Marshall Space Flight Center Electromagnetic Compatibility Design and Interference Control (MEDIC) handbook

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, T. L.; McCollum, M. B.; Trout, D. H.; Javor, K.

1995-06-01

The purpose of the MEDIC Handbook is to provide practical and helpful information in the design of electrical equipment for electromagnetic compatibility (EMS). Included is the definition of electromagnetic interference (EMI) terms and units as well as an explanation of the basic EMI interactions. An overview of typical NASA EMI test requirements and associated test setups is given. General design techniques to minimize the risk of EMI and EMI suppression techniques at the board and equipment interface levels are presented. The Handbook contains specific EMI test compliance design techniques and retrofit fixes for noncompliant equipment. Also presented are special tests that are useful in the design process or in instances of specification noncompliance.

Marshall Space Flight Center Electromagnetic Compatibility Design and Interference Control (MEDIC) handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, T. L.; Mccollum, M. B.; Trout, D. H.; Javor, K.

1995-01-01

The purpose of the MEDIC Handbook is to provide practical and helpful information in the design of electrical equipment for electromagnetic compatibility (EMS). Included is the definition of electromagnetic interference (EMI) terms and units as well as an explanation of the basic EMI interactions. An overview of typical NASA EMI test requirements and associated test setups is given. General design techniques to minimize the risk of EMI and EMI suppression techniques at the board and equipment interface levels are presented. The Handbook contains specific EMI test compliance design techniques and retrofit fixes for noncompliant equipment. Also presented are special tests that are useful in the design process or in instances of specification noncompliance.

Comparative High Voltage Impulse Measurement

PubMed Central

FitzPatrick, Gerald J.; Kelley, Edward F.

1996-01-01

A facility has been developed for the determination of the ratio of pulse high voltage dividers over the range from 10 kV to 300 kV using comparative techniques with Kerr electro-optic voltage measurement systems and reference resistive voltage dividers. Pulse voltage ratios of test dividers can be determined with relative expanded uncertainties of 0.4 % (coverage factor k = 2 and thus a two standard deviation estimate) or less using the complementary resistive divider/Kerr cell reference systems. This paper describes the facility and specialized procedures used at NIST for the determination of test voltage divider ratios through comparative techniques. The error sources and special considerations in the construction and use of reference voltage dividers to minimize errors are discussed, and estimates of the measurement uncertainties are presented. PMID:27805083

A Project to Initiate a Competency-Based Welding Program in Five Missouri Area Vocational Schools for Students with Special Needs and Varying Abilities. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Shirley J.; Evans, Gerald

A project was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of competency-based, individualized instruction as a teaching technique in vocational welding programs for students with varying backgrounds, abilities, and special needs. Five Missouri area vocational schools participated in the project by field testing and evaluating welding instructional…

Sampling tree tops by helicopter...special pole pruner cuts branchlets

Treesearch

John F. Wear; Robert G. Winterfeld

1966-01-01

A new technique for sampling tops of tall Douglas-fir trees by using a special pole pruner from a helicopter has been developed and field-tested. Thee pole pruner cuts and holds a branchlet. Foliage samples collected will be compared by spectral analysis to show the type of aerial imagery that best differentiates healthy trees from those attacked by root rot.

Automatic Parameter Tuning for the Morpheus Vehicle Using Particle Swarm Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birge, B.

2013-01-01

A high fidelity simulation using a PC based Trick framework has been developed for Johnson Space Center's Morpheus test bed flight vehicle. There is an iterative development loop of refining and testing the hardware, refining the software, comparing the software simulation to hardware performance and adjusting either or both the hardware and the simulation to extract the best performance from the hardware as well as the most realistic representation of the hardware from the software. A Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based technique has been developed that increases speed and accuracy of the iterative development cycle. Parameters in software can be automatically tuned to make the simulation match real world subsystem data from test flights. Special considerations for scale, linearity, discontinuities, can be all but ignored with this technique, allowing fast turnaround both for simulation tune up to match hardware changes as well as during the test and validation phase to help identify hardware issues. Software models with insufficient control authority to match hardware test data can be immediately identified and using this technique requires very little to no specialized knowledge of optimization, freeing model developers to concentrate on spacecraft engineering. Integration of the PSO into the Morpheus development cycle will be discussed as well as a case study highlighting the tool's effectiveness.

A Time History of Control Operation of a C-54 Airplane in Blind Landing Approaches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talmage, Donald B.

1947-01-01

Tests were made with a C-54 airplane in which airline pilots made several blind approaches to determine whether any special flying techniques were used in blind landings and whether any special handling-qualities requirements would have to be formulated because of such special techniques. It was found that the airplane was flown at all times in the normal manner; that is, all turns were banked turns that were nearly coordinated by use of the rudder so that the sideslip was held close to zero. The pilot expended considerable physical work in continually moving the controls but this wake was due in part to the large friction in the three control systems. The actual control deflections used were small compared to the maximum deflections available.

Testing methods and techniques: Strength of materials and components. A compilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The methods, techniques, and devices used in testing the mechanical properties of various materials are presented. Although metals and metal alloys are featured prominently, some of the items describe tests on a variety of other materials, from concrete to plastics. Many of the tests described are modifications of standard testing procedures, intended either to adapt them to different materials and conditions, or to make them more rapid and accurate. In either case, the approaches presented can result in considerable cost savings and improved quality control. The compilation is presented in two sections. The first deals specifically with material strength testing; the second treats the special category of fracture and fatigue testing.

The Comparison Of In-Flight Pitot Static Calibration Method By Using Radio Altimeter As Reference with GPS and Tower Fly By Methods On CN235-100 MPA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derajat; Hariowibowo, Hindawan

2018-04-01

The new proposed In-Flight Pitot Static Calibration Method has been carried out during Development and Qualification of CN235-100 MPA (Military Patrol Aircraft). This method is expected to reduce flight hours, less human resources required, no additional special equipment, simple analysis calculation and finally by using this method it is expected to automatically minimized operational cost. At The Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) Flight Test Center Division, the development and updating of new flight test technique and data analysis method as specially for flight physics test subject are still continued to be developed as long as it safety for flight and give additional value for the industrial side. More than 30 years, Flight Test Data Engineers at The Flight Test center Division work together with the Air Crew (Test Pilots, Co-Pilots, and Flight Test Engineers) to execute the flight test activity with standard procedure for both the existance or development test techniques and test data analysis. In this paper the approximation of mathematical model, data reduction and flight test technique of The In-Flight Pitot Static Calibration by using Radio Altimeter as reference will be described and the test results had been compared with another methods ie. By using Global Position System (GPS) and the traditional method (Tower Fly By Method) which were used previously during this Flight Test Program (Ref. [10]). The flight test data case are using CN235-100 MPA flight test data during development and Qualification Flight Test Program at Cazaux Airport, France, in June-November 2009 (Ref. [2]).

RF Modal Quantity Gaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanleuven, K.

1989-01-01

The primary objective is to provide a concept of a radio frequency (RF) modal resonance technique which is being investigated as a method for gaging the quantities of subcritical cryogenic propellants in metallic tanks. Of special interest are the potential applications of the technique to microgravity propellant gaging situations. The results of concept testing using cryogenic oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, as well as paraffin simulations of microgravity fluid orientations, are reported. These test results were positive and showed that the gaging concept was viable.

Design and Analysis Techniques for Concurrent Blackboard Systems. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmanus, John William

1992-01-01

Blackboard systems are a natural progression of knowledge-based systems into a more powerful problem solving technique. They provide a way for several highly specialized knowledge sources to cooperate to solve large, complex problems. Blackboard systems incorporate the concepts developed by rule-based and expert systems programmers and include the ability to add conventionally coded knowledge sources. The small and specialized knowledge sources are easier to develop and test, and can be hosted on hardware specifically suited to the task that they are solving. The Formal Model for Blackboard Systems was developed to provide a consistent method for describing a blackboard system. A set of blackboard system design tools has been developed and validated for implementing systems that are expressed using the Formal Model. The tools are used to test and refine a proposed blackboard system design before the design is implemented. My research has shown that the level of independence and specialization of the knowledge sources directly affects the performance of blackboard systems. Using the design, simulation, and analysis tools, I developed a concurrent object-oriented blackboard system that is faster, more efficient, and more powerful than existing systems. The use of the design and analysis tools provided the highly specialized and independent knowledge sources required for my concurrent blackboard system to achieve its design goals.

Vibration testing and analysis using holography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

Time average holography is useful in recording steady state vibrational mode patterns. Phase relationships under steady state conditions are measured with real time holography and special phase shifting techniques. Data from Michelson interferometer verify vibration amplitudes from holographic data.

The Technique of Special Effects in Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkie, Bernard

Television, with its special need for movement and continuous shooting, often demands different special effects techniques from those used in films. This book covers the techniques used to create special effects for television which meet these requirements and which also require less time and money than many film techniques. Included are…

Testing Scientific Software: A Systematic Literature Review.

PubMed

Kanewala, Upulee; Bieman, James M

2014-10-01

Scientific software plays an important role in critical decision making, for example making weather predictions based on climate models, and computation of evidence for research publications. Recently, scientists have had to retract publications due to errors caused by software faults. Systematic testing can identify such faults in code. This study aims to identify specific challenges, proposed solutions, and unsolved problems faced when testing scientific software. We conducted a systematic literature survey to identify and analyze relevant literature. We identified 62 studies that provided relevant information about testing scientific software. We found that challenges faced when testing scientific software fall into two main categories: (1) testing challenges that occur due to characteristics of scientific software such as oracle problems and (2) testing challenges that occur due to cultural differences between scientists and the software engineering community such as viewing the code and the model that it implements as inseparable entities. In addition, we identified methods to potentially overcome these challenges and their limitations. Finally we describe unsolved challenges and how software engineering researchers and practitioners can help to overcome them. Scientific software presents special challenges for testing. Specifically, cultural differences between scientist developers and software engineers, along with the characteristics of the scientific software make testing more difficult. Existing techniques such as code clone detection can help to improve the testing process. Software engineers should consider special challenges posed by scientific software such as oracle problems when developing testing techniques.

Optical fiber sensors measurement system and special fibers improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jelinek, Michal; Hrabina, Jan; Hola, Miroslava; Hucl, Vaclav; Cizek, Martin; Rerucha, Simon; Lazar, Josef; Mikel, Bretislav

2017-06-01

We present method for the improvement of the measurement accuracy in the optical frequency spectra measurements based on tunable optical filters. The optical filter was used during the design and realization of the measurement system for the inspection of the fiber Bragg gratings. The system incorporates a reference block for the compensation of environmental influences, an interferometric verification subsystem and a PC - based control software implemented in LabView. The preliminary experimental verification of the measurement principle and the measurement system functionality were carried out on a testing rig with a specially prepared concrete console in the UJV Řež. The presented system is the laboratory version of the special nuclear power plant containment shape deformation measurement system which was installed in the power plant Temelin during last year. On the base of this research we started with preparation other optical fiber sensors to nuclear power plants measurement. These sensors will be based on the microstructured and polarization maintaining optical fibers. We started with development of new methods and techniques of the splicing and shaping optical fibers. We are able to made optical tapers from ultra-short called adiabatic with length around 400 um up to long tapers with length up to 6 millimeters. We developed new techniques of splicing standard Single Mode (SM) and Multimode (MM) optical fibers and splicing of optical fibers with different diameters in the wavelength range from 532 to 1550 nm. Together with development these techniques we prepared other techniques to splicing and shaping special optical fibers like as Polarization-Maintaining (PM) or hollow core Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) and theirs cross splicing methods with focus to minimalize backreflection and attenuation. The splicing special optical fibers especially PCF fibers with standard telecommunication and other SM fibers can be done by our developed techniques. Adjustment of the splicing process has to be prepared for any new optical fibers and new fibers combinations. The splicing of the same types of fibers from different manufacturers can be adjusted by several tested changes in the splicing process. We are able to splice PCF with standard telecommunication fiber with attenuation up to 2 dB. The method is also presented. Development of these new techniques and methods of the optical fibers splicing are made with respect to using these fibers to another research and development in the field of optical fibers sensors, laser frequency stabilization and laser interferometry based on optical fibers. Especially for the field of laser frequency stabilization we developed and present new techniques to closing microstructured fibers with gases inside.

The development of in situ fracture toughness evaluation techniques in hydrogen environment

DOE PAGES

Wang, John Jy-An; Ren, Fei; Tan, Tin; ...

2014-12-19

Reliability of hydrogen pipelines and storage tanks is significantly influenced by the mechanical performance of the structural materials exposed in the hydrogen environment. Fracture behavior and fracture toughness are of specific interest since they are relevant to many catastrophic failures. However, many conventional fracture testing techniques are difficult to be realized under the presence of hydrogen. Thus it is desired to develop novel in situ techniques to study the fracture behavior of structural materials in hydrogen environments. In this study, special testing apparatus were designed to facilitate in situ fracture testing in H 2. A torsional fixture was developed tomore » utilize an emerging fracture testing technique, Spiral Notch Torsion Test (SNTT). The design concepts will be discussed. Preliminary in situ testing results indicated that the exposure to H 2 significantly reduces the fracture toughness of 4340 high strength steels by up to 50 percent. Furthermore, SNTT tests conducted in air demonstrated a significant fracture toughness reduction in samples subject to simulated welding heat treatment using Gleeble, which illustrated the effect of welding on the fracture toughness of this material.« less

The Role of Plants in Space Exploration: Some History and Background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, Raymond M.

2016-01-01

For over 3 decades, NASA has sponsored research on crops for human life support in space. Specialized watering techniques have even been tested for weightless settings, but most studies used conventional watering, such as hydroponics, which should work well on surface settings of the Moon or Mars. NASAs testing has spanned a wide range of crops and studied innovative techniques to increase yields, reduce power, minimize growing volume, and recycle water and nutrients. These issues closely parallel challenges faced in terrestrial controlled environment agriculture, which is expanding around the world.

Design, analysis, fabrication and test of the Space Shuttle solid rocket booster motor case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kapp, J. R.

1978-01-01

The motor case used in the solid propellant booster for the Space Shuttle is unique in many respects, most of which are indigenous to size and special design requirements. The evolution of the case design from initial requirements to finished product is discussed, with increased emphasis of reuse capability, special design features, fracture mechanics and corrosion control. Case fabrication history and the resulting procedure are briefly reviewed with respect to material development, processing techniques and special problem areas. Case assembly, behavior and performance during the DM-1 static firing are reviewed, with appropriate comments and conclusions.

Riemann Solvers in Relativistic Hydrodynamics: Basics and Astrophysical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibanez, Jose M.

2001-12-01

My contribution to these proceedings summarizes a general overview on t High Resolution Shock Capturing methods (HRSC) in the field of relativistic hydrodynamics with special emphasis on Riemann solvers. HRSC techniques achieve highly accurate numerical approximations (formally second order or better) in smooth regions of the flow, and capture the motion of unresolved steep gradients without creating spurious oscillations. In the first part I will show how these techniques have been extended to relativistic hydrodynamics, making it possible to explore some challenging astrophysical scenarios. I will review recent literature concerning the main properties of different special relativistic Riemann solvers, and discuss several 1D and 2D test problems which are commonly used to evaluate the performance of numerical methods in relativistic hydrodynamics. In the second part I will illustrate the use of HRSC methods in several astrophysical applications where special and general relativistic hydrodynamical processes play a crucial role.

Skid Resistance Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Skidding causes many traffic accidents. Streets and highways with skid-resisting surfaces reduce the incidence of such accidents. In fact, resurfacing roads to improve skid resistance is now required by federal law. Skid resistance is measured by road testing with specially equipped skid trailers. A project underway at NASA-Langley may considerably reduce the cost of skid trailers, thus making them more widely available to highway departments. For testing the skid resistance of aircraft runways, Langley engineers developed a relatively inexpensive test vehicle and a "pulsed braking" technique that is now being applied experimentally to road testing. The vehicle is a standard automobile modified to incorporate instrumentation, special test tires and valves, and a trailing fifth wheel for monitoring distance and velocity. The instrumentation includes a low-cost meter, a set of accelerometers that sense motion changes, and a chart recorder.

Simulation verification techniques study: Simulation performance validation techniques document. [for the space shuttle system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, L. M.; Reddell, J. P.; Schoonmaker, P. B.

1975-01-01

Techniques and support software for the efficient performance of simulation validation are discussed. Overall validation software structure, the performance of validation at various levels of simulation integration, guidelines for check case formulation, methods for real time acquisition and formatting of data from an all up operational simulator, and methods and criteria for comparison and evaluation of simulation data are included. Vehicle subsystems modules, module integration, special test requirements, and reference data formats are also described.

Special-effect edit detection using VideoTrails: a comparison with existing techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobla, Vikrant; DeMenthon, Daniel; Doermann, David S.

1998-12-01

Video segmentation plays an integral role in many multimedia applications, such as digital libraries, content management systems, and various other video browsing, indexing, and retrieval systems. Many algorithms for segmentation of video have appeared within the past few years. Most of these algorithms perform well on cuts, but yield poor performance on gradual transitions or special effects edits. A complete video segmentation system must also achieve good performance on special effect edit detection. In this paper, we discuss the performance of our Video Trails-based algorithms, with other existing special effect edit-detection algorithms within the literature. Results from experiments testing for the ability to detect edits from TV programs, ranging from commercials to news magazine programs, including diverse special effect edits, which we have introduced.

An Experimental Study of Turbulent Skin Friction Reduction in Supersonic Flow Using a Microblowing Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwang, Danny P.

1999-01-01

A new turbulent skin friction reduction technology, called the microblowing technique has been tested in supersonic flow (Mach number of 1.9) on specially designed porous plates with microholes. The skin friction was measured directly by a force balance and the boundary layer development was measured by a total pressure rake at the tailing edge of a test plate. The free stream Reynolds number was 1.0(10 exp 6) per meter. The turbulent skin friction coefficient ratios (C(sub f)/C(sub f0)) of seven porous plates are given in this report. Test results showed that the microblowing technique could reduce the turbulent skin friction in supersonic flow (up to 90 percent below a solid flat plate value, which was even greater than in subsonic flow).

Special event discrimination analysis: The TEXAR blind test and identification of the August 16, 1997 Kara Sea event. Final report, 13 September 1995--31 January 1998

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

Baumgardt, D.

1998-03-31

The International Monitoring System (IMS) for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) faces the serious challenge of being able to accurately and reliably identify seismic events in any region of the world. Extensive research has been performed in recent years on developing discrimination techniques which appear to classify seismic events into broad categories of source types, such as nuclear explosion, earthquake, and mine blast. This report examines in detail the problem of effectiveness of regional discrimination procedures in the application of waveform discriminants to Special Event identification and the issue of discriminant transportability.

IMAGE Project: Results of Laboratory Tests on Tracers for Supercritical Conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandvoll, Øyvind; Opsahl Viig, Sissel; Nardini, Isabella; Muller, Jiri

2016-04-01

The use of tracers is a well-established technique for monitoring dynamic behaviour of water and gas through a reservoir. In geothermal reservoirs special challenges are encountered due to high temperatures and pressures. In this work, tracer candidates for monitoring water at supercritical conditions (temperature > 374°C, pressure ca 218 bar), are tested in laboratory experiments. Testing of tracers at supercritical water conditions requires experimental set-ups which tolerate harsh conditions with respect to high temperature and pressure. In addition stringent HES (health, environment and safety) factors have to be taken into consideration when designing and performing the experiments. The setup constructed in this project consists of a pressure vessel, high pressure pump, instrumentation for pressure and temperature control and instrumentation required for accurate sampling of tracers. In order to achieve accurate results, a special focus has been paid to the development of the tracer sampling technique. Perfluorinated cyclic hydrocarbons (PFCs) have been selected as tracer candidates. This group of compounds is today commonly used as gas tracers in oil reservoirs. According to the literature they are stable at temperatures up to 400°C. To start with, five PFCs have been tested for thermal stability in static experiments at 375°C and 108 bar in the experimental setup described above. The tracer candidates will be further tested for several months at the relevant conditions. Preliminary results indicate that some of the PFC compounds show stability after three months. However, in order to arrive at conclusive results, the experiments have to be repeated over a longer period and paying special attention to more accurate sampling procedures.

Applications of infrared thermography for nondestructive testing of fatigue cracks in steel bridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakagami, Takahide; Izumi, Yui; Kobayashi, Yoshihiro; Mizokami, Yoshiaki; Kawabata, Sunao

2014-05-01

In recent years, fatigue crack propagations in aged steel bridge which may lead to catastrophic structural failures have become a serious problem. For large-scale steel structures such as orthotropic steel decks in highway bridges, nondestructive inspection of deteriorations and fatigue damages are indispensable for securing their safety and for estimating their remaining strength. As conventional NDT techniques for steel bridges, visual testing, magnetic particle testing and ultrasonic testing have been commonly employed. However, these techniques are time- and labor- consuming techniques, because special equipment is required for inspection, such as scaffolding or a truck mount aerial work platform. In this paper, a new thermography NDT technique, which is based on temperature gap appeared on the surface of structural members due to thermal insulation effect of the crack, is developed for detection of fatigue cracks. The practicability of the developed technique is demonstrated by the field experiments for highway steel bridges in service. Detectable crack size and factors such as measurement time, season or spatial resolution which influence crack detectability are investigated.

Fabrication and electro-optic characteristics of polymer-stabilized V-mode FLCD and intrinsic H-V-mode FLCD: their application to AM LCDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Shunsuke; Furuta, Hirokazu; Murakami, Yuji; Xu, Jun; Mochizuki, Akihiro

2003-04-01

Defect free polymer-stabilized (PS-)V-mode FLCDs and intrinsic half (H-)V-mode FLCDs have been fabricated; they exhibit high contrast ratio over 700:1 and high reliability for a temperature cycling test by using specially developed polyimide alignment materials, RN-1411 series, from Nissan Chem. Ind., and also by adopting special alignment technique such as appropriate rubbing technique, photoalignment, and ion beam irradiation techniques and also particularly developed polymer-stabilization technique. These FLCDs are shown to be useful for implementing a field sequential type full color (FS-FC) LCDs due to their fast response with the response time of τ = 100μs ~ 500μs that is 10 to 100 times faster that those of LCDs using NLCs. We have developed several prototype models of FS-FC LCDs having VGA specifications that exhibit good performance for displaying fast moving video rate images with wide color gamut.

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 33 - Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... degree of complexity requiring specialized maintenance techniques, test equipment, or expertise. The... Limitations section must also prescribe the mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions... adequacy of the instructions for mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions prescribed under...

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 33 - Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... degree of complexity requiring specialized maintenance techniques, test equipment, or expertise. The... Limitations section must also prescribe the mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions... adequacy of the instructions for mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions prescribed under...

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 33 - Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... degree of complexity requiring specialized maintenance techniques, test equipment, or expertise. The... Limitations section must also prescribe the mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions... adequacy of the instructions for mandatory post-flight inspections and maintenance actions prescribed under...

MCAID--A Generalized Text Driver.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmed, K.; Dickinson, C. J.

MCAID is a relatively machine-independent technique for writing computer-aided instructional material consisting of descriptive text, multiple choice questions, and the ability to call compiled subroutines to perform extensive calculations. It was specially developed to incorporate test-authoring around complex mathematical models to explore a…

Testing Scientific Software: A Systematic Literature Review

PubMed Central

Kanewala, Upulee; Bieman, James M.

2014-01-01

Context Scientific software plays an important role in critical decision making, for example making weather predictions based on climate models, and computation of evidence for research publications. Recently, scientists have had to retract publications due to errors caused by software faults. Systematic testing can identify such faults in code. Objective This study aims to identify specific challenges, proposed solutions, and unsolved problems faced when testing scientific software. Method We conducted a systematic literature survey to identify and analyze relevant literature. We identified 62 studies that provided relevant information about testing scientific software. Results We found that challenges faced when testing scientific software fall into two main categories: (1) testing challenges that occur due to characteristics of scientific software such as oracle problems and (2) testing challenges that occur due to cultural differences between scientists and the software engineering community such as viewing the code and the model that it implements as inseparable entities. In addition, we identified methods to potentially overcome these challenges and their limitations. Finally we describe unsolved challenges and how software engineering researchers and practitioners can help to overcome them. Conclusions Scientific software presents special challenges for testing. Specifically, cultural differences between scientist developers and software engineers, along with the characteristics of the scientific software make testing more difficult. Existing techniques such as code clone detection can help to improve the testing process. Software engineers should consider special challenges posed by scientific software such as oracle problems when developing testing techniques. PMID:25125798

Evolutionary perspectives on learning: conceptual and methodological issues in the study of adaptive specializations.

PubMed

Krause, Mark A

2015-07-01

Inquiry into evolutionary adaptations has flourished since the modern synthesis of evolutionary biology. Comparative methods, genetic techniques, and various experimental and modeling approaches are used to test adaptive hypotheses. In psychology, the concept of adaptation is broadly applied and is central to comparative psychology and cognition. The concept of an adaptive specialization of learning is a proposed account for exceptions to general learning processes, as seen in studies of Pavlovian conditioning of taste aversions, sexual responses, and fear. The evidence generally consists of selective associations forming between biologically relevant conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, with conditioned responses differing in magnitude, persistence, or other measures relative to non-biologically relevant stimuli. Selective associations for biologically relevant stimuli may suggest adaptive specializations of learning, but do not necessarily confirm adaptive hypotheses as conceived of in evolutionary biology. Exceptions to general learning processes do not necessarily default to an adaptive specialization explanation, even if experimental results "make biological sense". This paper examines the degree to which hypotheses of adaptive specializations of learning in sexual and fear response systems have been tested using methodologies developed in evolutionary biology (e.g., comparative methods, quantitative and molecular genetics, survival experiments). A broader aim is to offer perspectives from evolutionary biology for testing adaptive hypotheses in psychological science.

Finite-element analysis and modal testing of a rotating wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carne, T. G.; Lobitz, D. W.; Nord, A. R.; Watson, R. A.

1982-10-01

A finite element procedure, which includes geometric stiffening, and centrifugal and Coriolis terms resulting from the use of a rotating coordinate system, was developed to compute the mode shapes and frequencies of rotating structures. Special applications of this capability was made to Darrieus, vertical axis wind turbines. In a parallel development effort, a technique for the modal testing of a rotating vertical axis wind turbine is established to measure modal parameters directly. Results from the predictive and experimental techniques for the modal frequencies and mode shapes are compared over a wide range of rotational speeds.

Finite element analysis and modal testing of a rotating wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carne, T. G.; Lobitz, D. W.; Nord, A. R.; Watson, R. A.

A finite element procedure, which includes geometric stiffening, and centrifugal and Coriolis terms resulting from the use of a rotating coordinate system, has been developed to compute the mode shapes and frequencies of rotating structures. Special application of this capability has been made to Darrieus, vertical axis wind turbines. In a parallel development effort, a technique for the modal testing of a rotating vertical axis wind turbine has been established to measure modal parameters directly. Results from the predictive and experimental techniques for the modal frequencies and mode shapes are compared over a wide range of rotational speeds.

Manufacturing techniques for gyroscopes in gravity probe B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasquin, J. R.

1976-01-01

The design of the fused silica gyroscope configuration is presented. The first gyroscope was made for erection and spin tests only and does not contain the angle readout loops necessary for a functioning experimental gyroscope. The rotor ball described is not coated with the ultimate material, niobium, but instead with a sandwich of titanium, cooper, and titanium for spin-up test purposes. Background, historical information, manufacturing procedures, and sketches for this gyroscope are included to provide a better understanding of the device and the techniques and special tools required to manufacture a fused silica gyroscope to the required specifications.

21 CFR 809.10 - Labeling for in vitro diagnostic products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... principles of the procedure. Explain concisely, with chemical reactions and techniques involved, if...) Instruments: (i) Use or function. (ii) Installation procedures and special requirements. (iii) Principles of... product testing prior to full commercial marketing (for example, for use on specimens derived from humans...

Research on Reasons for Repeated Falling of Tiles in Internal Walls of Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, LiBin; Chen, Shangwei; He, Xinzhou; Zhu, Guoliang

2018-03-01

In view of the quality problem of repeated falling of facing tiles in some construction, the essay had a comparative trial in laboratory on cement mortar which is often used to paste tiles, special tile mortar and dry-hang glue, and measured durability of tile adhesive mortar through freezing and thawing tests. The test results indicated that ordinary cement mortar cannot meet standards due to reasons like big shrinkage and low adhesive. In addition, the ten times of freezing and thawing tests indicated that ordinary cement mortar would directly shell and do not have an adhesive force, and moreover, adhesive force of special tile mortar would reduce. Thus, for tiles of large size which are used for walls, dry-hang techniques are recommended to be used.

17 CFR 40.10 - Special certification procedures for submission of rules by systemically important derivatives...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... affect financial resources, participant and product eligibility, risk management (including matters relating to margin and stress testing), daily or intraday settlement procedures, default procedures, system... settlement activities and the sufficiency of any proposed risk management techniques. (d) Notice of objection...

17 CFR 40.10 - Special certification procedures for submission of rules by systemically important derivatives...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... affect financial resources, participant and product eligibility, risk management (including matters relating to margin and stress testing), daily or intraday settlement procedures, default procedures, system... settlement activities and the sufficiency of any proposed risk management techniques. (d) Notice of objection...

17 CFR 40.10 - Special certification procedures for submission of rules by systemically important derivatives...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... affect financial resources, participant and product eligibility, risk management (including matters relating to margin and stress testing), daily or intraday settlement procedures, default procedures, system... settlement activities and the sufficiency of any proposed risk management techniques. (d) Notice of objection...

Application of fuzzy logic-neural network based reinforcement learning to proximity and docking operations: Special approach/docking testcase results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jani, Yashvant

1993-01-01

As part of the RICIS project, the reinforcement learning techniques developed at Ames Research Center are being applied to proximity and docking operations using the Shuttle and Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite simulation. In utilizing these fuzzy learning techniques, we use the Approximate Reasoning based Intelligent Control (ARIC) architecture, and so we use these two terms interchangeably to imply the same. This activity is carried out in the Software Technology Laboratory utilizing the Orbital Operations Simulator (OOS) and programming/testing support from other contractor personnel. This report is the final deliverable D4 in our milestones and project activity. It provides the test results for the special testcase of approach/docking scenario for the shuttle and SMM satellite. Based on our experience and analysis with the attitude and translational controllers, we have modified the basic configuration of the reinforcement learning algorithm in ARIC. The shuttle translational controller and its implementation in ARIC is described in our deliverable D3. In order to simulate the final approach and docking operations, we have set-up this special testcase as described in section 2. The ARIC performance results for these operations are discussed in section 3 and conclusions are provided in section 4 along with the summary for the project.

Advanced Techniques in Pulmonary Function Test Analysis Interpretation and Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Gildea, T.J.; Bell, C. William

1980-01-01

The Pulmonary Functions Analysis and Diagnostic System is an advanced clinical processing system developed for use at the Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The system generates comparative results and diagnostic impressions for a variety of routine and specialized pulmonary functions test data. Routine evaluation deals with static lung volumes, breathing mechanics, diffusing capacity, and blood gases while specialized tests include lung compliance studies, small airways dysfunction studies and dead space to tidal volume ratios. Output includes tabular results of normal vs. observed values, clinical impressions and commentary and, where indicated, a diagnostic impression. A number of pulmonary physiological and state variables are entered or sampled (A to D) with periodic status reports generated for the test supervisor. Among the various physiological variables sampled are respiratory frequency, minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and arterial oxygen saturation.

Wear resistance of ductile irons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerner, Y. S.

1994-06-01

This study was undertaken to evaluate the wear resistance of different grades of ductile iron as alterna-tives to high- tensile- strength alloyed and inoculated gray irons and bronzes for machine- tool and high-pressure hydraulic components. Special test methods were employed to simulate typical conditions of reciprocating sliding wear with and without abrasive- contaminated lubricant for machine and press guideways. Quantitative relationships were established among wear rate, microstructure and micro-hardness of structural constituents, and nodule size of ductile iron. The frictional wear resistance of duc-tile iron as a bearing material was tested with hardened steel shafts using standard test techniques under continuous rotating movement with lubricant. Lubricated sliding wear tests on specimens and compo-nents for hydraulic equipment and apparatus were carried out on a special rig with reciprocating motion, simulating the working conditions in a piston/cylinder unit in a pressure range from 5 to 32 MPa. Rig and field tests on machine- tool components and units and on hydraulic parts have confirmed the test data.

Microengineering of Metals and Ceramics: Part II: Special Replication Techniques, Automation and Properties; Volume 4: Advanced Micro & Nanosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baltes, Henry; Brand, Oliver; Fedder, Gary K.; Hierold, Christofer; Korvink, Jan G.; Tabata, Osamu; Löhe, Detlef; Haußelt, Jürgen

2005-10-01

Microstructures, electronics, nanotechnology - these vast fields of research are growing together as the size gap narrows and many different materials are combined. Current research, engineering sucesses and newly commercialized products hint at the immense innovative potentials and future applications that open up once mankind controls shape and function from the atomic level right up to the visible world without any gaps. Continuing from the previous volume, authors from three major competence centres for microengineering here cover all aspects of specialized replication techniques and how to employ state-of-the-art technologies for testing and characterizing micro-scale components, and illustrate quality control aspects and strategies for automation of production procedures in view of future industrial production and commercialisation.

Space Shuttle stability and control flight test techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, D. R.

1980-01-01

A unique approach for obtaining vehicle aerodynamic characteristics during entry has been developed for the Space Shuttle. This is due to the high cost of Shuttle testing, the need to open constraints for operational flights, and the fact that all flight regimes are flown starting with the first flight. Because of uncertainties associated with predicted aerodynamic coefficients, nine flight conditions have been identified at which control problems could occur. A detailed test plan has been developed for testing at these conditions and is presented. Due to limited testing, precise computer initiated maneuvers are implemented. These maneuvers are designed to optimize the vehicle motion for determining aerodynamic coefficients. Special sensors and atmospheric measurements are required to provide stability and control flight data during an entire entry. The techniques employed in data reduction are proven programs developed and used at NASA/DFRC.

The Impact of Collaboration, Empowerment, and Choice: An Empirical Examination of the Collaborative Course Development Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aiken, K. Damon; Heinze, Timothy C.; Meuter, Matthew L.; Chapman, Kenneth J.

2017-01-01

This research empirically tests collaborative course development (CCD)-a pedagogy presented in the 2016 "Marketing Education Review Special Issue on Teaching Innovations". A team of researchers taught experimental courses using CCD methods (employing various techniques including syllabus building, "flex-tures," free-choice…

An Expert System for On-Site Instructional Advice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martindale, Elizabeth S.; Hofmeister, Alan M.

1988-01-01

Describes Written Language Consultant, an expert system designed to help teachers teach special education students how to write business letters. Three main components of the system are described, including entry of students' test scores; analysis of teachers' uses of classroom time and management techniques; and suggestions for improving test…

A high temperature testing system for ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemann, John

1994-01-01

Ceramic composites are presently being developed for high temperature use in heat engine and space power system applications. The operating temperature range is expected to be 1090 to 1650 C (2000 F to 3000 F). Very little material data is available at these temperatures and, therefore, it is desirable to thoroughly characterize the basic unidirectional fiber reinforced ceramic composite. This includes testing mainly for mechanical material properties at high temperatures. The proper conduct of such characterization tests requires the development of a tensile testing system includes unique gripping, heating, and strain measuring devices which require special considerations. The system also requires an optimized specimen shape. The purpose of this paper is to review various techniques for measuring displacements or strains, preferably at elevated temperatures. Due to current equipment limitations it is assumed that the specimen is to be tested at a temperature of 1430 C (2600F) in an oxidizing atmosphere. For the most part, previous high temperature material characterization tests, such as flexure and tensile tests, have been performed in inert atmospheres. Due to the harsh environment in which the ceramic specimen is to be tested, many conventional strain measuring techniques can not be applied. Initially a brief description of the more commonly used mechanical strain measuring techniques is given. Major advantages and disadvantages with their application to high temperature tensile testing of ceramic composites are discussed. Next, a general overview is given for various optical techniques. Advantages and disadvantages which are common to these techniques are noted. The optical methods for measuring strain or displacement are categorized into two sections. These include real-time techniques. Finally, an optical technique which offers optimum performance with the high temperature tensile testing of ceramic composites is recommended.

Outgassing measurement of the aluminum alloy UHV chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyamoto, M.; Itoh, T.; Komaki, S.; Narushima, K.; Ishimaru, H.

1986-01-01

A large vacuum chamber (580 mm diameter) was fabricated from an aluminum alloy surface treated by a special process normally used on small chambers. The chamber was tested unbaked and baked at various temperatures, pressures, and holding periods. The chamber was filled with N2 gas, and the outgassing rate was measured after one hour. Then the ultimate pressure was measured. Outgassing rates for baked and unbaked groups were compared. It is concluded that the same surface treatment technique can be used on both large and small chambers produced by the same special extrusion process.

Management Of Optical Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Peter S.; Olson, David R.

1981-03-01

This paper discusses the management of optical projects from the concept stage, beginning with system specifications, through design, optical fabrication and test tasks. Special emphasis is placed on effective coupling of design engineering with fabrication development and utilization of available technology. Contrasts are drawn between accepted formalized management techniques, the realities of dealing with fragile components and the necessity of an effective project team which integrates the special characteristics of highly skilled optical specialists including lens designers, optical engineers, opticians, and metrologists. Examples are drawn from the HEAO-2 X-Ray Telescope and Space Telescope projects.

Photogrammetric techniques for aerospace applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tianshu; Burner, Alpheus W.; Jones, Thomas W.; Barrows, Danny A.

2012-10-01

Photogrammetric techniques have been used for measuring the important physical quantities in both ground and flight testing including aeroelastic deformation, attitude, position, shape and dynamics of objects such as wind tunnel models, flight vehicles, rotating blades and large space structures. The distinct advantage of photogrammetric measurement is that it is a non-contact, global measurement technique. Although the general principles of photogrammetry are well known particularly in topographic and aerial survey, photogrammetric techniques require special adaptation for aerospace applications. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of photogrammetric techniques for aerospace applications based on diverse sources. It is useful mainly for aerospace engineers who want to use photogrammetric techniques, but it also gives a general introduction for photogrammetrists and computer vision scientists to new applications.

High-Pressure Oxygen Test Evaluations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwinghamer, R. J.; Key, C. F.

1974-01-01

The relevance of impact sensitivity testing to the development of the space shuttle main engine is discussed in the light of the special requirements for the engine. The background and history of the evolution of liquid and gaseous oxygen testing techniques and philosophy is discussed also. The parameters critical to reliable testing are treated in considerable detail, and test apparatus and procedures are described and discussed. Materials threshold sensitivity determination procedures are considered and a decision logic diagram for sensitivity threshold determination was plotted. Finally, high-pressure materials sensitivity test data are given for selected metallic and nonmetallic materials.

A second-generation constrained reaction volume shock tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, M. F.; Tulgestke, A. M.; Davidson, D. F.; Hanson, R. K.

2014-05-01

We have developed a shock tube that features a sliding gate valve in order to mechanically constrain the reactive test gas mixture to an area close to the shock tube endwall, separating it from a specially formulated non-reactive buffer gas mixture. This second-generation Constrained Reaction Volume (CRV) strategy enables near-constant-pressure shock tube test conditions for reactive experiments behind reflected shocks, thereby enabling improved modeling of the reactive flow field. Here we provide details of the design and operation of the new shock tube. In addition, we detail special buffer gas tailoring procedures, analyze the buffer/test gas interactions that occur on gate valve opening, and outline the size range of fuels that can be studied using the CRV technique in this facility. Finally, we present example low-temperature ignition delay time data to illustrate the CRV shock tube's performance.

Recent flight-test results of optical airdata techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogue, Rodney K.

1993-01-01

Optical techniques for measuring airdata parameters were demonstrated with promising results on high performance fighter aircraft. These systems can measure the airspeed vector, and some are not as dependent on special in-flight calibration processes as current systems. Optical concepts for measuring freestream static temperature and density are feasible for in-flight applications. The best feature of these concepts is that the air data measurements are obtained nonintrusively, and for the most part well into the freestream region of the flow field about the aircraft. Current requirements for measuring air data at high angle of attack, and future need to measure the same information at hypersonic flight conditions place strains on existing techniques. Optical technology advances show outstanding potential for application in future programs and promise to make common use of optical concepts a reality. Results from several flight-test programs are summarized, and the technology advances required to make optical airdata techniques practical are identified.

Recommended Practice for Use of Emissive Probes in Electric Propulsion Testing

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

Sheehan, J. P.; Raitses, Yevgeny; Hershkowitz, Noah

Here, this article provides recommended methods for building, operating, and taking plasma potential measurements from electron-emitting probes in electric propulsion devices, including Hall thrusters, gridded ion engines, and others. The two major techniques, the floating point technique and the inflection point technique, are described in detail as well as calibration and error-reduction methods. The major heating methods are described as well as the various considerations for emissive probe construction. Lastly, special considerations for electric propulsion plasmas are addressed, including high-energy densities, ion flows, magnetic fields, and potential fluctuations. Recommendations for probe design and operation are provided.

Large Terrain Modeling and Visualization for Planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myint, Steven; Jain, Abhinandan; Cameron, Jonathan; Lim, Christopher

2011-01-01

Physics-based simulations are actively used in the design, testing, and operations phases of surface and near-surface planetary space missions. One of the challenges in realtime simulations is the ability to handle large multi-resolution terrain data sets within models as well as for visualization. In this paper, we describe special techniques that we have developed for visualization, paging, and data storage for dealing with these large data sets. The visualization technique uses a real-time GPU-based continuous level-of-detail technique that delivers multiple frames a second performance even for planetary scale terrain model sizes.

Recommended Practice for Use of Emissive Probes in Electric Propulsion Testing

DOE PAGES

Sheehan, J. P.; Raitses, Yevgeny; Hershkowitz, Noah; ...

2016-11-03

Here, this article provides recommended methods for building, operating, and taking plasma potential measurements from electron-emitting probes in electric propulsion devices, including Hall thrusters, gridded ion engines, and others. The two major techniques, the floating point technique and the inflection point technique, are described in detail as well as calibration and error-reduction methods. The major heating methods are described as well as the various considerations for emissive probe construction. Lastly, special considerations for electric propulsion plasmas are addressed, including high-energy densities, ion flows, magnetic fields, and potential fluctuations. Recommendations for probe design and operation are provided.

Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Volume 2, Number 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

the special class of attributes arc recorded, cost or In place of the normalization ( I). we propose beliefit. the lollowins normalization NUMERICAL ...comprchcnsi\\c set of modular basic data flow to meet requirements at test tools ,. designed to provide flexible data reduction start, then building to...possible. a totlinaion ot the two position error measurement techniques arc used SLR is a methd of fitting a linear model o accumlulate a position error

Demonstration of frequency-sweep testing technique using a Bell 214-ST helicopter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tischler, Mark B.; Fletcher, Jay W.; Diekmann, Vernon L.; Williams, Robert A.; Cason, Randall W.

1987-01-01

A demonstration of frequency-sweep testing using a Bell-214ST single-rotor helicopter was completed in support of the Army's development of an updated MIL-H-8501A, and an LHX (ADS-33) handling-qualities specification. Hover and level-flight (V sub a = 0 knots and V sub a = 90 knots) tests were conducted in 3 flight hours by Army test pilots at the Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity (AEFA) at Edwards AFB, Calif. Bandwidth and phase-delay parameters were determined from the flight-extracted frequency responses as required by the proposed specifications. Transfer function modeling and verification demonstrates the validity of the frequency-response concept for characterizing closed-loop flight dynamics of single-rotor helicopters -- even in hover. This report documents the frequency-sweep flight-testing technique and data-analysis procedures. Special emphasis is given to piloting and analysis considerations which are important for demonstrating frequency-domain specification compliance.

Saturn S-2 quality assurance techniques, critical process control. Volume 7: Metallic materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, W. D., Jr.

1970-01-01

The special skills developed during the Saturn S-2 Program are documented to enable qualified personnel to carry out efficient operations in future S-2 production. Skills covered include: acceptance testing of fusion-welding equipment, weld operators and inspector certification, machine certification, preweld operations, and repair weld certification.

21 CFR 866.5785 - Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) antibody (ASCA) test systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... an in vitro diagnostic device that consists of the reagents used to measure, by immunochemical techniques, antibodies to S. cerevisiae (baker's or brewer's yeast) in human serum or plasma. Detection of S. cerevisiae antibodies may aid in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. (b) Classification. Class II (special...

Development of an economical thin, quiet, long-lasting, high friction surface layer for economical use in Illinois, volume 2 : field construction, field testing, and engineering benefit analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This project provides techniques to improve hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlays specifically through the use of : special additives and innovative surfacing technologies with aggregates that are locally available in Illinois. The : ultimate goal is to imp...

Bayes Nets in Educational Assessment: Where Do the Numbers Come from? CSE Technical Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mislevy, Robert J.; Almond, Russell G.; Yan, Duanli; Steinberg, Linda S.

Educational assessments that exploit advances in technology and cognitive psychology can produce observations and pose student models that outstrip familiar test-theoretic models and analytic methods. Bayesian inference networks (BINs), which include familiar models and techniques as special cases, can be used to manage belief about students'…

Application of Central Upwind Scheme for Solving Special Relativistic Hydrodynamic Equations

PubMed Central

Yousaf, Muhammad; Ghaffar, Tayabia; Qamar, Shamsul

2015-01-01

The accurate modeling of various features in high energy astrophysical scenarios requires the solution of the Einstein equations together with those of special relativistic hydrodynamics (SRHD). Such models are more complicated than the non-relativistic ones due to the nonlinear relations between the conserved and state variables. A high-resolution shock-capturing central upwind scheme is implemented to solve the given set of equations. The proposed technique uses the precise information of local propagation speeds to avoid the excessive numerical diffusion. The second order accuracy of the scheme is obtained with the use of MUSCL-type initial reconstruction and Runge-Kutta time stepping method. After a discussion of the equations solved and of the techniques employed, a series of one and two-dimensional test problems are carried out. To validate the method and assess its accuracy, the staggered central and the kinetic flux-vector splitting schemes are also applied to the same model. The scheme is robust and efficient. Its results are comparable to those obtained from the sophisticated algorithms, even in the case of highly relativistic two-dimensional test problems. PMID:26070067

Precision of guided scanning procedures for full-arch digital impressions in vivo.

PubMed

Zimmermann, Moritz; Koller, Christina; Rumetsch, Moritz; Ender, Andreas; Mehl, Albert

2017-11-01

System-specific scanning strategies have been shown to influence the accuracy of full-arch digital impressions. Special guided scanning procedures have been implemented for specific intraoral scanning systems with special regard to the digital orthodontic workflow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of guided scanning procedures compared to conventional impression techniques in vivo. Two intraoral scanning systems with implemented full-arch guided scanning procedures (Cerec Omnicam Ortho; Ormco Lythos) were included along with one conventional impression technique with irreversible hydrocolloid material (alginate). Full-arch impressions were taken three times each from 5 participants (n = 15). Impressions were then compared within the test groups using a point-to-surface distance method after best-fit model matching (OraCheck). Precision was calculated using the (90-10%)/2 quantile and statistical analysis with one-way repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test was performed. The conventional impression technique with alginate showed the lowest precision for full-arch impressions with 162.2 ± 71.3 µm. Both guided scanning procedures performed statistically significantly better than the conventional impression technique (p < 0.05). Mean values for group Cerec Omnicam Ortho were 74.5 ± 39.2 µm and for group Ormco Lythos 91.4 ± 48.8 µm. The in vivo precision of guided scanning procedures exceeds conventional impression techniques with the irreversible hydrocolloid material alginate. Guided scanning procedures may be highly promising for clinical applications, especially for digital orthodontic workflows.

Ionospheric-thermospheric UV tomography: 3. A multisensor technique for creating full-orbit reconstructions of atmospheric UV emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hei, Matthew A.; Budzien, Scott A.; Dymond, Kenneth F.; Nicholas, Andrew C.; Paxton, Larry J.; Schaefer, Robert K.; Groves, Keith M.

2017-07-01

We present the Volume Emission Rate Tomography (VERT) technique for inverting satellite-based, multisensor limb and nadir measurements of atmospheric ultraviolet emission to create whole-orbit reconstructions of atmospheric volume emission rate. The VERT approach is more general than previous ionospheric tomography methods because it can reconstruct the volume emission rate field irrespective of the particular excitation mechanisms (e.g., radiative recombination, photoelectron impact excitation, and energetic particle precipitation in auroras); physical models are then applied to interpret the airglow. The technique was developed and tested using data from the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager and Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager instruments aboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F-18 spacecraft and planned for use with upcoming remote sensing missions. The technique incorporates several features to optimize the tomographic solutions, such as the use of a nonnegative algorithm (Richardson-Lucy, RL) that explicitly accounts for the Poisson statistics inherent in optical measurements, capability to include extinction effects due to resonant scattering and absorption of the photons from the lines of sight, a pseudodiffusion-based regularization scheme implemented between iterations of the RL code to produce smoother solutions, and the capability to estimate error bars on the solutions. Tests using simulated atmospheric emissions verify that the technique performs well in a variety of situations, including daytime, nighttime, and even in the challenging terminator regions. Lastly, we consider ionospheric nightglow and validate reconstructions of the nighttime electron density against Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) Long-range Tracking and Identification Radar (ALTAIR) incoherent scatter radar data.

Field Tests of the Magnetotelluric Method to Detect Gas Hydrates, Mallik, Mackenzie Delta, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craven, J. A.; Roberts, B.; Bellefleur, G.; Spratt, J.; Wright, F.; Dallimore, S. R.

2008-12-01

The magnetotelluric method is not generally utilized at extreme latitudes due primarily to difficulties in making the good electrical contact with the ground required to measure the electric field. As such, the magnetotelluric technique has not been previously investigated to direct detect gas hydrates in on-shore permafrost environments. We present the results of preliminary field tests at Mallik, Northwest Territories, Canada, that demonstrate good quality magnetotelluric data can be obtained in this environment using specialized electrodes and buffer amplifiers similar to those utilized by Wannamaker et al (2004). This result suggests that subsurface images from larger magnetotelluric surveys will be useful to complement other techniques to detect, quantify and characterize gas hydrates.

An automated approach to design of solid rockets utilizing a special internal ballistics model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sforzini, R. H.

1980-01-01

A pattern search technique is presented, which is utilized in a computer program that minimizes the sum of the squares of the differences, at various times, between a desired thrust-time trace and that calculated with a special mathematical internal ballistics model of a solid propellant rocket motor. The program is demonstrated by matching the thrust-time trace obtained from static tests of the first Space Shuttle SRM starting with input values of 10 variables which are, in general, 10% different from the as-built SRM. It is concluded that an excellent match is obtained.

[The specific bronchial provocation test in the diagnosis of occupational asthma].

PubMed

Fraj, J; Duce, F; Lezaun, A; Colás, C; Domínguez, M A; Abadía, M C

1997-10-01

Specific bronchial challenge (SBC) testing is a key technique for diagnosing the origin of occupational asthma (OA). SBC is indicated in specific circumstances, including whenever several agents present in the work environment may be the cause of OA, when new or unusual occupational agents need to be identified, when evidence for legal action is required, or when research is conducted. SBC procedures are not standardized, because of the great diversity of occupational agents and the variety of physical and chemical properties involved. Thus, SBC testing with agents found in fumes, gases or vapors can be administered in special cabins or in closed circuits with continuous monitoring of sub-irritant concentrations. Agents found in dust, most but not all of which have high molecular weights, may be appropriate for routine SBC testing in an allergy laboratory. This paper will treat only these cases. SBC must be formed in specialized centers by experienced personnel, as it is a sophisticated and potentially dangerous technique. We describe a series of 20 patients diagnosed of OA in our unit over the past two years in whom SBC provided an etiologic diagnosis. All were exposed to dust or aerosols at work. The cause was a substance of high molecular weight in 17 cases, and low molecular weight in 3. The procedure used is described and models of bronchial response are discussed.

Ceramic capacitor insulation resistance failures accelerated by low voltage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brennan, T. F.

1978-01-01

Ceramic capacitors failed insulation resistance testing at less than one-tenth their rated voltage. Many failures recovered as the voltage was increased. Comprehensive failure analysis techniques, some of which are unprecedented, were used to examine these failures. It was determined that there was more than one failure mechanism, and the results indicate a need for special additional screening.

Analysis of Accelerometer Data from a Woven Inflatable Creep Burst Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, George H.; Grygier, Michael; Selig, Molly M.

2015-01-01

Accelerometers were used to montor an inflatable test article during a creep test to failure. The test article experienced impulse events that were classified based on the response of the sensors and their time-dependent manifestation. These impulse events required specialized techniques to process the structural dynamics data. However, certain phenomena were defined as worthy of additional study. An assessment of one phenomena (a frequency near 1000Hz) showed a time dependent frequency and an amplitude that increased significantly near the end of the test. Hence, these observations are expected to drive future understanding of and utility in inflatable space structures.

Passive haemagglutination test for antibodies against rabies virus*

PubMed Central

Gough, P. M.; Dierks, R. E.

1971-01-01

All the procedures now available for the measurement of rabies virus antibodies in serum have certain disadvantages. The serum neutralization test (SN), whether carried out by assay in mice or by the plaque-reduction technique, requires several days before the titrations are completed, necessitates special facilities for keeping large numbers of animals and tissue-culture plates, and is relatively expensive. A complement-fixation test is very insensitive, giving low titres in comparison with SN tests, and a haemagglutination-inhibition procedure is complicated by the presence of nonspecific reactions. A rabies passive haemagglutination technique (RPHA), developed to overcome many of these problems, is described. Titres obtained with human sera by the RPHA procedure correlated well with those obtained by SN tests. Both IgG and IgM classes of antibodies were measured by the RPHA procedure; however, it appeared to be more sensitive for detecting IgM than was the SN test and, therefore, gave higher titres for this class of immunoglobulins. PMID:5317009

Tracking techniques for space shuttle rendezvous

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The space shuttle rendezvous radar has a requirement to track cooperative and non-cooperative targets. For this reason the Lunar Module (LM) Rendezvous Radar was modified to incorporate the capability of tracking a non-cooperative target. The modifications are discussed. All modifications except those relating to frequency diversity were completed, and system tests were performed to confirm proper performance in the non-cooperative mode. Frequency diversity was added to the radar and to the special test equipment, and then system tests were performed. This last set of tests included re-running the tests of the non-cooperative mode without frequency diversity, followed by tests with frequency diversity and tests of operation in the original cooperative mode.

Forecasting Air Force Logistics Command Second Destination Transportation: An Application of Multiple Regression Analysis and Neural Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

without the help from the DSXR staff. William Lyons, Charles Ramsey , and Martin Meeks went above and beyond to help complete this research. Special...develop a valid forecasting model that is significantly more accurate than the one presently used by DSXR and suggested the development and testing of a...method, Strom tested DSXR’s iterative linear regression forecasting technique by examining P1 in the simple regression equation to determine whether

Notched graphite polymimide composites at room and notched graphite polymide composites at room and elevated temperatures. [nondestructive test techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Awerbuch, J.; Perkinson, H. E.; Kamel, I. L.

1980-01-01

The fracture behavior in graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI) Celion 6000/PMR-15 composites was characterized. Emphasis was placed on the correlation between the observed failure modes and the deformation characteristics of center-notched Gr/Pl laminates. Crack tip damage growth, fracture strength and notch sensitivity, and the associated characterization methods were also examined. Special attention was given to nondestructive evaluation of internal damage and damage growth, techniques such as acoustic emission, X-ray radiography, and ultrasonic C-scan. Microstructural studies using scanning electron microscopy, photomicrography, and the pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance technique were employed as well. All experimental procedures and techniques are described and a summary of representative results for Gr/Pl laminates is given.

Comparative study on the efficiency of some optical methods for artwork diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schirripa Spagnolo, Giuseppe; Ambrosini, Dario; Paoletti, Domenica

2001-10-01

Scientific investigation methods are founding their place besides the stylistic-historical study methods in art research works. In particular, optical techniques, transferred from other fields or developed ad hoc, can make a strong contribution to the safeguarding and exploitation of cultural heritage. This paper describes the use of different optical techniques, such as holographic interferometry, decorrelation, shearography and ESPI, in the diagnostics of works of art. A comparison between different methods is obtained by performing tests on specially designed models, prepared using typical techniques and materials. Inside the model structure, a number of defects of known types, form and extension are inserted. The different features of each technique are outlined and a comparison with IR thermography is also carried out.

Analyses of requirements for computer control and data processing experiment subsystems. Volume 1: ATM experiment S-056 image data processing system techniques development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The solar imaging X-ray telescope experiment (designated the S-056 experiment) is described. It will photograph the sun in the far ultraviolet or soft X-ray region. Because of the imaging characteristics of this telescope and the necessity of using special techniques for capturing images on film at these wave lengths, methods were developed for computer processing of the photographs. The problems of image restoration were addressed to develop and test digital computer techniques for applying a deconvolution process to restore overall S-056 image quality. Additional techniques for reducing or eliminating the effects of noise and nonlinearity in S-056 photographs were developed.

Nuclear techniques in studies of condensed matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Jag J.

1987-01-01

Nuclear techniques have played an important role in the studies of materials over the past several decades. For example, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, neutron activation, and particle- or photon-induced X-ray emission techniques have been used extensively for the elucidation of structural and compositional details of materials. Several new techniques have been developed recently. Four such techniques are briefly reviewed which have great potential in the study and development of new materials. Of these four, Mossbauer spectroscopy, muon spin rotation, and positron annihilation spectroscopy techniques exploit their great sensitivity to the local atomic environments in the test materials. Interest in synchrotron radiation, on the other hand, stems from its special properties, such as high intensity, high degree of polarization, and high monochromaticity. It is hoped that this brief review will stimulate interest in the exploitation of these newer techniques for the development of improved materials.

Tensile strength of various nylon PA6 specimen modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raz, Karel; Zahalka, Martin

2017-05-01

This article explores the influence of production technique on the strength of nylon parts. Identical specimens were manufactured by various techniques. The material of specimens was nylon PA6. 3D printing and injection molding were used, with various orientations of printed layers, and various orientations of specimens in the working space of the 3D printer. The variants are described in detail. A special mold was used for the injection molding process in order to make specimens with and without a weld line. The effect of this weld line was evaluated. All specimens were tested using the standard tensile test configuration. The strength was compared. It was found that the same plastic material has very different mechanical properties depending on the production process.

Assessment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests).

PubMed

Kappus, Matthew R; Bajaj, Jasmohan S

2012-02-01

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with a high risk of development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life, and driving accidents. The detection of MHE requires specialized testing because it cannot, by definition, be diagnosed on standard clinical examination. Psychometric and neurophysiologic techniques are often used to test for MHE. Paper-pencil psychometric batteries and computerized tests have proved useful in diagnosing MHE and predicting its outcomes. Neurophysiologic tests also provide useful information. The diagnosis of MHE is an important issue for clinicians and patients alike. Testing strategies depend on the normative data available, patient comfort, and local expertise. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bolt-Tension Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldie, James H.; Bushko, Dariusz A.; Gerver, Michael J.

1995-01-01

In technique for measuring tensile force of bolt, specially fabricated magnetostrictive washer used as force transducer. Compact, portable inductive electronic sensor placed against washer to measure tension force. New system provides accurate, economical, and convenient way to measure bolt tension in field. Measurements on test assembly shows that tension can be measured to accuracy of about plus or minus 1 percent of load capacity of typical bolt.

Joint proceedings, Second Genetics Workshop of the Society of American Foresters and Seventh Lake States Forest Tree Improvement Conference, October 21-23, 1965.

Treesearch

NCFES

1966-01-01

Included are (1) 22 technical papers (by researchers from many sections of the United States and Canada) pertaining to selection and progeny testing, radiation genetics, intraspecific variation, natural and artificial hybridization, breeding systems, breeding methodology and specialized tree breeding techniques, and applied breeding and allied fields; (2) concise...

Reading and the Emotionally Handicapped Child. Highlights of a Special Study Institute (Poughkeepsie, New York, October 5-7, 1970).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services, NY.

The conference proceedings include seven papers dealing with reading problems of emotionally disturbed children. Emotional resistance to reading is discussed by Jules Abrams, a psychiatrist. The purposes of testing and the problem of labeling are touched upon by Clifford Kolson. Some practical suggestions of classroom techniques for combining a…

A 1- to 10-GHz downconverter for high-resolution microwave survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcwatters, D.

1994-01-01

A downconverter was designed, built, and tested for the High Resolution Microwave Survey project. The input frequency range is 1 to 10 GHz with instantaneous bandwidth of 350 MHz and dynamic range of 125 dB/Hz. Requirements were derived for the local oscillators and special design techniques were implemented to achieve the high degree of spectral purity required.

Heat Bonding of Irradiated Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slack, D. H.

1986-01-01

Reliable method now available for joining parts of this difficult-tobond material. Heating fixture encircles ethylene vinyl acetate multiplesocket part, providing heat to it and to tubes inserted in it. Fixtures specially designed to match parts to be bonded. Tube-and-socket bonds made with this technique subjected to tensile tests. Bond strengths of 50 percent that of base material obtained consistently.

Spin test of turbine rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vavra, M. H.; Hammer, J. E.; Bell, L. E.

1972-01-01

Experimental data are presented for the tangential and radial stresses in the disks of the 36,000 horsepower, 4000 rpm turbine for the M-1 engine oxidizer turbopump. The two-stage Curtis turbine is a special light-weight design utilizing thin conical disks with hollow sheet metal blades attached by electron-beam welding techniques. The turbine was fabricated from Inconel 718, a nickel-chromium alloy. The stresses were obtained by strain-gage measurements using a slip-ring assembly to transmit the electrical signals. Measurements were made at different rotative speeds and different thermal loads. In addition to presenting test data, the report describes test equipment, design of associated hardware, test procedures, instrumentation, and tests for the selection and calibration of strain gages.

Near-field measurement facility plans at Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, R. G.

1983-01-01

The direction of future antenna technology will be toward antennas which are large, both physically and electrically, will operate at frequencies up to 60 GHz, and are non-reciprocal and complex, implementing multiple-beam and scanning beam concepts and monolithic semiconductor devices and techniques. The acquisition of accurate antenna performance measurements is a critical part of the advanced antenna research program and represents a substantial antenna measurement technology challenge, considering the special characteristics of future spacecraft communications antennas. Comparison of various antenna testing techniques and their relative advantages and disadvantages shows that the near-field approach is necessary to meet immediate and long-term testing requirements. The LeRC facilities, the 22 ft x 22 ft horizontal antenna boresight planar scanner and the 60 ft x 60 ft vertical antenna boresight plant scanner (with a 60 GHz frequency and D/lamdba = 3000 electrical size capabilities), will meet future program testing requirements.

Third Annual Joint Service Pollution Prevention Conference and Exhibition. "Achieving Compliance Through Pollution Prevention"

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

ASTM D5229, "Standard Test Method for Moisture Absorption Properties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials." Sandwich...and pollution prevention. Methods and techniques have been established to make building disassembly and salvage cost-competitive with complete...specialized construction methods . • If natural resource conservation is a goal, consider timber framing using sustainably harvested timber, and

HOME - An application of fault-tolerant techniques and system self-testing. [independent computer for helicopter flight control command monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holden, D. G.

1975-01-01

Hard Over Monitoring Equipment (HOME) has been designed to complement and enhance the flight safety of a flight research helicopter. HOME is an independent, highly reliable, and fail-safe special purpose computer that monitors the flight control commands issued by the flight control computer of the helicopter. In particular, HOME detects the issuance of a hazardous hard-over command for any of the four flight control axes and transfers the control of the helicopter to the flight safety pilot. The design of HOME incorporates certain reliability and fail-safe enhancement design features, such as triple modular redundancy, majority logic voting, fail-safe dual circuits, independent status monitors, in-flight self-test, and a built-in preflight exerciser. The HOME design and operation is described with special emphasis on the reliability and fail-safe aspects of the design.

Excimer PRK testing in the clinic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forrest, Gary T.

1994-06-01

Testing of the excimer lasers used in PRK requires special considerations in terms of ease of use, day-to-day reliability, and high resolution to see details of beam interference effects. SensorPhysics employs a patented photochromic material on a polyester substrate to record permanent, instant records of the laser and laser system output. Since each SensorCard is used only once concerns about detection device deterioration are not an issue. The SensorCards have a demonstrated resolving power on the order of 0.1 micrometers . A small, portable reading device is used to convert the SensorCard optical density to a mJ/cm2 value. Special software also measures beam uniformity to +/- 1% to provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results of use in clinic environments will be presented. In particular detection of exposure `islands' will be demonstrated. The techniques employed are similar to those we developed for UV laser micromachining and lithography four years ago.

Innovative FRF measurement technique for frequency based substructuring method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirza, W. I. I. Wan Iskandar; Rani, M. N. Abdul; Ayub, M. A.; Yunus, M. A.; Omar, R.; Mohd Zin, M. S.

2018-04-01

In this paper, frequency based substructuring (FBS) is used in an attempt to predict the dynamic behaviour of an assembled structure. The assembled structure which consists of two beam substructures namely substructure A (finite element model) and substructure B (experimental model) was tested. The FE model of substructure A was constructed by using 3D elements and the Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) were derived viaa FRF synthesis method. A specially customised bolt was used to allow the attachment of sensors and excitation to be made at theinterfaces of substructure B, and the FRFs were measured by using an impact testing method. Both substructures A and B were then coupled by using the FBS method for the prediction of FRFs. The coupled FRF obtained was validated with the measured FRF counterparts. This work revealed that by implementing a specially customised bolt during the measurement of FRF at the interface, led to an improvement in the FBS predicted results.

New aspects relating to the behaviour of composites and adhesives in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, A.

1991-01-01

Some of the specialized testing procedures performed at the JPL Molecular Contamination Investigation Facility for the WideField Planetary Camera II (WFPC II) program for the screening of polymeric materials for outgassing properties are described. For WFPC II, a science performance goal of 1-percent photometric accuracy at 1470 A over an extended time (at least 30 days) has been established. Utilization of the newest technology using CCD detectors poses even more stringent requirements. Test results are presented, and data reduction and modeling techniques are discussed.

EDITORIAL: Measurement techniques for multiphase flows Measurement techniques for multiphase flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, Koji; Murai, Yuichi

2009-11-01

Research on multiphase flows is very important for industrial applications, including power stations, vehicles, engines, food processing and so on. Multiphase flows originally have nonlinear features because of multiphase systems. The interaction between the phases plays a very interesting role in the flows. The nonlinear interaction causes the multiphase flows to be very complicated. Therefore techniques for measuring multiphase flows are very useful in helping to understand the nonlinear phenomena. The state-of-the-art measurement techniques were presented and discussed at the sixth International Symposium on Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows (ISMTMF2008) held in Okinawa, Japan, on 15-17 December 2008. This special feature of Measurement Science and Technology includes selected papers from ISMTMF2008. Okinawa has a long history as the Ryukyus Kingdom. China, Japan and many western Pacific countries have had cultural and economic exchanges through Okinawa for over 1000 years. Much technical and scientific information was exchanged at the symposium in Okinawa. The proceedings of ISMTMF2008 apart from these special featured papers were published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series vol. 147 (2009). We would like to express special thanks to all the contributors to the symposium and this special feature. This special feature will be a milestone in measurement techniques for multiphase flows.

[Gas analyzer "HelicoSense" as a new device for diagnosis of the Helicobacter infection].

PubMed

Kozlov, A V; Evstratova, Iu S; Novikova, V P; Tkachenko, E I; Khochinskaia, O Iu

2006-01-01

According to recommendations of the European Health Committee, noninvasive methods should be preferred for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children. Equipment and reagents for respiration diagnostic tests available from foreign manufacturers have rather high cost, which hinders their use in domestic medical institutions. A new noninvasive electrochemical technique for HP detection is based on the use of HelicoSense gas analyzer. 150 patients (100 children 6-17 years old and 50 adults 18-78 years old) participated in mulicenter testing of the developed technique. Chronic gastritis was previously diagnosed by endoscopic and morphological examination in all patients. HP status was studied using bacteriological, serological, and cytological methods, as well as the Helpil test. The obtained results were compared to the results of examination with HelicoSense gas analyzer. Our study showed that HelicoSense gas analyzer provides easy use, patient's safety, and possibility of rapid testing. Its application does not require specially trained medical personnel. The device provides high specificity (86.7%) and high sensitivity (93.7%).

Neonatal Jaundice Detection System.

PubMed

Aydın, Mustafa; Hardalaç, Fırat; Ural, Berkan; Karap, Serhat

2016-07-01

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that occurs in newborn infants in the first week of life. Today, techniques used for detection are required blood samples and other clinical testing with special equipment. The aim of this study is creating a non-invasive system to control and to detect the jaundice periodically and helping doctors for early diagnosis. In this work, first, a patient group which is consisted from jaundiced babies and a control group which is consisted from healthy babies are prepared, then between 24 and 48 h after birth, 40 jaundiced and 40 healthy newborns are chosen. Second, advanced image processing techniques are used on the images which are taken with a standard smartphone and the color calibration card. Segmentation, pixel similarity and white balancing methods are used as image processing techniques and RGB values and pixels' important information are obtained exactly. Third, during feature extraction stage, with using colormap transformations and feature calculation, comparisons are done in RGB plane between color change values and the 8-color calibration card which is specially designed. Finally, in the bilirubin level estimation stage, kNN and SVR machine learning regressions are used on the dataset which are obtained from feature extraction. At the end of the process, when the control group is based on for comparisons, jaundice is succesfully detected for 40 jaundiced infants and the success rate is 85 %. Obtained bilirubin estimation results are consisted with bilirubin results which are obtained from the standard blood test and the compliance rate is 85 %.

Collaboration Across the Sciences: How Can We Improve Our Practice and Prepare the Future?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grinspoon, D.; Cobabe, E.; Harman, P.; Prather, E. E.

2010-08-01

In the pursuit of scientific knowledge, not only do techniques and instrumentation continually change, the quality of questions being asked also evolves. Age old questions such as "are we alone?" as well as new problems such as global climate change require multi/interdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration, pushing scientists to explore between the specializations. What skills will our students need to function in this emerging paradigm? How should our work as Education and Public Outreach (EPO) practitioners reflect this when so much of the educational landscape is mired in specialized, standardized testing? Are there benefits and tradeoffs in contextualized learning? What are lessons learned so far? Think about it and come share.

Recognizing defects in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuetze, R.; Hillger, W.

1982-01-01

The damage tolerance of structures made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is tested under various loads. Test laminate (73/1/1, 24/9/1, 1465 A) specimens of thickness 1.5-3.2 mm with various defects were subjected to static and dynamic loads. Special attention was given to delamination, and ultrasonic C-scans were made on the specimens. It was shown that cracks from even small defects are detected with great accuracy. The same probes were also X rayed; defects that could not be detected under ordinary X rays were bored and studied under vacuum by a contrast technique. The nondestructive ultrasonic and X ray tests were controlled by partially destructive tests, and good agreement was observed.

Lightning induced currents in aircraft wiring using low level injection techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, E. G.; Jordan, D. T.

1991-01-01

Various techniques were studied to predict the transient current induced into aircraft wiring bundles as a result of an aircraft lightning strike. A series of aircraft measurements were carried out together with a theoretical analysis using computer modeling. These tests were applied to various aircraft and also to specially constructed cylinders installed within coaxial return conductor systems. Low level swept frequency CW (carrier waves), low level transient and high level transient injection tests were applied to the aircraft and cylinders. Measurements were made to determine the transfer function between the aircraft drive current and the resulting skin currents and currents induced on the internal wiring. The full threat lightning induced transient currents were extrapolated from the low level data using Fourier transform techniques. The aircraft and cylinders used were constructed from both metallic and CFC (carbon fiber composite) materials. The results show the pulse stretching phenomenon which occurs for CFC materials due to the diffusion of the lightning current through carbon fiber materials. Transmission Line Matrix modeling techniques were used to compare theoretical and measured currents.

The use of applied software for the professional training of students studying humanities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadchikova, A. S.; Rodin, M. M.

2017-01-01

Research practice is an integral part of humanities students' training process. In this regard the training process is to include modern information techniques of the training process of students studying humanities. This paper examines the most popular applied software products used for data processing in social science. For testing purposes we selected the most commonly preferred professional packages: MS Excel, IBM SPSS Statistics, STATISTICA, STADIA. Moreover the article contains testing results of a specialized software Prikladnoy Sotsiolog that is applicable for the preparation stage of the research. The specialised software were tested during one term in groups of students studying humanities.

48 CFR 45.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., special test equipment or special tooling. Government-furnished property means property in the possession... contractor-acquired property. Government property includes material, equipment, special tooling, special test... end-item. Material does not include equipment, special tooling, special test equipment or real...

Hot section viewing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morey, W. W.

1984-01-01

This report covers the development and testing of a prototype combustor viewing system. The system allows one to see and record images from the inside of an operating gas turbine combustor. The program proceeded through planned phases of conceptual design, preliminary testing to resolve problem areas, prototype design and fabrication, and rig testing. Successful tests were completed with the viewing system in the laboratory, in a high pressure combustor rig, and on a Pratt and Whitney PW20307 jet engine. Both film and video recordings were made during the tests. Digital image analysis techniques were used to enhance images and bring out special effects. The use of pulsed laser illumination was also demonstrated as a means for observing liner surfaces in the presence of luminous flame.

Development of a special-purpose test surface guided by uncertainty analysis - Introduction of a new uncertainty analysis step

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, T.; Simon, T. W.

1988-01-01

Development of a recent experimental program to investigate the effects of streamwise curvature on boundary layer transition required making a bendable, heated and instrumented test wall, a rather nonconventional surface. The present paper describes this surface, the design choices made in its development and how uncertainty analysis was used, beginning early in the test program, to make such design choices. Published uncertainty analysis techniques were found to be of great value; but, it became clear that another step, one herein called the pre-test analysis, would aid the program development. Finally, it is shown how the uncertainty analysis was used to determine whether the test surface was qualified for service.

High Strain Rate Material Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

data. iii Mr. Dennis Paisely conducted the single plate impact test. Mr. Danny Yaziv is responsible for developing the double flyer plate technique and...neck developed . The sharp rise in the flow stress is due to the increased strain-rates during necking. The maximum observed value of effective stress...for the material modeling. Computer programs and special purpose subroutines were developed to use the Bodner-Partom model in the STEALTH finite

Training Manpower Development Work Supervisors in the Use of Behavior Modification Techniques to Teach Job-Required Skills. Special Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neiswender, Lenore

The paper describes a current research project now being conducted by the Experimental Manpower Laboratory at Mobilization for Youth (MFY-EML) in New York City. The overall objective of the MFY-EML is to develop and test new methods of teaching vocational skills to hard-to-employ youth. The MFY-EML is involved in developing a program to teach…

Effect of Yogic Breathing on Accommodate Braille Version of Six-letter Cancellation Test in Students with Visual Impairment.

PubMed

Pradhan, Balaram; Mohanty, Soubhagyalaxmi; Hankey, Alex

2018-01-01

Attentional processes tend to be less well developed in the visually impaired, who require special training to develop them fully. Yogic breathing which alters the patterns of respiration has been shown to enhance attention skills. Letter cancellation tests are well-established tools to measure attention and attention span. Here, a modified Braille version of the six-letter cancellation test (SLCT) was used for students with visual impairment (VI). This study aimed to assess the immediate effects of Bhramari Pranayama (BhPr) and breath awareness (BA) on students with VI. This study was a self-as-control study held on 2 consecutive days, on 19 participants (8 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 15.89 ± 1.59 years, randomized into two groups. On the 1 st day, Group 1 performed 10 min breath awareness and Group 2 performed Bhramari ; on the 2 nd day, practices were reversed. Assessments used a SLCT specially adapted for the visually impaired before and after each session. The Braille letter cancellation test was successfully taken by 19 students. Scores significantly improved after both techniques for each student following practices on both days ( P < 0.001). BhPr may have more effect on attention performance than BA as wrong scores significantly increased following BA ( P < 0.05), but the increase in the score after Bhramari was not significant. Despite the small sample size improvement in attentional processes by both yoga breathing techniques was robust. Attentional skills were definitely enhanced. Long-term practice should be studied.

Effect of Yogic Breathing on Accommodate Braille Version of Six-letter Cancellation Test in Students with Visual Impairment

PubMed Central

Pradhan, Balaram; Mohanty, Soubhagyalaxmi; Hankey, Alex

2018-01-01

Context: Attentional processes tend to be less well developed in the visually impaired, who require special training to develop them fully. Yogic breathing which alters the patterns of respiration has been shown to enhance attention skills. Letter cancellation tests are well-established tools to measure attention and attention span. Here, a modified Braille version of the six-letter cancellation test (SLCT) was used for students with visual impairment (VI). Aim: This study aimed to assess the immediate effects of Bhramari Pranayama (BhPr) and breath awareness (BA) on students with VI. Methods: This study was a self-as-control study held on 2 consecutive days, on 19 participants (8 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 15.89 ± 1.59 years, randomized into two groups. On the 1st day, Group 1 performed 10 min breath awareness and Group 2 performed Bhramari; on the 2nd day, practices were reversed. Assessments used a SLCT specially adapted for the visually impaired before and after each session. Results: The Braille letter cancellation test was successfully taken by 19 students. Scores significantly improved after both techniques for each student following practices on both days (P < 0.001). BhPr may have more effect on attention performance than BA as wrong scores significantly increased following BA (P < 0.05), but the increase in the score after Bhramari was not significant. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size improvement in attentional processes by both yoga breathing techniques was robust. Attentional skills were definitely enhanced. Long-term practice should be studied. PMID:29755219

Materials and techniques for spacecraft static charge control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amore, L. J.; Eagles, A. E.

1977-01-01

An overview of the design, development, fabrication, and testing of transparent conductive coatings and conductive lattices deposited or formed on high resistivity spacecraft dielectric materials to obtain control static charge buildup on spacecraft external surfaces is presented. Fabrication techniques for the deposition of indium/tin oxide coatings and copper grid networks on Kapton and FEP Teflon films and special frit coatings for OSR and solar cell cover glasses are discussed. The techniques include sputtering, photoetching, silkscreening, and mechanical processes. A facility designed and built to simulate the electron plasma at geosynchronous altitudes is described along with test procedures. The results of material characterizations as well as electron irradiation aging effects in this facility for spacecraft polymers treated to control static charge are presented. The data presents results for electron beam energies up to 30 kV and electron current densities of 30 nA/cm squared. Parameters measured include secondary emission, surface leakage, and through the sample currents as a function of primary beam energy and voltage.

A collection of articles on S/X-band experiment zero delay ranging tests, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Otoshi, T. Y. (Editor)

1975-01-01

Articles are presented which are concerned with the development of special test equipment and a dual-frequency zero delay device (ZDD) that were required for range tests and the measurement of ground station delays for the Mariner-Venus-Mercury 1973 S/X-band experiment. Test data obtained at DSS 14 after installation of the ZDD on the 64-m antenna are given. It is shown that large variations of range were observed as a function of antenna elevation angle and were sensitive to antenna location. A ranging calibration configuration that was subsequently developed and a technique for determining the appropriate Z-correction are described. Zero delay test data at DSS 14 during the Mariner 10 Venus-Mercury-Encounter periods (1974 days 12-150) are presented. The theoretical analysis and experimental verifications are included of the effects of multipath and effects of discontinuities on range delay measurements. A movable subreflector technique and the multipath theory were used to isolate principal multipath errors on the 64-m antenna and to enable a more accurate determination of the actual ground station range delay.

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED FABRICATION METHODS, PROCESS AND TECHNIQUES FOR PRODUCING TYPICAL AIRCRAFT SHAPES FROM BERYLLIUM. Interim Technical Documentary Progress Report for the Period ending October 31, 1962

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

Jenkins, R.G.; Siergiej, J.M.

1962-12-28

In a program to develop a complete manufacturing process for ihe production of beryllium channels, techniques are being sought for drawing to obtain a flnal product meeting specifications more rigorous than are obtainable by direct extrusion. Progress in designing and procuring the special tooling required to draw complex shapes at elevated temperature is described, and the flrst set of draw dies is evaluated with respect to design and quality. Three experimental draw attempts have been made on U-channels, in addition to draw tests on flats. (auth)

48 CFR 245.608-5 - Special items screening.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Disposal of Contractor Inventory 245.608-5 Special items screening. (a) Special test equipment with standard components. (1) The contractor shall report any excess special test equipment (STE) using SF 1432, Inventory Schedule D (Special Tooling and Special Test Equipment). The contractor shall list and describe on...

Advanced ultrasonic techniques for nondestructive testing of austenitic and dissimilar welds in nuclear facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juengert, Anne; Dugan, Sandra; Homann, Tobias; Mitzscherling, Steffen; Prager, Jens; Pudovikov, Sergey; Schwender, Thomas

2018-04-01

Austenitic stainless steel welds as well as dissimilar metal welds with nickel alloy filler material, used in safety relevant parts of nuclear power plants, still challenge the ultrasonic inspection. The weld material forms large oriented grains that lead, on the one hand, to high sound scattering and, on the other hand, to inhomogeneity and to the acoustic anisotropy of the weld structure. The ultrasonic wave fronts do not propagate linearly, as in ferritic weld joints, but along the curves, which depend on the specific grain structure of the weld. Due to the influence of these phenomena, it is difficult to analyze the inspection results and to classify the ultrasonic indications, which could be both from the weld geometry and from the material defects. A correct flaw sizing is not possible. In an ongoing research project, different techniques to improve the reliability of ultrasonic testing at these kinds of welds are investigated. In a first step (in the previous research project) two ultrasonic inspection techniques were developed and validated on plane test specimens with artificial and realistic flaws. In the ongoing project, these techniques are applied to circumferential pipe welds with longitudinal and transverse flaws. The technique developed at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Germany uses a combination of ray tracing and synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT). To investigate the unknown grain structure, the velocity distribution of weld-transmitting ultrasound waves is measured and used to model the weld by ray tracing. The second technique, developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing (IZFP) in Germany, uses Sampling Phased Array (Full Matrix Capture) combined with the reverse phase matching (RPM) and the gradient elastic constant descent algorithm (GECDM). This inspection method is able to estimate the elastic constants of the columnar grains in the weld and offers an improvement of the reliability of ultrasonic testing through the correction of the sound field distortion. The unknown inhomogeneity and anisotropy are investigated using a reference indication and the special optimization algorithm. Both reconstruction techniques give quantitative inspection results and allow the defect sizing. They have been compared to conventional ultrasonic testing with techniques that are state of the art for components in nuclear power plants. The improvement will be quantified by the comparison of the probability of detection (POD) of each technique.

Man-rated flight software for the F-8 DFBW program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bairnsfather, R. R.

1976-01-01

The design, implementation, and verification of the flight control software used in the F-8 DFBW program are discussed. Since the DFBW utilizes an Apollo computer and hardware, the procedures, controls, and basic management techniques employed are based on those developed for the Apollo software system. Program assembly control, simulator configuration control, erasable-memory load generation, change procedures and anomaly reporting are discussed. The primary verification tools are described, as well as the program test plans and their implementation on the various simulators. Failure effects analysis and the creation of special failure generating software for testing purposes are described.

Development of a winter wheat adjustable crop calendar model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, J. R. (Principal Investigator)

1978-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. After parameter estimation, tests were conducted with variances from the fits, and on independent data. From these tests, it was generally concluded that exponential functions have little advantage over polynomials. Precipitation was not found to significantly affect the fits. The Robertson's triquadratic form, in general use for spring wheat, was found to show promise for winter wheat, but special techniques and care were required for its use. In most instances, equations with nonlinear effects were found to yield erratic results when utilized with daily environmental values as independent variables.

How to diagnose neuropathic pain? The contribution from clinical examination, pain questionnaires and diagnostic tests.

PubMed

La Cesa, S; Tamburin, S; Tugnoli, V; Sandrini, G; Paolucci, S; Lacerenza, M; Marchettini, P; Cruccu, G; Truini, A

2015-12-01

Patients with peripheral and central nervous system diseases may suffer from different types of pain, namely nociceptive, neuropathic and mixed pain. Although in some cases, the distinction between these types of pain is clinically evident, yet in some patients an accurate differential diagnosis requires dedicated clinical examination, screening questionnaires and diagnostic techniques some of which are available only in specialized pain centres. This review briefly addresses the currently agreed definitions of the different types of pain and shows how clinical examination, pain questionnaires and diagnostic tests can help the clinicians in identifying neuropathic pain.

New Results in Software Model Checking and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pasareanu, Corina S.

2010-01-01

This introductory article surveys new techniques, supported by automated tools, for the analysis of software to ensure reliability and safety. Special focus is on model checking techniques. The article also introduces the five papers that are enclosed in this special journal volume.

Environmental Definition Program Cross Sectional Analysis; Summary of Data and Analysis Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-31

selected locations, and to characterize cloud and precipitation systems during certain tests and experiments conducted at Wallops Flight Center and at...values. The LWCA was on- site at Wallops Flight Center assisting the special Elight measurements. Other computer programs developed were designed to...550581 N 37025, E Kiev 50024 N 30027 E Simferopol 45001, N 33059! E Perm 58001, N 56018, E Aktyubinsk 50020, N 570131 E Semipalatinsk 50021! N 80015

Study of smartphone suitability for mapping of skin chromophores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzmina, Ilona; Lacis, Matiss; Spigulis, Janis; Berzina, Anna; Valeine, Lauma

2015-09-01

RGB (red-green-blue) technique for mapping skin chromophores by smartphones is proposed and studied. Three smartphones of different manufacturers were tested on skin phantoms and in vivo on benign skin lesions using a specially designed light source for illumination. Hemoglobin and melanin indices obtained by these smartphones showed differences in both tests. In vitro tests showed an increment of hemoglobin and melanin indices with the concentration of chromophores in phantoms. In vivo tests indicated higher hemoglobin index in hemangiomas than in nevi and healthy skin, and nevi showed higher melanin index compared to the healthy skin. Smartphones that allow switching off the automatic camera settings provided useful data, while those with "embedded" automatic settings appear to be useless for distant skin chromophore mapping.

Study of smartphone suitability for mapping of skin chromophores.

PubMed

Kuzmina, Ilona; Lacis, Matiss; Spigulis, Janis; Berzina, Anna; Valeine, Lauma

2015-09-01

RGB (red-green-blue) technique for mapping skin chromophores by smartphones is proposed and studied. Three smartphones of different manufacturers were tested on skin phantoms and in vivo on benign skin lesions using a specially designed light source for illumination. Hemoglobin and melanin indices obtained by these smartphones showed differences in both tests. In vitro tests showed an increment of hemoglobin and melanin indices with the concentration of chromophores in phantoms. In vivo tests indicated higher hemoglobin index in hemangiomas than in nevi and healthy skin, and nevi showed higher melanin index compared to the healthy skin. Smartphones that allow switching off the automatic camera settings provided useful data, while those with “embedded” automatic settings appear to be useless for distant skin chromophore mapping.

Introduction to the special section on mixture modeling in personality assessment.

PubMed

Wright, Aidan G C; Hallquist, Michael N

2014-01-01

Latent variable models offer a conceptual and statistical framework for evaluating the underlying structure of psychological constructs, including personality and psychopathology. Complex structures that combine or compare categorical and dimensional latent variables can be accommodated using mixture modeling approaches, which provide a powerful framework for testing nuanced theories about psychological structure. This special series includes introductory primers on cross-sectional and longitudinal mixture modeling, in addition to empirical examples applying these techniques to real-world data collected in clinical settings. This group of articles is designed to introduce personality assessment scientists and practitioners to a general latent variable framework that we hope will stimulate new research and application of mixture models to the assessment of personality and its pathology.

The New IERS Special Bureau for Loading (SBL)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanDam, Tonie; Plag, Hans-Peter; Blewitt, Geoffrey; Boy, Jean-Paul; Francis, Olivier; Gegout, Pascal; Kierulf, Halfdan Pascal; Sato, Tadahiro; Scherneck, Hans-Georg; Wahr, John

2002-01-01

Currently, the establishment of the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) Special Bureau for Loading (SBL) is in progress as part of the IERS Global Geophysical Fluids Center (GGFC). The main purpose of the SBL is to provide reliable, consistent model predictions of loading signals that have been thoroughly tested and validated. The products will describe at least the surface deformation, gravity signal and geo-center variations due to the various surface loading processes in reference frames relevant for direct comparison with existing geodetic observing techniques. To achieve these goals, major scientific advances are required with respect to the Earth model, the theory and algorithms used to model deformations of the Earth as well as improvements in the observational data related to surface loading.

Analytic method for material aging and quality analyzing to forecast long time stability of plastic micro heliostat components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauerborn, Markus; Liebenstund, Lena; Raue, Markus; Mang, Thomas; Herrmann, Ulf; Dueing, Andreas

2017-06-01

The Solar-Institute Jülich (SIJ) developed the micro heliostat system - a small sized heliostat - during the last years. One special performance of the micro heliostat is the option to integrate inexpensive plastic elements. The use of plastic as a cost reducer in the heliostat technique is also offering the chance to integrate complex designed components with a higher quality and special system function. The plastic for this application requires a high standing against UV radiation and thermal cycles with a daily extreme temperature variation. The temperature range inside the closed micro heliostat box can annually fluctuate between -20 °C and 80 °C in the worst case. Special aging tests were designed and performed for the first time in cooperation with the Institute for Applied Polymer Science (IAP) in order to identify and qualify a resistance plastic for the micro heliostat. This systematic plastic aging testing for the micro heliostat is introduced here. The tests were carried out under extreme ambient situations, which simulate the temperature and irradiation conditions that the heliostat has to stand for years. A particular climate of arid areas with continuous high solar radiation was defined for these tests. Two accelerating aging methods were adapted to reach adequate aging results in a reduced time. The aging of the investigated kinds of plastics were followed by tensile test, impact test, measuring Shore hardness, dynamic-mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to compare the different types of polymers. Parallel to these tests running real outdoor tests were performed, to control this accelerated aging. To have adequate conditions that the plastic in a micro heliostat has to stand, an identical closed test box with a glass cover was designed. The test samples inside the box were irradiated by the sun. The wanted forecast for the analyzed plastic was defined by the comparison of the real and the accelerated aging results.

The MU-RAY experiment. An application of SiPM technology to the understanding of volcanic phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anastasio, A.; Ambrosino, F.; Basta, D.; Bonechi, L.; Brianzi, M.; Bross, A.; Callier, S.; Cassese, F.; Castellini, G.; Ciaranfi, R.; Cimmino, L.; D'Alessandro, R.; De Fazio, B.; de La Taille, C.; Garufi, F.; Iacobucci, G.; Martini, M.; Masone, V.; Mattone, C.; Miyamoto, S.; Montesi, M. C.; Nishiyama, R.; Noli, P.; Orazi, M.; Parascandolo, L.; Passeggio, G.; Peluso, R.; Pla-Dalmau, A.; Raux, L.; Rocco, R.; Rubinov, P.; Saracino, G.; Scarlini, E.; Scarpato, G.; Sekhniaidze, G.; Starodubtsev, O.; Strolin, P.; Taketa, A.; Tanaka, H. K. M.; Tanaka, M.; Uchida, T.

2013-08-01

The purpose of the MU-RAY project is to develop an innovative approach to the study of volcanoes and their monitoring based on a particle physics approach. The test site is Vesuvio: one of the higher risk volcanoes in the world. In this context, muon radiography is an innovative method of enormous impact. This is an imaging technique which relies on the measurement, by means of a cosmic ray telescope, of the absorption in the volcano of muons with near-horizontal trajectories, produced by the interactions of cosmic rays with the atmosphere. Since 2003 this technique has been successfully used on volcanoes in Japan, providing pictures of their vertices with resolutions much better than those obtained with the traditional techniques based on gravimeters. Researchers from Naples and Florence are currently involved in the construction and testing of a prototype telescope based on the use of bars of plastic scintillator with a triangular section whose scintillation light is collected by special fibres (wave length shifters) and transported to SiPM (Silicon photomultipliers). A complete prototype telescope, consisting of three xy scintillation planes and 1 m2 active area has been assembled and is now under test.

Efficient field testing for load rating railroad bridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Jeffrey L.; Brett C., Commander

1995-06-01

As the condition of our infrastructure continues to deteriorate, and the loads carried by our bridges continue to increase, an ever growing number of railroad and highway bridges require load limits. With safety and transportation costs at both ends of the spectrum. the need for accurate load rating is paramount. This paper describes a method that has been developed for efficient load testing and evaluation of short- and medium-span bridges. Through the use of a specially-designed structural testing system and efficient load test procedures, a typical bridge can be instrumented and tested at 64 points in less than one working day and with minimum impact on rail traffic. Various techniques are available to evaluate structural properties and obtain a realistic model. With field data, a simple finite element model is 'calibrated' and its accuracy is verified. Appropriate design and rating loads are applied to the resulting model and stress predictions are made. This technique has been performed on numerous structures to address specific problems and to provide accurate load ratings. The merits and limitations of this approach are discussed in the context of actual examples of both rail and highway bridges that were tested and evaluated.

Acoustic Modifications of the Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel and Test Techniques for High-Speed Research Model Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soderman, Paul T.; Olson, Larry (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

The NFAC 40- by 80- Foot Wind Tunnel at Ames is being refurbished with a new, deep acoustic lining in the test section which will make the facility nearly anechoic over a large frequency range. The modification history, key elements, and schedule will be discussed. Design features and expected performance gains will be described. Background noise reductions will be summarized. Improvements in aeroacoustic research techniques have been developed and used recently at NFAC on several wind tunnel tests of High Speed Research models. Research on quiet inflow microphones and struts will be described. The Acoustic Survey Apparatus in the 40x80 will be illustrated. A special intensity probe was tested for source localization. Multi-channel, high speed digital data acquisition is now used for acoustics. And most important, phased microphone arrays have been developed and tested which have proven to be very powerful for source identification and increased signal-to-noise ratio. Use of these tools for the HEAT model will be illustrated. In addition, an acoustically absorbent symmetry plane was built to satisfy the HEAT semispan aerodynamic and acoustic requirements. Acoustic performance of that symmetry plane will be shown.

Layered classification techniques for remote sensing applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swain, P. H.; Wu, C. L.; Landgrebe, D. A.; Hauska, H.

1975-01-01

The single-stage method of pattern classification utilizes all available features in a single test which assigns the unknown to a category according to a specific decision strategy (such as the maximum likelihood strategy). The layered classifier classifies the unknown through a sequence of tests, each of which may be dependent on the outcome of previous tests. Although the layered classifier was originally investigated as a means of improving classification accuracy and efficiency, it was found that in the context of remote sensing data analysis, other advantages also accrue due to many of the special characteristics of both the data and the applications pursued. The layered classifier method and several of the diverse applications of this approach are discussed.

Frictional Performance Assessment of Cemented Carbide Surfaces Textured by Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, S.; Llanes, L.; Klein, S.; Gachot, C.; Rosenkranz, A.; Bähre, D.; Mücklich, F.

2017-10-01

Cemented carbides are advanced engineering materials often used in industry for manufacturing cutting tools or supporting parts in tribological system. In order to improve service life, special attention has been paid to change surface conditions by means of different methods, since surface modification can be beneficial to reduce the friction between the contact surfaces as well as to avoid unintended damage. Laser surface texturing is one of the newly developed surface modification methods. It has been successfully introduced to fabricate some basic patterns on cemented carbide surfaces. In this work, Direct Laser Interference Patterning Technique (DLIP) is implemented to produce special line-like patterns on a cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) based cemented tungsten carbide grade. It is proven that the laser-produced patterns have high geometrical precision and quality stability. Furthermore, tribology testing using a nano-tribometer unit shows that friction is reduced by the line-like patterns, as compared to the polished one, under both lubricated and dry testing regimes, and the reduction is more pronounced in the latter case.

Monitoring scale scores over time via quality control charts, model-based approaches, and time series techniques.

PubMed

Lee, Yi-Hsuan; von Davier, Alina A

2013-07-01

Maintaining a stable score scale over time is critical for all standardized educational assessments. Traditional quality control tools and approaches for assessing scale drift either require special equating designs, or may be too time-consuming to be considered on a regular basis with an operational test that has a short time window between an administration and its score reporting. Thus, the traditional methods are not sufficient to catch unusual testing outcomes in a timely manner. This paper presents a new approach for score monitoring and assessment of scale drift. It involves quality control charts, model-based approaches, and time series techniques to accommodate the following needs of monitoring scale scores: continuous monitoring, adjustment of customary variations, identification of abrupt shifts, and assessment of autocorrelation. Performance of the methodologies is evaluated using manipulated data based on real responses from 71 administrations of a large-scale high-stakes language assessment.

NASA's program on icing research and technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinmann, John J.; Shaw, Robert J.; Ranaudo, Richard J.

1989-01-01

NASA's program in aircraft icing research and technology is reviewed. The program relies heavily on computer codes and modern applied physics technology in seeking icing solutions on a finer scale than those offered in earlier programs. Three major goals of this program are to offer new approaches to ice protection, to improve our ability to model the response of an aircraft to an icing encounter, and to provide improved techniques and facilities for ground and flight testing. This paper reviews the following program elements: (1) new approaches to ice protection; (2) numerical codes for deicer analysis; (3) measurement and prediction of ice accretion and its effect on aircraft and aircraft components; (4) special wind tunnel test techniques for rotorcraft icing; (5) improvements of icing wind tunnels and research aircraft; (6) ground de-icing fluids used in winter operation; (7) fundamental studies in icing; and (8) droplet sizing instruments for icing clouds.

Advanced diesel electronic fuel injection and turbocharging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, N. J.; Barkhimer, R. L.; Steinmeyer, D. C.; Kelly, J. E.

1993-12-01

The program investigated advanced diesel air charging and fuel injection systems to improve specific power, fuel economy, noise, exhaust emissions, and cold startability. The techniques explored included variable fuel injection rate shaping, variable injection timing, full-authority electronic engine control, turbo-compound cooling, regenerative air circulation as a cold start aid, and variable geometry turbocharging. A Servojet electronic fuel injection system was designed and manufactured for the Cummins VTA-903 engine. A special Servojet twin turbocharger exhaust system was also installed. A series of high speed combustion flame photos was taken using the single cylinder optical engine at Michigan Technological University. Various fuel injection rate shapes and nozzle configurations were evaluated. Single-cylinder bench tests were performed to evaluate regenerative inlet air heating techniques as an aid to cold starting. An exhaust-driven axial cooling air fan was manufactured and tested on the VTA-903 engine.

Heuristic Enhancement of Magneto-Optical Images for NDE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cacciola, Matteo; Megali, Giuseppe; Pellicanò, Diego; Calcagno, Salvatore; Versaci, Mario; Morabito, FrancescoCarlo

2010-12-01

The quality of measurements in nondestructive testing and evaluation plays a key role in assessing the reliability of different inspection techniques. Each different technique, like the magneto-optic imaging here treated, is affected by some special types of noise which are related to the specific device used for their acquisition. Therefore, the design of even more accurate image processing is often required by relevant applications, for instance, in implementing integrated solutions for flaw detection and characterization. The aim of this paper is to propose a preprocessing procedure based on independent component analysis (ICA) to ease the detection of rivets and/or flaws in the specimens under test. A comparison of the proposed approach with some other advanced image processing methodologies used for denoising magneto-optic images (MOIs) is carried out, in order to show advantages and weakness of ICA in improving the accuracy and performance of the rivets/flaw detection.

Justification of parameters and selection of equipment for laboratory researches of a rammer's operating element dynamics in a soil foundation of a tank for oil and oil products storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruzin, A. V.; Gruzin, V. V.; Shalay, V. V.

2017-08-01

The development of technology for a directional soil compaction of tank foundations for oil and oil products storage is a relevant problem which solution will enable simultaneously provide required operational characteristics of a soil foundation and reduce time and material costs to prepare the foundation. The impact dynamics of rammers' operating elements on the soil foundation is planned to specify in the course of laboratory studies. A specialized technique is developed to justify the parameters and select the equipment for laboratory researches. The usage of this technique enabled us to calculate dimensions of the models, of a test bench and specifications of the recording equipment, and a lighting system. The necessary equipment for laboratory studies was selected. Preliminary laboratory tests were carried out. The estimate of accuracy for planned laboratory studies was given.

Preliminary studies of the CHIM electrogeochemical method at the Kokomo Mine, Russell Gulch, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, D.B.; Hoover, D.B.; Sanzolone, R.F.

1993-01-01

The CHIM electrogeochemical exploration technique was developed in the former Soviet Union about 20 years ago and is claimed to be effective in exploration for concealed mineral deposits that are not detectable by other geochemical or geophysical techniques. The method involves providing a high-voltage direct current to an anode and an array of special collector cathodes. Cations mobile in the electric field are collected at the cathodes and their concentrations determined. The U.S. Geological Survey started a study of the CHIM method by conducting tests over a precious- and base-metal-bearing quartz vein covered with 3 m of colluvial soil and weathered bedrock near the Kokomo Mine, Colorado. The tests show that the CHIM method gives better definition of the vein than conventional soil geochemistry based on a total-dissolution technique. The CHIM technique gives reproducible geochemical anomaly patterns, but the absolute concentrations depend on local site variability as well as temporal variations. Weak partial dissolutions of soils at the Kokomo Mine by an enzyme leach, a dilute acetic acid leach, and a dilute hydrochloric acid leach show results comparable to those from the CHIM method. This supports the idea that the CHIM technique is essentially a weak in-situ partial extraction involving only ions able to move in a weak electric field. ?? 1993.

Music Techniques in Therapy, Counseling, and Special Education, Third Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Standley, Jayne M.; Jones, Jennifer

2007-01-01

"Music Techniques in Therapy, Counseling, and Special Education" is the culmination of the first author's research in the skill development of prospective music therapists and music educators during graduate and undergraduate preparation. Standley studied the abilities and progress of students across multiple clinical music therapy and music…

47 CFR 73.1515 - Special field test authorizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special field test authorizations. 73.1515 Section 73.1515 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations § 73.1515 Special field test authorizations. (a) A special field test...

47 CFR 73.1515 - Special field test authorizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special field test authorizations. 73.1515 Section 73.1515 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations § 73.1515 Special field test authorizations. (a) A special field test...

49 CFR 1242.04 - Special tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 9 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special tests. 1242.04 Section 1242.04... BETWEEN FREIGHT SERVICE AND PASSENGER SERVICE FOR RAILROADS 1 General § 1242.04 Special tests. When the separation of common expense accounts between freight and passenger services is based upon special tests or...

49 CFR 1242.04 - Special tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 9 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special tests. 1242.04 Section 1242.04... BETWEEN FREIGHT SERVICE AND PASSENGER SERVICE FOR RAILROADS 1 General § 1242.04 Special tests. When the separation of common expense accounts between freight and passenger services is based upon special tests or...

Rapid Vision Correction by Special Operations Forces.

PubMed

Reynolds, Mark E

This report describes a rapid method of vision correction used by Special Operations Medics in multiple operational engagements. Between 2011 and 2015, Special Operations Medics used an algorithm- driven refraction technique. A standard block of instruction was provided to the medics, along with a packaged kit. The technique was used in multiple operational engagements with host nation military and civilians. Data collected for program evaluation were later analyzed to assess the utility of the technique. Glasses were distributed to 230 patients with complaints of either decreased distance or near (reading). Most patients (84%) with distance complaints achieved corrected binocular vision of 20/40 or better, and 97% of patients with near-vision complaints achieved corrected near-binocular vision of 20/40 or better. There was no statistically significant difference between the percentages of patients achieving 20/40 when medics used the technique under direct supervision versus independent use. A basic refraction technique using a designed kit allows for meaningful improvement in distance and/or near vision at austere locations. Special Operations Medics can leverage this approach after specific training with minimal time commitment. It can serve as a rapid, effective intervention with multiple applications in diverse operational environments. 2017.

Laboratory and Field Application of River Depth Estimation Techniques Using Remotely Sensed Data: Annual Report Year 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

coordinates locally oriented in the streamwise and cross-stream directions, respectively. To test the expressions and investigate potential errors, we...Survey Geomorphology and Sediment Transport Laboratory (GSTL). The IR camera was mounted on a rack ~1m above the surface of the flow and oriented so that...MD_SWMS, American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Proceedings of the 2008 Annual Conference –PNAMP Special Session: Remote Sensing

Verification and Validation of Autonomy Software at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pecheur, Charles

2000-01-01

Autonomous software holds the promise of new operation possibilities, easier design and development and lower operating costs. However, as those system close control loops and arbitrate resources on board with specialized reasoning, the range of possible situations becomes very large and uncontrollable from the outside, making conventional scenario-based testing very inefficient. Analytic verification and validation (V&V) techniques, and model checking in particular, can provide significant help for designing autonomous systems in a more efficient and reliable manner, by providing a better coverage and allowing early error detection. This article discusses the general issue of V&V of autonomy software, with an emphasis towards model-based autonomy, model-checking techniques and concrete experiments at NASA.

Verification and Validation of Autonomy Software at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pecheur, Charles

2000-01-01

Autonomous software holds the promise of new operation possibilities, easier design and development, and lower operating costs. However, as those system close control loops and arbitrate resources on-board with specialized reasoning, the range of possible situations becomes very large and uncontrollable from the outside, making conventional scenario-based testing very inefficient. Analytic verification and validation (V&V) techniques, and model checking in particular, can provide significant help for designing autonomous systems in a more efficient and reliable manner, by providing a better coverage and allowing early error detection. This article discusses the general issue of V&V of autonomy software, with an emphasis towards model-based autonomy, model-checking techniques, and concrete experiments at NASA.

Liquid crystalline fiber optic colorimeter for hydrostatic pressure measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolinski, Tomasz R.; Bajdecki, Waldemar K.; Domanski, Andrzej W.; Karpierz, Miroslaw A.; Konopka, Witold; Nasilowski, T.; Sierakowski, Marek W.; Swillo, Marcin; Dabrowski, Roman S.; Nowinowski-Kruszelnicki, Edward; Wasowski, Janusz

2001-08-01

This paper presents results of tests performed on a fiber optic system of liquid crystalline transducer for hydrostatic pressure monitoring based on properties of colorimetry. The system employs pressure-induced deformations occurring in liquid crystalline (LC) cells configured in a homogeneous Frederiks geometry. The sensor is compared of a round LC cell placed inside a specially designed pressure chamber. As a light source we used a typical diode operating at red wavelength and modulated using standard techniques. The pressure transducer was connected to a computer with a specially designed interface built on the bas of advanced ADAM modules. Results indicate that the system offers high response to pressure with reduced temperature sensitivity and, depending on the LC cell used, can be adjusted for monitoring of low hydrostatic pressures up to 6 MPa. These studies have demonstrated the feasibility of fiber optic liquid crystal colorimeter for hydrostatic pressure sensing specially dedicated to pipe- lines, mining instrumentation, and process-control technologies.

Evaluation of nonmetallic thermal protection materials for the manned space shuttle. Volume 1, task 1: Assessment of technical risks associated with utilization of nonmetallic thermal protection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkinson, W. H.; Kirkhart, F. P.; Kistler, C. W.; Duckworth, W. H.; Ungar, E. W.; Foster, E. L.

1970-01-01

Technical problems of design and flight qualification of the proposed classes of surface insulation materials and leading edge materials were reviewed. A screening test plan, a preliminary design data test plan and a design data test plan were outlined. This program defined the apparent critical differences between the surface insulators and the leading edge materials, structuring specialized screening test plans for each of these two classes of materials. Unique testing techniques were shown to be important in evaluating the structural interaction aspects of the surface insulators and a separate task was defined to validate the test plan. In addition, a compilation was made of available information on proposed material (including metallic TPS), previous shuttle programs, pertinent test procedures, and other national programs of merit. This material was collected and summarized in an informally structured workbook.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2002-08-01

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

Lateral conduction effects on heat-transfer data obtained with the phase-change paint technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maise, G.; Rossi, M. J.

1974-01-01

A computerized tool, CAPE, (Conduction Analysis Program using Eigenvalues) has been developed to account for lateral heat conduction in wind tunnel models in the data reduction of the phase-change paint technique. The tool also accounts for the effects of finite thickness (thin wings) and surface curvature. A special reduction procedure using just one time of melt is also possible on leading edges. A novel iterative numerical scheme was used, with discretized spatial coordinates but analytic integration in time, to solve the inverse conduction problem involved in the data reduction. A yes-no chart is provided which tells the test engineer when various corrections are large enough so that CAPE should be used. The accuracy of the phase-change paint technique in the presence of finite thickness and lateral conduction is also investigated.

Surface-wave and refraction tomography at the FACT Site, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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

Abbott, Robert E.; Bartel, Lewis Clark; Pullammanappallil, Satish

2006-08-01

We present a technique that allows for the simultaneous acquisition and interpretation of both shear-wave and compressive-wave 3-D velocities. The technique requires no special seismic sources or array geometries, and is suited to studies with small source-receiver offsets. The method also effectively deals with unwanted seismic arrivals by using the statistical properties of the data itself to discriminate against spurious picks. We demonstrate the technique with a field experiment at the Facility for Analysis, Calibration, and Testing at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The resulting 3-D shear-velocity and compressive-velocity distributions are consistent with surface geologic mapping. The averaged velocitiesmore » and V{sub p}/V{sub s} ratio in the upper 30 meters are also consistent with examples found in the scientific literature.« less

Usability research study of a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies.

PubMed

Hunter, Gail; Burns, Laurie; Bone, Brian; Mintel, Thomas; Jimenez, Eduardo

2012-01-01

This paper summarizes the results of a longitudinal usability research study of a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies. The usability test was conducted with fourteen (14) consumers from the St. Louis, MO, USA area who use manual toothbrushes. The study consisted of consumers using the specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies for three weeks. During the study, users participated in four toothbrush trials during weekly visits to the research facility. These trials were videotaped and were analyzed regarding brushing time, behavior, and technique. In addition, the users were required to use the toothbrush twice a day for their at-home brushing. The toothbrush had a positive impact on consumers' tooth brushing behavior. Users spent more time brushing their teeth with this toothbrush as compared to their manual toothbrush. In addition, users spent more time keeping the sonic toothbrush in the recommended angle during use. Finally, users perceived their teeth to be cleaner when using the specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies. The specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies left a positive impression on the users. The users perceived the toothbrush to clean their teeth better than a manual toothbrush.

[New intensifying screens in clinical radiology. II. Examinations in clinical practice].

PubMed

Freyschmidt, J; Saure, D; Hagemann, G

1976-09-01

A clinically applicable procedure for testing new intensifying rare earth screens, as well as the special Siemens' screen is described. The results are related to universal screens. The film-screen combination alpha 4XD (gadolinium oxysulphide with normal, green sensitive film) results in a reduction of radiation dose to half with detail comparable with universal screens. The Siemens' special screen has similar advantages. Screens with a higher intensification factor and reduction of the mAs to one sixth results in loss of detail. This does not necessarily reduce their clinical use if they are used for appropriate purposes. The results of this clinically orientated technique agreed well with physically objective methods using lead grids. The advantages of the new screens are discussed in terms of their practical application.

New methods for new questions: obstacles and opportunities.

PubMed

Foster, E Michael; Kalil, Ariel

2008-03-01

Two forces motivate this special section, "New Methods for New Questions in Developmental Psychology." First are recent developments in social science methodology and the increasing availability of those methods in common software packages. Second, at the same time psychologists' understanding of developmental phenomena has continued to grow. At their best, these developments in theory and methods work in tandem, fueling each other. Newer methods make it possible for scientists to better test their ideas; better ideas lead methodologists to techniques that better reflect, capture, and quantify the underlying processes. The articles in this special section represent a sampling of these new methods and new questions. The authors describe common themes in these articles and identify barriers to future progress, such as the lack of data sharing by and analytical training for developmentalists.

Fabricating High-Resolution X-Ray Collimators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Appleby, Michael; Atkinson, James E.; Fraser, Iain; Klinger, Jill

2008-01-01

A process and method for fabricating multi-grid, high-resolution rotating modulation collimators for arcsecond and sub-arcsecond x-ray and gamma-ray imaging involves photochemical machining and precision stack lamination. The special fixturing and etching techniques that have been developed are used for the fabrication of multiple high-resolution grids on a single array substrate. This technology has application in solar and astrophysics and in a number of medical imaging applications including mammography, computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and gamma cameras used in nuclear medicine. This collimator improvement can also be used in non-destructive testing, hydrodynamic weapons testing, and microbeam radiation therapy.

The Unmanned Mission Avionics Test Heliciopter - a Flexible and Versatile Vtol-Uas Experimental System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, H.-W., , Dr.

2011-09-01

civil customers. These applications cover a wide spectrum from R&D programs for the military customer to special services for the civil customer. This paper focuses on the technical conversion of a commercially available VTOL-UAS to ESG's Unmanned Mission Avionics Test Helicopter (UMAT), its concept and operational capabilities. At the end of the paper, the current integration of a radar sensor is described as an example of the UMATs flexibility. The radar sensor is developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR). It is integrated by ESG together with the industrial partner SWISS UAV.

Wear-screening and joint simulation studies vs. materials selection and prosthesis design.

PubMed

Clarke, I C

1982-01-01

Satisfactory friction and wear performance of orthomedic biomaterials is an essential criterion for both hemiarthroplasty and total joint replacements. This report will chart the clinical historical experience of candidate biomaterials with their wear resistance and compare/contrast these data to experimental test predictions. The latter review will encompass publications dealing with both joint simulators and the more basic friction and wear screening devices. Special consideration will be given to the adequacy of the test protocol, the design of the experimental machines, and the accuracy of the measurement techniques. The discussion will then center on clinical reality vs. experimental adequacy and summarize current developments.

Residual water bactericide monitor development program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A silver-ion bactericidal monitor is considered for the Space Shuttle Potable Water System. Potentiometric measurement using an ion-selective electrode is concluded to be the most feasible of available techniques. Four commercially available electrodes and a specially designed, solid-state, silver-sulfide electrode were evaluated for their response characteristics and suitability for space use. The configuration of the solid-state electrode with its Nernstian response of 10 to 10,000 ppb silver shows promise for use in space. A pressurized double-junction reference electrode with a quartz-fiber junction and a replaceable bellows electrolyte reservoir was designed verification-tested, and paired with a solid-state silver-sulfide electrode in a test fixture.

Co-streaming classes: a follow-up study in improving the user experience to better reach users.

PubMed

Hayes, Barrie E; Handler, Lara J; Main, Lindsey R

2011-01-01

Co-streaming classes have enabled library staff to extend open classes to distance education students and other users. Student evaluations showed that the model could be improved. Two areas required attention: audio problems experienced by online participants and staff teaching methods. Staff tested equipment and adjusted software configuration to improve user experience. Staff training increased familiarity with specialized teaching techniques and troubleshooting procedures. Technology testing and staff training were completed, and best practices were developed and applied. Class evaluations indicate improvements in classroom experience. Future plans include expanding co-streaming to more classes and on-going data collection, evaluation, and improvement of classes.

Rapid non-contact inspection of composite ailerons using air-coupled ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panda, Rabi Sankar; Karpenko, Oleksii; Udpa, Lalita; Haq, Mahmoodul; Rajagopal, Prabhu; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan

2016-02-01

This paper demonstrates an approach for rapid non-contact air-coupled ultrasonic inspection of composite ailerons with complex cross-sectional profile including thickness changes, curvature and the presence of a number of stiffeners. Low-frequency plate guided ultrasonic modes are used in B-scan mode for the measurements in pitch-catch mode. Appropriate probe holder angles suitable for generating and receiving lower order guided wave modes are discussed. Different embodiments of the pitch-catch tandem positions along and across stiffener and curved regions of the test sample enable a rapid test campaign capturing the feature-rich sample profile. Techniques to distinguish special features in the stiffener are presented.

"Push back" technique: A simple method to remove broken drill bit from the proximal femur.

PubMed

Chouhan, Devendra K; Sharma, Siddhartha

2015-11-18

Broken drill bits can be difficult to remove from the proximal femur and may necessitate additional surgical exploration or special instrumentation. We present a simple technique to remove a broken drill bit that does not require any special instrumentation and can be accomplished through the existing incision. This technique is useful for those cases where the length of the broken drill bit is greater than the diameter of the bone.

Numerical simulation of an elastic structure behavior under transient fluid flow excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasyeva, Irina N.; Lantsova, Irina Yu.

2017-01-01

This paper deals with the verification of a numerical technique of modeling fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems. The configuration consists of incompressible viscous fluid around an elastic structure in the channel. External flow is laminar. Multivariate calculations are performed using special software ANSYS CFX and ANSYS Mechanical. Different types of parameters of mesh deformation and solver controls (time step, under relaxation factor, number of iterations at coupling step) were tested. The results are presented in tables and plots in comparison with reference data.

Marine Seismic System Deployment (MSS). Phase 2. Investigation of Techniques and Deployment Scenarios for Installation of Triaxial Seismometer in a Borehole in the Deep Ocean

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-09

CHALLENGER for an estimated period of six days. The design for the test Borehole Instrumentation Package (BIP) reentry-sub and associated handling...equipment has been completed ard hmi been submitted for vendor bid. Details of the specialized support equipment for installation on the GLOMAR CHALLENGER ...developed under the direction of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) by the dynamically positioned drilling vessel GLOMAR CHALLENGER . Deployment of the

Electro-optic and holographic measurement techniques for the atmospheric sciences. [considering spacecraft simulation applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, W. W., Jr.; Lemons, J. F.; Kurtz, R. L.; Liu, H.-K.

1977-01-01

A comprehensive examination is made of recent advanced research directions in the applications of electro-optical and holographic instrumentations and methods to atmospheric sciences problems. In addition, an overview is given of the in-house research program for environmental and atmospheric measurements with emphasis on particulates systems. Special treatment is made of the instrument methods and applications work in the areas of laser scattering spectrometers and pulsed holography sizing systems. Selected engineering tests data on space simulation chamber programs are discussed.

High yield production of long branched Au nanoparticles characterized by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Mayoral, Alvaro; Magen, Cesar; Jose-Yacaman, Miguel

2011-01-01

Long multi-branched gold nanoparticles have been synthesized in a very high yield through a facile synthesis combining two different capping agents. The stability of these materials with the time has been tested and their characterization have been performed by diverse advanced electron microscopy techniques, paying special attention to aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy in order to unambiguously analyze the surface structure of the branches and provide insights for the formation of stellated gold nanoparticles. PMID:22125420

Exploring pain pathophysiology in patients.

PubMed

Sommer, Claudia

2016-11-04

Although animal models of pain have brought invaluable information on basic processes underlying pain pathophysiology, translation to humans is a problem. This Review will summarize what information has been gained by the direct study of patients with chronic pain. The techniques discussed range from patient phenotyping using quantitative sensory testing to specialized nociceptor neurophysiology, imaging methods of peripheral nociceptors, analyses of body fluids, genetics and epigenetics, and the generation of sensory neurons from patients via inducible pluripotent stem cells. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Numerical solution of special ultra-relativistic Euler equations using central upwind scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaffar, Tayabia; Yousaf, Muhammad; Qamar, Shamsul

2018-06-01

This article is concerned with the numerical approximation of one and two-dimensional special ultra-relativistic Euler equations. The governing equations are coupled first-order nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations. These equations describe perfect fluid flow in terms of the particle density, the four-velocity and the pressure. A high-resolution shock-capturing central upwind scheme is employed to solve the model equations. To avoid excessive numerical diffusion, the considered scheme avails the specific information of local propagation speeds. By using Runge-Kutta time stepping method and MUSCL-type initial reconstruction, we have obtained 2nd order accuracy of the proposed scheme. After discussing the model equations and the numerical technique, several 1D and 2D test problems are investigated. For all the numerical test cases, our proposed scheme demonstrates very good agreement with the results obtained by well-established algorithms, even in the case of highly relativistic 2D test problems. For validation and comparison, the staggered central scheme and the kinetic flux-vector splitting (KFVS) method are also implemented to the same model. The robustness and efficiency of central upwind scheme is demonstrated by the numerical results.

Simplified Estimation and Testing in Unbalanced Repeated Measures Designs.

PubMed

Spiess, Martin; Jordan, Pascal; Wendt, Mike

2018-05-07

In this paper we propose a simple estimator for unbalanced repeated measures design models where each unit is observed at least once in each cell of the experimental design. The estimator does not require a model of the error covariance structure. Thus, circularity of the error covariance matrix and estimation of correlation parameters and variances are not necessary. Together with a weak assumption about the reason for the varying number of observations, the proposed estimator and its variance estimator are unbiased. As an alternative to confidence intervals based on the normality assumption, a bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap technique is considered. We also propose the naive percentile bootstrap for Wald-type tests where the standard Wald test may break down when the number of observations is small relative to the number of parameters to be estimated. In a simulation study we illustrate the properties of the estimator and the bootstrap techniques to calculate confidence intervals and conduct hypothesis tests in small and large samples under normality and non-normality of the errors. The results imply that the simple estimator is only slightly less efficient than an estimator that correctly assumes a block structure of the error correlation matrix, a special case of which is an equi-correlation matrix. Application of the estimator and the bootstrap technique is illustrated using data from a task switch experiment based on an experimental within design with 32 cells and 33 participants.

Identifying children with Special Health Care Needs in Alexandria, Egypt.

PubMed

Wahdan, Iman H; El-Nimr, Nessrin A

2018-05-23

In developing countries, obtaining reliable prevalence rates for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) is challenging. One of the tools used to identify CSHCN is the CSHCN Screener (not available in Arabic). The aim is to test the feasibility of using an Arabic version of CSHCN screener in identifying CSHCN in the Egyptian setup and to estimate their prevalence in Alexandria. A community-based survey was conducted among a representative sample of children using a multistage cluster sampling technique. A pre-designed interviewing questionnaire and the Arabic translation of CSHCN screener were used. The prevalence of CSHCN was 12.2% and 91.8% of them had the three domains of health care needs. The most prevalent conditions requiring special health care were sensory and cognitive impairments and impaired mobility. Type of family was the only significant factor associated with special health care needs. It is concluded that the screener can easily be used and help in identifying the majority of children that need to be the focus of the National health care services. It is recommended that the school health services add the screener to assist depicting the existing gaps in the health care system.

Accommodating the Special Learner in Secondary General Music Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanWeelden, Kimberly

2011-01-01

It can be challenging to know which accommodations for special learners can be used within the various secondary general music class settings. Fortunately, there have been several recent music education and therapy articles based on special education practices that have addressed techniques for working with students with special needs in music.…

Distributed Simulation as a modelling tool for the development of a simulation-based training programme for cardiovascular specialties.

PubMed

Kelay, Tanika; Chan, Kah Leong; Ako, Emmanuel; Yasin, Mohammad; Costopoulos, Charis; Gold, Matthew; Kneebone, Roger K; Malik, Iqbal S; Bello, Fernando

2017-01-01

Distributed Simulation is the concept of portable, high-fidelity immersive simulation. Here, it is used for the development of a simulation-based training programme for cardiovascular specialities. We present an evidence base for how accessible, portable and self-contained simulated environments can be effectively utilised for the modelling, development and testing of a complex training framework and assessment methodology. Iterative user feedback through mixed-methods evaluation techniques resulted in the implementation of the training programme. Four phases were involved in the development of our immersive simulation-based training programme: ( 1) initial conceptual stage for mapping structural criteria and parameters of the simulation training framework and scenario development ( n  = 16), (2) training facility design using Distributed Simulation , (3) test cases with clinicians ( n  = 8) and collaborative design, where evaluation and user feedback involved a mixed-methods approach featuring (a) quantitative surveys to evaluate the realism and perceived educational relevance of the simulation format and framework for training and (b) qualitative semi-structured interviews to capture detailed feedback including changes and scope for development. Refinements were made iteratively to the simulation framework based on user feedback, resulting in (4) transition towards implementation of the simulation training framework, involving consistent quantitative evaluation techniques for clinicians ( n  = 62). For comparative purposes, clinicians' initial quantitative mean evaluation scores for realism of the simulation training framework, realism of the training facility and relevance for training ( n  = 8) are presented longitudinally, alongside feedback throughout the development stages from concept to delivery, including the implementation stage ( n  = 62). Initially, mean evaluation scores fluctuated from low to average, rising incrementally. This corresponded with the qualitative component, which augmented the quantitative findings; trainees' user feedback was used to perform iterative refinements to the simulation design and components (collaborative design), resulting in higher mean evaluation scores leading up to the implementation phase. Through application of innovative Distributed Simulation techniques, collaborative design, and consistent evaluation techniques from conceptual, development, and implementation stages, fully immersive simulation techniques for cardiovascular specialities are achievable and have the potential to be implemented more broadly.

Nondestructive Methods and Special Test Instrumentation Supporting NASA Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Assessments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saulsberry, Regor; Greene, Nathanael; Cameron, Ken; Madaras, Eric; Grimes-Ledesma, Lorie; Thesken, John; Phoenix, Leigh; Murthy, Pappu; Revilock, Duane

2007-01-01

Many aging composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), being used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are currently under evaluation to better quantify their reliability and clarify their likelihood of failure due to stress rupture and age-dependent issues. As a result, some test and analysis programs have been successfully accomplished and other related programs are still in progress at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) and other NASA centers, with assistance from the commercial sector. To support this effort, a group of Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) experts was assembled to provide NDE competence for pretest evaluation of test articles and for application of NDE technology to real-time testing. Techniques were required to provide assurance that the test article had adequate structural integrity and manufacturing consistency to be considered acceptable for testing and these techniques were successfully applied. Destructive testing is also being accomplished to better understand the physical and chemical property changes associated with progression toward "stress rupture" (SR) failure, and it is being associated with NDE response, so it can potentially be used to help with life prediction. Destructive work also includes the evaluation of residual stresses during dissection of the overwrap, laboratory evaluation of specimens extracted from the overwrap to evaluate physical property changes, and quantitative microscopy to inform the theoretical micromechanics.

Mixing of thawed coagulation samples prior to testing: Is any technique better than another?

PubMed

Lima-Oliveira, Gabriel; Adcock, Dorothy M; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Favaloro, Emmanuel J; Lippi, Giuseppe

2016-12-01

Thus study was aimed to investigate whether the mixing technique could influence the results of routine and specialized clotting tests on post-thawed specimens. The sample population consisted of 13 healthy volunteers. Venous blood was collected by evacuated system into three 3.5mL tubes containing 0.109mmol/L buffered sodium citrate. The three blood tubes of each subject were pooled immediately after collection inside a Falcon 15mL tube, then mixed by 6 gentle end-over-end inversions, and centrifuged at 1500g for 15min. Plasma-pool of each subject was then divided in 4 identical aliquots. All aliquots were thawed after 2-day freezing -70°C. Immediately afterwards, the plasma of the four paired aliquots were treated using four different techniques: (a) reference procedure, entailing 6 gentle end-over-end inversions; (b) placing the sample on a blood tube rocker (i.e., rotor mixing) for 5min to induce agitation and mixing; (c) use of a vortex mixer for 20s to induce agitation and mixing; and (d) no mixing. The significance of differences against the reference technique for mixing thawed plasma specimens (i.e., 6 gentle end-over-end inversions) were assessed with paired Student's t-test. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. As compared to the reference 6-time gentle inversion technique, statistically significant differences were only observed for fibrinogen, and factor VIII in plasma mixed on tube rocker. Some trends were observed in the remaining other cases, but the bias did not achieve statistical significance. We hence suggest that each laboratory should standardize the procedures for mixing of thawed plasma according to a single technique. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recommendations for Quantitative Analysis of Small Molecules by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Wang, Poguang; Giese, Roger W.

2017-01-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has been used for quantitative analysis of small molecules for many years. It is usually preceded by an LC separation step when complex samples are tested. With the development several years ago of “modern MALDI” (automation, high repetition laser, high resolution peaks), the ease of use and performance of MALDI as a quantitative technique greatly increased. This review focuses on practical aspects of modern MALDI for quantitation of small molecules conducted in an ordinary way (no special reagents, devices or techniques for the spotting step of MALDI), and includes our ordinary, preferred Methods The review is organized as 18 recommendations with accompanying explanations, criticisms and exceptions. PMID:28118972

Development of a winter wheat adjustable crop calendar model. [Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Montana, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota and Texas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, J. R. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Least squares techniques were applied for parameter estimation of functions to predict winter wheat phenological stage with daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature, daylength, and precipitation as independent variables. After parameter estimation, tests were conducted using independent data. It may generally be concluded that exponential functions have little advantage over polynomials. Precipitation was not found to significantly affect the fits. The Robertson triquadratic form, in general use for spring wheat, yielded good results, but special techniques and care are required. In most instances, equations with nonlinear effects were found to yield erratic results when utilized with averaged daily environmental values as independent variables.

Noninvasive imaging of bone microarchitecture

PubMed Central

Patsch, Janina M.; Burghardt, Andrew J.; Kazakia, Galateia; Majumdar, Sharmila

2015-01-01

The noninvasive quantification of peripheral compartment-specific bone microarchitecture is feasible with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). In addition to classic morphometric indices, both techniques provide a suitable basis for virtual biomechanical testing using finite element (FE) analyses. Methodical limitations, morphometric parameter definition, and motion artifacts have to be considered to achieve optimal data interpretation from imaging studies. With increasing availability of in vivo high-resolution bone imaging techniques, special emphasis should be put on quality control including multicenter, cross-site validations. Importantly, conclusions from interventional studies investigating the effects of antiosteoporotic drugs on bone microarchitecture should be drawn with care, ideally involving imaging scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians. PMID:22172043

Satellite stratospheric aerosol measurement validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, P. B.; Mccormick, M. P.

1984-01-01

The validity of the stratospheric aerosol measurements made by the satellite sensors SAM II and SAGE was tested by comparing their results with each other and with results obtained by other techniques (lider, dustsonde, filter, and impactor). The latter type of comparison required the development of special techniques that convert the quantity measured by the correlative sensor (e.g. particle backscatter, number, or mass) to that measured by the satellite sensor (extinction) and quantitatively estimate the uncertainty in the conversion process. The results of both types of comparisons show agreement within the measurement and conversion uncertainties. Moreover, the satellite uncertainty is small compared to aerosol natural variability (caused by seasonal changes, volcanoes, sudden warmings, and vortex structure). It was concluded that the satellite measurements are valid.

Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Electroslag Refined Fe-12Ni Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhat, G. K.

1978-01-01

Three Fe-12Ni alloys, individually alloyed with small amounts of V, Ti, and Al, were manufactured through different melting techniques, with special emphasis on electroslag remelting, in order to achieve different levels of metal purity and associated costs. The relative effectiveness of these melting techniques was evaluated from tensile and slow bend fracture toughness behavior at 25 C and -196 C after tempering the test specimens at various temperatures. The best melting procedure was vacuum induction melting (VIM) with or without electroslag remelting (ESR). VIM+ESR is the recommended procedure since ESR provides increased yield of plate product, a reduction of overall manufacturing costs and, depending on the alloy composition, improved tensile and fracture toughness properties.

[Advance in interferogram data processing technique].

PubMed

Jing, Juan-Juan; Xiangli, Bin; Lü, Qun-Bo; Huang, Min; Zhou, Jin-Song

2011-04-01

Fourier transform spectrometry is a type of novel information obtaining technology, which integrated the functions of imaging and spectra, but the data that the instrument acquired is the interference data of the target, which is an intermediate data and couldn't be used directly, so data processing must be adopted for the successful application of the interferometric data In the present paper, data processing techniques are divided into two classes: general-purpose and special-type. First, the advance in universal interferometric data processing technique is introduced, then the special-type interferometric data extracting method and data processing technique is illustrated according to the classification of Fourier transform spectroscopy. Finally, the trends of interferogram data processing technique are discussed.

Evaluation of Two Protocols to Measure the Accuracy of Fixed Dental Prostheses: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Schönberger, Joana; Erdelt, Kurt-Jürgen; Bäumer, Daniel; Beuer, Florian

2017-02-02

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare two measurement protocols of the internal and marginal fit of three-unit zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Forty-four FDPs were fabricated for standardized dies by two laboratory CAD/CAM systems: Cercon (n = 22) and Ceramill (n = 22). The fitting was tested using a replica technique (RT = technique 1) with a light-body silicone stabilized with heavy-body material. After producing the replicas, cross-sections were made in the buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. FDPs were cemented on definitive dies, embedded, and sectioned (CST = technique 2). The marginal and internal fits were measured under an optical microscope at 50x magnification with a special software program. Data evaluation was performed according to prior studies at a level of significance of 5%. The mean internal gap width was 51 ± 36 μm for the RT and 52 ± 35 μm for the cross-section technique (CST) (p = 0.74). The mean marginal gap width was 27 ± 18 μm for RT and 30 ± 19 μm for CST (p = 0.19). Statistical tests showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Both techniques can be used for fit evaluation; however, the noninvasive RT is suitable for clinical use. © 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Easy sperm processing technique allowing exclusive accumulation and later usage of DNA-strandbreak-free spermatozoa.

PubMed

Ebner, T; Shebl, O; Moser, M; Mayer, R B; Arzt, W; Tews, G

2011-01-01

Sperm DNA fragmentation is increased in poor-quality semen samples and correlates with failed fertilization, impaired preimplantation development and reduced pregnancy outcome. Common sperm preparation techniques may reduce the percentage of strandbreak-positive spermatozoa, but, to date, there is no reliable approach to exclusively accumulate strandbreak-free spermatozoa. To analyse the efficiency of special sperm selection chambers (Zech-selectors made of glass or polyethylene) in terms of strandbreak reduction, 39 subfertile men were recruited and three probes (native, density gradient and Zech-selector) were used to check for strand breaks using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. The mean percentage of affected spermatozoa in the ejaculate was 15.8 ± 7.8% (range 5.0–42.1%). Density gradient did not significantly improve the quality of spermatozoa selected(14.2 ± 7.0%). However, glass chambers completely removed 90% spermatozoa showing strand breaks and polyethylene chambers removed 76%. Both types of Zech-selectors were equivalent in their efficiency, significantly reduced DNA damage (P < 0.001) and,with respect to this, performed better than density gradient centrifugation (P < 0.001). As far as is known, this is the first report ona sperm preparation technique concentrating spermatozoa unaffected in terms of DNA damage. The special chambers most probably select for sperm motility and/or maturity. Copyright © 2010 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel Hybrid Scheduling Technique for Sensor Nodes with Mixed Criticality Tasks.

PubMed

Micea, Mihai-Victor; Stangaciu, Cristina-Sorina; Stangaciu, Valentin; Curiac, Daniel-Ioan

2017-06-26

Sensor networks become increasingly a key technology for complex control applications. Their potential use in safety- and time-critical domains has raised the need for task scheduling mechanisms specially adapted to sensor node specific requirements, often materialized in predictable jitter-less execution of tasks characterized by different criticality levels. This paper offers an efficient scheduling solution, named Hybrid Hard Real-Time Scheduling (H²RTS), which combines a static, clock driven method with a dynamic, event driven scheduling technique, in order to provide high execution predictability, while keeping a high node Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization factor. From the detailed, integrated schedulability analysis of the H²RTS, a set of sufficiency tests are introduced and demonstrated based on the processor demand and linear upper bound metrics. The performance and correct behavior of the proposed hybrid scheduling technique have been extensively evaluated and validated both on a simulator and on a sensor mote equipped with ARM7 microcontroller.

Likelihood Ratio Tests for Special Rasch Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hessen, David J.

2010-01-01

In this article, a general class of special Rasch models for dichotomous item scores is considered. Although Andersen's likelihood ratio test can be used to test whether a Rasch model fits to the data, the test does not differentiate between special Rasch models. Therefore, in this article, new likelihood ratio tests are proposed for testing…

Group Counseling: Techniques for Teaching Social Skills to Students with Special Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, Derk; Jain, Sachin; Kim, Kioh

2010-01-01

This paper examines literature that supports the use of group counseling techniques in the school setting to teach social skills to children and adolescents with special needs. From the review of this literature it was found that group counseling is a very effective way of addressing a variety of social skills problems that can be displayed by…

EDITORIAL: Special issue on near surface geophysics for the study and the management of historical resources Special issue on near surface geophysics for the study and the management of historical resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eppelbaum, L. V.; Masini, N.; Soldovieri, F.

2010-06-01

This special issue of the Journal of Geophysics and Engineering hosts a selection of the papers that were presented at the session entitled `Near surface geophysics for the study and the management of historical resources: past, present and future', organized within the framework of the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (Vienna, Austria, 19-24 April 2009). As the conveners, we invited the active participants of this session to prepare papers reflecting their presentations and submit them for publication in the Journal of Geophysics and Engineering. This special issue presents the papers which have passed through the prolonged and stringent reviewing process. The papers presented in this issue illustrate the application of novel instrumentation, surface and airborne remote sensing techniques, as well as data processing oriented both to new archaeological targets characterization and cultural heritage conservation. In this field, increasing interest has been observed in recent years in non-destructive and non-invasive geophysical test methods. They allow one to overcome the subjectivity and ambiguity arising from the number and locations of the sites chosen to perform the destructive examination. In addition, very recently, much attention has been given to the integration of the classical geophysical techniques (GPR, magnetic, ERT, IP) with new emerging surface and subsurface sensing techniques (optical sensors, lidar, microwave tomography, MASW) for a combined monitoring of archaeological constructions and artefacts. We hope that the presented research papers will be interesting for readers in the different branches of environmental and cultural heritage sciences and will attract new potential contributors to the important topics of archaeological targets recognition, cultural heritage monitoring and diagnostics. Statistically, every day several tens of significant archaeological objects are destroyed and damaged throughout the Earth, and we hope that our investigation will help to decrease these losses. We wish to thank all the authors for their presentations and fruitful discussions at the session and for preparing these articles. We are grateful to all the reviewers whose accurate and hard work has made the successful publication of this special issue possible. We also thank the editors and managers of the Journal of Geophysics and Engineering (particularly Sarah Quin) for their skilled and pleasant collaboration.

Biomedical support systems. [use and verification of biomedical hardware in altitude test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brockett, R. M.; Ferguson, J. M.; Luczkowski, S. M.

1973-01-01

Biomedical support hardware for SMEAT consisted basically of two systems, the inflight medical support system, and the operational bioinstrumentation system. The former is essentially a diagnostic and therapeutic kit; the latter is a belt equipped with sensors worn by the crewman to permit monitoring of his vital signs. Special attention was given during to the use and verification of the items in the systems so that changes required in the equipment could be pinpointed and effected prior to the Skylab mission. During the in-chamber testing, evaluations were made of the effectiveness of the proposed microbiology procedures, techniques, equipment, and the stability of media and reagents over the extended period of storage.

Novel method for screening of enteric film coatings properties with magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Dorożyński, Przemysław; Jamróz, Witold; Niwiński, Krzysztof; Kurek, Mateusz; Węglarz, Władysław P; Jachowicz, Renata; Kulinowski, Piotr

2013-11-18

The aim of the study is to present the concept of novel method for fast screening of enteric coating compositions properties without the need of preparation of tablets batches for fluid bed coating. Proposed method involves evaluation of enteric coated model tablets in specially designed testing cell with application of MRI technique. The results obtained in the testing cell were compared with results of dissolution studies of mini-tablets coated in fluid bed apparatus. The method could be useful in early stage of formulation development for screening of film coating properties that will shorten and simplify the development works. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

F/A-18 forebody vortex control. Volume 2: Rotary-balance tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kramer, Brian R.; Suarez, Carlos J.; Malcolm, Gerald N.; Ayers, Bert F.

1994-01-01

A rotary-balance wind tunnel test was conducted on a six percent model of the F/A-18 at the NASA Ames 7 X 10-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel. The data reduction was specially written for the test in National Instruments' LabVIEW. The data acquisition, reduction and analysis was performed with a Macintosh computer. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the effectiveness of several forebody vortex control configurations in a rotary flow field. The devices that were found to be the most effective during the static tests (Volume 1) were investigated and included both mechanical and pneumatic configurations. The mechanical systems evaluated were small, single and dual, rotating nose tip strakes and a vertical nose strake. The jet blowing configuration used nozzles canted inboard 60 degrees. A two segment tangential slot was also evaluated. The different techniques were evaluated at angles of attack of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 51 degrees, and 60 degrees. Sideslip and Reynolds number were varied for some of the configurations. All of the techniques proved to be effective in the rotating flow field. The vertical nose strake had the largest 'envelope' of effectiveness. Forebody vortex control provides large, robust yawing moments at medium to high angles of attack, even during combat maneuvers such as loaded roll.

A randomized, prospective cross-over trial comparing methylene blue-directed biopsy and conventional random biopsy for detecting intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

PubMed

Ragunath, K; Krasner, N; Raman, V S; Haqqani, M T; Cheung, W Y

2003-12-01

The value of methylene blue-directed biopsies (MBDB) in detecting specialized intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of MBDB with random biopsy in detecting intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus. A prospective, randomized, cross-over trial was undertaken to compare MBDB with random biopsy in patients with Barrett's esophagus segments 3 cm or more in length without macroscopic evidence of dysplasia or cancer. Dysplasia was graded as: indefinite for dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or carcinoma, and was reported in a blinded fashion. Fifty-seven patients were recruited, 44 of whom were male. A total of 1,269 biopsies were taken (MBDB-651, random biopsie-618). Analysis of the results by per-biopsy protocol showed that the MBDB technique diagnosed significantly more specialized intestinal metaplasia (75 %) compared to the random biopsy technique (68 %; P = 0.032). The sensitivity and specificity rates of MBDB for diagnosing specialized intestinal metaplasia were 91 % (95 % CI, 88 - 93 %) and 43 % (95 % CI, 36 - 51 %), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity rates of MBDB for diagnosing dysplasia or carcinoma were 49 % (95 % CI, 38 - 61 %) and 85 % (95 % CI, 82 - 88 %), respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnosis of dysplasia and carcinoma - MBDB 12 %, random biopsy 10 %. The methylene blue staining pattern appeared to have an influence on the detection of specialized intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia/carcinoma. Dark blue staining was associated with increased detection of specialized intestinal metaplasia (P < 0.0001), and heterogeneous staining (P = 0.137) or no staining (P = 0.005) were associated with dysplasia and/or carcinoma detection. The MBDB technique prolonged the endoscopy examination by an average of 6 min. The diagnostic accuracy of the MBDB technique was superior to that of the random biopsy technique for identifying specialized intestinal metaplasia, but not dysplasia or carcinoma. The intensity of methylene blue staining has an influence on the detection of specialized intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia or carcinoma, which may help in targeting the biopsies. Although MBDB prolongs the endoscopy procedure slightly, it is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Further clinical studies on the MBDB technique exclusively in endoscopically normal dysplastic Barrett's esophagus are needed.

Sensing Methods for Detecting Analog Television Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Mohammad Azizur; Song, Chunyi; Harada, Hiroshi

This paper introduces a unified method of spectrum sensing for all existing analog television (TV) signals including NTSC, PAL and SECAM. We propose a correlation based method (CBM) with a single reference signal for sensing any analog TV signals. In addition we also propose an improved energy detection method. The CBM approach has been implemented in a hardware prototype specially designed for participating in Singapore TV white space (WS) test trial conducted by Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of the Singapore government. Analytical and simulation results of the CBM method will be presented in the paper, as well as hardware testing results for sensing various analog TV signals. Both AWGN and fading channels will be considered. It is shown that the theoretical results closely match with those from simulations. Sensing performance of the hardware prototype will also be presented in fading environment by using a fading simulator. We present performance of the proposed techniques in terms of probability of false alarm, probability of detection, sensing time etc. We also present a comparative study of the various techniques.

Applications of ISES for meteorology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Try, Paul D.

1990-01-01

The results are summarized from an initial assessment of the potential real-time meteorological requirements for the data from Eos systems. Eos research scientists associated with facility instruments, investigator instruments, and interdisciplinary groups with data related to meteorological support were contacted, along with those from the normal operational user and technique development groups. Two types of activities indicated the greatest need for real-time Eos data: technology transfer groups (e.g., NOAA's Forecasting System Laboratory and the DOD development laboratories), and field testing groups with airborne operations. A special concern was expressed by several non-U.S. participants who desire a direct downlink to be sure of rapid receipt of the data for their area of interest. Several potential experiments or demonstrations are recommended for ISES which include support for hurricane/typhoon forecasting, space shuttle reentry, severe weather forecasting (using microphysical cloud classification techniques), field testing, and quick reaction of instrumented aircraft to measure such events as polar stratospheric clouds and volcanic eruptions.

Miniaturized technology for protein and nucleic acid point-of-care testing.

PubMed

Olasagasti, Felix; Ruiz de Gordoa, Juan Carlos

2012-11-01

The field of point-of-care (POC) testing technology is developing quickly and producing instruments that are increasingly reliable, while their size is being gradually reduced. Proteins are a common target for POC analyses and the detection of protein markers typically involves immunoassays aimed at detecting different groups of proteins such as tumor markers, inflammation proteins, and cardiac markers; but other techniques can also be used to analyze plasma proteins. In the case of nucleic acids, hybridization and amplification strategies can be used to record electromagnetic or electric signals. These techniques allow for the identification of specific viral or bacterial infections as well as specific cancers. In this review, we consider some of the latest advances in the analysis of specific nucleic acid and protein biomarkers, taking into account their trend toward miniaturization and paying special attention to the technology that can be implemented in future applications, such as lab-on-a-chip instruments. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Continuous integration for concurrent MOOSE framework and application development on GitHub

DOE PAGES

Slaughter, Andrew E.; Peterson, John W.; Gaston, Derek R.; ...

2015-11-20

For the past several years, Idaho National Laboratory’s MOOSE framework team has employed modern software engineering techniques (continuous integration, joint application/framework source code repos- itories, automated regression testing, etc.) in developing closed-source multiphysics simulation software (Gaston et al., Journal of Open Research Software vol. 2, article e10, 2014). In March 2014, the MOOSE framework was released under an open source license on GitHub, significantly expanding and diversifying the pool of current active and potential future contributors on the project. Despite this recent growth, the same philosophy of concurrent framework and application development continues to guide the project’s development roadmap. Severalmore » specific practices, including techniques for managing multiple repositories, conducting automated regression testing, and implementing a cascading build process are discussed in this short paper. Furthermore, special attention is given to describing the manner in which these practices naturally synergize with the GitHub API and GitHub-specific features such as issue tracking, Pull Requests, and project forks.« less

Continuous integration for concurrent MOOSE framework and application development on GitHub

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

Slaughter, Andrew E.; Peterson, John W.; Gaston, Derek R.

For the past several years, Idaho National Laboratory’s MOOSE framework team has employed modern software engineering techniques (continuous integration, joint application/framework source code repos- itories, automated regression testing, etc.) in developing closed-source multiphysics simulation software (Gaston et al., Journal of Open Research Software vol. 2, article e10, 2014). In March 2014, the MOOSE framework was released under an open source license on GitHub, significantly expanding and diversifying the pool of current active and potential future contributors on the project. Despite this recent growth, the same philosophy of concurrent framework and application development continues to guide the project’s development roadmap. Severalmore » specific practices, including techniques for managing multiple repositories, conducting automated regression testing, and implementing a cascading build process are discussed in this short paper. Furthermore, special attention is given to describing the manner in which these practices naturally synergize with the GitHub API and GitHub-specific features such as issue tracking, Pull Requests, and project forks.« less

Ecological interactions and the Netflix problem.

PubMed

Desjardins-Proulx, Philippe; Laigle, Idaline; Poisot, Timothée; Gravel, Dominique

2017-01-01

Species interactions are a key component of ecosystems but we generally have an incomplete picture of who-eats-who in a given community. Different techniques have been devised to predict species interactions using theoretical models or abundances. Here, we explore the K nearest neighbour approach, with a special emphasis on recommendation, along with a supervised machine learning technique. Recommenders are algorithms developed for companies like Netflix to predict whether a customer will like a product given the preferences of similar customers. These machine learning techniques are well-suited to study binary ecological interactions since they focus on positive-only data. By removing a prey from a predator, we find that recommenders can guess the missing prey around 50% of the times on the first try, with up to 881 possibilities. Traits do not improve significantly the results for the K nearest neighbour, although a simple test with a supervised learning approach (random forests) show we can predict interactions with high accuracy using only three traits per species. This result shows that binary interactions can be predicted without regard to the ecological community given only three variables: body mass and two variables for the species' phylogeny. These techniques are complementary, as recommenders can predict interactions in the absence of traits, using only information about other species' interactions, while supervised learning algorithms such as random forests base their predictions on traits only but do not exploit other species' interactions. Further work should focus on developing custom similarity measures specialized for ecology to improve the KNN algorithms and using richer data to capture indirect relationships between species.

Ecological interactions and the Netflix problem

PubMed Central

Laigle, Idaline; Poisot, Timothée; Gravel, Dominique

2017-01-01

Species interactions are a key component of ecosystems but we generally have an incomplete picture of who-eats-who in a given community. Different techniques have been devised to predict species interactions using theoretical models or abundances. Here, we explore the K nearest neighbour approach, with a special emphasis on recommendation, along with a supervised machine learning technique. Recommenders are algorithms developed for companies like Netflix to predict whether a customer will like a product given the preferences of similar customers. These machine learning techniques are well-suited to study binary ecological interactions since they focus on positive-only data. By removing a prey from a predator, we find that recommenders can guess the missing prey around 50% of the times on the first try, with up to 881 possibilities. Traits do not improve significantly the results for the K nearest neighbour, although a simple test with a supervised learning approach (random forests) show we can predict interactions with high accuracy using only three traits per species. This result shows that binary interactions can be predicted without regard to the ecological community given only three variables: body mass and two variables for the species’ phylogeny. These techniques are complementary, as recommenders can predict interactions in the absence of traits, using only information about other species’ interactions, while supervised learning algorithms such as random forests base their predictions on traits only but do not exploit other species’ interactions. Further work should focus on developing custom similarity measures specialized for ecology to improve the KNN algorithms and using richer data to capture indirect relationships between species. PMID:28828250

Special Education--Non-Special Education Achievement Gap in Math: Effects of Reporting Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Reclassification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurlow, Martha L.; Wu, Yi-Chen; Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Ysseldyke, James E.

2016-01-01

Federal regulations indicate that the achievement gap must be closed between subgroups, including the gap between special education and non-special education students. We explored the ways in which achievement trends are influenced by three methods of reporting (cross-sectional, cohort-static, and cohort-dynamic). We also investigated (a) the ways…

Special feature on imaging systems and techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wuqiang; Giakos, George

2013-07-01

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

Strategies and Techniques for Mainstreaming. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheetz, Janet A.; Hudak, Barbara J.

The handbook is intended for the special education teacher and covers all aspects of mainstreaming according to the Monroe model, developed in Monroe County, Michigan. The model focuses on the special education teacher/consultant, who provides direct diagnostic and instructional services to special students, and indirect services to building…

Stress: The Special Educator's Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raschke, Donna; And Others

1988-01-01

The article describes approaches special education teachers can take to reduce stress including diet and exercise, relaxation techniques, use of social support systems, goal setting, time management, and networking. A survey of special education teachers found the use of humor the most common strategy for coping with stress. (DB)

Special Machines; Apparel Manufacturing: 9377.10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

This course allows students who are interested in careers in apparel manufacturing to learn the techniques for operating the various types of special machines used for finishing garments professionally and for specialty work. Course content includes goals, specific objectives, orientation, safety practices, special machines, assembling a child's…

Suicide Prevention in Special Populations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogdaniak, Roman C.; Coronado, Maria G.

Suicide prevention techniques, from a clinical perspective, need to be as diversified as the population they serve. In certain special population groups, suicide has reached epidemic proportions, and there is a significant public health need for specific suicide prevention strategies. Special populations need to be identified and their suicide…

Advanced Grid Simulator for Multi-Megawatt Power Converter Testing and Certification

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

Koralewicz, Przemyslaw; Gevorgian, Vahan; Wallen, Robb

2017-02-16

Grid integration testing of inverter-coupled renewable energy technologies is an essential step in the qualification of renewable energy and energy storage systems to ensure the stability of the power system. New types of devices must be thoroughly tested and validated for compliance with relevant grid codes and interconnection requirements. For this purpose, highly specialized custom-made testing equipment is needed to emulate various types of realistic grid conditions that are required by certification bodies or for research purposes. For testing multi-megawatt converters, a high power grid simulator capable of creating controlled grid conditions and meeting both power quality and dynamic characteristicsmore » is needed. This paper describes the new grid simulator concept based on ABB's medium voltage ACS6000 drive technology that utilizes advanced modulation and control techniques to create an unique testing platform for various multi-megawatt power converter systems. Its performance is demonstrated utilizing the test results obtained during commissioning activities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, USA.« less

A 3D imaging system for the non-intrusive in-flight measurement of the deformation of an aircraft propeller and a helicopter rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stasicki, Bolesław; Boden, Fritz; Ludwikowski, Krzysztof

2017-02-01

The non-intrusive in-flight deformation measurement and the resulting local pitch of an aircraft propeller or helicopter rotor blade is a demanding task. The idea of an imaging system integrated and rotating with the air-craft propeller has already been presented at the 30th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics (ICHSIP30) in 2012. Since then this system has been designed, constructed and tested in the laboratory as well as in-flight on the Cobra VUT100 of Evektor Aerotechnik, Kunovice (CZ). The major aim of the EU FP7 project AIM2 ("Advanced In-flight Measurement techniques 2" - contract No. 266107) was to ascertain the feasibility of this technique under extreme conditions - vibration and large centrifugal forces - to real flight testing. Based on the gained experience a new rotating system for the application on helicopter rotors has recently been constructed and tested on the whirl tower of Airbus Helicopters, Donauwoerth (D). In this paper the principle of the applied Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT), a specialized type of Digital Image Correlation (DIC), is outlined and the construction of both rotating 3D image acquisition systems dedicated to the in-flight deformation measurement of the aircraft propeller and helicopter rotor are described. Furthermore, the results of the ground and in-flight tests of these systems will be shown and discussed. The obtained results will be helpful for manufacturers in the design of their future aircrafts.

The Special Educator and Job Stress.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dedrick, Charles V. L.; Raschke, Donna B.

This monograph examines stressors encountered by special educators, ways of coping with professional demands, and reasons why some teachers handle job stress better than others. It is intended to help special education teachers take a more objective look at what they do and identify strategies and techniques to alleviate some job-related stress…

The Odd Man Out: How Fathers Navigate the Special Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mueller, Tracy Gershwin; Buckley, Pamela C.

2014-01-01

Research about parent experiences with the special education system is largely dominated by the perspectives of mothers. Using purposeful sampling techniques, we interviewed 20 active fathers about their experiences navigating the special education system. All the fathers described three primary roles they experienced, including acting as a…

Description of A 2.3 kW power transformer for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, I.

1979-01-01

The paper describes the principal features and special testing of a high-frequency high-power low-specific-weight (0.57 kg/kW) 2.3-kW electronic power transformer developed for space applications. The transformer is operated in a series resonant inverter supplying beam power to a 30-cm mercury ion thruster. High efficiency (above 98.5%) is obtained through careful detailed design. A number of unique heat removal techniques are discussed which control the winding temperature using only the available conductive cooling.

Development of an X-band 25 watt traveling-wave tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, L. A.; Knight, R. I.

1972-01-01

The development of a 25 watt high efficiency travelingwave tube at 8.5 GHz for space communications and telemetry applications is reported. Described is the design basis for the tube, which is known as the WJ-3703. Because of the combined high efficiency and high frequency requirements, the helix and body dimensions are very small and require special techniques for various assembly and construction procedures. These are described in detail. Measurement results of focusing tests and RF operation are given, but only pulsed RF performance of the tubes was obtained.

A progress report on the development of an augmentor wing jet STOL research aircraft.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quigley, H. C.; Sinclair, S. R. M.; Nark, T. C., Jr.; O'Keefe, J. V.

1971-01-01

The development of the aircraft has progressed to the point where the design of the modifications to the de Havilland C-8A Buffalo is complete and the engines are being tested. The predicted performance shows that the aircraft will be able to take off and land in less than 1500 ft. Simulation studies indicate that the handling qualities of the aircraft, with stability augmentation, will be acceptable for STOL research missions. Special techniques were required, however, for flight path control and transition from cruise to landing configuration .

Design and evaluation of an electrohydraulic servoactuator using active standby redundancy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R. L.; Cover, W. E.

1972-01-01

The application is described of active standby redundancy techniques to a large electrohydraulic servoactuator. The advantages and limitations of active standby redundancy are identified. Special areas of investigation during the development test phase of the program were the evaluation of output transients as a function of channel switching and the nuisance switching characteristics of the system. The feasibility of constructing large electrohydraulic servoactuators using active standby redundancy was successfully demonstrated. In particular the stability and predictability of a properly designed hydromechanical failure detector was demonstrated.

How to Improve Interest, IQ, and Motivation of Vocational Students?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumual, H.; Ombuh, D. M.

2018-02-01

The aim of this research was to study the effect of interest, motivation and IQ of students on the learning result. The survey method with quantitative approach was used in this study. The data were then analysed using path paradigm. Data were collected by questionnaire technique, special tests for IQ and documentation for learning outcomes. The results showed that the interest, IQ and the motivation influence significantly and positively on learning result as well as interest to learning motivation. However, no significant influence of IQ on Learning Motivation was detected in this research.

Producing carbon stripper foils containing boron

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

Stoner, J. O. Jr.

2012-12-19

Parameters being actively tested by the accelerator community for the purpose of extending carbon stripper foil lifetimes in fast ion beams include methods of deposition, parting agents, mounting techniques, support (fork) materials, and inclusion of alloying elements, particularly boron. Specialized production apparatus is required for either sequential deposition or co-deposition of boron in carbon foils. A dual-use vacuum evaporator for arc evaporation of carbon and electron-beam evaporation of boron and other materials has been built for such development. Production of both carbon and boron foils has begun and improvements are in progress.

A Survey of Symplectic and Collocation Integration Methods for Orbit Propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Brandon A.; Anderson, Rodney L.

2012-01-01

Demands on numerical integration algorithms for astrodynamics applications continue to increase. Common methods, like explicit Runge-Kutta, meet the orbit propagation needs of most scenarios, but more specialized scenarios require new techniques to meet both computational efficiency and accuracy needs. This paper provides an extensive survey on the application of symplectic and collocation methods to astrodynamics. Both of these methods benefit from relatively recent theoretical developments, which improve their applicability to artificial satellite orbit propagation. This paper also details their implementation, with several tests demonstrating their advantages and disadvantages.

Comparative efficacy of a simplified handwashing program for improvement in hand hygiene and reduction of school absenteeism among children with intellectual disability.

PubMed

Lee, Regina L T; Leung, Cynthia; Tong, Wah Kun; Chen, Hong; Lee, Paul H

2015-09-01

Infectious diseases are common among schoolchildren as a result of their poor hand hygiene, especially in those who have developmental disabilities. A quasi-experimental study using a pre- to post-test design with a control group was used to test the feasibility and sustainability of simplified 5-step handwashing techniques to measure the hand hygiene outcome for students with mild intellectual disability. Sickness-related school absenteeism was compared. The intervention group experienced a significant increase in the rating of their handwashing quality in both hands from pre- to post-test: left dorsum (+1.05, P < .001); right dorsum (+1.00, P < .001); left palm (+0.98, P < .001); and right palm (+1.09, P < .001). The pre- to post-test difference in the intervention group (+1.03, P < .001) was significantly greater than the difference in the control group (+0.34, P = .001). There were no differences between the post-test and the sustainability assessment in the intervention group. The intervention school experienced a significantly lower absenteeism rate (0.0167) than the control group in the same year (0.028, P = .04).Students in this study showed better performance in simplified handwashing techniques and experienced lower absenteeism than those using usual practice in special education school settings. The simplified 5-step hand hygiene technique has been proven effective in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kinematical Test Theories for Special Relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lämmerzahl, Claus; Braxmaier, Claus; Dittus, Hansjörg; Müller, Holger; Peters, Achim; Schiller, Stephan

A comparison of certain kinematical test theories for Special Relativity including the Robertson and Mansouri-Sext test theories is presented and the accuracy of the experimental results testing Special Relativity are expressed in terms of the parameters appearing in these test theories. The theoretical results are applied to the most precise experimental results obtained recently for the isotropy of light propagation and the constancy of the speed of light.

Linking Competencies in Educational Settings and Measuring Growth. Research Report. ETS RR-06-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

von Davier, Alina A.; Carstensen, Claus H.; von Davier, Matthias

2006-01-01

Measuring and linking competencies require special instruments, special data collection designs, and special statistical models. The measurement instruments are tests or tests forms, which can be used in the following situations: The same test can be given repeatedly; two or more parallel tests forms (i.e., forms intended to be similar in…

NEW TECHNIQUES IN DIAGNOSIS AND APPRAISAL AND IMPLICATION FOR THERAPY FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL STUDY INSTITUTE (OCTOBER 4-6, 1967, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alabama State Dept. of Education, Montgomery.

IN OCTOBER, 1967, A SPECIAL STUDY INSTITUTE, SPONSORED BY THE ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CONVENED FOR THE PURPOSES OF (1) DISCUSSING THE MOST EFFICACIOUS MEANS OF SPEECH THERAPY PROGRAM ORGANIZATION, (2) EXPLORING NEW TECHNIQUES OF SPEECH PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION, PROGNOSIS DETERMINATION, AND THERAPEUTIC SEQUENCE DEVELOPMENT, AND (3)…

Masking in three pinnipeds: underwater, low-frequency critical ratios.

PubMed

Southall, B L; Schusterman, R J; Kastak, D

2000-09-01

Behavioral techniques were used to determine underwater masked hearing thresholds for a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Octave-band white noise maskers were centered at five test frequencies ranging from 200 to 2500 Hz; a slightly wider noise band was used for testing at 100 Hz. Critical ratios were calculated at one masking noise level for each test frequency. Above 200 Hz, critical ratios increased with frequency. This pattern is similar to that observed in most animals tested, and indicates that these pinnipeds lack specializations for detecting low-frequency tonal sounds in noise. However, the individual pinnipeds in this study, particularly the northern elephant seal, detected signals at relatively low signal-to-noise ratios. These results provide a means of estimating zones of auditory masking for pinnipeds exposed to anthropogenic noise sources.

Application Of Interferometry To Optical Components And Systems Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houston, Joseph B., Jr.

1982-05-01

Interferometry provides opticians and lens designers with the ability to evaluate optical components and systems quantitatively. A variety of interferometers and interferometric test procedures have evolved over the past several decades. This evolution has stimulated an ever-increasing amount of interest in using a new generation of instrumentation and computer software for solving cost and schedule problems both in the shop and at field test sites. Optical engineers and their customers continue to gain confidence in their abilities to perform several operations such as assure component quality, analyze and optimize lens assemblies, and accurately predict end-item performance. In this paper, a set of typical test situations are addressed and some standard instrumentation is described, as a means of illustrating the special advantages of interferometric testing. Emphasis will be placed on the proper application of currently available hardware and some of the latest proven techniques.

Chemical vapor deposition growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruth, R. P.; Manasevit, H. M.; Kenty, J. L.; Moudy, L. A.; Simpson, W. I.; Yang, J. J.

1976-01-01

The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for the growth of Si sheet on inexpensive substrate materials is investigated. The objective is to develop CVD techniques for producing large areas of Si sheet on inexpensive substrate materials, with sheet properties suitable for fabricating solar cells meeting the technical goals of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Specific areas covered include: (1) modification and test of existing CVD reactor system; (2) identification and/or development of suitable inexpensive substrate materials; (3) experimental investigation of CVD process parameters using various candidate substrate materials; (4) preparation of Si sheet samples for various special studies, including solar cell fabrication; (5) evaluation of the properties of the Si sheet material produced by the CVD process; and (6) fabrication and evaluation of experimental solar cell structures, using standard and near-standard processing techniques.

Thin Film Physical Sensor Instrumentation Research and Development at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrbanek, John D.; Fralick, Gustave C.

2006-01-01

A range of thin film sensor technology has been demonstrated enabling measurement of multiple parameters either individually or in sensor arrays including temperature, strain, heat flux, and flow. Multiple techniques exist for refractory thin film fabrication, fabrication and integration on complex surfaces and multilayered thin film insulation. Leveraging expertise in thin films and high temperature materials, investigations for the applications of thin film ceramic sensors has begun. The current challenges of instrumentation technology are to further develop systems packaging and component testing of specialized sensors, further develop instrumentation techniques on complex surfaces, improve sensor durability, and to address needs for extreme temperature applications. The technology research and development ongoing at NASA Glenn for applications to future launch vehicles, space vehicles, and ground systems is outlined.

Rapid and noncontact photoacoustic tomography imaging system using an interferometer with high-speed phase modulation technique

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

Liu, Jun; Tang, Zhilie; Wu, Yongbo

2015-04-15

We designed, fabricated, and tested a rapid and noncontact photoacoustic tomography (PAT) imaging system using a low-coherence interferometer with high-speed phase modulation technique. Such a rapid and noncontact probing system can greatly decrease the time of imaging. The proposed PAT imaging system is experimentally verified by capturing images of a simulated tissue sample and the blood vessels within the ear flap of a mouse (pinna) in vivo. The axial and lateral resolutions of the system are evaluated at 45 and ∼15 μm, respectively. The imaging depth of the system is 1 mm in a special phantom. Our results show thatmore » the proposed system opens a promising way to realize noncontact, real-time PAT.« less

[Do Current German-Language Intelligence Tests Take into Consideration the Special Needs of Children with Disabilities?].

PubMed

Mickley, Manfred; Renner, Gerolf

2015-01-01

Do Current German-Language Intelligence Tests Take into Consideration the Special Needs of Children with Disabilities? A review of 23 German intelligence test manuals shows that test-authors do not exclude the use of their tests for children with disabilities. However, these special groups play a minor role in the construction, standardization, and validation of intelligence tests. There is no sufficient discussion and reflection concerning the issue which construct-irrelevant requirements may reduce the validity of the test or which individual test-adaptations are allowed or recommended. Intelligence testing of children with disabilities needs more empirical evidence on objectivity, reliability, and validity of the assessment-procedures employed. Future test construction and validation should systematically analyze construct-irrelevant variance in item format, the special needs of handicapped children, and should give hints for useful test-adaptations.

Surface imaging microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogala, Eric W.; Bankman, Isaac N.

2008-04-01

The three-dimensional shapes of microscopic objects are becoming increasingly important for battlespace CBRNE sensing. Potential applications of microscopic 3D shape observations include characterization of biological weapon particles and manufacturing of micromechanical components. Aerosol signatures of stand-off lidar systems, using elastic backscatter or polarization, are dictated by the aerosol particle shapes and sizes that must be well characterized in the lab. A low-cost, fast instrument for 3D surface shape microscopy will be a valuable point sensor for biological particle sensing applications. Both the cost and imaging durations of traditional techniques such as confocal microscopes, atomic force microscopes, and electron scanning microscopes are too high. We investigated the feasibility of a low-cost, fast interferometric technique for imaging the 3D surface shape of microscopic objects at frame rates limited only by the camera in the system. The system operates at two laser wavelengths producing two fringe images collected simultaneously by a digital camera, and a specialized algorithm we developed reconstructs the surface map of the microscopic object. The current implementation assembled to test the concept and develop the new 3D reconstruction algorithm has 0.25 micron resolution in the x and y directions, and about 0.1 micron accuracy in the z direction, as tested on a microscopic glass test object manufactured with etching techniques. We describe the interferometric instrument, present the reconstruction algorithm, and discuss further development.

Validation and evaluation of measuring methods for the 3D documentation of external injuries in the field of forensic medicine.

PubMed

Buck, Ursula; Buße, Kirsten; Campana, Lorenzo; Schyma, Christian

2018-03-01

Three-dimensional (3D) measurement techniques are gaining importance in many areas. The latest developments brought more cost-effective, user-friendly, and faster technologies onto the market. Which 3D techniques are suitable in the field of forensic medicine and what are their advantages and disadvantages? This wide-ranging study evaluated and validated various 3D measurement techniques for the forensic requirements. High-tech methods as well as low-budget systems have been tested and compared in terms of accuracy, ease of use, expenditure of time, mobility, cost, necessary knowhow, and their limitations. Within this study, various commercial measuring systems of the different techniques were tested. Based on the first results, one measuring system was selected for each technique, which appeared to be the most suitable for the forensic application or is already established in forensic medicine. A body of a deceased, a face and an injury of a living person, and a shoe sole were recorded by 11 people with different professions and previous knowledge using the selected systems. The results were assessed and the personal experiences were evaluated using a questionnaire. In addition, precision investigations were carried out using test objects. The study shows that the hand-held scanner and photogrammetry are very suitable for the 3D documentation of forensic medical findings. Their moderate acquisition costs and easy operation could lead to more frequent application in forensic medicine in the future. For special applications, the stripe-light scanner still has its justification due to its high precision, the flexible application area, and the high reliability. The results show that, thanks to the technological advances, the 3D measurement technology will have more and more impact on the routine of the forensic medical examination.

14 CFR 34.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Special test procedures. 34.5 Section 34.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT FUEL VENTING AND EXHAUST EMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TURBINE ENGINE POWERED AIRPLANES General Provisions § 34.5 Special test...

14 CFR 34.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Special test procedures. 34.5 Section 34.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT FUEL VENTING AND EXHAUST EMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TURBINE ENGINE POWERED AIRPLANES General Provisions § 34.5 Special test...

14 CFR 34.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Special test procedures. 34.5 Section 34.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT FUEL VENTING AND EXHAUST EMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TURBINE ENGINE POWERED AIRPLANES General Provisions § 34.5 Special test...

40 CFR 87.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) Definitions. § 87.5 Special test procedures. Link to an amendment published at 77 FR 36381, June 18, 2012. The..., § 87.5 was removed, effective July 18, 2012. ... 40 Protection of Environment 21 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Special test procedures. 87.5 Section...

The seemingly quixotic pursuit of a cumulative psychological science: introduction to the special issue.

PubMed

Curran, Patrick J

2009-06-01

The goal of any empirical science is to pursue the construction of a cumulative base of knowledge upon which the future of the science may be built. However, there is mixed evidence that the science of psychology can accurately be characterized by such a cumulative progression. Indeed, some argue that the development of a truly cumulative psychological science is not possible with the current paradigms of hypothesis testing in single-study designs. The author explores this controversy as a framework to introduce the 6 articles that make up this special issue on the integration of data and empirical findings across multiple studies. The author proposes that the methods and techniques described in this set of articles can significantly propel researchers forward in their ongoing quest to build a cumulative psychological science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).

An introduction to testing parachutes in wind tunnels

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

Macha, J.

1991-01-01

This paper reviews some of the technical considerations and current practices for testing parachutes in conventional wind tunnels. Special challenges to the experimentalist caused by the fabric construction, flexible geometry, and buff shape of parachutes are discussed. In particular, the topics of measurement technique, similarity considerations, and wall interference are addressed in a summary manner. Many references are cited which provide detailed coverage of the state of the art in testing methods. From the discussions presented, it is obvious that there are some serious problems with state of the art methods, especially in the area of canopy instrumentation and whenmore » working with reduced-scale models. But if the experimentalist is informed about the relative importance of the various factors for a specific test objective, it is usually possible to design a test that will yield meaningful results. The lower cost and the more favorable measurement environment of wind tunnels make their use an attractive alternative to flight testing whenever possible. 26 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

20 CFR 216.15 - Special current connection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Special current connection test. 216.15... ELIGIBILITY FOR AN ANNUITY Current Connection With the Railroad Industry § 216.15 Special current connection test. (a) For survivor annuities. An employee who does not have a current connection under the regular...

20 CFR 216.15 - Special current connection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Special current connection test. 216.15... ELIGIBILITY FOR AN ANNUITY Current Connection With the Railroad Industry § 216.15 Special current connection test. (a) For survivor annuities. An employee who does not have a current connection under the regular...

40 CFR 1051.510 - What special provisions apply for testing ATV engines? [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What special provisions apply for... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM RECREATIONAL ENGINES AND VEHICLES Test Procedures § 1051.510 What special provisions apply for testing ATV engines? [Reserved] ...

Special Libraries: Planning and Operation; Preliminary Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiner, Betty H.

An attempt is made in this report to combine a pragmatic how-to-do-it approach with suggestions for applying system analysis techniques for planning and operating a small special library or information center. A special library is defined as a library in a commercial, industrial, governmental or non-profit organization such as research…

Tissue Engineering Under Microgravity Conditions-Use of Stem Cells and Specialized Cells.

PubMed

Grimm, Daniela; Egli, Marcel; Krüger, Marcus; Riwaldt, Stefan; Corydon, Thomas J; Kopp, Sascha; Wehland, Markus; Wise, Petra; Infanger, Manfred; Mann, Vivek; Sundaresan, Alamelu

2018-03-29

Experimental cell research studying three-dimensional (3D) tissues in space and on Earth using new techniques to simulate microgravity is currently a hot topic in Gravitational Biology and Biomedicine. This review will focus on the current knowledge of the use of stem cells and specialized cells for tissue engineering under simulated microgravity conditions. We will report on recent advancements in the ability to construct 3D aggregates from various cell types using devices originally created to prepare for spaceflights such as the random positioning machine (RPM), the clinostat, or the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor, to engineer various tissues such as preliminary vessels, eye tissue, bone, cartilage, multicellular cancer spheroids, and others from different cells. In addition, stem cells had been investigated under microgravity for the purpose to engineer adipose tissue, cartilage, or bone. Recent publications have discussed different changes of stem cells when exposed to microgravity and the relevant pathways involved in these biological processes. Tissue engineering in microgravity is a new technique to produce organoids, spheroids, or tissues with and without scaffolds. These 3D aggregates can be used for drug testing studies or for coculture models. Multicellular tumor spheroids may be interesting for radiation experiments in the future and to reduce the need for in vivo experiments. Current achievements using cells from patients engineered on the RWV or on the RPM represent an important step in the advancement of techniques that may be applied in translational Regenerative Medicine.

Introduction to This Special Issue on Geostatistics and Geospatial Techniques in Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkinson, Peter; Quattrochi, Dale A.; Goodman, H. Michael (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The germination of this special Computers & Geosciences (C&G) issue began at the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) (RGS-IBG) annual meeting in January 1997 held at the University of Exeter, UK. The snow and cold of the English winter were tempered greatly by warm and cordial discussion of how to stimulate and enhance cooperation on geostatistical and geospatial research in remote sensing 'across the big pond' between UK and US researchers. It was decided that one way forward would be to hold parallel sessions in 1998 on geostatistical and geospatial research in remote sensing at appropriate venues in both the UK and the US. Selected papers given at these sessions would be published as special issues of C&G on the UK side and Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (PE&RS) on the US side. These issues would highlight the commonality in research on geostatistical and geospatial research in remote sensing on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. As a consequence, a session on "Geostatistics and Geospatial Techniques for Remote Sensing of Land Surface Processes" was held at the RGS-IBG annual meeting in Guildford, Surrey, UK in January 1998, organized by the Modeling and Advanced Techniques Special Interest Group (MAT SIG) of the Remote Sensing Society (RSS). A similar session was held at the Association of American Geographers (AAG) annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts in March 1998, sponsored by the AAG's Remote Sensing Specialty Group (RSSG). The 10 papers that make up this issue of C&G, comprise 7 papers from the UK and 3 papers from the LIS. We are both co-editors of each of the journal special issues, with the lead editor of each journal issue being from their respective side of the Atlantic. The special issue of PE&RS (vol. 65) that constitutes the other half of this co-edited journal series was published in early 1999, comprising 6 papers by US authors. We are indebted to the International Association for Mathematical Geology for allowing us to use C&G as a vehicle to convey how geostatistics and geospatial techniques can be used to analyze remote sensing and other types of spatial data. We see this special issue of C&G. and its complementary issue of PE&RS. as a testament to the vitality and interest in the application of geostatistical and geospatial techniques in remote sensing. We also see these special journal issues as the beginning of a fruitful. and hopefully long-term relationship, between American and British geographers and other researchers interested in geostatistical and geospatial techniques applied to remote sensing and other spatial data.

A general diagnostic model applied to language testing data.

PubMed

von Davier, Matthias

2008-11-01

Probabilistic models with one or more latent variables are designed to report on a corresponding number of skills or cognitive attributes. Multidimensional skill profiles offer additional information beyond what a single test score can provide, if the reported skills can be identified and distinguished reliably. Many recent approaches to skill profile models are limited to dichotomous data and have made use of computationally intensive estimation methods such as Markov chain Monte Carlo, since standard maximum likelihood (ML) estimation techniques were deemed infeasible. This paper presents a general diagnostic model (GDM) that can be estimated with standard ML techniques and applies to polytomous response variables as well as to skills with two or more proficiency levels. The paper uses one member of a larger class of diagnostic models, a compensatory diagnostic model for dichotomous and partial credit data. Many well-known models, such as univariate and multivariate versions of the Rasch model and the two-parameter logistic item response theory model, the generalized partial credit model, as well as a variety of skill profile models, are special cases of this GDM. In addition to an introduction to this model, the paper presents a parameter recovery study using simulated data and an application to real data from the field test for TOEFL Internet-based testing.

Parameterized Linear Longitudinal Airship Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulczycki, Eric; Elfes, Alberto; Bayard, David; Quadrelli, Marco; Johnson, Joseph

2010-01-01

A parameterized linear mathematical model of the longitudinal dynamics of an airship is undergoing development. This model is intended to be used in designing control systems for future airships that would operate in the atmospheres of Earth and remote planets. Heretofore, the development of linearized models of the longitudinal dynamics of airships has been costly in that it has been necessary to perform extensive flight testing and to use system-identification techniques to construct models that fit the flight-test data. The present model is a generic one that can be relatively easily specialized to approximate the dynamics of specific airships at specific operating points, without need for further system identification, and with significantly less flight testing. The approach taken in the present development is to merge the linearized dynamical equations of an airship with techniques for estimation of aircraft stability derivatives, and to thereby make it possible to construct a linearized dynamical model of the longitudinal dynamics of a specific airship from geometric and aerodynamic data pertaining to that airship. (It is also planned to develop a model of the lateral dynamics by use of the same methods.) All of the aerodynamic data needed to construct the model of a specific airship can be obtained from wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics

Editing of EIA coded, numerically controlled, machine tool tapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiner, J. M.

1975-01-01

Editing of numerically controlled (N/C) machine tool tapes (8-level paper tape) using an interactive graphic display processor is described. A rapid technique required for correcting production errors in N/C tapes was developed using the interactive text editor on the IMLAC PDS-ID graphic display system and two special programs resident on disk. The correction technique and special programs for processing N/C tapes coded to EIA specifications are discussed.

Experimental Performance Evaluation of a High Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and Drive for a Flywheel Application at Different Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagorny, Aleksandr S.; Jansen, Ralph H.; Kankam, M. David

2007-01-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental performance characterization study of a high speed, permanent magnet motor/generator (M/G) and drive applied to a flywheel module. Unlike the conventional electric machine the flywheel M/G is not a separated unit; its stator and rotor are integrated into a flywheel assembly. The M/G rotor is mounted on a flywheel rotor, which is magnetically levitated and sealed within a vacuum chamber during the operation. Thus, it is not possible to test the M/G using direct load measurements with a dynamometer and torque transducer. Accordingly, a new in-situ testing method had to be developed. The paper describes a new flywheel M/G and drive performance evaluation technique, which allows the estimation of the losses, efficiency and power quality of the flywheel high speed permanent magnet M/G, while working in vacuum, over wide frequency and torque ranges. This method does not require any hardware modification nor any special addition to the test rig. This new measurement technique is useful for high-speed applications, when applying an external load is technically difficult.

[Laboratory medicine in the obligatory postgraduate clinical training system--common clinical training program in the department of laboratory medicine in our prefectural medical university hospital].

PubMed

Okamoto, Yasuyuki

2003-04-01

I propose a postgraduate common clinical training program to be provided by the department of laboratory medicine in our prefectural medical university hospital. The program has three purposes: first, mastering basic laboratory tests; second, developing the skills necessary to accurately interpret laboratory data; third, learning specific techniques in the field of laboratory medicine. For the first purpose, it is important that medical trainees perform testing of their own patients at bedside or in the central clinical laboratory. When testing at the central clinical laboratory, instruction by expert laboratory technicians is helpful. The teaching doctors in the department of laboratory medicine are asked to advise the trainees on the interpretation of data. Consultation will be received via interview or e-mail. In addition, the trainees can participate in various conferences, seminars, and meetings held at the central clinical laboratory. Finally, in order to learn specific techniques in the field of laboratory medicine, several special courses lasting a few months will be prepared. I think this program should be closely linked to the training program in internal medicine.

Production integrated nondestructive testing of composite materials and material compounds - an overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straß, B.; Conrad, C.; Wolter, B.

2017-03-01

Composite materials and material compounds are of increasing importance, because of the steadily rising relevance of resource saving lightweight constructions. Quality assurance with appropriate Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods is a key aspect for reliable and efficient production. Quality changes have to be detected already in the manufacturing flow in order to take adequate corrective actions. For materials and compounds the classical NDT methods for defectoscopy, like X-ray and Ultrasound (US) are still predominant. Nevertheless, meanwhile fast, contactless NDT methods, like air-borne ultrasound, dynamic thermography and special Eddy-Current techniques are available in order to detect cracks, voids, pores and delaminations but also for characterizing fiber content, distribution and alignment. In Metal-Matrix Composites US back-scattering can be used for this purpose. US run-time measurements allow the detection of thermal stresses at the metal-matrix interface. Another important area is the necessity for NDT in joining. To achieve an optimum material utilization and product safety as well as the best possible production efficiency, there is a need for NDT methods for in-line inspection of the joint quality while joining or immediately afterwards. For this purpose EMAT (Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer) technique or Acoustic Emission testing can be used.

Specialized data analysis of SSME and advanced propulsion system vibration measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffin, Thomas; Swanson, Wayne L.; Jong, Yen-Yi

1993-01-01

The basic objectives of this contract were to perform detailed analysis and evaluation of dynamic data obtained during Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) test and flight operations, including analytical/statistical assessment of component dynamic performance, and to continue the development and implementation of analytical/statistical models to effectively define nominal component dynamic characteristics, detect anomalous behavior, and assess machinery operational conditions. This study was to provide timely assessment of engine component operational status, identify probable causes of malfunction, and define feasible engineering solutions. The work was performed under three broad tasks: (1) Analysis, Evaluation, and Documentation of SSME Dynamic Test Results; (2) Data Base and Analytical Model Development and Application; and (3) Development and Application of Vibration Signature Analysis Techniques.

Fabrication of a grazing incidence telescope by grinding and polishing techniques on aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallagher, Dennis; Cash, Webster; Green, James

1991-01-01

The paper describes the fabrication processes, by grinding and polishing, used in making the mirrors for a f/2.8 Wolter type-I grazing incidence telescope at Boulder (Colorado), together with testing procedure used to determine the quality of the images. All grinding and polishing is done on specially designed machine that consists of a horizontal spindle to hold and rotate the mirror and a stroke arm machine to push the various tools back and forth along the mirrors length. The progress is checked by means of the ronchi test during all grinding and polishing stages. Current measurements of the telescope's image quality give a FWHM measurement of 44 arcsec, with the goal set at 5-10 arcsec quality.

Application of laser scanning technique in earthquake protection of Istanbul's historical heritage buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çaktı, Eser; Ercan, Tülay; Dar, Emrullah

2017-04-01

Istanbul's vast historical and cultural heritage is under constant threat of earthquakes. Historical records report repeated damages to the city's landmark buildings. Our efforts towards earthquake protection of several buildings in Istanbul involve earthquake monitoring via structural health monitoring systems, linear and non-linear structural modelling and analysis in search of past and future earthquake performance, shake-table testing of scaled models and non-destructive testing. More recently we have been using laser technology in monitoring structural deformations and damage in five monumental buildings which are Hagia Sophia Museum and Fatih, Sultanahmet, Süleymaniye and Mihrimah Sultan Mosques. This presentation is about these efforts with special emphasis on the use of laser scanning in monitoring of edifices.

Evaluation studies on carbon supported catalysts for oxygen reduction in alkaline medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinivasan, Vakula S.; Singer, Joseph

1986-01-01

This paper describes tests designed to predict the performance of fuel cell electrodes, as applied to an alkaline oxygen-fuel cell having specially fabricated porous-carbon electrodes with various amounts of dispersed platinum or gold as active catalysts. The tests are based on information obtained from the techniques of cyclic voltammetry and polarization. The parameters obtained from cyclic voltammetry were of limited use in predicting fuel cell performance of the cathode. On the other hand, half-cell polarization measurements offered close simulation of the oxygen electrode, although a predictor of the electrode life is still lacking. The very low polarization of the Au-10 percent Pt catalytic electrode suggests that single-phase catalysts should be considered.

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)

Fecal impaction

MedlinePlus

... problems Examine you carefully. Recommend changes in your diet, how to use laxatives and stool softeners, special exercises, lifestyle changes, and other special techniques to retrain your bowel. Follow you closely to make sure the program works for you.

Origins and Overview of the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pawlowski, Joseph W.; Graham, David H.; Boccadoro, Charles H.; Coen, Peter G.; Maglieri, Domenic J.

2005-01-01

The goal of the DARPA Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) Program was to demonstrate for the first time in flight that sonic booms can be substantially reduced by incorporating specialized aircraft shaping techniques. Although mitigation of the sonic boom via specialized shaping techniques was theorized decades ago, until now, this theory had never been tested with a flight vehicle subjected to actual flight conditions in a real atmosphere. The demonstrative success, which occurred on 27 August 2003 with repeat flights in the supersonic corridor at Edwards Air Force Base, is a critical milestone in the development of next generation supersonic aircraft that could one day fly unrestricted over land and help usher in a new era of time-critical air transport. Pressure measurements obtained on the ground and in the air confirmed that the specific modifications made to a Northrop Grumman F-5E aircraft not only changed the shape of the shock wave signature emanating from the aircraft, but also produced a flat-top signature whose shape persisted, as predicted, as the pressure waves propagated through the atmosphere to the ground. This accomplishment represents a major advance towards reducing the startling and potentially damaging noise of a sonic boom. This paper describes the evolution of the SSBD program, including the rationale for test article selection, and provides an overview of the history making accomplishments achieved during the SSBD effort, as well as, the follow-on NASA Shaped Sonic Boom Experiment (SSBE) Program, whose goal was to further evaluate the characteristics and robustness of shaped boom signatures.

Assessment of Minimal HE (with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests)

PubMed Central

Kappus, Matthew R; Bajaj, Jasmohan S

2012-01-01

Synopsis Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with a high risk of development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life and driving accidents. The detection of MHE requires specialized testing since it cannot by definition, be diagnosed on standard clinical examination. Psychometric (paper-pencil or computerized or a combination) and neuro-physiological techniques are often used to test for MHE. Paper-pencil psychometric batteries like the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) have been validated in several countries but do not have US normative values. Computerized tests such as the inhibitory control test (ICT), cognitive drug research system and Scan test have proven useful to diagnose MHE and predict outcomes. The specificity and sensitivity of these tests are similar to the recommended gold standards. Neuro-physiological tests such as the EEG and its interpretations, evoked potentials and Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF) also provide useful information. The diagnosis of MHE is an important issue for clinicians and patients alike and the testing strategies depend on the normative data available, patient comfort and local expertise. PMID:22321464

48 CFR 31.205-40 - Special tooling and special test equipment costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special tooling and special test equipment costs. 31.205-40 Section 31.205-40 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES Contracts With Commercial Organizations 31.205-40...

Overview of recent Japanese activities in thermographic NDT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakagami, Takahide; Ogura, Keiji

1997-04-01

In the past decade, nondestructive testing techniques using infrared thermography, i.e., thermographic NDT techniques, received a lot of attention in many engineering fields in Japan. The first national symposium that specialized in thermographic NDT techniques was held in Tokyo, Japan on November 28-29, 1995, organized by the Research and Technical Committee on Surface Method of the Japanese Society for Nondestructive Inspection (JSNDI). At this symposium, twenty eight presentations including two keynote addresses were given. Over three hundred thermography researchers and engineers (thermographers) attended the symposium. Further, an exhibition of newly developed equipment for infrared thermography featuring the equipment of eleven companies took place concurrently. This symposium played an important role as the first national symposium dedicated to sharing information, ideas and experiences about thermographic NDT among thermographers from both the user and supplier sides. Sessions within the symposium were as follows: Advances in Infrared Imaging Systems; Applications for Composite Materials and Coated Materials; Diagnosis of Equipment/Monitoring, Applications for Structural Materials; Backup Techniques for Thermographic NDT; Infrared Stress Measurement and Contact Problems. This paper briefly describes presentations given in the symposium.

Age determination by teeth examination: a comparison between different morphologic and quantitative analyses.

PubMed

Amariti, M L; Restori, M; De Ferrari, F; Paganelli, C; Faglia, R; Legnani, G

1999-06-01

Age determination by teeth examination is one of the main means of determining personal identification. Current studies have suggested different techniques for determining the age of a subject by means of the analysis of microscopic and macroscopic structural modifications of the tooth with ageing. The histological approach is useful among the various methodologies utilized for this purpose. It is still unclear as to what is the best technique, as almost all the authors suggest the use of the approach they themselves have tested. In the present study, age determination by means of microscopic techniques has been based on the quantitative analysis of three parameters, all well recognized in specialized literature: 1. dentinal tubules density/sclerosis 2. tooth translucency 3. analysis of the cementum thickness. After a description of the three methodologies (with automatic image processing of the dentinal sclerosis utilizing an appropriate computer program developed by the authors) the results obtained on cases using the three different approaches are presented, and the merits and failings of each technique are identified with the intention of identifying the one offering the least degree of error in age determination.

Drilling technique for crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, T.; Miyagawa, I.

1977-01-01

Hole-drilling technique uses special crystal driller in which drill bit rotates at fixed position at speed of 30 rpm while crystal slowly advances toward drill. Technique has been successfully applied to crystal of Rochell salt, Triglycine sulfate, and N-acetyglycine. Technique limits heat buildup and reduces strain on crystal.

Radiation Effects and Hardening Techniques for Spacecraft Microelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gambles, J. W.; Maki, G. K.

2002-01-01

The natural radiation from the Van Allen belts, solar flares, and cosmic rays found outside of the protection of the earth's atmosphere can produce deleterious effects on microelectronics used in space systems. Historically civil space agencies and the commercial satellite industry have been able to utilize components produced in special radiation hardened fabrication process foundries that were developed during the 1970s and 1980s under sponsorship of the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Energy (DoE). In the post--cold war world the DoD and DoE push to advance the rad--hard processes has waned. Today the available rad--hard components lag two-plus technology node generations behind state- of-the-art commercial technologies. As a result space craft designers face a large performance gap when trying to utilize available rad--hard components. Compounding the performance gap problems, rad--hard components are becoming increasingly harder to get. Faced with the economic pitfalls associated with low demand versus the ever increasing investment required for integrated circuit manufacturing equipment most sources of rad--hard parts have simply exited this market in recent years, leaving only two domestic US suppliers of digital rad--hard components. This paper summarizes the radiation induced mechanisms that can cause digital microelectronics to fail in space, techniques that can be applied to mitigate these failure mechanisms, and ground based testing used to validate radiation hardness/tolerance. The radiation hardening techniques can be broken down into two classes, Hardness By Process (HBP) and Hardness By Design (HBD). Fortunately many HBD techniques can be applied to commercial fabrication processes providing space craft designer with radiation tolerant Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that can bridge the performance gap between the special HBP foundries and the commercial state-of-the-art performance.

Analyzing Large Gene Expression and Methylation Data Profiles Using StatBicRM: Statistical Biclustering-Based Rule Mining

PubMed Central

Maulik, Ujjwal; Mallik, Saurav; Mukhopadhyay, Anirban; Bandyopadhyay, Sanghamitra

2015-01-01

Microarray and beadchip are two most efficient techniques for measuring gene expression and methylation data in bioinformatics. Biclustering deals with the simultaneous clustering of genes and samples. In this article, we propose a computational rule mining framework, StatBicRM (i.e., statistical biclustering-based rule mining) to identify special type of rules and potential biomarkers using integrated approaches of statistical and binary inclusion-maximal biclustering techniques from the biological datasets. At first, a novel statistical strategy has been utilized to eliminate the insignificant/low-significant/redundant genes in such way that significance level must satisfy the data distribution property (viz., either normal distribution or non-normal distribution). The data is then discretized and post-discretized, consecutively. Thereafter, the biclustering technique is applied to identify maximal frequent closed homogeneous itemsets. Corresponding special type of rules are then extracted from the selected itemsets. Our proposed rule mining method performs better than the other rule mining algorithms as it generates maximal frequent closed homogeneous itemsets instead of frequent itemsets. Thus, it saves elapsed time, and can work on big dataset. Pathway and Gene Ontology analyses are conducted on the genes of the evolved rules using David database. Frequency analysis of the genes appearing in the evolved rules is performed to determine potential biomarkers. Furthermore, we also classify the data to know how much the evolved rules are able to describe accurately the remaining test (unknown) data. Subsequently, we also compare the average classification accuracy, and other related factors with other rule-based classifiers. Statistical significance tests are also performed for verifying the statistical relevance of the comparative results. Here, each of the other rule mining methods or rule-based classifiers is also starting with the same post-discretized data-matrix. Finally, we have also included the integrated analysis of gene expression and methylation for determining epigenetic effect (viz., effect of methylation) on gene expression level. PMID:25830807

Analyzing large gene expression and methylation data profiles using StatBicRM: statistical biclustering-based rule mining.

PubMed

Maulik, Ujjwal; Mallik, Saurav; Mukhopadhyay, Anirban; Bandyopadhyay, Sanghamitra

2015-01-01

Microarray and beadchip are two most efficient techniques for measuring gene expression and methylation data in bioinformatics. Biclustering deals with the simultaneous clustering of genes and samples. In this article, we propose a computational rule mining framework, StatBicRM (i.e., statistical biclustering-based rule mining) to identify special type of rules and potential biomarkers using integrated approaches of statistical and binary inclusion-maximal biclustering techniques from the biological datasets. At first, a novel statistical strategy has been utilized to eliminate the insignificant/low-significant/redundant genes in such way that significance level must satisfy the data distribution property (viz., either normal distribution or non-normal distribution). The data is then discretized and post-discretized, consecutively. Thereafter, the biclustering technique is applied to identify maximal frequent closed homogeneous itemsets. Corresponding special type of rules are then extracted from the selected itemsets. Our proposed rule mining method performs better than the other rule mining algorithms as it generates maximal frequent closed homogeneous itemsets instead of frequent itemsets. Thus, it saves elapsed time, and can work on big dataset. Pathway and Gene Ontology analyses are conducted on the genes of the evolved rules using David database. Frequency analysis of the genes appearing in the evolved rules is performed to determine potential biomarkers. Furthermore, we also classify the data to know how much the evolved rules are able to describe accurately the remaining test (unknown) data. Subsequently, we also compare the average classification accuracy, and other related factors with other rule-based classifiers. Statistical significance tests are also performed for verifying the statistical relevance of the comparative results. Here, each of the other rule mining methods or rule-based classifiers is also starting with the same post-discretized data-matrix. Finally, we have also included the integrated analysis of gene expression and methylation for determining epigenetic effect (viz., effect of methylation) on gene expression level.

Teachers' Attitude and Competence in the Use of Assistive Technologies in Special Needs Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Onivehu, Adams Ogirima; Ohawuiro, Onyiyeche Emilia; Oyeniran, Bunmi Juliana

2017-01-01

This study examined teachers' attitude and competence in the use of assistive technologies in special needs schools. The descriptive survey method was employed for the study among 100 teachers who were drawn using purposive sampling technique from special needs schools in Osun State, Nigeria. Six research questions were generated while four…

Impacts of southern pine beetles in special management areas

Treesearch

Stephen R. Clarke

1995-01-01

Southern pine beetles have had great impacts on wilderness and other special management areas. Infestations have spread and affected adjacent [and, and they have disrupted the intended uses and goals desired for these areas. Coping with SPB in special management areas requires advance planning and management, then the use of new and integrated techniques for SPB risk...

The Impact of Teacher Related Factors on the Academic Achievement of 8th Grade Special Education Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker Lewis, Shanique

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of teacher-related factors on the academic achievement of 8th grade special education students. Specifically, this study examines effect of the teacher related factors of instructional technique, teacher specialization, teaching experience, teacher certification, and teacher attitudes toward…

D[superscript 4]S[superscript 4]: A Four Dimensions Instructional Strategy for Web-Based and Blended Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdelaziz, Hamdy A.

2012-01-01

Web-based education is facing a paradigm shift under the rapid development of information and communication technology. The new paradigm of learning requires special techniques of course design, special instructional models, and special methods of evaluation. This paper investigates the effectiveness of an adaptive instructional strategy for…

Special Operations Soldier With Cardiac Family History: Use of CCTA and Protein Biomarker Testing to Detect Risk of Heart Attack From Noncalcified Plaque.

PubMed

Singh, Millee; Kroman, Anne; Singh, Juile; Tariq, Hassan; Amin, Shetal; Morales-Pablon, Cesar Alberto; Cahill, Kristina Vanessa; Harrison, Eric Edward

2015-01-01

We sought to characterize the risk of a heart attack in a 48-year-old asymptomatic US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Soldier without known coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among most age groups in the United States. Much research is dedicated to establishing new techniques to predict myocardial infarction (MI). Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, also known as CCTA, along with 7-protein serum biomarker risk assessment was performed for risk evaluation. A 48-year-old SOCOM Soldier with a family history of heart disease had skeletal chest pain from war injuries and a 5-fold higher risk of heart attack over the next 5 years on the basis of protein markers. A nonobstructive left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) plaque with a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap (i.e., vulnerable plaque) was detected by CCTA. The patient was warned about his risk and prescribed four cardiac medications and scheduled for angioplasty even though he fell outside the guidelines by not having a severe obstructive blockage. Four days later, unfortunately, he had a heart attack before starting his medications and before angioplasty. CCTA with biomarker testing may have an important role in predicating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Special Operations Forces (SOF) Soldiers with at least one risk factor. Conventional stress testing and nuclear scanning would not detect non-flow-limiting vulnerable plaques in vulnerable patients. In order to collect more data, the PROTECT Registry has been started to evaluate asymptomatic Soldiers with at least one risk factor referred to the clinic by military physicians. 2015.

Basic Aspects of Deep Soil Mixing Technology Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorova, Alexandra A.; Rybak, Jarosław; Stefaniuk, Damian; Zajączkowski, Przemysław

2017-10-01

Improving a soil is a process of increasing its physical/mechanical properties without changing its natural structure. Improvement of soil subbase is reached by means of the knitted materials, or other methods when strong connection between soil particles is established. The method of DSM (Deep Soil Mixing) columns has been invented in Japan in 1970s. The main reason of designing cement-soil columns is to improve properties of local soils (such as strength and stiffness) by mixing them with various cementing materials. Cement and calcium are the most commonly used binders. However new research undertaken worldwide proves that apart from these materials, also gypsum or fly ashes can also be successfully implemented. As the Deep Soil Mixing is still being under development, anticipating mechanical properties of columns in particular soils and the usage of cementing materials in formed columns is very difficult and often inappropriate to predict. That is why a research is carried out in order to find out what binders and mixing technology should be used. The paper presents several remarks on the testing procedures related to quality and capacity control of Deep Soil Mixing columns. Soil improvement methods, their advantages and limitations are briefly described. The authors analyse the suitability of selected testing methods on subsequent stages of design and execution of special foundations works. Chosen examples from engineering practice form the basis for recommendations for the control procedures. Presented case studies concerning testing the on capacity field samples and laboratory procedures on various categories of soil-cement samples were picked from R&D and consulting works offered by Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. Special emphasis is paid to climate conditions which may affect the availability of performing and controlling of DSM techniques in polar zones, with a special regard to sample curing.

A vector scanning processing technique for pulsed laser velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernet, Mark P.; Edwards, Robert V.

1989-01-01

Pulsed-laser-sheet velocimetry yields two-dimensional velocity vectors across an extended planar region of a flow. Current processing techniques offer high-precision (1-percent) velocity estimates, but can require hours of processing time on specialized array processors. Sometimes, however, a less accurate (about 5 percent) data-reduction technique which also gives unambiguous velocity vector information is acceptable. Here, a direct space-domain processing technique is described and shown to be far superior to previous methods in achieving these objectives. It uses a novel data coding and reduction technique and has no 180-deg directional ambiguity. A complex convection vortex flow was recorded and completely processed in under 2 min on an 80386-based PC, producing a two-dimensional velocity-vector map of the flowfield. Pulsed-laser velocimetry data can thus be reduced quickly and reasonably accurately, without specialized array processing hardware.

Aeroelasticity matters: Some reflections on two decades of testing in the NASA Langley transonic dynamics tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, W. H., III

1981-01-01

Testing of wind-tunnel aeroelastic models is a well established, widely used means of studying flutter trends, validating theory and investigating flutter margins of safety of new vehicle designs. The Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel was designed specifically for work on dynamics and aeroelastic problems of aircraft and space vehicles. A cross section of aeroelastic research and testing in the facility since it became operational more than two decades ago is presented. Examples selected from a large store of experience illustrate the nature and purpose of some major areas of work performed in the tunnel. These areas include: specialized experimental techniques; development testing of new aircraft and launch vehicle designs; evaluation of proposed "fixes" to solve aeroelastic problems uncovered during development testing; study of unexpected aeroelastic phenomena (i.e., "surprises"); control of aeroelastic effects by active and passive means; and, finally, fundamental research involving measurement of unsteady pressures on oscillating wings and control surface.

Design and Development of a Deep Acoustic Lining for the 40-by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel Test Section

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soderman, Paul T.; Schmitz, Fredric H.; Allen, Christopher S.; Jaeger, Stephen M.; Sacco, Joe N.; Mosher, Marianne; Hayes, Julie A.

2002-01-01

The work described in this report has made effective use of design teams to build a state-of-the-art anechoic wind-tunnel facility. Many potential design solutions were evaluated using engineering analysis, and computational tools. Design alternatives were then evaluated using specially developed testing techniques, Large-scale coupon testing was then performed to develop confidence that the preferred design would meet the acoustic, aerodynamic, and structural objectives of the project. Finally, designs were frozen and the final product was installed in the wind tunnel. The result of this technically ambitious project has been the creation of a unique acoustic wind tunnel. Its large test section (39 ft x 79 ft x SO ft), potentially near-anechoic environment, and medium subsonic speed capability (M = 0.45) will support a full range of aeroacoustic testing-from rotorcraft and other vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to the take-off/landing configurations of both subsonic and supersonic transports.

In-situ monitoring of acoustic linear and nonlinear behavior of titanium alloys during cycling loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frouin, Jerome; Matikas, Theodore E.; Na, Jeong K.; Sathish, Shamachary

1999-02-01

An in-situ technique to measure sound velocity, ultrasonic attenuation and acoustic nonlinear property has been developed for characterization and early detection of fatigue damage in aerospace materials. A previous experiment using the f-2f technique on Ti-6Al-4V dog bone specimen fatigued at different stage of fatigue has shown that the material nonlinearity exhibit large change compared to the other ultrasonic parameter. Real-time monitoring of the nonlinearity may be a future tool to characterize early fatigue damage in the material. For this purpose we have developed a computer software and measurement technique including hardware for the automation of the measurement. New transducer holder and special grips are designed. The automation has allowed us to test the long-term stability of the electronics over a period of time and so proof of the linearity of the system. For the first time, a real-time experiment has been performed on a dog-bone specimen from zero fatigue al the way to the final fracture.

Generalized image contrast enhancement technique based on Heinemann contrast discrimination model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hong; Nodine, Calvin F.

1994-03-01

This paper presents a generalized image contrast enhancement technique which equalizes perceived brightness based on the Heinemann contrast discrimination model. This is a modified algorithm which presents an improvement over the previous study by Mokrane in its mathematically proven existence of a unique solution and in its easily tunable parameterization. The model uses a log-log representation of contrast luminosity between targets and the surround in a fixed luminosity background setting. The algorithm consists of two nonlinear gray-scale mapping functions which have seven parameters, two of which are adjustable Heinemann constants. Another parameter is the background gray level. The remaining four parameters are nonlinear functions of gray scale distribution of the image, and can be uniquely determined once the previous three are given. Tests have been carried out to examine the effectiveness of the algorithm for increasing the overall contrast of images. It can be demonstrated that the generalized algorithm provides better contrast enhancement than histogram equalization. In fact, the histogram equalization technique is a special case of the proposed mapping.

Techniques for reducing fiber-fed and integral-field spectroscopy data: An implementation on R3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, S. F.

2006-11-01

This paper describes the general characteristics of raw data from fiber-fed spectrographs in general and fiber-fed IFUs in particular. The different steps of the data reduction are presented, and the techniques used to address the unusual characteristics of these data are described in detail. These techniques have been implemented in a specialized software package, R3D, developed to reduce fiber-based integral field spectroscopy (IFS) data. The package comprises a set of command-line routines adapted for each of these steps, suitable for creating pipelines. The routines have been tested against simulations, and against real data from various integral field spectrographs (PMAS, PPAK, GMOS, VIMOS and INTEGRAL). Particular attention is paid to the treatment of cross-talk. Based on observations collected at the Centro Astronḿico Hispano Alemán (CAHA) at Calar Alto, operated jointly by the Max-Planck Institut für Astronomie and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC).

Note: reliable and reusable ultrahigh vacuum optical viewports.

PubMed

Arora, P; Sen Gupta, A

2012-04-01

We report a simple technique for the realization of ultrahigh vacuum optical viewports. The technique relies on using specially designed thin copper knife-edges and using a thin layer of Vacseal(®) on tip of the knife-edges between the optical flat and the ConFlat(®) (CF) flange. The design of the windows is such that it gives uniform pressure on the flat without breaking it. The assembled window is a complete unit, which can be mounted directly onto a CF flange of the vacuum chamber. It can be removed and reused without breaking the window seal. The design is reliable as more than a dozen such windows have survived several bake out and cooling cycles and have been leak tested up to 10(-11) Torr l/s level with a commercial Helium leak detector. The advantages of this technique are ease of assembly and leak proof sealing that survives multiple temperature cycling making the windows reliable and reusable. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Novel Hybrid Scheduling Technique for Sensor Nodes with Mixed Criticality Tasks

PubMed Central

Micea, Mihai-Victor; Stangaciu, Cristina-Sorina; Stangaciu, Valentin; Curiac, Daniel-Ioan

2017-01-01

Sensor networks become increasingly a key technology for complex control applications. Their potential use in safety- and time-critical domains has raised the need for task scheduling mechanisms specially adapted to sensor node specific requirements, often materialized in predictable jitter-less execution of tasks characterized by different criticality levels. This paper offers an efficient scheduling solution, named Hybrid Hard Real-Time Scheduling (H2RTS), which combines a static, clock driven method with a dynamic, event driven scheduling technique, in order to provide high execution predictability, while keeping a high node Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization factor. From the detailed, integrated schedulability analysis of the H2RTS, a set of sufficiency tests are introduced and demonstrated based on the processor demand and linear upper bound metrics. The performance and correct behavior of the proposed hybrid scheduling technique have been extensively evaluated and validated both on a simulator and on a sensor mote equipped with ARM7 microcontroller. PMID:28672856

Demonstration of the coast-down technique for determining train resistances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dayman, B.

1983-01-01

Full-scale measurement or validation of the various factors of train running resistance is an essential step in decreasing train energy consumption. Such a measurement capability would enable railroads to evaluate the cost benefits of operational and train consistent configuration changes, and new vehicle and truck designs for decreasing aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. A decrease in the rolling resistance affects more than just a decrease in energy consumption; it also will result in decreased mechanical wear, hence less wheel and rail maintenance and replacement costs. A demonstration of a simple coast-down technique (based on computer-reduction of distance history) was accomplished using specially configured trains on main line rail provided by the Atchison, Topeka and Sante Fe Railway Co. This demonstration test shows that this distance-history coast-down technique for trains is easy to execute in the field. The total running resistance history was accurately determined and subsequently separated into rolling resistance (mechanical friction) and aerodynamic drag.

SSULI/SSUSI UV Tomographic Images of Large-Scale Plasma Structuring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hei, M. A.; Budzien, S. A.; Dymond, K.; Paxton, L. J.; Schaefer, R. K.; Groves, K. M.

2015-12-01

We present a new technique that creates tomographic reconstructions of atmospheric ultraviolet emission based on data from the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI) and the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager (SSUSI), both flown on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Block 5D3 series satellites. Until now, the data from these two instruments have been used independently of each other. The new algorithm combines SSULI/SSUSI measurements of 135.6 nm emission using the tomographic technique; the resultant data product - whole-orbit reconstructions of atmospheric volume emission within the satellite orbital plane - is substantially improved over the original data sets. Tests using simulated atmospheric emission verify that the algorithm performs well in a variety of situations, including daytime, nighttime, and even in the challenging terminator regions. A comparison with ALTAIR radar data validates that the volume emission reconstructions can be inverted to yield maps of electron density. The algorithm incorporates several innovative new features, including the use of both SSULI and SSUSI data to create tomographic reconstructions, the use of an inversion algorithm (Richardson-Lucy; RL) that explicitly accounts for the Poisson statistics inherent in optical measurements, and a pseudo-diffusion based regularization scheme implemented between iterations of the RL code. The algorithm also explicitly accounts for extinction due to absorption by molecular oxygen.

Nitrile O-ring Cracking: A Case of Vacuum Flange O-ring Failures

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

Dees, Craig

2016-07-01

A review of recent nitrile O-ring failures in ISO-KF vacuum flange connections in glovebox applications is presented. An investigation of a single “isolated” o-ring failure leads to the discovery of cracked nitrile o-rings in a glovebox atmospheric control unit. The initial cause of the o-ring failure is attributed to ozone degradation. However, additional investigation reveals nitrile o-ring cracking on multiple gloveboxes and general purpose piping, roughly 85% of the nitrile o-rings removed for inspection show evidence of visible cracking after being in service for 18 months or less. The results of material testing and ambient air testing is presented, elevatedmore » ozone levels are not found. The contributing factors of o-ring failure, including nitrile air sensitivity, inadequate storage practices, and poor installation techniques, are discussed. A discussion of nitrile o-ring material properties, the benefits and limitations, and alternate materials are discussed. Considerations for o-ring material selection, purchasing, storage, and installation are presented in the context of lessons learned from the nitrile o-ring cracking investigation. This paper can be presented in 20 minutes and does not require special accommodations or special audio visual devices.« less

New target and detection methods: active detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittig, W.; Savajols, H.; Demonchy, C. E.; Giot, L.; Roussel-Chomaz, P.; Wang, H.; Ter-Akopian, G.; Fomichev, A.; Golovkov, M. S.; Stepansov, S.; Wolski, R.; Alamanos, N.; Drouart, A.; Gillibert, A.; Lapoux, V.; Pollacco, E.

2003-07-01

The study of nuclei far from stability interacting with simple target nuclei, such as protons, deuterons, 3He and 4He implies the use of inverse kinematics. The very special kinematics, together with the low intensities of the beams calls for special techniques. In july 2002 we tested a new detector, in which the detector gas is the target. This allows in principle a 4π solid angle of the detection, and a big effective target thickness without loss of resolution. The detector developped, called Maya, used isobuthane C4H10 as gas in present tests, and other gases are possible. The multiplexed electronics of more than 1000channels allows the reconstruction of the events occuring between the incoming particle and the detector gas atoms in 3D. Here we were interested in the elastic scattering of 8He on protons for the study of the isobaric analogue states (IAS) of 9He. The beam, in this case, is stopped in the detector. The resonance energy is determined by the place of interaction and the energy of the recoiling proton. The design of the detector is shown, together with some preliminary results are discussed.

Role Of High Speed Photography In The Testing Capabilities Of The Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) Range And Track Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendrix, Roy E.; Dugger, Paul H.

1983-03-01

Since the onset of user testing in the AEDC aeroballistic ranges in 1961, concentrated efforts in such areas as model launching techniques, test environment simulation, and specialized instrumentation have been made to enhance the usefulness of these test facilities. A wide selection of specialized instrumentation has been developed over the years to provide, among other features, panoramic photographic coverage of test models during flight. Pulsed ruby lasers, xenon flash lamps, visible-light spark sources, and flash X-ray systems are employed as short-duration radiation sources in various front-light and back-light photographic systems. Visible-light and near infrared image intensifier diodes are used to achieve high-speed shuttering in photographic pyrometry systems that measure surface temperatures of test models in flight. Turbine-driven framing cameras are used to provide multiframe photography of such high-speed phenomena as impact debris formation and model encounter with erosive fields. As a result, the capabilities of these ballistic range test units have increased significantly in regard to the types of tests that can be accommodated and to the quality and quantity of data that can be provided. Presently, five major range and companion track facilities are active in conducting hypervelocity testing in AEDC's von K6rman Gas Dynamics Facility (VKF): Ranges G, K, and S-1 and Tracks G and K. The following types of tests are conducted in these test units: ablation/erosion, transpiration-cooled nosetip (TCNT), nosetip transition, heat transfer, aerodynamic, cannon projectile, rocket contrail, reentry physics, and hypervelocity impact. The parallel achievements in high-speed photography and testing capabilities are discussed, and the significant role of photographic systems in the development of the overall testing capabilities of the AEDC range and track facilities is illustrated in numerous examples of photographic results.

Measuring structure deformations of a composite glider by optical means with on-ground and in-flight testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakunowicz, Jerzy; Święch, Łukasz; Meyer, Ralf

2016-12-01

In aeronautical research experimental data sets of high quality are essential to verify and improve simulation algorithms. For this reason the experimental techniques need to be constantly refined. The shape, movement or deformation of structural aircraft elements can be measured implicitly in multiple ways; however, only optical, correlation-based techniques are able to deliver direct high-order and spatial results. In this paper two different optical metrologies are used for on-ground preparation and the actual execution of in-flight wing deformation measurements on a PW-6U glider. Firstly, the commercial PONTOS system is used for static tests on the ground and for wind tunnel investigations to successfully certify an experimental sensor pod mounted on top of the test bed fuselage. Secondly, a modification of the glider is necessary to implement the optical method named image pattern correlation technique (IPCT), which has been developed by the German Aerospace Center DLR. This scientific technology uses a stereoscopic camera set-up placed inside the experimental pod and a stochastic dot matrix applied to the area of interest on the glider wing to measure the deformation of the upper wing surface in-flight. The flight test installation, including the preparation, is described and results are presented briefly. Focussing on the compensation for typical error sources, the paper concludes with a recommended procedure to enhance the data processing for better results. Within the presented project IPCT has been developed and optimized for a new type of test bed. Adapted to the special requirements of the glider, the IPCT measurements were able to deliver a valuable wing deformation data base which now can be used to improve corresponding numerical models and simulations.

Lightweight composites for modular panelized construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaidya, Amol S.

Rapid advances in construction materials technology have enabled civil engineers to achieve impressive gains in the safety, economy, and functionality of structures built to serve the common needs of society. Modular building systems is a fast-growing modern, form of construction gaining recognition for its increased efficiency and ability to apply modern technology to the needs of the market place. In the modular construction technique, a single structural panel can perform a number of functions such as providing thermal insulation, vibration damping, and structural strength. These multifunctional panels can be prefabricated in a manufacturing facility and then transferred to the construction site. A system that uses prefabricated panels for construction is called a "panelized construction system". This study focuses on the development of pre-cast, lightweight, multifunctional sandwich composite panels to be used for panelized construction. Two thermoplastic composite panels are proposed in this study, namely Composite Structural Insulated Panels (CSIPs) for exterior walls, floors and roofs, and Open Core Sandwich composite for multifunctional interior walls of a structure. Special manufacturing techniques are developed for manufacturing these panels. The structural behavior of these panels is analyzed based on various building design codes. Detailed descriptions of the design, cost analysis, manufacturing, finite element modeling and structural testing of these proposed panels are included in this study in the of form five peer-reviewed journal articles. The structural testing of the proposed panels involved in this study included flexural testing, axial compression testing, and low and high velocity impact testing. Based on the current study, the proposed CSIP wall and floor panels were found satisfactory, based on building design codes ASCE-7-05 and ACI-318-05. Joining techniques are proposed in this study for connecting the precast panels on the construction site. Keywords: Modular panelized construction, sandwich composites, composite structural insulated panels (CSIPs).

$$t\\bar{t}$$ Spin Correlations at D0

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

Peters, Yvonne

2013-01-01

The heaviest known elementary particle today, the top quark, has been discovered in 1995 by the CDF and D0 collaborations at the Tevatron collider at Fermilab. Its high mass and short lifetime, shorter than the timescale for hadronization, makes the top quark a special particle to study. Due to the short lifetime, the top quark's spin information is preserved in the decay products. In this article we discuss the studies of ttbar spin correlations at D0, testing the full chain from production to decay. In particular, we present a measurement using angular information and an analysis using a matrix-element basedmore » technique. The application of the matrix-element based technique to the ttbar dilepton and semileponic final state resulted in the first evidence for non-vanishing ttbar spin correlations.« less

The Use of Structural-Acoustic Techniques to Assess Potential Structural Damage From Sonic Booms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrelick, Joel; Martini, Kyle

1996-01-01

The potential impact of supersonic operations includes structural damage from the sonic boom overpressure. This paper describes a study of how structural-acoustic modeling and testing techniques may be used to assess the potential for such damage in the absence of actual flyovers. Procedures are described whereby transfer functions relating structural response to sonic boom signature may be obtained with a stationary acoustic source and appropriate data processing. Further, by invoking structural-acoustic reciprocity, these transfer functions may also be acquired by measuring the radiated sound from the structure under a mechanical drive. The approach is based on the fundamental assumption of linearity, both with regard to the (acoustic) propagation of the boom in the vicinity of the structure and to the structure's response. Practical issues revolve around acoustic far field and source directivity requirements. The technique was implemented on a specially fabricated test structure at Edwards AFB, CA with the support of Wyle Laboratories, Inc. Blank shots from a cannon served as our acoustic source and taps from an instrumented hammer generated the mechanical drive. Simulated response functions were constructed. Results of comparisons with corresponding measurements recorded during dedicated supersonic flyovers with F-15 aircraft are presented for a number of sensor placements.

The study of high-speed surface dynamics using a pulsed proton beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttler, William T.; Oro, David M.; Preston, Dean; Mikaelian, Karnig O.; Cherne, Frank J.; Hixson, Robert S.; Mariam, Fesseha G.; Morris, Christopher L.; Stone, Joseph B.; Terrones, Guillermo; Tupa, Dale

2012-03-01

We present experimental results supporting physics based ejecta model development, where we assume ejecta form as a special limiting case of a Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability with Atwood number A = -1. We present and use data to test established RM spike and bubble growth rate theory through application of modern laser Doppler velocimetry techniques applied in a novel manner to coincidentally measure bubble and spike velocities from shocked metals. We also explore the link of ejecta formation from a solid material to its plastic flow stress at high-strain rates (107/s) and high strains (700%).

Evaluation of the Hip: History and Physical Examination

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

Examination of a painful hip is fairly concise and reliable at detecting the presence of a hip joint problem. Hip joint disorders often go undetected, leading to the development of secondary disorders. Using a thoughtful approach and methodical examination techniques, most hip joint problems can be detected and a proper treatment strategy can then be implemented based on an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to present a systematic examination process that outlines important components in each of the evaluation areas of history and physical examination (including inspection, measurements, symptom localization, muscle strength, and special tests). PMID:21509142

Deformation and failure information from composite materials via acoustic emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamstad, M. A.

1978-01-01

The paper reviews some principles of applying acoustic emission (AE) to the study of fiber-composite materials and structures. This review covers the basics of using AE to monitor the deformation and fracture processes that occur when fiber-composite materials are stressed. Also, new results in some areas of current research interest are presented. The following areas are emphasized: study of couplants for AE testing of composites, evaluation of a special immersion-type AE transducer, and wave propagation complications and the development of techniques for locating AE sources in Kevlar 49/epoxy composite pre

A distributed fault-tolerant signal processor /FTSP/

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonneau, R. J.; Evett, R. C.; Young, M. J.

1980-01-01

A digital fault-tolerant signal processor (FTSP), an example of a self-repairing programmable system is analyzed. The design configuration is discussed in terms of fault tolerance, system-level fault detection, isolation and common memory. Special attention is given to the FDIR (fault detection isolation and reconfiguration) logic, noting that the reconfiguration decisions are based on configuration, summary status, end-around tests, and north marker/synchro data. Several mechanisms of fault detection are described which initiate reconfiguration at different levels. It is concluded that the reliability of a signal processor can be significantly enhanced by the use of fault-tolerant techniques.

Verification techniques for x-ray and mammography applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotsopoulos, Stavros A.; Lymberopoulos, Dimitris C.

1993-07-01

The integration of Medical Information Environment demands the study and development of high speed data communication systems with special designed 'endsystems' (MWS, etc.) for flexible and reliable data transmission/reception, handling and manipulation. An important parameter which affects the overall system's performance is the 'quality factor' of the communicated medical data produced by a wide range of modern modalities. The present paper describes a set of tests, done in a medical communication network based on a teleworking platform, in order to optimize the sensitivity parameters of the modalities by remote fine re-adjustments guided by experts.

Efficiency determinants and capacity issues in Brazilian for-profit hospitals.

PubMed

Araújo, Cláudia; Barros, Carlos P; Wanke, Peter

2014-06-01

This paper reports on the use of different approaches for assessing efficiency of a sample of major Brazilian for-profit hospitals. Starting out with the bootstrapping technique, several DEA estimates were generated, allowing the use of confidence intervals and bias correction in central estimates to test for significant differences in efficiency levels and input-decreasing/output-increasing potentials. The findings indicate that efficiency is mixed in Brazilian for-profit hospitals. Opportunities for accommodating future demand appear to be scarce and strongly dependent on particular conditions related to the accreditation and specialization of a given hospital.

Francisella tularensis detection using magnetic labels and a magnetic biosensor based on frequency mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Martin H. F.; Krause, Hans-Joachim; Hartmann, Markus; Miethe, Peter; Oster, Jürgen; Keusgen, Michael

2007-04-01

A biosensor that uses resonant coils with a special frequency-mixing technique and magnetic beads as detectable labels has been established for the detection of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent for tularemia. The detection principle is based on a sandwich immunoassay using an anti-Ft antibody for immunofiltration immobilized to ABICAP ® polyethylene filters, and biotinylated with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads as labels. The linear detection range of this biosensor was found to be 10 4-10 6 cfu F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) per ml. Tested sample matrices were physiological PBS buffer and rabbit serum.

A robust adaptive flightpath reconstruction technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhaegen, M. H.

1986-01-01

Computational schemes are presented that allow accurate reconstruction of an aircraft's flightpath in real-time. The reconstruction of the flightpath is formulated as a linear state reconstruction problem, which can be solved via Kalman filtering (KF) techniques. This imposes some conditions upon the flight-test equipment. A reliable square root covariance KF (SRCF) implementation is chosen and further developed into a fully adaptive flightpath reconstruction scheme. Therefore, the basic SRCF is modified in order to cope with several practical problems such as: the automatic control of the convergence of the recursive KF calculations, time varying zero-bias errors on the input signal of the system model used in the KF, and the changing aircraft dynamics owing to a change in reference flight condition. The developed solutions for these problems are all implemented in a numerically stable way, which guarantees the overall flightpath reconstruction scheme to be robust. Furthermore, some special features of the used system model are exploited to make the algorithmic implementation very efficient. An experimental simulation study using simulated flight test data demonstrated these different capabilities.

The Speed Death of the Eye: The Ideology of Hollywood Film Special Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackmore, Tim

2007-01-01

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, increased computing power has made possible extraordinary leaps in film special effects. This article argues that special effects developed since the beginning of digital animation, when coupled with standard editing room techniques (jump cuts, cutaways), have brought us to an era where the eye cannot…

Issues and Guidelines in Designing Follow-up Systems for Special Education Service Programs. Project Report Number 89-2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruininks, Robert H.; And Others

This paper examines issues in designing post-school follow-up studies in special education. The examination focuses on survey research techniques, which are widely used in the investigation of post-school adjustment of former students with handicaps. In special education, survey research studies are used commonly to address many important…

Issues and Needs in Rural Early Childhood Special Education Services in Florida: A Delphi Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiss, Keith E.; Correa, Vivian I.

A Delphi Technique was used to examine the problems of early childhood special education programs in rural Florida. Two rounds of questionnaires were completed by a panel of early childhood special education administrators and teachers from 14 of Florida's 27 rural counties. In response to the questionnaires, the panel developed 51 problem-related…

The Present Status of Using Natural Gas Cylinders and Acoustic Emission in Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jomdecha, C.; Jirarungsatian, C.; Methong, W.; Poopat, B.

This chapter presents the status of using natural gas cylinders (CNG/NGV) and acoustic emission (AE) in Thailand. During the period from 2006 to 2013, more than 600,000 CNG cylinder units for vehicles were installed and used for transportation, cars, and trucks in Thailand. The number of cylinder units will be tentatively increased in the future due to the increase in gasoline price. Due to the use of high-pressurization equipment in public, the issue of a risk to public safety has been raised. As of this writing, in 2013, the testing standard from the Thai Department of Energy Business recommends inspection every 5 years using effective inspection methods in order to guarantee safe usage of gas cylinders, including the AE method, following ISO 16148. Normally in Thailand, AE is used in research and petrochemical plants as a special technique. The main applications are testing of pressure vessels, aboveground storage tanks, and university research. Few companies are available to conduct AE for testing natural gas cylinders due to the limited safety of the high-pressure operation and AE equipment and a lack of qualified AE personnel. To develop AE techniques, equipment, procedures, and acceptance criteria of natural gas cylinders are the main focus of AE personnel in Thailand. A desired achievement for current development is for natural gas cylinder testing, which can be applied in field tests and supported by a national testing standard.

29 CFR Appendix I to Part 1917 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1917.50(c)(5)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements.... I Appendix I to Part 1917—Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory... 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to initial use...

29 CFR Appendix I to Part 1917 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1917.50(c)(5)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements.... I Appendix I to Part 1917—Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory... 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to initial use...

29 CFR Appendix I to Part 1917 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1917.50(c)(5)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements.... I Appendix I to Part 1917—Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory... 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to initial use...

Survey of NASA V and V Processes/Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pecheur, Charles; Nelson, Stacy

2002-01-01

The purpose of this report is to describe current NASA Verification and Validation (V&V) techniques and to explain how these techniques are applicable to 2nd Generation RLV Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) software. It also contains recommendations for special V&V requirements for IVHM. This report is divided into the following three sections: 1) Survey - Current NASA V&V Processes/Methods; 2) Applicability of NASA V&V to 2nd Generation RLV IVHM; and 3) Special 2nd Generation RLV IVHM V&V Requirements.

Quantum chemical calculation of the equilibrium structures of small metal atom clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kahn, L. R.

1982-01-01

Metal atom clusters are studied based on the application of ab initio quantum mechanical approaches. Because these large 'molecular' systems pose special practical computational problems in the application of the quantum mechanical methods, there is a special need to find simplifying techniques that do not compromise the reliability of the calculations. Research is therefore directed towards various aspects of the implementation of the effective core potential technique for the removal of the metal atom core electrons from the calculations.

Applying Resilience Promotion Training Among Special Forces Police Officers

PubMed Central

Andersen, Judith P.; Papazoglou, Konstantinos; Koskelainen, Mari; Nyman, Markku; Gustafsberg, Harri; Arnetz, Bengt B.

2015-01-01

Police Special Forces (a.k.a. special weapons and tactics [SWAT]) officers are tasked with responding to the most critical situations, including incidents that require specialized skills and equipment beyond typical policing activities. In this study, we tested the feasibility of applying Arnetz and colleagues’ resilience promotion training that was developed for patrol officers to SWAT team officers (n = 18). The resilience promotion training program included psychoeducation focused on police stress and resilience, and the practice of resilience promotion techniques (controlled breathing and imagery) while listening to audio-recorded critical incident scenarios. The aims of this study were to (a) examine if a resilience training program was relevant and accepted by SWAT team officers and (b) assess participants’ physiological stress responses (heart rate, respiration) during the resilience training sessions to note if there were improvements in stress responding over time. Our findings revealed that participants were able to significantly reduce their average heart rate and improve their ability to engage in controlled respiration (i.e., breathing) during simulated critical incidents over the course of the 5-day training. Improvements in stress responding were observed even when the critical incident scenarios became more graphic. Results suggest that an intervention to reduce stress responses of SWAT officers to critical incident scenarios works in a simulated training setting. Translation of these findings to real-world occupational hazards is a recommended next step. PMID:26137394

Application of fuzzy C-Means Algorithm for Determining Field of Interest in Information System Study STTH Medan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman Syahputra, Edy; Agustina Dalimunthe, Yulia; Irvan

2017-12-01

Many students are confused in choosing their own field of specialization, ultimately choosing areas of specialization that are incompatible with a variety of reasons such as just following a friend or because of the area of interest of many choices without knowing whether they have Competencies in the chosen field of interest. This research aims to apply Clustering method with Fuzzy C-means algorithm to classify students in the chosen interest field. The Fuzzy C-Means algorithm is one of the easiest and often used algorithms in data grouping techniques because it makes efficient estimates and does not require many parameters. Several studies have led to the conclusion that the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm can be used to group data based on certain attributes. In this research will be used Fuzzy C-Means algorithm to classify student data based on the value of core subjects in the selection of specialization field. This study also tested the accuracy of the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm in the determination of interest area. The study was conducted on the STT-Harapan Medan Information System Study program, and the object of research is the value of all students of STT-Harapan Medan Information System Study Program 2012. From this research, it is expected to get the specialization field, according to the students' ability based on the prerequisite principal value.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Special Acupuncture Technique for Pain after Thoracotomy

PubMed Central

Deng, Gary; Rusch, Valerie; Vickers, Andrew; Malhortra, Vivek; Ginex, Pamela; Downey, Robert; Bains, Manjit; Park, Bernard; Rizk, Nabil; Flores, Raja; Yeung, Simon; Cassileth, Barrie

2009-01-01

Objective To determine whether an acupuncture technique specially developed for a surgical oncology population (intervention) reduces pain or analgesic use after thoracotomy compared to a sham acupuncture technique (control). Methods One hundred and sixty two cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy were randomized to group A) preoperative implantation of small intradermal needles which were retained for 4 weeks or B) preoperative placement of sham needles at the same schedule. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of pain and total opioid use we evaluated during the in-patient stay; Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Medication Quantification Scale (MQS) were evaluated after discharge up to 3 months after the surgery. Results The principal analysis, a comparison of BPI pain intensity scores at the 30 day follow-up, showed no significant difference between the intervention and control group. Pain scores were marginally higher in the intervention group 0.05 (95% C.I.: 0.74, -0.64; p=0.9). There were also no statistically significant differences between groups for secondary endpoints, including chronic pain assessments at 60 and 90 days, in-patient pain, and medication use in hospital and after discharge. Conclusion A special acupuncture technique as provided in this study did not reduce pain or use of pain medication after thoracotomy more than a sham technique. PMID:19114190

External Corrosion Direct Assessment for Unique Threats to Underground Pipelines

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-11-01

External corrosion direct assessment process (ECDA) implemented in accordance with the NACE Recommended Practice RP0502-02 relies on above ground DA techniques to prioritize locations at risk for corrosion. Two special cases warrant special considera...

The Child Welfare Agency as School Consultant

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schild, Judith S.; And Others

1976-01-01

Describes the School Consultation Program offered by the Jewish Children's Bureau (JCB) to the special education personnel of four elementary schools in a suburban school district. Discusses problems and special techniques of applying child welfare to school consultation. (JH)

Managing travel for planned special events handbook : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-06-01

This report was written to communicate new and proven institutional and high-level operational techniques and strategies for achieving a coordinated, proactive approach to managing travel for all planned special events in a region in addition to faci...

Detecting malingering: a survey of experts' practices.

PubMed

Slick, Daniel J; Tan, Jing E; Strauss, Esther H; Hultsch, David F

2004-06-01

A survey addressing practices of 'expert' neuropsychologists in handling financial compensation claim or personal injury litigation cases was carried out. Potential participants were identified by publication history. Responses were obtained from 24 out of the 39 neuropsychologists who were surveyed. Approximately 79% of the respondents reported using at least one specialized technique for detecting malingering in every litigant assessment. Half stated that they always give specialized tests at the beginning of the assessment. The Rey 15-Item test and the Test of Memory Malingering were the most frequently reported measures. Respondents also reported frequent use of 'malingering' indexes from standard neuropsychological tests. Reported base-rates varied, but the majority of respondents indicated that at least 10% of the litigants they assessed in the last year were definitely malingering. Respondents were split on the practice of routinely giving warnings at the outset of assessments that suboptimal performance may be detected. However, when the client's motivational status was suspect, more than half (58.3%) altered their assessment routine at least on some occasions, by encouraging good effort (70.8%) or administering additional SVTs. A minority directly confronted or warned clients (25%), terminated the examination earlier than planned (16.6%), or contacted the referring attorney immediately (29.2%). Respondents almost always stated some opinion regarding indicators of invalidity in written reports (95%). However, 41.7% rarely used the term 'malingering' and 12.5% never used the term. Most respondents (>80%) instead stated that the test results are invalid, inconsistent with the severity of the injury or indicative of exaggeration. Copyright 2003 National Academy of Neuropsychology

The NASA Langley Laminar-Flow-Control (LFC) experiment on a swept, supercritical airfoil: Design overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Charles D.; Harvey, William D.; Brooks, Cuyler W., Jr.

1988-01-01

A large-chord, swept, supercritical, laminar-flow-control (LFC) airfoil was designed and constructed and is currently undergoing tests in the Langley 8 ft Transonic Pressure Tunnel. The experiment was directed toward evaluating the compatibility of LFC and supercritical airfoils, validating prediction techniques, and generating a data base for future transport airfoil design as part of NASA's ongoing research program to significantly reduce drag and increase aircraft efficiency. Unique features of the airfoil included a high design Mach number with shock free flow and boundary layer control by suction. Special requirements for the experiment included modifications to the wind tunnel to achieve the necessary flow quality and contouring of the test section walls to simulate free air flow about a swept model at transonic speeds. Design of the airfoil with a slotted suction surface, the suction system, and modifications to the tunnel to meet test requirements are discussed.

Liquid Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

Thermochromic liquid crystals, or TLCs, are a type of liquid crystals that react to changes in temperature by changing color. The Hallcrest/NASA collaboration involved development of a new way to visualize boundary layer transition in flight and in wind tunnel testing of aircraft wing and body surfaces. TLCs offered a new and potentially better method of visualizing the boundary layer transition in flight. Hallcrest provided a liquid crystal formulation technique that afforded great control over the sensitivity of the liquid crystals to varying conditions. Method is of great use to industry, government and universities for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic testing. Company's principal line is temperature indicating devices for industrial use, such as non-destructive testing and flaw detection in electric/electronic systems, medical application, such as diagnostic systems, for retail sale, such as room, refrigerator, baby bath and aquarium thermometers, and for advertising and promotion specials. Additionally, Hallcrest manufactures TLC mixtures for cosmetic applications, and liquid crystal battery tester for Duracell batteries.

Joining of aluminum and stainless steel using AlSi10 brazing filler: Microstructure and mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, Vasilii; Uhlig, Thomas; Wagner, Guntram

2017-07-01

Joining of dissimilar materials like stainless steel and aluminum is of special interest for automotive applications. Due to the different properties of these materials, suitable joining techniques are required. Brazing offers the possibilities to manufacture high performance joints in one step and at low joining temperatures. However, these joints often need to withstand a high number of high cyclic loads during application. Therefore, in addition to the monotonic properties, the fatigue behavior of the produced joints must be considered and evaluated. In the present work, specimens are manufactured by induction brazing using an AlSi10 filler and a non-corrosive flux. The mechanical properties are determined by tensile shear tests as well as in fatigue tests at ambient and elevated temperatures. The microstructure of the brazed joints and the fracture surfaces of the tested samples are investigated by SEM.

Performance Characteristics of Waste Glass Powder Substituting Portland Cement in Mortar Mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kara, P.; Csetényi, L. J.; Borosnyói, A.

2016-04-01

In the present work, soda-lime glass cullet (flint, amber, green) and special glass cullet (soda-alkaline earth-silicate glass coming from low pressure mercury-discharge lamp cullet and incandescent light bulb borosilicate glass waste cullet) were ground into fine powders in a laboratory planetary ball mill for 30 minutes. CEM I 42.5N Portland cement was applied in mortar mixtures, substituted with waste glass powder at levels of 20% and 30%. Characterisation and testing of waste glass powders included fineness by laser diffraction particle size analysis, specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption technique, particle density by pycnometry and chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry. Compressive strength, early age shrinkage cracking and drying shrinkage tests, heat of hydration of mortars, temperature of hydration, X-ray diffraction analysis and volume stability tests were performed to observe the influence of waste glass powder substitution for Portland cement on physical and engineering properties of mortar mixtures.

Man-rated flight software for the F-8 DFBW program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bairnsfather, R. R.

1975-01-01

The design, implementation, and verification of the flight control software used in the F-8 DFBW program are discussed. Since the DFBW utilizes an Apollo computer and hardware, the procedures, controls, and basic management techniques employed are based on those developed for the Apollo software system. Program Assembly Control, simulator configuration control, erasable-memory load generation, change procedures and anomaly reporting are discussed. The primary verification tools--the all-digital simulator, the hybrid simulator, and the Iron Bird simulator--are described, as well as the program test plans and their implementation on the various simulators. Failure-effects analysis and the creation of special failure-generating software for testing purposes are described. The quality of the end product is evidenced by the F-8 DFBW flight test program in which 42 flights, totaling 58 hours of flight time, were successfully made without any DFCS inflight software, or hardware, failures.

The width-tapered double cantilever beam for interlaminar fracture testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bascom, W. D.; Jensen, R. M.; Bullman, G. W.; Hunston, D. L.

1984-01-01

The width-tapered double-cantilever-beam (WTDCB) specimen configuration used to determine the Mode-I interlaminar fracture energy (IFE) of composites has special advantages for routine development work and for quality-assurance purposes. These advantages come primarily from the simplicity of testing and the fact that the specimen is designed for constant change in compliance with crack length, so that the computation of Mode-I IFE is independent of crack length. In this paper, a simplified technique for fabrication and testing WTDCB specimens is described. Also presented are the effects of fiber orientation and specimen dimensions, a comparison of data obtained using the WTDCB specimens and other specimen geometries, and comparison of data obtained at different laboratories. It is concluded that the WTDCB gives interlaminar Mode-I IFE essentially equal to other type specimens, and that it can be used for rapid screening in resin-development work and for quality assurance of composite materials.

The Technique of Special-Effects Cinematography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fielding, Raymond

The author describes the many techniques used to produce cinematic effects that would be too costly, too difficult, too time-consuming, too dangerous, or simply impossible to achieve with conventional photographic techniques. He points out that these techniques are available not only for 35 millimeter work but also to the 16 mm. photographer who…

A vector scanning processing technique for pulsed laser velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernet, Mark P.; Edwards, Robert V.

1989-01-01

Pulsed laser sheet velocimetry yields nonintrusive measurements of two-dimensional velocity vectors across an extended planar region of a flow. Current processing techniques offer high precision (1 pct) velocity estimates, but can require several hours of processing time on specialized array processors. Under some circumstances, a simple, fast, less accurate (approx. 5 pct), data reduction technique which also gives unambiguous velocity vector information is acceptable. A direct space domain processing technique was examined. The direct space domain processing technique was found to be far superior to any other techniques known, in achieving the objectives listed above. It employs a new data coding and reduction technique, where the particle time history information is used directly. Further, it has no 180 deg directional ambiguity. A complex convection vortex flow was recorded and completely processed in under 2 minutes on an 80386 based PC, producing a 2-D velocity vector map of the flow field. Hence, using this new space domain vector scanning (VS) technique, pulsed laser velocimetry data can be reduced quickly and reasonably accurately, without specialized array processing hardware.

Exact special twist method for quantum Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagrada, Mario; Karakuzu, Seher; Vildosola, Verónica Laura; Casula, Michele; Sorella, Sandro

2016-12-01

We present a systematic investigation of the special twist method introduced by Rajagopal et al. [Phys. Rev. B 51, 10591 (1995), 10.1103/PhysRevB.51.10591] for reducing finite-size effects in correlated calculations of periodic extended systems with Coulomb interactions and Fermi statistics. We propose a procedure for finding special twist values which, at variance with previous applications of this method, reproduce the energy of the mean-field infinite-size limit solution within an adjustable (arbitrarily small) numerical error. This choice of the special twist is shown to be the most accurate single-twist solution for curing one-body finite-size effects in correlated calculations. For these reasons we dubbed our procedure "exact special twist" (EST). EST only needs a fully converged independent-particles or mean-field calculation within the primitive cell and a simple fit to find the special twist along a specific direction in the Brillouin zone. We first assess the performances of EST in a simple correlated model such as the three-dimensional electron gas. Afterwards, we test its efficiency within ab initio quantum Monte Carlo simulations of metallic elements of increasing complexity. We show that EST displays an overall good performance in reducing finite-size errors comparable to the widely used twist average technique but at a much lower computational cost since it involves the evaluation of just one wave function. We also demonstrate that the EST method shows similar performances in the calculation of correlation functions, such as the ionic forces for structural relaxation and the pair radial distribution function in liquid hydrogen. Our conclusions point to the usefulness of EST for correlated supercell calculations; our method will be particularly relevant when the physical problem under consideration requires large periodic cells.

Network-based high level data classification.

PubMed

Silva, Thiago Christiano; Zhao, Liang

2012-06-01

Traditional supervised data classification considers only physical features (e.g., distance or similarity) of the input data. Here, this type of learning is called low level classification. On the other hand, the human (animal) brain performs both low and high orders of learning and it has facility in identifying patterns according to the semantic meaning of the input data. Data classification that considers not only physical attributes but also the pattern formation is, here, referred to as high level classification. In this paper, we propose a hybrid classification technique that combines both types of learning. The low level term can be implemented by any classification technique, while the high level term is realized by the extraction of features of the underlying network constructed from the input data. Thus, the former classifies the test instances by their physical features or class topologies, while the latter measures the compliance of the test instances to the pattern formation of the data. Our study shows that the proposed technique not only can realize classification according to the pattern formation, but also is able to improve the performance of traditional classification techniques. Furthermore, as the class configuration's complexity increases, such as the mixture among different classes, a larger portion of the high level term is required to get correct classification. This feature confirms that the high level classification has a special importance in complex situations of classification. Finally, we show how the proposed technique can be employed in a real-world application, where it is capable of identifying variations and distortions of handwritten digit images. As a result, it supplies an improvement in the overall pattern recognition rate.

Hybrid Signal Processing Technique to Improve the Defect Estimation in Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing of Composite Structures

PubMed Central

Raisutis, Renaldas; Samaitis, Vykintas

2017-01-01

This work proposes a novel hybrid signal processing technique to extract information on disbond-type defects from a single B-scan in the process of non-destructive testing (NDT) of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) material using ultrasonic guided waves (GW). The selected GFRP sample has been a segment of wind turbine blade, which possessed an aerodynamic shape. Two disbond type defects having diameters of 15 mm and 25 mm were artificially constructed on its trailing edge. The experiment has been performed using the low-frequency ultrasonic system developed at the Ultrasound Institute of Kaunas University of Technology and only one side of the sample was accessed. A special configuration of the transmitting and receiving transducers fixed on a movable panel with a separation distance of 50 mm was proposed for recording the ultrasonic guided wave signals at each one-millimeter step along the scanning distance up to 500 mm. Finally, the hybrid signal processing technique comprising the valuable features of the three most promising signal processing techniques: cross-correlation, wavelet transform, and Hilbert–Huang transform has been applied to the received signals for the extraction of defects information from a single B-scan image. The wavelet transform and cross-correlation techniques have been combined in order to extract the approximated size and location of the defects and measurements of time delays. Thereafter, Hilbert–Huang transform has been applied to the wavelet transformed signal to compare the variation of instantaneous frequencies and instantaneous amplitudes of the defect-free and defective signals. PMID:29232845

[Controversial Issues in Economic Evaluation (III): health Care Interventions in Special Situations].

PubMed

Espín Balbino, Jaime; Brosa Riestra, Max; Oliva Moreno, Juan; Trapero-Bertran, Marta

2015-01-01

The development of the economic evaluation of health care interventions has become a support tool in making decisions on pricing and reimbursement of new health interventions. The increasingly extensive application of these techniques has led to the identification of particular situations in which, for various reasons, it may be reasonable to take into account special considerations when applying the general principles of economic evaluation. In this article, which closes a series of three, we will discuss, using the Metaplan technique, about the economic evaluation of health interventions in special situations such as rare diseases and end of life treatments, as well as consideration of externalities in assessments, finally pointing out some research areas to solve the main problems identified in these fields.

40 CFR 87.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT ENGINES General Provisions § 87.5 Special test... aircraft or aircraft engines, approve test procedures for any aircraft or aircraft engine that is not...

Upwind methods for the Baer–Nunziato equations and higher-order reconstruction using artificial viscosity

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

Fraysse, F., E-mail: francois.fraysse@rs2n.eu; E. T. S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid; Redondo, C.

This article is devoted to the numerical discretisation of the hyperbolic two-phase flow model of Baer and Nunziato. A special attention is paid on the discretisation of intercell flux functions in the framework of Finite Volume and Discontinuous Galerkin approaches, where care has to be taken to efficiently approximate the non-conservative products inherent to the model equations. Various upwind approximate Riemann solvers have been tested on a bench of discontinuous test cases. New discretisation schemes are proposed in a Discontinuous Galerkin framework following the criterion of Abgrall and the path-conservative formalism. A stabilisation technique based on artificial viscosity is appliedmore » to the high-order Discontinuous Galerkin method and compared against classical TVD-MUSCL Finite Volume flux reconstruction.« less

Three solutions to a single problem: alternative casting frames for treating infantile idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Halanski, Matthew A; Harper, Benjamin L; Cassidy, Jeffry A; Crawford, Haemish A

2013-07-01

This is a technique article discussing 3 alternative frames for casting children with infantile scoliosis. To provide surgeons with alternatives to expensive specialized casting tables to allow local treatment of these children utilizing readily available materials present at most institutions. Casting for infantile scoliosis has become more popular as reports have shown promising results with this technique without the morbidity and complications associated with more invasive procedures. However, without a specialized casting table, treating these patients has been limited to a few centers throughout the country often causing patients to travel large distances to receive care. Three different alternatives to commercially available casting frames are presented. Requirements, setup, and techniques are discussed. Each surgeon has had success with each of these frames. These provide adequate support and traction while allowing enough access to the trunk to apply a well-molded cast. Cotrel/Metha casting for infantile scoliosis can be accomplished without a specialized table using commonly available equipment.

An alternative impression technique for individuals with special care needs.

PubMed

Topouzelis, Nikolaos; Kotsiomiti, Eleni; Arhakis, Aristidis

2010-01-01

Impression making may be complicated in individuals with limited ability to cooperate with caregivers. An alternative technique for obtaining full-arch casts from sectional preliminary impressions is described. The technique is a modification of the procedure advocated for impression making in subjects with limited mouth opening. A pair of partial stock trays is selected to fit the right and left side of the arch. Two sectional irreversible hydrocolloid impressions are made separately. The first cast is placed into the second impression prior to pouring, to obtain a cast of the complete arch. The procedure was used during the treatment of an uncooperative young patient with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome and provided a simple and reliable means to obtain the diagnostic cast of the mandibular teeth. It is recommended not only for uncooperative patients, but also for patients with special needs; such as those with anatomical restrictions, functional impairment, and movement disorders. ©2010 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Computer sciences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Paul H.

1988-01-01

The Computer Science Program provides advanced concepts, techniques, system architectures, algorithms, and software for both space and aeronautics information sciences and computer systems. The overall goal is to provide the technical foundation within NASA for the advancement of computing technology in aerospace applications. The research program is improving the state of knowledge of fundamental aerospace computing principles and advancing computing technology in space applications such as software engineering and information extraction from data collected by scientific instruments in space. The program includes the development of special algorithms and techniques to exploit the computing power provided by high performance parallel processors and special purpose architectures. Research is being conducted in the fundamentals of data base logic and improvement techniques for producing reliable computing systems.

40 CFR 610.34 - Special test conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Special test conditions. 610.34 Section 610.34 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY RETROFIT DEVICES Test Procedures and Evaluation Criteria Test Requirement Criteria § 610.34...

40 CFR 610.34 - Special test conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Special test conditions. 610.34 Section 610.34 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY RETROFIT DEVICES Test Procedures and Evaluation Criteria Test Requirement Criteria § 610.34...

40 CFR 610.34 - Special test conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Special test conditions. 610.34 Section 610.34 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY RETROFIT DEVICES Test Procedures and Evaluation Criteria Test Requirement Criteria § 610.34...

40 CFR 610.34 - Special test conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special test conditions. 610.34 Section 610.34 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY RETROFIT DEVICES Test Procedures and Evaluation Criteria Test Requirement Criteria § 610.34...

An improved SELEX technique for selection of DNA aptamers binding to M-type 11 of Streptococcus pyogenes.

PubMed

Hamula, Camille L A; Peng, Hanyong; Wang, Zhixin; Tyrrell, Gregory J; Li, Xing-Fang; Le, X Chris

2016-03-15

Streptococcus pyogenes is a clinically important pathogen consisting of various serotypes determined by different M proteins expressed on the cell surface. The M type is therefore a useful marker to monitor the spread of invasive S. pyogenes in a population. Serotyping and nucleic acid amplification/sequencing methods for the identification of M types are laborious, inconsistent, and usually confined to reference laboratories. The primary objective of this work is to develop a technique that enables generation of aptamers binding to specific M-types of S. pyogenes. We describe here an in vitro technique that directly used live bacterial cells and the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) strategy. Live S. pyogenes cells were incubated with DNA libraries consisting of 40-nucleotides randomized sequences. Those sequences that bound to the cells were separated, amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), purified using gel electrophoresis, and served as the input DNA pool for the next round of SELEX selection. A specially designed forward primer containing extended polyA20/5Sp9 facilitated gel electrophoresis purification of ssDNA after PCR amplification. A counter-selection step using non-target cells was introduced to improve selectivity. DNA libraries of different starting sequence diversity (10(16) and 10(14)) were compared. Aptamer pools from each round of selection were tested for their binding to the target and non-target cells using flow cytometry. Selected aptamer pools were then cloned and sequenced. Individual aptamer sequences were screened on the basis of their binding to the 10 M-types that were used as targets. Aptamer pools obtained from SELEX rounds 5-8 showed high affinity to the target S. pyogenes cells. Tests against non-target Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus species demonstrated selectivity of these aptamers for binding to S. pyogenes. Several aptamer sequences were found to bind preferentially to the M11 M-type of S. pyogenes. Estimated binding dissociation constants (Kd) were in the low nanomolar range for the M11 specific sequences; for example, sequence E-CA20 had a Kd of 7±1 nM. These affinities are comparable to those of a monoclonal antibody. The improved bacterial cell-SELEX technique is successful in generating aptamers selective for S. pyogenes and some of its M-types. These aptamers are potentially useful for detecting S. pyogenes, achieving binding profiles of the various M-types, and developing new M-typing technologies for non-specialized laboratories or point-of-care testing. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Temporary Extension of Time To Allow for Certain Training and Testing

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Certain Training and Testing Federal Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 93 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS Pt. 61, SFAR 93 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 93...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Temporary Extension of Time To Allow for Certain Training and Testing

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Certain Training and Testing Federal Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 93 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS Pt. 61, SFAR 93 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 93...

Advances and Achievements in In Situ Analysis of Corrosion and Structure–Property Relationship in Mg Alloys

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

Orlov, D.; Joshi, V.

Every year, TMS Magnesium Committee carefully selects a special topic in magnesium (Mg) related research and development not only having the hottest subject from both academic and industrial perspectives but also demonstrating major achievements within this subject. Following last year’s topic on Mg microallying [1], this year’s focus is on in-situ methods and associated techniques in their broad definition spanning from laboratory- to large- scale facilities to process monitoring. The applications of in-situ techniques have a wide spectrum from the analysis of melts and liquid-solid transitions to solid-state phenomena during thermo-mechanical processing and heat treatments to surface interactions with variousmore » environments. Therefore, such works are of significant interest to scientists working in the area of Mg alloy development as well as to a much broader audience from both academia and industry. This interest is primarily caused by challenges in the analysis of structure-property relationship in Mg alloys, and even cursory glance of literature reveals sharp increase of publications relevant to this topic recently. For instance, very high reactivity of Mg as well as its well-known propensity to substantially alter structure upon unloading in mechanical testing makes it difficult to understand and thus to simulate correlation between microstructures observed in post-mortem analysis and physical processes during testing or fabrication. However, recent advances in in-situ analysis based on large-scale research facilities such as neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation sources as well as microscopy-based, acoustic emission, and other more traditional techniques allowed significant achievements. Apart from apparent development of relevant experimental techniques, a significant part of this success should also be attributed to increasing accessibility of the facilities and simplification of their use from a user perspective. The selection of articles in this special topic is quite far from comprehensive review covering all aspects of in-situ methods available for metallic materials development. However, this was not the purpose in any case. Instead, this selection is intended to present several studies on Mg alloys and Mg-based composites with the use of in-situ techniques. In addition, it overviews two techniques, ‘Acoustic Emission’ (AE) and ‘Ambient-Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy’ (AP-XPS), that are rather novel to the Mg community. These studies are supposed to give readers representative examples of such techniques potential and to help in navigating the spectrum of modern state-of-the-art analytical methods facilitating the development of Mg alloys. These articles are organized in the order corresponding to typical Mg alloy lifecycle from material preparation and solidification to thermo-mechanical processing and product fabrication to degradation.« less

14 CFR 34.5 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... EXHAUST EMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TURBINE ENGINE POWERED AIRPLANES General Provisions § 34.5 Special test... or operator of aircraft or aircraft engines, approve test procedures for any aircraft or aircraft engine that is not susceptible to satisfactory testing by the procedures set forth herein. Prior to...

77 FR 16516 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Special Milk...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-21

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Special Milk Program for Children AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service... appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of...

Active and Passive Diagnostic Signatures of Special Nuclear Materials

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

Myers, William L.; Karpius, Peter Joseph; Myers, Steven Charles

2017-05-26

An overview will be given discussing signatures associated with special nuclear materials acquired using both active and passive diagnostic techniques. Examples of how technology advancements have helped improve diagnostic capabilities to meet the challenges of today’s applications will be discussed.

Digital Radiography Using Digital Detector Arrays Fulfills Critical Applications for Offshore Pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreira, EdsonVasques; Barbosa Rabello, JoséMaurício; Pereira, MarcelodosSantos; Lopes, RicardoTadeu; Zscherpel, Uwe

2010-12-01

Digital radiography in the inspection of welded pipes to be installed under deep water offshore gas and oil pipelines, like a presalt in Brazil, in the paper has been investigated. The aim is to use digital radiography for nondestructive testing of welds as it is already in use in the medical, aerospace, security, automotive, and petrochemical sectors. Among the current options, the DDA (Digital Detector Array) is considered as one of the best solutions to replace industrial films, as well as to increase the sensitivity to reduce the inspection cycle time. This paper shows the results of this new technique, comparing it to radiography with industrial films systems. In this paper, 20 test specimens of longitudinal welded pipe joints, specially prepared with artificial defects like cracks, lack of fusion, lack of penetration, and porosities and slag inclusions with varying dimensions and in 06 different base metal wall thicknesses, were tested and a comparison of the techniques was made. These experiments verified the purposed rules for parameter definitions and selections to control the required digital radiographic image quality as described in the draft international standard ISO/DIS 10893-7. This draft is first standard establishing the parameters for digital radiography on weld seam of welded steel pipes for pressure purposes to be used on gas and oil pipelines.

Smart sensing of aviation structures with fiber optic Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trutzel, Michael N.; Wauer, Karsten; Betz, Daniel; Staudigel, Lothar; Krumpholz, Oskar; Muehlmann, Hans-Christian; Muellert, Thomas; Gleine, Wolfgang

2000-06-01

We developed a surface mounting technique where fiber-optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are glued to the surface of structures and tested the technique on the surface of a CFRP- wing at the DASA Airbus test center Hamburg for over one year. The FBG sensors were interrogated with a measurement system capable of determining the Bragg wavelength in a few seconds over a spectral range of 60 nm (around 1.53 μm) with an absolute accuracy better than 1 pm. A polarization scrambler was used to account for polarization effects. Excellent consistence between the values of electrical strain gauges and the FBG sensors were found during all measurements. However because this method shows drawbacks in a harsher environment such as a flight test, we are currently investigating the possibilities of integrating FBG sensors into the varnish of the structures. For reasons of their better mechanical performance we use FBG sensors produced on the fiber draw-tower with a special UV-curable coating. The sensors are integrated into an original Airbus varnish build- up. We observed linear strain sensitivities in a temperature range between -50 and +100 °C. Furthermore, at negative temperatures we found a vanish- induced polarization dependence which could be used to differentiate between strain and temperature effects.

Real-time monitoring of acoustic linear and nonlinear behavior of titanium alloys during low-cycle fatigue and high-cycle fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frouin, Jerome; Sathish, Shamachary; Na, Jeong K.

2000-05-01

An in-situ technique to measure sound velocity, ultrasonic attenuation and acoustic nonlinear property has been developed for characterization and early detection of fatigue damage in aerospace materials. For this purpose we have developed a computer software and measurement technique including hardware for the automation of the measurement. New transducer holder and special grips are designed. The automation has allowed us to test the long-term stability of the electronics over a period of time and so proof of the linearity of the system. Real-time monitoring of the material nonlinearity has been performed on dog-bone specimens from zero fatigue all the way to the final fracture under low-cycle fatigue test condition (LCF) and high-cycle test condition (HCF). Real-time health monitoring of the material can greatly contribute to the understanding of material behavior under cyclic loading. Interpretation of the results show that correlation exist between the slope of the curve described by the material nonlinearity and the life of the component. This new methodology was developed with an objective to predict the initiation of fatigue microcracks, and to detect, in-situ fatigue crack initiation as well as to quantify early stages of fatigue damage.

Specialized testing of asphalt cements from various ADOT&PF paving projects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) sampled five different asphalt cements for specialized testing at Queens University in : Kingston, Ontario. This report documents and discusses the findings. The tested asphal...

Objective Video Quality Assessment Based on Machine Learning for Underwater Scientific Applications

PubMed Central

Moreno-Roldán, José-Miguel; Luque-Nieto, Miguel-Ángel; Poncela, Javier; Otero, Pablo

2017-01-01

Video services are meant to be a fundamental tool in the development of oceanic research. The current technology for underwater networks (UWNs) imposes strong constraints in the transmission capacity since only a severely limited bitrate is available. However, previous studies have shown that the quality of experience (QoE) is enough for ocean scientists to consider the service useful, although the perceived quality can change significantly for small ranges of variation of video parameters. In this context, objective video quality assessment (VQA) methods become essential in network planning and real time quality adaptation fields. This paper presents two specialized models for objective VQA, designed to match the special requirements of UWNs. The models are built upon machine learning techniques and trained with actual user data gathered from subjective tests. Our performance analysis shows how both of them can successfully estimate quality as a mean opinion score (MOS) value and, for the second model, even compute a distribution function for user scores. PMID:28333123

Applications of a Fast Neutron Detector System to Verification of Special Nuclear Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayo, Douglas R.; Byrd, Roger C.; Ensslin, Norbert; Krick, Merlyn S.; Mercer, David J.; Miller, Michael C.; Prettyman, Thomas H.; Russo, Phyllis A.

1998-04-01

An array of boron-loaded plastic optically coupled to bismuth germanate scintillators has been developed to detect neutrons for measurement of special nuclear materials. The phoswiched detection system has the advantage of a high neutron detection efficiency and short die-away time. This is achieved by mixing the moderator (plastic) and the detector (^10B) at the molecular level. Simulations indicate that the neutron capture probabilities equal or exceed those of the current thermal neutron multiplicity techniques which have the moderator (polyethylene) and detectors (^3He gas proportional tubes) macroscopically separate. Experiments have been performed to characterize the response of these detectors and validate computer simulations. The fast neutron detection system may be applied to the quantitative assay of plutonium in high (α,n) backgrounds, with emphasis on safeguards and enviromental scenarios. Additional applications of the insturment, in a non-quantative mode, has been tested for possible verification activities involving dismantlement of nuclear weapons. A description of the detector system, simulations and preliminary data will be presented.

Chemical vapor deposition growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruth, R. P.; Manasevit, H. M.; Campbell, A. G.; Johnson, R. E.; Kenty, J. L.; Moudy, L. A.; Shaw, G. L.; Simpson, W. I.; Yang, J. J.

1978-01-01

The objective was to investigate and develop chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for the growth of large areas of Si sheet on inexpensive substrate materials, with resulting sheet properties suitable for fabricating solar cells that would meet the technical goals of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. The program involved six main technical tasks: (1) modification and test of an existing vertical-chamber CVD reactor system; (2) identification and/or development of suitable inexpensive substrate materials; (3) experimental investigation of CVD process parameters using various candidate substrate materials; (4) preparation of Si sheet samples for various special studies, including solar cell fabrication; (5) evaluation of the properties of the Si sheet material produced by the CVD process; and (6) fabrication and evaluation of experimental solar cell structures, using impurity diffusion and other standard and near-standard processing techniques supplemented late in the program by the in situ CVD growth of n(+)/p/p(+) sheet structures subsequently processed into experimental cells.

Aerodynamic parameter estimation via Fourier modulating function techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, A. E.

1995-01-01

Parameter estimation algorithms are developed in the frequency domain for systems modeled by input/output ordinary differential equations. The approach is based on Shinbrot's method of moment functionals utilizing Fourier based modulating functions. Assuming white measurement noises for linear multivariable system models, an adaptive weighted least squares algorithm is developed which approximates a maximum likelihood estimate and cannot be biased by unknown initial or boundary conditions in the data owing to a special property attending Shinbrot-type modulating functions. Application is made to perturbation equation modeling of the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of a high performance aircraft using flight-test data. Comparative studies are included which demonstrate potential advantages of the algorithm relative to some well established techniques for parameter identification. Deterministic least squares extensions of the approach are made to the frequency transfer function identification problem for linear systems and to the parameter identification problem for a class of nonlinear-time-varying differential system models.

Introducing bio- and micro-technology into undergraduate thermal-fluids courses: investigating pipe pressure loss via atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Müller, Marcus; Traum, Matthew J

2012-01-01

To introduce bio- and micro-technologies into general undergraduate thermal-fluids classes, a hands-on interdisciplinary in-class demonstration is described that juxtaposes classical pressure loss pipe flow experiments against a modern micro-characterization technique, AFM profilometry. Both approaches measure surface roughness and can segue into classroom discussions related to material selection and design of bio-medical devices to handle biological fluids such as blood. Appealing to the range of engineering students populating a general thermal-fluids course, a variety of pipe/hose/tube materials representing a spectrum of disciplines can be tested using both techniques. This in-class demonstration relies on technical content already available in standard thermal-fluids textbooks, provides experimental juxtaposition between classical and micro-technology-enabled approaches to the same experiment, and can be taught by personnel with no specialized micro- or bio-technology expertise.

Laser Propulsion - Quo Vadis

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

Bohn, Willy L.

First, an introductory overview of the different types of laser propulsion techniques will be given and illustrated by some historical examples. Second, laser devices available for basic experiments will be reviewed ranging from low power lasers sources to inertial confinement laser facilities. Subsequently, a status of work will show the impasse in which the laser propulsion community is currently engaged. Revisiting the basic relations leads to new avenues in ablative and direct laser propulsion for ground based and space based applications. Hereby, special attention will be devoted to the impact of emerging ultra-short pulse lasers on the coupling coefficient andmore » specific impulse. In particular, laser sources and laser propulsion techniques will be tested in microgravity environment. A novel approach to debris removal will be discussed with respect to the Satellite Laser Ranging (SRL) facilities. Finally, some non technical issues will be raised aimed at the future prospects of laser propulsion in the international community.« less

Acousto-optical tunable filter for combined wideband, spectral, and optical coherence microscopy.

PubMed

Machikhin, Alexander S; Pozhar, Vitold E; Viskovatykh, Alexander V; Burmak, Ludmila I

2015-09-01

A multimodal technique for inspection of microscopic objects by means of wideband optical microscopy, spectral microscopy, and optical coherence microscopy is described, implemented, and tested. The key feature is the spectral selection of light in the output arm of an interferometer with use of the specialized imaging acousto-optical tunable filter. In this filter, two interfering optical beams are diffracted via the same ultrasound wave without destruction of interference image structure. The basic requirements for the acousto-optical tunable filter are defined, and mathematical formulas for calculation of its parameters are derived. Theoretical estimation of the achievable accuracy of the 3D image reconstruction is presented and experimental proofs are given. It is demonstrated that spectral imaging can also be accompanied by measurement of the quantitative reflectance spectra. Examples of inspection of optically transparent and nontransparent samples demonstrate the applicability of the technique.

Heat load studies of a water-cooled minichannel monochromator for synchrotron x-ray beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freund, Andreas K.; Arthur, John R.; Zhang, Lin

1997-12-01

We fabricated a water-cooled silicon monochromator crystal with small channels for the special case of a double-crystal fixed-exit monochromator design where the beam walks across the crystal when the x-ray energy is changed. The two parts of the cooled device were assembled using a new technique based on low melting point solder. The bending of the system produced by this technique could be perfectly compensated by mechanical counter-bending. Heat load tests of the monochromator in a synchrotron beam of 75 W total power, 3 mm high and 15 mm wide, generated by a multipole wiggler at SSRL, showed that the thermal slope error of the crystal is 1 arcsec/40 W power, in full agreement with finite element analysis. The cooling scheme is adequate for bending magnet beamlines at the ESRF and present wiggler beamlines at the SSRL.

Role of 5-ALA in improving extent of tumour resection in patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PubMed

Waqas, Muhammad; Khan, Inamullah; Shamim, Muhammad Shahzad

2017-10-01

Goal of surgery for patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is gross total resection with no new neurological deficits. Surgical resection is often restricted due the difficulty in differentiating the tumour from surrounding normal brain using either naked eye, or standard intra-operative white light microscopy. GBM uptakes orally administered 5-ALA becomes fluorescent when viewed by a special light, and this property has been used to improve intra-operative tumour identification. This technique should therefore allow better extent of tumour resection. The hypothesis has been tested through several studies and even though most studies are of low quality, they strongly favour the use of 5- ALA in improving the extent of resection when compared to white light microscopy. A systematic review on the topic had a similar conclusion. Few studies have also hinted on a high false negative rate with the use of this technique..

Deep brain stimulation with a pre-existing cochlear implant: Surgical technique and outcome.

PubMed

Eddelman, Daniel; Wewel, Joshua; Wiet, R Mark; Metman, Leo V; Sani, Sepehr

2017-01-01

Patients with previously implanted cranial devices pose a special challenge in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. We report the implantation of bilateral DBS leads in a patient with a cochlear implant. Technical nuances and long-term interdevice functionality are presented. A 70-year-old patient with advancing Parkinson's disease and a previously placed cochlear implant for sensorineural hearing loss was referred for placement of bilateral DBS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Prior to DBS, the patient underwent surgical removal of the subgaleal cochlear magnet, followed by stereotactic MRI, frame placement, stereotactic computed tomography (CT), and merging of imaging studies. This technique allowed for successful computational merging, MRI-guided targeting, and lead implantation with acceptable accuracy. Formal testing and programming of both the devices were successful without electrical interference. Successful DBS implantation with high resolution MRI-guided targeting is technically feasible in patients with previously implanted cochlear implants by following proper precautions.

Nod-shuffle 3D spectroscopy with PMAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Martin M.; Fechner, Thomas; Becker, Thomas; Kelz, Andreas

2004-09-01

PMAS is a versatile integral field spectrograph based on the principle of a fiber-coupled lens array type of IFU. The instrument was commissioned at the Calar Alto 3.5m Telescope in May 2001. PMAS is offered as a common user instrument at Calar Alto since 2002. However, it has remained flexible enough to be used as a testbed for new observing techniques. Since the instrument is sensitive in the wavelength range from 0.35 to 1 μm, it is being used to experiment with faint object 3D spectroscopy for a variety of objects in stellar and extragalactic astronomy. Among these experiments, we have implemented a nod-shuffle mode of operation, which is a beam switching technique to achieve a high degree of sky subtraction accuracy. We describe the technical details of the special solution found for PMAS and first results obtained in test observations of faint haloes of planetary nebulae.

Scattering of cylindrical electric field waves from an elliptical dielectric cylindrical shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbanik, E. A.

1982-12-01

This thesis examines the scattering of cylindrical waves by large dielectric scatterers of elliptic cross section. The solution method was the method of moments using a Galerkin approach. Sinusoidal basis and testing functions were used resulting in a higher convergence rate. The higher rate of convergence made it possible for the program to run on the Aeronautical Systems Division's CYBER computers without any special storage methods. This report includes discussion on moment methods, solution of integral equations, and the relationship between the electric field and the source region or self cell singularity. Since the program produced unacceptable run times, no results are contained herein. The importance of this work is the evaluation of the practicality of moment methods using standard techniques. The long run times for a mid-sized scatterer demonstrate the impracticality of moment methods for dielectrics using standard techniques.

Forensic steganalysis: determining the stego key in spatial domain steganography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fridrich, Jessica; Goljan, Miroslav; Soukal, David; Holotyak, Taras

2005-03-01

This paper is an extension of our work on stego key search for JPEG images published at EI SPIE in 2004. We provide a more general theoretical description of the methodology, apply our approach to the spatial domain, and add a method that determines the stego key from multiple images. We show that in the spatial domain the stego key search can be made significantly more efficient by working with the noise component of the image obtained using a denoising filter. The technique is tested on the LSB embedding paradigm and on a special case of embedding by noise adding (the +/-1 embedding). The stego key search can be performed for a wide class of steganographic techniques even for sizes of secret message well below those detectable using known methods. The proposed strategy may prove useful to forensic analysts and law enforcement.

Simple and powerful visual stimulus generator.

PubMed

Kremlácek, J; Kuba, M; Kubová, Z; Vít, F

1999-02-01

We describe a cheap, simple, portable and efficient approach to visual stimulation for neurophysiology which does not need any special hardware equipment. The method based on an animation technique uses the FLI autodesk animator format. This form of the animation is replayed by a special program ('player') providing synchronisation pulses toward recording system via parallel port. The 'player is running on an IBM compatible personal computer under MS-DOS operation system and stimulus is displayed on a VGA computer monitor. Various stimuli created with this technique for visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are presented.

Guide to Science Fiction: Exploring Possibilities and Alternatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paine, Doris M.; Martinez, Diana

Designed to help teachers develop science fiction materials, this guide provides references to useful books, examples of various teaching techniques, motivation techniques, evaluation methods, and a rationale for the importance of science fiction in the secondary curriculum. Using science fiction themes along with special techniques, a teacher can…

Isotope ratio measurements of pg-size plutonium samples using TIMS in combination with "multiple ion counting" and filament carburization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakopic, Rozle; Richter, Stephan; Kühn, Heinz; Benedik, Ljudmila; Pihlar, Boris; Aregbe, Yetunde

2009-01-01

A sample preparation procedure for isotopic measurements using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was developed which employs the technique of carburization of rhenium filaments. Carburized filaments were prepared in a special vacuum chamber in which the filaments were exposed to benzene vapour as a carbon supply and carburized electrothermally. To find the optimal conditions for the carburization and isotopic measurements using TIMS, the influence of various parameters such as benzene pressure, carburization current and the exposure time were tested. As a result, carburization of the filaments improved the overall efficiency by one order of magnitude. Additionally, a new "multi-dynamic" measurement technique was developed for Pu isotope ratio measurements using a "multiple ion counting" (MIC) system. This technique was combined with filament carburization and applied to the NBL-137 isotopic standard and samples of the NUSIMEP 5 inter-laboratory comparison campaign, which included certified plutonium materials at the ppt-level. The multi-dynamic measurement technique for plutonium, in combination with filament carburization, has been shown to significantly improve the precision and accuracy for isotopic analysis of environmental samples with low-levels of plutonium.

Spectroscopic detection of health hazardous contaminants in lipstick using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Gondal, M A; Seddigi, Z S; Nasr, M M; Gondal, B

2010-03-15

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was applied to determine the concentrations of different toxic elements like lead, chromium, cadmium and zinc in four different lipstick brands sold at local markets in Saudi Arabia. These samples contain toxic elements like lead, cadmium and chromium which are carcinogen dermatitis, allergic and eczematous. Their extraction from human body takes over 40 years and accumulation in the body cause problems like disruption of nervous systems and kidney damage. They could trigger to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In order to test the validity of our LIBS results, standard technique like (ICP-AES) was also applied. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where LIBS technique was applied for the measurement of toxic substances in lipsticks. The maximum concentration detected in four lipstick brands was much higher than the permissible safe limits for human use and could lead to serious health problems. It is worth mentioning that the lipstick is not a solid rather is in fluid state which is not trivial to analyze using LIBS technique. For this purpose, special treatment of the lipstick samples was necessary to analyze with our LIBS method. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of the bucco-lingual technique within a school-based supervised toothbrushing program on preventing caries: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Supervised toothbrushing programs using fluoride dentifrice have reduced caries increment. However there is no information about the effectiveness of the professional cross-brushing technique within a community intervention. The aim was to assess if the bucco-lingual technique can increase the effectiveness of a school-based supervised toothbrushing program on preventing caries. Methods A randomized double-blinded controlled community intervention trial to be analyzed at an individual level was conducted in a Brazilian low-income fluoridated area. Six preschools were randomly assigned to the test and control groups and 284 five-year-old children presenting at least one permanent molar with emerged/sound occlusal surface participated. In control group, oral health education and dental plaque dying followed by toothbrushing with fluoride dentifrice supervised directly by a dental assistant, was developed four times per year. At the remaining school days the children brushed their teeth under indirect supervising of the teachers. In test group, children also underwent a professional cross-brushing on surfaces of first permanent molar rendered by a specially trained dental assistant five times per year. Enamel and dentin caries were recorded on buccal, occlusal and lingual surfaces of permanent molars during 18-month follow-up. Exposure time of surfaces was calculated and incidence density ratio was estimated using Poisson regression model. Results Difference of 21.6 lesions per 1,000 children between control and test groups was observed. Among boys whose caries risk was higher compared to girls, incidence density was 50% lower in test group (p = 0.016). Conclusion Modified program was effective among the boys. It is licit to project a relevant effect in a larger period suggesting in a broader population substantial reduction of dental care needs. Trial registration ISRCTN18548869. PMID:21426572

28 CFR 115.334 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... § 115.331, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing juvenile sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and...

28 CFR 115.334 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... § 115.331, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing juvenile sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and...

28 CFR 115.334 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... § 115.331, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing juvenile sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and...

Communication Satellite Payload Special Check out Equipment (SCOE) for Satellite Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhani, Noman

2016-07-01

This paper presents Payload Special Check out Equipment (SCOE) for the test and measurement of communication satellite Payload at subsystem and system level. The main emphasis of this paper is to demonstrate the principle test equipment, instruments and the payload test matrix for an automatic test control. Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)/ Special Check out Equipment (SCOE) requirements, functions and architecture for C-band and Ku-band payloads are presented in details along with their interface with satellite during different phases of satellite testing. It provides test setup, in a single rack cabinet that can easily be moved from payload assembly and integration environment to thermal vacuum chamber all the way to launch site (for pre-launch test and verification).

A new adjustable parallel drill guide for internal fixation of femoral neck fracture: a developmental and experimental study.

PubMed

Yuenyongviwat, Varah; Tuntarattanapong, Pakjai; Tangtrakulwanich, Boonsin

2016-01-11

Internal fixation is one treatment for femoral neck fracture. Some devices and techniques reported improved accuracy and decreased fluoroscopic time. However, these are not widely used nowadays due to the lack of available special instruments and techniques. To improve the surgical procedure, the authors designed a new adjustable drill guide and tested the efficacy of the device. The authors developed a new adjustable drill guide for cannulated screw guide wire insertion for multiple screw fixation. Eight orthopaedic surgeons performed the experimental study to evaluate the efficacy of this device. Each surgeon performed guide wire insertion for multiple screw fixation in six synthetic femurs: three times with the new device and three times with the conventional technique. The fluoroscopic time, operative time and surgeon satisfaction were evaluated. In the operations with the new adjustable drill guide, the fluoroscopic and operative times were significantly lower than the operations with the conventional technique (p < 0.05). The mean score for the level of satisfaction of this device was also statistically significantly better (p = 0.02) than the conventional technique. The fluoroscopic and operative times with the new adjustable drill guide were reduced for multiple screw fixation of femoral neck fracture and the satisfaction of the surgeons was good.

Precision and costs of techniques for self-monitoring of serum glucose levels.

PubMed Central

Chiasson, J. L.; Morrisset, R.; Hamet, P.

1984-01-01

The poor correlation between serum and urine glucose measurements has led to the development of new techniques for monitoring the blood glucose level in diabetic patients. Either a nurse or the patient can perform these tests, which involve spreading a single drop of blood onto a reagent strip. A colour change that is proportional to the serum glucose level can be read visually or with a reflectance meter. Evaluated against simultaneous serum glucose levels determined by the hospital biochemistry laboratory, those of the new techniques employing reflectance meters all showed excellent correlation (r2 = 0.85 to 0.96). Reagent strips used without meters showed poorer correlation (r2 = 0.69 to 0.90). The instruction given to the patients and one nurse enabled them to obtain more accurate results with one of the meters than nurses not specially trained (r2 = 0.94 and 0.92 v. 0.85 respectively). The mean cost per glucose determination with the new techniques was 75, compared with +1.45 for the laboratory determinations done with automated equipment. It was concluded that the new techniques compared well with the reference method, particularly when reflectance meters were used, and that they were easily applied by the patient, as well as the medical staff, at a reasonable cost. PMID:6689988

Special Educator's Complete Guide to 109 Diagnostic Tests: How To Select & Interpret Tests, Use Results in IEPs, and Remediate Specific Difficulties.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pierangelo, Roger; Giuliani, George

This manual is a guide to the special education diagnostic process and covers the various stages of evaluation, interpretation, diagnosis, prescription, and remediation. Test information includes: explanations of the most commonly used diagnostic tests, coverage of the areas measured by each test, interpretation of test patterns for commonly used…

75 FR 55811 - Testing Method of Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) Glassware

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-14

.... 10-31] Testing Method of Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) Glassware AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of method CBP uses to test... document adopts modifications to the test method currently applied by U.S. Customs and Border Protection...

40 CFR 1037.550 - Special procedures for testing post-transmission hybrid systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... This section describes the procedure for simulating a chassis test with a post-transmission hybrid... 40 Protection of Environment 34 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Special procedures for testing post... AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW HEAVY-DUTY MOTOR VEHICLES Test...

14 CFR 125.296 - Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.296 Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules. A crewmember who has successfully completed training, testing, or checking in... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Training, testing, and checking conducted...

14 CFR 125.296 - Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.296 Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules. A crewmember who has successfully completed training, testing, or checking in... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Training, testing, and checking conducted...

14 CFR 125.296 - Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.296 Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules. A crewmember who has successfully completed training, testing, or checking in... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Training, testing, and checking conducted...

14 CFR 125.296 - Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.296 Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules. A crewmember who has successfully completed training, testing, or checking in... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Training, testing, and checking conducted...

14 CFR 125.296 - Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.296 Training, testing, and checking conducted by training centers: Special rules. A crewmember who has successfully completed training, testing, or checking in... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Training, testing, and checking conducted...

Improved transformer-winding method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclyman, W. T.

1978-01-01

Proposed technique using special bobbin and fixture to wind copper wire directly on core eliminates need core cut prior to assembly. Application of technique could result in production of quieter core with increased permeability and no localized heating.

Cloud-point detection using a portable thickness shear mode crystal resonator

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

Mansure, A.J.; Spates, J.J.; Germer, J.W.

1997-08-01

The Thickness Shear Mode (TSM) crystal resonator monitors the crude oil by propagating a shear wave into the oil. The coupling of the shear wave and the crystal vibrations is a function of the viscosity of the oil. By driving the crystal with circuitry that incorporates feedback, it is possible to determine the change from Newtonian to non-Newtonian viscosity at the cloud point. A portable prototype TSM Cloud Point Detector (CPD) has performed flawlessly during field and lab tests proving the technique is less subjective or operator dependent than the ASTM standard. The TSM CPD, in contrast to standard viscositymore » techniques, makes the measurement in a closed container capable of maintaining up to 100 psi. The closed container minimizes losses of low molecular weight volatiles, allowing samples (25 ml) to be retested with the addition of chemicals. By cycling/thermal soaking the sample, the effects of thermal history can be investigated and eliminated as a source of confusion. The CPD is portable, suitable for shipping the field offices for use by personnel without special training or experience in cloud point measurements. As such, it can make cloud point data available without the delays and inconvenience of sending samples to special labs. The crystal resonator technology can be adapted to in-line monitoring of cloud point and deposition detection.« less

Verification of Numerical Solutions for the Deployment of the Highly Nonlinear MARSIS Antenna Boom Lenticular Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Douglas S.; Wu, Shih-Chin

2006-01-01

The MARSIS antenna booms are constructed using lenticular hinges between straight boom segments in a novel design which allows the booms to be extremely lightweight while retaining a high stiffness and well defined structural properties once they are deployed. Lenticular hinges are elegant in form but are complicated to model as they deploy dynamically and require highly specialized nonlinear techniques founded on carefully measured mechanical properties. Results from component level testing were incorporated into a highly specialized ADAMS model which employed an automated damping algorithm to account for the discontinuous boom lengths formed during the deployment. Additional models with more limited capabilities were also developed in both DADS and ABAQUS to verify the ADAMS model computations and to help better define the numerical behavior of the models at the component and system levels. A careful comparison is made between the ADAMS and DADS models in a series of progressive steps in order to verify their numerical results. Different trade studies considered in the model development are outlined to demonstrate a suitable level of model fidelity. Some model sensitivities to various parameters are explored using subscale and full system models. Finally, some full system DADS models are exercised to illustrate the limitations of traditional modeling techniques for variable geometry systems which were overcome in the ADAMS model.

75 FR 50853 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation Model SF50 Airplane; Function and Reliability Testing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... airplanes. 1. Function and Reliability Testing. Flight tests: In place of 14 CFR 21.35(b)(2), the following...; Function and Reliability Testing AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special... to CAR part 3 became effective January 15, 1951, and deleted the service test requirements in Section...

75 FR 29962 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation Model SF50 Airplane; Function and Reliability Testing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-28

... SF50 airplanes. 1. Function and Reliability Testing Flight tests: In place of 14 CFR part 21.35(b)(2... Reliability Testing AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed special..., 1951, and deleted the service test requirements in Section 3.19 for airplanes of 6,000 pounds maximum...

Special Form Testing of Sealed Source Encapsulation for High-Alpha-Activity Actinide Materials

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

Martinez, Oscar A

In the United States all transportation of radioactive material is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Beginning in 2008 a new type of sealed-source encapsulation package was developed and tested by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). These packages contain high-alpha-activity actinides and are regulated and transported in accordance with the requirements for DOT Class 7 hazardous material. The DOT provides specific regulations pertaining to special form encapsulation designs. The special form designation indicates that the encapsulated radioactive contents have a very low probability of dispersion even when subjected to significant structural events. The special form designs have beenmore » shown to simplify the delivery, transport, acceptance, and receipt processes. It is intended for these sealed-source encapsulations to be shipped to various facilities making it very advantageous for them to be certified as special form. To this end, DOT Certificates of Competent Authority (CoCAs) have been sought for the design suitable for containing high-alpha-activity actinide materials. This design consists of the high-alpha-activity material encapsulated within a triangular zirconia canister, referred to as a ZipCan, tile that is then enclosed by a spherical shell. The spherical shell design, with ZipCan tile inside, was tested for compliance with the special form regulations found in 49 CFR 173.469. The spherical enclosure was subjected to 9-m impact, 1 m percussion, and 10-minute thermal tests at the Packaging Evaluation Facility located at the National Transportation Research Center in Knoxville, TN USA and operated by ORNL. Before and after each test, the test units were subjected to a helium leak check and a bubble test. The ZipCan tiles and core were also subjected to the tests required for ISO 2919:2012(E), including a Class IV impact test and heat test and subsequently subjected to helium leakage rate tests [49 CFR 173.469(a)(4)(i)]. The impact-tile test unit contained a nonradioactive surrogate; however, the thermal test unit contained a radioactive source. This paper describes the regulatory special form tests and presents detailed impact and leak test results that demonstrate that the sealed source encapsulation designs satisfy the regulatory tests.« less

Description of a 2.3 kW power transformer for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, I.

1979-01-01

The principle features and special testing of a high voltage high power transformer designed and developed for space application are described. The transformer is operated in a series resonant inverter supplying beam power to a 30 cm mercury ion thruster. Electrical requirements include operation of 2.3 kW continuous power output, primary currents to 35 amps rms, and frequencies up to 20 kHz. High efficiency was obtained through detailed considerations of the tradeoffs available in core materials, wire selection, coil configurations and thermal control. A number of novel heat removal techniques are discussed which control the winding temperature using only the available conductive cooling.

National Transonic Facility: A review of the operational plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liepmann, H. W.; Black, R. E.; Dietz, R. O.; Kirchner, M. E.; Sears, W. R.

1980-01-01

The proposed National Transonic Facility (NTF) operational plan is reviewed. The NTF will provide an aerodynamic test capability significantly exceeding that of other transonic regime wind tunnels now available. A limited number of academic research program that might use the NTF are suggested. It is concluded that the NTF operational plan is useful for management, technical, instrumentation, and model building techniques available in the specialized field of aerodynamic analysis and simulation. It is also suggested that NASA hold an annual conference to discuss wind tunnel research results and to report on developments that will further improve the utilization and cost effectiveness of the NTF and other wind tunnels.

New class of microminiature Joule — Thomson refrigerator and vacuum package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paugh, Robert L.

1990-12-01

Progress is reported on the development of a two-stage, fast cooldown Joule — Thomson refrigerator using nitrogen gas and a nitrogen — hydrocarbon gas mixture as the refrigerants. The refrigerator incorporates a microminiature Venturi pump to reduce the pressure of the exhaust of the main boiler to bring the operating temperature of the cold stage to < 70 K in as little as 10 s. The vacuum package for the refrigerator contains no organic materials and is designed to provide a ten year shelf life. Special glass strengthening techniques are being used to achieve cooler survival of acceleration tests of up to 100 000g.

Microwave magnetic field detection based on Cs vapor cell in free space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaochi; Jiang, Zhiyuan; Qu, Jifeng; Hou, Dong; Huang, Xianhe; Sun, Fuyu

2018-06-01

In this study, we demonstrate the direct measurement of a microwave (MW) magnetic field through the detection of atomic Rabi resonances with Cs vapor cells in a free-space low-Q cavity. The line shape (amplitude and linewidth) of detected Rabi resonances is investigated versus several experimental parameters such as the laser intensity, cell buffer gas pressure, and cell length. The specially designed low-Q cavity creates a suitable MW environment allowing easy testing of different vapor cells with distinct properties. Obtained results are analyzed to optimize the performances of a MW magnetic field sensor based on the present atom-based detection technique.

Analysis of Tile-Reinforced Composite Armor. Part 1; Advanced Modeling and Strength Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davila, C. G.; Chen, Tzi-Kang; Baker, D. J.

1998-01-01

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the structural response and strength of tile-reinforced components of the Composite Armored Vehicle are presented. The analyses are based on specialized finite element techniques that properly account for the effects of the interaction between the armor tiles, the surrounding elastomers, and the glass-epoxy sublaminates. To validate the analytical predictions, tests were conducted with panels subjected to three-point bending loads. The sequence of progressive failure events for the laminates is described. This paper describes the results of Part 1 of a study of the response and strength of tile-reinforced composite armor.

Validity of the Microsoft Kinect for measurement of neck angle: comparison with electrogoniometry.

PubMed

Allahyari, Teimour; Sahraneshin Samani, Ali; Khalkhali, Hamid-Reza

2017-12-01

Considering the importance of evaluating working postures, many techniques and tools have been developed to identify and eliminate awkward postures and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The introduction of the Microsoft Kinect sensor, which is a low-cost, easy to set up and markerless motion capture system, offers promising possibilities for postural studies. Considering the Kinect's special ability in head-pose and facial-expression tracking and complexity of cervical spine movements, this study aimed to assess concurrent validity of the Microsoft Kinect against an electrogoniometer for neck angle measurements. A special software program was developed to calculate the neck angle based on Kinect skeleton tracking data. Neck angles were measured simultaneously by electrogoniometer and the developed software program in 10 volunteers. The results were recorded in degrees and the time required for each method was also measured. The Kinect's ability to identify body joints was reliable and precise. There was moderate to excellent agreement between the Kinect-based method and the electrogoniometer (paired-sample t test, p ≥ 0.25; intraclass correlation for test-retest reliability, ≥0.75). Kinect-based measurement was much faster and required less equipment, but accurate measurement with Microsoft Kinect was only possible if the participant was in its field of view.

28 CFR 115.234 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... pursuant to § 115.231, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and the...

28 CFR 115.234 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... pursuant to § 115.231, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and the...

28 CFR 115.234 - Specialized training: Investigations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... pursuant to § 115.231, the agency shall ensure that, to the extent the agency itself conducts sexual abuse... settings. (b) Specialized training shall include techniques for interviewing sexual abuse victims, proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings, sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings, and the...

Special Education Microteaching Clinic: Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shea, Thomas M.; And Others

Presented is the final report on the Special Education Microteaching Clinic at Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville) which incorporates a practice teaching technique in which a student teaches a lesson, is critiqued and shown a videotape, then reteaches the lesson. Section I, the overview, includes a presentation of the Microteaching…

Developing physician consensus on the reporting of patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia to transportation authorities in a region with mandatory reporting legislation.

PubMed

Rapoport, Mark J; Naglie, Gary; Herrmann, Nathan; Zucchero Sarracini, Carla; Mulsant, Benoit H; Frank, Christopher; Kiss, Alex; Seitz, Dallas; Vrkljan, Brenda; Masellis, Mario; Tang-Wai, David; Pimlott, Nicholas; Molnar, Frank

2014-12-01

To establish consensus among dementia experts about which patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia should be reported to transportation authorities. We conducted a literature review of predictors of driving safety in patients with dementia and combined these into 26 case scenarios. Using a modified Delphi technique, case scenarios were reviewed by 38 dementia experts (geriatric psychiatrists, geriatricians, cognitive neurologists and family physicians with expertise in elder care) who indicated whether or not they would report the patient in each scenario to regional transportation authorities and recommend a specialized on-road driving test. Scenarios were presented up to five times to achieve consensus, defined as 85% agreement, and discrepancies were discussed anonymously online. By the end of the fifth iteration, there was cumulative consensus on 18 scenarios (69%). The strongest predictors of decision to report were the combination of caregiver concern about the patient's driving and abnormal Clock Drawing Test, which accounted for 62% of the variance in decision to report at the same time as or without a road test (p <0.01). Based on these data, an algorithm was developed to guide physician decision-making about reporting patients with MCI or mild dementia to transportation authorities. This study supports existing international guidelines that recommend specialized on-road testing when driving safety is uncertain for patients with MCI and emphasizes the importance of assessing executive dysfunction and caregiver concern about driving. Copyright © 2014 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Production and manipulation of bovine embryos: techniques and terminology.

PubMed

Machaty, Z; Peippo, J; Peter, A

2012-09-15

There are numerous publications regarding bovine embryos, ranging from descriptions of their appearance and development to emerging techniques in the field of assisted reproductive technology. Concurrently, several specialized terms have been developed to describe the bovine embryo. The purpose of the current review is two-fold; it is primarily to describe techniques involved in the in vivo and in vitro production of bovine embryos and their manipulation, and secondarily to summarize specialized terms used in these processes. The intention is not to review these techniques in detail, but instead to provide salient points and current knowledge regarding these techniques, with a focus on terminology. The first review dealt with classical and contemporary terminology used to describe morphologic aspects of ovarian dynamics in cattle. Subsequently, the terms and current understanding of processes involved in preattachment bovine embryos were described in the second review. As the third article in a series, this mini-review is focused on defining the production, manipulation, and transfer of bovine preattachment embryos. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dual-Mode Combined Infra Red and Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Technique for Real-Time Industrial Process Control with Special Reference to the Food Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pallav, P.; Hutchins, D. A.; Diamond, G. G.; Gan, T. H.; Hellyer, J. E.

2008-02-01

This paper describes the use of air-coupled ultrasound and Near Infra red (NIR) as complimentary techniques for food quality assessment. A major study has been performed, in collaboration with four industrial food companies, to investigate the use of air-coupled ultrasound and NIR to both detect foreign bodies, and to measure certain parameters of interest, such as the amount of a certain additive. The research has demonstrated that air-coupled ultrasound can be used in on-line situations, measuring food materials such as chocolate and cheese. It is also capable of performing measurements on moving sealed metal cans containing food, and is able to detect foreign bodies with the top removed, as encountered just before sealing. NIR has been used as a complimentary technique to test food materials where propagation of air-coupled ultrasound was found to be difficult. This could be due to the presence of air pockets within the food material, as in the case of bread dough.

Generalized image contrast enhancement technique based on the Heinemann contrast discrimination model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hong; Nodine, Calvin F.

1996-07-01

This paper presents a generalized image contrast enhancement technique, which equalizes the perceived brightness distribution based on the Heinemann contrast discrimination model. It is based on the mathematically proven existence of a unique solution to a nonlinear equation, and is formulated with easily tunable parameters. The model uses a two-step log-log representation of luminance contrast between targets and surround in a luminous background setting. The algorithm consists of two nonlinear gray scale mapping functions that have seven parameters, two of which are adjustable Heinemann constants. Another parameter is the background gray level. The remaining four parameters are nonlinear functions of the gray-level distribution of the given image, and can be uniquely determined once the previous three are set. Tests have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm for increasing the overall contrast of radiology images. The traditional histogram equalization can be reinterpreted as an image enhancement technique based on the knowledge of human contrast perception. In fact, it is a special case of the proposed algorithm.

Application of HFCT and UHF Sensors in On-Line Partial Discharge Measurements for Insulation Diagnosis of High Voltage Equipment

PubMed Central

Álvarez, Fernando; Garnacho, Fernando; Ortego, Javier; Sánchez-Urán, Miguel Ángel

2015-01-01

Partial discharge (PD) measurements provide valuable information for assessing the condition of high voltage (HV) insulation systems, contributing to their quality assurance. Different PD measuring techniques have been developed in the last years specially designed to perform on-line measurements. Non-conventional PD methods operating in high frequency bands are usually used when this type of tests are carried out. In PD measurements the signal acquisition, the subsequent signal processing and the capability to obtain an accurate diagnosis are conditioned by the selection of a suitable detection technique and by the implementation of effective signal processing tools. This paper proposes an optimized electromagnetic detection method based on the combined use of wideband PD sensors for measurements performed in the HF and UHF frequency ranges, together with the implementation of powerful processing tools. The effectiveness of the measuring techniques proposed is demonstrated through an example, where several PD sources are measured simultaneously in a HV installation consisting of a cable system connected by a plug-in terminal to a gas insulated substation (GIS) compartment. PMID:25815452

New Ground Truth Capability from InSAR Time Series Analysis

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

Buckley, S; Vincent, P; Yang, D

2005-07-13

We demonstrate that next-generation interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) processing techniques applied to existing data provide rich InSAR ground truth content for exploitation in seismic source identification. InSAR time series analyses utilize tens of interferograms and can be implemented in different ways. In one such approach, conventional InSAR displacement maps are inverted in a final post-processing step. Alternatively, computationally intensive data reduction can be performed with specialized InSAR processing algorithms. The typical final result of these approaches is a synthesized set of cumulative displacement maps. Examples from our recent work demonstrate that these InSAR processing techniques can provide appealing newmore » ground truth capabilities. We construct movies showing the areal and temporal evolution of deformation associated with previous nuclear tests. In other analyses, we extract time histories of centimeter-scale surface displacement associated with tunneling. The potential exists to identify millimeter per year surface movements when sufficient data exists for InSAR techniques to isolate and remove phase signatures associated with digital elevation model errors and the atmosphere.« less

TDAS: The Thermal Expert System (TEXSYS) data acquisition system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hack, Edmund C.; Healey, Kathleen J.

1987-01-01

As part of the NASA Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project, a thermal expert system (TEXSYS) is being developed. TEXSYS combines a fast real time control system, a sophisticated human interface for the user and several distinct artificial intelligence techniques in one system. TEXSYS is to provide real time control, operations advice and fault detection, isolation and recovery capabilities for the space station Thermal Test Bed (TTB). TEXSYS will be integrated with the TTB and act as an intelligent assistant to thermal engineers conducting TTB tests and experiments. The results are presented from connecting the real time controller to the knowledge based system thereby creating an integrated system. Special attention will be paid to the problem of filtering and interpreting the raw, real time data and placing the important values into the knowledge base of the expert system.

Aerosol and nucleation research in support of NASA cloud physics experiments in space. [ice nuclei generator for the atmospheric cloud physics laboratory on Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vali, G.; Rogers, D.; Gordon, G.; Saunders, C. P. R.; Reischel, M.; Black, R.

1978-01-01

Tasks performed in the development of an ice nucleus generator which, within the facility concept of the ACPL, would provide a test aerosol suitable for a large number and variety of potential experiments are described. The impact of Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory scientific functional requirements on ice nuclei generation and characterization subsystems was established. Potential aerosol generating systems were evaluated with special emphasis on reliability, repeatability and general suitability for application in Spacelab. Possible contamination problems associated with aerosol generation techniques were examined. The ice nucleating abilities of candidate test aerosols were examined and the possible impact of impurities on the nucleating abilities of those aerosols were assessed as well as the relative merits of various methods of aerosol size and number density measurements.

Nevada Applied Ecology Group publications. [Bibliography of radioecological studies at NTS with special reference to plutonium

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

White, M.G.; Pfuderer, H.A.

This bibliography serves as a guide to the environmental studies sponsored by the Nevada Applied Ecology Group (NAEG) at the Department of Energy Nevada Test Site nuclear weapons complex. The NAEG is part of the Nevada Operations Office of the United States Department of Energy. The references included in the bibliography reflect the interests of the NAEG (e.g., hazard evaluation of the nuclear safety-shot sites). The objectives of the NAEG plutonium studies at the Nevada Test Site were defined as follows: (1) delineate locations of contamination; (2) determine concentrations in ecosystem components; (3) quantify rates of movements among ecosystem components;more » (4) evaluate radiological hazards of plutonium; (5) identify areas which need to be cleaned up or treated; and (6) develop techniques for cleanup or treatment.« less

Minimal and moderate oral sedation in the adult special needs patient.

PubMed

Coke, John M; Edwards, Michael D

2009-04-01

Oral minimal/moderate sedation can be an effective tool to aid in the dental management of adult special needs patients. Specific sedative drugs must be chosen by the dentist that can be used safely and effectively on these patients. This article focuses on a select number of these drugs, specific medical and pharmacologic challenges presented by adult special needs patients, and techniques to safely administer oral minimal and moderate sedation.

A Whirlwind Tour of Computational Geometry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Ron; Yao, Frances

1990-01-01

Described is computational geometry which used concepts and results from classical geometry, topology, combinatorics, as well as standard algorithmic techniques such as sorting and searching, graph manipulations, and linear programing. Also included are special techniques and paradigms. (KR)

Test Report of Special Form Qualification Testing for the ORNL U ZipCan

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

Martinez, Oscar A.

This test report describes the special form testing activities performed on the two ZiPCans. One prototype test unit was subjected to the tests stipulated by 10 CFR 71.75 (d)(1)(i), ISO 2919:1999(E) Class 4 impact test, along with the leak rate test specified in 49 CFR 173.469(a)(4)(i). The other test unit was subjected to a leak rate test as specified in 173.469(a)(4)(i) and a heat test as specified in 49 CFR 173.469 (b)(4). Each test unit was leak tested before and after these respective tests. The leak rate tests performed were helium back-pressure tests and bubble tests, as specified in ANSImore » N14.5-2014.The measured leak rates were converted to standard condition leak rates as specified in ASTM E 493. The determined standardized leak rates from the test and calculation for both test units met the requirements for special form certification.« less

Radiological Image Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Shih-Chung Benedict

The movement toward digital images in radiology presents the problem of how to conveniently and economically store, retrieve, and transmit the volume of digital images. Basic research into image data compression is necessary in order to move from a film-based department to an efficient digital -based department. Digital data compression technology consists of two types of compression technique: error-free and irreversible. Error -free image compression is desired; however, present techniques can only achieve compression ratio of from 1.5:1 to 3:1, depending upon the image characteristics. Irreversible image compression can achieve a much higher compression ratio; however, the image reconstructed from the compressed data shows some difference from the original image. This dissertation studies both error-free and irreversible image compression techniques. In particular, some modified error-free techniques have been tested and the recommended strategies for various radiological images are discussed. A full-frame bit-allocation irreversible compression technique has been derived. A total of 76 images which include CT head and body, and radiographs digitized to 2048 x 2048, 1024 x 1024, and 512 x 512 have been used to test this algorithm. The normalized mean -square-error (NMSE) on the difference image, defined as the difference between the original and the reconstructed image from a given compression ratio, is used as a global measurement on the quality of the reconstructed image. The NMSE's of total of 380 reconstructed and 380 difference images are measured and the results tabulated. Three complex compression methods are also suggested to compress images with special characteristics. Finally, various parameters which would effect the quality of the reconstructed images are discussed. A proposed hardware compression module is given in the last chapter.

Investigation of biomaterials by human epithelial gingiva cells: an in vitro study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction In modern medicine and dentistry the use of biomaterials is a fast developing field of increasing interest. Especially in dentistry the interaction between biomaterials like implant materials and the soft tissue in the oral cavity is in the focus of daily research. In this context the high importance of testing materials and their surfaces concerning their biocompatibility towards corresponding cells is very likely. For this purpose this study investigates cells derived from human gingival biopsies on different materials and surfaces. Methods Cells in this study were cultivated out of human biopsies by a grow out explant technique and were sub cultivated on titanium, zirconium dioxide and collagen membrane specimens. To characterise the cells on the material surfaces used in this study immunohistochemical and histological staining techniques as well as different methods of microscopy (light microscopy and SEM) were applied. Results With the aid of the explant technique and the chosen cell cultivation method it was possible to investigate the human gingiva derived cells on different materials. The data of the present study show that the human gingival cells attach and proliferate on all three tested materials by exhibiting characteristic gingival keratinocyte protein expression even after long periods of culture e.g. up to 70 days. Conclusions It could be shown that the three tested materials titanium, zirconium dioxide and collagen membrane (and their special surfaces) are good candidates for the application as materials in the dental gingival environment or, in the case of the collagen membrane as scaffold/cell-carrier for human gingival cells in tissue engineering. PMID:23241143

40 CFR 1037.550 - Special procedures for testing post-transmission hybrid systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... for simulating a chassis test with a pre-transmission or post-transmission hybrid system for A to B.... This section describes the procedure for simulating a chassis test with a post-transmission hybrid... 40 Protection of Environment 34 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Special procedures for testing post...

Improving Test Preparation for Students with Special Needs: Web-Based Tutorial, Student Charting, and a Text Reader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Menard, Lauren A.

2011-01-01

Obstacles to the classroom implementation of the fourth grade Math component of Louisiana's web-based testing tutorial were addressed in this informal pilot. Technology integration improved standardized test preparation for students with special needs. Supplemental test preparation sessions give the benefits of (a) increased familiarity with…

Eurofit Special: European Fitness Battery Score Variation among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skowronski, Waldemar; Horvat, Michael; Nocera, Joe; Roswal, Glenn; Croce, Ron

2009-01-01

The Eurofit Special Test is a battery of motor fitness tests resulting from a 10-year project of the Committee of Experts for Sports Research and is comprised of strength, speed, flexibility, and balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Eurofit Special was able to distinguish variations in functioning among individuals…

A new electron microscope technique for the study of living materials.

PubMed

Kálmán, E

1979-07-01

In order to gain informations on the real structure of biological specimens the "wet technique" for electron microscopy has been developed. The construction and the working principle of a special microchamber are described. Applications of this technique for the investigation of blood cells, gametes and various bacteries are demonstrated by micrographs.

A special protection scheme utilizing trajectory sensitivity analysis in power transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suriyamongkol, Dan

In recent years, new measurement techniques have provided opportunities to improve the North American Power System observability, control and protection. This dissertation discusses the formulation and design of a special protection scheme based on a novel utilization of trajectory sensitivity techniques with inputs consisting of system state variables and parameters. Trajectory sensitivity analysis (TSA) has been used in previous publications as a method for power system security and stability assessment, and the mathematical formulation of TSA lends itself well to some of the time domain power system simulation techniques. Existing special protection schemes often have limited sets of goals and control actions. The proposed scheme aims to maintain stability while using as many control actions as possible. The approach here will use the TSA in a novel way by using the sensitivities of system state variables with respect to state parameter variations to determine the state parameter controls required to achieve the desired state variable movements. The initial application will operate based on the assumption that the modeled power system has full system observability, and practical considerations will be discussed.

Kansas Adapted/Special Physical Education Test Manual. Health Related Fitness and Psychomotor Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Robert E.; Lavay, Barry

This manual was developed to address the need for health-related physical fitness testing of children with special needs. The first section defines the components of health-related physical fitness which consist of: (1)abdominal strength and endurance measured by a sit-up test; (2) flexibility, measured by a sit and reach test; (3) upper body…

Special Education Students: To Be (Tested) or Not To Be (Tested)? That's a Good Question.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, L. David; Matter, M. Kevin

This paper outlines how the Austin Independent School District (Texas) tried to deal with the following questions: (1) Should special education students be included in the administration of standardized tests?; (2) Should their scores be included or excluded in the reporting of test results?; and (3) What are the evidences that test scores reflect…

Teacher Motivation and Retention in High School Special Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Matthew Daniel

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the best motivational tools for recruiting high-quality high school special education teachers; and to identify effective techniques and strategies to facilitate those individuals' experiencing career longevity within the profession. This study also sought to highlight the specific issues that actively…

78 FR 75997 - Provision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-13

... individuals with disabilities; selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining... specially designed services for an infant or toddler with a disability and the family of such infant or... impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques. Medical services. Those evaluative...

Using the Computer in Special Vocational Programs. Inservice Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane, Kenneth; Ward, Raymond

This inservice manual is intended to assist vocational education teachers in using the techniques of computer-assisted instruction in special vocational education programs. Addressed in the individual units are the following topics: the basic principles of computer-assisted instruction (TRS-80 computers and typing on a computer keyboard); money…

A Proposal for an International Special Education Television Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nathanson, David E.

The utilization of satellites in combination with university and public broadcast facilities throughout the world can be coordinated as a Worldwide Special Education Television Network. The purpose of the Network would be to provide relatively easy access to new research developments, events, teaching techniques, and ideas that will allow…

Keep It Simple. Teaching Tips for Special Olympic Athletes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Judith E.; And Others

1996-01-01

Physical educators can help Special Olympics athletes learn cross-lateral delivery techniques for bowling or throwing softballs by color coding the throwing arm and opposing foot. The article explains color coding, presenting teaching tips for both sports. A series of workshops on modifying exercise principles for individuals with physical…

A Call for Examining Replication and Bias in Special Education Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Bryan G.

2014-01-01

Valid, scientific research is critical for ascertaining the effects of instructional techniques on learners with disabilities and for guiding effective special education practice and policy. Researchers in fields such as psychology and medicine have identified serious and widespread shortcomings in their research literatures related to replication…

Beginning Special Education Teachers: At Risk for Attrition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karge, Belinda Dunnick; Freiberg, Melissa R.

Recognizing the importance of early experience to job satisfaction and commitment, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of support from administration on the induction and retention of 457 beginning public school, special education teachers. Secondary analysis techniques were applied to information derived from the 1987-88 cross…

Lecons speciales Hausa (Hausa Special Lessons).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peace Corps, Niger (Nigeria).

Teachers' instructional notes for a Hausa course designed for Peace Corps volunteer language and cultural training contains lesson translations, questions for classroom use in several tenses, stories, readings, and summaries, lists of idioms and verbs, pattern drills, and notes on classroom technique. The information is intended to accompany a set…

Design of a Channel Error Simulator using Virtual Instrument Techniques for the Initial Testing of TCP/IP and SCPS Protocols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horan, Stephen; Wang, Ru-Hai

1999-01-01

There exists a need for designers and developers to have a method to conveniently test a variety of communications parameters for an overall system design. This is no different when testing network protocols as when testing modulation formats. In this report, we discuss a means of providing a networking test device specifically designed to be used for space communications. This test device is a PC-based Virtual Instrument (VI) programmed using the LabVIEW(TM) version 5 software suite developed by National Instruments(TM)TM. This instrument was designed to be portable and usable by others without special, additional equipment. The programming was designed to replicate a VME-based hardware module developed earlier at New Mexico State University (NMSU) and to provide expanded capabilities exceeding the baseline configuration existing in that module. This report describes the design goals for the VI module in the next section and follows that with a description of the design of the VI instrument. This is followed with a description of the validation tests run on the VI. An application of the error-generating VI to networking protocols is then given.

Digital Mapping Techniques '11–12 workshop proceedings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Soller, David R.

2014-01-01

At these meetings, oral and poster presentations and special discussion sessions emphasized: (1) methods for creating and publishing map products (here, "publishing" includes Web-based release); (2) field data capture software and techniques, including the use of LiDAR; (3) digital cartographic techniques; (4) migration of digital maps into ArcGIS Geodatabase formats; (5) analytical GIS techniques; and (6) continued development of the National Geologic Map Database.

Constraint-based component-modeling for knowledge-based design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolb, Mark A.

1992-01-01

The paper describes the application of various advanced programming techniques derived from artificial intelligence research to the development of flexible design tools for conceptual design. Special attention is given to two techniques which appear to be readily applicable to such design tools: the constraint propagation technique and the object-oriented programming. The implementation of these techniques in a prototype computer tool, Rubber Airplane, is described.

Measurement Techniques of the Magneto-Electric Coupling in Multiferroics

PubMed Central

Fetisov, Y. K.; Caruntu, G.; Srinivasan, G.

2017-01-01

The current surge of interest in multiferroic materials demands specialized measurement techniques to support multiferroics research. In this review article we detail well-established measurement techniques of the magneto-electric coupling coefficient in multiferroic materials, together with newly proposed ones. This work is intended to serve as a reference document for anyone willing to develop experimental measurement techniques of multiferroic materials. PMID:28817089

Colorectal adenomatous polyposis syndromes: Genetic determinism, clinical presentation and recommendations for care.

PubMed

Buecher, Bruno

2016-02-01

Colorectal adenomatous polyposis constitutes a diverse group of disorders with different modes of inheritance. Molecular diagnosis of this condition has become more complex. In fact, somatic mosaicism for APC mutations now appears to be more frequent than previously thought and rare germline alterations of this gene may be implicated in patients tested negative for "classical" APC mutations (point mutations and large genomic rearrangements). Moreover, the knowledge concerning several aspects of the MUTYH-associated polyposis has improved since its first description in 2002 and germline mutations in new genes have recently been implicated in some cases of unexplained adenomatous polyposis. Genetic testing in probands and their relatives should be conducted in the context of pre- and post-test genetic counseling. The recent advent of New Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques affords the opportunity to rapidly screen patients for a comprehensive panel of colorectal cancer susceptibility genes in a cost-effective fashion. This type of approach will probably replace the classical sequential approach based on clinical presumptive diagnoses in the near future. The risk of colorectal cancer is very high in affected patients in the absence of appropriate care. Clinical management is complex and should be provided in centers with special expertise in these diseases. This review focuses on the various colorectal adenomatous polyposis syndromes with special attention to more innovative and important aspects. Copyright © 2015 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Econometrics as evidence? Examining the 'causal' connections between financial speculation and commodities prices.

PubMed

Williams, James W; Cook, Nikolai M

2016-10-01

One of the lasting legacies of the financial crisis of 2008, and the legislative energies that followed from it, is the growing reliance on econometrics as part of the rulemaking process. Financial regulators are increasingly expected to rationalize proposed rules using available econometric techniques, and the courts have vacated several key rules emanating from Dodd-Frank on the grounds of alleged deficiencies in this evidentiary effort. The turn toward such econometric tools is seen as a significant constraint on and challenge to regulators as they endeavor to engage with such essential policy questions as the impact of financial speculation on food security. Yet, outside of the specialized practitioner community, very little is known about these techniques. This article examines one such econometric test, Granger causality, and its role in a pivotal Dodd-Frank rulemaking. Through an examination of the test for Granger causality and its attempts to distill the causal connections between financial speculation and commodities prices, the article argues that econometrics is a blunt but useful tool, limited in its ability to provide decisive insights into commodities markets and yet yielding useful returns for those who are able to wield it.

Analysis and experiments for a system of two spacecraft paired by means of a flexible link

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabatini, Marco; Palmerini, Giovanni B.; Gasbarri, Paolo

2016-11-01

A field of current interest in space technology is the on-orbit operation concept, often requiring that a chaser spacecraft captures a target spacecraft. The physical link connecting the two satellites is usually characterized by a high degree of flexibility, because of the special requirements imposed to the space systems, and specifically the constraints on the mass at launch. The focus of this paper is the study of an attitude control of the paired spacecraft system such that the elastic oscillations do not interfere with the attitude dynamics, and the final configuration is reached without residual vibrations. At the scope, a rest-to-rest techniques, that requires an accurate description of the dynamic model of the paired satellites as a flexible multibody setup, is applied. The results of this control are first tested by means of a numerical tool, simulating nominal and non-nominal scenarios. Then the identified control is proved in an experimental test-bed, consisting of two free-floating platforms connected by means of an elastic joint. The performance of the rest-to-rest technique is compared to other classical control laws aiming to minimally excite the system undesired dynamics, showing a promising superiority.

Application of Paste Backfill in Underground Coal Fires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masniyom, M.; Drebenstedt, C.

2009-04-01

Coal fires are known from different coalfields worldwide. China, India, USA, Australia, Indonesia and South Africa are the main countries affected by coal fires. The fires is thermally intensive and cause numerous sinkholes, large-scale subsidence, air pollution, global warming, loss of mining productivity and increasing safety risk. The Wuda Inner Mongolia coalfield has been selected as a possible test area for paste backfill. The traditional methods, executed by fire fighting teams, by covering the coalfire areas with soil, blasting burning coal outcrops and injecting water in the subsurface fire pockets are continuously improved and extended. Initiatives to introduce modern techniques, such as backfill placement at fracture and borehole, to cool down the burning coal and cut off the air supply. This study is to investigate backfill materials and techniques suited for underground coal fires. Laboratory tests were carried out on physical, chemical and mechanical properties of different backfill materials and mixtures thereof. Special attention was paid to materials generated as by-products and other cheaply available materials e.g. fly ash from power plants. There is a good chance that one of the different material mixtures investigated can be used as a technically and economically viable backfill for underground coal fires.

A survey of statistics in three UK general practice journal

PubMed Central

Rigby, Alan S; Armstrong, Gillian K; Campbell, Michael J; Summerton, Nick

2004-01-01

Background Many medical specialities have reviewed the statistical content of their journals. To our knowledge this has not been done in general practice. Given the main role of a general practitioner as a diagnostician we thought it would be of interest to see whether the statistical methods reported reflect the diagnostic process. Methods Hand search of three UK journals of general practice namely the British Medical Journal (general practice section), British Journal of General Practice and Family Practice over a one-year period (1 January to 31 December 2000). Results A wide variety of statistical techniques were used. The most common methods included t-tests and Chi-squared tests. There were few articles reporting likelihood ratios and other useful diagnostic methods. There was evidence that the journals with the more thorough statistical review process reported a more complex and wider variety of statistical techniques. Conclusions The BMJ had a wider range and greater diversity of statistical methods than the other two journals. However, in all three journals there was a dearth of papers reflecting the diagnostic process. Across all three journals there were relatively few papers describing randomised controlled trials thus recognising the difficulty of implementing this design in general practice. PMID:15596014

Investigation of high-strength bolt-tightening verification techniques.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

The current means and methods of verifying that high-strength bolts have been properly tightened are very laborious and time : consuming. In some cases, the techniques require special equipment and, in other cases, the verification itself may be some...

Investigation of deformation of elements of three-dimensional reinforced concrete structures located in the soil, interacting with each other through rubber gaskets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berezhnoi, D. V.; Balafendieva, I. S.; Sachenkov, A. A.; Sekaeva, L. R.

2017-06-01

In work the technique of calculation of elements of three-dimensional reinforced concrete substructures located in a soil, interacting with each other through rubber linings is realized. To describe the interaction of deformable structures with the ground, special “semi-infinite” finite elements are used. A technique has been implemented that allows one to describe the contact interaction of three-dimensional structures by means of a special contact finite element with specific properties. The obtained numerical results are compared with the experimental data, their good agreement is noted.

[Errors and dangers in intestinal sutures and anastomoses using stapler suture instruments (EEA, TA55, TA90, GIA)].

PubMed

Gögler, E

1985-01-01

In different tables the most important faults with enteral sutures and anastomoses in general and at special operations are demonstrated: end-to-end anastomoses with congruent diameter, anastomoses with different diameters, B I, B II, low anterior resection, esophago-jejunostomy. Only if the surgeon has experience in standard technique, faults and risks with mechanical staplers and manual sutures, the advantage-progress of staplers will be effective avoiding special risks. Surgeons without experience may produce real catastrophes which may turn out hopeless without training in manual suture technique.

Association of American Geographers, Remote Sensing Specialty Group Special Issue of Geocarto International

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Thomas R. (Editor); Emerson, Charles W. (Editor); Quattrochi, Dale A. (Editor); Arnold, James E. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This special issue continues the precedence of the Association of American Geographers (AAG), Remote Sensing Specialty Group (RSSG) for publishing selected articles in Geocarto International as a by-product from the AAG annual meeting. As editors, we issued earlier this year, a solicitation for papers to be published in a special issue of Geocarto International that were presented in RSSG-sponsored sessions at the 2001 AAG annual meeting held in New York City on February 27-March 3. Although not an absolute requisite for publication, the vast majority of the papers in this special issue were presented at this year's AAG meeting in New York. Other articles in this issue that were not part of a paper or poster session at the 2001 AAG meeting are authored by RSSG members. Under the auspices of the RSSG, this special Geocarto International issue provides even more compelling evidence of the inextricable linkage between remote sensing and geography. The papers in this special issue fall into four general themes: 1) Urban Analysis and Techniques for Urban Analysis; 2) Land Use/Land Cover Analysis; 3) Fire Modeling Assessment; and 4) Techniques. The first four papers herein are concerned with the use of remote sensing for analysis of urban areas, and with use or development of techniques to better characterize urban areas using remote sensing data. As the lead paper in this grouping, Rashed et al., examine the usage of spectral mixture analysis (SMA) for analyzing satellite imagery of urban areas as opposed to more 'standard' methods of classification. Here SMA has been applied to IRS-1C satellite multispectral imagery to extract measures that better describe the 'anatomy' of the greater Cairo, Egypt region. Following this paper, Weng and Lo describe how Landsat TM data have been used to monitor land cover types and to estimate biomass parameters within an urban environment. The research reported in this paper applies an integrated GIS (Geographic Information System) approach for detecting urban growth and assessing its impact on biomass in the Zhujiang Delta, China. The remaining two papers in this first grouping deal with improved techniques for characterizing and analyzing urban areas using remote sensing data. Myint examines the use of texture analysis to better classify urban features. Here wavelet analysis has been employed to assist in deriving a more robust classification of the urban environment from high spatial resolution, multispectral aircraft data. Mesev provides insight on how through the modification of the standard maximum likelihood image analysis technique, population census data can be used enhance the overall robustness of urban image classification through the modification of the standard maximum likelihood image analysis technique.

CALiPER Special Summary Report: Retail Replacement Lamp Testing

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

None

2011-04-01

CALiPER testing has evaluated many products for commercial lighting markets and found some excellent performers. However, many of these are not available on the retail market. This special testing was undertaken to identify and test solid-state lighting (SSL) replacement lamp products that are available to the general public through retail stores and websites.

Impression of multiple implants using photogrammetry: Description of technique and case presentation

PubMed Central

Peñarrocha-Oltra, David; Agustín-Panadero, Rubén; Bagán, Leticia; Giménez, Beatriz

2014-01-01

Aim: To describe a technique for registering the positions of multiple dental implants using a system based on photogrammetry. A case is presented in which a prosthetic treatment was performed using this technique. Study Design: Three Euroteknika® dental implants were placed to rehabilitate a 55-year-old male patient with right posterior maxillary edentulism. Three months later, the positions of the implants were registered using a photogrammetry-based stereo-camera (PICcamera®). After processing patient and implant data, special abutments (PICabutment®) were screwed onto each implant. The PICcamera® was then used to capture images of the implant positions, automatically taking 150 images in less than 60 seconds. From this information a file was obtained describing the relative positions – angles and distances – of each implant in vector form. Information regarding the soft tissues was obtained from an alginate impression that was cast in plaster and scanned. A Cr-Co structure was obtained using CAD/CAM, and its passive fit was verified in the patient’s mouth using the Sheffield test and the screw resistance test. Results and Conclusions: Twelve months after loading, peri-implant tissues were healthy and no marginal bone loss was observed. The clinical application of this new system using photogrammetry to record the position of multiple dental implants facilitated the rehabilitation of a patient with posterior maxillary edentulism by means of a prosthesis with optimal fit. The prosthetic process was accurate, fast, simple to apply and comfortable for the patient. Key words:Dental implants, photogrammetry, dental impression technique, CAD/CAM. PMID:24608216

21 CFR 1010.13 - Special test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Special test procedures. 1010.13 Section 1010.13 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS: GENERAL Alternate Test Procedures § 1010.13...

Evaluation of cooling concepts and specimen geometries for high heat flux tests on neutron irradiated divertor elements

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

Linke, J.; Bolt. H.; Breitbach, G.

1994-12-31

To assess the lifetime and the long term heat removal capabilities of plasma facing components in future thermonuclear fusion reactors such as ITER, neutron irradiation and subsequent high heat flux tests will be most essential. The effect of neutron damage will be simulated in material test reactors (such as the HFR-Petten) in a fission neutron environment. To investigate the heat loads during normal and off-normal operation scenarios a 60 kW electron beam test stand (Juelich Divertor Test Facility in Hot Cells, JUDITH) has been installed in a hot cell which can be operated by remote handling techniques. In this facilitymore » inertially cooled test coupons can be handled as well as small actively cooled divertor mock-ups. A special clamping mechanism for small test coupons (25 mm x 25 mm x 35 mm) with an integrated coolant channel within a copper or TZM heat sink has been developed and tested in an electron beam test bed. This method is an attractive alternative to costly large scale tests on complete divertor modules. The temperature and stress fields in individual CFC or beryllium tiles brazed to metallic heat sink (e.g. copper or TZM) can be investigated before and after neutron irradiation with moderate efforts.« less

[Plastic surgery treatment techniques for interdisciplinary therapy of pressure sores].

PubMed

Müller, Karin; Becker, Frederic; Pfau, Matthias; Werdin, Frank

2017-06-01

Pressure sores in geriatric patients represent a challenge for all disciplines involved in the treatment process; however, the prerequisite for successful treatment is the elaboration of an interdisciplinary treatment concept. The treatment goals should be adapted to the individual needs of the patients including the life situation, general condition and local findings. In addition to general basic operative techniques, such as wound cleansing and conditioning, plastic and reconstructive surgery provides a wide range of highly specialized operative techniques for the treatment of these patients by which a definitive defect coverage can be achieved. The aim of this article is to raise awareness for these complex and highly specialized procedures for all disciplines participating in the treatment in order to improve the interdisciplinary cooperation and ultimately the quality of treatment.

Numerical modelling of thin-walled Z-columns made of general laminates subjected to uniform shortening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teter, Andrzej; Kolakowski, Zbigniew

2018-01-01

The numerical modelling of a plate structure was performed with the finite element method and a one-mode approach based on Koiter's method. The first order approximation of Koiter's method enables one to solve the eigenvalue problem. The second order approximation describes post-buckling equilibrium paths. In the finite element analysis, the Lanczos method was used to solve the linear problem of buckling. Simulations of the non-linear problem were performed with the Newton-Raphson method. Detailed calculations were carried out for a short Z-column made of general laminates. Configurations of laminated layers were non-symmetric. Due to possibilities of its application, the general laminate is very interesting. The length of the samples was chosen to obtain the lowest value of local buckling load. The amplitude of initial imperfections was 10% of the wall thickness. Thin-walled structures were simply supported on both ends. The numerical results were verified in experimental tests. A strain-gauge technique was applied. A static compression test was performed on a universal testing machine and a special grip, which consisted of two rigid steel plates and clamping sleeves, was used. Specimens were obtained with an autoclave technique. Tests were performed at a constant velocity of the cross-bar equal to 2 mm/min. The compressive load was less than 150% of the bifurcation load. Additionally, soft and thin pads were used to reduce inaccuracy of the sample ends.

Calibrating and training of neutron based NSA techniques with less SNM standards

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

Geist, William H; Swinhoe, Martyn T; Bracken, David S

2010-01-01

Accessing special nuclear material (SNM) standards for the calibration of and training on nondestructive assay (NDA) instruments has become increasingly difficult in light of enhanced safeguards and security regulations. Limited or nonexistent access to SNM has affected neutron based NDA techniques more than gamma ray techniques because the effects of multiplication require a range of masses to accurately measure the detector response. Neutron based NDA techniques can also be greatly affected by the matrix and impurity characteristics of the item. The safeguards community has been developing techniques for calibrating instrumentation and training personnel with dwindling numbers of SNM standards. Montemore » Carlo methods have become increasingly important for design and calibration of instrumentation. Monte Carlo techniques have the ability to accurately predict the detector response for passive techniques. The Monte Carlo results are usually benchmarked to neutron source measurements such as californium. For active techniques, the modeling becomes more difficult because of the interaction of the interrogation source with the detector and nuclear material; and the results cannot be simply benchmarked with neutron sources. A Monte Carlo calculated calibration curve for a training course in Indonesia of material test reactor (MTR) fuel elements assayed with an active well coincidence counter (AWCC) will be presented as an example. Performing training activities with reduced amounts of nuclear material makes it difficult to demonstrate how the multiplication and matrix properties of the item affects the detector response and limits the knowledge that can be obtained with hands-on training. A neutron pulse simulator (NPS) has been developed that can produce a pulse stream representative of a real pulse stream output from a detector measuring SNM. The NPS has been used by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for detector testing and training applications at the Agency due to the lack of appropriate SNM standards. This paper will address the effect of reduced access to SNM for calibration and training of neutron NDA applications along with the advantages and disadvantages of some solutions that do not use standards, such as the Monte Carlo techniques and the NPS.« less

Critical processes and parameters in the development of accident tolerant fuels drop-in capsule irradiation tests

DOE PAGES

Barrett, K. E.; Ellis, K. D.; Glass, C. R.; ...

2015-12-01

The goal of the Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) program is to develop the next generation of Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuels with improved performance, reliability, and safety characteristics during normal operations and accident conditions and with reduced waste generation. An irradiation test series has been defined to assess the performance of proposed ATF concepts under normal LWR operating conditions. The Phase I ATF irradiation test series is planned to be performed as a series of drop-in capsule tests to be irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) operated by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Design, analysis, and fabrication processes formore » ATR drop-in capsule experiment preparation are presented in this paper to demonstrate the importance of special design considerations, parameter sensitivity analysis, and precise fabrication and inspection techniques for figure innovative materials used in ATF experiment assemblies. A Taylor Series Method sensitivity analysis approach was used to identify the most critical variables in cladding and rodlet stress, temperature, and pressure calculations for design analyses. The results showed that internal rodlet pressure calculations are most sensitive to the fission gas release rate uncertainty while temperature calculations are most sensitive to cladding I.D. and O.D. dimensional uncertainty. The analysis showed that stress calculations are most sensitive to rodlet internal pressure uncertainties, however the results also indicated that the inside radius, outside radius, and internal pressure were all magnified as they propagate through the stress equation. This study demonstrates the importance for ATF concept development teams to provide the fabricators as much information as possible about the material properties and behavior observed in prototype testing, mock-up fabrication and assembly, and chemical and mechanical testing of the materials that may have been performed in the concept development phase. Special handling, machining, welding, and inspection of materials, if known, should also be communicated to the experiment fabrication and inspection team.« less

Testing Programs in Schools: What's New? A Special Issue.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walter, L. James; And Others

1981-01-01

This special issue of "Catalyst", entitled Testing Programs in Schools: What's New?, was published jointly by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska Association for Supervision and Curriculum. The articles emphasize desirability of designing testing programs to meet the information needs of educators and the…

SCIENTIFIC PAPER PRESENTATION DURING CONCURRENT INTEREST SESSION. Community Health Nursing (Speciality). Iron-deficiency anemia.

PubMed

Kala, K

2015-01-01

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common form of malnutrition in the world. The global prevalence of anaemia mainly in South East Asia is 65.5 percent, in India 56 percent among adolescent girls. A study conducted to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge and attitude of adolescent girls in prevention of iron and folic acid deficiency anaemia at a selected corporation school. It adopted one group pre-test post-test design with 60 samples selected by employing stratified random sampling technique. The study revealed that during pre-test 90 percent of them had inadequate knowledge and 65 percent of them had unfavourable attitude towards iron and folic acid deficiency anaemia. After the structured teaching programme the knowledge and attitude was improved (73% had adequate knowledge and 79% had most favourable attitude). Overall the structured teaching programme was found effective in improving the knowledge and attitude of adolescent girls in prevention of iron and folic acid deficiency anaemia.

Fretting Fatigue Experiment and Analysis of AlSi9Cu2Mg Alloy

PubMed Central

Wang, Jun; Xu, Hong; Su, Tiexiong; Zhang, Yi; Guo, Zhen; Mao, Huping; Zhang, Yangang

2016-01-01

An investigation was carried out in order to study the fretting fatigue behavior of an AlSi9Cu2Mg aluminum alloy. The fretting fatigue tests of AlSi9Cu2Mg were performed using a specially designed testing machine. The failure mechanism of fretting fatigue was explored by studying the fracture surfaces, fretting scars, fretting debris, and micro-hardness of fretting fatigue specimens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and micro Vickers hardness test techniques. The experimental results show that the fretting fatigue limit (42 MPa) is significantly reduced to approximately 47% of the plain fatigue limit (89 MPa) under 62.5 MPa contact pressure. Furthermore, the fretting fatigue life decreases with increasing alternating stress and increasing contact pressure. The examination results suggest that the stress concentrates induced by oxidation-assisted wear on the contact interface led to the earlier initiation and propagation of crack under the fretting condition. PMID:28774103

Fretting Fatigue Experiment and Analysis of AlSi9Cu2Mg Alloy.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Xu, Hong; Su, Tiexiong; Zhang, Yi; Guo, Zhen; Mao, Huping; Zhang, Yangang

2016-12-05

An investigation was carried out in order to study the fretting fatigue behavior of an AlSi9Cu2Mg aluminum alloy. The fretting fatigue tests of AlSi9Cu2Mg were performed using a specially designed testing machine. The failure mechanism of fretting fatigue was explored by studying the fracture surfaces, fretting scars, fretting debris, and micro-hardness of fretting fatigue specimens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and micro Vickers hardness test techniques. The experimental results show that the fretting fatigue limit (42 MPa) is significantly reduced to approximately 47% of the plain fatigue limit (89 MPa) under 62.5 MPa contact pressure. Furthermore, the fretting fatigue life decreases with increasing alternating stress and increasing contact pressure. The examination results suggest that the stress concentrates induced by oxidation-assisted wear on the contact interface led to the earlier initiation and propagation of crack under the fretting condition.

PubMed Central

Miezan, T.; Doua, F.; Cattand, P.; de Raadt, P.

1991-01-01

The Testryp CATT was performed on dried blood samples on filter-paper and on diluted blood using a microtechnique. This method was applied to both sample collection techniques and was evaluated in parallel with the classical Testryp CATT on whole blood, as described in the instructions provided with the reagents by the manufacturer. A total of 2087 people were tested; 453 samples were tested in the laboratory and 1634 during a field survey in 5 villages of a trypanosomiasis focus in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire. This study has demonstrated that the Testryp CATT micromethod on either type of sample collection gives results comparable to the Testryp CATT on whole blood. The collection of dried blood samples on filter-paper can be performed by non-specialized staff in trypanosomiasis control programmes of the national health services. In addition, a flask of CATT reagent will allow testing of 6 times more people by the micromethod than by the classical whole-blood method. The micromethod is suitable in the implementation of programmes for the serological surveillance of populations at risk. PMID:1959162

Thermal Analysis of the Fastrac Chamber/Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Darrell

2001-01-01

This paper will describe the thermal analysis techniques used to predict temperatures in the film-cooled ablative rocket nozzle used on the Fastrac 60K rocket engine. A model was developed that predicts char and pyrolysis depths, liner thermal gradients, and temperatures of the bondline between the overwrap and liner. Correlation of the model was accomplished by thermal analog tests performed at Southern Research, and specially instrumented hot fire tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Infrared thermography was instrumental in defining nozzle hot wall surface temperatures. In-depth and outboard thermocouple data was used to correlate the kinetic decomposition routine used to predict char and pyrolysis depths. These depths were anchored with measured char and pyrolysis depths from cross-sectioned hot-fire nozzles. For the X-34 flight analysis, the model includes the ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS) material that protects the overwrap from the recirculating plume. Results from model correlation, hot-fire testing, and flight predictions will be discussed.

Thermal Analysis of the MC-1 Chamber/Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Darrell W.; Phelps, Lisa H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This paper will describe the thermal analysis techniques used to predict temperatures in the film-cooled ablative rocket nozzle used on the MC-1 60K rocket engine. A model was developed that predicts char and pyrolysis depths, liner thermal gradients, and temperatures of the bondline between the overwrap and liner. Correlation of the model was accomplished by thermal analog tests performed at Southern Research, and specially instrumented hot fire tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Infrared thermography was instrumental in defining nozzle hot wall surface temperatures. In-depth and outboard thermocouple data was used to correlate the kinetic decomposition routine used to predict char and pyrolysis depths. These depths were anchored with measured char and pyrolysis depths from cross-sectioned hot-fire nozzles. For the X-34 flight analysis, the model includes the ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS) material that protects the overwrap from the recirculating plume. Results from model correlation, hot-fire testing, and flight predictions will be discussed.

The Aerostructures Test Wing (ATW), which consisted of an 18-inch carbon fiber test wing with surface-mounted piezoelectric strain actuators, was mounted on a special ventral flight test fixture and flown on Dryden's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-28

The Aerostructures Test Wing (ATW), which consisted of an 18-inch carbon fiber test wing with surface-mounted piezoelectric strain actuators, was mounted on a special ventral flight test fixture and flown on Dryden's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft

Parental acceptance of pediatric behavior management techniques: a comparative study.

PubMed

Elango, I; Baweja, D K; Shivaprakash, P K

2012-01-01

To evaluate and compare the attitude toward behavior techniques among parents of healthy and special children in Indian subpopulation. Parents of healthy (Group A) and special children (Group B) watched videotape vignette of 10 behavior management techniques (BMTs) in groups and rated them using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Group B parents were subgrouped as: Group B 1 (34 parents of medically compromised children), Group B 2 (34 parents of physically compromised children), and Group B 3 (34 parents of children with neuropathological disorders). Both Group A and Group B subjects judged all techniques as "acceptable." Group B parents were less accepting to techniques than Group A parents, except live modeling. Contingent escape and live modeling were the first ranked techniques in Group A and Group B parents, respectively. Voice control (VC) and hand-over-mouth exercise (HOM) were the least accepted techniques in both groups. Parents with low income and less education were more receptive to the techniques studied. A total of 25.49% of parents in each group did not consent to the use of HOM. Factors such as having a disabled child, low income, and less education influenced parental acceptability. HOM should be used with great caution and clinicians should approach the issue of informed consent on an individual basis.

Project S.P.I.C.E.: Special Partnership in Career Education. Guide to Program Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emerson, Debby H.; And Others

The implementation guide to Project SPICE (Special Partnership in Career Education) - a curriculum designed to develop and demonstrate effective methods and techniques for providing career education experiences for educable mentally handicapped (EMH) students (ages 11-to-13 years) is provided. A description of the program focuses on program…

Techniques of Play Activity at Physical Education Classes at Specialized Secondary Educational Establishments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martynova, Victoria A.; Kapustin, Aleksandr G.

2016-01-01

The issue is urgent today because at present the organization and content of Physical Education (PE) classes at specialized secondary educational establishments (SSEEs) do not completely meet contemporary requirements. The following negative trends prove that, namely: the physical and psychological health decline in school leavers and students,…

Helping Learning Disabled Adults through Special Tutorial Techniques. Final Report. 1992-1993.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reading Area Community Coll., PA.

A project offered special training to instructors and volunteer tutors for adult basic education classes in recognizing and helping adults who are enrolled in adult education programs with learning disabilities. These instructors and tutors were taught the necessary skills through a series of three 3-hour inservice sessions. The regular…

A Survey on the Use of Microcomputers in Special Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krieger, Tillie

1986-01-01

Describes a survey on the use of microcomputers in special libraries. The discussion of the findings includes types of hardware and software in use; applications in public services, technical processes, and administrative tasks; data back-up techniques; training received; evaluation of software; and future plans for microcomputer applications. (1…

Social Studies and the Disabled Reader. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hickey, M. Gail; Braun, Patty

As a result of federal legislation, the effects of mainstreaming of special needs students are being felt now more than ever. Regular classroom teachers are responsible for much of the instruction for special needs students, even though they may lack necessary training in effective teaching techniques. Teachers of social studies may feel…

Special Education Is Funding Early Help

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samuels, Christina A.

2008-01-01

Bit by bit, the U.S. Department of Education is trying to pull down the walls that have traditionally separated general and special education. One facet of the plan is the department's support of "response to intervention," or RTI, an educational technique that bolsters the skills of academically struggling students before they fall so…

Integrating Vocational & Academic Education. A Handbook Featuring Four Demonstration Sites Including Students from Special Populations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tindall, Lloyd W.; And Others

This handbook describes the processes and techniques used to develop, implement, and evaluate four integrated vocational and academic learning programs in Wisconsin that included students from special populations. The handbook contains seven chapters. Chapter 1 presents an overview of the project, including the request for proposal process and…

Addendum to Site Assessment and Feasibility of a New Operations Base on the Greenland Ice Sheet: Addendum to Preliminary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

National Guard PLR Division of Polar Programs SMM /I Special Sensor Microwave/Imager SMMR Scanning Multi-channel Microwave Radiometer ERDC/CRREL...and the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager ( SMM /I). The satellite-based technique uses a difference in the passive microwave brightness temperatures

Displaying Special Characters and Symbols in Computer-Controlled Reaction Time Experiments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friel, Brian M.; Kennison, Shelia M.

A procedure for using MEL2 (Version 2.0 of Microcomputer Experimental Laboratory) and FontWINDOW to present special characters and symbols in computer-controlled reaction time experiments is described. The procedure permits more convenience and flexibility than in tachistocopic and projection techniques. FontWINDOW allows researchers to design…

76 FR 16292 - Medical Devices; Immunology and Microbiology Devices; Classification of Ovarian Adnexal Mass...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-23

... test system into class II (special controls). The special control that will apply to these devices is the guidance document entitled ``Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff; Class II Special Controls... devices into class II (special controls) because special controls, in addition to general controls, will...

Identifying Special Educational Needs: Putting a New Framework for Graded Learning Support to the Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lebeer, J.; Struyf, E.; De Maeyer, S.; Wilssens, M.; Timbremont, B.; Denys, A.; Vandeveire, H.

2010-01-01

This paper reports a field test of a new system of Graded Learning Support Classification Matrix to determine special educational needs (SEN) in a more systemic way, proposed by the Belgian Ministry of Education (Flanders Region), to put a barrier to the trend of referrals to special education schools. It is not directly determined by a child's…

29 CFR Appendix IV to Part 1918 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1918.61 (f), (g...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements... REGULATIONS FOR LONGSHORING Pt. 1918, App. IV Appendix IV to Part 1918—Special Cargo Gear and Container... structural damage repair 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to...

29 CFR Appendix IV to Part 1918 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1918.61 (f), (g...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements... REGULATIONS FOR LONGSHORING Pt. 1918, App. IV Appendix IV to Part 1918—Special Cargo Gear and Container... structural damage repair 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to...

29 CFR Appendix IV to Part 1918 - Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1918.61 (f), (g...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements... REGULATIONS FOR LONGSHORING Pt. 1918, App. IV Appendix IV to Part 1918—Special Cargo Gear and Container... structural damage repair 3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gear Prior to...

Analysis of 3D printing parameters of gears for hybrid manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budzik, Grzegorz; Przeszlowski, Łukasz; Wieczorowski, Michal; Rzucidlo, Arkadiusz; Gapinski, Bartosz; Krolczyk, Grzegorz

2018-05-01

The paper deals with analysis and selection of parameters of rapid prototyping of gears by selective sintering of metal powders. Presented results show wide spectrum of application of RP systems in manufacturing processes of machine elements, basing on analysis of market in term of application of additive manufacturing technology in different sectors of industry. Considerable growth of these methods over the past years can be observed. The characteristic errors of printed model with respect to ideal one for each technique were pointed out. Special attention was paid to the method of preparation of numerical data CAD/STL/RP. Moreover the analysis of manufacturing processes of gear type elements was presented. The tested gears were modeled with different allowances for final machining and made by DMLS. Metallographic analysis and strength tests on prepared specimens were performed. The above mentioned analysis and tests were used to compare the real properties of material with the nominal ones. To improve the quality of surface after sintering the gears were subjected to final machining. The analysis of geometry of gears after hybrid manufacturing method was performed (fig.1). The manufacturing process was defined in a traditional way as well as with the aid of modern manufacturing techniques. Methodology and obtained results can be used for other machine elements than gears and constitutes the general theory of production processes in rapid prototyping methods as well as in designing and implementation of production.

Experimental verification of PSM polarimetry: monitoring polarization at 193nm high-NA with phase shift masks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIntyre, Gregory; Neureuther, Andrew; Slonaker, Steve; Vellanki, Venu; Reynolds, Patrick

2006-03-01

The initial experimental verification of a polarization monitoring technique is presented. A series of phase shifting mask patterns produce polarization dependent signals in photoresist and are capable of monitoring the Stokes parameters of any arbitrary illumination scheme. Experiments on two test reticles have been conducted. The first reticle consisted of a series of radial phase gratings (RPG) and employed special apertures to select particular illumination angles. Measurement sensitivities of about 0.3 percent of the clear field per percent change in polarization state were observed. The second test reticle employed the more sensitive proximity effect polarization analyzers (PEPA), a more robust experimental setup, and a backside pinhole layer for illumination angle selection and to enable characterization of the full illuminator. Despite an initial complication with the backside pinhole alignment, the results correlate with theory. Theory suggests that, once the pinhole alignment is corrected in the near future, the second reticle should achieve a measurement sensitivity of about 1 percent of the clear field per percent change in polarization state. This corresponds to a measurement of the Stokes parameters after test mask calibration, to within about 0.02 to 0.03. Various potential improvements to the design, fabrication of the mask, and experimental setup are discussed. Additionally, to decrease measurement time, a design modification and double exposure technique is proposed to enable electrical detection of the measurement signal.

Parallel processing spacecraft communication system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolotin, Gary S. (Inventor); Donaldson, James A. (Inventor); Luong, Huy H. (Inventor); Wood, Steven H. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

An uplink controlling assembly speeds data processing using a special parallel codeblock technique. A correct start sequence initiates processing of a frame. Two possible start sequences can be used; and the one which is used determines whether data polarity is inverted or non-inverted. Processing continues until uncorrectable errors are found. The frame ends by intentionally sending a block with an uncorrectable error. Each of the codeblocks in the frame has a channel ID. Each channel ID can be separately processed in parallel. This obviates the problem of waiting for error correction processing. If that channel number is zero, however, it indicates that the frame of data represents a critical command only. That data is handled in a special way, independent of the software. Otherwise, the processed data further handled using special double buffering techniques to avoid problems from overrun. When overrun does occur, the system takes action to lose only the oldest data.

Evolutionary ecology of specialization: insights from phylogenetic analysis

PubMed Central

Vamosi, Jana C.; Armbruster, W. Scott; Renner, Susanne S.

2014-01-01

In this Special feature, we assemble studies that illustrate phylogenetic approaches to studying salient questions regarding the effect of specialization on lineage diversification. The studies use an array of techniques involving a wide-ranging collection of biological systems (plants, butterflies, fish and amphibians are all represented). Their results reveal that macroevolutionary examination of specialization provides insight into the patterns of trade-offs in specialized systems; in particular, the genetic mechanisms of trade-offs appear to extend to very different aspects of life history in different groups. In turn, because a species may be a specialist from one perspective and a generalist in others, these trade-offs influence whether we perceive specialization to have effects on the evolutionary success of a lineage when we examine specialization only along a single axis. Finally, how geographical range influences speciation and extinction of specialist lineages remains a question offering much potential for further insight. PMID:25274367

Development, integrated investigation, laboratory and in-flight testing of Chibis-M microsatellite ADCS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovchinnikov, M. Yu.; Ivanov, D. S.; Ivlev, N. A.; Karpenko, S. O.; Roldugin, D. S.; Tkachev, S. S.

2014-01-01

Design, analytical investigation, laboratory and in-flight testing of the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) of a microsatellites are considered. The system consists of three pairs of reaction wheels, three magnetorquers, a set of Sun sensors, a three-axis magnetometer and a control unit. The ADCS is designed for a small 10-50 kg LEO satellite. System development is accomplished in several steps: satellite dynamics preliminary study using asymptotical and numerical techniques, hardware and software design, laboratory testing of each actuator and sensor and the whole ADCS. Laboratory verification is carried out on the specially designed test-bench. In-flight ADCS exploitation results onboard the Russian microsatellite "Chibis-M" are presented. The satellite was developed, designed and manufactured by the Institute of Space Research of RAS. "Chibis-M" was launched by the "Progress-13M" cargo vehicle on January 25, 2012 after undocking from the International Space Station (ISS). This paper assess both the satellite and the ADCS mock-up dynamics. Analytical, numerical and laboratory study results are in good correspondence with in-flight data.

Licensure tests for special education teachers: how well they assess knowledge of reading instruction and mathematics.

PubMed

Stotsky, Sandra

2009-01-01

To determine the extent to which knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and mathematics is assessed on licensure tests for prospective special education teachers, this study drew on information provided by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, and National Evaluation Systems (now Evaluation Systems group of Pearson). It estimated the percentage of test items on phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary knowledge and on mathematics content. It also analyzed descriptions of ETS's tests of "principles of teaching and learning." Findings imply that prospective special education teachers should be required to take both a dedicated test of evidence-based reading instructional knowledge, as in California, Massachusetts, and Virginia, and a test of mathematical knowledge, as in Massachusetts. States must design their own tests of teaching principles to assess knowledge of evidence-based educational theories.

75 FR 9016 - Fifty-Fifth Meeting, RTCA Special Committee 135: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-26

... Committee 135: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment AGENCY: Federal Aviation... Procedures for Airborne Equipment meeting. SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 135: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment...

Guidelines for Participation and Testing Accommodations for Special Populations in State Assessment Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergeson, Terry; Heuschel, Mary Alice; Hall, Greg; Willhoft, Joe

2005-01-01

This publication is designed to assist administrators, teachers, parents, and students in making decisions regarding participation and testing accommodations for special populations in statewide testing in Washington. The intent of Washington's Education Reform Act of 1993 is to increase student achievement by developing a public school system…

Finding Kids with Special Needs: the Background, Development, Field Test and Validation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Resource Management Systems, Inc., Carmel, CA.

Described are the development of "Findings Kids with Special Needs" (FKSN), a instrument to identify children's learning problems and gifted students; results of field testing with 24,825 children, kindergarten through grade 8, in 110 schools; and validation procedures. Discussed is test construction, including incorporation of 12…

Fluoride contamination sensor based on optical fiber grating technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadhav, Mangesh S.; Laxmeshwar, Lata S.; Akki, Jyoti F.; Raikar, P. U.; Kumar, Jitendra; Prakash, Om; Raikar, U. S.

2017-11-01

A number of distinct advantages of the optical fiber technology in the field of sensors and communications which leads to enormous applications. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) developed from the fabrication of photosensitive fiber through phase mask technique is used in the present report. The designed fiber sensor used for the detection and determination of contaminants in drinking water at ppm & ppb level and it is considered as a special type of concentration sensor. The test samples of drinking water have been collected from different regions. In this paper we have calibrated the FBG sensor to detect Flouride concentration in drinking water in the range of 0.05-8 ppm. According to WHO, the normal range of fluoride content in drinking water is about 0.7 ppm to 1.5 ppm. The results for resultant spectral shifts for test samples are closely agree with standard values.

Water vapor diffusion membrane development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tan, M. K.

1977-01-01

An application of the water vapor diffusion technique is examined whereby the permeated water vapor is vented to space vacuum to alleviate on-board waste storage and provide supplemental cooling. The work reported herein deals primarily with the vapor diffusion-heat rejection (VD-HR) as it applies to the Space Shuttle. A stack configuration was selected, designed and fabricated. An asymmetric cellulose acetate membrane, used in reverse osmosis application was selected and a special spacer was designed to enhance mixing and promote mass transfer. A skid-mount unit was assembled from components used in the bench unit although no attempt was made to render it flight-suitable. The operating conditions of the VD-HR were examined and defined and a 60-day continuous test was carried out. The membranes performed very well throughout the test; no membrane rupture and no unusual flux decay was observed. In addition, a tentative design for a flight-suitable VD-HR unit was made.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-09

The STS-121 patch depicts the Space Shuttle docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in the foreground, overlaying the astronaut symbol with three gold columns and a gold star. The ISS is shown in the configuration that it was during the STS-121 mission. The background shows the nighttime Earth with a dawn breaking over the horizon. STS-121, ISS mission ULF1.1, was the final Shuttle Return to Flight test mission. This utilization and logistics flight delivered a multipurpose logistics module (MPLM) to the ISS with several thousand pounds of new supplies and experiments. In addition, some new orbital replacement units (ORUs) were delivered and stowed externally on the ISS on a special pallet. These ORUs are spares for critical machinery located on the outside of the ISS. During this mission the crew also carried out testing of Shuttle inspection and repair hardware, as well as evaluated operational techniques and concepts for conducting on-orbit inspection and repair.

Fabrication, characterization and testing of silicon photomultipliers for the Muon Portal Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Rocca, P.; Billotta, S.; Blancato, A. A.; Bonanno, D.; Bonanno, G.; Fallica, G.; Garozzo, S.; Lo Presti, D.; Marano, D.; Pugliatti, C.; Riggi, F.; Romeo, G.; Santagati, G.; Valvo, G.

2015-07-01

The Muon Portal is a recently started Project aiming at the construction of a large area tracking detector that exploits the muon tomography technique to inspect the contents of traveling cargo containers. The detection planes will be made of plastic scintillator strips with embedded wavelength-shifting fibres. Special designed silicon photomultipliers will read the scintillation light transported by the fibres along the strips and a dedicated electronics will combine signals from different strips to reduce the overall number of channels, without loss of information. Different silicon photomultiplier prototypes, both with the p-on-n and n-on-p technologies, have been produced by STMicroelectronics during the last years. In this paper we present the main characteristics of the silicon photomultipliers designed for the Muon Portal Project and describe the setup and the procedure implemented for the characterization of these devices, giving some statistical results obtained from the test of a first batch of silicon photomultipliers.

Chemical processes involved in the initiation of hot corrosion of B-1900 and NASA-TRW VIA. [high temperature tests of superalloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fryburg, G. C.; Kohl, F. J.; Stearns, C. A.

1979-01-01

Sodium surface-induced hot corrosion of B-1900 and NASA-TRW VIA alloys at 900 C has been studied, with special attention to the chemical reactions during and immediately after the induction period. Thermogravimetric tests were run and data were obtained by chemical analysis of water soluble metal salts and of residual sulfate. Surface analyses of hot corroded samples were obtained by spectroscopic techniques (ESCA). A chemical mechanism for elucidating Na2SO4-induced hot corrosion is proposed indicating that hot corrosion is initiated by basic fluxing of the protective Al2O3 scale. The sequential, catastrophic corrosion results from molybdenum content. The self-sustaining feature is a consequence of the cyclic nature of the acidic fluxing. It is believed that the mechanism is applicable not only to laboratory results, but also to the practical problem of hot corrosion encountered in gas turbine engines.

Novel Trocarless, Scarless Technique for Left Lobe Liver Retraction in Laparoscopic Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeries: Simple, Cost-effective and with Better Cosmesis.

PubMed

Madnani, Manish A; Patel, Tejas J; Gupta, Alankar K; Mistry, Jitendra H; Soni, Harshad N; Shah, Atul J; Patel, Kantilal S; Haribhakti, Sanjiv P

2015-12-01

Surgeons always look for ways to reduce the size and number of ports in laparoscopy, where in today's era, we have single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). While doing so, principal 'adequate exposure' should not be compromised. For upper gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgeries, we have adopted a novel technique for retraction of the left lobe of liver, which is described here. Device can be made both single sling and double sling, with help of an infant feeding tube and any routinely used suture material. Placement of device does not require any incision, special energy source, or instrument. It can help in SILS. Detailed technique is described in the text. Operative times did not change significantly. Exposure was excellent. No special instruments or energy devices are required; thus, it is cost-effective. Reducing one port for liver retraction gives better cosmetic results. No liver injury due to the device was noticed in any of the cases. This technique is simpler and cheaper and also gives reasonable cosmetic results compared to other techniques described in the literature.

Space-filling designs for computer experiments: A review

DOE PAGES

Joseph, V. Roshan

2016-01-29

Improving the quality of a product/process using a computer simulator is a much less expensive option than the real physical testing. However, simulation using computationally intensive computer models can be time consuming and therefore, directly doing the optimization on the computer simulator can be infeasible. Experimental design and statistical modeling techniques can be used for overcoming this problem. This article reviews experimental designs known as space-filling designs that are suitable for computer simulations. In the review, a special emphasis is given for a recently developed space-filling design called maximum projection design. Furthermore, its advantages are illustrated using a simulation conductedmore » for optimizing a milling process.« less

Analysis of a Circular Composite Disk Subjected to Edge Rotations and Hydrostatic Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliver, Stanley T.

2004-01-01

The structural analysis results for a graphite/epoxy quasi-isotropic circular plate subjected to a forced rotation at the boundary and pressure is presented. The analysis is to support a specialized material characterization test for composite cryogenic tanks. Finite element models were used to ensure panel integrity and determine the pressure necessary to achieve a predetermined equal biaxial strain value. The displacement results due to the forced rotation at the boundary led to a detailed study of the bending stiffness matrix [D]. The variation of the bending stiffness terms as a function of angular position is presented graphically, as well as, an illustrative technique of considering the laminate as an I-beam.

[Injury patterns and prophylaxis in inline skating].

PubMed

Jerosch, J; Heck, C

2005-05-01

Inline skating has become one of the fastest growing sports since its appearance in 1980. The increasing number of inline skaters has also led to a rising incidence of injuries. The most common injury is the distal fracture of the radius, which occurs in 50% of all fractures. There are several reasons for increasing serious injuries in inline skating. The majority of skaters do not wear proper protective equipment (helmet, elbow, knee and wrist protectors), however, many users can not handle their inline skates in dangerous situations. All skaters should take care by buying industrially tested inline skates and appropriate protective equipment; novice skaters should additionally attend special skating schools to learn skating, braking and the the correct falling techniques.

Flight control systems development of highly maneuverable aircraft technology /HiMAT/ vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petersen, K. L.

1979-01-01

The highly maneuverable aircraft technology (HiMAT) program was conceived to demonstrate advanced technology concepts through scaled-aircraft flight tests using a remotely piloted technique. Closed-loop primary flight control is performed from a ground-based cockpit, utilizing a digital computer and up/down telemetry links. A backup flight control system for emergency operation resides in an onboard computer. The onboard systems are designed to provide fail-operational capabilities and utilize two microcomputers, dual uplink receiver/decoders, and redundant hydraulic actuation and power systems. This paper discusses the design and validation of the primary and backup digital flight control systems as well as the unique pilot and specialized systems interfaces.

Mechanical Properties of Materials with Nanometer Scale Microstructures

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

William D. Nix

2004-10-31

We have been engaged in research on the mechanical properties of materials with nanometer-scale microstructural dimensions. Our attention has been focused on studying the mechanical properties of thin films and interfaces and very small volumes of material. Because the dimensions of thin film samples are small (typically 1 mm in thickness, or less), specialized mechanical testing techniques based on nanoindentation, microbeam bending and dynamic vibration of micromachined structures have been developed and used. Here we report briefly on some of the results we have obtained over the past three years. We also give a summary of all of the dissertations,more » talks and publications completed on this grant during the past 15 years.« less

Underwater Anesthesia of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) for Measurement of Auditory Evoked Potentials

PubMed Central

Christiansen, Emily F; Piniak, Wendy E D; Lester, Lori A; Harms, Craig A

2013-01-01

Investigations into the biology of aquatic and semiaquatic species, including those involving sensory specialization, often require creative solutions to novel questions. We developed a technique for safely anesthetizing a semiaquatic chelonian species, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), for measurement of auditory evoked potentials while animals were completely submerged in water. Custom-modified endotracheal tubes were used to obtain a watertight seal on both sides of the glottis and prevent aspiration of water during testing. No adverse effects were seen after the procedures, and assessment of venous blood-gas partial pressures and lactate concentrations indicated that sufficient gas exchange was maintained under anesthesia through manual ventilation. PMID:24351768

Space-filling designs for computer experiments: A review

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

Joseph, V. Roshan

Improving the quality of a product/process using a computer simulator is a much less expensive option than the real physical testing. However, simulation using computationally intensive computer models can be time consuming and therefore, directly doing the optimization on the computer simulator can be infeasible. Experimental design and statistical modeling techniques can be used for overcoming this problem. This article reviews experimental designs known as space-filling designs that are suitable for computer simulations. In the review, a special emphasis is given for a recently developed space-filling design called maximum projection design. Furthermore, its advantages are illustrated using a simulation conductedmore » for optimizing a milling process.« less

Apparel for Cleaner Clean Rooms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

In the 1960s NASA pioneered contamination control technology, providing a base from which aerospace contractors could develop control measures. NASA conducted special courses for clean room technicians and supervisors, and published a series of handbooks with input from various NASA field centers. These handbooks extended aerospace experience to the medical, pharmaceutical, electronics, and other industries where extreme cleanliness is important. American Hospital Supply Company (AHSC) felt that high technology products with increasingly stringent operating requirements in aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment manufacturing demanded improvement in contamination control techniques. After studying the NASA handbooks and visiting NASA facilities, the wealth of information gathered resulted in Micro-clean non-woven garments and testing equipment and procedures for evaluating effectiveness.

Infrared airborne spectroradiometer survey results in the western Nevada area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, W.; Chang, S. H.; Kuo, J. T.

1982-01-01

The Mark II airborne spectroradiometer system was flown over several geologic test sites in western Nevada. The infrared mineral absorption bands were observed and recorded for the first time using an airborne system with high spectral resolution in the 2.0 to 2.5 micron region. The data show that the hydrothermal alteration zone minerals, carbonates, and other minerals are clearly visible in the airborne survey mode. The finer spectral features that distinguish the various minerals with infrared bands are also clearly visible in the airborne survey data. Using specialized computer pattern recognition methods, it is possible to identify mineralogy and map alteration zones and lithologies by airborne spectroradiometer survey techniques.

MTF analysis of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schowengerdt, R.

1983-01-01

The spatial radiance distribution of a ground target must be known to a resolution at least four to five times greater than that of the system under test when measuring a satellite sensor's modulation transfer function. Calibration of the target requires either the use of man-made special purpose targets with known properties, e.g., a small reflective mirror or a dark-light linear pattern such as line or edge, or use of relatively high resolution underflight imagery to calibrate an arbitrary ground scene. Both approaches are to be used in addition a technique that utilizes an analytical model for the scene spatial frequency power spectrum is being investigated as an alternative to calibration of the scene.

MTF Analysis of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schowengerdt, R.

1985-01-01

The spatial radiance distribution of a ground target must be known to a resolution at least four to five times greater than that of the system under test when measuring a satellite sensor's modulation transfer function. Calibration of the target requires either the use of man-made special purpose targets with known properties, e.g., a small reflective mirror or a dark-light linear pattern such as line or edge, or use of relatively high resolution underflight imagery to calibrate an arbitrary ground scene. Both approaches are to be used, in addition a technique that utilizes an analytical model of the scene spatial frequency power spectrum is being investigated as an alternative to calibration of the scene.