Sample records for sprt method application

  1. Detecting Signals of Disproportionate Reporting from Singapore's Spontaneous Adverse Event Reporting System: An Application of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test.

    PubMed

    Chan, Cheng Leng; Rudrappa, Sowmya; Ang, Pei San; Li, Shu Chuen; Evans, Stephen J W

    2017-08-01

    The ability to detect safety concerns from spontaneous adverse drug reaction reports in a timely and efficient manner remains important in public health. This paper explores the behaviour of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) and ability to detect signals of disproportionate reporting (SDRs) in the Singapore context. We used SPRT with a combination of two hypothesised relative risks (hRRs) of 2 and 4.1 to detect signals of both common and rare adverse events in our small database. We compared SPRT with other methods in terms of number of signals detected and whether labelled adverse drug reactions were detected or the reaction terms were considered serious. The other methods used were reporting odds ratio (ROR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) and Gamma Poisson Shrinker (GPS). The SPRT produced 2187 signals in common with all methods, 268 unique signals, and 70 signals in common with at least one other method, and did not produce signals in 178 cases where two other methods detected them, and there were 403 signals unique to one of the other methods. In terms of sensitivity, ROR performed better than other methods, but the SPRT method found more new signals. The performances of the methods were similar for negative predictive value and specificity. Using a combination of hRRs for SPRT could be a useful screening tool for regulatory agencies, and more detailed investigation of the medical utility of the system is merited.

  2. Sequential Probability Ratio Testing with Power Projective Base Method Improves Decision-Making for BCI

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Rong

    2017-01-01

    Obtaining a fast and reliable decision is an important issue in brain-computer interfaces (BCI), particularly in practical real-time applications such as wheelchair or neuroprosthetic control. In this study, the EEG signals were firstly analyzed with a power projective base method. Then we were applied a decision-making model, the sequential probability ratio testing (SPRT), for single-trial classification of motor imagery movement events. The unique strength of this proposed classification method lies in its accumulative process, which increases the discriminative power as more and more evidence is observed over time. The properties of the method were illustrated on thirteen subjects' recordings from three datasets. Results showed that our proposed power projective method outperformed two benchmark methods for every subject. Moreover, with sequential classifier, the accuracies across subjects were significantly higher than that with nonsequential ones. The average maximum accuracy of the SPRT method was 84.1%, as compared with 82.3% accuracy for the sequential Bayesian (SB) method. The proposed SPRT method provides an explicit relationship between stopping time, thresholds, and error, which is important for balancing the time-accuracy trade-off. These results suggest SPRT would be useful in speeding up decision-making while trading off errors in BCI. PMID:29348781

  3. Estimation of the molecular characteristics of polymers by the SPRT method and study of their influence on the properties of compositions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kimel'blat, V. I.; Volfson, S. I.; Chebotareva, I. G.; Malysheva, T. V.

    1998-09-01

    Pressure relaxation was examined in the cylinder of an MPT Monsanto processability tester after stopping the piston. The experimental function of the pressure drop F(t) was smoothed over and approximated by cubic splines. The spectra of pressure relaxation times (SPRT) were obtained according to the method of Schwarzl-Staverman. The SPRT method served well for estimating the spectra of the molecular-mass distribution (MMD) of polymers close in their physical sense to the SPRT. The correlation of the characteristic relaxation times and average molecular mass of ethylene-propylene rubbers and polyethylenes obtained by gel permeation chromatography was approximated by optimum models used for calculating the the molecular mass of rubbers according to the measurement results of the relaxation pressure of melts. The SPRT and characteristic relaxation times were used to analyze the significant technical properties of compositions based on polyethylene and rubber. The SPRT method was used to examine the failure of the cure network of butyl rubber and the dependence of the mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers on the molecular features of the decomposite.

  4. The Self-Perception and Relationships Tool (S-PRT): A novel approach to the measurement of subjective health-related quality of life

    PubMed Central

    Atkinson, Mark J; Wishart, Paul M; Wasil, Bushra I; Robinson, John W

    2004-01-01

    Background The Self-Perception and Relationships Tool (S-PRT) is intended to be a clinically responsive and holistic assessment of patients' experience of illness and subjective Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL). Methods A diversity of patients were involved in two phases of this study. Patient samples included individuals involved with renal, cardiology, psychiatric, cancer, chronic pelvic pain, and sleep services. In Phase I, five patient focus groups generated 128 perceptual rating scales. These scales described important characteristics of illness-related experience within six life domains (i.e., Physical, Mental-Emotional, Interpersonal Receptiveness, Interpersonal Contribution, Transpersonal Receptiveness and Transpersonal Orientation). Item reduction was accomplished using Importance Q-sort and Importance Checklist methodologies with 150 patients across the participating services. In Phase II, a refined item pool (88 items) was administered along with measures of health status (SF-36) and spiritual beliefs (Spiritual Involvements and Beliefs Scale – SIBS) to 160 patients, of these 136 patients returned complete response sets. Results Factor analysis of S-PRT results produced a surprisingly clean five-factor solution (Eigen values> 2.0 explaining 73.5% of the pooled variance). Items with weaker or split loadings were removed leaving 36 items to form the final S-PRT rating scales; Intrapersonal Well-being (physical, mental & emotional items), Interpersonal Receptivity, Interpersonal Contribution, Transpersonal Receptivity and Transpersonal Orientation (Eigen values> 5.4 explaining 83.5% of the pooled variance). The internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) of these scales was very high (0.82–0.97). Good convergent correlations (0.40 to 0.67) were observed between the S-PRT scales and the Mental Health scales of the SF-36. Correlations between the S-PRT Intrapersonal Well-being scale and three of SF-36 Physical Health scales were moderate (0.30 to 0.46). The criterion-related validity of the S-PRT spiritual scales was supported by moderate convergence (0.40–0.49) with three SIBS scales. Conclusion Evidence supports the validity of the S-PRT as a generally applicable measure of perceived health status and HRQL. The test-retest reliability was found to be adequate for most scales, and there is some preliminary evidence that the S-PRT is responsive to patient-reported changes in determinants of their HRQL. Clinical uses and directions for future research are discussed. PMID:15257754

  5. The Sequential Probability Ratio Test and Binary Item Response Models

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nydick, Steven W.

    2014-01-01

    The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) is a common method for terminating item response theory (IRT)-based adaptive classification tests. To decide whether a classification test should stop, the SPRT compares a simple log-likelihood ratio, based on the classification bound separating two categories, to prespecified critical values. As has…

  6. Stabilization of milk proteins in acidic conditions by pectic polysaccharides extracted from soy flour.

    PubMed

    Cai, Y; Cai, B; Ikeda, S

    2017-10-01

    Pectic polysaccharides were extracted from soy flour at either room temperature (SPRT) or 121°C (SPH), and their abilities to stabilize milk proteins in acidic conditions were evaluated. Both SPRT and SPH were found to contain proteinaceous components that were difficult to dissociate from polysaccharide components using size exclusion chromatography, whereas the molar mass of the former was approximately twice that of the latter. Due to the higher molar mass, SPRT was expected to provide stronger steric effects to prevent aggregation between milk proteins in acidic conditions than SPH. Alkaline treatment of SPRT for breaking O-linkages between AA and monosaccharide residues decreased its molar mass by approximately 160 kDa, indicating that they contained naturally occurring conjugates of pectic and proteinaceous moieties. Particle size distributions in simulated acidified milk drink samples containing 0.2% SPRT or SPH showed monomodal distributions with median diameters of around 1.2 μm at pH 4. The presence of large protein aggregates (∼5 μm) was detected at 0.2% SPRT and pH 3.2, 0.6 to 0.8% SPRT and pH 4, or 0.2% SPH and pH 3.4. The presence of excess polysaccharide molecules unbound to proteins was detected at 0.2% SPRT and pH 3.2 to 3.4, 0.4 to 0.8% SPRT and pH 4, 0.2% SPH and pH 3.4 to 3.6, and 0.4 to 0.8% SPH and pH 4. The present results suggest that molecular characteristics of pectic polysaccharides vary depending on extraction conditions and hence their functional behavior. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Comparing and Combining Dichotomous and Polytomous Items with SPRT Procedure in Computerized Classification Testing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lau, C. Allen; Wang, Tianyou

    The purposes of this study were to: (1) extend the sequential probability ratio testing (SPRT) procedure to polytomous item response theory (IRT) models in computerized classification testing (CCT); (2) compare polytomous items with dichotomous items using the SPRT procedure for their accuracy and efficiency; (3) study a direct approach in…

  8. A detailed description of the sequential probability ratio test for 2-IMU FDI

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rich, T. M.

    1976-01-01

    The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) for 2-IMU FDI (inertial measuring unit failure detection/isolation) is described. The SPRT is a statistical technique for detecting and isolating soft IMU failures originally developed for the strapdown inertial reference unit. The flowchart of a subroutine incorporating the 2-IMU SPRT is included.

  9. Evaluation of an automated safety surveillance system using risk adjusted sequential probability ratio testing.

    PubMed

    Matheny, Michael E; Normand, Sharon-Lise T; Gross, Thomas P; Marinac-Dabic, Danica; Loyo-Berrios, Nilsa; Vidi, Venkatesan D; Donnelly, Sharon; Resnic, Frederic S

    2011-12-14

    Automated adverse outcome surveillance tools and methods have potential utility in quality improvement and medical product surveillance activities. Their use for assessing hospital performance on the basis of patient outcomes has received little attention. We compared risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio testing (RA-SPRT) implemented in an automated tool to Massachusetts public reports of 30-day mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A total of 23,020 isolated adult coronary artery bypass surgery admissions performed in Massachusetts hospitals between January 1, 2002 and September 30, 2007 were retrospectively re-evaluated. The RA-SPRT method was implemented within an automated surveillance tool to identify hospital outliers in yearly increments. We used an overall type I error rate of 0.05, an overall type II error rate of 0.10, and a threshold that signaled if the odds of dying 30-days after surgery was at least twice than expected. Annual hospital outlier status, based on the state-reported classification, was considered the gold standard. An event was defined as at least one occurrence of a higher-than-expected hospital mortality rate during a given year. We examined a total of 83 hospital-year observations. The RA-SPRT method alerted 6 events among three hospitals for 30-day mortality compared with 5 events among two hospitals using the state public reports, yielding a sensitivity of 100% (5/5) and specificity of 98.8% (79/80). The automated RA-SPRT method performed well, detecting all of the true institutional outliers with a small false positive alerting rate. Such a system could provide confidential automated notification to local institutions in advance of public reporting providing opportunities for earlier quality improvement interventions.

  10. Self tuning system for industrial surveillance

    DOEpatents

    Stephan, Wegerich W; Jarman, Kristin K.; Gross, Kenneth C.

    2000-01-01

    A method and system for automatically establishing operational parameters of a statistical surveillance system. The method and system performs a frequency domain transition on time dependent data, a first Fourier composite is formed, serial correlation is removed, a series of Gaussian whiteness tests are performed along with an autocorrelation test, Fourier coefficients are stored and a second Fourier composite is formed. Pseudorandom noise is added, a Monte Carlo simulation is performed to establish SPRT missed alarm probabilities and tested with a synthesized signal. A false alarm test is then emperically evaluated and if less than a desired target value, then SPRT probabilities are used for performing surveillance.

  11. SPRT Calibration Uncertainties and Internal Quality Control at a Commercial SPRT Calibration Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wiandt, T. J.

    2008-06-01

    The Hart Scientific Division of the Fluke Corporation operates two accredited standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) calibration facilities, one at the Hart Scientific factory in Utah, USA, and the other at a service facility in Norwich, UK. The US facility is accredited through National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), and the UK facility is accredited through UKAS. Both provide SPRT calibrations using similar equipment and procedures, and at similar levels of uncertainty. These uncertainties are among the lowest available commercially. To achieve and maintain low uncertainties, it is required that the calibration procedures be thorough and optimized. However, to minimize customer downtime, it is also important that the instruments be calibrated in a timely manner and returned to the customer. Consequently, subjecting the instrument to repeated calibrations or extensive repeated measurements is not a viable approach. Additionally, these laboratories provide SPRT calibration services involving a wide variety of SPRT designs. These designs behave differently, yet predictably, when subjected to calibration measurements. To this end, an evaluation strategy involving both statistical process control and internal consistency measures is utilized to provide confidence in both the instrument calibration and the calibration process. This article describes the calibration facilities, procedure, uncertainty analysis, and internal quality assurance measures employed in the calibration of SPRTs. Data will be reviewed and generalities will be presented. Finally, challenges and considerations for future improvements will be discussed.

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

    Na, Man Gyun; Oh, Seungrohk

    A neuro-fuzzy inference system combined with the wavelet denoising, principal component analysis (PCA), and sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) methods has been developed to monitor the relevant sensor using the information of other sensors. The parameters of the neuro-fuzzy inference system that estimates the relevant sensor signal are optimized by a genetic algorithm and a least-squares algorithm. The wavelet denoising technique was applied to remove noise components in input signals into the neuro-fuzzy system. By reducing the dimension of an input space into the neuro-fuzzy system without losing a significant amount of information, the PCA was used to reduce themore » time necessary to train the neuro-fuzzy system, simplify the structure of the neuro-fuzzy inference system, and also, make easy the selection of the input signals into the neuro-fuzzy system. By using the residual signals between the estimated signals and the measured signals, the SPRT is applied to detect whether the sensors are degraded or not. The proposed sensor-monitoring algorithm was verified through applications to the pressurizer water level, the pressurizer pressure, and the hot-leg temperature sensors in pressurized water reactors.« less

  13. A novel approach for small sample size family-based association studies: sequential tests.

    PubMed

    Ilk, Ozlem; Rajabli, Farid; Dungul, Dilay Ciglidag; Ozdag, Hilal; Ilk, Hakki Gokhan

    2011-08-01

    In this paper, we propose a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) to overcome the problem of limited samples in studies related to complex genetic diseases. The results of this novel approach are compared with the ones obtained from the traditional transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) on simulated data. Although TDT classifies single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to only two groups (SNPs associated with the disease and the others), SPRT has the flexibility of assigning SNPs to a third group, that is, those for which we do not have enough evidence and should keep sampling. It is shown that SPRT results in smaller ratios of false positives and negatives, as well as better accuracy and sensitivity values for classifying SNPs when compared with TDT. By using SPRT, data with small sample size become usable for an accurate association analysis.

  14. Day/night difference in extradural cortical stimulation for motor relearning in a subacute stroke rat model.

    PubMed

    Kim, Joo Yeon; Sun, Woong; Park, Eunhee; Lee, Jiyeong; Kim, Hyun; Shin, Yong-Il; Kim, Yun-Hee; Chang, Won Hyuk

    2016-02-24

    The aim of this study was to assess the proper timing of extradural cortical stimulation (ECS) on the motor relearning in a rat model of subacute photothrombotic stroke. Photothrombotic infarction was induced on the dominant sensorimotor cortex in male Sprague-Dawley rats after training in a single-pellet reaching task (SPRT). Rats were randomly divided into three groups after stroke: ECS during the inactive period (Day-ECS group), ECS during the active period (Night-ECS group) and no ECS (Non-stimulated group). Six sham-operated rats were assigned to the control group. The Day- and Night-ECS group received continuous ECS for 12 hours during the day or night for 2 weeks from day 4 after the stroke. Behavioral assessment with SPRT was performed daily. SPRT showed a significantly faster and greater improvement in the Day and Night-ECS groups than in the Non-stimulated group. In the Day- and Night-ECS groups, the success rate of SPRT differed significantly from Non-stimulated group on day 11 and day 8, respectively. In addition, the Night-ECS group showed a significantly higher SPRT success rate than the Day-ECS group from days 10 to 13. ECS during the active period might be more effective for motor relearning in the subacute stroke rat model.

  15. EEG Classification with a Sequential Decision-Making Method in Motor Imagery BCI.

    PubMed

    Liu, Rong; Wang, Yongxuan; Newman, Geoffrey I; Thakor, Nitish V; Ying, Sarah

    2017-12-01

    To develop subject-specific classifier to recognize mental states fast and reliably is an important issue in brain-computer interfaces (BCI), particularly in practical real-time applications such as wheelchair or neuroprosthetic control. In this paper, a sequential decision-making strategy is explored in conjunction with an optimal wavelet analysis for EEG classification. The subject-specific wavelet parameters based on a grid-search method were first developed to determine evidence accumulative curve for the sequential classifier. Then we proposed a new method to set the two constrained thresholds in the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) based on the cumulative curve and a desired expected stopping time. As a result, it balanced the decision time of each class, and we term it balanced threshold SPRT (BTSPRT). The properties of the method were illustrated on 14 subjects' recordings from offline and online tests. Results showed the average maximum accuracy of the proposed method to be 83.4% and the average decision time of 2.77[Formula: see text]s, when compared with 79.2% accuracy and a decision time of 3.01[Formula: see text]s for the sequential Bayesian (SB) method. The BTSPRT method not only improves the classification accuracy and decision speed comparing with the other nonsequential or SB methods, but also provides an explicit relationship between stopping time, thresholds and error, which is important for balancing the speed-accuracy tradeoff. These results suggest that BTSPRT would be useful in explicitly adjusting the tradeoff between rapid decision-making and error-free device control.

  16. On the use of the generalized SPRT method in the equivalent hard sphere approximation for nuclear data evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Noguere, Gilles; Archier, Pascal; Bouland, Olivier; Capote, Roberto; Jean, Cyrille De Saint; Kopecky, Stefan; Schillebeeckx, Peter; Sirakov, Ivan; Tamagno, Pierre

    2017-09-01

    A consistent description of the neutron cross sections from thermal energy up to the MeV region is challenging. One of the first steps consists in optimizing the optical model parameters using average resonance parameters, such as the neutron strength functions. They can be derived from a statistical analysis of the resolved resonance parameters, or calculated with the generalized form of the SPRT method by using scattering matrix elements provided by optical model calculations. One of the difficulties is to establish the contributions of the direct and compound nucleus reactions. This problem was solved by using a slightly modified average R-Matrix formula with an equivalent hard sphere radius deduced from the phase shift originating from the potential. The performances of the proposed formalism are illustrated with results obtained for the 238U+n nuclear systems.

  17. Anomaly Monitoring Method for Key Components of Satellite

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Linjun; Xiao, Weidong; Tang, Jun

    2014-01-01

    This paper presented a fault diagnosis method for key components of satellite, called Anomaly Monitoring Method (AMM), which is made up of state estimation based on Multivariate State Estimation Techniques (MSET) and anomaly detection based on Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT). On the basis of analysis failure of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), we divided the failure of LIBs into internal failure, external failure, and thermal runaway and selected electrolyte resistance (R e) and the charge transfer resistance (R ct) as the key parameters of state estimation. Then, through the actual in-orbit telemetry data of the key parameters of LIBs, we obtained the actual residual value (R X) and healthy residual value (R L) of LIBs based on the state estimation of MSET, and then, through the residual values (R X and R L) of LIBs, we detected the anomaly states based on the anomaly detection of SPRT. Lastly, we conducted an example of AMM for LIBs, and, according to the results of AMM, we validated the feasibility and effectiveness of AMM by comparing it with the results of threshold detective method (TDM). PMID:24587703

  18. Classification of Reactor Facility Operational State Using SPRT Methods with Radiation Sensor Networks

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

    Ramirez Aviles, Camila A.; Rao, Nageswara S.

    We consider the problem of inferring the operational state of a reactor facility by using measurements from a radiation sensor network, which is deployed around the facility’s ventilation stack. The radiation emissions from the stack decay with distance, and the corresponding measurements are inherently random with parameters determined by radiation intensity levels at the sensor locations. We fuse measurements from network sensors to estimate the intensity at the stack, and use this estimate in a one-sided Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) to infer the on/off state of the reactor facility. We demonstrate the superior performance of this method over conventionalmore » majority vote fusers and individual sensors using (i) test measurements from a network of NaI sensors, and (ii) emulated measurements using radioactive effluents collected at a reactor facility stack. We analytically quantify the performance improvements of individual sensors and their networks with adaptive thresholds over those with fixed ones, by using the packing number of the radiation intensity space.« less

  19. Network Algorithms for Detection of Radiation Sources

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

    Rao, Nageswara S; Brooks, Richard R; Wu, Qishi

    In support of national defense, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office s (DNDO) Intelligent Radiation Sensor Systems (IRSS) program supported the development of networks of radiation counters for detecting, localizing and identifying low-level, hazardous radiation sources. Industry teams developed the first generation of such networks with tens of counters, and demonstrated several of their capabilities in indoor and outdoor characterization tests. Subsequently, these test measurements have been used in algorithm replays using various sub-networks of counters. Test measurements combined with algorithm outputs are used to extract Key Measurements and Benchmark (KMB) datasets. We present two selective analyses of these datasets: (a) amore » notional border monitoring scenario that highlights the benefits of a network of counters compared to individual detectors, and (b) new insights into the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) detection method, which lead to its adaptations for improved detection. Using KMB datasets from an outdoor test, we construct a notional border monitoring scenario, wherein twelve 2 *2 NaI detectors are deployed on the periphery of 21*21meter square region. A Cs-137 (175 uCi) source is moved across this region, starting several meters from outside and finally moving away. The measurements from individual counters and the network were processed using replays of a particle filter algorithm developed under IRSS program. The algorithm outputs from KMB datasets clearly illustrate the benefits of combining measurements from all networked counters: the source was detected before it entered the region, during its trajectory inside, and until it moved several meters away. When individual counters are used for detection, the source was detected for much shorter durations, and sometimes was missed in the interior region. The application of SPRT for detecting radiation sources requires choosing the detection threshold, which in turn requires a source strength estimate, typically specified as a multiplier of the background radiation level. A judicious selection of this source multiplier is essential to achieve optimal detection probability at a specified false alarm rate. Typically, this threshold is chosen from the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) by varying the source multiplier estimate. ROC is expected to have a monotonically increasing profile between the detection probability and false alarm rate. We derived ROCs for multiple indoor tests using KMB datasets, which revealed an unexpected loop shape: as the multiplier increases, detection probability and false alarm rate both increase until a limit, and then both contract. Consequently, two detection probabilities correspond to the same false alarm rate, and the higher is achieved at a lower multiplier, which is the desired operating point. Using the Chebyshev s inequality we analytically confirm this shape. Then, we present two improved network-SPRT methods by (a) using the threshold off-set as a weighting factor for the binary decisions from individual detectors in a weighted majority voting fusion rule, and (b) applying a composite SPRT derived using measurements from all counters.« less

  20. Two-IMU FDI performance of the sequential probability ratio test during shuttle entry

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rich, T. M.

    1976-01-01

    Performance data for the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) during shuttle entry are presented. Current modeling constants and failure thresholds are included for the full mission 3B from entry through landing trajectory. Minimum 100 percent detection/isolation failure levels and a discussion of the effects of failure direction are presented. Finally, a limited comparison of failures introduced at trajectory initiation shows that the SPRT algorithm performs slightly worse than the data tracking test.

  1. The Sequential Probability Ratio Test: An efficient alternative to exact binomial testing for Clean Water Act 303(d) evaluation.

    PubMed

    Chen, Connie; Gribble, Matthew O; Bartroff, Jay; Bay, Steven M; Goldstein, Larry

    2017-05-01

    The United States's Clean Water Act stipulates in section 303(d) that states must identify impaired water bodies for which total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) of pollution inputs into water bodies are developed. Decision-making procedures about how to list, or delist, water bodies as impaired, or not, per Clean Water Act 303(d) differ across states. In states such as California, whether or not a particular monitoring sample suggests that water quality is impaired can be regarded as a binary outcome variable, and California's current regulatory framework invokes a version of the exact binomial test to consolidate evidence across samples and assess whether the overall water body complies with the Clean Water Act. Here, we contrast the performance of California's exact binomial test with one potential alternative, the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT). The SPRT uses a sequential testing framework, testing samples as they become available and evaluating evidence as it emerges, rather than measuring all the samples and calculating a test statistic at the end of the data collection process. Through simulations and theoretical derivations, we demonstrate that the SPRT on average requires fewer samples to be measured to have comparable Type I and Type II error rates as the current fixed-sample binomial test. Policymakers might consider efficient alternatives such as SPRT to current procedure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Bilateral Comparison of Mercury and Gallium Fixed-Point Cells Using Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bojkovski, J.; Veliki, T.; Zvizdić, D.; Drnovšek, J.

    2011-08-01

    The objective of project EURAMET 1127 (Bilateral comparison of triple point of mercury and melting point of gallium) in the field of thermometry is to compare realization of a triple point of mercury (-38.8344 °C) and melting point of gallium (29.7646 °C) between the Slovenian national laboratory MIRS/UL-FE/LMK and the Croatian national laboratory HMI/FSB-LPM using a long-stem 25 Ω standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT). MIRS/UL/FE-LMK participated in a number of intercomparisons on the level of EURAMET. On the other hand, the HMI/LPM-FSB laboratory recently acquired new fixed-point cells which had to be evaluated in the process of intercomparisons. A quartz-sheathed SPRT has been selected and calibrated at HMI/LPM-FSB at the triple point of mercury, the melting point of gallium, and the water triple point. A second set of measurements was made at MIRS/UL/FE-LMK. After its return, the SPRT was again recalibrated at HMI/LPM-FSB. In the comparison, the W value of the SPRT has been used. Results of the bilateral intercomparison confirmed that the new gallium cell of the HMI/LPM-FSB has a value that is within uncertainty limits of both laboratories that participated in the exercise, while the mercury cell experienced problems. After further research, a small leakage in the mercury fixed-point cell has been found.

  3. Considerations Relating to Type 1 and Type 3 Non-uniqueness in SPRT Interpolations of the ITS-90

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rusby, R. L.; Pearce, J. V.; Elliott, C. J.

    2017-12-01

    It is well known that different allowed interpolations using a given standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) in overlapping subranges of the ITS-90 do not lead to identical results. This is termed Type 1 non-uniqueness, or subrange inconsistency (SRI), and it arises because of small incompatibilities in the SPRT characteristic W(T_{90}) with respect to the ITS-90 reference function Wr(T_{90}), such that the alternative low-order interpolations, fitted to the deviations W(T_{90}) - Wr(T_{90}) at different sets of fixed points, are not in general identical. To some extent SRI may be `scale-intrinsic,' i.e., caused by incompatibilities between the resistance ratios, Wr(T_{90}), specified at the fixed points of the ITS-90, and hence the same for all SPRTs. However, it has been found that the SRI varies strongly between different SPRTs, and that variability of W(T_{90}) is much the dominant cause. This raises the question of how SRI is linked to Type 3 non-uniqueness between SPRTs in each separate subrange, which is entirely due to differences in SPRT characteristics. This paper explores the connection between them and concludes that they are of similar magnitude and consequently, being different manifestations of the same effects, it is argued that non-uniqueness should be covered by a single component of uncertainty. Following the stated rationale of the ITS-90, it is further suggested that this uncertainty should be estimated only within each subrange, i.e., that shorter subranges should not be deemed subject to potential effects caused by out-of-range data.

  4. Development of a Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer for Use up to the Copper Point

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tavener, J. P.

    2015-08-01

    The international temperature scale of 1990 defines temperatures in the range from 13.8 K to 1234.93 K () using a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) as an interpolating instrument. For temperatures above , the current designs of an SPRT require extreme care to avoid contamination, especially by metallic impurities, which can cause rapid and irreversible drift. This study investigates the performance of a new design of a high-temperature SPRT with the aim of improving the stability of the SPRTs and extending their temperature range. The prototype SPRTs have an alumina sheath, a sapphire support for the sensing element, which are aspirated with dry air and operated with a dc bias voltage to suppress the diffusion of metal-ion contaminants. Three prototype thermometers were exposed to temperatures near or above the copper freezing point, , for total exposure times in excess of 500 h and exhibited drifts in the triple-point resistance of less than 10 mK. The new design eliminates some of the problems associated with fused-silica sheaths and sensor-support structures and is a viable option for a high-accuracy thermometer for temperatures approaching.

  5. System for monitoring an industrial or biological process

    DOEpatents

    Gross, Kenneth C.; Wegerich, Stephan W.; Vilim, Rick B.; White, Andrew M.

    1998-01-01

    A method and apparatus for monitoring and responding to conditions of an industrial process. Industrial process signals, such as repetitive manufacturing, testing and operational machine signals, are generated by a system. Sensor signals characteristic of the process are generated over a time length and compared to reference signals over the time length. The industrial signals are adjusted over the time length relative to the reference signals, the phase shift of the industrial signals is optimized to the reference signals and the resulting signals output for analysis by systems such as SPRT.

  6. System for monitoring an industrial or biological process

    DOEpatents

    Gross, K.C.; Wegerich, S.W.; Vilim, R.B.; White, A.M.

    1998-06-30

    A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and responding to conditions of an industrial process. Industrial process signals, such as repetitive manufacturing, testing and operational machine signals, are generated by a system. Sensor signals characteristic of the process are generated over a time length and compared to reference signals over the time length. The industrial signals are adjusted over the time length relative to the reference signals, the phase shift of the industrial signals is optimized to the reference signals and the resulting signals output for analysis by systems such as SPRT. 49 figs.

  7. Radiation detection method and system using the sequential probability ratio test

    DOEpatents

    Nelson, Karl E [Livermore, CA; Valentine, John D [Redwood City, CA; Beauchamp, Brock R [San Ramon, CA

    2007-07-17

    A method and system using the Sequential Probability Ratio Test to enhance the detection of an elevated level of radiation, by determining whether a set of observations are consistent with a specified model within a given bounds of statistical significance. In particular, the SPRT is used in the present invention to maximize the range of detection, by providing processing mechanisms for estimating the dynamic background radiation, adjusting the models to reflect the amount of background knowledge at the current point in time, analyzing the current sample using the models to determine statistical significance, and determining when the sample has returned to the expected background conditions.

  8. Anomaly-based intrusion detection for SCADA systems

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

    Yang, D.; Usynin, A.; Hines, J. W.

    2006-07-01

    Most critical infrastructure such as chemical processing plants, electrical generation and distribution networks, and gas distribution is monitored and controlled by Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA. These systems have been the focus of increased security and there are concerns that they could be the target of international terrorists. With the constantly growing number of internet related computer attacks, there is evidence that our critical infrastructure may also be vulnerable. Researchers estimate that malicious online actions may cause $75 billion at 2007. One of the interesting countermeasures for enhancing information system security is called intrusion detection. This paper willmore » briefly discuss the history of research in intrusion detection techniques and introduce the two basic detection approaches: signature detection and anomaly detection. Finally, it presents the application of techniques developed for monitoring critical process systems, such as nuclear power plants, to anomaly intrusion detection. The method uses an auto-associative kernel regression (AAKR) model coupled with the statistical probability ratio test (SPRT) and applied to a simulated SCADA system. The results show that these methods can be generally used to detect a variety of common attacks. (authors)« less

  9. Computerized Classification Testing with the Rasch Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eggen, Theo J. H. M.

    2011-01-01

    If classification in a limited number of categories is the purpose of testing, computerized adaptive tests (CATs) with algorithms based on sequential statistical testing perform better than estimation-based CATs (e.g., Eggen & Straetmans, 2000). In these computerized classification tests (CCTs), the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) (Wald,…

  10. System For Surveillance Of Spectral Signals

    DOEpatents

    Gross, Kenneth C.; Wegerich, Stephan W.; Criss-Puszkiewicz, Cynthia; Wilks, Alan D.

    2004-10-12

    A method and system for monitoring at least one of a system, a process and a data source. A method and system have been developed for carrying out surveillance, testing and modification of an ongoing process or other source of data, such as a spectroscopic examination. A signal from the system under surveillance is collected and compared with a reference signal, a frequency domain transformation carried out for the system signal and reference signal, a frequency domain difference function established. The process is then repeated until a full range of data is accumulated over the time domain and a Sequential Probability Ratio Test ("SPRT") methodology applied to determine a three-dimensional surface plot characteristic of the operating state of the system under surveillance.

  11. System for surveillance of spectral signals

    DOEpatents

    Gross, Kenneth C.; Wegerich, Stephan W.; Criss-Puszkiewicz, Cynthia; Wilks, Alan D.

    2006-02-14

    A method and system for monitoring at least one of a system, a process and a data source. A method and system have been developed for carrying out surveillance, testing and modification of an ongoing process or other source of data, such as a spectroscopic examination. A signal from the system under surveillance is collected and compared with a reference signal, a frequency domain transformation carried out for the system signal and reference signal, a frequency domain difference function established. The process is then repeated until a full range of data is accumulated over the time domain and a Sequential Probability Ratio Test ("SPRT") methodology applied to determine a three-dimensional surface plot characteristic of the operating state of the system under surveillance.

  12. System for surveillance of spectral signals

    DOEpatents

    Gross, Kenneth C.; Wegerich, Stephan W.; Criss-Puszkiewicz, Cynthia; Wilks, Alan D.

    2001-01-01

    A method and system for monitoring at least one of a system, a process and a data source. A method and system have been developed for carrying out surveillance, testing and modification of an ongoing process or other source of data, such as a spectroscopic examination. A signal from the system under surveillance is collected and compared with a reference signal, a frequency domain transformation carried out for the system signal and reference signal, a frequency domain difference function established. The process is then repeated until a full range of data is accumulated over the time domain and a SPRT sequential probability ratio test methodology applied to determine a three-dimensional surface plot characteristic of the operating state of the system under surveillance.

  13. Final report on VMI-NMISA bilateral comparison APMP.T-K3.1: Realizations of the ITS-90 over the range -38.8344 °C to 419.527 °C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liedberg, Hans

    2012-01-01

    The Comité Consulatif de Thermométrie (CCT) has organized several key comparisons to compare realizations of the ITS-90 in different National Metrology Institutes. To keep the organization, time scale and data processing of such a comparison manageable, the number of participants in a CCT key comparison (CCT KC) is limited to a few laboratories in each major economic region. Subsequent regional key comparisons are linked to the applicable CCT KC by two or more linking laboratories. For the temperature range from 83.8058 K (triple point of Ar) to 933.473 K (freezing point of Al), a key comparison, CCT-K3, was carried out from 1997 to 2001 among representative laboratories in North America, Europe and Asia. Following CCT-K3, the Asia-Pacific Metrology Program Key Comparison 3 (APMP.T-K3) was organized for National Metrology Institutes in the Asia/Pacific region. NMIA (Australia) and KRISS (South Korea) provided the link between CCT-K3 and APMP.T-K3. APMP.T-K3, which took place from February 2000 to June 2003, covered the temperature range from -38.8344 °C (triple point of Hg) to 419.527 °C (freezing point of Zn), using a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) as the artefact. In June 2007 the Vietnam Metrology Institute (VMI) requested a bilateral comparison to link their SPRT calibration capabilities to APMP.T-K3, and in October 2007 the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) agreed to provide the link to APMP.T-K3. Like APMP.T-K3, the comparison was restricted to the Hg to Zn temperature range to reduce the chance of drift in the SPRT artefact. The comparison was carried out in a participant-pilot-participant topology (with NMISA as the pilot and VMI as the participant). VMI's results in the comparison were linked to the Average Reference Values of CCT-K3 via NMISA's results in APMP.T-K3. The resistance ratios measured by VMI and NMISA at Zn, Sn, Ga and Hg fixed points agree within their combined uncertainties, and VMI's results also agree with the CCT-K3 reference values at these fixed points. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

  14. Research on sparse feature matching of improved RANSAC algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, Xiangsi; Zhao, Xian

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, a sparse feature matching method based on modified RANSAC algorithm is proposed to improve the precision and speed. Firstly, the feature points of the images are extracted using the SIFT algorithm. Then, the image pair is matched roughly by generating SIFT feature descriptor. At last, the precision of image matching is optimized by the modified RANSAC algorithm,. The RANSAC algorithm is improved from three aspects: instead of the homography matrix, this paper uses the fundamental matrix generated by the 8 point algorithm as the model; the sample is selected by a random block selecting method, which ensures the uniform distribution and the accuracy; adds sequential probability ratio test(SPRT) on the basis of standard RANSAC, which cut down the overall running time of the algorithm. The experimental results show that this method can not only get higher matching accuracy, but also greatly reduce the computation and improve the matching speed.

  15. Distributed Immune Systems for Wireless Network Information Assurance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-04-26

    ratio test (SPRT), where the goal is to optimize a hypothesis testing problem given a trade-off between the probability of errors and the...using cumulative sum (CUSUM) and Girshik-Rubin-Shiryaev (GRSh) statistics. In sequential versions of the problem the sequential probability ratio ...the more complicated problems, in particular those where no clear mean can be established. We developed algorithms based on the sequential probability

  16. Reaction Control System Thruster Cracking Consultation: NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Materials Super Problem Resolution Team (SPRT) Findings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    MacKay, Rebecca A.; Smith, Stephen W.; Shah, Sandeep R.; Piascik, Robert S.

    2005-01-01

    The shuttle orbiter s reaction control system (RCS) primary thruster serial number 120 was found to contain cracks in the counter bores and relief radius after a chamber repair and rejuvenation was performed in April 2004. Relief radius cracking had been observed in the 1970s and 1980s in seven thrusters prior to flight; however, counter bore cracking had never been seen previously in RCS thrusters. Members of the Materials Super Problem Resolution Team (SPRT) of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) conducted a detailed review of the relevant literature and of the documentation from the previous RCS thruster failure analyses. It was concluded that the previous failure analyses lacked sufficient documentation to support the conclusions that stress corrosion cracking or hot-salt cracking was the root cause of the thruster cracking and lacked reliable inspection controls to prevent cracked thrusters from entering the fleet. The NESC team identified and performed new materials characterization and mechanical tests. It was determined that the thruster intergranular cracking was due to hydrogen embrittlement and that the cracking was produced during manufacturing as a result of processing the thrusters with fluoride-containing acids. Testing and characterization demonstrated that appreciable environmental crack propagation does not occur after manufacturing.

  17. An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA

    2013-03-15

    11/13/2013 Conference held. (All Actions) Notes: FY2014 Senate budget resolution. Accompanying committee print: S.Prt.113-12, S. Prt. 113-12, Errata. Tracker: This bill has the status Resolving DifferencesHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  18. Robust Stereo Visual Odometry Using Improved RANSAC-Based Methods for Mobile Robot Localization

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yanqing; Gu, Yuzhang; Li, Jiamao; Zhang, Xiaolin

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, we present a novel approach for stereo visual odometry with robust motion estimation that is faster and more accurate than standard RANSAC (Random Sample Consensus). Our method makes improvements in RANSAC in three aspects: first, the hypotheses are preferentially generated by sampling the input feature points on the order of ages and similarities of the features; second, the evaluation of hypotheses is performed based on the SPRT (Sequential Probability Ratio Test) that makes bad hypotheses discarded very fast without verifying all the data points; third, we aggregate the three best hypotheses to get the final estimation instead of only selecting the best hypothesis. The first two aspects improve the speed of RANSAC by generating good hypotheses and discarding bad hypotheses in advance, respectively. The last aspect improves the accuracy of motion estimation. Our method was evaluated in the KITTI (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Toyota Technological Institute) and the New Tsukuba dataset. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better results for both speed and accuracy than RANSAC. PMID:29027935

  19. Syndrome Surveillance Using Parametric Space-Time Clustering

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

    KOCH, MARK W.; MCKENNA, SEAN A.; BILISOLY, ROGER L.

    2002-11-01

    As demonstrated by the anthrax attack through the United States mail, people infected by the biological agent itself will give the first indication of a bioterror attack. Thus, a distributed information system that can rapidly and efficiently gather and analyze public health data would aid epidemiologists in detecting and characterizing emerging diseases, including bioterror attacks. We propose using clusters of adverse health events in space and time to detect possible bioterror attacks. Space-time clusters can indicate exposure to infectious diseases or localized exposure to toxins. Most space-time clustering approaches require individual patient data. To protect the patient's privacy, we havemore » extended these approaches to aggregated data and have embedded this extension in a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) framework. The real-time and sequential nature of health data makes the SPRT an ideal candidate. The result of space-time clustering gives the statistical significance of a cluster at every location in the surveillance area and can be thought of as a ''health-index'' of the people living in this area. As a surrogate to bioterrorism data, we have experimented with two flu data sets. For both databases, we show that space-time clustering can detect a flu epidemic up to 21 to 28 days earlier than a conventional periodic regression technique. We have also tested using simulated anthrax attack data on top of a respiratory illness diagnostic category. Results show we do very well at detecting an attack as early as the second or third day after infected people start becoming severely symptomatic.« less

  20. Application of data cubes for improving detection of water cycle extreme events

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teng, W. L.; Albayrak, A.

    2015-12-01

    As part of an ongoing NASA-funded project to remove a longstanding barrier to accessing NASA data (i.e., accessing archived time-step array data as point-time series), for the hydrology and other point-time series-oriented communities, "data cubes" are created from which time series files (aka "data rods") are generated on-the-fly and made available as Web services from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC). Data cubes are data as archived rearranged into spatio-temporal matrices, which allow for easy access to the data, both spatially and temporally. A data cube is a specific case of the general optimal strategy of reorganizing data to match the desired means of access. The gain from such reorganization is greater the larger the data set. As a use case for our project, we are leveraging existing software to explore the application of the data cubes concept to machine learning, for the purpose of detecting water cycle extreme (WCE) events, a specific case of anomaly detection, requiring time series data. We investigate the use of the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) for anomaly detection and support vector machines (SVM) for anomaly classification. We show an example of detection of WCE events, using the Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS) data set.

  1. A robust approach to using of the redundant information in the temperature calibration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strnad, R.; Kňazovická, L.; Šindelář, M.; Kukal, J.

    2013-09-01

    In the calibration laboratories are used standard procedures for calculating of the calibration model coefficients based on well described standards (EN 60751, ITS-90, EN 60584, etc.). In practice, sensors are mostly calibrated in more points and redundant information is used as a validation of the model. This paper will present the influence of including all measured points with respect to their uncertainties to the measured models using standard weighted least square methods. A special case with regards of the different level of the uncertainty of the measured points in case of the robust approach will be discussed. This will go to the different minimization criteria and different uncertainty propagation methodology. This approach also will eliminate of the influence of the outline measurements in the calibration. In practical part will be three cases of this approach presented, namely industrial calibration according to the standard EN 60751, SPRT according to the ITS-90 and thermocouple according to the standard EN 60584.

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

    Rao, Nageswara S.; Ramirez Aviles, Camila A.

    We consider the problem of inferring the operational status of a reactor facility using measurements from a radiation sensor network deployed around the facility’s ventilation off-gas stack. The intensity of stack emissions decays with distance, and the sensor counts or measurements are inherently random with parameters determined by the intensity at the sensor’s location. We utilize the measurements to estimate the intensity at the stack, and use it in a one-sided Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) to infer on/off status of the reactor. We demonstrate the superior performance of this method over conventional majority fusers and individual sensors using (i)more » test measurements from a network of 21 NaI detectors, and (ii) effluence measurements collected at the stack of a reactor facility. We also analytically establish the superior detection performance of the network over individual sensors with fixed and adaptive thresholds by utilizing the Poisson distribution of the counts. We quantify the performance improvements of the network detection over individual sensors using the packing number of the intensity space.« less

  3. Institutional learning curve of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion for peritoneal malignancies.

    PubMed

    Polanco, Patricio M; Ding, Ying; Knox, Jordan M; Ramalingam, Lekshmi; Jones, Heather; Hogg, Melissa E; Zureikat, Amer H; Holtzman, Matthew P; Pingpank, James; Ahrendt, Steven; Zeh, Herbert J; Bartlett, David L; Choudry, Haroon A

    2015-05-01

    Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is routinely used to treat certain peritoneal carcinomatoses (PC), but it can be associated with relatively high complication rates, prolonged hospital length of stay, and potential mortality. Our objective was to determine the learning curve (LC) of CRS/HIPEC in our high-volume institution. A total of 370 patients with PC from mucinous appendiceal neoplasms (MAN = 282), malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM = 60), and gastric cancer (GC = 24) were studied. Outcomes analyzed included incomplete cytoreduction (IC), severe morbidity (SM), 60-day mortality, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test (RA-SPRT) was employed to assess the LC of CRS/HIPEC for IC and SM using prespecified odds ratio (OR) boundaries derived from previously published data. Risk adjusted-cumulative average probability (RA-CAP) was used to analyze 1-year PFS and 2-year OS. Complete cytoreduction, severe morbidity, and 60-day mortality were 84.2, 30, and 1.9 % respectively. Higher simplified peritoneal cancer index was the major independent risk factor for IC, whereas high-grade histology, IC, and diagnosis of MPM and GC (compared with MAN) were predictors of SM after CRS/HIPEC (p < 0.05). RA-SPRT showed that approximately 180 cases are needed to achieve the lowest risk of IC and SM. Ninety cases were needed to achieve a steady 1-year PFS and 2-year OS in RA-CAP plots. The completeness of cytoreduction, morbidity, and mortality rates for CRS/HIPEC at our institution are comparable to previously reported data. Approximately 180 and 90 procedures are required to improve operative and oncologic outcomes respectively.

  4. Post licensure surveillance of influenza vaccines in the Vaccine Safety Datalink in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons.

    PubMed

    Li, Rongxia; Stewart, Brock; McNeil, Michael M; Duffy, Jonathan; Nelson, Jennifer; Kawai, Alison Tse; Baxter, Roger; Belongia, Edward A; Weintraub, Eric

    2016-08-01

    The changes in each year in influenza vaccine antigenic components as well as vaccine administration patterns may pose new risks of adverse events following immunization (AEs). To evaluate the safety of influenza vaccines annually administered to people ≥ 6 months, we conducted weekly post licensure surveillance for seven pre-specified adverse events following receipt of influenza vaccines during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). We used both a historically-controlled cohort design with the Poisson-based maximized sequential probability ratio test (maxSPRT) and a self-controlled risk interval (SCRI) design with the binomial-based maxSPRT. For each adverse event outcome, we defined the risk interval on the basis of biologic plausibility and prior literature. For the historical cohort design, numbers of expected adverse events were calculated from the prior seven seasons, adjusted for age and site. For the SCRI design, a comparison window was defined either before vaccination or after vaccination, depending on each specific outcome. An elevated risk of febrile seizures 0-1 days following trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) was identified in children aged 6-23 months during the 2014-2015 season using the SCRI design. We found the relative risk (RR) of febrile seizures following concomitant administration of IIV3 and PCV13 was 5.3 with a 95% CI 1.87-14.75. Without concomitant PCV 13 administration, the estimated risk decreased and was no longer statistically significant (RR: 1.4; CI: 0.54 - 3.61). No increased risks, other than for febrile seizures, were identified in influenza vaccine safety surveillance during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons in the VSD. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. NESC Independent Review of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Contamination Thermal/Vacuum (T/V) Anomaly Technical Consultation Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sutter, James K.; Leidecker, Henning W.; Panda, Binayak; Piascik, Robert S.; Muirhead, Brian K.; Peeler, Debra

    2009-01-01

    The NESC eras requested by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to conduct an independent review of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Thermal/Vacuum (T/V) Anomaly Assessment. Because the anomaly resulted in the surface contamination of the MRO, selected members of the Materials Super Problem Resolution Team (SPRT) and the NASA technical community having technical expertise relative to contamination issues were chosen for the independent review. The consultation consisted of a review of the MRO Project's reported response to the assessment findings, a detailed review of JPL technical assessment final report, and detailed discussions with the JPL assessment team relative to their findings.

  6. A systematic evaluation of contemporary impurity correction methods in ITS-90 aluminium fixed point cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    da Silva, Rodrigo; Pearce, Jonathan V.; Machin, Graham

    2017-06-01

    The fixed points of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) are the basis of the calibration of standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs). Impurities in the fixed point material at the level of parts per million can give rise to an elevation or depression of the fixed point temperature of order of millikelvins, which often represents the most significant contribution to the uncertainty of SPRT calibrations. A number of methods for correcting for the effect of impurities have been advocated, but it is becoming increasingly evident that no single method can be used in isolation. In this investigation, a suite of five aluminium fixed point cells (defined ITS-90 freezing temperature 660.323 °C) have been constructed, each cell using metal sourced from a different supplier. The five cells have very different levels and types of impurities. For each cell, chemical assays based on the glow discharge mass spectroscopy (GDMS) technique have been obtained from three separate laboratories. In addition a series of high quality, long duration freezing curves have been obtained for each cell, using three different high quality SPRTs, all measured under nominally identical conditions. The set of GDMS analyses and freezing curves were then used to compare the different proposed impurity correction methods. It was found that the most consistent corrections were obtained with a hybrid correction method based on the sum of individual estimates (SIE) and overall maximum estimate (OME), namely the SIE/Modified-OME method. Also highly consistent was the correction technique based on fitting a Scheil solidification model to the measured freezing curves, provided certain well defined constraints are applied. Importantly, the most consistent methods are those which do not depend significantly on the chemical assay.

  7. Use of the Vettest 8008 and refractometry for determination of total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations in feline effusions.

    PubMed

    Papasouliotis, Kostas; Murphy, Kate; Dodkin, Steve; Torrance, Andy G

    2002-01-01

    Pleural and peritoneal effusion is a common clinical finding in feline practice. Determination of fluid albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLOB) concentrations in addition to total protein (TP) concentration can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out certain diseases in cats, especially feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The objective of this study was to compare effusion TP, ALB, and GLOB results obtained by a refractometer and a bench-top dry chemistry analyzer with those results obtained by a reference method. Twenty-six pleural and 14 peritoneal effusion samples were analyzed from 40 cats with various diseases. TP and ALB concentrations were determined by a reference automated wet chemistry analyzer (Kone Specific, Kone Instruments, Espoo, Finland), a bench-top dry chemistry analyzer (Vettest 8008, IDEXX Laboratories Ltd, Chalfont St Peter, UK), and a refractometer (Atago SPR-T2, Atago Co, Tokyo, Japan). GLOB, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and globulins as a percentage of total proteins (GLOB%) were calculated. Results were analyzed by paired t tests, difference plots, and Deming s regression analysis. Correlation coefficients (r) for TP with Vettest versus Kone and refractometer versus Kone methods were.97 and.94, respectively. GLOB and GLOB% values were significantly higher and A/G ratios were significantly lower with Vettest versus Kone methods. Correlation coefficients for ALB, GLOB, GLOB% and A/G ratio with Vettest versus Kone methods were.86,.93,.82, and.73, respectively. Although correlation with other methods was good, the refractometer underestimated TP concentrations in 3 samples. The refractometer is an acceptable method for determination of TP concentration in feline effusions. The Vettest 8008 also is an acceptable method for the determination of TP and ALB concentrations, however, calculated A/G ratios obtained with the Vettest are unacceptable.

  8. Optical Turbulence Measurement - Investigations for Analysis of Laser Designator Spot Patterns.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-05-01

    34,R,-SQCN,Q,-EXT COEF",E,-AVLNGTH-,W,"OBJ LZ NS",O 120: ent "OBS/OBJ",B," SCALL ",rll;sprt 6,R,Q,E,rJ,O,j3,r11 121: OSYSTEM DATA-Ii-eAVLNTki IN AETERS O...bars in the grating, and the wavelength cf the iser i_-e knDwn, -he scale factor 7an be calculated from the relation sia (theta) = A/d (3. 1) sia ...cos (P*r) If INVERSEFXFOR3 = True then F ;7<== 1 76 FA;7<== 0 End If P<== sia (P*r) *(1-2*Flg7) Do f~r r = 2*R0*I~l to 2*RO*3+RO Rl<== RDArk(II R2

  9. Report on NIM-NMC bilateral comparison: SPRT calibration comparison from -190°C to 420°C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Jianping; Ye, Shaochun; Wang, Li; Zhang, Jintao; Kho, Haoyuan

    2016-01-01

    A bilateral comparison of local realization of the International temperature scale of 1990 (ITS-90) between National Institute of Metrology (NIM) and National Metrology Centre (NMC) was carried out over the temperature range from -190°C to 420°C. It involved six fixed points including the argon triple point, the mercury triple point, the triple point of water, the melting point of gallium, the freezing point of tin and the freezing point of zinc. In 2009, NMC asked NIM to participate in a bilateral comparison to link the NMC results to the Consultative Committee for Thermometry Key comparison 3 (CCT-K3) and facilitate the NMC's Calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) submission. This comparison was agreed by NIM and Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) in 2009, and registered in the Key Comparison Database (KCDB) in 2010 as CCT-K3.2. NMC supplied two 25 Ω fused silica sheath standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) as traveling standards. One of them was used at the Ga, Sn and Zn fixed points, while the other one was used at the Ar and Hg fixed point. NMC measured them before and after NIM measurement. During the comparison, a criterion for the SPRT was set as the stability at the triple point of water to be less than 0.3 mK. The results for both laboratories are summarized. A proposal for linking the NMC's comparison results to CCT-K3 is presented. The difference between NMC and NIM and the difference between NMC and the CCT-K3 Average Reference Value (ARV) using NIM as a link are reported with expanded uncertainties at each measured fixed point. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

  10. Inverse sequential detection of parameter changes in developing time series

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Radok, Uwe; Brown, Timothy J.

    1992-01-01

    Progressive values of two probabilities are obtained for parameter estimates derived from an existing set of values and from the same set enlarged by one or more new values, respectively. One probability is that of erroneously preferring the second of these estimates for the existing data ('type 1 error'), while the second probability is that of erroneously accepting their estimates for the enlarged test ('type 2 error'). A more stable combined 'no change' probability which always falls between 0.5 and 0 is derived from the (logarithmic) width of the uncertainty region of an equivalent 'inverted' sequential probability ratio test (SPRT, Wald 1945) in which the error probabilities are calculated rather than prescribed. A parameter change is indicated when the compound probability undergoes a progressive decrease. The test is explicitly formulated and exemplified for Gaussian samples.

  11. Reports of the U.S. - U.S.S.R. Weddell Polynya Expedition, October-November 1981. Volume 6. Upper-Air Data.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-05-01

    65 0 7 *.’• 7P 72 66 i-3 r.f 5? 50 «» 36 25 E IMi 1 IE*: Hr-.n (KG/«•»3 > i|6 iEC -J sprt r (8/° ) O.7708 0.6677 0.751" 0•652 2...16974. 73.5 17025 . 72.9 17077. 72.3 1712t?. 71.7 1718ü. 71.1 17233. 70.5 17277. 73.0 17331. o9.4 I <c > —1 1 • ’- -el.f -fei. I -11.1...10.3 99.9 100. 0.1903 0.1743 0.7829 4416. 527.9 -35.5 12.1 12.1 -35.5 KC. 0.2123 0.1936 0.7740 4464. 524.3 -3 5.6 12.5 12.6 99.9 ISO . 0.2093 0.191C

  12. Comparison of Fixed Point Realisations between Inmetro and PTB

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santiago, J. F. N.; Petkovic, S. G.; Teixeira, R. N.; Noatsch, U.; Thiele-Krivoj, B.

    2003-09-01

    An interlaboratory comparison in the temperature range between -190 °C and 420 °C was organised between the National Institute of Quality, Normalisation and Industrial Quality (Inmetro), Brazil, and the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany. This comparison followed the same protocol as the EUROMET project 552 comparison and was carried out in the years 2001-2002. A standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) of 25 Ω was calibrated at the temperature fixed points of Ar, Hg, the triple point of water (TWP), Ga, In, Sn and Zn, with at least three realisations of each fixed point at both institutes. The uncertainty evaluation is given by Inmetro and some differences in the calibration procedures or in the measuring instruments used are described. The agreement between the results of laboratories was not in all cases within the combined uncertainties. Results of other comparisons are presented, which give additional information on the equivalence of the realised temperature scales.

  13. Type T reference function suitability for low temperature applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dowell, D.

    2013-09-01

    Type T thermocouples are commonly used in industrial measurement applications due to their accuracy relative to other thermocouple types, low cost, and the ready availability of measurement equipment. Type T thermocouples are very effective when used in differential measurements, as there is no cold junction compensation necessary for the connections to the measurement equipment. Type T's published accuracy specifications result in its frequent use in low temperature applications. An examination of over 328 samples from a number of manufacturers has been completed for this investigation. Samples were compared to a Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer (SPRT) at the LN2 boiling point along with four other standardized measurement points using a characterized ice point reference, low-thermal EMF scanner and an 8.5 digit multimeter, and the data compiled and analyzed. The test points were approximately -196 °C, -75 °C, 0 °C, +100 °C, and +200 °C. These data show an anomaly in the conformance to the reference functions where the reference functions meet at 0 °C. Additionally, in the temperature region between -100 °C to -200 °C, a positive offset of up to 5.4 °C exists between the reference function equations published in the ASTM E230-06 for the nitrogen point and the measured response of the actual wire. This paper will examine the historical and technological reasons for this anomaly in the both the ASTM and IEC reference functions. At the request of the author and the Proceedings Editor the above article has been replaced with a corrected version. The original PDF file supplied to AIP Publishing contained several figures with missing information/characters—caused by processes used to generate the PDF file. All figures were affected by this error. The article has been replaced and these figures now display correctly. The corrected article was published on 7 November 2013.

  14. Sapphire Whispering Gallery Thermometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strouse, G. F.

    2007-12-01

    An innovative sapphire whispering gallery thermometer (SWGT) is being explored at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a potential replacement for a standard platinum resistance thermometer (SPRT) for industrial applications that require measurement uncertainties of ≤ 10 mK. The NIST SWGT uses a synthetic sapphire monocrystalline disk configured as a uniaxial, dielectric resonator with whispering gallery modes between 14 GHz and 20 GHz and with Q-factors as large as 90,000. The prototype SWGT stability at the ice melting point (0°C) is ≤ 1 mK with a frequency resolution equivalent to 0.05 mK. The prototype SWGT measurement uncertainty ( k= 1) is 10 mK from 0°C to 100°C for all five resonance modes studied. These results for the SWGT approach the capabilities of industrial resistance thermometers. The SWGT promises greatly increased resistance to mechanical shock relative to SPRTs, over the range from -196°C to 500°C while retaining the low uncertainties needed by secondary calibration laboratories. The temperature sensitivity of the SWGT depends upon a well-defined property (the refractive index at microwave frequencies) and the thermal expansion of a pure material. Therefore, it is expected that SWGTs can be calibrated over a wide temperature range using a reference function, along with deviations measured at a few fixed points. This article reports the prototype SWGT stability, resolution, repeatability, and the temperature dependence of five whispering gallery resonance frequencies in the range from 0°C to 100°C.

  15. Regulation of error-prone translesion synthesis by Spartan/C1orf124

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Myoung Shin; Machida, Yuka; Vashisht, Ajay A.; Wohlschlegel, James A.; Pang, Yuan-Ping; Machida, Yuichi J.

    2013-01-01

    Translesion synthesis (TLS) employs low fidelity polymerases to replicate past damaged DNA in a potentially error-prone process. Regulatory mechanisms that prevent TLS-associated mutagenesis are unknown; however, our recent studies suggest that the PCNA-binding protein Spartan plays a role in suppression of damage-induced mutagenesis. Here, we show that Spartan negatively regulates error-prone TLS that is dependent on POLD3, the accessory subunit of the replicative DNA polymerase Pol δ. We demonstrate that the putative zinc metalloprotease domain SprT in Spartan directly interacts with POLD3 and contributes to suppression of damage-induced mutagenesis. Depletion of Spartan induces complex formation of POLD3 with Rev1 and the error-prone TLS polymerase Pol ζ, and elevates mutagenesis that relies on POLD3, Rev1 and Pol ζ. These results suggest that Spartan negatively regulates POLD3 function in Rev1/Pol ζ-dependent TLS, revealing a previously unrecognized regulatory step in error-prone TLS. PMID:23254330

  16. Cytoreductive surgery with a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy program: Safe after 40 cases, but only controlled after 140 cases.

    PubMed

    Voron, T; Eveno, C; Jouvin, I; Beaugerie, A; Lo Dico, R; Dagois, S; Soyer, P; Pocard, M

    2015-12-01

    Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), used to treat peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM), is a complex procedure with significant major morbidity (MM). To investigate the learning curve (LC) of CRS with HIPEC in a new specialized surgical unit with a fully trained senior surgeon and individualize the variables associated with morbidity and oncological results. A total of 290 consecutive patients with PSM were included. Complete CRS with HIPEC was performed in 204 patients. A risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test was used to assess the LC on the basis of rates of incomplete cytoreduction (IC) and MM. Complete CRS, MM, and mortality rates were 70.4%, 30.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Tumor histotype, a high peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and the invaded region were the major independent risk factors for IC, whereas previous surgery, high PCI, stomia realization and blood transfusion were predictors of MM. RA-SPRT showed that 140 and 40 cases were needed to achieve the lowest risk of IC and MM, respectively. CRS with HIPEC to treat PSM has a steep LC. Drastic selection has to be made at the beginning, excluding high PCI, rare peritoneal disease and patients previously operated on. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Artificial Neural Network Test Support Development for the Space Shuttle PRCS Thrusters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lehr, Mark E.

    2005-01-01

    A significant anomaly, Fuel Valve Pilot Seal Extrusion, is affecting the Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) Thrusters, and has caused 79 to fail. To help address this problem, a Shuttle PRCS Thruster Process Evaluation Team (TPET) was formed. The White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) and Boeing members of the TPET have identified many discrete valve current trace characteristics that are predictive of the problem. However, these are difficult and time consuming to identify and trend by manual analysis. Based on this exhaustive analysis over months, 22 thrusters previously delivered by the Depot were identified as high risk for flight failures. Although these had only recently been installed, they had to be removed from Shuttles OV103 and OV104 for reprocessing, by directive of the Shuttle Project Office. The resulting impact of the thruster removal, replacement, and valve replacement was significant (months of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars). Much of this could have been saved had the proposed Neural Network (NN) tool described in this paper been in place. In addition to the significant benefits to the Shuttle indicated above, the development and implementation of this type of testing will be the genesis for potential Quality improvements across many areas of WSTF test data analysis and will be shared with other NASA centers. Future tests can be designed to incorporate engineering experience via Artificial Neural Nets (ANN) into depot level acceptance of hardware. Additionally, results were shared with a NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Super Problem Response Team (SPRT). There was extensive interest voiced among many different personnel from several centers. There are potential spin-offs of this effort that can be directly applied to other data acquisition systems as well as vehicle health management for current and future flight vehicles.

  18. A Challenge to Improve High-Temperature Platinum Resistance Thermometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Y.; Widiatmo, J. V.; Harada, K.; Kobayashi, T.; Yamazawa, K.

    2017-05-01

    High-temperature standard platinum resistance thermometers (HTSPRTs) are used to interpolate the international temperature scale of 1990 (ITS-90), especially for temperatures between the aluminum and the silver points. For this, long-term stability of the HTSPRT is essential. CHINO R800-3L type SPRT, which has a nominal resistance at the triple point of water (TPW) around 0.25 Ω , is the one developed earlier for the interpolation of the ITS-90 at this temperature range. Further development to this previous model has been carried out for the purpose of improving the thermal stability. The improvement was focused on reducing the effect coming from the difference in thermal expansion between platinum wire and the quartz frame on which the platinum wire is installed. New HTSPRTs were made by CHINO Corporation. Some series of tests were carried out at CHINO and at NMIJ. Initial tests after the HTSPRT fabrication were done at CHINO, where thermal cycles between 500°C and 980°C were applied to the HTSPRTs to see change in the resistances at the TPW (R_{TPW}) and at the gallium point (R_{Ga}). Repeated resistance measurements at the silver point (R_{Ag}) were performed after completing the thermal cycling test. Before and after every measurement at silver point, R_{TPW} was measured, while before and after every two silver point realization R_{Ga} were measured. After completing this test, the HTSPRTs were transported to NMIJ, where the same repeated measurements at the silver point were done at NMIJ. These were then repeated at CHINO and at NMIJ upon repeated transportation among the institutes, to evaluate some effect due to transportation. This paper reports the details of the above-mentioned tests, the results and the analysis.

  19. Bilateral Comparison Between NIM and NMC Over the Temperature Range from 83.8058 K to 692.677 K

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Jianping; Ye, Shaochun; Kho, Haoyuan; Zhang, Jintao; Wang, Li

    2015-08-01

    A bilateral comparison of local realization of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 between the National Institute of Metrology (NIM) and National Metrology Centre (NMC) was carried out over the temperature range from 83.8058 K to 692.677 K. It involved six fixed points including the argon triple point, the mercury triple point, the triple point of water, the melting point of gallium, the freezing point of tin, and the freezing point of zinc. In 2009, NMC asked NIM to participate in a bilateral comparison to link the NMC results to the Consultative Committee for Thermometry Key Comparison 3 (CCT-K3) and facilitate the NMC's calibration and measurement capabilities submission. This comparison was agreed by NIM and Asia Pacific Metrology Programme in 2009, and registered in the Key Comparison Database in 2010 as CCT-K3.2. NMC supplied two fused silica sheath standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) as traveling standards. One of them was used at the Ga, Sn, and Zn fixed points, while the other one was used at the Ar and Hg fixed points. NMC measured them before and after NIM measured them. During the comparison, a criterion for the SPRT was set as the stability at the triple point of water to be less than 0.3 mK. The results for both laboratories are summarized. A proposal for linking the NMC's comparison results to CCT-K3 is presented. The difference between NMC and NIM and the difference between NMC and the CCT-K3 average reference value using NIM as a link are reported with expanded uncertainties at each measured fixed point.

  20. Further Estimates of (T-T_{90}) Close to the Triple Point of Water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Underwood, R.; de Podesta, M.; Sutton, G.; Stanger, L.; Rusby, R.; Harris, P.; Morantz, P.; Machin, G.

    2017-03-01

    Recent advances in primary acoustic gas thermometry (AGT) have revealed significant differences between temperature measurements using the International Temperature Scale of 1990, T_{90}, and thermodynamic temperature, T. In 2015, we published estimates of the differences (T-T_{90}) from 118 K to 303 K, which showed interesting behavior in the region around the triple point of water, T_TPW=273.16 K. In that work, the T_{90} measurements below T_TPW used a different ensemble of capsule standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) than the T_{90} measurements above T_TPW. In this work, we extend our earlier measurements using the same ensemble of SPRTs above and below T_TPW, enabling a deeper analysis of the slope d(T-T_{90})/dT around T_TPW. In this article, we present the results of seven AGT isotherms in the temperature range 258 K to 323 K. The derived values of (T-T_{90}) have exceptionally low uncertainties and are in good agreement with our previous data and other AGT results. We present the values (T-T_{90}) alongside our previous estimates, with the resistance ratios W( T) from two SPRTs which have been used across the full range 118 K to 323 K. Additionally, our measurements show discontinuities in d(T-T_{90})/dT at T_TPW which are consistent with the slope discontinuity in the SPRT deviation functions. Since this discontinuity is by definition non-unique, and can take a range of values including zero, we suggest that mathematical representations of (T-T_{90}), such as those in the mise en pratique for the kelvin (Fellmuth et al. in Philos Trans R Soc A 374:20150037, 2016. doi: 10.1098/rsta.2015.0037), should have continuity of d(T-T_{90})/dT at T_TPW.

  1. HBV serum DNA and RNA levels in nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated or untreated patients during chronic and acute infection.

    PubMed

    Butler, Emily K; Gersch, Jeffrey; McNamara, Anne; Luk, Ka-Cheung; Holzmayer, Vera; de Medina, Maria; Schiff, Eugene; Kuhns, Mary; Cloherty, Gavin A

    2018-05-07

    Treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) suppresses HBV DNA synthesis but does not affect synthesis of HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). HBV pgRNA is detectable in the serum during NA treatment and has been proposed as a marker of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) activity within the infected hepatocyte. We developed an automated assay for the quantification of serum HBV pgRNA using a dual-target qRT-PCR approach on the Abbott m2000sp/rt system. We demonstrate accurate detection and quantification of serum HBV RNA. HBV DNA was quantified using the Abbott RealTime HBV viral load assay. We further compared serum nucleic acid levels and kinetics in HBV-positive populations. Samples included: on-therapy CHB samples (N=16), samples (N=89) from 10 treatment naïve CHB subjects receiving 12-weeks of NA treatment with 8-week follow-up, HBsAg-positive blood donor samples (N=102), and 3 seroconversion series from plasmapheresis donors (N=79 samples). During NA treatment of CHB subjects, we observed low correlation of HBV DNA to pgRNA levels; pgRNA concentration was generally higher than HBV DNA concentrations. In contrast, when NA treatment was absent we observed serum pgRNA at concentrations that correlated to HBV DNA and were approximately 2 log lower than HBV DNA. Importantly, we observe this trend in untreated subject samples from both chronic infections and throughout seroconversion during acute infection. Results demonstrate that the presence of pgRNA in serum is part of the HBV lifecycle; constant relative detection of pgRNA and HBV DNA in the serum is suggestive of a linked mechanism for egress for HBV DNA or pgRNA containing virions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  2. Hysteresis of thin film IPRTs in the range 100 °C to 600 °C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zvizdić, D.; Šestan, D.

    2013-09-01

    As opposed to SPRTs, the IPRTs succumb to hysteresis when submitted to change of temperature. This uncertainty component, although acknowledged as omnipresent at many other types of sensors (pressure, electrical, magnetic, humidity, etc.) has often been disregarded in their calibration certificates' uncertainty budgets in the past, its determination being costly, time-consuming and not appreciated by customers and manufacturers. In general, hysteresis is a phenomenon that results in a difference in an item's behavior when approached from a different path. Thermal hysteresis results in a difference in resistance at a given temperature based on the thermal history to which the PRTs were exposed. The most prominent factor that contributes to the hysteresis error in an IPRT is a strain within the sensing element caused by the thermal expansion and contraction. The strains that cause hysteresis error are closely related to the strains that cause repeatability error. Therefore, it is typical that PRTs that exhibit small hysteresis also exhibit small repeatability error, and PRTs that exhibit large hysteresis have poor repeatability. Aim of this paper is to provide hysteresis characterization of a batch of IPRTs using the same type of thin-film sensor, encapsulated by same procedure and same company and to estimate to what extent the thermal hysteresis obtained by testing one single thermometer (or few thermometers) can serve as representative of other thermometers of the same type and manufacturer. This investigation should also indicate the range of hysteresis departure between IPRTs of the same type. Hysteresis was determined by cycling IPRTs temperature from 100 °C through intermediate points up to 600 °C and subsequently back to 100 °C. Within that range several typical sub-ranges are investigated: 100 °C to 400 °C, 100 °C to 500 °C, 100 °C to 600 °C, 300 °C to 500 °C and 300 °C to 600 °C . The hysteresis was determined at various temperatures by comparison calibration with SPRT. The results of investigation are presented in a graphical form for all IPRTs, ranges and calibration points.

  3. Tracking Object Existence From an Autonomous Patrol Vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wolf, Michael; Scharenbroich, Lucas

    2011-01-01

    An autonomous vehicle patrols a large region, during which an algorithm receives measurements of detected potential objects within its sensor range. The goal of the algorithm is to track all objects in the region over time. This problem differs from traditional multi-target tracking scenarios because the region of interest is much larger than the sensor range and relies on the movement of the sensor through this region for coverage. The goal is to know whether anything has changed between visits to the same location. In particular, two kinds of alert conditions must be detected: (1) a previously detected object has disappeared and (2) a new object has appeared in a location already checked. For the time an object is within sensor range, the object can be assumed to remain stationary, changing position only between visits. The problem is difficult because the upstream object detection processing is likely to make many errors, resulting in heavy clutter (false positives) and missed detections (false negatives), and because only noisy, bearings-only measurements are available. This work has three main goals: (1) Associate incoming measurements with known objects or mark them as new objects or false positives, as appropriate. For this, a multiple hypothesis tracker was adapted to this scenario. (2) Localize the objects using multiple bearings-only measurements to provide estimates of global position (e.g., latitude and longitude). A nonlinear Kalman filter extension provides these 2D position estimates using the 1D measurements. (3) Calculate the probability that a suspected object truly exists (in the estimated position), and determine whether alert conditions have been triggered (for new objects or disappeared objects). The concept of a probability of existence was created, and a new Bayesian method for updating this probability at each time step was developed. A probabilistic multiple hypothesis approach is chosen because of its superiority in handling the uncertainty arising from errors in sensors and upstream processes. However, traditional target tracking methods typically assume a stationary detection volume of interest, whereas in this case, one must make adjustments for being able to see only a small portion of the region of interest and understand when an alert situation has occurred. To track object existence inside and outside the vehicle's sensor range, a probability of existence was defined for each hypothesized object, and this value was updated at every time step in a Bayesian manner based on expected characteristics of the sensor and object and whether that object has been detected in the most recent time step. Then, this value feeds into a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) to determine the status of the object (suspected, confirmed, or deleted). Alerts are sent upon selected status transitions. Additionally, in order to track objects that move in and out of sensor range and update the probability of existence appropriately a variable probability detection has been defined and the hypothesis probability equations have been re-derived to accommodate this change. Unsupervised object tracking is a pervasive issue in automated perception systems. This work could apply to any mobile platform (ground vehicle, sea vessel, air vehicle, or orbiter) that intermittently revisits regions of interest and needs to determine whether anything interesting has changed.

  4. 76 FR 9777 - Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-22

    ... Applicable Alternative Test Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions... technical questions about individual alternative test method decisions, refer to the contact person...

  5. Disease Risk Score (DRS) as a Confounder Summary Method: Systematic Review and Recommendations

    PubMed Central

    Tadrous, Mina; Gagne, Joshua J.; Stürmer, Til; Cadarette, Suzanne M.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose To systematically examine trends and applications of the disease risk score (DRS) as a confounder summary method. Methods We completed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Web of Science® to identify all English language articles that applied DRS methods. We tabulated the number of publications by year and type (empirical application, methodological contribution, or review paper) and summarized methods used in empirical applications overall and by publication year (<2000, ≥2000). Results Of 714 unique articles identified, 97 examined DRS methods and 86 were empirical applications. We observed a bimodal distribution in the number of publications over time, with a peak 1979-1980, and resurgence since 2000. The majority of applications with methodological detail derived DRS using logistic regression (47%), used DRS as a categorical variable in regression (93%), and applied DRS in a non-experimental cohort (47%) or case-control (42%) study. Few studies examined effect modification by outcome risk (23%). Conclusion Use of DRS methods has increased yet remains low. Comparative effectiveness research may benefit from more DRS applications, particularly to examine effect modification by outcome risk. Standardized terminology may facilitate identification, application, and comprehension of DRS methods. More research is needed to support the application of DRS methods, particularly in case-control studies. PMID:23172692

  6. Method and apparatus for collaborative use of application program

    DOEpatents

    Dean, Craig D.

    1994-01-01

    Method and apparatus permitting the collaborative use of a computer application program simultaneously by multiple users at different stations. The method is useful with communication protocols having client/server control structures. The method of the invention requires only a sole executing copy of the application program and a sole executing copy of software comprising the invention. Users may collaboratively use a set of application programs by invoking for each desired application program one copy of software comprising the invention.

  7. 40 CFR 18.6 - Method of Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AND SPECIAL RESEARCH CONSULTANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION § 18.6 Method of Application. Application for an Environmental Protection Research fellowship shall be made in accordance with... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Method of Application. 18.6 Section 18...

  8. [Research Progress and Prospect of Applications of Finite Element Method in Lumbar Spine Biomechanics].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhenjun; Li, Yang; Liao, Zhenhua; Liu, Weiqiang

    2016-12-01

    Based on the application of finite element analysis in spine biomechanics,the research progress of finite element method applied in lumbar spine mechanics is reviewed and the prospect is forecasted.The related works,including lumbar ontology modeling,clinical application research,and occupational injury and protection,are summarized.The main research areas of finite element method are as follows:new accurate modeling process,the optimized simulation method,diversified clinical effect evaluation,and the clinical application of artificial lumbar disc.According to the recent research progress,the application prospects of finite element method,such as automation and individuation of modeling process,evaluation and analysis of new operation methods and simulation of mechanical damage and dynamic response,are discussed.The purpose of this paper is to provide the theoretical reference and practical guidance for the clinical lumbar problems by reviewing the application of finite element method in the field of the lumbar spine biomechanics.

  9. [Application of Delphi method in traditional Chinese medicine clinical research].

    PubMed

    Bi, Ying-fei; Mao, Jing-yuan

    2012-03-01

    In recent years, Delphi method has been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical research. This article analyzed the present application situation of Delphi method in TCM clinical research, and discussed some problems presented in the choice of evaluation method, classification of observation indexes and selection of survey items. On the basis of present application of Delphi method, the author analyzed the method on questionnaire making, selection of experts, evaluation of observation indexes and selection of survey items. Furthermore, the author summarized the steps of application of Delphi method in TCM clinical research.

  10. Computational and mathematical methods in brain atlasing.

    PubMed

    Nowinski, Wieslaw L

    2017-12-01

    Brain atlases have a wide range of use from education to research to clinical applications. Mathematical methods as well as computational methods and tools play a major role in the process of brain atlas building and developing atlas-based applications. Computational methods and tools cover three areas: dedicated editors for brain model creation, brain navigators supporting multiple platforms, and atlas-assisted specific applications. Mathematical methods in atlas building and developing atlas-aided applications deal with problems in image segmentation, geometric body modelling, physical modelling, atlas-to-scan registration, visualisation, interaction and virtual reality. Here I overview computational and mathematical methods in atlas building and developing atlas-assisted applications, and share my contribution to and experience in this field.

  11. 76 FR 19769 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Application for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-08

    ... Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Application for Reference and Equivalent Method... ID No. EPA-HQ- ORD-2005-0530, by one of the following methods: http://www.regulations.gov : Follow... instruments, or any other applicant for a reference or an equivalent method determination. Title: Application...

  12. 42 CFR 61.6 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Method of application. 61.6 Section 61.6 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Regular Fellowships § 61.6 Method of application. Application for a regular fellowship shall be...

  13. 42 CFR 61.35 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Method of application. 61.35 Section 61.35 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Service Fellowships § 61.35 Method of application. Application for a service fellowship shall be...

  14. 42 CFR 61.35 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Method of application. 61.35 Section 61.35 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Service Fellowships § 61.35 Method of application. Application for a service fellowship shall be...

  15. 42 CFR 61.6 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Method of application. 61.6 Section 61.6 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Regular Fellowships § 61.6 Method of application. Application for a regular fellowship shall be...

  16. 42 CFR 61.6 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Method of application. 61.6 Section 61.6 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Regular Fellowships § 61.6 Method of application. Application for a regular fellowship shall be...

  17. 42 CFR 61.35 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Method of application. 61.35 Section 61.35 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Service Fellowships § 61.35 Method of application. Application for a service fellowship shall be...

  18. 42 CFR 61.35 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Method of application. 61.35 Section 61.35 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Service Fellowships § 61.35 Method of application. Application for a service fellowship shall be...

  19. 42 CFR 61.35 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Method of application. 61.35 Section 61.35 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Service Fellowships § 61.35 Method of application. Application for a service fellowship shall be...

  20. 42 CFR 61.6 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Method of application. 61.6 Section 61.6 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Regular Fellowships § 61.6 Method of application. Application for a regular fellowship shall be...

  1. 42 CFR 61.6 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Method of application. 61.6 Section 61.6 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS Regular Fellowships § 61.6 Method of application. Application for a regular fellowship shall be...

  2. 77 FR 8865 - Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-15

    ... Applicable Alternative Test Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions... INFORMATION CONTACT: An electronic copy of each alternative test method approval document is available on the...

  3. 75 FR 7593 - Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-22

    ... Applicable Alternative Test Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions... electronic copy of each alternative test method approval document is available on EPA's Web site at http...

  4. 78 FR 11174 - Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-15

    ... Applicable Alternative Test Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions... INFORMATION CONTACT: An electronic copy of each alternative test method approval document is available on the...

  5. End-to-end performance measurement of Internet based medical applications.

    PubMed

    Dev, P; Harris, D; Gutierrez, D; Shah, A; Senger, S

    2002-01-01

    We present a method to obtain an end-to-end characterization of the performance of an application over a network. This method is not dependent on any specific application or type of network. The method requires characterization of network parameters, such as latency and packet loss, between the expected server or client endpoints, as well as characterization of the application's constraints on these parameters. A subjective metric is presented that integrates these characterizations and that operates over a wide range of applications and networks. We believe that this method may be of wide applicability as research and educational applications increasingly make use of computation and data servers that are distributed over the Internet.

  6. Method of App Selection for Healthcare Providers Based on Consumer Needs.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jisan; Kim, Jeongeun

    2018-01-01

    Mobile device applications can be used to manage health. However, healthcare providers hesitate to use them because selection methods that consider the needs of health consumers and identify the most appropriate application are rare. This study aimed to create an effective method of identifying applications that address user needs. Women experiencing dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome were the targeted users. First, we searched for related applications from two major sources of mobile applications. Brainstorming, mind mapping, and persona and scenario techniques were used to create a checklist of relevant criteria, which was used to rate the applications. Of the 2784 applications found, 369 were analyzed quantitatively. Of those, five of the top candidates were evaluated by three groups: application experts, clinical experts, and potential users. All three groups ranked one application the highest; however, the remaining rankings differed. The results of this study suggest that the method created is useful because it considers not only the needs of various users but also the knowledge of application and clinical experts. This study proposes a method for finding and using the best among existing applications and highlights the need for nurses who can understand and combine opinions of users and application and clinical experts.

  7. 78 FR 62426 - Use of Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-22

    ... Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration in Assessing the Best Method; Correction AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Correcting amendment... method in connection with a cost sharing arrangement and as a specified application of the income method...

  8. Disease risk score as a confounder summary method: systematic review and recommendations.

    PubMed

    Tadrous, Mina; Gagne, Joshua J; Stürmer, Til; Cadarette, Suzanne M

    2013-02-01

    To systematically examine trends and applications of the disease risk score (DRS) as a confounder summary method. We completed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Web of Science® to identify all English language articles that applied DRS methods. We tabulated the number of publications by year and type (empirical application, methodological contribution, or review paper) and summarized methods used in empirical applications overall and by publication year (<2000, ≥2000). Of 714 unique articles identified, 97 examined DRS methods and 86 were empirical applications. We observed a bimodal distribution in the number of publications over time, with a peak 1979-1980, and resurgence since 2000. The majority of applications with methodological detail derived DRS using logistic regression (47%), used DRS as a categorical variable in regression (93%), and applied DRS in a non-experimental cohort (47%) or case-control (42%) study. Few studies examined effect modification by outcome risk (23%). Use of DRS methods has increased yet remains low. Comparative effectiveness research may benefit from more DRS applications, particularly to examine effect modification by outcome risk. Standardized terminology may facilitate identification, application, and comprehension of DRS methods. More research is needed to support the application of DRS methods, particularly in case-control studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. 47 CFR 61.153 - Method of filing applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... (CONTINUED) TARIFFS Applications for Special Permission § 61.153 Method of filing applications. (a) An application for special permission must be addressed to “Secretary, Federal Communication Commission... for issuing carriers filing tariffing fees electronically, for all special permission applications...

  10. 75 FR 53298 - A Method to Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-31

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9195-4; Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-2010-0709] A Method to... comment period for the draft document titled, ``A Method to Assess Climate-Relevant Decision: Application... draft ``A Method To Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay'' is available...

  11. 40 CFR 80.8 - Sampling methods for gasoline and diesel fuel.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... applicable procedures specified in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method D 4057-95(2000... applicable procedures specified in ASTM method D 4177-95(2000), entitled “Standard Practice for Automatic... applicable procedures in ASTM method D 5842-95(2000), entitled “Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling...

  12. Silver nanoparticles: Synthesis methods, bio-applications and properties.

    PubMed

    Abbasi, Elham; Milani, Morteza; Fekri Aval, Sedigheh; Kouhi, Mohammad; Akbarzadeh, Abolfazl; Tayefi Nasrabadi, Hamid; Nikasa, Parisa; Joo, San Woo; Hanifehpour, Younes; Nejati-Koshki, Kazem; Samiei, Mohammad

    2016-01-01

    Silver nanoparticles size makes wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. Synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles for applications such as catalysis, electronics, optics, environmental and biotechnology is an area of constant interest. Two main methods for Silver nanoparticles are the physical and chemical methods. The problem with these methods is absorption of toxic substances onto them. Green synthesis approaches overcome this limitation. Silver nanoparticles size makes wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. This article summarizes exclusively scalable techniques and focuses on strengths, respectively, limitations with respect to the biomedical applicability and regulatory requirements concerning silver nanoparticles.

  13. Direct application of Padé approximant for solving nonlinear differential equations.

    PubMed

    Vazquez-Leal, Hector; Benhammouda, Brahim; Filobello-Nino, Uriel; Sarmiento-Reyes, Arturo; Jimenez-Fernandez, Victor Manuel; Garcia-Gervacio, Jose Luis; Huerta-Chua, Jesus; Morales-Mendoza, Luis Javier; Gonzalez-Lee, Mario

    2014-01-01

    This work presents a direct procedure to apply Padé method to find approximate solutions for nonlinear differential equations. Moreover, we present some cases study showing the strength of the method to generate highly accurate rational approximate solutions compared to other semi-analytical methods. The type of tested nonlinear equations are: a highly nonlinear boundary value problem, a differential-algebraic oscillator problem, and an asymptotic problem. The high accurate handy approximations obtained by the direct application of Padé method shows the high potential if the proposed scheme to approximate a wide variety of problems. What is more, the direct application of the Padé approximant aids to avoid the previous application of an approximative method like Taylor series method, homotopy perturbation method, Adomian Decomposition method, homotopy analysis method, variational iteration method, among others, as tools to obtain a power series solutions to post-treat with the Padé approximant. 34L30.

  14. The Application of Determining Students’ Graduation Status of STMIK Palangkaraya Using K-Nearest Neighbors Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rusdiana, Lili; Marfuah

    2017-12-01

    K-Nearest Neighbors method is one of methods used for classification which calculate a value to find out the closest in distance. It is used to group a set of data such as students’ graduation status that are got from the amount of course credits taken by them, the grade point average (AVG), and the mini-thesis grade. The study is conducted to know the results of using K-Nearest Neighbors method on the application of determining students’ graduation status, so it can be analyzed from the method used, the data, and the application constructed. The aim of this study is to find out the application results by using K-Nearest Neighbors concept to determine students’ graduation status using the data of STMIK Palangkaraya students. The development of the software used Extreme Programming, since it was appropriate and precise for this study which was to quickly finish the project. The application was created using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 for the training data and Matlab 7 to implement the application. The result of K-Nearest Neighbors method on the application of determining students’ graduation status was 92.5%. It could determine the predicate graduation of 94 data used from the initial data before the processing as many as 136 data which the maximal training data was 50data. The K-Nearest Neighbors method is one of methods used to group a set of data based on the closest value, so that using K-Nearest Neighbors method agreed with this study. The results of K-Nearest Neighbors method on the application of determining students’ graduation status was 92.5% could determine the predicate graduation which is the maximal training data. The K-Nearest Neighbors method is one of methods used to group a set of data based on the closest value, so that using K-Nearest Neighbors method agreed with this study.

  15. A review of level-set methods and some recent applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gibou, Frederic; Fedkiw, Ronald; Osher, Stanley

    2018-01-01

    We review some of the recent advances in level-set methods and their applications. In particular, we discuss how to impose boundary conditions at irregular domains and free boundaries, as well as the extension of level-set methods to adaptive Cartesian grids and parallel architectures. Illustrative applications are taken from the physical and life sciences. Fast sweeping methods are briefly discussed.

  16. Recent applications of spectral methods in fluid dynamics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zang, T. A.; Hussaini, M. Y.

    1985-01-01

    Origins of spectral methods, especially their relation to the method of weighted residuals, are surveyed. Basic Fourier and Chebyshev spectral concepts are reviewed and demonstrated through application to simple model problems. Both collocation and tau methods are considered. These techniques are then applied to a number of difficult, nonlinear problems of hyperbolic, parabolic, elliptic and mixzed type. Fluid dynamical applications are emphasized.

  17. Reconstructing Spatial Distributions from Anonymized Locations

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

    Horey, James L; Forrest, Stephanie; Groat, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and sensors are often equipped with GPS that accurately report a person's location. Combined with wireless communication, these devices enable a wide range of new social tools and applications. These same qualities, however, leave location-aware applications vulnerable to privacy violations. This paper introduces the Negative Quad Tree, a privacy protection method for location aware applications. The method is broadly applicable to applications that use spatial density information, such as social applications that measure the popularity of social venues. The method employs a simple anonymization algorithm running on mobile devices, and a more complex reconstructionmore » algorithm on a central server. This strategy is well suited to low-powered mobile devices. The paper analyzes the accuracy of the reconstruction method in a variety of simulated and real-world settings and demonstrates that the method is accurate enough to be used in many real-world scenarios.« less

  18. Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of cattle slurry in grassland as affected by method and timing of application.

    PubMed

    Lalor, S T J; Schröder, J J; Lantinga, E A; Oenema, O; Kirwan, L; Schulte, R P O

    2011-01-01

    Slurry application with methods such as trailing shoe (TS) results in reduced emissions of ammonia (NH3) compared with broadcast application using splashplate (SP). Timing the application during cool and wet weather conditions also contributes to low NH3 emissions. From this perspective, we investigated whether reduced NH3 emissions due to improved slurry application method and timing results in an increase in the nitrogen (N) fertilizer replacement value (NFRV). The effects of application timing (June vs. April) and application method (TS vs. SP) on the apparent N recovery (ANR) and NFRV from cattle slurry applied to grassland were examined on three sites over 3 yr in randomized block experiments. The NFRV was calculated using two methods: (i) NFRV(N) based on the ANR of slurry N relative to mineral N fertilizer; and (ii) NFRV(DM) based on DM yield. The TS method increased the ANR, NFRV(N), and NFRV(DM) compared with SP in the 40- to 50-d period following slurry application by 0.09, 0.10, and 0.10 kg kg(-1), respectively. These values were reduced to 0.07, 0.06, and 0.05 kg kg(-1), respectively, when residual harvests during the rest of the year were included. The highest NFRV(DM) for the first harvest period was with application in April using STS (0.30 kg kg(-1)), while application in June with SP had the Slowest (0.12 kg kg(-1)). The highest NFRV(DM) for the cumulative harvest period was with application in April using TS (0.38 kg kg(-1)), while application in June with SP had the lowest (0.17 kg kg(-1)). Improved management of application method, by using TS instead of SP, and timing, by applying slurry in April rather than June, offer potential to increase the NFRV(DM) of cattle slurry applied to grassland.

  19. Assessing the impact of manure application method on runoff phosphorus using controlled and natural rainfall

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Land application of manure is a cost-effective method for recycling nutrients from livestock operations. Increasingly, there has been interest in promoting alternative methods of manure application that minimize nonpoint source phosphorus pollution. Watershed and nutrient trading programs rely upon ...

  20. 40 CFR 125.32 - Method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2014-07-01 2013-07-01 true Method of application. 125.32 Section 125.32 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS CRITERIA... § 125.32 Method of application. (a) A written request for a variance under this subpart D shall be...

  1. Economics of herbicide application methods in hardwoods

    Treesearch

    Gary W. Miller

    1988-01-01

    Forest managers can use the data presented here to determine the least-cost herbicide application method for precommercial thinning treatments in hardwood sapling stands. Herbicides used in managing immature hardwood stands must be applied ustng individual-tree methods: broadcast applications in hardwoods are not selective and may result in signtficant damage to...

  2. 75 FR 55997 - Carbaryl; Order Denying NRDC's Objections and Requests for Hearing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-15

    ... Agency's application of the BMD approach as a scientifically supportable method for deriving PODs in... application methods -- all pet uses (dusts and liquids) except collars, aerosol products for various uses... registrants that these uses and application methods must be deleted from their carbaryl product labels. EPA...

  3. 76 FR 12356 - A Method To Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-07

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9276-3] A Method To Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of..., ``A Method to Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay'' (EPA/600/R-10...

  4. 3D measurement by digital photogrammetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneider, Carl T.

    1993-12-01

    Photogrammetry is well known in geodetic surveys as aerial photogrammetry or close range applications as architectural photogrammetry. The photogrammetric methods and algorithms combined with digital cameras and digital image processing methods are now introduced for industrial applications as automation and quality control. The presented paper will describe the photogrammetric and digital image processing algorithms and the calibration methods. These algorithms and methods were demonstrated with application examples. These applications are a digital photogrammetric workstation as a mobil multi purpose 3D measuring tool and a tube measuring system as an example for a single purpose tool.

  5. A VIKOR Technique with Applications Based on DEMATEL and ANP

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ou Yang, Yu-Ping; Shieh, How-Ming; Tzeng, Gwo-Hshiung

    In multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, the compromise ranking method (named VIKOR) was introduced as one applicable technique to implement within MCDM. It was developed for multicriteria optimization of complex systems. However, few papers discuss conflicting (competing) criteria with dependence and feedback in the compromise solution method. Therefore, this study proposes and provides applications for a novel model using the VIKOR technique based on DEMATEL and the ANP to solve the problem of conflicting criteria with dependence and feedback. In addition, this research also uses DEMATEL to normalize the unweighted supermatrix of the ANP to suit the real world. An example is also presented to illustrate the proposed method with applications thereof. The results show the proposed method is suitable and effective in real-world applications.

  6. ELECTRICAL TECHNIQUES FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS.

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bisdorf, Robert J.

    1985-01-01

    Surface electrical geophysical methods have been used in such engineering applications as locating and delineating shallow gravel deposits, depth to bedrock, faults, clay zones, and other geological phenomena. Other engineering applications include determining water quality, tracing ground water contaminant plumes and locating dam seepages. Various methods and electrode arrays are employed to solve particular geological problems. The sensitivity of a particular method or electrode array depends upon the physics on which the method is based, the array geometry, the electrical contrast between the target and host materials, and the depth to the target. Each of the available electrical methods has its own particular advantages and applications which the paper discusses.

  7. Illustrated structural application of universal first-order reliability method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Verderaime, V.

    1994-01-01

    The general application of the proposed first-order reliability method was achieved through the universal normalization of engineering probability distribution data. The method superimposes prevailing deterministic techniques and practices on the first-order reliability method to surmount deficiencies of the deterministic method and provide benefits of reliability techniques and predictions. A reliability design factor is derived from the reliability criterion to satisfy a specified reliability and is analogous to the deterministic safety factor. Its application is numerically illustrated on several practical structural design and verification cases with interesting results and insights. Two concepts of reliability selection criteria are suggested. Though the method was developed to support affordable structures for access to space, the method should also be applicable for most high-performance air and surface transportation systems.

  8. Recent advances in reduction methods for nonlinear problems. [in structural mechanics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noor, A. K.

    1981-01-01

    Status and some recent developments in the application of reduction methods to nonlinear structural mechanics problems are summarized. The aspects of reduction methods discussed herein include: (1) selection of basis vectors in nonlinear static and dynamic problems, (2) application of reduction methods in nonlinear static analysis of structures subjected to prescribed edge displacements, and (3) use of reduction methods in conjunction with mixed finite element models. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of reduction methods in nonlinear problems. Also, a number of research areas which have high potential for application of reduction methods are identified.

  9. Nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: Novel sample preparation methods and nanoparticle screening for plant metabolite imaging

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

    Yagnik, Gargey B.

    The main goal of the presented research is development of nanoparticle based matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). This dissertation includes the application of previously developed data acquisition methods, development of novel sample preparation methods, application and comparison of novel nanoparticle matrices, and comparison of two nanoparticle matrix application methods for MALDI-MS and MALDI-MS imaging.

  10. Fate and transport of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes in soil and runoff following land application of swine manure slurry.

    PubMed

    Joy, Stacey R; Bartelt-Hunt, Shannon L; Snow, Daniel D; Gilley, John E; Woodbury, Bryan L; Parker, David B; Marx, David B; Li, Xu

    2013-01-01

    Due to the use of antimicrobials in livestock production, residual antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) could enter the environment following the land application of animal wastes and could further contaminate surface and groundwater. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various manure land application methods on the fate and transport of antimicrobials and ARGs in soil and runoff following land application of swine manure slurry. Swine manure slurries were obtained from facilities housing pigs that were fed chlortetracyline, tylosin or bacitracin and were land applied via broadcast, incorporation, and injection methods. Three rainfall simulation tests were then performed on amended and control plots. Results show that land application methods had no statistically significant effect on the aqueous concentrations of antimicrobials in runoff. However, among the three application methods tested broadcast resulted in the highest total mass loading of antimicrobials in runoff from the three rainfall simulation tests. The aqueous concentrations of chlortetracyline and tylosin in runoff decreased in consecutive rainfall events, although the trend was only statistically significant for tylosin. For ARGs, broadcast resulted in significantly higher erm genes in runoff than did incorporation and injection methods. In soil, the effects of land application methods on the fate of antimicrobials in top soil were compound specific. No clear trend was observed in the ARG levels in soil, likely because different host cells may respond differently to the soil environments created by various land application methods.

  11. Development and application of ab initio QM/MM methods for mechanistic simulation of reactions in solution and in enzymes

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Hao; Yang, Weitao

    2013-01-01

    Determining the free energies and mechanisms of chemical reactions in solution and enzymes is a major challenge. For such complex reaction processes, combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method is the most effective simulation method to provide an accurate and efficient theoretical description of the molecular system. The computational costs of ab initio QM methods, however, have limited the application of ab initio QM/MM methods. Recent advances in ab initio QM/MM methods allowed the accurate simulation of the free energies for reactions in solution and in enzymes and thus paved the way for broader application of the ab initio QM/MM methods. We review here the theoretical developments and applications of the ab initio QM/MM methods, focusing on the determination of reaction path and the free energies of the reaction processes in solution and enzymes. PMID:24146439

  12. Mass Conservation of the Unified Continuous and Discontinuous Element-Based Galerkin Methods on Dynamically Adaptive Grids with Application to Atmospheric Simulations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    Discontinuous Element-Based Galerkin Methods on Dynamically Adaptive Grids with Application to Atmospheric Simulations 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER...Discontinuous Element-Based Galerkin Methods on Dynamically Adaptive Grids with Application to Atmospheric Simulations. Michal A. Koperaa,∗, Francis X...mass conservation, as it is an important feature for many atmospheric applications . We believe this is a good metric because, for smooth solutions

  13. Applications of numerical optimization methods to helicopter design problems: A survey

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miura, H.

    1984-01-01

    A survey of applications of mathematical programming methods is used to improve the design of helicopters and their components. Applications of multivariable search techniques in the finite dimensional space are considered. Five categories of helicopter design problems are considered: (1) conceptual and preliminary design, (2) rotor-system design, (3) airframe structures design, (4) control system design, and (5) flight trajectory planning. Key technical progress in numerical optimization methods relevant to rotorcraft applications are summarized.

  14. Applications of numerical optimization methods to helicopter design problems - A survey

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miura, H.

    1985-01-01

    A survey of applications of mathematical programming methods is used to improve the design of helicopters and their components. Applications of multivariable search techniques in the finite dimensional space are considered. Five categories of helicopter design problems are considered: (1) conceptual and preliminary design, (2) rotor-system design, (3) airframe structures design, (4) control system design, and (5) flight trajectory planning. Key technical progress in numerical optimization methods relevant to rotorcraft applications are summarized.

  15. Applications of numerical optimization methods to helicopter design problems - A survey

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miura, H.

    1984-01-01

    A survey of applications of mathematical programming methods is used to improve the design of helicopters and their components. Applications of multivariable search techniques in the finite dimensional space are considered. Five categories of helicopter design problems are considered: (1) conceptual and preliminary design, (2) rotor-system design, (3) airframe structures design, (4) control system design, and (5) flight trajectory planning. Key technical progress in numerical optimization methods relevant to rotorcraft applications are summarized.

  16. A Method for Evaluation of Microcomputers for Tactical Applications.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-06-01

    application. The computational requirements of a tactical application are specified in terms of performance parameters. The presently marketed microcomputer...computational requirements of a tactical application are specified in terms of performance parameters. The presently marketed microcomputer and multi...also to provide a method to evaluate microcomputer systems for tactical applications, i.e., Command Control Communications (C 3), weapon systems, etc

  17. 47 CFR 61.17 - Method of filing applications for special permission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... special permission. (a) An application for special permission filed electronically must be addressed to... permission applications requiring fees as set forth in part 1, subpart G of this chapter, issuing carriers... 47 Telecommunication 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Method of filing applications for special...

  18. Systematic review of the application of the plan–do–study–act method to improve quality in healthcare

    PubMed Central

    Taylor, Michael J; McNicholas, Chris; Nicolay, Chris; Darzi, Ara; Bell, Derek; Reed, Julie E

    2014-01-01

    Background Plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles provide a structure for iterative testing of changes to improve quality of systems. The method is widely accepted in healthcare improvement; however there is little overarching evaluation of how the method is applied. This paper proposes a theoretical framework for assessing the quality of application of PDSA cycles and explores the consistency with which the method has been applied in peer-reviewed literature against this framework. Methods NHS Evidence and Cochrane databases were searched by three independent reviewers. Empirical studies were included that reported application of the PDSA method in healthcare. Application of PDSA cycles was assessed against key features of the method, including documentation characteristics, use of iterative cycles, prediction-based testing of change, initial small-scale testing and use of data over time. Results 73 of 409 individual articles identified met the inclusion criteria. Of the 73 articles, 47 documented PDSA cycles in sufficient detail for full analysis against the whole framework. Many of these studies reported application of the PDSA method that failed to accord with primary features of the method. Less than 20% (14/73) fully documented the application of a sequence of iterative cycles. Furthermore, a lack of adherence to the notion of small-scale change is apparent and only 15% (7/47) reported the use of quantitative data at monthly or more frequent data intervals to inform progression of cycles. Discussion To progress the development of the science of improvement, a greater understanding of the use of improvement methods, including PDSA, is essential to draw reliable conclusions about their effectiveness. This would be supported by the development of systematic and rigorous standards for the application and reporting of PDSAs. PMID:24025320

  19. Influence of application method on surface free-energy and bond strength of universal adhesive systems to enamel.

    PubMed

    Imai, Arisa; Takamizawa, Toshiki; Sai, Keiichi; Tsujimoto, Akimasa; Nojiri, Kie; Endo, Hajime; Barkmeier, Wayne W; Latta, Mark A; Miyazaki, Masashi

    2017-10-01

    The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of different adhesive application methods and etching modes on enamel bond effectiveness of universal adhesives using shear bond strength (SBS) testing and surface free-energy (SFE) measurements. The adhesives Scotchbond Universal, All-Bond Universal, Adhese Universal, and G-Premio Bond were used. Prepared bovine enamel specimens were divided into four groups, based on type of adhesive, and subjected to the following surface treatments: (i) total-etch mode with active application; (ii) total-etch mode with inactive application; (iii) self-etch mode with active application; and (iv) self-etch mode with inactive application. Bonded specimens were subjected to SBS testing. The SFE of the enamel surfaces with adhesive was measured after rinsing with acetone and water. The SBS values in total-etch mode were significantly higher than those in self-etch mode. In total-etch mode, significantly lower SBS values were observed with active application compared with inactive application; in contrast, in self-etch mode there were no significant differences in SBS between active and inactive applications. A reduction in total SFE was observed for active application compared with inactive application. The interaction between etching mode and application method was statistically significant, and the application method significantly affected enamel bond strength in total-etch mode. © 2017 Eur J Oral Sci.

  20. Application of Electrical Resistivity Method (ERM) in Groundwater Exploration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Izzaty Riwayat, Akhtar; Nazri, Mohd Ariff Ahmad; Hazreek Zainal Abidin, Mohd

    2018-04-01

    The geophysical method which dominant by geophysicists become one of most popular method applied by engineers in civil engineering fields. Electrical Resistivity Method (ERM) is one of geophysical tool that offer very attractive technique for subsurface profile characterization in larger area. Applicable alternative technique in groundwater exploration such as ERM which complement with existing conventional method may produce comprehensive and convincing output thus effective in terms of cost, time, data coverage and sustainable. ERM has been applied by various application in groundwater exploration. Over the years, conventional method such as excavation and test boring are the tools used to obtain information of earth layer especially during site investigation. There are several problems regarding the application of conventional technique as it only provides information at actual drilling point only. This review paper was carried out to expose the application of ERM in groundwater exploration. Results from ERM could be additional information to respective expert for their problem solving such as the information on groundwater pollution, leachate, underground and source of water supply.

  1. USAFSAM Review and Analysis of Radiofrequency Radiation Bioeffects Literature: Second Report.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-05-01

    10 Cellular 11 Mechanisms of interaction 12 Environmental 13 Medical applications 14 Review 15 Ecological 16 Physical methods/dosimetry 17 Other 18...APPLICATIONS List of Analyses ......... .................... 137 (14) REVIEW List of Analyses ......... .................... 138 (16) PHYSICAL METHODS/DOSIMETRY...physiological 10 Cellular 11 Mechanisms of interaction 12 Environmental 13 Medical applications 14 Review 15 Ecological 16 Physical methods/dosimetry 17

  2. Comparing and refining karst disturbance index methods through application in an island karst setting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Porter, Brandon L.; North, Leslie A.; Polk, Jason S.

    2016-12-01

    The interconnected nature of surface and subsurface karst environments allows easy disturbance to their aquifers and specialized ecosystems from anthropogenic impacts. The karst disturbance index is a holistic tool used to measure disturbance to karst environments and has been applied and refined through studies in Florida and Italy, among others. Through these applications, the karst disturbance index has evolved into two commonly used methods of application; yet, the karst disturbance index is still susceptible to evaluation and modification for application in other areas around the world. The geographically isolated and highly vulnerable municipality of Arecibo, Puerto Rico's karst area provides an opportunity to test the usefulness and validity of the karst disturbance index in an island setting and to compare and further refine the application of the original and modified methods. This study found the both methods of karst disturbance index application resulted in high disturbance scores (Original Method 0.54 and Modified Method 0.69, respectively) and uncovered multiple considerations for the improvement of the karst disturbance index. An evaluation of multiple methods together in an island setting also resulted in the need for adding additional indicators, including Mogote Removal and Coastal Karst. Collectively, the results provide a holistic approach to using the karst disturbance index in an island karst setting and suggest a modified method by which scaling and weighting may compensate for the difference between the original and modified method scores and allow interested stakeholders to evaluate disturbance regardless of his or her level of expertise.

  3. Displaying R spatial statistics on Google dynamic maps with web applications created by Rwui

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The R project includes a large variety of packages designed for spatial statistics. Google dynamic maps provide web based access to global maps and satellite imagery. We describe a method for displaying directly the spatial output from an R script on to a Google dynamic map. Methods This is achieved by creating a Java based web application which runs the R script and then displays the results on the dynamic map. In order to make this method easy to implement by those unfamiliar with programming Java based web applications, we have added the method to the options available in the R Web User Interface (Rwui) application. Rwui is an established web application for creating web applications for running R scripts. A feature of Rwui is that all the code for the web application being created is generated automatically so that someone with no knowledge of web programming can make a fully functional web application for running an R script in a matter of minutes. Results Rwui can now be used to create web applications that will display the results from an R script on a Google dynamic map. Results may be displayed as discrete markers and/or as continuous overlays. In addition, users of the web application may select regions of interest on the dynamic map with mouse clicks and the coordinates of the region of interest will automatically be made available for use by the R script. Conclusions This method of displaying R output on dynamic maps is designed to be of use in a number of areas. Firstly it allows statisticians, working in R and developing methods in spatial statistics, to easily visualise the results of applying their methods to real world data. Secondly, it allows researchers who are using R to study health geographics data, to display their results directly onto dynamic maps. Thirdly, by creating a web application for running an R script, a statistician can enable users entirely unfamiliar with R to run R coded statistical analyses of health geographics data. Fourthly, we envisage an educational role for such applications. PMID:22998945

  4. 78 FR 77026 - Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule Proposed Parental Consent Method; iVeriFly, Inc...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-20

    ... Proposed Parental Consent Method; iVeriFly, Inc., Application for Approval of Parental Consent Method... Federal Trade Commission requests public comment concerning the proposed parental consent method submitted... Application for Parental Consent Method, Project No. P-135420'' on your comment, and file your comment online...

  5. A review on recent contribution of meshfree methods to structure and fracture mechanics applications.

    PubMed

    Daxini, S D; Prajapati, J M

    2014-01-01

    Meshfree methods are viewed as next generation computational techniques. With evident limitations of conventional grid based methods, like FEM, in dealing with problems of fracture mechanics, large deformation, and simulation of manufacturing processes, meshfree methods have gained much attention by researchers. A number of meshfree methods have been proposed till now for analyzing complex problems in various fields of engineering. Present work attempts to review recent developments and some earlier applications of well-known meshfree methods like EFG and MLPG to various types of structure mechanics and fracture mechanics applications like bending, buckling, free vibration analysis, sensitivity analysis and topology optimization, single and mixed mode crack problems, fatigue crack growth, and dynamic crack analysis and some typical applications like vibration of cracked structures, thermoelastic crack problems, and failure transition in impact problems. Due to complex nature of meshfree shape functions and evaluation of integrals in domain, meshless methods are computationally expensive as compared to conventional mesh based methods. Some improved versions of original meshfree methods and other techniques suggested by researchers to improve computational efficiency of meshfree methods are also reviewed here.

  6. Introducing Students to the Application of Statistics and Investigative Methods in Political Science

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wells, Dominic D.; Nemire, Nathan A.

    2017-01-01

    This exercise introduces students to the application of statistics and its investigative methods in political science. It helps students gain a better understanding and a greater appreciation of statistics through a real world application.

  7. High-frequency surface waves method for agricultural applications

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A high-frequency surface wave method has been recently developed to explore shallow soil in the vadose zone for agricultural applications. This method is a modification from the conventional multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) method that explores near surface soil properties from a couple ...

  8. Gel integration for microfluidic applications.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xuanqi; Li, Lingjun; Luo, Chunxiong

    2016-05-21

    Molecular diffusive membranes or materials are important for biological applications in microfluidic systems. Hydrogels are typical materials that offer several advantages, such as free diffusion for small molecules, biocompatibility with most cells, temperature sensitivity, relatively low cost, and ease of production. With the development of microfluidic applications, hydrogels can be integrated into microfluidic systems by soft lithography, flow-solid processes or UV cure methods. Due to their special properties, hydrogels are widely used as fluid control modules, biochemical reaction modules or biological application modules in different applications. Although hydrogels have been used in microfluidic systems for more than ten years, many hydrogels' properties and integrated techniques have not been carefully elaborated. Here, we systematically review the physical properties of hydrogels, general methods for gel-microfluidics integration and applications of this field. Advanced topics and the outlook of hydrogel fabrication and applications are also discussed. We hope this review can help researchers choose suitable methods for their applications using hydrogels.

  9. Cryopreservation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Clinical Applications: Current Methods and Challenges.

    PubMed

    Yong, Kar Wey; Wan Safwani, Wan Kamarul Zaman; Xu, Feng; Wan Abas, Wan Abu Bakar; Choi, Jane Ru; Pingguan-Murphy, Belinda

    2015-08-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold many advantages over embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and other somatic cells in clinical applications. MSCs are multipotent cells with strong immunosuppressive properties. They can be harvested from various locations in the human body (e.g., bone marrow and adipose tissues). Cryopreservation represents an efficient method for the preservation and pooling of MSCs, to obtain the cell counts required for clinical applications, such as cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. Upon cryopreservation, it is important to preserve MSCs functional properties including immunomodulatory properties and multilineage differentiation ability. Further, a biosafety evaluation of cryopreserved MSCs is essential prior to their clinical applications. However, the existing cryopreservation methods for MSCs are associated with notable limitations, leading to a need for new or improved methods to be established for a more efficient application of cryopreserved MSCs in stem cell-based therapies. We review the important parameters for cryopreservation of MSCs and the existing cryopreservation methods for MSCs. Further, we also discuss the challenges to be addressed in order to preserve MSCs effectively for clinical applications.

  10. Mobile device geo-localization and object visualization in sensor networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lemaire, Simon; Bodensteiner, Christoph; Arens, Michael

    2014-10-01

    In this paper we present a method to visualize geo-referenced objects on modern smartphones using a multi- functional application design. The application applies different localization and visualization methods including the smartphone camera image. The presented application copes well with different scenarios. A generic application work flow and augmented reality visualization techniques are described. The feasibility of the approach is experimentally validated using an online desktop selection application in a network with a modern of-the-shelf smartphone. Applications are widespread and include for instance crisis and disaster management or military applications.

  11. A second-order shock-expansion method applicable to bodies of revolution near zero lift

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1957-01-01

    A second-order shock-expansion method applicable to bodies of revolution is developed by the use of the predictions of the generalized shock-expansion method in combination with characteristics theory. Equations defining the zero-lift pressure distributions and the normal-force and pitching-moment derivatives are derived. Comparisons with experimental results show that the method is applicable at values of the similarity parameter, the ratio of free-stream Mach number to nose fineness ratio, from about 0.4 to 2.

  12. Batch mode grid generation: An endangered species

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schuster, David M.

    1992-01-01

    Non-interactive grid generation schemes should thrive as emphasis shifts from development of numerical analysis and design methods to application of these tools to real engineering problems. A strong case is presented for the continued development and application of non-interactive geometry modeling methods. Guidelines, strategies, and techniques for developing and implementing these tools are presented using current non-interactive grid generation methods as examples. These schemes play an important role in the development of multidisciplinary analysis methods and some of these applications are also discussed.

  13. A review on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their applications.

    PubMed

    Rafique, Muhammad; Sadaf, Iqra; Rafique, M Shahid; Tahir, M Bilal

    2017-11-01

    Development of reliable and eco-accommodating methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles is a vital step in the field of nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are important because of their exceptional chemical, physical, and biological properties, and hence applications. In the last decade, numerous efforts were made to develop green methods of synthesis to avoid the hazardous byproducts. This review describes the methods of green synthesis for Ag-NPs and their numerous applications. It also describes the comparison of efficient synthesis methods via green routes over physical and chemical methods, which provide strong evidence for the selection of suitable method for the synthesis of Ag-NPs.

  14. Application of parameter estimation to highly unstable aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maine, R. E.; Murray, J. E.

    1986-01-01

    This paper discusses the application of parameter estimation to highly unstable aircraft. It includes a discussion of the problems in applying the output error method to such aircraft and demonstrates that the filter error method eliminates these problems. The paper shows that the maximum likelihood estimator with no process noise does not reduce to the output error method when the system is unstable. It also proposes and demonstrates an ad hoc method that is similar in form to the filter error method, but applicable to nonlinear problems. Flight data from the X-29 forward-swept-wing demonstrator is used to illustrate the problems and methods discussed.

  15. Application of parameter estimation to highly unstable aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maine, R. E.; Murray, J. E.

    1986-01-01

    The application of parameter estimation to highly unstable aircraft is discussed. Included are a discussion of the problems in applying the output error method to such aircraft and demonstrates that the filter error method eliminates these problems. The paper shows that the maximum likelihood estimator with no process noise does not reduce to the output error method when the system is unstable. It also proposes and demonstrates an ad hoc method that is similar in form to the filter error method, but applicable to nonlinear problems. Flight data from the X-29 forward-swept-wing demonstrator is used to illustrate the problems and methods discussed.

  16. Empirical Distributional Semantics: Methods and Biomedical Applications

    PubMed Central

    Cohen, Trevor; Widdows, Dominic

    2009-01-01

    Over the past fifteen years, a range of methods have been developed that are able to learn human-like estimates of the semantic relatedness between terms from the way in which these terms are distributed in a corpus of unannotated natural language text. These methods have also been evaluated in a number of applications in the cognitive science, computational linguistics and the information retrieval literatures. In this paper, we review the available methodologies for derivation of semantic relatedness from free text, as well as their evaluation in a variety of biomedical and other applications. Recent methodological developments, and their applicability to several existing applications are also discussed. PMID:19232399

  17. Microcomputer Microeconomics.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-12-01

    COSIIlI3 . ............... 341 1. The Hfardwace Market ........... 38 5 2. Costing Method .............. 35 3. Hardware MaIntenince :3st ........ 39...systematic method for the identification of mi~cocomputer applications for a single user in a small business gnvironme.t. It will discuss how to extend the...planning is identification and evaluation of pc3spective applications. The application identificition methoD that will be presented is designed to be

  18. Study on the Application of TOPSIS Method to the Introduction of Foreign Players in CBA Games

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhongyou, Xing

    The TOPSIS method is a multiple attribute decision-making method. This paper introduces the current situation of the introduction of foreign players in CBA games, presents the principles and calculation steps of TOPSIS method in detail, and applies it to the quantitative evaluation of the comprehensively competitive ability during the introduction of foreign players. Through the analysis of practical application, we found that the TOPSIS method has relatively high rationality and applicability when it is used to evaluate the comprehensively competitive ability during the introduction of foreign players.

  19. Application of computational aerodynamics methods to the design and analysis of transport aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Da Costa, A. L.

    1978-01-01

    The application and validation of several computational aerodynamic methods in the design and analysis of transport aircraft is established. An assessment is made concerning more recently developed methods that solve three-dimensional transonic flow and boundary layers on wings. Capabilities of subsonic aerodynamic methods are demonstrated by several design and analysis efforts. Among the examples cited are the B747 Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft analysis, nacelle integration for transport aircraft, and winglet optimization. The accuracy and applicability of a new three-dimensional viscous transonic method is demonstrated by comparison of computed results to experimental data

  20. Evaluation of Propiconazole Application Methods for Control of Oak Wilt in Texas Live Oaks

    Treesearch

    A. Dan Wilson; D.G. Lester

    1996-01-01

    Four fungicide application methods using the microencapsulated (blue) 14.3% EC formulation of propiconazole (Alamo), including a low-concentration high volume method, two high-concentration low volume microinjection methods, and a low-concentration intermediate volume soil drench method, were tested for effectiveness in controlling oak wilt in a mature natural stand of...

  1. Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Opinions about Mathematical Modeling Method and Applicability of This Method

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akgün, Levent

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study is to identify prospective secondary mathematics teachers' opinions about the mathematical modeling method and the applicability of this method in high schools. The case study design, which is among the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The study was conducted with six prospective secondary mathematics…

  2. Applications of 3D-EDGE Detection for ALS Point Cloud

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ni, H.; Lin, X. G.; Zhang, J. X.

    2017-09-01

    Edge detection has been one of the major issues in the field of remote sensing and photogrammetry. With the fast development of sensor technology of laser scanning system, dense point clouds have become increasingly common. Precious 3D-edges are able to be detected from these point clouds and a great deal of edge or feature line extraction methods have been proposed. Among these methods, an easy-to-use 3D-edge detection method, AGPN (Analyzing Geometric Properties of Neighborhoods), has been proposed. The AGPN method detects edges based on the analysis of geometric properties of a query point's neighbourhood. The AGPN method detects two kinds of 3D-edges, including boundary elements and fold edges, and it has many applications. This paper presents three applications of AGPN, i.e., 3D line segment extraction, ground points filtering, and ground breakline extraction. Experiments show that the utilization of AGPN method gives a straightforward solution to these applications.

  3. 76 FR 4345 - A Method To Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application in the Chesapeake Bay

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-25

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9257-2] A Method To Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions... external peer review workshop to review the external review draft document titled, ``A Method to Assess.../peerreview/register-chesapeake.htm . The draft ``A Method to Assess Climate-Relevant Decisions: Application...

  4. 40 CFR 152.90 - The selective method.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false The selective method. 152.90 Section... Data Submitters' Rights § 152.90 The selective method. An applicant may comply with this subpart by... summarizes the procedures that an applicant must follow if he chooses the selective method of demonstrating...

  5. 26 CFR 1.168(i)-6 - Like-kind exchanges and involuntary conversions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    .... This paragraph (c) provides rules for determining the applicable recovery period, the applicable... the depreciation allowance using the optional depreciation tables. (ii) Applicable recovery period, depreciation method, and convention. The recovery period, depreciation method, and convention determined under...

  6. 26 CFR 1.168(i)-6 - Like-kind exchanges and involuntary conversions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    .... This paragraph (c) provides rules for determining the applicable recovery period, the applicable... the depreciation allowance using the optional depreciation tables. (ii) Applicable recovery period, depreciation method, and convention. The recovery period, depreciation method, and convention determined under...

  7. 26 CFR 1.168(i)-6 - Like-kind exchanges and involuntary conversions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    .... This paragraph (c) provides rules for determining the applicable recovery period, the applicable... the depreciation allowance using the optional depreciation tables. (ii) Applicable recovery period, depreciation method, and convention. The recovery period, depreciation method, and convention determined under...

  8. 26 CFR 1.168(i)-6 - Like-kind exchanges and involuntary conversions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    .... This paragraph (c) provides rules for determining the applicable recovery period, the applicable... the depreciation allowance using the optional depreciation tables. (ii) Applicable recovery period, depreciation method, and convention. The recovery period, depreciation method, and convention determined under...

  9. Use of EPANET solver to manage water distribution in Smart City

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Antonowicz, A.; Brodziak, R.; Bylka, J.; Mazurkiewicz, J.; Wojtecki, S.; Zakrzewski, P.

    2018-02-01

    Paper presents a method of using EPANET solver to support manage water distribution system in Smart City. The main task is to develop the application that allows remote access to the simulation model of the water distribution network developed in the EPANET environment. Application allows to perform both single and cyclic simulations with the specified step of changing the values of the selected process variables. In the paper the architecture of application was shown. The application supports the selection of the best device control algorithm using optimization methods. Optimization procedures are possible with following methods: brute force, SLSQP (Sequential Least SQuares Programming), Modified Powell Method. Article was supplemented by example of using developed computer tool.

  10. [Theory, method and application of method R on estimation of (co)variance components].

    PubMed

    Liu, Wen-Zhong

    2004-07-01

    Theory, method and application of Method R on estimation of (co)variance components were reviewed in order to make the method be reasonably used. Estimation requires R values,which are regressions of predicted random effects that are calculated using complete dataset on predicted random effects that are calculated using random subsets of the same data. By using multivariate iteration algorithm based on a transformation matrix,and combining with the preconditioned conjugate gradient to solve the mixed model equations, the computation efficiency of Method R is much improved. Method R is computationally inexpensive,and the sampling errors and approximate credible intervals of estimates can be obtained. Disadvantages of Method R include a larger sampling variance than other methods for the same data,and biased estimates in small datasets. As an alternative method, Method R can be used in larger datasets. It is necessary to study its theoretical properties and broaden its application range further.

  11. Human Factors for Nursing: From In-Situ Testing to Mobile Usability Engineering.

    PubMed

    Kushniruk, Andre W; Borycki, Elizabeth M; Solvoll, Terje; Hullin, Carola

    2016-01-01

    The tutorial goal is to familiarize participants with human aspects of health informatics and human-centered approaches to the design, evaluation and deployment of both usable and safe healthcare information systems. The focus will be on demonstrating and teaching practical and low-cost methods for evaluating mobile applications in nursing. Basic background to testing methods will be provided, followed by live demonstration of the methods. Then the audience will break into small groups to explore the application of the methods to applications of interest (there will be a number of possible applications that will be available for applications in areas such as electronic health records and decision support, however, if the groups have applications of specific interest to them that will be possible). The challenges of conducting usability testing, and in particular mobile usability testing will be discussed along with practical solutions. The target audience includes practicing nurses and nurse researchers, nursing informatics specialists, nursing students, nursing managers and health informatics professionals interested in improving the usability and safety of healthcare applications.

  12. Dynamic load balancing of applications

    DOEpatents

    Wheat, Stephen R.

    1997-01-01

    An application-level method for dynamically maintaining global load balance on a parallel computer, particularly on massively parallel MIMD computers. Global load balancing is achieved by overlapping neighborhoods of processors, where each neighborhood performs local load balancing. The method supports a large class of finite element and finite difference based applications and provides an automatic element management system to which applications are easily integrated.

  13. Applications of a General Finite-Difference Method for Calculating Bending Deformations of Solid Plates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walton, William C., Jr.

    1960-01-01

    This paper reports the findings of an investigation of a finite - difference method directly applicable to calculating static or simple harmonic flexures of solid plates and potentially useful in other problems of structural analysis. The method, which was proposed in doctoral thesis by John C. Houbolt, is based on linear theory and incorporates the principle of minimum potential energy. Full realization of its advantages requires use of high-speed computing equipment. After a review of Houbolt's method, results of some applications are presented and discussed. The applications consisted of calculations of the natural modes and frequencies of several uniform-thickness cantilever plates and, as a special case of interest, calculations of the modes and frequencies of the uniform free-free beam. Computed frequencies and nodal patterns for the first five or six modes of each plate are compared with existing experiments, and those for one plate are compared with another approximate theory. Beam computations are compared with exact theory. On the basis of the comparisons it is concluded that the method is accurate and general in predicting plate flexures, and additional applications are suggested. An appendix is devoted t o computing procedures which evolved in the progress of the applications and which facilitate use of the method in conjunction with high-speed computing equipment.

  14. Application of surface geophysics to ground-water investigations

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Zohdy, Adel A.R.; Eaton, Gordon P.; Mabey, Don R.

    1974-01-01

    This manual reviews the standard methods of surface geophysics applicable to ground-water investigations. It covers electrical methods, seismic and gravity methods, and magnetic methods. The general physical principles underlying each method and its capabilities and limitations are described. Possibilities for non-uniqueness of interpretation of geophysical results are noted. Examples of actual use of the methods are given to illustrate applications and interpretation in selected geohydrologic environments. The objective of the manual is to provide the hydrogeologist with a sufficient understanding of the capabilities, imitations, and relative cost of geophysical methods to make sound decisions as to when to use of these methods is desirable. The manual also provides enough information for the hydrogeologist to work with a geophysicist in designing geophysical surveys that differentiate significant hydrogeologic changes.

  15. 40 CFR 63.1107 - Equipment leaks: applicability assessment procedures and methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Equipment leaks: applicability assessment procedures and methods. 63.1107 Section 63.1107 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... Categories: Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards § 63.1107 Equipment leaks: applicability...

  16. Study on Big Database Construction and its Application of Sample Data Collected in CHINA'S First National Geographic Conditions Census Based on Remote Sensing Images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, T.; Zhou, X.; Jia, Y.; Yang, G.; Bai, J.

    2018-04-01

    In the project of China's First National Geographic Conditions Census, millions of sample data have been collected all over the country for interpreting land cover based on remote sensing images, the quantity of data files reaches more than 12,000,000 and has grown in the following project of National Geographic Conditions Monitoring. By now, using database such as Oracle for storing the big data is the most effective method. However, applicable method is more significant for sample data's management and application. This paper studies a database construction method which is based on relational database with distributed file system. The vector data and file data are saved in different physical location. The key issues and solution method are discussed. Based on this, it studies the application method of sample data and analyzes some kinds of using cases, which could lay the foundation for sample data's application. Particularly, sample data locating in Shaanxi province are selected for verifying the method. At the same time, it takes 10 first-level classes which defined in the land cover classification system for example, and analyzes the spatial distribution and density characteristics of all kinds of sample data. The results verify that the method of database construction which is based on relational database with distributed file system is very useful and applicative for sample data's searching, analyzing and promoted application. Furthermore, sample data collected in the project of China's First National Geographic Conditions Census could be useful in the earth observation and land cover's quality assessment.

  17. The validation study on a three-dimensional burn estimation smart-phone application: accurate, free and fast?

    PubMed

    Cheah, A K W; Kangkorn, T; Tan, E H; Loo, M L; Chong, S J

    2018-01-01

    Accurate total body surface area burned (TBSAB) estimation is a crucial aspect of early burn management. It helps guide resuscitation and is essential in the calculation of fluid requirements. Conventional methods of estimation can often lead to large discrepancies in burn percentage estimation. We aim to compare a new method of TBSAB estimation using a three-dimensional smart-phone application named 3D Burn Resuscitation (3D Burn) against conventional methods of estimation-Rule of Palm, Rule of Nines and the Lund and Browder chart. Three volunteer subjects were moulaged with simulated burn injuries of 25%, 30% and 35% total body surface area (TBSA), respectively. Various healthcare workers were invited to use both the 3D Burn application as well as the conventional methods stated above to estimate the volunteer subjects' burn percentages. Collective relative estimations across the groups showed that when used, the Rule of Palm, Rule of Nines and the Lund and Browder chart all over-estimated burns area by an average of 10.6%, 19.7%, and 8.3% TBSA, respectively, while the 3D Burn application under-estimated burns by an average of 1.9%. There was a statistically significant difference between the 3D Burn application estimations versus all three other modalities ( p  < 0.05). Time of using the application was found to be significantly longer than traditional methods of estimation. The 3D Burn application, although slower, allowed more accurate TBSAB measurements when compared to conventional methods. The validation study has shown that the 3D Burn application is useful in improving the accuracy of TBSAB measurement. Further studies are warranted, and there are plans to repeat the above study in a different centre overseas as part of a multi-centre study, with a view of progressing to a prospective study that compares the accuracy of the 3D Burn application against conventional methods on actual burn patients.

  18. Nickel tungstate (NiWO4) nanoparticles/graphene composites: preparation and photoelectrochemical applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hosseini, Seyyedamirhossein; Farsi, Hossein; Moghiminia, Shokufeh; Zubkov, Tykhon; Lightcap, Ian V.; Riley, Andrew; Peters, Dennis G.; Li, Zhihai

    2018-05-01

    Nickel tungstate/graphene composite was synthesized in various compositions with application of a hydrothermal method. Chemical composition and morphology of each sample was studied via application of x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. In the continuous, a photosystem was obtained by deposition of composite sample on a fluorine-doped tin oxide electrode with application of electrophoretic method. Electrode morphology was studied by employment of atomic force microscopy and SEM techniques. Eventually, light conversion properties and involved mechanism of fabricated photosystem was studied with application of the Mott–Schottky method. Our results confirmed that the optimum ratio between graphene and nickel tungstate is in the regime of 1:1.

  19. Application of probabilistic analysis/design methods in space programs - The approaches, the status, and the needs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ryan, Robert S.; Townsend, John S.

    1993-01-01

    The prospective improvement of probabilistic methods for space program analysis/design entails the further development of theories, codes, and tools which match specific areas of application, the drawing of lessons from previous uses of probability and statistics data bases, the enlargement of data bases (especially in the field of structural failures), and the education of engineers and managers on the advantages of these methods. An evaluation is presently made of the current limitations of probabilistic engineering methods. Recommendations are made for specific applications.

  20. [Progresses in screening active compounds from herbal medicine by affinity chromatography].

    PubMed

    Feng, Ying-shu; Tong, Shan-shan; Xu, Xi-ming; Yu, Jiang-nan

    2015-03-01

    Affinity chromatography is a chromatographic method for separating molecules using the binding characteristics of the stationary phase with potential drug molecules. This method can be performed as a high throughput screening method and a chromatographic separation method to screen a variety of active drugs. This paper summarizes the history of affinity chromatography, screening technology of affinity chromatography, and application of affinity chromatography in screening bio-active compounds in herbal medicines, and then discusses its application prospects, in order to broaden applications of the affinity chromatography in drug screening.

  1. 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.

  2. Development, verification, and application of a simplified method to estimate total-streambed scour at bridge sites in Illinois

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Holmes, Robert R.; Dunn, Chad J.

    1996-01-01

    A simplified method to estimate total-streambed scour was developed for application to bridges in the State of Illinois. Scour envelope curves, developed as empirical relations between calculated total scour and bridge-site chracteristics for 213 State highway bridges in Illinois, are used in the method to estimate the 500-year flood scour. These 213 bridges, geographically distributed throughout Illinois, had been previously evaluated for streambed scour with the application of conventional hydraulic and scour-analysis methods recommended by the Federal Highway Administration. The bridge characteristics necessary for application of the simplified bridge scour-analysis method can be obtained from an office review of bridge plans, examination of topographic maps, and reconnaissance-level site inspection. The estimates computed with the simplified method generally resulted in a larger value of 500-year flood total-streambed scour than with the more detailed conventional method. The simplified method was successfully verified with a separate data set of 106 State highway bridges, which are geographically distributed throughout Illinois, and 15 county highway bridges.

  3. Use of the method for addressing the challenges of resources procurement management at a mining enterprise

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrova, T. V.; Strekalov, S. V.; Novichikhin, A. V.

    2017-09-01

    The article is devoted to the analysis of possible application of the total cost of ownership method for the purchase of resources at a mining enterprise. The description of the total cost of ownership method and experience of using this method in other spheres is provided. The article identifies the essential components needed to calculate the total cost of ownership of a resource. Particular attention is paid to the ratio of the price of the purchased resource and the total cost of ownership. To justify the relevance of application of this method at a mining enterprise for resources purchase, the technical and economic conditions of mining enterprises have been analyzed, which are quite specific and force to introduce certain adjustments to the application of the considered method and opens up new possibilities for its use. Specific spheres for application of this method at a mining enterprise are determined. The main result of the study is the proposed practical recommendations for the introduction and extension of the practice of using the method when a mining enterprise purchases resources.

  4. 43 CFR 3922.20 - Application contents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., and transportation methods, including: (1) A description of the mining, retorting, or in situ mining... applications must be filed in the proper BLM State Office. No specific form of application is required, but the... is substantially identical to a technology or method currently in use to produce marketable...

  5. 43 CFR 3922.20 - Application contents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., and transportation methods, including: (1) A description of the mining, retorting, or in situ mining... applications must be filed in the proper BLM State Office. No specific form of application is required, but the... is substantially identical to a technology or method currently in use to produce marketable...

  6. 43 CFR 3922.20 - Application contents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., and transportation methods, including: (1) A description of the mining, retorting, or in situ mining... applications must be filed in the proper BLM State Office. No specific form of application is required, but the... is substantially identical to a technology or method currently in use to produce marketable...

  7. 43 CFR 3922.20 - Application contents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., and transportation methods, including: (1) A description of the mining, retorting, or in situ mining... applications must be filed in the proper BLM State Office. No specific form of application is required, but the... is substantially identical to a technology or method currently in use to produce marketable...

  8. Statistical methods for nuclear material management

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

    Bowen W.M.; Bennett, C.A.

    1988-12-01

    This book is intended as a reference manual of statistical methodology for nuclear material management practitioners. It describes statistical methods currently or potentially important in nuclear material management, explains the choice of methods for specific applications, and provides examples of practical applications to nuclear material management problems. Together with the accompanying training manual, which contains fully worked out problems keyed to each chapter, this book can also be used as a textbook for courses in statistical methods for nuclear material management. It should provide increased understanding and guidance to help improve the application of statistical methods to nuclear material managementmore » problems.« less

  9. Dynamic load balancing of applications

    DOEpatents

    Wheat, S.R.

    1997-05-13

    An application-level method for dynamically maintaining global load balance on a parallel computer, particularly on massively parallel MIMD computers is disclosed. Global load balancing is achieved by overlapping neighborhoods of processors, where each neighborhood performs local load balancing. The method supports a large class of finite element and finite difference based applications and provides an automatic element management system to which applications are easily integrated. 13 figs.

  10. Displaying R spatial statistics on Google dynamic maps with web applications created by Rwui.

    PubMed

    Newton, Richard; Deonarine, Andrew; Wernisch, Lorenz

    2012-09-24

    The R project includes a large variety of packages designed for spatial statistics. Google dynamic maps provide web based access to global maps and satellite imagery. We describe a method for displaying directly the spatial output from an R script on to a Google dynamic map. This is achieved by creating a Java based web application which runs the R script and then displays the results on the dynamic map. In order to make this method easy to implement by those unfamiliar with programming Java based web applications, we have added the method to the options available in the R Web User Interface (Rwui) application. Rwui is an established web application for creating web applications for running R scripts. A feature of Rwui is that all the code for the web application being created is generated automatically so that someone with no knowledge of web programming can make a fully functional web application for running an R script in a matter of minutes. Rwui can now be used to create web applications that will display the results from an R script on a Google dynamic map. Results may be displayed as discrete markers and/or as continuous overlays. In addition, users of the web application may select regions of interest on the dynamic map with mouse clicks and the coordinates of the region of interest will automatically be made available for use by the R script. This method of displaying R output on dynamic maps is designed to be of use in a number of areas. Firstly it allows statisticians, working in R and developing methods in spatial statistics, to easily visualise the results of applying their methods to real world data. Secondly, it allows researchers who are using R to study health geographics data, to display their results directly onto dynamic maps. Thirdly, by creating a web application for running an R script, a statistician can enable users entirely unfamiliar with R to run R coded statistical analyses of health geographics data. Fourthly, we envisage an educational role for such applications.

  11. Energy minimization in medical image analysis: Methodologies and applications.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Feng; Xie, Xianghua

    2016-02-01

    Energy minimization is of particular interest in medical image analysis. In the past two decades, a variety of optimization schemes have been developed. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art optimization approaches. These algorithms are mainly classified into two categories: continuous method and discrete method. The former includes Newton-Raphson method, gradient descent method, conjugate gradient method, proximal gradient method, coordinate descent method, and genetic algorithm-based method, while the latter covers graph cuts method, belief propagation method, tree-reweighted message passing method, linear programming method, maximum margin learning method, simulated annealing method, and iterated conditional modes method. We also discuss the minimal surface method, primal-dual method, and the multi-objective optimization method. In addition, we review several comparative studies that evaluate the performance of different minimization techniques in terms of accuracy, efficiency, or complexity. These optimization techniques are widely used in many medical applications, for example, image segmentation, registration, reconstruction, motion tracking, and compressed sensing. We thus give an overview on those applications as well. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Virtual reality for spherical images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pilarczyk, Rafal; Skarbek, Władysław

    2017-08-01

    Paper presents virtual reality application framework and application concept for mobile devices. Framework uses Google Cardboard library for Android operating system. Framework allows to create virtual reality 360 video player using standard OpenGL ES rendering methods. Framework provides network methods in order to connect to web server as application resource provider. Resources are delivered using JSON response as result of HTTP requests. Web server also uses Socket.IO library for synchronous communication between application and server. Framework implements methods to create event driven process of rendering additional content based on video timestamp and virtual reality head point of view.

  13. Comparison of formant detection methods used in speech processing applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belean, Bogdan

    2013-11-01

    The paper describes time frequency representations of speech signal together with the formant significance in speech processing applications. Speech formants can be used in emotion recognition, sex discrimination or diagnosing different neurological diseases. Taking into account the various applications of formant detection in speech signal, two methods for detecting formants are presented. First, the poles resulted after a complex analysis of LPC coefficients are used for formants detection. The second approach uses the Kalman filter for formant prediction along the speech signal. Results are presented for both approaches on real life speech spectrograms. A comparison regarding the features of the proposed methods is also performed, in order to establish which method is more suitable in case of different speech processing applications.

  14. Application of ICME Methods for the Development of Rapid Manufacturing Technologies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maiwald-Immer, T.; Göhler, T.; Fischersworring-Bunk, A.; Körner, C.; Osmanlic, F.; Bauereiß, A.

    Rapid manufacturing technologies are lately gaining interest as alternative manufacturing method. Due to the large parameter sets applicable in these manufacturing methods and their impact on achievable material properties and quality, support of the manufacturing process development by the use of simulation is highly attractive. This is especially true for aerospace applications with their high quality demands and controlled scatter in the resulting material properties. The applicable simulation techniques to these manufacturing methods are manifold. The paper will focus on the melt pool simulation for a SLM (selective laser melting) process which was originally developed for EBM (electron beam melting). It will be discussed in the overall context of a multi-scale simulation within a virtual process chain.

  15. 40 CFR 18.6 - Method of Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Method of Application. 18.6 Section 18.6 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AND SPECIAL RESEARCH CONSULTANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION § 18.6 Method of...

  16. Development and application of a statistical quality assessment method for dense-graded mixes.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2004-08-01

    This report describes the development of the statistical quality assessment method and the procedure for mapping the measures obtained from the quality assessment method to a composite pay factor. The application to dense-graded mixes is demonstrated...

  17. A Comparison of Traditional Worksheet and Linear Programming Methods for Teaching Manure Application Planning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schmitt, M. A.; And Others

    1994-01-01

    Compares traditional manure application planning techniques calculated to meet agronomic nutrient needs on a field-by-field basis with plans developed using computer-assisted linear programming optimization methods. Linear programming provided the most economical and environmentally sound manure application strategy. (Contains 15 references.) (MDH)

  18. Relaxation and Preconditioning for High Order Discontinuous Galerkin Methods with Applications to Aeroacoustics and High Speed Flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shu, Chi-Wang

    2004-01-01

    This project is about the investigation of the development of the discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods, for general geometry and triangulations, for solving convection dominated problems, with applications to aeroacoustics. Other related issues in high order WENO finite difference and finite volume methods have also been investigated. methods are two classes of high order, high resolution methods suitable for convection dominated simulations with possible discontinuous or sharp gradient solutions. In [18], we first review these two classes of methods, pointing out their similarities and differences in algorithm formulation, theoretical properties, implementation issues, applicability, and relative advantages. We then present some quantitative comparisons of the third order finite volume WENO methods and discontinuous Galerkin methods for a series of test problems to assess their relative merits in accuracy and CPU timing. In [3], we review the development of the Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) methods for non-linear convection-dominated problems. These robust and accurate methods have made their way into the main stream of computational fluid dynamics and are quickly finding use in a wide variety of applications. They combine a special class of Runge-Kutta time discretizations, that allows the method to be non-linearly stable regardless of its accuracy, with a finite element space discretization by discontinuous approximations, that incorporates the ideas of numerical fluxes and slope limiters coined during the remarkable development of the high-resolution finite difference and finite volume schemes. The resulting RKDG methods are stable, high-order accurate, and highly parallelizable schemes that can easily handle complicated geometries and boundary conditions. We review the theoretical and algorithmic aspects of these methods and show several applications including nonlinear conservation laws, the compressible and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, and Hamilton-Jacobi-like equations.

  19. X-ray Topographic Methods and Application to Analysis of Electronic Materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mayo, W. E.; Liu, H. Y.; Chaudhuri, J.

    1984-01-01

    Three supplementary X-ray techniques new to semiconductor applications are discussed. These are the Computer Aided Rocking Curve Analyzer, the Divergent Beam Method and a new method based on enhanced X-ray flourescence. The first method is used for quantitative mapping of an elastic or plastic strain field while the other two methods are used only to measure elastic strains. The divergent beam method is used for measuring the full strain tensor while the microfluorescence method is useful for monitoring strain uniformity. These methods are discussed in detail and examples of their application is presented. Among these are determination of the full strain ellipsoid in state-of-the-art liquid phase epitaxy deposited III-V epitaxial films; mapping of the plastic strain concentrations in tensile deformed Si; and quantitative determination of damage in V3Si due to ion implantation.

  20. Military applications and examples of near-surface seismic surface wave methods (Invited)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    sloan, S.; Stevens, R.

    2013-12-01

    Although not always widely known or publicized, the military uses a variety of geophysical methods for a wide range of applications--some that are already common practice in the industry while others are truly novel. Some of those applications include unexploded ordnance detection, general site characterization, anomaly detection, countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and security monitoring, to name a few. Techniques used may include, but are not limited to, ground penetrating radar, seismic, electrical, gravity, and electromagnetic methods. Seismic methods employed include surface wave analysis, refraction tomography, and high-resolution reflection methods. Although the military employs geophysical methods, that does not necessarily mean that those methods enable or support combat operations--often times they are being used for humanitarian applications within the military's area of operations to support local populations. The work presented here will focus on the applied use of seismic surface wave methods, including multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and backscattered surface waves, often in conjunction with other methods such as refraction tomography or body-wave diffraction analysis. Multiple field examples will be shown, including explosives testing, tunnel detection, pre-construction site characterization, and cavity detection.

  1. 78 FR 72064 - Request for Comments on Methods for Studying the Diversity of Patent Applicants

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-02

    ...] Request for Comments on Methods for Studying the Diversity of Patent Applicants AGENCY: United States... . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 29 of the AIA charged the Director of the USPTO with ``establish[ing] methods... submit comments on any related issues that they believe are relevant. (1) How and by which methods should...

  2. 78 FR 52854 - Use of Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-27

    ... Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration in Assessing the Best Method AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final regulations and removal of... differential income stream as a consideration in assessing the best method in connection with a cost sharing...

  3. 76 FR 80309 - Use of Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-23

    ... Use of Differential Income Stream as an Application of the Income Method and as a Consideration in Assessing the Best Method AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed... guidance on how an analysis of the differential income stream may provide a best method consideration for...

  4. Evaluation of several methods of applying sewage effluent to forested soils in the winter.

    Treesearch

    Alfred Ray Harris

    1978-01-01

    Surface application methods result in heat loss, deep soil frost, and surface ice accumulations; subsurface methods decrease heat loss and produce shallower frost. Distribution of effluent within the frozen soil is a function of surface application methods, piping due to macropores and biopores, and water movement due to temperature gradients. Nitrate is not...

  5. Detection methods and performance criteria for genetically modified organisms.

    PubMed

    Bertheau, Yves; Diolez, Annick; Kobilinsky, André; Magin, Kimberly

    2002-01-01

    Detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are necessary for many applications, from seed purity assessment to compliance of food labeling in several countries. Numerous analytical methods are currently used or under development to support these needs. The currently used methods are bioassays and protein- and DNA-based detection protocols. To avoid discrepancy of results between such largely different methods and, for instance, the potential resulting legal actions, compatibility of the methods is urgently needed. Performance criteria of methods allow evaluation against a common standard. The more-common performance criteria for detection methods are precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, which together specifically address other terms used to describe the performance of a method, such as applicability, selectivity, calibration, trueness, precision, recovery, operating range, limit of quantitation, limit of detection, and ruggedness. Performance criteria should provide objective tools to accept or reject specific methods, to validate them, to ensure compatibility between validated methods, and be used on a routine basis to reject data outside an acceptable range of variability. When selecting a method of detection, it is also important to consider its applicability, its field of applications, and its limitations, by including factors such as its ability to detect the target analyte in a given matrix, the duration of the analyses, its cost effectiveness, and the necessary sample sizes for testing. Thus, the current GMO detection methods should be evaluated against a common set of performance criteria.

  6. Methods and Applications for Advancing Distance Education Technologies: International Issues and Solutions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Syed, Mahbubur Rahman, Ed.

    2009-01-01

    The emerging field of advanced distance education delivers academic courses across time and distance, allowing educators and students to participate in a convenient learning method. "Methods and Applications for Advancing Distance Education Technologies: International Issues and Solutions" demonstrates communication technologies, intelligent…

  7. DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF METHODS TO ASSESS HUMAN EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Note: this task is schedule to end September 2003. Two tasks will take its place: method development for emerging pesticides including chiral chemistry applications, and in-house laboratory operations. Field sampling methods are covered under a new task proposed this year.
    <...

  8. IEEE/NASA Workshop on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification, and Validation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Margaria, Tiziana (Editor); Steffen, Bernhard (Editor); Hichey, Michael G.

    2005-01-01

    This volume contains the Preliminary Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE ISoLA Workshop on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification, and Validation, with a special track on the theme of Formal Methods in Human and Robotic Space Exploration. The workshop was held on 23-24 September 2005 at the Loyola College Graduate Center, Columbia, MD, USA. The idea behind the Workshop arose from the experience and feedback of ISoLA 2004, the 1st International Symposium on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods held in Paphos (Cyprus) last October-November. ISoLA 2004 served the need of providing a forum for developers, users, and researchers to discuss issues related to the adoption and use of rigorous tools and methods for the specification, analysis, verification, certification, construction, test, and maintenance of systems from the point of view of their different application domains.

  9. Application of Microbiological Method Direct Epifluorescence Filter Techique/Aerobic Plate Count Agar in the Identification of Irradiated Herbs and Spices

    PubMed Central

    Di Schiavi, Maria Teresa; Foti, Marina; Mosconi, Maria Cristina; Mattiolo, Giuseppina; Cavallina, Roberta

    2014-01-01

    Irradiation is a preservation technology used to improve the safety and hygienic quality of food. Aim of this study was to assess the applicability and validity of the microbiological screening method direct epifluorescence filter technique (DEFT)/aerobic plate count (APC) (EN 13783:2001) for the identification of irradiated herbs and spices. Tests on non-irradiated and irradiated samples of dried herbs and spices were performed. The method was based on the comparison of APC and count obtained using DEFT. In accordance with the standard reference, this method is not applicable to samples with APC<103 colony forming units (CFU)/g and this is its main limit. The results obtained in our laboratories showed that in 50% of cases of non-irradiated samples and in 96% of the samples treated with ionising radiation, the method was not applicable due to a value of CFU/g <103. PMID:27800348

  10. [The prospects for the application of the immunohistochemical methods for the establishment of intravitality and prescription of the mechanical injuries in forensic medical practice].

    PubMed

    Bogomolov, D V; Bogomolova, I N; Zavalishina, L É; Kovalev, A V; Kul'bitskiĭ, B N; Fedulova, M V

    2014-01-01

    The objective of the present work was the analysis of the literature concerning the application of the immunohistochemical methods for the improvement of diagnostics of intravitality and prescription of the mechanical injuries in forensic medical practice. Special attention is given to the examples of publication dealing with the methods for addressing this issue. The most promising areas of the application of immunohistochemical methods are considered. They are exemplified by the use of specific antibodies for the establishment of intravitality and prescription of the mechanical injuries. The possibility of using the presence of fibrinogen in the pulmonary alveoli as the marker of prolonged strangulation is illustrated. The results of this literature review provided a basis for the conclusion about good prospects of the application of the immunohistochemical methods with the purpose of establishing intravitality and prescription of the mechanical injuries in forensic medical practice.

  11. Recent trends in the determination of vitamin D.

    PubMed

    Gomes, Fabio P; Shaw, P Nicholas; Whitfield, Karen; Koorts, Pieter; Hewavitharana, Amitha K

    2013-12-01

    The occurrence of vitamin D deficiency has become an issue of serious concern in the worldwide population. As a result numerous analytical methods have been developed, for a variety of matrices, during the last few years to measure vitamin D analogs and metabolites. This review employs a comprehensive search of all vitamin D methods developed during the last 5 years for all applications, using ISI Web of Science(®), Scifinder(®), Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. Particular emphasis is given to sample-preparation methods and the different forms of vitamin D measured across different fields of applications such as biological fluids, food and pharmaceutical preparations. This review compares and critically evaluates a wide range of approaches and methods, and hence it will enable readers to access developments across a number of applications and to select or develop the optimal analytical method for vitamin D for their particular application.

  12. Ontology-based configuration of problem-solving methods and generation of knowledge-acquisition tools: application of PROTEGE-II to protocol-based decision support.

    PubMed

    Tu, S W; Eriksson, H; Gennari, J H; Shahar, Y; Musen, M A

    1995-06-01

    PROTEGE-II is a suite of tools and a methodology for building knowledge-based systems and domain-specific knowledge-acquisition tools. In this paper, we show how PROTEGE-II can be applied to the task of providing protocol-based decision support in the domain of treating HIV-infected patients. To apply PROTEGE-II, (1) we construct a decomposable problem-solving method called episodic skeletal-plan refinement, (2) we build an application ontology that consists of the terms and relations in the domain, and of method-specific distinctions not already captured in the domain terms, and (3) we specify mapping relations that link terms from the application ontology to the domain-independent terms used in the problem-solving method. From the application ontology, we automatically generate a domain-specific knowledge-acquisition tool that is custom-tailored for the application. The knowledge-acquisition tool is used for the creation and maintenance of domain knowledge used by the problem-solving method. The general goal of the PROTEGE-II approach is to produce systems and components that are reusable and easily maintained. This is the rationale for constructing ontologies and problem-solving methods that can be composed from a set of smaller-grained methods and mechanisms. This is also why we tightly couple the knowledge-acquisition tools to the application ontology that specifies the domain terms used in the problem-solving systems. Although our evaluation is still preliminary, for the application task of providing protocol-based decision support, we show that these goals of reusability and easy maintenance can be achieved. We discuss design decisions and the tradeoffs that have to be made in the development of the system.

  13. Determination of ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from land application of swine slurry: a comparison of three application methods.

    PubMed

    Lovanh, Nanh; Warren, Jason; Sistani, Karamat

    2010-03-01

    In this study, the comparison and monitoring of the initial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a flux chamber and gas analyzer from three different liquid manure application methods at a swine farm in Kentucky were carried out. Swine slurry was applied to farmland by row injection, surface spray, and Aerway injection. Ammonia and GHG concentrations were monitored immediately after application, 72 and 216h after application. The results showed that the initial ammonia flux ranged from 5.80 mg m(-2)h(-1) for the surface spray method to 1.80 mg m(-2)h(-1) for the row injection method. The initial fluxes of methane ranged from 8.75 mg m(-2)h(-1) for surface spray to 2.27 mg m(-2)h(-1) for Aerway injection, carbon dioxide ranged from 4357 mg m(-2)h(-1) for surface spray to 60 mg m(-2)h(-1) for row injection, and nitrous oxide ranged from 0.89 mg m(-2)h(-1) for surface spray to 0.22 mg m(-2)h(-1) for row injection. However, the Aerway injection method seemed to create the highest gas (GHG) concentrations inside the monitoring chambers at the initial application and produced the highest gas fluxes at subsequent sampling time (e.g., 72h after application). Nevertheless, the surface spray method appeared to produce the highest gas fluxes, and the row injection method appeared to emit the least amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Gas fluxes decreased over time and did not depend on the initial headspace concentration in the monitoring flux chambers. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Analyzing Impact Area of Osym Offices in Istanbul by Idw Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalkan, Y.; Ozturk, O.; Gülnerman, A. G.; Bilgi, S.

    2016-12-01

    OSYM is the main institute for organizing the national level large scale exams in Turkey. According to the Ministry of National Education of Turkey data, there are 17.588.958 students in the country. Therefore, OSYM has a significant role for everyone from every level of education. More than 15% of the total students are studying in Istanbul. These students have various exams throughout a year, which brings some procedures for each exam to be applied. OSYM Coordination Offices were founded to meet the demands and procedures of these exams and applicants. There are 9 Coordination Offices in Istanbul. Moreover, OSYM Application Centers were founded as support units to OSYM Coordination Offices. These units are under the high schools. There are 67 OSYM Application Centers in Istanbul. In the study, spatial distribution of OSYM Coordination Offices and OSYM Application Centers in Istanbul have been studied related to the transportation network of each district of Istanbul city. Origin Destination Cost Matrix (ODCM) and Invers Distance Weighting (IDW) Method were used to visualize the distribution of OSYM Coordination Offices and Application Centers accessibilities. ODCM measures the nearest paths along the transportation network from origins to destinations. IDW is one of the several interpolation methods allocating values to unknown points. ODCM Method was used to calculate the distances over the transportation network. The results obtained from ODCM Method were used in IDW Method to interpolate the weightings of the OSYM offices and centers. Accessibility of the OSYM Coordination Offices and Application Centers has been detected according to surrounding transportation network. Spatial distribution of existing offices and application centers were evaluated by districts of Istanbul city in conclusion of the study by the ODCM and IDW Methods.

  15. A Different Approach to Have Science and Technology Student-Teachers Gain Varied Methods in Laboratory Applications: A Sample of Computer Assisted POE Application

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saka, Arzu

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to develop a new approach and assess the application for the science and technology student-teachers to gain varied laboratory methods in science and technology teaching. It is also aimed to describe the computer-assisted POE application in the subject of "Photosynthesis-Light" developed in the context of…

  16. Application of Hybrid Along-Track Interferometry/Displaced Phase Center Antenna Method for Moving Human Target Detection in Forest Environments

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    ARL-TR-7846 ● OCT 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Application of Hybrid Along-Track Interferometry/ Displaced Phase Center...Research Laboratory Application of Hybrid Along-Track Interferometry/ Displaced Phase Center Antenna Method for Moving Human Target Detection...TYPE Technical Report 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 2015–2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Application of Hybrid Along-Track Interferometry/ Displaced

  17. Multi-criteria decision analysis in environmental sciences: ten years of applications and trends.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ivy B; Keisler, Jeffrey; Linkov, Igor

    2011-09-01

    Decision-making in environmental projects requires consideration of trade-offs between socio-political, environmental, and economic impacts and is often complicated by various stakeholder views. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) emerged as a formal methodology to face available technical information and stakeholder values to support decisions in many fields and can be especially valuable in environmental decision making. This study reviews environmental applications of MCDA. Over 300 papers published between 2000 and 2009 reporting MCDA applications in the environmental field were identified through a series of queries in the Web of Science database. The papers were classified by their environmental application area, decision or intervention type. In addition, the papers were also classified by the MCDA methods used in the analysis (analytic hierarchy process, multi-attribute utility theory, and outranking). The results suggest that there is a significant growth in environmental applications of MCDA over the last decade across all environmental application areas. Multiple MCDA tools have been successfully used for environmental applications. Even though the use of the specific methods and tools varies in different application areas and geographic regions, our review of a few papers where several methods were used in parallel with the same problem indicates that recommended course of action does not vary significantly with the method applied. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. Application of finite element method in mechanical design of automotive parts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Suohai

    2017-09-01

    As an effective numerical analysis method, finite element method (FEM) has been widely used in mechanical design and other fields. In this paper, the development of FEM is introduced firstly, then the specific steps of FEM applications are illustrated and the difficulties of FEM are summarized in detail. Finally, applications of FEM in automobile components such as automobile wheel, steel plate spring, body frame, shaft parts and so on are summarized, compared with related research experiments.

  19. Review of dynamic optimization methods in renewable natural resource management

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Williams, B.K.

    1989-01-01

    In recent years, the applications of dynamic optimization procedures in natural resource management have proliferated. A systematic review of these applications is given in terms of a number of optimization methodologies and natural resource systems. The applicability of the methods to renewable natural resource systems are compared in terms of system complexity, system size, and precision of the optimal solutions. Recommendations are made concerning the appropriate methods for certain kinds of biological resource problems.

  20. The application of generalized, cyclic, and modified numerical integration algorithms to problems of satellite orbit computation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chesler, L.; Pierce, S.

    1971-01-01

    Generalized, cyclic, and modified multistep numerical integration methods are developed and evaluated for application to problems of satellite orbit computation. Generalized methods are compared with the presently utilized Cowell methods; new cyclic methods are developed for special second-order differential equations; and several modified methods are developed and applied to orbit computation problems. Special computer programs were written to generate coefficients for these methods, and subroutines were written which allow use of these methods with NASA's GEOSTAR computer program.

  1. Parallel multiphase microflows: fundamental physics, stabilization methods and applications.

    PubMed

    Aota, Arata; Mawatari, Kazuma; Kitamori, Takehiko

    2009-09-07

    Parallel multiphase microflows, which can integrate unit operations in a microchip under continuous flow conditions, are discussed. Fundamental physics, stabilization methods and some applications are shown.

  2. Recent Developments and Applications of the MMPBSA Method

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Changhao; Greene, D'Artagnan; Xiao, Li; Qi, Ruxi; Luo, Ray

    2018-01-01

    The Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) approach has been widely applied as an efficient and reliable free energy simulation method to model molecular recognition, such as for protein-ligand binding interactions. In this review, we focus on recent developments and applications of the MMPBSA method. The methodology review covers solvation terms, the entropy term, extensions to membrane proteins and high-speed screening, and new automation toolkits. Recent applications in various important biomedical and chemical fields are also reviewed. We conclude with a few future directions aimed at making MMPBSA a more robust and efficient method. PMID:29367919

  3. Developing a multimodal biometric authentication system using soft computing methods.

    PubMed

    Malcangi, Mario

    2015-01-01

    Robust personal authentication is becoming ever more important in computer-based applications. Among a variety of methods, biometric offers several advantages, mainly in embedded system applications. Hard and soft multi-biometric, combined with hard and soft computing methods, can be applied to improve the personal authentication process and to generalize the applicability. This chapter describes the embedded implementation of a multi-biometric (voiceprint and fingerprint) multimodal identification system based on hard computing methods (DSP) for feature extraction and matching, an artificial neural network (ANN) for soft feature pattern matching, and a fuzzy logic engine (FLE) for data fusion and decision.

  4. [Regression on order statistics and its application in estimating nondetects for food exposure assessment].

    PubMed

    Yu, Xiaojin; Liu, Pei; Min, Jie; Chen, Qiguang

    2009-01-01

    To explore the application of regression on order statistics (ROS) in estimating nondetects for food exposure assessment. Regression on order statistics was adopted in analysis of cadmium residual data set from global food contaminant monitoring, the mean residual was estimated basing SAS programming and compared with the results from substitution methods. The results show that ROS method performs better obviously than substitution methods for being robust and convenient for posterior analysis. Regression on order statistics is worth to adopt,but more efforts should be make for details of application of this method.

  5. Forest Herbicide Washoff From Foliar Applications

    Treesearch

    J.L. Michael; Kevin L. Talley; H.C. Fishburn

    1992-01-01

    Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to develop and test methods for determining washoff of foliar applied herbicides typically used in forestry in the South.Preliminary results show good agreement between results of laboratory methods used and observations from field experiments on actual precipitation events. Methods included application of...

  6. Spectral collocation methods

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hussaini, M. Y.; Kopriva, D. A.; Patera, A. T.

    1987-01-01

    This review covers the theory and application of spectral collocation methods. Section 1 describes the fundamentals, and summarizes results pertaining to spectral approximations of functions. Some stability and convergence results are presented for simple elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic equations. Applications of these methods to fluid dynamics problems are discussed in Section 2.

  7. Determining Directions of Ultrasound in Solids

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Generazio, Edward R.; Roth, Don J.

    1987-01-01

    Ultrasound shadows cast by grooves. Improved method for determining direction of ultrasound in materials is shadow method using Scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM). Direction of ultrasound calculated from dimensions of groove and portion of surface groove shields from ultrasound. Method has variety of applications in nontraditional quality-control applications.

  8. Transfer of Learning: The Effects of Different Instruction Methods on Software Application Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Larson, Mark E.

    2010-01-01

    Human Resource Departments (HRD), especially instructors, are challenged to keep pace with rapidly changing computer software applications and technology. The problem under investigation revealed after instruction of a software application if a particular method of instruction was a predictor of transfer of learning, when other risk factors were…

  9. 77 FR 5275 - Certain Ink Application Devices and Components Thereof and Methods of Using the Same; Receipt of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-02

    ... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [DN 2874] Certain Ink Application Devices and Components Thereof... the U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint entitled In Re Certain Ink... United States after importation of certain ink application devices and components thereof and methods of...

  10. Estrogen transport in surface runoff from agricultural fields treated with two different application methods of dairy manure

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    While the land-application of animal manure provides many benefits, concerns exist regarding the subsequent transport of hormones and potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. This study compares two methods of dairy manure application, surface broadcasting and shallow disk injection, on the fate and...

  11. 78 FR 52212 - Certain Certain Ink Application Devices and Components Thereof and Methods of Using the Same...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-22

    ... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 337-TA-832] Certain Certain Ink Application... certain ink application devices and components thereof and methods of using the same by reason of... determination of violation against T-Tech or, in the alternative, granting Complainants' motion for an ID...

  12. Kaiser and Felicity effects and their application for evaluation of concrete by acoustic emission method

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

    Nesvijski, E.; Nesvijski, T.

    1996-12-31

    Concrete as one of the main construction materials, which is used for building of industrial and civil structures, highways, bridges, etc. requires periodical evaluation of its properties by different nondestructive methods. Application of acoustic emission (AE) for these purposes occupies a modest place among other nondestructive methods. But the AE methods proved to be very effective for testing of concrete and reinforced concrete elements and structures under load. This work is devoted to an important, from methodological point of view, problem connected with two opposite effects: of Kaiser and of Felicity, and their application for evaluation of concrete by themore » AE method.« less

  13. Mobile/android application for QRS detection using zero cross method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rizqyawan, M. I.; Simbolon, A. I.; Suhendra, M. A.; Amri, M. F.; Kusumandari, D. E.

    2018-03-01

    In automatic ECG signal processing, one of the main topics of research is QRS complex detection. Detecting correct QRS complex or R peak is important since it is used to measure several other ECG metrics. One of the robust methods for QRS detection is Zero Cross method. This method uses an addition of high-frequency signal and zero crossing count to detect QRS complex which has a low-frequency oscillation. This paper presents an application of QRS detection using Zero Cross algorithm in the Android-based system. The performance of the algorithm in the mobile environment is measured. The result shows that this method is suitable for real-time QRS detection in a mobile application.

  14. A general method for decomposing the causes of socioeconomic inequality in health.

    PubMed

    Heckley, Gawain; Gerdtham, Ulf-G; Kjellsson, Gustav

    2016-07-01

    We introduce a general decomposition method applicable to all forms of bivariate rank dependent indices of socioeconomic inequality in health, including the concentration index. The technique is based on recentered influence function regression and requires only the application of OLS to a transformed variable with similar interpretation. Our method requires few identifying assumptions to yield valid estimates in most common empirical applications, unlike current methods favoured in the literature. Using the Swedish Twin Registry and a within twin pair fixed effects identification strategy, our new method finds no evidence of a causal effect of education on income-related health inequality. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Stiffness of RBC optical confinement affected by optical clearing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grishin, Oleg V.; Fedosov, Ivan V.; Tuchin, Valery V.

    2017-03-01

    In vivo optical trapping is a novel applied direction of an optical manipulation, which enables one to noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties of cells and tissues in living animals directly. But an application area of this direction is limited because strong scattering of many biological tissues. An optical clearing enables one to decrease the scattering and therefore increase a depth of light penetration, decrease a distortion of light beam, improve a resolution in imaging applications. Now novel methods had appeared for a measurement an optical clearing degree at a cellular level. But these methods aren't applicable in vivo. In this paper we present novel measurement method of estimate of the optical clearing, which are based on a measurement of optical trap stiffness. Our method may be applicable in vivo.

  16. Heritability Across the Distribution: An Application of Quantile Regression

    PubMed Central

    Petrill, Stephen A.; Hart, Sara A.; Schatschneider, Christopher; Thompson, Lee A.; Deater-Deckard, Kirby; DeThorne, Laura S.; Bartlett, Christopher

    2016-01-01

    We introduce a new method for analyzing twin data called quantile regression. Through the application presented here, quantile regression is able to assess the genetic and environmental etiology of any skill or ability, at multiple points in the distribution of that skill or ability. This method is compared to the Cherny et al. (Behav Genet 22:153–162, 1992) method in an application to four different reading-related outcomes in 304 pairs of first-grade same sex twins enrolled in the Western Reserve Reading Project. Findings across the two methods were similar; both indicated some variation across the distribution of the genetic and shared environmental influences on non-word reading. However, quantile regression provides more details about the location and size of the measured effect. Applications of the technique are discussed. PMID:21877231

  17. Determine the Compressive Strength of Calcium Silicate Bricks by Combined Nondestructive Method

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    The paper deals with the application of combined nondestructive method for assessment of compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks. In this case, it is a combination of the rebound hammer method and ultrasonic pulse method. Calibration relationships for determining compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks obtained from nondestructive parameter testing for the combined method as well as for the L-type Schmidt rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse method are quoted here. Calibration relationships are known for their close correlation and are applicable in practice. The highest correlation between parameters from nondestructive measurement and predicted compressive strength is obtained using the SonReb combined nondestructive method. Combined nondestructive SonReb method was proved applicable for determination of compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks at checking tests in a production plant and for evaluation of bricks built in existing masonry structures. PMID:25276864

  18. SDF technology in location and navigation procedures: a survey of applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kelner, Jan M.; Ziółkowski, Cezary

    2017-04-01

    The basis for development the Doppler location method, also called the signal Doppler frequency (SDF) method or technology is the analytical solution of the wave equation for a mobile source. This paper presents an overview of the simulations, numerical analysis and empirical studies of the possibilities and the range of SDF method applications. In the paper, the various applications from numerous publications are collected and described. They mainly focus on the use of SDF method in: emitter positioning, electronic warfare, crisis management, search and rescue, navigation. The developed method is characterized by an innovative, unique property among other location methods, because it allows the simultaneous location of the many radio emitters. Moreover, this is the first method based on the Doppler effect, which allows positioning of transmitters, using a single mobile platform. In the paper, the results of the using SDF method by the other teams are also presented.

  19. Spectral methods for partial differential equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hussaini, M. Y.; Streett, C. L.; Zang, T. A.

    1983-01-01

    Origins of spectral methods, especially their relation to the Method of Weighted Residuals, are surveyed. Basic Fourier, Chebyshev, and Legendre spectral concepts are reviewed, and demonstrated through application to simple model problems. Both collocation and tau methods are considered. These techniques are then applied to a number of difficult, nonlinear problems of hyperbolic, parabolic, elliptic, and mixed type. Fluid dynamical applications are emphasized.

  20. Detecting and treating breast cancer resistance to EGFR inhibitors

    DOEpatents

    Moonlee, Sun-Young; Bissell, Mina J.; Furuta, Saori; Meier, Roland; Kenny, Paraic A.

    2016-04-05

    The application describes therapeutic compositions and methods for treating cancer. For example, therapeutic compositions and methods related to inhibition of FAM83A (family with sequence similarity 83) are provided. The application also describes methods for diagnosing cancer resistance to EGFR inhibitors. For example, a method of diagnosing cancer resistance to EGFR inhibitors by detecting increased FAM83A levels is described.

  1. An International Survey of Industrial Applications of Formal Methods. Volume 2. Case Studies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-09-30

    impact of the product on IBM revenues. 4. Error rates were claimed to be below industrial average and errors were minimal to fix. Formal methods, as...critical applications. These include: 3 I I International Survey of Industrial Applications 41 i) "Software failures, particularly under first use, seem...project to add improved modelling capability. I U International Survey of Industrial Applications 93 I Design and Implementation These products are being

  2. Adhesives: Test Method, Group Assignment, and Categorization Guide for High-Loading Rate Applications - History and Rationale

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-04-20

    Categorization Guide for High -Loading- Rate Applications – History and Rationale by Robert Jensen, David Flanagan, Daniel DeSchepper, and Charles...Adhesives: Test Method, Group Assignment, and Categorization Guide for High -Loading- Rate Applications – History and Rationale by Robert Jensen...Categorization Guide for High - Loading-Rate Applications – History and Rationale 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6

  3. The Role of Participatory Design in Mobile Application Development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamzah, Almed

    2018-03-01

    Mobile devices are used by people worldwide. It becomes a common equipment to complete a day-to-day activity. Inside the devices, there are numerous mobile applications that have been built for various needs. Some of these are quite successful while the other are not. The development of successful mobile application faces several challenges. In this research, we want to explore the use of participatory design method in mobile application development. Particularly, the aim of the study is to answer the question whether participatory design method has a place in the realm of mobile application development. We established two sessions of workshop to accommodate the participant to take part in the development process of mobile application. The result shows that participatory design method can determine how the user will deal with the limitations of mobile devices. It helps user to create a particular form of interaction that meets mobile devices characteristics.

  4. Near surface illumination method to detect particle size information by optical calibration free remission measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stocker, Sabrina; Foschum, Florian; Kienle, Alwin

    2017-07-01

    A calibration free method to detect particle size information is presented. A possible application for such measurements is the investigation of raw milk since there not only the fat and protein content varies but also the fat droplet size. The newly developed method is sensitive to the scattering phase function, which makes it applicable to many other applications, too. By simulating the light propagation by use of Monte Carlo simulations, a calibration free device can be developed from this principle.

  5. Modern trends in crystal growth and new applications of sapphire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akselrod, Mark S.; Bruni, Frank J.

    2012-12-01

    We provide an overview of the latest market trends and modern competing methods of sapphire crystal growth and the application of sapphire wafers as LED substrates. Almost all methods of high temperature growth from the melt are suitable for sapphire production, but each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the application and required finished product form factor. Special attention is paid to the review of defects and imperfections that allow the engineering of new active devices based on sapphire.

  6. Implications for Application of Qualitative Methods to Library and Information Science Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grover, Robert; Glazier, Jack

    1985-01-01

    Presents conceptual framework for library and information science research and analyzes research methodology that has application for information science, using as example results of study conducted by authors. Rationale for use of qualitative research methods in theory building is discussed and qualitative and quantitative research methods are…

  7. 7 CFR 784.4 - Time and method of application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Time and method of application. 784.4 Section 784.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS 2004 EWE LAMB REPLACEMENT AND RETENTION PAYMENT PROGRAM § 784.4 Time and method...

  8. Application of nanomaterials in the bioanalytical detection of disease-related genes.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Xiaoqian; Li, Jiao; He, Hanping; Huang, Min; Zhang, Xiuhua; Wang, Shengfu

    2015-12-15

    In the diagnosis of genetic diseases and disorders, nanomaterials-based gene detection systems have significant advantages over conventional diagnostic systems in terms of simplicity, sensitivity, specificity, and portability. In this review, we describe the application of nanomaterials for disease-related genes detection in different methods excluding PCR-related method, such as colorimetry, fluorescence-based methods, electrochemistry, microarray methods, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) methods, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The most commonly used nanomaterials are gold, silver, carbon and semiconducting nanoparticles. Various nanomaterials-based gene detection methods are introduced, their respective advantages are discussed, and selected examples are provided to illustrate the properties of these nanomaterials and their emerging applications for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. A New Method of Random Environmental Walking for Assessing Behavioral Preferences for Different Lighting Applications

    PubMed Central

    Patching, Geoffrey R.; Rahm, Johan; Jansson, Märit; Johansson, Maria

    2017-01-01

    Accurate assessment of people’s preferences for different outdoor lighting applications is increasingly considered important in the development of new urban environments. Here a new method of random environmental walking is proposed to complement current methods of assessing urban lighting applications, such as self-report questionnaires. The procedure involves participants repeatedly walking between different lighting applications by random selection of a lighting application and preferred choice or by random selection of a lighting application alone. In this manner, participants are exposed to all lighting applications of interest more than once and participants’ preferences for the different lighting applications are reflected in the number of times they walk to each lighting application. On the basis of an initial simulation study, to explore the feasibility of this approach, a comprehensive field test was undertaken. The field test included random environmental walking and collection of participants’ subjective ratings of perceived pleasantness (PP), perceived quality, perceived strength, and perceived flicker of four lighting applications. The results indicate that random environmental walking can reveal participants’ preferences for different lighting applications that, in the present study, conformed to participants’ ratings of PP and perceived quality of the lighting applications. As a complement to subjectively stated environmental preferences, random environmental walking has the potential to expose behavioral preferences for different lighting applications. PMID:28337163

  10. Application of singular value decomposition to structural dynamics systems with constraints

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Juang, J.-N.; Pinson, L. D.

    1985-01-01

    Singular value decomposition is used to construct a coordinate transformation for a linear dynamic system subject to linear, homogeneous constraint equations. The method is compared with two commonly used methods, namely classical Gaussian elimination and Walton-Steeves approach. Although the classical method requires fewer numerical operations, the singular value decomposition method is more accurate and convenient in eliminating the dependent coordinates. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the method.

  11. Geophysical methods in Geology. Second edition

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

    Sharma, P.V.

    This book presents an introduction to the methods of geophysics and their application to geological problems. The text emphasizes the broader aspects of geophysics, including the way in which geophysical methods help solve structural, correlational, and geochromological problems. Stress is laid on the principles and applications of methods rather than on instrumental techniques. This edition includes coverage of recent developments in geophysics and geology. New topics are introduced, including paleomagnetic methods, electromagnetic methods, microplate tectronics, and the use of multiple geophysical techniques.

  12. A Novel Deployment Method for Communication-Intensive Applications in Service Clouds

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Chuanchang; Yang, Jingqi

    2014-01-01

    The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds, there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower load compared with existing algorithms. PMID:25140331

  13. A novel deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chuanchang; Yang, Jingqi

    2014-01-01

    The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds, there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower load compared with existing algorithms.

  14. A Review of Flow Analysis Methods for Determination of Radionuclides in Nuclear Wastes and Nuclear Reactor Coolants

    DOE PAGES

    Trojanowicz, Marek; Kolacinska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W.

    2018-02-13

    Here, the safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. Themore » benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β–radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection.« less

  15. A Review of Flow Analysis Methods for Determination of Radionuclides in Nuclear Wastes and Nuclear Reactor Coolants

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

    Trojanowicz, Marek; Kolacinska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W.

    Here, the safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. Themore » benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β–radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection.« less

  16. A review of flow analysis methods for determination of radionuclides in nuclear wastes and nuclear reactor coolants.

    PubMed

    Trojanowicz, Marek; Kołacińska, Kamila; Grate, Jay W

    2018-06-01

    The safety and security of nuclear power plant operations depend on the application of the most appropriate techniques and methods of chemical analysis, where modern flow analysis methods prevail. Nevertheless, the current status of the development of these methods is more limited than it might be expected based on their genuine advantages. The main aim of this paper is to review the automated flow analysis procedures developed with various detection methods for the nuclear energy industry. The flow analysis methods for the determination of radionuclides, that have been reported to date, are primarily focused on their environmental applications. The benefits of the application of flow methods in both monitoring of the nuclear wastes and process analysis of the primary circuit coolants of light water nuclear reactors will also be discussed. The application of either continuous flow methods (CFA) or injection methods (FIA, SIA) of the flow analysis with the β-radiometric detection shortens the analysis time and improves the precision of determination due to mechanization of certain time-consuming operations of the sample processing. Compared to the radiometric detection, the mass spectrometry (MS) detection enables one to perform multicomponent analyses as well as the determination of transuranic isotopes with much better limits of detection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. 76 FR 37796 - Notice of Availability of Government-Owned Inventions; Available for Licensing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-28

    ... Aircraft Division, Business and Partnership Office, Office of Research and Technology Applications... October 26, 2010 U.S. Patent Application No. 7,839,304 B2: Method and System for Alerting Aircrew to... Application No. 12/868,772: Colorimetric Method for Detection of Biodiesel in Fuel, Navy Case No. PAX37, filed...

  18. pH dependence and unsuitability of fluorescein dye as a tracer for pesticide mobility studies in acid soil

    Treesearch

    Chris Peterson

    2009-01-01

    The mobility of fluorescein and bromide used as tracers in packed soil columns was investigated.Five different soils were used in two application methods: soil surface application and soil incorporation, both of which simulate accepted methods of soil application of termiticides to prevent structural infestation. The...

  19. REVIEW ARTICLE: Spectrophotometric applications of digital signal processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morawski, Roman Z.

    2006-09-01

    Spectrophotometry is more and more often the method of choice not only in analysis of (bio)chemical substances, but also in the identification of physical properties of various objects and their classification. The applications of spectrophotometry include such diversified tasks as monitoring of optical telecommunications links, assessment of eating quality of food, forensic classification of papers, biometric identification of individuals, detection of insect infestation of seeds and classification of textiles. In all those applications, large numbers of data, generated by spectrophotometers, are processed by various digital means in order to extract measurement information. The main objective of this paper is to review the state-of-the-art methodology for digital signal processing (DSP) when applied to data provided by spectrophotometric transducers and spectrophotometers. First, a general methodology of DSP applications in spectrophotometry, based on DSP-oriented models of spectrophotometric data, is outlined. Then, the most important classes of DSP methods for processing spectrophotometric data—the methods for DSP-aided calibration of spectrophotometric instrumentation, the methods for the estimation of spectra on the basis of spectrophotometric data, the methods for the estimation of spectrum-related measurands on the basis of spectrophotometric data—are presented. Finally, the methods for preprocessing and postprocessing of spectrophotometric data are overviewed. Throughout the review, the applications of DSP are illustrated with numerous examples related to broadly understood spectrophotometry.

  20. Concrete compositions and methods

    DOEpatents

    Chen, Irvin; Lee, Patricia Tung; Patterson, Joshua

    2015-06-23

    Provided herein are compositions, methods, and systems for cementitious compositions containing calcium carbonate compositions and aggregate. The compositions find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

  1. 75 FR 34096 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-16

    ... dynamin, using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry..., using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are...

  2. The biophysical basis and clinical applications of rheoencephalography.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1967-05-01

    A method for screening large populations for asymptomatic but potentially incapacitating cerebrovascular disease has obvious application in aviation medicine. Rheoencephalography (REG), a simple, rapid and innocuous method of studying the cranial cir...

  3. X-Graphs: Language and Algorithms for Heterogeneous Graph Streams

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-09-01

    INTRODUCTION 1 3 METHODS , ASUMPTIONS, AND PROCEDURES 2 Software Abstractions for Graph Analytic Applications 2 High performance Platforms for Graph Processing...data is stored in a distributed file system. 3 METHODS , ASUMPTIONS, AND PROCEDURES Software Abstractions for Graph Analytic Applications To...implementations of novel methods for networks analysis: several methods for detection of overlapping communities, personalized PageRank, node embeddings into a d

  4. Spectral methods for CFD

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zang, Thomas A.; Streett, Craig L.; Hussaini, M. Yousuff

    1989-01-01

    One of the objectives of these notes is to provide a basic introduction to spectral methods with a particular emphasis on applications to computational fluid dynamics. Another objective is to summarize some of the most important developments in spectral methods in the last two years. The fundamentals of spectral methods for simple problems will be covered in depth, and the essential elements of several fluid dynamical applications will be sketched.

  5. Instrument performance enhancement and modification through an extended instrument paradigm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahan, Stephen Lee

    An extended instrument paradigm is proposed, developed and shown in various applications. The CBM (Chin, Blass, Mahan) method is an extension to the linear systems model of observing systems. In the most obvious and practical application of image enhancement of an instrument characterized by a time-invariant instrumental response function, CBM can be used to enhance images or spectra through a simple convolution application of the CBM filter for a resolution improvement of as much as a factor of two. The CBM method can be used in many applications. We discuss several within this work including imaging through turbulent atmospheres, or what we've called Adaptive Imaging. Adaptive Imaging provides an alternative approach for the investigator desiring results similar to those obtainable with adaptive optics, however on a minimal budget. The CBM method is also used in a backprojected filtered image reconstruction method for Positron Emission Tomography. In addition, we can use information theoretic methods to aid in the determination of model instrumental response function parameters for images having an unknown origin. Another application presented herein involves the use of the CBM method for the determination of the continuum level of a Fourier transform spectrometer observation of ethylene, which provides a means for obtaining reliable intensity measurements in an automated manner. We also present the application of CBM to hyperspectral image data of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact with Jupiter taken with an acousto-optical tunable filter equipped CCD camera to an adaptive optics telescope.

  6. A simple method to eliminate shielding currents for magnetization perpendicular to superconducting tapes wound into coils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kajikawa, Kazuhiro; Funaki, Kazuo

    2011-12-01

    Application of an external AC magnetic field parallel to superconducting tapes helps in eliminating the magnetization caused by the shielding current induced in the flat faces of the tapes. This method helps in realizing a magnet system with high-temperature superconducting tapes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical calculations carried out using the finite-element method and experiments performed using a commercially available superconducting tape. The field uniformity for a single-layer solenoid coil after the application of an AC field is also estimated by a theoretical consideration.

  7. Application of an Engineering Inviscid-Boundary Layer Method to Slender Three-Dimensional Vehicle Forebodies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Riley, Christopher J.

    1993-01-01

    An engineering inviscid-boundary layer method has been modified for application to slender three-dimensional (3-D) forebodies which are characteristic of transatmospheric vehicles. An improved shock description in the nose region has been added to the inviscid technique which allows the calculation of a wider range of body geometries. The modified engineering method is applied to the perfect gas solution over a slender 3-D configuration at angle of attack. The method predicts surface pressures and laminar heating rates on the windward side of the vehicle that compare favorably with numerical solutions of the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. These improvements extend the 3-D capabilities of the engineering method and significantly increase its design applications.

  8. Reusable Software Usability Specifications for mHealth Applications.

    PubMed

    Cruz Zapata, Belén; Fernández-Alemán, José Luis; Toval, Ambrosio; Idri, Ali

    2018-01-25

    One of the key factors for the adoption of mobile technologies, and in particular of mobile health applications, is usability. A usable application will be easier to use and understand by users, and will improve user's interaction with it. This paper proposes a software requirements catalog for usable mobile health applications, which can be used for the development of new applications, or the evaluation of existing ones. The catalog is based on the main identified sources in literature on usability and mobile health applications. Our catalog was organized according to the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2011 standard and follows the SIREN methodology to create reusable catalogs. The applicability of the catalog was verified by the creation of an audit method, which was used to perform the evaluation of a real app, S Health, application created by Samsung Electronics Co. The usability requirements catalog, along with the audit method, identified several usability flaws on the evaluated app, which scored 83%. Some flaws were detected in the app related to the navigation pattern. Some more issues related to the startup experience, empty screens or writing style were also found. The way a user navigates through an application improves or deteriorates user's experience with the application. We proposed a reusable usability catalog and an audit method. This proposal was used to evaluate a mobile health application. An audit report was created with the usability issues identified on the evaluated application.

  9. Research on the Applicable Method of Valuation of Pure Electric Used vehicles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, yun; Tan, zhengping; Wang, yidong; Mao, pan

    2018-03-01

    With the rapid growth in the ownership of pure electric vehicles, the research on the valuation of used electric vehicles has become the key to the development of the pure electric used vehicle market. The paper analyzed the application of the three value assessment methods, current market price method, capitalized earning method and replacement cost method, in pure electric used vehicles, and draws a conclusion that the replacement cost method is more suitable for pure electric used car. At the same time, the article also conducted a parametric correction exploration research, aiming at the characteristics of pure electric vehicles and replacement cost of the constituent factors. Through the analysis of the applicability parameters of physical devaluation, functional devaluation and economic devaluation, the revised replacement cost method can be used for the valuation of purely used electric vehicles for private use.

  10. 9 CFR 317.369 - Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., and scientific data sufficient for such purpose, and data and information to the extent necessary to... accordance with 317.309(h). If no USDA or AOAC methods are available, the applicant shall submit the assay method used, and data establishing the validity of the method for assaying the nutrient in the particular...

  11. 9 CFR 381.469 - Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., and scientific data sufficient for such purpose, and data and information to the extent necessary to... accordance with 381.409(h). If no USDA or AOAC methods are available, the applicant shall submit the assay method used, and data establishing the validity of the method for assaying the nutrient in the particular...

  12. Applications of Genetic Methods to NASA Design and Operations Problems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Laird, Philip D.

    1996-01-01

    We review four recent NASA-funded applications in which evolutionary/genetic methods are important. In the process we survey: the kinds of problems being solved today with these methods; techniques and tools used; problems encountered; and areas where research is needed. The presentation slides are annotated briefly at the top of each page.

  13. Method For Improving The Oxidation Resistance Of Metal Substrates Coated With Thermal Barrier Coatings

    DOEpatents

    Thompson, Anthony Mark; Gray, Dennis Michael; Jackson, Melvin Robert

    2003-05-13

    A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described. A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described.

  14. Performance analysis of distributed applications using automatic classification of communication inefficiencies

    DOEpatents

    Vetter, Jeffrey S.

    2005-02-01

    The method and system described herein presents a technique for performance analysis that helps users understand the communication behavior of their message passing applications. The method and system described herein may automatically classifies individual communication operations and reveal the cause of communication inefficiencies in the application. This classification allows the developer to quickly focus on the culprits of truly inefficient behavior, rather than manually foraging through massive amounts of performance data. Specifically, the method and system described herein trace the message operations of Message Passing Interface (MPI) applications and then classify each individual communication event using a supervised learning technique: decision tree classification. The decision tree may be trained using microbenchmarks that demonstrate both efficient and inefficient communication. Since the method and system described herein adapt to the target system's configuration through these microbenchmarks, they simultaneously automate the performance analysis process and improve classification accuracy. The method and system described herein may improve the accuracy of performance analysis and dramatically reduce the amount of data that users must encounter.

  15. Application of maximum likelihood methods to laser Thomson scattering measurements of low density plasmas

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

    Washeleski, Robert L.; Meyer, Edmond J. IV; King, Lyon B.

    2013-10-15

    Laser Thomson scattering (LTS) is an established plasma diagnostic technique that has seen recent application to low density plasmas. It is difficult to perform LTS measurements when the scattered signal is weak as a result of low electron number density, poor optical access to the plasma, or both. Photon counting methods are often implemented in order to perform measurements in these low signal conditions. However, photon counting measurements performed with photo-multiplier tubes are time consuming and multi-photon arrivals are incorrectly recorded. In order to overcome these shortcomings a new data analysis method based on maximum likelihood estimation was developed. Themore » key feature of this new data processing method is the inclusion of non-arrival events in determining the scattered Thomson signal. Maximum likelihood estimation and its application to Thomson scattering at low signal levels is presented and application of the new processing method to LTS measurements performed in the plume of a 2-kW Hall-effect thruster is discussed.« less

  16. Application of maximum likelihood methods to laser Thomson scattering measurements of low density plasmas.

    PubMed

    Washeleski, Robert L; Meyer, Edmond J; King, Lyon B

    2013-10-01

    Laser Thomson scattering (LTS) is an established plasma diagnostic technique that has seen recent application to low density plasmas. It is difficult to perform LTS measurements when the scattered signal is weak as a result of low electron number density, poor optical access to the plasma, or both. Photon counting methods are often implemented in order to perform measurements in these low signal conditions. However, photon counting measurements performed with photo-multiplier tubes are time consuming and multi-photon arrivals are incorrectly recorded. In order to overcome these shortcomings a new data analysis method based on maximum likelihood estimation was developed. The key feature of this new data processing method is the inclusion of non-arrival events in determining the scattered Thomson signal. Maximum likelihood estimation and its application to Thomson scattering at low signal levels is presented and application of the new processing method to LTS measurements performed in the plume of a 2-kW Hall-effect thruster is discussed.

  17. A time-domain decomposition iterative method for the solution of distributed linear quadratic optimal control problems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heinkenschloss, Matthias

    2005-01-01

    We study a class of time-domain decomposition-based methods for the numerical solution of large-scale linear quadratic optimal control problems. Our methods are based on a multiple shooting reformulation of the linear quadratic optimal control problem as a discrete-time optimal control (DTOC) problem. The optimality conditions for this DTOC problem lead to a linear block tridiagonal system. The diagonal blocks are invertible and are related to the original linear quadratic optimal control problem restricted to smaller time-subintervals. This motivates the application of block Gauss-Seidel (GS)-type methods for the solution of the block tridiagonal systems. Numerical experiments show that the spectral radii of the block GS iteration matrices are larger than one for typical applications, but that the eigenvalues of the iteration matrices decay to zero fast. Hence, while the GS method is not expected to convergence for typical applications, it can be effective as a preconditioner for Krylov-subspace methods. This is confirmed by our numerical tests.A byproduct of this research is the insight that certain instantaneous control techniques can be viewed as the application of one step of the forward block GS method applied to the DTOC optimality system.

  18. Transportation planning, climate change, and decision making under uncertainty

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-01-01

    Case studies are presented that illustrate the application of methods which incorporate : decisionmaking under uncertainty. The applications of these methods that are summarized in : this paper deal with cases outside of transportation, including mil...

  19. Application of Computer-Assisted Learning Methods in the Teaching of Chemical Spectroscopy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ayscough, P. B.; And Others

    1979-01-01

    Discusses the application of computer-assisted learning methods to the interpretation of infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra; and outlines extensions into the area of integrated spectroscopy. (Author/CMV)

  20. Thirteenth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1985-01-01

    The application of finite element methods in engineering is discussed and the use of NASTRAN is compared with other approaches. Specific applications, pre- and post-processing or auxiliary programs, and additional methods of analysis with NASTRAN are covered.

  1. Measurement technology: A compilation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    Technical information is presented on measurement techniques and instruments, measurement applications for inspection activities, measurement sensors, and data conversion methods. Photographs or diagrams are included for each instrument or method described, and where applicable, patent information is given.

  2. Application of geo-information science methods in ecotourism exploitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dong, Suocheng; Hou, Xiaoli

    2004-11-01

    Application of geo-information science methods in ecotourism development was discussed in the article. Since 1990s, geo-information science methods, which take the 3S (Geographic Information System, Global Positioning System, and Remote Sensing) as core techniques, has played an important role in resources reconnaissance, data management, environment monitoring, and regional planning. Geo-information science methods can easily analyze and convert geographic spatial data. The application of 3S methods is helpful to sustainable development in tourism. Various assignments are involved in the development of ecotourism, such as reconnaissance of ecotourism resources, drawing of tourism maps, dealing with mass data, and also tourism information inquire, employee management, quality management of products. The utilization of geo-information methods in ecotourism can make the development more efficient by promoting the sustainable development of tourism and the protection of eco-environment.

  3. Project JOVE. [microgravity experiments and applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lyell, M. J.

    1994-01-01

    The goal of this project is to investigate new areas of research pertaining to free surface-interface fluids mechanics and/or microgravity which have potential commercial applications. This paper presents an introduction to ferrohydrodynamics (FHD), and discusses some applications. Also, computational methods for solving free surface flow problems are presented in detail. Both have diverse applications in industry and in microgravity fluids applications. Three different modeling schemes for FHD flows are addressed and the governing equations, including Maxwell's equations, are introduced. In the area of computational modeling of free surface flows, both Eulerian and Lagrangian schemes are discussed. The state of the art in computational methods applied to free surface flows is elucidated. In particular, adaptive grids and re-zoning methods are discussed. Additional research results are addressed and copies of the publications produced under the JOVE Project are included.

  4. Application of Concepts from Cross-Recurrence Analysis in Speech Production: An Overview and Comparison with Other Nonlinear Methods

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lancia, Leonardo; Fuchs, Susanne; Tiede, Mark

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: The aim of this article was to introduce an important tool, cross-recurrence analysis, to speech production applications by showing how it can be adapted to evaluate the similarity of multivariate patterns of articulatory motion. The method differs from classical applications of cross-recurrence analysis because no phase space…

  5. Modeling of polymer networks for application to solid propellant formulating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marsh, H. E.

    1979-01-01

    Methods for predicting the network structural characteristics formed by the curing of pourable elastomers were presented; as well as the logic which was applied in the development of mathematical models. A universal approach for modeling was developed and verified by comparison with other methods in application to a complex system. Several applications of network models to practical problems are described.

  6. Methods to estimate total forest biomass for extensive forest inventories: applications in the northeastern U.S.

    Treesearch

    Eric H. Wharton; Douglas M. Griffith

    1993-01-01

    Presents methods for synthesizing information from existing biomass literature when making biomass assessments over extensive geographic areas, such as for a state or region. Described are general applications to the northeastern United States, and specific applications to Ohio. Tables of appropriate regression equations and the tree and shrub species to which these...

  7. [The application of methods of physical therapy in the military health resort].

    PubMed

    Titov, I G; Didenko, S V

    2015-03-01

    Presented the main guidelines concerning the application of methods and forms of physical therapy in the complex sanatorium treatment and rehabilitation in sanatoria and health resorts of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. It is concluded that the basis for the application and further development of forms and methods of physical therapy should be based on the methodological principle of a differentiated approach to the assessment of the severity of dysfunction cardiorespiratory and nervous system, musculoskeletal system, the mode of motor activity and exercise tolerance.

  8. Modern applications for a total sulfur reduction distillation method - what’s old is new again

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The use of a boiling mixture of hydriodic acid, hypophosphorous acid, and hydrochloric acid to reduce any variety of sulfur compounds has been in use in various applications since the first appearance of this method in the literature in the 1920’s. In the realm of sulfur geochemistry, this method remains a useful, but under-utilized technique. Presented here is a detailed description of the distillation set-up and procedure, as well as an overview of potential applications of this method for marine sulfur biogeochemistry/isotope studies. The presented applications include the sulfur isotope analysis of extremely low amounts of sulfate from saline water, the conversion of radiolabeled sulfate into sulfide, the extraction of refractory sulfur from marine sediments, and the use of this method to assess sulfur cycling in Aarhus Bay sediments. Results The STrongly Reducing hydrIodic/hypoPhosphorous/hydrochloric acid (STRIP) reagent is capable of rapidly reducing a wide range of sulfur compounds, including the most oxidized form, sulfate, to hydrogen sulfide. Conversion of as little as approximately 5 micromole sulfate is possible, with a sulfur isotope composition reproducibility of 0.3 permil. Conclusions Although developed many decades ago, this distillation method remains relevant for many modern applications. The STRIP distillation quickly and quantitatively converts sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide which can be readily collected in a silver nitrate trap for further use. An application of this method to a study of sulfur cycling in Aarhus Bay demonstrates that we account for all of the sulfur compounds in pore-water, effectively closing the mass balance of sulfur cycling. PMID:24808759

  9. Spinal Tissue Loading Created by Different Methods of Spinal Manipulative Therapy Application

    PubMed Central

    Funabashi, Martha; Nougarou, François; Descarreaux, Martin; Prasad, Narasimha; Kawchuk, Gregory N.

    2017-01-01

    Study Design. Comparative study using robotic replication of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) vertebral kinematics together with serial dissection. Objective. The aim of this study was to quantify loads created in cadaveric spinal tissues arising from three different forms of SMT application. Summary of Background Data. There exist many distinct methods by which to apply SMT. It is not known presently whether different forms of SMT application have different effects on spinal tissues. Should the method of SMT application modulate spinal tissue loading, quantifying this relation may help explain the varied outcomes of SMT in terms of effect and safety. Methods. SMT was applied to the third lumbar vertebra in 12 porcine cadavers using three SMT techniques: a clinical device that applies forces through a hand-held instrument (INST), a manual technique of applying SMT clinically (MAN) and a research device that applies parameters of manual SMT through a servo-controlled linear actuator motor (SERVO). The resulting kinematics from each SMT application were tracked optically via indwelling bone pins. The L3/L4 segment was then removed, mounted in a parallel robot and the resulting kinematics from SMT replayed for each SMT application technique. Serial dissection of spinal structures was conducted to quantify loading characteristics of discrete spinal tissues. Results. In terms of load magnitude, SMT application with MAN and SERVO created greater forces than INST in all conditions (P < 0.05). Additionally, MAN and SERVO created comparable posterior forces in the intact specimen, but MAN created greater posterior forces on IVD structures compared to SERVO (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Specific methods of SMT application create unique vertebral loading characteristics, which may help explain the varied outcomes of SMT in terms of effect and safety. Level of Evidence: N/A PMID:28146021

  10. Bacterial contamination of tile drainage water and shallow groundwater under different application methods of liquid swine manure.

    PubMed

    Samarajeewa, A D; Glasauer, S M; Lauzon, J D; O'Halloran, I P; Parkin, Gary W; Dunfield, K E

    2012-05-01

    A 2 year field experiment evaluated liquid manure application methods on the movement of manure-borne pathogens (Salmonella sp.) and indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) to subsurface water. A combination of application methods including surface application, pre-application tillage, and post-application incorporation were applied in a randomized complete block design on an instrumented field site in spring 2007 and 2008. Tile and shallow groundwater were sampled immediately after manure application and after rainfall events. Bacterial enumeration from water samples showed that the surface-applied manure resulted in the highest concentration of E. coli in tile drainage water. Pre-tillage significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the movement of manure-based E. coli and C. perfringens to tile water and to shallow groundwater within 3 days after manure application (DAM) in 2008 and within 10 DAM in 2007. Pre-tillage also decreased the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in tile water samples. Indicator bacteria and pathogens reached nondetectable levels within 50 DAM. The results suggest that tillage before application of liquid swine manure can minimize the movement of bacteria to tile and groundwater, but is effective only for the drainage events immediately after manure application or initial rainfall-associated drainage flows. Furthermore, the study highlights the strong association between bacterial concentrations in subsurface waters and rainfall timing and volume after manure application.

  11. Applicator Training Manual for: Public Health Pest Control.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, E. E.

    This manual gives the life cycle and habitats, public health importance, methods of non-chemical control, and pesticides and methods of application for mosquitoes, flies, bedbugs, fleas, lice, cockroaches, venomous anthropods, ticks and chiggers, and rodents. (BB)

  12. Method of particle trajectory recognition in particle flows of high particle concentration using a candidate trajectory tree process with variable search areas

    DOEpatents

    Shaffer, Franklin D.

    2013-03-12

    The application relates to particle trajectory recognition from a Centroid Population comprised of Centroids having an (x, y, t) or (x, y, f) coordinate. The method is applicable to visualization and measurement of particle flow fields of high particle. In one embodiment, the centroids are generated from particle images recorded on camera frames. The application encompasses digital computer systems and distribution mediums implementing the method disclosed and is particularly applicable to recognizing trajectories of particles in particle flows of high particle concentration. The method accomplishes trajectory recognition by forming Candidate Trajectory Trees and repeated searches at varying Search Velocities, such that initial search areas are set to a minimum size in order to recognize only the slowest, least accelerating particles which produce higher local concentrations. When a trajectory is recognized, the centroids in that trajectory are removed from consideration in future searches.

  13. Numerical methods for engine-airframe integration

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

    Murthy, S.N.B.; Paynter, G.C.

    1986-01-01

    Various papers on numerical methods for engine-airframe integration are presented. The individual topics considered include: scientific computing environment for the 1980s, overview of prediction of complex turbulent flows, numerical solutions of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, elements of computational engine/airframe integrations, computational requirements for efficient engine installation, application of CAE and CFD techniques to complete tactical missile design, CFD applications to engine/airframe integration, and application of a second-generation low-order panel methods to powerplant installation studies. Also addressed are: three-dimensional flow analysis of turboprop inlet and nacelle configurations, application of computational methods to the design of large turbofan engine nacelles, comparison ofmore » full potential and Euler solution algorithms for aeropropulsive flow field computations, subsonic/transonic, supersonic nozzle flows and nozzle integration, subsonic/transonic prediction capabilities for nozzle/afterbody configurations, three-dimensional viscous design methodology of supersonic inlet systems for advanced technology aircraft, and a user's technology assessment.« less

  14. Sign Language Translator Application Using OpenCV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Triyono, L.; Pratisto, E. H.; Bawono, S. A. T.; Purnomo, F. A.; Yudhanto, Y.; Raharjo, B.

    2018-03-01

    This research focuses on the development of sign language translator application using OpenCV Android based, this application is based on the difference in color. The author also utilizes Support Machine Learning to predict the label. Results of the research showed that the coordinates of the fingertip search methods can be used to recognize a hand gesture to the conditions contained open arms while to figure gesture with the hand clenched using search methods Hu Moments value. Fingertip methods more resilient in gesture recognition with a higher success rate is 95% on the distance variation is 35 cm and 55 cm and variations of light intensity of approximately 90 lux and 100 lux and light green background plain condition compared with the Hu Moments method with the same parameters and the percentage of success of 40%. While the background of outdoor environment applications still can not be used with a success rate of only 6 managed and the rest failed.

  15. Aircraft operability methods applied to space launch vehicles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Young, Douglas

    1997-01-01

    The commercial space launch market requirement for low vehicle operations costs necessitates the application of methods and technologies developed and proven for complex aircraft systems. The ``building in'' of reliability and maintainability, which is applied extensively in the aircraft industry, has yet to be applied to the maximum extent possible on launch vehicles. Use of vehicle system and structural health monitoring, automated ground systems and diagnostic design methods derived from aircraft applications support the goal of achieving low cost launch vehicle operations. Transforming these operability techniques to space applications where diagnostic effectiveness has significantly different metrics is critical to the success of future launch systems. These concepts will be discussed with reference to broad launch vehicle applicability. Lessons learned and techniques used in the adaptation of these methods will be outlined drawing from recent aircraft programs and implementation on phase 1 of the X-33/RLV technology development program.

  16. Application of differential transformation method for solving dengue transmission mathematical model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ndii, Meksianis Z.; Anggriani, Nursanti; Supriatna, Asep K.

    2018-03-01

    The differential transformation method (DTM) is a semi-analytical numerical technique which depends on Taylor series and has application in many areas including Biomathematics. The aim of this paper is to employ the differential transformation method (DTM) to solve system of non-linear differential equations for dengue transmission mathematical model. Analytical and numerical solutions are determined and the results are compared to that of Runge-Kutta method. We found a good agreement between DTM and Runge-Kutta method.

  17. Systems and methods to control multiple peripherals with a single-peripheral application code

    DOEpatents

    Ransom, Ray M.

    2013-06-11

    Methods and apparatus are provided for enhancing the BIOS of a hardware peripheral device to manage multiple peripheral devices simultaneously without modifying the application software of the peripheral device. The apparatus comprises a logic control unit and a memory in communication with the logic control unit. The memory is partitioned into a plurality of ranges, each range comprising one or more blocks of memory, one range being associated with each instance of the peripheral application and one range being reserved for storage of a data pointer related to each peripheral application of the plurality. The logic control unit is configured to operate multiple instances of the control application by duplicating one instance of the peripheral application for each peripheral device of the plurality and partitioning a memory device into partitions comprising one or more blocks of memory, one partition being associated with each instance of the peripheral application. The method then reserves a range of memory addresses for storage of a data pointer related to each peripheral device of the plurality, and initializes each of the plurality of peripheral devices.

  18. 40 CFR 152.86 - The cite-all method.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...' Rights § 152.86 The cite-all method. An applicant may comply with this subpart by citing all data in... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false The cite-all method. 152.86 Section... relies on the following data: (1) All data submitted with or specifically cited in the application; and...

  19. Method and system of integrating information from multiple sources

    DOEpatents

    Alford, Francine A [Livermore, CA; Brinkerhoff, David L [Antioch, CA

    2006-08-15

    A system and method of integrating information from multiple sources in a document centric application system. A plurality of application systems are connected through an object request broker to a central repository. The information may then be posted on a webpage. An example of an implementation of the method and system is an online procurement system.

  20. Connection of Environmental Education with Application of Experiential Teaching Methods: A Case Study from Greece

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koutsoukos, Marios; Fragoulis, Iosif; Valkanos, Euthimios

    2015-01-01

    The main objective of this case study is to examine secondary education teachers' opinions concerning the connection of environmental education with the use of experiential teaching methods. Exploring whether the application of experiential methods can upgrade the learning procedure, leading to a more holistic approach, the research focuses on…

  1. Creative Interactive Teaching: Case Method & Other Techniques. Selected Papers of the International Conference on Case Methods Research & Application (16th, Caceres, Spain, 1999).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klein, Hans E., Ed.

    This book presents a selection of papers from the international, interdisciplinary conference of the World Association for Case Method Research & Application. Papers are categorized into seven areas: (1) "International Case Studies" (e.g., event-based entrepreneurship, case studies on consumer complaints, and strategic quality…

  2. A review of the magnetic properties, synthesis methods and applications of maghemite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shokrollahi, H.

    2017-03-01

    It must be pointed out that maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) with a cubic spinel structure is a crucial material for various applications, including spin electronic devices, high-density magnetic recording, nano-medicines and biosensors. This paper has to do with a review study on the synthesis methods, magnetic properties and application of maghemite in the form of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials, such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nano-rods, and nanowires, as well as two-dimensional (2D) thin films. The results revealed that maghemite is widely used in the biomedical applications (hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery) and magnetic recording devices. The unmodified and Co/Mn modified maghemite thin films prepared by the dc-reactive magnetron sputtering show the excellent values of coercivity 2100 Oe and 3900 Oe, respectively, for the magnetic storage application. The super-paramagnetic particles with 7 nm size and the saturation magnetization of 80 emu/g prepared by the established thermolysis method are good candidates for bio-medical applications.

  3. Contact stresses in gear teeth: A new method of analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Somprakit, Paisan; Huston, Ronald L.; Oswald, Fred B.

    1991-01-01

    A new, innovative procedure called point load superposition for determining the contact stresses in mating gear teeth. It is believed that this procedure will greatly extend both the range of applicability and the accuracy of gear contact stress analysis. Point load superposition is based upon fundamental solutions from the theory of elasticity. It is an iterative numerical procedure which has distinct advantages over the classical Hertz method, the finite element method, and over existing applications with the boundary element method. Specifically, friction and sliding effects, which are either excluded from or difficult to study with the classical methods, are routinely handled with the new procedure. Presented here are the basic theory and the algorithms. Several examples are given. Results are consistent with those of the classical theories. Applications to spur gears are discussed.

  4. Pyrolyzed-parylene based sensors and method of manufacture

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tai, Yu-Chong (Inventor); Liger, Matthieu (Inventor); Miserendino, Scott (Inventor); Konishi, Satoshi (Inventor)

    2007-01-01

    A method (and resulting structure) for fabricating a sensing device. The method includes providing a substrate comprising a surface region and forming an insulating material overlying the surface region. The method also includes forming a film of carbon based material overlying the insulating material and treating to the film of carbon based material to pyrolyzed the carbon based material to cause formation of a film of substantially carbon based material having a resistivity ranging within a predetermined range. The method also provides at least a portion of the pyrolyzed carbon based material in a sensor application and uses the portion of the pyrolyzed carbon based material in the sensing application. In a specific embodiment, the sensing application is selected from chemical, humidity, piezoelectric, radiation, mechanical strain or temperature.

  5. SULFATE REDUCTION IN GROUNDWATER: CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS FOR REMEDIATION

    PubMed Central

    Miao, Z.; Brusseau, M. L.; Carroll, K. C.; Carreón-Diazconti, C.; Johnson, B.

    2013-01-01

    Sulfate is ubiquitous in groundwater, with both natural and anthropogenic sources. Sulfate reduction reactions play a significant role in mediating redox conditions and biogeochemical processes for subsurface systems. They also serve as the basis for innovative in-situ methods for groundwater remediation. An overview of sulfate reduction in subsurface environments is provided, along with a brief discussion of characterization methods and applications for addressing acid mine drainage. We then focus on two innovative, in-situ methods for remediating sulfate-contaminated groundwater, the use of zero-valent iron (ZVI) and the addition of electron-donor substrates. The advantages and limitations associated with the methods are discussed, with examples of prior applications. PMID:21947714

  6. A method of mobile video transmission based on J2ee

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Jian-xin; Zhao, Ji-chun; Gong, Jing; Chun, Yang

    2013-03-01

    As 3G (3rd-generation) networks evolve worldwide, the rising demand for mobile video services and the enormous growth of video on the internet is creating major new revenue opportunities for mobile network operators and application developers. The text introduced a method of mobile video transmission based on J2ME, giving the method of video compressing, then describing the video compressing standard, and then describing the software design. The proposed mobile video method based on J2EE is a typical mobile multimedia application, which has a higher availability and a wide range of applications. The users can get the video through terminal devices such as phone.

  7. A simplified application of the method of operators to the calculation of disturbed motions of an airplane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Robert T

    1937-01-01

    A simplified treatment of the application of Heaviside's operational methods to problems of airplane dynamics is given. Certain graphical methods and logarithmic formulas that lessen the amount of computation involved are explained. The problem representing a gust disturbance or control manipulation is taken up and it is pointed out that in certain cases arbitrary control manipulations may be dealt with as though they imposed specific constraints on the airplane, thus avoiding the necessity of any integration. The application of the calculations described in the text is illustrated by several examples chosen to show the use of the methods and the practicability of the graphical and logarithmic computations described.

  8. Methods, media and systems for managing a distributed application running in a plurality of digital processing devices

    DOEpatents

    Laadan, Oren; Nieh, Jason; Phung, Dan

    2012-10-02

    Methods, media and systems for managing a distributed application running in a plurality of digital processing devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes running one or more processes associated with the distributed application in virtualized operating system environments on a plurality of digital processing devices, suspending the one or more processes, and saving network state information relating to network connections among the one or more processes. The method further include storing process information relating to the one or more processes, recreating the network connections using the saved network state information, and restarting the one or more processes using the stored process information.

  9. Mobile Applications for Patient-centered Care Coordination: A Review of Human Factors Methods Applied to their Design, Development, and Evaluation

    PubMed Central

    Westbrook, J. I.

    2015-01-01

    Summary Objectives To examine if human factors methods were applied in the design, development, and evaluation of mobile applications developed to facilitate aspects of patient-centered care coordination. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (2013-2014) for studies describing the design or the evaluation of a mobile health application that aimed to support patients’ active involvement in the coordination of their care. Results 34 papers met the inclusion criteria. Applications ranged from tools that supported self-management of specific conditions (e.g. asthma) to tools that provided coaching or education. Twelve of the 15 papers describing the design or development of an app reported the use of a human factors approach. The most frequently used methods were interviews and surveys, which often included an exploration of participants’ current use of information technology. Sixteen papers described the evaluation of a patient application in practice. All of them adopted a human factors approach, typically an examination of the use of app features and/or surveys or interviews which enquired about patients’ views of the effects of using the app on their behaviors (e.g. medication adherence), knowledge, and relationships with healthcare providers. No study in our review assessed the impact of mobile applications on health outcomes. Conclusion The potential of mobile health applications to assist patients to more actively engage in the management of their care has resulted in a large number of applications being developed. Our review showed that human factors approaches are nearly always adopted to some extent in the design, development, and evaluation of mobile applications. PMID:26293851

  10. Using digital photography in a clinical setting: a valid, accurate, and applicable method to assess food intake.

    PubMed

    Winzer, Eva; Luger, Maria; Schindler, Karin

    2018-06-01

    Regular monitoring of food intake is hardly integrated in clinical routine. Therefore, the aim was to examine the validity, accuracy, and applicability of an appropriate and also quick and easy-to-use tool for recording food intake in a clinical setting. Two digital photography methods, the postMeal method with a picture after the meal, the pre-postMeal method with a picture before and after the meal, and the visual estimation method (plate diagram; PD) were compared against the reference method (weighed food records; WFR). A total of 420 dishes from lunch (7 weeks) were estimated with both photography methods and the visual method. Validity, applicability, accuracy, and precision of the estimation methods, and additionally food waste, macronutrient composition, and energy content were examined. Tests of validity revealed stronger correlations for photography methods (postMeal: r = 0.971, p < 0.001; pre-postMeal: r = 0.995, p < 0.001) compared to the visual estimation method (r = 0.810; p < 0.001). The pre-postMeal method showed smaller variability (bias < 1 g) and also smaller overestimation and underestimation. This method accurately and precisely estimated portion sizes in all food items. Furthermore, the total food waste was 22% for lunch over the study period. The highest food waste was observed in salads and the lowest in desserts. The pre-postMeal digital photography method is valid, accurate, and applicable in monitoring food intake in clinical setting, which enables a quantitative and qualitative dietary assessment. Thus, nutritional care might be initiated earlier. This method might be also advantageous for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of food waste, with a resultantly reduction in costs.

  11. Human-computer interface incorporating personal and application domains

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, Thomas G [Albuquerque, NM

    2011-03-29

    The present invention provides a human-computer interface. The interface includes provision of an application domain, for example corresponding to a three-dimensional application. The user is allowed to navigate and interact with the application domain. The interface also includes a personal domain, offering the user controls and interaction distinct from the application domain. The separation into two domains allows the most suitable interface methods in each: for example, three-dimensional navigation in the application domain, and two- or three-dimensional controls in the personal domain. Transitions between the application domain and the personal domain are under control of the user, and the transition method is substantially independent of the navigation in the application domain. For example, the user can fly through a three-dimensional application domain, and always move to the personal domain by moving a cursor near one extreme of the display.

  12. Human-computer interface incorporating personal and application domains

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, Thomas G.

    2004-04-20

    The present invention provides a human-computer interface. The interface includes provision of an application domain, for example corresponding to a three-dimensional application. The user is allowed to navigate and interact with the application domain. The interface also includes a personal domain, offering the user controls and interaction distinct from the application domain. The separation into two domains allows the most suitable interface methods in each: for example, three-dimensional navigation in the application domain, and two- or three-dimensional controls in the personal domain. Transitions between the application domain and the personal domain are under control of the user, and the transition method is substantially independent of the navigation in the application domain. For example, the user can fly through a three-dimensional application domain, and always move to the personal domain by moving a cursor near one extreme of the display.

  13. Silver nanoparticles: mechanism of antimicrobial action, synthesis, medical applications, and toxicity effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabhu, Sukumaran; Poulose, Eldho K.

    2012-10-01

    Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver which are in the range of 1 and 100 nm in size. Silver nanoparticles have unique properties which help in molecular diagnostics, in therapies, as well as in devices that are used in several medical procedures. The major methods used for silver nanoparticle synthesis are the physical and chemical methods. The problem with the chemical and physical methods is that the synthesis is expensive and can also have toxic substances absorbed onto them. To overcome this, the biological method provides a feasible alternative. The major biological systems involved in this are bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts. The major applications of silver nanoparticles in the medical field include diagnostic applications and therapeutic applications. In most of the therapeutic applications, it is the antimicrobial property that is being majorly explored, though the anti-inflammatory property has its fair share of applications. Though silver nanoparticles are rampantly used in many medical procedures and devices as well as in various biological fields, they have their drawbacks due to nanotoxicity. This review provides a comprehensive view on the mechanism of action, production, applications in the medical field, and the health and environmental concerns that are allegedly caused due to these nanoparticles. The focus is on effective and efficient synthesis of silver nanoparticles while exploring their various prospective applications besides trying to understand the current scenario in the debates on the toxicity concerns these nanoparticles pose.

  14. Hydroxylapatite nanoparticles: fabrication methods and medical applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Okada, Masahiro; Furuzono, Tsutomu

    2012-12-01

    Hydroxylapatite (or hydroxyapatite, HAp) exhibits excellent biocompatibility with various kinds of cells and tissues, making it an ideal candidate for tissue engineering, orthopedic and dental applications. Nanosized materials offer improved performances compared with conventional materials due to their large surface-to-volume ratios. This review summarizes existing knowledge and recent progress in fabrication methods of nanosized (or nanostructured) HAp particles, as well as their recent applications in medical and dental fields. In section 1, we provide a brief overview of HAp and nanoparticles. In section 2, fabrication methods of HAp nanoparticles are described based on the particle formation mechanisms. Recent applications of HAp nanoparticles are summarized in section 3. The future perspectives in this active research area are given in section 4.

  15. Healthcare chains - enabling application and data privacy controls for healthcare information systems.

    PubMed

    Omran, Esraa; Grandison, Tyrone; Abu Almaati, Shereef

    2010-01-01

    Healthcare applications that have access control, disclosure management and or privacy enforcement requirements may implement the respective solutions to these issues at the application level or at the database level or in both. Unfortunately, there are technical and non-technical factors that influence what can be done. In this paper we present a flexible, simple and novel approach to seamlessly imbuing current healthcare applications and their supporting infrastructure with security and privacy functionality, while being cognizant of these factors. This approach is called the Chain method. This paper will highlight the smaller design footprint, the increased ease of implementation and use of the Chain method, while demonstrating that it is as powerful and effective as traditional methods.

  16. Computational fluid dynamics - An introduction for engineers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abbott, Michael Barry; Basco, David R.

    An introduction to the fundamentals of CFD for engineers and physical scientists is presented. The principal definitions, basic ideas, and most common methods used in CFD are presented, and the application of these methods to the description of free surface, unsteady, and turbulent flow is shown. Emphasis is on the numerical treatment of incompressible unsteady fluid flow with primary applications to water problems using the finite difference method. While traditional areas of application like hydrology, hydraulic and coastal engineering and oceanography get the main emphasis, newer areas of application such as medical fluid dynamics, bioengineering, and soil physics and chemistry are also addressed. The possibilities and limitations of CFD are pointed out along with the relations of CFD to other branches of science.

  17. Statistical comparison of leaching behavior of incineration bottom ash using seawater and deionized water: Significant findings based on several leaching methods.

    PubMed

    Yin, Ke; Dou, Xiaomin; Ren, Fei; Chan, Wei-Ping; Chang, Victor Wei-Chung

    2018-02-15

    Bottom ashes generated from municipal solid waste incineration have gained increasing popularity as alternative construction materials, however, they contains elevated heavy metals posing a challenge for its free usage. Different leaching methods are developed to quantify leaching potential of incineration bottom ashes meanwhile guide its environmentally friendly application. Yet, there are diverse IBA applications while the in situ environment is always complicated, challenging its legislation. In this study, leaching tests were conveyed using batch and column leaching methods with seawater as opposed to deionized water, to unveil the metal leaching potential of IBA subjected to salty environment, which is commonly encountered when using IBA in land reclamation yet not well understood. Statistical analysis for different leaching methods suggested disparate performance between seawater and deionized water primarily ascribed to ionic strength. Impacts of leachant are metal-specific dependent on leaching methods and have a function of intrinsic characteristics of incineration bottom ashes. Leaching performances were further compared on additional perspectives, e.g. leaching approach and liquid to solid ratio, indicating sophisticated leaching potentials dominated by combined geochemistry. It is necessary to develop application-oriented leaching methods with corresponding leaching criteria to preclude discriminations between different applications, e.g., terrestrial applications vs. land reclamation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Application of Higuchi's fractal dimension from basic to clinical neurophysiology: A review.

    PubMed

    Kesić, Srdjan; Spasić, Sladjana Z

    2016-09-01

    For more than 20 years, Higuchi's fractal dimension (HFD), as a nonlinear method, has occupied an important place in the analysis of biological signals. The use of HFD has evolved from EEG and single neuron activity analysis to the most recent application in automated assessments of different clinical conditions. Our objective is to provide an updated review of the HFD method applied in basic and clinical neurophysiological research. This article summarizes and critically reviews a broad literature and major findings concerning the applications of HFD for measuring the complexity of neuronal activity during different neurophysiological conditions. The source of information used in this review comes from the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore Digital Library databases. The review process substantiated the significance, advantages and shortcomings of HFD application within all key areas of basic and clinical neurophysiology. Therefore, the paper discusses HFD application alone, combined with other linear or nonlinear measures, or as a part of automated methods for analyzing neurophysiological signals. The speed, accuracy and cost of applying the HFD method for research and medical diagnosis make it stand out from the widely used linear methods. However, only a combination of HFD with other nonlinear methods ensures reliable and accurate analysis of a wide range of neurophysiological signals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Analysis of Turbulent Boundary-Layer over Rough Surfaces with Application to Projectile Aerodynamics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-12-01

    12 V. APPLICATION IN COMPONENT BUILD-UP METHODOLOGIES ....................... 12 1. COMPONENT BUILD-UP IN DRAG...dimensional roughness. II. CLASSIFICATION OF PREDICTION METHODS Prediction methods can be classified into two main approache-: 1) Correlation methodologies ...data are availaNe. V. APPLICATION IN COMPONENT BUILD-UP METHODOLOGIES 1. COMPONENT BUILD-UP IN DRAG The new correlation can be used for an engine.ring

  20. Global Topology Optimisation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-31

    statistical physics. Sec. IV includes several examples of the application of the stochastic method, including matching of a shape to a fixed design, and...an important part of any future application of this method. Second, re-initialization of the level set can lead to small but significant movements of...of engineering design problems [6, 17]. However, many of the relevant applications involve non-convex optimisation problems with multiple locally

  1. Error response test system and method using test mask variable

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gender, Thomas K. (Inventor)

    2006-01-01

    An error response test system and method with increased functionality and improved performance is provided. The error response test system provides the ability to inject errors into the application under test to test the error response of the application under test in an automated and efficient manner. The error response system injects errors into the application through a test mask variable. The test mask variable is added to the application under test. During normal operation, the test mask variable is set to allow the application under test to operate normally. During testing, the error response test system can change the test mask variable to introduce an error into the application under test. The error response system can then monitor the application under test to determine whether the application has the correct response to the error.

  2. Research progress of nano self - cleaning anti-fouling coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Y.; Zhao, Y. J.; Teng, J. L.; Wang, J. H.; Wu, L. S.; Zheng, Y. L.

    2018-01-01

    There are many methods of evaluating the performance of nano self-cleaning anti-fouling coatings, such as carbon blacking method, coating reflection coefficient method, glass microbead method, film method, contact angle and rolling angle method, organic degradation method, and the application of performance evaluation method in self-cleaning antifouling coating. For the more, the types of nano self-cleaning anti-fouling coatings based on aqueous media was described, such as photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings, silicone coatings, organic fluorine coatings, fluorosilicone coatings, fluorocarbon coatings, polysilazane self-cleaning coatings. The research and application of different kinds of nano self-cleaning antifouling coatings are anlysised, and the latest research results are summed.

  3. Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopy in Challenging Environments: Applications to Passive Remote Sensing and Process Monitoring

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    IR remote sensing o ers a measurement method to detect gaseous species in the outdoor environment. Two major obstacles limit the application of this... method in quantitative analysis : (1) the e ect of both temperature and concentration on the measured spectral intensities and (2) the di culty and...crucial. In this research, particle swarm optimization, a population- based optimization method was applied. Digital ltering and wavelet processing methods

  4. Advanced stress analysis methods applicable to turbine engine structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pian, T. H. H.

    1985-01-01

    Advanced stress analysis methods applicable to turbine engine structures are investigated. Constructions of special elements which containing traction-free circular boundaries are investigated. New versions of mixed variational principle and version of hybrid stress elements are formulated. A method is established for suppression of kinematic deformation modes. semiLoof plate and shell elements are constructed by assumed stress hybrid method. An elastic-plastic analysis is conducted by viscoplasticity theory using the mechanical subelement model.

  5. Numerical methods for large-scale, time-dependent partial differential equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Turkel, E.

    1979-01-01

    A survey of numerical methods for time dependent partial differential equations is presented. The emphasis is on practical applications to large scale problems. A discussion of new developments in high order methods and moving grids is given. The importance of boundary conditions is stressed for both internal and external flows. A description of implicit methods is presented including generalizations to multidimensions. Shocks, aerodynamics, meteorology, plasma physics and combustion applications are also briefly described.

  6. Efficacy of communication amongst staff members at plastic and reconstructive surgery section using smartphone and mobile WhatsApp.

    PubMed

    Wani, Shabeer Ahmad; Rabah, Sari M; Alfadil, Sara; Dewanjee, Nancy; Najmi, Yahya

    2013-09-01

    The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of smartphone and its WhatsApp application as a communication method amongst the staff of plastic and reconstructive surgery section at tertiary care health facility. From January 2012 onwards, the authors used smartphones and its WhatsApp application as a communication method amongst their team for various aspects of patient management and as a tool for academic endorsements. During the period of this study, there were 116 episodes regarding patient management, which were handled, in a timely fashion by using this application. In addition opinion of rotating residents in the section was sought regarding the efficacy of this method of communication. Overall majority of residents were satisfied with this mode of communication. This new method of communication is an effective method for clinical and academic endorsements. The method is cheap and quick and easy to operate.

  7. Immunoaffinity chromatography: an introduction to applications and recent developments

    PubMed Central

    Moser, Annette C

    2010-01-01

    Immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) combines the use of LC with the specific binding of antibodies or related agents. The resulting method can be used in assays for a particular target or for purification and concentration of analytes prior to further examination by another technique. This review discusses the history and principles of IAC and the various formats that can be used with this method. An overview is given of the general properties of antibodies and of antibody-production methods. The supports and immobilization methods used with antibodies in IAC and the selection of application and elution conditions for IAC are also discussed. Several applications of IAC are considered, including its use in purification, immunodepletion, direct sample analysis, chromatographic immunoassays and combined analysis methods. Recent developments include the use of IAC with CE or MS, ultrafast immunoextraction methods and the use of immunoaffinity columns in microanalytical systems. PMID:20640220

  8. Rapid analysis of scattering from periodic dielectric structures using accelerated Cartesian expansions.

    PubMed

    Baczewski, Andrew D; Miller, Nicholas C; Shanker, Balasubramaniam

    2012-04-01

    The analysis of fields in periodic dielectric structures arise in numerous applications of recent interest, ranging from photonic bandgap structures and plasmonically active nanostructures to metamaterials. To achieve an accurate representation of the fields in these structures using numerical methods, dense spatial discretization is required. This, in turn, affects the cost of analysis, particularly for integral-equation-based methods, for which traditional iterative methods require O(N2) operations, N being the number of spatial degrees of freedom. In this paper, we introduce a method for the rapid solution of volumetric electric field integral equations used in the analysis of doubly periodic dielectric structures. The crux of our method is the accelerated Cartesian expansion algorithm, which is used to evaluate the requisite potentials in O(N) cost. Results are provided that corroborate our claims of acceleration without compromising accuracy, as well as the application of our method to a number of compelling photonics applications.

  9. Methods and systems for providing reconfigurable and recoverable computing resources

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    A method for optimizing the use of digital computing resources to achieve reliability and availability of the computing resources is disclosed. The method comprises providing one or more processors with a recovery mechanism, the one or more processors executing one or more applications. A determination is made whether the one or more processors needs to be reconfigured. A rapid recovery is employed to reconfigure the one or more processors when needed. A computing system that provides reconfigurable and recoverable computing resources is also disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors with a recovery mechanism, with the one or more processors configured to execute a first application, and an additional processor configured to execute a second application different than the first application. The additional processor is reconfigurable with rapid recovery such that the additional processor can execute the first application when one of the one more processors fails.

  10. Numerical method for the solution of large systems of differential equations of the boundary layer type

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Green, M. J.; Nachtsheim, P. R.

    1972-01-01

    A numerical method for the solution of large systems of nonlinear differential equations of the boundary-layer type is described. The method is a modification of the technique for satisfying asymptotic boundary conditions. The present method employs inverse interpolation instead of the Newton method to adjust the initial conditions of the related initial-value problem. This eliminates the so-called perturbation equations. The elimination of the perturbation equations not only reduces the user's preliminary work in the application of the method, but also reduces the number of time-consuming initial-value problems to be numerically solved at each iteration. For further ease of application, the solution of the overdetermined system for the unknown initial conditions is obtained automatically by applying Golub's linear least-squares algorithm. The relative ease of application of the proposed numerical method increases directly as the order of the differential-equation system increases. Hence, the method is especially attractive for the solution of large-order systems. After the method is described, it is applied to a fifth-order problem from boundary-layer theory.

  11. Seventh NASTRAN User's Colloquium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    The general application of finite element methodology and the specific application of NASTRAN to a wide variety of static and dynamic structural problems are described. Topics include: fluids and thermal applications, NASTRAN programming, substructuring methods, unique new applications, general auxiliary programs, specific applications, and new capabilities.

  12. [Baseflow separation methods in hydrological process research: a review].

    PubMed

    Xu, Lei-Lei; Liu, Jing-Lin; Jin, Chang-Jie; Wang, An-Zhi; Guan, De-Xin; Wu, Jia-Bing; Yuan, Feng-Hui

    2011-11-01

    Baseflow separation research is regarded as one of the most important and difficult issues in hydrology and ecohydrology, but lacked of unified standards in the concepts and methods. This paper introduced the theories of baseflow separation based on the definitions of baseflow components, and analyzed the development course of different baseflow separation methods. Among the methods developed, graph separation method is simple and applicable but arbitrary, balance method accords with hydrological mechanism but is difficult in application, whereas time series separation method and isotopic method can overcome the subjective and arbitrary defects caused by graph separation method, and thus can obtain the baseflow procedure quickly and efficiently. In recent years, hydrological modeling, digital filtering, and isotopic method are the main methods used for baseflow separation.

  13. Optimum process design of packed bed type thermal storage systems and other applications

    DOEpatents

    Bindra, Hitesh; Bueno, Pablo

    2016-10-25

    Methods and systems for optimizing the process of heat and/or mass transfer operations in packed beds and embodiments of applications of the methods are disclosed herein below. In one instance, the method results in the profile of the quantity representative of the heat and/or mass transfer operation having a propagating substantially sharp front.

  14. Development and Application of a Soil Moisture Downscaling Method for Mobility Assessment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-05-01

    instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send...REPORT Development and Application of a Soil Moisture Downscaling Method for Mobility Assessment 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: Soil...cells). Thus, a method is required to downscale intermediate-resolution patterns to finer resolutions. Fortunately, fine-resolution variations in

  15. An Application of Flipped Classroom Method in the Instructional Technologies and Material Development Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Özpinar, Ilknur; Yenmez, Arzu Aydogan; Gökçe, Semirhan

    2016-01-01

    A natural outcome of change in technology, new approaches towards teaching and learning have emerged and the applicability of the flipped classroom method, a new educational strategy, in the field of education has started to be discussed. It was aimed with the study to examine the effect of using flipped classroom method in academic achievements…

  16. Examining Information Problem-Solving, Knowledge, and Application Gains within Two Instructional Methods: Problem-Based and Computer-Mediated Participatory Simulation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Newell, Terrance S.

    2008-01-01

    This study compared the effectiveness of two instructional methods--problem-based instruction within a face-to-face context and computer-mediated participatory simulation--in increasing students' content knowledge and application gains in the area of information problem-solving. The instructional methods were implemented over a four-week period. A…

  17. Comparative Analysis of Western and Domestic Practice of Interactive Method Application in Teaching Social and Political Disciplines at the Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hladka, Halyna

    2014-01-01

    The comparative analysis of western and domestic practice of introducing active and interactive methods of studies in the process of teaching social science disciplines has been carried out. Features, realities, prospects and limitations in application of interactive methods of teaching in the process of implementing social-political science…

  18. Application of concepts from cross-recurrence analysis in speech production: an overview and comparison with other nonlinear methods.

    PubMed

    Lancia, Leonardo; Fuchs, Susanne; Tiede, Mark

    2014-06-01

    The aim of this article was to introduce an important tool, cross-recurrence analysis, to speech production applications by showing how it can be adapted to evaluate the similarity of multivariate patterns of articulatory motion. The method differs from classical applications of cross-recurrence analysis because no phase space reconstruction is conducted, and a cleaning algorithm removes the artifacts from the recurrence plot. The main features of the proposed approach are robustness to nonstationarity and efficient separation of amplitude variability from temporal variability. The authors tested these claims by applying their method to synthetic stimuli whose variability had been carefully controlled. The proposed method was also demonstrated in a practical application: It was used to investigate the role of biomechanical constraints in articulatory reorganization as a consequence of speeded repetition of CVCV utterances containing a labial and a coronal consonant. Overall, the proposed approach provided more reliable results than other methods, particularly in the presence of high variability. The proposed method is a useful and appropriate tool for quantifying similarity and dissimilarity in patterns of speech articulator movement, especially in such research areas as speech errors and pathologies, where unpredictable divergent behavior is expected.

  19. Approximate Quantum Dynamics using Ab Initio Classical Separable Potentials: Spectroscopic Applications.

    PubMed

    Hirshberg, Barak; Sagiv, Lior; Gerber, R Benny

    2017-03-14

    Algorithms for quantum molecular dynamics simulations that directly use ab initio methods have many potential applications. In this article, the ab initio classical separable potentials (AICSP) method is proposed as the basis for approximate algorithms of this type. The AICSP method assumes separability of the total time-dependent wave function of the nuclei and employs mean-field potentials that govern the dynamics of each degree of freedom. In the proposed approach, the mean-field potentials are determined by classical ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The nuclear wave function can thus be propagated in time using the effective potentials generated "on the fly". As a test of the method for realistic systems, calculations of the stationary anharmonic frequencies of hydrogen stretching modes were carried out for several polyatomic systems, including three amino acids and the guanine-cytosine pair of nucleobases. Good agreement with experiments was found. The method scales very favorably with the number of vibrational modes and should be applicable for very large molecules, e.g., peptides. The method should also be applicable for properties such as vibrational line widths and line shapes. Work in these directions is underway.

  20. Mobility-based correction for accurate determination of binding constants by capillary electrophoresis-frontal analysis.

    PubMed

    Qian, Cheng; Kovalchik, Kevin A; MacLennan, Matthew S; Huang, Xiaohua; Chen, David D Y

    2017-06-01

    Capillary electrophoresis frontal analysis (CE-FA) can be used to determine binding affinity of molecular interactions. However, its current data processing method mandate specific requirement on the mobilities of the binding pair in order to obtain accurate binding constants. This work shows that significant errors are resulted when the mobilities of the interacting species do not meet these requirements. Therefore, the applicability of CE-FA in many real word applications becomes questionable. An electrophoretic mobility-based correction method is developed in this work based on the flux of each species. A simulation program and a pair of model compounds are used to verify the new equations and evaluate the effectiveness of this method. Ibuprofen and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrinare used to demonstrate the differences in the obtained binding constant by CE-FA when different calculation methods are used, and the results are compared with those obtained by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE). The results suggest that CE-FA, with the mobility-based correction method, can be a generally applicable method for a much wider range of applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Teaching General Principles and Applications of Dendrogeomorphology.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Butler, David R.

    1987-01-01

    Tree-ring analysis in geomorphology can be incorporated into a number of undergraduate methods in order to reconstruct the history of a variety of geomorphic processes. Discusses dendrochronology, general principles of dendrogeomorphology, field sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and examples of applications. (TW)

  2. IMPROVEMENT IN AIR TOXICS METHODS FOR VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Innovative and customized monitoring methods for air toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are being developed for applications in exposure and trends monitoring. This task addresses the following applications of specific interest:

    o Contributions to EPA Regional Monit...

  3. Special Course on Inverse Methods for Airfoil Design for Aeronautical and Turbomachinery Applications (Methodes Inverses pour la Conception des Profils Porteurs pour des Applications dans les Domaines de l’Aeronautique et des Turbomachines)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-11-01

    engined jet aircraft wing MID PLA CROSS tCTO% taking into account the effects of the propulsive system. -DESIGN PAAMETERS DESTIGE PARAMETERS 5CT 0 (MC 0...AGARD Report No.780 Special Course on Inverse Methods for Airfoil Design for Aeronautical and Turbomachinery Applications (M6thodes Inverses pour la...manufacturing systems. Blade or airfoil designs are normally made in two steps, and the lectures are accordingly grouped into two parts. - - In the

  4. A Method of Signal Scrambling to Secure Data Storage for Healthcare Applications.

    PubMed

    Bao, Shu-Di; Chen, Meng; Yang, Guang-Zhong

    2017-11-01

    A body sensor network that consists of wearable and/or implantable biosensors has been an important front-end for collecting personal health records. It is expected that the full integration of outside-hospital personal health information and hospital electronic health records will further promote preventative health services as well as global health. However, the integration and sharing of health information is bound to bring with it security and privacy issues. With extensive development of healthcare applications, security and privacy issues are becoming increasingly important. This paper addresses the potential security risks of healthcare data in Internet-based applications and proposes a method of signal scrambling as an add-on security mechanism in the application layer for a variety of healthcare information, where a piece of tiny data is used to scramble healthcare records. The former is kept locally and the latter, along with security protection, is sent for cloud storage. The tiny data can be derived from a random number generator or even a piece of healthcare data, which makes the method more flexible. The computational complexity and security performance in terms of theoretical and experimental analysis has been investigated to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method is applicable to all kinds of data that require extra security protection within complex networks.

  5. Applications of geographic information systems (GIS) data and methods in obesity-related research.

    PubMed

    Jia, P; Cheng, X; Xue, H; Wang, Y

    2017-04-01

    Geographic information systems (GIS) data/methods offer good promise for public health programs including obesity-related research. This study systematically examined their applications and identified gaps and limitations in current obesity-related research. A systematic search of PubMed for studies published before 20 May 2016, utilizing synonyms for GIS in combination with synonyms for obesity as search terms, identified 121 studies that met our inclusion criteria. We found primary applications of GIS data/methods in obesity-related research included (i) visualization of spatial distribution of obesity and obesity-related phenomena, and basic obesogenic environmental features, and (ii) construction of advanced obesogenic environmental indicators. We found high spatial heterogeneity in obesity prevalence/risk and obesogenic environmental factors. Also, study design and characteristics varied considerably across studies because of lack of established guidance and protocols in the field, which may also have contributed to the mixed findings about environmental impacts on obesity. Existing findings regarding built environment are more robust than those regarding food environment. Applications of GIS data/methods in obesity research are still limited, and related research faces many challenges. More and better GIS data and more friendly analysis methods are needed to expand future GIS applications in obesity-related research. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

  6. Measurement of residual stresses by the moire method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sciammarella, C. A.; Albertazzi, A., Jr.

    Three different applications of the moire method to the determination of residual stresses and strains are presented. The three applications take advantage of the property of ratings to record the changes of the surface they are printed on. One of the applications deals with thermal residual stresses, another with contact residual stress and the third one is a generalization of the blind hole technique. This last application is based on a computer assisted moire technique and on the generalization of the quasi-heterodyne techniques of fringe pattern analysis.

  7. Computation of Relative Magnetic Helicity in Spherical Coordinates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moraitis, Kostas; Pariat, Étienne; Savcheva, Antonia; Valori, Gherardo

    2018-06-01

    Magnetic helicity is a quantity of great importance in solar studies because it is conserved in ideal magnetohydrodynamics. While many methods for computing magnetic helicity in Cartesian finite volumes exist, in spherical coordinates, the natural coordinate system for solar applications, helicity is only treated approximately. We present here a method for properly computing the relative magnetic helicity in spherical geometry. The volumes considered are finite, of shell or wedge shape, and the three-dimensional magnetic field is considered to be fully known throughout the studied domain. Testing of the method with well-known, semi-analytic, force-free magnetic-field models reveals that it has excellent accuracy. Further application to a set of nonlinear force-free reconstructions of the magnetic field of solar active regions and comparison with an approximate method used in the past indicates that the proposed method can be significantly more accurate, thus making our method a promising tool in helicity studies that employ spherical geometry. Additionally, we determine and discuss the applicability range of the approximate method.

  8. Efficacy of communication amongst staff members at plastic and reconstructive surgery section using smartphone and mobile WhatsApp

    PubMed Central

    Wani, Shabeer Ahmad; Rabah, Sari M.; AlFadil, Sara; Dewanjee, Nancy; Najmi, Yahya

    2013-01-01

    Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of smartphone and its WhatsApp application as a communication method amongst the staff of plastic and reconstructive surgery section at tertiary care health facility. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 onwards, the authors used smartphones and its WhatsApp application as a communication method amongst their team for various aspects of patient management and as a tool for academic endorsements. Results: During the period of this study, there were 116 episodes regarding patient management, which were handled, in a timely fashion by using this application. In addition opinion of rotating residents in the section was sought regarding the efficacy of this method of communication. Overall majority of residents were satisfied with this mode of communication. Conclusions: This new method of communication is an effective method for clinical and academic endorsements. The method is cheap and quick and easy to operate. PMID:24459338

  9. Advantages and pitfalls in the application of mixed-model association methods.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jian; Zaitlen, Noah A; Goddard, Michael E; Visscher, Peter M; Price, Alkes L

    2014-02-01

    Mixed linear models are emerging as a method of choice for conducting genetic association studies in humans and other organisms. The advantages of the mixed-linear-model association (MLMA) method include the prevention of false positive associations due to population or relatedness structure and an increase in power obtained through the application of a correction that is specific to this structure. An underappreciated point is that MLMA can also increase power in studies without sample structure by implicitly conditioning on associated loci other than the candidate locus. Numerous variations on the standard MLMA approach have recently been published, with a focus on reducing computational cost. These advances provide researchers applying MLMA methods with many options to choose from, but we caution that MLMA methods are still subject to potential pitfalls. Here we describe and quantify the advantages and pitfalls of MLMA methods as a function of study design and provide recommendations for the application of these methods in practical settings.

  10. Carbon Nanotubes by CVD and Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cassell, Alan; Delzeit, Lance; Nguyen, Cattien; Stevens, Ramsey; Han, Jie; Meyyappan, M.; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Carbon nanotube (CNT) exhibits extraordinary mechanical and unique electronic properties and offers significant potential for structural, sensor, and nanoelectronics applications. An overview of CNT, growth methods, properties and applications is provided. Single-wall, and multi-wall CNTs have been grown by chemical vapor deposition. Catalyst development and optimization has been accomplished using combinatorial optimization methods. CNT has also been grown from the tips of silicon cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy.

  11. Comet assay: an essential tool in toxicological research.

    PubMed

    Glei, M; Schneider, T; Schlörmann, W

    2016-10-01

    The comet assay is a versatile, reliable, cost-efficient, and fast technique for detecting DNA damage and repair in any tissue. It is useable in almost any cell type and applicable to both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Instead of highlighting one of the numerous specific aspects of the comet assay, the present review aims at giving an overview about the evolution of this widely applicable method from the first description by Ostling and Johanson to the OECD Guideline 489 for the in vivo mammalian comet assay. In addition, methodical aspects and the influence of critical steps of the assay as well as the evaluation of results and improvements of the method are reviewed. Methodical aspects regarding oxidative DNA damage and repair are also addressed. An overview about the most recent works and relevant cutting-edge reviews based on the comet assay with special regard to, e.g., clinical applications, nanoparticles or environmental risk assessment concludes this review. Taken together, the presented overview raises expectations to further decades of successful applications and enhancements of this excellent method.

  12. Use of atomic force microscopy in the forensic application of chronological order of toners and stamping inks in questioned documents.

    PubMed

    Kang, Tae-Yi; Lee, Joong; Park, Byung-Wook

    2016-04-01

    This paper describes the application of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a nano-indentation method and introduces a new method of identifying the chronological order of the application of the toner and stamping ink on the surface of documents by removing either of them. Various toners were used as samples for the AFM nano-indentation method. The chronological order of the application of the toner and stamping ink with either the toner placed over the stamping ink or the stamping ink placed over the toner, could be identified, regardless of the kinds of toners made by various companies. This paper provides the new approach for physically removing the toner and checking the material below it to identify questioned documents, which allows the method to be used to appraise documents forensically. Blind testing has shown that the method to analyze the chronological order of toner-printed documents and the seal stamping on them could accurately identify the order in all samples, while minimizing damage to the samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Application of Variational Methods to the Thermal Entrance Region of Ducts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sparrow, E. M.; Siegel. R.

    1960-01-01

    A variational method is presented for solving eigenvalue problems which arise in connection with the analysis of convective heat transfer in the thermal entrance region of ducts. Consideration is given, to both situations where the temperature profile depends upon one cross-sectional coordinate (e.g. circular tube) or upon two cross-sectional coordinates (e.g. rectangular duct). The variational method is illustrated and verified by application to laminar heat transfer in a circular tube and a parallel-plate channel, and good agreement with existing numerical solutions is attained. Then, application is made to laminar heat transfer in a square duct as a check, an alternate computation for the square duct is made using a method indicated by Misaps and Pohihausen. The variational method can, in principle, also be applied to problems in turbulent heat transfer.

  14. Application of theoretical methods to increase succinate production in engineered strains.

    PubMed

    Valderrama-Gomez, M A; Kreitmayer, D; Wolf, S; Marin-Sanguino, A; Kremling, A

    2017-04-01

    Computational methods have enabled the discovery of non-intuitive strategies to enhance the production of a variety of target molecules. In the case of succinate production, reviews covering the topic have not yet analyzed the impact and future potential that such methods may have. In this work, we review the application of computational methods to the production of succinic acid. We found that while a total of 26 theoretical studies were published between 2002 and 2016, only 10 studies reported the successful experimental implementation of any kind of theoretical knowledge. None of the experimental studies reported an exact application of the computational predictions. However, the combination of computational analysis with complementary strategies, such as directed evolution and comparative genome analysis, serves as a proof of concept and demonstrates that successful metabolic engineering can be guided by rational computational methods.

  15. An evaluation on CT image acquisition method for medical VR applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jang, Seong-wook; Ko, Junho; Yoo, Yon-sik; Kim, Yoonsang

    2017-02-01

    Recent medical virtual reality (VR) applications to minimize re-operations are being studied for improvements in surgical efficiency and reduction of operation error. The CT image acquisition method considering three-dimensional (3D) modeling for medical VR applications is important, because the realistic model is required for the actual human organ. However, the research for medical VR applications has focused on 3D modeling techniques and utilized 3D models. In addition, research on a CT image acquisition method considering 3D modeling has never been reported. The conventional CT image acquisition method involves scanning a limited area of the lesion for the diagnosis of doctors once or twice. However, the medical VR application is required to acquire the CT image considering patients' various postures and a wider area than the lesion. A wider area than the lesion is required because of the necessary process of comparing bilateral sides for dyskinesia diagnosis of the shoulder, pelvis, and leg. Moreover, patients' various postures are required due to the different effects on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, in this paper, we perform a comparative experiment on the acquired CT images considering image area (unilateral/bilateral) and patients' postures (neutral/abducted). CT images are acquired from 10 patients for the experiments, and the acquired CT images are evaluated based on the length per pixel and the morphological deviation. Finally, by comparing the experiment results, we evaluate the CT image acquisition method for medical VR applications.

  16. Measuring the Cobb angle with the iPhone in kyphoses: a reliability study.

    PubMed

    Jacquot, Frederic; Charpentier, Axelle; Khelifi, Sofiane; Gastambide, Daniel; Rigal, Regis; Sautet, Alain

    2012-08-01

    Smartphones have gained widespread use in the healthcare field to fulfill a variety of tasks. We developed a small iPhone application to take advantage of the built-in position sensor to measure angles in a variety of spinal deformities. We present a reliability study of this tool in measuring kyphotic angles. Radiographs taken from 20 different patients' charts were presented to a panel of six operators at two different times. Radiographs were measured with the protractor and the iPhone application and statistical analysis was applied to measure intraclass correlation coefficients between both measurement methods, and to measure intra- and interobserver reliability The intraclass correlation coefficient calculated between methods (i.e. CobbMeter application on the iPhone versus standard method with the protractor) was 0.963 for all measures, indicating excellent correlation was obtained between the CobbMeter application and the standard method. The interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.965. The intraobserver ICC was 0.977, indicating excellent reproductibility of measurements at different times for all operators. The interobserver ICC between fellowship trained senior surgeons and general orthopaedic residents was 0.989. Consistently, the ICC for intraobserver and interobserver correlations was higher with the CobbMeter application than with the regular protractor method. This difference was not statistically significant. Measuring kyphotic angles with the iPhone application appears to be a valid procedure and is in no way inferior to the standard way of measuring the Cobb angle in kyphotic deformities.

  17. Analysis and application of Fourier transform spectroscopy in atmospheric remote sensing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Park, J. H.

    1984-01-01

    An analysis method for Fourier transform spectroscopy is summarized with applications to various types of distortion in atmospheric absorption spectra. This analysis method includes the fast Fourier transform method for simulating the interferometric spectrum and the nonlinear least-squares method for retrieving the information from a measured spectrum. It is shown that spectral distortions can be simulated quite well and that the correct information can be retrieved from a distorted spectrum by this analysis technique.

  18. Estimating habitat volume of living resources using three-dimensional circulation and biogeochemical models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, Katharine A.; Schlag, Zachary; North, Elizabeth W.

    2018-07-01

    Coupled three-dimensional circulation and biogeochemical models predict changes in water properties that can be used to define fish habitat, including physiologically important parameters such as temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. However, methods for calculating the volume of habitat defined by the intersection of multiple water properties are not well established for coupled three-dimensional models. The objectives of this research were to examine multiple methods for calculating habitat volume from three-dimensional model predictions, select the most robust approach, and provide an example application of the technique. Three methods were assessed: the "Step," "Ruled Surface", and "Pentahedron" methods, the latter of which was developed as part of this research. Results indicate that the analytical Pentahedron method is exact, computationally efficient, and preserves continuity in water properties between adjacent grid cells. As an example application, the Pentahedron method was implemented within the Habitat Volume Model (HabVol) using output from a circulation model with an Arakawa C-grid and physiological tolerances of juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis). This application demonstrates that the analytical Pentahedron method can be successfully applied to calculate habitat volume using output from coupled three-dimensional circulation and biogeochemical models, and it indicates that the Pentahedron method has wide application to aquatic and marine systems for which these models exist and physiological tolerances of organisms are known.

  19. Method of Harmonic Balance in Full-Scale-Model Tests of Electrical Devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gorbatenko, N. I.; Lankin, A. M.; Lankin, M. V.

    2017-01-01

    Methods for determining the weber-ampere characteristics of electrical devices, one of which is based on solution of direct problem of harmonic balance and the other on solution of inverse problem of harmonic balance by the method of full-scale-model tests, are suggested. The mathematical model of the device is constructed using the describing function and simplex optimization methods. The presented results of experimental applications of the method show its efficiency. The advantage of the method is the possibility of application for nondestructive inspection of electrical devices in the processes of their production and operation.

  20. Preface of "The Second Symposium on Border Zones Between Experimental and Numerical Application Including Solution Approaches By Extensions of Standard Numerical Methods"

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ortleb, Sigrun; Seidel, Christian

    2017-07-01

    In this second symposium at the limits of experimental and numerical methods, recent research is presented on practically relevant problems. Presentations discuss experimental investigation as well as numerical methods with a strong focus on application. In addition, problems are identified which require a hybrid experimental-numerical approach. Topics include fast explicit diffusion applied to a geothermal energy storage tank, noise in experimental measurements of electrical quantities, thermal fluid structure interaction, tensegrity structures, experimental and numerical methods for Chladni figures, optimized construction of hydroelectric power stations, experimental and numerical limits in the investigation of rain-wind induced vibrations as well as the application of exponential integrators in a domain-based IMEX setting.

  1. Current status of computational methods for transonic unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelastic applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edwards, John W.; Malone, John B.

    1992-01-01

    The current status of computational methods for unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelasticity is reviewed. The key features of challenging aeroelastic applications are discussed in terms of the flowfield state: low-angle high speed flows and high-angle vortex-dominated flows. The critical role played by viscous effects in determining aeroelastic stability for conditions of incipient flow separation is stressed. The need for a variety of flow modeling tools, from linear formulations to implementations of the Navier-Stokes equations, is emphasized. Estimates of computer run times for flutter calculations using several computational methods are given. Applications of these methods for unsteady aerodynamic and transonic flutter calculations for airfoils, wings, and configurations are summarized. Finally, recommendations are made concerning future research directions.

  2. Photogrammetry and Videogrammetry Methods Development for Solar Sail Structures. Masters Thesis awarded by George Washington Univ.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pappa, Richard S. (Technical Monitor); Black, Jonathan T.

    2003-01-01

    This report discusses the development and application of metrology methods called photogrammetry and videogrammetry that make accurate measurements from photographs. These methods have been adapted for the static and dynamic characterization of gossamer structures, as four specific solar sail applications demonstrate. The applications prove that high-resolution, full-field, non-contact static measurements of solar sails using dot projection photogrammetry are possible as well as full-field, non-contact, dynamic characterization using dot projection videogrammetry. The accuracy of the measurement of the resonant frequencies and operating deflection shapes that were extracted surpassed expectations. While other non-contact measurement methods exist, they are not full-field and require significantly more time to take data.

  3. Unproven methods in cancer treatment.

    PubMed

    Hauser, S P

    1993-07-01

    The nature-based and nontoxic image makes application of unproven methods in oncology attractive in contrast to application of a mechanized scientific medicine. The application frequency of these treatments ranges from 10% to greater than 60%. Increasingly, the promoters try to create a scientific impression through a pseudologic cancer theory, a harmless diagnostic test, and a holistic treatment of every cancer. Of the big variety of unproven methods, which are summarized in 11 groups in this review, the following are discussed: anthroposophic and other mistletoe preparations; homeopathy; Maharishi Ayur-Veda; unproven anticancer diets; orthomolecular medicine, including ascorbic acid; and methods supposedly stimulating unspecific and specific defense mechanisms. In conclusion, physicians should beware of and have knowledge of currently used unproven cancer treatments for epidemiologic, social, economic, and scientific reasons.

  4. A Huygens immersed-finite-element particle-in-cell method for modeling plasma-surface interactions with moving interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Huijun; Cao, Yong; Chu, Yuchuan; He, Xiaoming; Lin, Tao

    2018-06-01

    Surface evolution is an unavoidable issue in engineering plasma applications. In this article an iterative method for modeling plasma-surface interactions with moving interface is proposed and validated. In this method, the plasma dynamics is simulated by an immersed finite element particle-in-cell (IFE-PIC) method, and the surface evolution is modeled by the Huygens wavelet method which is coupled with the iteration of the IFE-PIC method. Numerical experiments, including prototypical engineering applications, such as the erosion of Hall thruster channel wall, are presented to demonstrate features of this Huygens IFE-PIC method for simulating the dynamic plasma-surface interactions.

  5. Review of Hybrid (Deterministic/Monte Carlo) Radiation Transport Methods, Codes, and Applications at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

    Wagner, John C; Peplow, Douglas E.; Mosher, Scott W

    2011-01-01

    This paper provides a review of the hybrid (Monte Carlo/deterministic) radiation transport methods and codes used at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and examples of their application for increasing the efficiency of real-world, fixed-source Monte Carlo analyses. The two principal hybrid methods are (1) Consistent Adjoint Driven Importance Sampling (CADIS) for optimization of a localized detector (tally) region (e.g., flux, dose, or reaction rate at a particular location) and (2) Forward Weighted CADIS (FW-CADIS) for optimizing distributions (e.g., mesh tallies over all or part of the problem space) or multiple localized detector regions (e.g., simultaneous optimization of two or moremore » localized tally regions). The two methods have been implemented and automated in both the MAVRIC sequence of SCALE 6 and ADVANTG, a code that works with the MCNP code. As implemented, the methods utilize the results of approximate, fast-running 3-D discrete ordinates transport calculations (with the Denovo code) to generate consistent space- and energy-dependent source and transport (weight windows) biasing parameters. These methods and codes have been applied to many relevant and challenging problems, including calculations of PWR ex-core thermal detector response, dose rates throughout an entire PWR facility, site boundary dose from arrays of commercial spent fuel storage casks, radiation fields for criticality accident alarm system placement, and detector response for special nuclear material detection scenarios and nuclear well-logging tools. Substantial computational speed-ups, generally O(102-4), have been realized for all applications to date. This paper provides a brief review of the methods, their implementation, results of their application, and current development activities, as well as a considerable list of references for readers seeking more information about the methods and/or their applications.« less

  6. Statistical Methods in Psychology Journals.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Willkinson, Leland

    1999-01-01

    Proposes guidelines for revising the American Psychological Association (APA) publication manual or other APA materials to clarify the application of statistics in research reports. The guidelines are intended to induce authors and editors to recognize the thoughtless application of statistical methods. Contains 54 references. (SLD)

  7. 40 CFR 60.743 - Compliance provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... operations not using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when the... carbon adsorption system with individual exhaust stacks for each adsorber vessel. The owner or operator... operations using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when emissions...

  8. 40 CFR 60.743 - Compliance provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... operations not using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when the... carbon adsorption system with individual exhaust stacks for each adsorber vessel. The owner or operator... operations using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when emissions...

  9. 40 CFR 60.743 - Compliance provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... operations not using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when the... carbon adsorption system with individual exhaust stacks for each adsorber vessel. The owner or operator... operations using carbon adsorption beds with individual exhausts. This method is applicable when emissions...

  10. Application of geophysical methods to agriculture: An overview

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Geophysical methods are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for agricultural applications. Agricultural geophysics investigations are commonly (although certainly not always) focused on delineating small- and/or large-scale objects/features within the soil profile (~ 0 to 2 m depth) over very lar...

  11. Metrology of fused silica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nürnberg, F.; Kühn, B.; Rollmann, K.

    2016-12-01

    In over 100 years of quartz glass fabrication, the applications and the optical requirements for this type of optical material have significantly changed. Applications like spectroscopy, UV flash lamps, the Apollo missions as well as the growth in UV and IR applications have directed quartz glass development towards new products, technologies or methods of measurement. The boundaries of the original measurement methods have been achieved and more sensitive measurements with precise resolution for transmission, purity, radiation resistance, absorption, thermal and mechanical stability as well as optical properties like homogeneity, stress birefringence, striae and bubbles/inclusions had to be found. This article will provide an overview of the development of measuring methods of quartz glass, discuss their limits and accuracy and point out the parameters which are of high relevance for today's laser applications.

  12. System and method for controlling power consumption in a computer system based on user satisfaction

    DOEpatents

    Yang, Lei; Dick, Robert P; Chen, Xi; Memik, Gokhan; Dinda, Peter A; Shy, Alex; Ozisikyilmaz, Berkin; Mallik, Arindam; Choudhary, Alok

    2014-04-22

    Systems and methods for controlling power consumption in a computer system. For each of a plurality of interactive applications, the method changes a frequency at which a processor of the computer system runs, receives an indication of user satisfaction, determines a relationship between the changed frequency and the user satisfaction of the interactive application, and stores the determined relationship information. The determined relationship can distinguish between different users and different interactive applications. A frequency may be selected from the discrete frequencies at which the processor of the computer system runs based on the determined relationship information for a particular user and a particular interactive application running on the processor of the computer system. The processor may be adapted to run at the selected frequency.

  13. Application of TRIZ Methodology in Diffusion Welding System Optimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ravinder Reddy, N.; Satyanarayana, V. V.; Prashanthi, M.; Suguna, N.

    2017-12-01

    Welding is tremendously used in metal joining processes in the manufacturing process. In recent years, diffusion welding method has significantly increased the quality of a weld. Nevertheless, diffusion welding has some extent short research and application progress. Therefore, diffusion welding has a lack of relevant information, concerned with the joining of thick and thin materials with or without interlayers, on welding design such as fixture, parameters selection and integrated design. This article intends to combine innovative methods in the application of diffusion welding design. This will help to decrease trial and error or failure risks in the welding process being guided by the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) design method. This article hopes to provide welding design personnel with innovative design ideas under research and for practical application.

  14. Trends in HFE Methods and Tools and Their Applicability to Safety Reviews

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

    O'Hara, J.M.; Plott, C.; Milanski, J.

    2009-09-30

    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) conducts human factors engineering (HFE) safety reviews of applicant submittals for new plants and for changes to existing plants. The reviews include the evaluation of the methods and tools (M&T) used by applicants as part of their HFE program. The technology used to perform HFE activities has been rapidly evolving, resulting in a whole new generation of HFE M&Ts. The objectives of this research were to identify the current trends in HFE methods and tools, determine their applicability to NRC safety reviews, and identify topics for which the NRC may need additional guidance tomore » support the NRC's safety reviews. We conducted a survey that identified over 100 new HFE M&Ts. The M&Ts were assessed to identify general trends. Seven trends were identified: Computer Applications for Performing Traditional Analyses, Computer-Aided Design, Integration of HFE Methods and Tools, Rapid Development Engineering, Analysis of Cognitive Tasks, Use of Virtual Environments and Visualizations, and Application of Human Performance Models. We assessed each trend to determine its applicability to the NRC's review by considering (1) whether the nuclear industry is making use of M&Ts for each trend, and (2) whether M&Ts reflecting the trend can be reviewed using the current design review guidance. We concluded that M&T trends that are applicable to the commercial nuclear industry and are expected to impact safety reviews may be considered for review guidance development. Three trends fell into this category: Analysis of Cognitive Tasks, Use of Virtual Environments and Visualizations, and Application of Human Performance Models. The other trends do not need to be addressed at this time.« less

  15. SDN solutions for switching dedicated long-haul connections: Measurements and comparative analysis

    DOE PAGES

    Rao, Nageswara S. V.

    2016-01-01

    We consider a scenario of two sites connected over a dedicated, long-haul connection that must quickly fail-over in response to degradations in host-to-host application performance. The traditional layer-2/3 hot stand-by fail-over solutions do not adequately address the variety of application degradations, and more recent single controller Software Defined Networks (SDN) solutions are not effective for long-haul connections. We present two methods for such a path fail-over using OpenFlow enabled switches: (a) a light-weight method that utilizes host scripts to monitor application performance and dpctl API for switching, and (b) a generic method that uses two OpenDaylight (ODL) controllers and RESTmore » interfaces. For both methods, the restoration dynamics of applications contain significant statistical variations due to the complexities of controllers, north bound interfaces and switches; they, together with the wide variety of vendor implementations, complicate the choice among such solutions. We develop the impulse-response method based on regression functions of performance parameters to provide a rigorous and objective comparison of different solutions. We describe testing results of the two proposed methods, using TCP throughput and connection rtt as main parameters, over a testbed consisting of HP and Cisco switches connected over longhaul connections emulated in hardware by ANUE devices. Lastly, the combination of analytical and experimental results demonstrate that the dpctl method responds seconds faster than the ODL method on average, even though both methods eventually restore original TCP throughput.« less

  16. Construction of Response Surface with Higher Order Continuity and Its Application to Reliability Engineering

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krishnamurthy, T.; Romero, V. J.

    2002-01-01

    The usefulness of piecewise polynomials with C1 and C2 derivative continuity for response surface construction method is examined. A Moving Least Squares (MLS) method is developed and compared with four other interpolation methods, including kriging. First the selected methods are applied and compared with one another in a two-design variables problem with a known theoretical response function. Next the methods are tested in a four-design variables problem from a reliability-based design application. In general the piecewise polynomial with higher order derivative continuity methods produce less error in the response prediction. The MLS method was found to be superior for response surface construction among the methods evaluated.

  17. Multidisciplinary Design Techniques Applied to Conceptual Aerospace Vehicle Design. Ph.D. Thesis Final Technical Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Olds, John Robert; Walberg, Gerald D.

    1993-01-01

    Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is an emerging discipline within aerospace engineering. Its goal is to bring structure and efficiency to the complex design process associated with advanced aerospace launch vehicles. Aerospace vehicles generally require input from a variety of traditional aerospace disciplines - aerodynamics, structures, performance, etc. As such, traditional optimization methods cannot always be applied. Several multidisciplinary techniques and methods were proposed as potentially applicable to this class of design problem. Among the candidate options are calculus-based (or gradient-based) optimization schemes and parametric schemes based on design of experiments theory. A brief overview of several applicable multidisciplinary design optimization methods is included. Methods from the calculus-based class and the parametric class are reviewed, but the research application reported focuses on methods from the parametric class. A vehicle of current interest was chosen as a test application for this research. The rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle combines elements of rocket and airbreathing propulsion in an attempt to produce an attractive option for launching medium sized payloads into low earth orbit. The RBCC SSTO presents a particularly difficult problem for traditional one-variable-at-a-time optimization methods because of the lack of an adequate experience base and the highly coupled nature of the design variables. MDO, however, with it's structured approach to design, is well suited to this problem. The result of the application of Taguchi methods, central composite designs, and response surface methods to the design optimization of the RBCC SSTO are presented. Attention is given to the aspect of Taguchi methods that attempts to locate a 'robust' design - that is, a design that is least sensitive to uncontrollable influences on the design. Near-optimum minimum dry weight solutions are determined for the vehicle. A summary and evaluation of the various parametric MDO methods employed in the research are included. Recommendations for additional research are provided.

  18. A duality approach for solving bounded linear programming problems with fuzzy variables based on ranking functions and its application in bounded transportation problems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ebrahimnejad, Ali

    2015-08-01

    There are several methods, in the literature, for solving fuzzy variable linear programming problems (fuzzy linear programming in which the right-hand-side vectors and decision variables are represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers). In this paper, the shortcomings of some existing methods are pointed out and to overcome these shortcomings a new method based on the bounded dual simplex method is proposed to determine the fuzzy optimal solution of that kind of fuzzy variable linear programming problems in which some or all variables are restricted to lie within lower and upper bounds. To illustrate the proposed method, an application example is solved and the obtained results are given. The advantages of the proposed method over existing methods are discussed. Also, one application of this algorithm in solving bounded transportation problems with fuzzy supplies and demands is dealt with. The proposed method is easy to understand and to apply for determining the fuzzy optimal solution of bounded fuzzy variable linear programming problems occurring in real-life situations.

  19. Extension of rezoned Eulerian-Lagrangian method to astrophysical plasma applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Song, M. T.; Wu, S. T.; Dryer, Murray

    1993-01-01

    The rezoned Eulerian-Lagrangian procedure developed by Brackbill and Pracht (1973), which is limited to simple configurations of the magnetic fields, is modified in order to make it applicable to astrophysical plasma. For this purpose, two specific methods are introduced, which make it possible to determine the initial field topology for which no analytical expressions are available. Numerical examples illustrating these methods are presented.

  20. A method of network topology optimization design considering application process characteristic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chunlin; Huang, Ning; Bai, Yanan; Zhang, Shuo

    2018-03-01

    Communication networks are designed to meet the usage requirements of users for various network applications. The current studies of network topology optimization design mainly considered network traffic, which is the result of network application operation, but not a design element of communication networks. A network application is a procedure of the usage of services by users with some demanded performance requirements, and has obvious process characteristic. In this paper, we first propose a method to optimize the design of communication network topology considering the application process characteristic. Taking the minimum network delay as objective, and the cost of network design and network connective reliability as constraints, an optimization model of network topology design is formulated, and the optimal solution of network topology design is searched by Genetic Algorithm (GA). Furthermore, we investigate the influence of network topology parameter on network delay under the background of multiple process-oriented applications, which can guide the generation of initial population and then improve the efficiency of GA. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness and validity of our proposed method. Network topology optimization design considering applications can improve the reliability of applications, and provide guidance for network builders in the early stage of network design, which is of great significance in engineering practices.

  1. An Efficient Silent Data Corruption Detection Method with Error-Feedback Control and Even Sampling for HPC Applications

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

    Di, Sheng; Berrocal, Eduardo; Cappello, Franck

    The silent data corruption (SDC) problem is attracting more and more attentions because it is expected to have a great impact on exascale HPC applications. SDC faults are hazardous in that they pass unnoticed by hardware and can lead to wrong computation results. In this work, we formulate SDC detection as a runtime one-step-ahead prediction method, leveraging multiple linear prediction methods in order to improve the detection results. The contributions are twofold: (1) we propose an error feedback control model that can reduce the prediction errors for different linear prediction methods, and (2) we propose a spatial-data-based even-sampling method tomore » minimize the detection overheads (including memory and computation cost). We implement our algorithms in the fault tolerance interface, a fault tolerance library with multiple checkpoint levels, such that users can conveniently protect their HPC applications against both SDC errors and fail-stop errors. We evaluate our approach by using large-scale traces from well-known, large-scale HPC applications, as well as by running those HPC applications on a real cluster environment. Experiments show that our error feedback control model can improve detection sensitivity by 34-189% for bit-flip memory errors injected with the bit positions in the range [20,30], without any degradation on detection accuracy. Furthermore, memory size can be reduced by 33% with our spatial-data even-sampling method, with only a slight and graceful degradation in the detection sensitivity.« less

  2. Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Lymphoma: Methods and Applications.

    PubMed

    Herrera, Alex F; Armand, Philippe

    2017-12-01

    Standard methods for disease response assessment in patients with lymphoma, including positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, are imperfect. In other hematologic malignancies, particularly leukemias, the ability to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) is increasingly influencing treatment paradigms. However, in many subtypes of lymphoma, the application of MRD assessment techniques, like flow cytometry or polymerase chain reaction-based methods, has been challenging because of the absence of readily detected circulating disease or canonic chromosomal translocations. Newer MRD detection methods that use next-generation sequencing have yielded promising results in a number of lymphoma subtypes, fueling the hope that MRD detection may soon be applicable in clinical practice for most patients with lymphoma. MRD assessment can provide real-time information about tumor burden and response to therapy, noninvasive genomic profiling, and monitoring of clonal dynamics, allowing for many possible applications that could significantly affect the care of patients with lymphoma. Further validation of MRD assessment methods, including the incorporation of MRD assessment into clinical trials in patients with lymphoma, will be critical to determine how best to deploy MRD testing in routine practice and whether MRD assessment can ultimately bring us closer to the goal of personalized lymphoma care. In this review article, we describe the methods available for detecting MRD in patients with lymphoma and their relative advantages and disadvantages. We discuss preliminary results supporting the potential applications for MRD testing in the care of patients with lymphoma and strategies for including MRD assessment in lymphoma clinical trials.

  3. Methods for artifact detection and removal from scalp EEG: A review.

    PubMed

    Islam, Md Kafiul; Rastegarnia, Amir; Yang, Zhi

    2016-11-01

    Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most popular brain activity recording technique used in wide range of applications. One of the commonly faced problems in EEG recordings is the presence of artifacts that come from sources other than brain and contaminate the acquired signals significantly. Therefore, much research over the past 15 years has focused on identifying ways for handling such artifacts in the preprocessing stage. However, this is still an active area of research as no single existing artifact detection/removal method is complete or universal. This article presents an extensive review of the existing state-of-the-art artifact detection and removal methods from scalp EEG for all potential EEG-based applications and analyses the pros and cons of each method. First, a general overview of the different artifact types that are found in scalp EEG and their effect on particular applications are presented. In addition, the methods are compared based on their ability to remove certain types of artifacts and their suitability in relevant applications (only functional comparison is provided not performance evaluation of methods). Finally, the future direction and expected challenges of current research is discussed. Therefore, this review is expected to be helpful for interested researchers who will develop and/or apply artifact handling algorithm/technique in future for their applications as well as for those willing to improve the existing algorithms or propose a new solution in this particular area of research. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  4. Applications of MMPBSA to Membrane Proteins I: Efficient Numerical Solutions of Periodic Poisson-Boltzmann Equation

    PubMed Central

    Botello-Smith, Wesley M.; Luo, Ray

    2016-01-01

    Continuum solvent models have been widely used in biomolecular modeling applications. Recently much attention has been given to inclusion of implicit membrane into existing continuum Poisson-Boltzmann solvent models to extend their applications to membrane systems. Inclusion of an implicit membrane complicates numerical solutions of the underlining Poisson-Boltzmann equation due to the dielectric inhomogeneity on the boundary surfaces of a computation grid. This can be alleviated by the use of the periodic boundary condition, a common practice in electrostatic computations in particle simulations. The conjugate gradient and successive over-relaxation methods are relatively straightforward to be adapted to periodic calculations, but their convergence rates are quite low, limiting their applications to free energy simulations that require a large number of conformations to be processed. To accelerate convergence, the Incomplete Cholesky preconditioning and the geometric multi-grid methods have been extended to incorporate periodicity for biomolecular applications. Impressive convergence behaviors were found as in the previous applications of these numerical methods to tested biomolecules and MMPBSA calculations. PMID:26389966

  5. Low-disturbance manure application methods in a corn silage-rye cover crop system

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Incorporation of manure by tillage can conserve manure N by reducing ammonia volatilization losses, but tillage also incorporates crop residue, which increases erosion potential. This study compared several low-disturbance manure application methods, designed to incorporate manure while still mainta...

  6. 44 CFR 67.6 - Basis of appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... technically incorrect. Because scientific and technical correctness is often a matter of degree rather than...), appellants are required to demonstrate that alternative methods or applications result in more correct... due to error in application of hydrologic, hydraulic or other methods or use of inferior data in...

  7. 44 CFR 67.6 - Basis of appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... technically incorrect. Because scientific and technical correctness is often a matter of degree rather than...), appellants are required to demonstrate that alternative methods or applications result in more correct... due to error in application of hydrologic, hydraulic or other methods or use of inferior data in...

  8. 44 CFR 67.6 - Basis of appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... technically incorrect. Because scientific and technical correctness is often a matter of degree rather than...), appellants are required to demonstrate that alternative methods or applications result in more correct... due to error in application of hydrologic, hydraulic or other methods or use of inferior data in...

  9. 44 CFR 67.6 - Basis of appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... technically incorrect. Because scientific and technical correctness is often a matter of degree rather than...), appellants are required to demonstrate that alternative methods or applications result in more correct... due to error in application of hydrologic, hydraulic or other methods or use of inferior data in...

  10. A Topical Overview of Cumulative Risk Assessment Concepts, Methods, and Applications (2007–2016)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Cumulative risk assessments (CRAs) address combined risks from exposures to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors and may focus on vulnerable communities or populations. Significant contributions have been made to the development of concepts, methods, and applications for C...

  11. Development of EPA OTM 10 for Landfill Applications

    EPA Science Inventory

    In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency posted a new test method on its website called OTM 10 which describes direct measurement of pollutant mass emission flux from area sources using ground-based optical remote sensing. The method has validated application to relative...

  12. 76 FR 51354 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-18

    ... Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant; and the Iraq and Afghanistan... application components, descriptions and submission methods for each are listed in Table 1. Table 1--Federal Student Aid Application Components Component Description Submission method Initial Submission of FAFSA...

  13. Advanced stress analysis methods applicable to turbine engine structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pian, Theodore H. H.

    1991-01-01

    The following tasks on the study of advanced stress analysis methods applicable to turbine engine structures are described: (1) constructions of special elements which contain traction-free circular boundaries; (2) formulation of new version of mixed variational principles and new version of hybrid stress elements; (3) establishment of methods for suppression of kinematic deformation modes; (4) construction of semiLoof plate and shell elements by assumed stress hybrid method; and (5) elastic-plastic analysis by viscoplasticity theory using the mechanical subelement model.

  14. Generating Sudoku puzzles and its applications in teaching mathematics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Evans, Ryan; Lindner, Brett; Shi, Yixun

    2011-07-01

    This article presents a few methods for generating Sudoku puzzles. These methods are developed based on the concepts of matrix, permutation, and modular functions, and therefore can be used to form application examples or student projects when teaching various mathematics courses. Mathematical properties of these methods are studied, connections between the methods are investigated, and student projects are suggested. Since most students tend to enjoy games, studies like this may help raising students' interests and enhance their problem-solving skills.

  15. Formal Methods for Life-Critical Software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, Ricky W.; Johnson, Sally C.

    1993-01-01

    The use of computer software in life-critical applications, such as for civil air transports, demands the use of rigorous formal mathematical verification procedures. This paper demonstrates how to apply formal methods to the development and verification of software by leading the reader step-by-step through requirements analysis, design, implementation, and verification of an electronic phone book application. The current maturity and limitations of formal methods tools and techniques are then discussed, and a number of examples of the successful use of formal methods by industry are cited.

  16. [Application and comparison of NDT-Bobath and Vojta methods in treatment of selected pathologies of the nervous system in children].

    PubMed

    Jóźwiak, Sergiusz; Podogrodzki, Jacek

    2010-01-01

    The paper compares effectiveness of NDT-Bobath and Vojta methods in the treatment of selected dysfunctions of the nervous system in children. It evaluates applicability of both methods in prenatal and perinatal injury of the central nervous system, myelomeningocele, Down syndrome and spasticity. The existing literature is supplemented by own clinical experience of the authors. The paper forms the opinion on the constant debates on the superiority of one method over another.

  17. Numerical Hydrodynamics in Special Relativity.

    PubMed

    Martí, J M; Müller, E

    1999-01-01

    This review is concerned with a discussion of numerical methods for the solution of the equations of special relativistic hydrodynamics (SRHD). Particular emphasis is put on a comprehensive review of the application of high-resolution shock-capturing methods in SRHD. Results obtained with different numerical SRHD methods are compared, and two astrophysical applications of SRHD flows are discussed. An evaluation of the various numerical methods is given and future developments are analyzed. Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.12942/lrr-1999-3.

  18. Virtual screening methods as tools for drug lead discovery from large chemical libraries.

    PubMed

    Ma, X H; Zhu, F; Liu, X; Shi, Z; Zhang, J X; Yang, S Y; Wei, Y Q; Chen, Y Z

    2012-01-01

    Virtual screening methods have been developed and explored as useful tools for searching drug lead compounds from chemical libraries, including large libraries that have become publically available. In this review, we discussed the new developments in exploring virtual screening methods for enhanced performance in searching large chemical libraries, their applications in screening libraries of ~ 1 million or more compounds in the last five years, the difficulties in their applications, and the strategies for further improving these methods.

  19. The estimation of the measurement results with using statistical methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Velychko, O.; Gordiyenko, T.

    2015-02-01

    The row of international standards and guides describe various statistical methods that apply for a management, control and improvement of processes with the purpose of realization of analysis of the technical measurement results. The analysis of international standards and guides on statistical methods estimation of the measurement results recommendations for those applications in laboratories is described. For realization of analysis of standards and guides the cause-and-effect Ishikawa diagrams concerting to application of statistical methods for estimation of the measurement results are constructed.

  20. Emerging non-invasive Raman methods in process control and forensic applications.

    PubMed

    Macleod, Neil A; Matousek, Pavel

    2008-10-01

    This article reviews emerging Raman techniques (Spatially Offset and Transmission Raman Spectroscopy) for non-invasive, sub-surface probing in process control and forensic applications. New capabilities offered by these methods are discussed and several application examples are given including the non-invasive detection of counterfeit drugs through blister packs and opaque plastic bottles and the rapid quantitative analysis of the bulk content of pharmaceutical tablets and capsules without sub-sampling.

  1. Sol-Gel Synthesis of Non-Silica Monolithic Materials

    PubMed Central

    Gaweł, Bartłomiej; Gaweł, Kamila; Øye, Gisle

    2010-01-01

    Monolithic materials have become very popular because of various applications, especially within chromatography and catalysis. Large surface areas and multimodal porosities are great advantages for these applications. New sol-gel preparation methods utilizing phase separation or nanocasting have opened the possibility for preparing materials of other oxides than silica. In this review, we present different synthesis methods for inorganic, non-silica monolithic materials. Some examples of application of the materials are also included.

  2. 40 CFR Table A-1 to Subpart A of... - Summary of Applicable Requirements for Reference and Equivalent Methods for Air Monitoring of...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Methods for Air Monitoring of Criteria Pollutants Pollutant Ref. or equivalent Manual or automated Applicable part 50 appendix Applicable subparts of part 53 A B C D E F SO2 Reference Manual A Equivalent Manual ✓ ✓ Automated ✓ ✓ ✓ CO Reference Automated C ✓ ✓ Equivalent Manual ✓ ✓ Automated ✓ ✓ ✓ O3...

  3. Numerical methods for the simulation of complex multi-body flows with applications for the integrated Space Shuttle vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, William M.

    1992-01-01

    The following papers are presented: (1) numerical methods for the simulation of complex multi-body flows with applications for the Integrated Space Shuttle vehicle; (2) a generalized scheme for 3-D hyperbolic grid generation; (3) collar grids for intersecting geometric components within the Chimera overlapped grid scheme; and (4) application of the Chimera overlapped grid scheme to simulation of Space Shuttle ascent flows.

  4. Balancing Chemical Reactions With Matrix Methods and Computer Assistance. Applications of Linear Algebra to Chemistry. Modules and Monographs in Undergraduate Mathematics and Its Applications Project. UMAP Unit 339.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grimaldi, Ralph P.

    This material was developed to provide an application of matrix mathematics in chemistry, and to show the concepts of linear independence and dependence in vector spaces of dimensions greater than three in a concrete setting. The techniques presented are not intended to be considered as replacements for such chemical methods as oxidation-reduction…

  5. A novel surface registration algorithm with biomedical modeling applications.

    PubMed

    Huang, Heng; Shen, Li; Zhang, Rong; Makedon, Fillia; Saykin, Andrew; Pearlman, Justin

    2007-07-01

    In this paper, we propose a novel surface matching algorithm for arbitrarily shaped but simply connected 3-D objects. The spherical harmonic (SPHARM) method is used to describe these 3-D objects, and a novel surface registration approach is presented. The proposed technique is applied to various applications of medical image analysis. The results are compared with those using the traditional method, in which the first-order ellipsoid is used for establishing surface correspondence and aligning objects. In these applications, our surface alignment method is demonstrated to be more accurate and flexible than the traditional approach. This is due in large part to the fact that a new surface parameterization is generated by a shortcut that employs a useful rotational property of spherical harmonic basis functions for a fast implementation. In order to achieve a suitable computational speed for practical applications, we propose a fast alignment algorithm that improves computational complexity of the new surface registration method from O(n3) to O(n2).

  6. [Administration of vaccine against myxomatosis using live MXT by means of external ear puncture with a special needle].

    PubMed

    Cupera, Z; Krupka, V; Jiran, E

    1982-01-01

    A new application method was developed and tested for the immunoprophylaxis of rabbits against myxomatosis using a live MXT vaccine. This new application method--injection of the ear with a special double needle--is very simple and easy. Its use enables a five-fold increase in vaccination doses as compared with subcutaneous application while the amount of vaccine remains the same. In laboratory this method with the MXT vaccine secured a 98.2% protection of the vaccinated animals. One vaccination dose contains 18.1 to 37.2 PD50. Eleven months from a single vaccination by injecting the ear, 83% of the rabbits still remained protected against experimental infection. With the use of the new application method of injecting the ear with the special double needle, the live MXT vaccine against myxomatosis in rabbits represents an effective, easily practicable and economically advantageous direction in the immunoprophylaxis of rabbits against myxomatosis.

  7. Application of Multi-Parameter Data Visualization by Means of Multidimensional Scaling to Evaluate Possibility of Coal Gasification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jamróz, Dariusz; Niedoba, Tomasz; Surowiak, Agnieszka; Tumidajski, Tadeusz; Szostek, Roman; Gajer, Mirosław

    2017-09-01

    The application of methods drawing upon multi-parameter visualization of data by transformation of multidimensional space into two-dimensional one allow to show multi-parameter data on computer screen. Thanks to that, it is possible to conduct a qualitative analysis of this data in the most natural way for human being, i.e. by the sense of sight. An example of such method of multi-parameter visualization is multidimensional scaling. This method was used in this paper to present and analyze a set of seven-dimensional data obtained from Janina Mining Plant and Wieczorek Coal Mine. It was decided to examine whether the method of multi-parameter data visualization allows to divide the samples space into areas of various applicability to fluidal gasification process. The "Technological applicability card for coals" was used for this purpose [Sobolewski et al., 2012; 2017], in which the key parameters, important and additional ones affecting the gasification process were described.

  8. Methods for compressible multiphase flows and their applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, H.; Choe, Y.; Kim, H.; Min, D.; Kim, C.

    2018-06-01

    This paper presents an efficient and robust numerical framework to deal with multiphase real-fluid flows and their broad spectrum of engineering applications. A homogeneous mixture model incorporated with a real-fluid equation of state and a phase change model is considered to calculate complex multiphase problems. As robust and accurate numerical methods to handle multiphase shocks and phase interfaces over a wide range of flow speeds, the AUSMPW+_N and RoeM_N schemes with a system preconditioning method are presented. These methods are assessed by extensive validation problems with various types of equation of state and phase change models. Representative realistic multiphase phenomena, including the flow inside a thermal vapor compressor, pressurization in a cryogenic tank, and unsteady cavitating flow around a wedge, are then investigated as application problems. With appropriate physical modeling followed by robust and accurate numerical treatments, compressible multiphase flow physics such as phase changes, shock discontinuities, and their interactions are well captured, confirming the suitability of the proposed numerical framework to wide engineering applications.

  9. A novel baseline-correction method for standard addition based derivative spectra and its application to quantitative analysis of benzo(a)pyrene in vegetable oil samples.

    PubMed

    Li, Na; Li, Xiu-Ying; Zou, Zhe-Xiang; Lin, Li-Rong; Li, Yao-Qun

    2011-07-07

    In the present work, a baseline-correction method based on peak-to-derivative baseline measurement was proposed for the elimination of complex matrix interference that was mainly caused by unknown components and/or background in the analysis of derivative spectra. This novel method was applicable particularly when the matrix interfering components showed a broad spectral band, which was common in practical analysis. The derivative baseline was established by connecting two crossing points of the spectral curves obtained with a standard addition method (SAM). The applicability and reliability of the proposed method was demonstrated through both theoretical simulation and practical application. Firstly, Gaussian bands were used to simulate 'interfering' and 'analyte' bands to investigate the effect of different parameters of interfering band on the derivative baseline. This simulation analysis verified that the accuracy of the proposed method was remarkably better than other conventional methods such as peak-to-zero, tangent, and peak-to-peak measurements. Then the above proposed baseline-correction method was applied to the determination of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in vegetable oil samples by second-derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The satisfactory results were obtained by using this new method to analyze a certified reference material (coconut oil, BCR(®)-458) with a relative error of -3.2% from the certified BaP concentration. Potentially, the proposed method can be applied to various types of derivative spectra in different fields such as UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy.

  10. Pulse oximeter sensor application during neonatal resuscitation: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Louis, Deepak; Sundaram, Venkataseshan; Kumar, Praveen

    2014-03-01

    This study was done to compare 2 techniques of pulse oximeter sensor application during neonatal resuscitation for faster signal detection. Sensor to infant first (STIF) and then to oximeter was compared with sensor to oximeter first (STOF) and then to infant in ≥28 weeks gestations. The primary outcome was time from completion of sensor application to reliable signal, defined as stable display of heart rate and saturation. Time from birth to sensor application, time taken for sensor application, time from birth to reliable signal, and need to reapply sensor were secondary outcomes. An intention-to-treat analysis was done, and subgroup analysis was done for gestation and need for resuscitation. One hundred fifty neonates were randomized with 75 to each technique. The median (IQR) time from sensor application to detection of reliable signal was longer in STIF group compared with STOF group (16 [15-17] vs. 10 [6-18] seconds; P <0.001). Time taken for application of sensor was longer with STIF technique than with STOF technique (12 [10-16] vs. 11 [9-15] seconds; P = 0.04). Time from birth to reliable signal did not differ between the 2 methods (STIF: 61 [52-76] seconds; STOF: 58 [47-73] seconds [P = .09]). Time taken for signal acquisition was longer with STIF than with STOF in both subgroups. In the delivery room setting, the STOF method recognized saturation and heart rate faster than the STIF method. The time from birth to reliable signal was similar with the 2 methods.

  11. 7 CFR 1776.8 - Methods for submitting applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and...

  12. 7 CFR 1776.8 - Methods for submitting applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and...

  13. 7 CFR 1776.8 - Methods for submitting applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and...

  14. 7 CFR 1776.8 - Methods for submitting applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and...

  15. 7 CFR 1776.8 - Methods for submitting applications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and...

  16. Emerging Applications for High K Materials in VLSI Technology

    PubMed Central

    Clark, Robert D.

    2014-01-01

    The current status of High K dielectrics in Very Large Scale Integrated circuit (VLSI) manufacturing for leading edge Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) applications is summarized along with the deposition methods and general equipment types employed. Emerging applications for High K dielectrics in future CMOS are described as well for implementations in 10 nm and beyond nodes. Additional emerging applications for High K dielectrics include Resistive RAM memories, Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) diodes, Ferroelectric logic and memory devices, and as mask layers for patterning. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a common and proven deposition method for all of the applications discussed for use in future VLSI manufacturing. PMID:28788599

  17. Application of the QSDC procedure to the formulation of space shuttle design criteria. Volume 2: Applications guide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bouton, I.; Martin, G. L.

    1972-01-01

    Criteria to determine the probability of aircraft structural failure were established according to the Quantitative Structural Design Criteria by Statistical Methods, the QSDC Procedure. This criteria method was applied to the design of the space shuttle during this contract. An Applications Guide was developed to demonstrate the utilization of the QSDC Procedure, with examples of the application to a hypothetical space shuttle illustrating the application to specific design problems. Discussions of the basic parameters of the QSDC Procedure: the Limit and Omega Conditions, and the strength scatter, have been included. Available data pertinent to the estimation of the strength scatter have also been included.

  18. Applications of species accumulation curves in large-scale biological data analysis.

    PubMed

    Deng, Chao; Daley, Timothy; Smith, Andrew D

    2015-09-01

    The species accumulation curve, or collector's curve, of a population gives the expected number of observed species or distinct classes as a function of sampling effort. Species accumulation curves allow researchers to assess and compare diversity across populations or to evaluate the benefits of additional sampling. Traditional applications have focused on ecological populations but emerging large-scale applications, for example in DNA sequencing, are orders of magnitude larger and present new challenges. We developed a method to estimate accumulation curves for predicting the complexity of DNA sequencing libraries. This method uses rational function approximations to a classical non-parametric empirical Bayes estimator due to Good and Toulmin [Biometrika, 1956, 43, 45-63]. Here we demonstrate how the same approach can be highly effective in other large-scale applications involving biological data sets. These include estimating microbial species richness, immune repertoire size, and k -mer diversity for genome assembly applications. We show how the method can be modified to address populations containing an effectively infinite number of species where saturation cannot practically be attained. We also introduce a flexible suite of tools implemented as an R package that make these methods broadly accessible.

  19. Applications of species accumulation curves in large-scale biological data analysis

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Chao; Daley, Timothy; Smith, Andrew D

    2016-01-01

    The species accumulation curve, or collector’s curve, of a population gives the expected number of observed species or distinct classes as a function of sampling effort. Species accumulation curves allow researchers to assess and compare diversity across populations or to evaluate the benefits of additional sampling. Traditional applications have focused on ecological populations but emerging large-scale applications, for example in DNA sequencing, are orders of magnitude larger and present new challenges. We developed a method to estimate accumulation curves for predicting the complexity of DNA sequencing libraries. This method uses rational function approximations to a classical non-parametric empirical Bayes estimator due to Good and Toulmin [Biometrika, 1956, 43, 45–63]. Here we demonstrate how the same approach can be highly effective in other large-scale applications involving biological data sets. These include estimating microbial species richness, immune repertoire size, and k-mer diversity for genome assembly applications. We show how the method can be modified to address populations containing an effectively infinite number of species where saturation cannot practically be attained. We also introduce a flexible suite of tools implemented as an R package that make these methods broadly accessible. PMID:27252899

  20. A new preconditioner update strategy for the solution of sequences of linear systems in structural mechanics: application to saddle point problems in elasticity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mercier, Sylvain; Gratton, Serge; Tardieu, Nicolas; Vasseur, Xavier

    2017-12-01

    Many applications in structural mechanics require the numerical solution of sequences of linear systems typically issued from a finite element discretization of the governing equations on fine meshes. The method of Lagrange multipliers is often used to take into account mechanical constraints. The resulting matrices then exhibit a saddle point structure and the iterative solution of such preconditioned linear systems is considered as challenging. A popular strategy is then to combine preconditioning and deflation to yield an efficient method. We propose an alternative that is applicable to the general case and not only to matrices with a saddle point structure. In this approach, we consider to update an existing algebraic or application-based preconditioner, using specific available information exploiting the knowledge of an approximate invariant subspace or of matrix-vector products. The resulting preconditioner has the form of a limited memory quasi-Newton matrix and requires a small number of linearly independent vectors. Numerical experiments performed on three large-scale applications in elasticity highlight the relevance of the new approach. We show that the proposed method outperforms the deflation method when considering sequences of linear systems with varying matrices.

  1. Forensic applications of ambient ionization mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ifa, Demian R; Jackson, Ayanna U; Paglia, Giuseppe; Cooks, R Graham

    2009-08-01

    This review highlights and critically assesses forensic applications in the developing field of ambient ionization mass spectrometry. Ambient ionization methods permit the ionization of samples outside the mass spectrometer in the ordinary atmosphere, with minimal sample preparation. Several ambient ionization methods have been created since 2004 and they utilize different mechanisms to create ions for mass-spectrometric analysis. Forensic applications of these techniques--to the analysis of toxic industrial compounds, chemical warfare agents, illicit drugs and formulations, explosives, foodstuff, inks, fingerprints, and skin--are reviewed. The minimal sample pretreatment needed is illustrated with examples of analysis from complex matrices (e.g., food) on various substrates (e.g., paper). The low limits of detection achieved by most of the ambient ionization methods for compounds of forensic interest readily offer qualitative confirmation of chemical identity; in some cases quantitative data are also available. The forensic applications of ambient ionization methods are a growing research field and there are still many types of applications which remain to be explored, particularly those involving on-site analysis. Aspects of ambient ionization currently undergoing rapid development include molecular imaging and increased detection specificity through simultaneous chemical reaction and ionization by addition of appropriate chemical reagents.

  2. Urinary Biomarker, Dermal, and Air Measurement Results for 2,4-D and Chlorpyrifos Farm Applicators in the Agricultural Health Study

    PubMed Central

    Thomas, Kent; Dosemeci, Mustafa; Hoppin, Jane A.; Sheldon, Linda; Croghan, Carry; Gordon, Sydney; Jones, Martin; Reynolds, Stephen; Raymer, James; Akland, Gerald; Lynch, Charles F.; Knott, Charles; Sandler, Dale P.; Blair, Aaron; Alavanja, Michael

    2010-01-01

    Epidemiologic studies increasingly rely on improved exposure assessments to characterize pesticide exposures in agricultural populations. A subset of private pesticide applicators in the AHS epidemiological cohort was monitored around the time of their agricultural use of 2,4-D and chlorpyrifos to assess exposure levels and potential exposure factors. Measurements included pre- and post-application urine samples, and patch, hand wipe, and personal air samples. Broadcast or hand spray application methods were used by applicators for 2,4-D products. Chlorpyrifos products were applied using spray applications and in-furrow application of granular products. Geometric mean (GM) values for 69 2,4-D applicators were 7.8 and 25 µg/L in pre- and post-application urine, respectively (p < 0.05 for difference); 0.39 mg for estimated hand loading; 2.9 mg for estimated body loading; and 0.37 µg/m3 for concentration in personal air. Significant correlations were found between all media for 2,4-D. GM values for 17 chlorpyrifos applicators were 11 µg/L in both pre- and post-application urine for the 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol metabolite, 0.28 mg for body loading, and 0.49 µg/m3 for air concentration. Only 53% of the chlorpyrifos applicators had measureable hand loading results; their median hand loading was 0.02 mg. Factors associated with differences in 2,4-D measurements included application method and glove use; and, for hand spray applicators, use of adjuvants, equipment repair, duration of use, and contact with treated vegetation. Spray applications of liquid chlorpyrifos products were associated with higher measurements than in-furrow granular product applications. This study provides information on exposures and possible exposure determinants for several application methods commonly used by farmers in the cohort and will provide information to assess and refine exposure classification in the Agricultural Health Study. Results may also be of use in pesticide safety education for reducing exposures to applied pesticides. PMID:19240759

  3. Accelerated High-Dimensional MR Imaging with Sparse Sampling Using Low-Rank Tensors

    PubMed Central

    He, Jingfei; Liu, Qiegen; Christodoulou, Anthony G.; Ma, Chao; Lam, Fan

    2017-01-01

    High-dimensional MR imaging often requires long data acquisition time, thereby limiting its practical applications. This paper presents a low-rank tensor based method for accelerated high-dimensional MR imaging using sparse sampling. This method represents high-dimensional images as low-rank tensors (or partially separable functions) and uses this mathematical structure for sparse sampling of the data space and for image reconstruction from highly undersampled data. More specifically, the proposed method acquires two datasets with complementary sampling patterns, one for subspace estimation and the other for image reconstruction; image reconstruction from highly undersampled data is accomplished by fitting the measured data with a sparsity constraint on the core tensor and a group sparsity constraint on the spatial coefficients jointly using the alternating direction method of multipliers. The usefulness of the proposed method is demonstrated in MRI applications; it may also have applications beyond MRI. PMID:27093543

  4. Critical current density measurement of striated multifilament-coated conductors using a scanning Hall probe microscope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiao-Fen; Kochat, Mehdi; Majkic, Goran; Selvamanickam, Venkat

    2016-08-01

    In this paper the authors succeeded in measuring the critical current density ({J}{{c}}) of multifilament-coated conductors (CCs) with thin filaments as low as 0.25 mm using the scanning hall probe microscope (SHPM) technique. A new iterative method of data analysis is developed to make the calculation of {J}{{c}} for thin filaments possible, even without a very small scan distance. The authors also discussed in detail the advantage and limitation of the iterative method using both simulation and experiment results. The results of the new method correspond well with the traditional fast Fourier transform method where this is still applicable. However, the new method is applicable for the filamentized CCs in much wider measurement conditions such as with thin filament and a large scan distance, thus overcoming the barrier for application of the SHPM technique on {J}{{c}} measurement of long filamentized CCs with narrow filaments.

  5. Regeneration of Nicotinamide Coenzymes: Principles and Applications for the Synthesis of Chiral Compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weckbecker, Andrea; Gröger, Harald; Hummel, Werner

    Dehydrogenases which depend on nicotinamide coenzymes are of increasing interest for the preparation of chiral compounds, either by reduction of a prochiral precursor or by oxidative resolution of their racemate. The regeneration of oxidized and reduced nicotinamide cofactors is a very crucial step because the use of these cofactors in stoichiometric amounts is too expensive for application. There are several possibilities to regenerate nicotinamide cofactors: established methods such as formate/formate dehydrogenase (FDH) for the regeneration of NADH, recently developed electrochemical methods based on new mediator structures, or the application of gene cloning methods for the construction of "designed" cells by heterologous expression of appropriate genes.

  6. An improved design method for EPC middleware

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lou, Guohuan; Xu, Ran; Yang, Chunming

    2014-04-01

    For currently existed problems and difficulties during the small and medium enterprises use EPC (Electronic Product Code) ALE (Application Level Events) specification to achieved middleware, based on the analysis of principle of EPC Middleware, an improved design method for EPC middleware is presented. This method combines the powerful function of MySQL database, uses database to connect reader-writer with upper application system, instead of development of ALE application program interface to achieve a middleware with general function. This structure is simple and easy to implement and maintain. Under this structure, different types of reader-writers added can be configured conveniently and the expandability of the system is improved.

  7. Multiphase Fluid Dynamics for Spacecraft Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shyy, W.; Sim, J.

    2011-09-01

    Multiphase flows involving moving interfaces between different fluids/phases are observed in nature as well as in a wide range of engineering applications. With the recent development of high fidelity computational techniques, a number of challenging multiphase flow problems can now be computed. We introduce the basic notion of the main categories of multiphase flow computation; Lagrangian, Eulerian, and Eulerian-Lagrangian techniques to represent and follow interface, and sharp and continuous interface methods to model interfacial dynamics. The marker-based adaptive Eulerian-Lagrangian method, which is one of the most popular methods, is highlighted with microgravity and space applications including droplet collision and spacecraft liquid fuel tank surface stability.

  8. Application of the Finite Element Method in Atomic and Molecular Physics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shertzer, Janine

    2007-01-01

    The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical algorithm for solving second order differential equations. It has been successfully used to solve many problems in atomic and molecular physics, including bound state and scattering calculations. To illustrate the diversity of the method, we present here details of two applications. First, we calculate the non-adiabatic dipole polarizability of Hi by directly solving the first and second order equations of perturbation theory with FEM. In the second application, we calculate the scattering amplitude for e-H scattering (without partial wave analysis) by reducing the Schrodinger equation to set of integro-differential equations, which are then solved with FEM.

  9. Review on the progress in synthesis and application of magnetic carbon nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Maiyong; Diao, Guowang

    2011-07-01

    This review focuses on the synthesis and application of nanostructured composites containing magnetic nanostructures and carbon-based materials. Great progress in fabrication of magnetic carbon nanocomposites has been made by developing methods including filling process, template-based synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal method, pyrolysis procedure, sol-gel process, detonation induced reaction, self-assembly method, etc. The applications of magnetic carbon nanocomposites expanded to a wide range of fields such as environmental treatment, microwave absorption, magnetic recording media, electrochemical sensor, catalysis, separation/recognization of biomolecules and drug delivery are discussed. Finally, some future trends and perspectives in this research area are outlined.

  10. Review on the progress in synthesis and application of magnetic carbon nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Maiyong; Diao, Guowang

    2011-07-01

    This review focuses on the synthesis and application of nanostructured composites containing magnetic nanostructures and carbon-based materials. Great progress in fabrication of magnetic carbon nanocomposites has been made by developing methods including filling process, template-based synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal method, pyrolysis procedure, sol-gel process, detonation induced reaction, self-assembly method, etc. The applications of magnetic carbon nanocomposites expanded to a wide range of fields such as environmental treatment, microwave absorption, magnetic recording media, electrochemical sensor, catalysis, separation/recognization of biomolecules and drug delivery are discussed. Finally, some future trends and perspectives in this research area are outlined.

  11. Dosimetric characterization and output verification for conical brachytherapy surface applicators. Part I. Electronic brachytherapy source

    PubMed Central

    Fulkerson, Regina K.; Micka, John A.; DeWerd, Larry A.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: Historically, treatment of malignant surface lesions has been achieved with linear accelerator based electron beams or superficial x-ray beams. Recent developments in the field of brachytherapy now allow for the treatment of surface lesions with specialized conical applicators placed directly on the lesion. Applicators are available for use with high dose rate (HDR) 192Ir sources, as well as electronic brachytherapy sources. Part I of this paper will discuss the applicators used with electronic brachytherapy sources; Part II will discuss those used with HDR 192Ir sources. Although the use of these applicators has gained in popularity, the dosimetric characteristics including depth dose and surface dose distributions have not been independently verified. Additionally, there is no recognized method of output verification for quality assurance procedures with applicators like these. Existing dosimetry protocols available from the AAPM bookend the cross-over characteristics of a traditional brachytherapy source (as described by Task Group 43) being implemented as a low-energy superficial x-ray beam (as described by Task Group 61) as observed with the surface applicators of interest. Methods: This work aims to create a cohesive method of output verification that can be used to determine the dose at the treatment surface as part of a quality assurance/commissioning process for surface applicators used with HDR electronic brachytherapy sources (Part I) and 192Ir sources (Part II). Air-kerma rate measurements for the electronic brachytherapy sources were completed with an Attix Free-Air Chamber, as well as several models of small-volume ionization chambers to obtain an air-kerma rate at the treatment surface for each applicator. Correction factors were calculated using MCNP5 and EGSnrc Monte Carlo codes in order to determine an applicator-specific absorbed dose to water at the treatment surface from the measured air-kerma rate. Additionally, relative dose measurements of the surface dose distributions and characteristic depth dose curves were completed in-phantom. Results: Theoretical dose distributions and depth dose curves were generated for each applicator and agreed well with the measured values. A method of output verification was created that allows users to determine the applicator-specific dose to water at the treatment surface based on a measured air-kerma rate. Conclusions: The novel output verification methods described in this work will reduce uncertainties in dose delivery for treatments with these kinds of surface applicators, ultimately improving patient care. PMID:24506635

  12. Learner Centred Design for a Hybrid Interaction Application

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wood, Simon; Romero, Pablo

    2010-01-01

    Learner centred design methods highlight the importance of involving the stakeholders of the learning process (learners, teachers, educational researchers) at all stages of the design of educational applications and of refining the design through an iterative prototyping process. These methods have been used successfully when designing systems…

  13. Contemporary computerized methods for logging planning

    Treesearch

    Chris B. LeDoux

    1988-01-01

    Contemporary harvest planning graphic software is highlighted with practical applications. Planning results from a production study of the Clearwater Cable Yarder are summarized. Application of the planning methods to evaluation of proposed silvicultural treatments is included. Results show that 3-dimensional graphic analysis of proposed harvesting or silvicultural...

  14. A progressive gradient moment nulling design technique.

    PubMed

    Pipe, J G; Chenevert, T L

    1991-05-01

    A method is presented for designing motion-compensated gradients in a progressive manner. The method is easily applicable to many types of waveforms, and can compensate for any order of motion. It can be implemented graphically or numerically. Underlying theory and examples of its application are provided.

  15. 47 CFR 101.521 - Spectrum utilization.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... applicants for DEMS frequencies in the 10.6 GHz band must submit as part of the original application a... contain detailed descriptions of the modulation method, the channel time sharing method, any error detecting and/or correcting codes, any spatial frequency reuse system and the total data throughput capacity...

  16. Global Design Optimization for Fluid Machinery Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shyy, Wei; Papila, Nilay; Tucker, Kevin; Vaidyanathan, Raj; Griffin, Lisa

    2000-01-01

    Recent experiences in utilizing the global optimization methodology, based on polynomial and neural network techniques for fluid machinery design are summarized. Global optimization methods can utilize the information collected from various sources and by different tools. These methods offer multi-criterion optimization, handle the existence of multiple design points and trade-offs via insight into the entire design space can easily perform tasks in parallel, and are often effective in filtering the noise intrinsic to numerical and experimental data. Another advantage is that these methods do not need to calculate the sensitivity of each design variable locally. However, a successful application of the global optimization method needs to address issues related to data requirements with an increase in the number of design variables and methods for predicting the model performance. Examples of applications selected from rocket propulsion components including a supersonic turbine and an injector element and a turbulent flow diffuser are used to illustrate the usefulness of the global optimization method.

  17. Robust Methods for Moderation Analysis with a Two-Level Regression Model.

    PubMed

    Yang, Miao; Yuan, Ke-Hai

    2016-01-01

    Moderation analysis has many applications in social sciences. Most widely used estimation methods for moderation analysis assume that errors are normally distributed and homoscedastic. When these assumptions are not met, the results from a classical moderation analysis can be misleading. For more reliable moderation analysis, this article proposes two robust methods with a two-level regression model when the predictors do not contain measurement error. One method is based on maximum likelihood with Student's t distribution and the other is based on M-estimators with Huber-type weights. An algorithm for obtaining the robust estimators is developed. Consistent estimates of standard errors of the robust estimators are provided. The robust approaches are compared against normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood (NML) with respect to power and accuracy of parameter estimates through a simulation study. Results show that the robust approaches outperform NML under various distributional conditions. Application of the robust methods is illustrated through a real data example. An R program is developed and documented to facilitate the application of the robust methods.

  18. A Galerkin method for linear PDE systems in circular geometries with structural acoustic applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Ralph C.

    1994-01-01

    A Galerkin method for systems of PDE's in circular geometries is presented with motivating problems being drawn from structural, acoustic, and structural acoustic applications. Depending upon the application under consideration, piecewise splines or Legendre polynomials are used when approximating the system dynamics with modifications included to incorporate the analytic solution decay near the coordinate singularity. This provides an efficient method which retains its accuracy throughout the circular domain without degradation at singularity. Because the problems under consideration are linear or weakly nonlinear with constant or piecewise constant coefficients, transform methods for the problems are not investigated. While the specific method is developed for the two dimensional wave equations on a circular domain and the equation of transverse motion for a thin circular plate, examples demonstrating the extension of the techniques to a fully coupled structural acoustic system are used to illustrate the flexibility of the method when approximating the dynamics of more complex systems.

  19. Rapid analysis of scattering from periodic dielectric structures using accelerated Cartesian expansions

    DOE PAGES

    Baczewski, Andrew David; Miller, Nicholas C.; Shanker, Balasubramaniam

    2012-03-22

    Here, the analysis of fields in periodic dielectric structures arise in numerous applications of recent interest, ranging from photonic bandgap structures and plasmonically active nanostructures to metamaterials. To achieve an accurate representation of the fields in these structures using numerical methods, dense spatial discretization is required. This, in turn, affects the cost of analysis, particularly for integral-equation-based methods, for which traditional iterative methods require Ο(Ν 2) operations, Ν being the number of spatial degrees of freedom. In this paper, we introduce a method for the rapid solution of volumetric electric field integral equations used in the analysis of doubly periodicmore » dielectric structures. The crux of our method is the accelerated Cartesian expansion algorithm, which is used to evaluate the requisite potentials in Ο(Ν) cost. Results are provided that corroborate our claims of acceleration without compromising accuracy, as well as the application of our method to a number of compelling photonics applications.« less

  20. A Method for Semi-quantitative Assessment of Exposure to Pesticides of Applicators and Re-entry Workers: An Application in Three Farming Systems in Ethiopia.

    PubMed

    Negatu, Beyene; Vermeulen, Roel; Mekonnen, Yalemtshay; Kromhout, Hans

    2016-07-01

    To develop an inexpensive and easily adaptable semi-quantitative exposure assessment method to characterize exposure to pesticide in applicators and re-entry farmers and farm workers in Ethiopia. Two specific semi-quantitative exposure algorithms for pesticides applicators and re-entry workers were developed and applied to 601 farm workers employed in 3 distinctly different farming systems [small-scale irrigated, large-scale greenhouses (LSGH), and large-scale open (LSO)] in Ethiopia. The algorithm for applicators was based on exposure-modifying factors including application methods, farm layout (open or closed), pesticide mixing conditions, cleaning of spraying equipment, intensity of pesticide application per day, utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE), personal hygienic behavior, annual frequency of application, and duration of employment at the farm. The algorithm for re-entry work was based on an expert-based re-entry exposure intensity score, utilization of PPE, personal hygienic behavior, annual frequency of re-entry work, and duration of employment at the farm. The algorithms allowed estimation of daily, annual and cumulative lifetime exposure for applicators, and re-entry workers by farming system, by gender, and by age group. For all metrics, highest exposures occurred in LSGH for both applicators and female re-entry workers. For male re-entry workers, highest cumulative exposure occurred in LSO farms. Female re-entry workers appeared to be higher exposed on a daily or annual basis than male re-entry workers, but their cumulative exposures were similar due to the fact that on average males had longer tenure. Factors related to intensity of exposure (like application method and farm layout) were indicated as the main driving factors for estimated potential exposure. Use of personal protection, hygienic behavior, and duration of employment in surveyed farm workers contributed less to the contrast in exposure estimates. This study indicated that farmers' and farm workers' exposure to pesticides can be inexpensively characterized, ranked, and classified. Our method could be extended to assess exposure to specific active ingredients provided that detailed information on pesticides used is available. The resulting exposure estimates will consequently be used in occupational epidemiology studies in Ethiopia and other similar countries with few resources. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

  1. Use of iPhone technology in improving acetabular component position in total hip arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Tay, Xiau Wei; Zhang, Benny Xu; Gayagay, George

    2017-09-01

    Improper acetabular cup positioning is associated with high risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study is to objectively compare 3 methods, namely (1) free hand, (2) alignment jig (Sputnik), and (3) iPhone application to identify an easy, reproducible, and accurate method in improving acetabular cup placement. We designed a simple setup and carried out a simple experiment (see Method section). Using statistical analysis, the difference in inclination angles using iPhone application compared with the freehand method was found to be statistically significant ( F [2,51] = 4.17, P = .02) in the "untrained group". There is no statistical significance detected for the other groups. This suggests a potential role for iPhone applications in junior surgeons in overcoming the steep learning curve.

  2. Laser pulse shape design for laser-indirect-driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Quanxi; Jiang, Shaoen; Wang, Zhebin; Wang, Feng; Zhao, Xueqing; Ding, Yongkun

    2018-02-01

    Laser pulse shape design is a key work in the design of indirect-laser-driven experiments, especially for long pulse laser driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments. A method for designing such a laser pulse shape is given here. What's more, application experiments were performed, and the results of a typical shot are presented. At last of this article, the details of the application of the method are discussed, such as the equation parameter choice, radiation ablation pressure expression, and approximations in the method. The application shows that the method can provide reliable descriptions of the energy distribution in a hohlraum target; thus, it can be used in the design of long-pulse laser driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments and even other indirect-laser-driven experiments.

  3. A usability evaluation of Lazada mobile application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hussain, Azham; Mkpojiogu, Emmanuel O. C.; Jamaludin, Nur Hafiza; Moh, Somia T. L.

    2017-10-01

    This paper reports on a usability evaluation of Lazada mobile application, an online shopping app for mobile devices. The evaluation was conducted using 12 users of ages 18 to 24. Seven (7) were expert users and the other 5 were novice users. The study objectives were to evaluate the perceived effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the mobile application. The result provides a positive feedback and shows that the mobile shopping app is effective, efficient, and satisfying as perceived by the study participants. However, there are some observed usability issues with the main menu and the payment method that necessitates improvements to increase the application's effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The suggested improvements include: 1) the main menu should be capitalized and place on the left side of mobile app and 2) payment method tutorial should be included as a hyperlink in the payment method page. This observation will be helpful to the owners of the application in future version development of the app.

  4. Effect of Oregano Essential Oil and Aqueous Oregano Infusion Application on Microbiological Properties of Samarella (Tsamarella), a Traditional Meat Product of Cyprus.

    PubMed

    Ulusoy, Beyza; Hecer, Canan; Kaynarca, Doruk; Berkan, Şifa

    2018-03-21

    Different types of dried meat products manufactured by different drying and curing methods are very common and well-known with a long history all over the world. Samarella (tsamarella) is one of these products and is famous among traditionally produced meat products in Cypriot gastronomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil (OEO) and aqueous oregano infusion (AOI) applications on the microbiological properties of samarella. In order to carry out this study, traditional methods were followed for experimental production of samarella. As a result of this study, five percent OEO application was found to be more effective to reduce microbiological counts but this ratio of OEO application was not accepted by panelists. According to all microbiological results correlated with the sensorial scores, it is concluded that one percent OEO application can be used for samarella production as an alternative preservative method.

  5. Effect of Oregano Essential Oil and Aqueous Oregano Infusion Application on Microbiological Properties of Samarella (Tsamarella), a Traditional Meat Product of Cyprus

    PubMed Central

    Hecer, Canan; Kaynarca, Doruk; Berkan, Şifa

    2018-01-01

    Different types of dried meat products manufactured by different drying and curing methods are very common and well-known with a long history all over the world. Samarella (tsamarella) is one of these products and is famous among traditionally produced meat products in Cypriot gastronomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil (OEO) and aqueous oregano infusion (AOI) applications on the microbiological properties of samarella. In order to carry out this study, traditional methods were followed for experimental production of samarella. As a result of this study, five percent OEO application was found to be more effective to reduce microbiological counts but this ratio of OEO application was not accepted by panelists. According to all microbiological results correlated with the sensorial scores, it is concluded that one percent OEO application can be used for samarella production as an alternative preservative method. PMID:29561804

  6. Assessing the impacts of sustainable agricultural practices for water quality improvements in the Vouga catchment (Portugal) using the SWAT model.

    PubMed

    Rocha, João; Roebeling, Peter; Rial-Rivas, María Ermitas

    2015-12-01

    The extensive use of fertilizers has become one of the most challenging environmental issues in agricultural catchment areas. In order to reduce the negative impacts from agricultural activities and to accomplish the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive we must consider the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. In this study, we assess sustainable agricultural practices based on reductions in N-fertilizer application rates (from 100% to 0%) and N-application methods (single, split and slow-release) across key agricultural land use classes in the Vouga catchment, Portugal. The SWAT model was used to relate sustainable agricultural practices, agricultural yields and N-NO3 water pollution deliveries. Results show that crop yields as well as N-NO3 exportation rates decrease with reductions in N-application rates and single N-application methods lead to lower crop yields and higher N-NO3 exportation rates as compared to split and slow-release N-application methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Characterization of Developer Application Methods Used in Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brasche, L. J. H.; Lopez, R.; Eisenmann, D.

    2006-03-01

    Fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) is the most widely used inspection method for aviation components seeing use for production as well as an inservice inspection applications. FPI is a multiple step process requiring attention to the process parameters for each step in order to enable a successful inspection. A multiyear program is underway to evaluate the most important factors affecting the performance of FPI, to determine whether existing industry specifications adequately address control of the process parameters, and to provide the needed engineering data to the public domain. The final step prior to the inspection is the application of developer with typical aviation inspections involving the use of dry powder (form d) usually applied using either a pressure wand or dust storm chamber. Results from several typical dust storm chambers and wand applications have shown less than optimal performance. Measurements of indication brightness and recording of the UVA image, and in some cases, formal probability of detection (POD) studies were used to assess the developer application methods. Key conclusions and initial recommendations are provided.

  8. Application of the conjugate-gradient method to ground-water models

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Manteuffel, T.A.; Grove, D.B.; Konikow, Leonard F.

    1984-01-01

    The conjugate-gradient method can solve efficiently and accurately finite-difference approximations to the ground-water flow equation. An aquifer-simulation model using the conjugate-gradient method was applied to a problem of ground-water flow in an alluvial aquifer at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Denver, Colorado. For this application, the accuracy and efficiency of the conjugate-gradient method compared favorably with other available methods for steady-state flow. However, its efficiency relative to other available methods depends on the nature of the specific problem. The main advantage of the conjugate-gradient method is that it does not require the use of iteration parameters, thereby eliminating this partly subjective procedure. (USGS)

  9. Application of multi-grid methods for solving the Navier-Stokes equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Demuren, A. O.

    1989-01-01

    The application of a class of multi-grid methods to the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for two-dimensional laminar flow problems is discussed. The methods consist of combining the full approximation scheme-full multi-grid technique (FAS-FMG) with point-, line-, or plane-relaxation routines for solving the Navier-Stokes equations in primitive variables. The performance of the multi-grid methods is compared to that of several single-grid methods. The results show that much faster convergence can be procured through the use of the multi-grid approach than through the various suggestions for improving single-grid methods. The importance of the choice of relaxation scheme for the multi-grid method is illustrated.

  10. A modified conjugate gradient coefficient with inexact line search for unconstrained optimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aini, Nurul; Rivaie, Mohd; Mamat, Mustafa

    2016-11-01

    Conjugate gradient (CG) method is a line search algorithm mostly known for its wide application in solving unconstrained optimization problems. Its low memory requirements and global convergence properties makes it one of the most preferred method in real life application such as in engineering and business. In this paper, we present a new CG method based on AMR* and CD method for solving unconstrained optimization functions. The resulting algorithm is proven to have both the sufficient descent and global convergence properties under inexact line search. Numerical tests are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the new method in comparison to some previous CG methods. The results obtained indicate that our method is indeed superior.

  11. Application of multi-grid methods for solving the Navier-Stokes equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Demuren, A. O.

    1989-01-01

    This paper presents the application of a class of multi-grid methods to the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for two-dimensional laminar flow problems. The methods consists of combining the full approximation scheme-full multi-grid technique (FAS-FMG) with point-, line- or plane-relaxation routines for solving the Navier-Stokes equations in primitive variables. The performance of the multi-grid methods is compared to those of several single-grid methods. The results show that much faster convergence can be procured through the use of the multi-grid approach than through the various suggestions for improving single-grid methods. The importance of the choice of relaxation scheme for the multi-grid method is illustrated.

  12. Review and Extension of CO2-Based Methods to Determine Ventilation Rates with Application to School Classrooms

    PubMed Central

    Batterman, Stuart

    2017-01-01

    The ventilation rate (VR) is a key parameter affecting indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and the energy consumption of buildings. This paper reviews the use of CO2 as a “natural” tracer gas for estimating VRs, focusing on applications in school classrooms. It provides details and guidance for the steady-state, build-up, decay and transient mass balance methods. An extension to the build-up method and an analysis of the post-exercise recovery period that can increase CO2 generation rates are presented. Measurements in four mechanically-ventilated school buildings demonstrate the methods and highlight issues affecting their applicability. VRs during the school day fell below recommended minimum levels, and VRs during evening and early morning were on the order of 0.1 h−1, reflecting shutdown of the ventilation systems. The transient mass balance method was the most flexible and advantageous method given the low air change rates and dynamic occupancy patterns observed in the classrooms. While the extension to the build-up method improved stability and consistency, the accuracy of this and the steady-state method may be limited. Decay-based methods did not reflect the VR during the school day due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system shutdown. Since the number of occupants in classrooms changes over the day, the VR expressed on a per person basis (e.g., L·s−1·person−1) depends on the occupancy metric. If occupancy measurements can be obtained, then the transient mass balance method likely will provide the most consistent and accurate results among the CO2-based methods. Improved VR measurements can benefit many applications, including research examining the linkage between ventilation and health. PMID:28165398

  13. Review and Extension of CO₂-Based Methods to Determine Ventilation Rates with Application to School Classrooms.

    PubMed

    Batterman, Stuart

    2017-02-04

    The ventilation rate (VR) is a key parameter affecting indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and the energy consumption of buildings. This paper reviews the use of CO₂ as a "natural" tracer gas for estimating VRs, focusing on applications in school classrooms. It provides details and guidance for the steady-state, build-up, decay and transient mass balance methods. An extension to the build-up method and an analysis of the post-exercise recovery period that can increase CO₂ generation rates are presented. Measurements in four mechanically-ventilated school buildings demonstrate the methods and highlight issues affecting their applicability. VRs during the school day fell below recommended minimum levels, and VRs during evening and early morning were on the order of 0.1 h -1 , reflecting shutdown of the ventilation systems. The transient mass balance method was the most flexible and advantageous method given the low air change rates and dynamic occupancy patterns observed in the classrooms. While the extension to the build-up method improved stability and consistency, the accuracy of this and the steady-state method may be limited. Decay-based methods did not reflect the VR during the school day due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system shutdown. Since the number of occupants in classrooms changes over the day, the VR expressed on a per person basis (e.g., L·s -1 ·person -1 ) depends on the occupancy metric. If occupancy measurements can be obtained, then the transient mass balance method likely will provide the most consistent and accurate results among the CO₂-based methods. Improved VR measurements can benefit many applications, including research examining the linkage between ventilation and health.

  14. Comment on “Beyond the SCS-CN method: A theoretical framework for spatially lumped rainfall-runoff response” by M.S. Bartlett, A.J. Parolari, J.J. McDonnell and A. Porporato

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Bartlett et al. [2016] performed a re-interpretation and modification of the space-time lumped USDA NRCS (formerly SCS) Curve Number (CN) method to extend its applicability to forested watersheds. We believe that the well documented limitations of the CN method severely constrains the applicability ...

  15. Analytical Tools for the Application of Operational Culture: A Case Study in the Trans-Sahel

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-03-28

    Study Team Working Paper 3: Research Methods Discussion for the Study Team Methods229 Generating Empirical Materials In grounded theory ... research I have conducted using these methods . UNCLASSIFIED Analytical Tools for the Application of Operational Culture: A Case Study in the...Survey and a Case Study ,‖ Kjeller, Norway: FFI Glaser, B. G. & Strauss, A. L. (1967). ―The discovery of grounded theory

  16. A Review of Computational Methods in Materials Science: Examples from Shock-Wave and Polymer Physics

    PubMed Central

    Steinhauser, Martin O.; Hiermaier, Stefan

    2009-01-01

    This review discusses several computational methods used on different length and time scales for the simulation of material behavior. First, the importance of physical modeling and its relation to computer simulation on multiscales is discussed. Then, computational methods used on different scales are shortly reviewed, before we focus on the molecular dynamics (MD) method. Here we survey in a tutorial-like fashion some key issues including several MD optimization techniques. Thereafter, computational examples for the capabilities of numerical simulations in materials research are discussed. We focus on recent results of shock wave simulations of a solid which are based on two different modeling approaches and we discuss their respective assets and drawbacks with a view to their application on multiscales. Then, the prospects of computer simulations on the molecular length scale using coarse-grained MD methods are covered by means of examples pertaining to complex topological polymer structures including star-polymers, biomacromolecules such as polyelectrolytes and polymers with intrinsic stiffness. This review ends by highlighting new emerging interdisciplinary applications of computational methods in the field of medical engineering where the application of concepts of polymer physics and of shock waves to biological systems holds a lot of promise for improving medical applications such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or tumor treatment. PMID:20054467

  17. Development and application of a biorelevant dissolution method using USP apparatus 4 in early phase formulation development.

    PubMed

    Fang, Jiang B; Robertson, Vivian K; Rawat, Archana; Flick, Tawnya; Tang, Zhe J; Cauchon, Nina S; McElvain, James S

    2010-10-04

    Dissolution testing is frequently used to determine the rate and extent at which a drug is released from a dosage form, and it plays many important roles throughout drug product development. However, the traditional dissolution approach often emphasizes its application in quality control testing and usually strives to obtain 100% drug release. As a result, dissolution methods are not necessarily biorelevant and meaningful application of traditional dissolution methods in the early phases of drug product development can be very limited. This article will describe the development of a biorelevant in vitro dissolution method using USP apparatus 4, biorelevant media, and real-time online UV analysis. Several case studies in the areas of formulation selection, lot-to-lot variability, and food effect will be presented to demonstrate the application of this method in early phase formulation development. This biorelevant dissolution method using USP apparatus 4 provides a valuable tool to predict certain aspects of the in vivo drug release. It can be used to facilitate the formulation development/selection for pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical studies. It may also potentially be used to minimize the number of PK studies, and to aid in the design of more efficient PK and clinical studies.

  18. Underwater MASW to evaluate stiffness of water-bottom sediments

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Park, C.B.; Miller, R.D.; Xia, J.; Ivanov, J.; Sonnichsen, G.V.; Hunter, J.A.; Good, R.L.; Burns, R.A.; Christian, H.

    2005-01-01

    The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) is initially intended as a land survey method to investigate the near-surface materials for their elastic properties. The acquired data are first analyzed for dispersion characteristics and, from these the shear-wave velocity is estimated using an inversion technique. Land applications show the potential of the MASW method to map 2D bedrock surface, zones of low strength, Poisson's ratio, voids, as well as to generate shear-wave profiles for various othe geotechnical problems. An overview is given of several underwater applications of the MASW method to characterize stiffness distribution of water-bottom sediments. The first application details the survey under shallow-water (1-6 m) in the Fraser River (Canada). The second application is an innovative experimental marine seismic survey in the North Atlantic Ocean near oil fields in Grand Bank offshore Newfoundland.

  19. Environmental and economic comparisons of manure application methods in farming systems.

    PubMed

    Rotz, C A; Kleinman, P J A; Dell, C J; Veith, T L; Beegle, D B

    2011-01-01

    Alternative methods for applying livestock manure to no-till soils involve environmental and economic trade-offs. A process-level farm simulation model (Integrated Farm System Model) was used to evaluate methods for applying liquid dairy (Bos taurus L.) and swine (Sus scrofa L.) manure, including no application, broadcast spreading with and without incorporation by tillage, band application with soil aeration, and shallow disk injection. The model predicted ammonia emissions, nitrate leaching, and phosphorus (P) runoff losses similar to those measured over 4 yr of field trials. Each application method was simulated over 25 yr of weather on three Pennsylvania farms. On a swine and cow-calf beef operation under grass production, shallow disk injection increased profit by $340 yr(-1) while reducing ammonia nitrogen and soluble P losses by 48 and 70%, respectively. On a corn (Zea mays L.)-and-grass-based grazing dairy farm, shallow disk injection reduced ammonia loss by 21% and soluble P loss by 76% with little impact on farm profit. Incorporation by tillage and band application with aeration provided less environmental benefit with a net decrease in farm profit. On a large corn-and-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-based dairy farm where manure nutrients were available in excess of crop needs, incorporation methods were not economically beneficial, but they provided environmental benefits with relatively low annual net costs ($13 to $18 cow). In all farming systems, shallow disk injection provided the greatest environmental benefit at the least cost or greatest profit for the producer. With these results, producers are better informed when selecting manure application equipment.

  20. Safety assessment in plant layout design using indexing approach: implementing inherent safety perspective. Part 1 - guideword applicability and method description.

    PubMed

    Tugnoli, Alessandro; Khan, Faisal; Amyotte, Paul; Cozzani, Valerio

    2008-12-15

    Layout planning plays a key role in the inherent safety performance of process plants since this design feature controls the possibility of accidental chain-events and the magnitude of possible consequences. A lack of suitable methods to promote the effective implementation of inherent safety in layout design calls for the development of new techniques and methods. In the present paper, a safety assessment approach suitable for layout design in the critical early phase is proposed. The concept of inherent safety is implemented within this safety assessment; the approach is based on an integrated assessment of inherent safety guideword applicability within the constraints typically present in layout design. Application of these guidewords is evaluated along with unit hazards and control devices to quantitatively map the safety performance of different layout options. Moreover, the economic aspects related to safety and inherent safety are evaluated by the method. Specific sub-indices are developed within the integrated safety assessment system to analyze and quantify the hazard related to domino effects. The proposed approach is quick in application, auditable and shares a common framework applicable in other phases of the design lifecycle (e.g. process design). The present work is divided in two parts: Part 1 (current paper) presents the application of inherent safety guidelines in layout design and the index method for safety assessment; Part 2 (accompanying paper) describes the domino hazard sub-index and demonstrates the proposed approach with a case study, thus evidencing the introduction of inherent safety features in layout design.

  1. Instrumentation for Measurement of Gas Permeability of Polymeric Membranes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Upchurch, Billy T.; Wood, George M.; Brown, Kenneth G.; Burns, Karen S.

    1993-01-01

    A mass spectrometric 'Dynamic Delta' method for the measurement of gas permeability of polymeric membranes has been developed. The method is universally applicable for measurement of the permeability of any gas through polymeric membrane materials. The usual large sample size of more than 100 square centimeters required for other methods is not necessary for this new method which requires a size less than one square centimeter. The new method should fulfill requirements and find applicability for industrial materials such as food packaging, contact lenses and other commercial materials where gas permeability or permselectivity properties are important.

  2. Recent progress in inverse methods in France

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bry, Pierre-Francois; Jacquotte, Olivier-Pierre; Lepape, Marie-Claire

    1991-01-01

    Given the current level of jet engine performance, improvement of the various turbomachinery components requires the use of advanced methods in aerodynamics, heat transfer, and aeromechanics. In particular, successful blade design can only be achieved via numerical design methods which make it possible to reach optimized solutions in a much shorter time than ever before. Two design methods which are currently being used throughout the French turbomachinery industry to obtain optimized blade geometries are presented. Examples are presented for compressor and turbine applications. The status of these methods as far as improvement and extension to new fields of applications is also reported.

  3. Performance comparisons on spatial lattice algorithm and direct matrix inverse method with application to adaptive arrays processing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    An, S. H.; Yao, K.

    1986-01-01

    Lattice algorithm has been employed in numerous adaptive filtering applications such as speech analysis/synthesis, noise canceling, spectral analysis, and channel equalization. In this paper the application to adaptive-array processing is discussed. The advantages are fast convergence rate as well as computational accuracy independent of the noise and interference conditions. The results produced by this technique are compared to those obtained by the direct matrix inverse method.

  4. New Methods of Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Application to Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-04-01

    the need for high power radio - frequency (RF) to saturate the electron spins. Addition- ally, as EPR frequencies are two orders of magnitude higher...Crozier S. Electromechanical design and construction of a rotating radio - frequency coil system for applications in magnetic resonance. IEEE Trans Biomed...1 Award Number: W81XWH- 11 -2-0076 TITLE: New Methods of Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Application to Traumatic Brain Injury PRINCIPAL

  5. Optical detection of random features for high security applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haist, T.; Tiziani, H. J.

    1998-02-01

    Optical detection of random features in combination with digital signatures based on public key codes in order to recognize counterfeit objects will be discussed. Without applying expensive production techniques objects are protected against counterfeiting. Verification is done off-line by optical means without a central authority. The method is applied for protecting banknotes. Experimental results for this application are presented. The method is also applicable for identity verification of a credit- or chip-card holder.

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

    Nagaoka, Masataka; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology; ESICB, Kyoto University, Kyodai Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8520

    A new efficient hybrid Monte Carlo (MC)/molecular dynamics (MD) reaction method with a rare event-driving mechanism is introduced as a practical ‘atomistic’ molecular simulation of large-scale chemically reactive systems. Starting its demonstrative application to the racemization reaction of (R)-2-chlorobutane in N,N-dimethylformamide solution, several other applications are shown from the practical viewpoint of molecular controlling of complex chemical reactions, stereochemistry and aggregate structures. Finally, I would like to mention the future applications of the hybrid MC/MD reaction method.

  7. Teaching Computer Applications.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lundgren, Carol A.; And Others

    This document, which is designed to provide classroom teachers at all levels with practical ideas for a computer applications course, examines curricular considerations, teaching strategies, delivery techniques, and assessment methods applicable to a course focusing on applications of computers in business. The guide is divided into three…

  8. Quantitative methods for compensation of matrix effects and self-absorption in Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy signals of solids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takahashi, Tomoko; Thornton, Blair

    2017-12-01

    This paper reviews methods to compensate for matrix effects and self-absorption during quantitative analysis of compositions of solids measured using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and their applications to in-situ analysis. Methods to reduce matrix and self-absorption effects on calibration curves are first introduced. The conditions where calibration curves are applicable to quantification of compositions of solid samples and their limitations are discussed. While calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS), which corrects matrix effects theoretically based on the Boltzmann distribution law and Saha equation, has been applied in a number of studies, requirements need to be satisfied for the calculation of chemical compositions to be valid. Also, peaks of all elements contained in the target need to be detected, which is a bottleneck for in-situ analysis of unknown materials. Multivariate analysis techniques are gaining momentum in LIBS analysis. Among the available techniques, principal component regression (PCR) analysis and partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis, which can extract related information to compositions from all spectral data, are widely established methods and have been applied to various fields including in-situ applications in air and for planetary explorations. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), where non-linear effects can be modelled, have also been investigated as a quantitative method and their applications are introduced. The ability to make quantitative estimates based on LIBS signals is seen as a key element for the technique to gain wider acceptance as an analytical method, especially in in-situ applications. In order to accelerate this process, it is recommended that the accuracy should be described using common figures of merit which express the overall normalised accuracy, such as the normalised root mean square errors (NRMSEs), when comparing the accuracy obtained from different setups and analytical methods.

  9. Spectral/ hp element methods: Recent developments, applications, and perspectives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Hui; Cantwell, Chris D.; Monteserin, Carlos; Eskilsson, Claes; Engsig-Karup, Allan P.; Sherwin, Spencer J.

    2018-02-01

    The spectral/ hp element method combines the geometric flexibility of the classical h-type finite element technique with the desirable numerical properties of spectral methods, employing high-degree piecewise polynomial basis functions on coarse finite element-type meshes. The spatial approximation is based upon orthogonal polynomials, such as Legendre or Chebychev polynomials, modified to accommodate a C 0 - continuous expansion. Computationally and theoretically, by increasing the polynomial order p, high-precision solutions and fast convergence can be obtained and, in particular, under certain regularity assumptions an exponential reduction in approximation error between numerical and exact solutions can be achieved. This method has now been applied in many simulation studies of both fundamental and practical engineering flows. This paper briefly describes the formulation of the spectral/ hp element method and provides an overview of its application to computational fluid dynamics. In particular, it focuses on the use of the spectral/ hp element method in transitional flows and ocean engineering. Finally, some of the major challenges to be overcome in order to use the spectral/ hp element method in more complex science and engineering applications are discussed.

  10. Mobile micro-colorimeter and micro-spectrometer sensor modules as enablers for the replacement of subjective inspections by objective measurements for optically clear colored liquids in-field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dittrich, Paul-Gerald; Grunert, Fred; Ehehalt, Jörg; Hofmann, Dietrich

    2015-03-01

    Aim of the paper is to show that the colorimetric characterization of optically clear colored liquids can be performed with different measurement methods and their application specific multichannel spectral sensors. The possible measurement methods are differentiated by the applied types of multichannel spectral sensors and therefore by their spectral resolution, measurement speed, measurement accuracy and measurement costs. The paper describes how different types of multichannel spectral sensors are calibrated with different types of calibration methods and how the measurement values can be used for further colorimetric calculations. The different measurement methods and the different application specific calibration methods will be explained methodically and theoretically. The paper proofs that and how different multichannel spectral sensor modules with different calibration methods can be applied with smartpads for the calculation of measurement results both in laboratory and in field. A given practical example is the application of different multichannel spectral sensors for the colorimetric characterization of petroleum oils and fuels and their colorimetric characterization by the Saybolt color scale.

  11. Generalized trajectory surface hopping method based on the Zhu-Nakamura theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oloyede, Ponmile; Mil'nikov, Gennady; Nakamura, Hiroki

    2006-04-01

    We present a generalized formulation of the trajectory surface hopping method applicable to a general multidimensional system. The method is based on the Zhu-Nakamura theory of a nonadiabatic transition and therefore includes the treatment of classically forbidden hops. The method uses a generalized recipe for the conservation of angular momentum after forbidden hops and an approximation for determining a nonadiabatic transition direction which is crucial when the coupling vector is unavailable. This method also eliminates the need for a rigorous location of the seam surface, thereby ensuring its applicability to a wide class of chemical systems. In a test calculation, we implement the method for the DH2+ system, and it shows a remarkable agreement with the previous results of C. Zhu, H. Kamisaka, and H. Nakamura, [J. Chem. Phys. 116, 3234 (2002)]. We then apply it to a diatomic-in-molecule model system with a conical intersection, and the results compare well with exact quantum calculations. The successful application to the conical intersection system confirms the possibility of directly extending the present method to an arbitrary potential of general topology.

  12. The Gestalt Experiment in Sex Therapy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mosher, Donald L.

    1979-01-01

    The Gestalt experiment is applicable to sex therapy. Familiarity with modes and methods of experimenting permits the therapist's creativity to emerge. Applications of sexual metaphors and sex dysfunction as a nightmare are presented, using methods drawn from Gestalt dream work. The use of Gestalt experiments are illustrated in a client-therapist…

  13. Printing enzymatic reactions.

    PubMed

    Tian, Junfei; Shen, Wei

    2011-02-07

    We used relief and planographic printing methods to print the catalytic effect of an enzyme, but not the enzyme molecules, onto paper. Printing enzymatic reactions have applications in bioactive papers, low-cost diagnostics, anti-counterfeiting devices and advanced packaging materials. These methods can create novel printing effects on commodity surfaces for advanced applications.

  14. 40 CFR 152.86 - The cite-all method.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... types of data that EPA would require to be submitted if the application sought the initial registration... PESTICIDE REGISTRATION AND CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES Procedures To Ensure Protection of Data Submitters' Rights § 152.86 The cite-all method. An applicant may comply with this subpart by citing all data in...

  15. The Delphi Method in Rehabilitation Counseling Research

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vazquez-Ramos, Robinson; Leahy, Michael; Estrada Hernandez, Noel

    2007-01-01

    Rehabilitation researchers have found in the application of the Delphi method a more sophisticated way of obtaining consensus from experts in the field on certain matters. The application of this research methodology has affected and certainly advanced the body of knowledge of the rehabilitation counseling practice. However, the rehabilitation…

  16. An introduction to Lie group integrators – basics, new developments and applications

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

    Celledoni, Elena, E-mail: elenac@math.ntnu.no; Marthinsen, Håkon, E-mail: hakonm@math.ntnu.no; Owren, Brynjulf, E-mail: bryn@math.ntnu.no

    2014-01-15

    We give a short and elementary introduction to Lie group methods. A selection of applications of Lie group integrators are discussed. Finally, a family of symplectic integrators on cotangent bundles of Lie groups is presented and the notion of discrete gradient methods is generalised to Lie groups.

  17. Biomedicine's Failure to Achieve Flexnerian Standards of Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Engel, George L.

    1978-01-01

    The central principle of education education advocated by Flexner was mastery of the scientific method and its application to all dimensions of medicine. The biomedical model has been responsible for curricular designs that have understressed the application of the scientific method to clinical data and the more person-oriented, psychosocial…

  18. 40 CFR 63.144 - Process wastewater provisions-test methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). (a... methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). 63.144 Section 63.144 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  19. 40 CFR 63.144 - Process wastewater provisions-test methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). (a... methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). 63.144 Section 63.144 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  20. 40 CFR 63.144 - Process wastewater provisions-test methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). (a... methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). 63.144 Section 63.144 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  1. 40 CFR 63.144 - Process wastewater provisions-test methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). (a... methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). 63.144 Section 63.144 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  2. 40 CFR 63.144 - Process wastewater provisions-test methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). (a... methods and procedures for determining applicability and Group 1/Group 2 determinations (determining which wastewater streams require control). 63.144 Section 63.144 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  3. Music Software in the Technology Integrated Music Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nart, Sevan

    2016-01-01

    The role of the teacher has changed as the traditional education methods, techniques and applications have left its place to the student-centered methods, techniques and applications along with the 21st century. Teachers are no more "source and share the information" but they do "guide" students to access information and…

  4. 78 FR 23742 - Nomination Form of Veterinary Shortage Situations for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-22

    ... comments by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov . Follow... the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA). This... Applications (RFA) for VMLRP loan repayment applications from individual veterinarians. Method of Collection...

  5. Analysis of Five Instructional Methods for Teaching Sketchpad to Junior High Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wright, Geoffrey; Shumway, Steve; Terry, Ronald; Bartholomew, Scott

    2012-01-01

    This manuscript addresses a problem teachers of computer software applications face today: What is an effective method for teaching new computer software? Technology and engineering teachers, specifically those with communications and other related courses that involve computer software applications, face this problem when teaching computer…

  6. 42 CFR 84.64 - Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods. 84.64 Section 84.64 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES...

  7. 42 CFR 84.64 - Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods. 84.64 Section 84.64 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES...

  8. 42 CFR 84.64 - Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods. 84.64 Section 84.64 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES...

  9. 42 CFR 84.64 - Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods. 84.64 Section 84.64 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES...

  10. 42 CFR 84.64 - Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Pretesting by applicant; approval of test methods. 84.64 Section 84.64 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES...

  11. 7 CFR 1783.8 - What are the acceptable methods for submitting applications?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 12 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false What are the acceptable methods for submitting applications? 1783.8 Section 1783.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) REVOLVING FUNDS FOR FINANCING WATER AND WASTEWATER...

  12. 7 CFR 1783.8 - What are the acceptable methods for submitting applications?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 12 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false What are the acceptable methods for submitting applications? 1783.8 Section 1783.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) REVOLVING FUNDS FOR FINANCING WATER AND WASTEWATER...

  13. Twelfth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1984-01-01

    NASTRAN is a large, comprehensive, nonproprietary, general purpose finite element computer code for structural analysis. The Twelfth Users' Colloquim provides some comprehensive papers on the application of finite element methods in engineering, comparisons with other approaches, unique applications, pre and post processing or auxiliary programs, and new methods of analysis with NASTRAN.

  14. 76 FR 30432 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 3115

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-25

    ..., Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method. DATES: Written comments should be received on or....gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Application for Change in Accounting Method. OMB Number: 1545...

  15. Influence of nitrogen rate and drip application method on pomegranate fruit yield and quality

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Currently, 98% of domestic commercial pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) are produced in California on over 13,000 ha. Developing more efficient methods of water and fertilizer application are important in reducing production costs. In 2012, a pomegranate orchard established in 2010 with a den...

  16. A Semi-Discrete Landweber-Kaczmarz Method for Cone Beam Tomography and Laminography Exploiting Geometric Prior Information

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vogelgesang, Jonas; Schorr, Christian

    2016-12-01

    We present a semi-discrete Landweber-Kaczmarz method for solving linear ill-posed problems and its application to Cone Beam tomography and laminography. Using a basis function-type discretization in the image domain, we derive a semi-discrete model of the underlying scanning system. Based on this model, the proposed method provides an approximate solution of the reconstruction problem, i.e. reconstructing the density function of a given object from its projections, in suitable subspaces equipped with basis function-dependent weights. This approach intuitively allows the incorporation of additional information about the inspected object leading to a more accurate model of the X-rays through the object. Also, physical conditions of the scanning geometry, like flat detectors in computerized tomography as used in non-destructive testing applications as well as non-regular scanning curves e.g. appearing in computed laminography (CL) applications, are directly taken into account during the modeling process. Finally, numerical experiments of a typical CL application in three dimensions are provided to verify the proposed method. The introduction of geometric prior information leads to a significantly increased image quality and superior reconstructions compared to standard iterative methods.

  17. Loop shaping design for tracking performance in machine axes.

    PubMed

    Schinstock, Dale E; Wei, Zhouhong; Yang, Tao

    2006-01-01

    A modern interpretation of classical loop shaping control design methods is presented in the context of tracking control for linear motor stages. Target applications include noncontacting machines such as laser cutters and markers, water jet cutters, and adhesive applicators. The methods are directly applicable to the common PID controller and are pertinent to many electromechanical servo actuators other than linear motors. In addition to explicit design techniques a PID tuning algorithm stressing the importance of tracking is described. While the theory behind these techniques is not new, the analysis of their application to modern systems is unique in the research literature. The techniques and results should be important to control practitioners optimizing PID controller designs for tracking and in comparing results from classical designs to modern techniques. The methods stress high-gain controller design and interpret what this means for PID. Nothing in the methods presented precludes the addition of feedforward control methods for added improvements in tracking. Laboratory results from a linear motor stage demonstrate that with large open-loop gain very good tracking performance can be achieved. The resultant tracking errors compare very favorably to results from similar motions on similar systems that utilize much more complicated controllers.

  18. The effect of tandem-ovoid titanium applicator on points A, B, bladder, and rectum doses in gynecological brachytherapy using 192Ir

    PubMed Central

    Sadeghi, Mohammad Hosein; Mehdizadeh, Amir; Faghihi, Reza; Moharramzadeh, Vahed; Meigooni, Ali Soleimani

    2018-01-01

    Purpose The dosimetry procedure by simple superposition accounts only for the self-shielding of the source and does not take into account the attenuation of photons by the applicators. The purpose of this investigation is an estimation of the effects of the tandem and ovoid applicator on dose distribution inside the phantom by MCNP5 Monte Carlo simulations. Material and methods In this study, the superposition method is used for obtaining the dose distribution in the phantom without using the applicator for a typical gynecological brachytherapy (superposition-1). Then, the sources are simulated inside the tandem and ovoid applicator to identify the effect of applicator attenuation (superposition-2), and the dose at points A, B, bladder, and rectum were compared with the results of superposition. The exact dwell positions, times of the source, and positions of the dosimetry points were determined in images of a patient and treatment data of an adult woman patient from a cancer center. The MCNP5 Monte Carlo (MC) code was used for simulation of the phantoms, applicators, and the sources. Results The results of this study showed no significant differences between the results of superposition method and the MC simulations for different dosimetry points. The difference in all important dosimetry points was found to be less than 5%. Conclusions According to the results, applicator attenuation has no significant effect on the calculated points dose, the superposition method, adding the dose of each source obtained by the MC simulation, can estimate the dose to points A, B, bladder, and rectum with good accuracy. PMID:29619061

  19. Iterative integral parameter identification of a respiratory mechanics model.

    PubMed

    Schranz, Christoph; Docherty, Paul D; Chiew, Yeong Shiong; Möller, Knut; Chase, J Geoffrey

    2012-07-18

    Patient-specific respiratory mechanics models can support the evaluation of optimal lung protective ventilator settings during ventilation therapy. Clinical application requires that the individual's model parameter values must be identified with information available at the bedside. Multiple linear regression or gradient-based parameter identification methods are highly sensitive to noise and initial parameter estimates. Thus, they are difficult to apply at the bedside to support therapeutic decisions. An iterative integral parameter identification method is applied to a second order respiratory mechanics model. The method is compared to the commonly used regression methods and error-mapping approaches using simulated and clinical data. The clinical potential of the method was evaluated on data from 13 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients. The iterative integral method converged to error minima 350 times faster than the Simplex Search Method using simulation data sets and 50 times faster using clinical data sets. Established regression methods reported erroneous results due to sensitivity to noise. In contrast, the iterative integral method was effective independent of initial parameter estimations, and converged successfully in each case tested. These investigations reveal that the iterative integral method is beneficial with respect to computing time, operator independence and robustness, and thus applicable at the bedside for this clinical application.

  20. Dietary assessment and self-monitoring with nutrition applications for mobile devices.

    PubMed

    Lieffers, Jessica R L; Hanning, Rhona M

    2012-01-01

    Nutrition applications for mobile devices (e.g., personal digital assistants, smartphones) are becoming increasingly accessible and can assist with the difficult task of intake recording for dietary assessment and self-monitoring. This review is a compilation and discussion of research on this tool for dietary intake documentation in healthy populations and those trying to lose weight. The purpose is to compare this tool with conventional methods (e.g., 24-hour recall interviews, paper-based food records). Research databases were searched from January 2000 to April 2011, with the following criteria: healthy or weight loss populations, use of a mobile device nutrition application, and inclusion of at least one of three measures, which were the ability to capture dietary intake in comparison with conventional methods, dietary self-monitoring adherence, and changes in anthropometrics and/or dietary intake. Eighteen studies are discussed. Two application categories were identified: those with which users select food and portion size from databases and those with which users photograph their food. Overall, positive feedback was reported with applications. Both application types had moderate to good correlations for assessing energy and nutrient intakes in comparison with conventional methods. For self-monitoring, applications versus conventional techniques (often paper records) frequently resulted in better self-monitoring adherence, and changes in dietary intake and/or anthropometrics. Nutrition applications for mobile devices have an exciting potential for use in dietetic practice.

  1. Aerodynamic aircraft design methods and their notable applications: Survey of the activity in Japan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fujii, Kozo; Takanashi, Susumu

    1991-01-01

    An overview of aerodynamic aircraft design methods and their recent applications in Japan is presented. A design code which was developed at the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) and is in use now is discussed, hence, most of the examples are the result of the collaborative work between heavy industry and the National Aerospace Laboratory. A wide variety of applications in transonic to supersonic flow regimes are presented. Although design of aircraft elements for external flows are the main focus, some of the internal flow applications are also presented. Recent applications of the design code, using the Navier Stokes and Euler equations in the analysis mode, include the design of HOPE (a space vehicle) and Upper Surface Blowing (USB) aircraft configurations.

  2. Fabrication and applications of copper sulfide (CuS) nanostructures

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

    Shamraiz, Umair, E-mail: umairshamraiz@gmail.com; Hussain, Raja Azadar, E-mail: hussainazadar@gamil.com; Badshah, Amin, E-mail: aminbadshah@yahoo.com

    2016-06-15

    This review article presents different fabrication procedures (under the headlines of solvothermal routes, aerosol methods, solution methods and thermolysis), and applications (photocatalytic degradation, ablation of cancer cells, electrode material in lithium ion batteries and in gas sensing, organic solar cells, field emission properties, super capacitor applications, photoelectrochemical performance of QDSCs, photocatalytic reduction of organic pollutants, electrochemical bio sensing, enhanced PEC characteristics of pre-annealed CuS film electrodes) of copper sulfide (Covellite). - Highlights: • This review article presents the synthesis and applications of copper sulfide. • CuS has been used over the years for different applications in nanoscience. • Different syntheticmore » protocols are followed for their preparation which help in the possible modifications in the morphology of CuS.« less

  3. PARTICLE ACCELERATOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE THEREOF

    DOEpatents

    Neal, R.B.; Gallagher, W.J.

    1960-10-11

    A method and means for controlling the temperature of a particle accelerator and more particularly to the maintenance of a constant and uniform temperature throughout a particle accelerator is offered. The novel feature of the invention resides in the provision of two individual heating applications to the accelerator structure. The first heating application provided is substantially a duplication of the accelerator heat created from energization, this first application being employed only when the accelerator is de-energized thereby maintaining the accelerator temperature constant with regard to time whether the accelerator is energized or not. The second heating application provided is designed to add to either the first application or energization heat in a manner to create the same uniform temperature throughout all portions of the accelerator.

  4. Manufacturing methods and applications of membranes in microfluidics.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xueye; Shen, Jienan; Hu, Zengliang; Huo, Xuyao

    2016-12-01

    Applications of membranes in microfluidics solved many thorny problems for analytical chemistry and bioscience, so that the use of membranes in microfluidics has been a topic of growing interest. Many different examples have been reported, demonstrating the versatile use of membranes. This work reviews a lot of applications of membranes in microfluidics. Membranes in microfluidics for applications including chemical reagents detection, gas detection, drug screening, cell, protein, microreactor, electrokinetical fluid, pump and valve and fluid transport control and so on, have been analyzed and discussed. In addition, the definition and basic concepts of membranes are summed up. And the methods of manufacturing membranes in microfluidics are discussed. This paper will provide a helpful reference to researchers who want to study applications of membranes in microfluidics.

  5. Helicopter Fatigue. A Review of Current Requirements and Substantiation Procedures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-01-01

    which the applications differ between contractors based cn their individual experience. Load Application: The ideal method of measuring flight loads would... method is different for the parts mainly dimensioned by high cycle fatigue (rotors and gearboxes) and for those subjected to low cycle fatigue (e.g...into damage per hour. Z.. A 58 2.3. Calculation of the service life Two methods are available, both with advantages and drawbacks. They only differ by

  6. Development of a probabilistic analysis methodology for structural reliability estimation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Torng, T. Y.; Wu, Y.-T.

    1991-01-01

    The novel probabilistic analysis method for assessment of structural reliability presented, which combines fast-convolution with an efficient structural reliability analysis, can after identifying the most important point of a limit state proceed to establish a quadratic-performance function. It then transforms the quadratic function into a linear one, and applies fast convolution. The method is applicable to problems requiring computer-intensive structural analysis. Five illustrative examples of the method's application are given.

  7. Method to produce nanocrystalline powders of oxide-based phosphors for lighting applications

    DOEpatents

    Loureiro, Sergio Paulo Martins; Setlur, Anant Achyut; Williams, Darryl Stephen; Manoharan, Mohan; Srivastava, Alok Mani

    2007-12-25

    Some embodiments of the present invention are directed toward nanocrystalline oxide-based phosphor materials, and methods for making same. Typically, such methods comprise a steric entrapment route for converting precursors into such phosphor material. In some embodiments, the nanocrystalline oxide-based phosphor materials are quantum splitting phosphors. In some or other embodiments, such nanocrystalline oxide based phosphor materials provide reduced scattering, leading to greater efficiency, when used in lighting applications.

  8. Formalizing Space Shuttle Software Requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crow, Judith; DiVito, Ben L.

    1996-01-01

    This paper describes two case studies in which requirements for new flight-software subsystems on NASA's Space Shuttle were analyzed, one using standard formal specification techniques, the other using state exploration. These applications serve to illustrate three main theses: (1) formal methods can complement conventional requirements analysis processes effectively, (2) formal methods confer benefits regardless of how extensively they are adopted and applied, and (3) formal methods are most effective when they are judiciously tailored to the application.

  9. Recent Work in Hybrid Radiation Transport Methods with Applications to Commercial Nuclear Power

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

    Kulesza, Joel A.

    This talk will begin with an overview of hybrid radiation transport methods followed by a discussion of the author’s work to advance current capabilities. The talk will then describe applications for these methods in commercial nuclear power reactor analyses and techniques for experimental validation. When discussing these analytical and experimental activities, the importance of technical standards such as those created and maintained by ASTM International will be demonstrated.

  10. Increasing the volumetric efficiency of Diesel engines by intake pipes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    List, Hans

    1933-01-01

    Development of a method for calculating the volumetric efficiency of piston engines with intake pipes. Application of this method to the scavenging pumps of two-stroke-cycle engines with crankcase scavenging and to four-stroke-cycle engines. The utility of the method is demonstrated by volumetric-efficiency tests of the two-stroke-cycle engines with crankcase scavenging. Its practical application to the calculation of intake pipes is illustrated by example.

  11. Improved Net-Level Filling And Finishing Of Large Castings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Erik P.; Brown, Richard F.

    1995-01-01

    Improved method of vacuum casting of large, generally cylindrical objects to net sizes and shapes reduces amount of direct manual labor by workers in proximity to cast material. Original application for which method devised is fabrication of solid rocket-motor segments containing solid propellant, wherein need to minimize exposure of workers to propellant material being cast. Improved method adaptable to other applications involving large castings of toxic, flammable, or otherwise hazardous materials.

  12. Complex Demands on Teaching Require Innovation: Case Method & Other Techniques. Selected Papers of the International Conference on Case Method Research & Application (17th, Budapest, Hungary, July 2-5, 2000).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klein, Hans E., Ed.

    This book presents a selection of papers from the annual, international, interdisciplinary conference of the World Association for Case Method Research & Application. Papers are categorized into six areas: (1) "Case Studies and Research" (e.g., subjectivity as a source of insight in case study research, evolution of a teaching case,…

  13. [Carotid plaque assessment using inversion recovery T1 weighted-3 dimensions variable refocus flip angle turbo spin echo sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different angle evolutions black blood imaging].

    PubMed

    Inoue, Yuji; Yoneyama, Masami; Nakamura, Masanobu; Ozaki, Satoshi; Ito, Kenjiro; Hiura, Mikio

    2012-01-01

    Vulnerable plaque can be attributed to induction of ischemic symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging of carotid artery is valuable to detect the plaque. Magnetization prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo (MPRAGE) method could detect hemorrhagic vulnerable plaque as high intensity signal; however, blood flow is not sufficiently masked by this method. The contrast for plaque in T1 weighted image (T1WI) could not be obtained sufficiently with black blood image (BBI) by sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different angle evolutions (SPACE) method as turbo spin echo (TSE). In addition, an appearance of artifact by slow flow is a problem. Considering these controversial situations in plaque imaging, we examined the modified BBI inversion recovery (IR)-SPACE in which IR was added for SPACE method so that the contrast for plaque in T1WI was optimized. We investigated the application of this method in plaque imaging. As a result of phantom imaging, the contrast for plaque in T1WI was definitely obtained by choosing an appropriate inversion time (TI) for the corresponding repetition time. In clinical cases, blood flow was sufficiently masked by IR-SPACE method and the plaque imaging was clearly obtained in clinical cases to the same extent as MPRAGE method. Since BBI with IR-SPACE method was derived from both IR pulse and flow void effect, this method could obtain the blood flow masking effect definitely. The present study suggested that SPACE method might be applicable to estimate properties of carotid artery plaque.

  14. CYBER 200 Applications Seminar

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gary, J. P. (Compiler)

    1984-01-01

    Applications suited for the CYBER 200 digital computer are discussed. Various areas of application including meteorology, algorithms, fluid dynamics, monte carlo methods, petroleum, electronic circuit simulation, biochemistry, lattice gauge theory, economics and ray tracing are discussed.

  15. Heuristic query optimization for query multiple table and multiple clausa on mobile finance application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Indrayana, I. N. E.; P, N. M. Wirasyanti D.; Sudiartha, I. KG

    2018-01-01

    Mobile application allow many users to access data from the application without being limited to space, space and time. Over time the data population of this application will increase. Data access time will cause problems if the data record has reached tens of thousands to millions of records.The objective of this research is to maintain the performance of data execution for large data records. One effort to maintain data access time performance is to apply query optimization method. The optimization used in this research is query heuristic optimization method. The built application is a mobile-based financial application using MySQL database with stored procedure therein. This application is used by more than one business entity in one database, thus enabling rapid data growth. In this stored procedure there is an optimized query using heuristic method. Query optimization is performed on a “Select” query that involves more than one table with multiple clausa. Evaluation is done by calculating the average access time using optimized and unoptimized queries. Access time calculation is also performed on the increase of population data in the database. The evaluation results shown the time of data execution with query heuristic optimization relatively faster than data execution time without using query optimization.

  16. System and Method for Providing a Climate Data Analytic Services Application Programming Interface Distribution Package

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tamkin, Glenn S. (Inventor); Duffy, Daniel Q. (Inventor); Schnase, John L. (Inventor)

    2016-01-01

    A system, method and computer-readable storage devices for providing a climate data analytic services application programming interface distribution package. The example system can provide various components. The system provides a climate data analytic services application programming interface library that enables software applications running on a client device to invoke the capabilities of a climate data analytic service. The system provides a command-line interface that provides a means of interacting with a climate data analytic service by issuing commands directly to the system's server interface. The system provides sample programs that call on the capabilities of the application programming interface library and can be used as templates for the construction of new client applications. The system can also provide test utilities, build utilities, service integration utilities, and documentation.

  17. Application of augmented-Lagrangian methods in meteorology: Comparison of different conjugate-gradient codes for large-scale minimization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Navon, I. M.

    1984-01-01

    A Lagrange multiplier method using techniques developed by Bertsekas (1982) was applied to solving the problem of enforcing simultaneous conservation of the nonlinear integral invariants of the shallow water equations on a limited area domain. This application of nonlinear constrained optimization is of the large dimensional type and the conjugate gradient method was found to be the only computationally viable method for the unconstrained minimization. Several conjugate-gradient codes were tested and compared for increasing accuracy requirements. Robustness and computational efficiency were the principal criteria.

  18. Rotor dynamic simulation and system identification methods for application to vacuum whirl data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Berman, A.; Giansante, N.; Flannelly, W. G.

    1980-01-01

    Methods of using rotor vacuum whirl data to improve the ability to model helicopter rotors were developed. The work consisted of the formulation of the equations of motion of elastic blades on a hub using a Galerkin method; the development of a general computer program for simulation of these equations; the study and implementation of a procedure for determining physical parameters based on measured data; and the application of a method for computing the normal modes and natural frequencies based on test data.

  19. Application of integrated fluid-thermal-structural analysis methods

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wieting, Allan R.; Dechaumphai, Pramote; Bey, Kim S.; Thornton, Earl A.; Morgan, Ken

    1988-01-01

    Hypersonic vehicles operate in a hostile aerothermal environment which has a significant impact on their aerothermostructural performance. Significant coupling occurs between the aerodynamic flow field, structural heat transfer, and structural response creating a multidisciplinary interaction. Interfacing state-of-the-art disciplinary analysis methods is not efficient, hence interdisciplinary analysis methods integrated into a single aerothermostructural analyzer are needed. The NASA Langley Research Center is developing such methods in an analyzer called LIFTS (Langley Integrated Fluid-Thermal-Structural) analyzer. The evolution and status of LIFTS is reviewed and illustrated through applications.

  20. CSM Testbed Development and Large-Scale Structural Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Knight, Norman F., Jr.; Gillian, R. E.; Mccleary, Susan L.; Lotts, C. G.; Poole, E. L.; Overman, A. L.; Macy, S. C.

    1989-01-01

    A research activity called Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center is described. This activity is developing advanced structural analysis and computational methods that exploit high-performance computers. Methods are developed in the framework of the CSM Testbed software system and applied to representative complex structural analysis problems from the aerospace industry. An overview of the CSM Testbed methods development environment is presented and some new numerical methods developed on a CRAY-2 are described. Selected application studies performed on the NAS CRAY-2 are also summarized.

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