

Yarberry, Victor R.; Allen, James J.; Lantz, Jeffrey W.

This is a major revision to the Sandia Advanced MEMS Design Tools. It replaces all previous versions. New features in this version: Revised to support AutoCAD 2014 and 2015 This CD contains an integrated set of electronic files that: a) Describe the SUMMiT V fabrication process b) Provide enabling educational information (including pictures, videos, technical information) c) Facilitate the process of designing MEMS with the SUMMiT process (prototype file, Design Rule Checker, Standard Parts Library) d) Facilitate the process of having MEMS fabricated at Sandia National Laboratories e) Facilitate the process of having post-fabrication services performed. While there exists somemore » files on the CD that are used in conjunction with software package AutoCAD, these files are not intended for use independent of the CD. Note that the customer must purchase his/her own copy of AutoCAD to use with these files.« less

Highly integrated system solutions for air conditioning.

PubMed

Bartz, Horst

2002-08-01

Starting with the air handling unit, new features concerning energy efficient air treatment in combination with optimisation of required space were presented. Strategic concepts for the supply of one or more operating suites with a modular based air handling system were discussed. The operating theatre ceiling itself, as a major part of the whole integrated system, is no longer a simple air outlet: additional functions have been added in so-called media-bridges, so that it has changed towards a medical apparatus serving as a daily tool for the physicians and the operating staff. Last and not least, the servicing of the whole system has become an integral part of the facility management with remote access to the main functions and controls. The results are understood to be the basis for a discussion with specialists from medical and hygienic disciplines as well as with technically orientated people representing the hospital and building-engineering.

Large-scale purification of 90Sr from nuclear waste materials for production of 90Y, a therapeutic medical radioisotope.

PubMed

Wester, Dennis W; Steele, Richard T; Rinehart, Donald E; DesChane, Jaquetta R; Carson, Katharine J; Rapko, Brian M; Tenforde, Thomas S

2003-07-01

A major limitation on the supply of the short-lived medical isotope 90Y (t1/2 = 64 h) is the available quantity of highly purified 90Sr generator material. A radiochemical production campaign was therefore undertaken to purify 1,500 Ci of 90Sr that had been isolated from fission waste materials. A series of alkaline precipitation steps removed all detectable traces of 137Cs, alpha emitters, and uranium and transuranic elements. Technical obstacles such as the buildup of gas pressure generated upon mixing large quantities of acid with solid 90Sr carbonate were overcome through safety features incorporated into the custom-built equipment used for 90Sr purification. Methods are described for analyzing the chemical and radiochemical purity of the final product and for accurately determining by gravimetry the quantities of 90Sr immobilized on stainless steel filters for future use.

Understanding of Leaf Development-the Science of Complexity.

PubMed

Malinowski, Robert

2013-06-25

The leaf is the major organ involved in light perception and conversion of solar energy into organic carbon. In order to adapt to different natural habitats, plants have developed a variety of leaf forms, ranging from simple to compound, with various forms of dissection. Due to the enormous cellular complexity of leaves, understanding the mechanisms regulating development of these organs is difficult. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of technically advanced imaging techniques and computational modeling in studies of leaf development. Additionally, molecular tools for manipulation of morphogenesis were successfully used for in planta verification of developmental models. Results of these interdisciplinary studies show that global growth patterns influencing final leaf form are generated by cooperative action of genetic, biochemical, and biomechanical inputs. This review summarizes recent progress in integrative studies on leaf development and illustrates how intrinsic features of leaves (including their cellular complexity) influence the choice of experimental approach.

Understanding of Leaf Development—the Science of Complexity

PubMed Central

Malinowski, Robert

2013-01-01

The leaf is the major organ involved in light perception and conversion of solar energy into organic carbon. In order to adapt to different natural habitats, plants have developed a variety of leaf forms, ranging from simple to compound, with various forms of dissection. Due to the enormous cellular complexity of leaves, understanding the mechanisms regulating development of these organs is difficult. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of technically advanced imaging techniques and computational modeling in studies of leaf development. Additionally, molecular tools for manipulation of morphogenesis were successfully used for in planta verification of developmental models. Results of these interdisciplinary studies show that global growth patterns influencing final leaf form are generated by cooperative action of genetic, biochemical, and biomechanical inputs. This review summarizes recent progress in integrative studies on leaf development and illustrates how intrinsic features of leaves (including their cellular complexity) influence the choice of experimental approach. PMID:27137383

Children's Use of the Unique Features of Interactive Videodiscs. Technical Report No. 42.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tally, William J.; Char, Cynthia

This study examined the way children learn about and use the novel features of videodiscs. Nine 9- and 10-year-old students in a progressive private school in New York City participated in the study. None had prior experience with videodisc technology. The two videodiscs which served as test materials--"The First National Kidisc" and "Fun and…

[Results of testing of MINISKAN mobile gamma-ray camera and specific features of its design].

PubMed

Utkin, V M; Kumakhov, M A; Blinov, N N; Korsunskiĭ, V N; Fomin, D K; Kolesnikova, N V; Tultaev, A V; Nazarov, A A; Tararukhina, O B

2007-01-01

The main results of engineering, biomedical, and clinical testing of MINISKAN mobile gamma-ray camera are presented. Specific features of the camera hardware and software, as well as the main technical specifications, are described. The gamma-ray camera implements a new technology based on reconstructive tomography, aperture encoding, and digital processing of signals.

Revisiting the utility of technical performance scores following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

PubMed

Lodin, Daud; Mavrothalassitis, Orestes; Haberer, Kim; Sunderji, Sherzana; Quek, Ruben G W; Peyvandi, Shabnam; Moon-Grady, Anita; Karamlou, Tara

2017-08-01

Although an important quality metric, current technical performance scores may not be generalizable and may omit operative factors that influence outcomes. We examined factors not included in current technical performance scores that may contribute to increased postoperative length of stay, major complications, and cost after primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This is a retrospective single site study of patients younger than age 2 years with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing complete repair between 2007 and 2015. Medical record data and discharge echocardiograms were reviewed to ascertain component and composite technical performance scores. Primary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, major complications, and total hospital costs. Multivariable logistic and linear regression identified determinants of each outcome. Patient population (n = 115) had a median postoperative length of stay of 8 days (interquartile range, 6-10 days), and a median total cost of $71,147. Major complications occurred in 33 patients (29%) with 1 death. Technical performance scores assigned were optimum in 28 patients (25%), adequate in 59 patients (52%), and inadequate in 26 patients (23%). Neither technical performance score components nor composite scores were associated with increased postoperative length of stay. Optimum or adequate repairs versus inadequate had equal risk of a complication (P = .79), and equivalent mean total cost ($100,000 vs $187,000; P = .25). Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time per 1-minute increase (P < .01) was associated with longer postoperative length of stay and reintervention (P = .02). The need to return to bypass also increased total cost (P < .01). Current tetralogy of Fallot technical performance scores were not associated with selected outcomes in our postoperative population. Although returning to bypass and bypass length are not included as components in the current score, these are important factors influencing complications and resource use in our population. Revisions anticipated from a prospective trial should consider including these variables. Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A National Study of Efficiency for Dialysis Centers: An Examination of Market Competition and Facility Characteristics for Production of Multiple Dialysis Outputs

PubMed Central

Ozgen, Hacer; A. Ozcan, Yasar

2002-01-01

Objective To examine market competition and facility characteristics that can be related to technical efficiency in the production of multiple dialysis outputs from the perspective of the industrial organization model. Study Setting Freestanding dialysis facilities that operated in 1997 submitted cost report forms to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), and offered all three outputs—outpatient dialysis, dialysis training, and home program dialysis. Data Sources The Independent Renal Facility Cost Report Data file (IRFCRD) from HCFA was utilized to obtain information on output and input variables and market and facility features for 791 multiple-output facilities. Information regarding population characteristics was obtained from the Area Resources File. Study Design Cross-sectional data for the year 1997 were utilized to obtain facility-specific technical efficiency scores estimated through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). A binary variable of efficiency status was then regressed against its market and facility characteristics and control factors in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Principal Findings The majority of the facilities in the sample are functioning technically inefficiently. Neither the intensity of market competition nor a policy of dialyzer reuse has a significant effect on the facilities' efficiency. Technical efficiency is significantly associated, however, with type of ownership, with the interaction between the market concentration of for-profits and ownership type, and with affiliations with chains of different sizes. Nonprofit and government-owned facilities are more likely than their for-profit counterparts to become inefficient producers of renal dialysis outputs. On the other hand, that relationship between ownership form and efficiency is reversed as the market concentration of for-profits in a given market increases. Facilities that are members of large chains are more likely to be technically inefficient. Conclusions Facilities do not appear to benefit from joint production of a variety of dialysis outputs, which may explain the ongoing tendency toward single-output production. Ownership form does make a positive difference in production efficiency, but only in local markets where competition exists between nonprofit and for-profit facilities. The increasing inefficiency associated with membership in large chains suggests that the growing consolidation in the dialysis industry may not, in fact, be the strategy for attaining more technical efficiency in the production of multiple dialysis outputs. PMID:12132602

A national study of efficiency for dialysis centers: an examination of market competition and facility characteristics for production of multiple dialysis outputs.

PubMed

Ozgen, Hacer; Ozcan, Yasar A

2002-06-01

To examine market competition and facility characteristics that can be related to technical efficiency in the production of multiple dialysis outputs from the perspective of the industrial organization model. Freestanding dialysis facilities that operated in 1997 submitted cost report fonns to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), and offered all three outputs--outpatient dialysis, dialysis training, and home program dialysis. The Independent Renal Facility Cost Report Data file (IRFCRD) from HCFA was utilized to obtain information on output and input variables and market and facility features for 791 multiple-output facilities. Information regarding population characteristics was obtained from the Area Resources File. Cross-sectional data for the year 1997 were utilized to obtain facility-specific technical efficiency scores estimated through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). A binary variable of efficiency status was then regressed against its market and facility characteristics and control factors in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The majority of the facilities in the sample are functioning technically inefficiently. Neither the intensity of market competition nor a policy of dialyzer reuse has a significant effect on the facilities' efficiency. Technical efficiency is significantly associated, however, with type of ownership, with the interaction between the market concentration of for-profits and ownership type, and with affiliations with chains of different sizes. Nonprofit and government-owned Facilities are more likely than their for-profit counterparts to become inefficient producers of renal dialysis outputs. On the other hand, that relationship between ownership form and efficiency is reversed as the market concentration of for-profits in a given market increases. Facilities that are members of large chains are more likely to be technically inefficient. Facilities do not appear to benefit from joint production of a variety of dialysis outputs, which may explain the ongoing tendency toward single-output production. Ownership form does make a positive difference in production efficiency, but only in local markets where competition exists between nonprofit and for-profit facilities. The increasing inefficiency associated with membership in large chains suggests that the growing consolidation in the dialysis industry may not, in fact, be the strategy for attaining more technical efficiency in the production of multiple dialysis outputs.

NUTRIENT CRITERIA TECHNICAL GUIDANCE MANUAL - ESTUARINE AND COASTAL MARINE WATERS, OCTOBER 2001

EPA Science Inventory

Nutrient overenrichment is a major cause of water pollution in the United States. The purpose of this manual is to provide scientifically defensible technical guidance to assist States, authorized Tribes, and other governmental entities in developing numeric nutrient criteria fo...

Technical variations in low-input RNA-seq methodologies.

PubMed

Bhargava, Vipul; Head, Steven R; Ordoukhanian, Phillip; Mercola, Mark; Subramaniam, Shankar

2014-01-14

Recent advances in RNA-seq methodologies from limiting amounts of mRNA have facilitated the characterization of rare cell-types in various biological systems. So far, however, technical variations in these methods have not been adequately characterized, vis-à-vis sensitivity, starting with reduced levels of mRNA. Here, we generated sequencing libraries from limiting amounts of mRNA using three amplification-based methods, viz. Smart-seq, DP-seq and CEL-seq, and demonstrated significant technical variations in these libraries. Reduction in mRNA levels led to inefficient amplification of the majority of low to moderately expressed transcripts. Furthermore, noise in primer hybridization and/or enzyme incorporation was magnified during the amplification step resulting in significant distortions in fold changes of the transcripts. Consequently, the majority of the differentially expressed transcripts identified were either high-expressed and/or exhibited high fold changes. High technical variations ultimately masked subtle biological differences mandating the development of improved amplification-based strategies for quantitative transcriptomics from limiting amounts of mRNA.

Astronomy Instruction at a Two-year Technical College

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirola, C. J.

2000-12-01

Over half of all students now begin their college careers at two-year institutions (technical colleges, junior colleges, vocational schools, etc.). This shift in student demographics has broad implications for college-level science instruction, including astronomy instruction. We compare astronomy instruction at two-year institutions to that at traditional four-year universities. A typical two-year school like Tri-County Technical College profers challenges not typically faced by research universities such as lack of research funding, little equipment or facilities, and a generally lower level of student ability. Conversely, a Tri-County Tech offers opportunities such as extensive training in teaching methodologies, a wide range of student demographics, and small classroom sizes. Our students are rarely interested in astronomy as a major, but instead take astronomy to fulfill other major requirements or to ensure the transfer of science credits to four-year universities. We present several examples of astronomy instruction at Tri-County Technical College and discuss our philosophy of teaching in a post-secondary environment whose enrollment is on the rise.

Compressed normalized block difference for object tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yun; Zhang, Dengzhuo; Cai, Donglan; Zhou, Hao; Lan, Ge

2018-04-01

Feature extraction is very important for robust and real-time tracking. Compressive sensing provided a technical support for real-time feature extraction. However, all existing compressive tracking were based on compressed Haar-like feature, and how to compress many more excellent high-dimensional features is worth researching. In this paper, a novel compressed normalized block difference feature (CNBD) was proposed. For resisting noise effectively in a highdimensional normalized pixel difference feature (NPD), a normalized block difference feature extends two pixels in the original formula of NPD to two blocks. A CNBD feature can be obtained by compressing a normalized block difference feature based on compressive sensing theory, with the sparse random Gaussian matrix as the measurement matrix. The comparative experiments of 7 trackers on 20 challenging sequences showed that the tracker based on CNBD feature can perform better than other trackers, especially than FCT tracker based on compressed Haar-like feature, in terms of AUC, SR and Precision.

Lessons learned in control center technologies and non-technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Elaine R.

1991-01-01

Information is given in viewgraph form on the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) Control Center and the Oculometer and Automated Space Interface System (OASIS). Topics covered include SME mission operations functions; technical and non-technical features of the SME control center; general tasks and objects within the Space Station Freedom (SSF) ground system nodes; OASIS-Real Time for the control and monitoring of of space systems and subsystems; and OASIS planning, scheduling, and PC architecture.

Crystal ball – 2011

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

In this feature, leading researchers in the field of microbial biotechnology speculate on the technical and conceptual developments that will drive innovative research and open new vistas over the next few years.

Modified fully covered self-expandable metal stents with antimigration features for benign pancreatic-duct strictures in advanced chronic pancreatitis, with a focus on the safety profile and reducing migration.

PubMed

Moon, Sung-Hoon; Kim, Myung-Hwan; Park, Do Hyun; Song, Tae Joon; Eum, Junbum; Lee, Sang Soo; Seo, Dong Wan; Lee, Sung Koo

2010-07-01

Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement has recently been tried in the management of refractory pancreatic-duct strictures associated with advanced chronic pancreatitis. The major limitation of FCSEMSs was frequent migration. To assess the safety, migration rate, and removability of modified FCSEMSs with antimigration features used for the treatment of benign pancreatic-duct strictures. Prospective study. Tertiary academic center. Thirty-two patients with chronic painful pancreatitis and dominant ductal stricture. Transpapillary endoscopic placement of FCSEMSs in the pancreatic duct with removal after 3 months. Technical and functional success and adverse events associated with the placement of metal stents. FCSEMSs were successfully placed in all patients through the major (n = 27) or minor (n = 5) duodenal papilla. All patients achieved pain relief from stent placement. There was no occurrence of stent-induced pancreatitis or pancreatic sepsis. No stent migrated, and all stents were easily removed. Follow-up ERCP 3 months after stent placement showed resolution of duct strictures in all patients. Pancreatograms obtained at FCSEMS removal displayed de novo focal pancreatic duct strictures in 5 patients, but all were asymptomatic. No long-term follow-up. Temporary 3-month placement of FCSEMSs was effective in resolving pancreatic-duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis, with an acceptable morbidity profile. Modified FCSEMSs can prevent stent migration, but may be associated with de novo duct strictures. Further trials are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy. Copyright 2010 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Single Particle Orientation and Rotational Tracking (SPORT) in biophysical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yan; Ha, Ji Won; Augspurger, Ashley E.; Chen, Kuangcai; Zhu, Shaobin; Fang, Ning

2013-10-01

The single particle orientation and rotational tracking (SPORT) techniques have seen rapid development in the past 5 years. Recent technical advances have greatly expanded the applicability of SPORT in biophysical studies. In this feature article, we survey the current development of SPORT and discuss its potential applications in biophysics, including cellular membrane processes and intracellular transport.The single particle orientation and rotational tracking (SPORT) techniques have seen rapid development in the past 5 years. Recent technical advances have greatly expanded the applicability of SPORT in biophysical studies. In this feature article, we survey the current development of SPORT and discuss its potential applications in biophysics, including cellular membrane processes and intracellular transport. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Three supplementary movies and an experimental section. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02254d

Managing change: an overview.

PubMed

Lorenzi, N M; Riley, R T

2000-01-01

As increasingly powerful informatics systems are designed, developed, and implemented, they inevitably affect larger, more heterogeneous groups of people and more organizational areas. In turn, the major challenges to system success are often more behavioral than technical. Successfully introducing such systems into complex health care organizations requires an effective blend of good technical and good organizational skills. People who have low psychological ownership in a system and who vigorously resist its implementation can bring a "technically best" system to its knees. However, effective leadership can sharply reduce the behavioral resistance to change-including to new technologies-to achieve a more rapid and productive introduction of informatics technology. This paper looks at four major areas-why information system failures occur, the core theories supporting change management, the practical applications of change management, and the change management efforts in informatics.

Shuttle ku-band communications/radar technical concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, J. W.; Kelley, J. S.; Steiner, A. W.; Vang, H. A.; Zrubek, W. E.; Huth, G. K.

1985-01-01

Technical data on the Shuttle Orbiter K sub u-band communications/radar system are presented. The more challenging aspects of the system design and development are emphasized. The technical problems encountered and the advancements made in solving them are discussed. The radar functions are presented first. Requirements and design/implementation approaches are discussed. Advanced features are explained, including Doppler measurement, frequency diversity, multiple pulse repetition frequencies and pulse widths, and multiple modes. The communications functions that are presented include advances made because of the requirements for multiple communications modes. Spread spectrum, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), variable bit rates, and other advanced techniques are discussed. Performance results and conclusions reached are outlined.

ERD WATERSHED AND WATER QUALITY MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

The ERD has a long history in providing model research and development and technical support to Regions, States and the Office of Water for watersheds/water quality ecosystem research. The ERD efforts are described in major subtasks comprising the Program. Briefly, these are:

Airborne Laser Remote Sensor for Oil Detection and Classification : Engineering Requirements and Technical Considerations Relevant to a Performance Specification

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-08-01

This report outlines the engineering requirements for an Airborne Laser Remote Sensor for Oil Detection and Classification System. Detailed engineering requirements are given for the major units of the system. Technical considerations pertinent to a ...

Vocational and Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Compact, 1968

1968-01-01

Volume 2, Issue 3 of "Compact" was designed to point out the problems and potential of vocational-technical education and to offer some suggestions for action. Major content includes: (1) "Education for Twenty-First Century Employment," by Wayne Morse, (2) "Pending Federal Legislation Encourages Vocational Innovation," by Grant Venn, (3)…

Nature's technical ceramic: the avian eggshell

PubMed Central

Hahn, Eric N.; Sherman, Vincent R.; Pissarenko, Andrei; Rohrbach, Samuel D.; Fernandes, Daniel J.

2017-01-01

Avian eggshells may break easily when impacted at a localized point; however, they exhibit impressive resistance when subjected to a well-distributed compressive load. For example, a common demonstration of material strength is firmly squeezing a chicken egg along its major axis between one's hands without breaking it. This research provides insight into the underlying mechanics by evaluating both macroscopic and microstructural features. Eggs of different size, varying from quail (30 mm) to ostrich (150 mm), are investigated. Compression experiments were conducted along the major axis of the egg using force-distributing rubber cushions between steel plates and the egg. The force at failure increases with egg size, reaching loads upwards of 5000 N for ostrich eggs. The corresponding strength, however, decreases with increasing shell thickness (intimately related to egg size); this is rationalized by a micro-defects model. Failure occurs by axial splitting parallel to the loading direction—the result of hoop tensile stresses due to the applied compressive load. Finite-element analysis is successfully employed to correlate the applied compressive force to tensile breaking strength for the eggs, and the influence of geometric ratio and microstructural heterogeneities on the shell's strength and fracture toughness is established. PMID:28123095

Technical Support Document for Version 3.4.0 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2007-09-14

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards.« less

19 CFR 151.13 - Approval of commercial gaugers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... gauger). In general, each technical staff member should have, at a minimum, six months training and..., manufacturer, and country-of-origin. (ii) Major equipment records. Records for each major piece of equipment...

A local scale assessment of the climate change sensitivity of snow in Pyrenean ski resorts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pesado, Cristina; Pons, Marc; Vilella, Marc; López-Moreno, Juan Ignacio

2016-04-01

The Pyrenees host one of the largest ski area in Europe after the Alps that encompasses the mountain area of the south of France, the north of Spain and the small country of Andorra. In this region, winter tourism is one of the main source of income and driving force of local development on these mountain communities. However, this activity was identified as one of the most vulnerable to a future climate change due to the projected decrease of natural snow and snowmaking capacity. However, within the same ski resorts different areas showed to have a very different vulnerability within the same resort based on the geographic features of the area and the technical management of the slopes. Different areas inside a same ski resort could have very different vulnerability to future climate change based on aspect, steepness or elevation. Furthermore, the technical management of ski resorts, such as snowmaking and grooming were identified to have a significant impact on the response of the snowpack in a warmer climate. In this line, two different ski resorts were deeply analyzed taken into account both local geographical features as well as the effect of the technical management of the runs. Principal Component Analysis was used to classify the main areas of the resort based on the geographic features (elevation, aspect and steepness) and identify the main representative areas with different local features. Snow energy and mass balance was simulated in the different representative areas using the Cold Regions Hydrological Model (CRHM) assuming different magnitudes of climate warming (increases of 2°C and 4°C in the mean winter temperature) both in natural conditions and assuming technical management of the slopes. Theses first results showed the different sensitivity and vulnerability to climate changes based on the local geography of the resort and the management of the ski runs, showing the importance to include these variables when analyzing the local vulnerability of a ski resort and the potential adaptation measures in each particular case.

Closed form unsupervised registration of multi-temporal structure from motion-multiview stereo data using non-linearly weighted image features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seers, T. D.; Hodgetts, D.

2013-12-01

Seers, T. D. & Hodgetts, D. School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, UK. M13 9PL. The detection of topological change at the Earth's surface is of considerable scholarly interest, allowing the quantification of the rates of geomorphic processes whilst providing lucid insights into the underlying mechanisms driving landscape evolution. In this regard, the past decade has witnessed the ever increasing proliferation of studies employing multi-temporal topographic data in within the geosciences, bolstered by continuing technical advancements in the acquisition and processing of prerequisite datasets. Provided by workers within the field of Computer Vision, multiview stereo (MVS) dense surface reconstructions, primed by structure-from-motion (SfM) based camera pose estimation represents one such development. Providing a cost effective, operationally efficient data capture medium, the modest requirement of a consumer grade camera for data collection coupled with the minimal user intervention required during post-processing makes SfM-MVS an attractive alternative to terrestrial laser scanners for collecting multi-temporal topographic datasets. However, in similitude to terrestrial scanner derived data, the co-registration of spatially coincident or partially overlapping scans produced by SfM-MVS presents a major technical challenge, particularly in the case of semi non-rigid scenes produced during topographic change detection studies. Moreover, the arbitrary scaling resulting from SfM ambiguity requires that a scale matrix must be estimated during the transformation, introducing further complexity into its formulation. Here, we present a novel, fully unsupervised algorithm which utilises non-linearly weighted image features for the solving the similarity transform (scale, translation rotation) between partially overlapping scans produced by SfM-MVS image processing. With the only initialization condition being partial intersection between input image sets, our method has major advantages over conventional iterative least squares minimization based methods (e.g. Iterative Closest Point variants), acting only on rigid areas of target scenes, being capable of reliably estimating the scaling factor and requiring no incipient estimation of the transformation to initialize (i.e. manual rough alignment). Moreover, because the solution is closed form, convergence is considerably more expedient that most iterative methods. It is hoped that the availability of improved co-registration routines, such as the one presented here, will facilitate the routine collection of multi-temporal topographic datasets by a wider range of geoscience practitioners.

A Method for Populating the Knowledge Base of APTAS, a Domain-Oriented Application Composition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

proposed a domain analysis approach called Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ). The approach identifies prominent features (similarities) and...characteristics of software systems in the domain. Unlike the other domain analysis approaches we have summarized, the re- searchers described FODA in...Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study. Technical Report, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Novem- ber 1990. 19. Lee, Kenneth

38 CFR 4.73 - Schedule of ratings-muscle injuries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward... muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3...

38 CFR 4.73 - Schedule of ratings-muscle injuries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward... muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3...

38 CFR 4.73 - Schedule of ratings-muscle injuries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward... muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3...

38 CFR 4.73 - Schedule of ratings-muscle injuries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward... muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3...

38 CFR 4.73 - Schedule of ratings-muscle injuries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward... muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3...

Tinkering and Technical Self-Efficacy of Engineering Students at the Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Dale R.; Wood, Lorelei; Corkins, James; Krause, Stephen

2015-01-01

Self-efficacy in engineering is important because individuals with low self-efficacy have lower levels of achievement and persistence in engineering majors. To examine self-efficacy among community college engineering students, an instrument to specifically measure two important aspects of engineering, tinkering and technical self-efficacy, was…

Automated Coastal Engineering System: Technical Reference

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

of Contents ACES Technical Reference Wave Transmission Through Permeable Structures ..................................... 5-4 Littoral Processes...A-2 Table A-4: Grain-Size Scales ( Soil Classification) ..................................... A-3 Table A-5: Major Tidal Constituents... Permeable Structures Lonphore Sediment Tranaport Littoral Numerical Si~ulation of Time-Dependent Beach and Dune Erosion Processes Calculation of Composite

Vocational Education and Training: A Major Shift in World Bank Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Phillip

1992-01-01

Comments on the World Bank's policy paper on vocational and technical education and training. Argues that past failures in establishing effective vocational and technical education were a result of not applying conventional neoclassical economic theory. Asserts that the World Bank's policy paper corrects this approach. (CFR)

An Assessment of Music Programs in the Alabama Community College System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powe, Holly Vanessa

2010-01-01

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) consists of 21 comprehensive community colleges, four technical colleges, and Athens State University, the state's only upper level, two- year college. The majority of those 21 colleges incorporate the five objectives of providing transfer, vocational/technical and remedial education, as well as…

Aristotelian Rhetorical Theory as a Framework for Teaching Scientific and Technical Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, Sara

1999-01-01

Describes an upper level rhetorical theory course for Scientific and Technical Communication majors (developed and taught by the author) that is grounded in Aristotle's "On Rhetoric" and in his understanding that effective communication is a systematic "tekhne"/art. Describes how the course uses Aristotle's work as a…

Using a Business Framework to Teach Technical Writing to Nonscientists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devet, Bonnie

2005-01-01

Today, students other than biology, computer science, or physics majors are enrolling in technical writing. English and communication students, seeking lucrative careers as professional writers or editors, are increasingly signing up for the course. Lacking extensive scientific backgrounds, these students may have a difficult time writing about…

Stressing the Need for Safety in Technical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defore, Jesse j.

1974-01-01

Discusses the importance of a safety orientation program in technical education and major components of a safety-conscious working enviroment. Suggests every institution take such measures as appointment of a safety officer, maintenance of a safety posture, inclusion of safety in curricula, and application of good safety practices. (CC)

A Portable Presentation Package for Audio-Visual Instruction. Technical Documentary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Edgar A.; And Others

The Portable Presentation Package is a prototype of an audiovisual equipment package designed to facilitate technical training in remote areas, situations in which written communications are difficult, or in situations requiring rapid presentation of instructional material. The major criteria employed in developing the package were (1) that the…

ETS Matched Pictures Language Comprehension Task I and II; Technical Report 5. Disadvantaged Children and Their First School Experiences. ETS-Head Start Longitudinal Study. Technical Report Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meissner, Judith A.; And Others

The ETS Matched Pictures test was used in the longitudinal study to measure children's comprehension of certain grammatical features, such as past and future tenses, negation and prepositions. The task materials for both I and II consist of a set of cards, with each card having a pair of black and white pictures. Both pictures in a pair contain…

NASA Scientific and Technical Publications: A Catalog of Special Publications, Reference Publications, Conference Publications, and Technical Papers 1987-1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

Technical Papers present the results of significant research conducted by NASA scientists and engineers. Presented here are citations for reports from each...CSCL contains photographs of 322 galaxies including the majority of all 03A Shapley-Ames bright galaxies, plus cluster members in the Virgo A...Catalog of Open Clusters and Associated Interstellar Matter Research Council, London, United Kingdom Sponsored by NASA, summarizes observations of 128 open

Experimental Null Method to Guide the Development of Technical Procedures and to Control False-Positive Discovery in Quantitative Proteomics.

PubMed

Shen, Xiaomeng; Hu, Qiang; Li, Jun; Wang, Jianmin; Qu, Jun

2015-10-02

Comprehensive and accurate evaluation of data quality and false-positive biomarker discovery is critical to direct the method development/optimization for quantitative proteomics, which nonetheless remains challenging largely due to the high complexity and unique features of proteomic data. Here we describe an experimental null (EN) method to address this need. Because the method experimentally measures the null distribution (either technical or biological replicates) using the same proteomic samples, the same procedures and the same batch as the case-vs-contol experiment, it correctly reflects the collective effects of technical variability (e.g., variation/bias in sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, and data processing) and project-specific features (e.g., characteristics of the proteome and biological variation) on the performances of quantitative analysis. To show a proof of concept, we employed the EN method to assess the quantitative accuracy and precision and the ability to quantify subtle ratio changes between groups using different experimental and data-processing approaches and in various cellular and tissue proteomes. It was found that choices of quantitative features, sample size, experimental design, data-processing strategies, and quality of chromatographic separation can profoundly affect quantitative precision and accuracy of label-free quantification. The EN method was also demonstrated as a practical tool to determine the optimal experimental parameters and rational ratio cutoff for reliable protein quantification in specific proteomic experiments, for example, to identify the necessary number of technical/biological replicates per group that affords sufficient power for discovery. Furthermore, we assessed the ability of EN method to estimate levels of false-positives in the discovery of altered proteins, using two concocted sample sets mimicking proteomic profiling using technical and biological replicates, respectively, where the true-positives/negatives are known and span a wide concentration range. It was observed that the EN method correctly reflects the null distribution in a proteomic system and accurately measures false altered proteins discovery rate (FADR). In summary, the EN method provides a straightforward, practical, and accurate alternative to statistics-based approaches for the development and evaluation of proteomic experiments and can be universally adapted to various types of quantitative techniques.

Global anthropogenic methane emissions 2005-2030: technical mitigation potentials and costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Höglund-Isaksson, L.

2012-10-01

This paper presents estimates of current and future global anthropogenic methane emissions, their technical mitigation potential and associated costs for the period 2005 to 2030. The analysis uses the GAINS model framework to estimate emissions, mitigation potentials and costs for all major sources of anthropogenic methane for 83 countries/regions, which are aggregated to produce global estimates. Global emissions are estimated at 323 Mt methane in 2005, with an expected increase to 414 Mt methane in 2030. The technical mitigation potential is estimated at 195 Mt methane in 2030, whereof about 80 percent is found attainable at a marginal cost less than 20 Euro t-1 CO2eq when using a social planner cost perspective. With a private investor cost perspective, the corresponding fraction is only 30 percent. Major uncertainty sources in emission estimates are identified and discussed.

The College Mathematics Experience and Changes in Majors: A Structural Model Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whiteley, Meredith A.; Fenske, Robert H.

1990-01-01

Testing of a structural equation model with college mathematics experience as the focal variable in 745 students' final decisions concerning major or dropping out over 4 years of college yielded separate model estimates for 3 fields: scientific/technical, quantitative business, and business management majors. (Author/MSE)

Development and operation of NEW-KOTIS : In-house technical information database of Nippon Kokan Corp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, Yukio; Takahashi, Kaei

The purpose of this report is to describe how the activities for managing technical information has been and is now being conducted by the Engineering department of Nippon Kokan Corp. In addition, as a practical example of database generation promoted by the department, this book gives whole aspects of the NEW-KOTIS (background of its development, history, features, functional details, control and operation method, use in search operations, and so forth). The NEW-KOTIS (3rd-term system) is an "in-house technical information database system," which started its operation on May, 1987. This database system now contains approximately 65,000 information items (research reports, investigation reports, technical reports, etc.) generated within the company, and this information is available to anyone in any department through the network connecting all the company's structures.

The nuclear battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozier, K. S.; Rosinger, H. E.

The evolution and present status of an Atomic Energy of Canada Limited program to develop a small, solid-state, passively cooled reactor power supply known as the Nuclear Battery is reviewed. Key technical features of the Nuclear Battery reactor core include a heat-pipe primary heat transport system, graphite neutron moderator, low-enriched uranium TRISO coated-particle fuel and the use of burnable poisons for long-term reactivity control. An external secondary heat transport system extracts useful heat energy, which may be converted into electricity in an organic Rankine cycle engine or used to produce high-pressure steam. The present reference design is capable of producing about 2400 kW(t) (about 600 kW(e) net) for 15 full-power years. Technical and safety features are described along with recent progress in component hardware development programs and market assessment work.

Intraoperative adverse events can be compensated by technical performance in neonates and infants after cardiac surgery: a prospective study.

PubMed

Nathan, Meena; Karamichalis, John M; Liu, Hua; del Nido, Pedro; Pigula, Frank; Thiagarajan, Ravi; Bacha, Emile A

2011-11-01

Our objective was to define the relationship between surgical technical performance score, intraoperative adverse events, and major postoperative adverse events in complex pediatric cardiac repairs. Infants younger than 6 months were prospectively followed up until discharge from the hospital. Technical performance scores were graded as optimal, adequate, or inadequate based on discharge echocardiograms and need for reintervention after initial surgery. Case complexity was determined by Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) category, and preoperative illness severity was assessed by Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score. Intraoperative adverse events were prospectively monitored. Outcomes were analyzed using nonparametric methods and a logistic regression model. A total of 166 patients (RACHS 4-6 [49%]), neonates [50%]) were observed. Sixty-one (37%) had at least 1 intraoperative adverse event, and 47 (28.3%) had at least 1 major postoperative adverse event. There was no correlation between intraoperative adverse events and RACHS, preoperative PRISM III, technical performance score, or postoperative adverse events on multivariate analysis. For the entire cohort, better technical performance score resulted in lower postoperative adverse events, lower postoperative PRISM, and lower length of stay and ventilation time (P < .001). Patients requiring intraoperative revisions fared as well as patients without, provided the technical score was at least adequate. In neonatal and infant open heart repairs, technical performance score is one of the main predictors of postoperative morbidity. Outcomes are not affected by intraoperative adverse events, including surgical revisions, provided technical performance score is at least adequate. Copyright © 2011 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Healthcare service quality perception in Japan.

PubMed

Eleuch, Amira ep Koubaa

2011-01-01

This study aims to assess Japanese patients' healthcare service quality perceptions and to shed light on the most meaningful service features. It follows-up a study published in IJHCQA Vol. 21 No. 7. Through a non-linear approach, the study relied on the scatter model to detect healthcare service features' importance in forming overall quality judgment. Japanese patients perceive healthcare services through a linear compensatory process. Features related to technical quality and staff behavior compensate for each other to decide service quality. A limitation of the study is the limited sample size. Non-linear approaches could help researchers to better understand patients' healthcare service quality perceptions. The study highlights a need to adopt an evolution that enhances technical quality and medical practices in Japanese healthcare settings. The study relies on a non-linear approach to assess patient overall quality perceptions in order to enrich knowledge. Furthermore, the research is conducted in Japan where healthcare marketing studies are scarce owing to cultural and language barriers. Japanese culture and healthcare system characteristics are used to explain and interpret the results.

Roles and Responsibilities in Feature Teams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckstein, Jutta

Agile development requires self-organizing teams. The set-up of a (feature) team has to enable self-organization. Special care has to be taken if the project is not only distributed, but also large and more than one feature team is involved. Every feature team needs in such a setting a product owner who ensures the continuous focus on business delivery. The product owners collaborate by working together in a virtual team. Each feature team is supported by a coach who ensures not only the agile process of the individual feature team but also across all feature teams. An architect (or if necessary a team of architects) takes care that the system is technically sound. Contrariwise to small co-located projects, large global projects require a project manager who deals with—among other things—internal and especially external politics.

Establishing Mandatory Academic Degree Guidance for AFROTC (Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps) Rated Officer Accessions

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

Scientific- Architecture 4% 4% Technical Computer Sci 38% 37% Math 40% 40% Meteorology 6% 6% Physics 12 % 13% Nontechnical Quality Freeflow 2/ Quality...Architecture 4 Computer Sci 48 43 40 Math 30 35 38 Meteorology 6 6 6 Physics 12 12 12 Engineer Electrical 40% 50% 50% Aero Group 25 25 30 Other / 35 25 20...with Technical Degrees by Major Weapon System. . . 12 FIGURE 4 - Pilots with Technical Degrees by Category . . . . . . 13 FIGURE 5 - Regression

Factor Structure and Reliability of the 2008 and 2009 SERU/UCUES Questionnaire Core. SERU Project Technical Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chatman, Steve

2009-01-01

This technical report summarizes the third independent factor analysis of the SERU/UCUES questionnaire responses of students with majors. The 2009 solution employed the same quantitative analysis used in the prior solutions--varimax orthogonal rotation to determine principal components followed by promax oblique rotation to identify…

One Step beyond What the Literature Says on Institutional Effectiveness of Community, Junior, and Technical Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welker, William F.; Morgan, Samuel D.

1991-01-01

Analyzes the content of the literature on community, junior, and technical colleges, utilizing a matrix with seven major classifications (i.e., governance, organization, staffing, clientele, curriculum, finance, and evaluation) and three dimensions (i.e., structure/form, function/role, and process/operations). Offers observations on effectiveness…

Examining the Impact of Non-Technical Security Management Factors on Information Security Management in Health Informatics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imam, Abbas H.

2013-01-01

Complexity of information security has become a major issue for organizations due to incessant threats to information assets. Healthcare organizations are particularly concerned with security owing to the inherent vulnerability of sensitive information assets in health informatics. While the non-technical security management elements have been at…

Some Characteristics and Writing Problems of Technically Oriented Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruehr, Ruthann

An understanding of the writing problems and personalities of some of the technically oriented students at Michigan Technological University may help others who teach similar students. Although their scores on aptitude tests are high, these students have had very little experience in writing. In addition, the majority of the students have had very…

Construction Mechanic, Engine Tune-Up II (Diesel), 8-8. Military Curriculum Materials for Vocational and Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

This course, adapted from military curriculum materials for vocational and technical education, teaches students to restore diesel engine performance to the manufacturer's specifications through troubleshooting and analyzing diesel engine fuel systems and to make minor and major adjustments to those components that directly affect engine…

Cost-Effective Technical and Vocational Education in Developing Countries. Coombe Lodge Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Lynton; Warrender, Ann-Marie

1993-01-01

A study examined ways of reducing the costs of technical and vocational education in developing countries. The major study activities were as follows: an extensive literature search; interviews with individuals experienced in designing and delivering vocational programs for developing countries; field investigations in Thailand and Nigeria; and an…

Perceptions of Former Occupational-Technical Students. Research Report No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trufant, John E.; And Others

Former occupational-technical students were questioned as to their attitudes toward their community college programs. The large majority of respondents rated their overall experience very high, and said they would recommend their college to someone seeking the same program. Social activities, however, were rated quite low. Women and graduates were…

The Users and Uses of Scientific and Technical Information: Critical Research Needs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, James E.; Rubenstein, Albert H.

At a 1973 workshop held in Denver, Colorado, 21 participants familiar with the uses of Scientific and Technical Information (STI) services gathered to identify the system's major research needs. Initially, 50 research projects were suggested in the areas of design, management, operations, marketing, and global considerations. Using a priority…

Occupational/Technical Programs at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Research Report Number 3-91.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Head, Ronald B.

In 1991, a study was conducted at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) to identify key trends and provide information regarding occupational/technical programs at PVCC, particularly with respect to student enrollment, student completion, and occupational opportunities for graduates. Major findings of the study included the following: (1)…

Report of the Joint Industry - DoD Task Force on Computer Aided Logistic Support (CALS). Volume 3. Report of Architecture Subgroup.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

competitive commercial items such as automobiles and aircraft. 1.3 Implementation Considerations. 1.3.1 Technical Considerations. The major technical...and easily reprogrammable discs; and integrated portable videocomputer devices will become available. 13 139 1 1.2 Projected Performance of the Target

Conducting a Social Network Audit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gumm, Jim; Hatala, John-Paul

2007-01-01

Current research makes it abundantly clear that career and technical educators in North America know how to give students the technical skills they need to be competitive in the 21st century marketplace. However, there may be a gap in many educators' toolboxes. The latest research findings indicate that the majority of people have a difficult time…

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Success in Community Colleges: A Conceptual Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirschy, Amy S.; Bremer, Christine D.; Castellano, Marisa

2011-01-01

Career and technical education (CTE) students pursuing occupational associate's degrees or certificates differ from students seeking academic majors at 2-year institutions in several ways. This article examines several theoretical models of student persistence and offers a conceptual model of student success focused on CTE students in community…

The Differentiation of Heat and Temperature: An Evaluation of the Effect of Microcomputer Teaching on Students' Misconceptions. Technical Report 87-5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiser, Marianne

Two classroom studies, one conducted in the spring of 1985 and the second in the spring of 1986, showed that many high school students do not differentiate between heat and temperature; instead, they have a single concept that contains some of the features of heat and some of the features of temperature. Because the distinction between these two…

Suitability of digital camcorders for virtual reality image data capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Apuzzo, Nicola; Maas, Hans-Gerd

1998-12-01

Today's consumer market digital camcorders offer features which make them appear quite interesting devices for virtual reality data capture. The paper compares a digital camcorder with an analogue camcorder and a machine vision type CCD camera and discusses the suitability of these three cameras for virtual reality applications. Besides the discussion of technical features of the cameras, this includes a detailed accuracy test in order to define the range of applications. In combination with the cameras, three different framegrabbers are tested. The geometric accuracy potential of all three cameras turned out to be surprisingly large, and no problems were noticed in the radiometric performance. On the other hand, some disadvantages have to be reported: from the photogrammetrists point of view, the major disadvantage of most camcorders is the missing possibility to synchronize multiple devices, limiting the suitability for 3-D motion data capture. Moreover, the standard video format contains interlacing, which is also undesirable for all applications dealing with moving objects or moving cameras. Further disadvantages are computer interfaces with functionality, which is still suboptimal. While custom-made solutions to these problems are probably rather expensive (and will make potential users turn back to machine vision like equipment), this functionality could probably be included by the manufacturers at almost zero cost.

The Preclose Technique in Percutaneous Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis

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

Jaffan, Abdel Aziz A., E-mail: aajaffan@gmail.com; Prince, Ethan A., E-mail: eprince@lifespan.org; Hampson, Christopher O., E-mail: christopherohampson@gmail.com

2013-06-15

Purpose. To establish the efficacy and safety of the preclose technique in total percutaneous endovascular aortic repair (PEVAR).MethodsA systematic literature search of Medline database was conducted for series on PEVAR published between January 1999 and January 2012.ResultsThirty-six articles comprising 2,257 patients and 3,606 arterial accesses were included. Anatomical criteria used to exclude patients from undergoing PEVAR were not uniform across all series. The technical success rate was 94 % per arterial access. Failure was unilateral in the majority (93 %) of the 133 failed PEVAR cases. The groin complication rate in PEVAR was 3.6 %; a minority (1.6 %) ofmore » these groin complications required open surgery. The groin complication rate in failed PEVAR cases converted to groin cutdown was 6.1 %. A significantly higher technical success rate was achieved when arterial access was performed via ultrasound guidance. Technical failure rate was significantly higher with larger sheath size ({>=}20F). Conclusion. The preclose technique in PEVAR has a high technical success rate and a low groin complication rate. Technical success tends to increase with ultrasound-guided arterial access and decrease with larger access. When failure occurs, it is unilateral in the majority of cases, and conversion to surgical cutdown does not appear to increase the operative risk.« less

Engineering directorate technical facilities catalog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maloy, Joseph E.

1993-01-01

The Engineering Directorate Technical Facilities Catalog is designed to provide an overview of the technical facilities available within the Engineering Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. The combined capabilities of these engineering facilities are essential elements of overall JSC capabilities required to manage and perform major NASA engineering programs. The facilities are grouped in the text by chapter according to the JSC division responsible for operation of the facility. This catalog updates the facility descriptions for the JSC Engineering Directorate Technical Facilities Catalog, JSC 19295 (August 1989), and supersedes the Engineering Directorate, Principle test and Development Facilities, JSC, 19962 (November 1984).

Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers: A Review of Statistical Methods for Technical Performance Assessment

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Technological developments and greater rigor in the quantitative measurement of biological features in medical images have given rise to an increased interest in using quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) to measure changes in these features. Critical to the performance of a QIB in preclinical or clinical settings are three primary metrology areas of interest: measurement linearity and bias, repeatability, and the ability to consistently reproduce equivalent results when conditions change, as would be expected in any clinical trial. Unfortunately, performance studies to date differ greatly in designs, analysis method and metrics used to assess a QIB for clinical use. It is therefore, difficult or not possible to integrate results from different studies or to use reported results to design studies. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) with technical, radiological and statistical experts developed a set of technical performance analysis methods, metrics and study designs that provide terminology, metrics and methods consistent with widely accepted metrological standards. This document provides a consistent framework for the conduct and evaluation of QIB performance studies so that results from multiple studies can be compared, contrasted or combined. PMID:24919831

NASA/DOD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Paper 21: Technological innovation and technical communications: Their place in aerospace engineering curricula. A survey of European, Japanese, and US Aerospace Engineers and Scientists

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, Thomas E.; Barclay, Rebecca O.; Holland, Maurita Peterson; Keene, Michael L.; Kennedy, John M.

1991-01-01

Aerospace engineers and scientists from Western Europe, Japan, and the United States were surveyed as part of the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Questionnaires were used to solicit their opinions regarding the following: (1) the importance of technical communications to their profession; (2) the use and production of technical communications; and (3) their views about the appropriate content of an undergraduate course in technical communications. The ability to communicate technical information effectively was very important to the aerospace engineers and scientists who participated in the study. A considerable portion of their working week is devoted to using and producing technical information. The types of technical communications used and produced varied within and among the three groups. The type of technical communication product used and produced appears to be related to respondents' professional duties. Respondents from the three groups made similar recommendations regarding the principles, mechanics, and on-the-job communications to be included in an undergraduate technical communications course for aerospace majors.

The influence of deficient retro-aortic rim on technical success and early adverse events following device closure of secundum atrial septal defects: An Analysis of the IMPACT Registry®.

PubMed

O'Byrne, Michael L; Gillespie, Matthew J; Kennedy, Kevin F; Dori, Yoav; Rome, Jonathan J; Glatz, Andrew C

2017-01-01

Concern regarding aortic erosion has focused attention on the retro-aortic rim in patients undergoing device closure of atrial septal defects (ASD), but its effect on early outcomes is not well studied. A multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing device occlusion of ASD between 1/2011-10/2014 was performed, using data from the IMproving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment Registry. Subjects were divided between those with retro-aortic rim <5 and ≥5 mm. Primary outcomes were technical failure and major early adverse events. Case times were measured as surrogates of technical complexity. The effect of deficient retro-aortic rim on primary outcomes was assessed using hierarchical logistic regression, adjusting for other suspected covariates and assessing whether they represent independent risk factors RESULTS: 1,564 subjects (from 77 centers) were included, with deficient retro-aortic rim present in 40%. Technical failure occurred in 91 subjects (5.8%) and a major early adverse event in 64 subjects (4.1%). Adjusting for known covariates, the presence of a deficient retro-aortic rim was not significantly associated with technical failure (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9-2.1) or major early adverse event (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.4-1. 2). Total case (P = 0.01) and fluoroscopy time (P = 0.02) were greater in subjects with deficient rim, but sheath time was not significantly different (P = 0.07). Additional covariates independently associated with these outcomes were identified. Deficient retro-aortic rim was highly prevalent but not associated with increased risk of technical failure or early adverse events. Studies with longer follow-up are necessary to assess other outcomes, including device erosion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Technical Support Document for Version 3.9.0 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2011-09-01

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards. Beginning with COMcheck version 3.8.0, support for 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999, and the 1998 IECC are no longer included, but those sections remain in this document for reference purposes.« less

Technical Support Document for Version 3.9.1 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2012-09-01

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards. Beginning with COMcheck version 3.8.0, support for 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999, and the 1998 IECC and version 3.9.0 support for 2000 and 2001 IECC are no longer included, but those sections remain in this document for reference purposes.« less

A Full-Featured User Friendly CO 2-EOR and Sequestration Planning Software

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

Savage, Bill

A Full-Featured, User Friendly CO 2-EOR and Sequestration Planning Software This project addressed the development of an integrated software solution that includes a graphical user interface, numerical simulation, visualization tools and optimization processes for reservoir simulation modeling of CO 2-EOR. The objective was to assist the industry in the development of domestic energy resources by expanding the application of CO 2-EOR technologies, and ultimately to maximize the CO 2} sequestration capacity of the U.S. The software resulted in a field-ready application for the industry to address the current CO 2-EOR technologies. The software has been made available to the publicmore » without restrictions and with user friendly operating documentation and tutorials. The software (executable only) can be downloaded from NITEC’s website at www.nitecllc.com. This integrated solution enables the design, optimization and operation of CO 2-EOR processes for small and mid-sized operators, who currently cannot afford the expensive, time intensive solutions that the major oil companies enjoy. Based on one estimate, small oil fields comprise 30% of the of total economic resource potential for the application of CO 2-EOR processes in the U.S. This corresponds to 21.7 billion barrels of incremental, technically recoverable oil using the current “best practices”, and 31.9 billion barrels using “next-generation” CO 2-EOR techniques. The project included a Case Study of a prospective CO 2-EOR candidate field in Wyoming by a small independent, Linc Energy Petroleum Wyoming, Inc. NITEC LLC has an established track record of developing innovative and user friendly software. The Principle Investigator is an experienced manager and engineer with expertise in software development, numerical techniques, and GUI applications. Unique, presently-proprietary NITEC technologies have been integrated into this application to further its ease of use and technical functionality.« less

Percutaneous Cryoablation of Clinical T2 (> 7 cm) Renal Masses: Technical Considerations, Complications, and Short-Term Outcomes.

PubMed

Moynagh, Michael R; Schmit, Grant D; Thompson, Robert H; Boorjian, Stephen A; Woodrum, David A; Curry, Timothy B; Atwell, Thomas D

2015-06-01

To determine the technical success, safety, and preliminary clinical outcome of percutaneous cryoablation of large (> 7 cm) renal masses. Twelve patients underwent percutaneous cryoablation for treatment of renal tumors measuring greater than 7 cm (clinical stage II, T2aN0M0) between 2004 and 2013. Median patient age was 75 years (range, 46-84 y), median Charlson comorbidity index was 5 (range, 4-9), and median maximal tumor diameter was 8.4 cm (range, 7.2-9.7 cm). Seven of the 12 patients underwent superselective intraarterial tumor embolization before cryoablation. Technical success, procedural complications, renal function, and oncologic and survival outcomes were evaluated for each patient. All cryoablation procedures were technically successful in a single treatment session, with no mortalities at 30 days. Two patients (17%) experienced major complications related to postprocedural hemorrhage. Median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate within 7 days following cryoablation treatment was 11 mL/min (range, 7-14 mL/min). One patient with baseline stage IV chronic kidney disease and a major bleeding complication required temporary dialysis in the periprocedural period. In 11 patients (92%) who had follow-up beyond 3 months after the procedure (mean, 19 mo; range, 4-49 mo), recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates at 2 years were 100% and 91%, respectively. Percutaneous cryoablation of large (> 7 cm) renal masses was technically successful, with effective preliminary clinical outcomes. However, major complications are more common with cryoablation of stage T2 tumors than is typically encountered with treatment of smaller stage T1 tumors. Copyright © 2015 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Innovations in making EarthScope science and data accessible (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratt-Sitaula, B. A.; Butler, R. F.; Whitman, J. M.; Granshaw, F. D.; Lillie, R. J.; Hunter, N.; Cronin, V. S.; Resor, P. G.; Olds, S. E.; Miller, M. S.; Walker, R.; Douglas, B. B.

2013-12-01

EarthScope is a highly complex technical and scientific endeavor. Making results from EarthScope accessible to the general public, educators, all levels of students, and even geoscience professionals from other disciplines is a very real challenge that must be overcome to realize EarthScope's intended broader impacts of contributing 'to the mitigation of risks from geological hazards ... and the public's understanding of the dynamic Earth.' Here we provided several case examples of how EarthScope science can be effectively communicated and then scaled to reach different or larger audiences. One approach features providing professional development regarding EarthScope and geohazard science to non-university educators who then scale up the impact by communicating to hundreds or even thousands of students and general public members each. EarthScope-funded Teachers on the Leading Edge (TOTLE) ran workshops 2008-2010 for 120 Pacific Northwest teachers and community college educators who subsequently communicated EarthScope and geohazards science to >30,000 students and >1500 other adults. Simultaneously EarthScope's National Office at Oregon State University was running workshops for park interpreters who have since reached >>100,000 park visitors. These earlier projects have served as the foundation for the new Cascadia EarthScope Earthquake and Tsunami Education Program (CEETEP), which is currently running joint workshops for coastal Oregon and Washington teachers, interpreters, and emergency management educators. The other approach featured here is UNAVCO's scaled efforts to make Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) and other geodetic data more accessible to introductory and majors-level geoscience students and faculty. Initial projects included development of a Teaching Geodesy website on the Science Education Research Center (SERC) and development of teaching modules and activities that use PBO data. Infinitesimal strain analysis using GPS data is a 1-2 week module for majors-level structural geology or geophysics courses that is now published on SERC and UNAVCO websites. Simpler exercises using PBO data have been beta-tested for introductory courses as well. Now UNAVCO has received NSF-funding to develop four more modules (two each for introductory and majors-level) that will feature PBO and other geodetic data. The goal is for these four to serve as the foundation for an ultimate collection of >10 modules.

Prototyping a Sensor Enabled 3d Citymodel on Geospatial Managed Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjems, E.; Kolář, J.

2013-09-01

One of the major development efforts within the GI Science domain are pointing at sensor based information and the usage of real time information coming from geographic referenced features in general. At the same time 3D City models are mostly justified as being objects for visualization purposes rather than constituting the foundation of a geographic data representation of the world. The combination of 3D city models and real time information based systems though can provide a whole new setup for data fusion within an urban environment and provide time critical information preserving our limited resources in the most sustainable way. Using 3D models with consistent object definitions give us the possibility to avoid troublesome abstractions of reality, and design even complex urban systems fusing information from various sources of data. These systems are difficult to design with the traditional software development approach based on major software packages and traditional data exchange. The data stream is varying from urban domain to urban domain and from system to system why it is almost impossible to design a complete system taking care of all thinkable instances now and in the future within one constraint software design complex. On several occasions we have been advocating for a new end advanced formulation of real world features using the concept of Geospatial Managed Objects (GMO). This paper presents the outcome of the InfraWorld project, a 4 million Euro project financed primarily by the Norwegian Research Council where the concept of GMO's have been applied in various situations on various running platforms of an urban system. The paper will be focusing on user experiences and interfaces rather then core technical and developmental issues. The project was primarily focusing on prototyping rather than realistic implementations although the results concerning applicability are quite clear.

Special Feature: Teaching about High Tech.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kopf, Michael; And Others

1992-01-01

Includes four articles: "Virtual Reality" (Kopf), description of its uses in computer-assisted design, architecture, and technical training; "SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Robotics Contest Opens Doors to Future" (Wagner); "Superconductivity" (Canady), description of classroom demonstrations and experiments;…

Rapid Prototyping of Robotic Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

Nowak, S. Peterson, “Feature Oriented Domain Analysis ( FODA ) Feasibility Study,” Technical Report, CMU/SEI-90-TR-21, Software Engineering Institute...32 3. Embedded System Control Language..............................................33 viii 4. Architecture Analysis and Design Language...41 5. Analysis

Autonomy, evidence and intuition: nurses and decision-making.

PubMed

Traynor, Michael; Boland, Maggie; Buus, Niels

2010-07-01

This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine how nurses represent professional clinical decision-making processes, and to determine what light Jamous and Peloille's 'Indeterminacy/Technicality ratio' concept can shed on these representations. Classic definitions of professional work feature autonomy of decision-making and control over the field of work. Sociologists Jamous and Peloille have described professional work as being high in 'indeterminacy' (the use of tacit judgements) relative to technicality (activity able to be codified). The rise of the evidence-based practice movement has been seen as increasing the realm of technical decision-making in healthcare, and it is relevant to analyse nurses' professional discourse and study how they respond to this increase. Three focus groups with qualified nurses attending post-qualifying courses at a London university were held in 2008. Participants were asked to talk about influences on their decision-making. The discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed and subjected to discourse analysis. Participants described their decision-making as influenced by both indeterminate and technical features. They acknowledged useful influences from both domains, but pointed to their personal 'experience' as the final arbiter of decision-making. Their accounts of decision-making created a sense of professional autonomy while at the same time protecting it against external critique. Pre- and post-registration nurse education could encourage robust discussion of the definition and roles of 'irrational' aspects of decision-making and how these might be understood as components of credible professional practice.

Technical features of curriculum-based measures for beginning writers.

PubMed

McMaster, Kristen L; Xiaoqing Du; Pétursdóttir, Anna-Lind

2009-01-01

The purpose of the two studies reported in this article was to examine technical features of curriculum-based measures for beginning writers. In Study 1, 50 first graders responded to word copying, sentence copying, and story prompts. In Study 2, 50 additional first graders responded to letter, picture-word, picture-theme, and photo prompts. In both studies, 3- to 5-minute prompts were administered in winter and spring and scored using a variety of quantitative procedures. Students were also administered the Test of Written Language-Third Edition , and teacher ratings and scores on a district rubric for writing were collected. Test-retest (Study 1 only) and alternate-form reliability, criterion validity, and winter-to-spring growth were examined for each measure. Sentence-copying, story, picture-word, and photo prompts emerged as promising beginning-writing measures. Findings have implications for monitoring student progress within a seamless and flexible system across ages and skill levels.

Airship Industry Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstetler, Ron; Chachad, Girish; Melton, John

2016-01-01

In April, 2015 NASA Ames Research Center conducted a study of the airship industry. The project called for a report that would describe airship concepts proposed or projects initiated, airship performance or capability targets, and the missions these activities were addressing. It would detail the principal technical features of these airships; the proposed value/advantages of the features, notional concepts of operation, and challenges associated with the vehicles. Also investigated would be the current status and near-term prospects of these airship development activities, whether they are active or, if curtailed the circumstances and possible reasons for that conclusion including technical, business, or other mitigating factors. For the most active programs an assessment would be conducted to identify the resources or activities required for airships to advance to series construction and operational deployment. The study would also identify impediments to these developments and deployments, with recommendations provided to address existing issues in the airship industry today.

The GOAL-to-HAL/S translator specification. [for space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanten, S. F.; Flanders, J. H.

1973-01-01

The specification sets forth a technical framework within which to deal with the transfer of specific GOAL features to HAL/S. Key technical features of the translator are described which communicate with the data bank, handle repeat statements, and deal with software interrupts. GOAL programs, databank information, and GOAL system subroutines are integrated into one GOAL in HAL/S. This output is fully compatible HAL/S source ready for insertion into the HAL/S compiler. The Translator uses a PASS1 to establish all the global data needed for the HAL/S output program. Individual GOAL statements are translated in PASS2. The specification document makes extensive use of flowcharts to specify exactly how each variation of each GOAL statement is to be translated. The specification also deals with definitions and assumptions, executive support structure and implementation. An appendix, entitled GOAL-to-HAL Mapping, provides examples of translated GOAL statements.

Collected Papers Prepared Under Work Unit TEXTRUCT: Methods of Instruction in Technical Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Human Resources Research Organization, Alexandria, VA.

Although the concept of automated instruction is not new, it has gained major support only in the past 3 years. These 12 papers describe research in the area of instructional methods for technical training. The scientific principles of learning and their applicability to automated instruction are discussed, with emphasis on the role of automated…

Gender in School-to-School Transitions: How Students Choose Career Programs in Technical Colleges in Kenya.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kithyo, Isaac Mattemu; Petrina, Stephen

2002-01-01

A study of 39 technical college students in Kenya found the majority enrolled in gender-traditional programs. Although school facilities, guidance, and labor market orientation played a part, gender was the most persuasive factor in career choice. Parental pressure and stereotypical guidance reinforced gender norms, but some students were able to…

Revising the Experiential Learning Component of the Business Capstone Course at Delaware Technical Community College's George Campus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roux, June N.

2017-01-01

This Executive Position Paper examines the experiential learning component of the business capstone course at Delaware Technical Community College's George campus in Wilmington, Delaware. As a statewide institution of higher education, Delaware Tech offers associate of applied science degrees in practical, skills-based majors, including a number…

The Status of Large-Scale Assessment in the Pacific Region. REL Technical Brief. REL 2008-No. 003

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Jennifer; Keir, Scott

2008-01-01

This technical brief describes the large-scale assessment measures and practices used in the jurisdictions served by the Pacific Regional Educational Laboratory. The need for effective large-scale assessment was identified as a major priority for improving student achievement in the Pacific Region jurisdictions: American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the…

A National Periodicals Center Technical Development Plan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council on Library Resources, Inc., Washington, DC.

This technical plan for developing, managing, and operating a national periodicals center (NPC), which was prepared at the request of the Library of Congress, is designed so that it could be used by the Library or any other agency prepared to assume responsibility for the creation of a major periodicals facility. The overall goal of the NPC is to…

Improving Systems Providing Education and Training throughout Life. Flexible Access to Technical and Vocational Education throughout Life.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartram, John D.

A large majority of the world's people are denied access to learning. The link between technical and vocational education (TVE) and individual and workplace economic productivity is well documented. Many countries are experiencing combinations of increasing populations of young people and high unemployment rates. Existing traditions of training…

Interplay among Technical, Socio-Emotional and Personal Factors in Written Feedback Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chong, Ivan

2018-01-01

The centrality of written feedback is clearly seen from the proliferation of research in the context of higher education. As an increasingly expanding field in research, the majority of written feedback studies have been interested in investigating the technical aspect of how feedback should be given in order to promote student learning. More…

Determining and Validating Barriers to Post-Secondary Vocational, Technical and Adult Education Programs in Wisconsin. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farning, Max; Borden, Sally

A consortium of five Wisconsin Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) Districts (Gateway, Indianhead, Mid-State, Milwaukee, and Southwest) were utilized to identify, verify, and alleviate barriers to enrollment. A VTAE survey in 1976 identified six major reasons for individuals' failing to attend school after indicating an interest in…

(White House Conference on Aging, 1981. Health Maintenance and Health Promotion. Report and Executive Summary of the Technical Committee.)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farber, Seymour M.; And Others

The introduction to this Technical Committee Report reviews the health status of the older population and examines major disease entities where health maintenance and promotion can play a role. Part One, "Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Services," discusses the physical and social environments, indicators of change in physical…

Preschool Racial Attitude Measure II (PRAM II): Technical Report #1: 1970-71 Standardization Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, John E.

This report provides detailed technical information concerning the Preschool Racial Attitude Measure II (PRAM II) a method for assessing the attitudes of pre-literate children toward light- and dark-skinned individuals. Several major changes were involved in the PRAM II revision: (1) the length was doubled, (2) the general artistic quality of the…

Emphasizing Research (Further) in Undergraduate Technical Communication Curricula: Involving Undergraduate Students with an Academic Journal's Publication and Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ford, Julie Dyke; Newmark, Julianne

2011-01-01

This article presents follow-up information to a previous publication regarding ways to increase emphasis on research skills in undergraduate Technical Communication curricula. We detail the ways our undergraduate program highlights research by requiring majors to complete senior thesis projects that culminate in submission to an online…

The Changing Role of Vocational and Technical Education and Training. Synthesis of Country Reports.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France).

In preparation for a conference held in Paris, France, in November 1994, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) launched a 5-year program that involved 20 countries studying the changing role of vocational and technical education and training (VOTEC). This report synthesizes 18 country reports on major recent developments…

Perception of the Needs for Scientific and Technical Information in Less Developed Countries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saracevic, Tefko

This review surveys the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies that deals with their perception of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information (STI) in relation to social and economic development. It explores five major areas: (1) recognition of STI as it is expressed through…

The Philosophy and Structure of the Curriculum in University Technical Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomlinson, Mike

2014-01-01

Arguments about the content and structure of the curriculum for 14- to 18-year-old students in England continue apace, not least as a consequence of the National Curriculum review and proposed changes to qualifications. However, the majority of initiatives aimed at providing high-quality and rigorous technical pathways from age 14 onwards have…

Technical Writing, Revision, and Language Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petersen, Bruce T.

To examine the writing process of personnel who write as part of their jobs and the relation of that process to the context in which they worked, a study was undertaken in a major corporation. Its aim was to research a model for teaching technical writing students that would bridge the gap between the classroom and the probable writing situations…

Purpose and Need for a Grassland Assessment

Treesearch

Deborah M. Finch; Cathy W. Dahms

2004-01-01

This report is volume 1 of an ecological assessment of grassland ecosystems in the Southwestern United States, and it is one of a series of planned publications addressing major ecosystems of the Southwest. The first assessment, General Technical Report RM-GTR- 295, An Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Health in the Southwest (by Dahms and Geils, technical editors,...

Mixed Methods in Education Research. IES Technical Working Group Meeting. Meeting Summary (Washington, DC, May 29, 2015)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of Education Sciences, 2015

2015-01-01

This meeting summary is organized into two major sections. The first section captures the individual contribution of meeting participants, including both Institute of Education Sciences (IES) staff and the invited technical working group members. The second section captures themes that arose during the group discussions, which were organized…

Global Mean Temperature Timeseries Projections from GCMs: The Implications of Rebasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, S. C.; Stainforth, D. A.; Watkins, N. W.

2017-12-01

Global climate models are assessed by comparison with observations through several benchmarks. One highlighted by the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is their ability to reproduce "general features of the global and annual mean surface temperature changes over the historical period" [1,2] and to simulate "a trend in global-mean surface temperature from 1951 to 2012 that agrees with the observed trend" [3]. These aspects of annual mean global mean temperature (GMT) change are presented as one feature demonstrating the relevance of these models for climate projections. Here we consider a formal interpretation of "general features" and discuss the implications of this approach to model assessment and intercomparison, for the interpretation of GCM projections. Following the IPCC, we interpret a major element of "general features" as being the slow timescale response to external forcings. (Shorter timescale behaviour such as the response to volcanic eruptions are also elements of "general features" but are not considered here.) Also following the IPCC, we consider only GMT anomalies. The models have absolute temperatures which range over about 3K so this means their timeseries (and the observations) are rebased. We show that rebasing in combination with general agreement, implies a separation of scales which limits the degree to which sub-global behaviour can feedback on the global response. It also implies a degree of linearity in the GMT slow timescale response. For each individual model these implications only apply over the range of absolute temperatures simulated by the model in historic simulations. Taken together, however, they imply consequences over a wider range of GMTs. [1] IPCC, Fifth Assessment Report, Working Group 1, Technical Summary: Stocker et al. 2013. [2] IPCC, Fifth Assessment Report, Working Group 1, Chapter 9 - "Evaluation of Climate Models": Flato et al. 2013. [3] IPCC, Fifth Assessment Report, Working Group 1, Summary for Policy Makers: IPCC, 2013.

MedAd-AppQ: A quality assessment tool for medication adherence apps on iOS and android platforms.

PubMed

Ali, Eskinder Eshetu; Teo, Amanda Kai Sin; Goh, Sherlyn Xue Lin; Chew, Lita; Yap, Kevin Yi-Lwern

2018-02-02

With the recent proliferation of smartphone medication adherence applications (apps), it is increasingly more difficult for patients and clinicians to identify the most useful app. To develop a quality assessment tool for medication adherence apps, and evaluate the quality of such apps from the major app stores. In this study, a Medication Adherence App Quality assessment tool (MedAd-AppQ) was developed and two evaluators independently assessed apps that fulfilled the following criteria: availability in English, had at least a medication reminder feature, non-specific to certain disease conditions (generic apps), free of technical malfunctions and availability on both the iPhone Operating System (iOS) and Android platforms. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson product moment correlation and Spearman rank-order correlation were used for statistical analysis. MedAd-AppQ was designed to have 24 items (total 43 points) categorized under three sections: content reliability (11 points), feature usefulness (29 points) and feature convenience (3 points). The three sections of MedAd-AppQ were found to have inter-rater correlation coefficients of 0.801 (p-value < .001) or higher. Based on analysis of 52 apps (27 iOS and 25 Android), quality scores ranged between 7/43 (16.3%) and 28/43 (65.1%). There was no significant difference between the quality scores of the Android and iOS versions. None of the apps had features for self-management of side effects. Only two apps in each platform provided disease-related and/or medication information. MedAd-AppQ can be used to reliably assess the quality of adherence apps. Clinicians can use the tool in selecting apps for use by patients. Developers of adherence apps should consider features that provide therapy-related information and help patients in medications and side-effects management. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Boiler water regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khavanov, Pavel; Chulenyov, Anatoly

2017-10-01

Active development of autonomous heating the past 25 years has led to the widespread use of hot-water boilers of small capacity up to 2.5 MW. Rational use of the design of autonomous sources of heating boilers design features significantly improve their technical, economic and operational performance. This publication reviewed and analyzed a number of features of the design, operation and exploitation of boilers of small capacity, significantly affecting the efficiency and reliability of their application.

High spectral resolution lidar based on quad mach zehnder interferometer for aerosols and wind measurements on board space missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariscal, Jean-François; Bruneau, Didier; Pelon, Jacques; Van Haecke, Mathilde; Blouzon, Frédéric; Montmessin, Franck; Chepfer, Hélène

2018-04-01

We present the measurement principle and the optical design of a Quad Mach Zehnder (QMZ) interferometer as HSRL technique, allowing simultaneous measurements of particle backscattering and wind velocity. Key features of this concept is to operate with a multimodal laser and do not require any frequency stabilization. These features are relevant especially for space applications for which high technical readiness level is required.

NASA Technical Standards Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Paul S.; Vaughan, William W.; Parker, Nelson C. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The NASA Technical Standards Program was officially established in 1997 as result of a directive issued by the Administrator. It is responsible for Agency wide technical standards development, adoption (endorsement), and conversion of Center-unique standards for Agency wide use. One major element of the Program is the review of NSA technical standards products and replacement with non-Government Voluntary Consensus Standards in accordance with directions issued by the Office of Management and Budget. As part of the Program's function, it developed a NASA Integrated Technical Standards Initiative that consists of and Agency wide full-text system, standards update notification system, and lessons learned-standards integration system. The Program maintains a 'one stop-shop' Website for technical standards ad related information on aerospace materials, etc. This paper provides information on the development, current status, and plans for the NAS Technical Standards Program along with metrics on the utility of the products provided to both users within the nasa.gov Domain and the Public Domain.

NASA Technical Standards Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Paul S.; Vaughan, WIlliam W.

2003-01-01

The NASA Technical Standards Program was officially established in 1997 as result of a directive issued by the Administrator. It is responsible for Agency wide technical standards development, adoption (endorsement), and conversion of Center-unique standards for Agency wide use. One major element of the Program is the review of NSA technical standards products and replacement with non-Government Voluntary Consensus Standards in accordance with directions issued by the Office of Management and Budget. As part of the Program s function, it developed a NASA Integrated Technical Standards Initiative that consists of and Agency wide full-text system, standards update notification system, and lessons learned - standards integration system. The Program maintains a "one stop-shop" Website for technical standards ad related information on aerospace materials, etc. This paper provides information on the development, current status, and plans for the NAS Technical Standards Program along with metrics on the utility of the products provided to both users within the nasa.gov Domain and the Public Domain.

Technical features of the robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy.

PubMed

Axente, D D; Major, Z Z; Micu, C M; Constantea, N A

2013-01-01

Numerous minimally invasive techniques for thyroid surgery have been described in recent years. Technical disadvantages have led to low practicability, although these techniques proved to be safe and to deliver good results. The robotic system was developed to overcome the limits of endoscopic surgery.Recently, based on the advantages of this new technology, robot assisted endoscopic surgery was introduced for minimally invasive thyroid surgery as well. Our experience with robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery begins in November 2010 when we have practiced our first unilateral total lobectomy. From November 2010 to March 2012, 50 patients underwent robot assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using the transaxillary approach. The aim of this study is to present the technical details and particularities of this procedure, based on our experience.

Proceedings of the X-15 First Flight 30th Anniversary Celebration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

A technical symposium and pilot's panel discussion were held on June 8, 1989, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first free flight of the X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft. The symposium featured technical presentations by former key government and industry participants in the advocacy, design, manufacturing, and flight research program activities. The X-15's technical contributions to the X-30 are cited. The panel discussion participants included seven of the eight surviving research pilots who flew the X-15 experimental aircraft to world altitude and speed records which still stand. Pilot's remarks include descriptions of their most memorable X-15 flight experience. The report also includes a historical perspective of the X-15.

Technical tips: Electrode application and preventing skin breakdown techniques.

PubMed

Berlin, Fira; Carlile, Jennifer A; de Burgo, Maria I; Rochon, Adrienne; Wagner, Esperanza E; Sellers, Martha C; Worrell, Amanda R; Andal, E Lauren C; Woods, Latina R

2011-09-01

The recording electrodes including their precise location, their ability to record during movements that can be intense during a convulsive seizure, and their capability to record for several days without causing skin breakdown are an integral part of long-term EEG recording. Many of the facets of EEG technology have changed dramatically with the introduction of digital EEG. But the electrode and the electrode/skin interface have not had many dramatic changes. The technologist still looks for ways to ensure correct electrode placement, good recording capabilities, and a patient with healthy skin when the electrodes are removed. This Technical Tips features ideas and experiences from several technologists. These technologists express suggestions and opinions which are accepted in Technical Tips.

Fluoroscopic removal of retrievable self-expandable metal stents in patients with malignant oesophageal strictures: Experience with a non-endoscopic removal system.

PubMed

Kim, Pyeong Hwa; Song, Ho-Young; Park, Jung-Hoon; Zhou, Wei-Zhong; Na, Han Kyu; Cho, Young Chul; Jun, Eun Jung; Kim, Jun Ki; Kim, Guk Bae

2017-03-01

To evaluate clinical outcomes of fluoroscopic removal of retrievable self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for malignant oesophageal strictures, to compare clinical outcomes of three different removal techniques, and to identify predictive factors of successful removal by the standard technique (primary technical success). A total of 137 stents were removed from 128 patients with malignant oesophageal strictures. Primary overall technical success and removal-related complications were evaluated. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictive factors of primary technical success. Primary technical success rate was 78.8 % (108/137). Complications occurred in six (4.4 %) cases. Stent location in the upper oesophagus (P=0.004), stricture length over 8 cm (P=0.030), and proximal granulation tissue (P<0.001) were negative predictive factors of primary technical success. If granulation tissue was present at the proximal end, eversion technique was more frequently required (P=0.002). Fluoroscopic removal of retrievable SEMSs for malignant oesophageal strictures using three different removal techniques appeared to be safe and easy. The standard technique is safe and effective in the majority of patients. The presence of proximal granulation tissue, stent location in the upper oesophagus, and stricture length over 8 cm were negative predictive factors for primary technical success by standard extraction and may require a modified removal technique. • Fluoroscopic retrievable SEMS removal is safe and effective. • Standard removal technique by traction is effective in the majority of patients. • Three negative predictive factors of primary technical success were identified. • Caution should be exercised during the removal in those situations. • Eversion technique is effective in cases of proximal granulation tissue.

Information Exchange Procedures for Major Research Universities; Technical Diary of the Major Research Universities' Pilot Test.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Topping, Jim

The applicability and validity of NCHEMS' Information Exchange Procedures (IEP) to major research universities are examined. IEP enables peer institutions to compare information about their resources. Evaluation of the IEP costing methods are examined in this document, which is intended as an appendix to "Evaluation of the IEP Costing…

Can hand laterality be identified through lithic technology?

PubMed

Bargalló, Amèlia; Mosquera, Marina

2014-01-01

In this paper we present a new method for inferring handedness from lithic evidence. The study was conducted by means of an experimental programme in stone-knapping, after which the resulting lithic products (tools) were analysed. These lithic tools were produced by 15 inexpert knappers (8 right-handed and 7 left-handed), because we were not able to find a statistically significant number of left-handed expert knappers. We considered inexpert knappers to include individuals who had never struck two pebbles together, as well as individuals who were quite familiar with prehistoric tools and had had some degree of practice. The Mann-Whitney U test proved that all of them produced flakes with the same technical features, so within this sample expertise was not a factor that affected the presence or absence of the technical features analysed to determine hand laterality. The results of the experiment indicate that no single variable can be used to determine the laterality of the knapper, but rather the evidence of handedness lies in the combination of several variables. Furthermore, not all the flakes display the entire set of significant features. Therefore this study concludes that it is not possible to determine the handedness of a knapper through a single variable present on his or her flakes, but it may be possible to determine laterality by examining a combination of technical variables on a number of his or her pieces. Archaeologically, only well-preserved knapping events with numerous refitting products can be assigned to a left- or a right-handed knapper.

SEER Abstracting Tool (SEER*Abs)

Cancer.gov

With this customizable tool, registrars can collect and store data abstracted from medical records. Download the software and find technical support and reference manuals. SEER*Abs has features for creating records, managing abstracting work and data, accessing reference data, and integrating edits.

Fuel Cells and Electrochemical Energy Storage.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sammells, Anthony F.

1983-01-01

Discusses the nature of phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, and solid oxide fuel cells and major features and types of batteries used for electrical energy storage. Includes two tables presenting comparison of major battery features and summary of major material problems in the sodium-sulfur and lithium-alloy metal sulfide batteries. (JN)

Survey on the novel hybrid aquatic-aerial amphibious aircraft: Aquatic unmanned aerial vehicle (AquaUAV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xingbang; Wang, Tianmiao; Liang, Jianhong; Yao, Guocai; Liu, Miao

2015-04-01

The aquatic unmanned aerial vehicle (AquaUAV), a kind of vehicle that can operate both in the air and the water, has been regarded as a new breakthrough to broaden the application scenario of UAV. Wide application prospects in military and civil field are more than bright, therefore many institutions have focused on the development of such a vehicle. However, due to the significant difference of the physical properties between the air and the water, it is rather difficult to design a fully-featured AquaUAV. Until now, majority of partially-featured AquaUAVs have been developed and used to verify the feasibility of an aquatic-aerial vehicle. In the present work, we classify the current partially-featured AquaUAV into three categories from the scope of the whole UAV field, i.e., the seaplane UAV, the submarine-launched UAV, and the submersible UAV. Then the recent advancements and common characteristics of the three kinds of AquaUAVs are reviewed in detail respectively. Then the applications of bionics in the design of AquaUAV, the transition mode between the air and the water, the morphing wing structure for air-water adaptation, and the power source and the propulsion type are summarized and discussed. The tradeoff analyses for different transition methods between the air and the water are presented. Furthermore, it indicates that applying the bionics into the design and development of the AquaUAV will be essential and significant. Finally, the significant technical challenges for the AquaUAV to change from a conception to a practical prototype are indicated.

The Future of the Andrew File System

ScienceCinema

Brashear, Drrick; Altman, Jeffry

2018-05-25

The talk will discuss the ten operational capabilities that have made AFS unique in the distributed file system space and how these capabilities are being expanded upon to meet the needs of the 21st century. Derrick Brashear and Jeffrey Altman will present a technical road map of new features and technical innovations that are under development by the OpenAFS community and Your File System, Inc. funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Small Business Innovative Research grant. The talk will end with a comparison of AFS to its modern days competitors.

The role of NASA for aerospace information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandler, G. P., Jr.

1980-01-01

The NASA Scientific and Technical Information Program operations are performed by two contractor operated facilities. The NASA STI Facility, located near Baltimore, Maryland, employs about 210 people who process report literature, operate the computer complex, and provide support for software maintenance and developments. A second contractor, the Technical Information Services of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, employs approximately 80 people in New York City and processes the open literature such as journals, magazines, and books. Features of these programs include online access via RECON, announcement services, and international document exchange.

A new criterion needed to evaluate reliability of digital protective relays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurevich, Vladimir

2012-11-01

There is a wide range of criteria and features for evaluating reliability in engineering; but as many as there are, only one of them has been chosen to evaluate reliability of Digital Protective Relays (DPR) in the technical documentation: Mean (operating) Time Between Failures (MTBF), which has gained universal currency and has been specified in technical manuals, information sheets, tender documentation as the key indicator of DPR reliability. But is the choice of this criterion indeed wise? The answer to this question is being sought by the author of this article.

The Future of the Andrew File System

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

Brashear, Drrick; Altman, Jeffry

2011-02-23

The talk will discuss the ten operational capabilities that have made AFS unique in the distributed file system space and how these capabilities are being expanded upon to meet the needs of the 21st century. Derrick Brashear and Jeffrey Altman will present a technical road map of new features and technical innovations that are under development by the OpenAFS community and Your File System, Inc. funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Small Business Innovative Research grant. The talk will end with a comparison of AFS to its modern days competitors.

ALEGRA -- A massively parallel h-adaptive code for solid dynamics

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

Summers, R.M.; Wong, M.K.; Boucheron, E.A.

1997-12-31

ALEGRA is a multi-material, arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) code for solid dynamics designed to run on massively parallel (MP) computers. It combines the features of modern Eulerian shock codes, such as CTH, with modern Lagrangian structural analysis codes using an unstructured grid. ALEGRA is being developed for use on the teraflop supercomputers to conduct advanced three-dimensional (3D) simulations of shock phenomena important to a variety of systems. ALEGRA was designed with the Single Program Multiple Data (SPMD) paradigm, in which the mesh is decomposed into sub-meshes so that each processor gets a single sub-mesh with approximately the same number of elements. Usingmore » this approach the authors have been able to produce a single code that can scale from one processor to thousands of processors. A current major effort is to develop efficient, high precision simulation capabilities for ALEGRA, without the computational cost of using a global highly resolved mesh, through flexible, robust h-adaptivity of finite elements. H-adaptivity is the dynamic refinement of the mesh by subdividing elements, thus changing the characteristic element size and reducing numerical error. The authors are working on several major technical challenges that must be met to make effective use of HAMMER on MP computers.« less

Accounting for biases in riboprofiling data indicates a major role for proline in stalling translation.

PubMed

Artieri, Carlo G; Fraser, Hunter B

2014-12-01

The recent advent of ribosome profiling-sequencing of short ribosome-bound fragments of mRNA-has offered an unprecedented opportunity to interrogate the sequence features responsible for modulating translational rates. Nevertheless, numerous analyses of the first riboprofiling data set have produced equivocal and often incompatible results. Here we analyze three independent yeast riboprofiling data sets, including two with much higher coverage than previously available, and find that all three show substantial technical sequence biases that confound interpretations of ribosomal occupancy. After accounting for these biases, we find no effect of previously implicated factors on ribosomal pausing. Rather, we find that incorporation of proline, whose unique side-chain stalls peptide synthesis in vitro, also slows the ribosome in vivo. We also reanalyze a method that implicated positively charged amino acids as the major determinant of ribosomal stalling and demonstrate that it produces false signals of stalling in low-coverage data. Our results suggest that any analysis of riboprofiling data should account for sequencing biases and sparse coverage. To this end, we establish a robust methodology that enables analysis of ribosome profiling data without prior assumptions regarding which positions spanned by the ribosome cause stalling. © 2014 Artieri and Fraser; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Benchmarking Big Data Systems and the BigData Top100 List.

PubMed

Baru, Chaitanya; Bhandarkar, Milind; Nambiar, Raghunath; Poess, Meikel; Rabl, Tilmann

2013-03-01

"Big data" has become a major force of innovation across enterprises of all sizes. New platforms with increasingly more features for managing big datasets are being announced almost on a weekly basis. Yet, there is currently a lack of any means of comparability among such platforms. While the performance of traditional database systems is well understood and measured by long-established institutions such as the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TCP), there is neither a clear definition of the performance of big data systems nor a generally agreed upon metric for comparing these systems. In this article, we describe a community-based effort for defining a big data benchmark. Over the past year, a Big Data Benchmarking Community has become established in order to fill this void. The effort focuses on defining an end-to-end application-layer benchmark for measuring the performance of big data applications, with the ability to easily adapt the benchmark specification to evolving challenges in the big data space. This article describes the efforts that have been undertaken thus far toward the definition of a BigData Top100 List. While highlighting the major technical as well as organizational challenges, through this article, we also solicit community input into this process.

Heterologous Expression of Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes for Effective Production of Cellulosic Biofuels

PubMed Central

Jung, Sang-Kyu; Parisutham, Vinuselvi; Jeong, Seong Hun; Lee, Sung Kuk

2012-01-01

A major technical challenge in the cost-effective production of cellulosic biofuel is the need to lower the cost of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCDE), which is required for the production of sugars from biomass. Several competitive, low-cost technologies have been developed to produce PCDE in different host organisms such as Escherichia coli, Zymomonas mobilis, and plant. Selection of an ideal host organism is very important, because each host organism has its own unique features. Synthetic biology-aided tools enable heterologous expression of PCDE in recombinant E. coli or Z. mobilis and allow successful consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) in these microorganisms. In-planta expression provides an opportunity to simplify the process of enzyme production and plant biomass processing and leads to self-deconstruction of plant cell walls. Although the future of currently available technologies is difficult to predict, a complete and viable platform will most likely be available through the integration of the existing approaches with the development of breakthrough technologies. PMID:22911272

Academic mobility as a key factor of quality assurance in tertiary education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voroshilova, Anna A.

2015-01-01

Academic mobility of both faculty and students forms a critical element of the international dimension of higher education and is one of the most important factors of quality assurance of higher education institutions worldwide. Internationalization and globalization of Russian higher education system is having one of the major impacts on the quality management and assurance. Faculty and student mobility figures are now one of the core factors for obtaining state accreditation for Russian universities as well as an important indicator showing the university success and prestige. The aim of the paper is a closer look at the perspectives and results of the academic mobility, the factors stimulating and discouraging mobility, and the outcomes of the mobility influencing the education in Russian universities. Siberian State Aerospace University has had more than 10 years experience in organizing student mobility. Most of the problems in carrying out international activities are common for the whole Russia but still there are some peculiarities featuring technical universities situated in the centre of Russia.

Pencil beam characteristics of the next-generation proton scanning gantry of PSI: design issues and initial commissioning results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedroni, E.; Meer, D.; Bula, C.; Safai, S.; Zenklusen, S.

2011-07-01

In this paper we report on the main design features, on the realization process and on selected first results of the initial commissioning of the new Gantry 2 of PSI for the delivery of proton therapy with new advanced pencil beam scanning techniques. We present briefly the characteristics of the new gantry system with main emphasis on the beam optics, on the characterization of the pencil beam used for scanning and on the performance of the scanning system. The idea is to give an overview of the major components of the whole system. The main long-term technical goal of the new equipment of Gantry 2 is to expand the use of pencil beam scanning to the whole spectrum of clinical indications including moving targets. We report here on the initial experience and problems encountered in the development of the system with selected preliminary results of the ongoing commissioning of Gantry 2.

Review article: Fabrication of nanofluidic devices

PubMed Central

Duan, Chuanhua; Wang, Wei; Xie, Quan

2013-01-01

Thanks to its unique features at the nanoscale, nanofluidics, the study and application of fluid flow in nanochannels/nanopores with at least one characteristic size smaller than 100 nm, has enabled the occurrence of many interesting transport phenomena and has shown great potential in both bio- and energy-related fields. The unprecedented growth of this research field is apparently attributed to the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication techniques. In this review, we summarize recent activities and achievements of nanofabrication for nanofluidic devices, especially those reported in the past four years. Three major nanofabrication strategies, including nanolithography, microelectromechanical system based techniques, and methods using various nanomaterials, are introduced with specific fabrication approaches. Other unconventional fabrication attempts which utilize special polymer properties, various microfabrication failure mechanisms, and macro/microscale machining techniques are also presented. Based on these fabrication techniques, an inclusive guideline for materials and processes selection in the preparation of nanofluidic devices is provided. Finally, technical challenges along with possible opportunities in the present nanofabrication for nanofluidic study are discussed. PMID:23573176

Tumor invasion unit in gastric cancer revealed by QDs-based in situ molecular imaging and multispectral analysis.

PubMed

Hu, Wen-Qing; Fang, Min; Zhao, Hao-Liang; Yan, Shu-Guang; Yuan, Jing-Ping; Peng, Chun-Wei; Yang, Gui-Fang; Li, Yan; Li, Jian-Ding

2014-04-01

In tumor tissues, cancer cells, tumor infiltrating macrophages and tumor neo-vessels in close spatial vicinity with one another form tumor invasion unit, which is a biologically important tumor microenvironment of metastasis to facilitate cancer invasion and metastasis. Establishing an in situ molecular imaging technology to simultaneously reveal these three components is essential for the in-depth investigation of tumor invasion unit. In this report, we have developed a computer-aided algorithm by quantum dots (QDs)-based multiplexed molecular imaging technique for such purpose. A series of studies on gastric cancer tumor tissues demonstrated that the tumor invasion unit was correlated with major unfavorable pathological features and worse clinical outcomes, which illustrated the significantly negative impacts and predictive power of tumor invasion unit on patient overall survival. This study confirmed the technical advantages of QDs-based in situ and simultaneous molecular imaging of key cancer molecules to gain deeper insights into the biology of cancer invasion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heritage contribution in sustainable city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rostami, R.; Khoshnava, S. M.; Lamit, H.

2014-02-01

The concept of sustainability has been an integral part of development work since the late 1970s. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a reality that must be addressed by cities all over the world. Increasing empirical evidence indicates that city sustainability is not just related to technical issues, such as carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste management, or on the economic aspects of urban regeneration and growth, but also it covers social well-being of different groups living within increasingly cosmopolitan towns and cities. Heritage is seen as a major component of quality of life, features that give a city its unique character and provide the sense of belonging that lies at the core of cultural identity. In other words, heritage by providing important social and psychological benefits enrich human life with meanings and emotions, and raise quality of life as a key component of sustainability. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to examine the role that built cultural heritage can play within sustainable urban development.

Assessing Induced Seismicity Risk at CO 2 Storage Projects: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges

DOE PAGES

White, Joshua A.; Foxall, William

2016-04-13

It is well established that fluid injection has the potential to induce earthquakes—from microseismicity to magnitude 5+ events—by altering state-of-stress conditions in the subsurface. This paper reviews recent lessons learned regarding induced seismicity at carbon storage sites. While similar to other subsurface injection practices, CO 2 injection has distinctive features that should be included in a discussion of its seismic hazard. Induced events have been observed at CO 2 injection projects, though to date it has not been a major operational issue. Nevertheless, the hazard exists and experience with this issue will likely grow as new storage operations come online.more » This review paper focuses on specific technical difficulties that can limit the effectiveness of current risk assessment and risk management approaches, and highlights recent research aimed at overcoming them. Finally, these challenges form the heart of the induced seismicity problem, and novel solutions to them will advance our ability to responsibly deploy large-scale CO 2 storage.« less

Practical Problems in Connection with the Planning and Introduction of Information Systems. Technical Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klose, Traugott

Major reforms brought about in July 1969 at the Free University of Berlin in its organization, planning, and decision making are reviewed. Specific problems are addressed, such as plans for introducing an information system on technical data and space use, plans for an information system on personnel employed by the university, and plans for an…

Flexible Authoring and Delivery of Online Courses Using IMS Learning Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hermans, Henry; Janssen, José; Koper, Rob

2016-01-01

Since the publication of the IMS Learning Design (IMS LD) specification in 2003, many initiatives have been undertaken to build authoring tools that are simple enough to be used by non-technical instructors and teachers. IMS LD's technical complexity is believed to be a major burden for the adoption of the specification. We have developed a new…

Technical and Non-Technical Education and the Employability of Engineering Graduates: An Indian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gokuladas, V. K.

2010-01-01

India's substantial growth in recent years has resulted in a significant increase in demand for engineers. Information technology companies, now a major part of the Indian private sector, have been prominent in such recruitment, but the competences they seek in engineering students appear to be different in terms of priorities from those sought by…

Terminology of Technical and Vocational Education (Terminologie de l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel). Ibedata.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France).

This international glossary of vocational education, its full text and index in both English and French, is intended to serve a dual purpose: (1) to establish a generally acceptable international terminology in the two major working languages of UNESCO in order to facilitate international communication in the field of technical education and (2)…

Vocational, Technical, and Practical Arts Education. Review of Educational Research, Volume 32, Number 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Educational Research Association, Washington, DC.

The major research findings for the 6-year period following October 1956 are reported in the categories: (1) Vocational, Technical, and Practical Arts Education which discusses the current status of research in vocational education and the practical arts and reviews significant research which cuts across or is relevant to two or more of the…

Influence of Psychological Factors on Product Development. Lessons from Aerospace and other Industries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamata, E. S.

2002-10-01

Product development is a major determinant of quality and cost as companies throughout the world struggle to optimize product development processes. Engineering tasks are usually implicitly assumed to be a primarily technical activity, but in reality they feature numerous nontechnical factors as well. This book focuses on the interrelationships of social, technical, and organizational aspects of the product development process. Cases observed in industry and research laboratories are presented and interpreted based on the socio-technical system approach (Emery / Trist) of examining the reciprocal relationship between the technical and the social subsystems. This book is primarily intended for engineering and quality professionals who want to know the limitations of current methods used in product development, to examine the so-called soft factors by means of grounded studies of their effect on R&D performance, not only to acknowledge the influence of soft factors but to actively consider their potential to improve the work environment. Academic researchers of the topic will also find many references and material for advanced courses on project and quality management. In addition to numerous cases from the aerospace industry, its general solution concepts are generalizable to other industries in which the high degree of product complexity necessitates effective interaction among different disciplines. The historical evaluation is neither intended for introductory purposes nor to propose a return to the past, but as a survey of the relevant factors to be applied in present and future projects. The author holds a degree in Electronics Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronautica, Brazil, as well as a PhD in Administration Sciences from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. He draws on profound academic research as well as a wealth of practical experience in avionics, telecommunications, systems control, and the space industry. His professional biography includes activities in development, quality of development, reliability, testability and university lecturing. He also holds a commercial pilot license. Link: http://www.wkap.nl/prod/b/1-4020-0807-4

Italian Percutaneous EVAR (IPER) Registry: outcomes of 2381 percutaneous femoral access sites' closure for aortic stent-graft.

PubMed

Pratesi, G; Barbante, M; Pulli, R; Fargion, A; Dorigo, W; Bisceglie, R; Ippoliti, A; Pratesi, C

2015-12-01

The aim of this paper was to report outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair with percutaneous femoral access (pEVAR) using Prostar XL and Proglide closure systems (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), from the multicenter Italian Percutaneous EVAR (IPER) registry. Consecutive patients affected by aortic pathology treated by EVAR with percutaneous access (pEVAR) between January 2010 and December 2014 at seven Italian centers were enrolled in this multicenter registry. All the operators had an experience of at least 50 percutaneous femoral access procedures. Data were prospectively collected into a dedicated online database including patient's demographics, anatomical features, intra- and postoperative outcomes. A retrospective analysis was carried out to report intraoperative and 30-day technical success and access-related complication rate. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors potentially associated with an increased risk of percutaneous pEVAR failure. A total of 2381 accesses were collected in 1322 patients, 1249 (94.4%) male with a mean age of 73.5±8.3 years (range 45-97). The overall technical success rate was 96.8% (2305/2381). Major intraoperative access-related complications requiring conversion to surgical cut-down were observed in 3.2% of the cases (76/2381). One-month pEVAR failure-rate was 0.25% (6/2381). Presence of femoral artery calcifications resulted to be a significant predictor of technical failure (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.03-2.77; P=0.036) at multivariate analysis. No significant association was observed with sex (P=0.28), obesity (P=0.64), CFA diameter (P=0.32), level of CFA bifurcation (P=0.94) and sheath size >18 F (P=0.24). The use of Proglide was associated with a lower failure rate compared to Prostar XL (2.5% vs. 3.3%) despite not statistically significant (P=0.33). The results of the IPER registry confirm the high technical success rate of percutaneous EVAR when performed by experienced operators, even in presence of demanding anatomies. Femoral calcification represents the only predictor of percutaneous access failure.

Recent Development of the Two-Stroke Engine. 2 - Design Features

DTIC Science & Technology

1945-05-01

NATIONALADVISORYCOMMI~EE FOR AERONAUTICS. TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM No, 1082 R~CENT DEVELOPMENT OX’ THE TWO–STROKE ENGTNE II - DES IGN l’llATURliS By J...MEMORANDUM . ... . ,., . ,.!. .,, .,- ... —--— — FOR AERONAUTICS ‘ NO. 1082 , > ,. RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO-STROKE ENGINE II - DESIGN FEATURES* ,“” By...lUOTE: Reprint of R.T.P.3 Translation No. 2382; issued by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, London, England. II: ._: 2 NACA TM NO. 1082 (=“) The

Satisfying Product Features of a Fall Prevention Smartphone App and Potential Users' Willingness to Pay: Web-Based Survey Among Older Adults.

PubMed

Rasche, Peter; Mertens, Alexander; Brandl, Christopher; Liu, Shan; Buecking, Benjamin; Bliemel, Christopher; Horst, Klemens; Weber, Christian David; Lichte, Philipp; Knobe, Matthias

2018-03-27

Prohibiting falls and fall-related injuries is a major challenge for health care systems worldwide, as a substantial proportion of falls occur in older adults who are previously known to be either frail or at high risk for falls. Hence, preventive measures are needed to educate and minimize the risk for falls rather than just minimize older adults' fall risk. Health apps have the potential to address this problem, as they enable users to self-assess their individual fall risk. The objective of this study was to identify product features of a fall prevention smartphone app, which increase or decrease users' satisfaction. In addition, willingness to pay (WTP) was assessed to explore how much revenue such an app could generate. A total of 96 participants completed an open self-selected Web-based survey. Participants answered various questions regarding health status, subjective and objective fall risk, and technical readiness. Seventeen predefined product features of a fall prevention smartphone app were evaluated twice: first, according to a functional (product feature is implemented in the app), and subsequently by a dysfunctional (product feature is not implemented in the app) question. On the basis of the combination of answers from these 2 questions, the product feature was assigned to a certain category (must-be, attractive, one-dimensional, indifferent, or questionable product feature). This method is widely used in user-oriented product development and captures users' expectations of a product and how their satisfaction is influenced by the availability of individual product features. Five product features were identified to increase users' acceptance, including (1) a checklist of typical tripping hazards, (2) an emergency guideline in case of a fall, (3) description of exercises and integrated workout plans that decrease the risk of falling, (4) inclusion of a continuous workout program, and (5) cost coverage by health insurer. Participants' WTP was assessed after all 17 product features were rated and revealed a median monthly payment WTP rate of €5.00 (interquartile range 10.00). The results show various motivating product features that should be incorporated into a fall prevention smartphone app. Results reveal aspects that fall prevention and intervention designers should keep in mind to encourage individuals to start joining their program and facilitate long-term user engagement, resulting in a greater interest in fall risk prevention. ©Peter Rasche, Alexander Mertens, Christopher Brandl, Shan Liu, Benjamin Buecking, Christopher Bliemel, Klemens Horst, Christian David Weber, Philipp Lichte, Matthias Knobe. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 27.03.2018.

Satisfying Product Features of a Fall Prevention Smartphone App and Potential Users’ Willingness to Pay: Web-Based Survey Among Older Adults

PubMed Central

Mertens, Alexander; Brandl, Christopher; Liu, Shan; Buecking, Benjamin; Bliemel, Christopher; Horst, Klemens; Weber, Christian David; Lichte, Philipp; Knobe, Matthias

2018-01-01

Background Prohibiting falls and fall-related injuries is a major challenge for health care systems worldwide, as a substantial proportion of falls occur in older adults who are previously known to be either frail or at high risk for falls. Hence, preventive measures are needed to educate and minimize the risk for falls rather than just minimize older adults’ fall risk. Health apps have the potential to address this problem, as they enable users to self-assess their individual fall risk. Objective The objective of this study was to identify product features of a fall prevention smartphone app, which increase or decrease users’ satisfaction. In addition, willingness to pay (WTP) was assessed to explore how much revenue such an app could generate. Methods A total of 96 participants completed an open self-selected Web-based survey. Participants answered various questions regarding health status, subjective and objective fall risk, and technical readiness. Seventeen predefined product features of a fall prevention smartphone app were evaluated twice: first, according to a functional (product feature is implemented in the app), and subsequently by a dysfunctional (product feature is not implemented in the app) question. On the basis of the combination of answers from these 2 questions, the product feature was assigned to a certain category (must-be, attractive, one-dimensional, indifferent, or questionable product feature). This method is widely used in user-oriented product development and captures users’ expectations of a product and how their satisfaction is influenced by the availability of individual product features. Results Five product features were identified to increase users’ acceptance, including (1) a checklist of typical tripping hazards, (2) an emergency guideline in case of a fall, (3) description of exercises and integrated workout plans that decrease the risk of falling, (4) inclusion of a continuous workout program, and (5) cost coverage by health insurer. Participants’ WTP was assessed after all 17 product features were rated and revealed a median monthly payment WTP rate of €5.00 (interquartile range 10.00). Conclusions The results show various motivating product features that should be incorporated into a fall prevention smartphone app. Results reveal aspects that fall prevention and intervention designers should keep in mind to encourage individuals to start joining their program and facilitate long-term user engagement, resulting in a greater interest in fall risk prevention. PMID:29588268

Development and evaluation of a new taxonomy of mobility-related assistive technology devices.

PubMed

Shoemaker, Laura L; Lenker, James A; Fuhrer, Marcus J; Jutai, Jeffrey W; Demers, Louise; DeRuyter, Frank

2010-10-01

This article reports on the development of a new taxonomy for mobility-related assistive technology devices. A prototype taxonomy was created based on the extant literature. Five mobility device experts were engaged in a modified Delphi process to evaluate and refine the taxonomy. Multiple iterations of expert feedback and revision yielded consensual agreement on the structure and terminology of a new mobility device taxonomy. The taxonomy uses a hierarchical framework to classify ambulation aids and wheeled mobility devices, including their key features that impact mobility. Five attributes of the new taxonomy differentiate it from previous mobility-related device classifications: (1) hierarchical structure, (2) primary device categories are grouped based on their intended mobility impact, (3) comprehensive inclusion of technical features, (4) a capacity to assimilate reimbursement codes, and (5) availability of a detailed glossary. The taxonomy is intended to support assistive technology outcomes research. The taxonomy will enable researchers to capture mobility-related assistive technology device interventions with precision and provide a common terminology that will allow comparisons among studies. The prominence of technical features within the new taxonomy will hopefully promote research that helps clinicians predict how devices will perform, thus aiding clinical decision making and supporting funding recommendations.

Identifying technical aliases in SELDI mass spectra of complex mixtures of proteins

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Biomarker discovery datasets created using mass spectrum protein profiling of complex mixtures of proteins contain many peaks that represent the same protein with different charge states. Correlated variables such as these can confound the statistical analyses of proteomic data. Previously we developed an algorithm that clustered mass spectrum peaks that were biologically or technically correlated. Here we demonstrate an algorithm that clusters correlated technical aliases only. Results In this paper, we propose a preprocessing algorithm that can be used for grouping technical aliases in mass spectrometry protein profiling data. The stringency of the variance allowed for clustering is customizable, thereby affecting the number of peaks that are clustered. Subsequent analysis of the clusters, instead of individual peaks, helps reduce difficulties associated with technically-correlated data, and can aid more efficient biomarker identification. Conclusions This software can be used to pre-process and thereby decrease the complexity of protein profiling proteomics data, thus simplifying the subsequent analysis of biomarkers by decreasing the number of tests. The software is also a practical tool for identifying which features to investigate further by purification, identification and confirmation. PMID:24010718

Engineering Technology Programs. Preliminary Curriculum Planning Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

Developed as a resource to assist in a major revision underway in Georgia area technical schools to change curricula for preparing engineering technicians, this preliminary program-planning guide describes curriculum structures for specialized programs in three major areas--electronics, electromechanics, and mechanics. The handbook, which is…

Exploring Pair Programming Benefits for MIS Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dongo, Tendai; Reed, April H.; O'Hara, Margaret

2016-01-01

Pair programming is a collaborative programming practice that places participants in dyads, working in tandem at one computer to complete programming assignments. Pair programming studies with Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) majors have identified benefits such as technical productivity, program/design quality, academic…

High Speed Rail Tilt Train Technology : A State of the Art Survey

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-06-01

This report presents an assessment of the technical and operational features of existing and proposed tilt-body rail passenger vehicles. Basic concepts of railroad route selection, track geometry, and curve negotiation are reviewed, and the rationale...

Autonomous dial-a-ride transit. Part 1, technical overview

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-11-01

Is autonomous-dial-a-ride (ADART) and idea whose time has come with the advent of technologies. This report describes the essential features of an experimental ADART service and establishes a context for ADART implementation based on urban transit in...

10 CFR 61.13 - Technical analyses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE Licenses § 61... characteristics and design features in isolating and segregating the wastes. The analyses must clearly demonstrate... inadvertent intrusion must include demonstration that there is reasonable assurance the waste classification...

10 CFR 61.13 - Technical analyses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE Licenses § 61... characteristics and design features in isolating and segregating the wastes. The analyses must clearly demonstrate... inadvertent intrusion must include demonstration that there is reasonable assurance the waste classification...

10 CFR 61.13 - Technical analyses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE Licenses § 61... characteristics and design features in isolating and segregating the wastes. The analyses must clearly demonstrate... inadvertent intrusion must include demonstration that there is reasonable assurance the waste classification...

10 CFR 61.13 - Technical analyses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE Licenses § 61... characteristics and design features in isolating and segregating the wastes. The analyses must clearly demonstrate... inadvertent intrusion must include demonstration that there is reasonable assurance the waste classification...

Skylab-2 handheld photography alphabetized geographical features list

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcniel, J. L.; Devalcourt, C. C.

1974-01-01

This publication represents a relisting of the Skylab-2, PTD Handheld Photography Catalog. The purpose of this publication is to provide imagery researchers a supplement to the PTD Catalog by alphabetically sorting together all similar major and minor features. Some cross-referencing of feature names was accomplished where the authors deemed necessary; however, no attempt was made to exhaust all possible means of cross-referencing. An example of the cross-referencing which was done: Kuril Islands may be found under the major feature column and also as a minor feature of Islands.

Identifying the Barriers upon Development of Virtual Education in Engineering Majors (Case Study: The University of Isfahan)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikoonezhad, Sepideh; Nili, Mohammadreza; Esfahani, Ahmadreza Nasr

2015-01-01

The present study aims at investigating barriers upon development of virtual education in engineering majors at the University of Isfahan. The study has applied a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) and its population consists all of the department members of the technical and engineering majors at the University of Isfahan including 125…

The Effect of Cognitive Learning Style-Based Reading Program on the Achievement of Jordanian Freshmen English Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Hajaya, Nail; Al-Khresheh, Taisir

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive learning style-based reading program on the achievement of Jordanian freshmen English majors. The subjects of the study consisted of 104 freshmen English majors enrolled for Reading Skills 1 in Tafila Technical University in Jordan in the fall semester 2007/2008. Students' learning styles,…

An Open Trial of a New Acceptance-Based Behavioral Treatment for Major Depression with Psychotic Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaudiano, Brandon A.; Nowlan, Kathryn; Brown, Lily A.; Epstein-Lubow, Gary; Miller, Ivan W.

2013-01-01

Research suggests that cognitive and behavioral therapies produce significant benefits over medications alone in the treatment of severe, nonpsychotic major depression or primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. However, previous research has not demonstrated the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depression with psychotic features. In…

Quantitative imaging biomarkers: a review of statistical methods for technical performance assessment.

PubMed

Raunig, David L; McShane, Lisa M; Pennello, Gene; Gatsonis, Constantine; Carson, Paul L; Voyvodic, James T; Wahl, Richard L; Kurland, Brenda F; Schwarz, Adam J; Gönen, Mithat; Zahlmann, Gudrun; Kondratovich, Marina V; O'Donnell, Kevin; Petrick, Nicholas; Cole, Patricia E; Garra, Brian; Sullivan, Daniel C

2015-02-01

Technological developments and greater rigor in the quantitative measurement of biological features in medical images have given rise to an increased interest in using quantitative imaging biomarkers to measure changes in these features. Critical to the performance of a quantitative imaging biomarker in preclinical or clinical settings are three primary metrology areas of interest: measurement linearity and bias, repeatability, and the ability to consistently reproduce equivalent results when conditions change, as would be expected in any clinical trial. Unfortunately, performance studies to date differ greatly in designs, analysis method, and metrics used to assess a quantitative imaging biomarker for clinical use. It is therefore difficult or not possible to integrate results from different studies or to use reported results to design studies. The Radiological Society of North America and the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance with technical, radiological, and statistical experts developed a set of technical performance analysis methods, metrics, and study designs that provide terminology, metrics, and methods consistent with widely accepted metrological standards. This document provides a consistent framework for the conduct and evaluation of quantitative imaging biomarker performance studies so that results from multiple studies can be compared, contrasted, or combined. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Compressed multi-block local binary pattern for object tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tianwen; Gao, Yun; Zhao, Lei; Zhou, Hao

2018-04-01

Both robustness and real-time are very important for the application of object tracking under a real environment. The focused trackers based on deep learning are difficult to satisfy with the real-time of tracking. Compressive sensing provided a technical support for real-time tracking. In this paper, an object can be tracked via a multi-block local binary pattern feature. The feature vector was extracted based on the multi-block local binary pattern feature, which was compressed via a sparse random Gaussian matrix as the measurement matrix. The experiments showed that the proposed tracker ran in real-time and outperformed the existed compressive trackers based on Haar-like feature on many challenging video sequences in terms of accuracy and robustness.

Technical Summary of the Half-Degree Imager (HDI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richmond, Michael W.

2017-01-01

The Half-Degree Imager (HDI) was first attached to the WIYN 0.9-m Telescope in October, 2013. In the three years since then, it has served a large community of astronomers throughout the WIYN 0.9-m consortium. The large field of view and relatively short readout time, combined with a large selection of broad-band and narrow-band filters, make HDI a powerful tool for large-area surveys. I will provide a summary of the technical features of this CCD camera and its operations, and present statistics on its use -- showing the fraction of time lost due to bad weather and technical problems. I will reserve time to answer questions from the audience, including those who may be interested in using HDI for their own projects.

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

Rosenthal, A

Southwest Technology Development Institute (SWTDI), an independent, university-based research institute, has been the operator of the Southwest Region Photovoltaic Experiment Station (SWRES) for almost 30 years. The overarching mission of SWTDI is to position PV systems and solar technologies to become cost-effective, major sources of energy for the United States. Embedded in SWTDI's general mission has been the more-focused mission of the SWRES: to provide value added technical support to the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) to effectively and efficiently meet the R&D needs and targets specified in the SETP Multi-Year Technical Plan. : The DOE/SETP goals of growingmore » U.S. PV manufacturing into giga-watt capacities and seeing tera-watt-hours of solar energy production in the U.S. require an infrastructure that is under development. The staff of the SWRES has supported DOE/SETP through a coherent, integrated program to address infrastructural needs inhibiting wide-scale PV deployment in three major technical categories: specialized engineering services, workforce development, and deployment facilitation. The SWRES contract underwent three major revisions during its five year period-of- performance, but all tasks and deliverables fell within the following task areas: Task 1: PV Systems Assistance Center 1. Develop a Comprehensive multi-year plan 2. Provide technical workforce development materials and workshops for PV stakeholder groups including university, professional installers, inspectors, state energy offices, Federal agencies 3. Serve on the NABCEP exam committee 4. Provide on-demand technical PV system design reviews for U.S. PV stakeholders 5. Provide PV system field testing and instrumentation, technical outreach (including extensive support for the DOE Market Transformation program) Task 2: Design-for-Manufacture PV Systems 1. Develop and install 18 kW parking carport (cost share) and PV-thermal carport (Albuquerque) deriving and publishing lessons learned Task 3: PV Codes and Standards 1. Serve as the national lead for development and preparation of all proposals (related to PV) to the National Electrical Code 2. Participate in the Standards Technical Panels for modules (UL1703) and inverters (UL1741) Task 4: Assess Inverter Long Term Reliability 1. Install and monitor identical inverters at SWRES and SERES 2. Operate and monitor all inverters for 5 years, characterizing all failures and performance trends Task 5: Test and Evaluation Support for Solar America Initiative 1. Provide test and evaluation services to the National Laboratories for stage gate and progress measurements of SAI TPP winners« less

Annotated bibliography of structural equation modelling: technical work.

PubMed

Austin, J T; Wolfle, L M

1991-05-01

Researchers must be familiar with a variety of source literature to facilitate the informed use of structural equation modelling. Knowledge can be acquired through the study of an expanding literature found in a diverse set of publishing forums. We propose that structural equation modelling publications can be roughly classified into two groups: (a) technical and (b) substantive applications. Technical materials focus on the procedures rather than substantive conclusions derived from applications. The focus of this article is the former category; included are foundational/major contributions, minor contributions, critical and evaluative reviews, integrations, simulations and computer applications, precursor and historical material, and pedagogical textbooks. After a brief introduction, we annotate 294 articles in the technical category dating back to Sewall Wright (1921).

Smooth quantile normalization.

PubMed

Hicks, Stephanie C; Okrah, Kwame; Paulson, Joseph N; Quackenbush, John; Irizarry, Rafael A; Bravo, Héctor Corrada

2018-04-01

Between-sample normalization is a critical step in genomic data analysis to remove systematic bias and unwanted technical variation in high-throughput data. Global normalization methods are based on the assumption that observed variability in global properties is due to technical reasons and are unrelated to the biology of interest. For example, some methods correct for differences in sequencing read counts by scaling features to have similar median values across samples, but these fail to reduce other forms of unwanted technical variation. Methods such as quantile normalization transform the statistical distributions across samples to be the same and assume global differences in the distribution are induced by only technical variation. However, it remains unclear how to proceed with normalization if these assumptions are violated, for example, if there are global differences in the statistical distributions between biological conditions or groups, and external information, such as negative or control features, is not available. Here, we introduce a generalization of quantile normalization, referred to as smooth quantile normalization (qsmooth), which is based on the assumption that the statistical distribution of each sample should be the same (or have the same distributional shape) within biological groups or conditions, but allowing that they may differ between groups. We illustrate the advantages of our method on several high-throughput datasets with global differences in distributions corresponding to different biological conditions. We also perform a Monte Carlo simulation study to illustrate the bias-variance tradeoff and root mean squared error of qsmooth compared to other global normalization methods. A software implementation is available from https://github.com/stephaniehicks/qsmooth.

An assessment of a traffic monitoring system for a major traffic generator to improve regional planning : technical report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

The opening of a major traffic generator in the San Antonio area provided an opportunity to develop and : implement an extensive traffic monitoring system to analyze local, area, and regional traffic impacts from the : generator. Researchers reviewed...

Skylab-3 handheld photography alphabetized geographical features list

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcniel, J. L.; Deyalcourt, C. C.

1974-01-01

The data was thoroughly researched using the Times Index-Gazetteer of the World, the Times Atlas of the World, and the National Atlas of the United States of America to ensure correct spelling and location of named features. The spelling and major geographical features applied to smaller features (minor) such as cities, towns, mountain peaks, etc., are in accordance with these publications. It is understood that some political boundaries and names of countries are subject to change. The data was written on NASA keypunch transmittal sheets and punched into data cards. These data cards were then machine sorted alphabetically by major feature and minor feature.

Returns and determinants of technical efficiency in small-scale Malabari goat production units in Kerala, India.

PubMed

Alex, Rani; Kunniyoor Cheemani, Raghavan; Thomas, Naicy

2013-11-01

A stochastic frontier production function was employed to measure technical efficiency and its determinants in smallholder Malabari goat production units in Kerala, India. Data were obtained from 100 goat farmers in northern Kerala, selected using multistage random sampling. The parameters of the stochastic frontier production function were estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Cost and return analysis showed that the major expenditure was feed and fodder, and veterinary expenses were secondary. The chief returns were the sale of live animals, milk and manure. Individual farm technical efficiency ranged from 0.34 to 0.97 with a mean of 0.88. The study found herd size (number of animal units) and centre (locality of farm) significantly affected technical efficiency, but sex of farmer, education, land size and family size did not. Technical efficiency decreased as herd size increased; half the units with five or more adult animals had technical efficiency below 60 %.

Fuel cells feasibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schonfeld, D.; Charng, T.

1981-01-01

The technical and economic status of fuel cells is assessed with emphasis on their potential benefits to the Deep Space Network. The fuel cell, what it is, how it operates, and what its outputs are, is reviewed. Major technical problems of the fuel cell and its components are highlighted. Due to these problems and economic considerations it is concluded that fuel cells will not become commercially viable until the early 1990s.

Countering the Effects of Violent Transnational Crime: Major Findings of the Technical Seminar

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

reconstitution of the violent transnational criminal groups occurs, both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Currently, only successive operations over...that 6 internationally -recognized experts were assembled at the technical seminar, and issued a personal plea that they as a collective take steps to...the deterrence theory principles can be applied against distributed, franchise -type criminal organizations, and documented that a series of

Technical Feasibility Study of an Effective Low-Toxicity Obscurant Material

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

2. REPORT TYPE FINAL 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 04/2011 – 07/2012 4 . TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W912HQ-11-C-0034 Technical...6 4 Work Package 3 – Laboratory-scale tests...chemistry to sea-salt aerosol. 4 The major component of sea-salt is sodium chloride. Sodium chloride can be very simply generated by the combustion

An Investigation Into the Feasibility of Merging Three Technical Processing Operations Into One Central Unit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Robert W., Jr.

Three contiguous schools in the upper midwest--a teacher's training college and a private four-year college in one state, and a land-grant university in another--were studied to see if their libraries could merge one of their major divisions--technical services--into a single administrative unit. Potential benefits from such a merger were felt to…

Refinement of Reading and Mathematics Test Through an Analysis of Reactivity. Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study. Technical Report Series. Technical Report III-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Filby, Nikola N.; Dishaw, Marilyn

Major analyses of the achievement tests used in the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study were conducted to determine test reactivity to instruction. Reading and mathematics tests were administered to second and fifth grade children. Classroom teachers' records were examined to determine the amount of opportunity students had to learn the content…

Comparison and analysis of reoperations in two different treatment protocols for trochanteric hip fractures - postoperative technical complications with dynamic hip screw, intramedullary nail and Medoff sliding plate.

PubMed

Paulsson, Johnny; Stig, Josefine Corin; Olsson, Ola

2017-08-24

In treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures dynamic hip screw and Medoff sliding plate devices are designed to allow secondary fracture impaction, whereas intramedullary nails aim to maintain fracture alignment. Different treatment protocols are used by two similar Swedish regional emergency care hospitals. Dynamic hip screw is used for fractures considered as stable within the respective treatment protocol, whereas one treatment protocol (Medoff sliding plate/dynamic hip screw) uses biaxial Medoff sliding plate for unstable pertrochanteric fractures and uniaxial Medoff sliding plate for subtrochanteric fractures, the second (intramedullary nail/dynamic hip screw) uses intramedullary nail for subtrochanteric fractures and for pertrochanteric fractures with intertrochanteric comminution or subtrochanteric extension. All orthopedic surgeries are registered in a regional database. All consecutive trochanteric fracture operations during 2011-2012 (n = 856) and subsequent technical reoperations (n = 40) were derived from the database. Reoperations were analysed and classified into the categories adjustment (percutaneous removal of the locking screw of the Medoff sliding plate or the intramedullary nail, followed by fracture healing) or minor, intermediate (reosteosynthesis) or major (hip joint replacement, Girdlestone or persistent nonunion) technical complications. The relative risk of intermediate or major technical complications was 4.2 (1.2-14) times higher in unstable pertrochanteric fractures and 4.6 (1.1-19) times higher in subtrochanteric fractures with treatment protocol: intramedullary nail/dynamic hip screw, compared to treatment protocol: Medoff sliding plate/dynamic hip screw. Overall rates of intermediate and major technical complications in unstable pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures were with biaxial Medoff sliding plate 0.68%, with uniaxial Medoff sliding plate 1.4%, with dynamic hip screw 3.4% and with intramedullary nail 7.2%. The treatment protocol based on use of biaxial Medoff sliding plate for unstable pertrochanteric and uniaxial Medoff sliding plate for subtrochanteric fractures reduced the risk of severe technical complications compared to using the treatment protocol based on dynamic hip screw and intramedullary nail.

Preliminary technical results review of FY81 experiments. Volume 1: Fiscal year 1981/82 spring small grains pilot experiment. [Canada and the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Technical progress made in the foreign commodity production forecasting for the advancement of spring small grains (SSG) area estimation is reported with emphasis on results achieved since the last AgRISTARS level semiannual review. Major objectives and accomplishments are reviewed and the experiment is described. The technical approach data assessment, and data systems used are considered. Results of the group approach comparison study are presented along with preliminary aggregation results for SSG processing procedures. The outlook for the future is assessed.

Inclusion & Diversity

Science.gov Websites

Engineering Institute Information Science & Technology Institute Center for Space and Earth Science Management System Environmental Outreach Feature Stories Individual Permit for Storm Water Public Reading Management (First-line and Mid-level) (Engineering Management, Research Management, Technical Management

SGML Authoring Tools for Technical Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davidson, W. J.

1993-01-01

Explains that structured authoring systems designed for the creation of generically encoded reusable information have context-sensitive application of markup, markup suppression, queing and automated formatting, structural navigation, and self-validation features. Maintains that they are a real alternative to conventional publishing systems. (SR)

Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Technology and Innovations in Training and Education (9th)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

training features. Figure 15 illustrates community well. The push and the training system features pull of interactivity, as well analysis process. Note that...offers a restructuring of its staff to balance the number of pull down menus that enable a user to easily create technical staff members with the...Merlin lessons using a series of "preformatted templates" Objetive number which negates the need to actually use Merlin code. It offers pull down menus

mIoT Slice for 5G Systems: Design and Performance Evaluation

PubMed Central

Condoluci, Massimo; An, Xueli

2018-01-01

Network slicing is a key feature of the upcoming 5G networks allowing the design and deployment of customized communication systems to integrate services provided by vertical industries. In this context, massive Internet of Things (mIoT) is regarded as a compelling use case, both for its relevance from business perspective, and for the technical challenges it poses to network design. With their envisaged massive deployment of devices requiring sporadic connectivity and small data transmission, yet Quality of Service (QoS) constrained, mIoT services will need an ad-hoc end-to-end (E2E) slice, i.e., both access and core network with enhanced Control and User planes (CP/UP). After revising the key requirements of mIoT and identifying major shortcomings of previous generation networks, this paper presents and evaluates an E2E mIoT network slicing solution, featuring a new connectivity model overcoming the load limitations of legacy systems. Unique in its kind, this paper addresses mIoT requirements from an end-to-end perspective highlighting and solving, unlike most prior related work, the connectivity challenges posed to the core network. Results demonstrate that the proposed solution, reducing CP signaling and optimizing UP resource utilization, is a suitable candidate for next generation network standards to efficiently handle massive device deployment. PMID:29466311

mIoT Slice for 5G Systems: Design and Performance Evaluation.

PubMed

Trivisonno, Riccardo; Condoluci, Massimo; An, Xueli; Mahmoodi, Toktam

2018-02-21

Network slicing is a key feature of the upcoming 5G networks allowing the design and deployment of customized communication systems to integrate services provided by vertical industries. In this context, massive Internet of Things (mIoT) is regarded as a compelling use case, both for its relevance from business perspective, and for the technical challenges it poses to network design. With their envisaged massive deployment of devices requiring sporadic connectivity and small data transmission, yet Quality of Service (QoS) constrained, mIoT services will need an ad-hoc end-to-end (E2E) slice, i.e., both access and core network with enhanced Control and User planes (CP/UP). After revising the key requirements of mIoT and identifying major shortcomings of previous generation networks, this paper presents and evaluates an E2E mIoT network slicing solution, featuring a new connectivity model overcoming the load limitations of legacy systems. Unique in its kind, this paper addresses mIoT requirements from an end-to-end perspective highlighting and solving, unlike most prior related work, the connectivity challenges posed to the core network. Results demonstrate that the proposed solution, reducing CP signaling and optimizing UP resource utilization, is a suitable candidate for next generation network standards to efficiently handle massive device deployment.

A Review of Commercially Available Point-of-Care Devices to Concentrate Bone Marrow for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Focal Cartilage Lesions.

PubMed

Gaul, Florian; Bugbee, William D; Hoenecke, Heinz R; D'Lima, Darryl D

2018-04-01

Objective Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell-based therapy treatment option for several orthopedic indications. Because culture expansion of MSC is time and cost intensive, a bedside concentration of bone marrow (BM) aspirate is used as an alternative. Many commercial systems are available but the available literature and knowledge regarding these systems is limited. We compared different point-of-care devices that concentrate BM (BMC) by focusing on technical features and quality parameters to help surgeons make informed decisions while selecting the appropriate device. Methods We compared published data on the BMC devices of Arteriocyte, Arthrex, Celling Biosciences, EmCyte, Exactech, ISTO Tech, Harvest Tech/Terumo BCT, and Zimmer/BIOMET regarding technical features (centrifugation speed/time, input/output volume, kit components, type of aspiration syringes, filter usage) and quality parameters of their final BMC product (hematocrit, concentration of platelets and total nucleated cells, concentration of MSC and connective tissue progenitor cells). Results The systems differ significantly in their technical features and centrifugation parameters. Only the fully automated systems use universal kits, which allow processing different volumes of BM. Only the Arthrex system allows selection of final hematocrit. There was no standardized reporting method to describe biologic potency. Conclusions Based on the data obtained in this review, recommending a single device is not possible because the reported data could not be compared between devices. A standardized reporting method is needed for valid comparisons. Furthermore, clinical outcomes are required to establish the true efficacy of these systems. We are conducting additional studies for more careful comparison among the devices.

Major KEEP Findings, 1971 - 1975.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, HI. Kamehameha Early Education Project.

This report lists the 34 major research findings from the Kamehameha Early Education Program (KEEP) for the years 1971-1975. Each finding is accompanied by a listing of KEEP technical reports and working papers which contain information relevant to that finding. Included among areas covered in the findings are: (1) student motivation, (2) teacher…

Technologies of the '80s: Their Impact on Technical Occupations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaffe, J. A., Ed.; And Others

This report is one of seven that identify major new and emerging technological advances expected to influence major vocational education program areas and to describe the programmatic implications in terms of skill-knowledge requirements, occupations most directly affected, and the anticipated diffusion rate. Chapter 1 considers technology as…

Handbook of Labor Statistics. Bulletin 2175.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Springsteen, Rosalind, Comp.; Epstein, Rosalie, Comp.

This publication makes available in one volume the major series produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technical notes preceding each major section contain information on data changes and explain the services. Forty-four tables derived from the Current Population Survey (CPS) provide statistics on labor force and employment status,…

D-cracking field performance of portland cement concrete pavements containing limestone in Kansas : phase 1 report : technical summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-05-01

Introduction: Premature deterioration of concrete pavement due to D-cracking has been a problem in Kansas since the 1930s. Limestone is the major source of coarse aggregate in eastern Kansas where the majority of the concrete pavements are constructe...

Preprocessing Structured Clinical Data for Predictive Modeling and Decision Support

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Mónica Duarte; Janela, Filipe; Martins, Henrique M. G.

2016-01-01

Summary Background EHR systems have high potential to improve healthcare delivery and management. Although structured EHR data generates information in machine-readable formats, their use for decision support still poses technical challenges for researchers due to the need to preprocess and convert data into a matrix format. During our research, we observed that clinical informatics literature does not provide guidance for researchers on how to build this matrix while avoiding potential pitfalls. Objectives This article aims to provide researchers a roadmap of the main technical challenges of preprocessing structured EHR data and possible strategies to overcome them. Methods Along standard data processing stages – extracting database entries, defining features, processing data, assessing feature values and integrating data elements, within an EDPAI framework –, we identified the main challenges faced by researchers and reflect on how to address those challenges based on lessons learned from our research experience and on best practices from related literature. We highlight the main potential sources of error, present strategies to approach those challenges and discuss implications of these strategies. Results Following the EDPAI framework, researchers face five key challenges: (1) gathering and integrating data, (2) identifying and handling different feature types, (3) combining features to handle redundancy and granularity, (4) addressing data missingness, and (5) handling multiple feature values. Strategies to address these challenges include: cross-checking identifiers for robust data retrieval and integration; applying clinical knowledge in identifying feature types, in addressing redundancy and granularity, and in accommodating multiple feature values; and investigating missing patterns adequately. Conclusions This article contributes to literature by providing a roadmap to inform structured EHR data preprocessing. It may advise researchers on potential pitfalls and implications of methodological decisions in handling structured data, so as to avoid biases and help realize the benefits of the secondary use of EHR data. PMID:27924347

A Cross-Lingual Similarity Measure for Detecting Biomedical Term Translations

PubMed Central

Bollegala, Danushka; Kontonatsios, Georgios; Ananiadou, Sophia

2015-01-01

Bilingual dictionaries for technical terms such as biomedical terms are an important resource for machine translation systems as well as for humans who would like to understand a concept described in a foreign language. Often a biomedical term is first proposed in English and later it is manually translated to other languages. Despite the fact that there are large monolingual lexicons of biomedical terms, only a fraction of those term lexicons are translated to other languages. Manually compiling large-scale bilingual dictionaries for technical domains is a challenging task because it is difficult to find a sufficiently large number of bilingual experts. We propose a cross-lingual similarity measure for detecting most similar translation candidates for a biomedical term specified in one language (source) from another language (target). Specifically, a biomedical term in a language is represented using two types of features: (a) intrinsic features that consist of character n-grams extracted from the term under consideration, and (b) extrinsic features that consist of unigrams and bigrams extracted from the contextual windows surrounding the term under consideration. We propose a cross-lingual similarity measure using each of those feature types. First, to reduce the dimensionality of the feature space in each language, we propose prototype vector projection (PVP)—a non-negative lower-dimensional vector projection method. Second, we propose a method to learn a mapping between the feature spaces in the source and target language using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The proposed method requires only a small number of training instances to learn a cross-lingual similarity measure. The proposed PVP method outperforms popular dimensionality reduction methods such as the singular value decomposition (SVD) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) in a nearest neighbor prediction task. Moreover, our experimental results covering several language pairs such as English–French, English–Spanish, English–Greek, and English–Japanese show that the proposed method outperforms several other feature projection methods in biomedical term translation prediction tasks. PMID:26030738

Improving automation standards via semantic modelling: Application to ISA88.

PubMed

Dombayci, Canan; Farreres, Javier; Rodríguez, Horacio; Espuña, Antonio; Graells, Moisès

2017-03-01

Standardization is essential for automation. Extensibility, scalability, and reusability are important features for automation software that rely in the efficient modelling of the addressed systems. The work presented here is from the ongoing development of a methodology for semi-automatic ontology construction methodology from technical documents. The main aim of this work is to systematically check the consistency of technical documents and support the improvement of technical document consistency. The formalization of conceptual models and the subsequent writing of technical standards are simultaneously analyzed, and guidelines proposed for application to future technical standards. Three paradigms are discussed for the development of domain ontologies from technical documents, starting from the current state of the art, continuing with the intermediate method presented and used in this paper, and ending with the suggested paradigm for the future. The ISA88 Standard is taken as a representative case study. Linguistic techniques from the semi-automatic ontology construction methodology is applied to the ISA88 Standard and different modelling and standardization aspects that are worth sharing with the automation community is addressed. This study discusses different paradigms for developing and sharing conceptual models for the subsequent development of automation software, along with presenting the systematic consistency checking method. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lack of toxic effect of technical azadirachtin during postnatal development of rats.

PubMed

Srivastava, M K; Raizada, R B

2007-03-01

Azadirachtin, a biopesticide has been evaluated for its possible toxic effects during postnatal development of rats over two generations. Rats were fed 100, 500 and 1000ppm technical azadirachtin through diet which is equivalent to 5, 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of rats. Technical azadirachtin has not produced any adverse effects on reproductive function and data were comparable to control animals over two generations. There were no toxicological effect in parent rats as evidenced by clinical signs of toxicity, enzymatic parameters like AST, ALT, ALP, S. bilirubin, S. cholesterol, total protein and histopathology of liver, brain, kidney and testes/ovary. The litters of F(1B) and F(2B) generations were devoid of any morphological, visceral and teratological changes. The percent cumulative loss and growth index of pups were also comparable to respective controls in successive growth period of 0, 4, 7, 14 and 21 days in two generations. There were no major malformations in fetuses while some insignificant minor skeletal variations like missing 5th sternebrae and bipartite thoracic centre found were not compound or dose related. No significant pathomorphological changes were observed in liver, kidney, brain and gonads of F(2B) pups. In conclusion rats fed technical azadirachtin showed no evidence of cumulative effects on postnatal development and reproductive performance over two generations. Absence of any major adverse reproductive effects in adults as well as in 21 days old pups of F(2B) generation suggest the safe use of technical azadirachtin as a biopesticide.

10 CFR 50.34 - Contents of applications; technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... capability for containment purging/venting designed to minimize the purging time consistent with ALARA... similarities to and differences from, facilities of similar design for which applications have previously been... to features affecting facility design. Special attention should be directed to the site evaluation...

10 CFR 50.34 - Contents of applications; technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... capability for containment purging/venting designed to minimize the purging time consistent with ALARA... similarities to and differences from, facilities of similar design for which applications have previously been... to features affecting facility design. Special attention should be directed to the site evaluation...

Stylistic Variations in Science Lectures: Teaching Vocabulary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Jane; Bilton, Linda

1994-01-01

Twenty lectures by native speaker geology lecturers to nonnative speaker students were transcribed, and 921 instances of vocabulary elaboration were coded into a computer database according to 20 linguistic features. Analysis revealed noticeable variation among lecturers in language range/technicality, vocabulary elaboration, signalling, and use…

Onyx (Ethylene-vinyl Alcohol Copolymer) in Peripheral Applications

PubMed Central

Guimaraes, Marcelo; Wooster, Mathew

2011-01-01

Onyx is a nonadhesive liquid embolic agent approved for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. Here, the use of Onyx is discussed in different peripheral procedures. The Onyx's features, its manipulation, technical details, tips, and tricks are presented followed by illustrative cases. PMID:22942553

UNIX Writer's Workbench: Software for Streamlined Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frase, Lawrence T; Diel, Mary

1986-01-01

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Hard Choices for Individual Situations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Landon, Bruce

This paper focuses on faculty use of a decision-making process for complex situations. The analysis part of the process describes and compares course management software focusing on: technical specifications, instructional design values,tools and features, ease of use, and standards compliance. The extensive comparisons provide faculty with…

Open Systems Interconnection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Denenberg, Ray

1985-01-01

Discusses the need for standards allowing computer-to-computer communication and gives examples of technical issues. The seven-layer framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is explained and illustrated. Sidebars feature public data networks and Recommendation X.25, OSI standards, OSI layer functions, and a glossary.…

The Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Udalski, A.; Szymanski, M.; Kaluzny, J.; Kubiak, M.; Mateo, Mario

1992-01-01

The technical features are described of the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment, which aims to detect a statistically significant number of microlensing events toward the Galactic bulge. Clusters of galaxies observed during the 1992 season are listed and discussed and the reduction methods are described. Future plans are addressed.

Development of an Open Global Oil and Gas Infrastructure Inventory and Geodatabase

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

Rose, Kelly

This submission contains a technical report describing the development process and visual graphics for the Global Oil and Gas Infrastructure database. Access the GOGI database using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/global-oil-gas-features-database

Skill Set

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holdsworth, Tom

2007-01-01

With competition to attract quality students into career and technical education programs and many entrants to the workforce inadequately prepared with employability skills, some community colleges have found a way to answer industry's call--they are launching SkillsUSA chapters on campus. In this article, the author features SkillsUSA, a…

A shuttle and space station manipulator system for assembly, docking, maintenance, cargo handling and spacecraft retrieval (preliminary design). Volume 3: Concept analysis. Part 1: Technical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Information backing up the key features of the manipulator system concept and detailed technical information on the subsystems are presented. Space station assembly and shuttle cargo handling tasks are emphasized in the concept analysis because they involve shuttle berthing, transferring the manipulator boom between shuttle and station, station assembly, and cargo handling. Emphasis is also placed on maximizing commonality in the system areas of manipulator booms, general purpose end effectors, control and display, data processing, telemetry, dedicated computers, and control station design.

Development and design of photovoltaic power prediction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhijia; Zhou, Hai; Cheng, Xu

2018-02-01

In order to reduce the impact of power grid safety caused by volatility and randomness of the energy produced in photovoltaic power plants, this paper puts forward a construction scheme on photovoltaic power generation prediction system, introducing the technical requirements, system configuration and function of each module, and discussing the main technical features of the platform software development. The scheme has been applied in many PV power plants in the northwest of China. It shows that the system can produce reasonable prediction results, providing a right guidance for dispatching and efficient running for PV power plant.

Construction of In-house Databases in a Corporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Hikomaro

This report outlines “Repoir” (Report information retrieval) system of Toyota Central R & D Laboratories, Inc. as an example of in-house information retrieval system. The online system was designed to process in-house technical reports with the aid of a mainframe computer and has been in operation since 1979. Its features are multiple use of the information for technical and managerial purposes and simplicity in indexing and data input. The total number of descriptors, specially selected for the system, was minimized for ease of indexing. The report also describes the input items, processing flow and typical outputs in kanji letters.

History, Molecular Mechanisms, and Endoscopic Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus

PubMed Central

Spechler, Stuart Jon; Fitzgerald, Rebecca C.; Prasad, Ganapathy A.; Wang, Kenneth K.

2010-01-01

This report is written as an adjunct to the American Gastroenterological Association Institute’s medical position statement and technical review on the management of Barrett’s esophagus, which will be published in the near future. Those documents will consider a number of broad questions on the diagnosis, clinical features, and management of patients with Barrett’s esophagus, and the reader is referred to the technical review for an in-depth discussion of those topics. In this report, we review historical, molecular, and endoscopic therapeutic aspects of Barrett’s esophagus that are of interest to clinicians and researchers. PMID:20080098

Push versus pull gastrostomy in cancer patients: A single center retrospective analysis of complications and technical success rates.

PubMed

Currie, B M; Getrajdman, G I; Covey, A M; Alago, W; Erinjeri, J P; Maybody, M; Boas, F E

2018-04-28

To compare the technical success and complication rates of push versus pull gastrostomy tubes in cancer patients, and to examine their dependence on operator experience. A retrospective review was performed of 304 cancer patients (170 men, 134 women; mean age 60.3±12.6 [SD], range: 19-102 years) referred for primary gastrostomy tube placement, 88 (29%) of whom had a previously unsuccessful attempt at percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. Analyzed variables included method of insertion (push versus pull), indication for gastrostomy, technical success, operator experience, and procedure-related complications within 30 days of placement. Gastrostomy tubes were placed for feeding in 189 patients and palliative decompression in 115 patients. Technical success was 91%: 78% after endoscopy had previously been unsuccessful and 97% when excluding failures associated with prior endoscopy. In the first 30 days, there were 29 minor complications (17.2%) associated with push gastrostomies, and only 8 minor complications (7.5%) with pull gastrostomies (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in major complications (push gastrostomy 5.3%, pull gastrostomy 5.6%). For decompressive gastrostomy tubes, the pull technique resulted in lower rates of both minor and major complications. There was no difference in complications or technical success rates for more versus less experienced operators. Pull gastrostomy tube placement had a lower rate of complications than push gastrostomy tube placement, especially when the indication was decompression. The technical success rate was high, even after a failed attempt at endoscopic placement. Both the rates of success and complications were independent of operator experience. Copyright © 2018 Société française de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation Using a New Electrode with an Electromagnetic Position Sensor for Hepatic Tumors Difficult to Place an Electrode: A Preliminary Clinical Study.

PubMed

Kang, Tae Wook; Lee, Min Woo; Song, Kyoung Doo; Rhim, Hyunchul; Lim, Hyo Keun; Kang, Wonseok; Kim, Kyunga

2017-12-01

To evaluate whether a new electrode embedded with an electromagnetic position sensor (EMPS) improves the technical feasibility of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatic tumors difficult to place an electrode under ultrasonography (US) guidance and to assess short-term therapeutic efficacy and safety. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Between January 2015 and December 2016, 10 patients (7 men and 3 women; age range 52-75 years) with a single hepatic tumor (median 1.4 cm; range 1.1-1.8 cm) difficult to place an electrode under US guidance were enrolled. The technical feasibility of targeting and overlapping ablation during the RFA procedure was graded using a four-point scale and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test according to the use of EMPS. In addition, the rates of technical success, local tumor progression (LTP), and major complications were assessed. The use of the new RF electrode with EMPS significantly improved the technical feasibility of targeting and overlapping ablation (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). After treatment, the technical success rate was 100%. LTP was not found in any patient during the follow-up period (median 8 months; range 4-22 months). No major procedure-related complications occurred. The technical feasibility of percutaneous RFA improves with the use of this RF electrode embedded with an EMPS. Short-term therapeutic efficacy and safety after RFA using the electrode were promising in patients with hepatic tumors difficult to place an electrode under US guidance.

Establishing Transportation Framework Services Using the Open Geospatial Consortium Web Feature Service Specification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, C.; Wong, D. W.; Phillips, T.; Wright, R. A.; Lindsey, S.; Kafatos, M.

2005-12-01

As a teamed partnership of the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research (CEOSR) at George Mason University (GMU), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the Department of Transportation (BTS/DOT), and Intergraph, we established Transportation Framework Data Services using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)'s Web Feature Service (WFS) Specification to enable the sharing of transportation data among the federal level with data from BTS/DOT, the state level through VDOT, the industries through Intergraph. CEOSR develops WFS solutions using Intergraph software. Relevant technical documents are also developed and disseminated through the partners. The WFS is integrated with operational geospatial systems at CEOSR and VDOT. CEOSR works with Intergraph on developing WFS solutions and technical documents. GeoMedia WebMap WFS toolkit is used with software and technical support from Intergraph. ESRI ArcIMS WFS connector is used with GMU's campus license of ESRI products. Tested solutions are integrated with framework data service operational systems, including 1) CEOSR's interoperable geospatial information services, FGDC clearinghouse Node, Geospatial One Stop (GOS) portal, and WMS services, 2) VDOT's state transportation data and GIS infrastructure, and 3)BTS/DOT's national transportation data. The project presents: 1) develop and deploy an operational OGC WFS 1.1 interfaces at CEOSR for registering with FGDC/GOS Portal and responding to Web ``POST'' requests for transportation Framework data as listed in Table 1; 2) build the WFS service that can return the data that conform to the drafted ANSI/INCITS L1 Standard (when available) for each identified theme in the format given by OGC Geography Markup Language (GML) Version 3.0 or higher; 3) integrate the OGC WFS with CEOSR's clearinghouse nodes, 4) establish a formal partnership to develop and share WFS-based geospatial interoperability technology among GMU, VDOT, BTS/DOT, and Intergraph; and 5) develop WFS-based solutions and technical documents using the GeoMedia WebMap WFS toolkit. Geospatial Web Feature Service is demonstrated to be more efficient in sharing vector data and supports direct Internet access transportation data. Developed WFS solutions also enhanced the interoperable service provided by CEOSR through the FGDC clearinghouse node and the GOS Portal.

Studying the Cost and Value of Library Services: Final Report. Technical Report APLAB/94-3/1,2,3,4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kantor, Paul B.; And Others

This is the final technical report (in three parts) of a 15-month long project to study the costs and value of library functions at five major research libraries. Twenty-one services or service aspects were studied, and numerous measures of the importance or benefit of the service to the users were made. These measures were studied together to lay…

The Application of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis for Managing Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) Programmes for Improved Efficiency in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adepoju, T. L.; Famade, Olu Adesola

2010-01-01

This paper reviews the current status of vocational and technical education programmes (VTE) in Nigeria and the major innovations of the Nigerian Government in the recent times in the sector vis-a-vis the demands of the modern world for vocational and technological development. It therefore, proposes a paradigm shift in the operation of VTE…

Newly Identified DDT-Related Compounds Accumulating in Southern California Bottlenose Dolphins.

PubMed

Mackintosh, Susan A; Dodder, Nathan G; Shaul, Nellie J; Aluwihare, Lihini I; Maruya, Keith A; Chivers, Susan J; Danil, Kerri; Weller, David W; Hoh, Eunha

2016-11-15

Nontargeted GC×GC-TOF/MS analysis of blubber from 8 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the Southern California Bight was performed to identify novel, bioaccumulative DDT-related compounds and to determine their abundance relative to the commonly studied DDT-related compounds. We identified 45 bioaccumulative DDT-related compounds of which the majority (80%) is not typically monitored in environmental media. Identified compounds include transformation products, technical mixture impurities such as tris(chlorophenyl)methane (TCPM), the presumed TCPM metabolite tris(chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH), and structurally related compounds with unknown sources, such as hexa- to octachlorinated diphenylethene. To investigate impurities in pesticide mixtures as possible sources of these compounds, we analyzed technical DDT, the primary source of historical contamination in the region, and technical Dicofol, a current use pesticide that contains DDT-related compounds. The technical mixtures contained only 33% of the compounds identified in the blubber, suggesting that transformation products contribute to the majority of the load of DDT-related contaminants in these sentinels of ocean health. Quantitative analysis revealed that TCPM was the second most abundant compound class detected in the blubber, following DDE, and TCPMOH loads were greater than DDT. QSPR estimates verified 4,4',4″-TCPM and 4,4'4,″-TCPMOH are persistent and bioaccumulative.

5 CFR 9701.311 - Major features.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Major features. 9701.311 Section 9701.311 Administrative Personnel DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY-OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT) DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES...

23 CFR 230.204 - Implementation of supportive services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... majority and minority contractors, contractors' associations, minority groups, and other persons or..., such as technical assistance, managerial assistance, counseling, certification assistance, and follow...

Fusion Power.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dingee, David A.

1979-01-01

Discusses the extraordinary potential, the technical difficulties, and the financial problems that are associated with research and development of fusion power plants as a major source of energy. (GA)

Defining Requirements and Related Methods for Designing Sensorized Garments.

PubMed

Andreoni, Giuseppe; Standoli, Carlo Emilio; Perego, Paolo

2016-05-26

Designing smart garments has strong interdisciplinary implications, specifically related to user and technical requirements, but also because of the very different applications they have: medicine, sport and fitness, lifestyle monitoring, workplace and job conditions analysis, etc. This paper aims to discuss some user, textile, and technical issues to be faced in sensorized clothes development. In relation to the user, the main requirements are anthropometric, gender-related, and aesthetical. In terms of these requirements, the user's age, the target application, and fashion trends cannot be ignored, because they determine the compliance with the wearable system. Regarding textile requirements, functional factors-also influencing user comfort-are elasticity and washability, while more technical properties are the stability of the chemical agents' effects for preserving the sensors' efficacy and reliability, and assuring the proper duration of the product for the complete life cycle. From the technical side, the physiological issues are the most important: skin conductance, tolerance, irritation, and the effect of sweat and perspiration are key factors for reliable sensing. Other technical features such as battery size and duration, and the form factor of the sensor collector, should be considered, as they affect aesthetical requirements, which have proven to be crucial, as well as comfort and wearability.

Technical Feasibility Assessment of Lunar Base Mission Scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magelssen, Trygve ``Spike''; Sadeh, Eligar

2005-02-01

Investigation of the literature pertaining to lunar base (LB) missions and the technologies required for LB development has revealed an information gap that hinders technical feasibility assessment. This information gap is the absence of technical readiness levels (TRL) (Mankins, 1995) and information pertaining to the criticality of the critical enabling technologies (CETs) that enable mission success. TRL is a means of identifying technical readiness stages of a technology. Criticality is defined as the level of influence the CET has on the mission scenario. The hypothesis of this research study is that technical feasibility is a function of technical readiness and technical readiness is a function of criticality. A newly developed research analysis method is used to identify the technical feasibility of LB mission scenarios. A Delphi is used to ascertain technical readiness levels and CET criticality-to-mission. The research analysis method is applied to the Delphi results to determine the technical feasibility of the LB mission scenarios that include: observatory, science research, lunar settlement, space exploration gateway, space resource utilization, and space tourism. The CETs identified encompasses four major system level technologies of: transportation, life support, structures, and power systems. Results of the technical feasibility assessment show the observatory and science research LB mission scenarios to be more technical ready out of all the scenarios, but all mission scenarios are in very close proximity to each other in regard to criticality and TRL and no one mission scenario stands out as being absolutely more technically ready than any of the other scenarios. What is significant and of value are the Delphi results concerning CET criticality-to-mission and the TRL values evidenced in the Tables that can be used by anyone assessing the technical feasibility of LB missions.

Features and limitations of mobile tablet devices for viewing radiological images.

PubMed

Grunert, J H

2015-03-01

Mobile radiological image display systems are becoming increasingly common, necessitating a comparison of the features of these systems, specifically the operating system employed, connection to stationary PACS, data security and rang of image display and image analysis functions. In the fall of 2013, a total of 17 PACS suppliers were surveyed regarding the technical features of 18 mobile radiological image display systems using a standardized questionnaire. The study also examined to what extent the technical specifications of the mobile image display systems satisfy the provisions of the Germany Medical Devices Act as well as the provisions of the German X-ray ordinance (RöV). There are clear differences in terms of how the mobile systems connected to the stationary PACS. Web-based solutions allow the mobile image display systems to function independently of their operating systems. The examined systems differed very little in terms of image display and image analysis functions. Mobile image display systems complement stationary PACS and can be used to view images. The impacts of the new quality assurance guidelines (QS-RL) as well as the upcoming new standard DIN 6868 - 157 on the acceptance testing of mobile image display units for the purpose of image evaluation are discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Technical Adequacy of the SWPBIS Tiered Fidelity Inventory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McIntosh, Kent; Massar, Michelle M.; Algozzine, Robert F.; George, Heather Peshak; Horner, Robert H.; Lewis, Timothy J.; Swain-Bradway, Jessica

2017-01-01

Full and durable implementation of school-based interventions is supported by regular evaluation of fidelity of implementation. Multiple assessments have been developed to evaluate the extent to which schools are applying the core features of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). The "SWPBIS Tiered Fidelity…

Community Colleges Broadening Horizons through Service Learning, 2003-2006. Project Brief. AACC-PB-04-2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Gail

2004-01-01

The "Horizons" project features model programs, national data collection and dissemination, and an information clearinghouse. In addition, "Horizons" provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance through regional workshops on service learning and civic responsibility, chief academic officer summits,…

Operation of the computer model for microenvironment solar exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis, J. R.; Bourassa, R. J.; Gruenbaum, P. E.

1995-01-01

A computer model for microenvironmental solar exposure was developed to predict solar exposure to satellite surfaces which may shadow or reflect on one another. This document describes the technical features of the model as well as instructions for the installation and use of the program.

Using Curriculum-Based Measurement To Monitor Kindergarteners' Mathematics Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seethaler, Pamela M.; Fuchs, Lynn S.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine technical and instructional features of a kindergarten curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tool designed to track students' mathematics progress in terms of computational concepts, procedures, and counting strategies. Students in 10 kindergarten classrooms in three elementary schools completed alternate…

Insulated Concrete Homes Increase Durability and Energy Efficiency

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

Building America; Hendron, B.; Poole, L.

2001-06-05

New houses designed by Mercedes Homes in Melbourne, Florida, with technical support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program, save their homeowners money by using energy efficient features such as a high performance heat pump and solar control glazing to reduce cooling costs.

75 FR 10439 - Cognitive Radio Technologies and Software Defined Radios

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-08

... Technologies and Software Defined Radios AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY... concerning the use of open source software to implement security features in software defined radios (SDRs... ongoing technical developments in cognitive and software defined radio (SDR) technologies. 2. On April 20...

Optimizing the analysis of routing oversize/overweight loads to provide efficient freight corridors : technical summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-07-01

The subject of this report is limited specifically to Kansas highways. Current features of the State Highway System were looked at to determine corridors that do not limit Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) vehicles, or that limit loads to varying degree...

Exploring the Universe: An Introductory Bibliography in Astronomy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fraknoi, Andrew

Arranged in five sections, this annotated bibliography cites over 40 introductory level resources on astronomy published between 1972 and 1981. A note on the availability of these resources precedes sections covering general introductory books, magazines featuring non-technical articles, general books for readers with slight background,…

Global Failure Modes in Composite Structures for High Altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knauss, W. G.

2004-01-01

This report summarizes the accomplishments under the referenced grant. The work described was started under the guidance and supervision of the late Dr. James Stames as the technical contact. It was aimed at investigating the development of analysis tools to deal with the problem of rupture in reinforced structural skin of future composites-based aircraft. It was of particular interest to assess methods by which failure features reminiscent of cracks in metallic structures would develop and propagate in fiber reinforced structures in interaction with the reinforcing frame. To eventually achieve that goal it was necessary to first understand the stress or strain distribution at the front of such features so that interactions between such features and reinforcing agents could be assessed computationally. Thus the major emphasis here was on the assessment of damage front and methods on how to assess or characterize it. During the conduct of this research program Dr. Stames changed to a different NASA- internal assignment, which divorced him of the direct supervision of this grant. A student who was approximately % into the completion of his Ph.D. research needed to finish this work, and NASA funds were made available under Dr. Damodar Ambur, the successor Branch Manager for Dr. James Starnes, for the completion of this work. The current grant was the thus a new and fmal support increment for completion of the started research. Final reports for previous funding have been completed and submitted. Because of the interconnection of this last phase of the investigation with previous work it is deemed useful to make the Ph.D. thesis by Luis Gonzales the body of this report.

Space-based solar power conversion and delivery systems study. Volume 2: Engineering analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The technical and economic feasibility of Satellite Solar Power Systems was studied with emphasis on the analysis and definition of an integrated strawman configuration concept, from which credible cost data could be estimated. Specifically, system concepts for each of the major subprogram areas were formulated, analyzed, and iterated to the degree necessary for establishing an overall, workable baseline system design. Cost data were estimated for the baseline and used to conduct economic analyses. The baseline concept selected was a 5-GW crystal silicon truss-type photovoltaic configuration, which represented the most mature concept available. The overall results and major findings, and the results of technical analyses performed during the final phase of the study efforts are reported.

Design and Assessment of an "Engineering" Course for Non-Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorby, Sheryl A.; Oppliger, Douglas E.; Boersma, Norma

2006-01-01

As a profession, engineering is not well understood by the general public. Engineers are perceived as "geeks" who love math and who have few interests outside of technical work. In short, the engineering profession has an image problem. In order to counteract this negative stereotyping, an engineering course for non-majors was developed…

Cable Television: Technical Considerations in Franchising Major Market Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pilnick, Carl

The 1972 Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) regulations on cable television were intended to assist the penetration of cable television into the large metropolitan regions of the United States. In these major market areas, the task for developing an appropriate franchise is complicated by the changing functional nature of the cable systems…

Building Stronger State Energy Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy

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

Marks, Kate

2011-09-30

This final technical report details the results of total work efforts and progress made from October 2007 – September 2011 under the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) cooperative agreement DE-FC26-07NT43264, Building Stronger State Energy Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy. Major topical project areas in this final report include work efforts in the following areas: Energy Assurance and Critical Infrastructure, State and Regional Technical Assistance, Regional Initiative, Regional Coordination and Technical Assistance, and International Activities in China. All required deliverables have been provided to the National Energy Technology Laboratory and DOE program officials.

Report format preferences of technical managers and nonmanagers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, T. E.; Cordle, V. M.; Glassman, M.; Vondran, R. F., Jr.

1984-01-01

A survey of engineers and scientists concerning the format of NASA technical reports indicates that a summary as well as an abstract should be included, that the definitions of symbols and glossary of terms should be located in the front of the report, and that the illustrative material should be integrated with the text rather than grouped at the end of the report. Citation of references by number, one-column, ragged-right-margin layout, and third-person writing style are also preferred by a majority of the respondents. The preferences of managers and nonmanagers are very similar for all aspects of technical report format covered by the survey.

Emerging Sealing Technologies Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Under this Cooperative Agreement, the objective was to investigate several emerging sealing technologies of interest to the Mechanical Components Branch of National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field (NASA GRC). The majority of the work conducted was to support the development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for application to aeronautic auxiliary power units, though technical investigations of interest to other groups and projects were also conducted. In general, accomplishments and results were periodically reported to the NASA Technical Monitor, the NASA GRC Seal Team staff, and NASA GRC project management. Several technical reports, journal articles, and presentations were given internally to NASA GRC and to the external public.

Fullerene data mining using bibliometrics and database tomography

PubMed

Kostoff; Braun; Schubert; Toothman; Humenik

2000-01-01

Database tomography (DT) is a textual database analysis system consisting of two major components: (1) algorithms for extracting multiword phrase frequencies and phrase proximities (physical closeness of the multiword technical phrases) from any type of large textual database, to augment (2) interpretative capabilities of the expert human analyst. DT was used to derive technical intelligence from a fullerenes database derived from the Science Citation Index and the Engineering Compendex. Phrase frequency analysis by the technical domain experts provided the pervasive technical themes of the fullerenes database, and phrase proximity analysis provided the relationships among the pervasive technical themes. Bibliometric analysis of the fullerenes literature supplemented the DT results with author/journal/institution publication and citation data. Comparisons of fullerenes results with past analyses of similarly structured near-earth space, chemistry, hypersonic/supersonic flow, aircraft, and ship hydrodynamics databases are made. One important finding is that many of the normalized bibliometric distribution functions are extremely consistent across these diverse technical domains and could reasonably be expected to apply to broader chemical topics than fullerenes that span multiple structural classes. Finally, lessons learned about integrating the technical domain experts with the data mining tools are presented.

The Classical Theory of Composition; From Its Origins to the Present: A Historical Survey (University of North Carolina Studies in Comparative Literature, No. 53.)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scaglione, Aldo

The major purpose of this study is the descriptive analysis of a large body of literature, mainly technical, which attempts to explain the structure of sentences and ordering of their elements, on the linguistic and artistic levels. It is hoped that this study helps to document the relevance of technical material for the proper understanding of…

Report of an International Workshop on Preserving Historic Buildings of Major Importance

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

and Prof. Unal Ozi*, Dokuz Eylil University, who wrote about the life of Sinan. Researchers and graduate students from METU (Ms. Nalan Boyaci, Mustafa ...Education and Research Foundation Mustafa Nalcakan Middle East Technical University Ugur Ersoy Middle East Technical University Architecture/Preservation...Kayseri in Central Anatolia. He was converted to Islam and recruited into the military during the reign of the Sultan Yavuz Selim I. He participated in

Using Return on Investment (ROI) and Other Related Tools: Guidelines for Measuring Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internal Efficiency and External Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kotamraju, Pradeep; Mettille, John L., III

2012-01-01

Career and technical education (CTE) is increasingly seen as a major potential contributor to the recovery of the U.S. economy. However, the effectiveness and impact of the current Carl D. Perkins Act (otherwise known as Perkins IV) that governs CTE are unclear. Is the federal investment in CTE paying off? To answer this, we need to establish the…

ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program. Biocatalysis project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The Biocatalysis Project is a mission-oriented, applied research and exploratory development activity directed toward resolution of the major generic technical barriers that impede the development of biologically catalyzed commercial chemical production. The approach toward achieving project objectives involves an integrated participation of Universities, Industrial Companies and Government Research Laboratories. The Project's technical activities were organized into three work elements: molecular modeling and applied genetics; bioprocess engineering; and bioprocess design and assessment.

Assessment of the potential of hybrid vehicles: Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Surber, F. T.

1980-01-01

The potential of hybrid vehicles as a replacement of the conventional gasoline or diesel fueled internal combustion engine vehicle within the next 20 to 30 years, was assessed. Hybrid vehicle designs and applications which are technically and economically viable were studied to determine if reductions in petroleum usage were large enough to warrant major expenditures of research and development funds. Critical technical areas where research and development can be most usefully concentrated were identified.

Iran’s Reemergence as a Major Player in Global Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-21

economic sanctions levied against the Islamic Republic. Iran continues to deny International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors’ access to possible uranium ...build nuclear weapons.”55 Mr. Clapper went on to say that “Iran’s technical advancement, particularly in uranium enrichment, strengthens our assessment...will to do so.”56 During the briefing, he made clear that Iran is technically capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for a weapon

Possibility of Engineering Education That Makes Use of Algebraic Calculators by Various Scenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umeno, Yoshio

Algebraic calculators are graphing calculators with a feature of computer algebra system. It can be said that we can solve mathematics only by pushing some keys of these calculators in technical colleges or universities. They also possess another feature, so we can make extensive use in engineering education. For example, we can use them for a basic education, a programming education, English education, and creative thinking tools for excellent students. In this paper, we will introduce the summary of algebraic calculators, then, consider how we utilize them in engineer education.

Educational Indicators: A Guide for Policymakers. CPRE Occasional Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oakes, Jeannie

An educational indicator is a statistic revealing something about the education system's health or performance. Indicators must meet certain substantive and technical standards that define the kind of information they should provide and the features they should measure. There are two types of statistical indicators. Whereas single statistics…

Creation of an Integrated Environment to Supply e-Learning Platforms with Office Automation Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palumbo, Emilio; Verga, Francesca

2015-01-01

Over the last years great efforts have been made within the University environment to implement e-learning technologies in the standard educational practice. These learning technologies distribute online educational multimedia contents through technological platforms. Even though specific e-learning tools for technical disciplines were already…

Rapporteur-General's Oral Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiltshire, Kenneth

An international congress produced discussion and debate regarding the factors that will shape technical and vocational education in the new century and the new millennium. Speakers declared that the 21st century will be an era of knowledge, information, and civilization. According to the speakers, key features of the 21st century will include…

Book Review :The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A mushroom guide book, 'The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat' by Cathy L. Cripps, Vera S. Evenson, and Michael Kou (University of Illinois Press, 260 pages), is reviewed in non-technical fashion from the standpoints of format, comprehensiveness, and clarity. Postive features (...

Progress Monitoring in Middle School Mathematics: Options and Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foegen, Anne

2008-01-01

This study investigated the technical features of six potential progress-monitoring measures in mathematics appropriate for use at the middle school level, including two commercially available measures for sixth-grade mathematics, two measures used in previous middle school studies, and two new measures of numeracy concepts. Five hundred…

Evaluation of interactive highway safety design model crash prediction tools for two-lane rural roads on Kansas Department of Transportation projects : [technical summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-01-01

Historically, project-level decisions for the selection of highway features to promote safety were based on either engineering judgment or adherence to accepted national guidance. These tools have allowed highway designers to produce facilities that ...

Publications | Geothermal Technologies | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Publications Publications NREL publishes a variety of publications related to geothermal energy geothermal energy research. Featured Publications Mexico's Geothermal Market Assessment Report NREL Technical investment in the country's geothermal energy sector. Since 2013, Mexico has enacted comprehensive reforms to

33 CFR 385.5 - Guidance memoranda.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... sources of water will occur as a result of implementation of the Plan (§ 385.36(b)). (b) Special processes..., implementation, and management of one specific individual feature of the Plan, this section does not require... § 385.5 Guidance memoranda. (a) General. (1) Technical guidance for internal management of Corps of...

SPIRES Tailored to a Special Library: A Mainframe Answer for a Small Online Catalog.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Mary

1989-01-01

Describes the design and functions of a technical library database maintained on a mainframe computer and supported by the SPIRES database management system. The topics covered include record structures, vocabulary control, input procedures, searching features, time considerations, and cost effectiveness. (three references) (CLB)

Technical Note: Orientation of cracks and hydrology in a shrink-swell soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Crack orientations are an important soil physical property that affects water flow, particularly in vertic soils. However, the spatial and temporal variability of crack orientations across different land uses and gilgai features is not well-documented and addressed in hydrology models. Thus there is...

47 CFR 301.5 - Manufacturers' technical approval process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... intent to NTIA at least three months prior to submitting test results and sample models of converter... shall treat the notices of intent received as business confidential and proprietary information and will.... (d) Each model proposed to be a CECB shall meet the performance specification and features set forth...

Using Three-Dimensional Interactive Graphics To Teach Equipment Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamel, Cheryl J.; Ryan-Jones, David L.

1997-01-01

Focuses on how three-dimensional graphical and interactive features of computer-based instruction can enhance learning and support human cognition during technical training of equipment procedures. Presents guidelines for using three-dimensional interactive graphics to teach equipment procedures based on studies of the effects of graphics, motion,…

A Flirtatious Dalliance with Technologists?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, John

2010-01-01

This article discusses a new project that aims to encapsulate all the key features of the new Curriculum for Excellence. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) funding was secured to support this emergent joint ASE/Technical Teachers' Association (TTA) initiative, with Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) and Determined to Succeed (DtS)…

"Just the Answers, Please": Choosing a Web Search Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feldman, Susan

1997-01-01

Presents guidelines for selecting World Wide Web search engines. Real-life questions were used to test six search engines. Queries sought company information, product reviews, medical information, foreign information, technical reports, and current events. Compares performance and features of AltaVista, Excite, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, and Open…

Just Click Here: New Technology and Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutshall, Sandy

2001-01-01

With increasing emphasis on accurate assessment and accountability, computer-based testing and simulation may signify the future for teachers wishing to keep current on technology in the classroom. If career and technical education is to use new testing technology, features such as authentic assessment and criterion-based testing must be…

Personnel Performance Assessment in Information Systems Outsourcing Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casado-Lumbreras, Cristina; Soto-Acosta, Pedro; Colomo-Palacios, Ricardo; de Pablos, Patricia Ordonez

2011-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present a tool which uses semantic technologies for personnel performance and workplace learning assessment in outsourced information technology environments. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the tool from a technical perspective and introduces a use case that depicts the main features related to…

Technical and Applied Features of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkins, Shannon M.

2012-01-01

When conducted correctly, functional behavior assessments (FBAs) can help professionals intervene with problem behavior using function-based interventions. Despite the fact that researchers have shown that effective interventions are based on function, recent investigators have found that most behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) are written…

The Main Features of Undertaking Technological and Vocational Curriculum Reform in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Lung-Sheng Steven; Huang, Bo-Shiang Bert

2003-01-01

In Taiwan, technological and vocational education (TVE) is primarily offered in vocational high schools (VHS's), career programs in comprehensive high schools (CHSs), junior colleges of technology (JCTs), colleges of technology (CTs), and universities of technology (UTs), which prepare practical technical and managerial personnel for industry and…

High/Scope Outreach Project. Final Report. October 1, 1983-September 30, 1984.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, Ypsilanti, MI.

The final report reviews accomplishments of an outreach project designed to provide technical assistance and training to early childhood programs for handicapped children. The project features the Cognitively Oriented Preschool Curriculum, a developmental approach based on Piagetian theory and explained to build on the child's accomplishments. A…

NASA policy on pricing shuttle launch services

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. M.

1977-01-01

The paper explains the rationale behind key elements of the pricing policy for STS, the major features of the non-government user policy, and some of the stimulating features of the policy which will open space to a wide range of new users. Attention is given to such major policy features as payment schedule, cost and standard services, the two phase pricing structure, optional services, shared flights, cancellation and postponement, and earnest money.

NASA/WVU Software Research Laboratory, 1995

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabolish, George J.; Callahan, John R.

1995-01-01

In our second year, the NASA/WVU Software Research Lab has made significant strides toward analysis and solution of major software problems related to V&V activities. We have established working relationships with many ongoing efforts within NASA and continue to provide valuable input into policy and decision-making processes. Through our publications, technical reports, lecture series, newsletters, and resources on the World-Wide-Web, we provide information to many NASA and external parties daily. This report is a summary and overview of some of our activities for the past year. This report is divided into 6 chapters: Introduction, People, Support Activities, Process, Metrics, and Testing. The Introduction chapter (this chapter) gives an overview of our project beginnings and targets. The People chapter focuses on new people who have joined the Lab this year. The Support chapter briefly lists activities like our WWW pages, Technical Report Series, Technical Lecture Series, and Research Quarterly newsletter. Finally, the remaining four chapters discuss the major research areas that we have made significant progress towards producing meaningful task reports. These chapters can be regarded as portions of drafts of our task reports.

Jim Starnes' Contributions to Residual Strength Analysis Methods for Metallic Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Richard D.; Rose, Cheryl A.; Harris, Charles E.

2005-01-01

A summary of advances in residual strength analyses methods for metallic structures that were realized under the leadership of Dr. James H. Starnes, Jr., is presented. The majority of research led by Dr. Starnes in this area was conducted in the 1990's under the NASA Airframe Structural Integrity Program (NASIP). Dr. Starnes, respectfully referred to herein as Jim, had a passion for studying complex response phenomena and dedicated a significant amount of research effort toward advancing damage tolerance and residual strength analysis methods for metallic structures. Jim's efforts were focused on understanding damage propagation in built-up fuselage structure with widespread fatigue damage, with the goal of ensuring safety in the aging international commercial transport fleet. Jim's major contributions in this research area were in identifying the effects of combined internal pressure and mechanical loads, and geometric nonlinearity, on the response of built-up structures with damage. Analytical and experimental technical results are presented to demonstrate the breadth and rigor of the research conducted in this technical area. Technical results presented herein are drawn exclusively from papers where Jim was a co-author.

Research and technology, Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center's research and technology accomplishments for fiscal year 1985 are summarized. The report is organized into five major sections covering aeronautics, aerospace technology, spaceflight systems, space station systems, and computational technology support. This organization of the report roughly parallels the organization of the Center into directorates. Where appropriate, subheadings are used to identify special topics under the major headings. Results of all research and technology work performed during the fiscal year are contained in Lewis-published technical reports and presentations prepared either by Lewis scientists and engineers or by contractor personnel. In addition, significant results are presented by university faculty or graduate students in technical sessions and in journals of the technical societies. For the reader who desires more information about a particular subject, the Lewis contact will provide that information or references. In 1985, five Lewis products were selected by Research and Development Magazine for IR-100 awards. All are described and identified. In addition, the Lewis Distinguished Paper for 1984 to 1985, which was selected by the Chief Scientist and a research advisory board, is included and so identified.

Fusion Safety Program annual report, fiscal year 1994

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longhurst, Glen R.; Cadwallader, Lee C.; Dolan, Thomas J.; Herring, J. Stephen; McCarthy, Kathryn A.; Merrill, Brad J.; Motloch, Chester C.; Petti, David A.

1995-03-01

This report summarizes the major activities of the Fusion Safety Program in fiscal year 1994. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) is the designated lead laboratory and Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company is the prime contractor for this program. The Fusion Safety Program was initiated in 1979. Activities are conducted at the INEL, at other DOE laboratories, and at other institutions, including the University of Wisconsin. The technical areas covered in this report include tritium safety, beryllium safety, chemical reactions and activation product release, safety aspects of fusion magnet systems, plasma disruptions, risk assessment failure rate data base development, and thermalhydraulics code development and their application to fusion safety issues. Much of this work has been done in support of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Also included in the report are summaries of the safety and environmental studies performed by the Fusion Safety Program for the Tokamak Physics Experiment and the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor and of the technical support for commercial fusion facility conceptual design studies. A major activity this year has been work to develop a DOE Technical Standard for the safety of fusion test facilities.

WE-EF-210-08: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING): 3D Prostate Segmentation in Ultrasound Images Using Patch-Based Anatomical Feature

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

Yang, X; Rossi, P; Jani, A

Purpose: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is the standard imaging modality for the image-guided prostate-cancer interventions (e.g., biopsy and brachytherapy) due to its versatility and real-time capability. Accurate segmentation of the prostate plays a key role in biopsy needle placement, treatment planning, and motion monitoring. As ultrasound images have a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), automatic segmentation of the prostate is difficult. However, manual segmentation during biopsy or radiation therapy can be time consuming. We are developing an automated method to address this technical challenge. Methods: The proposed segmentation method consists of two major stages: the training stage and the segmentation stage.more » During the training stage, patch-based anatomical features are extracted from the registered training images with patient-specific information, because these training images have been mapped to the new patient’ images, and the more informative anatomical features are selected to train the kernel support vector machine (KSVM). During the segmentation stage, the selected anatomical features are extracted from newly acquired image as the input of the well-trained KSVM and the output of this trained KSVM is the segmented prostate of this patient. Results: This segmentation technique was validated with a clinical study of 10 patients. The accuracy of our approach was assessed using the manual segmentation. The mean volume Dice Overlap Coefficient was 89.7±2.3%, and the average surface distance was 1.52 ± 0.57 mm between our and manual segmentation, which indicate that the automatic segmentation method works well and could be used for 3D ultrasound-guided prostate intervention. Conclusion: We have developed a new prostate segmentation approach based on the optimal feature learning framework, demonstrated its clinical feasibility, and validated its accuracy with manual segmentation (gold standard). This segmentation technique could be a useful tool for image-guided interventions in prostate-cancer diagnosis and treatment. This research is supported in part by DOD PCRP Award W81XWH-13-1-0269, and National Cancer Institute (NCI) Grant CA114313.« less

A Digital Approach to Learning Petrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reid, M. R.

2011-12-01

In the undergraduate igneous and metamorphic petrology course at Northern Arizona University, we are employing petrographic microscopes equipped with relatively inexpensive ( $200) digital cameras that are linked to pen-tablet computers. The camera-tablet systems can assist student learning in a variety of ways. Images provided by the tablet computers can be used for helping students filter the visually complex specimens they examine. Instructors and students can simultaneously view the same petrographic features captured by the cameras and exchange information about them by pointing to salient features using the tablet pen. These images can become part of a virtual mineral/rock/texture portfolio tailored to individual student's needs. Captured digital illustrations can be annotated with digital ink or computer graphics tools; this activity emulates essential features of more traditional line drawings (visualizing an appropriate feature and selecting a representative image of it, internalizing the feature through studying and annotating it) while minimizing the frustration that many students feel about drawing. In these ways, we aim to help a student progress more efficiently from novice to expert. A number of our petrology laboratory exercises involve use of the camera-tablet systems for collaborative learning. Observational responsibilities are distributed among individual members of teams in order to increase interdependence and accountability, and to encourage efficiency. Annotated digital images are used to share students' findings and arrive at an understanding of an entire rock suite. This interdependence increases the individual's sense of responsibility for their work, and reporting out encourages students to practice use of technical vocabulary and to defend their observations. Pre- and post-course student interest in the camera-tablet systems has been assessed. In a post-course survey, the majority of students reported that, if available, they would use camera-tablet systems to capture microscope images (77%) and to make notes on images (71%). An informal focus group recommended introducing the cameras as soon as possible and having them available for making personal mineralogy/petrology portfolios. Because the stakes are perceived as high, use of the camera-tablet systems for peer-peer learning has been progressively modified to bolster student confidence in their collaborative efforts.

The Early Impact of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education: Do Workers Earn More in Occupations Related to Their College Major? A CAPSEE Working Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gelblum, Madeleine

2014-01-01

This study explores the relationship between college major, occupation, and early-career annual earnings for the years 2008 to 2010 using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth of 1997 (NLSY97). I provide estimates of the effect of college major on earnings for those with bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and some college but no…

Annotated directory of US Government information system projects of potential interest to NASA/SSPO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Legrand, Sue

1988-01-01

The purpose of this research activity was to develop a list for NASA of major U.S. government information systems contacts who are able to cooperate with NASA on technical interchange. The list contains the names of appropriate managers involved in major information system projects, U.S. government office officials, and their hierarchy up to the highest officials whose major responsibilities include government information systems development.

An audit questionnaire that examines specifically the management of technical activities clauses in ISO 15189.

PubMed

Hartley, T F

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to design an audit questionnaire that focuses on the management of the technical activities in a Diagnostic Pathology Laboratory. The ISO 15189 Standard is written in such a way that it continually moves back and forth from topics where the auditor needs to question bench level staff, to topics where the auditor needs to question Technical Management Staff. This makes for a disjointed audit process - both Bench Staff and Technical Managers are repeatedly interrupted. The solution was to do a clause by clause analysis of the Standard and assign the major responsibility for the compliance to each clause to either Technical Managers or Bench Staff. The Clauses were then grouped under four topic headings regardless of whether they were a Section 4 or Section 5 Clause. Two questionnaires have emerged - the one described in this work and one directed primarily towards the activities of bench staff. There are 95 questions and it takes approximately two hours to complete.

Technical review of the da Vinci surgical telemanipulator.

PubMed

Freschi, C; Ferrari, V; Melfi, F; Ferrari, M; Mosca, F; Cuschieri, A

2013-12-01

The da Vinci robotic surgical telemanipulator has been utilized in several surgical specialties for varied procedures, and the users' experiences have been widely published. To date, no detailed system technical analyses have been performed. A detailed review was performed of all publications and patents about the technical aspects of the da Vinci robotic system. Published technical literature on the da Vinci system highlight strengths and weaknesses of the robot design. While the system facilitates complex surgical operations and has a low malfunction rate, the lack of haptic (especially tactile) feedback and collisions between the robotic arms remain the major limitations of the system. Accurate, preplanned positioning of access ports is essential. Knowledge of the technical aspects of the da Vinci robot is important for optimal use. We confirmed the excellent system functionality and ease of use for surgeons without an engineering background. Research and development of the surgical robot has been predominant in the literature. Future trends address robot miniaturization and intelligent control design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laboratory Directed Research and Development 1998 Annual Report

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

Pam Hughes; Sheila Bennett eds.

1999-07-14

The Laboratory's Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program encourages the advancement of science and the development of major new technical capabilities from which future research and development will grow. Through LDRD funding, Pacific Northwest continually replenishes its inventory of ideas that have the potential to address major national needs. The LDRD program has enabled the Laboratory to bring to bear its scientific and technical capabilities on all of DOE's missions, particularly in the arena of environmental problems. Many of the concepts related to environmental cleanup originally developed with LDRD funds are now receiving programmatic support from DOE, LDRD-funded work inmore » atmospheric sciences is now being applied to DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program. We also have used concepts initially explored through LDRD to develop several winning proposals in the Environmental Management Science Program. The success of our LDRD program is founded on good management practices that ensure funding is allocated and projects are conducted in compliance with DOE requirements. We thoroughly evaluate the LDRD proposals based on their scientific and technical merit, as well as their relevance to DOE's programmatic needs. After a proposal is funded, we assess progress annually using external peer reviews. This year, as in years past, the LDRD program has once again proven to be the major enabling vehicle for our staff to formulate new ideas, advance scientific capability, and develop potential applications for DOE's most significant challenges.« less

Technical and economic aspects of the Intelsat system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jefferis, A. K.

1992-03-01

The paper gives some background on the Intelsat system and explains the financial principles of the organization, which operates as a cost sharing cooperative. The members contribute both capital and operating costs in accordance with their use. The determination of the measure of 'use' in such a complex system requires a careful analysis of the factors which cause the cost. Most of these are technical, based on the use of satellite power, bandwidth and similar factors. Others reflect service related features such as priority, long-term commitment and market elasticity. This last element is only taken into account after ensuring that every service fully contributes the marginal cost of providing it.

PET/MRI – Technical Review

PubMed Central

Muzic, Raymond F.; DiFilippo, Frank P.

2015-01-01

PET/MR is a hybrid imaging technology with the potential to combine the molecular and functional information of PET with the soft-tissue contrast of MR. Herein we review the technical features and challenges of putting these different technologies together. We emphasize the conceptual to make the material accessible to a wide audience. We begin by reviewing PET/CT, a more mature multi-modality imaging technology, to provide a basis for comparison to the history of PET/MR development. We discuss the motivation and challenges of PET/MR and different approaches that have been used to meet the challenges. We conclude with a speculation about the future of this exciting imaging method. PMID:25497909

Proton beams in radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoroshkov, V. S.; Minakova, E. I.

1998-11-01

A branch of radiology, proton therapy employs fast protons as a tool for the treatment of various, mainly oncological, diseases. The features of tissue ionization by protons (Bragg peak) facilitate a further step towards solving the principal challenge in radiology: to deliver a sufficiently high and homogeneous dose to virtually any tumour, while sparing healthy neighbouring tissues, organs and structures. The state of the art of proton therapy is described, as well as the main technical, physics and clinical results gained since the 1950s at high-energy physics centres worldwide. The future of proton therapy is connected with the construction of hospital-based facilities with dedicated medical accelerators and modern technical instrumentation.

A review of the salt-gradient solar pond technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, E. I. H.

1982-01-01

The state of the salt-gradient solar pond technology is reviewed. Highlights of findings and experiences from existing ponds to data are presented, and the behavior, energy yield, operational features, and economics of solar ponds are examined. It is concluded that salt-gradient solar ponds represent a technically feasible, environmentally benign, and economically attractive energy producing alternative. In order to bring this emerging technology to maturity, however, much research and development effort remains to be undertaken. Specific R&D areas requiring the attention and action of technical workers and decision-makers are discussed, both from the perspectives of smaller, thermally-oriented ponds and larger, electricity generating ponds.

NASA Tech Briefs, December 1988. Volume 12, No. 11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

This month's technical section includes forecasts for 1989 and beyond by NASA experts in the following fields: Integrated Circuits; Communications; Computational Fluid Dynamics; Ceramics; Image Processing; Sensors; Dynamic Power; Superconductivity; Artificial Intelligence; and Flow Cytometry. The quotes provide a brief overview of emerging trends, and describe inventions and innovations being developed by NASA, other government agencies, and private industry that could make a significant impact in coming years. A second bonus feature in this month's issue is the expanded subject index that begins on page 98. The index contains cross-referenced listings for all technical briefs appearing in NASA Tech Briefs during 1988.

Electrical resistivity well-logging system with solid-state electronic circuitry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, James Henry; Farstad, Arnold J.

1977-01-01

An improved 4-channel electrical resistivity well-logging system for use with a passive probe with electrodes arranged in the 'normal' configuration has been designed and fabricated by Westinghouse Electric Corporation to meet technical specifications developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Salient features of the system include solid-state switching and current regulation in the transmitter circuit to produce a constant-current source square wave, and synchronous solid-state switching and sampling of the potential waveform in the receiver circuit to provide an analog dc voltage proportions to the measured resistivity. Technical specifications and design details are included in this report.

A Guide for Planning Facilities for Occupational Preparation Programs in Metallurgy Technology. Interim Report. Research 28.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

German, Carl, Jr.

The major purpose of this guide is to elicit the information necessary for writing educational specifications for facilities to house technical education programs in metallurgy. It is organized in these parts: (1) Part I discusses the major purpose, underlying assumptions, recent instructional trends, and guiding principles utilized in the…

The Journal of Kitchen Chemistry: A Tool for Instructing the Preparation of a Chemistry Journal Article

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyers, Jonathan K.; LeBaron, Tyler W.; Collins, David C.

2014-01-01

Writing assignments are typically incorporated into chemistry courses in an attempt to enhance the learning of chemistry or to teach technical writing to chemistry majors. This work addresses the development of chemistry-major writing skills by focusing on the rigorous guidelines and conventions associated with the preparation of a journal…

Q2/Q3 2016 Solar Industry Update

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

Feldman, David; Boff, Daniel; Margolis, Robert

This technical presentation provides an update on the major trends that occurred in the solar industry in the Q2 and Q3 of 2016. Major topics of focus include global and U.S. supply and demand, module and system price, investment trends and business models, and updates on U.S. government programs supporting the solar industry.

Q3/Q4 2016 Solar Industry Update

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

Feldman, David; Boff, Daniel; Margolis, Robert

This technical presentation provides an update on the major trends that occurred in the solar industry in the Q3 and Q4 of 2016. Major topics of focus include global and U.S. supply and demand, module and system price, investment trends and business models, and updates on U.S. government programs supporting the solar industry.

Q2/Q3 2017 Solar Industry Update

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

Feldman, David J.; Hoskins, Jack; Margolis, Robert M.

This technical presentation provides an update on the major trends that occurred in the solar industry in Q2 and Q3 of 2017. Major topics of focus include global and U.S. supply and demand, module and system price, investment trends and business models, and updates on U.S. government programs supporting the solar industry.

Q4 2017/Q1 2018 Solar Industry Update

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

Feldman, David J; Margolis, Robert M; Hoskins, Jack

This technical presentation provides an update on the major trends that occurred in the solar industry in Q4 2017 and Q1 2018. Major topics of focus include global and U.S. supply and demand, module and system price, investment trends and business models, and updates on U.S. government programs supporting the solar industry.

Q3/Q4 2017 Solar Industry Update

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

Feldman, David J.; Hoskins, Jack; Margolis, Robert M.

This technical presentation provides an update on the major trends that occurred in the solar industry in the Q3 and Q4 of 2017. Major topics of focus include global and U.S. supply and demand, module and system price, investment trends and business models, and updates on U.S. government programs supporting the solar industry.

Proceedings of the F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire and Supercritical Wing First Flight's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Volume 2; Bibliography Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodge, Kenneth E. (Compiler); Kellogg, Yvonne (Editor)

1996-01-01

A technical symposium, aircraft display dedication, and pilots' panel discussion were held on May 27, 1992. to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first flights of the F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire (DFBW) and Supercritical Wing (SCW) research aircraft. The symposium featured technical presentations by former key government and industry participants in the advocacy, design, aircraft modification, and flight research program activities. The DFBW and SCW technical contributions are cited. A dedication ceremony marked permanent display of both program aircraft. The panel discussion participants included eight of the eighteen research and test pilots who flew these experimental aircraft. Pilots' remarks include descriptions of their most memorable flight experiences. The report also includes a survey of the Gulf Air War, an after-dinner presentation by noted aerospace author and historian Dr. Richard Hallion.

Proceedings of the F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire and Supercritical Wing First Flight's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodge, Kenneth E. (Compiler)

1996-01-01

A technical symposium, aircraft display dedication, and pilots' panel discussion were held on May 27, 1992, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first flights of the F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire (DFBW) and Supercrit- ical Wing (SCW) research aircraft. The symposium featured technical presentations by former key government and industry participants in the advocacy, design, aircraft modification, and flight research program activities. The DFBW and SCW technical contributions are cited. A dedication ceremony marked permanent display of both program aircraft. The panel discussion participants included eight of the eighteen research and test pilots who flew these experimental aircraft. Pilots' remarks include descriptions of their most memorable flight experiences The report also includes a survey of the Gulf Air War, and an after-dinner presentation by noted aerospace author and historian Dr. Richard Hallion.

[Des-interest in professional educating in the production of the National Seminar on Guidelines for Nursing Education].

PubMed

Vieira, Silvana Lima; da Silva, Gilberto Tadeu Reis; Fernandes, Josicelia Dumêt; e Silva, Ana Cláudia de Azevêdo Bião; Santana, Monique Santos; Santos, Thadeu Borges Souza

2014-01-01

Documentary, retrospective, quali-quantitative research, which aimed to examine the approaches of scientific productions through summaries of the 12 and 13 national seminar on guidelines for the education in nursing, which raised the medium-level technical professional education in nursing. quantify and discuss the scientific production of events regarding the geographical distribution of authors, objectives and methodology of the studies. As a criterion for inclusion the abstracts should contain at least one of the following descriptors in the title and/or objectives: education in nursing, technical education in nursing, vocational education. Reviewed 637 abstracts, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The production was concentrated in the Southeast region in Brazil and the objectives featured mainly teaching practices of the nurses. There was little expressiveness of vocational at the event, signaling the need for more studies, considering the relevance of the technical level professionals for the Nursing profession and the health system.

Advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) Technical Exchange Meeting

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

Smith, Curtis

2013-09-01

During FY13, the INL developed an advanced SMR PRA framework which has been described in the report Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) Detailed Technical Framework Specification, INL/EXT-13-28974 (April 2013). In this framework, the various areas are considered: Probabilistic models to provide information specific to advanced SMRs Representation of specific SMR design issues such as having co-located modules and passive safety features Use of modern open-source and readily available analysis methods Internal and external events resulting in impacts to safety All-hazards considerations Methods to support the identification of design vulnerabilities Mechanistic and probabilistic data needs to support modelingmore » and tools In order to describe this framework more fully and obtain feedback on the proposed approaches, the INL hosted a technical exchange meeting during August 2013. This report describes the outcomes of that meeting.« less

How, why, and when may atrial defibrillation find a specific role in implantable devices? A clinical viewpoint.

PubMed

Boriani, Giuseppe; Diemberger, Igor; Biffi, Mauro; Martignani, Cristian; Ziacchi, Matteo; Bertini, Matteo; Valzania, Cinzia; Bronzetti, Gabriele; Rapezzi, Claudio; Branzi, Angelo

2007-03-01

This viewpoint article discusses the potential for incorporation of atrial defibrillation capabilities in modern multi-chamber devices. In the late 1990s, the possibility of using shock-only therapy to treat selected patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) was explored in the context of the stand-alone atrial defibrillator. The failure of this strategy can be attributed to the technical limitations of the stand-alone device, low tolerance of atrial shocks, difficulties in patient selection, a lack of predictive knowledge about the evolution of AF, and, last but not least, commercial considerations. An open question is how atrial defibrillation capability may now assume a specific new role in devices implanted for sudden death prevention or cardiac resynchronization. For patients who already have indications for implantable devices, device-based atrial defibrillation appears attractive as a "backup" option for managing AF when preventive pharmacological/electrical measures fail. This and several other personalized hybrid therapeutic approaches await exploration, though assessment of their efficacy is methodologically challenging. Achievement of acceptance by patients is an essential premise for any updated atrial defibrillation strategy. Strategies that are being investigated to improve patient tolerance include waveform shaping, pharmacologic modulation of pain, and patient-activated defibrillation (patients might also perceive the problem of discomfort somewhat differently in the context of a backup therapy). The economic impact of implementing atrial defibrillation features in available devices is progressively decreasing, and financial feasibility need not be a major issue. Future studies should examine clinically relevant outcomes and not be limited (as occurred with stand-alone defibrillators) to technical or other soft endpoints.

The intelligent OR: design and validation of a context-aware surgical working environment.

PubMed

Franke, Stefan; Rockstroh, Max; Hofer, Mathias; Neumuth, Thomas

2018-05-24

Interoperability of medical devices based on standards starts to establish in the operating room (OR). Devices share their data and control functionalities. Yet, the OR technology rarely implements cooperative, intelligent behavior, especially in terms of active cooperation with the OR team. Technical context-awareness will be an essential feature of the next generation of medical devices to address the increasing demands to clinicians in information seeking, decision making, and human-machine interaction in complex surgical working environments. The paper describes the technical validation of an intelligent surgical working environment for endoscopic ear-nose-throat surgery. We briefly summarize the design of our framework for context-aware system's behavior in integrated OR and present example realizations of novel assistance functionalities. In a study on patient phantoms, twenty-four procedures were implemented in the proposed intelligent surgical working environment based on recordings of real interventions. Subsequently, the whole processing pipeline for context-awareness from workflow recognition to the final system's behavior is analyzed. Rule-based behavior that considers multiple perspectives on the procedure can partially compensate recognition errors. A considerable robustness could be achieved with a reasonable quality of the recognition. Overall, reliable reactive as well as proactive behavior of the surgical working environment can be implemented in the proposed environment. The obtained validation results indicate the suitability of the overall approach. The setup is a reliable starting point for a subsequent evaluation of the proposed context-aware assistance. The major challenge for future work will be to implement the complex approach in a cross-vendor setting.

Novel microfluidic system for online monitoring of biofilm dynamics by electrical impedance spectroscopy and amperometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruchmann, Julia; Sachsenheimer, Kai; Schwartz, Thomas; Rapp, Bastian E.

2016-03-01

Biofilm formation is ubiquitous in nature where microorganisms attach to surfaces and form highly adapted and protected communities. In technical and industrial systems like drinking water supply, food production or shipping industry biofilms are a major cause of product contamination, biofouling, and biocorrosion. Therefore, understanding of biofilm formation and means of preventing biofilm formation is important to develop novel biofilm treatment strategies. A system allowing directly online detection and monitoring biofilm formation is necessary. However, until today, there are little to none technical systems featuring a non-destructive real-time characterization of biofilm formation in a highthroughput manner. This paper presents such a microfluidic system based on electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and amperomertic current measurement. The sensor consists of four modules, each housing 24 independent electrodes within 12 microfluidic channels. Attached biomass on the electrodes is monitored as increased inhibition in charge transfer by EIS and a change in metabolic activity is measured as change in produced electric current by amperometry. This modular sensor system is highly adaptable and suitable for a broad range of microbiological applications. Among others, biofilm formation processes can be characterized online, biofilm manipulation like inactivation or destabilization can be monitored in real-time and gene expression can be analyzed in parallel. The use of different electrode designs allows effective biofilm studies during all biofilm phases. The whole system was recently extended by an integrated pneumatic microfluidic pump which enables easy handling procedures. Further developments of this pumping module will allow a fully- automated computer-controlled valving and pumping.

A Practice Approach of Multi-source Geospatial Data Integration for Web-based Geoinformation Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, W.; Jiang, J.; Zha, Z.; Zhang, H.; Wang, C.; Zhang, J.

2014-04-01

Geospatial data resources are the foundation of the construction of geo portal which is designed to provide online geoinformation services for the government, enterprise and public. It is vital to keep geospatial data fresh, accurate and comprehensive in order to satisfy the requirements of application and development of geographic location, route navigation, geo search and so on. One of the major problems we are facing is data acquisition. For us, integrating multi-sources geospatial data is the mainly means of data acquisition. This paper introduced a practice integration approach of multi-source geospatial data with different data model, structure and format, which provided the construction of National Geospatial Information Service Platform of China (NGISP) with effective technical supports. NGISP is the China's official geo portal which provides online geoinformation services based on internet, e-government network and classified network. Within the NGISP architecture, there are three kinds of nodes: national, provincial and municipal. Therefore, the geospatial data is from these nodes and the different datasets are heterogeneous. According to the results of analysis of the heterogeneous datasets, the first thing we do is to define the basic principles of data fusion, including following aspects: 1. location precision; 2.geometric representation; 3. up-to-date state; 4. attribute values; and 5. spatial relationship. Then the technical procedure is researched and the method that used to process different categories of features such as road, railway, boundary, river, settlement and building is proposed based on the principles. A case study in Jiangsu province demonstrated the applicability of the principle, procedure and method of multi-source geospatial data integration.

Study of Lurasidone in Treating Antipsychotic Naive or Quasi-Naive Children and Adolescents

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-05-18

Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective Disorder; Schizophreniform Disorder; Psychosis NOS; Autistic Disorder; Asperger Syndrome; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Bipolar I Disorder; Bipolar II Disorder; Mood Disorder NOS; Severe Major Depression With Psychotic Features; Single Episode Major Depression Without Psychotic Symptoms; Severe Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features

International Project on Technical and Vocational Education (UNEVOC). International Advisory Committee (Third Session, Paris, France, October 2-4, 1995). Final Report = Projet International pour l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel (UNEVOC). Comite Consultatif International (Troisieme Session, Paris, France, 2-4 octobre 1995). Rapport Final.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France).

The international advisory committee of the International Project on Technical and Vocational Education (UNEVOC) held its third session in Paris in October 1995. Advisory committee members and observers from the United Nations' specialized, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental organizations reviewed the major UNEVOC project activities undertaken…

International Project on Technical and Vocational Education (UNEVOC). International Advisory Committee (Second Session, Paris, France, December 12-14, 1994). Final Report = Projet International pour l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel (UNEVOC). Comite Consultatif International (Deuxieme Session, Paris, France, 12-14 decembre 1994). Rapport Final.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France).

The international advisory committee of the International Project on Technical and Vocational Education (UNEVOC) held its second session in Paris in December 1994. Nine advisory committee members and observers from the United Nations' specialized, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental organizations reviewed the major UNEVOC project activities…

GREAT I Study of the Upper Mississippi River. Technical Appendixes. Volume 9. Environmental Impact Statement.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

water from the tributaries . The problem of water quality impacts during dredging and disposal are addressed under the section entitled Channel...Dredged material should be placed out of the floodplain of the MIis- sissippi River and tributary streams. b. In those cases where in-floodplain...at dredge sites below the con- fluence of major bed load supplying tributaries when the technical relation- ships indicate a high risk of potential

Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC). Annual technical report, Fiscal Year 2001

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

None, None

2002-08-01

The DOE Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC) serves primarily to enhance coordination among the Department's materials programs and to further effective use of materials expertise within the Department. These functions are accomplished through the exchange of budgetary and planning information among program managers and through technical meetings/workshops on selected topics involving both DOE and major contractors. In addition, EMaCC assists in obtaining materials-related inputs for both intra- and interagency compilations.

The role of materials in global competitiveness

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

NONE

A symposium on global competitiveness was sponsored by ASM`s Advisory Technical Awareness Council during Materials Week in Cleveland last October. Carpenter Technology`s approach to internationalization and diversification involves three steps: internationalization of core businesses, diversification into engineered products, and focused research and development. Aluminum`s potential was the basis of the Audi-Alcoa relationship, and the result was a true breakthrough: a spaceframe structure designed to integrate every component surface as a structural entity, featuring straight and curved extruded sections joined by complex diecast nodes at key intersections and connection points. Through the support of research and development, many federal departments andmore » agencies have long been involved directly or indirectly in the support of civilian as well as defense industries. New copper alloys and fabrication techniques are enhancing global competitiveness, based largely on copper`s natural advantages of conductivity and corrosion resistance. The heavy equipment industry is a major transformer and user of steel, rubber, aluminum, welding consumables and equipment; glass, plastics, microprocessors and electronics; machine tools, and energy. It comprises the construction, farming, mining, and powertrain equipment manufacturers.« less

Future global SLR network evolution and its impact on the terrestrial reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kehm, Alexander; Bloßfeld, Mathis; Pavlis, Erricos C.; Seitz, Florian

2018-06-01

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) is an important technique that contributes to the determination of terrestrial geodetic reference frames, especially to the realization of the origin and the scale of global networks. One of the major limiting factors of SLR-derived reference frame realizations is the datum accuracy which significantly suffers from the current global SLR station distribution. In this paper, the impact of a potential future development of the SLR network on the estimated datum parameters is investigated. The current status of the SLR network is compared to a simulated potential future network featuring additional stations improving the global network geometry. In addition, possible technical advancements resulting in a higher amount of observations are taken into account as well. As a result, we find that the network improvement causes a decrease in the scatter of the network translation parameters of up to 24%, and up to 20% for the scale, whereas the technological improvement causes a reduction in the scatter of up to 27% for the translations and up to 49% for the scale. The Earth orientation parameters benefit by up to 15% from both effects.

Limb and Nadir detection of UV/vis/near IR absorbing trace gases from the novel research aircraft HALO around the tropopause and in the troposphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hüneke, Tilman; Gentry, Eric; Kenntner, Mareike; Ludmann, Sabrina; Raecke, Rasmus; Pfeilsticker, Klaus

2013-02-01

A novel 6-channel mini-DOAS optical spectrometer has been deployed on the novel HALO research aircraft. It is aiming at high sensitive measurements of profiles of O3, NO2, CH2O, C2H2O2, BrO, OClO, IO, gaseous, liquid and solid H2O around flight altitude. The Nadir observation also allows to measure the total tropospheric column of these gases. Upon the retrieval of slant column amounts of the targeted gases, the data reduction involves forward radiative transfer modelling of the observations and standard mathematical inversion technique. For the first time, the novel spectrometer has been deployed on the HALO research aircraft during TACTS (Transport And Composition in the UT/LMS) and ESMVal (Earth System Model Validation) measurement campaigns which took place in summer 2012. The present contribution reports on technical features of the novel instrument, the feasibility of the method together with some first sample results for major absorbers.

Face Allotransplantation and Burns: a Review

PubMed Central

A, Arno; JP, Barret; RA, Harrison; MG, Jeschke

2012-01-01

Burns may represent one of the main indications for face allotransplantation. Severely disfigured faces featuring a devastating appearance and great functional impairments are not only seen as burn sequelae, but also occur as a result of other traumatic injuries, oncological surgical resections, benign tumors (e.g., neurofibromatosis), and major congenital malformations. To date, sixteen human face composite tissue allotransplantations have been performed with success. Despite the initial scepticism about its applicability, due mainly to ethical and technical reasons, the previous worldwide cases and their associated positive outcomes –including acceptable immunosuppressive regimens, excellent aesthetic and functional results, and good psychological acceptance by the recipient- , enable the conclusion that face composite tissue allotransplantation has become another therapeutic strategy in the reconstructive surgical armamentarium, which bears special consideration when dealing with severely disfigured burned patients. The aim of this review is to describe the basics of face composite tissue allotransplantation and give an overview of some of the cases performed until now, with special attention paid to debating the pros and cons of its applicability in burn patients. PMID:22274632

Plant Virus–Insect Vector Interactions: Current and Potential Future Research Directions

PubMed Central

Dietzgen, Ralf G.; Mann, Krin S.; Johnson, Karyn N.

2016-01-01

Acquisition and transmission by an insect vector is central to the infection cycle of the majority of plant pathogenic viruses. Plant viruses can interact with their insect host in a variety of ways including both non-persistent and circulative transmission; in some cases, the latter involves virus replication in cells of the insect host. Replicating viruses can also elicit both innate and specific defense responses in the insect host. A consistent feature is that the interaction of the virus with its insect host/vector requires specific molecular interactions between virus and host, commonly via proteins. Understanding the interactions between plant viruses and their insect host can underpin approaches to protect plants from infection by interfering with virus uptake and transmission. Here, we provide a perspective focused on identifying novel approaches and research directions to facilitate control of plant viruses by better understanding and targeting virus–insect molecular interactions. We also draw parallels with molecular interactions in insect vectors of animal viruses, and consider technical advances for their control that may be more broadly applicable to plant virus vectors. PMID:27834855