24 CFR 902.47 - Management operations portion of total PHAS points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Management operations portion of... Operations § 902.47 Management operations portion of total PHAS points. Of the total 100 points available for a PHAS score, a PHA may receive up to 30 points based on the Management Operations Indicator. ...

Microprocessor-controlled step-down maximum-power-point tracker for photovoltaic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazmuder, R. K.; Haidar, S.

1992-12-01

An efficient maximum power point tracker (MPPT) has been developed and can be used with a photovoltaic (PV) array and a load which requires lower voltage than the PV array voltage to be operated. The MPPT makes the PV array to operate at maximum power point (MPP) under all insolation and temperature, which ensures the maximum amount of available PV power to be delivered to the load. The performance of the MPPT has been studied under different insolation levels.

Economics of an ecotourism operation in Belize

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kangas, Patrick; Shave, Mary; Shave, Paul

1995-09-01

The economic inputs and outputs for the Possum Point Biological Station in Belize during 1990 1992 are described to illustrate some aspects of an ecotourism operation. Eight hundred fifty-four people in 59 groups visited Possum Point during the study period to tour rain forests, estuaries, and coral reefs. The economic input to Possum Point from these groups increased from 74,552 in 1990 to 166,268 in 1992. Outputs were for license fees, capital improvements, goods and services, labor, fossil fuels, and development of a historic sugar mill site. An annual donation was also made to a scholarship fund for local Belizean students. The net cash balance of income and outputs changed from negative (-6678) in 1990 to positive (+4811) in 1992, suggesting development of the economic operation. Possum Point meets the economic criteria for ecotourism by feeding back some tourist monies for community and environmental support, particularly donations for the sugar mill site and the scholarship fund. Most of the outputs from Possum Point (about 80%) were retained in the local economy through employment and purchases, which have a positive influence on the local community. We conclude that ecotourism operations, such as Possum Point, offer important sustainable development opportunities for Belize.

Studies of uranium-sodium suspensions. Part I. Construction and operation of experimental loop

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

Bett, F L; Hilditch, R J; Mepham, R G

1961-08-01

An experimnental uranium- sodium suspension loop was operated for 4320 hr. The design, construction, commissioning, and operation of the loop to the point where a comnplete stable suspension was obtained is described.

78 FR 23845 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Narrow Bay, Smith Point, NY

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-23

... Operation Regulations; Narrow Bay, Smith Point, NY AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary... deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Smith Point Bridge, mile 6.1, across Narrow Bay, between Smith Point and Fire Island, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the Smith Point...

Overview of the experimental tests in prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egusquiza, Eduard; Valentín, David; Presas, Alexandre; Valero, Carme

2017-04-01

Experimental tests in prototype are necessary to understand the dynamic behaviour of the machine during different operating points. Hydraulic phenomena as well as its effect on the structure need to be studied in order to avoid instabilities during operation and to extend the life-time of the different components. For this purpose, a complete experimental study of a large Francis turbine prototype has been performed installing several sensors along the machine. Pressure sensors were installed in the penstock, spiral case, runner and draft tube, strain gauges were installed in the runner, vibration sensors were used in the stationary parts and different electrical and operational parameters were also measured. All these signals were acquired simultaneously for different operating points of the turbine.

Metropolitan transportation management center concepts of operation : a cross-cutting study : improving transportation network efficiency

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The implementor and operator of a regional transportation management center (TMC) face a challenging task. Operators of TMCsthe primary point of coordination for managing transportation resourcestypically control millions of dollars of intellig...

Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS) magnetic rotary joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, W. E.; Quach, W.; Thomas, W.

1993-01-01

The Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS) is a prototype of flight hardware for a high-accuracy space payload pointing mount. The long term project objective is to perform modifications and implement improvements to the existing ASPS in hopes of recommission. Also, new applications will be investigated for this technology. This report will focus on the first aspect of this overall goal, to establish operation of a single bearing station. Presented is an overview of the system history and bearing operation followed by the processes, results, and status of the single bearing study.

Providing nearest neighbor point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J.; Faraj, Ahmad A.; Inglett, Todd A.; Ratterman, Joseph D.

2012-10-23

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for providing nearest neighbor point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer, each compute node connected to each adjacent compute node in the global combining network through a link, that include: identifying each link in the global combining network for each compute node of the operational group; designating one of a plurality of point-to-point class routing identifiers for each link such that no compute node in the operational group is connected to two adjacent compute nodes in the operational group with links designated for the same class routing identifiers; and configuring each compute node of the operational group for point-to-point communications with each adjacent compute node in the global combining network through the link between that compute node and that adjacent compute node using that link's designated class routing identifier.

Middleware Evaluation and Benchmarking for Use in Mission Operations Centers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antonucci, Rob; Waktola, Waka

2005-01-01

Middleware technologies have been promoted as timesaving, cost-cutting alternatives to the point-to-point communication used in traditional mission operations systems. However, missions have been slow to adopt the new technology. The lack of existing middleware-based missions has given rise to uncertainty about middleware's ability to perform in an operational setting. Most mission architects are also unfamiliar with the technology and do not know the benefits and detriments to architectural choices - or even what choices are available. We will present the findings of a study that evaluated several middleware options specifically for use in a mission operations system. We will address some common misconceptions regarding the applicability of middleware-based architectures, and we will identify the design decisions and tradeoffs that must be made when choosing a middleware solution. The Middleware Comparison and Benchmark Study was conducted at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to comprehensively evaluate candidate middleware products, compare and contrast the performance of middleware solutions with the traditional point- to-point socket approach, and assess data delivery and reliability strategies. The study focused on requirements of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, validating the potential use of middleware in the GPM mission ground system. The study was jointly funded by GPM and the Goddard Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC), a virtual organization for providing mission enabling solutions and promoting the use of appropriate new technologies for mission support. The study was broken into two phases. To perform the generic middleware benchmarking and performance analysis, a network was created with data producers and consumers passing data between themselves. The benchmark monitored the delay, throughput, and reliability of the data as the characteristics were changed. Measurements were taken under a variety of topologies, data demands, and data characteristics, using several middleware products. All results were compared to systems using traditional point-to-point socket communication. By comparing performance results under Merent settings, inferences could be made about each middleware's ability to meet certain requirements of the GPM mission. The second phase simulated a middleware-based mission operations center. Actual mission support tools were either used or simulated to create real world demands on the middleware. Network and computer demands were watched closely to verify that no specific idiosyncrasies of mission operations activities would prove unsupportable by the middleware. In our presentation, we will address some commonly accepted misconceptions concerning middleware in mission support architectures. Specifically, we will focus on the perception that middleware solutions are too slow or impose too much overhead for real-time mission operations, and that middleware solutions are too expensive for small

Fermion-scalar conformal blocks

DOE PAGES

Iliesiu, Luca; Kos, Filip; Poland, David; ...

2016-04-13

In this study, we compute the conformal blocks associated with scalar-scalar-fermionfermion 4-point functions in 3D CFTs. Together with the known scalar conformal blocks, our result completes the task of determining the so-called ‘seed blocks’ in three dimensions. In addition, conformal blocks associated with 4-point functions of operators with arbitrary spins can now be determined from these seed blocks by using known differential operators.

Modular acute system for general surgery: hand over the operation, not the patient.

PubMed

Poole, Garth H; Glyn, Tamara; Srinivasa, Sanket; Hill, Andrew G

2012-03-01

Various models have been proposed to effectively provide acute surgical care in Australasia. Recently, General Surgeons Australia (GSA) has published a 12-point plan with guiding principles on this matter. This study describes a model of providing acute general surgical care in a high-volume institution, evaluates clinical outcomes and critically appraises the system against the GSA 12-point plan. The acute care system is qualitatively described with quantitative measures of workload. The outcomes of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy were used as a proxy of system performance. The system was critically appraised against the GSA 12-point plan. Teams are on call once per week with each surgeon on call once per fortnight. The three key elements of acute management - collecting patients, post-acute ward round and operating - are treated as modules. The patient remains under the care of the admitting consultant but is often operated on by another team. From June 2009 to 2010, there were 7429 acute general surgical admissions (mean: 20.4 patients per day) with 2999 acute operations (mean: 8.4 operations per day). The other activities of the department were not compromised. In that time, 388 acute laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed with a conversion rate of 1.3% and no major bile duct injury. The system is compatible with the GSA 12-point plan. This study describes an efficient and safe system for providing acute general surgical care in a high-volume setting with satisfactory clinical outcomes. It is compatible with the GSA 12-point plan. © 2012 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2012 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

76 FR 60733 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Narrow Bay, Smith Point, NY

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-30

... Operation Regulations; Narrow Bay, Smith Point, NY AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary... deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Smith Point Bridge, 6.1, across Narrow Bay, between Smith Point and Fire Island, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge...

Operating Point Self-Regulator for Giant Magneto-Impedance Magnetic Sensor.

PubMed

Zhou, Han; Pan, Zhongming; Zhang, Dasha

2017-05-11

The giant magneto-impedance (GMI) magnetic sensor based on the amorphous wire has been believed to be tiny dimensions, high sensitivity, quick response, and small power consumption. This kind of sensor is usually working under a bias magnetic field that is called the sensor's operating point. However, the changes in direction and intensity of the external magnetic field, or the changes in sensing direction and position of the sensor, will lead to fluctuations in operating point when the sensor is working without any magnetic shield. In this work, a GMI sensor based on the operating point self-regulator is designed to overcome the problem. The regulator is based on the compensated feedback control that can maintain the operating point of a GMI sensor in a uniform position. With the regulator, the GMI sensor exhibits a stable sensitivity regardless of the external magnetic field. In comparison with the former work, the developed operating point regulator can improve the accuracy and stability of the operating point and therefore decrease the noise and disturbances that are introduced into the GMI sensor by the previous self-regulation system.

Operating Point Self-Regulator for Giant Magneto-Impedance Magnetic Sensor

PubMed Central

Zhou, Han; Pan, Zhongming; Zhang, Dasha

2017-01-01

The giant magneto-impedance (GMI) magnetic sensor based on the amorphous wire has been believed to be tiny dimensions, high sensitivity, quick response, and small power consumption. This kind of sensor is usually working under a bias magnetic field that is called the sensor’s operating point. However, the changes in direction and intensity of the external magnetic field, or the changes in sensing direction and position of the sensor, will lead to fluctuations in operating point when the sensor is working without any magnetic shield. In this work, a GMI sensor based on the operating point self-regulator is designed to overcome the problem. The regulator is based on the compensated feedback control that can maintain the operating point of a GMI sensor in a uniform position. With the regulator, the GMI sensor exhibits a stable sensitivity regardless of the external magnetic field. In comparison with the former work, the developed operating point regulator can improve the accuracy and stability of the operating point and therefore decrease the noise and disturbances that are introduced into the GMI sensor by the previous self-regulation system. PMID:28492514

Technologies for Networked Enabled Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, B.; Levine, J.

2005-01-01

Current point-to-point data links will not scale to support future integration of surveillance, security, and globally-distributed air traffic data, and already hinders efficiency and capacity. While the FAA and industry focus on a transition to initial system-wide information management (SWIM) capabilities, this paper describes a set of initial studies of NAS network-enabled operations technology gaps targeted for maturity in later SWIM spirals (201 5-2020 timeframe).

NARMER-1: a photon point-kernel code with build-up factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visonneau, Thierry; Pangault, Laurence; Malouch, Fadhel; Malvagi, Fausto; Dolci, Florence

2017-09-01

This paper presents an overview of NARMER-1, the new generation of photon point-kernel code developed by the Reactor Studies and Applied Mathematics Unit (SERMA) at CEA Saclay Center. After a short introduction giving some history points and the current context of development of the code, the paper exposes the principles implemented in the calculation, the physical quantities computed and surveys the generic features: programming language, computer platforms, geometry package, sources description, etc. Moreover, specific and recent features are also detailed: exclusion sphere, tetrahedral meshes, parallel operations. Then some points about verification and validation are presented. Finally we present some tools that can help the user for operations like visualization and pre-treatment.

Stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable distributed feedback laser for interferometric sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Xuefeng; Zhou, Xinlei; Yu, Qingxu

2016-02-01

We describe a stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser for quadrature demodulation of interferometric sensors. By introducing automatic lock quadrature point and wavelength periodically tuning compensation into an interferometric system, the operation point of interferometric system is stabilized when the system suffers various environmental perturbations. To demonstrate the feasibility of this stabilizing operation point technique, experiments have been performed using a tunable-DFB-laser as light source to interrogate an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric vibration sensor and a diaphragm-based acoustic sensor. Experimental results show that good tracing of Q-point was effectively realized.

47 CFR 101.137 - Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... point-to-point microwave stations. 101.137 Section 101.137 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.137 Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations. Private...

47 CFR 101.137 - Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... point-to-point microwave stations. 101.137 Section 101.137 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.137 Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations. Private...

47 CFR 101.137 - Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... point-to-point microwave stations. 101.137 Section 101.137 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.137 Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations. Private...

47 CFR 101.137 - Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... point-to-point microwave stations. 101.137 Section 101.137 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.137 Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations. Private...

47 CFR 101.137 - Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... point-to-point microwave stations. 101.137 Section 101.137 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Technical Standards § 101.137 Interconnection of private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations. Private...

Performance evaluation of an anaerobic/aerobic landfill-based digester using yard waste for energy and compost production

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

Yazdani, Ramin, E-mail: ryazdani@sbcglobal.net; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Ghausi Hall, Davis, CA 95616; Barlaz, Morton A., E-mail: barlaz@eos.ncsu.edu

2012-05-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Biochemical methane potential decreased by 83% during the two-stage operation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Net energy produced was 84.3 MWh or 46 kWh per million metric tons (Mg). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The average removal efficiency of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was 96-99%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The average removal efficiency of non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs) was 68-99%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The two-stage batch digester proved to be simple to operate and cost-effective. - Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate a new alternative for yard waste management by constructing, operating and monitoring a landfill-based two-stage batch digester (anaerobic/aerobic) with the recovery of energy and compost. Themore » system was initially operated under anaerobic conditions for 366 days, after which the yard waste was aerated for an additional 191 days. Off gas generated from the aerobic stage was treated by biofilters. Net energy recovery was 84.3 MWh, or 46 kWh per million metric tons of wet waste (as received), and the biochemical methane potential of the treated waste decreased by 83% during the two-stage operation. The average removal efficiencies of volatile organic compounds and non-methane organic compounds in the biofilters were 96-99% and 68-99%, respectively.« less

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pulmonary Concerns in Remote Spaceflight Triage Environments.

PubMed

Johansen, Benjamin D; Blue, Rebecca S; Castleberry, Tarah L; Antonsen, Erik L; Vanderploeg, James M

2018-02-01

With the development of the commercial space industry, growing numbers of spaceflight participants will engage in activities with a risk for pulmonary injuries, including pneumothorax, ebullism, and decompression sickness, as well as other concomitant trauma. Medical triage capabilities for mishaps involving pulmonary conditions have not been systematically reviewed. Recent studies have advocated the use of point-of-care ultrasound to screen for lung injury or illness. The operational utility of portable ultrasound systems in disaster relief and other austere settings may be relevant to commercial spaceflight. A systematic review of published literature was conducted concerning the use of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound techniques in austere environments, including suggested examination protocols for triage and diagnosis. Recent studies support the utility of pulmonary ultrasound examinations when performed by skilled operators, and comparability of the results to computed tomography and chest radiography for certain conditions, with important implications for trauma management in austere environments. Pulmonary injury and illness are among the potential health risks facing spaceflight participants. Implementation of point-of-care ultrasound protocols could aid in the rapid diagnosis, triage, and treatment of such conditions. Though operator-dependent, ultrasound, with proper training, experience, and equipment, could be a valuable tool in the hands of a first responder supporting remote spaceflight operations.Johansen BD, Blue RS, Castleberry TL, Antonsen EL, Vanderploeg JM. Point-of-care ultrasound for pulmonary concerns in remote spaceflight triage environments. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(2):122-129.

International Space Station Payload Operations Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fanske, Elizabeth Anne

2011-01-01

The Payload Operations Integrator (POINT) plays an integral part in the Certification of Flight Readiness process for the Mission Operations Laboratory and the Payload Operations Integration Function that supports International Space Station Payload operations. The POINTs operate in support of the POIF Payload Operations Manager to bring together and integrate the Certification of Flight Readiness inputs from various MOL teams through maintaining an open work tracking log. The POINTs create monthly metrics for current and future payloads that the Payload Operations Integration Function supports. With these tools, the POINTs assemble the Certification of Flight Readiness package before a given flight, stating that the Mission Operations Laboratory is prepared to support it. I have prepared metrics for Increment 29/30, maintained the Open Work Tracking Logs for Flights ULF6 (STS-134) and ULF7 (STS-135), and submitted the Mission Operations Laboratory Certification of Flight Readiness package for Flight 44P to the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD/OZ).

Imaging diagnostics in ovarian cancer: magnetic resonance imaging and a scoring system guiding choice of primary treatment.

PubMed

Kasper, Sigrid M; Dueholm, Margit; Marinovskij, Edvard; Blaakær, Jan

2017-03-01

To analyze the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and systematic evaluation at surgery to predict optimal cytoreduction in primary advanced ovarian cancer and to develop a preoperative scoring system for cancer staging. Preoperative MRI and standard laparotomy were performed in 99 women with either ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of a systematic description of the tumor in nine abdominal compartments obtained by MRI and during surgery plus clinical parameters, a scoring system was designed that predicted non-optimal cytoreduction. Non-optimal cytoreduction at operation was predicted by the following: (A) presence of comorbidities group 3 or 4 (ASA); (B) tumor presence in multiple numbers of different compartments, and (C) numbers of specified sites of organ involvement. The score includes: number of compartments involved (1-9 points), >1 subdiaphragmal location with presence of tumor (1 point); deep organ involvement of liver (1 point), porta hepatis (1 point), spleen (1 point), mesentery/vessel (1 point), cecum/ileocecal (1 point), rectum/vessels (1 point): ASA groups 3 and 4 (2 points). Use of the scoring system based on operative findings gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 91% (85-98%) for patients in whom optimal cytoreduction could not be achieved. The score AUC obtained by MRI was 84% (76-92%), and 43% of non-optimal cytoreduction patients were identified, with only 8% of potentially operable patients being falsely evaluated as suitable for non-optimal cytoreduction at the most optimal cut-off value. Tumor in individual locations did not predict operability. This systematic scoring system based on operative findings and MRI may predict non-optimal cytoreduction. MRI is able to assess ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis with satisfactory concordance with laparotomic findings. This scoring system could be useful as a clinical guideline and should be evaluated and developed further in larger studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Viscous Three-Dimensional Simulation of Flow in an Axial Low Pressure Compressor at Engine Icing Operating Points

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rigby, David L.; Ameri, Ali A.; Veres, Joe; Jorgenson, Philip C. E.

2017-01-01

Viscous three-dimensional simulations of the Honeywell ALF502R-5 low pressure compressor (sometimes called a booster) using the NASA Glenn code GlennHT have been carried out. A total of ten simulations were produced. Five operating points are investigated, with each point run with two different wall thermal conditions. These operating points are at, or near, points where engine icing has been determined to be likely. In the future, the results of this study will be used for further analysis such as predicting collection efficiency of ice particles and ice growth rates at various locations in the compressor. A mixing plane boundary condition is used between each blade row, resulting in convergence to steady state within each blade row. The k-omega turbulence model of Wilcox, combined with viscous grid spacing near the wall on the order of one, is used to resolve the turbulent boundary layers. For each of the operating points, heat transfer coefficients are generated on the blades and walls. The heat transfer coefficients are produced by running the operating point with two different wall thermal conditions and then solving simultaneously for the heat transfer coefficient and adiabatic wall temperature at each point. Average Nusselt numbers are calculated for the most relevant surfaces. The values are seen to scale with Reynolds number to approximately a power of 0.7. Additionally, images of surface distribution of Nusselt number are presented. Qualitative comparison between the five operating points show that there is relatively little change in the character of the distribution. The dominant observed effect is that of an overall scaling, which is expected due to Reynolds number differences. One interesting aspect about the Nusselt number distribution is observed on the casing (outer diameter) downstream of the exit guide vanes (EGVs). The Nusselt number is relatively high between the pairs of EGVs, with two lower troughs downstream of each EGV trailing edge. This is of particular interest since rather complex ice shapes have been observed in that region.

Physical constraints, fundamental limits, and optimal locus of operating points for an inverted pendulum based actuated dynamic walker.

PubMed

Patnaik, Lalit; Umanand, Loganathan

2015-10-26

The inverted pendulum is a popular model for describing bipedal dynamic walking. The operating point of the walker can be specified by the combination of initial mid-stance velocity (v0) and step angle (φm) chosen for a given walk. In this paper, using basic mechanics, a framework of physical constraints that limit the choice of operating points is proposed. The constraint lines thus obtained delimit the allowable region of operation of the walker in the v0-φm plane. A given average forward velocity vx,avg can be achieved by several combinations of v0 and φm. Only one of these combinations results in the minimum mechanical power consumption and can be considered the optimum operating point for the given vx,avg. This paper proposes a method for obtaining this optimal operating point based on tangency of the power and velocity contours. Putting together all such operating points for various vx,avg, a family of optimum operating points, called the optimal locus, is obtained. For the energy loss and internal energy models chosen, the optimal locus obtained has a largely constant step angle with increasing speed but tapers off at non-dimensional speeds close to unity.

Schrödinger Operator with Non-Zero Accumulation Points of Complex Eigenvalues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bögli, Sabine

2017-06-01

We study Schrödinger operators {H=-Δ + V} in {L2(Ω)} where {Ω} is R^d or the half-space R+d, subject to (real) Robin boundary conditions in the latter case. For {p > d} we construct a non-real potential {V \\in Lp(Ω) \\cap L^{∞}(Ω)} that decays at infinity so that H has infinitely many non-real eigenvalues accumulating at every point of the essential spectrum {σ_ess(H)=[0,∞)}. This demonstrates that the Lieb-Thirring inequalities for selfadjoint Schrödinger operators are no longer true in the non-selfadjoint case.

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) advanced expander cycle engine point design study. Volume 3: Engine data summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The engine operating characteristics were examined. Inlet pressure effects, tank pressurization effects, steady-state specific impulse, and the steady-state cycle were studied. The propellant flow schematic and operating sequence are presented. Engine hardware drawings are included.

A multiple objective optimization approach to quality control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seaman, Christopher Michael

1991-01-01

The use of product quality as the performance criteria for manufacturing system control is explored. The goal in manufacturing, for economic reasons, is to optimize product quality. The problem is that since quality is a rather nebulous product characteristic, there is seldom an analytic function that can be used as a measure. Therefore standard control approaches, such as optimal control, cannot readily be applied. A second problem with optimizing product quality is that it is typically measured along many dimensions: there are many apsects of quality which must be optimized simultaneously. Very often these different aspects are incommensurate and competing. The concept of optimality must now include accepting tradeoffs among the different quality characteristics. These problems are addressed using multiple objective optimization. It is shown that the quality control problem can be defined as a multiple objective optimization problem. A controller structure is defined using this as the basis. Then, an algorithm is presented which can be used by an operator to interactively find the best operating point. Essentially, the algorithm uses process data to provide the operator with two pieces of information: (1) if it is possible to simultaneously improve all quality criteria, then determine what changes to the process input or controller parameters should be made to do this; and (2) if it is not possible to improve all criteria, and the current operating point is not a desirable one, select a criteria in which a tradeoff should be made, and make input changes to improve all other criteria. The process is not operating at an optimal point in any sense if no tradeoff has to be made to move to a new operating point. This algorithm ensures that operating points are optimal in some sense and provides the operator with information about tradeoffs when seeking the best operating point. The multiobjective algorithm was implemented in two different injection molding scenarios: tuning of process controllers to meet specified performance objectives and tuning of process inputs to meet specified quality objectives. Five case studies are presented.

75 FR 3497 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Indian...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-21

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247 and 50-286; NRC-2010-0006] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 3, LLC,: Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3; Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility Operating License and Opportunity To Request a...

A Study of a Two Stage Maximum Power Point Tracking Control of a Photovoltaic System under Partially Shaded Insolation Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Kenji; Takano, Ichiro; Sawada, Yoshio

A photovoltaic array shows relatively low output power density, and has a greatly drooping Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristic. Therefore, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control is used to maximize the output power of the array. Many papers have been reported in relation to MPPT. However, the Current-Power (I-P) curve sometimes shows multi-local maximum points mode under non-uniform insolation conditions. The operating point of the PV system tends to converge to a local maximum output point which is not the real maximal output point on the I-P curve. Some papers have been also reported, trying to avoid this difficulty. However most of those control systems become rather complicated. Then, the two stage MPPT control method is proposed in this paper to realize a relatively simple control system which can track the real maximum power point even under non-uniform insolation conditions. The feasibility of this control concept is confirmed for steady insolation as well as for rapidly changing insolation by simulation study using software PSIM and LabVIEW. In addition, simulated experiment confirms fundament al operation of the two stage MPPT control.

Purely Singular Continuous Spectrum for CMV Operators Generated by Subshifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ong, Darren C.

2014-03-01

We prove uniform absence of point spectrum for CMV operators corresponding to the period doubling subshift. We also prove almost sure absence of point spectrum for CMV operators corresponding to a class of Sturmian subshifts. Lastly, we prove almost sure absence of point spectrum for CMV operators corresponding to some subshifts generated by a coding of a rotation.

Operation condition for continuous anti-solvent crystallization of CBZ-SAC cocrystal considering deposition risk of undesired crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimaru, Momoko; Nakasa, Miku; Kudo, Shoji; Takiyama, Hiroshi

2017-07-01

Crystallization operation of cocrystal production has deposition risk of undesired crystals. Simultaneously, continuous manufacturing processes are focused on. In this study, conditions for continuous cocrystallization considering risk reduction of undesired crystals deposition were investigated on the view point of thermodynamics and kinetics. The anti-solvent cocrystallization was carried out in four-component system of carbamazepine, saccharin, methanol and water. From the preliminary batch experiment, the relationships among undesired crystal deposition, solution composition decided by mixing ratio of solutions, and residence time for the crystals were considered, and then the conditions of continuous experiment were decided. Under these conditions, the continuous experiment was carried out. The XRD patterns of obtained crystals in the continuous experiment showed that desired cocrystals were obtained without undesired crystals. This experimental result was evaluated by using multi-component phase diagrams from the view point of the operation point's movement. From the evaluation, it was found that there is a certain operation condition which the operation point is fixed with time in the specific domain without the deposition risk of undesired single component crystals. It means the possibility of continuous production of cocrystals without deposition risk of undesired crystals was confirmed by using multi-component phase diagrams.

Sensitivity of a juvenile subject-specific musculoskeletal model of the ankle joint to the variability of operator-dependent input

PubMed Central

Hannah, Iain; Montefiori, Erica; Modenese, Luca; Prinold, Joe; Viceconti, Marco; Mazzà, Claudia

2017-01-01

Subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling is especially useful in the study of juvenile and pathological subjects. However, such methodologies typically require a human operator to identify key landmarks from medical imaging data and are thus affected by unavoidable variability in the parameters defined and subsequent model predictions. The aim of this study was to thus quantify the inter- and intra-operator repeatability of a subject-specific modelling methodology developed for the analysis of subjects with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Three operators each created subject-specific musculoskeletal foot and ankle models via palpation of bony landmarks, adjustment of geometrical muscle points and definition of joint coordinate systems. These models were then fused to a generic Arnold lower limb model for each of three modelled patients. The repeatability of each modelling operation was found to be comparable to those previously reported for the modelling of healthy, adult subjects. However, the inter-operator repeatability of muscle point definition was significantly greater than intra-operator repeatability (p < 0.05) and predicted ankle joint contact forces ranged by up to 24% and 10% of the peak force for the inter- and intra-operator analyses, respectively. Similarly, the maximum inter- and intra-operator variations in muscle force output were 64% and 23% of peak force, respectively. Our results suggest that subject-specific modelling is operator dependent at the foot and ankle, with the definition of muscle geometry the most significant source of output uncertainty. The development of automated procedures to prevent the misplacement of crucial muscle points should therefore be considered a particular priority for those developing subject-specific models. PMID:28427313

Sensitivity of a juvenile subject-specific musculoskeletal model of the ankle joint to the variability of operator-dependent input.

PubMed

Hannah, Iain; Montefiori, Erica; Modenese, Luca; Prinold, Joe; Viceconti, Marco; Mazzà, Claudia

2017-05-01

Subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling is especially useful in the study of juvenile and pathological subjects. However, such methodologies typically require a human operator to identify key landmarks from medical imaging data and are thus affected by unavoidable variability in the parameters defined and subsequent model predictions. The aim of this study was to thus quantify the inter- and intra-operator repeatability of a subject-specific modelling methodology developed for the analysis of subjects with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Three operators each created subject-specific musculoskeletal foot and ankle models via palpation of bony landmarks, adjustment of geometrical muscle points and definition of joint coordinate systems. These models were then fused to a generic Arnold lower limb model for each of three modelled patients. The repeatability of each modelling operation was found to be comparable to those previously reported for the modelling of healthy, adult subjects. However, the inter-operator repeatability of muscle point definition was significantly greater than intra-operator repeatability ( p < 0.05) and predicted ankle joint contact forces ranged by up to 24% and 10% of the peak force for the inter- and intra-operator analyses, respectively. Similarly, the maximum inter- and intra-operator variations in muscle force output were 64% and 23% of peak force, respectively. Our results suggest that subject-specific modelling is operator dependent at the foot and ankle, with the definition of muscle geometry the most significant source of output uncertainty. The development of automated procedures to prevent the misplacement of crucial muscle points should therefore be considered a particular priority for those developing subject-specific models.

Automated design of image operators that detect interest points.

PubMed

Trujillo, Leonardo; Olague, Gustavo

2008-01-01

This work describes how evolutionary computation can be used to synthesize low-level image operators that detect interesting points on digital images. Interest point detection is an essential part of many modern computer vision systems that solve tasks such as object recognition, stereo correspondence, and image indexing, to name but a few. The design of the specialized operators is posed as an optimization/search problem that is solved with genetic programming (GP), a strategy still mostly unexplored by the computer vision community. The proposed approach automatically synthesizes operators that are competitive with state-of-the-art designs, taking into account an operator's geometric stability and the global separability of detected points during fitness evaluation. The GP search space is defined using simple primitive operations that are commonly found in point detectors proposed by the vision community. The experiments described in this paper extend previous results (Trujillo and Olague, 2006a,b) by presenting 15 new operators that were synthesized through the GP-based search. Some of the synthesized operators can be regarded as improved manmade designs because they employ well-known image processing techniques and achieve highly competitive performance. On the other hand, since the GP search also generates what can be considered as unconventional operators for point detection, these results provide a new perspective to feature extraction research.

Optimizing operating parameters of a honeycomb zeolite rotor concentrator for processing TFT-LCD volatile organic compounds with competitive adsorption characteristics.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Chih; Chang, Feng-Tang

2009-05-30

In this study, we attempted to enhance the removal efficiency of a honeycomb zeolite rotor concentrator (HZRC), operated at optimal parameters, for processing TFT-LCD volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with competitive adsorption characteristics. The results indicated that when the HZRC processed a VOCs stream of mixed compounds, compounds with a high boiling point take precedence in the adsorption process. In addition, existing compounds with a low boiling point adsorbed onto the HZRC were also displaced by the high-boiling-point compounds. In order to achieve optimal operating parameters for high VOCs removal efficiency, results suggested controlling the inlet velocity to <1.5m/s, reducing the concentration ratio to 8 times, increasing the desorption temperature to 200-225 degrees C, and setting the rotation speed to 6.5rpm.

Ergonomic comparison of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on posture and muscle activity.

PubMed

Lee, Tzu-Hsien

2005-12-01

This study examined the effects of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on participants' completion times, hand positions during operation, postural angles, and muscle activities. 8 young men were asked to perform a cursor travel task on a notebook computer using both 60- and 80-cm high table conditions. Analysis showed that the trackball mouse significantly decreased completion times. Participants selected a hand position farther from the table edge and larger elbow angle for the trackball mouse than for the built-in touch-pad pointing device. Participants' neck, thoracic, and arm angles, or splenius capitis, trapezius, deltoid, and erector spinae muscle activities were not significantly affected by the devices, but table height significantly affected participants' completion times, hand positions, and postural angles.

A randomized controlled trial of chair interventions on back and hip pain among sewing machine operators: the los angeles garment study.

PubMed

Wang, Pin-Chieh; Ritz, Beate R; Janowitz, Ira; Harrison, Robert J; Yu, Fei; Chan, Jacqueline; Rempel, David M

2008-03-01

Determine whether an adjustable chair with a curved or a flat seat pan improved monthly back and hip pain scores in sewing machine operators. This 4-month intervention study randomized 293 sewing machine operators with back and hip pain. The participants in the control group received a placebo intervention, and participants in the intervention groups received the placebo intervention and one of the two intervention chairs. Compared with the control group, mean pain improvement for the flat chair intervention was 0.43 points (95% CI = 0.34, 0.51) per month, and mean pain improvement for the curved chair intervention was 0.25 points (95% CI = 0.16, 0.34) per month. A height-adjustable task chair with a swivel function can reduce back and hip pain in sewing machine operators. The findings may be relevant to workers who perform visual- and hand-intensive manufacturing jobs.

Effects of Tasks on BOLD Signal Responses to Sentence Contrasts: Review and Commentary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, David; Gow, David

2012-01-01

Functional neuroimaging studies of syntactic processing have been interpreted as identifying the neural locations of parsing and interpretive operations. However, current behavioral studies of sentence processing indicate that many operations occur simultaneously with parsing and interpretation. In this review, we point to issues that arise in…

Association between patient-centered medical home rating and operating cost at federally funded health centers.

PubMed

Nocon, Robert S; Sharma, Ravi; Birnberg, Jonathan M; Ngo-Metzger, Quyen; Lee, Sang Mee; Chin, Marshall H

2012-07-04

Little is known about the cost associated with a health center's rating as a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). To determine whether PCMH rating is associated with operating cost among health centers funded by the US Health Resources and Services Administration. Cross-sectional study of PCMH rating and operating cost in 2009. PCMH rating was assessed through surveys of health center administrators conducted by Harris Interactive of all 1009 Health Resources and Services Administration–funded community health centers. The survey provided scores from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) for total PCMH score and 6 subscales: access/communication, care management, external coordination, patient tracking, test/referral tracking, and quality improvement. Costs were obtained from the Uniform Data System reports submitted to the Health Resources and Services Administration. We used generalized linear models to determine the relationship between PCMH rating and operating cost. Operating cost per physician full-time equivalent, operating cost per patient per month, and medical cost per visit. Six hundred sixty-nine health centers (66%) were included in the study sample, with 340 excluded because of nonresponse or incomplete data. Mean total PCMH score was 60 (SD, 12; range, 21-90). For the average health center, a 10-point higher total PCMH score was associated with a $2.26 (4.6%) higher operating cost per patient per month (95% CI, $0.86-$4.12). Among PCMH subscales, a 10-point higher score for patient tracking was associated with higher operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($27,300; 95% CI, $3047-$57,804) and higher operating cost per patient per month ($1.06; 95% CI, $0.29-$1.98). A 10-point higher score for quality improvement was also associated with higher operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($32,731; 95% CI, $1571-$73,670) and higher operating cost per patient per month ($1.86; 95% CI, $0.54-$3.61). A 10-point higher PCMH subscale score for access/communication was associated with lower operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($39,809; 95% CI, $1893-$63,169). According to a survey of health center administrators, higher scores on a scale that assessed 6 aspects of the PCMH were associated with higher health center operating costs. Two subscales of the medical home were associated with higher cost and 1 with lower cost.

30 CFR 250.1000 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... operator must, if practical, durably mark all of its above-water transfer points by April 14, 1999 or the... transfer point, and the transfer point is located above water, then the operator must identify the transfer point on a schematic located on the facility. (iii) If a transfer point is located below water, then the...

47 CFR 101.107 - Frequency tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE... to private operational fixed point-to-point microwave and stations providing MVDDS. 5 For private operational fixed point-to-point microwave systems, with a channel greater than or equal to 50 KHz bandwidth...

NASA Research to Support the Airlines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mogford, Richard

2017-01-01

This is a PowerPoint document that reviews NASA aeronautics research that supports airline operations. It provides short descriptions of several lines of work including the Airline Operations Workshop, Airline Operations Research Laboratory Forum, Flight Awareness Collaboration Tool, dispatcher human factors study, turbulence research, ramp area accidents research, and Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests.

49 CFR 236.303 - Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. 236.303 Section 236.303... § 236.303 Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. The control circuit for each aspect with indication more favorable...

49 CFR 236.303 - Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. 236.303 Section 236.303... § 236.303 Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. The control circuit for each aspect with indication more favorable...

49 CFR 236.303 - Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. 236.303 Section 236.303... § 236.303 Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. The control circuit for each aspect with indication more favorable...

49 CFR 236.303 - Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. 236.303 Section 236.303... § 236.303 Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. The control circuit for each aspect with indication more favorable...

49 CFR 236.303 - Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. 236.303 Section 236.303... § 236.303 Control circuits for signals, selection through circuit controller operated by switch points or by switch locking mechanism. The control circuit for each aspect with indication more favorable...

Space tug point design study. Volume 2: Operations, performance and requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A design study to determine the configuration and characteristics of a space tug was conducted. Among the subjects analyzed in the study are: (1) flight and ground operations, (2) vehicle flight performance and performance enhancement techniques, (3) flight requirements, (4) basic design criteria, and (5) functional and procedural interface requirements between the tug and other systems.

Assisting People with Developmental Disabilities to Improve Computer Pointing Efficiency through Multiple Mice and Automatic Pointing Assistive Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2011-01-01

This study combines multi-mice technology (people with disabilities can use standard mice, instead of specialized alternative computer input devices, to achieve complete mouse operation) with an assistive pointing function (i.e. cursor-capturing, which enables the user to move the cursor to the target center automatically), to assess whether two…

Translation and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese.

PubMed

Silva, Adriana Lucia Pastore E; Croci, Alberto Tesconi; Gobbi, Riccardo Gomes; Hinckel, Betina Bremer; Pecora, José Ricardo; Demange, Marco Kawamura

2017-01-01

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the new version of the Knee Society Score - The 2011 KS Score - into Brazilian Portuguese and verification of its measurement properties, reproducibility, and validity. In 2012, the new version of the Knee Society Score was developed and validated. This scale comprises four separate subscales: (a) objective knee score (seven items: 100 points); (b) patient satisfaction score (five items: 40 points); (c) patient expectations score (three items: 15 points); and (d) functional activity score (19 items: 100 points). A total of 90 patients aged 55-85 years were evaluated in a clinical cross-sectional study. The pre-operative translated version was applied to patients with TKA referral, and the post-operative translated version was applied to patients who underwent TKA. Each patient answered the same questionnaire twice and was evaluated by two experts in orthopedic knee surgery. Evaluations were performed pre-operatively and three, six, or 12 months post-operatively. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two applications. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The ICC found no difference between the means of the pre-operative, three-month, and six-month post-operative evaluations between sub-scale items. The Brazilian Portuguese version of The 2011 KS Score is a valid and reliable instrument for objective and subjective evaluation of the functionality of Brazilian patients who undergo TKA and revision TKA.

Floating shoulders: Clinical and radiographic analysis at a mean follow-up of 11 years

PubMed Central

Pailhes, ReÌ gis; Bonnevialle, Nicolas; Laffosse, JeanMichel; Tricoire, JeanLouis; Cavaignac, Etienne; Chiron, Philippe

2013-01-01

Context: The floating shoulder (FS) is an uncommon injury, which can be managed conservatively or surgically. The therapeutic option remains controversial. Aims: The goal of our study was to evaluate the long-term results and to identify predictive factors of functional outcomes. Settings and Design: Retrospective monocentric study. Materials and Methods: Forty consecutive FS were included (24 nonoperated and 16 operated) from 1984 to 2009. Clinical results were assessed with Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Short Form-12 (SF12), Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), and Constant score (CST). Plain radiographs were reviewed to evaluate secondary displacement, fracture healing, and modification of the lateral offset of the gleno-humeral joint (chest X-rays). New radiographs were made to evaluate osteoarthritis during follow-up. Statistical Analysis Used: T-test, Mann-Whitney test, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: At mean follow-up of 135 months (range 12-312), clinical results were satisfactory regarding different mean scores: SST 10.5 points, OSS 14 points, SANE 81%, SF12 (50 points and 60 points), DASH 14.5 points and CST 84 points. There were no significant differences between operative and non-operative groups. However, the loss of lateral offset influenced the results negatively. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed in five patients (12.5%) without correlation to fracture patterns and type of treatment. Conclusions: This study advocates that floating shoulder may be treated conservatively and surgically with satisfactory clinical long-term outcomes. However, the loss of gleno-humeral lateral offset should be evaluated carefully before taking a therapeutic option. PMID:23960364

Operative drainage of the pancreatic duct delays functional impairment in patients with chronic pancreatitis. A prospective analysis.

PubMed Central

Nealon, W H; Townsend, C M; Thompson, J C

1988-01-01

In a prospective study, 85 patients with chronic pancreatitis have been subjected to evaluation by morphologic analysis (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), by exocrine function tests (bentiromide PABA and 72-hour fecal fat testing), and by endocrine function tests (oral glucose tolerance test and fat-stimulated release of pancreatic polypeptide). All patients were graded on a five-point system, with 1 point assessed for an abnormal result in each of the five tests performed. Zero score denoted mild disease; 1-2 points signaled moderate disease; and 3-5 points indicated severe disease. In 68 patients, both an initial and late (mean follow-up period of 14 months) evaluation were performed. Forty-one patients underwent modified Puestow side-to-side Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy. The Puestow procedure alone was performed in 18 patients. Eight patients also had drainage of pseudocysts, seven also had a biliary bypass, and eight had pseudocyst drainage plus bypass, in addition to the Puestow. There were no deaths. Of the 68 patients who were studied twice, 30 had operations and 38 did not. None of the patients with severe disease improved their grade during follow-up. Of 24 patients who did not undergo operation, 17 (71%) who were graded mild/moderate progressed to a severe grade at follow-up. By contrast, only three of the 19 patients operated on (16%) and who were initially graded as mild/moderate progressed to severe disease at follow-up testing. More than 75% of all of the patients had a history of weight loss. Twenty-six of 30 patients operated on (87%) (all of whom had lost weight before surgery) gained a mean 4.2 kg (range 1.4-2.7 kg) after surgery, compared with no significant weight change (range -3.6-2.7 kg) among patients not operated on. These findings support a policy of early operation for chronic pancreatitis, perhaps even in the absence of disabling abdominal pain. PMID:3421756

Operative drainage of the pancreatic duct delays functional impairment in patients with chronic pancreatitis. A prospective analysis.

PubMed

Nealon, W H; Townsend, C M; Thompson, J C

1988-09-01

In a prospective study, 85 patients with chronic pancreatitis have been subjected to evaluation by morphologic analysis (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), by exocrine function tests (bentiromide PABA and 72-hour fecal fat testing), and by endocrine function tests (oral glucose tolerance test and fat-stimulated release of pancreatic polypeptide). All patients were graded on a five-point system, with 1 point assessed for an abnormal result in each of the five tests performed. Zero score denoted mild disease; 1-2 points signaled moderate disease; and 3-5 points indicated severe disease. In 68 patients, both an initial and late (mean follow-up period of 14 months) evaluation were performed. Forty-one patients underwent modified Puestow side-to-side Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy. The Puestow procedure alone was performed in 18 patients. Eight patients also had drainage of pseudocysts, seven also had a biliary bypass, and eight had pseudocyst drainage plus bypass, in addition to the Puestow. There were no deaths. Of the 68 patients who were studied twice, 30 had operations and 38 did not. None of the patients with severe disease improved their grade during follow-up. Of 24 patients who did not undergo operation, 17 (71%) who were graded mild/moderate progressed to a severe grade at follow-up. By contrast, only three of the 19 patients operated on (16%) and who were initially graded as mild/moderate progressed to severe disease at follow-up testing. More than 75% of all of the patients had a history of weight loss. Twenty-six of 30 patients operated on (87%) (all of whom had lost weight before surgery) gained a mean 4.2 kg (range 1.4-2.7 kg) after surgery, compared with no significant weight change (range -3.6-2.7 kg) among patients not operated on. These findings support a policy of early operation for chronic pancreatitis, perhaps even in the absence of disabling abdominal pain.

Piston Bowl Optimization for RCCI Combustion in a Light-Duty Multi-Cylinder Engine

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

Hanson, Reed M; Curran, Scott; Wagner, Robert M

2012-01-01

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) is an engine combustion strategy that that produces low NO{sub x} and PM emissions with high thermal efficiency. Previous RCCI research has been investigated in single-cylinder heavy-duty engines. The current study investigates RCCI operation in a light-duty multi-cylinder engine at 3 operating points. These operating points were chosen to cover a range of conditions seen in the US EPA light-duty FTP test. The operating points were chosen by the Ad Hoc working group to simulate operation in the FTP test. The fueling strategy for the engine experiments consisted of in-cylinder fuel blending using port fuel-injectionmore » (PFI) of gasoline and early-cycle, direct-injection (DI) of diesel fuel. At these 3 points, the stock engine configuration is compared to operation with both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and custom machined pistons designed for RCCI operation. The pistons were designed with assistance from the KIVA 3V computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. By using a genetic algorithm optimization, in conjunction with KIVA, the piston bowl profile was optimized for dedicated RCCI operation to reduce unburned fuel emissions and piston bowl surface area. By reducing these parameters, the thermal efficiency of the engine was improved while maintaining low NOx and PM emissions. Results show that with the new piston bowl profile and an optimized injection schedule, RCCI brake thermal efficiency was increased from 37%, with the stock EURO IV configuration, to 40% at the 2,600 rev/min, 6.9 bar BMEP condition, and NOx and PM emissions targets were met without the need for exhaust after-treatment.« less

78 FR 58570 - Environmental Assessment; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Big Rock Point

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-24

... Assessment; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Big Rock Point AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION... applicant or the licensee), for the Big Rock Point (BRP) Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI... Rock Point (BRP) Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI). II. Environmental Assessment (EA...

Improving Small Signal Stability through Operating Point Adjustment

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

Huang, Zhenyu; Zhou, Ning; Tuffner, Francis K.

2010-09-30

ModeMeter techniques for real-time small signal stability monitoring continue to mature, and more and more phasor measurements are available in power systems. It has come to the stage to bring modal information into real-time power system operation. This paper proposes to establish a procedure for Modal Analysis for Grid Operations (MANGO). Complementary to PSS’s and other traditional modulation-based control, MANGO aims to provide suggestions such as increasing generation or decreasing load for operators to mitigate low-frequency oscillations. Different from modulation-based control, the MANGO procedure proactively maintains adequate damping for all time, instead of reacting to disturbances when they occur. Effectmore » of operating points on small signal stability is presented in this paper. Implementation with existing operating procedures is discussed. Several approaches for modal sensitivity estimation are investigated to associate modal damping and operating parameters. The effectiveness of the MANGO procedure is confirmed through simulation studies of several test systems.« less

Utilization of a cognitive task analysis for laparoscopic appendectomy to identify differentiated intraoperative teaching objectives.

PubMed

Smink, Douglas S; Peyre, Sarah E; Soybel, David I; Tavakkolizadeh, Ali; Vernon, Ashley H; Anastakis, Dimitri J

2012-04-01

Experts become automated when performing surgery, making it difficult to teach complex procedures to trainees. Cognitive task analysis (CTA) enables experts to articulate operative steps and cognitive decisions in complex procedures such as laparoscopic appendectomy, which can then be used to identify central teaching points. Three local surgeon experts in laparoscopic appendectomy were interviewed using critical decision method-based CTA methodology. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and a cognitive demands table (CDT) was created for each expert. The individual CDTs were reviewed by each expert for completeness and then combined into a master CDT. Percentage agreement on operative steps and decision points was calculated for each expert. The experts then participated in a consensus meeting to review the master CDT. Each surgeon expert was asked to identify in the master CDT the most important teaching objectives for junior-level and senior-level residents. The experts' responses for junior-level and senior-level residents were compared using a χ(2) test. The surgeon experts identified 24 operative steps and 27 decision points. Eighteen of the 24 operative steps (75%) were identified by all 3 surgeon experts. The percentage of operative steps identified was high for each surgeon expert (96% for surgeon 1, 79% for surgeon 2, and 83% for surgeon 3). Of the 27 decision points, only 5 (19%) were identified by all 3 surgeon experts. The percentage of decision points identified varied by surgeon expert (78% for surgeon 1, 59% for surgeon 2, and 48% for surgeon 3). When asked to identify key teaching points, the surgeon experts were more likely to identify operative steps for junior residents (9 operative steps and 6 decision points) and decision points for senior residents (4 operative steps and 13 decision points) (P < .01). CTA can deconstruct the essential operative steps and decision points associated with performing a laparoscopic appendectomy. These results provide a framework to identify key teaching principles to guide intraoperative instruction. These learning objectives could be used to guide resident level-appropriate teaching of an essential general surgery procedure. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anaesthesiologists' views on the need for point-of-care information system in the operating room: a survey of the European Society of Anaesthesiologists.

PubMed

Perel, A; Berkenstadt, H; Ziv, A; Katzenelson, R; Aitkenhead, A

2004-11-01

In this preliminary study we wanted to explore the attitudes of anaesthesiologists to a point-of-care information system in the operating room. The study was conducted as a preliminary step in the process of developing such a system by the European Society of Anaesthesiologists (ESA). A questionnaire was distributed to all 2240 attendees of the ESA's annual meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, which took place in April 2001. Of the 329 responders (response rate of 14.6%), 79% were qualified specialists with more than 10 yr of experience (68%), mostly from Western Europe. Most responders admitted to regularly experiencing lack of medical knowledge relating to real-time patient care at least once a month (74%) or at least once a week (46%), and 39% admitted to having made errors during anaesthesia due to lack of medical information that can be otherwise found in a handbook. The choice ofa less optimal but more familiar approach to patient management due to lack of knowledge was reported by 37%. Eighty-eight percent of responders believe that having a point-of-care information system for the anaesthesiologists in the operating room is either important or very important. This preliminary survey demonstrates that lack of knowledge of anaesthesiologists may be a significant source of medical errors in the operating room, and suggests that a point-of-care information system for the anaesthesiologist may be of value.

47 CFR 22.325 - Control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Control points. 22.325 Section 22.325... Operational and Technical Requirements Operational Requirements § 22.325 Control points. Each station in the Public Mobile Services must have at least one control point and a person on duty who is responsible for...

47 CFR 22.325 - Control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Control points. 22.325 Section 22.325... Operational and Technical Requirements Operational Requirements § 22.325 Control points. Each station in the Public Mobile Services must have at least one control point and a person on duty who is responsible for...

47 CFR 22.325 - Control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Control points. 22.325 Section 22.325... Operational and Technical Requirements Operational Requirements § 22.325 Control points. Each station in the Public Mobile Services must have at least one control point and a person on duty who is responsible for...

47 CFR 22.325 - Control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Control points. 22.325 Section 22.325... Operational and Technical Requirements Operational Requirements § 22.325 Control points. Each station in the Public Mobile Services must have at least one control point and a person on duty who is responsible for...

47 CFR 22.325 - Control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Control points. 22.325 Section 22.325... Operational and Technical Requirements Operational Requirements § 22.325 Control points. Each station in the Public Mobile Services must have at least one control point and a person on duty who is responsible for...

1976 Navy Study on Superconductive Electronics, August 2-13, 1976, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

excluded from this Study except as points of reference. The conclusions identify a number of relevant functional technology items which are of...SQUID 20 4.2 4.3 The RF SQUID and its associated circuitry and operating characteristics 22 Bulk point contact SQUID formed by...a point contact, a constriction or microbridge in a thin film ("Dayem Bridge"), an S-N-S junction (in which pairs move through a "normal" metal

Quantum Electrodynamics in d=3 from the ε Expansion.

PubMed

Di Pietro, Lorenzo; Komargodski, Zohar; Shamir, Itamar; Stamou, Emmanuel

2016-04-01

We study quantum electrodynamics in d=3 coupled to N_{f} flavors of fermions. The theory flows to an IR fixed point for N_{f} larger than some critical number N_{f}^{c}. For N_{f}≤N_{f}^{c}, chiral-symmetry breaking is believed to take place. In analogy with the Wilson-Fisher description of the critical O(N) models in d=3, we make use of the existence of a fixed point in d=4-2ε to study the three-dimensional conformal theory. We compute, in perturbation theory, the IR dimensions of fermion bilinear and quadrilinear operators. For small N_{f}, a quadrilinear operator can become relevant in the IR and destabilize the fixed point. Therefore, the epsilon expansion can be used to estimate N_{f}^{c}. An interesting novelty compared to the O(N) models is that the theory in d=3 has an enhanced symmetry due to the structure of 3D spinors. We identify the operators in d=4-2ε that correspond to the additional conserved currents at d=3 and compute their infrared dimensions.

Whole Device Modeling of Compact Tori: Stability and Transport Modeling of C-2W

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dettrick, Sean; Fulton, Daniel; Lau, Calvin; Lin, Zhihong; Ceccherini, Francesco; Galeotti, Laura; Gupta, Sangeeta; Onofri, Marco; Tajima, Toshiki; TAE Team

2017-10-01

Recent experimental evidence from the C-2U FRC experiment shows that the confinement of energy improves with inverse collisionality, similar to other high beta toroidal devices, NSTX and MAST. This motivated the construction of a new FRC experiment, C-2W, to study the energy confinement scaling at higher electron temperature. Tri Alpha Energy is working towards catalysing a community-wide collaboration to develop a Whole Device Model (WDM) of Compact Tori. One application of the WDM is the study of stability and transport properties of C-2W using two particle-in-cell codes, ANC and FPIC. These codes can be used to find new stable operating points, and to make predictions of the turbulent transport at those points. They will be used in collaboration with the C-2W experimental program to validate the codes against C-2W, mitigate experimental risk inherent in the exploration of new parameter regimes, accelerate the optimization of experimental operating scenarios, and to find operating points for future FRC reactor designs.

Flight Deck Surface Trajectory-Based Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foyle, David C.; Hooey, Becky L.; Bakowski, Deborah L.

2017-01-01

Surface Trajectory-Based Operations (STBO) is a future concept for surface operations where time requirements are incorporated into taxi operations to support surface planning and coordination. Pilot-in-the-loop flight deck simulations have been conducted to study flight deck displays algorithms to aid pilots in complying with the time requirements of time-based taxi operations (i.e., at discrete locations in 3 12 D operations or at all points along the route in 4DT operations). The results of these studies (conformance, time-of-arrival error, eye-tracking data, and safety ratings) are presented. Flight deck simulation work done in collaboration with DLR is described. Flight deck research issues in future auto-taxi operations are also introduced.

Multiple points of equilibrium for active magnetic regenerators using first order magnetocaloric material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niknia, I.; Trevizoli, P. V.; Govindappa, P.; Christiaanse, T. V.; Teyber, R.; Rowe, A.

2018-05-01

First order transition material (FOM) usually exhibits magnetocaloric effects in a narrow temperature range which complicates their use in an active magnetic regenerator (AMR) refrigerator. In addition, the magnetocaloric effect in first order materials can vary with field and temperature history of the material. This study examines the behavior of a MnFe(P,Si) FOM sample in an AMR cycle using a numerical model and experimental measurements. For certain operating conditions, multiple points of equilibrium (MPE) exist for a fixed hot rejection temperature. Stable and unstable points of equilibriums (PEs) are identified and the impacts of heat loads, operating conditions, and configuration losses on the number of PEs are discussed. It is shown that the existence of multiple PEs can affect the performance of an AMR significantly for certain operating conditions. In addition, the points where MPEs exist appear to be linked to the device itself, not just the material, suggesting the need to layer a regenerator in a way that avoids MPE conditions and to layer with a specific device in mind.

Treatment strategy and long-term functional outcome of traumatic elbow dislocation in childhood: a single centre study.

PubMed

Nussberger, G; Schädelin, S; Mayr, J; Studer, D; Zimmermann, P

2018-04-01

Traumatic elbow dislocation (TED) is the most common injury of large joints in children. There is an ongoing debate on the optimal treatment for TED. We aimed to assess the functional outcome after operative and nonoperative treatment of TED. We analysed the medical records of patients with TED treated at the University Children's Hospital, Basel, between March 2006 and June 2015. Functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) Sport and Music Module score. These scores were compared between nonoperatively and operatively treated patients. A total of 37 patients (mean age 10.2 years, 5.2 to 15.3) were included. Of these, 21 (56.8%) children had undergone nonoperative treatment, with 16 (43.2%) patients having had operative treatment. After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (1.2 to 5.9), MEPS and QuickDASH Sport and Music Module scores in the nonoperative group and operative group were similar: MEPS: 97.1 points (SD 4.6) versus 97.2 points (SD 2.6); 95% confidence interval (CI)-2.56 to 2.03); p = 0.53; QuickDASH Sport and Music Module score: 3.9 points (SD 6.1) versus 3.1 points (SD 4.6); 95% CI 2.60 to 4.17; p = 0.94. We noted no significant differences regarding the long-term functional outcome between the subgroup of children treated operatively versus those treated nonoperatively for TED with accompanying fractures of the medial epicondyle and medial condyle. Functional outcome after TED was excellent, independent of the treatment strategy. If clear indications for surgery are absent, a nonoperative approach for TED should be considered. Level III - therapeutic, retrospective, comparative study.

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

Brown, Thomas

The design features developed for the Spherical Tokamak (ST) in the PPPL pilot plant study was used as the starting point in developing designs to meet the mission of a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) considering a range of machine sizes based on the influence of tritium consumption and maintenance strategies. The compact nature of a steady state operated ST device for this mission pushes operating conditions and places challenges in the design of components, device maintenance and the integration of supports and services. This paper reviews the general arrangement, design details and maintenance strategy of the ST-FNSF device coremore » for a 1.6-m and 1.0-m device; operating points which bracket the region between purchasing and breeding tritium.« less

Transition operators in acoustic-wave diffraction theory. I - General theory. II - Short-wavelength behavior, dominant singularities of Zk0 and Zk0 exp -1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hahne, G. E.

1991-01-01

A formal theory of the scattering of time-harmonic acoustic scalar waves from impenetrable, immobile obstacles is established. The time-independent formal scattering theory of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, in particular the theory of the complete Green's function and the transition (T) operator, provides the model. The quantum-mechanical approach is modified to allow the treatment of acoustic-wave scattering with imposed boundary conditions of impedance type on the surface (delta-Omega) of an impenetrable obstacle. With k0 as the free-space wavenumber of the signal, a simplified expression is obtained for the k0-dependent T operator for a general case of homogeneous impedance boundary conditions for the acoustic wave on delta-Omega. All the nonelementary operators entering the expression for the T operator are formally simple rational algebraic functions of a certain invertible linear radiation impedance operator which maps any sufficiently well-behaved complex-valued function on delta-Omega into another such function on delta-Omega. In the subsequent study, the short-wavelength and the long-wavelength behavior of the radiation impedance operator and its inverse (the 'radiation admittance' operator) as two-point kernels on a smooth delta-Omega are studied for pairs of points that are close together.

Fixation of operating point and measurement of turn on characteristics of IGBT F4-75R06W1E3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haseena, A.; Subhash Joshi T., G.; George, Saly

2018-05-01

For the proficient operation of the Power electronic circuit, signal level performance of power electronic devices are very important. For getting good signal level characteristics, fixing operating point is very critical. Device deviates from the typical characteristics given in the datasheet due to the presence of stray components in the circuit lay out. Fixation of operating point of typical silicon IGBT and its turn on characteristics is discussed in this paper.

Engineering approach for cost effective operation of industrial pump systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krickis, O.; Oleksijs, R.

2017-10-01

Power plants operators are persuaded to operate the main equipment such as centrifugal pumps in economically effective way. The operation of pump sets of district heating network at power plants should be done according to prescriptions of the original equipment manufacturer with further implementation of these requirements to distributed control system of the plant. In order to operate industrial pump sets with a small number of malfunctions is necessary to control the duty point of pump sets in H-Q coordinates, which could be complex task in some installations. Alternatively, pump operation control could be organized in H-n (head vs rpm) coordinates, utilizing pressure transmitters in pressure pipeline and value of rpm from variable speed driver. Safe operation range of the pump has to be limited with system parabolas, which prevents the duty point location outside of the predefined operation area. The particular study demonstrates the engineering approach for pump’s safe operation control development in MATLAB/Simulink environment, which allows to simulate the operation of the pump at different capacities in hydraulic system with variable characteristic and to predefine the conditions for efficient simultaneous pump operation in parallel connection.

Review Team Focused Modeling Analysis of Radial Collector Well Operation on the Hypersaline Groundwater Plume beneath the Turkey Point Site near Homestead, Florida

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

Oostrom, Martinus; Vail, Lance W.

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory served as members of a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission review team for the Florida Power & Light Company’s application for two combined construction permits and operating licenses (combined licenses or COLs) for two proposed new reactor units—Turkey Point Units 6 and 7. The review team evaluated the environmental impacts of the proposed action based on the October 29, 2014 revision of the COL application, including the Environmental Report, responses to requests for additional information, and supplemental information. As part of this effort, team members tasked with assessing the environmental effects of proposed construction andmore » operation of Units 6 and 7 at the Turkey Point site reviewed two separate modeling studies that analyzed the interaction between surface water and groundwater that would be altered by the operation of radial collector wells (RCWs) at the site. To further confirm their understanding of the groundwater hydrodynamics and to consider whether certain actions, proposed after the two earlier modeling studies were completed, would alter the earlier conclusions documented by the review team in their draft environmental impact statement (EIS; NRC 2015), a third modeling analysis was performed. The third modeling analysis is discussed in this report.« less

77 FR 70847 - Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-27

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-247; NRC-2012-0284] Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 2, Request for Action AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Request for Action; receipt. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear...

3D facial landmarks: Inter-operator variability of manual annotation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Manual annotation of landmarks is a known source of variance, which exist in all fields of medical imaging, influencing the accuracy and interpretation of the results. However, the variability of human facial landmarks is only sparsely addressed in the current literature as opposed to e.g. the research fields of orthodontics and cephalometrics. We present a full facial 3D annotation procedure and a sparse set of manually annotated landmarks, in effort to reduce operator time and minimize the variance. Method Facial scans from 36 voluntary unrelated blood donors from the Danish Blood Donor Study was randomly chosen. Six operators twice manually annotated 73 anatomical and pseudo-landmarks, using a three-step scheme producing a dense point correspondence map. We analyzed both the intra- and inter-operator variability, using mixed-model ANOVA. We then compared four sparse sets of landmarks in order to construct a dense correspondence map of the 3D scans with a minimum point variance. Results The anatomical landmarks of the eye were associated with the lowest variance, particularly the center of the pupils. Whereas points of the jaw and eyebrows have the highest variation. We see marginal variability in regards to intra-operator and portraits. Using a sparse set of landmarks (n=14), that capture the whole face, the dense point mean variance was reduced from 1.92 to 0.54 mm. Conclusion The inter-operator variability was primarily associated with particular landmarks, where more leniently landmarks had the highest variability. The variables embedded in the portray and the reliability of a trained operator did only have marginal influence on the variability. Further, using 14 of the annotated landmarks we were able to reduced the variability and create a dense correspondences mesh to capture all facial features. PMID:25306436

49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...-operated switch; requirement. 236.528 Section 236.528 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... Instructions; Roadway § 236.528 Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement. When a facing point hand-operated switch is open one-fourth inch or more, a trailing point hand...

49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...-operated switch; requirement. 236.528 Section 236.528 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... Instructions; Roadway § 236.528 Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement. When a facing point hand-operated switch is open one-fourth inch or more, a trailing point hand...

49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...-operated switch; requirement. 236.528 Section 236.528 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... Instructions; Roadway § 236.528 Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement. When a facing point hand-operated switch is open one-fourth inch or more, a trailing point hand...

In Defense of the Vendors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irwin, G. Brockett

1975-01-01

The problems that are encountered when cooperation breaks down between the industrial source operator and the pollution control equipment vendor are examined. The focal point of this examination is the study of defenses available to the equipment vendor when industrial source operators refuse to cooperate. (Author/BT)

Association Between Patient-Centered Medical Home Rating and Operating Cost at Federally Funded Health Centers

PubMed Central

Nocon, Robert S.; Sharma, Ravi; Birnberg, Jonathan M.; Ngo-Metzger, Quyen; Lee, Sang Mee; Chin, Marshall H.

2013-01-01

Context Little is known about the cost associated with a health center’s rating as a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Objective To determine whether PCMH rating is associated with operating cost among health centers funded by the US Health Resources and Services Administration. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study of PCMH rating and operating cost in 2009. PCMH rating was assessed through surveys of health center administrators conducted by Harris Interactive of all 1009 Health Resources and Services Administration–funded community health centers. The survey provided scores from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) for total PCMH score and 6 subscales: access/communication, care management, external coordination, patient tracking, test/referral tracking, and quality improvement. Costs were obtained from the Uniform Data System reports submitted to the Health Resources and Services Administration. We used generalized linear models to determine the relationship between PCMH rating and operating cost. Main Outcome Measures Operating cost per physician full-time equivalent, operating cost per patient per month, and medical cost per visit. Results Six hundred sixty-nine health centers (66%) were included in the study sample, with 340 excluded because of nonresponse or incomplete data. Mean total PCMH score was 60 (SD,12; range, 21–90). For the average health center, a 10-point higher total PCMH score was associated with a $2.26 (4.6%) higher operating cost per patient per month (95% CI, $0.86–$4.12). Among PCMH subscales, a 10-point higher score for patient tracking was associated with higher operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($27 300; 95% CI,$3047–$57 804) and higher operating cost per patient per month ($1.06;95%CI,$0.29–$1.98). A 10-point higher score for quality improvement was also associated with higher operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($32 731; 95% CI, $1571–$73 670) and higher operating cost per patient per month ($1.86; 95% CI, $0.54–$3.61). A 10-point higher PCMH subscale score for access/communication was associated with lower operating cost per physician full-time equivalent ($39 809; 95% CI, $1893–$63 169). Conclusions According to a survey of health center administrators, higher scores on a scale that assessed 6 aspects of the PCMH were associated with higher health center operating costs. Two subscales of the medical home were associated with higher cost and 1 with lower cost. PMID:22729481

Feasibility study, software design, layout and simulation of a two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform machine for use in optical array interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boriakoff, Valentin

1994-01-01

The goal of this project was the feasibility study of a particular architecture of a digital signal processing machine operating in real time which could do in a pipeline fashion the computation of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of a time-domain sampled complex digital data stream. The particular architecture makes use of simple identical processors (called inner product processors) in a linear organization called a systolic array. Through computer simulation the new architecture to compute the FFT with systolic arrays was proved to be viable, and computed the FFT correctly and with the predicted particulars of operation. Integrated circuits to compute the operations expected of the vital node of the systolic architecture were proven feasible, and even with a 2 micron VLSI technology can execute the required operations in the required time. Actual construction of the integrated circuits was successful in one variant (fixed point) and unsuccessful in the other (floating point).

Complex systems analysis of series of blackouts: cascading failure, critical points, and self-organization.

PubMed

Dobson, Ian; Carreras, Benjamin A; Lynch, Vickie E; Newman, David E

2007-06-01

We give an overview of a complex systems approach to large blackouts of electric power transmission systems caused by cascading failure. Instead of looking at the details of particular blackouts, we study the statistics and dynamics of series of blackouts with approximate global models. Blackout data from several countries suggest that the frequency of large blackouts is governed by a power law. The power law makes the risk of large blackouts consequential and is consistent with the power system being a complex system designed and operated near a critical point. Power system overall loading or stress relative to operating limits is a key factor affecting the risk of cascading failure. Power system blackout models and abstract models of cascading failure show critical points with power law behavior as load is increased. To explain why the power system is operated near these critical points and inspired by concepts from self-organized criticality, we suggest that power system operating margins evolve slowly to near a critical point and confirm this idea using a power system model. The slow evolution of the power system is driven by a steady increase in electric loading, economic pressures to maximize the use of the grid, and the engineering responses to blackouts that upgrade the system. Mitigation of blackout risk should account for dynamical effects in complex self-organized critical systems. For example, some methods of suppressing small blackouts could ultimately increase the risk of large blackouts.

[Simulation-based training and OR apprenticeship for medical students : A prospective, randomized, single-blind study of clinical skills].

PubMed

Ott, T; Schmidtmann, I; Limbach, T; Gottschling, P F; Buggenhagen, H; Kurz, S; Pestel, G

2016-11-01

Simulation-based training (SBT) has developed into an established method of medical training. Studies focusing on the education of medical students have used simulation as an evaluation tool for defined skills. A small number of studies provide evidence that SBT improves medical students' skills in the clinical setting. Moreover, they were strictly limited to a few areas, such as the diagnosis of heart murmurs or the correct application of cricoid pressure. Other studies could not prove adequate transferability from the skills gained in SBT to the patient site. Whether SBT has an effect on medical students' skills in anesthesiology in the clinical setting is controversial. To explore this issue, we designed a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial that was integrated into the undergraduate anesthesiology curriculum of our department during the second year of the clinical phase of medical school. This study intended to explore the effect of SBT on medical students within the mandatory undergraduate anesthesiology curriculum of our department in the operating room with respect to basic skills in anesthesiology. After obtaining ethical approval, the participating students of the third clinical semester were randomized into two groups: the SIM-OR group was trained by a 225 min long SBT in basic skills in anesthesiology before attending the operating room (OR) apprenticeship. The OR-SIM group was trained after the operating room apprenticeship by SBT. During SBT the students were trained in five clinical skills detailed below. Further, two clinical scenarios were simulated using a full-scale simulator. The students had to prepare the patient and perform induction of anesthesia, including bag-mask ventilation after induction in scenario 1 and rapid sequence induction in scenario 2. Using the five-point Likert scale, five defined skills were evaluated at defined time points during the study period. 1) application of the safety checklist, 2) application of basic patient monitoring, 3) establishment of intravenous access, 4) bag-and-mask ventilation, and 5) adjustment of ventilatory parameters after the patients' airways were secured. A cumulative score of 5 points was defined as the best and a cumulative score of 25 as the worst rating for a defined time point. The primary endpoint was the cumulative score after day 1 in the operating room apprenticeship and the difference in cumulative scores from days 1 to 4. Our hypothesis was that the SIM-OR group would achieve a better score after day 1 in the operating room apprenticeship and would gain a larger increase in score from day 1 to day 4 than the OR-SIM group. 73 students were allocated to the OR-SIM group and 70 students to the SIM-OR group. There was no significant difference between the two groups after day 1 of the operating room apprenticeship and no difference in increase of the cumulative score from day 1 to day 4 (median of cumulative score on day 1: 'SIM-OR' 11.2 points vs. 'OR-SIM' 14.6 points; p = 0.067; median of difference from day 1 to day 4: 'SIM-OR' -3.7 vs. 'OR-SIM' -6.4; p = 0.110). With the methods applied, this study could not prove that 225 min of SBT before the operating room apprenticeship increased the medical students' clinical skills as evaluated in the operating room. Secondary endpoints indicate that medical students have better clinical skills at the end of the entire curriculum when they have been trained through SBT before the operating room apprenticeship. However, the authors believe that simulator training has a positive impact on students' acquisition of procedural and patient safety skills, even if the methods applied in this study may not mirror this aspect sufficiently.

49 CFR 236.738 - Detector, point.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Detector, point. 236.738 Section 236.738 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION... Detector, point. A circuit controller which is part of the switch operating mechanism and operated by a rod...

49 CFR 236.738 - Detector, point.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Detector, point. 236.738 Section 236.738 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION... Detector, point. A circuit controller which is part of the switch operating mechanism and operated by a rod...

49 CFR 236.738 - Detector, point.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Detector, point. 236.738 Section 236.738 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION... Detector, point. A circuit controller which is part of the switch operating mechanism and operated by a rod...

49 CFR 236.738 - Detector, point.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Detector, point. 236.738 Section 236.738 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION... Detector, point. A circuit controller which is part of the switch operating mechanism and operated by a rod...

49 CFR 236.738 - Detector, point.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Detector, point. 236.738 Section 236.738 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION... Detector, point. A circuit controller which is part of the switch operating mechanism and operated by a rod...

Radiological study of the secondary reduction effect of early functional exercise on displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures after internal compression fixation.

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Liu, Bo; Lv, Hongzhi; Su, Yanling; Chen, Xiao; Zhu, Yanbin; Du, Chenguang; Zhang, Xiaolin; Zhang, Yingze

2017-09-01

Early post-operative exercise and weight-bearing activities are found to improve the functional recovery of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We hypothesized that early functional exercise after surgery might have a secondary reduction effect on the subtalar joint, in particular the smaller fracture fragments that were not fixed firmly. A prospective study was conducted to verify this hypothesis. From December 2012 to September 2013, patients with unilateral DIACFs were enrolled and received a treatment consisting of percutaneous leverage and minimally invasive fixation. After surgery, patients in the study group started exercising on days two to three, using partial weight bearing starting week three, and full weight bearing starting week 12. Patients in the control group followed a conventional post-operative protocol of partial weight bearing after week six and full weight bearing after the bone healed. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at post-operative day one, week four, week eight, and week 12 to reconstruct coronal, sagittal, and axial images, on which the maximal residual displacements of the fractures were measured. Function was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring scale at the 12th post-operative month. Twenty-eight patients in the study group and 32 in the control group were followed up for more than 12 months; their data were collected and used for the final analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the maximal residual displacements of the fracture measured on CT images revealed significant differences between the study and the control groups. There were interaction effects between group and time point. Except for the first time point, the differences between the groups at all studied time points were significant. In the study group, the differences between all studied time points were significant. Strong correlations were observed between the AOFAS score at post-operative month 12 and the maximal residual displacement of the fractures on the CT images at postoperative week 12. Early functional exercise and weight bearing activity can smooth and shape the subtalar joint and reduce the residual displacement of the articular surface, improving functional recovery of the affected foot. Therefore, early rehabilitation functional exercise can be recommended in clinical practice.

LMS tables for waist circumference and waist–height ratio in Colombian adults: analysis of nationwide data 2010

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, R; Correa-Bautista, J E; Martínez-Torres, J; Méneses-Echavez, J F; González-Ruiz, K; González-Jiménez, E; Schmidt-RioValle, J; Lobelo, F

2016-01-01

Background/Objectives: Indices predictive of central obesity include waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). These data are lacking for Colombian adults. This study aims at establishing smoothed centile charts and LMS tables for WC and WHtR; appropriate cutoffs were selected using receiver-operating characteristic analysis based on data from the representative sample. Subjects/Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional, national representative nutrition survey (ENSIN, 2010). A total of 83 220 participants (aged 20–64) were enroled. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), WC and WHtR were measured and percentiles calculated using the LMS method (L (curve Box-Cox), M (curve median), and S (curve coefficient of variation)). Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were used to evaluate the optimal cutoff point of WC and WHtR for overweight and obesity based on WHO definitions. Results: Reference values for WC and WHtR are presented. Mean WC and WHtR increased with age for both genders. We found a strong positive correlation between WC and BMI (r=0.847, P< 0.01) and WHtR and BMI (r=0.878, P<0.01). In obese men, the cutoff point value is 96.6 cm for the WC. In women, the cutoff point value is 91.0 cm for the WC. Receiver operating characteristic curve for WHtR was also obtained and the cutoff point value of 0.579 in men, and in women the cutoff point value was 0.587. A high sensitivity and specificity were obtained. Conclusions: This study presents first reference values of WC and WHtR for Colombians aged 20–64. Through LMS tables for adults, we hope to provide quantitative tools to study obesity and its complications. PMID:27026425

Study of Huizhou architecture component point cloud in surface reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Runmei; Wang, Guangyin; Ma, Jixiang; Wu, Yulu; Zhang, Guangbin

2017-06-01

Surface reconfiguration softwares have many problems such as complicated operation on point cloud data, too many interaction definitions, and too stringent requirements for inputing data. Thus, it has not been widely popularized so far. This paper selects the unique Huizhou Architecture chuandou wooden beam framework as the research object, and presents a complete set of implementation in data acquisition from point, point cloud preprocessing and finally implemented surface reconstruction. Firstly, preprocessing the acquired point cloud data, including segmentation and filtering. Secondly, the surface’s normals are deduced directly from the point cloud dataset. Finally, the surface reconstruction is studied by using Greedy Projection Triangulation Algorithm. Comparing the reconstructed model with the three-dimensional surface reconstruction softwares, the results show that the proposed scheme is more smooth, time efficient and portable.

On the robustness of the primordial power spectrum in renormalized Higgs inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezrukov, Fedor; Pauly, Martin; Rubio, Javier

2018-02-01

We study the cosmological consequences of higher-dimensional operators respecting the asymptotic symmetries of the tree-level Higgs inflation action. The main contribution of these operators to the renormalization group enhanced potential is localized in a compact field range, whose upper limit is close to the end of inflation. The spectrum of primordial fluctuations in the so-called universal regime turns out to be almost insensitive to radiative corrections and in excellent agreement with the present cosmological data. However, higher-dimensional operators can play an important role in critical Higgs inflation scenarios containing a quasi-inflection point along the inflationary trajectory. The interplay of radiative corrections with this quasi-inflection point may translate into a sizable modification of the inflationary observables.

Pointing and Voicing in Deictic Expressions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levelt, Willem J. M.; And Others

1985-01-01

Describes a study of how the interdependence of speech and gesture is realized in the course of motor planning and execution. Do the two systems operate interactively or do they operate in a ballistic or independent fashion? Four experiments showed that, for deictic expressions, the ballistic view is very nearly correct. (SED)

Recommended Procedures for the Internal Financial Auditing of University Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurth, William H.; Zubatsky, David S.

This study develops a generalized procedure for the internal financial auditing of university libraries. It identifies critical internal control points in library operations, and develops questions to measure and evaluate fiscal operations effectiveness. Auditing data and advice were gathered from a survey of 87 members of the Association of…

Assisting People with Multiple Disabilities to Use Computers with Multiple Mice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien

2009-01-01

This study assessed the combination of multiple mice aid with two persons with multiple disabilities. Complete mouse operation which needed the physically functional sound, was distributed among their limbs with remaining ability. Through these decentralized operations, they could still reach complete mouse pointing control. Initially, both…

Quantifying Sleep and Performance of West Point Cadets: A Baseline Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

5. Table of reported average bedtimes (n= 991) and wakeup times (n=991) of those who reported their caffeine use for the 30 days prior to reporting...Military Academy at West Point, New York, cadets assume a rigorous schedule full of competing demands—military, athletic, and academic. This...they are operating with a degraded cognitive function. At the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, cadets assume a rigorous schedule

[Outcomes of open endovascular operations on the internal carotid artery in acute stage of ischaemic stroke].

PubMed

Khripun, A I; Priamikov, A D; Mironkov, A B; Tiurin, I N; Asratian, S A; Suriakhin, V S; Simonov, O V; Sazhina, O A; Mikhaĭlenko, V P

The authors share their experience in diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The study included a total of 33 patients. Of these, 20 patients (Study Group) were operated on at terms ranging from 2 to 7 days after onset of acute cerebral circulatory impairment. The Control Group was composed of 13 patients with ischaemic stroke, having refused surgical prevention of recurrent stroke. Both groups were matched by age, gender, level of neurological deficiency and size of cerebral ischaemic foci. Surgical management in the Study Group consisted in either carotid endarterectomy (n=15) or stenting of the internal carotid artery (n=5). Depending on the severity of coronary artery lesion and the presence of accompanying therapeutic pathology, options of operative treatment with various anaesthesiological support were offered. At discharge, neurological deficit in the Study Group patients was lower - 1.2 points by the NIH Stroke Scale versus 2.7 points in the Control Group, however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.45). In the Study Group there were two complications: haematoma of the postoperative injury requiring its revision and a transient ischaemic attack during stenting of the internal carotid artery, having disappeared on the operation table after the distal cerebral protection device was removed. Significantly better results were obtained by the following parameters: in the Study Group the number of patients discharged with no neurological deficit (scoring 0 by the NIHSS scale) was significantly higher compared with the Control Group; 50% vs 7.7% (p<0.001). There were no lethal outcomes in either group. One patient (7.7%) from the Study Group developed recurrent ischaemic stroke, whereas neither intra- nor postoperative stroke was registered in the Control Group patients (p<0.001). In carefully selected patients with ischaemic stroke (neurological deficit not exceeding 3 points by the Rankin scale and not more than 11 points by the NIHSS, with the size of the ischaemic focus not exceeding 4 cm), surgical prevention of recurrent stroke within 7 days after the onset of an ischaemic event may be performed effectively and safely. Early operation effectively prevents relapsing ischaemic events at the in-hospital stage. Besides, reconstruction of brachiocephalic arteries during an acute stage of stroke in operated patients improves the neurological status in the postoperative period, decreases the degree of motor and sensory disorders and makes it possible in half of patients to completely eliminate neurological deficit present at admission.

The McDonnell Douglas geophysical observatory program progress report 13 Conjugate point riometer program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, M. B.

1975-01-01

This report, the thirteenth and final progress report on the McDonnell Douglas Geophysical Observatory Program, discusses history of the program from 1962 through 1973, and results of the research carried out in 1974. Topic areas covered include: Station operation; Ionospheric work; Solar studies, Magnetospheric studies; Satellite measurements; International participation; and, 1974 research on solar activity, ATS-6 studies, magnetospheric physics, and station operation.

Tuning operating point of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric fiber-optic sensors using microstructured fiber and gas pressure.

PubMed

Tian, Jiajun; Zhang, Qi; Fink, Thomas; Li, Hong; Peng, Wei; Han, Ming

2012-11-15

Intensity-based demodulation of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) fiber-optic sensors requires the light wavelength to be on the quadrature point of the interferometric fringes for maximum sensitivity. In this Letter, we propose a novel and remote operating-point tuning method for EFPI fiber-optic sensors using microstructured fibers (MFs) and gas pressure. We demonstrated the method using a diaphragm-based EFPI sensor with a microstructured lead-in fiber. The holes in the MF were used as gas channels to remotely control the gas pressure inside the Fabry-Perot cavity. Because of the deformation of the diaphragm with gas pressure, the cavity length and consequently the operating point can be remotely tuned for maximum sensitivity. The proposed operating-point tuning method has the advantage of reduced complexity and cost compared to previously reported methods.

Spatiotemporal attention operator using isotropic contrast and regional homogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palenichka, Roman; Lakhssassi, Ahmed; Zaremba, Marek

2011-04-01

A multiscale operator for spatiotemporal isotropic attention is proposed to reliably extract attention points during image sequence analysis. Its consecutive local maxima indicate attention points as the centers of image fragments of variable size with high intensity contrast, region homogeneity, regional shape saliency, and temporal change presence. The scale-adaptive estimation of temporal change (motion) and its aggregation with the regional shape saliency contribute to the accurate determination of attention points in image sequences. Multilocation descriptors of an image sequence are extracted at the attention points in the form of a set of multidimensional descriptor vectors. A fast recursive implementation is also proposed to make the operator's computational complexity independent from the spatial scale size, which is the window size in the spatial averaging filter. Experiments on the accuracy of attention-point detection have proved the operator consistency and its high potential for multiscale feature extraction from image sequences.

Sequencing Operations: The Critical Path of Operational Art,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-01

while at the same time covering the withdrawal of the Army Group A forces from the Caucasus.55 In effect , Manstein had to balance the desired...the utility of the operational pause is as a method for balancing ends and means in a controlled relationship to one’s culminating point.79 This again... effects and ordering them in time and space to produce conditions that contribute to Operational success. This study approaches this investigation from

Experimental study of influence characteristics of flue gas fly ash on acid dew point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jinhui; Li, Jiahu; Wang, Shuai; Yuan, Hui; Ren, Zhongqiang

2017-12-01

The long-term operation experience of a large number of utility boilers shows that the measured value of acid dew point is generally lower than estimated value. This is because the influence of CaO and MgO on acid dew point in flue gas fly ash is not considered in the estimation formula of acid dew point. On the basis of previous studies, the experimental device for acid dew point measurement was designed and constructed, and the acid dew point under different smoke conditions was measured. The results show that the CaO and MgO in the flue gas fly ash have an obvious influence on the acid dew point, and the content of the fly ash is negatively correlated with the temperature of acid dew point At the same time, the concentration of H2SO4 in flue gas is different, and the acid dew point of flue gas is different, and positively correlated with the acid dew point.

Bootstrapping 3D fermions

DOE PAGES

Iliesiu, Luca; Kos, Filip; Poland, David; ...

2016-03-17

We study the conformal bootstrap for a 4-point function of fermions in 3D. We first introduce an embedding formalism for 3D spinors and compute the conformal blocks appearing in fermion 4-point functions. Using these results, we find general bounds on the dimensions of operators appearing in the ψ × ψ OPE, and also on the central charge C T. We observe features in our bounds that coincide with scaling dimensions in the GrossNeveu models at large N. Finally, we also speculate that other features could coincide with a fermionic CFT containing no relevant scalar operators.

Effective and efficient learning in the operating theater with intraoperative video-enhanced surgical procedure training.

PubMed

van Det, M J; Meijerink, W J H J; Hoff, C; Middel, B; Pierie, J P E N

2013-08-01

INtraoperative Video Enhanced Surgical procedure Training (INVEST) is a new training method designed to improve the transition from basic skills training in a skills lab to procedural training in the operating theater. Traditionally, the master-apprentice model (MAM) is used for procedural training in the operating theater, but this model lacks uniformity and efficiency at the beginning of the learning curve. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of INVEST compared to MAM. Ten surgical residents with no laparoscopic experience were recruited for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy training curriculum either by the MAM or with INVEST. After a uniform course in basic laparoscopic skills, each trainee performed six cholecystectomies that were digitally recorded. For 14 steps of the procedure, an observer who was blinded for the type of training determined whether the step was performed entirely by the trainee (2 points), partially by the trainee (1 point), or by the supervisor (0 points). Time measurements revealed the total procedure time and the amount of effective procedure time during which the trainee acted as the operating surgeon. Results were compared between both groups. Trainees in the INVEST group were awarded statistically significant more points (115.8 vs. 70.2; p < 0.001) and performed more steps without the interference of the supervisor (46.6 vs. 18.8; p < 0.001). Total procedure time was not lengthened by INVEST, and the part performed by trainees was significantly larger (69.9 vs. 54.1 %; p = 0.004). INVEST enhances effectiveness and training efficiency for procedural training inside the operating theater without compromising operating theater time efficiency.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between arthroscopic subchondral drilling and microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PubMed

Choi, Jun-Ik; Lee, Keun-Bae

2016-07-01

The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of the two common bone marrow stimulation techniques such as subchondral drilling and microfracture for symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus and to evaluate prognostic factors affecting the outcomes. Ninety patients (90 ankles) who underwent arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for small- to mid-sized osteochondral lesions of the talus constituted the study cohort. The 90 ankles were divided into two groups: a drilling group (40 ankles) and a microfracture group (50 ankles). Each group was matched for age and gender, and both groups had characteristics similar to those obtained from pre-operative demographic data. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the ankle activity score (AAS) were used to compare clinical outcomes, during a mean follow-up period of 43 months. The median AOFAS scores were 66.0 points (51-80) in drilling group and 66.5 points (45-81) in microfracture group pre-operatively, and these improved to 89.4 points (77-100) and 90.1 points (69-100) at the final follow-up, respectively. The median VAS scores improved at the final follow-up compared with the pre-operative condition. The median AAS for the drilling group improved from 4.5 (1-6) pre-operatively to 6.0 (1-8) at the final follow-up, while those for the microfracture group improved from 3.0 (2-8) to 6.0 (3-9). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the AOFAS scores, VAS, and AAS. The arthroscopic subchondral drilling and microfracture techniques that were used to stimulate bone marrow showed similar clinical outcomes. The results of this study suggest that both techniques are effective and reliable in treating small- to mid-sized osteochondral lesions of the talus, regardless of which of the two techniques is used. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Sensor-Based Optimized Control of the Full Load Instability in Large Hydraulic Turbines

PubMed Central

Presas, Alexandre; Valero, Carme; Egusquiza, Eduard

2018-01-01

Hydropower plants are of paramount importance for the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources in the power grid. In order to match the energy generated and consumed, Large hydraulic turbines have to work under off-design conditions, which may lead to dangerous unstable operating points involving the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical system. Under these conditions, the stability of the grid and the safety of the power plant itself can be compromised. For many Francis Turbines one of these critical points, that usually limits the maximum output power, is the full load instability. Therefore, these machines usually work far away from this unstable point, reducing the effective operating range of the unit. In order to extend the operating range of the machine, working closer to this point with a reasonable safety margin, it is of paramount importance to monitor and to control relevant parameters of the unit, which have to be obtained with an accurate sensor acquisition strategy. Within the framework of a large EU project, field tests in a large Francis Turbine located in Canada (rated power of 444 MW) have been performed. Many different sensors were used to monitor several working parameters of the unit for all its operating range. Particularly for these tests, more than 80 signals, including ten type of different sensors and several operating signals that define the operating point of the unit, were simultaneously acquired. The present study, focuses on the optimization of the acquisition strategy, which includes type, number, location, acquisition frequency of the sensors and corresponding signal analysis to detect the full load instability and to prevent the unit from reaching this point. A systematic approach to determine this strategy has been followed. It has been found that some indicators obtained with different types of sensors are linearly correlated with the oscillating power. The optimized strategy has been determined based on the correlation characteristics (linearity, sensitivity and reactivity), the simplicity of the installation and the acquisition frequency necessary. Finally, an economic and easy implementable protection system based on the resulting optimized acquisition strategy is proposed. This system, which can be used in a generic Francis turbine with a similar full load instability, permits one to extend the operating range of the unit by working close to the instability with a reasonable safety margin. PMID:29601512

Sensor-Based Optimized Control of the Full Load Instability in Large Hydraulic Turbines.

PubMed

Presas, Alexandre; Valentin, David; Egusquiza, Mònica; Valero, Carme; Egusquiza, Eduard

2018-03-30

Hydropower plants are of paramount importance for the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources in the power grid. In order to match the energy generated and consumed, Large hydraulic turbines have to work under off-design conditions, which may lead to dangerous unstable operating points involving the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical system. Under these conditions, the stability of the grid and the safety of the power plant itself can be compromised. For many Francis Turbines one of these critical points, that usually limits the maximum output power, is the full load instability. Therefore, these machines usually work far away from this unstable point, reducing the effective operating range of the unit. In order to extend the operating range of the machine, working closer to this point with a reasonable safety margin, it is of paramount importance to monitor and to control relevant parameters of the unit, which have to be obtained with an accurate sensor acquisition strategy. Within the framework of a large EU project, field tests in a large Francis Turbine located in Canada (rated power of 444 MW) have been performed. Many different sensors were used to monitor several working parameters of the unit for all its operating range. Particularly for these tests, more than 80 signals, including ten type of different sensors and several operating signals that define the operating point of the unit, were simultaneously acquired. The present study, focuses on the optimization of the acquisition strategy, which includes type, number, location, acquisition frequency of the sensors and corresponding signal analysis to detect the full load instability and to prevent the unit from reaching this point. A systematic approach to determine this strategy has been followed. It has been found that some indicators obtained with different types of sensors are linearly correlated with the oscillating power. The optimized strategy has been determined based on the correlation characteristics (linearity, sensitivity and reactivity), the simplicity of the installation and the acquisition frequency necessary. Finally, an economic and easy implementable protection system based on the resulting optimized acquisition strategy is proposed. This system, which can be used in a generic Francis turbine with a similar full load instability, permits one to extend the operating range of the unit by working close to the instability with a reasonable safety margin.

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

Schlichenmaier, M

Recently, Lax operator algebras appeared as a new class of higher genus current-type algebras. Introduced by Krichever and Sheinman, they were based on Krichever's theory of Lax operators on algebraic curves. These algebras are almost-graded Lie algebras of currents on Riemann surfaces with marked points (in-points, out-points and Tyurin points). In a previous joint article with Sheinman, the author classified the local cocycles and associated almost-graded central extensions in the case of one in-point and one out-point. It was shown that the almost-graded extension is essentially unique. In this article the general case of Lax operator algebras corresponding to several in- andmore » out-points is considered. As a first step they are shown to be almost-graded. The grading is given by splitting the marked points which are non-Tyurin points into in- and out-points. Next, classification results both for local and bounded cocycles are proved. The uniqueness theorem for almost-graded central extensions follows. To obtain this generalization additional techniques are needed which are presented in this article. Bibliography: 30 titles.« less

78 FR 61401 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Big Rock Point; Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-03

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-155; 72-43 and NRC-2013-0218] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Big Rock Point; Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory... the Big Rock Point (BRP) Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI). ADDRESSES: Please refer...

Rio Grande valley Colorado new Mexico and Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ellis, Sherman R.; Levings, Gary W.; Carter, Lisa F.; Richey, Steven F.; Radell, Mary Jo

1993-01-01

Two structural settings are found in the study unit: alluvial basins and bedrock basins. The alluvial basins can have through-flowing surface water or be closed basins. The discussion of streamflow and water quality for the surface-water system is based on four river reaches for the 750 miles of the main stem. the quality of the ground water is affected by both natural process and human activities and by nonpoint and point sources. Nonpoint sources for surface water include agriculture, hydromodification, and mining operations; point sources are mainly discharge from wastewater treatment plants. Nonpoint sources for ground water include agriculture and septic tanks and cesspools; point sources include leaking underground storage tanks, unlined or manure-lined holding ponds used for disposal of dairy wastes, landfills, and mining operations.

Extremal Correlators in the Ads/cft Correspondence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Hoker, Eric; Freedman, Daniel Z.; Mathur, Samir D.; Matusis, Alec; Rastelli, Leonardo

The non-renormalization of the 3-point functions

Optimization of bump and blowing to control the flow through a transonic compressor blade cascade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazaheri, K.; Khatibirad, S.

2018-03-01

Shock control bump (SCB) and blowing are two flow control methods, used here to improve the aerodynamic performance of transonic compressors. Both methods are applied to a NASA rotor 67 blade section and are optimized to minimize the total pressure loss. A continuous adjoint algorithm is used for multi-point optimization of a SCB to improve the aerodynamic performance of the rotor blade section, for a range of operational conditions around its design point. A multi-point and two single-point optimizations are performed in the design and off-design conditions. It is shown that the single-point optimized shapes have the best performance for their respective operating conditions, but the multi-point one has an overall better performance over the whole operating range. An analysis is given regarding how similarly both single- and multi-point optimized SCBs change the wave structure between blade sections resulting in a more favorable flow pattern. Interactions of the SCB with the boundary layer and the wave structure, and its effects on the separation regions are also studied. We have also introduced the concept of blowing for control of shock wave and boundary-layer interaction. A geometrical model is introduced, and the geometrical and physical parameters of blowing are optimized at the design point. The performance improvements of blowing are compared with the SCB. The physical interactions of SCB with the boundary layer and the shock wave are analyzed. The effects of SCB on the wave structure in the flow domain outside the boundary-layer region are investigated. It is shown that the effects of the blowing mechanism are very similar to the SCB.

Automatic drawing for traffic marking with MMS LIDAR intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, G.; Takeda, H.; Shimano, Y.

2014-05-01

Upgrading the database of CYBER JAPAN has been strategically promoted because the "Basic Act on Promotion of Utilization of Geographical Information", was enacted in May 2007. In particular, there is a high demand for road information that comprises a framework in this database. Therefore, road inventory mapping work has to be accurate and eliminate variation caused by individual human operators. Further, the large number of traffic markings that are periodically maintained and possibly changed require an efficient method for updating spatial data. Currently, we apply manual photogrammetry drawing for mapping traffic markings. However, this method is not sufficiently efficient in terms of the required productivity, and data variation can arise from individual operators. In contrast, Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) and high-density Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) scanners are rapidly gaining popularity. The aim in this study is to build an efficient method for automatically drawing traffic markings using MMS LIDAR data. The key idea in this method is extracting lines using a Hough transform strategically focused on changes in local reflection intensity along scan lines. However, also note that this method processes every traffic marking. In this paper, we discuss a highly accurate and non-human-operator-dependent method that applies the following steps: (1) Binarizing LIDAR points by intensity and extracting higher intensity points; (2) Generating a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) from higher intensity points; (3) Deleting arcs by length and generating outline polygons on the TIN; (4) Generating buffers from the outline polygons; (5) Extracting points from the buffers using the original LIDAR points; (6) Extracting local-intensity-changing points along scan lines using the extracted points; (7) Extracting lines from intensity-changing points through a Hough transform; and (8) Connecting lines to generate automated traffic marking mapping data.

Planning Bepicolombo MPO Science Operations to study Mercury Interior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De La Fuente, Sara; Carasa, Angela; Ortiz, Iñaki; Rodriguez, Pedro; Casale, Mauro; Benkhoff, Johannes; Zender, Joe

2017-04-01

BepiColombo is an Interdisciplinary Cornerstone ESA-JAXA Mission to Mercury, with two orbiters, the ESA Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the JAXA Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) dedicated to study of the planet and its magnetosphere. The MPO, is a three-axis-stabilized, nadir-pointing spacecraft which will be placed in a polar orbit, providing excellent spatial resolution over the entire planet surface. The MPO's scientific payload comprises 11 instrument packages, including laser altimeter, cameras and the radio science experiment that will be dedicated to the study of Mercury's interior: structure, composition, formation and evolution. The planning of the science operations to be carried out by the Mercury's interior scientific instruments will be done by the SGS located at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), in conjunction with the scientific instrument teams. The process will always consider the complete nominal mission duration, such that the contribution of the scheduled science operations to the science objectives, the total data volume generated, and the seasonal interdependency, can be tracked. The heart of the science operations planning process is the Observations Catalogue (OC), a web-accessed database to collect and analyse all science operations requests. From the OC, the SGS will first determine all science opportunity windows compatible with the spacecraft operational constraints. Secondly, only those compatible with the resources (power and data volume) and pointing constraints will be chosen, including slew feasibility.

Dissipative and nonunitary solutions of operator commutation relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, K. A.; Tsekanovskii, E.

2016-01-01

We study the (generalized) semi-Weyl commutation relations UgAU* g = g(A) on Dom(A), where A is a densely defined operator and G ∋ g ↦ Ug is a unitary representation of the subgroup G of the affine group G, the group of affine orientation-preserving transformations of the real axis. If A is a symmetric operator, then the group G induces an action/flow on the operator unit ball of contracting transformations from Ker(A* - iI) to Ker(A* + iI). We establish several fixed-point theorems for this flow. In the case of one-parameter continuous subgroups of linear transformations, self-adjoint (maximal dissipative) operators associated with the fixed points of the flow yield solutions of the (restricted) generalized Weyl commutation relations. We show that in the dissipative setting, the restricted Weyl relations admit a variety of representations that are not unitarily equivalent. For deficiency indices (1, 1), the basic results can be strengthened and set in a separate case.

Rulemaking Petition to lower the threshold that qualifies animal feeding operations (“AFOs”) as concentrated animal feeding operations (“CAFOs”) and thereby “point sources” under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Rulemaking Petition submitted September 20, 2015 to lower the threshold that qualifies animal feeding operations (AFOs) as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and thereby point sources under§ 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Corner-corrected diagonal-norm summation-by-parts operators for the first derivative with increased order of accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Rey Fernández, David C.; Boom, Pieter D.; Zingg, David W.

2017-02-01

Combined with simultaneous approximation terms, summation-by-parts (SBP) operators offer a versatile and efficient methodology that leads to consistent, conservative, and provably stable discretizations. However, diagonal-norm operators with a repeating interior-point operator that have thus far been constructed suffer from a loss of accuracy. While on the interior, these operators are of degree 2p, at a number of nodes near the boundaries, they are of degree p, and therefore of global degree p - meaning the highest degree monomial for which the operators are exact at all nodes. This implies that for hyperbolic problems and operators of degree greater than unity they lead to solutions with a global order of accuracy lower than the degree of the interior-point operator. In this paper, we develop a procedure to construct diagonal-norm first-derivative SBP operators that are of degree 2p at all nodes and therefore can lead to solutions of hyperbolic problems of order 2 p + 1. This is accomplished by adding nonzero entries in the upper-right and lower-left corners of SBP operator matrices with a repeating interior-point operator. This modification necessitates treating these new operators as elements, where mesh refinement is accomplished by increasing the number of elements in the mesh rather than increasing the number of nodes. The significant improvements in accuracy of this new family, for the same repeating interior-point operator, are demonstrated in the context of the linear convection equation.

Entanglement cost under positive-partial-transpose-preserving operations.

PubMed

Audenaert, K; Plenio, M B; Eisert, J

2003-01-17

We study the entanglement cost under quantum operations preserving the positivity of the partial transpose (PPT operations). We demonstrate that this cost is directly related to the logarithmic negativity, thereby providing the operational interpretation for this entanglement measure. As examples we discuss general Werner states and arbitrary bipartite Gaussian states. Then we prove that for the antisymmetric Werner state PPT cost and PPT entanglement of distillation coincide. This is the first example of a truly mixed state for which entanglement manipulation is asymptotically reversible, which points towards a unique entanglement measure under PPT operations.

Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Defensive Information Operations. 2000 Summer Study. Volume II

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-03-01

distinguishing between attacks and other events such as accidents, system failures, or hacking by thrill-seekers. This challenge is exacerbated by the...and is referred to as Signaling System # 7 ( SS7 ). Commercial Intelligent Network Architecture Switching Signal Point (SSP) Service - Originates...Wireless access point to fixed infrastructure Ut c Signaling Transfer Point (STP) - Packet switch in CCITT#7 Network SP SW SS7 System Data Bases Network

Operational Art and the ADF Experience

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-25

Operations Task Group TF(U) Task Force (Uruzgan) TNI Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian) translates into the National Army of Indonesia UNAMET...be examined using four research questions. First, what was the ADFs concept of operational art at the time of the case study? Second, what were the...art from the nineteenth century to its articulation as a written theory in AirLand Battle. Naveh identifies four key points in the development of

[Forensic medical evaluation of stab-incised wounds caused by knives with point defects].

PubMed

Krupin, K N; Leonov, S V

2011-01-01

The present experimental study allowed to characterize specific signs of stab-incised wounds caused by knives with operational point defects. Diagnostic coefficients calculated for these macro- and microscopic features facilitate differential diagnostics of the injuries and make it possible to identify a concrete stabbing/cutting weapon with which the wound was inflicted..

43 CFR 3809.301 - Where do I file my notice and what information must I include in it?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... within 30 calendar days of any change of operator or corporate point of contact, or of the mailing address of the operator or corporate point of contact. ... include the following information: (1) Operator Information. The name, mailing address, phone number...

43 CFR 3809.301 - Where do I file my notice and what information must I include in it?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... within 30 calendar days of any change of operator or corporate point of contact, or of the mailing address of the operator or corporate point of contact. ... include the following information: (1) Operator Information. The name, mailing address, phone number...

43 CFR 3809.301 - Where do I file my notice and what information must I include in it?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... within 30 calendar days of any change of operator or corporate point of contact, or of the mailing address of the operator or corporate point of contact. ... include the following information: (1) Operator Information. The name, mailing address, phone number...

43 CFR 3809.301 - Where do I file my notice and what information must I include in it?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... within 30 calendar days of any change of operator or corporate point of contact, or of the mailing address of the operator or corporate point of contact. ... include the following information: (1) Operator Information. The name, mailing address, phone number...

TIGGERC: Turbomachinery Interactive Grid Generator for 2-D Grid Applications and Users Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, David P.

1994-01-01

A two-dimensional multi-block grid generator has been developed for a new design and analysis system for studying multiple blade-row turbomachinery problems. TIGGERC is a mouse driven, interactive grid generation program which can be used to modify boundary coordinates and grid packing and generates surface grids using a hyperbolic tangent or algebraic distribution of grid points on the block boundaries. The interior points of each block grid are distributed using a transfinite interpolation approach. TIGGERC can generate a blocked axisymmetric H-grid, C-grid, I-grid or O-grid for studying turbomachinery flow problems. TIGGERC was developed for operation on Silicon Graphics workstations. Detailed discussion of the grid generation methodology, menu options, operational features and sample grid geometries are presented.

In Hot Water: A Cooling Tower Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cochran, Justin; Raju, P. K.; Sankar, Chetan

2005-01-01

Problem Statement: Vogtle Electric Generating Plant operated by Southern Nuclear Operating Company, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has found itself at a decision point. Vogtle depends on their natural draft cooling towers to remove heat from the power cycle. Depending on the efficiency of the towers, the cycle can realize more or less power…

Does high flexion after total knee replacement really improve our patients' quality of life at a short-term follow-up? : a comparative case-control study with hyperflex PFC Sigma versus a Triathlon knee series.

PubMed

Mencière, Maxime L; Epinette, Jean-Alain; Gabrion, Antoine; Arnalsteen, Damien; Mertl, Patrice

2014-10-01

A full range of motion after total knee arthroplasty has become more and more requested by our patients, leading to novel designs of knee implants, the so-called "hyperflex" knees. The aim of the present study was to confirm whether or not hyperflexion of operated knees really improves the patients' quality of life. A retrospective comparative case-control study has been carried out to compare clinical results shown in two types of knee prosthesis, from two homogeneous paired groups of patients including 45 cases of a "hyperflex" model (RP-F), while the control group consisted of 43 cases of a "regular design" model (Triathlon) in terms of expected postoperative flexion. The hyperflex group demonstrated significant higher mean values of passive flexion at 119.9° in the RP-F group versus 111.1° in the Triathlon group. However, global results in the "regular" control group were significantly better than the "hyperflex" study group, in both IKS knee and functional scores at 84.4 points (RP-F) vs. 89.8 points (Triathlon), and 84.6 points (RP-F) vs. 89.5 points (Triathlon), respectively. Moreover, the self-administered KOOS questionnaire was significantly in favor of the control group, with 73.5 points in RP-F knees versus 86.0 points for Triathlon knees at global KOOS postoperative scores. The quality of life of operated patients after TKA obviously would be considered as the main priority, which was better obtained by a "regular design" in our study. Hence "high flexion" cannot be considered as an absolute target when choosing a model for total knee arthroplasty.

Feedforward-feedback control of dissolved oxygen concentration in a predenitrification system.

PubMed

Yong, Ma; Yongzhen, Peng; Shuying, Wang

2005-07-01

As the largest single energy-consuming component in most biological wastewater treatment systems, aeration control is of great interest from the point of view of saving energy and improving wastewater treatment plant efficiency. In this paper, three different strategies, including conventional constant dissolved oxygen (DO) set-point control, cascade DO set-point control, and feedforward-feedback DO set-point control were evaluated using the denitrification layout of the IWA simulation benchmark. Simulation studies showed that the feedforward-feedback DO set-point control strategy was better than the other control strategies at meeting the effluent standards and reducing operational costs. The control strategy works primarily by feedforward control based on an ammonium sensor located at the head of the aerobic process. It has an important advantage over effluent measurements in that there is no (or only a very short) time delay for information; feedforward control was combined with slow feedback control to compensate for model approximations. The feedforward-feedback DO control was implemented in a lab-scale wastewater treatment plant for a period of 60 days. Compared to operation with constant DO concentration, the required airflow could be reduced by up to 8-15% by employing the feedforward-feedback DO-control strategy, and the effluent ammonia concentration could be reduced by up to 15-25%. This control strategy can be expected to be accepted by the operating personnel in wastewater treatment plants.

[Proposal of a costing method for the provision of sterilization in a public hospital].

PubMed

Bauler, S; Combe, C; Piallat, M; Laurencin, C; Hida, H

2011-07-01

To refine the billing to institutions whose operations of sterilization are outsourced, a sterilization cost approach was developed. The aim of the study is to determine the value of a sterilization unit (one point "S") evolving according to investments, quantities processed, types of instrumentation or packaging. The time of preparation has been selected from all sub-processes of sterilization to determine the value of one point S. The time of preparation of sterilized large and small containers and pouches were raised. The reference time corresponds to one bag (equal to one point S). Simultaneously, the annual operating cost of sterilization was defined and divided into several areas of expenditure: employees, equipments and building depreciation, supplies, and maintenance. A total of 136 crossing times of containers were measured. Time to prepare a pouch has been estimated at one minute (one S). A small container represents four S and a large container represents 10S. By dividing the operating cost of sterilization by the total number of points of sterilization over a given period, the cost of one S can be determined. This method differs from traditional costing method in sterilizing services, considering each item of expenditure. This point S will be the base for billing of subcontracts to other institutions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

47 CFR 90.471 - Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems. 90.471 Section 90.471 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control Systems § 90.471 Points of...

47 CFR 90.471 - Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems. 90.471 Section 90.471 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control Systems § 90.471 Points of...

47 CFR 90.471 - Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems. 90.471 Section 90.471 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control Systems § 90.471 Points of...

47 CFR 90.471 - Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems. 90.471 Section 90.471 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control Systems § 90.471 Points of...

47 CFR 90.471 - Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Points of operation in internal transmitter control systems. 90.471 Section 90.471 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control Systems § 90.471 Points of...

Design and FPGA Implementation of a Universal Chaotic Signal Generator Based on the Verilog HDL Fixed-Point Algorithm and State Machine Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Mo; Yu, Simin; Wen, Yuqiong; Lü, Jinhu; He, Jianbin; Lin, Zhuosheng

In this paper, a novel design methodology and its FPGA hardware implementation for a universal chaotic signal generator is proposed via the Verilog HDL fixed-point algorithm and state machine control. According to continuous-time or discrete-time chaotic equations, a Verilog HDL fixed-point algorithm and its corresponding digital system are first designed. In the FPGA hardware platform, each operation step of Verilog HDL fixed-point algorithm is then controlled by a state machine. The generality of this method is that, for any given chaotic equation, it can be decomposed into four basic operation procedures, i.e. nonlinear function calculation, iterative sequence operation, iterative values right shifting and ceiling, and chaotic iterative sequences output, each of which corresponds to only a state via state machine control. Compared with the Verilog HDL floating-point algorithm, the Verilog HDL fixed-point algorithm can save the FPGA hardware resources and improve the operation efficiency. FPGA-based hardware experimental results validate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed approach.

AALC Fan Model Test Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-08

Prediction. Scaling. Fan Design. 29AOSY14ACY (Cettm.. a P#`04 rv1s. *It UO004N 01- dew 16001 bYstI 610 01c Nh A 12-inch-diameter centrifugal fan impeller...Performance, 3500 RPM84............ 53 Inlet Bellmouth Velocity Survey , Oper Point A, Config 3. 54 Inlet Bellmouth Velocity Survey, Oper Point B...Config 3. 8& 55 Inlet Bellmouth Velocity Survey, Oper Point C, Config 3. ss So Volute Exit Plane Press. Measurement Locations, Config 3 89 57 Volute Exit

The Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation: Instrument Description and First Detections

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

Murphy, TW; Adelberger, Eric G.; Battat, J.

2008-01-01

A next-generation lunar laser ranging apparatus using the 3.5 m telescope at the Apache Point Observatory in southern New Mexico has begun science operation. APOLLO (the Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) has achieved one-millimeter range precision to the moon which should lead to aproximately one-orderof-magnitude improvements in the precision of several tests of fundamental properties of gravity. We briefly motivate the scientific goals, and then give a detailed discussion of the APOLLO instrumentation.

More on boundary holographic Witten diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Yoshiki

2018-01-01

In this paper we discuss geodesic Witten diagrams in general holographic conformal field theories with boundary or defect. In boundary or defect conformal field theory, two-point functions are nontrivial and can be decomposed into conformal blocks in two distinct ways; ambient channel decomposition and boundary channel decomposition. In our previous work [A. Karch and Y. Sato, J. High Energy Phys. 09 (2017) 121., 10.1007/JHEP09(2017)121] we only consider two-point functions of same operators. We generalize our previous work to a situation where operators in two-point functions are different. We obtain two distinct decomposition for two-point functions of different operators.

A test of the AdS/CFT duality on the Coulomb branch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, M. S.

2000-06-01

We consider the /N=4 /SU(N) Super Yang Mills theory on the Coulomb branch with gauge symmetry broken to S(U(N1)×U(N2)). By integrating the W particles, the effective action near the IR SU(Ni) conformal fixed points is seen to be a deformation of the Super Yang Mills theory by a non-renormalized, irrelevant, dimension 8 operator. The correction to the two-point function of the dilaton field dual operator near the IR is related to a three-point function of chiral primary operators at the conformal fixed points and agrees with the classical gravity prediction, including the numerical factor.

Impact of sleep disordered breathing on short-term post-operative outcome after elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a prospective observational study.

PubMed

Rupprecht, Sven; Schultze, Torsten; Nachtmann, Andreas; Rastan, Ardawan Julian; Doenst, Torsten; Schwab, Matthias; Witte, Otto W; Rohe, Sebastian; Zwacka, Isabelle; Hoyer, Heike

2017-04-01

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with coronary disease, but its impact on post-operative recovery after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is unclear. We therefore determined the effects of SDB on post-operative outcome after elective CABG.In this prospective two-centre study, 219 patients due to receive elective CABG underwent cardiorespiratory polygraphy for SDB prior to surgery and were monitored for post-operative complications. The primary end-point was a composite of 30-day mortality or major post-operative complications (cardiac, respiratory, surgical, infectious, acute renal failure or stroke). Key secondary end-points were single components of the primary end-point.SDB was present in 69% and moderate/severe SDB in 43% of the CABG patients. There was no difference in the composite of 30-day mortality or major postoperative complications between patients with and without SDB (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.49-1.96) and between patients with moderate/severe SDB and no/mild SDB (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.55-2.06). However, moderate/severe SDB was associated with higher rates of mortality (crude OR 10.1, 95% CI 1.22-83.5), sepsis (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.17-7.50) and respiratory complications (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.46-5.55).Although SDB was not associated with higher overall morbidity/mortality, moderate/severe SDB may increase the risk of death, and septic and respiratory complications, after elective CABG. Copyright ©ERS 2017.

Space tug point design study. Volume 3: Design definition. Part 1: Propulsion and mechanical, avionics, thermal control and electrical power subsystems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A study was conducted to determine the configuration and performance of a space tug. Details of the space tug systems are presented to include: (1) propulsion systems, (2) avionics, (3) thermal control, and (4) electric power subsystems. The data generated include engineering drawings, schematics, subsystem operation, and component description. Various options investigated and the rational for the point design selection are analyzed.

Art-technology Collaboration and Motivation Sources in Technologically Supported Artwork Buildup Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Happonen, Ari; Stepanov, Alexander; Hirvimäki, Marika; Manninen, Matti; Dennisuk, William; Piili, Heidi; Salminen, Antti

This study is based on observed outcomes of motivation sources and collaboration elements from a living lab style co-operation project. In this project, researchers of engineering science and an individual artist co-operated closely. The goal was to create an artwork made from corrugated board by utilizing laser cutting technology. In the context of this study, the scientist and the artist participated in the whole process and the research was done in living lab style arrangement. The research process integrated multiple experts from different scientific fields and experts from practical contexts to develop a new art design and art forming process with utilization of laser cutting technology. The purpose of this study was to find out and discuss about the key elements for high motivation to work together and then reveal the best practice findings in this co-operative development process. Elements were studied from three different points of view: artists view, collaboration motivation view and practical cutting point of view. The elements were analysed by utilizing an active documentation collection methodology, during the whole process, and by using story-telling methodology. The documents were used to reflect facts and feelings from the co-operation, the work process and the challenges encountered within collaboration. This article contributes to research methodology and best practice context by revealing the key elements, which build the motivation compelling (as personal inner motivation) the participant to work out of office hours as well as on weekends. Furthermore, as the artist-engineer co-operation is not frequently reported in scientific literature, this study reveals valuable information for practitioners and co-operation researchers.

Accuracy of Point-of-care Ultrasonography for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Matthew Fields, J; Davis, Joshua; Alsup, Carl; Bates, Amanda; Au, Arthur; Adhikari, Srikar; Farrell, Isaac

2017-09-01

The use of ultrasonography (US) to diagnose appendicitis is well established. More recently, point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has also been studied for the diagnosis of appendicitis, which may also prove a valuable diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study was through systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the test characteristics of POCUS, specifically US performed by a nonradiologist physician, in accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients of any age. We conducted a thorough and systematic literature search of English language articles published on point-of-care, physician-performed transabdominal US used for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis from 1980 to May, 2015 using OVID MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-indexed Citations and Scopus. Studies were selected and subsequently independently abstracted by two trained reviewers. A random-effects pooled analysis was used to construct a hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic curve, and a meta-regression was performed. Quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Our search yielded 5,792 unique studies and we included 21 of these in our final review. Prevalence of disease in this study was 29.8%, (range = 6.4%-75.4%). The sensitivity and specificity for POCUS in diagnosing appendicitis were 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83%-96%) and 97% (95% CI = 91%-99%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 91 and 94%, respectively. Studies performed by emergency physicians had slightly lower test characteristics (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 92%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I 2 = 99%, 95% CI = 99%-100%) and the quality of the reported studies was moderate, mostly due to unclear reporting of blinding of physicians and timing of scanning and patient enrollment. Several of the studies were performed by a single operator, and the education and training of the operators were variably reported. Point-of-care US has relatively high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis, although the data presented are limited by the quality of the original studies and large CIs. In the hands of an experienced operator, POCUS is an appropriate initial imaging modality for diagnosing appendicitis. Based on our results, it is premature to utilize POCUS as a stand-alone test or to rule out appendicitis. © 2017 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Protection Relaying Scheme Based on Fault Reactance Operation Type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Kouichi

The theories of operation of existing relays are roughly divided into two types: one is the current differential types based on Kirchhoff's first law and the other is impedance types based on second law. We can apply the Kirchhoff's laws to strictly formulate fault phenomena, so the circuit equations are represented non linear simultaneous equations with variables fault point k and fault resistance Rf. This method has next two defect. 1) heavy computational burden for the iterative calculation on N-R method, 2) relay operator can not easily understand principle of numerical matrix operation. The new protection relay principles we proposed this paper focuses on the fact that the reactance component on fault point is almost zero. Two reactance Xf(S), Xf(R) on branch both ends are calculated by operation of solving linear equations. If signs of Xf(S) and Xf(R) are not same, it can be judged that the fault point exist in the branch. This reactance Xf corresponds to difference of branch reactance between actual fault point and imaginaly fault point. And so relay engineer can to understand fault location by concept of “distance". The simulation results using this new method indicates the highly precise estimation of fault locations compared with the inspected fault locations on operating transmission lines.

Analysis of Terrestrial Interference Protection from UAS CNPC Satellite Transmitters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerczewski, Robert J.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Bishop, William D.

2016-01-01

Unmanned aircraft (UA) are projected to have a major impact on future aviation. Larger UA operating at altitudes above 3000 feet will require at least occasional access to non-segregated, that is, controlled airspace. In order for unmanned aircraft to be integrated into the airspace and operate with other commercial aircraft, a very reliable command and control (a. k. a. control and non-payload communications, (CNPC)) link is required. For operations covering large distances or over remote locations, a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) CNPC link implemented through a satellite will almost always be required. Protected aviation spectrum (aeronautical mobile satellite (route) service, or AMS(R)S) would normally be used for such a safety-critical link, however studies have shown that currently available aviation safety satellite spectrum is inadequate to support the projected BLOS CNPC link bandwidth requirements. To address this inadequacy, the 2015 World Radio communication Conference studied the possible use of the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) to provide CNPC, including possible allocations in Ku-Band and Ka-Band, under Agenda Item (AI) 1.5. Although UA CNPC satellite links in these bands were shown to meet operational availability and continuity requirements, a serious complication exists in that there are also terrestrial service allocations in these bands, in particular, Fixed Service (FS) point-to-point and point-to-multipoint microwave digital links. During the WRC-15 study cycle, much opposition to AI 1.5 was generated based on fears that UA CNPC satellite transmitters in these bands would impose unacceptable levels of interference to the FS receivers. NASA analyzed the possible interference from the UA transmitters based on probable UA transmission and FS receiver characteristics, and UA traffic distributions and densities to determine conditions under which UA could operate without imposing unacceptable interference levels to the FS. Ultimately, UA power flux density transmission limits were proposed as a way to insure protection of FS receivers and further studies were prepared on the various proposals. This paper presents the results of these studies and discusses possible implications on future UA BLOS operations.

34 CFR 644.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... provided under paragraph (a) of this section, and attainable, given the project's plan of operation, budget... applications. (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the following: (1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and...

34 CFR 644.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... provided under paragraph (a) of this section, and attainable, given the project's plan of operation, budget... applications. (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the following: (1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and...

34 CFR 644.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... provided under paragraph (a) of this section, and attainable, given the project's plan of operation, budget... applications. (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the following: (1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and...

34 CFR 644.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... provided under paragraph (a) of this section, and attainable, given the project's plan of operation, budget... applications. (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the following: (1) (4 points) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and...

78 FR 44881 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; York River, Between Yorktown and Gloucester Point, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-25

... deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the Coleman Memorial Bridge (US 17/George P. Coleman Memorial Swing Bridge) across the York River, mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate maintenance work on the moveable spans on the...

[Tossy III injuries of the acromioclavicular joint. In what circumstances is surgery still justified? Personal results and literature review].

PubMed

Prokop, A; Helling, H J; Andermahr, J; Mönig, S; Rehm, K E

2003-05-01

In Germany AC-joint-dislocations type Tossy III are treated in most of the cases operatively. Over two times of period we treated AC-joint-dislocations type Tossy III with biodegradable PDS-cords. 54 patients were operated between 1989 and 1997 and followed up after 39 months. 87.5% of patients are satisfied with results and have 10.2 points at Taftscore. In this period we couldn't differentiated the results by Rockwood classification. 12 patients with Rockwood V were operated between 1998 and 2002 and followed up after 14 months. Excellent and good results were seen in 92% of cases. At Taftscore we seen 10.7 points. 3 patients with Rockwood III were treated conservative with 10.3 points and 3 patients were operated with 10.7 points at Taftscore. AC-joint dislocations should be classified to Rockwood. No differences were seen between operation and conservative treatment in Rockwood III in literature. We recommend operation with PDS cords with good results in Rockwood V.

Applying Dynamical Systems Theory to Optimize Libration Point Orbit Stationkeeping Maneuvers for WIND

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Jonathan M.; Petersen, Jeremy D.

2014-01-01

NASA's WIND mission has been operating in a large amplitude Lissajous orbit in the vicinity of the interior libration point of the Sun-Earth/Moon system since 2004. Regular stationkeeping maneuvers are required to maintain the orbit due to the instability around the collinear libration points. Historically these stationkeeping maneuvers have been performed by applying an incremental change in velocity, or (delta)v along the spacecraft-Sun vector as projected into the ecliptic plane. Previous studies have shown that the magnitude of libration point stationkeeping maneuvers can be minimized by applying the (delta)v in the direction of the local stable manifold found using dynamical systems theory. This paper presents the analysis of this new maneuver strategy which shows that the magnitude of stationkeeping maneuvers can be decreased by 5 to 25 percent, depending on the location in the orbit where the maneuver is performed. The implementation of the optimized maneuver method into operations is discussed and results are presented for the first two optimized stationkeeping maneuvers executed by WIND.

Jet aircraft hydrocarbon fuels technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Longwell, J. P. (Editor)

1978-01-01

A broad specification, referee fuel was proposed for research and development. This fuel has a lower, closely specified hydrogen content and higher final boiling point and freezing point than ASTM Jet A. The workshop recommended various priority items for fuel research and development. Key items include prediction of tradeoffs among fuel refining, distribution, and aircraft operating costs; combustor liner temperature and emissions studies; and practical simulator investigations of the effect of high freezing point and low thermal stability fuels on aircraft fuel systems.

Comparison of Sigma-Point and Extended Kalman Filters on a Realistic Orbit Determination Scenario

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaebler, John; Hur-Diaz. Sun; Carpenter, Russell

2010-01-01

Sigma-point filters have received a lot of attention in recent years as a better alternative to extended Kalman filters for highly nonlinear problems. In this paper, we compare the performance of the additive divided difference sigma-point filter to the extended Kalman filter when applied to orbit determination of a realistic operational scenario based on the Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission. For the scenario studied, both filters provided equivalent results. The performance of each is discussed in detail.

Alar-columellar and lateral nostril changes following tongue-in-groove rhinoplasty.

PubMed

Shah, Ajul; Pfaff, Miles; Kinsman, Gianna; Steinbacher, Derek M

2015-04-01

Repositioning the medial crura cephalically onto the caudal septum (tongue-in-groove; TIG) allows alteration of the columella, ala, and nasal tip to address alar-columellar disproportion as seen from the lateral view. To date, quantitative analysis of nostril dimension, alar-columellar relationship, and nasal tip changes following the TIG rhinoplasty technique have not been described. The present study aims to evaluate post-operative lateral morphometric changes following TIG. Pre- and post-operative lateral views of a series of consecutive patients who underwent TIG rhinoplasty were produced from 3D images at multiple time points (≤2 weeks, 4-10 weeks, and >10 weeks post-operatively) for analysis. The 3D images were converted to 2D and set to scale. Exposed lateral nostril area, alar-columellar disproportion (divided into superior and inferior heights), nasolabial angle, nostril height, and nostril length were calculated and statistically analyzed using a pairwise t test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ninety-four lateral views were analyzed from 20 patients (16 females; median age: 31.8). One patient had a history of current tobacco cigarette use. Lateral nostril area decreased at all time points post-operatively, in a statistically significant fashion. Alar-columellar disproportion was reduced following TIG at all time points. The nasolabial angle significantly increased post-operatively at ≤2 weeks, 4-10 weeks, and >10, all in a statistically significant fashion. Nostril height and nostril length decreased at all post-operative time points. Morphometric analysis reveals reduction in alar-columellar disproportion and lateral nostril shows following TIG rhinoplasty. Tip rotation, as a function of nasolabial angle, also increased. These results provide quantitative substantiation for qualitative descriptions attributed to the TIG technique. Future studies will focus on area and volumetric measurements, and assessment of long-term stability. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The prevalence of undiagnosed pre-surgical cognitive impairment and its post-surgical clinical impact in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity.

PubMed

Adogwa, Owoicho; Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Lydon, Emily; Vuong, Victoria D; Cheng, Joseph; Karikari, Isaac O; Bagley, Carlos A

2017-09-01

Pre-existing cognitive impairment (CI) is emerging as a predictor of poor post-operative outcomes in elderly patients. Little is known about impaired preoperative cognition and outcomes after elective spine surgery in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of neuro CI in elderly patients undergoing deformity surgery and its impact on postoperative outcomes. Elderly subjects undergoing elective spinal surgery for correction of adult degenerative scoliosis were enrolled in this study. Pre-operative baseline cognition was assessed using the Saint Louis Mental Status (SLUMS) test. SLUMS consists of 11 questions, which can give a maximum of 30 points. Mild CI was defined as a SLUMS score between 21-26 points, while severe CI was defined as a SLUMS score of ≤20 points. Normal cognition was defined as a SLUMS score of ≥27 points. Complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rates were compared between patients with and without baseline CI. Eighty-two subjects were included in this study, with mean age of 73.26±6.08 years. Fifty-seven patients (70%) had impaired cognition at baseline. The impaired cognition group had the following outcomes: increased incidence of one or more postoperative complications (39% vs. 20%), higher incidence of delirium (20% vs. 8%), and higher rate of discharge institutionalization at skilled nursing or acute rehab facilities (54% vs. 30%). The length of hospital stay and 30-day hospital readmission rates were similar between both cohorts (5.33 vs. 5.48 days and 12.28% vs. 12%, respectively). CI is highly prevalent in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult degenerative scoliosis. Impaired cognition before surgery was associated with higher rates of post-operative delirium, complications, and discharge institutionalization. CI assessments should be considered in the pre-operative evaluations of elderly patients prior to surgery.

Luminosity limits for liquid argon calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

J, Rutherfoord; B, Walker R.

2012-12-01

We have irradiated liquid argon ionization chambers with betas using high-activity Strontium-90 sources. The radiation environment is comparable to that in the liquid argon calorimeters which are part of the ATLAS detector installed at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. We measure the ionization current over a wide range of applied potential for two different source activities and for three different chamber gaps. These studies provide operating experience at exceptionally high ionization rates. We can operate these chambers either in the normal mode or in the space-charge limited regime and thereby determine the transition point between the two. From the transition point we indirectly extract the positive argon ion mobility.

Assisting People with Disabilities Improves Their Collaborative Pointing Efficiency through the Use of the Mouse Scroll Wheel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang

2013-01-01

This study provided that people with multiple disabilities can have a collaborative working chance in computer operations through an Enhanced Multiple Cursor Dynamic Pointing Assistive Program (EMCDPAP, a new kind of software that replaces the standard mouse driver, changes a mouse wheel into a thumb/finger poke detector, and manages mouse…

In Hot Water: A Cooling Tower Case Study. Instructor's Manual

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cochran, Justin; Raju, P. K.; Sankar, Chetan

2005-01-01

Vogtle Electric Generating Plant operated by Southern Nuclear Operating Company, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has found itself at a decision point. Vogtle depends on their natural draft cooling towers to remove heat from the power cycle. Depending on the efficiency of the towers, the cycle can realize more or less power output. The efficiency…

Relative household wealth and non-fatal road crashes: analysis of population-representative data of Kenyan adults.

PubMed

Kraemer, John D

2018-05-18

This study aims to examine potential road crash disparities across relative wealth and location of residence in Kenya by analyzing population-representative Demographic and Health Survey data. Relative wealth was measured by household assets, converted into an index by polychoric principal components analysis. Location and sex-stratified associations between wealth quantiles and crashes were flexibly estimated using fractional polynomial models. Structural equation models were fit to examine whether observed differences may operate through previously identified determinants. In rural areas, crashes were least common for both the poorest men (-5.2 percentage points, 95% CI: -7.3 to -3.2) and women (-1.6 percentage points, 95% CI: -2.9 to -0.4). In urban areas, male crashes were lowest (-3.0 percentage points, 95% CI: -5.2 to -0.8) among the wealthiest, while they peaked in the middle of the female wealth distribution (2.0 percentage points, 95% CI: 0.3-3.8). Male differences operate partially though occupational driving and vehicle ownership. Urban female differences operate partially through household vehicle ownership, but differences for rural women were not explained by modeled determinants. Relative wealth and road crash have opposite associations in rural and urban areas. Especially in rural areas, it is important to mitigate potential unintended effects of economic development.

Establishing the Learning Curve of Robotic Sacral Colpopexy in a Start-up Robotics Program.

PubMed

Sharma, Shefali; Calixte, Rose; Finamore, Peter S

2016-01-01

To determine the learning curve of the following segments of a robotic sacral colpopexy: preoperative setup, operative time, postoperative transition, and room turnover. A retrospective cohort study to determine the number of cases needed to reach points of efficiency in the various segments of a robotic sacral colpopexy (Canadian Task Force II-2). A university-affiliated community hospital. Women who underwent robotic sacral colpopexy at our institution from 2009 to 2013 comprise the study population. Patient characteristics and operative reports were extracted from a patient database that has been maintained since the inception of the robotics program at Winthrop University Hospital and electronic medical records. Based on additional procedures performed, 4 groups of patients were created (A-D). Learning curves for each of the segment times of interest were created using penalized basis spline (B-spline) regression. Operative time was further analyzed using an inverse curve and sequential grouping. A total of 176 patients were eligible. Nonparametric tests detected no difference in procedure times between the 4 groups (A-D) of patients. The preoperative and postoperative points of efficiency were 108 and 118 cases, respectively. The operative points of proficiency and efficiency were 25 and 36 cases, respectively. Operative time was further analyzed using an inverse curve that revealed that after 11 cases the surgeon had reached 90% of the learning plateau. Sequential grouping revealed no significant improvement in operative time after 60 cases. Turnover time could not be assessed because of incomplete data. There is a difference in the operative time learning curve for robotic sacral colpopexy depending on the statistical analysis used. The learning curve of the operative segment showed an improvement in operative time between 25 and 36 cases when using B-spline regression. When the data for operative time was fit to an inverse curve, a learning rate of 11 cases was appreciated. Using sequential grouping to describe the data, no improvement in operative time was seen after 60 cases. Ultimately, we believe that efficiency in operative time is attained after 30 to 60 cases when performing robotic sacral colpopexy. The learning curve for preoperative setup and postoperative transition, which is reflective of anesthesia and nursing staff, was approximately 110 cases. Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for adnexal preservation: a randomized controlled study

PubMed Central

Cho, Yeon Jean; Kim, Mi-La; Lee, Soo Yoon; Lee, Hee Suk; Kim, Joo Myoung; Joo, Kwan Young

2012-01-01

Objective To compare the operative outcomes, postoperative pain, and subsequent convalescence after laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) or conventional laparoscopic surgery for adnexal preservation. Study design From December 2009 to September 2010, 63 patients underwent LESS (n = 33) or a conventional laparoscopic surgery (n = 30) for cyst enucleation. The overall operative outcomes including postoperative pain measurement using the visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated (time points 6, 24, and 24 hours). The convalescence data included data obtained from questionnaires on the need for analgesics and on patient-reported time to recovery end points. Results The preoperative characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. The postoperative hemoglobin drop was higher in the LESS group than in the conventional laparoscopic surgery group (P = 0.048). Postoperative pain at each VAS time point, oral analgesic requirement, intramuscular analgesic requirement, and the number of days until return to work were similar in both groups. Conclusion In adnexa-preserving surgery performed in reproductive-age women, the operative outcomes, including satisfaction of the patients and convalescence after surgery, are comparable for LESS and conventional laparoscopy. LESS may be a feasible and a promising alternative method for scarless abdominal surgery in the treatment of young women with adnexal cysts PMID:22448110

On Motivating Operations at the Point of Online Purchase Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fagerstrom, Asle; Arntzen, Erik

2013-01-01

Consumer behavior analysis can be applied over a wide range of economic topics in which the main focus is the contingencies that influence the behavior of the economic agent. This paper provides an overview on the work that has been done on the impact from motivating operations at the point of online purchase situation. Motivating operations, a…

Comparison between variable and constant rotor speed operation on WINDMEL-II

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

Sasamoto, Akira; Matsumiya, Hikaru; Kawamura, Shunji

1996-10-01

On a wind turbine control system for rotor revolution speed, it is believed that variable speed operation has the advantages over constant speed from a view point of both aerodynamics and mechanics. However, there is no experimental study which shows the differences. In this report, the authors intend to clarify the differences about shaft torque by using experimental data, from a new wind turbine system which has both variable and constant operation. The result in observation of the experimental data shows that variable speed operational shaft torque is lower than constant speed operational one.

3D point cloud analysis of structured light registration in computer-assisted navigation in spinal surgeries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Shaurya; Guha, Daipayan; Jakubovic, Raphael; Yang, Victor X. D.

2017-02-01

Computer-assisted navigation is used by surgeons in spine procedures to guide pedicle screws to improve placement accuracy and in some cases, to better visualize patient's underlying anatomy. Intraoperative registration is performed to establish a correlation between patient's anatomy and the pre/intra-operative image. Current algorithms rely on seeding points obtained directly from the exposed spinal surface to achieve clinically acceptable registration accuracy. Registration of these three dimensional surface point-clouds are prone to various systematic errors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the robustness of surgical navigation systems by looking at the relationship between the optical density of an acquired 3D point-cloud and the corresponding surgical navigation error. A retrospective review of a total of 48 registrations performed using an experimental structured light navigation system developed within our lab was conducted. For each registration, the number of points in the acquired point cloud was evaluated relative to whether the registration was acceptable, the corresponding system reported error and target registration error. It was demonstrated that the number of points in the point cloud neither correlates with the acceptance/rejection of a registration or the system reported error. However, a negative correlation was observed between the number of the points in the point-cloud and the corresponding sagittal angular error. Thus, system reported total registration points and accuracy are insufficient to gauge the accuracy of a navigation system and the operating surgeon must verify and validate registration based on anatomical landmarks prior to commencing surgery.

Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 08-2-188 Chemical Point Detector Vapor Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-27

Evaluation Command 6617 Aberdeen Boulevard Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S...AND EVALUATION COMMAND TEST OPERATIONS PROCEDURE *Test Operations Procedure 08-2-188 27 April 2018 DTIC AD No. CHEMICAL POINT DETECTOR VAPOR...188 27 April 2018 2 1. SCOPE. This Test Operations Procedure (TOP), which has been endorsed by the Test and Evaluation Capabilities and

[Efficacy of Arnica in varicose vein surgery: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study].

PubMed

Wolf, M; Tamaschke, C; Mayer, W; Heger, M

2003-10-01

In homeopathy ARNICA is widely used as a woundhealing medication and for the treatment of hematomas. In this pilot study the efficacy and safety of ARNICA D12 in patients following varicose vein surgery were investigated. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial according to ICH GCP guidelines. The study was conducted by a surgeon at the Angiosurgical Clinic, Berlin- Buch. After randomized allocation, 60 patients received either ARNICA D12 or placebo. Start of medication occurred the evening before operation with 5 globules. On the operation day one preoperative and hourly postoperative dosages after awakening were given. On days 2-14 of the study 5 globules 3 times a day were given. OUTCOME CRITERIA: Surface (in cm(2) and using a three-point verbal rating scale) and intensity of hematomas induced by operation, complications of wound healing, and intensity of pain (five-point verbal rating scale) as well as efficacy and safety of the study medication were assessed. Hematoma surface was reduced (from day 7 to day 14) under ARNICA by 75.5% and under placebo by 71.5% (p = 0.4726). The comparison of hematoma surface (small, medium, large) using the verbal rating scale yielded a value of p = 0.1260. Pain score decreased by 1.0 +/- 2.2 points under ARNICA and 0.3 +/- 0.8 points under placebo (p = 0.1977). Remission or improvement of pain was observed in 43.3% of patients in the ARNICA group and in 27.6% of patients in the placebo group. Tolerability was rated as very good in all cases. The results of this pilot study showed a trend towards a beneficial effect of ARNICA D12 with regard to reduction of hematoma and pain during the postoperative course. For a statistically significant proof of efficacy of ARNICA D12 in patients following varicose vein surgery a larger sample size is necessary. Copyright 2003 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg

Quality Management Framework for Total Diet Study centres in Europe.

PubMed

Pité, Marina; Pinchen, Hannah; Castanheira, Isabel; Oliveira, Luisa; Roe, Mark; Ruprich, Jiri; Rehurkova, Irena; Sirot, Veronique; Papadopoulos, Alexandra; Gunnlaugsdóttir, Helga; Reykdal, Ólafur; Lindtner, Oliver; Ritvanen, Tiina; Finglas, Paul

2018-02-01

A Quality Management Framework to improve quality and harmonization of Total Diet Study practices in Europe was developed within the TDS-Exposure Project. Seventeen processes were identified and hazards, Critical Control Points and associated preventive and corrective measures described. The Total Diet Study process was summarized in a flowchart divided into planning and practical (sample collection, preparation and analysis; risk assessment analysis and publication) phases. Standard Operating Procedures were developed and implemented in pilot studies in five organizations. The flowchart was used to develop a quality framework for Total Diet Studies that could be included in formal quality management systems. Pilot studies operated by four project partners were visited by project assessors who reviewed implementation of the proposed framework and identified areas that could be improved. The quality framework developed can be the starting point for any Total Diet Study centre and can be used within existing formal quality management approaches. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

N-point functions in rolling tachyon background

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

Jokela, Niko; Keski-Vakkuri, Esko; Department of Physics, P.O. Box 64, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki

2009-04-15

We study n-point boundary correlation functions in timelike boundary Liouville theory, relevant for open string multiproduction by a decaying unstable D brane. We give an exact result for the one-point function of the tachyon vertex operator and show that it is consistent with a previously proposed relation to a conserved charge in string theory. We also discuss when the one-point amplitude vanishes. Using a straightforward perturbative expansion, we find an explicit expression for a tachyon n-point amplitude for all n, however the result is still a toy model. The calculation uses a new asymptotic approximation for Toeplitz determinants, derived bymore » relating the system to a Dyson gas at finite temperature.« less

Unitarity violation in noninteger dimensional Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yao; Kelly, Michael

2018-05-01

We construct an explicit example of unitarity violation in fermionic quantum field theories in noninteger dimensions. We study the two-point correlation function of four-fermion operators. We compute the one-loop anomalous dimensions of these operators in the Gross-Neveu-Yukawa model. We find that at one-loop order, the four-fermion operators split into three classes with one class having negative norms. This implies that the theory violates unitarity, following the definition in Ref. [1].

Effect of brain shift on the creation of functional atlases for deep brain stimulation surgery

PubMed Central

Pallavaram, Srivatsan; Remple, Michael S.; Neimat, Joseph S.; Kao, Chris; Konrad, Peter E.; D’Haese, Pierre-François

2011-01-01

Purpose In the recent past many groups have tried to build functional atlases of the deep brain using intra-operatively acquired information such as stimulation responses or micro-electrode recordings. An underlying assumption in building such atlases is that anatomical structures do not move between pre-operative imaging and intra-operative recording. In this study, we present evidences that this assumption is not valid. We quantify the effect of brain shift between pre-operative imaging and intra-operative recording on the creation of functional atlases using intra-operative somatotopy recordings and stimulation response data. Methods A total of 73 somatotopy points from 24 bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) implantations and 52 eye deviation stimulation response points from 17 bilateral STN implantations were used. These points were spatially normalized on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atlas using a fully automatic non-rigid registration algorithm. Each implantation was categorized as having low, medium or large brain shift based on the amount of pneumocephalus visible on post-operative CT. The locations of somatotopy clusters and stimulation maps were analyzed for each category. Results The centroid of the large brain shift cluster of the somatotopy data (posterior, lateral, inferior: 3.06, 11.27, 5.36 mm) was found posterior, medial and inferior to that of the medium cluster (2.90, 13.57, 4.53 mm) which was posterior, medial and inferior to that of the low shift cluster (1.94, 13.92, 3.20 mm). The coordinates are referenced with respect to the mid-commissural point. Euclidean distances between the centroids were 1.68, 2.44 and 3.59 mm, respectively for low-medium, medium-large and low-large shift clusters. We found similar trends for the positions of the stimulation maps. The Euclidian distance between the highest probability locations on the low and medium-large shift maps was 4.06 mm. Conclusion The effect of brain shift in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery has been demonstrated using intra-operative somatotopy recordings as well as stimulation response data. The results not only indicate that considerable brain shift happens before micro-electrode recordings in DBS but also that brain shift affects the creation of accurate functional atlases. Therefore, care must be taken when building and using such atlases of intra-operative data and also when using intra-operative data to validate anatomical atlases. PMID:20033503

A performance comparison of the IBM RS/6000 and the Astronautics ZS-1

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

Smith, W.M.; Abraham, S.G.; Davidson, E.S.

1991-01-01

Concurrent uniprocessor architectures, of which vector and superscalar are two examples, are designed to capitalize on fine-grain parallelism. The authors have developed a performance evaluation method for comparing and improving these architectures, and in this article they present the methodology and a detailed case study of two machines. The runtime of many programs is dominated by time spent in loop constructs - for example, Fortran Do-loops. Loops generally comprise two logical processes: The access process generates addresses for memory operations while the execute process operates on floating-point data. Memory access patterns typically can be generated independently of the data inmore » the execute process. This independence allows the access process to slip ahead, thereby hiding memory latency. The IBM 360/91 was designed in 1967 to achieve slip dynamically, at runtime. One CPU unit executes integer operations while another handles floating-point operations. Other machines, including the VAX 9000 and the IBM RS/6000, use a similar approach.« less

A non-interventional comparative study of the 20:1 combination of cafedrine/theodrenaline versus ephedrine for the treatment of intra-operative arterial hypotension: the 'HYPOTENS' study design and rationale.

PubMed

Eberhart, Leopold; Geldner, Götz; Huljic, Susanne; Marggraf, Kerstin; Keller, Thomas; Koch, Tilo; Kranke, Peter

2018-06-01

To compare the effectiveness of 20:1 cafedrine/theodrenaline approved for use in Germany to ephedrine in the restoration of arterial blood pressure and on post-operative outcomes in patients with intra-operative arterial hypotension of any origin under standard clinical practice conditions. 'HYPOTENS' is a national, multi-center, prospective, open-label, two-armed, non-interventional study. Effectiveness and post-operative outcome following cafedrine/theodrenaline or ephedrine therapy will be evaluated in two cohorts of hypotensive patients. Cohort A includes patients aged ≥50 years with ASA-classification 2-4 undergoing non-emergency surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Cohort B comprises patients undergoing Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Participating surgical departments will be assigned to a treatment arm by routinely used anti-hypotensive agent. To minimize bias, matched department pairs will be compared in a stratified selection process. The composite primary end-point is the lower absolute deviation from individually determined target blood pressure (IDTBP) and the incidence of heart rate ≥100 beats/min in the first 15 min. Secondary end-points include incidence and degree of early post-operative delirium (cohort A), severity of fetal acidosis in the newborn (cohort B), upper absolute deviation from IDTBP, percentage increase in systolic blood pressure, and time to IDTBP. This open-label, non-interventional study design mirrors daily practice in the treatment of patients with intra-operative hypotension and ensures full treatment decision autonomy with respect to each patient's individual condition. Selection of participating sites by a randomization process addresses bias without interfering with the non-interventional nature of the study. First results are expected in 2018. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02893241; DRKS identifier: DRKS00010740.

47 CFR 15.249 - Operation within the bands 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, 5725-5875 MHZ, and 24.0-24.25 GHz.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... emissions from intentional radiators operated within these frequency bands shall comply with the following: Fundamental frequency Field strength of fundamental (millivolts/meter) Field strength of harmonics (microvolts..., point-to-point operation as referred to in this paragraph shall be limited to systems employing a fixed...

Chaos and complexity by design

DOE PAGES

Roberts, Daniel A.; Yoshida, Beni

2017-04-20

We study the relationship between quantum chaos and pseudorandomness by developing probes of unitary design. A natural probe of randomness is the “frame poten-tial,” which is minimized by unitary k-designs and measures the 2-norm distance between the Haar random unitary ensemble and another ensemble. A natural probe of quantum chaos is out-of-time-order (OTO) four-point correlation functions. We also show that the norm squared of a generalization of out-of-time-order 2k-point correlators is proportional to the kth frame potential, providing a quantitative connection between chaos and pseudorandomness. In addition, we prove that these 2k-point correlators for Pauli operators completely determine the k-foldmore » channel of an ensemble of unitary operators. Finally, we use a counting argument to obtain a lower bound on the quantum circuit complexity in terms of the frame potential. This provides a direct link between chaos, complexity, and randomness.« less

77 FR 66492 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC, and Entergy Nuclear Indian...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-05

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos.: 50-003, 50-247, 50-286; NRC-2012-0265: License Nos.: DPR- 5, DPR-26, and DPR-64] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC, and Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 3, LLC; Issuance of Director's Decision Notice is hereby given that the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation...

Real-time terrain storage generation from multiple sensors towards mobile robot operation interface.

PubMed

Song, Wei; Cho, Seoungjae; Xi, Yulong; Cho, Kyungeun; Um, Kyhyun

2014-01-01

A mobile robot mounted with multiple sensors is used to rapidly collect 3D point clouds and video images so as to allow accurate terrain modeling. In this study, we develop a real-time terrain storage generation and representation system including a nonground point database (PDB), ground mesh database (MDB), and texture database (TDB). A voxel-based flag map is proposed for incrementally registering large-scale point clouds in a terrain model in real time. We quantize the 3D point clouds into 3D grids of the flag map as a comparative table in order to remove the redundant points. We integrate the large-scale 3D point clouds into a nonground PDB and a node-based terrain mesh using the CPU. Subsequently, we program a graphics processing unit (GPU) to generate the TDB by mapping the triangles in the terrain mesh onto the captured video images. Finally, we produce a nonground voxel map and a ground textured mesh as a terrain reconstruction result. Our proposed methods were tested in an outdoor environment. Our results show that the proposed system was able to rapidly generate terrain storage and provide high resolution terrain representation for mobile mapping services and a graphical user interface between remote operators and mobile robots.

Real-Time Terrain Storage Generation from Multiple Sensors towards Mobile Robot Operation Interface

PubMed Central

Cho, Seoungjae; Xi, Yulong; Cho, Kyungeun

2014-01-01

A mobile robot mounted with multiple sensors is used to rapidly collect 3D point clouds and video images so as to allow accurate terrain modeling. In this study, we develop a real-time terrain storage generation and representation system including a nonground point database (PDB), ground mesh database (MDB), and texture database (TDB). A voxel-based flag map is proposed for incrementally registering large-scale point clouds in a terrain model in real time. We quantize the 3D point clouds into 3D grids of the flag map as a comparative table in order to remove the redundant points. We integrate the large-scale 3D point clouds into a nonground PDB and a node-based terrain mesh using the CPU. Subsequently, we program a graphics processing unit (GPU) to generate the TDB by mapping the triangles in the terrain mesh onto the captured video images. Finally, we produce a nonground voxel map and a ground textured mesh as a terrain reconstruction result. Our proposed methods were tested in an outdoor environment. Our results show that the proposed system was able to rapidly generate terrain storage and provide high resolution terrain representation for mobile mapping services and a graphical user interface between remote operators and mobile robots. PMID:25101321

Attitude control of an orbiting space vehicle.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutherlin, D. W.; Boland, J. S. , III; Borelli, M. T.

1971-01-01

Study of the normal and clamped modes of operation and dynamic response characteristics of the gimbaled control moment gyro (CMG) designed to fulfill the stringent pointing requirements of the Skylab telescope mount when the spacecraft is under the influence of both external and internal torques. The results indicate that the clamped mode of operation provides a feasible approach for significantly improving the system characteristics.

Power Extension Package (PEP) system definition extension, orbital service module systems analysis study. Volume 5: PEP environmental specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

This specification establishes the natural and induced environments to which the power extension package may be exposed during ground operations and space operations with the shuttle system. Space induced environments are applicable at the Orbiter attach point interface location. All probable environments are systematically listed according to each ground and mission phase.

Ergonomics in the arctic - a study and checklist for heavy machinery in open pit mining.

PubMed

Reiman, Arto; Sormunen, Erja; Morris, Drew

2016-11-22

Heavy mining vehicle operators at arctic mines have a high risk of discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders and occupational accidents. There is a need for tailored approaches and safety management tools that take into account the specific characteristics of arctic work environments. The aim of this study was to develop a holistic evaluation tool for heavy mining vehicles and operator well-being in arctic mine environments. Data collection was based on design science principles and included literature review, expert observations and participatory ergonomic sessions. As a result of this study, a systemic checklist was developed and tested by eight individuals in a 350-employee mining environment. The checklist includes sections for evaluating vehicle specific ergonomic and safety aspects from a technological point of view and for checking if the work has been arranged so that it can be performed safely and fluently from an employee's point of view.

On butterfly effect in higher derivative gravities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alishahiha, Mohsen; Davody, Ali; Naseh, Ali; Taghavi, Seyed Farid

2016-11-01

We study butterfly effect in D-dimensional gravitational theories containing terms quadratic in Ricci scalar and Ricci tensor. One observes that due to higher order derivatives in the corresponding equations of motion there are two butterfly velocities. The velocities are determined by the dimension of operators whose sources are provided by the metric. The three dimensional TMG model is also studied where we get two butterfly velocities at generic point of the moduli space of parameters. At critical point two velocities coincide.

Analysis of the flight dynamics of the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) off-sun scientific pointing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitone, D. S.; Klein, J. R.

1989-01-01

Algorithms are presented which were created and implemented by the Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC's) Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) attitude operations team to support large-angle spacecraft pointing at scientific objectives. The mission objective of the post-repair SMM satellite was to study solar phenomena. However, because the scientific instruments, such as the Coronagraph/Polarimeter (CP) and the Hard X ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS), were able to view objects other than the Sun, attitude operations support for attitude pointing at large angles from the nominal solar-pointing attitudes was required. Subsequently, attitude support for SMM was provided for scientific objectives such as Comet Halley, Supernova 1987A, Cygnus X-1, and the Crab Nebula. In addition, the analysis was extended to include the reverse problem, computing the right ascension and declination of a body given the off-Sun angles. This analysis led to the computation of the orbits of seven new solar comets seen in the field-of-view (FOV) of the CP. The activities necessary to meet these large-angle attitude-pointing sequences, such as slew sequence planning, viewing-period prediction, and tracking-bias computation are described. Analysis is presented for the computation of maneuvers and pointing parameters relative to the SMM-unique, Sun-centered reference frame. Finally, science data and independent attitude solutions are used to evaluate the large-angle pointing performance.

Analysis of the flight dynamics of the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) off-sun scientific pointing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitone, D. S.; Klein, J. R.; Twambly, B. J.

1990-01-01

Algorithms are presented which were created and implemented by the Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC's) Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) attitude operations team to support large-angle spacecraft pointing at scientific objectives. The mission objective of the post-repair SMM satellite was to study solar phenomena. However, because the scientific instruments, such as the Coronagraph/Polarimeter (CP) and the Hard X-ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS), were able to view objects other than the Sun, attitude operations support for attitude pointing at large angles from the nominal solar-pointing attitudes was required. Subsequently, attitude support for SMM was provided for scientific objectives such as Comet Halley, Supernova 1987A, Cygnus X-1, and the Crab Nebula. In addition, the analysis was extended to include the reverse problem, computing the right ascension and declination of a body given the off-Sun angles. This analysis led to the computation of the orbits of seven new solar comets seen in the field-of-view (FOV) of the CP. The activities necessary to meet these large-angle attitude-pointing sequences, such as slew sequence planning, viewing-period prediction, and tracking-bias computation are described. Analysis is presented for the computation of maneuvers and pointing parameters relative to the SMM-unique, Sun-centered reference frame. Finally, science data and independent attitude solutions are used to evaluate the larg-angle pointing performance.

Experimental study of radiation dose rate at different strategic points of the BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor.

PubMed

Ajijul Hoq, M; Malek Soner, M A; Salam, M A; Haque, M M; Khanom, Salma; Fahad, S M

2017-12-01

The 3MW TRIGA Mark-II Research Reactor of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has been under operation for about thirty years since its commissioning at 1986. In accordance with the demand of fundamental nuclear research works, the reactor has to operate at different power levels by utilizing a number of experimental facilities. Regarding the enquiry for safety of reactor operating personnel and radiation workers, it is necessary to know the radiation level at different strategic points of the reactor where they are often worked. In the present study, neutron, beta and gamma radiation dose rate at different strategic points of the reactor facility with reactor power level of 2.4MW was measured to estimate the rising level of radiation due to its operational activities. From the obtained results high radiation dose is observed at the measurement position of the piercing beam port which is caused by neutron leakage and accordingly, dose rate at the stated position with different reactor power levels was measured. This study also deals with the gamma dose rate measurements at a fixed position of the reactor pool top surface for different reactor power levels under both Natural Convection Cooling Mode (NCCM) and Forced Convection Cooling Mode (FCCM). Results show that, radiation dose rate is higher for NCCM in compared with FCCM and increasing with the increase of reactor power. Thus, concerning the radiological safety issues for working personnel and the general public, the radiation dose level monitoring and the experimental analysis performed within this paper is so much effective and the result of this work can be utilized for base line data and code verification of the nuclear reactor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renormalization of quark bilinear operators in a momentum-subtraction scheme with a nonexceptional subtraction point

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

Sturm, C.; Soni, A.; Aoki, Y.

2009-07-01

We extend the Rome-Southampton regularization independent momentum-subtraction renormalization scheme (RI/MOM) for bilinear operators to one with a nonexceptional, symmetric subtraction point. Two-point Green's functions with the insertion of quark bilinear operators are computed with scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, axial-vector and tensor operators at one-loop order in perturbative QCD. We call this new scheme RI/SMOM, where the S stands for 'symmetric'. Conversion factors are derived, which connect the RI/SMOM scheme and the MS scheme and can be used to convert results obtained in lattice calculations into the MS scheme. Such a symmetric subtraction point involves nonexceptional momenta implying a lattice calculation withmore » substantially suppressed contamination from infrared effects. Further, we find that the size of the one-loop corrections for these infrared improved kinematics is substantially decreased in the case of the pseudoscalar and scalar operator, suggesting a much better behaved perturbative series. Therefore it should allow us to reduce the error in the determination of the quark mass appreciably.« less

Computational Aerodynamic Simulations of a 1215 ft/sec Tip Speed Transonic Fan System Model for Acoustic Methods Assessment and Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tweedt, Daniel L.

2014-01-01

Computational Aerodynamic simulations of a 1215 ft/sec tip speed transonic fan system were performed at five different operating points on the fan operating line, in order to provide detailed internal flow field information for use with fan acoustic prediction methods presently being developed, assessed and validated. The fan system is a sub-scale, low-noise research fan/nacelle model that has undergone extensive experimental testing in the 9- by 15-foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Details of the fan geometry, the computational fluid dynamics methods, the computational grids, and various computational parameters relevant to the numerical simulations are discussed. Flow field results for three of the five operating points simulated are presented in order to provide a representative look at the computed solutions. Each of the five fan aerodynamic simulations involved the entire fan system, which for this model did not include a split flow path with core and bypass ducts. As a result, it was only necessary to adjust fan rotational speed in order to set the fan operating point, leading to operating points that lie on a fan operating line and making mass flow rate a fully dependent parameter. The resulting mass flow rates are in good agreement with measurement values. Computed blade row flow fields at all fan operating points are, in general, aerodynamically healthy. Rotor blade and fan exit guide vane flow characteristics are good, including incidence and deviation angles, chordwise static pressure distributions, blade surface boundary layers, secondary flow structures, and blade wakes. Examination of the flow fields at all operating conditions reveals no excessive boundary layer separations or related secondary-flow problems.

Disturbance characteristics of half-selected cells in a cross-point resistive switching memory array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhe; Li, Haitong; Chen, Hong-Yu; Chen, Bing; Liu, Rui; Huang, Peng; Zhang, Feifei; Jiang, Zizhen; Ye, Hongfei; Gao, Bin; Liu, Lifeng; Liu, Xiaoyan; Kang, Jinfeng; Wong, H.-S. Philip; Yu, Shimeng

2016-05-01

Disturbance characteristics of cross-point resistive random access memory (RRAM) arrays are comprehensively studied in this paper. An analytical model is developed to quantify the number of pulses (#Pulse) the cell can bear before disturbance occurs under various sub-switching voltage stresses based on physical understanding. An evaluation methodology is proposed to assess the disturb behavior of half-selected (HS) cells in cross-point RRAM arrays by combining the analytical model and SPICE simulation. The characteristics of cross-point RRAM arrays such as energy consumption, reliable operating cycles and total error bits are evaluated by the methodology. A possible solution to mitigate disturbance is proposed.

Common fixed points in best approximation for Banach operator pairs with Ciric type I-contractions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, N.

2008-02-01

The common fixed point theorems, similar to those of Ciric [Lj.B. Ciric, On a common fixed point theorem of a Gregus type, Publ. Inst. Math. (Beograd) (N.S.) 49 (1991) 174-178; Lj.B. Ciric, On Diviccaro, Fisher and Sessa open questions, Arch. Math. (Brno) 29 (1993) 145-152; Lj.B. Ciric, On a generalization of Gregus fixed point theorem, Czechoslovak Math. J. 50 (2000) 449-458], Fisher and Sessa [B. Fisher, S. Sessa, On a fixed point theorem of Gregus, Internat. J. Math. Math. Sci. 9 (1986) 23-28], Jungck [G. Jungck, On a fixed point theorem of Fisher and Sessa, Internat. J. Math. Math. Sci. 13 (1990) 497-500] and Mukherjee and Verma [R.N. Mukherjee, V. Verma, A note on fixed point theorem of Gregus, Math. Japon. 33 (1988) 745-749], are proved for a Banach operator pair. As applications, common fixed point and approximation results for Banach operator pair satisfying Ciric type contractive conditions are obtained without the assumption of linearity or affinity of either T or I. Our results unify and generalize various known results to a more general class of noncommuting mappings.

Results of arthroscopic treatment in unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease in athletes.

PubMed

Circi, Esra; Beyzadeoglu, Tahsin

2017-02-01

In this study we aimed to determine outcomes following arthroscopic ossicle excision in athletes with unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD). Arthroscopy was performed on 11 patients (11 knees) with OSD between September 2008 and November 2014. Surgical treatment inclusion criteria were determined as: failure of conservative treatment; isolated pain over the tibial tubercle and distal patellar tendon; pain limiting sporting performance at a competitive level. All patients had a documented history of OSD; the mean duration of persistent pain over the tibial tubercle was 15.5 months. The mean age was 23 years. The mean follow-up period was 66.1 months. The mean latency in returning to sports related training activities after the surgery was 6.7 weeks. The mean Kujala patello-femoral score improved from 82.9 points pre-operatively, to 98.5 points at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean Lysholm knee scale score was 87.5 points in the pre-operative period, increasing to a score of 96.9 points at final follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean Tegner activity level score was 7.5 in the pre-operative period, increasing to 8.5 post-operatively (p < 0.01). We investigated the functional outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of unresolved OSD in athletes. All athletes with OSD showed satisfactory functional recovery following arthroscopic treatment. All patients were able to return to the same level of athletic activity. Arthroscopic surgery for unresolved OSD has the major advantage of faster recovery and avoiding damage to the patellar tendon.

Effects of Tasks on BOLD Signal Responses to Sentence Contrasts: Review and Commentary

PubMed Central

Caplan, David; Gow, David

2010-01-01

Functional neuroimaging studies of syntactic processing have been interpreted as identifying the neural locations of parsing and interpretive operations. However, current behavioral studies of sentence processing indicate that many operations occur simultaneously with parsing and interpretation. In this review, we point to issues that arise in discriminating the effects of these concurrent processes from those of the parser/interpreter in neural measures and to approaches that may help resolve them. PMID:20932562

Unmanned powered balloons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korn, A. O.

1975-01-01

In the late 1960's several governmental agencies sponsored efforts to develop unmanned, powered balloon systems for scientific experimentation and military operations. Some of the programs resulted in hardware and limited flight tests; others, to date, have not progressed beyond the paper study stage. Balloon system designs, materials, propulsion units and capabilities are briefly described, and critical problem areas are pointed out which require further study in order to achieve operational powered balloon systems capable of long duration flight at high altitudes.

Short-term scheduling of crude oil operations in refinery with high-fusion-point oil and two transportation pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, NaiQi; Zhu, MengChu; Bai, LiPing; Li, ZhiWu

2016-07-01

In some refineries, storage tanks are located at two different sites, one for low-fusion-point crude oil and the other for high one. Two pipelines are used to transport different oil types. Due to the constraints resulting from the high-fusion-point oil transportation, it is challenging to schedule such a system. This work studies the scheduling problem from a control-theoretic perspective. It proposes to use a hybrid Petri net method to model the system. It then finds the schedulability conditions by analysing the dynamic behaviour of the net model. Next, it proposes an efficient scheduling method to minimize the cost of high-fusion-point oil transportation. Finally, it gives a complex industrial case study to show its application.

Liquid metal heat exchanger for efficient heating of soils and geologic formations

DOEpatents

DeVault, Robert C [Knoxville, TN; Wesolowski, David J [Kingston, TN

2010-02-23

Apparatus for efficient heating of subterranean earth includes a well-casing that has an inner wall and an outer wall. A heater is disposed within the inner wall and is operable within a preselected operating temperature range. A heat transfer metal is disposed within the outer wall and without the inner wall, and is characterized by a melting point temperature lower than the preselected operating temperature range and a boiling point temperature higher than the preselected operating temperature range.

Superconductor-normal-superconductor with distributed Sharvin point contacts

DOEpatents

Holcomb, Matthew J.; Little, William A.

1994-01-01

A non-linear superconducting junction device comprising a layer of high transient temperature superconducting material which is superconducting at an operating temperature, a layer of metal in contact with the layer of high temperature superconducting material and which remains non-superconducting at the operating temperature, and a metal material which is superconducting at the operating temperature and which forms distributed Sharvin point contacts with the metal layer.

The LPSP instrument on OSO 8. II - In-flight performance and preliminary results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonnet, R. M.; Lemaire, P.; Vial, J. C.; Artzner, G.; Gouttebroze, P.; Jouchoux, A.; Vidal-Madjar, A.; Leibacher, J. W.; Skumanich, A.

1978-01-01

The paper describes the in-flight performance for the first 18 months of operation of the LPSP (Laboratoire de Physique Stellaire et Planetaire) instrument incorporated in the OSO 8 launched June 1975. By means of the instrument, an absolute pointing accuracy of nearly one second was achieved in orbit during real-time operations. The instrument uses a Cassegrain telescope and a spectrometer simultaneously observing six wavelengths. In-flight performance is discussed with attention to angular resolution, spectral resolution, dispersion and grating mechanism (spectral scanner) stability, scattered light background and dark current, photometric standardization, and absolute calibration. Real-time operation and problems are considered with reference to pointing system problems, target acquisition, and L-alpha modulation. Preliminary results involving the observational program, quiet sun and chromospheric studies, quiet chromospheric oscillation and transients, sunspots and active regions, prominences, and aeronomy investigations are reported.

12. VIEW OF OPERATING ROOMRCA COMMUNICATION REC STATION (THIS ROOM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

12. VIEW OF OPERATING ROOM-RCA COMMUNICATION REC STATION (THIS ROOM WAS ORIGINALLY A MOTOR GENERATOR FACILITY AND SUPPLIED DC POWER TO AN EARLIER GENERATION OF POINT-TO-POINT RECEIVERS ON SECOND FLOOR). VIEW SHOWS TRANSMITTER CONTROL STATION AND AUDIO CONTROL STATION (LEFT, WATKINS-JOHNSON WJ-8718-23. HP RECEIVERS AND KENWOOD R-5000 COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVERS (220 DEGREES). - Marconi Radio Sites, Receiving, Point Reyes Station, Marin County, CA

Plasma serotonin in horses undergoing surgery for small intestinal colic

PubMed Central

Torfs, Sara C.; Maes, An A.; Delesalle, Catherine J.; Pardon, Bart; Croubels, Siska M.; Deprez, Piet

2015-01-01

This study compared serotonin concentrations in platelet poor plasma (PPP) from healthy horses and horses with surgical small intestinal (SI) colic, and evaluated their association with postoperative ileus, strangulation and non-survival. Plasma samples (with EDTA) from 33 horses with surgical SI colic were collected at several pre- and post-operative time points. Serotonin concentrations were determined using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results were compared with those for 24 healthy control animals. The serotonin concentrations in PPP were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in pre- and post-operative samples from surgical SI colic horses compared to controls. However, no association with postoperative ileus or non-survival could be demonstrated at any time point. In this clinical study, plasma serotonin was not a suitable prognostic factor in horses with SI surgical colic. PMID:25694668

Students’ Algebraic Thinking Process in Context of Point and Line Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurrahmi, H.; Suryadi, D.; Fatimah, S.

2017-09-01

Learning of schools algebra is limited to symbols and operating procedures, so students are able to work on problems that only require the ability to operate symbols but unable to generalize a pattern as one of part of algebraic thinking. The purpose of this study is to create a didactic design that facilitates students to do algebraic thinking process through the generalization of patterns, especially in the context of the property of point and line. This study used qualitative method and includes Didactical Design Research (DDR). The result is students are able to make factual, contextual, and symbolic generalization. This happen because the generalization arises based on facts on local terms, then the generalization produced an algebraic formula that was described in the context and perspective of each student. After that, the formula uses the algebraic letter symbol from the symbol t hat uses the students’ language. It can be concluded that the design has facilitated students to do algebraic thinking process through the generalization of patterns, especially in the context of property of the point and line. The impact of this study is this design can use as one of material teaching alternative in learning of school algebra.

Sparse electrocardiogram signals recovery based on solving a row echelon-like form of system.

PubMed

Cai, Pingmei; Wang, Guinan; Yu, Shiwei; Zhang, Hongjuan; Ding, Shuxue; Wu, Zikai

2016-02-01

The study of biology and medicine in a noise environment is an evolving direction in biological data analysis. Among these studies, analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals in a noise environment is a challenging direction in personalized medicine. Due to its periodic characteristic, ECG signal can be roughly regarded as sparse biomedical signals. This study proposes a two-stage recovery algorithm for sparse biomedical signals in time domain. In the first stage, the concentration subspaces are found in advance. Then by exploiting these subspaces, the mixing matrix is estimated accurately. In the second stage, based on the number of active sources at each time point, the time points are divided into different layers. Next, by constructing some transformation matrices, these time points form a row echelon-like system. After that, the sources at each layer can be solved out explicitly by corresponding matrix operations. It is noting that all these operations are conducted under a weak sparse condition that the number of active sources is less than the number of observations. Experimental results show that the proposed method has a better performance for sparse ECG signal recovery problem.

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: A cytoarchitectonic mapping study

PubMed Central

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-01-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically-defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division vs. multiplication and subtraction vs. addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distributed representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. PMID:21616086

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: a cytoarchitectonic mapping study.

PubMed

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-07-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division versus multiplication and subtraction versus addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distribute representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on Low Illumination Simultaneous Polarization Image Registration Based on Improved SURF Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wanjun; Yang, Xu

2017-12-01

Registration of simultaneous polarization images is the premise of subsequent image fusion operations. However, in the process of shooting all-weather, the polarized camera exposure time need to be kept unchanged, sometimes polarization images under low illumination conditions due to too dark result in SURF algorithm can not extract feature points, thus unable to complete the registration, therefore this paper proposes an improved SURF algorithm. Firstly, the luminance operator is used to improve overall brightness of low illumination image, and then create integral image, using Hession matrix to extract the points of interest to get the main direction of characteristic points, calculate Haar wavelet response in X and Y directions to get the SURF descriptor information, then use the RANSAC function to make precise matching, the function can eliminate wrong matching points and improve accuracy rate. And finally resume the brightness of the polarized image after registration, the effect of the polarized image is not affected. Results show that the improved SURF algorithm can be applied well under low illumination conditions.

[POP-Q indication points, Aa and Ba, involve in diagnosis and prognosis of occult stress urinary incontinence complicated with pelvic organ prolapse].

PubMed

Liu, Cheng; Wu, Wenying; Yang, Qing; Hu, Ming; Zhao, Yang; Hong, Li

2015-06-01

To investigate the correlation between pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q) indication points and the incidence of occult stress urinary incontinence (OSUI) and its impact on prognosis. Retrospective study medical records of 93 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) staged at III-IV, of which underwent pelvic reconstruction operations with Prolift system from Jan. 2007 to Sept. 2012. None of these patients had clinical manifestations of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before surgery, and in which 44 patients were included in study group (POP complicated with OSUI) because they were identified with OSUI, another 49 patients as control group (simple POP). Follow-up and collecting datas including POP-Q, stress test, urodynamic recordings, incidence of de novo SUI, statistic analyzing by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). (1) The study group had a much higher incidence of 30% (13/44) on de novo SUI than that of control group (4%, 2/49; P < 0.01). (2) Vaginal delivery (OR = 5.327, 95% CI: 1.120-25.347), constipation (OR = 5.789, 95% CI: 1.492-22.459), preoperative OSUI (OR = 13.695, 95% CI: 2.980-62.944), anterior vaginal wall prolapse (OR = 6.115, 95% CI: 1.231-30.379) were identified as dependent risk factors for de novo SUI by logistic regression analysis. (3) For POP patients that complicated with OSUI, we chose a cutoff value of +1.5 cm for Aa point as the threshold to predicting incidence of de novo SUI according to ROC curve, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.889 (P < 0.05), the sensitivity reached 88.9% and specificity was 73.9%. According to ROC curve of Ba point, a cutoff value of +2.5 cm was chosen as the threshold to predicting incidence of de novo SUI post-operation, it had a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 82.6%, AUC was 0.766 (P < 0.05). Pre-operative OSUI is a dependent risk factor of de novo SUI for advanced POP patients. Aa and Ba points are correlated with preoperative OSUI, and it is worthy to be considered as a risk predictor on forecasting the incidence of de novo SUI post pelvic reconstruction surgery.

Time-Temperature Profiling of United Kingdom Consumers' Domestic Refrigerators.

PubMed

Evans, Ellen W; Redmond, Elizabeth C

2016-12-01

Increased consumer demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food, along with changes to consumer food purchase and storage practices, have resulted in an increased reliance on refrigeration to maximize food safety. Previous research suggests that many domestic refrigerators operate at temperatures exceeding recommendations; however, the results of several studies were determined by means of one temperature data point, which, given temperature fluctuation, may not be a true indicator of actual continual operating temperatures. Data detailing actual operating temperatures and the effects of consumer practices on temperatures are limited. This study has collated the time-temperature profiles of domestic refrigerators in consumer kitchens (n = 43) over 6.5 days with concurrent self-reported refrigerator usage. Overall, the findings established a significant difference (P < 0.05) between one-off temperature (the recording of one temperature data point) and mean operating temperature. No refrigerator operated at ≤5.0°C for the entire duration of the study. Mean temperatures exceeding 5.0°C were recorded in the majority (91%) of refrigerators. No significant associations or differences were determined for temperature profiles and demographics, including household size, or refrigerator characteristics (age, type, loading, and location). A positive correlation (P < 0.05) between room temperature and refrigerator temperature was determined. Reported door opening frequency correlated with temperature fluctuation (P < 0.05). Thermometer usage was determined to be infrequent. Cumulatively, research findings have established that the majority of domestic refrigerators in consumer homes operate at potentially unsafe temperatures and that this is influenced by consumer usage. The findings from this study may be utilized to inform the development of shelf-life testing based on realistic domestic storage conditions. Furthermore, the data can inform the development of future educational interventions to increase safe domestic refrigeration practices.

Instabilities caused by floating-point arithmetic quantization.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, C. L.

1972-01-01

It is shown that an otherwise stable digital control system can be made unstable by signal quantization when the controller operates on floating-point arithmetic. Sufficient conditions of instability are determined, and an example of loss of stability is treated when only one quantizer is operated.

Sound source localization on an axial fan at different operating points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenger, Florian J.; Herold, Gert; Becker, Stefan; Sarradj, Ennes

2016-08-01

A generic fan with unskewed fan blades is investigated using a microphone array method. The relative motion of the fan with respect to the stationary microphone array is compensated by interpolating the microphone data to a virtual rotating array with the same rotational speed as the fan. Hence, beamforming algorithms with deconvolution, in this case CLEAN-SC, could be applied. Sound maps and integrated spectra of sub-components are evaluated for five operating points. At selected frequency bands, the presented method yields sound maps featuring a clear circular source pattern corresponding to the nine fan blades. Depending on the adjusted operating point, sound sources are located on the leading or trailing edges of the fan blades. Integrated spectra show that in most cases leading edge noise is dominant for the low-frequency part and trailing edge noise for the high-frequency part. The shift from leading to trailing edge noise is strongly dependent on the operating point and frequency range considered.

Distress or no distress, that's the question: A cutoff point for distress in a working population

PubMed Central

van Rhenen, Willem; van Dijk, Frank JH; Schaufeli, Wilmar B; Blonk, Roland WB

2008-01-01

Background The objective of the present study is to establish an optimal cutoff point for distress measured with the corresponding scale of the 4DSQ, using the prediction of sickness absence as a criterion. The cutoff point should result in a measure that can be used as a credible selection instrument for sickness absence in occupational health practice and in future studies on distress and mental disorders. Methods Distress is measured using the Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ), a 50-item self-report questionnaire, in a working population with and without sickness absence due to distress. Sensitivity and specificity were compared for various potential cutoff points, and a receiver operating characteristics analysis was conducted. Results and conclusion A distress cutoff point of ≥11 was defined. The choice was based on a challenging specificity and negative predictive value and indicates a distress level at which an employee is presumably at risk for subsequent sick leave on psychological grounds. The defined distress cutoff point is appropriate for use in occupational health practice and in studies of distress in working populations. PMID:18205912

Distress or no distress, that's the question: A cutoff point for distress in a working population.

PubMed

van Rhenen, Willem; van Dijk, Frank Jh; Schaufeli, Wilmar B; Blonk, Roland Wb

2008-01-18

The objective of the present study is to establish an optimal cutoff point for distress measured with the corresponding scale of the 4DSQ, using the prediction of sickness absence as a criterion. The cutoff point should result in a measure that can be used as a credible selection instrument for sickness absence in occupational health practice and in future studies on distress and mental disorders. Distress is measured using the Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ), a 50-item self-report questionnaire, in a working population with and without sickness absence due to distress. Sensitivity and specificity were compared for various potential cutoff points, and a receiver operating characteristics analysis was conducted. A distress cutoff point of >/=11 was defined. The choice was based on a challenging specificity and negative predictive value and indicates a distress level at which an employee is presumably at risk for subsequent sick leave on psychological grounds. The defined distress cutoff point is appropriate for use in occupational health practice and in studies of distress in working populations.

Flow Regime Study in a Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser with an Abrupt Exit: [1] High Density Suspension

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

Mei, J.S.; Lee, G.T.; Seachman, S.M.

2008-05-13

Flow regime study was conducted in a 0.3 m diameter, 15.5 m tall circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser with an abrupt exit at the National Energy Technology Laboratory of the U. S. Department of Energy. A statistical designed test series was conducted including four (4) operating set points and a duplicated center point (therefore a total of 6 operating set points). Glass beads of mean diameter 200 μm and particle density of 2,430 kg/m3 were used as bed material. The CFB riser was operated at various superficial gas velocities ranging from 5.6 to 7.6 m/s and solid mass flux frommore » a low of 86 to a high of 303 kg/m2-s. Results of the apparent solids fraction profile as well as the radial particle velocity profile were analyzed in order to identify the presence of Dense Suspension Upflow (DSU) conditions. DSU regime was found to exist at the bottom of the riser, while the middle section of the riser was still exhibiting core-annular flow structure. Due to the abrupt geometry of the exit, the DSU regime was also found at the top of the riser. In addition the effects of the azimuthal angle, riser gas velocity, and mass solids flux on the particle velocity were investigated and are discussed in this paper.« less

Success in an Introductory Operations Research Course: A Case Study at the United Arab Emirates University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yousef, Darwish Abdulrahman

2009-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of a number of factors such as high school major, high school score, gender, Stat105, Maths I, Maths II grades, and grade point average (GPA) on students' academic performance in an introductory operations research (OR) course at the department of Business Administration--College of…

Computer-aided placement of deep brain stimulators: from planning to intraoperative guidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Haese, Pierre-Francois; Pallavaram, Srivatsan; Kao, Chris; Konrad, Peter E.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2005-04-01

The long term objective of our research is to develop a system that will automate as much as possible DBS implantation procedures. It is estimated that about 180,000 patients/year would benefit from DBS implantation. Yet, only 3000 procedures are performed annually. This is so because the combined expertise required to perform the procedure successfully is only available at a limited number of sites. Our goal is to transform this procedure into a procedure that can be performed by a general neurosurgeon at a community hospital. In this work we report on our current progress toward developing a system for the computer-assisted pre-operative selection of target points and for the intra-operative adjustment of these points. The system consists of a deformable atlas of optimal target points that can be used to select automatically the pre-operative target, of an electrophysiological atlas, and of an intra-operative interface. The atlas is deformed using a rigid then a non-rigid registration algorithm developed at our institution. Results we have obtained show that automatic prediction of target points is an achievable goal. Our results also indicate that electrophysiological information can be used to resolve structures not visible in anatomic images, thus improving both pre-operative and intra-operative guidance. Our intra-operative system has reached the stage of a working prototype that is clinically used at our institution.

Towards apparent convergence in asymptotically safe quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denz, T.; Pawlowski, J. M.; Reichert, M.

2018-04-01

The asymptotic safety scenario in gravity is accessed within the systematic vertex expansion scheme for functional renormalisation group flows put forward in Christiansen et al. (Phys Lett B 728:114, 2014), Christiansen et al. (Phy Rev D 93:044036, 2016), and implemented in Christiansen et al. (Phys Rev D 92:121501, 2015) for propagators and three-point functions. In the present work this expansion scheme is extended to the dynamical graviton four-point function. For the first time, this provides us with a closed flow equation for the graviton propagator: all vertices and propagators involved are computed from their own flows. In terms of a covariant operator expansion the current approximation gives access to Λ , R, R^2 as well as R_{μ ν }^2 and higher derivative operators. We find a UV fixed point with three attractive and two repulsive directions, thus confirming previous studies on the relevance of the first three operators. In the infrared we find trajectories that correspond to classical general relativity and further show non-classical behaviour in some fluctuation couplings. We also find signatures for the apparent convergence of the systematic vertex expansion. This opens a promising path towards establishing asymptotically safe gravity in terms of apparent convergence.

LIDAR Point Cloud Data Extraction and Establishment of 3D Modeling of Buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yujuan; Li, Xiuhai; Wang, Qiang; Liu, Jiang; Liang, Xin; Li, Dan; Ni, Chundi; Liu, Yan

2018-01-01

This paper takes the method of Shepard’s to deal with the original LIDAR point clouds data, and generate regular grid data DSM, filters the ground point cloud and non ground point cloud through double least square method, and obtains the rules of DSM. By using region growing method for the segmentation of DSM rules, the removal of non building point cloud, obtaining the building point cloud information. Uses the Canny operator to extract the image segmentation is needed after the edges of the building, uses Hough transform line detection to extract the edges of buildings rules of operation based on the smooth and uniform. At last, uses E3De3 software to establish the 3D model of buildings.

Policy on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and adherence to food preparation guidelines: a cross sectional survey of stakeholders in food service in Kumasi, Ghana.

PubMed

Agyei-Baffour, Peter; Sekyere, Kofi Boateng; Addy, Ernestine Akosua

2013-11-04

Food borne diseases claim more lives and are growing public health concerns. Simple preventive techniques such as adoption and adherence to hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) policy can significantly reduce this disease burden. Though food screening and inspection are done, the ultimate regulation, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, which is known and accepted worldwide, appears not to be popular among food operators in Ghana. This paper examines the level of awareness of the existence of policy on hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) and its adherence to food preparation guidelines among food service providers in Ghana. The results revealed the mean age of food providers as 33.1 years with a standard deviation of 7.5, range of 18-55 years, more females, in full time employment and with basic education. Of the fifty institutional managers, 42 (84%) were senior officers and had worked for more than five years. Education and type of food operator had strong statistically significant relationship with the implementation of HCCP policy and adherence with food preparation guidelines. The enforcement of HACCP policy and adherence with food safety guidelines was led by the Ghana Tourist Board, Public Health officers, and KMA, respectively. While a majority of food operators 373/450 (83.3%) did not know HACCP policy is part of food safety guidelines, staff of food safety law enforcement 44/50 (88%) confirmed knowing that food operators were not aware of the HACCP policy. The study documents evidence on the practice of food safety principles or HACCP policy or adherence to food preparation guidelines. Existing food safety guidelines incorporate varying principles of HACCP, however, awareness is low among food operators. The implication is that food production is likely to fall short of acceptable standards and not be wholesome putting consumers at health risk. Repeating this study in rural and urban areas in Ghana is necessary to provide much more evidence to inform food safety guidelines. Further studies on chemical analysis of food and implementing training modules on HACCP policy for food producers and law enforcement agencies may be helpful to improve existing situation.

Policy on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and adherence to food preparation guidelines: a cross sectional survey of stakeholders in food service in Kumasi, Ghana

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Food borne diseases claim more lives and are growing public health concerns. Simple preventive techniques such as adoption and adherence to hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) policy can significantly reduce this disease burden. Though food screening and inspection are done, the ultimate regulation, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, which is known and accepted worldwide, appears not to be popular among food operators in Ghana. This paper examines the level of awareness of the existence of policy on hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) and its adherence to food preparation guidelines among food service providers in Ghana. Results The results revealed the mean age of food providers as 33.1 years with a standard deviation of 7.5, range of 18–55 years, more females, in full time employment and with basic education. Of the fifty institutional managers, 42 (84%) were senior officers and had worked for more than five years. Education and type of food operator had strong statistically significant relationship with the implementation of HCCP policy and adherence with food preparation guidelines. The enforcement of HACCP policy and adherence with food safety guidelines was led by the Ghana Tourist Board, Public Health officers, and KMA, respectively. While a majority of food operators 373/450 (83.3%) did not know HACCP policy is part of food safety guidelines, staff of food safety law enforcement 44/50 (88%) confirmed knowing that food operators were not aware of the HACCP policy. Conclusion The study documents evidence on the practice of food safety principles or HACCP policy or adherence to food preparation guidelines. Existing food safety guidelines incorporate varying principles of HACCP, however, awareness is low among food operators. The implication is that food production is likely to fall short of acceptable standards and not be wholesome putting consumers at health risk. Repeating this study in rural and urban areas in Ghana is necessary to provide much more evidence to inform food safety guidelines. Further studies on chemical analysis of food and implementing training modules on HACCP policy for food producers and law enforcement agencies may be helpful to improve existing situation. PMID:24180236

Life Cycle Assessment of the MBT plant in Ano Liossia, Athens, Greece

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

Abeliotis, Konstadinos, E-mail: kabeli@hua.gr; Kalogeropoulos, Alexandros; Lasaridi, Katia

2012-01-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We model the operation of an MBT plant in Greece based on LCA. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We compare four different MBT operating scenarios (among them and with landfilling). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Even the current operation of the MBT plant is preferable to landfilling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Utilization of the MBT compost and metals generates the most environmental gains. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thermal exploitation of RDF improves further the environmental performance of the plant. - Abstract: The aim of this paper is the application of Life Cycle Assessment to the operation of the MBT facility of Ano Liossia in the region of Attica in Greece. The regionmore » of Attica is home to almost half the population of Greece and the management of its waste is a major issue. In order to explicitly analyze the operation of the MBT plant, five scenarios were generated. Actual operation data of the MBT plant for the year 2008 were provided by the region of Attica and the LCA modeling was performed via the SimaPro 5.1 software while impact assessment was performed utilizing the Eco-indicator'99 method. The results of our analysis indicate that even the current operation of the MBT plant is preferable to landfilling. Among the scenarios of MBT operation, the one with complete utilization of the MBT outputs, i.e. compost, RDF, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, is the one that generates the most environmental gains. Our analysis indicates that the exploitation of RDF via incineration is the key factor towards improving the environmental performance of the MBT plant. Our findings provide a quantitative understanding of the MBT plant. Interpretation of results showed that proper operation of the modern waste management systems can lead to substantial reduction of environmental impacts and savings of resources.« less

Deep Space One High-Voltage Bus Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rachocki, Ken; Nieraeth, Donald

1999-01-01

The design of the High Voltage Power Converter Unit on DS1 allows both the spacecraft avionics and ion propulsion to operate in a stable manner near the PPP of the solar array. This approach relies on a fairly well-defined solar array model to determine the projected PPP. The solar array voltage set-points have to be updated every week to maintain operation near PPP. Stable operation even to the LEFT of the Peak Power Point is achievable so long as you do not change the operating power level of the ion engine. The next step for this technology is to investigate the use of onboard autonomy to determine the optimum SA voltage regulation set-point (i.e. near the PPP); this is for future missions that have one or more ion propulsion subsystems.

CCP Billing Alternatives Study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-04-01

On behalf of DoD, the Defense Logistics Agency operates consolidation and containerization points (CCPs) at Defense Depot Susquehanna, PA and at Defense Depot San Joaquin, CA. These CCPs receive freight from other defense depots and consolidate it in...

Comparative study of oxihydrogen injection in turbocharged compression ignition engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barna, L.; Lelea, D.

2018-01-01

This document proposes for analysis, comparative study of the turbocharged, compression-ignition engine, equipped with EGR valve, operation in case the injection in intake manifold thereof a maximum flow rate of 1l/min oxyhydrogen resulted of water electrolysis, at two different injection pressures, namely 100 Pa and 3000 Pa, from the point of view of flue gas opacity. We found a substantial reduction of flue gas opacity in both cases compared to conventional diesel operation, but in different proportions.

Design definition study of a lift/cruise fan technology V/STOL airplane: Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zabinsky, J. M.; Higgins, H. C.

1975-01-01

A two-engine three-fan V/STOL airplane was designed to fulfill naval operational requirements. A multimission airplane was developed from study of specific point designs. Based on the multimission concept, airplanes were designed to demonstrate and develop the technology and operational procedures for this class of aircraft. Use of interconnected variable pitch fans led to a good balance between high thrust with responsive control and efficient thrust at cruise speeds. The airplanes and their characteristics are presented.

29 CFR 1926.300 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... apply to concrete vibrators, concrete breakers, powered tampers, jack hammers, rock drills, and similar... guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points...

29 CFR 1926.300 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... apply to concrete vibrators, concrete breakers, powered tampers, jack hammers, rock drills, and similar... guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points...

29 CFR 1926.300 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... apply to concrete vibrators, concrete breakers, powered tampers, jack hammers, rock drills, and similar... guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points...

76 FR 60732 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Navesink (Swimming) River, NJ

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-30

... Operation Regulations; Navesink (Swimming) River, NJ AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary... (Swimming) River between Oceanic and Locust Point, New Jersey. The deviation is necessary to facilitate...: The Oceanic Bridge, across the Navesink (Swimming) River, mile 4.5, between Oceanic and Locust Point...

78 FR 52987 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 3

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-27

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-286; NRC-2013-0063] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 3 AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact; issuance. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission...

Engineering sciences area and module performance and failure analysis area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, R. G., Jr.; Runkle, L. D.

1982-01-01

Photovoltaic-array/power-conditioner interface studies are updated. An experiment conducted to evaluate different operating-point strategies, such as constant voltage and pilot cells, and to determine array energy losses when the array is operated off the maximum power points is described. Initial results over a test period of three and a half weeks showed a 2% energy loss when the array is operated at a fixed voltage. Degraded-array studies conducted at NE RES that used a range of simulated common types of degraded I-V curves are reviewed. The instrumentation installed at the JPL field-test site to obtain the irradiance data was described. Experiments using an optical filter to adjust the spectral irradiance of the large-area pulsed solar simulator (LAPSS) to AM1.5 are described. Residential-array research activity is reviewed. Voltage isolation test results are described. Experiments performed on one type of module to determine the relationship between leakage current and temperature are reviewed. An encapsulated-cell testing approach is explained. The test program, data reduction methods, and initial results of long-duration module testing are described.

Experimental correlations for transient soot measurement in diesel exhaust aerosol with light extinction, electrical mobility and diffusion charger sensor techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermúdez, Vicente; Pastor, José V.; López, J. Javier; Campos, Daniel

2014-06-01

A study of soot measurement deviation using a diffusion charger sensor with three dilution ratios was conducted in order to obtain an optimum setting that can be used to obtain accurate measurements in terms of soot mass emitted by a light-duty diesel engine under transient operating conditions. The paper includes three experimental phases: an experimental validation of the measurement settings in steady-state operating conditions; evaluation of the proposed setting under the New European Driving Cycle; and a study of correlations for different measurement techniques. These correlations provide a reliable tool for estimating soot emission from light extinction measurement or from accumulation particle mode concentration. There are several methods and correlations to estimate soot concentration in the literature but most of them were assessed for steady-state operating points. In this case, the correlations are obtained by more than 4000 points measured in transient conditions. The results of the new two correlations, with less than 4% deviation from the reference measurement, are presented in this paper.

ATP-gamma-S shifts the operating point of outer hair cell transduction towards scala tympani.

PubMed

Bobbin, Richard P; Salt, Alec N

2005-07-01

ATP receptor agonists and antagonists alter cochlear mechanics as measured by changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Some of the effects on DPOAEs are consistent with the hypothesis that ATP affects mechano-electrical transduction and the operating point of the outer hair cells (OHCs). This hypothesis was tested by monitoring the effect of ATP-gamma-S on the operating point of the OHCs. Guinea pigs anesthetized with urethane and with sectioned middle ear muscles were used. The cochlear microphonic (CM) was recorded differentially (scala vestibuli referenced to scala tympani) across the basal turn before and after perfusion (20 min) of the perilymph compartment with artificial perilymph (AP) and ATP-gamma-S dissolved in AP. The operating point was derived from the cochlear microphonics (CM) recorded in response low frequency (200 Hz) tones at high level (106, 112 and 118 dB SPL). The analysis procedure used a Boltzmann function to simulate the CM waveform and the Boltzmann parameters were adjusted to best-fit the calculated waveform to the CM. Compared to the initial perfusion with AP, ATP-gamma-S (333 microM) enhanced peak clipping of the positive peak of the CM (that occurs during organ of Corti displacements towards scala tympani), which was in keeping with ATP-induced displacement of the transducer towards scala tympani. CM waveform analysis quantified the degree of displacement and showed that the changes were consistent with the stimulus being centered on a different region of the transducer curve. The change of operating point meant that the stimulus was applied to a region of the transducer curve where there was greater saturation of the output on excursions towards scala tympani and less saturation towards scala vestibuli. A significant degree of recovery of the operating point was observed after washing with AP. Dose response curves generated by perfusing ATP-gamma-S (333 microM) in a cumulative manner yielded an EC(50) of 19.8 microM. The ATP antagonist PPADS (0.1 mM) failed to block the effect of ATP-gamma-S on operating point, suggesting the response was due to activation of metabotropic and not ionotropic ATP receptors. Multiple perfusions of AP had no significant effect (118 and 112 dB) or moved the operating point slightly (106 dB) in the direction opposite of ATP-gamma-S. Results are consistent with an ATP-gamma-S induced transducer change comparable to a static movement of the organ of Corti or reticular lamina towards scala tympani.

Cylinder valve packing nut studies

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

Blue, S.C.

1991-12-31

The design, manufacture, and use of cylinder valve packing nuts have been studied to improve their resistance to failure from stress corrosion cracking. Stress frozen photoelastic models have been analyzed to measure the stress concentrations at observed points of failure. The load effects induced by assembly torque and thermal expansion of stem packing were observed by strain gaging nuts. The effects of finishing operations and heat treatment were studied by the strain gage hole boring and X-ray methods. Modifications of manufacturing and operation practices are reducing the frequency of stress corrosion failures.

Brain activity monitoring by compressed spectral array during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in acute aortic dissection surgery.

PubMed

Urbanowicz, Tomasz K; Budniak, Wiktor; Buczkowski, Piotr; Perek, Bartłomiej; Walczak, Maciej; Tomczyk, Jadwiga; Katarzyński, Sławomir; Jemielity, Marek

2014-12-01

Monitoring the central nervous system during aortic dissection repair may improve the understanding of the intraoperative changes related to its bioactivity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of deep hypothermia on intraoperative brain bioactivity measured by the compressed spectral array (CSA) method and to assess the influence of the operations on postoperative cognitive function. The study enrolled 40 patients (31 men and 9 women) at the mean age of 60.2 ± 8.6 years, diagnosed with acute aortic dissection. They underwent emergency operations in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). During the operations, brain bioactivity was monitored with the compressed spectral array method. There were no intraoperative deaths. Electrocerebral silence during DHCA was observed in 31 patients (74%). The lowest activity was observed during DHCA: it was 0.01 ± 0.05 nW in the left hemisphere and 0.01 ± 0.03 nW in the right hemisphere. The postoperative results of neurological tests deteriorated statistically significantly (26.9 ± 1.7 points vs. 22.0 ± 1.7 points; p < 0.001), especially among patients who exhibited brain activity during DHCA. The compressed spectral array method is clinically useful in monitoring brain bioactivity during emergency operations of acute aortic dissections. Electrocerebral silence occurs in 75% of patients during DHCA. The cognitive function of patients deteriorates significantly after operations with DHCA.

Optimation of Operation System Integration between Main and Feeder Public Transport (Case Study: Trans Jakarta-Kopaja Bus Services)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miharja, M.; Priadi, Y. N.

2018-05-01

Promoting a better public transport is a key strategy to cope with urban transport problems which are mostly caused by a huge private vehicle usage. A better public transport service quality not only focuses on one type of public transport mode, but also concerns on inter modes service integration. Fragmented inter mode public transport service leads to a longer trip chain as well as average travel time which would result in its failure to compete with a private vehicle. This paper examines the optimation process of operation system integration between Trans Jakarta Bus as the main public transport mode and Kopaja Bus as feeder public transport service in Jakarta. Using scoring-interview method combined with standard parameters in operation system integration, this paper identifies the key factors that determine the success of the two public transport operation system integrations. The study found that some key integration parameters, such as the cancellation of “system setoran”, passenger get in-get out at official stop points, and systematic payment, positively contribute to a better service integration. However, some parameters such as fine system, time and changing point reliability, and information system reliability are among those which need improvement. These findings are very useful for the authority to set the right strategy to improve operation system integration between Trans Jakarta and Kopaja Bus services.

Locating the quantum critical point of the Bose-Hubbard model through singularities of simple observables.

PubMed

Łącki, Mateusz; Damski, Bogdan; Zakrzewski, Jakub

2016-12-02

We show that the critical point of the two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model can be easily found through studies of either on-site atom number fluctuations or the nearest-neighbor two-point correlation function (the expectation value of the tunnelling operator). Our strategy to locate the critical point is based on the observation that the derivatives of these observables with respect to the parameter that drives the superfluid-Mott insulator transition are singular at the critical point in the thermodynamic limit. Performing the quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model, we show that this technique leads to the accurate determination of the position of its critical point. Our results can be easily extended to the three-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model and different Hubbard-like models. They provide a simple experimentally-relevant way of locating critical points in various cold atomic lattice systems.

Pointing control for the International Comet Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leblanc, D. R.; Schumacher, L. L.

1980-01-01

The design of the pointing control system for the proposed International Comet Mission, intended to fly by Comet Halley and rendezvous with Comet Tempel-2 is presented. Following a review of mission objectives and the spacecraft configuration, design constraints on the pointing control system controlling the two-axis gimballed scan platform supporting the science instruments are discussed in relation to the scientific requirements of the mission. The primary design options considered for the pointing control system design for the baseline spacecraft are summarized, and the design selected, which employs a target-referenced, inertially stabilized control system, is described in detail. The four basic modes of operation of the pointing control subsystem (target acquisition, inertial hold, target track and slew) are discussed as they relate to operations at Halley and Tempel-2. It is pointed that the pointing control system design represents a significant advance in the state of the art of pointing controls for planetary missions.

Operability score: an innovative tool for quantitative assessment of operability in comparative studies on surgical anatomy.

PubMed

Gagliardi, Filippo; Boari, Nicola; Roberti, Fabio; Caputy, Anthony J; Mortini, Pietro

2014-09-01

Comparative anatomical studies have proved to be invaluable in the evaluation of advantages and drawbacks of single approaches to access established target areas. Approach-related exposed areas do not necessarily represent useful areas when performing surgical manoeuvres. Accordingly the concept of "operability" has recently been introduced as a qualitative assessment of the ability to execute surgical manoeuvres. The authors propose an innovative model for the quantitative assessment of the operability, defined as "operability score" (OS), which can be effectively and easily applied to comparative studies on surgical anatomy. A microanatomical study was conducted on six cadaveric heads. Morphometric measurements were collected and operability scores in selected target points of the surgical field were calculated. As illustrative example, the operability score was applied to the extradural subtemporal transzygomatic approach (ESTZ). The operability score is effective in grading system of surgical operability, and instruments manipulation capability. It is a useful tool to evaluate, in a single approach, areas that can be exposed, and to quantify how those areas are suitable for surgical manoeuvres. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orbital transfer vehicle launch operations study. Processing flows. Volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) processing flow and Resource Identification Sheets (RISs) for the ground based orbit transfer vehicle and for the space based orbit transfer vehicle are the primary source of information for the rest of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) OTV Launch Operations Study. Work is presented which identifies KSC facility requirements for the OTV Program, simplifies or automates either flow though the application technology, revises test practices and identifies crew sizes or skills used. These flows were used as the primary point of departure from current operations and practices. Analyses results were documented by revising the appropriate RIS page.

Development of Chemical Process Design and Control for ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This contribution describes a novel process systems engineering framework that couples advanced control with sustainability evaluation and decision making for the optimization of process operations to minimize environmental impacts associated with products, materials, and energy. The implemented control strategy combines a biologically inspired method with optimal control concepts for finding more sustainable operating trajectories. The sustainability assessment of process operating points is carried out by using the U.S. E.P.A.’s Gauging Reaction Effectiveness for the ENvironmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multi-Objective Process Evaluator (GREENSCOPE) tool that provides scores for the selected indicators in the economic, material efficiency, environmental and energy areas. The indicator scores describe process performance on a sustainability measurement scale, effectively determining which operating point is more sustainable if there are more than several steady states for one specific product manufacturing. Through comparisons between a representative benchmark and the optimal steady-states obtained through implementation of the proposed controller, a systematic decision can be made in terms of whether the implementation of the controller is moving the process towards a more sustainable operation. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is illustrated through a case study of a continuous fermentation process for fuel production, whose materi

Gauge covariance of the fermion Schwinger–Dyson equation in QED

DOE PAGES

Jia, Shaoyang; Pennington, Michael R.

2017-03-27

Any practical application of the Schwinger–Dyson equations to the study of n-point Green's functions in a strong coupling field theory requires truncations. In the case of QED, the gauge covariance, governed by the Landau–Khalatnikov–Fradkin transformations (LKFT), provides a unique constraint on such truncation. Here, by using a spectral representation for the massive fermion propagator in QED, we are able to show that the constraints imposed by the LKFT are linear operations on the spectral densities. We formally define these group operations and show with a couple of examples how in practice they provide a straightforward way to test the gaugemore » covariance of any viable truncation of the Schwinger–Dyson equation for the fermion 2-point function.« less

Amplitudes on plane waves from ambitwistor strings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamo, Tim; Casali, Eduardo; Mason, Lionel; Nekovar, Stefan

2017-11-01

In marked contrast to conventional string theory, ambitwistor strings remain solvable worldsheet theories when coupled to curved background fields. We use this fact to consider the quantization of ambitwistor strings on plane wave metric and plane wave gauge field backgrounds. In each case, the worldsheet model is anomaly free as a consequence of the background satisfying the field equations. We derive vertex operators (in both fixed and descended picture numbers) for gravitons and gluons on these backgrounds from the worldsheet CFT, and study the 3-point functions of these vertex operators on the Riemann sphere. These worldsheet correlation functions reproduce the known results for 3-point scattering amplitudes of gravitons and gluons in gravitational and gauge theoretic plane wave backgrounds, respectively.

76 FR 79676 - California Independent System Operator Corporation; Supplemental Notice of Agenda and Discussion...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-22

... Operator Corporation's (CAISO) proposal to eliminate convergence bidding at intertie scheduling points.\\1... proposal to eliminate convergence bidding at intertie scheduling points in detail. No formal presentations... 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an email to [email protected] or call toll free...

77 FR 56115 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Fort Point Channel, Boston, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-12

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG-2012-0815] Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Fort Point Channel, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations. SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary...

Optical projectors simulate human eyes to establish operator's field of view

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beam, R. A.

1966-01-01

Device projects visual pattern limits of the field of view of an operator as his eyes are directed at a given point on a control panel. The device, which consists of two projectors, provides instant evaluation of visual ability at a point on a panel.

77 FR 40091 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating, Units 2 and 3

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-06

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247 and 50-286; NRC-2008-0672] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating, Units 2 and 3 AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission... renewal of nuclear plants; availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the...

78 FR 26662 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3 Extension of Public...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-07

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-286; NRC-2013-0063] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3 Extension of Public Comment Period AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas V. Pickett, Senior Project Manager, Office of Nuclear Reactor...

49 CFR 1180.8 - Operational data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... interchange points, using the corporate or political subdivision name of the points shown as well as the... crossings as a result of merger-related changes in operations or increases in rail traffic. (b) For major... plan changes, based on the impact analyses, that will result from the transaction, and their...

47 CFR 101.103 - Frequency coordination procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Assignment of frequencies will be made only in such a manner as to facilitate the rendition of communication...-point basis may not be extended or otherwise modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such... modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such operations licensed on a point-to-radius basis...

47 CFR 101.103 - Frequency coordination procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) Assignment of frequencies will be made only in such a manner as to facilitate the rendition of communication...-point basis may not be extended or otherwise modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such... modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such operations licensed on a point-to-radius basis...

47 CFR 101.103 - Frequency coordination procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) Assignment of frequencies will be made only in such a manner as to facilitate the rendition of communication...-point basis may not be extended or otherwise modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such... modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such operations licensed on a point-to-radius basis...

LMJ Points Plus v2.6

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

Kertesz, Vilmos

Short summary of the software's functionality: • built-in scan feature to acquire optical image of the surface to be analyzed • click-and-point selection of points of interest on the surface • supporting standalone autosampler/HPLC/MS operation: creating independent batch files after points of interests are selected for LEAPShell (autosampler control software from Leap Technologies) and Analyst® (mass spectrometry (MS) software from AB Sciex) • supporting integrated autosampler/HPLC/MS operation: creating one batch file for all instruments controlled by Analyst® (mass spectrometry software from AB Sciex) after points of interests are selected •creating heatmaps of analytes of interests from collected MS files inmore » a hand-off fashion« less

Effectiveness of a personalized device in the evaluation of mandibular second molar periodontal healing after surgical extraction of adjacent third molar.

PubMed

Pippi, Roberto

2013-01-01

The primary aim of the present study was to validate the effectiveness of a personalized device able to guide periodontal probing in evaluation of second molar periodontal healing after adjacent third molar surgical extraction. Secondarily, the study analyzed if any patient and tooth related factors affected the second molar periodontal healing as well as if they were able to affect the periodontal probing depth performed with or without the personalized device. Thirty-five lower second molars were evaluated after extraction of the adjacent third molar. Pre-operative as well as 3 and 12 month post-operative probing depths of the distal surface of the second molar were evaluated. All measurements were taken by two different methods: standard two-point and four-point probing using a personalized onlay-type guide. Periapical radiographs were also evaluated. The Pearson product moment and the general linear model with backward stepwise procedure were used for inferential statistics. The mean 12-month post-operative probing depth/mean pre-operative probing depth ratio obtained with the guided probing method showed a highly significant effect on the 12-month radiographic post-operative/pre-operative radiographic measure ratio. None of the examined patient- or tooth-related factors showed a significant effect on pre-operative/12-month post-operative radiographic measure ratio. The use of the proposed personalized device seems to provide a more reliable estimate of second molar periodontal healing after adjacent third molar surgical extraction. No patient-or tooth-related factors seem to be able to affect either second molar periodontal healing or probing depth measures obtained with or without the personalized device in individuals younger than 25 years old. It can be therefore recommended that lower third molar surgical extraction be performed in young adults.

A solution thermodynamics definition of the fiber saturation point and the derivation of a wood-water phase (state) diagram

Treesearch

Samuel L. Zelinka; Samuel V. Glass; Joseph E. Jakes; Donald S. Stone

2016-01-01

The fiber saturation point (FSP) is an important concept in wood– moisture relations that differentiates between the states of water in wood and has been discussed in the literature for over 100 years. Despite its importance and extensive study, the exact theoretical definition of the FSP and the operational definition (the correct way to measure the FSP) are still...

Mixed boundary value problems in mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erdogan, F.

1975-01-01

Certain boundary value problems were studied over a domain D which may contain the point at infinity and may be multiply connected. Contours forming the boundary are assumed to consist of piecewise smooth arcs. Mixed boundary value problems are those with points of flux singularity on the boundary; these are points on the surface, either side of which at least one of the differential operator has different behavior. The physical system was considered to be described by two quantities, the potential and the flux type quantities. Some of the examples that were illustrated included problems in potential theory and elasticity.

Numerical aerodynamic simulation facility preliminary study: Executive study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A computing system was designed with the capability of providing an effective throughput of one billion floating point operations per second for three dimensional Navier-Stokes codes. The methodology used in defining the baseline design, and the major elements of the numerical aerodynamic simulation facility are described.

Application of a Microcomputer to a Mobile Electric Power Plant.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-28

THE POINT OF ITS VARIFICATION. CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE AIR POLLUTION AND FULL USAGE OF DIESEL AND GASOLINE POWERED TRIICKS ARE DRAWN FROM THE MODEL...and controller. Ideally, the diagnostics should pin point any faulty electrical or mechanical com- ponents and be performed while the AC-APU is in...over a portion of the operating range. Normally the operating point is placed just beyond the knee of the curve so that when higher flux is needed to

Utility of an airframe referenced spatial auditory display for general aviation operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naqvi, M. Hassan; Wigdahl, Alan J.; Ranaudo, Richard J.

2009-05-01

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) completed flight testing with an airframe-referenced localized audio cueing display. The purpose was to assess its affect on pilot performance, workload, and situational awareness in two scenarios simulating single-pilot general aviation operations under instrument meteorological conditions. Each scenario consisted of 12 test procedures conducted under simulated instrument meteorological conditions, half with the cue off, and half with the cue on. Simulated aircraft malfunctions were strategically inserted at critical times during each test procedure. Ten pilots participated in the study; half flew a moderate workload scenario consisting of point to point navigation and holding pattern operations and half flew a high workload scenario consisting of non precision approaches and missed approach procedures. Flight data consisted of aircraft and navigation state parameters, NASA Task Load Index (TLX) assessments, and post-flight questionnaires. With localized cues there was slightly better pilot technical performance, a reduction in workload, and a perceived improvement in situational awareness. Results indicate that an airframe-referenced auditory display has utility and pilot acceptance in general aviation operations.

Uniform convergence of multigrid V-cycle iterations for indefinite and nonsymmetric problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bramble, James H.; Kwak, Do Y.; Pasciak, Joseph E.

1993-01-01

In this paper, we present an analysis of a multigrid method for nonsymmetric and/or indefinite elliptic problems. In this multigrid method various types of smoothers may be used. One type of smoother which we consider is defined in terms of an associated symmetric problem and includes point and line, Jacobi, and Gauss-Seidel iterations. We also study smoothers based entirely on the original operator. One is based on the normal form, that is, the product of the operator and its transpose. Other smoothers studied include point and line, Jacobi, and Gauss-Seidel. We show that the uniform estimates for symmetric positive definite problems carry over to these algorithms. More precisely, the multigrid iteration for the nonsymmetric and/or indefinite problem is shown to converge at a uniform rate provided that the coarsest grid in the multilevel iteration is sufficiently fine (but not depending on the number of multigrid levels).

Analysis and Countermeasure Study on DC Bias of Main Transformer in a City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, PengChao; Wang, Hongtao; Song, Xinpu; Gu, Jun; Liu, yong; Wu, weili

2017-07-01

According to the December 2015 Guohua Beijing thermal power transformer DC magnetic bias phenomenon, the monitoring data of 24 hours of direct current is analyzed. We find that the maximum DC current is up to 25 and is about 30s for the trend cycle, on this basis, then, of the geomagnetic storm HVDC and subway operation causes comparison of the mechanism, and make a comprehensive analysis of the thermal power plant’s geographical location, surrounding environment and electrical contact etc.. The results show that the main reason for the DC bias of Guohua thermal power transformer is the operation of the subway, and the change of the DC bias current is periodic. Finally, of Guohua thermal power transformer DC magnetic bias control method is studied, the simulation results show that the method of using neutral point with small resistance or capacitance can effectively inhibit the main transformer neutral point current.

Testing single point incremental forming molds for thermoforming operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonso, Daniel; de Sousa, Ricardo Alves; Torcato, Ricardo

2016-10-01

Low pressure polymer processing processes as thermoforming or rotational molding use much simpler molds then high pressure processes like injection. However, despite the low forces involved with the process, molds manufacturing for this operations is still a very material, energy and time consuming operation. The goal of the research is to develop and validate a method for manufacturing plastically formed sheets metal molds by single point incremental forming (SPIF) operation for thermoforming operation. Stewart platform based SPIF machines allow the forming of thick metal sheets, granting the required structural stiffness for the mold surface, and keeping the short lead time manufacture and low thermal inertia.

On certain subclasses of multivalent functions associated with an extended fractional differintegral operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, J.; Mishra, A. K.

2007-08-01

In the present paper an extended fractional differintegral operator , suitable for the study of multivalent functions is introduced. Various mapping properties and inclusion relationships between certain subclasses of multivalent functions are investigated by applying the techniques of differential subordination. Relevant connections of the definitions and results presented in this paper with those obtained in several earlier works on the subject are also pointed out.

Predicting procedural pain after ureteroscopy: does hydrodistention play a role?

PubMed Central

Gul, Zeynep; Alazem, Kareem; Li, Ina; Monga, Manoj

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: To identify perioperative predictors of immediate pain after ureteroscopy, specifically evaluating the impact of hydrodistention from irrigation on pain. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent ureteroscopy for the treatment of calculi. Data recorded for these patients included their maximum pain score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), average flow rate of irrigant used during the procedure, patient and stone characteristics, operative procedure, and details of patients' immediate, post-operative course. Spearman's rho was used to determine the relationship between non-parametric, continuous variables. Then, a linear regression was performed to assess which variables could predict the peak pain score. Results: A total of 131 patients were included in the study. A non-parametric correlation analysis revealed that maximum pain score was negatively correlated with being male (r = −0.18, p=0.04), age (r = −0.34, p<0.001), and post-op foley placement (r = −0.20, p=0.02) but positively correlated with the preoperative pain score (r = 0.41, p<0.001), time in the PACU (r = 0.19, p = 0.03), and the morphine equivalent dose (MED) of narcotics administered in the PACU (r = 0.67, p<0.001). On linear regression, the significant variables were age, preoperative pain score, and stent placement. For every ten-year increase in age post-operative pain score decreased by 4/10 of a point (p = 0.03). For every 1 point increase in preoperative pain score there was a 3/10 of a point increase in the maximum pain score (p = 0.01), and leaving a stent in place post-operatively was associated with a 1.6 point increase in the maximum pain score. Conclusions: Hydrodistention does not play a role in post-ureteroscopy pain. Patients who are younger, have higher preoperative pain scores, or who are stented will experience more post-operative pain after ureteroscopy. PMID:27564284

Testing of the X-33 umbilical system at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At the Launch Equipment Test Facility, Mike Solomon, with Lockheed Martin Technical Operations, studies a part of the X-33 umbilical system during testing. Pointing to the part is Will Reaves, also with Lockheed Martin Technical Operations. A team of Kennedy Space Center experts developed the umbilical system, comprising panels, valves and hoses that provide the means to load the X-33 with super-cold propellant. The X-33, under construction at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, Calif., is a half-scale prototype of the planned operational reusable launch vehicle dubbed VentureStar.

KSC-99pp1074

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-06-18

At the Launch Equipment Test Facility, Mike Solomon, with Lockheed Martin Technical Operations, studies a part of the X-33 umbilical system during testing. Pointing to the part is Will Reaves, also with Lockheed Martin Technical Operations. A team of Kennedy Space Center experts developed the umbilical system, comprising panels, valves and hoses that provide the means to load the X-33 with super-cold propellant. The X-33, under construction at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, Calif., is a half-scale prototype of the planned operational reusable launch vehicle dubbed VentureStar

Naturalistic Decision Making in Power Grid Operations: Implications for Dispatcher Training and Usability Testing

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

Greitzer, Frank L.; Podmore, Robin

2008-11-17

The focus of the present study is on improved training approaches to accelerate learning and improved methods for analyzing effectiveness of tools within a high-fidelity power grid simulated environment. A theory-based model has been developed to document and understand the mental processes that an expert power system operator uses when making critical decisions. The theoretical foundation for the method is based on the concepts of situation awareness, the methods of cognitive task analysis, and the naturalistic decision making (NDM) approach of Recognition Primed Decision Making. The method has been systematically explored and refined as part of a capability demonstration ofmore » a high-fidelity real-time power system simulator under normal and emergency conditions. To examine NDM processes, we analyzed transcripts of operator-to-operator conversations during the simulated scenario to reveal and assess NDM-based performance criteria. The results of the analysis indicate that the proposed framework can be used constructively to map or assess the Situation Awareness Level of the operators at each point in the scenario. We can also identify the mental models and mental simulations that the operators employ at different points in the scenario. This report documents the method, describes elements of the model, and provides appendices that document the simulation scenario and the associated mental models used by operators in the scenario.« less

Green's function and image system for the Laplace operator in the prolate spheroidal geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Changfeng; Deng, Shaozhong

2017-01-01

In the present paper, electrostatic image theory is studied for Green's function for the Laplace operator in the case where the fundamental domain is either the exterior or the interior of a prolate spheroid. In either case, an image system is developed to consist of a point image inside the complement of the fundamental domain and an additional symmetric continuous surface image over a confocal prolate spheroid outside the fundamental domain, although the process of calculating such an image system is easier for the exterior than for the interior Green's function. The total charge of the surface image is zero and its centroid is at the origin of the prolate spheroid. In addition, if the source is on the focal axis outside the prolate spheroid, then the image system of the exterior Green's function consists of a point image on the focal axis and a line image on the line segment between the two focal points.

Optical-communication systems for deep-space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vilnrotter, V. A.; Gagliardi, R. M.

1980-01-01

The feasibility of using optical communication systems for data telemetry from deep space vehicles to Earth based receivers is evaluated. Performance analysis shows that practical, photon counting optical systems can transmit data reliably at 30 to 40 dB high rates than existing RF systems, or can be used to extend the communication range by 15 to 20 dB. The advantages of pulse-position modulation (PPM) formats are discussed, and photon counting receiver structures designed for PPM decoding are described. The effects of background interference and weather on receiver performance are evaluated. Some consideration is given to tracking and beam pointing operations, since system performance ultimately depends on the accuracy to which these operations can be carried out. An example of a tracking and pointing system utilizing an optical uplink beacon is presented, and it is shown that microradian beam pointing is within the capabilities of state-of-the-art technology. Recommendations for future theoretical studies and component development programs are presented.

49 CFR 236.306 - Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. 236... Interlocking Standards § 236.306 Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be provided for mechanically operated switch, movable-point frog, or split-point...

49 CFR 236.306 - Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. 236... Interlocking Standards § 236.306 Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be provided for mechanically operated switch, movable-point frog, or split-point...

49 CFR 236.306 - Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. 236... Interlocking Standards § 236.306 Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be provided for mechanically operated switch, movable-point frog, or split-point...

49 CFR 236.306 - Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. 236... Interlocking Standards § 236.306 Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be provided for mechanically operated switch, movable-point frog, or split-point...

49 CFR 236.306 - Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. 236... Interlocking Standards § 236.306 Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be provided for mechanically operated switch, movable-point frog, or split-point...

Entropy Stable Staggered Grid Spectral Collocation for the Burgers' and Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, Mark H.; Parsani, Matteo; Fisher, Travis C.; Nielsen, Eric J.

2015-01-01

Staggered grid, entropy stable discontinuous spectral collocation operators of any order are developed for Burgers' and the compressible Navier-Stokes equations on unstructured hexahedral elements. This generalization of previous entropy stable spectral collocation work [1, 2], extends the applicable set of points from tensor product, Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto (LGL) to a combination of tensor product Legendre-Gauss (LG) and LGL points. The new semi-discrete operators discretely conserve mass, momentum, energy and satisfy a mathematical entropy inequality for both Burgers' and the compressible Navier-Stokes equations in three spatial dimensions. They are valid for smooth as well as discontinuous flows. The staggered LG and conventional LGL point formulations are compared on several challenging test problems. The staggered LG operators are significantly more accurate, although more costly to implement. The LG and LGL operators exhibit similar robustness, as is demonstrated using test problems known to be problematic for operators that lack a nonlinearly stability proof for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations (e.g., discontinuous Galerkin, spectral difference, or flux reconstruction operators).

Health Reform and Utilization of High-Volume Hospitals for Complex Cancer Operations.

PubMed

Loehrer, Andrew P; Chang, David C; Song, Zirui; Chang, George J

2018-01-01

Underinsured patients are less likely to receive complex cancer operations at hospitals with high surgical volumes (high-volume hospitals, or HVHs), which contributes to disparities in care. To date, the impact of insurance coverage expansion on site of complex cancer surgery remains unknown. Using the 2006 Massachusetts coverage expansion as a natural experiment, we searched the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient databases for Massachusetts and control states (New York, New Jersey, and Florida) between 2001 and 2011 to evaluate changes in the utilization of HVHs for resections of bladder, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, rectal, or lung cancer after the expansion of insurance coverage. We studied nonelderly, adult patients with private insurance and those with government-subsidized or self-pay (GSSP) coverage with a difference-in-differences framework. We studied 11,687 patients in Massachusetts and 56,300 patients in control states. Compared with control states, the 2006 Massachusetts insurance expansion was associated with a 14% increased rate of surgical intervention for GSSP patients (incident rate ratio, 1.14; P = .015), but there was no significant change in the probability of GSSP patients undergoing surgery at an HVH (1.0 percentage-point increase; P = .710). The reform was associated with no change in the uninsured payer-mix at HVHs (0.6 percentage-point increase; P = .244) and with a 5.1 percentage-point decrease for the uninsured payer mix at low-volume hospitals ( P < .001). The 2006 Massachusetts insurance expansion, a model for the Affordable Care Act, was associated with increased rates of complex cancer operations and increased insurance coverage but with no change in utilization of HVH for complex cancer operations.

Reverse arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency after previous surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

PubMed

Raiss, Patric; Zeifang, Felix; Pons-Villanueva, Juan; Smithers, Christopher J; Loew, Markus; Walch, Gilles

2014-07-01

Osteoarthritis in combination with rotator cuff deficiency following previous shoulder stabilisation surgery and after failed surgical treatment for chronic anterior shoulder dislocation is a challenging condition. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in such patients. Thirteen patients with a median follow-up of 3.5 (range two to eight) years and a median age of 70 (range 48-82) years were included. In all shoulders a tear of at least one rotator cuff tendon in combination with osteoarthritis was present at the time of arthroplasty. The Constant score, shoulder flexion and external and internal rotation with the elbow at the side were documented pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. Pre-operative, immediate post-operative and final follow-up radiographs were analysed. All complications and revisions were documented. Twelve patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. The median Constant score increased from 26 points pre-operatively to 67 points at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The median shoulder flexion increased significantly from 70° to 130° and internal rotation from two to four points (p = 0.002). External rotation did not change significantly (p = 0.55). Glenoid notching was present in five cases and was graded as mild in three cases and moderate in two. One complication occurred leading to revision surgery. Reverse arthroplasty leads to high satisfaction rates for patients with osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency who had undergone previous shoulder stabilisation procedures. The improvements in clinical outcome as well as the radiographic results seem to be comparable with those of other studies reporting on the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for other conditions.

Composite power system well-being analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboreshaid, Saleh Abdulrahman Saleh

The evaluation of composite system reliability is extremely complex as it is necessary to include detailed modeling of both generation and transmission facilities and their auxiliary elements. The most significant quantitative indices in composite power system adequacy evaluation are those which relate to load curtailment. Many utilities have difficulty in interpreting the expected load curtailment indices as the existing models are based on adequacy analysis and in many cases do not consider realistic operating conditions in the system under study. This thesis presents a security based approach which alleviates this difficulty and provides the ability to evaluate the well-being of customer load points and the overall composite generation and transmission power system. Acceptable deterministic criteria are included in the probabilistic evaluation of the composite system reliability indices to monitor load point well-being. The degree of load point well-being is quantified in terms of the healthy and marginal state indices in addition to the traditional risk indices. The individual well-being indices of the different system load points are aggregated to produce system indices. This thesis presents new models and techniques to quantify the well-being of composite generation and, direct and alternating current transmission systems. Security constraints are basically the operating limits which must be satisfied for normal system operation. These constraints depend mainly on the purpose behind the study. The constraints which govern the practical operation of a power system are divided, in this thesis, into three sets namely, steady-state, voltage stability and transient stability constraints. The inclusion of an appropriate transient stability constraint will lead to a more accurate appraisal of the overall power system well-being. This thesis illustrates the utilization of a bisection method in the analytical evaluation of the critical clearing time which forms the basis of most existing stability assessments. The effect of employing high-speed-simultaneous or adaptive reclosing schemes is presented in this thesis. An effective and fast technique to incorporate voltage stability considerations in composite generation and transmission system reliability evaluation is also presented. The proposed technique can be easily incorporated in an existing composite power system reliability program using voltage stability constraints that are constructed for individual load points based on a relatively simple risk index. It is believed that the concepts, procedures and indices presented in this thesis will provide useful tools for power system designers, planners and operators and assist them to perform composite system well-being analysis in addition to traditional risk assessment.

Application of inertial instruments for DSN antenna pointing and tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldred, D. B.; Nerheim, N. M.; Holmes, K. G.

1990-01-01

The feasibility of using inertial instruments to determine the pointing attitude of the NASA Deep Space Network antennas is examined. The objective is to obtain 1 mdeg pointing knowledge in both blind pointing and tracking modes to facilitate operation of the Deep Space Network 70 m antennas at 32 GHz. A measurement system employing accelerometers, an inclinometer, and optical gyroscopes is proposed. The initial pointing attitude is established by determining the direction of the local gravity vector using the accelerometers and the inclinometer, and the Earth's spin axis using the gyroscopes. Pointing during long-term tracking is maintained by integrating the gyroscope rates and augmenting these measurements with knowledge of the local gravity vector. A minimum-variance estimator is used to combine measurements to obtain the antenna pointing attitude. A key feature of the algorithm is its ability to recalibrate accelerometer parameters during operation. A survey of available inertial instrument technologies is also given.

System for controlling the operating temperature of a fuel cell

DOEpatents

Fabis, Thomas R.; Makiel, Joseph M.; Veyo, Stephen E.

2006-06-06

A method and system are provided for improved control of the operating temperature of a fuel cell (32) utilizing an improved temperature control system (30) that varies the flow rate of inlet air entering the fuel cell (32) in response to changes in the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32). Consistent with the invention an improved temperature control system (30) is provided that includes a controller (37) that receives an indication of the temperature of the inlet air from a temperature sensor (39) and varies the heat output by at least one heat source (34, 36) to maintain the temperature of the inlet air at a set-point T.sub.inset. The controller (37) also receives an indication of the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32) and varies the flow output by an adjustable air mover (33), within a predetermined range around a set-point F.sub.set, in order to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32) at a set-point T.sub.opset.

34 CFR 366.15 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (4) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs. (c) Plan of operation (15 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the... origin, gender, age, or disability. (d) Quality of key personnel (7 points). (1) The Secretary reviews...

34 CFR 366.15 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (4) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs. (c) Plan of operation (15 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the... origin, gender, age, or disability. (d) Quality of key personnel (7 points). (1) The Secretary reviews...

34 CFR 366.15 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (4) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs. (c) Plan of operation (15 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the... origin, gender, age, or disability. (d) Quality of key personnel (7 points). (1) The Secretary reviews...

34 CFR 644.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... period and the project period given the project budget and other resources. (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the... their participation without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, or disability; (3) (2 points...

34 CFR 366.15 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (4) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs. (c) Plan of operation (15 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the... origin, gender, age, or disability. (d) Quality of key personnel (7 points). (1) The Secretary reviews...

76 FR 79066 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Escatawpa River, Moss Point, MS

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-21

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG-2011-1082] Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Escatawpa River, Moss Point, MS AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary...-2011-1082 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov , inserting USCG-2011-1082 in...

47 CFR 90.473 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points. 90.473 Section 90.473 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control...

Linearization: Students Forget the Operating Point

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roubal, J.; Husek, P.; Stecha, J.

2010-01-01

Linearization is a standard part of modeling and control design theory for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems taught in basic undergraduate courses. Although linearization is a straight-line methodology, it is not applied correctly by many students since they often forget to keep the operating point in mind. This paper explains the topic and…

10 CFR 435.304 - The COSTSAFR Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) operates on a micro-computer system that uses the MS DOS operating system and is equipped with an 8087 co... (Version 3.0) also prints out a point system that identifies a wide array of different energy conservation... goal and the point system in the design and procurement procedures so that designers and builders can...

10 CFR 435.304 - The COSTSAFR Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) operates on a micro-computer system that uses the MS DOS operating system and is equipped with an 8087 co... (Version 3.0) also prints out a point system that identifies a wide array of different energy conservation... goal and the point system in the design and procurement procedures so that designers and builders can...

10 CFR 435.304 - The COSTSAFR Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) operates on a micro-computer system that uses the MS DOS operating system and is equipped with an 8087 co... (Version 3.0) also prints out a point system that identifies a wide array of different energy conservation... goal and the point system in the design and procurement procedures so that designers and builders can...

10 CFR 435.304 - The COSTSAFR Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) operates on a micro-computer system that uses the MS DOS operating system and is equipped with an 8087 co... (Version 3.0) also prints out a point system that identifies a wide array of different energy conservation... goal and the point system in the design and procurement procedures so that designers and builders can...

10 CFR 435.304 - The COSTSAFR Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...) operates on a micro-computer system that uses the MS DOS operating system and is equipped with an 8087 co... (Version 3.0) also prints out a point system that identifies a wide array of different energy conservation... goal and the point system in the design and procurement procedures so that designers and builders can...

78 FR 39018 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-28

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247 and 50-286; NRC-2008-0672] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3 AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission... Renewal of Nuclear Plants; issuance. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory...

78 FR 37591 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 2, LLC, Issuance of Director...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-21

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2012-0284; Docket No. 50-247; License No. DPR-26] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 2, LLC, Issuance of Director's Decision Notice is hereby given that the Deputy Director, Reactor Safety Programs, Office of Nuclear Reactor...

47 CFR 90.473 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points. 90.473 Section 90.473 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control...

47 CFR 90.473 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points. 90.473 Section 90.473 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control...

47 CFR 90.473 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points. 90.473 Section 90.473 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control...

47 CFR 90.473 - Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Operation of internal transmitter control systems through licensed fixed control points. 90.473 Section 90.473 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Transmitter Control Internal Transmitter Control...

Catalog of Existing Small Tools for Surface Preparation and Support Equipment for Blasters and Painters

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-01

128 lbs./ft3 Specific Gravity 3.6 Hardness (MOHS) 7 Melting Point 2900°F. Coefficient of Expansion 7 . 8 X 1 0– 6 FIGURE 3.17: Properties of...Beaumont, Texas Bethlehem Steel Corporation, San Francisco, California Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Sparrows Point , Maryland Jacksonville Shipyards...checklist can be used by operators and super- visors as a starting point for determining if the yard’s abrasive blasting facility is operating at full

Voltage oriented control of self-excited induction generator for wind energy system with MPPT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amieur, Toufik; Taibi, Djamel; Amieur, Oualid

2018-05-01

This paper presents the study and simulation of the self-excited induction generator in the wind power production in isolated sites. With this intention, a model of the wind turbine was established. Extremum-seeking control algorithm method by using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is proposed control solution aims at driving the average position of the operating point near to optimality. The reference of turbine rotor speed is adjusted such that the turbine operates around maximum power for the current wind speed value. After a brief review of the concepts of converting wind energy into electrical energy. The proposed modeling tools were developed to study the performance of standalone induction generators connected to capacitor bank. The purpose of this technique is to maintain a constant voltage at the output of the rectifier whatever the loads and speeds. The system studied in this work is developed and tested in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Simulation results validate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed control methods.

Dispatching packets on a global combining network of a parallel computer

DOEpatents

Almasi, Gheorghe [Ardsley, NY; Archer, Charles J [Rochester, MN

2011-07-19

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for dispatching packets on a global combining network of a parallel computer comprising a plurality of nodes connected for data communications using the network capable of performing collective operations and point to point operations that include: receiving, by an origin system messaging module on an origin node from an origin application messaging module on the origin node, a storage identifier and an operation identifier, the storage identifier specifying storage containing an application message for transmission to a target node, and the operation identifier specifying a message passing operation; packetizing, by the origin system messaging module, the application message into network packets for transmission to the target node, each network packet specifying the operation identifier and an operation type for the message passing operation specified by the operation identifier; and transmitting, by the origin system messaging module, the network packets to the target node.

Measurements for assessing the exposure from 3G femtocells.

PubMed

Boursianis, Achilles; Vanias, Pantelis; Samaras, Theodoros

2012-06-01

Femtocells are low-power access points, which combine mobile and broadband technologies. The main operation of a femtocell is to function as a miniature base station unit in an indoor environment and to connect to the operator's network through a broadband phone line or a coaxial cable line. This study provides the first experimental measurements and results in Greece for the assessment of exposure to a femtocell access point (FAP) indoors. Using a mobile handset with the appropriate software, power level measurements of the transmitted (Tx) and the received by the mobile handset signal were performed in two different and typical (home and office) environments. Moreover, radiofrequency electric field strength and frequency selective measurements with a radiation meter (SRM-3000) were carried out in the proximity of the FAP installation point. The cumulative distribution functions of the Tx power at most cases (except one) show that in 90% of all points the power of the mobile phone was lower by at least 7 dB during FAP operation. At a distance of ∼1 m from the FAP (in its main beam), power flux density measurements show that there is very little difference between the two situations (FAP ON and OFF). As a conclusion, the use of femtocells indoors improves reception quality, reduces the Tx power of the user's mobile terminal and results in an indiscernible increase of the electromagnetic field in front of the unit, at values that are extremely low compared with reference levels of exposure guidelines.

Improving HVAC operational efficiency in small-and medium-size commercial buildings

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

Kim, Woohyun; Katipamula, Srinivas; Lutes, Robert

Small- and medium-size (<100,000 sf) commercial buildings (SMBs) represent over 95% of the U.S. commercial building stock and consume over 60% of total site energy consumption. Many of these buildings use rudimentary controls that are mostly manual, with limited scheduling capability, no monitoring, or failure management. Therefore, many of these buildings are operated inefficiently and consume excess energy. SMBs typically use packaged rooftop units (RTUs) that are controlled by an individual thermostat. There is increased urgency to improve the operating efficiency of existing commercial building stock in the United States for many reasons, chief among them being to mitigate themore » climate change impacts. Studies have shown that managing set points and schedules of the RTUs will result in up to 20% energy and cost savings. Another problem associated with RTUs is short cycling, when an RTU goes through ON and OFF cycles too frequently. Excessive cycling can lead to excessive wear and to premature failure of the compressor or its components. Also, short cycling can result in a significantly decreased average efficiency (up to 10%), even if there are no physical failures in the equipment. Ensuring correct use of the zone set points and eliminating frequent cycling of RTUs thereby leading to persistent building operations can significantly increase the operational efficiency of the SMBs. A growing trend is to use low-cost control infrastructure that can enable scalable and cost-effective intelligent building operations. The work reported in this paper describes two algorithms for detecting the zone set point temperature and RTU cycling rate that can be deployed on the low-cost infrastructure. These algorithms only require the zone temperature data for detection. The algorithms have been tested and validated using field data from a number of RTUs from six buildings in different climate locations. Overall, the algorithms were successful in detecting the set points and ON/OFF cycles accurately using the peak detection technique. The paper describes the two algorithms, results from testing the algorithms using field data, how the algorithms can be used to improve SMBs efficiency, and presents related conclusions.« less

A mobile App for military operational entomology pesticide applications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Multiple field studies conducted for the Deployed War Fighter Protection (DWFP) research program have generated over 80 specific guidance points for innovative combinations of pesticide application equipment, pesticide formulations, and application techniques for aerosol and residual pesticide treat...

Particle Tracking on the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

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

Dell, G. F.

1986-08-07

Tracking studies including the effects of random multipole errors as well as the effects of random and systematic multipole errors have been made for RHIC. Initial results for operating at an off diagonal working point are discussed.

47 CFR 101.101 - Frequency availability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...—(Part 78) CC: Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101, Subparts C & I) DBS... Distribution Service—(Part 21) OFS: Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101...

47 CFR 101.101 - Frequency availability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...—(Part 78) CC: Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101, Subparts C & I) DBS... Distribution Service—(Part 21) OFS: Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101...

47 CFR 101.21 - Technical content of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.21 Technical... Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and the Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service must include the following information: Applicant's name and address. Transmitting station...

47 CFR 101.21 - Technical content of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.21 Technical... Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and the Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service must include the following information: Applicant's name and address. Transmitting station...

47 CFR 101.101 - Frequency availability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...—(Part 78) CC: Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101, Subparts C & I) DBS... Distribution Service—(Part 21) OFS: Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service—(Part 101...

Civil helicopter noise assessment study Boeing-Vertol model 347. [recommendations for reduction of helicopter noise levels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinterkeuser, E. G.; Sternfeld, H., Jr.

1974-01-01

A study was conducted to forecast the noise restrictions which may be imposed on civil transport helicopters in the 1975-1985 time period. Certification and community acceptance criteria were predicted. A 50 passenger tandem rotor helicopter based on the Boeing-Vertol Model 347 was studied to determine the noise reductions required, and the means of achieving them. Some of the important study recommendations are: (1) certification limits should be equivalent to 95 EPNdb at data points located at 500 feet to each side of the touchdown/takeoff point, and 1000 feet from this point directly under the approach and departure flight path. (2) community acceptance should be measured as Equivalent Noise Level (Leq), based on dBA, with separate limits for day and night operations, and (3) in order to comply with the above guidelines, the Model 347 helicopter will require studies and tests leading to several modifications.

In-vivo evaluation of the kinematic behavior of an artificial medial meniscus implant: A pilot study using open-MRI.

PubMed

De Coninck, Tineke; Elsner, Jonathan J; Linder-Ganz, Eran; Cromheecke, Michiel; Shemesh, Maoz; Huysse, Wouter; Verdonk, René; Verstraete, Koenraad; Verdonk, Peter

2014-09-01

In this pilot study we wanted to evaluate the kinematics of a knee implanted with an artificial polycarbonate-urethane meniscus device, designed for medial meniscus replacement. The static kinematic behavior of the implant was compared to the natural medial meniscus of the non-operated knee. A second goal was to evaluate the motion pattern, the radial displacement and the deformation of the meniscal implant. Three patients with a polycarbonate-urethane implant were included in this prospective study. An open-MRI was used to track the location of the implant during static weight-bearing conditions, within a range of motion of 0° to 120° knee flexion. Knee kinematics were evaluated by measuring the tibiofemoral contact points and femoral roll-back. Meniscus measurements (both natural and artificial) included anterior-posterior meniscal movement, radial displacement, and meniscal height. No difference (P>0.05) was demonstrated in femoral roll-back and tibiofemoral contact points during knee flexion between the implanted and the non-operated knees. Meniscal measurements showed no significant difference in radial displacement and meniscal height (P>0.05) at all flexion angles, in both the implanted and non-operated knees. A significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in anterior-posterior movement during flexion was observed between the two groups. In this pilot study, the artificial polycarbonate-urethane implant, indicated for medial meniscus replacement, had no influence on femoral roll-back and tibiofemoral contact points, thus suggesting that the joint maintains its static kinematic properties after implantation. Radial displacement and meniscal height were not different, but anterior-posterior movement was slightly different between the implant and the normal meniscus. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of terrestrial photogrammetric point clouds derived from thermal imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metcalf, Jeremy P.; Olsen, Richard C.

2016-05-01

Computer vision and photogrammetric techniques have been widely applied to digital imagery producing high density 3D point clouds. Using thermal imagery as input, the same techniques can be applied to infrared data to produce point clouds in 3D space, providing surface temperature information. The work presented here is an evaluation of the accuracy of 3D reconstruction of point clouds produced using thermal imagery. An urban scene was imaged over an area at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, viewing from above as with an airborne system. Terrestrial thermal and RGB imagery were collected from a rooftop overlooking the site using a FLIR SC8200 MWIR camera and a Canon T1i DSLR. In order to spatially align each dataset, ground control points were placed throughout the study area using Trimble R10 GNSS receivers operating in RTK mode. Each image dataset is processed to produce a dense point cloud for 3D evaluation.

Arctic Atmospheric Measurements Using Manned and Unmanned Aircraft, Tethered Balloons, and Ground-Based Systems at U.S. DOE ARM Facilities on the North Slope Of Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivey, M.; Dexheimer, D.; Roesler, E. L.; Hillman, B. R.; Hardesty, J. O.

2016-12-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides scientific infrastructure and data to the international Arctic research community via research sites located on the North Slope of Alaska and an open data archive maintained by the ARM program. In 2016, DOE continued investments in improvements to facilities and infrastructure at Oliktok Point Alaska to support operations of ground-based facilities and unmanned aerial systems for science missions in the Arctic. The Third ARM Mobile Facility, AMF3, now deployed at Oliktok Point, was further expanded in 2016. Tethered instrumented balloons were used at Oliktok to make measurements of clouds in the boundary layer including mixed-phase clouds and to compare measurements with those from the ground and from unmanned aircraft operating in the airspace above AMF3. The ARM facility at Oliktok Point includes Special Use Airspace. A Restricted Area, R-2204, is located at Oliktok Point. Roughly 4 miles in diameter, it facilitates operations of tethered balloons and unmanned aircraft. R-2204 and a new Warning Area north of Oliktok, W-220, are managed by Sandia National Laboratories for DOE Office of Science/BER. These Special Use Airspaces have been successfully used to launch and operate unmanned aircraft over the Arctic Ocean and in international airspace north of Oliktok Point.A steady progression towards routine operations of unmanned aircraft and tethered balloon systems continues at Oliktok. Small unmanned aircraft (DataHawks) and tethered balloons were successfully flown at Oliktok starting in June of 2016. This poster will discuss how principal investigators may apply for use of these Special Use Airspaces, acquire data from the Third ARM Mobile Facility, or bring their own instrumentation for deployment at Oliktok Point, Alaska.

Early Mission Maneuver Operations for the Deep Space Climate Observatory Sun-Earth L1 Libration Point Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Craig; Case, Sara; Reagoso, John; Webster, Cassandra

2015-01-01

The Deep Space Climate Observatory mission launched on February 11, 2015, and inserted onto a transfer trajectory toward a Lissajous orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 libration point. This paper presents an overview of the baseline transfer orbit and early mission maneuver operations leading up to the start of nominal science orbit operations. In particular, the analysis and performance of the spacecraft insertion, mid-course correction maneuvers, and the deep-space Lissajous orbit insertion maneuvers are discussed, com-paring the baseline orbit with actual mission results and highlighting mission and operations constraints..

What have we learned from 100% success of press fit condylar rotating platform posterior stabilized knees?: A 5-10 years followup by a nondesigner.

PubMed

Vaidya, Shrinand V; Virani, Siddharth; Phunde, Rajendra; Mahajan, Abhishek

2016-01-01

Total joint arthroplasties of the hip and knee represent a remarkable feat of modern medicine in terms of reducing pain and restoring function to millions of patients afflicted with severe arthritis. Oftentimes, the performance and longevity of new implants and devices are based on limited data. This is the first study by a non-designer on the press fit condylar rotating platform posterior stabilized (PFC-RP-PS) design with 100' success. This has a relevance, vis-á -vis bias that one may have in terms of reproducibility of technique and funding from the manufacturer. We associate our excellent mid-term results to intra operative technical aspects and stringent intra operative exclusion criteria. Our study includes a cohort of 121 selected knees operated between January 2003 and October 2010. We used cemented, posterior stabilized (PS), mobile bearing (MB), and RP prosthesis from the same manufacturer in all these 121 knees. The patients were evaluated bi-annually with the calculation of their Knee Society Scores (KSS) and a radiological assessment for loosening/osteolysis. 120 knees were available for followup. The average Knee Society clinical and functional scores, respectively, were 27 points and 40 points preoperatively and 93 points and 95 points postoperatively. This indicates a mean increase of about 71' in the clinical score and about 58' in the functional score, which is statistically significant. The mean postoperative flexion was 124°, a mean increase of 23° from the preoperative flexion of 101°. There were no revisions (Kaplan--Meier survivorship of 100'). We feel durable and reproducible results of PFC-RP-PS design knees are very technique sensitive. The way ahead with the PFC-RP-PS knees looks promising when the exclusion criteria for this design are strictly met. Coming from a non-designer, this study acquires a higher degree of relevance without any designer's or manufacturer's bias.

Comparison of Veteran experiences of low-cost, home-based diet and exercise interventions.

PubMed

Holtz, Bree; Krein, Sarah L; Bentley, Douglas R; Hughes, Maria E; Giardino, Nicholas D; Richardson, Caroline R

2014-01-01

Obesity is a significant health problem among Veterans who receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as it is for so many other Americans. Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) experience a myriad of chronic conditions, which can make it difficult to maintain a physically active lifestyle. This pilot study tested the feasibility and user satisfaction with three low-cost, home-based diet and exercise programs, as well as point-of-decision prompts among these Veterans. The three programs target mechanisms that have been shown to improve healthy behavior change, including (1) online mediated social support, (2) objective monitoring of physical activity, and (3) structured high-intensity workouts. This was a randomized crossover trial; each participant used two of the three programs, and all used the point-of-decision prompts. Our qualitative results identified five overall themes related to social support, objective monitoring, structured activity, awareness and understanding, and the point-of-decision prompts. In general, participants were satisfied with and lost weight with each of the interventions. This study demonstrated that these low-cost interventions could be successful with the OIF/OEF Veteran population. A larger and longer study is planned to further investigate the effectiveness of these interventions.

Modeling an enhanced ridesharing system with meet points and time windows

PubMed Central

Li, Xin; Hu, Sangen; Deng, Kai

2018-01-01

With the rising of e-hailing services in urban areas, ride sharing is becoming a common mode of transportation. This paper presents a mathematical model to design an enhanced ridesharing system with meet points and users’ preferable time windows. The introduction of meet points allows ridesharing operators to trade off the benefits of saving en-route delays and the cost of additional walking for some passengers to be collectively picked up or dropped off. This extension to the traditional door-to-door ridesharing problem brings more operation flexibility in urban areas (where potential requests may be densely distributed in neighborhood), and thus could achieve better system performance in terms of reducing the total travel time and increasing the served passengers. We design and implement a Tabu-based meta-heuristic algorithm to solve the proposed mixed integer linear program (MILP). To evaluate the validation and effectiveness of the proposed model and solution algorithm, several scenarios are designed and also resolved to optimality by CPLEX. Results demonstrate that (i) detailed route plan associated with passenger assignment to meet points can be obtained with en-route delay savings; (ii) as compared to CPLEX, the meta-heuristic algorithm bears the advantage of higher computation efficiency and produces good quality solutions with 8%~15% difference from the global optima; and (iii) introducing meet points to ridesharing system saves the total travel time by 2.7%-3.8% for small-scale ridesharing systems. More benefits are expected for ridesharing systems with large size of fleet. This study provides a new tool to efficiently operate the ridesharing system, particularly when the ride sharing vehicles are in short supply during peak hours. Traffic congestion mitigation will also be expected. PMID:29715302

Co-digestion of cattle manure with food waste and sludge to increase biogas production

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

Maranon, E., E-mail: emara@uniovi.es; Castrillon, L.; Quiroga, G.

2012-10-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Small increase in methane production was observed applying sonication pretreatment. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Biogas productions between 720 and 1100 mL/Lreactor day were achieved. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Volatile solids removal efficiencies ranged between 53% and 60%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lower methane yields were obtained when operating under thermophilic conditions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optimum OLR in lab-scale CSTR was 1.2-1.3 g VS/L day (HRT: 20 days). - Abstract: Anaerobic co-digestion strategies are needed to enhance biogas production, especially when treating certain residues such as cattle/pig manure. This paper presents a study of co-digestion of cattle manure with food waste and sewage sludge. With the aim of maximising biogasmore » yields, a series of experiments were carried out under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions using continuously stirred-tank reactors, operating at different hydraulic residence times. Pretreatment with ultrasound was also applied to compare the results with those obtained with non-pretreated waste. Specific methane production decreases when increasing the OLR and decreasing HRT. The maximum value obtained was 603 LCH{sub 4}/kg VS{sub feed} for the co-digestion of a mixture of 70% manure, 20% food waste and 10% sewage sludge (total solid concentration around 4%) at 36 Degree-Sign C, for an OLR of 1.2 g VS/L day. Increasing the OLR to 1.5 g VS/L day led to a decrease of around 20-28% in SMP. Lower methane yields were obtained when operating at 55 Degree-Sign C. The increase in methane production when applying ultrasound to the feed mixtures does not compensate for the energy spent in this pretreatment.« less

Using Quasi-Horizontal Alignment in the absence of the actual alignment.

PubMed

Banihashemi, Mohamadreza

2016-10-01

Horizontal alignment is a major roadway characteristic used in safety and operational evaluations of many facility types. The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) uses this characteristic in crash prediction models for rural two-lane highways, freeway segments, and freeway ramps/C-D roads. Traffic simulation models use this characteristic in their processes on almost all types of facilities. However, a good portion of roadway databases do not include horizontal alignment data; instead, many contain point coordinate data along the roadways. SHRP 2 Roadway Information Database (RID) is a good example of this type of data. Only about 5% of this geodatabase contains alignment information and for the rest, point data can easily be produced. Even though the point data can be used to extract actual horizontal alignment data but, extracting horizontal alignment is a cumbersome and costly process, especially for a database of miles and miles of highways. This research introduces a so called "Quasi-Horizontal Alignment" that can be produced easily and automatically from point coordinate data and can be used in the safety and operational evaluations of highways. SHRP 2 RID for rural two-lane highways in Washington State is used in this study. This paper presents a process through which Quasi-Horizontal Alignments are produced from point coordinates along highways by using spreadsheet software such as MS EXCEL. It is shown that the safety and operational evaluations of the highways with Quasi-Horizontal Alignments are almost identical to the ones with the actual alignments. In the absence of actual alignment the Quasi-Horizontal Alignment can easily be produced from any type of databases that contain highway coordinates such geodatabases and digital maps. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is there a successful business case for telepharmacy?

PubMed

Khan, Shamima; Snyder, Herbert W; Rathke, Ann M; Scott, David M; Peterson, Charles D

2008-04-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the financial operation of a Single Business Unit (SBU), consisting of one central retail pharmacy and two remote retail telepharmacies. Analyses of income statements and balance sheets for three consecutive years (2002-2004) were conducted. Several items from these statements were compared to the industry average. Gross profit increased from $260,093 in 2002 to $502,262 in 2004. The net operating income percent was 2.9 percentage points below the industry average in 2002, 3.9 percentage points below in 2003, and 1.3 percentage points above in 2004. The inventory turnover ratio remained consistently below the industry average, but it also increased over the period. This is an area of concern, given the high cost of pharmaceuticals and a higher likelihood of obsolescence that exists with a time-sensitive inventory. Despite these concerns, the overall trend for the SBU is positive. The rate of growth between 2002 and 2004 shows that it is getting close to median sales as reported in the NCPA Digest. The results of this study indicate that multiple locations become profitable when a sufficient volume of patients (sales) is reached, combined with efficient use of the pharmacist's time.

Nodal liquids in extended t-J models and dynamical supersymmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavromatos, Nick E.; Sarkar, Sarben

2000-08-01

In the context of extended t-J models, with intersite Coulomb interactions of the form -V∑ninj, with ni denoting the electron number operator at site i, nodal liquids are discussed. We use the spin-charge separation ansatz as applied to the nodes of a d-wave superconducting gap. Such a situation may be of relevance to the physics of high-temperature superconductivity. We point out the possibility of existence of certain points in the parameter space of the model characterized by dynamical supersymmetries between the spinon and holon degrees of freedom, which are quite different from the symmetries in conventional supersymmetric t-J models. Such symmetries pertain to the continuum effective-field theory of the nodal liquid, and one's hope is that the ancestor lattice model may differ from the continuum theory only by renormalization-group irrelevant operators in the infrared. We give plausible arguments that nodal liquids at such supersymmetric points are characterized by superconductivity of Kosterlitz-Thouless type. The fact that quantum fluctuations around such points can be studied in a controlled way, probably makes such systems of special importance for an eventual nonperturbative understanding of the complex phase diagram of the associated high-temperature superconducting materials.

[Total knee arthroplasty by lateral parapatellar approach for valgus knee].

PubMed

Zhou, Dian-ge; Zhang, Bin; Kou, Bo-long; Lü, Hou-shan

2007-07-17

To investigate the effect of lateral parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of valgus knee. Lateral parapatellar approach of total knee arthroplasty was applied in 8 patients (10 knees) with severe valgus osteoarthritis knee (bilateral in 2 cases and unilateral in 6 cases), with the valgus angle > 15 degrees , 1 male (1 knee) and 7 females (9 knee), aged 68.2 (58 - 79), 7 cases (9 knees) being of the Krackow type I and 1 case (1 knee) of the Krackow type I, I. After incision of the skin through lateral knee, ilio-tibial band was prolonged by apple pie arthroplasty. The joint capsule was cut open laterally 2 - 4 cm from the para-patellar edge. Soft tissue balance was performed by releasing I - T band in Gerdy tubercle, lateral collateral ligament and poster-lateral capsule from the femur and tibial side. Valgus angle of distal femur cutting were five degree. Whiteside line and trans-epicondylar line were used as AP rotational cutting reference. All patellar of the group were resurfaced. Capsule closure is completed with the knee flexed. The expanded deep lateral soft tissue sleeve (coronal Z-plasty) is sutured with the medial retinaculum sleeve (superficial layer). Follow-up was conducted for 19.6 months (1 - 51 months). Seven cases (9 knees) were replaced by posterior stabilized cemented prostheses (TC-Dynamic, PLUS), one case (1 knee) was replaced by RT prosthesis (RT-PLUS(TM) Solution, PLUS). After operation, the valgus deformity of all patients was corrected and all patients could walk 100 m with or without the help of walking holders. The average range of motion (ROM) was improved from the pre-operative. 95.6 degrees (85 degrees - 110 degrees ) to the post-operative 117.1 degrees (100 degrees - 125 degrees ). The average femorotibial angle (FTA) was corrected from the pre-operative. 27.6 degrees (20 degrees - 40 degrees ) to the post-operative 6.8 degrees (5 degrees - 9 degrees ). The Knee Score System (KSS) score and functional score were improved from the pre-operative 22.7 points (9 - 48 points) and 26.5 points (12 - 55 points) to the post-operative 86.4 points (85 - 95 points) and 89.1 points (80 - 95 points) respectively. Follow-up showed that the FTA remained unchanged and the knee stability of all patients was good. Through lateral approach, "Z" plasty of the capsule can release the lateral structure and decrease the pressure of common peroneal nerve. For TKR with moderate to severe fixed valgus knee, lateral approach is an effective way to correct the deformity.

Solar dynamic power systems for space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Irvine, Thomas B.; Nall, Marsha M.; Seidel, Robert C.

1986-01-01

The Parabolic Offset Linearly Actuated Reflector (POLAR) solar dynamic module was selected as the baseline design for a solar dynamic power system aboard the space station. The POLAR concept was chosen over other candidate designs after extensive trade studies. The primary advantages of the POLAR concept are the low mass moment of inertia of the module about the transverse boom and the compactness of the stowed module which enables packaging of two complete modules in the Shuttle orbiter payload bay. The fine pointing control system required for the solar dynamic module has been studied and initial results indicate that if disturbances from the station are allowed to back drive the rotary alpha joint, pointing errors caused by transient loads on the space station can be minimized. This would allow pointing controls to operate in bandwidths near system structural frequencies. The incorporation of the fine pointing control system into the solar dynamic module is fairly straightforward for the three strut concentrator support structure. However, results of structural analyses indicate that this three strut support is not optimum. Incorporation of a vernier pointing system into the proposed six strut support structure is being studied.

Is there a role for homeopathy in breast cancer surgery? A first randomized clinical trial on treatment with Arnica montana to reduce post-operative seroma and bleeding in patients undergoing total mastectomy.

PubMed

Sorrentino, Luca; Piraneo, Salvatore; Riggio, Eliana; Basilicò, Silvia; Sartani, Alessandra; Bossi, Daniela; Corsi, Fabio

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of Arnica montana on post-operative blood loss and seroma production in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy by administering Arnica Montana 1000 Korsakovian dilution (1000 K). From 2012 to 2014, 53 women were randomly assigned to A. montana or placebo and were followed up for 5 days. The main end point was the reduction in blood and serum volumes collected in drainages. Secondary end points were duration of drainage, a self-evaluation of pain, and the presence of bruising or hematomas. The per-protocol analysis revealed a lower mean volume of blood and serum collected in drainages with A. montana (-94.40 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.48-211.28; P = 0.11). A regression model including treatment, volume collected in the drainage on the day of surgery, and patient weight showed a statistically significant difference in favor of A. montana (-106.28 ml; 95% CI: 9.45-203.11; P = 0.03). Volumes collected on the day of surgery and the following days were significantly lower with A. montana at days 2 ( P = 0.033) and 3 ( P = 0.0223). Secondary end points have not revealed significant differences. A. montana 1000 K could reduce post-operative blood and seroma collection in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy. Larger studies are needed with different dilutions of A. montana to further validate these data.

Analysis of critical operating conditions for LV distribution networks with microgrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zehir, M. A.; Batman, A.; Sonmez, M. A.; Font, A.; Tsiamitros, D.; Stimoniaris, D.; Kollatou, T.; Bagriyanik, M.; Ozdemir, A.; Dialynas, E.

2016-11-01

Increase in the penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) in distribution networks, raises the risk of voltage limit violations while contributing to line losses. Especially in low voltage (LV) distribution networks (secondary distribution networks), impacts of active power flows on the bus voltages and on the network losses are more dominant. As network operators must meet regulatory limitations, they have to take into account the most critical operating conditions in their systems. In this study, it is aimed to present the impact of the worst operation cases of LV distribution networks comprising microgrids. Simulation studies are performed on a field data-based virtual test-bed. The simulations are repeated for several cases consisting different microgrid points of connection with different network loading and microgrid supply/demand conditions.

Great Lakes O shore Wind Project: Utility and Regional Integration Study

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

Sajadi, Amirhossein; Loparo, Kenneth A.; D'Aquila, Robert

This project aims to identify transmission system upgrades needed to facilitate offshore wind projects as well as operational impacts of offshore generation on operation of the regional transmission system in the Great Lakes region. A simulation model of the US Eastern Interconnection was used as the test system as a case study for investigating the impact of the integration of a 1000MW offshore wind farm operating in Lake Erie into FirstEnergy/PJM service territory. The findings of this research provide recommendations on offshore wind integration scenarios, the locations of points of interconnection, wind profile modeling and simulation, and computational methods tomore » quantify performance, along with operating changes and equipment upgrades needed to mitigate system performance issues introduced by an offshore wind project.« less

Solution of the effective Hamiltonian of impurity hopping between two sites in a metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Jinwu

1997-07-01

We analyze in detail all the possible fixed points of the effective Hamiltonian of a nonmagnetic impurity hopping between two sites in a metal obtained by Moustakas and Fisher (MF). We find a line of non-Fermi liquid fixed points which continuously interpolates between the two-channel Kondo fixed point (2CK) and the one-channel, two-impurity Kondo (2IK) fixed point. There is one relevant direction with scaling dimension 12 and one leading irrelevant operator with dimension 32. There is also one marginal operator in the spin sector moving along this line. The marginal operator, combined with the leading irrelevant operator, will generate the relevant operator. For the general position on this line, the leading low-temperature exponents of the specific heat, the hopping susceptibility and the electron conductivity Cimp,χhimp,σ(T) are the same as those of the 2CK, but the finite-size spectrum depends on the position on the line. No universal ratios can be formed from the amplitudes of the three quantities except at the 2CK point on this line where the universal ratios can be formed. At the 2IK point on this line, σ(T)~2σu(1+aT3/2), no universal ratio can be formed either. The additional non-Fermi-liquid fixed point found by MF has the same symmetry as the 2IK, it has two relevant directions with scaling dimension 12, and is therefore also unstable. The leading low-temperature behaviors are Cimp~T,χhimp~lnT,σ(T)~2σu(1+aT3/2) no universal ratios can be formed. The system is shown to flow to a line of Fermi-liquid fixed points which continuously interpolates between the noninteracting fixed point and the two-channel spin-flavor Kondo fixed point discussed by the author previously. The effect of particle-hole symmetry breaking is discussed. The effective Hamiltonian in the external magnetic field is analyzed. The scaling functions for the physical measurable quantities are derived in the different regimes; their predictions for the experiments are given. Finally the implications are given for a nonmagnetic impurity hopping around three sites with triangular symmetry discussed by MF.

Fine pointing control for free-space optical communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Portillo, A. A.; Ortiz, G. G.; Racho, C.

2000-01-01

Free-Space Optical Communications requires precise, stable laser pointing to maintain operating conditions. This paper also describes the software and hardware implementation of Fine Pointing Control based on the Optical Communications Demonstrator architecture.

Orbital operations with the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility /SIRTF/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werner, M. W.; Lorell, K. R.

1981-01-01

The Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is a cryogenically-cooled, 1-m-class telescope that will be operated from the Space Shuttle as an observatory for infrared astronomy. This paper discusses the scientific constraints on and the requirements for pointing and controlling SIRTF as well as several aspects of SIRTF orbital operations. The basic pointing requirement is for an rms stability of 0.25 arcsec, which is necessary to realize the full angular resolution of the 5-micron diffraction-limited SIRTF. Achieving this stability requires the use of hardware and software integral to SIRTF working interactively with the gyrostabilized Shuttle pointing-mount. The higher sensitivity of SIRTF, together with orbital and time constraints, puts a premium on rapid target acquisition and on efficient operational and observational procedures. Several possible acquisition modes are discussed, and the importance of source acquisition by maximizing the output of an infrared detector is emphasized.

Repair of type-2 SLAP lesions using Corkscrew anchors. A preliminary report of the clinical results.

PubMed

Kartus, Jüri; Kartus, Catarina; Brownlow, Harry; Burrow, Greggory; Perko, Mark

2004-05-01

The aim of the study was to perform a clinical assessment of patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of a type-2 SLAP lesion using one double-looped Corkscrew anchor. Fifteen consecutive patients who agreed to fill in a pre- and post-operative questionnaire were included in the study. The aetiology was traumatic in 10/15 patients and non-traumatic in 5/15. At the index operation four patients underwent a concomitant acromioplasty, while four patients underwent supplementary anterior labrum fixation using suture anchors. Thirteen/15 (87%) of the patients were physically re-examined by independent observers after a follow-up period of 25 months (11-32). The questionnaire involved a patient-administered assessment of ten common activities of daily living. At follow-up, the Rowe score was 84 points (51-98) and the Constant score was 83 points (35-100). The external rotation in abduction was 85 degrees (60-110) on the operated side and 90 degrees (80-110) on the non-operated side ( p<0.05). The isometric strength in abduction was 8.3 kg (0.8-14.4) on the operated side and 8.9 kg (2.7-15.5) on the non-operated side ( p=0.006). Significant improvements ( p<0.05) compared with the pre-operative assessments were found in 2/10 activities of daily living. Another 4/10 activities seemed to improve but did not reach statistical significance ( p<0.08). Eleven of 15 patients returned to their pre-injury activity level. In conclusion, the majority of patients returned to their pre-injury activity level and the subjective patient-administered evaluations appeared to improve after arthroscopic repair of type-2 SLAP lesions using one double-looped Corkscrew anchor. We feel encouraged to continue using this technique.

Stability analysis of BWR nuclear-coupled thermal-hyraulics using a simple model

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

Karve, A.A.; Rizwan-uddin; Dorning, J.J.

1995-09-01

A simple mathematical model is developed to describe the dynamics of the nuclear-coupled thermal-hydraulics in a boiling water reactor (BWR) core. The model, which incorporates the essential features of neutron kinetics, and single-phase and two-phase thermal-hydraulics, leads to simple dynamical system comprised of a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The stability boundary is determined and plotted in the inlet-subcooling-number (enthalpy)/external-reactivity operating parameter plane. The eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix of the dynamical system also are calculated at various steady-states (fixed points); the results are consistent with those of the direct stability analysis and indicate that a Hopf bifurcationmore » occurs as the stability boundary in the operating parameter plane is crossed. Numerical simulations of the time-dependent, nonlinear ODEs are carried out for selected points in the operating parameter plane to obtain the actual damped and growing oscillations in the neutron number density, the channel inlet flow velocity, and the other phase variables. These indicate that the Hopf bifurcation is subcritical, hence, density wave oscillations with growing amplitude could result from a finite perturbation of the system even where the steady-state is stable. The power-flow map, frequently used by reactor operators during start-up and shut-down operation of a BWR, is mapped to the inlet-subcooling-number/neutron-density (operating-parameter/phase-variable) plane, and then related to the stability boundaries for different fixed inlet velocities corresponding to selected points on the flow-control line. The stability boundaries for different fixed inlet subcooling numbers corresponding to those selected points, are plotted in the neutron-density/inlet-velocity phase variable plane and then the points on the flow-control line are related to their respective stability boundaries in this plane.« less

49 CFR 236.103 - Switch circuit controller or point detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Switch circuit controller or point detector. 236.103 Section 236.103 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL... controller or point detector. Switch circuit controller, circuit controller, or point detector operated by...

49 CFR 236.103 - Switch circuit controller or point detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Switch circuit controller or point detector. 236.103 Section 236.103 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL... controller or point detector. Switch circuit controller, circuit controller, or point detector operated by...

49 CFR 236.103 - Switch circuit controller or point detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Switch circuit controller or point detector. 236.103 Section 236.103 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL... controller or point detector. Switch circuit controller, circuit controller, or point detector operated by...

49 CFR 236.103 - Switch circuit controller or point detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Switch circuit controller or point detector. 236.103 Section 236.103 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL... controller or point detector. Switch circuit controller, circuit controller, or point detector operated by...

49 CFR 236.103 - Switch circuit controller or point detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Switch circuit controller or point detector. 236.103 Section 236.103 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL... controller or point detector. Switch circuit controller, circuit controller, or point detector operated by...

47 CFR 101.21 - Technical content of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.21 Technical...) [Reserved] (e) Each application in the Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and the Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service must include the following information: Applicant's...

47 CFR 101.5 - Station authorization required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.5 Station... stations authorized under subpart H (Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), subpart I (Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), and subpart L of this part (Local Multipoint...

47 CFR 101.5 - Station authorization required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.5 Station... stations authorized under subpart H (Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), subpart I (Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), and subpart L of this part (Local Multipoint...

47 CFR 101.21 - Technical content of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.21 Technical...) [Reserved] (e) Each application in the Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and the Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service must include the following information: Applicant's...

47 CFR 101.21 - Technical content of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.21 Technical...) [Reserved] (e) Each application in the Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and the Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service must include the following information: Applicant's...

47 CFR 101.5 - Station authorization required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.5 Station... stations authorized under subpart H (Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), subpart I (Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), and subpart L of this part (Local Multipoint...

47 CFR 101.5 - Station authorization required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.5 Station... stations authorized under subpart H (Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), subpart I (Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), and subpart L of this part (Local Multipoint...

47 CFR 101.5 - Station authorization required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES Applications and Licenses General Filing Requirements § 101.5 Station... stations authorized under subpart H (Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), subpart I (Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service), and subpart L of this part (Local Multipoint...

Experiment Comparison between Engineering Acid Dew Point and Thermodynamic Acid Dew Point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jinghui; Yuan, Hui; Deng, Jianhua

2018-06-01

in order to realize the accurate prediction of acid dew point, a set of measurement system of acid dew point for the flue gas flue gas in the tail of the boiler was designed and built, And measured at the outlet of an air preheater of a power plant of 1 000 MW, The results show that: Under the same conditions, with the test temperature decreases, Nu of heat transfer tubes, fouling and corrosion of pipe wall and corrosion pieces gradually deepened. Then, the measured acid dew point is compared with the acid dew point obtained by using the existing empirical formula under the same coal type. The dew point of engineering acid is usually about 40 ° lower than the dew point of thermodynamic acid because of the coupling effect of fouling on the acid liquid, which can better reflect the actual operation of flue gas in engineering and has certain theoretical guidance for the design and operation of deep waste heat utilization system significance.

Cost of Information Handling in Hospitals

PubMed Central

Jydstrup, Ronald A.; Gross, Malvern J.

1966-01-01

Cost of information handling (noncomputerized) in hospitals was studied in detail from an industrial engineering point of view at Rochester General, Highland, and Geneva General hospitals. Activities were observed, personnel questioned, and time studies carried out. It was found that information handling comprises about one fourth of the hospitals' operating cost—a finding strongly recommending revision and streamlining of both forms and inefficient operations. In an Appendix to this study are presented 15 items that would improve information handling in one area of the hospital, nursing units, where this activity is greater than in any other in a hospital. PMID:5971636

Detection of bacteraemias during non-surgicalroot canal treatment.

PubMed

Savarrio, L; Mackenzie, D; Riggio, M; Saunders, W P; Bagg, J

2005-04-01

Some dental procedures initiate a bacteraemia. In certain compromised patients, this bacteraemia may lead to distant site infections, most notably infective endocarditis. To investigate whether a detectable bacteraemia was produced during non-surgical root canal therapy. Thirty patients receiving non-surgical root canal therapy were studied. Three blood samples were taken per patient: pre-operatively, peri-operatively and post-operatively. In addition, a paper point sample was collected from the root canal. The blood samples were cultured by pour plate and blood bottle methods. The isolated organisms were identified by standard techniques. Blood samples were analysed for the presence of bacterial DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In two cases where the same species of organism was identified in the root canal and the bloodstream, the isolates were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). By conventional culturing, a detectable bacteraemia was present in 9 (30%) of the 30 patients who had no positive pre-operative control blood sample. In 7 (23.3%) patients, the same species of organism was identified in both the bloodstream and in the paper point sample from the root canal system. Overall, PCR gave lower detection rates compared with conventional culture, with 10 of 90 (11%) of the blood samples displaying bacterial DNA. PFGE typing was undertaken for two pairs of culture isolates from blood and paper points; these were found to be genetically identical. Non-surgical root canal treatment may invoke a detectable bacteraemia.

A novel ultrasound-guided shoulder arthroscopic surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyryshkin, K.; Mousavi, P.; Beek, M.; Chen, T.; Pichora, D.; Abolmaesumi, P.

2006-03-01

This paper presents a novel ultrasound-guided computer system for arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder joint. Intraoperatively, the system tracks and displays the surgical instruments, such as arthroscope and arthroscopic burrs, relative to the anatomy of the patient. The purpose of this system is to improve the surgeon's perception of the three-dimensional space within the anatomy of the patient in which the instruments are manipulated and to provide guidance towards the targeted anatomy. Pre-operatively, computed tomography images of the patient are acquired to construct virtual threedimensional surface models of the shoulder bone structure. Intra-operatively, live ultrasound images of pre-selected regions of the shoulder are captured using an ultrasound probe whose three-dimensional position is tracked by an optical camera. These images are used to register the surface model to the anatomy of the patient in the operating room. An initial alignment is obtained by matching at least three points manually selected on the model to their corresponding points identified on the ultrasound images. The registration is then improved with an iterative closest point or a sequential least squares estimation technique. In the present study the registration results of these techniques are compared. After the registration, surgical instruments are displayed relative to the surface model of the patient on a graphical screen visible to the surgeon. Results of laboratory experiments on a shoulder phantom indicate acceptable registration results and sufficiently fast overall system performance to be applicable in the operating room.

An enhanced SOCP-based method for feeder load balancing using the multi-terminal soft open point in active distribution networks

DOE PAGES

Ji, Haoran; Wang, Chengshan; Li, Peng; ...

2017-09-20

The integration of distributed generators (DGs) exacerbates the feeder power flow fluctuation and load unbalanced condition in active distribution networks (ADNs). The unbalanced feeder load causes inefficient use of network assets and network congestion during system operation. The flexible interconnection based on the multi-terminal soft open point (SOP) significantly benefits the operation of ADNs. The multi-terminal SOP, which is a controllable power electronic device installed to replace the normally open point, provides accurate active and reactive power flow control to enable the flexible connection of feeders. An enhanced SOCP-based method for feeder load balancing using the multi-terminal SOP is proposedmore » in this paper. Furthermore, by regulating the operation of the multi-terminal SOP, the proposed method can mitigate the unbalanced condition of feeder load and simultaneously reduce the power losses of ADNs. Then, the original non-convex model is converted into a second-order cone programming (SOCP) model using convex relaxation. In order to tighten the SOCP relaxation and improve the computation efficiency, an enhanced SOCP-based approach is developed to solve the proposed model. Finally, case studies are performed on the modified IEEE 33-node system to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.« less

An enhanced SOCP-based method for feeder load balancing using the multi-terminal soft open point in active distribution networks

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

Ji, Haoran; Wang, Chengshan; Li, Peng

The integration of distributed generators (DGs) exacerbates the feeder power flow fluctuation and load unbalanced condition in active distribution networks (ADNs). The unbalanced feeder load causes inefficient use of network assets and network congestion during system operation. The flexible interconnection based on the multi-terminal soft open point (SOP) significantly benefits the operation of ADNs. The multi-terminal SOP, which is a controllable power electronic device installed to replace the normally open point, provides accurate active and reactive power flow control to enable the flexible connection of feeders. An enhanced SOCP-based method for feeder load balancing using the multi-terminal SOP is proposedmore » in this paper. Furthermore, by regulating the operation of the multi-terminal SOP, the proposed method can mitigate the unbalanced condition of feeder load and simultaneously reduce the power losses of ADNs. Then, the original non-convex model is converted into a second-order cone programming (SOCP) model using convex relaxation. In order to tighten the SOCP relaxation and improve the computation efficiency, an enhanced SOCP-based approach is developed to solve the proposed model. Finally, case studies are performed on the modified IEEE 33-node system to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.« less

Fluctuations in Tat copy number when it counts the most: a possible mechanism to battle the HIV latency

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The HIV-1 virus can enter a dormant state and become inactive, which reduces accessibility by antiviral drugs. We approach this latency problem from an unconventional point of view, with the focus on understanding how intrinsic chemical noise (copy number fluctuations of the Tat protein) can be used to assist the activation process of the latent virus. Several phase diagrams have been constructed in order to visualize in which regions of the parameter space noise can drive the activation process. Essential to the study is the use of a hyperbolic coordinate system, which greatly facilitates quantification of how the various reaction rate combinations shape the noise behavior of the Tat protein feedback system. We have designed a mathematical manual of how to approach the problem of activation quantitatively, and introduce the notion of an “operating point” of the virus. For both noise-free and noise-based strategies we show how operating point off-sets induce changes in the number of Tat molecules. The major result of the analysis is that for every noise-free strategy there is a noise-based strategy that requires lower dosage, but achieves the same anti-latency effect. It appears that the noise-based activation is advantageous for every operating point. PMID:23497153

Point-to-Point! Validation of the Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher Volume Operations Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Daniel M.

2006-01-01

Described is the research process that NASA researchers used to validate the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) Higher Volume Operations (HVO) concept. The four phase building-block validation and verification process included multiple elements ranging from formal analysis of HVO procedures to flight test, to full-system architecture prototype that was successfully shown to the public at the June 2005 SATS Technical Demonstration in Danville, VA. Presented are significant results of each of the four research phases that extend early results presented at ICAS 2004. HVO study results have been incorporated into the development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) vision and offer a validated concept to provide a significant portion of the 3X capacity improvement sought after in the United States National Airspace System (NAS).

Determining the cut-off point of osteoporosis based on the osteoporosis self-assessment tool, body mass index and weight in Taiwanese young adult women.

PubMed

Chang, Shu Fang; Yang, Rong Sen

2014-09-01

To examine the cut-off point of the osteoporosis self-assessment tool, age, weight and body mass index for osteoporosis among young adult Taiwanese women, using a large-scale health examination database containing bone mineral density tests. The cut-off points of osteoporosis risk factors identified earlier focus on menopausal or senior Caucasian and Asian women. However, young adult Asian women have seldom been identified. A retrospective historical cohort study. Using the 2009-2011 health examination database of a large-scale medical centre in northern Taiwan, this study investigated young adult Asian women (i.e. range in age from 30-49 years) in Taiwan who had received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry test. This study also explored the cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of receiver operating characteristics of osteoporosis among young adult females in Taiwan. This study collected 2454 young adult Asian women in Taiwan. Cochran-Armitage analysis results indicated that the prevalence of osteoporosis increased with decreasing weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment method quartiles. According to the results of receiver operating characteristics, weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment tool approaches can generally be used as indicators to predict osteoporosis among young adult Asian women. Results of this study demonstrate that Taiwanese women contracting osteoporosis tend to be young and underweight, as well as having a low body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment scores. Those results further suggest that the assessment indicators for cut-off points are appropriately suitable for young adult women in Taiwan. Early detection is the only available means of preventing osteoporosis. Professional nurses should apply convenient and accurate assessment procedures to help young adult women to adopt preventive strategies against osteoporosis early, thus eliminating the probability of osteoporotic fracture. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Science-based HRA: experimental comparison of operator performance to IDAC (Information-Decision-Action Crew) simulations

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

Shirley, Rachel; Smidts, Carol; Boring, Ronald

Information-Decision-Action Crew (IDAC) operator model simulations of a Steam Generator Tube Rupture are compared to student operator performance in studies conducted in the Ohio State University’s Nuclear Power Plant Simulator Facility. This study is presented as a prototype for conducting simulator studies to validate key aspects of Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) methods. Seven student operator crews are compared to simulation results for crews designed to demonstrate three different decision-making strategies. The IDAC model used in the simulations is modified slightly to capture novice behavior rather that expert operators. Operator actions and scenario pacing are compared. A preliminary review of availablemore » performance shaping factors (PSFs) is presented. After the scenario in the NPP Simulator Facility, student operators review a video of the scenario and evaluate six PSFs at pre-determined points in the scenario. This provides a dynamic record of the PSFs experienced by the OSU student operators. In this preliminary analysis, Time Constraint Load (TCL) calculated in the IDAC simulations is compared to TCL reported by student operators. We identify potential modifications to the IDAC model to develop an “IDAC Student Operator Model.” This analysis provides insights into how similar experiments could be conducted using expert operators to improve the fidelity of IDAC simulations.« less

14 CFR 1216.304 - Major decision points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... technical, economic, and other factors, in the earliest planning. At that stage, the responsible... facility projects, generally have four distinct phases: The conceptual study phase; the detailed planning/definition phase; the development/construction phase; and the operation phase. (Other NASA activities have...

40 CFR 63.745 - Standards: Primer and topcoat application operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... system requirements. Each control system shall reduce the operation's organic HAP and VOC emissions to... control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 1 and 2 of this section and is... pollution control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 3 and 4 of this section...

40 CFR 63.745 - Standards: Primer and topcoat application operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... system requirements. Each control system shall reduce the operation's organic HAP and VOC emissions to... control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 1 and 2 of this section and is... pollution control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 3 and 4 of this section...

40 CFR 63.745 - Standards: Primer and topcoat application operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... system requirements. Each control system shall reduce the operation's organic HAP and VOC emissions to... control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 1 and 2 of this section and is... pollution control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 3 and 4 of this section...

40 CFR 63.745 - Standards: Primer and topcoat application operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... system requirements. Each control system shall reduce the operation's organic HAP and VOC emissions to... control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 1 and 2 of this section and is... pollution control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 3 and 4 of this section...

Animated Powerpoint Presentations for Teaching Operations and Supply Chain Management: Perceived Value and Electronic Exchange of Files

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Treleven, Mark D.; Penlesky, Richard J.; Callarman, Thomas E.; Watts, Charles A.; Bragg, Daniel J.

2012-01-01

This paper presents the innovation of sharing animated PowerPoint presentations used in teaching operations and supply chain management techniques and concepts through an international electronic exchange. The plan for the exchange is presented and discussed. The potential benefits to faculty and students of using PowerPoint animations in…

40 CFR 63.745 - Standards: Primer and topcoat application operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... system requirements. Each control system shall reduce the operation's organic HAP and VOC emissions to... control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 1 and 2 of this section and is... pollution control system that meets or exceeds the efficiency data points in Tables 3 and 4 of this section...

Earth-Moon Libration Point Orbit Stationkeeping: Theory, Modeling and Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folta, David C.; Pavlak, Thomas A.; Haapala, Amanda F.; Howell, Kathleen C.; Woodard, Mark A.

2013-01-01

Collinear Earth-Moon libration points have emerged as locations with immediate applications. These libration point orbits are inherently unstable and must be maintained regularly which constrains operations and maneuver locations. Stationkeeping is challenging due to relatively short time scales for divergence effects of large orbital eccentricity of the secondary body, and third-body perturbations. Using the Acceleration Reconnection and Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) mission orbit as a platform, the fundamental behavior of the trajectories is explored using Poincare maps in the circular restricted three-body problem. Operational stationkeeping results obtained using the Optimal Continuation Strategy are presented and compared to orbit stability information generated from mode analysis based in dynamical systems theory.

Feasibility study of a real-time operating system for a multichannel MPEG-4 encoder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehtoranta, Olli; Hamalainen, Timo D.

2005-03-01

Feasibility of DSP/BIOS real-time operating system for a multi-channel MPEG-4 encoder is studied. Performances of two MPEG-4 encoder implementations with and without the operating system are compared in terms of encoding frame rate and memory requirements. The effects of task switching frequency and number of parallel video channels to the encoding frame rate are measured. The research is carried out on a 200 MHz TMS320C6201 fixed point DSP using QCIF (176x144 pixels) video format. Compared to a traditional DSP implementation without an operating system, inclusion of DSP/BIOS reduces total system throughput only by 1 QCIF frames/s. The operating system has 6 KB data memory overhead and program memory requirement of 15.7 KB. Hence, the overhead is considered low enough for resource critical mobile video applications.

Improvements in floating point addition/subtraction operations

DOEpatents

Farmwald, P.M.

1984-02-24

Apparatus is described for decreasing the latency time associated with floating point addition and subtraction in a computer, using a novel bifurcated, pre-normalization/post-normalization approach that distinguishes between differences of floating point exponents.

Passive serialization in a multitasking environment

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

Hennessey, J.P.; Osisek, D.L.; Seigh, J.W. II

1989-02-28

In a multiprocessing system having a control program in which data objects are shared among processes, this patent describes a method for serializing references to a data object by the processes so as to prevent invalid references to the data object by any process when an operation requiring exclusive access is performed by another process, comprising the steps of: permitting the processes to reference data objects on a shared access basis without obtaining a shared lock; monitoring a point of execution of the control program which is common to all processes in the system, which occurs regularly in the process'more » execution and across which no references to any data object can be maintained by any process, except references using locks; establishing a system reference point which occurs after each process in the system has passed the point of execution at least once since the last such system reference point; requesting an operation requiring exclusive access on a selected data object; preventing subsequent references by other processes to the selected data object; waiting until two of the system references points have occurred; and then performing the requested operation.« less

Distributed situation awareness in complex collaborative systems: A field study of bridge operations on platform supply vessels

PubMed Central

Sandhåland, Hilde; Oltedal, Helle A; Hystad, Sigurd W; Eid, Jarle

2015-01-01

This study provides empirical data about shipboard practices in bridge operations on board a selection of platform supply vessels (PSVs). Using the theoretical concept of distributed situation awareness, the study examines how situation awareness (SA)-related information is distributed and coordinated at the bridge. This study thus favours a systems approach to studying SA, viewing it not as a phenomenon that solely happens in each individual's mind but rather as something that happens between individuals and the tools that they use in a collaborative system. Thus, this study adds to our understanding of SA as a distributed phenomenon. Data were collected in four field studies that lasted between 8 and 14 days on PSVs that operate on the Norwegian continental shelf and UK continental shelf. The study revealed pronounced variations in shipboard practices regarding how the bridge team attended to operational planning, communication procedures, and distracting/interrupting factors during operations. These findings shed new light on how SA might decrease in bridge teams during platform supply operations. The findings from this study emphasize the need to assess and establish shipboard practices that support the bridge teams' SA needs in day-to-day operations. Practitioner points Provides insights into how shipboard practices that are relevant to planning, communication and the occurrence of distracting/interrupting factors are realized in bridge operations. Notes possible areas for improvement to enhance distributed SA in bridge operations. PMID:26028823

Design study of shaft face seal with self-acting lift augmentation. 4: Force balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludwig, L. P.; Zuk, J.; Johnson, R. L.

1972-01-01

A method for predicting the operating film thickness of self-acting seals is described. The analysis considers a 16.76-cm mean diameter seal that is typical of large gas turbines for aircraft. Four design points were selected to cover a wide range of operation for advanced engines. This operating range covered sliding speeds of 61 to 153 m/sec, sealed pressures of 45 to 217 N/sq cm abs, and gas temperatures of 311 to 977 K. The force balance analysis revealed that the seal operated without contact over the operating range with gas film thicknesses ranging between 0.00046 to 0.00119 cm, and with gas leakage rates between 0.01 to 0.39 scmm.

Optical devices for proximity operations study and test report. [intensifying images for visual observation during space transportation system activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. A.

1979-01-01

Operational and physical requirements were investigated for a low-light-level viewing device to be used as a window-mounted optical sight for crew use in the pointing, navigating, stationkeeping, and docking of space vehicles to support space station operations and the assembly of large structures in space. A suitable prototype, obtained from a commercial vendor, was subjected to limited tests to determine the potential effectiveness of a proximity optical device in spacecraft operations. The constructional features of the device are discussed as well as concepts for its use. Tests results show that a proximity optical device is capable of performing low-light-level viewing services and will enhance manned spacecraft operations.

Spacecraft Jitter Attenuation Using Embedded Piezoelectric Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, W. Keith

1995-01-01

Remote sensing from spacecraft requires precise pointing of measurement devices in order to achieve adequate spatial resolution. Unfortunately, various spacecraft disturbances induce vibrational jitter in the remote sensing instruments. The NASA Langley Research Center has performed analysis, simulations, and ground tests to identify the more promising technologies for minimizing spacecraft pointing jitter. These studies have shown that the use of smart materials to reduce spacecraft jitter is an excellent match between a maturing technology and an operational need. This paper describes the use of embedding piezoelectric actuators for vibration control and payload isolation. In addition, recent advances in modeling, simulation, and testing of spacecraft pointing jitter are discussed.

Symbiotic organisms search algorithm for dynamic economic dispatch with valve-point effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonmez, Yusuf; Kahraman, H. Tolga; Dosoglu, M. Kenan; Guvenc, Ugur; Duman, Serhat

2017-05-01

In this study, symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm is proposed to solve the dynamic economic dispatch with valve-point effects problem, which is one of the most important problems of the modern power system. Some practical constraints like valve-point effects, ramp rate limits and prohibited operating zones have been considered as solutions. Proposed algorithm was tested on five different test cases in 5 units, 10 units and 13 units systems. The obtained results have been compared with other well-known metaheuristic methods reported before. Results show that proposed algorithm has a good convergence and produces better results than other methods.

Design of a reversible single precision floating point subtractor.

PubMed

Anantha Lakshmi, Av; Sudha, Gf

2014-01-04

In recent years, Reversible logic has emerged as a major area of research due to its ability to reduce the power dissipation which is the main requirement in the low power digital circuit design. It has wide applications like low power CMOS design, Nano-technology, Digital signal processing, Communication, DNA computing and Optical computing. Floating-point operations are needed very frequently in nearly all computing disciplines, and studies have shown floating-point addition/subtraction to be the most used floating-point operation. However, few designs exist on efficient reversible BCD subtractors but no work on reversible floating point subtractor. In this paper, it is proposed to present an efficient reversible single precision floating-point subtractor. The proposed design requires reversible designs of an 8-bit and a 24-bit comparator unit, an 8-bit and a 24-bit subtractor, and a normalization unit. For normalization, a 24-bit Reversible Leading Zero Detector and a 24-bit reversible shift register is implemented to shift the mantissas. To realize a reversible 1-bit comparator, in this paper, two new 3x3 reversible gates are proposed The proposed reversible 1-bit comparator is better and optimized in terms of the number of reversible gates used, the number of transistor count and the number of garbage outputs. The proposed work is analysed in terms of number of reversible gates, garbage outputs, constant inputs and quantum costs. Using these modules, an efficient design of a reversible single precision floating point subtractor is proposed. Proposed circuits have been simulated using Modelsim and synthesized using Xilinx Virtex5vlx30tff665-3. The total on-chip power consumed by the proposed 32-bit reversible floating point subtractor is 0.410 W.

Depth Perception In Remote Stereoscopic Viewing Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diner, Daniel B.; Von Sydow, Marika

1989-01-01

Report describes theoretical and experimental studies of perception of depth by human operators through stereoscopic video systems. Purpose of such studies to optimize dual-camera configurations used to view workspaces of remote manipulators at distances of 1 to 3 m from cameras. According to analysis, static stereoscopic depth distortion decreased, without decreasing stereoscopitc depth resolution, by increasing camera-to-object and intercamera distances and camera focal length. Further predicts dynamic stereoscopic depth distortion reduced by rotating cameras around center of circle passing through point of convergence of viewing axes and first nodal points of two camera lenses.

Localization of Pathology on Complex Architecture Building Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidiropoulos, A. A.; Lakakis, K. N.; Mouza, V. K.

2017-02-01

The technology of 3D laser scanning is considered as one of the most common methods for heritage documentation. The point clouds that are being produced provide information of high detail, both geometric and thematic. There are various studies that examine techniques of the best exploitation of this information. In this study, an algorithm of pathology localization, such as cracks and fissures, on complex building surfaces is being tested. The algorithm makes use of the points' position in the point cloud and tries to distinguish them in two groups-patterns; pathology and non-pathology. The extraction of the geometric information that is being used for recognizing the pattern of the points is being accomplished via Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in user-specified neighborhoods in the whole point cloud. The implementation of PCA leads to the definition of the normal vector at each point of the cloud. Two tests that operate separately examine both local and global geometric criteria among the points and conclude which of them should be categorized as pathology. The proposed algorithm was tested on parts of the Gazi Evrenos Baths masonry, which are located at the city of Giannitsa at Northern Greece.

The application of heliospheric imaging to space weather operations: Lessons learned from published studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, Richard A.; Davies, Jackie A.; Biesecker, Doug; Gibbs, Mark

2017-08-01

The field of heliospheric imaging has matured significantly over the last 10 years—corresponding, in particular, to the launch of NASA's STEREO mission and the successful operation of the heliospheric imager (HI) instruments thereon. In parallel, this decade has borne witness to a marked increase in concern over the potentially damaging effects of space weather on space and ground-based technological assets, and the corresponding potential threat to human health, such that it is now under serious consideration at governmental level in many countries worldwide. Hence, in a political climate that recognizes the pressing need for enhanced operational space weather monitoring capabilities most appropriately stationed, it is widely accepted, at the Lagrangian L1 and L5 points, it is timely to assess the value of heliospheric imaging observations in the context of space weather operations. To this end, we review a cross section of the scientific analyses that have exploited heliospheric imagery—particularly from STEREO/HI—and discuss their relevance to operational predictions of, in particular, coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival at Earth and elsewhere. We believe that the potential benefit of heliospheric images to the provision of accurate CME arrival predictions on an operational basis, although as yet not fully realized, is significant and we assert that heliospheric imagery is central to any credible space weather mission, particularly one located at a vantage point off the Sun-Earth line.

Leakage and sweet spots in triple-quantum-dot spin qubits: A molecular-orbital study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chengxian; Yang, Xu-Chen; Wang, Xin

2018-04-01

A triple-quantum-dot system can be operated as either an exchange-only qubit or a resonant-exchange qubit. While it is generally believed that the decisive advantage of the resonant-exchange qubit is the suppression of charge noise because it is operated at a sweet spot, we show that the leakage is also an important factor. Through molecular-orbital-theoretic calculations, we show that when the system is operated in the exchange-only scheme, the leakage to states with double electron occupancy in quantum dots is severe when rotations around the axis 120∘ from z ̂ is performed. While this leakage can be reduced by either shrinking the dots or separating them further, the exchange interactions are also suppressed at the same time, making the gate operations unfavorably slow. When the system is operated as a resonant-exchange qubit, the leakage is three to five orders of magnitude smaller. We have also calculated the optimal detuning point which minimizes the leakage for the resonant-exchange qubit, and have found that although it does not coincide with the double sweet spot for the charge noise, they are rather close. Our results suggest that the resonant-exchange qubit has another advantage, that leakage can be greatly suppressed compared to the exchange-only qubit, and operating at the double sweet spot point should be optimal both for reducing charge noise and suppressing leakage.

Accuracy and precision of 3D cephalometric landmarks from biorthogonal plain-film x rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dean, David; Palomo, Martin; Subramanyan, Krishna; Hans, Mark G.; Broadbent, B. H., Jr.; Moullas, Alexander; Macaraeg, Omar

1998-06-01

Three dimensional (3D) plain film radiographic cephalometric analysis of boney skull landmarks may be used for patient diagnosis, treatment planning, prosthetic design, intra- operatively, and outcome assessment. To test the accuracy and reliability of 50 cephalometric landmarks, three dry human skulls, with and without metallic markers affixed to the landmarks, were digitized in our 3dCEPH software by 4 operators. The average inter-operator variability about mean landmark position, across all operators, for all 3 skull image pairs, was 3.33 mm. Ten landmarks exhibiting least variability were 1.15 mm average distance from the mean, including: B point 0.69 mm, Lower Incisal Edge 0.85 mm, and Anterior Nasal Spine 0.90 mm. The average rms error from the metallic fiducials for these 4 operators across all 50 landmarks, and 3 skulls was 5.03 mm. The 10 landmarks with the least variability exhibited 2.01 mm average distance from the fiducial, including: B point 1.69 mm, upper incisal edge 1.71 mm, lower incisal edge 1.78 mm. Additional studies are needed to test the robusticity of the hypothesis of homologous anatomy. Homology of landmarks is important to cephalometric comparisons between image pairs representing patient and 'normative,' pre- and post-surgical alteration, and different ages of the same patient.

Development and human factors analysis of an augmented reality interface for multi-robot tele-operation and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sam; Lucas, Nathan P.; Ellis, R. Darin; Pandya, Abhilash

2012-06-01

This paper presents a seamlessly controlled human multi-robot system comprised of ground and aerial robots of semiautonomous nature for source localization tasks. The system combines augmented reality interfaces capabilities with human supervisor's ability to control multiple robots. The role of this human multi-robot interface is to allow an operator to control groups of heterogeneous robots in real time in a collaborative manner. It used advanced path planning algorithms to ensure obstacles are avoided and that the operators are free for higher-level tasks. Each robot knows the environment and obstacles and can automatically generate a collision-free path to any user-selected target. It displayed sensor information from each individual robot directly on the robot in the video view. In addition, a sensor data fused AR view is displayed which helped the users pin point source information or help the operator with the goals of the mission. The paper studies a preliminary Human Factors evaluation of this system in which several interface conditions are tested for source detection tasks. Results show that the novel Augmented Reality multi-robot control (Point-and-Go and Path Planning) reduced mission completion times compared to the traditional joystick control for target detection missions. Usability tests and operator workload analysis are also investigated.

SCIAMACHY In-orbit Operations until 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottwald, Manfred; Krieg, Eckhart; Lichtenberg, Günter; Noël, Stefan; Bramstedt, Klaus; Bovensmann, Heinrich

In 2010 ENVISAT enters its next mission extension phase when a manoeuvre transfers the plat-form from its nominal into a modified orbit. This modified orbit is not only characterized by the lower altitude but also by slightly drifting parameters such as e.g. the inclination or the Mean Local Solar Time at ascending node crossing. Thus all SCIAMACHY measurements requiring an accurate pointing knowledge are affected. How the line-of-sight evolves along the orbit de-pends on orbit altitude and orbital period. Therefore adjustments to SCIAMACHY's on-board instrument configuration are necessary reflecting this orbit chance. Based on a detailed analysis simulating SCIAMACHY operations in the modified orbit until the end of 2013, the impacts on nadir, limb and solar and lunar occultation measurements when orbiting the Earth at a reduced altitude was studied. By modifying SCIAMACHY's configuration these impacts can be compensated for. Thus the current performance of instrument operations, including the pointing knowledge, can be maintained. It ensures acquisition of high quality measurement data for the entire duration of the mission. This presentation describes how the instrument will be configured for achieving successful operations until the end of 2013. In addition a brief outlook is given how the drifting modified orbit may impact an operations phase even beyond 2013 and potential corrective countermeasures.

Ultrasound Fracture Diagnosis in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dulchavsky, Scott A.; Amponsah, David; Sargsyan, Ashot E.; Garcia, Kathleen M.; Hamilton, Douglas R.; vanHolsbeeck, Marnix

2010-01-01

Introduction: This ground-based investigation accumulated high-level clinical evidence on the sensitivity and specificity of point of care ultrasound performed by expert and novice users for the rapid diagnosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. We developed preliminary educational methodologies to provide just-in-time training of novice users by creating multi-media training tools and imaging procedures for non expert operators and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of non-expert performed musculoskeletal ultrasound to diagnose acute injuries in a Level 1 Trauma Center. Methods: Patients with potential MSK injuries were identified in the emergency room. A focused MSK ultrasound was performed by expert operators and compared to standard radiographs. A repeat examination was performed by non-expert operators who received a short, just-in-time multimedia education aid. The sensitivity and specificity of the expert and novice ultrasound examinations were compared to gold standard radiography. Results: Over 800 patients were enrolled in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of expert performed ultrasound exceeded 98% for MSK injuries. Novice operators achieved 97% sensitivity and 99% specificity for targeted examinations with the greatest error in fractures involving the hand and foot. Conclusion: Point of care ultrasound is a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for MSK injury when performed by experts and just-in-time trained novice operators.

NASA Earth Observation Systems and Applications for Health: Moving from Research to Operational End Users

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haynes, J.; Estes, S. M.

2017-12-01

Health providers and researchers need environmental data to study and understand the geographic, environmental, and meteorological differences in disease. Satellite remote sensing of the environment offers a unique vantage point that can fill in the gaps of environmental, spatial, and temporal data for tracking disease. This presentation will demonstrate NASA's applied science programs efforts to transition from research to operations to benefit society. Satellite earth observations present a unique vantage point of the earth's environment from space, which offers a wealth of health applications for the imaginative investigator. The presentation is directly related to Earth Observing systems and Global Health Surveillance and will present research results of the remote sensing environmental observations of earth and health applications, which can contribute to the health research. As part of NASA approach and methodology they have used Earth Observation Systems and Applications for Health Models to provide a method for bridging gaps of environmental, spatial, and temporal data for tracking disease. This presentation will provide a venue where the results of both research and practice using satellite earth observations to study weather and it's role in health research and the transition to operational end users.

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) advanced expander cycle engine point design study. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The objective of the study was to generate the system design of a performance-optimized, advanced LOX/hydrogen expander cycle space engine. The engine requirements are summarized, and the development and operational experience with the expander cycle RL10 engine were reviewed. The engine development program is outlined.

THE DEPENDABILITY OF BEHAVIORAL MEASUREMENTS--MULTIFACET STUDIES OF GENERALIZABILITY. TECHNICAL REPORT, PRELIMINARY VERSION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CRONBACH, LEE J.; AND OTHERS

A MEASURING OPERATION IS A SAMPLE FROM A UNIVERSE OF ADMISSIBLE OBSERVATIONS....GENERALIZABILITY STUDIES ESTIMATE THE MAGNITUDE OF THE DISCREPENCIES LIKELY TO ARISE UNDER A GIVEN MEASURING PROCEDURE, AND PROVIDE FORMULAS FOR ESTABLISHING INTERVAL AND POINT ESTIMATES OF THE UNIVERSE SCORE. A MULTIFACET GENERALIZABILITY ANALYSIS DEPARTS IN SEVERAL…

Protecting the Homeland Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Defensive Information Operations. 2000 Summer Study. Volume II

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-03-01

between attacks and other events such as accidents, system failures, or hacking by thrill-seekers. This challenge is exacerbated by the speed of events in...International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) international standards body and is referred to as Signaling System # 7 ( SS7 ). Commerc" I Intelligent...point to fixed infrastructure "" Signaling Transfer Point (STP) - Packet switch in CCITT#7 Network STP ... SS7 * System Data Bases i Network

Average capacity optimization in free-space optical communication system over atmospheric turbulence channels with pointing errors.

PubMed

Liu, Chao; Yao, Yong; Sun, Yun Xu; Xiao, Jun Jun; Zhao, Xin Hui

2010-10-01

A model is proposed to study the average capacity optimization in free-space optical (FSO) channels, accounting for effects of atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors. For a given transmitter laser power, it is shown that both transmitter beam divergence angle and beam waist can be tuned to maximize the average capacity. Meanwhile, their optimum values strongly depend on the jitter and operation wavelength. These results can be helpful for designing FSO communication systems.

Flight software operation of the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodden, J. J.; Dougherty, H. J.; Cormier, D. J.

1988-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is to carry five major scientific instruments to collect imagery, spectrographic, and photometric astronomical data. The Pointing Control System is designed to achieve pointing accuracies and line of sight jitter levels an order of magnitude less than can be achieved with ground mounted telescopes. This paper describes the operation of the pointing control system flight software in targeting a celestial object in a science instrument aperture and in performing the coordinate transformations necessary for commanding the fine guidance sensor and determining the attitude-error corrections.

Addition of flexible body option to the TOLA computer program, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dick, J. W.; Benda, B. J.

1975-01-01

This report describes a flexible body option that was developed and added to the Takeoff and Landing Analysis (TOLA) computer program. The addition of the flexible body option to TOLA allows it to be used to study essentially any conventional type airplane in the ground operating environment. It provides the capability to predict the total motion of selected points on the analytical methods incorporated in the program and operating instructions for the option are described. A program listing is included along with several example problems to aid in interpretation of the operating instructions and to illustrate program usage.

Point form relativistic quantum mechanics and relativistic SU(6)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klink, W. H.

1993-01-01

The point form is used as a framework for formulating a relativistic quantum mechanics, with the mass operator carrying the interactions of underlying constituents. A symplectic Lie algebra of mass operators is introduced from which a relativistic harmonic oscillator mass operator is formed. Mass splittings within the degenerate harmonic oscillator levels arise from relativistically invariant spin-spin, spin-orbit, and tensor mass operators. Internal flavor (and color) symmetries are introduced which make it possible to formulate a relativistic SU(6) model of baryons (and mesons). Careful attention is paid to the permutation symmetry properties of the hadronic wave functions, which are written as polynomials in Bargmann spaces.

14 CFR 1216.304 - Major decision points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... facility projects, generally have four distinct phases: The conceptual study phase; the detailed planning/definition phase; the development/construction phase; and the operation phase. (Other NASA activities have fewer, less well-defined phases, but can still be characterized by phases representing general or...

Operational Energy Base Camp Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

Mears, Ed. 6 December 2011. USFOR-A Biogas Digesters. USFOR-A. This PowerPoint slide describes the Contracting Process for Prompt Payment (CERP...project for the rehabilitation of an Afghan Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) biogas plant, which broke ground on 13 December 10. Plant

Satellite power systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 7: SPS program plan and economic analysis, appendixes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G.

1978-01-01

Three appendixes in support of Volume 7 are contained in this document. The three appendixes are: (1) Satellite Power System Work Breakdown Structure Dictionary; (2) SPS cost Estimating Relationships; and (3) Financial and Operational Concept. Other volumes of the final report that provide additional detail are: Executive Summary; SPS Systems Requirements; SPS Concept Evolution; SPS Point Design Definition; Transportation and Operations Analysis; and SPS Technology Requirements and Verification.

Performance prediction evaluation of ceramic materials in point-focusing solar receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ewing, J.; Zwissler, J.

1979-01-01

A performance prediction was adapted to evaluate the use of ceramic materials in solar receivers for point focusing distributed applications. System requirements were determined including the receiver operating environment and system operating parameters for various engine types. Preliminary receiver designs were evolved from these system requirements. Specific receiver designs were then evaluated to determine material functional requirements.

SNAP 10A ESTIMATED ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

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

Cooper, J.C.

1961-06-01

The electrical power characteristics of a SNAP 10A converter are estimated for given fractions of power degradation. Graphs are included showing the power characteristics for instantaneous transients from stabilized operation at the maximum efficiency point, and after system temperature stabilization at the operating point. Open-circuit emf's of the converter are estimated for instantaneous and temperature-stabilized cases. (D.L.C.)

77 FR 36015 - Atomic Safety and Licensing Board; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (Indian Point Nuclear...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-15

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247-LR and 50-286-LR; ASLBP No. 07-858-03-LR-BD01] Atomic Safety and Licensing Board; Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (Indian Point Nuclear Generating Units 2 and 3); Notice of Hearing (Application for License Renewal) June 8, 2012. Before Administrative Judges: Lawrence G. McDade, Chairman, Dr....

Half-BPS Wilson loop and AdS 2/CFT 1

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

Giombi, Simone; Roiban, Radu; Tseytlin, Arkady A.

Here, we study correlation functions of local operator insertions on the 1/2-BPS Wilson line in N=4 super Yang–Mills theory. These correlation functions are constrained by the 1d superconformal symmetry pre-served by the 1/2-BPS Wilson line and define a defect CFT 1 living on the line. At strong coupling, a set of elementary operator insertions with protected scaling dimensions correspond to fluctuations of the dual fundamental string in AdS 5×S 5 ending on the line at the boundary and can be thought of as light fields propagating on the AdS 2 worldsheet. We use AdS/CFT techniques to compute the tree-level AdSmore » 2 Witten diagrams describing the strong coupling limit of the four-point functions of the dual operator insertions. Using the OPE, we also extract the leading strong coupling corrections to the anomalous dimensions of the “two-particle” operators built out of elementary excitations. In the case of the circular Wilson loop, we match our results for the 4-point functions of a special type of scalar insertions to the prediction of localization to 2d Yang–Mills theory.« less

Half-BPS Wilson loop and AdS 2/CFT 1

DOE PAGES

Giombi, Simone; Roiban, Radu; Tseytlin, Arkady A.

2017-09-01

Here, we study correlation functions of local operator insertions on the 1/2-BPS Wilson line in N=4 super Yang–Mills theory. These correlation functions are constrained by the 1d superconformal symmetry pre-served by the 1/2-BPS Wilson line and define a defect CFT 1 living on the line. At strong coupling, a set of elementary operator insertions with protected scaling dimensions correspond to fluctuations of the dual fundamental string in AdS 5×S 5 ending on the line at the boundary and can be thought of as light fields propagating on the AdS 2 worldsheet. We use AdS/CFT techniques to compute the tree-level AdSmore » 2 Witten diagrams describing the strong coupling limit of the four-point functions of the dual operator insertions. Using the OPE, we also extract the leading strong coupling corrections to the anomalous dimensions of the “two-particle” operators built out of elementary excitations. In the case of the circular Wilson loop, we match our results for the 4-point functions of a special type of scalar insertions to the prediction of localization to 2d Yang–Mills theory.« less

Robust Operation of Soft Open Points in Active Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Photovoltaic Integration

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

Ding, Fei; Ji, Haoran; Wang, Chengshan

Distributed generators (DGs) including photovoltaic panels (PVs) have been integrated dramatically in active distribution networks (ADNs). Due to the strong volatility and uncertainty, the high penetration of PV generation immensely exacerbates the conditions of voltage violation in ADNs. However, the emerging flexible interconnection technology based on soft open points (SOPs) provides increased controllability and flexibility to the system operation. For fully exploiting the regulation ability of SOPs to address the problems caused by PV, this paper proposes a robust optimization method to achieve the robust optimal operation of SOPs in ADNs. A two-stage adjustable robust optimization model is built tomore » tackle the uncertainties of PV outputs, in which robust operation strategies of SOPs are generated to eliminate the voltage violations and reduce the power losses of ADNs. A column-and-constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm is developed to solve the proposed robust optimization model, which are formulated as second-order cone program (SOCP) to facilitate the accuracy and computation efficiency. Case studies on the modified IEEE 33-node system and comparisons with the deterministic optimization approach are conducted to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.« less

Towards an Entropy Stable Spectral Element Framework for Computational Fluid Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, Mark H.; Parsani, Matteo; Fisher, Travis C.; Nielsen, Eric J.

2016-01-01

Entropy stable (SS) discontinuous spectral collocation formulations of any order are developed for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations on hexahedral elements. Recent progress on two complementary efforts is presented. The first effort is a generalization of previous SS spectral collocation work to extend the applicable set of points from tensor product, Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto (LGL) to tensor product Legendre-Gauss (LG) points. The LG and LGL point formulations are compared on a series of test problems. Although being more costly to implement, it is shown that the LG operators are significantly more accurate on comparable grids. Both the LGL and LG operators are of comparable efficiency and robustness, as is demonstrated using test problems for which conventional FEM techniques suffer instability. The second effort generalizes previous SS work to include the possibility of p-refinement at non-conforming interfaces. A generalization of existing entropy stability machinery is developed to accommodate the nuances of fully multi-dimensional summation-by-parts (SBP) operators. The entropy stability of the compressible Euler equations on non-conforming interfaces is demonstrated using the newly developed LG operators and multi-dimensional interface interpolation operators.

[The evaluation of the self-financing capacity within the territorial compass of a primary care management].

PubMed

Clua Espuny, J L; Baucells Lluís, J; Mauri Roselló, J A

1999-05-15

The main objective of this study is to calculate the point of financial balance in the geographical setting of the Tortosa PC Area, to evaluate the business results, and to reflect on the side-effects and potential problems of self-management. Retrospective and descriptive study. The units studied were the seven base health districts operating during 1997. The products or services considered for the calculation of income are included in the Order of 29/9/97. The overall result meant a deficit of 0.019 milliards. Pharmaceutical prescription accounted for 58.45% of the total cost. 96.26% of the total activity was products or services undertaken in the PCC, where 95.95% of the income was obtained. All the points of balance, except for in-home activity of nursing personnel, were above the activity recorded. The products with greatest volume were the most profitable overall for the business. 1. The overall result meant a subsidy to running costs of 0.019 milliards. 2. If it did not occur otherwise, our systems for recording activity would have to be adapted to the products financed and accountancy information at the operational unit level. 3. Given that what is measured can be improved, we can identify problems and synergically involve the clinics in improving service efficiency and at the same time achieving a higher level of responsibility for services in a new context of self-management both for each operational unit and overall. 4. Defining the point of financial balance has to enable a framework of target incentives to be established by means of simultaneous information on cost and profit elements in the activity undertaken.

Prognostic value of sCD14-ST (presepsin) in cardiac surgery

PubMed Central

Plyushch, Marina; Ovseenko, Svetlana; Abramyan, Marina; Podshchekoldina, Olga; Yaroustovsky, Mikhail

2015-01-01

Introduction Prediction of complications and mortality after cardiac surgery is an important aspect of timely correction of these conditions. One possibility in this case is the use of biomarkers and some prognostic scores. Aim of the study To study the prognostic value of presepsin (PSP) as a predictor of postoperative complications development in cardiosurgical patients. Material and methods Patients operated for acquired heart diseases with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were included in the study (n = 51, age: 58 ± 11 years). Besides routine clinical and laboratory data, PSP and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were monitored perioperatively (before surgery, and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th day after surgery). Results There were no clinical signs of infection before surgery in any of the studied patients. We found supranormal PSP levels in 6 patients (11.8%) before operations (543 [519-602] pg/ml, max 1597 pg/ml; normal value: 365 pg/ml). Infectious complications developed in 19 patients (37%). Statistically significant differences in PSP levels, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) scores in groups of patients with and without infection were documented from the 1st and in PCT from the 2nd day after the operation. The cut-off values were 702 pg/ml, 8.5 points, 7.5 points and 3.3 ng/ml, respectively. Hospital mortality was 13.7% (7 patients); all cases of death were in the group of patients with infectious complications. Statistically significant differences in PCT levels, APACHE II and SOFA scores between the groups with favorable and lethal outcomes were observed from the first postoperative day. The same for PSP levels was documented only on the 3rd postoperative day. The cut-off values were 7.42 ng/ml, 11 points, 8.5 points and 683 pg/ml, respectively. Conclusion The use of modern biomarkers alongside integral severity-of-disease scores allows prediction of the risk of infectious complications and mortality in cardiosurgical patients. PMID:26336475

[The effect of parecoxib sodium for preemptive analgesia on nasal endoscopic surgery].

PubMed

Kong, Yonggang; Yang, Xilin; Li, Xinchu

2015-08-01

To evaluate the perioperative analgesic effects of parecoxib sodium in patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery. In the randomized, double blind, controlled study, 120 patients undergoing septoplasty were divided into 3 groups (n = 40): A group received parecoxib at a dose of 40 mg by muscle injection 30 min before the operation followed by saline at the same volume every 24 h for 48 h; B group received parecoxib at a dose of 40 mg by muscle injection 30 min before the operation followed by 40 mg every 24 h for 48 h; C group received an equal volume of 0.9% saline at the same time points. Patients were assessed with respect to pain score (VAS), rescue analgesia requirement and the side effects during the operation as well as at 3, 24, 48 h after the surgery. Intra-operative as well as the postoperative pain scores were less in the A group and B group than in the.control group. Compared with group A, group B had significantly lower VAS score at 24 h after the operation, however there were no significant difference on other time points. Fewer participants of both the A and B groups required rescue medication after operation. Administration of parecoxib can provide ideal analgesic effects without serious adverse side effects at the perioperative period for patients who received nasal endoscopic operation. Intramuscular parecoxib (40 mg 30 min before the operation followed 40 mg qd for 48 h) designed as preoperative analgesia mode resulted in sufficient perioperative analgesia that deserves popularization in the clinical works.

Neurological surgery: the influence of physical and mental demands on humans performing complex operations.

PubMed

Bourne, Sarah K; Walcott, Brian P; Sheth, Sameer A; Coumans, Jean-Valery C E

2013-03-01

Performing neurological surgery is an inherently demanding task on the human body, both physically and mentally. Neurosurgeons routinely perform "high stakes" operations in the setting of mental and physical fatigue. These conditions may be not only the result of demanding operations, but also influential to their outcome. Similar to other performance-based endurance activities, training is paramount to successful outcomes. The inflection point, where training reaches the point of diminishing returns, is intensely debated. For the neurosurgeon, this point must be exploited to the maximum, as patients require both the best-trained and best-performing surgeon. In this review, we explore the delicate balance of training and performance, as well as some routinely used adjuncts to improve human performance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonlocal games and optimal steering at the boundary of the quantum set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhen, Yi-Zheng; Goh, Koon Tong; Zheng, Yu-Lin; Cao, Wen-Fei; Wu, Xingyao; Chen, Kai; Scarani, Valerio

2016-08-01

The boundary between classical and quantum correlations is well characterized by linear constraints called Bell inequalities. It is much harder to characterize the boundary of the quantum set itself in the space of no-signaling correlations. For the points on the quantum boundary that violate maximally some Bell inequalities, J. Oppenheim and S. Wehner [Science 330, 1072 (2010), 10.1126/science.1192065] pointed out a complex property: Alice's optimal measurements steer Bob's local state to the eigenstate of an effective operator corresponding to its maximal eigenvalue. This effective operator is the linear combination of Bob's local operators induced by the coefficients of the Bell inequality, and it can be interpreted as defining a fine-grained uncertainty relation. It is natural to ask whether the same property holds for other points on the quantum boundary, using the Bell expression that defines the tangent hyperplane at each point. We prove that this is indeed the case for a large set of points, including some that were believed to provide counterexamples. The price to pay is to acknowledge that the Oppenheim-Wehner criterion does not respect equivalence under the no-signaling constraint: for each point, one has to look for specific forms of writing the Bell expressions.

Noise and low-frequency sound levels due to aerial fireworks and prediction of the occupational exposure of pyrotechnicians to noise

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Tagayasu; Inaba, Ryoichi; Aoyama, Atsuhito

2016-01-01

Objectives: This study investigated the actual situation of noise and low-frequency sounds in firework events and their impact on pyrotechnicians. Methods: Data on firework noise and low-frequency sounds were obtained at a point located approximately 100 m away from the launch site of a firework display held in "A" City in 2013. We obtained the data by continuously measuring and analyzing the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) and the one-third octave band of the noise and low-frequency sounds emanating from the major firework detonations, and predicted sound levels at the original launch site. Results: Sound levels of 100-115 dB and low-frequency sounds of 100-125 dB were observed at night. The maximum and mean Leq values were 97 and 95 dB, respectively. The launching noise level predicted from the sounds (85 dB) at the noise measurement point was 133 dB. Occupational exposure to noise for pyrotechnicians at the remote operation point (located 20-30 m away from the launch site) was estimated to be below 100 dB. Conclusions: Pyrotechnicians are exposed to very loud noise (>100 dB) at the launch point. We believe that it is necessary to implement measures such as fixing earplugs or earmuffs, posting a warning at the workplace, and executing a remote launching operation to prevent hearing loss caused by occupational exposure of pyrotechnicians to noise. It is predicted that both sound levels and low-frequency sounds would be reduced by approximately 35 dB at the remote operation site. PMID:27725489

Noise and low-frequency sound levels due to aerial fireworks and prediction of the occupational exposure of pyrotechnicians to noise.

PubMed

Tanaka, Tagayasu; Inaba, Ryoichi; Aoyama, Atsuhito

2016-11-29

This study investigated the actual situation of noise and low-frequency sounds in firework events and their impact on pyrotechnicians. Data on firework noise and low-frequency sounds were obtained at a point located approximately 100 m away from the launch site of a firework display held in "A" City in 2013. We obtained the data by continuously measuring and analyzing the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) and the one-third octave band of the noise and low-frequency sounds emanating from the major firework detonations, and predicted sound levels at the original launch site. Sound levels of 100-115 dB and low-frequency sounds of 100-125 dB were observed at night. The maximum and mean Leq values were 97 and 95 dB, respectively. The launching noise level predicted from the sounds (85 dB) at the noise measurement point was 133 dB. Occupational exposure to noise for pyrotechnicians at the remote operation point (located 20-30 m away from the launch site) was estimated to be below 100 dB. Pyrotechnicians are exposed to very loud noise (>100 dB) at the launch point. We believe that it is necessary to implement measures such as fixing earplugs or earmuffs, posting a warning at the workplace, and executing a remote launching operation to prevent hearing loss caused by occupational exposure of pyrotechnicians to noise. It is predicted that both sound levels and low-frequency sounds would be reduced by approximately 35 dB at the remote operation site.

A class of renormalised meshless Laplacians for boundary value problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basic, Josip; Degiuli, Nastia; Ban, Dario

2018-02-01

A meshless approach to approximating spatial derivatives on scattered point arrangements is presented in this paper. Three various derivations of approximate discrete Laplace operator formulations are produced using the Taylor series expansion and renormalised least-squares correction of the first spatial derivatives. Numerical analyses are performed for the introduced Laplacian formulations, and their convergence rate and computational efficiency are examined. The tests are conducted on regular and highly irregular scattered point arrangements. The results are compared to those obtained by the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and the finite differences method on a regular grid. Finally, the strong form of various Poisson and diffusion equations with Dirichlet or Robin boundary conditions are solved in two and three dimensions by making use of the introduced operators in order to examine their stability and accuracy for boundary value problems. The introduced Laplacian operators perform well for highly irregular point distribution and offer adequate accuracy for mesh and mesh-free numerical methods that require frequent movement of the grid or point cloud.

The next step in health data exchanges: trust and privacy in exchange networks.

PubMed

Gravely, Steve D; Whaley, Erin S

2009-01-01

The rapid development of health information exchanges (HIE), regional health information organizations (RHIO), the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) and other data exchange platforms for health records creates complex and multifaceted challenges for protecting the privacy and security of health information. Often these issues are addressed in a contractual agreement between two parties seeking to exchange data. Until recently, this point-to-point approach has been acceptable because there were few operational HIEs or RHIOs that were ready, willing and able to actually exchange data. With the proliferation of HIEs and RHIOs that are either operational or on the cusp of being operational, the utility of point-to-point is diminishing. It is no longer efficient for a RHIO to negotiate a separate data exchange agreement with every one of its exchange partners. The evolving model for data exchange agreements is a multi-party trust agreement. This article will examine the crucial components of a multi-party trust agreement.

A Data Filter for Identifying Steady-State Operating Points in Engine Flight Data for Condition Monitoring Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Donald L.; Litt, Jonathan S.

2010-01-01

This paper presents an algorithm that automatically identifies and extracts steady-state engine operating points from engine flight data. It calculates the mean and standard deviation of select parameters contained in the incoming flight data stream. If the standard deviation of the data falls below defined constraints, the engine is assumed to be at a steady-state operating point, and the mean measurement data at that point are archived for subsequent condition monitoring purposes. The fundamental design of the steady-state data filter is completely generic and applicable for any dynamic system. Additional domain-specific logic constraints are applied to reduce data outliers and variance within the collected steady-state data. The filter is designed for on-line real-time processing of streaming data as opposed to post-processing of the data in batch mode. Results of applying the steady-state data filter to recorded helicopter engine flight data are shown, demonstrating its utility for engine condition monitoring applications.

Log amplifier with pole-zero compensation

DOEpatents

Brookshier, W.

1985-02-08

A logarithmic amplifier circuit provides pole-zero compensation for improved stability and response time over 6-8 decades of input signal frequency. The amplifer circuit includes a first operational amplifier with a first feedback loop which includes a second, inverting operational amplifier in a second feedstock loop. The compensated output signal is provided by the second operational amplifier with the log elements, i.e., resistors, and the compensating capacitors in each of the feedback loops having equal values so that each break point is offset by a compensating break point or zero.

Log amplifier with pole-zero compensation

DOEpatents

Brookshier, William

1987-01-01

A logarithmic amplifier circuit provides pole-zero compensation for improved stability and response time over 6-8 decades of input signal frequency. The amplifier circuit includes a first operational amplifier with a first feedback loop which includes a second, inverting operational amplifier in a second feedback loop. The compensated output signal is provided by the second operational amplifier with the log elements, i.e., resistors, and the compensating capacitors in each of the feedback loops having equal values so that each break point or pole is offset by a compensating break point or zero.

Solving the multiple-set split equality common fixed-point problem of firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators.

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Zong, Haili

2018-01-01

In this paper, we propose parallel and cyclic iterative algorithms for solving the multiple-set split equality common fixed-point problem of firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators. We also combine the process of cyclic and parallel iterative methods and propose two mixed iterative algorithms. Our several algorithms do not need any prior information about the operator norms. Under mild assumptions, we prove weak convergence of the proposed iterative sequences in Hilbert spaces. As applications, we obtain several iterative algorithms to solve the multiple-set split equality problem.

Universal Common Communication Substrate (UCCS) Specification; Universal Common Communication Substrate (UCCS) Implementation

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

Universal Common Communication Substrate (UCCS) is a low-level communication substrate that exposes high-performance communication primitives, while providing network interoperability. It is intended to support multiple upper layer protocol (ULPs) or programming models including SHMEM,UPC,Titanium,Co-Array Fortran,Global Arrays,MPI,GASNet, and File I/O. it provides various communication operations including one-sided and two-sided point-to-point, collectives, and remote atomic operations. In addition to operations for ULPs, it provides an out-of-band communication channel required typically required to wire-up communication libraries.

Estimation of the laser cutting operating cost by support vector regression methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jović, Srđan; Radović, Aleksandar; Šarkoćević, Živče; Petković, Dalibor; Alizamir, Meysam

2016-09-01

Laser cutting is a popular manufacturing process utilized to cut various types of materials economically. The operating cost is affected by laser power, cutting speed, assist gas pressure, nozzle diameter and focus point position as well as the workpiece material. In this article, the process factors investigated were: laser power, cutting speed, air pressure and focal point position. The aim of this work is to relate the operating cost to the process parameters mentioned above. CO2 laser cutting of stainless steel of medical grade AISI316L has been investigated. The main goal was to analyze the operating cost through the laser power, cutting speed, air pressure, focal point position and material thickness. Since the laser operating cost is a complex, non-linear task, soft computing optimization algorithms can be used. Intelligent soft computing scheme support vector regression (SVR) was implemented. The performance of the proposed estimator was confirmed with the simulation results. The SVR results are then compared with artificial neural network and genetic programing. According to the results, a greater improvement in estimation accuracy can be achieved through the SVR compared to other soft computing methodologies. The new optimization methods benefit from the soft computing capabilities of global optimization and multiobjective optimization rather than choosing a starting point by trial and error and combining multiple criteria into a single criterion.

Operant Conditioning: A Tool for Special Physical Educators in the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, John M.; French, Ron

1982-01-01

The usefulness of operant conditioning for the special physical educator in managing behavior problems is pointed out, and steps to follow in applying operant conditioning techniques are outlined. (SB)

Performance of various branch-point tolerant phase reconstructors with finite time delays and measurement noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zetterlind, Virgil E., III; Magee, Eric P.

2002-06-01

This study extends branch point tolerant phase reconstructor research to examine the effect of finite time delays and measurement error on system performance. Branch point tolerant phase reconstruction is particularly applicable to atmospheric laser weapon and communication systems, which operate in extended turbulence. We examine the relative performance of a least squares reconstructor, least squares plus hidden phase reconstructor, and a Goldstein branch point reconstructor for various correction time-delays and measurement noise scenarios. Performance is evaluated using a wave-optics simulation that models a 100km atmospheric propagation of a point source beacon to a transmit/receive aperture. Phase-only corrections are then calculated using the various reconstructor algorithms and applied to an outgoing uniform field. Point Strehl is used as the performance metric. Results indicate that while time delays and measurement noise reduce the performance of branch point tolerant reconstructors, these reconstructors can still outperform least squares implementations in many cases. We also show that branch point detection becomes the limiting factor in measurement noise corrupted scenarios.

14 CFR 294.30 - Scope of service and equipment authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... between any point or points in Canada and any point or points in the United States using small aircraft. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed as authorizing the operation of large aircraft in charter... with the limitations and conditions of this part using aircraft designed to have: (1) A maximum...

14 CFR 294.30 - Scope of service and equipment authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... between any point or points in Canada and any point or points in the United States using small aircraft. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed as authorizing the operation of large aircraft in charter... with the limitations and conditions of this part using aircraft designed to have: (1) A maximum...

14 CFR 294.30 - Scope of service and equipment authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... between any point or points in Canada and any point or points in the United States using small aircraft. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed as authorizing the operation of large aircraft in charter... with the limitations and conditions of this part using aircraft designed to have: (1) A maximum...

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) advanced expander cycle engine point design study, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The engine requirements are emphasized and include: high specific impulse within a restricted installed length constraint, long life, multiple starts, different thrust levels, and man-rated reliability. The engine operating characteristics and the major component analytical design are summarized.

EVALUATION OF ROTARY KILN INCINERATOR OPERATION AT LOW TO MODERATE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS VOLUME 1. TECHNICAL RESULTS

EPA Science Inventory

A test program was performed at the Environmental Protection Agency Incineration Research Facility to study the effectiveness of incineration at low-to-moderate temperatures in decontaminating soils containing organic compounds with different volatilities (boiling points). The da...

Personnel and Welfare: The Case of the Problem Drinker at Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyman, J.; Beaumont, P. B.

1985-01-01

Presents evidence of welfare activity in a number of work organizations based in Scotland that have introduced recovery programs for employees with alcohol-related problems. The study points to extensive involvement by personnel specialists in the operation of these policies. (CT)

A numerical evaluation of protection strategies for cab car crashworthiness

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-15

The operator and passengers in cab cars are particularly vulnerable to collisions with objects or with other trains because of their proximity to the point of collision. We present one part of a larger study in which we examined several strategies fo...

Bering Strait - Choke Point Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-13

for safeguarding the security of the Arctic region.” ii US defensive capabilities must expand beyond mere operating capability. To heed this...Dragon Eyes…”, p 4. ii Ibid, p 38. iii L. Brigham, et al, “Bering Strait Region Case Study,” Arctic Maritime Shipping Assessment, Arctic

The Business Practices Course: Self-Study Learning Reengineered.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Acovelli, Marianne; Nowakowski, Alan

1994-01-01

Describes an interactive multimedia Business Practices Course, developed to help reengineer point-of-need training for professional development, in which the learner conducts a business review of a company's current operations and makes recommendations to improve productivity and increase customer satisfaction. (six references) (LRW)

Counter Action Procedure Generation in an Emergency Situation of Nuclear Power Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gofuku, A.

2018-02-01

Lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident revealed various weak points in the design and operation of nuclear power plants at the time although there were many resilient activities made by the plant staff under difficult work environment. In order to reinforce the measures to make nuclear power plants more resilient, improvement of hardware and improvement of education and training of nuclear personnel are considered. In addition, considering the advancement of computer technology and artificial intelligence, it is a promising way to develop software tools to support the activities of plant staff.This paper focuses on the software tools to support the operations by human operators and introduces a concept of an intelligent operator support system that is called as co-operator. This paper also describes a counter operation generation technique the authors are studying as a core component of the co-operator.

InGaN working electrodes with assisted bias generated from GaAs solar cells for efficient water splitting.

PubMed

Liu, Shu-Yen; Sheu, J K; Lin, Yu-Chuan; Chen, Yu-Tong; Tu, S J; Lee, M L; Lai, W C

2013-11-04

Hydrogen generation through water splitting by n-InGaN working electrodes with bias generated from GaAs solar cell was studied. Instead of using an external bias provided by power supply, a GaAs-based solar cell was used as the driving force to increase the rate of hydrogen production. The water-splitting system was tuned using different approaches to set the operating points to the maximum power point of the GaAs solar cell. The approaches included changing the electrolytes, varying the light intensity, and introducing the immersed ITO ohmic contacts on the working electrodes. As a result, the hybrid system comprising both InGaN-based working electrodes and GaAs solar cells operating under concentrated illumination could possibly facilitate efficient water splitting.

Buffer thermal energy storage for an air Brayton solar engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strumpf, H. J.; Barr, K. P.

1981-01-01

The application of latent-heat buffer thermal energy storage to a point-focusing solar receiver equipped with an air Brayton engine was studied. To demonstrate the effect of buffer thermal energy storage on engine operation, a computer program was written which models the recuperator, receiver, and thermal storage device as finite-element thermal masses. Actual operating or predicted performance data are used for all components, including the rotating equipment. Based on insolation input and a specified control scheme, the program predicts the Brayton engine operation, including flows, temperatures, and pressures for the various components, along with the engine output power. An economic parametric study indicates that the economic viability of buffer thermal energy storage is largely a function of the achievable engine life.

Francis-99: Transient CFD simulation of load changes and turbine shutdown in a model sized high-head Francis turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mössinger, Peter; Jester-Zürker, Roland; Jung, Alexander

2017-01-01

With increasing requirements for hydropower plant operation due to intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, numerical simulations of transient operations in hydraulic turbo machines become more important. As a continuation of the work performed for the first workshop which covered three steady operating conditions, in the present paper load changes and a shutdown procedure are investigated. The findings of previous studies are used to create a 360° model and compare measurements with simulation results for the operating points part load, high load and best efficiency. A mesh motion procedure is introduced, allowing to represent moving guide vanes for load changes from best efficiency to part load and high load. Additionally an automated re-mesh procedure is added for turbine shutdown to ensure reliable mesh quality during guide vane closing. All three transient operations are compared to PIV velocity measurements in the draft tube and pressure signals in the vaneless space. Simulation results of axial velocity distributions for all three steady operation points, during both load changes and for the shutdown correlated well with the measurement. An offset at vaneless space pressure is found to be a result of guide vane corrections for the simulation to ensure similar velocity fields. Short-time Fourier transformation indicating increasing amplitudes and frequencies at speed-no load conditions. Further studies will discuss the already measured start-up procedure and investigate the necessity to consider the hydraulic system dynamics upstream of the turbine by means of a 1D3D coupling between the 3D flow field and a 1D system model.

Balancing Dynamic Strength of Spur Gears Operated at Extended Center Distance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Hsiang Hsi; Liou, Chuen-Huei; Oswald, Fred B.; Townsend, Dennis P.

1996-01-01

This paper presents an analytical study on using hob offset to balance the dynamic tooth strength of spur gears operated at a center distance greater than the standard value. This study is an extension of a static study by Mabie and others. The study was limited to the offset values that assure the pinion and gear teeth will neither be undercut nor become pointed. The analysis presented in this paper was performed using DANST-PC, a new version of the NASA gear dynamics code. The operating speed of the transmission influences the amount of hob offset required to equalize the dynamic stresses in the pinion and gear. The optimum hob offset for the pinion was found to vary within a small range as the speed changes. The optimum value is generally greater than the optimum value found by static procedures. For gears that must operate over a wide range of speeds, an average offset value may be used.

Water quality at points-of-use in the Galapagos Islands.

PubMed

Gerhard, William A; Choi, Wan Suk; Houck, Kelly M; Stewart, Jill R

2017-04-01

Piped drinking water is often considered a gold standard for protecting public health but research is needed to explicitly evaluate the effect of centralized treatment systems on water quality in developing world settings. This study examined the effect of a new drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) on microbial drinking water quality at the point-of-use on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos using fecal indicator bacteria total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Samples were collected during six collection periods before and after operation of the DWTP began from the freshwater sources (n=4), the finished water (n=6), and 50 sites throughout the distribution system (n=287). This study found that there was a significant decrease in contamination by total coliforms (two orders of magnitude) and E. coli (one order of magnitude) after DWTP operation began (p<0.001). However, during at least one post-construction collection cycle, total coliforms and E. coli were still found at 66% and 28% of points-of-use (n=50), respectively. During the final collection period, conventional methods were augmented with human-specific Bacteroides assays - validated herein - with the goal of elucidating possible microbial contamination sources. Results show that E. coli contamination was not predictive of contamination by human wastes and suggests that observed indicator bacteria contamination may have environmental origins. Together these findings highlight the necessity of a holistic approach to drinking water infrastructure improvements in order to deliver high quality water through to the point-of-use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Multicritical scalar theories with higher-derivative kinetic terms: A perturbative RG approach with the ɛ -expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safari, M.; Vacca, G. P.

2018-02-01

We employ perturbative renormalization group and ɛ -expansion to study multicritical single-scalar field theories with higher derivative kinetic terms of the form ϕ (-□)kϕ . We focus on those with a Z2-symmetric critical point which are characterized by an upper critical dimension dc=2 n k /(n -1 ) accumulating at even integers. We distinguish two types of theories depending on whether or not the numbers k and n -1 are relatively prime. When they are, the critical theory involves a marginal powerlike interaction ϕ2 n and the deformations admit a derivative expansion that at leading order involves only the potential. In this case we present the beta functional of the potential and use this to calculate some anomalous dimensions and operator product expansion coefficients. These confirm some conformal field theory data obtained using conformal-block techniques, while giving new results. In the second case where k and n -1 have a common divisor, the theories show a much richer structure induced by the presence of marginal derivative operators at criticality. We study the case k =2 with odd values of n , which fall in the second class, and calculate the functional flows and spectrum. These theories have a phase diagram characterized at leading order in ɛ by four fixed points which apart from the Gaussian UV fixed point include an IR fixed point with a purely derivative interaction.

Verification of floating-point software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Doug N.

1990-01-01

Floating point computation presents a number of problems for formal verification. Should one treat the actual details of floating point operations, or accept them as imprecisely defined, or should one ignore round-off error altogether and behave as if floating point operations are perfectly accurate. There is the further problem that a numerical algorithm usually only approximately computes some mathematical function, and we often do not know just how good the approximation is, even in the absence of round-off error. ORA has developed a theory of asymptotic correctness which allows one to verify floating point software with a minimum entanglement in these problems. This theory and its implementation in the Ariel C verification system are described. The theory is illustrated using a simple program which finds a zero of a given function by bisection. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.

Patellar tendinopathy: late-stage results from surgical treatment☆

PubMed Central

Cenni, Marcos Henrique Frauendorf; Silva, Thiago Daniel Macedo; do Nascimento, Bruno Fajardo; de Andrade, Rodrigo Cristiano; Júnior, Lúcio Flávio Biondi Pinheiro; Nicolai, Oscar Pinheiro

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the late-stage results from surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy (PT), using the Visa score (Victorian Institute of Sport Tendon Study Group) and the Verheyden method. Methods This was a retrospective study in which the postoperative results from 12 patients (14 knees) who were operated between July 2002 and February 2011 were evaluated. The patients included in the study presented patellar tendinopathy that was refractory to conservative treatment, without any other concomitant lesions. Patients who were not properly followed up during the postoperative period were excluded. Results Using the Verheyden method, nine patients were considered to have very good results, two had good results and one had poor results. In relation to Visa, the mean was 92.4 points and only two patients had scores less than 70 points (66 and 55 points). Conclusion When surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy is correctly indicated, it has good long-term results. PMID:26535202

Application of a Terrestrial LIDAR System for Elevation Mapping in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica.

PubMed

Cho, Hyoungsig; Hong, Seunghwan; Kim, Sangmin; Park, Hyokeun; Park, Ilsuk; Sohn, Hong-Gyoo

2015-09-16

A terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system has high productivity and accuracy for topographic mapping, but the harsh conditions of Antarctica make LIDAR operation difficult. Low temperatures cause malfunctioning of the LIDAR system, and unpredictable strong winds can deteriorate data quality by irregularly shaking co-registration targets. For stable and efficient LIDAR operation in Antarctica, this study proposes and demonstrates the following practical solutions: (1) a lagging cover with a heating pack to maintain the temperature of the terrestrial LIDAR system; (2) co-registration using square planar targets and two-step point-merging methods based on extracted feature points and the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm; and (3) a georeferencing module consisting of an artificial target and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The solutions were used to produce a topographic map for construction of the Jang Bogo Research Station in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Co-registration and georeferencing precision reached 5 and 45 mm, respectively, and the accuracy of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated from the LIDAR scanning data was ±27.7 cm.

Conformal amplitude hierarchy and the Poincaré disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimada, Hirohiko

2018-02-01

The amplitude for the singlet channels in the 4-point function of the fundamental field in the conformal field theory of the 2d O(n) model is studied as a function of n. For a generic value of n, the 4-point function has infinitely many amplitudes, whose landscape can be very spiky as the higher amplitude changes its sign many times at the simple poles, which generalize the unique pole of the energy operator amplitude at n = 0. In the stadard parameterization of n by angle in unit of π, we find that the zeros and poles happen at the rational angles, forming a hierarchical tree structure inherent in the Poincaré disk. Some relation between the amplitude and the Farey path, a piecewise geodesic that visits these zeros and poles, is suggested. In this hierarchy, the symmetry of the congruence subgroup Γ(2) of SL(2, ℤ) naturally arises from the two clearly distinct even/odd classes of the rational angles, in which one respectively gets the truncated operator algebras and the logarithmic 4-point functions.

Pharyngeal airway space and frontal and sphenoid sinus changes after maxillomandibular advancement with counterclockwise rotation for class II anterior open bite malocclusions

PubMed Central

Prado, FB; Rossi, AC; Freire, AR; Groppo, FC; De Moraes, M; Caria, PHF

2012-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to cephalometrically evaluate the pharyngeal airway space and frontal and sphenoid sinus changes after maxillomandibular advancement counterclockwise rotation for class II anterior open bite malocclusion. Methods The study included 49 patients (98 lateral teleradiographs; 36 females and 13 males) who were analysed in the pre-operative (1 week before surgery) and post-operative (6 months after surgery) periods. In each lateral teleradiography, the dimensions of the inferior and superior pharyngeal airway space, TB-PhW1 [the point between the posterior aspect of the tongue to the dorsal pharyngeal wall (oropharynx) (TB) and the point on the dorsal pharyngeal wall closest to TB (PhW1)] and UP-PhW2 [and the point between the posterior aspect of the soft palate to the dorsal pharyngeal wall (nasopharynx) (UP) (PhW2)] measurements were evaluated, as well as the dimensions of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. The differences between the two operative times were evaluated by Student's t-test. Results All measurements showed excellent reproducibility for the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.9; p < 0.0001). There was an increase in the measurements TB-PhW1 and UP-PhW2 and a decrease in the dimensions of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses after orthognathic surgery. Conclusions The morphology of the superior and inferior pharyngeal airway space and frontal and sphenoid sinuses changes after 6 months of maxillomandibular advancement counterclockwise rotation for class II anterior open bite malocclusion. PMID:22116128

Is there a role for homeopathy in breast cancer surgery? A first randomized clinical trial on treatment with Arnica montana to reduce post-operative seroma and bleeding in patients undergoing total mastectomy

PubMed Central

Sorrentino, Luca; Piraneo, Salvatore; Riggio, Eliana; Basilicò, Silvia; Sartani, Alessandra; Bossi, Daniela; Corsi, Fabio

2017-01-01

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of Arnica montana on post-operative blood loss and seroma production in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy by administering Arnica Montana 1000 Korsakovian dilution (1000 K). Materials and Methods: From 2012 to 2014, 53 women were randomly assigned to A. montana or placebo and were followed up for 5 days. The main end point was the reduction in blood and serum volumes collected in drainages. Secondary end points were duration of drainage, a self-evaluation of pain, and the presence of bruising or hematomas. Results: The per-protocol analysis revealed a lower mean volume of blood and serum collected in drainages with A. montana (−94.40 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.48-211.28; P = 0.11). A regression model including treatment, volume collected in the drainage on the day of surgery, and patient weight showed a statistically significant difference in favor of A. montana (−106.28 ml; 95% CI: 9.45-203.11; P = 0.03). Volumes collected on the day of surgery and the following days were significantly lower with A. montana at days 2 (P = 0.033) and 3 (P = 0.0223). Secondary end points have not revealed significant differences. Conclusions: A. montana 1000 K could reduce post-operative blood and seroma collection in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy. Larger studies are needed with different dilutions of A. montana to further validate these data. PMID:28163953

Effectiveness of a personalized device in the evaluation of mandibular second molar periodontal healing after surgical extraction of adjacent third molar

PubMed Central

Pippi, Roberto

2013-01-01

Summary Aim The primary aim of the present study was to validate the effectiveness of a personalized device able to guide periodontal probing in evaluation of second molar periodontal healing after adjacent third molar surgical extraction. Secondarily, the study analyzed if any patient and tooth related factors affected the second molar periodontal healing as well as if they were able to affect the periodontal probing depth performed with or without the personalized device. Materials and methods Thirty-five lower second molars were evaluated after extraction of the adjacent third molar. Pre-operative as well as 3 and 12 month post-operative probing depths of the distal surface of the second molar were evaluated. All measurements were taken by two different methods: standard two-point and four-point probing using a personalized onlay-type guide. Periapical radiographs were also evaluated. The Pearson product moment and the general linear model with backward stepwise procedure were used for inferential statistics. Results The mean 12-month post-operative probing depth/mean pre-operative probing depth ratio obtained with the guided probing method showed a highly significant effect on the 12-month radiographic post-operative/pre-operative radiographic measure ratio. None of the examined patient- or tooth-related factors showed a significant effect on pre-operative/12-month post-operative radiographic measure ratio. Conclusions The use of the proposed personalized device seems to provide a more reliable estimate of second molar periodontal healing after adjacent third molar surgical extraction. No patient-or tooth-related factors seem to be able to affect either second molar periodontal healing or probing depth measures obtained with or without the personalized device in individuals younger than 25 years old. It can be therefore recommended that lower third molar surgical extraction be performed in young adults. PMID:24611086

Benefits of supplementing an industrial waste anaerobic digester with energy crops for increased biogas production

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

Nges, Ivo Achu, E-mail: Nges.Ivo_Achu@biotek.lu.se; Escobar, Federico; Fu Xinmei

2012-01-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This study demonstrates the feasibility of co-digestion food industrial waste with energy crops. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Laboratory batch co-digestion led to improved methane yield and carbon to nitrogen ratio as compared to mono-digestion of industrial waste. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-digestion was also seen as a means of degrading energy crops with nutrients addition as crops are poor in nutrients. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Batch co-digestion methane yields were used to predict co-digestion methane yield in full scale operation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It was concluded that co-digestion led an over all economically viable process and ensured a constant supply of feedstock. - Abstract: Currently, there is increasing competitionmore » for waste as feedstock for the growing number of biogas plants. This has led to fluctuation in feedstock supply and biogas plants being operated below maximum capacity. The feasibility of supplementing a protein/lipid-rich industrial waste (pig manure, slaughterhouse waste, food processing and poultry waste) mesophilic anaerobic digester with carbohydrate-rich energy crops (hemp, maize and triticale) was therefore studied in laboratory scale batch and continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) with a view to scale-up to a commercial biogas process. Co-digesting industrial waste and crops led to significant improvement in methane yield per ton of feedstock and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio as compared to digestion of the industrial waste alone. Biogas production from crops in combination with industrial waste also avoids the need for micronutrients normally required in crop digestion. The batch co-digestion methane yields were used to predict co-digestion methane yield in full scale operation. This was done based on the ratio of methane yields observed for laboratory batch and CSTR experiments compared to full scale CSTR digestion of industrial waste. The economy of crop-based biogas production is limited under Swedish conditions; therefore, adding crops to existing industrial waste digestion could be a viable alternative to ensure a constant/reliable supply of feedstock to the anaerobic digester.« less

The minimum test battery to screen for binocular vision anomalies: report 3 of the BAND study.

PubMed

Hussaindeen, Jameel Rizwana; Rakshit, Archayeeta; Singh, Neeraj Kumar; Swaminathan, Meenakshi; George, Ronnie; Kapur, Suman; Scheiman, Mitchell; Ramani, Krishna Kumar

2018-03-01

This study aims to report the minimum test battery needed to screen non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies (NSBVAs) in a community set-up. When large numbers are to be screened we aim to identify the most useful test battery when there is no opportunity for a more comprehensive and time-consuming clinical examination. The prevalence estimates and normative data for binocular vision parameters were estimated from the Binocular Vision Anomalies and Normative Data (BAND) study, following which cut-off estimates and receiver operating characteristic curves to identify the minimum test battery have been plotted. In the receiver operating characteristic phase of the study, children between nine and 17 years of age were screened in two schools in the rural arm using the minimum test battery, and the prevalence estimates with the minimum test battery were found. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that near point of convergence with penlight and red filter (> 7.5 cm), monocular accommodative facility (< 10 cycles per minute), and the difference between near and distance phoria (> 1.25 prism dioptres) were significant factors with cut-off values for best sensitivity and specificity. This minimum test battery was applied to a cohort of 305 children. The mean (standard deviation) age of the subjects was 12.7 (two) years with 121 males and 184 females. Using the minimum battery of tests obtained through the receiver operating characteristic analyses, the prevalence of NSBVAs was found to be 26 per cent. Near point of convergence with penlight and red filter > 10 cm was found to have the highest sensitivity (80 per cent) and specificity (73 per cent) for the diagnosis of convergence insufficiency. For the diagnosis of accommodative infacility, monocular accommodative facility with a cut-off of less than seven cycles per minute was the best predictor for screening (92 per cent sensitivity and 90 per cent specificity). The minimum test battery of near point of convergence with penlight and red filter, difference between distance and near phoria, and monocular accommodative facility yield good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of NSBVAs in a community set-up. © 2017 Optometry Australia.

Three-Point Functions in c≤1 Liouville Theory and Conformal Loop Ensembles.

PubMed

Ikhlef, Yacine; Jacobsen, Jesper Lykke; Saleur, Hubert

2016-04-01

The possibility of extending the Liouville conformal field theory from values of the central charge c≥25 to c≤1 has been debated for many years in condensed matter physics as well as in string theory. It was only recently proven that such an extension-involving a real spectrum of critical exponents as well as an analytic continuation of the Dorn-Otto-Zamolodchikov-Zamolodchikov formula for three-point couplings-does give rise to a consistent theory. We show in this Letter that this theory can be interpreted in terms of microscopic loop models. We introduce in particular a family of geometrical operators, and, using an efficient algorithm to compute three-point functions from the lattice, we show that their operator algebra corresponds exactly to that of vertex operators V_{α[over ^]} in c≤1 Liouville theory. We interpret geometrically the limit α[over ^]→0 of V_{α[over ^]} and explain why it is not the identity operator (despite having conformal weight Δ=0).

Alarms Philosophy

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

White, Karen S; Kasemir, Kay

2009-01-01

An effective alarm system consists of a mechanism to monitor control points and generate alarm notifications, tools for operators to view, hear, acknowledge and handle alarms and a good configuration. Despite the availability of numerous fully featured tools, accelerator alarm systems continue to be disappointing to operations, frequently to the point of alarms being permanently silenced or totally ignored. This is often due to configurations that produce an excessive number of alarms or fail to communicate the required operator response. Most accelerator controls systems do a good job of monitoring specified points and generating notifications when parameters exceed predefined limits.more » In some cases, improved tools can help, but more often, poor configuration is the root cause of ineffective alarm systems. A SNS, we have invested considerable effort in generating appropriate configurations using a rigorous set of rules based on best practices in the industrial process controls community. This paper will discuss our alarm configuration philosophy and operator response to our new system.« less

On the existence of point spectrum for branching strips quantum graph

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

Popov, I. Yu., E-mail: popov1955@gmail.com; Skorynina, A. N.; Blinova, I. V., E-mail: irin-a@yandex.ru

2014-03-15

The quantum graph having the form of branching strips with hexagonal (honeycomb) structure is considered. The Hamiltonian is determined as free 1D Schrödinger operator on each edge and some “boundary” conditions at each vertex. We obtain the conditions ensuring the point spectrum's existence for the Schrödinger operator of the system and relations that give us the eigenvalues.

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in adults

PubMed Central

Yang, Xue-Fei

2016-01-01

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is mini-invasive and has confirmed effects. The procedures include intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair and total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. These procedures have totally different anatomic point of view, process and technical key points from open operations. The technical details of these operations are discussed in this article, also the strategies of treatment for some special conditions. PMID:27867954

75 FR 14639 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 1, 2, and 3...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-26

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-003, 50-247, and 50-286; NRC-2010-0137] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 1, 2, and 3; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering issuance of an exemption, pursuant to Title 10 of...

75 FR 77920 - Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-14

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247 and 50-286; NRC-2008-0672] Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3; Notice of Availability of the Final Supplement 38 to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear...

16 CFR § 1211.7 - Inherent entrapment protection requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

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

A levitation instrument for containerless study of molten materials.

PubMed

Nordine, Paul C; Merkley, Dennis; Sickel, Jeffrey; Finkelman, Steve; Telle, Rainer; Kaiser, Arno; Prieler, Robert

2012-12-01

A new aero-acoustic levitation instrument (AAL) has been installed at the Institute for Mineral Engineering at RWTH University in Aachen, Germany. The AAL employs acoustically stabilized gas jet levitation with laser-beam heating and melting to create a contact-free containerless environment for high temperature materials research. Contamination-free study of liquids is possible at temperatures in excess of 3000 °C and of undercooled liquids at temperatures far below the melting point. Digital control technology advances the art of containerless experiments to obtain long-term levitation stability, allowing new experiments in extreme temperature materials research and to study operation of the levitation instrument itself. Experiments with liquid Al(2)O(3) at temperatures more than 3200 °C, 1200 °C above the melting point, and with liquid Y(3)Al(5)O(12) far below the melting point are reported. Fast pyrometry and video recording instruments yield crystallization rates in undercooled liquid Al(2)O(3) as a function of temperature. Levitation of dense liquid HfO(2) at temperatures above 2900 °C is demonstrated. Capabilities are described for resonant frequency matching in the three-axis acoustic positioning system, acoustic control of sample spin, and position control of standing wave nodes to stabilize levitation under changing experimental conditions. Further development and application of the levitation technology is discussed based on the results of experiments and modeling of instrument operations.

A levitation instrument for containerless study of molten materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordine, Paul C.; Merkley, Dennis; Sickel, Jeffrey; Finkelman, Steve; Telle, Rainer; Kaiser, Arno; Prieler, Robert

2012-12-01

A new aero-acoustic levitation instrument (AAL) has been installed at the Institute for Mineral Engineering at RWTH University in Aachen, Germany. The AAL employs acoustically stabilized gas jet levitation with laser-beam heating and melting to create a contact-free containerless environment for high temperature materials research. Contamination-free study of liquids is possible at temperatures in excess of 3000 °C and of undercooled liquids at temperatures far below the melting point. Digital control technology advances the art of containerless experiments to obtain long-term levitation stability, allowing new experiments in extreme temperature materials research and to study operation of the levitation instrument itself. Experiments with liquid Al2O3 at temperatures more than 3200 °C, 1200 °C above the melting point, and with liquid Y3Al5O12 far below the melting point are reported. Fast pyrometry and video recording instruments yield crystallization rates in undercooled liquid Al2O3 as a function of temperature. Levitation of dense liquid HfO2 at temperatures above 2900 °C is demonstrated. Capabilities are described for resonant frequency matching in the three-axis acoustic positioning system, acoustic control of sample spin, and position control of standing wave nodes to stabilize levitation under changing experimental conditions. Further development and application of the levitation technology is discussed based on the results of experiments and modeling of instrument operations.

Analysis of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve and Its Influence on Procedure Safety and Perioperative Complications.

PubMed

Major, Piotr; Wysocki, Michał; Dworak, Jadwiga; Pędziwiatr, Michał; Pisarska, Magdalena; Wierdak, Mateusz; Zub-Pokrowiecka, Anna; Natkaniec, Michał; Małczak, Piotr; Nowakowski, Michał; Budzyński, Andrzej

2018-06-01

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become an attractive bariatric procedure with promising treatment effects yet amount of data regarding institutional learning process is limited. Retrospective study included patients submitted to LSG at academic teaching hospital. Patients were divided into groups every 100 consecutive patients. LSG introduction was structured along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) treatment protocol. Primary endpoint was determining the LSG learning curve's stabilization point, using operative time, intraoperative difficulties, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), and number of stapler firings. Secondary endpoints: influence on perioperative complications and reoperations. Five hundred patients were included (330 females, median age of 40 (33-49) years). Operative time in G1-G2 differed significantly from G3-G5. Stabilization point was the 200th procedure using operative time. Intraoperative difficulties of G1 differed significantly from G2-G5, with stabilization after the 100th procedure. IAE and number of stapler firings could not be used as predictor. Based on perioperative morbidity, the learning curve was stabilized at the 100th procedure. The morbidity rates in the groups were G1, 13%; G2, 4%; G3, 5%; G4, 5%; and G5, 2%. The reoperation rate in G1 was 3%; G2, 2%; G3, 2%; G4, 1%; and G5, 0%. The institutional learning process stabilization point for LSG in a newly established bariatric center is between the 100th and 200th operation. Initially, the morbidity rate is high, which should concern surgeons who are willing to perform bariatric surgery.

Clinical studies of photodynamic therapy for malignant brain tumors: Karnofsky score and neurological score in patients with recurrent gloms treated with Photofrin PDT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Paul J.; Wilson, Brian C.; Lilge, Lothar D.; Yang, Victor X.; Varma, Abhay; Bogaards, Arjen; Hetzel, Fred W.; Chen, Qun; Fullagar, Tim; Fenstermaker, Robert; Selker, Robert; Abrams, Judith

2002-06-01

In our previous phase II studies we treated 112 patients with malignant brain tumors with 2-mg/kg Photofrin i.v. and intra-operative cavitary PDT. We concluded that PDT was safe in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent supratentorial malignant gliomas. Pathology, performance grade and light dose were significantly related to survival time. In selected patients when an adequate light dose was used survival time improved. The surgical mortality rate was less than 3%. [spie 2000] We have initiated two randomized prospective trials - the first, to determine if the addition of PDT to standard therapy [surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy] prolongs the survival of patients with newly diagnosed malignant astrocytic tumors; and the second, to determine whether high light dose PDT [120 J/cm2] is superior to low light dose PDT [40 J/cm2] in patients with recurrent malignant astrocytic tumors. To date, 158 patients have been recruited - 72 to the newly diagnosed malignant glioma study and 86 to the recurrent glioma study. In the recurrent glioma study we compared the pre-operative KS and elements of the neurological examination [speech function, visual fields, cognitive function, sensory examination and gait] to the post-operative examinations at hospital discharge. The means were compared by paired student-t test. The KS in 86 of 88 patients with recurrent gliomas were assessable. The mean [s.d.] preoperative and post-operative KS were 82+/- 14 and 79+/- 17, respectively [p=0.003]. The mean decline in KS, although statistically significant, was small and of no clinical importance. The median Karnofsky score changed from 90 to 80. The KS improved in 8 patients; their post-operative average length of stay (alos) was =9.7 days. There was no change in 47 [alos=8.3], a decline of 10 points in 24 [aloc=13.4] and declined by more than 10 points in 7 [alos=23.3]. Three of these 7 patients who had a decline of >10 points improved in follow-up but did not reach their preoperative KS. The data were not available in 2. Elements of the preoperative and discharge neurological examination were assigned a score and compared by a paired t-test. There was a statistically insignificant improvement in the neurological score. A small but statistically significant decline in Karnofsky score was identified post-operatively in these recurrent tumor patients. Their hospital average length of stay increased with declining Karnofsky score. These prospective clinical observations confirmed our previous conclusion that brain tumor PDT was safe. The clinical studies are supported in part by grant CA 43892 awarded by DHHS/NIH/NCI.

A New Test Unit for Disintegration End-Point Determination of Orodispersible Films.

PubMed

Low, Ariana; Kok, Si Ling; Khong, Yuet Mei; Chan, Sui Yung; Gokhale, Rajeev

2015-11-01

No standard time or pharmacopoeia disintegration test method for orodispersible films (ODFs) exists. The USP disintegration test for tablets and capsules poses significant challenges for end-point determination when used for ODFs. We tested a newly developed disintegration test unit (DTU) against the USP disintegration test. The DTU is an accessory to the USP disintegration apparatus. It holds the ODF in a horizontal position, allowing top-view of the ODF during testing. A Gauge R&R study was conducted to assign relative contributions of the total variability from the operator, sample or the experimental set-up. Precision was compared using commercial ODF products in different media. Agreement between the two measurement methods was analysed. The DTU showed improved repeatability and reproducibility compared to the USP disintegration system with tighter standard deviations regardless of operator or medium. There is good agreement between the two methods, with the USP disintegration test giving generally longer disintegration times possibly due to difficulty in end-point determination. The DTU provided clear end-point determination and is suitable for quality control of ODFs during product developmental stage or manufacturing. This may facilitate the development of a standardized methodology for disintegration time determination of ODFs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Geographic Disparities in Access to Nursing Home Services: Assessing Fiscal Stress and Quality of Care.

PubMed

Park, Young Joo; Martin, Erika G

2017-11-12

We test whether nursing homes serving predominately low-income and racial minority residents (compositional explanation) or located in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of low-income and racial minority residents (contextual explanation) have worse financial outcomes and care quality. Healthcare Cost Report Information System, Nursing Home Compare, Online Survey Certification and Reporting Certification, and American Community Survey. A cross-sectional study design of nursing homes within U.S. metropolitan areas. Data were obtained from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and U.S. Census Bureau. Medicaid-dependent nursing homes have a 3.5 percentage point lower operating ratio. Those serving primarily racial minorities have a 2.64-point lower quality rating. A 1 percent increase in the neighborhood population living in poverty is associated with a 1.20-point lower quality rating, on a scale from 10 to 50, and a 1 percent increase in the portion of neighborhood black residents is associated with a 0.8 percentage point lower operating ratio and a 0.37 lower quality rating. Medicaid dependency (compositional effect) and concentration of racial minority residents in neighborhoods (contextual effect) are associated with higher fiscal stress and lower quality of care, indicating that nursing homes' geographic location may exacerbate long-term care inequalities. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Boomerang proximal tibial osteotomy for the treatment of severe varus gonarthrosis.

PubMed

Sangkaew, Chanchit; Piyapittayanun, Peerapong

2013-06-01

The purpose of the study was to review the results of modified infratubercle displacement osteotomy in patients with severe varus gonarthrosis and to determine the factors influencing outcomes. A total of 177 knees in 133 patients with severe varus gonarthrosis were treated with infratubercle boomerang-shaped osteotomy, stabilised with dual plates. The mean age of the patients was 63.8 years (range 43-80 years), and the mean follow-up period was 61.4 months (range 24 -139 months). The factors associated with clinical and survival outcomes were analysed including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), preoperative and post-operative femorotibial angle and femorotibial angle at one year after surgery. Using the Knee Society clinical rating system 149 knees or 84.2 % were rated as having good to excellent results and 21 knees or 15.8 % as having fair to poor results. Overall, the mean preoperative knee score of 33.6 points had improved significantly to 80.7 points at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). Using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis the five-year survival was 97.1 % with conversion to arthroplasty or second osteotomy as the end point and 89.2 % with a knee score of under 70 points as the end point. The anatomical femorotibial angle at one year after osteotomy had the most significant positive effect on the clinical (p < 0.001) and survival outcomes for all end points (p = 0.002 for conversion to arthroplasty or second osteotomy and p < 0.001 for knee score less than 70 points). The boomerang osteotomy can create adequate valgus alignment in severe varus gonarthrosis. The one-year post-operative knee alignment of 11° valgus provided the most satisfactory results and that between six and 15° valgus the longest survival time.

77 FR 41454 - Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 2, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 3, LLC, Entergy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-13

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-247 and 50-286; NRC-2012-0168] Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 2, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Indian Point Unit 3, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Indian Point Nuclear Generating Units 2 and 3; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC...

The analytic structure of conformal blocks and the generalized Wilson-Fisher fixed points

DOE PAGES

Gliozzi, Ferdinando; Guerrieri, Andrea L.; Petkou, Anastasios C.; ...

2017-04-11

Here, we describe in detail the method used in our previous work arXiv:1611.10344 to study the Wilson-Fisher critical points nearby generalized free CFTs, exploiting the analytic structure of conformal blocks as functions of the conformal dimension of the exchanged operator. Our method is equivalent to the mechanism of conformal multiplet recombination set up by null states. We also compute, to the first non-trivial order in the ε-expansion, the anomalous dimensions and the OPE coefficients of infinite classes of scalar local operators using just CFT data. We study single-scalar and O(N)-invariant theories, as well as theories with multiple deformations. When availablemore » we agree with older results, but we also produce a wealth of new ones. Furthermore, unitarity and crossing symmetry are not used in our approach and we are able to apply our method to non-unitary theories as well. Some implications of our results for the study of the non-unitary theories containing partially conserved higher-spin currents are briefly mentioned.« less

Space tug economic analysis study. Volume 2: Tug concepts analysis. Appendix: Tug design and performance data base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The tug design and performance data base for the economic analysis of space tug operation are presented. A compendium of the detailed design and performance information from the data base is developed. The design data are parametric across a range of reusable space tug sizes. The performance curves are generated for selected point designs of expendable orbit injection stages and reusable tugs. Data are presented in the form of graphs for various modes of operation.

Towards a knowledge-based system to assist the Brazilian data-collecting system operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodrigues, Valter; Simoni, P. O.; Oliveira, P. P. B.; Oliveira, C. A.; Nogueira, C. A. M.

1988-01-01

A study is reported which was carried out to show how a knowledge-based approach would lead to a flexible tool to assist the operation task in a satellite-based environmental data collection system. Some characteristics of a hypothesized system comprised of a satellite and a network of Interrogable Data Collecting Platforms (IDCPs) are pointed out. The Knowledge-Based Planning Assistant System (KBPAS) and some aspects about how knowledge is organized in the IDCP's domain are briefly described.

Spatial optimization of operationally relevant large fire confine and point protection strategies: Model development and test cases

Treesearch

Yu Wei; Matthew P. Thompson; Jessica R. Haas; Gregory K. Dillon; Christopher D. O’Connor

2018-01-01

This study introduces a large fire containment strategy that builds upon recent advances in spatial fire planning, notably the concept of potential wildland fire operation delineations (PODs). Multiple PODs can be clustered together to form a “box” that is referred as the “response POD” (or rPOD). Fire lines would be built along the boundary of an rPOD to contain a...

Investigation of the laser pumping power impact on the operating regimes of a laser passively Q-switched by a saturated absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benarab, Mustapha; Mokdad, Rabah; Djellout, Hocine; Benfdila, Arezki; Lamrous, Omar; Meyrueis, Patrick

2011-09-01

We have adapted the point model for the study of an all-fiber laser doped with Nd3+ and Q-switched by a saturable fiber absorber doped with Cr4+. Calculations of the output power of the 1084 nm laser are considered as a function of the pump power supplied by a 790 nm laser diode. The analysis of the simulation results reveals the existence of pulsed, sinusoidal, and dc operating regimes.

14 CFR 135.100 - Flight crewmember duties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the air carrier or pointing out sights of interest, and filling out company payroll and related...) AIR CARRIERS AND OPERATORS FOR COMPENSATION OR HIRE: CERTIFICATION AND OPERATIONS OPERATING... operation of the aircraft. Duties such as company required calls made for such nonsafety related purposes as...

Use of water-soluble contrast medium (gastrografin) does not decrease the need for operative intervention nor the duration of hospital stay in uncomplicated acute adhesive small bowel obstruction? A multicenter, randomized, clinical trial (Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction Study) and systematic review.

PubMed

Scotté, Michel; Mauvais, Francois; Bubenheim, Michael; Cossé, Cyril; Suaud, Leslie; Savoye-Collet, Celine; Plenier, Isabelle; Péquignot, Aurelien; Yzet, Thierry; Regimbeau, Jean Marc

2017-05-01

This study evaluated the association between oral gastrografin administration and the need for operative intervention in patients with presumed adhesive small bowel obstruction. Between October 2006 and August 2009, 242 patients with uncomplicated acute adhesive small bowel obstruction were included in a randomized, controlled trial (the Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction Study, NCT00389116) and allocated to a gastrografin arm or a saline solution arm. The primary end point was the need for operative intervention within 48 hours of randomization. The secondary end points were the resection rate, the time interval between the initial computed tomography and operative intervention, the time interval between oral refeeding and discharge, risk factors for the failure of nonoperative management, in-hospital mortality, duration of stay, and recurrence or death after discharge. We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to evaluate the relationship between use of gastrografin as a diagnostic/therapeutic measure, the need for operative intervention, and the duration of stay. In the gastrografin and saline solution arms, the rate of operative intervention was 24% and 20%, respectively, the bowel resection rate was 8% and 4%, the time interval between the initial computed tomography and operative intervention, and the time interval between oral refeeding and discharge were similar in the 2 arms. Only age was identified as a potential risk factor for the failure of nonoperative management. The in-hospital mortality was 2.5%, the duration of stay was 3.8 days for patients in the gastrografin arm and 3.5 days for those in the saline solution arm (P = .19), and the recurrence rate of adhesive small bowel obstruction was 7%. These results and those of 10 published studies suggest that gastrografin did not decrease either the rate of operative intervention (21% in the saline solution arm vs 26% in the gastrografin arm) or the number of days from the initial computed tomography to discharge (3.5 vs 3.5; P = NS for both). The results of the present study and those of our systematic review suggest that gastrografin administration is of no benefit in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamic nuclear polarization at high Landau levels in a quantum point contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauzi, M. H.; Noorhidayati, A.; Sahdan, M. F.; Sato, K.; Nagase, K.; Hirayama, Y.

2018-05-01

We demonstrate a way to polarize and detect nuclear spin in a gate-defined quantum point contact operating at high Landau levels. Resistively detected nuclear magnetic resonance (RDNMR) can be achieved up to the fifth Landau level and at a magnetic field lower than 1 T. We are able to retain the RDNMR signals in a condition where the spin degeneracy of the first one-dimensional (1D) subband is still preserved. Furthermore, the effects of orbital motion on the first 1D subband can be made smaller than those due to electrostatic confinement. This developed RDNMR technique is a promising means to study electronic states in a quantum point contact near zero magnetic field.

Bootstrapping the O(N) archipelago

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

Kos, Filip; Poland, David; Simmons-Duffin, David

2015-11-17

We study 3d CFTs with an O(N) global symmetry using the conformal bootstrap for a system of mixed correlators. Specifically, we consider all nonvanishing scalar four-point functions containing the lowest dimension O(N) vector Φ i and the lowest dimension O(N) singlet s, assumed to be the only relevant operators in their symmetry representations. The constraints of crossing symmetry and unitarity for these four-point functions force the scaling dimensions (Δ Φ , Δ s ) to lie inside small islands. Here, we also make rigorous determinations of current two-point functions in the O(2) and O(3) models, with applications to transport inmore » condensed matter systems.« less

Comparative study of adaptive controller using MIT rules and Lyapunov method for MPPT standalone PV systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tariba, N.; Bouknadel, A.; Haddou, A.; Ikken, N.; Omari, Hafsa El; Omari, Hamid El

2017-01-01

The Photovoltaic Generator have a nonlinear characteristic function relating the intensity at the voltage I = f (U) and depend on the variation of solar irradiation and temperature, In addition, its point of operation depends directly on the load that it supplies. To fix this drawback, and to extract the maximum power available to the terminal of the generator, an adaptation stage is introduced between the generator and the load to couple the two elements as perfectly as possible. The adaptation stage is associated with a command called MPPT MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) whose is used to force the PVG to operate at the MPP (Maximum Power Point) under variation of climatic conditions and load variation. This paper presents a comparative study between the adaptive controller for PV Systems using MIT rules and Lyapunov method to regulate the PV voltage. The Incremental Conductance (IC) algorithm is used to extract the maximum power from the PVG by calculating the voltage Vref, and the adaptive controller is used to regulate and track quickly the PV voltage. The two methods of the adaptive controller will be compared to prove their performance by using the PSIM tools and experimental test, and the mathematical model of step-up with PVG model will be presented.

Spaceborne receivers: Basic principles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stacey, J. M.

1984-01-01

The underlying principles of operation of microwave receivers for space observations of planetary surfaces were examined. The design philosophy of the receiver as it is applied to operate functionally as an efficient receiving system, the principle of operation of the key components of the receiver, and the important differences among receiver types are explained. The operating performance and the sensitivity expectations for both the modulated and total power receiver configurations are outlined. The expressions are derived from first principles and are developed through the important intermediate stages to form practicle and easily applied equations. The transfer of thermodynamic energy from point to point within the receiver is illustrated. The language of microwave receivers is applied statistics.

Experimental investigation of the effect of air velocity on a unit cooler under frosting condition: a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayrak, Ergin; Çağlayan, Akın; Konukman, Alp Er S.

2017-10-01

Finned tube evaporators are used in a wide range of applications such as commercial and industrial cold/freezed storage rooms with high traffic loading under frosting conditions. In this case study, an evaporator with an integrated fan was manufactured and tested under frosting conditions by only changing the air flow rate in an ambient balanced type test laboratory compared to testing in a wind tunnel with a more uniform flow distribution in order to detect the effect of air flow rate on frosting. During the test, operation was performed separately based on three different air flow rates. The parameters concerning test operation such as the changes of air temperature, air relative humidity, surface temperature, air-side pressure drop and refrigerant side capacity etc. were followed in detail for each air flow rate. At the same time, digital images were captured in front of the evaporator; thus, frost thicknesses and blockage ratios at the course of fan stall were determined by using an image-processing technique. Consequently, the test and visual results showed that the trendline of air-side pressure drop increased slowly at the first stage of test operations, then increased linearly up to a top point and then the linearity was disrupted instantly. This point speculated the beginning of defrost operation for each case. In addition, despite detecting a velocity that needs to be avoided, a test applied at minimum air velocity is superior to providing minimum capacity in terms of loss of capacity during test operations.

Experience of plastic surgery registrars in a European Working Time Directive compliant rota.

PubMed

de Blacam, Catherine; Tierney, Sean; Shelley, Odhran

2017-08-01

Surgical training requires exposure to clinical decision-making and operative experience in a supervised environment. It is recognised that learning ability is compromised when fatigued. The European Working Time Directive requires a decrease in working hours, but compliance reduces trainees' clinical exposure, which has profound implications for plastic surgery training. The aim of this study was to evaluate plastic surgery registrars' experience of an EWTD-compliant rota, and to examine its impact on patient care, education, and logbook activity. An electronic survey was distributed to plastic surgery registrars in a university teaching hospital. Registrars were asked to rate 31 items on a five-point Likert scale, including statements on patient care, clinical and operative duties, training, and quality-of-life. Interquartile deviations explored consensus among responses. Operative caseload was objectively evaluated using eLogbook data to compare activity at equal time points before and after implementation of the EWTD rota. Highest levels of consensus among respondents were found in positive statements addressing alertness and preparation for theatre, as well as time to read and study for exams. Registrars agreed that EWTD compliance improved their quality-of-life. However, it was felt that continuity of patient care was compromised by work hours restriction. Registrars were concerned about their operative experience. eLogbook data confirmed a fall-off in mean caseload of 31.8% compared to activity prior to EWTD rota implementation. While EWTD compliant rotas promote trainee quality-of-life and satisfaction with training, attention needs to be paid to optimising operative opportunities.

Surgical management of insertional calcific achilles tendinosis with a central tendon splitting approach.

PubMed

Johnson, Keith W; Zalavras, Charalampos; Thordarson, David B

2006-04-01

Insertional calcific Achilles tendinosis is a painful, frequently disabling condition. Numerous operative approaches for this problem have been described. This study evaluated the outcome of a central tendon splitting approach. Twenty-two patients were evaluated after a central tendon splitting approach for persistent insertional calcific Achilles tendinosis. Followup averaged 34 (11 to 64) months. Suture anchors were routinely used to augment the tendon insertion after debridement. An American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, shoewear comfort, and return to work were evaluated. A paired t-test was used to evaluate the results. Pain significantly improved from 7 points preoperatively to 33 points postoperatively (p < 0.001). Function improved significantly from 36 points to 46 points (p < 0.001). The ankle-hindfoot score improved from 53 points to 89 points (p < 0.001). Age older or younger than 50 years did not affect outcome. A central tendon splitting approach yielded good relief of pain with improved function, shoewear, and ability to work without painful postoperative scars.

The Interpolation Theory of Radial Basis Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baxter, Brad

2010-06-01

In this dissertation, it is first shown that, when the radial basis function is a p-norm and 1 < p < 2, interpolation is always possible when the points are all different and there are at least two of them. We then show that interpolation is not always possible when p > 2. Specifically, for every p > 2, we construct a set of different points in some Rd for which the interpolation matrix is singular. The greater part of this work investigates the sensitivity of radial basis function interpolants to changes in the function values at the interpolation points. Our early results show that it is possible to recast the work of Ball, Narcowich and Ward in the language of distributional Fourier transforms in an elegant way. We then use this language to study the interpolation matrices generated by subsets of regular grids. In particular, we are able to extend the classical theory of Toeplitz operators to calculate sharp bounds on the spectra of such matrices. Applying our understanding of these spectra, we construct preconditioners for the conjugate gradient solution of the interpolation equations. Our main result is that the number of steps required to achieve solution of the linear system to within a required tolerance can be independent of the number of interpolation points. The Toeplitz structure allows us to use fast Fourier transform techniques, which imp lies that the total number of operations is a multiple of n log n, where n is the number of interpolation points. Finally, we use some of our methods to study the behaviour of the multiquadric when its shape parameter increases to infinity. We find a surprising link with the sinus cardinalis or sinc function of Whittaker. Consequently, it can be highly useful to use a large shape parameter when approximating band-limited functions.

A bifurcation study to guide the design of a landing gear with a combined uplock/downlock mechanism.

PubMed

Knowles, James A C; Lowenberg, Mark H; Neild, Simon A; Krauskopf, Bernd

2014-12-08

This paper discusses the insights that a bifurcation analysis can provide when designing mechanisms. A model, in the form of a set of coupled steady-state equations, can be derived to describe the mechanism. Solutions to this model can be traced through the mechanism's state versus parameter space via numerical continuation, under the simultaneous variation of one or more parameters. With this approach, crucial features in the response surface, such as bifurcation points, can be identified. By numerically continuing these points in the appropriate parameter space, the resulting bifurcation diagram can be used to guide parameter selection and optimization. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of this technique by considering an aircraft nose landing gear, with a novel locking strategy that uses a combined uplock/downlock mechanism. The landing gear is locked when in the retracted or deployed states. Transitions between these locked states and the unlocked state (where the landing gear is a mechanism) are shown to depend upon the positions of two fold point bifurcations. By performing a two-parameter continuation, the critical points are traced to identify operational boundaries. Following the variation of the fold points through parameter space, a minimum spring stiffness is identified that enables the landing gear to be locked in the retracted state. The bifurcation analysis also shows that the unlocking of a retracted landing gear should use an unlock force measure, rather than a position indicator, to de-couple the effects of the retraction and locking actuators. Overall, the study demonstrates that bifurcation analysis can enhance the understanding of the influence of design choices over a wide operating range where nonlinearity is significant.

A bifurcation study to guide the design of a landing gear with a combined uplock/downlock mechanism

PubMed Central

Knowles, James A. C.; Lowenberg, Mark H.; Neild, Simon A.; Krauskopf, Bernd

2014-01-01

This paper discusses the insights that a bifurcation analysis can provide when designing mechanisms. A model, in the form of a set of coupled steady-state equations, can be derived to describe the mechanism. Solutions to this model can be traced through the mechanism's state versus parameter space via numerical continuation, under the simultaneous variation of one or more parameters. With this approach, crucial features in the response surface, such as bifurcation points, can be identified. By numerically continuing these points in the appropriate parameter space, the resulting bifurcation diagram can be used to guide parameter selection and optimization. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of this technique by considering an aircraft nose landing gear, with a novel locking strategy that uses a combined uplock/downlock mechanism. The landing gear is locked when in the retracted or deployed states. Transitions between these locked states and the unlocked state (where the landing gear is a mechanism) are shown to depend upon the positions of two fold point bifurcations. By performing a two-parameter continuation, the critical points are traced to identify operational boundaries. Following the variation of the fold points through parameter space, a minimum spring stiffness is identified that enables the landing gear to be locked in the retracted state. The bifurcation analysis also shows that the unlocking of a retracted landing gear should use an unlock force measure, rather than a position indicator, to de-couple the effects of the retraction and locking actuators. Overall, the study demonstrates that bifurcation analysis can enhance the understanding of the influence of design choices over a wide operating range where nonlinearity is significant. PMID:25484601

47 CFR 101.107 - Frequency tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...-point microwave and stations providing MVDDS. 5 For private operational fixed point-to-point microwave... noted in the table of paragraph (a) of this section. (b) Heterodyne microwave radio systems may be...

47 CFR 101.107 - Frequency tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...-point microwave and stations providing MVDDS. 5 For private operational fixed point-to-point microwave... noted in the table of paragraph (a) of this section. (b) Heterodyne microwave radio systems may be...

47 CFR 101.107 - Frequency tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES FIXED MICROWAVE...-point microwave and stations providing MVDDS. 5 For private operational fixed point-to-point microwave... noted in the table of paragraph (a) of this section. (b) Heterodyne microwave radio systems may be...

12 CFR 217.161 - Qualification requirements for incorporation of operational risk mitigants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... operational risk exposure to reflect qualifying operational risk mitigants if: (1) The Board-regulated...) Qualifying operational risk mitigants. Qualifying operational risk mitigants are: (1) Insurance that: (i) Is... institution assigns the company is assigned a PD equal to or less than 10 basis points; (ii) Has an initial...