Design, construction, and testing of a five active axes magnetic bearing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delprete, Cristiana; Genta, Giancarlo; Carabelli, Stefano

1994-01-01

A high speed electric spindle based on active electromagnetic suspension technology has been designed, built, and tested. The main goal of the research work was the construction of a highly modular unit which can be used for teaching and research purposes. The design of the electromechanical components and of the control unit is described in detail, together with the characterization tests performed on the various subsystems. A description of the preliminary tests on the unit, conducted at speeds not in excess of the first deformation critical speed of the rotor, concludes the work.

Flight test evaluation of the Stanford University/United Airlines differential GPS Category 3 automatic landing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufmann, David N.; Ncnally, B. David

1995-01-01

Test flights were conducted to evaluate the capability of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to provide the accuracy and integrity required for International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Category (CAT) 3 precision approach and landings. These test flights were part of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program to evaluate the technical feasibility of using DGPS based technology for CAT 3 precision approach and landing applications. A United Airlines Boeing 737-300 (N304UA) was equipped with DGPS receiving equipment and additional computing capability provided by Stanford University. The test flights were conducted at NASA Ames Research Center's Crows Landing Flight Facility, Crows Landing, California. The flight test evaluation was based on completing 100 approaches and autolandings; 90 touch and go, and 10 terminating with a full stop. Two types of accuracy requirements were evaluated: 1) Total system error, based on the Required Navigation Performance (RNP), and 2) Navigation sensor error, based on ICAO requirements for the Microwave Landing System (MLS). All of the approaches and autolandings were evaluated against ground truth reference data provided by a laser tracker. Analysis of these approaches and autolandings shows that the Stanford University/United Airlines system met the requirements for a successful approach and autolanding 98 out of 100 approaches and autolandings, based on the total system error requirements as specified in the FAA CAT 3 Level 2 Flight Test Plan.

Supporting High School Student Accomplishment of Biology Content Using Interactive Computer-Based Curricular Case Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliver, Joseph Steve; Hodges, Georgia W.; Moore, James N.; Cohen, Allan; Jang, Yoonsun; Brown, Scott A.; Kwon, Kyung A.; Jeong, Sophia; Raven, Sara P.; Jurkiewicz, Melissa; Robertson, Tom P.

2017-11-01

Research into the efficacy of modules featuring dynamic visualizations, case studies, and interactive learning environments is reported here. This quasi-experimental 2-year study examined the implementation of three interactive computer-based instructional modules within a curricular unit covering cellular biology concepts in an introductory high school biology course. The modules featured dynamic visualizations and focused on three processes that underlie much of cellular biology: diffusion, osmosis, and filtration. Pre-tests and post-tests were used to assess knowledge growth across the unit. A mixture Rasch model analysis of the post-test data revealed two groups of students. In both years of the study, a large proportion of the students were classified as low-achieving based on their pre-test scores. The use of the modules in the Cell Unit in year 2 was associated with a much larger proportion of the students having transitioned to the high-achieving group than in year 1. In year 2, the same teachers taught the same concepts as year 1 but incorporated the interactive computer-based modules into the cell biology unit of the curriculum. In year 2, 67% of students initially classified as low-achieving were classified as high-achieving at the end of the unit. Examination of responses to assessments embedded within the modules as well as post-test items linked transition to the high-achieving group with correct responses to items that both referenced the visualization and the contextualization of that visualization within the module. This study points to the importance of dynamic visualization within contextualized case studies as a means to support student knowledge acquisition in biology.

First results from quality assurance testing of MaPMTs for the LHCb RICH upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gambetta, S.; LHCb RICH Collaboration

2017-12-01

In 2019 the LHCb RICH detector will be upgraded to increase the read out rate from 1 MHz to 40 MHz. As a consequence, the current Hybrid Photon Detectors will have to be replaced. Multi-anode Photomultiplier Tubes (MaPMTs) from Hamamatsu with 64-channels will be used: the 1-in. R13742 and the 2-in. R13743 MaPMTs (custom modifications of the MaPMTs R11625 and R12699). Quality assurance testing of these MaPMTs using custom-developed readout electronics has started. We present the design and realisation of the test facilities to ensure consistency in testing and validation. A total of 3100 units of the R13742 and 450 units of the R13743 will be tested requiring high efficiency and reliability from the test stations. We report on the test programme and protocols, characterising the units and assuring compliance with specifications. First results of testing and detector characterisation will be presented, based on the pre-series production, comprising 54 units of R13742 and 20 units of R13743.

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

Baxter, V. D.; Rice, K.; Murphy, R.

Between October 2008 and May 2013 ORNL and ClimateMaster, Inc. (CM) engaged in a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop a groundsource integrated heat pump (GS-IHP) system for the US residential market. A initial prototype was designed and fabricated, lab-tested, and modeled in TRNSYS (SOLAR Energy Laboratory, et al, 2010) to predict annual performance relative to 1) a baseline suite of equipment meeting minimum efficiency standards in effect in 2006 (combination of air-source heat pump (ASHP) and resistance water heater) and 2) a state-of-the-art (SOA) two-capacity ground-source heat pump with desuperheater water heater (WH) option (GSHPwDS). Predicted totalmore » annual energy savings, while providing space conditioning and water heating for a 2600 ft{sup 2} (242 m{sup 2}) house at 5 U.S. locations, ranged from 52 to 59%, averaging 55%, relative to the minimum efficiency suite. Predicted energy use for water heating was reduced 68 to 78% relative to resistance WH. Predicted total annual savings for the GSHPwDS relative to the same baseline averaged 22.6% with water heating energy use reduced by 10 to 30% from desuperheater contributions. The 1st generation (or alpha) prototype design for the GS-IHP was finalized in 2010 and field test samples were fabricated for testing by CM and by ORNL. Two of the alpha units were installed in 3700 ft{sup 2} (345 m{sup 2}) houses at the ZEBRAlliance site in Oak Ridge and field tested during 2011. Based on the steady-state performance demonstrated by the GS-IHPs it was projected that it would achieve >52% energy savings relative to the minimum efficiency suite at this specific site. A number of operational issues with the alpha units were identified indicating design changes needed to the system before market introduction could be accomplished. These were communicated to CM throughout the field test period. Based on the alpha unit test results and the diagnostic information coming from the field test experience, CM developed a 2nd generation (or beta) prototype in 2012. Field test verification units were fabricated and installed at the ZEBRAlliance site in Oak Ridge in May 2012 and at several sites near CM headquarters in Oklahoma. Field testing of the units continued through February 2013. Annual performance analyses of the beta unit (prototype 2) with vertical well ground heat exchangers (GHX) in 5 U.S. locations predict annual energy savings of 57% to 61%, averaging 59% relative to the minimum efficiency suite and 38% to 56%, averaging 46% relative to the SOA GSHPwDS. Based on the steady-state performance demonstrated by the test units it was projected that the 2nd generation units would achieve ~58% energy savings relative to the minimum efficiency suite at the Zebra Alliance site with horizontal GHX. A new product based on the beta unit design was announced by CM in 2012 – the Trilogy 40® Q-mode™ (http://cmdealernet.com/trilogy_40.html). The unit was formally introduced in a March 2012 press release (see Appendix A) and was available for order beginning in December 2012.« less

Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenetic Testing in a Hospital of the Spanish National Health System: Strategy and Experience Over 3 Years

PubMed Central

Dapia, Irene; Tong, Hoi Y.; Arias, Pedro; Muñoz, Mario; Tenorio, Jair; Hernández, Rafael; García García, Irene; Gordo, Gema; Ramírez, Elena; Frías, Jesús; Lapunzina, Pablo; Carcas, Antonio J.

2017-01-01

Abstract In 2014, we established a pharmacogenetics unit with the intention of facilitating the integration of pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice. This unit was centered around two main ideas: i) individualization of clinical recommendations, and ii) preemptive genotyping in risk populations. Our unit is based on the design and validation of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, which has allowed testing of 180 SNPs associated with drug response (PharmArray), and clinical consultation regarding the results. Herein, we report our experience in integrating pharmacogenetic testing into our hospital and we present the results of the 2,539 pharmacogenetic consultation requests received over the past 3 years in our unit. The results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice within a national health system. PMID:29193749

Effectiveness of Wellness-Based Classroom Guidance in Elementary School Settings: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villalba, Jose A.; Myers, Jane E.

2008-01-01

A three-session, wellness-based classroom guidance unit was developed based on the Indivisible Self wellness model and presented to 55 students in 5th grade. Participants completed the Five Factor Wellness Inventory, Elementary School Version, before and after the unit. Wellness scores were significantly and positively higher at post-testing for…

Engineering Encounters: Sailing into the Digital Era

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bellavance, Janet; Truchon, Amy

2015-01-01

This article describes how Janet Bellavance teamed with technology integration specialist, Amy Truchon to incorporate iPads into her Engineering is Elementary (EiE) unit--a curriculum that engages elementary students in engineering simple technologies. In an EiE unit, students design, test, and then, based on test results, improve their design,…

Building Construction. Competency-Based Education Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West Virginia State Vocational Curriculum Lab., Cedar Lakes.

Developed and field-tested over a 2-year period by vocational teachers in West Virginia, this competency-based building construction curriculum contains five units of study: Safety, form carpentry, carpentry, masonry, and plumbing. Each unit is subdivided into several competencies, and for each competency taught the performance objectives,…

Testing of motor unit synchronization model for localized muscle fatigue.

PubMed

Naik, Ganesh R; Kumar, Dinesh K; Yadav, Vivek; Wheeler, Katherine; Arjunan, Sridhar

2009-01-01

Spectral compression of surface electromyogram (sEMG) is associated with onset of localized muscle fatigue. The spectral compression has been explained based on motor unit synchronization theory. According to this theory, motor units are pseudo randomly excited during muscle contraction, and with the onset of muscle fatigue the recruitment pattern changes such that motor unit firings become more synchronized. While this is widely accepted, there is little experimental proof of this phenomenon. This paper has used source dependence measures developed in research related to independent component analysis (ICA) to test this theory.

Personal customizing exercise with a wearable measurement and control unit.

PubMed

Wang, Zhihui; Kiryu, Tohru; Tamura, Naoki

2005-06-28

Recently, wearable technology has been used in various health-related fields to develop advanced monitoring solutions. However, the monitoring function alone cannot meet all the requirements of customizing machine-based exercise on an individual basis by relying on biosignal-based controls. We propose a new wearable unit design equipped with measurement and control functions to support the customization process. The wearable unit can measure the heart rate and electromyogram signals during exercise performance and output workload control commands to the exercise machines. The workload is continuously tracked with exercise programs set according to personally customized workload patterns and estimation results from the measured biosignals by a fuzzy control method. Exercise programs are adapted by relying on a computer workstation, which communicates with the wearable unit via wireless connections. A prototype of the wearable unit was tested together with an Internet-based cycle ergometer system to demonstrate that it is possible to customize exercise on an individual basis. We tested the wearable unit in nine people to assess its suitability to control cycle ergometer exercise. The results confirmed that the unit could successfully control the ergometer workload and continuously support gradual changes in physical activities. The design of wearable units equipped with measurement and control functions is an important step towards establishing a convenient and continuously supported wellness environment.

Testing for purchasing power parity in 21 African countries using several unit root tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choji, Niri Martha; Sek, Siok Kun

2017-04-01

Purchasing power parity is used as a basis for international income and expenditure comparison through the exchange rate theory. However, empirical studies show disagreement on the validity of PPP. In this paper, we conduct the testing on the validity of PPP using panel data approach. We apply seven different panel unit root tests to test the validity of the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis based on the quarterly data on real effective exchange rate for 21 African countries from the period 1971: Q1-2012: Q4. All the results of the seven tests rejected the hypothesis of stationarity meaning that absolute PPP does not hold in those African Countries. This result confirmed the claim from previous studies that standard panel unit tests fail to support the PPP hypothesis.

Automated collection and processing of environmental samples

DOEpatents

Troyer, Gary L.; McNeece, Susan G.; Brayton, Darryl D.; Panesar, Amardip K.

1997-01-01

For monitoring an environmental parameter such as the level of nuclear radiation, at distributed sites, bar coded sample collectors are deployed and their codes are read using a portable data entry unit that also records the time of deployment. The time and collector identity are cross referenced in memory in the portable unit. Similarly, when later recovering the collector for testing, the code is again read and the time of collection is stored as indexed to the sample collector, or to a further bar code, for example as provided on a container for the sample. The identity of the operator can also be encoded and stored. After deploying and/or recovering the sample collectors, the data is transmitted to a base processor. The samples are tested, preferably using a test unit coupled to the base processor, and again the time is recorded. The base processor computes the level of radiation at the site during exposure of the sample collector, using the detected radiation level of the sample, the delay between recovery and testing, the duration of exposure and the half life of the isotopes collected. In one embodiment, an identity code and a site code are optically read by an image grabber coupled to the portable data entry unit.

Development of action levels for MED/MPD skin-testing units in ultraviolet phototherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connor, Una M.; O'Hare, Neil J.

2003-03-01

Ultraviolet (UV) Phototherapy is commonly used for treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Treatment is carried out using UV phototherapy units, exposing all or part of the body for a certain exposure time. Prior to exposure in treatment units, an unaffected area of skin may be tested using UV skin-testing units in order to determine a suitable treatment regime. The exposure time at which barely perceptible erythema has developed is known as the Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) for UVB therapy and Minimal Phototoxic Dose (MPD) for UVA therapy. This is used to determine the starting dose in the treatment regime. The presence of 'hotspots' and 'coldspots' in UV skin-testing units can result in inaccurate determination of MED/MPD. This could give rise to severe burns during treatment, or in a sub-optimal dose regime being used. Quality assurance protocols for UV phototherapy equipment have recently been developed and these protocols have highlighted the need for action levels for skin-testing units. An action level is a reference value, which is used to determine whether the difference in irradiance output level across a UV unit is acceptable. Current methodologies for skin-testing in Ireland have been characterised and errors introduced during testing have been estimated. Action levels have been developed based on analysis of errors and requirements of skin-testing.

Conceptualizing Teaching to the Test under Standards-Based Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welsh, Megan E.; Eastwood, Melissa; D'Agostino, Jerome V.

2014-01-01

Teacher and school accountability systems based on high-stakes tests are ubiquitous throughout the United States and appear to be growing as a catalyst for reform. As a result, educators have increased the proportion of instructional time devoted to test preparation. Although guidelines for what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate test…

United Stirling's Solar Engine Development: the Background for the Vanguard Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holgersson, S.

1984-01-01

The development and testing resulting in the Vanguard engine and some of the characteristics of the Stirling engine based power conversion unit are described. The major part of the solar engine development is concentrated to the three different areas, the receiver, the lubrication system and the control system. Five engines are on test within the solar project. The function of the components are validated in actual solar tests.

Evaluation of a teflon based ultraviolet light system on the disinfection of water in a textile air washer

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

Smith, J.E.; Whisnant, R.B.

The report provides an in-depth evaluation of an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit as applied to the treatment of cooling water in a textile air washer system. The UV unit tests used a teflon tube to transport the aquatic phase. The unit reduced microbial populations and maintained an average level of 10,000 Colony formed unites/mL for the 6-month testing period, without the addition of biocides. No cleaning or other maintenance was required of the wetted surfaces during the testing period. Slime deposits observed on walls of the air washer during chemical treatment were also eliminated. The UV unit can be utilizedmore » on both cooling towers and air washers without extensive installation.« less

Performance Testing of GPU-Based Approximate Matching Algorithm on Network Traffic

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

Defense Department’s use. vi THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK vii TABLE OF CONTENTS I.  INTRODUCTION...22  D.  GENERATING DIGESTS ............................................................................23  1.  Reference...the-shelf GPU Graphical Processing Unit GPGPU General -Purpose Graphic Processing Unit HBSS Host-Based Security System HIPS Host Intrusion

Joining the Conversation: Predictors of Success on the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gohara, Sabry; Shapiro, Joseph I.; Jacob, Adam N.; Khuder, Sadik A.; Gandy, Robyn A.; Metting, Patricia J.; Gold, Jeffrey; Kleshinski, James; and James Kleshinski

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether models based on pre-admission testing, including performance on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), performance on required courses in the medical school curriculum, or a combination of both could accurately predict performance of medical students on the United States Medical Licensing…

Changing the English Classroom: When Large-Scale "Common" Testing Meets Secondary Curriculum and Instruction in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cimbricz, Sandra K.; McConn, Matthew L.

2015-01-01

This article explores the intersection of new, large-scale standards-based testing, teacher accountability policy, and secondary curriculum and instruction in the United States. Two federally funded consortia--the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and the Partnership for Readiness of College and Careers--prove focal to this paper, as these…

Premission and postmission simulation studies of the foot-controlled maneuvering unit for Skylab experiment T-020. [astronaut maneuvering equipment - space environment simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hewes, D. E.; Glover, K. E.

1975-01-01

A Skylab experiment was conducted to study the maneuvering capabilities of astronauts using a relatively simple self-locomotive device, referred to as the foot-controlled maneuvering unit, and to evaluate the effectiveness of ground-based facilities simulating the operation of this device in weightless conditions of space. Some of the special considerations given in the definition and development of the experiment as related to the two ground-based simulators are reviewed. These simulators were used to train the test subjects and to obtain baseline data which could be used for comparison with the in-flight tests that were performed inside the Skylab orbital workshop. The results of both premission and postmission tests are discussed, and subjective comparisons of the in-flight and ground-based test conditions are presented.

Environmental Assessment (EA): Proposed Emergency Power Unit Overhaul Complex at Little Mountain Test Annex, Utah

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-14

NUMBER FA8201-09-D-0002 Overhaul Complex at Little Mountain Test Annex, Utah 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S...AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Streamline Consulting, LLC 1713 N. Sweetwater Lane Farmington, Utah 84025...Hill Air Force Base (AFB) proposes to construct a new emergency power unit overhaul complex at Little Mountain Test Annex, Utah . Buildings 2005

Commercial landscape of noninvasive prenatal testing in the United States.

PubMed

Agarwal, Ashwin; Sayres, Lauren C; Cho, Mildred K; Cook-Deegan, Robert; Chandrasekharan, Subhashini

2013-06-01

Cell-free fetal DNA-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) could significantly change the paradigm of prenatal testing and screening. Intellectual property (IP) and commercialization promise to be important components of the emerging debate about clinical implementation of these technologies. We have assembled information about types of testing, prices, turnaround times, and reimbursement of recently launched commercial tests in the United States from the trade press, news articles, and scientific, legal, and business publications. We also describe the patenting and licensing landscape of technologies underlying these tests and ongoing patent litigation in the United States. Finally, we discuss how IP issues may affect clinical translation of NIPT and their potential implications for stakeholders. Fetal medicine professionals (clinicians and researchers), genetic counselors, insurers, regulators, test developers, and patients may be able to use this information to make informed decisions about clinical implementation of current and emerging noninvasive prenatal tests. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Commercial Landscape of noninvasive prenatal testing in the United States

PubMed Central

Agarwal, Ashwin; Sayres, Lauren C.; Cho, Mildred K.; Cook-Deegan, Robert; Chandrasekharan, Subhashini

2014-01-01

Cell-free fetal DNA-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) could significantly change the paradigm of prenatal testing and screening. Intellectual property (IP) and commercialization promise to be important components of the emerging debate about clinical implementation of these technologies. We have assembled information about types of testing, prices, turnaround times and reimbursement of recently launched commercial tests in the United States from the trade press, news articles, and scientific, legal, and business publications. We also describe the patenting and licensing landscape of technologies underlying these tests and ongoing patent litigation in the United States. Finally, we discuss how IP issues may affect clinical translation of NIPT and their potential implications for stakeholders. Fetal medicine professionals (clinicians and researchers), genetic counselors, insurers, regulators, test developers and patients may be able to use this information to make informed decisions about clinical implementation of current and emerging noninvasive prenatal tests. PMID:23686656

Personal customizing exercise with a wearable measurement and control unit

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhihui; Kiryu, Tohru; Tamura, Naoki

2005-01-01

Background Recently, wearable technology has been used in various health-related fields to develop advanced monitoring solutions. However, the monitoring function alone cannot meet all the requirements of customizing machine-based exercise on an individual basis by relying on biosignal-based controls. We propose a new wearable unit design equipped with measurement and control functions to support the customization process. Methods The wearable unit can measure the heart rate and electromyogram signals during exercise performance and output workload control commands to the exercise machines. The workload is continuously tracked with exercise programs set according to personally customized workload patterns and estimation results from the measured biosignals by a fuzzy control method. Exercise programs are adapted by relying on a computer workstation, which communicates with the wearable unit via wireless connections. A prototype of the wearable unit was tested together with an Internet-based cycle ergometer system to demonstrate that it is possible to customize exercise on an individual basis. Results We tested the wearable unit in nine people to assess its suitability to control cycle ergometer exercise. The results confirmed that the unit could successfully control the ergometer workload and continuously support gradual changes in physical activities. Conclusion The design of wearable units equipped with measurement and control functions is an important step towards establishing a convenient and continuously supported wellness environment. PMID:15982425

Mobile Food Ordering Application using Android OS Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yosep Ricky, Michael

2014-03-01

The purpose of this research is making an ordering food application based on Android with New Order, Order History, Restaurant Profile, Order Status, Tracking Order, and Setting Profile features. The research method used in this research is water model of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method with following phases: requirement definition, analyzing and determining the features needed in developing application and making the detail definition of each features, system and software design, designing the flow of developing application by using storyboard design, user experience design, Unified Modeling Language (UML) design, and database structure design, implementation an unit testing, making database and translating the result of designs to programming language code then doing unit testing, integration and System testing, integrating unit program to one unit system then doing system testing, operation and maintenance, operating the result of system testing and if any changes and reparations needed then the previous phases could be back. The result of this research is an ordering food application based on Android for customer and courier user, and a website for restaurant and admin user. The conclusion of this research is to help customer in making order easily, to give detail information needed by customer, to help restaurant in receiving order, and to help courier while doing delivery.

Effects of a simulated emergency airway management education program on the self-efficacy and clinical performance of intensive care unit nurses.

PubMed

Han, Myong-Ja; Lee, Ju-Ry; Shin, Yu-Jung; Son, Jeong-Suk; Choi, Eun-Joo; Oh, Yun-Hee; Lee, Soon-Haeng; Choi, Hye-Ran

2017-12-21

To examine the effects of a simulated emergency airway management education program on the self-efficacy and clinical performance among nurses in intensive care units. A one-group, pre- and post-test design was used. Thirty-five nurses who were working in adult intensive care units participated in this study. The simulation education program included lectures, skill demonstration, skill training, team-based practice, and debriefing. Self-efficacy and clinical performance questionnaires were completed before the program and 1 week after its completion. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the paired t-test to compare the mean differences between the pre-test and post-test. The scores before and after education were compared. After education, there was a significant improvement in the nurses' self-efficacy and clinical performance in emergency airway management situations. Simulation education effectively improved the self-efficacy and clinical performance of the nurses who were working in intensive care units. Based on the program for clinical nurses within a hospital, it will provide information that might advance clinical nursing education. © 2017 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.

7. Credit USAF, 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight ...

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

7. Credit USAF, 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Interior view in shop wing on south side of hangar. Original caption reads "7 Sept. 1945, BH-10, Hangar No. 4 4505 Machine Shop." - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Hangar, End of North Base Road, Boron, Kern County, CA

Development of a model to simulate infection dynamics of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds in the United States

PubMed Central

Smith, Rebecca L.; Schukken, Ynte H.; Lu, Zhao; Mitchell, Rebecca M.; Grohn, Yrjo T.

2013-01-01

Objective To develop a mathematical model to simulate infection dynamics of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds in the United States and predict efficacy of the current national control strategy for tuberculosis in cattle. Design Stochastic simulation model. Sample Theoretical cattle herds in the United States. Procedures A model of within-herd M bovis transmission dynamics following introduction of 1 latently infected cow was developed. Frequency- and density-dependent transmission modes and 3 tuberculin-test based culling strategies (no test-based culling, constant (annual) testing with test-based culling, and the current strategy of slaughterhouse detection-based testing and culling) were investigated. Results were evaluated for 3 herd sizes over a 10-year period and validated via simulation of known outbreaks of M bovis infection. Results On the basis of 1,000 simulations (1000 herds each) at replacement rates typical for dairy cattle (0.33/y), median time to detection of M bovis infection in medium-sized herds (276 adult cattle) via slaughterhouse surveillance was 27 months after introduction, and 58% of these herds would spontaneously clear the infection prior to that time. Sixty-two percent of medium-sized herds without intervention and 99% of those managed with constant test-based culling were predicted to clear infection < 10 years after introduction. The model predicted observed outbreaks best for frequency-dependent transmission, and probability of clearance was most sensitive to replacement rate. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Although modeling indicated the current national control strategy was sufficient for elimination of M bovis infection from dairy herds after detection, slaughterhouse surveillance was not sufficient to detect M bovis infection in all herds and resulted in subjectively delayed detection, compared with the constant testing method. Further research is required to economically optimize this strategy. PMID:23865885

The modern rotor aerodynamic limits survey: A report and data survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, J.; Brilla, J.; Kufeld, R.; Balough, D.

1993-01-01

The first phase of the Modern Technology Rotor Program, the Modern Rotor Aerodynamic Limits Survey, was a flight test conducted by the United States Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity for NASA Ames Research Center. The test was performed using a United States Army UH-60A Black Hawk aircraft and the United States Air Force HH-60A Night Hawk instrumented main-rotor blade. The primary purpose of this test was to gather high-speed, steady-state, and maneuvering data suitable for correlation purposes with analytical prediction tools. All aspects of the data base, flight-test instrumentation, and test procedures are presented and analyzed. Because of the high volume of data, only select data points are presented. However, access to the entire data set is available upon request.

Summary of Aquifer Test Data for Arkansas - 1940-2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pugh, Aaron L.

2008-01-01

As demands on Arkansas's ground water continue to increase, decision-makers need all available information to ensure the sustainability of this important natural resource. From 1940 through 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey has conducted over 300 aquifer tests in Arkansas. Much of these data never have been published. This report presents the results from 206 of these aquifer tests from 21 different hydrogeologic units spread across 51 Arkansas counties. Ten of the hydrogeologic units are within the Atlantic Plain of Arkansas and consist mostly of unconsolidated and semi-consolidated deposits. The remaining 11 units are within the Interior Highlands consisting mainly of consolidated rock. Descriptive statistics are reported for each hydrologic unit with two or more tests, including the mean, minimum, median, maximum and standard deviation values for specific capacity, transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient. Hydraulic conductivity values for the major water-bearing hydrogeologic units are estimated because few conductivity values are recorded in the original records. Nearly all estimated hydraulic conductivity values agree with published hydraulic conductivity values based on the hydrogeologic unit material types. Similarly, because few specific capacity values were available in the original aquifer test records, specific capacity values are estimated for individual wells.

5. Credit USAF, ca. 1942. Original housed in the Photograph ...

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

5. Credit USAF, ca. 1942. Original housed in the Photograph Files, AFFTC/HO, Edwards AFB, California. View of Bell Aircraft XP-59A Airacomet in flight. This was the United States military's first jet propelled aircraft which was extensively flight tested in secrecy at the Muroc Flight Test Base (North Base). - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, North Base Road, Boron, Kern County, CA

Material Modeling of Stony Meteorites for Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, P.

2016-12-01

To assess the threat posed by an asteroid entering Earth's atmosphere, one must predict if, when, and how it fragments during entry. A comprehensive understanding of the asteroid material properties is needed to achieve this objective. At present, the meteorite material found on earth are the only objects (other than synthetic meteorites) from an entering asteroid that can be used as representative material and be tested inside a laboratory setting. Due to limited number of meteorites available for testing it is difficult to develop a material model that can be purely based on statistics from the test data. Therefore, we are developing computational models to determine the effective material properties of stony meteorites and in turn deduce the properties of asteroids. The internal structure of meteorites are very complex. They consists of several minerals that include the silica based materials such as Olivine, Pyroxene, Feldspar that are found in terrestrial rocks, as well as Fe-Ni based minerals such as Kamacite, Troilite and Taenite that are unique to meteorites. Each of these minerals have different densities and mechanical properties. In addition, the meteorites have different phases that can be summarized as chondrules, metal and matrix. The meteorites have varying degree of porosity and pre-cracked structure. In order to account for diverse petrology of the meteorites a unique methodology is developed the form of unit cell model. The unit cell is representative volume that accounts for diverse minerals, porosity, and matrix composition inside a meteorite. All the minerals and phases inside these unit cells are randomly distributed. Several hundreds of Monte-Carlo simulations are performed to generate the effective mechanical properties such as Young's Modulus and Poisson's Ratio of the unit cell. Stress-strain curves as well as strength estimates are generated based on the unit cell models. These estimates will used as material models for full scale modeling of atmospheric entry for asteroids. Terrestrial analogs such as Basalt and Gabbro are being used to validate the unit cell methodology. Structural tests are also being performed on some of the meteorites including Tamdakht and Mbole to validate the predictions from unit cell models.

The Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS): 14. Distinguishing progression of glaucoma from visual field fluctuations.

PubMed

Kim, Jonghyeon; Dally, Leonard G; Ederer, Fred; Gaasterland, Douglas E; VanVeldhuisen, Paul C; Blackwell, Beth; Sullivan, E Kenneth; Prum, Bruce; Shafranov, George; Beck, Allen; Spaeth, George L

2004-11-01

To determine the least worsening of a visual field (VF) and the least number of confirming tests needed to identify progression of glaucomatous VF defects. Cohort study of participants in a clinical trial. Seven hundred fifty-two eyes of 565 patients with advanced glaucoma. Visual field tests were quantified with the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) VF defect score and the Humphrey Field Analyzer mean deviation (MD). Follow-up was 8 to 13 years. Two measures based on the AGIS VF defect score: (1) sustained decrease of VF (SDVF), a worsening from baseline by 2 (alternatively, 3 or 4) or more units and sustained for 2 (alternatively, 3) consecutive 6-month visits and (2) after the occurrence of SDVF, the average percent of eyes with worsening by 2 (alternatively, 3 or 4) or more units from baseline. Two similar measures based on MD. Based on the original AGIS criteria for SDVF (a worsening of 4 units in the AGIS score sustained during 3 consecutive 6-month visits), 31% of eyes had an SDVF. The percent of eyes with a sustained event increases by approximately 10% when either the minimum number of units of field loss or the minimum number of 6-month visits during which the loss is sustained decreases by 1. During 3 years of follow-up after a sustained event, a worsening of at least 2 units was found in 72% of eyes that had a 2-visit sustained event. The same worsening was found in 84% of eyes that had a 3-visit sustained event. Through the next 10 years after a sustained event, based on worsening of 2, 3, or 4 units at 2 or 3 consecutive tests, the loss reoccurred, on average, in >/=75% of study eyes. Results for MD are similar. In patients with advanced glaucoma, a single confirmatory test 6 months after a VF worsening indicates with at least 72% probability a persistent defect when the worsening is defined by at least 2 units of AGIS score or by at least 2 decibels of MD. When the number of confirmatory tests is increased from 1 to 2, the percentage of eyes that show a persistent defect increases from 72% to 84%.

Status of Hollow Cathode Heater Development for the Space Station Plasma Contactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, George C.

1994-01-01

A hollow cathode-based plasma contactor has been selected for use on the Space Station. During the operation of the plasma contactor, the hollow cathode heater will endure approximately 12000 thermal cycles. Since a hollow cathode heater failure would result in a plasma contactor failure, a hollow cathode heater development program was established to produce a reliable heater. The development program includes the heater design, process documents for both heater fabrication and assembly, and heater testing. The heater design was a modification of a sheathed ion thruster cathode heater. Heater tests included testing of the heater unit alone and plasma contactor and ion thruster testing. To date, eight heaters have been or are being processed through heater unit testing, two through plasma contactor testing and three through ion thruster testing, all using direct current power supplies. Comparisons of data from heater unit performance tests before cyclic testing, plasma contactor tests, and ion thruster tests at the ignition input current level show the average deviation of input power and tube temperature near the cathode tip to be +/-0.9 W and +/- 21 C, respectively. Heater unit testing included cyclic testing to evaluate reliability under thermal cycling. The first heater, although damaged during assembly, completed 5985 ignition cycles before failing. Four additional heaters successfully completed 6300, 6300, 700, and 700 cycles. Heater unit testing is currently ongoing for three heaters which have to date accumulated greater than 7250, greater than 5500, and greater than 5500 cycles, respectively.

Hydrostratigraphic interpretation of test-hole and surface geophysical data, Elkhorn and Loup River Basins, Nebraska, 2008 to 2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hobza, Christopher M.; Bedrosian, Paul A.; Bloss, Benjamin R.

2012-01-01

The Elkhorn-Loup Model (ELM) was begun in 2006 to understand the effect of various groundwater-management scenarios on surface-water resources. During phase one of the ELM study, a lack of subsurface geological information was identified as a data gap. Test holes drilled to the base of the aquifer in the ELM study area are spaced as much as 25 miles apart, especially in areas of the western Sand Hills. Given the variable character of the hydrostratigraphic units that compose the High Plains aquifer system, substantial variation in aquifer thickness and characteristics can exist between test holes. To improve the hydrogeologic understanding of the ELM study area, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, multiple Natural Resources Districts participating in the ELM study, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Conservation and Survey Division, described the subsurface lithology at six test holes drilled in 2010 and concurrently collected borehole geophysical data to identify the base of the High Plains aquifer system. A total of 124 time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) soundings of resistivity were collected at and between selected test-hole locations during 2008-11 as a quick, non-invasive means of identifying the base of the High Plains aquifer system. Test-hole drilling and geophysical logging indicated the base-of-aquifer elevation was less variable in the central ELM area than in previously reported results from the western part of the ELM study area, where deeper paleochannels were eroded into the Brule Formation. In total, more than 435 test holes were examined and compared with the modeled-TDEM soundings. Even where present, individual stratigraphic units could not always be identified in modeled-TDEM sounding results if sufficient resistivity contrast was not evident; however, in general, the base of aquifer [top of the aquifer confining unit (ACU)] is one of the best-resolved results from the TDEM-based models, and estimates of the base-of-aquifer elevation are in good accordance with those from existing test-hole data. Differences between ACU elevations based on modeled-TDEM and test-hole data ranged from 2 to 113 feet (0.6 to 34 meters). The modeled resistivity results reflect the eastward thinning of Miocene-age and older stratigraphic units, and generally allowed confident identification of the accompanying change in the stratigraphic unit forming the ACU. The differences in elevation of the top of the Ogallala, estimated on the basis of the modeled-TDEM resistivity, and the test-hole data ranged from 11 to 251 feet (3.4 to 77 meters), with two-thirds of model results being within 60 feet of the test-hole contact elevation. The modeled-TDEM soundings also provided information regarding the distribution of Plio-Pleistocene gravel deposits, which had an average thickness of 100 feet (30 meters) in the study area; however, in many cases the contact between the Plio-Pleistocene deposits and the overlying Quaternary deposits cannot be reliably distinguished using TDEM soundings alone because of insufficient thickness or resistivity contrast.

Will the leading firm continue to dominate the market in the Taiwan notebook industry?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Hsiao-Ping; Yeh, Ming-Liang; Sher, Peter J.; Chiu, Yi-Chia

2007-09-01

This study investigates whether the market share leader in the notebook industry in Taiwan is likely to maintain its dominant position. Market share data are used to investigate the intensity of competitiveness in the industry, and data on the gap in market shares are employed to elucidate the dominance of the leading firm in Taiwan's notebook industry during the 1998-2004 period. The newly developed Panel SURADF tests advanced by Breuer et al. [Misleading inferences from panel unit root tests with an illustration from purchasing power parity, Rev. Int. Econ. 9 (3) (2001) 482-493] are employed to determine whether the market share gap is stationary or not. Unlike other panel-based unit root tests which are joint tests of a unit root for all members of a panel and are incapable of determining the mix of I(0) and I(1) series in a panel setting, the Panel SURADF tests have the advantage of being able to investigate a separate unit root null hypothesis for each individual panel member and are, therefore, able to identify how many and which series in a panel are stationary processes. The empirical results from several panel-based unit root tests substantiate that the market shares of the firms studied here are non-stationary, indicating that Taiwan's notebook industry is highly competitive; however, Breuer et al.'s [12] Panel SURADF tests unequivocally show that only Compal is stationary with respect to market share gap. In terms of sales volume, Compal is the second largest firm in the notebook industry in Taiwan, and the results indicate that it alone has the opportunity to become the market share leader in the notebook industry.

Application of Athletic Movement Tests that Predict Injury Risk in a Military Population: Development of Normative Data.

PubMed

Teyhen, Deydre S; Shaffer, Scott W; Butler, Robert J; Goffar, Stephen L; Kiesel, Kyle B; Rhon, Daniel I; Boyles, Robert E; McMillian, Daniel J; Williamson, Jared N; Plisky, Phillip J

2016-10-01

Performance on movement tests helps to predict injury risk in a variety of physically active populations. Understanding baseline measures for normal is an important first step. Determine differences in physical performance assessments and describe normative values for these tests based on military unit type. Assessment of power, balance, mobility, motor control, and performance on the Army Physical Fitness Test were assessed in a cohort of 1,466 soldiers. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the results based on military unit type (Rangers, Combat, Combat Service, and Combat Service Support) and analysis of covariance was performed to determine the influence of age and gender. Rangers performed the best on all performance and fitness measures (p < 0.05). Combat soldiers performed better than Combat Service and Service Support soldiers on several physical performance tests and the Army Physical Fitness Test (p < 0.05). Performance in Combat Service and Service Support soldiers was equivalent on most measures (p < 0.05). Functional performance and level of fitness varied significantly by military unit type. Understanding these differences will provide a foundation for future injury prediction and prevention strategies. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

9. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc ...

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

9. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. View of concrete base and brackets of jet engine rotor balancing machine. Location where photograph was taken not determined, but presumed to be in shops of Building 4505. - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Hangar, End of North Base Road, Boron, Kern County, CA

8. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc ...

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

8. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. View of concrete base for jet engine rotor balancing machine. Location where photograph was taken not determined, but presumed to be in shops of Building 4505 which had a sizeable machine shop. - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Hangar, End of North Base Road, Boron, Kern County, CA

4. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc ...

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

4. Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Photographic copy of photograph captioned "Hangar No. 2 Hydraulics Room." Location within Building 4402 not determined. - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Hangar No. 2, First & A Streets, Boron, Kern County, CA

Current activities in standardization of high-temperature, low-cycle-fatigue testing techniques in the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verrilli, Michael J.; Ellis, J. Rodney; Swindeman, Robert W.

1990-01-01

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E606-80 is the most often used recommended testing practice for low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) testing in the United States. The standard was first adopted in 1977 for LCF testing at room temperature and was modified in 1980 to include high-temperature testing practices. Current activity within ASTM is aimed at extending the E606-80 recommended practices to LCF under thermomechanical conditions, LCF in high-pressure hydrogen, and LCF in metal-matrix composite materials. Interlaboratory testing programs conducted to generate a technical base for modifying E606-80 for the aforementioned LCF test types are discussed.

Rapid Design and Testing of Novel Gas/liquid Contacting Devices for Post-Combustion CO 2 Capture via 3D Printing - Phase II Final Technical Report

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

Panaccione, Charles; Staab, Greg; Meuleman, Erik

ION has developed a mathematically driven model for a contacting device incorporating mass transfer, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics. This model is based upon a parametric structure for purposes of future commercialization. The most promising design from modeling was 3D printed and tested in a bench scale CO 2 capture unit and compared to commercially available structured packing tested in the same unit.

Test Program of the "Combined Data and Power Management Infrastructure"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eickhoff, Jens; Fritz, Michael; Witt, Rouven; Bucher, Nico; Roser, Hans-Peter

2013-08-01

As already published in previous DASIA papers, the University of Stuttgart, Germany, is developing an advanced 3-axis stabilized small satellite applying industry standards for command/control techniques and Onboard Software design. This satellite furthermore features an innovative hybrid architecture of Onboard Computer and Power Control and Distribution Unit. One of the main challenges was the development of an ultra-compact and performing Onboard Computer (OBC), which was intended to support an RTEMS operating system, a PUS standard based Onboard Software (OBSW) and CCSDS standard based ground/space communication. The developed architecture (see [1, 2, 3]) is called a “Combined Onboard Data and Power Management Infrastructure” - CDPI. It features: The OBC processor boards based on a LEON3FT architecture - from Aeroflex Inc., USA The I/O Boards for all OBC digital interfaces to S/C equipment (digital RIU) - from 4Links Ltd. UK CCSDS TC/TM decoder/encoder boards - with same HW design as I/O boards - just with limited number of interfaces. HW from 4Links Ltd, UK, driver SW and IP-Core from Aeroflex Gaisler, SE Analog RIU functions via enhanced PCDU from Vectronic Aerospace, D OBC reconfiguration unit functions via Common Controller - here in PCDU [4] The CDPI overall assembly is meanwhile complete and a exhaustive description can be found in [5]. The EM test campaign including the HW/SW compatibility testing is finalized. This comprises all OBC EM units, OBC EM assembly and the EM PCDU. The unit test program for the FM Processor-Boards and Power-Boards of the OBC are completed and the unit tests of FM I/O-Boards and CCSDS-Boards have been completed by 4Links at the assembly house. The subsystem tests of the assembled OBC also are completed and the overall System tests of the CDPI with system reconfiguration in diverse possible FDIR cases also reach the last steps. Still ongoing is the subsequent integration of the CDPI with the satellite's avionics components encompassing TTC, AOCS, Power and Payload Control. This paper provides a full picture of the test campaign. Further details can be taken from

The Effects of Unitization on Familiarity-Based Source Memory: Testing a Behavioral Prediction Derived From Neuroimaging Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diana, Rachel A.; Yonelinas, Andrew P.; Ranganath, Charan

2008-01-01

Performance on tests of source memory is typically based on recollection of contextual information associated with an item. However, recent neuroimaging results have suggested that the perirhinal cortex, a region thought to support familiarity-based item recognition, may support source attributions if source information is encoded as a feature of…

Conceptualization of flow and transport in a limestone aquifer by multiple dedicated hydraulic and tracer tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosthaf, Klaus; Brauns, Bentje; Fjordbøge, Annika S.; Rohde, Magnus M.; Kerrn-Jespersen, Henriette; Bjerg, Poul L.; Binning, Philip J.; Broholm, Mette M.

2018-06-01

Limestone aquifers are of great interest as a drinking water resource in many countries. They often have a complex crushed and fractured geology, which makes the analysis and description of flow and transport processes in such aquifers a challenging task. In this study, the solute transport behavior including fracture-matrix interaction in hydrogeological units of a limestone aquifer in eastern Denmark was characterized by designing, conducting and interpreting six depth-specific tracer tests involving natural- and forced-gradient conditions with multiple tracers representing different diffusion properties. To determine flow parameters, the tracer tests were complemented by a comprehensive set of depth-specific borehole and hydraulic tests. Based on the tests, a new and stronger conceptual understanding was developed for the different aquifer units. The investigated limestone aquifer is composed of a glacially crushed unit and two fractured units, with calcarenitic and bryozoan limestone of similar hydraulic properties. Hydraulic tests revealed that the crushed unit has a lower hydraulic conductivity than the fractured limestone units, likely due to the crushed conditions with small limestone clusters and small-aperture fractures potentially filled with fine material. In the fractured limestone units, a distinct preferential flow and primary transport along major horizontal fractures was inferred from the tracer tests under forced-gradient conditions. The dominant horizontal fractures were identified on impeller flow logs and appear connected between wells, having an extent of up to several hundred meters. Connectivity between the aquifer units was investigated with a long-term pumping test and tracer tests, revealing restricted vertical flow and transport. A very pronounced hydraulic conductivity contrast between major fractures and matrix could also be inferred from the borehole and hydraulic tests, which is consistent with the findings from the tracer tests. The difference in the matrix diffusion behavior of the simultaneously injected tracers and a long tailing in the breakthrough curves revealed that matrix diffusion has a strong influence on the solute transport in the fractured limestone.

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 24-26: Electric Potential; Ohm's Law; and Capacitors].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

A Call for Nominations of Quantitative High-Throughput Screening Assays from Relevant Human Toxicity Pathways

EPA Science Inventory

The National Research Council of the United States National Academies of Science has recently released a document outlining a long-range vision and strategy for transforming toxicity testing from largely whole animal-based testing to one based on in vitro assays. “Toxicity Testin...

On School Choice and Test-Based Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Betebenner, Damian W.; Howe, Kenneth R.; Foster, Samara S.

2005-01-01

Among the two most prominent school reform measures currently being implemented in The United States are school choice and test-based accountability. Until recently, the two policy initiatives remained relatively distinct from one another. With the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), a mutualism between choice and…

A Design-Based Approach to Fostering Understanding of Global Climate Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svihla, Vanessa; Linn, Marcia C.

2012-01-01

To prepare students to make informed decisions and gain coherent understanding about global climate change, we tested and refined a middle school inquiry unit that featured interactive visualizations. Based on evidence from student pre-test responses, we increased emphasis on energy transfer and transformation. The first iteration improved…

Development of a web-based learning medium on mechanism of labour for nursing students.

PubMed

Gerdprasert, Sailom; Pruksacheva, Tassanee; Panijpan, Bhinyo; Ruenwongsa, Pintip

2010-07-01

This study aimed to develop a web-based learning media on the process and mechanism of labour for the third-year university nursing and midwifery students. This media was developed based on integrating principles of the mechanism of labour with the 5Es inquiry cycle and interactive features of information technology. In this study, the web-based learning unit was used to supplement the conventional lecture as in the traditional teaching. Students' achievements were assessed by using the pre- and post-test on factual knowledge and semi-structured interviews on attitude to the unit. Supplementation with this learning unit made learning significantly more effective than the traditional lecture by itself. The students also showed positive attitude toward the learning unit. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A knowledge based application of the extended aircraft interrogation and display system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Richard D.; Larson, Richard R.

1991-01-01

A family of multiple-processor ground support test equipment was used to test digital flight-control systems on high-performance research aircraft. A unit recently built for the F-18 high alpha research vehicle project is the latest model in a series called the extended aircraft interrogation and display system. The primary feature emphasized monitors the aircraft MIL-STD-1553B data buses and provides real-time engineering units displays of flight-control parameters. A customized software package was developed to provide real-time data interpretation based on rules embodied in a highly structured knowledge database. The configuration of this extended aircraft interrogation and display system is briefly described, and the evolution of the rule based package and its application to failure modes and effects testing on the F-18 high alpha research vehicle is discussed.

Fixed Base Modal Testing Using the NASA GRC Mechanical Vibration Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Staab, Lucas D.; Winkel, James P.; Suarez, Vicente J.; Jones, Trevor M.; Napolitano, Kevin L.

2016-01-01

The Space Power Facility at NASA's Plum Brook Station houses the world's largest and most powerful space environment simulation facilities, including the Mechanical Vibration Facility (MVF), which offers the world's highest-capacity multi-axis spacecraft shaker system. The MVF was designed to perform sine vibration testing of a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)-class spacecraft with a total mass of 75,000 pounds, center of gravity (cg) height above the table of 284 inches, diameter of 18 feet, and capability of 1.25 gravity units peak acceleration in the vertical and 1.0 gravity units peak acceleration in the lateral directions. The MVF is a six-degree-of-freedom, servo-hydraulic, sinusoidal base-shake vibration system that has the advantage of being able to perform single-axis sine vibration testing of large structures in the vertical and two lateral axes without the need to reconfigure the test article for each axis. This paper discusses efforts to extend the MVF's capabilities so that it can also be used to determine fixed base modes of its test article without the need for an expensive test-correlated facility simulation.

Initial closed operation of the CELSS Test Facility Engineering Development Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kliss, M.; Blackwell, C.; Zografos, A.; Drews, M.; MacElroy, R.; McKenna, R.; Heyenga, A. G.

2003-01-01

As part of the NASA Advanced Life Support Flight Program, a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Test Facility Engineering Development Unit has been constructed and is undergoing initial operational testing at NASA Ames Research Center. The Engineering Development Unit (EDU) is a tightly closed, stringently controlled, ground-based testbed which provides a broad range of environmental conditions under which a variety of CELSS higher plant crops can be grown. Although the EDU was developed primarily to provide near-term engineering data and a realistic determination of the subsystem and system requirements necessary for the fabrication of a comparable flight unit, the EDU has also provided a means to evaluate plant crop productivity and physiology under controlled conditions. This paper describes the initial closed operational testing of the EDU, with emphasis on the hardware performance capabilities. Measured performance data during a 28-day closed operation period are compared with the specified functional requirements, and an example of inferring crop growth parameters from the test data is presented. Plans for future science and technology testing are also discussed. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

Development of hybrid electric vehicle powertrain test system based on virtue instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yanmin; Guo, Konghui; Chen, Liming

2017-05-01

Hybrid powertrain has become the standard configuration of some automobile models. The test system of hybrid vehicle powertrain was developed based on virtual instrument, using electric dynamometer to simulate the work of engines, to test the motor and control unit of the powertrain. The test conditions include starting, acceleration, and deceleration. The results show that the test system can simulate the working conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle powertrain under various conditions.

77 FR 24940 - Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Representative Average Unit Costs of Energy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-26

... electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene. DATES: The representative average unit... unit after-tax costs for electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, and propane are based on...\\ In commonly used terms As required by test procedure Electricity $34.70 11.84[cent]/kWh 2 3...

Leave No City Behind: England/United States Dialogue on Urban Education Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannaway, Jane; Murphy, Marilyn; Reed, Jodie

2004-01-01

Both the United States and England initiated ambitious standards-based education reform to eliminate large gaps between their highest and lowest achievers. England appears to be ahead, having started in 1988 with a national curriculum, tests, and performance tables. The United States' No Child Left Behind Act began rewriting state rules in 2002…

A miniaturized digital telemetry system for physiological data transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Portnoy, W. M.; Stotts, L. J.

1978-01-01

A physiological date telemetry system, consisting basically of a portable unit and a ground base station was designed, built, and tested. The portable unit to be worn by the subject is composed of a single crystal controlled transmitter with AM transmission of digital data and narrowband FM transmission of voice; a crystal controlled FM receiver; thirteen input channels follwed by a PCM encoder (three of these channels are designed for ECG data); a calibration unit; and a transponder control system. The ground base station consists of a standard telemetry reciever, a decoder, and an FM transmitter for transmission of voice and transponder signals to the portable unit. The ground base station has complete control of power to all subsystems in the portable unit. The phase-locked loop circuit which is used to decode the data, remains in operation even when the signal from the portable unit is interrupted.

Toward Educational Testing Reform: Inside Reading Achievement Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schutz, Dick

2013-01-01

The commentary (1) uses the U. S. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) as a prototype for examining standardized reading achievement tests at the item level, and (2) sketches an alternative based on an initiative underway in the United Kingdom.

Treatment of Vestibular Dysfunction Using a Portable Simulator

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

generation stimulators for fabrication of units for use in Specific Aim 2 performed at National University of Ireland Galway i. Fabrication of 20 units...based on final design specifications at the National University of Ireland Galway j. Testing of initial fabricated units from the National University...of Ireland Galway in New Jersey to ensure they are meeting required standards and creating desired improvement k. Shipment of remaining units from

Benchmarking in pathology: development of a benchmarking complexity unit and associated key performance indicators.

PubMed

Neil, Amanda; Pfeffer, Sally; Burnett, Leslie

2013-01-01

This paper details the development of a new type of pathology laboratory productivity unit, the benchmarking complexity unit (BCU). The BCU provides a comparative index of laboratory efficiency, regardless of test mix. It also enables estimation of a measure of how much complex pathology a laboratory performs, and the identification of peer organisations for the purposes of comparison and benchmarking. The BCU is based on the theory that wage rates reflect productivity at the margin. A weighting factor for the ratio of medical to technical staff time was dynamically calculated based on actual participant site data. Given this weighting, a complexity value for each test, at each site, was calculated. The median complexity value (number of BCUs) for that test across all participating sites was taken as its complexity value for the Benchmarking in Pathology Program. The BCU allowed implementation of an unbiased comparison unit and test listing that was found to be a robust indicator of the relative complexity for each test. Employing the BCU data, a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were developed, including three that address comparative organisational complexity, analytical depth and performance efficiency, respectively. Peer groups were also established using the BCU combined with simple organisational and environmental metrics. The BCU has enabled productivity statistics to be compared between organisations. The BCU corrects for differences in test mix and workload complexity of different organisations and also allows for objective stratification into peer groups.

Prediction system of hydroponic plant growth and development using algorithm Fuzzy Mamdani method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudana, I. Made; Purnawirawan, Okta; Arief, Ulfa Mediaty

2017-03-01

Hydroponics is a method of farming without soil. One of the Hydroponic plants is Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale). The development and growth process of hydroponic Watercress was influenced by levels of nutrients, acidity and temperature. The independent variables can be used as input variable system to predict the value level of plants growth and development. The prediction system is using Fuzzy Algorithm Mamdani method. This system was built to implement the function of Fuzzy Inference System (Fuzzy Inference System/FIS) as a part of the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox (FLT) by using MATLAB R2007b. FIS is a computing system that works on the principle of fuzzy reasoning which is similar to humans' reasoning. Basically FIS consists of four units which are fuzzification unit, fuzzy logic reasoning unit, base knowledge unit and defuzzification unit. In addition to know the effect of independent variables on the plants growth and development that can be visualized with the function diagram of FIS output surface that is shaped three-dimensional, and statistical tests based on the data from the prediction system using multiple linear regression method, which includes multiple linear regression analysis, T test, F test, the coefficient of determination and donations predictor that are calculated using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) software applications.

Engaging Frontline Staff in Performance Improvement: The American Organization of Nurse Executives Implementation of Transforming Care at the Bedside Collaborative.

PubMed

Needleman, Jack; Pearson, Marjorie L; Upenieks, Valda V; Yee, Tracy; Wolstein, Joelle; Parkerton, Melissa

2016-02-01

Process improvement stresses the importance of engaging frontline staff in implementing new processes and methods. Yet questions remain on how to incorporate these activities into the workday of hospital staff or how to create and maintain its commitment. In a 15-month American Organization of Nurse Executives collaborative involving frontline medical/surgical staff from 67 hospitals, Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) was evaluated to assess whether participating units successfully implemented recommended change processes, engaged staff, implemented innovations, and generated support from hospital leadership and staff. In a mixed-methods analysis, multiple data sources, including leader surveys, unit staff surveys, administrative data, time study data, and collaborative documents were used. All units reported establishing unit-based teams, of which >90% succeeded in conducting tests of change, with unit staff selecting topics and making decisions on adoption. Fifty-five percent of unit staff reported participating in unit meetings, and 64%, in tests of change. Unit managers reported substantial increase in staff support for the initiative. An average 36 tests of change were conducted per unit, with 46% of tested innovations sustained, and 20% spread to other units. Some 95% of managers and 97% of chief nursing officers believed that the program had made unit staff more likely to initiate change. Among staff, 83% would encourage adoption of the initiative. Given the strong positive assessment of TCAB, evidence of substantial engagement of staff in the work, and the high volume of innovations tested, implemented, and sustained, TCAB appears to be a productive model for organizing and implementing a program of frontline-led improvement.

CSI computer system/remote interface unit acceptance test results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, Dean W., Jr.

1992-01-01

The validation tests conducted on the Control/Structures Interaction (CSI) Computer System (CCS)/Remote Interface Unit (RIU) is discussed. The CCS/RIU consists of a commercially available, Langley Research Center (LaRC) programmed, space flight qualified computer and a flight data acquisition and filtering computer, developed at LaRC. The tests were performed in the Space Structures Research Laboratory (SSRL) and included open loop excitation, closed loop control, safing, RIU digital filtering, and RIU stand alone testing with the CSI Evolutionary Model (CEM) Phase-0 testbed. The test results indicated that the CCS/RIU system is comparable to ground based systems in performing real-time control-structure experiments.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of microscopic observation drug susceptibility test versus Xpert MTB/Rif test for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV patients in Uganda.

PubMed

Walusimbi, Simon; Kwesiga, Brendan; Rodrigues, Rashmi; Haile, Melles; de Costa, Ayesha; Bogg, Lennart; Katamba, Achilles

2016-10-10

Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS) and Xpert MTB/Rif (Xpert) are highly sensitive tests for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of utilizing MODS versus Xpert for diagnosis of active pulmonary TB in HIV infected patients in Uganda. A decision analysis model comparing MODS versus Xpert for TB diagnosis was used. Costs were estimated by measuring and valuing relevant resources required to perform the MODS and Xpert tests. Diagnostic accuracy data of the tests were obtained from systematic reviews involving HIV infected patients. We calculated base values for unit costs and varied several assumptions to obtain the range estimates. Cost effectiveness was expressed as costs per TB patient diagnosed for each of the two diagnostic strategies. Base case analysis was performed using the base estimates for unit cost and diagnostic accuracy of the tests. Sensitivity analysis was performed using a range of value estimates for resources, prevalence, number of tests and diagnostic accuracy. The unit cost of MODS was US$ 6.53 versus US$ 12.41 of Xpert. Consumables accounted for 59 % (US$ 3.84 of 6.53) of the unit cost for MODS and 84 % (US$10.37 of 12.41) of the unit cost for Xpert. The cost effectiveness ratio of the algorithm using MODS was US$ 34 per TB patient diagnosed compared to US$ 71 of the algorithm using Xpert. The algorithm using MODS was more cost-effective compared to the algorithm using Xpert for a wide range of different values of accuracy, cost and TB prevalence. The cost (threshold value), where the algorithm using Xpert was optimal over the algorithm using MODS was US$ 5.92. MODS versus Xpert was more cost-effective for the diagnosis of PTB among HIV patients in our setting. Efforts to scale-up MODS therefore need to be explored. However, since other non-economic factors may still favour the use of Xpert, the current cost of the Xpert cartridge still needs to be reduced further by more than half, in order to make it economically competitive with MODS.

Dual tunneling-unit scanning tunneling microscope for length measurement based on crystalline lattice

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

Zhang, H.; Higuchi, T.; Nishioki, N.

1997-01-01

A dual tunneling-unit scanning tunneling microscope (DTU STM) was developed for nm order length measurement with wide scan range. The crystalline lattice of highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) was used as reference scale. A reference unit was set up on top of a test unit. The reference sample holder and the probe tip of test unit were attached to one single XY scanner on either surface, while the test sample holder was open. This enables simultaneous acquisition of wide images of HOPG and test sample. The length in test sample image was measured by counting the number of HOPG lattices.more » An inchworm actuator and an impact drive mechanism were introduced to roughly position probe tips. The XY scanner was designed to be elastic to eliminate image distortion. Some comparison experiments using two HOPG chips were carried out in air. The DTU STM is confirmed to be a stable and more powerful device for length measurement which has nanometer accuracy when covering a wide scan range up to several micrometers, and is capable of measuring comparatively large and heavy samples. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Vacuum Society.}« less

The Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired comparisons of clustered data.

PubMed

Rosner, Bernard; Glynn, Robert J; Lee, Mei-Ling T

2006-03-01

The Wilcoxon signed rank test is a frequently used nonparametric test for paired data (e.g., consisting of pre- and posttreatment measurements) based on independent units of analysis. This test cannot be used for paired comparisons arising from clustered data (e.g., if paired comparisons are available for each of two eyes of an individual). To incorporate clustering, a generalization of the randomization test formulation for the signed rank test is proposed, where the unit of randomization is at the cluster level (e.g., person), while the individual paired units of analysis are at the subunit within cluster level (e.g., eye within person). An adjusted variance estimate of the signed rank test statistic is then derived, which can be used for either balanced (same number of subunits per cluster) or unbalanced (different number of subunits per cluster) data, with an exchangeable correlation structure, with or without tied values. The resulting test statistic is shown to be asymptotically normal as the number of clusters becomes large, if the cluster size is bounded. Simulation studies are performed based on simulating correlated ranked data from a signed log-normal distribution. These studies indicate appropriate type I error for data sets with > or =20 clusters and a superior power profile compared with either the ordinary signed rank test based on the average cluster difference score or the multivariate signed rank test of Puri and Sen. Finally, the methods are illustrated with two data sets, (i) an ophthalmologic data set involving a comparison of electroretinogram (ERG) data in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients before and after undergoing an experimental surgical procedure, and (ii) a nutritional data set based on a randomized prospective study of nutritional supplements in RP patients where vitamin E intake outside of study capsules is compared before and after randomization to monitor compliance with nutritional protocols.

Piloting an information literacy program for staff nurses: lessons learned.

PubMed

Rosenfeld, Peri; Salazar-Riera, Noraliza; Vieira, Dorice

2002-01-01

Intrinsic to all models of evidence-based practice is the need for information literacy and the critical assessment of information. As part of a house-wide evidence-based practice initiative, the objective of this pilot project was to develop the information literacy skills of staff nurses to increase their ability to find and assess available electronic resources for clinical decision making. An intensive care unit was chosen to pilot a unit-based approach to educate staff nurses to perform patient care-related electronic literature searches. An additional goal was to determine the effectiveness of unit-based training sessions on the frequency and quality of electronic literature searches by participating nurses. In addition to the unit-based instruction, nursing and library staff collaborated to develop a Web-based tutorial to supplement and reinforce the content of the training sessions. A pretest-post-test design was used to evaluate the initiative and to assess the effect of the educational intervention over time. Among the lessons learned from this pilot study was that unit-based instruction presents significant obstacles for effective learning of new technological skills for staff nurses.

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 11-14: Collisions; Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies; Rotational Dynamics; and Fluid Mechanics].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 8-10: Conservation of Energy; Impulse and Momentum; and Rotational Motion].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 3-5: Planar Motion; Newton's Laws; and Vector Multiplication].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 27-30: Direct-Current Circuits; Magnetic Forces; Ampere's Law; and Faraday's Law].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules indlude study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Hollow cathode heater development for the Space Station plasma contactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, George C.

1993-01-01

A hollow cathode-based plasma contactor has been selected for use on the Space Station. During the operation of the plasma contactor, the hollow cathode heater will endure approximately 12000 thermal cycles. Since a hollow cathode heater failure would result in a plasma contactor failure, a hollow cathode heater development program was established to produce a reliable heater design. The development program includes the heater design, process documents for both heater fabrication and assembly, and heater testing. The heater design was a modification of a sheathed ion thruster cathode heater. Three heaters have been tested to date using direct current power supplies. Performance testing was conducted to determine input current and power requirements for achieving activation and ignition temperatures, single unit operational repeatability, and unit-to-unit operational repeatability. Comparisons of performance testing data at the ignition input current level for the three heaters show the unit-to-unit repeatability of input power and tube temperature near the cathode tip to be within 3.5 W and 44 degrees C, respectively. Cyclic testing was then conducted to evaluate reliability under thermal cycling. The first heater, although damaged during assembly, completed 5985 ignition cycles before failing. Two additional heaters were subsequently fabricated and have completed 3178 cycles to date in an on-going test.

America's Overseas School System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walling, Donovan R.

1985-01-01

Describes the history, size, location, administrative structure, curricula, accreditation, teacher and student characteristics, test administration and results, problems, and future expectations of the school system operated by the United States Department of Defense for 149,000 children of military personnel based outside the United States. (PGD)

7. TOP SURFACES OF FOUR HYDRAULIC UNITS TO DRIVE COMPRESSORS. ...

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

7. TOP SURFACES OF FOUR HYDRAULIC UNITS TO DRIVE COMPRESSORS. Looking southeast along rear of building. - Edwards Air Force Base, Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Helium Compression Plant, Test Area 1-115, intersection of Altair & Saturn Boulevards, Boron, Kern County, CA

PSE Aysis of Crossflow Instability on HifIre-5B Flight Test

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-05

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY AEROSPACE SYSTEMS DIRECTORATE WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH 45433-7542 AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND UNITED...Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7542 Air Force Materiel Command, United...States Air Force 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems

Credit USAF, ca. 1943. Original housed in the Muroc Flight ...

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

Credit USAF, ca. 1943. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Historic view looking north across southwest end of swimming pool as army personnel work on finishing the pool bottom. View looks towards Mess Hall (T-10) on Second Street - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Swimming Pool, Second Street, Boron, Kern County, CA

Ultra Low Power Datalogger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holik, Michael

2010-01-01

The article describes a design and the test of the datalogger unit. Main demands on the datalogger were to achieve the power consumption as low as possible and the ability to capture short-time events. The datalogger is based on a programmable logic device FPGA. VHDL language is used to design the architecture fitted into the FPGA. The results of the test confirmed low power consumption feature of the device as well as proper functionality of the unit.

Recommendations for Evaluating Multiple Filters in Ballast Water Management Systems for US Type Approval

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

is extremely unlikely to be practicable . A second approach is to conduct a full suite of TA testing on a BWMS with a “base filter” configuration...that of full TA testing. Here, three land-based tests would be conducted, and O&M and component testing would also occur. If time or practicality ... Practical salinity units SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SDI Silt density index SOP Standard operating procedure STEP Shipboard Technology

A Hydrostratigraphic Model and Alternatives for the Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Model of Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat-Climax Mine, Lincoln and Nye Counties, Nevada

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

Geotechnical Sciences Group Bechtel Nevada

2006-01-01

A new three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic framework model for the Yucca Flat-Climax Mine Corrective Action Unit was completed in 2005. The model area includes Yucca Flat and Climax Mine, former nuclear testing areas at the Nevada Test Site, and proximal areas. The model area is approximately 1,250 square kilometers in size and is geologically complex. Yucca Flat is a topographically closed basin typical of many valleys in the Basin and Range province. Faulted and tilted blocks of Tertiary-age volcanic rocks and underlying Proterozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks form low ranges around the structural basin. During the Cretaceous Period a granitic intrusive wasmore » emplaced at the north end of Yucca Flat. A diverse set of geological and geophysical data collected over the past 50 years was used to develop a structural model and hydrostratigraphic system for the basin. These were integrated using EarthVision? software to develop the 3-dimensional hydrostratigraphic framework model. Fifty-six stratigraphic units in the model area were grouped into 25 hydrostratigraphic units based on each unit's propensity toward aquifer or aquitard characteristics. The authors organized the alluvial section into 3 hydrostratigraphic units including 2 aquifers and 1 confining unit. The volcanic units in the model area are organized into 13 hydrostratigraphic units that include 8 aquifers and 5 confining units. The underlying pre-Tertiary rocks are divided into 7 hydrostratigraphic units, including 3 aquifers and 4 confining units. Other units include 1 Tertiary-age sedimentary confining unit and 1 Mesozoic-age granitic confining unit. The model depicts the thickness, extent, and geometric relationships of these hydrostratigraphic units (''layers'' in the model) along with the major structural features (i.e., faults). The model incorporates 178 high-angle normal faults of Tertiary age and 2 low-angle thrust faults of Mesozoic age. The complexity of the model area and the non-uniqueness of some of the interpretations incorporated into the base model made it necessary to formulate alternative interpretations for some of the major features in the model. Five of these alternatives were developed so they could be modeled in the same fashion as the base model. This work was done for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office in support of the Underground Test Area subproject of the Environmental Restoration Project.« less

Proceedings of the Annual Ada Software Engineering Education and Training Symposium (3rd) Held in Denver, Colorado on June 14-16, 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

Based Software Engineering Project Course .............. 83 SSoftware Engineering, Software Engineering Concepts: The Importance of Object-Based...quality assurance, and independent system testing . The Chief Programmer is responsible for all software development activities, including prototyping...during the Requirements Analysis phase, the Preliminary Design, the Detailed Design, Coding and Unit Testing , CSC Integration and Testing , and informal

Guidelines for testing and release procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molari, R.; Conway, M.

1984-01-01

Guidelines and procedures are recommended for the testing and release of the types of computer software efforts commonly performed at NASA/Ames Research Center. All recommendations are based on the premise that testing and release activities must be specifically selected for the environment, size, and purpose of each individual software project. Guidelines are presented for building a Test Plan and using formal Test Plan and Test Care Inspections on it. Frequent references are made to NASA/Ames Guidelines for Software Inspections. Guidelines are presented for selecting an Overall Test Approach and for each of the four main phases of testing: (1) Unit Testing of Components, (2) Integration Testing of Components, (3) System Integration Testing, and (4) Acceptance Testing. Tools used for testing are listed, including those available from operating systems used at Ames, specialized tools which can be developed, unit test drivers, stub module generators, and the use of format test reporting schemes.

Cost analysis in a CMHC: determining the cost of staff time.

PubMed

Haring, A; Eckert, C

1979-06-01

The program evaluation and research unit of a community mental health center developed and field-tested a survey form to measure how employees spend their time. The form is divided into direct patient care activities, which include interviewing and testing, conducting therapy, and prescribing medications, and administrative or support activities, which include filling out charts, attending meetings, and training staff. All staff record daily, for one week, the hours and minutes they spend in each activity. Using that data as a base, the evaluation unit can determine the percentage of time staff spend in each activity and the cost of each activity based on staff members' paychecks.

Analysis and implementation of communications systems for small satellite missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammerman, Morgan

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is a wave of the future for teaching. It combines multiple topics that promote critical thinking. This study targeted one aspect of the first-grade curriculum, sorting using properties. This unit used STEM teaching methods to test if hands-on, game based methods would enhance learning. The setting used for this study was a first-grade classroom in an upper middle-class suburb. The students took a pre-test before the unit began and a post-test at the end of the unit. These assessments were used to evaluate their progress in sorting and identifying properties of various objects. One major research focus was to look at group dynamics in the classroom. This was done by dividing the students into small groups to promote working collaboratively with their peers. The results of this study showed that hands on activity or game based learning are effective tools when teaching properties. It was inconclusive whether these results were due to game based learning or the hands-on activities. The study also revealed that group work is a successful tool that can be used while teaching properties.

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 18-20: Sound; Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics: First Law; and Kinetic Theory of Gases].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 31-34: Inductance; Wave Properties of Light; Interference; and Introduction to Quantum Physics].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is Part of a series of 41 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 Pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized courses in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 1 and 2: Dimensions and Vector Addition; Rectilinear Motion; plus a Trigonometry and Calculus Review].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

Tuberculosis Infection in Urban Adolescents: Results of a School-Based Testing Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barry, M. Anita; And Others

1990-01-01

Discusses a tuberculosis skin testing program introduced for seventh and tenth grade students in Boston (Massachusetts) public schools. Positivity rate was significantly higher in tenth grade students. Among those testing positive, the majority were born outside the United States. Results suggest that testing may identify a significant number of…

Optimal tracking and testing of U.S. and Canadian herds for BSE: a value-of-information (VOI) approach.

PubMed

Cox, Louis Anthony; Popken, Douglas A; VanSickle, John J; Sahu, Ranajit

2005-08-01

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests a subset of cattle slaughtered in the United States for bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE). Knowing the origin of cattle (U.S. vs. Canadian) at testing could enable new testing or surveillance policies based on the origin of cattle testing positive. For example, if a Canadian cow tests positive for BSE, while no U.S. origin cattle do, the United States could subject Canadian cattle to more stringent testing. This article illustrates the application of a value-of-information (VOI) framework to quantify and compare potential economic costs to the United States of implementing tracking cattle origins to the costs of not doing so. The potential economic value of information from a tracking program is estimated to exceed its costs by more than five-fold if such information can reduce future losses in export and domestic markets and reduce future testing costs required to reassure or win back customers. Sensitivity analyses indicate that this conclusion is somewhat robust to many technical, scientific, and market uncertainties, including the current prevalence of BSE in the United States and/or Canada and the likely reactions of consumers to possible future discoveries of BSE in the United States and/or Canada. Indeed, the potential value of tracking information is great enough to justify locating and tracking Canadian cattle already in the United States when this can be done for a reasonable cost. If aggressive tracking and testing can win back lost exports, then the VOI of a tracking program may increase to over half a billion dollars per year.

Tomato seeds maturity detection system based on chlorophyll fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cuiling; Wang, Xiu; Meng, Zhijun

2016-10-01

Chlorophyll fluorescence intensity can be used as seed maturity and quality evaluation indicator. Chlorophyll fluorescence intensity of seed coats is tested to judge the level of chlorophyll content in seeds, and further to judge the maturity and quality of seeds. This research developed a detection system of tomato seeds maturity based on chlorophyll fluorescence spectrum technology, the system included an excitation light source unit, a fluorescent signal acquisition unit and a data processing unit. The excitation light source unit consisted of two high power LEDs, two radiators and two constant current power supplies, and it was designed to excite chlorophyll fluorescence of tomato seeds. The fluorescent signal acquisition unit was made up of a fluorescence spectrometer, an optical fiber, an optical fiber scaffolds and a narrowband filter. The data processing unit mainly included a computer. Tomato fruits of green ripe stage, discoloration stage, firm ripe stage and full ripe stage were harvested, and their seeds were collected directly. In this research, the developed tomato seeds maturity testing system was used to collect fluorescence spectrums of tomato seeds of different maturities. Principal component analysis (PCA) method was utilized to reduce the dimension of spectral data and extract principal components, and PCA was combined with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to establish discriminant model of tomato seeds maturity, the discriminant accuracy was greater than 90%. Research results show that using chlorophyll fluorescence spectrum technology is feasible for seeds maturity detection, and the developed tomato seeds maturity testing system has high detection accuracy.

Credit USAF, 7 September 1945. Original housed in the Muroc ...

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

Credit USAF, 7 September 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Photo captioned "Oblique view of Recreation Hall/Chapel Bldg. T73." Movies on marquee were "Why Girls Leave Home" and "Blazing the Western Trail." View looks west from camera position across E Street - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Recreation Hall & Chapel T-73, E Street near North Base Road, Boron, Kern County, CA

Government Competitive Test Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS). Sikorsky YUH-60A Helicopter

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-01

Box 209, St. Louis, Missouri 63166. UNITED STATES ARMY AVIATION ENGINEERING FLIGHT ACTIVITY EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA 93523 81 9 18 0 8,L...ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASKAR EA A WORK UNIT "UMBERS US ARMY AVIATION ENGINEERING FLIGHT ACTIV IU EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE. CALIFORNIA 93523 68-T-UA022-0-68-EC...It. CONTROLLI~NG OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE US ARMY AVIATION ENGINEERING FLIGHT ACTIVITY NOVEMBER 1976 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE

Mean reversion in the current account of forty-eight african countries: Evidence from the Panel SURADF test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Hsiao-Ping; Chang, Tsangyao; Chang, Hsu-Ling; Su, Chi-Wei; Yuan, Young

2007-10-01

Here, the Panel seemingly unrelated regressions augmented Dickey-Fuller test (SURADF) test, first introduced and advanced by Breuer et al. [Misleading inferences from panel unit-root tests with an illustration from purchasing power parity, Rev. Int. Econ. 9(3) (2001) 482-493], is used to investigate the mean-reverting behavior of the current account of 48 African countries during the 1980-2004 periods. The empirical results from numerous panel-based unit root tests, conducted earlier, indicated that the current account of each of these countries is stationary; however, when Breuer et al.'s (2001) Panel SURADF test is conducted, it is found that a unit root exists in the current account of 11 of the countries studied. These results have one extremely important policy implication for the 48 African countries studied: the current account deficit of most is sustainable, and thus signifying that those nations should have no incentive to default on their international debt.

Flight Model of the `Flying Laptop' OBC and Reconfiguration Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eickhoff, Jens; Stratton, Sam; Butz, Pius; Cook, Barry; Walker, Paul; Uryu, Alexander; Lengowski, Michael; Roser, Hans-Peter

2012-08-01

As already published in papers at the DASIA conferences 2010 in Budapest [1] and 2011 in Malta [2], the University of Stuttgart, Germany, is developing an advanced 3-axis stabilized small satellite applying industry standards for command/control techniques, onboard software design and onboard computer components. The satellite has a launch mass of approx. 120kg. One of the main challenges was the development of an ultra compact and performing onboard computer (OBC), which was intended to support an RTEMS operating system, a PUS standard based onboard software (OBSW) and CCSDS standard based ground/space communication. The developed architecture is based on 4 main elements (see [1, 2] and Figure 3) which are developed in cooperation with industrial partners:• the OBC core board based on the LEON3 FT architecture,• an I/O Board for all OBC digital interfaces to S/C equipment,• a CCSDS TC/TM decoder/encoder board,• reconfiguration unit being embedded in the satellite power control and distribution unit PCDU.In the meantime the EM / Breadboard units of the computer have been tested intensively including first HW/SW integration tests in a Satellite Testbench (see Figure 2). The FM HW elements from the co-authoring suppliers are under assembly in Stuttgart.

Common Risk Criteria Standards for National Test Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

critical assets. Equipment and facilities that comprise part of an on- or off-base renewable energy system, such as wind turbine generation facilities...to be protected. As an example, for a wind turbine farm, the unit component would be a single wind turbine . A unit component can be considered...functionality of the larger system to which the unit component belongs. For example, a single wind turbine is a unit component of a wind turbine farm. A

The 737 graphite composite flight spoiler flight service evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coggeshall, R. L.

1982-01-01

A flight service report was prepared which covers the flight service experience of 111 graphite epoxy spoilers on 737 transport aircraft and related ground based environmental exposure of graphite epoxy material specimens. Spoilers were installed on 28 aircraft representing seven major airlines operating throughout the world. Tests of removed spoilers after the seventh year of service continue to indicate modest changes in composite strength properties. Two spoilers were tested, one with 6 and one with 7 years of service, and both had residual strengths that fall within the original static strength scatter band. Both these units had typical service included discrepancies when tested. Based on visual, ultrasonic, and destructive inspection there continues to be no evidence of moisture migration into the honeycomb core and no core corrosion in the deployed units.

Reconstruction of Orion Engineering Development Unit (EDU) Parachute Inflation Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Eric S.

2013-01-01

The process of reconstructing inflation loads of Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) has been updated as the program transitioned to testing Engineering Development Unit (EDU) hardware. The equations used to reduce the test data have been re-derived based on the same physical assumptions made by simulations. Due to instrumentation challenges, individual parachute loads are determined from complementary accelerometer and load cell measurements. Cluster inflations are now simulated by modeling each parachute individually to better represent different inflation times and non-synchronous disreefing. The reconstruction procedure is tailored to either infinite mass or finite mass events based on measurable characteristics from the test data. Inflation parameters are determined from an automated optimization routine to reduce subjectivity. Infinite mass inflation parameters have been re-defined to avoid unrealistic interactions in Monte Carlo simulations. Sample cases demonstrate how best-fit inflation parameters are used to generate simulated drag areas and loads which favorably agree with test data.

Solutions for acceleration measurement in vehicle crash tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dima, D. S.; Covaciu, D.

2017-10-01

Crash tests are useful for validating computer simulations of road traffic accidents. One of the most important parameters measured is the acceleration. The evolution of acceleration versus time, during a crash test, form a crash pulse. The correctness of the crash pulse determination depends on the data acquisition system used. Recommendations regarding the instrumentation for impact tests are given in standards, which are focused on the use of accelerometers as impact sensors. The goal of this paper is to present the device and software developed by authors for data acquisition and processing. The system includes two accelerometers with different input ranges, a processing unit based on a 32-bit microcontroller and a data logging unit with SD card. Data collected on card, as text files, is processed with a dedicated software running on personal computers. The processing is based on diagrams and includes the digital filters recommended in standards.

A proposed USAF fatigue evaluation program based upon recent systems experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haviland, G. P.; Purkey, G. F.

1972-01-01

The United States Air Force has published a document entitled Aircraft Structural Integrity Program. One phase of the program is concerned with the fatigue life certification of all types of military aircraft. The document describes the criteria, analyses, and tests that are necessary in order to satisfy the USAF fatigue life requirement. Some recent and valid criticism has been directed toward the document, particularly the fatigue-life requirements contained in it. Some changes are proposed based on surveys conducted in the United States and abroad as well as some recent systems' experience. The surveys covered both military and civilian organizations. The fatigue certification case histories of selected military and commercial aircraft are presented. The design development element tests, preproduction design verification tests, and full-scale fatigue tests of each are described. A brief status report on the revisions to the MIL-A-008860 series specifications is included.

HIPPO Unit Commitment Version 1

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

2017-01-17

Developed for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), HIPPO-Unit Commitment Version 1 is for solving security constrained unit commitment problem. The model was developed to solve MISO's cases. This version of codes includes I/O module to read in MISO's csv files, modules to create a state-based mixed integer programming formulation for solving MIP, and modules to test basic procedures to solve MIP via HPC.

Complete NACA Muroc Staff of 1950, in front of original NACA building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1950-01-01

This group photo of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) employees was taken in 1950 in front of the NACA research building on South Base at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The team that had been established at Muroc Army Air Field in the later part of 1946 had grown to about 13 members at the beginning of 1947. In September of 1947 the group became known as the NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit with a complement of 27 employees by January 1948. In February 1948 the name of the base changed to Muroc Air Force Base and in 1949 would change again to Edwards Air Force Base. In November 1949 the NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit became the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station. In January 1950 there were 132 employees with those numbers increasing to 196 by January 1952.

Estimates of groundwater age from till and carbonate bedrock hydrogeologic units at Jefferson Proving Ground, Southeastern Indiana, 2007-08

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buszka, Paul M.; Lampe, David C.; Egler, Amanda L.

2010-01-01

During 2007-08, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Army, conducted a study to evaluate the relative age of groundwater in Pre-Wisconsinan till and underlying shallow and deep carbonate bedrock units in and near an area at Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG), southeastern Indiana, which was used during 1984-94 to test fire depleted uranium (DU) penetrators. The shallow carbonate unit includes about the upper 40 feet of bedrock below the bedrock-till surface; the deeper carbonate unit includes wells completed at greater depth. Samples collected during April 2008 from 15 wells were analyzed for field water-quality parameters, dissolved gases, tritium, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds; samples from 14 additional wells were analyzed for tritium only. Water-level gradients in the Pre-Wisconsinan till and the shallow carbonate unit were from topographically higher areas toward Big Creek and Middle Fork Creek, and their tributaries. Vertical gradients were strongly downward from the shallow carbonate unit toward the deep carbonate unit at 3 of 4 paired wells where water levels recovered after development; indicating the general lack of flow between the two units. The lack of post development recovery of water levels at 4 other wells in the deep carbonate unit indicate that parts of that unit have no appreciable permeability. CFC and tritium-based age dates of Pre-Wisconsinan till groundwater are consistent with infiltration of younger (typically post-1960 age) recharge that 'mixes' with older recharge from less permeable or less interconnected strata. Part of the recharge to three till wells dated from the early to mid-1980s (JPG-DU-03O, JPG-DU-09O, and JPG-DU-10O). Age dates of young recharge in water from two till wells predated 1980 (JPG-DU-04O and JPG-DU-06O). Tritium-based age dates of water from seven other till wells indicated post-1972 age recharge. Most wells in the Pre-Wisconsinan till have the potential to produce groundwater that partially was recharged during or after DU penetrator testing; their water quality can indicate the presence of DU-related contaminants. The shallow carbonate unit near Big Creek is a karst flow system that may be recharged in part from areas with smaller thicknesses of overlying till or through more permeable parts of the till. This is indicated by CFC- and tritium-based piston-flow (non-mixing) model age dates of early-1980s for water from JPG-DU-02I, similar tritium-based ages of water produced from nearby wells MW-5 and MW-11, and cave development along the creek. The CFC and tritium-based age dates indicate that water samples from JPG-DU-01I and JPG-DU-03I were best described as mixtures of post-1984 modern recharge and submodern (1953 or older) recharge. These five wells produced groundwater that was recharged, at least partially, during or after DU-penetrator testing and are within or downgradient from the DU Impact Area with respect to groundwater flow directions inferred from water-level contours. Wells with groundwater age dates that are near to or after the onset (1984) of DU penetrator testing and that have a plausible connection to a contaminant source can be used to indicate the presence or absence of contaminants from DU penetrator or DU-related corrosion products in groundwater. Groundwater-age dates indicate that the ages of recharge sampled from shallow carbonate unit wells JPG-DU-04I, JPG-DU-05I, JPG-DU-06I, JPG-DU-09I, and JPG-DU-10D in easternmost (upgradient) and southernmost wells in the shallow carbonate unit are submodern (1953 or older) and predate the DU testing by at least 30 or more years. Water-quality data from these five wells are not likely to represent effects from DU-projectile testing or corrosion for years. Well JPG-DU-09D in the deep carbonate unit produced groundwater samples with a submodern (1953 or older) age date. The slow recovery of water levels in most wells in the deep carbonate unit is consis

Comparison of the heat generation of light curing units.

PubMed

Bagis, Bora; Bagis, Yildirim; Ertas, Ertan; Ustaomer, Seda

2008-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the heat generation of three different types of light curing units. Temperature increases were recorded from a distance of 1 mm from a thermocouple to the tip of three different types of light curing units including one quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH), one plasma arc (PAC), and one light emitting diode (LED) unit. An experimental model was designed to fix the 1 mm distance between the tip of the light curing units and the thermocouple wire. Temperature changes were recorded in 10 second intervals up to 40 seconds. (10, 20, 30, and 40 seconds). Temperature measurements were repeated three times for every light curing unit after a one hour standby period. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni Test. The highest temperature rises (54.4+/-1.65 degrees C) occurred during activation of a PAC light curing unit for every test period (p<.05). The least temperature increase (11.8+/-1.3 degrees C) occurred with a LED curing unit for each tested period except for the measurement of the temperature rise using the QTH curing unit at the tenth second interval (p<.05). These results indicate the choice of light activation unit and curing time is important when polymerizing light activated resin based restorations to avoid any thermal damage to the pulp.

How reliable are odour assessments?

PubMed

Bokowa, A; Beukes, J A

2012-01-01

This paper will demonstrate the differences found in odour test results, when odour sampling is performed at the same sources by two different consultants. By examining two case studies, this paper will highlight that the difference between the results can be significant. Both studies are based on odour sampling programs determining the odour removal efficiency of odour control units installed at two different facilities: a pet food facility and an oil/grease recycling facility. The first study is based on odour measurements at the inlet and outlet of the unit installed by Applied Plasma Physics AS at the pet food facility. Odour assessments were performed by two separate consultants at the same time. The second study is based on testing of the odour removal effectiveness of two units: a scrubber and a biofilter at an oil/grease recycling facility. During this study two odour sampling programs were performed by two consultants at different times, but under the same process conditions. This paper will show how varying results can play a role in choosing the adequate odour control technologies. The final results suggest that although, an odour control unit may appear to be insufficient, it actually is successful at removing the odours.

Optimal placement of fast cut back units based on the theory of cellular automata and agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jun; Yan, Feng

2017-06-01

The thermal power generation units with the function of fast cut back could serve power for auxiliary system and keep island operation after a major blackout, so they are excellent substitute for the traditional black-start power sources. Different placement schemes for FCB units have different influence on the subsequent restoration process. Considering the locality of the emergency dispatching rules, the unpredictability of specific dispatching instructions and unexpected situations like failure of transmission line energization, a novel deduction model for network reconfiguration based on the theory of cellular automata and agent is established. Several indexes are then defined for evaluating the placement schemes for FCB units. The attribute weights determination method based on subjective and objective integration and grey relational analysis are combinatorically used to determine the optimal placement scheme for FCB unit. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the test results on the New England 10-unit 39-bus power system.

10 CFR 429.40 - Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base incandescent lamps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base....40 Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base incandescent lamps. (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to candelabra base...

10 CFR 429.40 - Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base incandescent lamps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base....40 Candelabra base incandescent lamps and intermediate base incandescent lamps. (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to candelabra base...

Whole blood coagulation analyzers.

PubMed

1997-08-01

Whole blood Coagulation analyzers (WBCAs) are widely used point-of-care (POC) testing devices found primarily in cardiothoracic surgical suites and cardia catheterization laboratories. Most of these devices can perform a number of coagulation tests that provide information about a patient's blood clotting status. Clinicians use the results of the WBCA tests, which are available minutes after applying a blood sample, primarily to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy--an anticoagulation therapy used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, angioplasty, hemodialysis, and other clinical procedures. In this study we evaluated five WBCAs from four suppliers. Our testing focused on the applications for which WBCAs are primarily used: Monitoring moderate to high heparin levels, as would be required, for example, during CPB are angioplasty. For this function, WCBAs are typically used to perform an activated clotting time (ACT) test or, as one supplier refers to its test, a heparin management test (HMT). All models included in this study offered an ACT test or an HMT. Monitoring low heparin levels, as would be required, for example,during hemodialysis. For this function, WBCAs would normally be used to perform either a low-range ACT (LACT) test or a whole blood activated partial thromboplastin time (WBAPTT) test. Most of the evaluated units could perform at least one of these tests; one unit did not offer either test and was therefore not rated for this application. We rated and ranked each evaluated model separately for each of these two applications. In addition, we provided a combined rating and ranking that considers the units' appropriateness for performing both application. We based our conclusions on a unit's performance and humans factor design, as determined by our testing, and on its five-year life-cycle cost, as determined by our net present value (NPV) analysis. While we rated all evaluated units acceptable for each appropriate category, we did identify some significant differences that enabled us to rank the units in order of preference. We have included a Selection, Purchasing, and use guide at the end of this study to help facilities identify the unit that will best meet their needs.

Application of in vitro extraction studies to evaluate element bioaccessibility in soils from a transect across the United States and Canada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morman, S.A.; Plumlee, G.S.; Smith, D.B.

2009-01-01

In vitro bioaccessibility tests (IVBA) are inexpensive, physiologically-based extraction tests designed to estimate the bioaccessibility of elements along ingestion exposure pathways. Published IVBA protocols call for the testing to be done on the Pb > Ni > As > Cr.

Evaluating the importance of characterizing soil structure and horizons in parameterizing a hydrologic process model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mirus, Benjamin B.

2015-01-01

Incorporating the influence of soil structure and horizons into parameterizations of distributed surface water/groundwater models remains a challenge. Often, only a single soil unit is employed, and soil-hydraulic properties are assigned based on textural classification, without evaluating the potential impact of these simplifications. This study uses a distributed physics-based model to assess the influence of soil horizons and structure on effective parameterization. This paper tests the viability of two established and widely used hydrogeologic methods for simulating runoff and variably saturated flow through layered soils: (1) accounting for vertical heterogeneity by combining hydrostratigraphic units with contrasting hydraulic properties into homogeneous, anisotropic units and (2) use of established pedotransfer functions based on soil texture alone to estimate water retention and conductivity, without accounting for the influence of pedon structures and hysteresis. The viability of this latter method for capturing the seasonal transition from runoff-dominated to evapotranspiration-dominated regimes is also tested here. For cases tested here, event-based simulations using simplified vertical heterogeneity did not capture the state-dependent anisotropy and complex combinations of runoff generation mechanisms resulting from permeability contrasts in layered hillslopes with complex topography. Continuous simulations using pedotransfer functions that do not account for the influence of soil structure and hysteresis generally over-predicted runoff, leading to propagation of substantial water balance errors. Analysis suggests that identifying a dominant hydropedological unit provides the most acceptable simplification of subsurface layering and that modified pedotransfer functions with steeper soil-water retention curves might adequately capture the influence of soil structure and hysteresis on hydrologic response in headwater catchments.

Testing and Results of Vacuum Swing Adsorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McMillin, Summer; Broerman, Craig; Swickrath, Mike; Anderson, Molly

2010-01-01

A principal concern for extravehicular activity (EVA) space suits is the capability to control carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity (H2O) for the crewmember. The release of CO2 in a confined or unventilated area is dangerous for human health and leads to asphyxiation; therefore, CO2 and H2O become leading factors in the design and development of the spacesuit. An amine-based CO2 and H2O vapor sorbent for use in pressure-swing re-generable beds has been developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The application of solid-amine materials with vacuum swing adsorption technology has shown the capacity to concurrently manage CO2 and H2O levels through a fully regenerative cycle eliminating mission constraints imposed with non-regenerative technologies. Two prototype solid amine-based systems, known as rapid cycle amine (RCA), were designed to continuously remove CO2 and H2O vapor from a flowing ventilation stream through the use of a two-bed amine based, vacuum-swing adsorption system. The Engineering and Science Contract Group (ESCG) RCA is the first RCA unit implementing radial flow paths, whereas the Hamilton Sundstrand RCA was designed with linear flow paths. Testing was performed in a sea-level pressure environment and a reduced-pressure environment with simulated human metabolic loads in a closed-loop configuration. This paper presents the experimental results of laboratory testing for a full-size and a sub-scale test article. The testing described here characterized and evaluated the performance of each RCA unit at the required Portable Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) operating conditions. The test points simulated a range of crewmember metabolic rates. The experimental results demonstrate the ability of each RCA unit to sufficiently remove CO2 and H2O from a closed loop ambient or subambient atmosphere.

United States Air Force F-35A Operational Basing Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Evaluation (FDE) program and Weapons School (WS) beddown, the F-22 designator was used. Subsequent testing , development, and deployment resulted in...Initial F-35A Operational Basing EIS Final, September 2013 contract to develop the JSF ( designated the F-35 Lightning II). Since then, testing of F...of the aircraft even with system failures. Throughout the design and testing process, safety initiatives took previous best practices for single

First external quality assurance program of the Italian HLA-B*57:01 Network assessing the performance of clinical virology laboratories in HLA-B*57:01 testing.

PubMed

Meini, Genny; Dello Russo, Cinzia; Allice, Tiziano; Barresi, Renata; D'Arrigo, Roberta; Falasca, Francesca; Lipsi, Maria Rosaria; Paolucci, Stefania; Zanussi, Stefania; Antonetti, Raffaele; Baldanti, Fausto; Basaglia, Giancarlo; Bruzzone, Bianca; Polilli, Ennio; Ghisetti, Valeria; Pucillo, Leopoldo Paolo; Turriziani, Ombretta; Pirazzoli, Antonella; Navarra, Pierluigi; Zazzi, Maurizio

2016-05-01

Since the HLA-B*57:01 allele is strongly associated with abacavir hypersensitivity reaction, testing for the presence of HLA-B*57:01 is mandatory before administration of abacavir. While HLA-B*57:01 testing is usually provided by pharmacogenetics, genetics or blood transfusion services, clinical virology laboratories can be an optimal opportunity for HLA-B*57:01 testing since they receive blood samples for routine HIV monitoring and have the expertise for convenient and less expensive PCR-based point mutation assays. The Italian HLA-B*57:01 Network gathers accredited clinical virology laboratories offering HLA-B*57:01 testing in Italy with the aim to share protocols, test new methods, develop and maintain external quality assurance (EQA) programs. A panel of 9HLA-B*57:01-positive and 16HLA-B*57:01-negative frozen blood samples were blindly distributed to 10 units including 9 clinical virology laboratories and one reference pharmacology laboratory. Each laboratory was free to use its own routine method for DNA extraction and HLA-B*57:01 testing. DNA was extracted by automated workstations in 6 units and by manual spin columns in 4. Eight units used the Duplicα Real Time HLA-B*57:01 kit by Euroclone and two units used two different PCR homemade protocols. All the 10 units correctly identified all the 25 samples. The first HLA-B*57:01 EQA program run in Italy showed that clinical virology units are equipped and proficient for providing HLA-B*57:01 testing by inexpensive assays easy to integrate into their routine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study Modules for Calculus-Based General Physics. [Includes Modules 21-23: Second Law and Entropy; Coulomb's Law and the Electric Field; and Flux and Gauss' Law].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Robert G., Ed.; And Others

This is part of a series of 42 Calculus Based Physics (CBP) modules totaling about 1,000 pages. The modules include study guides, practice tests, and mastery tests for a full-year individualized course in calculus-based physics based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The units are not intended to be used without outside materials;…

47 CFR 76.2000 - Exclusive access to multiple dwelling units generally.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... time share units, academic campuses and dormitories, military bases, hotels, rooming houses, prisons..., Receiver-generated, Responsibility 76.617 Isolation, Terminal 76.5 J-L Leakage measurements, Signal 76.601... noise 76.5 T Technical standards 76.605 Terminal isolation 76.5 Terminal, Subscriber 76.5 Tests...

47 CFR 76.2000 - Exclusive access to multiple dwelling units generally.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... time share units, academic campuses and dormitories, military bases, hotels, rooming houses, prisons..., Receiver-generated, Responsibility 76.617 Isolation, Terminal 76.5 J-L Leakage measurements, Signal 76.601... noise 76.5 T Technical standards 76.605 Terminal isolation 76.5 Terminal, Subscriber 76.5 Tests...

ESTIMATING GROUND LEVEL PM 2.5 IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES USING SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING

EPA Science Inventory

An empirical model based on the regression between daily average final particle (PM2.5) concentrations and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) measurements from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) was developed and tested using data from the eastern United States during ...

Controversial Issues in United States History Classrooms: Teachers' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nichols-Cocke, Cathy

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to understand how secondary level United States History teachers approached controversial issues in their standards-based, high-stakes testing classrooms. Controversial issues consisted of multiple points of view, were socially constructed, and had the potential to challenge belief systems. The audience and their…

Plasma Processing of Model Residential Solid Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messerle, V. E.; Mossé, A. L.; Nikonchuk, A. N.; Ustimenko, A. B.; Baimuldin, R. V.

2017-09-01

The authors have tested the technology of processing of model residential solid waste. They have developed and created a pilot plasma unit based on a plasma chamber incinerator. The waste processing technology has been tested and prepared for commercialization.

The missing link? Testing a schema account of unitization.

PubMed

Tibon, Roni; Greve, Andrea; Henson, Richard

2018-05-09

Unitization refers to the creation of a new unit from previously distinct items. The concept of unitization has been used to explain how novel pairings between items can be remembered without requiring recollection, by virtue of new, item-like representations that enable familiarity-based retrieval. We tested an alternative account of unitization - a schema account - which suggests that associations between items can be rapidly assimilated into a schema. We used a common operationalization of "unitization" as the difference between two unrelated words being linked by a definition, relative to two words being linked by a sentence, during an initial study phase. During the following relearning phase, a studied word was re-paired with a new word, either related or unrelated to the original associate from study. In a final test phase, memory for the relearned associations was tested. We hypothesized that, if unitized representations act like schemas, then we would observe some generalization to related words, such that memory would be better in the definition than sentence condition for related words, but not for unrelated words. Contrary to the schema hypothesis, evidence favored the null hypothesis of no difference between definition and sentence conditions for related words (Experiment 1), even when each cue was associated with multiple associates, indicating that the associations can be generalized (Experiment 2), or when the schematic information was explicitly re-activated during Relearning (Experiment 3). These results suggest that unitized associations do not generalize to accommodate new information, and therefore provide evidence against the schema account.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Roofs for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

ACRONYMS A/C Air Conditioning a-Si Amorphous Silicon AC Alternating Current AFB Air Force Base AHU Air Handing Unit APS Arizona Public...Service ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials AZ Arizona BIPV Building Integrated Photovoltaic BTU British Thermal Units C Celsius CA...AFB) in Arizona (AZ). This site was chosen based on the ESTCP review board’s recommendation, the large size of the BIPV roof, and the age. Site I

Gold Standard Testing of Motion Based Tracking Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-15

NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER H0L0 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9...LABORATORY 711TH HUMAN PERFORMANCE WING, AIRMAN SYSTEMS DIRECTORATE, WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH 45433 AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND UNITED STATES AIR...711th Human Performance Wing 711th Human Performance Wing Air Force Research Laboratory Air Force Research Laboratory This report is published in the

The effect of inquiry based science instruction on student understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nail, Jessica Lynette

According to the TIMSS Study (2007), the United States is falling behind in the subjects of math and science. In order for the students in the United States to develop scientific literacy and remain competitive globally, inquiry must be the priority when teaching science (NRC, 1996; AAAS, 1990). The main purpose of this research was to see if inquiry-based instruction in the science classroom had a significant effect on student understanding and retention of information in a rural school in Virginia. The effect of inquiry-based science instruction on gender was also examined. The researcher implemented a four-week, inquiry-based unit on Virginia Sol 6.7, written in the 5 E learning style to 358 sixth-grade students and compared their posttest gains and delayed posttest scores to a control group consisting of 268 students. The control group received traditional teaching methods. The results for the posttest gains produced a p = 0.01. Therefore, there was a significant difference in the experimental group, which received the treatment, when compared to the control group, which did not receive treatment. A t test was also used to compare the delayed test scores of the experimental group to the control group. The results showed a p < 0.0001 when comparing the experimental group, which received the four-week inquiry-based science instruction treatment, to the control, which did not receive the treatment. This t test showed a very highly significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. Based on these results, it is imperative that Virginia begin implementing inquiry-based instruction in the science classroom.

Instrument for controlling the application of mechanical loads to biological and bicompatible test subjects

DOEpatents

Lintilhac, Phillip M.; Vesecky, Thompson B.

1995-01-01

Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. The transducer module receives force and dimensional data from the forcing frame. The transducer module is a separate, microprocessor-based unit that communicates the test data to a controller unit that controls the application of force to the test subject and receives the test data from the transducer module for force control, storage, and/or communication to the user.

Instrument for controlling the application of mechanical loads to biological and bicompatible test subjects

DOEpatents

Lintilhac, P.M.; Vesecky, T.B.

1995-09-19

An apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. The transducer module receives force and dimensional data from the forcing frame. The transducer module is a separate, microprocessor-based unit that communicates the test data to a controller unit that controls the application of force to the test subject and receives the test data from the transducer module for force control, storage, and/or communication to the user. 8 figs.

Treatment of Vestibular Dysfunction Using a Portable Stimulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

2 performed at National University of Ireland Galway i. Fabrication of 20 units based on final design specifications at the National University of...Ireland Galway j. Testing of initial fabricated units from the National University of Ireland Galway in New Jersey to ensure they are meeting required...standards and creating desired improvement k. Shipment of remaining units from National University of Ireland Galway to New Jersey for use in Specific

The Effect of Brain Based Instruction on Student Achievement in Algebra I

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vass, Melissa G.

2010-01-01

This quantitative quasi-experimental study examined the effect of brain-based instruction compared to teacher-centered instruction on student achievement in algebra I. A pre-test and post-test were given to a control group of 30 and experimental group of 42 before and after a unit if study in algebra I, which was taught using the two instructional…

Assessment of microwave-based clinical waste decontamination unit.

PubMed

Hoffman, P N; Hanley, M J

1994-12-01

A clinical waste decontamination unit that used microwave-generated heat was assessed for operator safety and efficacy. Tests with loads artificially contaminated with aerosol-forming particles showed that no particles were detected outside the machine provided the seals and covers were correctly seated. Thermometric measurement of a self-generated steam decontamination cycle was used to determine the parameters needed to ensure heat disinfection of the waste reception hopper, prior to entry for maintenance or repair. Bacterial and thermometric test pieces were passed through the machine within a full load of clinical waste. These test pieces, designed to represent a worst case situation, were enclosed in aluminium foil to shield them from direct microwave energy. None of the 100 bacterial test pieces yielded growth on culture and all 100 thermal test pieces achieved temperatures in excess of 99 degrees C during their passage through the decontamination unit. It was concluded that this method may be used to render safe the bulk of of ward-generated clinical waste.

A Technology-Enhanced Unit of Modeling Static Electricity: Integrating scientific explanations and everyday observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Ji; Linn, Marcia C.

2011-08-01

What trajectories do students follow as they connect their observations of electrostatic phenomena to atomic-level visualizations? We designed an electrostatics unit, using the knowledge integration framework to help students link observations and scientific ideas. We analyze how learners integrate ideas about charges, charged particles, energy, and observable events. We compare learning enactments in a typical school and a magnet school in the USA. We use pre-tests, post-tests, embedded notes, and delayed post-tests to capture the trajectories of students' knowledge integration. We analyze how visualizations help students grapple with abstract electrostatics concepts such as induction. We find that overall students gain more sophisticated ideas. They can interpret dynamic, interactive visualizations, and connect charge- and particle-based explanations to interpret observable events. Students continue to have difficulty in applying the energy-based explanation.

The impact of constructivist teaching strategies on the acquisition of higher order cognition and learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merrill, Alison Saricks

The purpose of this quasi-experimental quantitative mixed design study was to compare the effectiveness of brain-based teaching strategies versus a traditional lecture format in the acquisition of higher order cognition as determined by test scores. A second purpose was to elicit student feedback about the two teaching approaches. The design was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design study with repeated measures on the last factor. The independent variables were type of student, teaching method, and a within group change over time. Dependent variables were a between group comparison of pre-test, post-test gain scores and a within and between group comparison of course examination scores. A convenience sample of students enrolled in medical-surgical nursing was used. One group (n=36) was made up of traditional students and the other group (n=36) consisted of second-degree students. Four learning units were included in this study. Pre- and post-tests were given on the first two units. Course examinations scores from all four units were compared. In one cohort two of the units were taught via lecture format and two using constructivist activities. These methods were reversed for the other cohort. The conceptual basis for this study derives from neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Learning is defined as the growth of new dendrites. Cognitive psychologists view learning as a constructive activity in which new knowledge is built on an internal foundation of existing knowledge. Constructivist teaching strategies are designed to stimulate the brain's natural learning ability. There was a statistically significant difference based on type of teaching strategy (t = -2.078, df = 270, p = .039, d = .25)) with higher mean scores on the examinations covering brain-based learning units. There was no statistical significance based on type of student. Qualitative data collection was conducted in an on-line forum at the end of the semester. Students had overall positive responses about the constructivist activities. Major themes were described. Constructivist strategies help bridge the gap between neurological and cognitive sciences and classroom teaching and learning. A variety of implications for nursing educators are outlined as well as directions for future research.

A Survey Examining Photopatch Test and Phototest Methodologies of Contact Dermatologists in the United States: Platform for Developing A Consensus.

PubMed

Asemota, Eseosa; Crawford, Glen; Kovarik, Carrie; Brod, Bruce A

There is currently no standardized protocol for photopatch testing and phototesting in the United States. Certain testing paramaters (such as chemicals tested, time between test application and irradiation, and time of final interpretation) vary from provider to provider. These variations may impact comparability and consistency of test results. The goal of our survey-based study was to outline the photopatch test and phototest protocols used by US contact dermatologists. The information obtained will aid in the development of a national consensus on testing methodologies. Based on a literature search conducted on differences in testing methodologies, we constructed a questionnaire. The survey was distributed at the American Contact Dermatitis Society annual meeting and via the American Contact Dermatitis Society Web site. Standard descriptive analysis was performed on data obtained. Of the 800 dermatologists contacted, 117 agreed to participate in the survey. Among these respondents, 64 (54.8%) conduct photopatch testing. Results of the survey are presented, and they confirm that a variety of techniques and testing materials are used. It would be beneficial to enlist a panel of expert contact dermatologists to create by formal consensus, using these research findings, a standard photopatch test protocol for use in this country.

An Analysis of Testing Time within a Mastery-Based Medical School Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wade, David R.; Williams, Reed G.

1979-01-01

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's personalized teaching system has the following features: students are provided with behavioral objectives prior to instruction; passing levels for tests are set in advance and are independent of class performance; and the program is divided into small units and students are tested frequently. (LBH)

Credit USAF, ca. 1943. Original housed in the Muroc Flight ...

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

Credit USAF, ca. 1943. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Historic view looking northeast along southeast edge of swimming pool during construction. The wavy edge of the pool visible here remains as a ground surface feature in 1995. Building in the background is the second Bachelor Officers' Quarters (T-15) built in 1943 - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Swimming Pool, Second Street, Boron, Kern County, CA

Linkage to care following community-based mobile HIV testing compared with clinic-based testing in Umlazi Township, Durban, South Africa.

PubMed

Bassett, I V; Regan, S; Luthuli, P; Mbonambi, H; Bearnot, B; Pendleton, A; Robine, M; Mukuvisi, D; Thulare, H; Walensky, R P; Freedberg, K A; Losina, E; Mhlongo, B

2014-07-01

The aim of the study was to assess HIV prevalence, disease stage and linkage to HIV care following diagnosis at a mobile HIV testing unit, compared with results for clinic-based testing, in a Durban township. This was a prospective cohort study. We enrolled adults presenting for HIV testing at a community-based mobile testing unit (mobile testers) and at an HIV clinic (clinic testers) serving the same area. Testers diagnosed with HIV infection, regardless of testing site, were offered immediate CD4 testing and instructed to retrieve results at the clinic. We assessed rates of linkage to care, defined as CD4 result retrieval within 90 days of HIV diagnosis and/or completion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) literacy training, for mobile vs. clinic testers. From July to November 2011, 6957 subjects were HIV tested (4703 mobile and 2254 clinic); 55% were female. Mobile testers had a lower HIV prevalence than clinic testers (10% vs. 36%, respectively), were younger (median 23 vs. 27 years, respectively) and were more likely to live >5 km or >30 min from the clinic (64% vs. 40%, respectively; all P < 0.001). Mobile testers were less likely to undergo CD4 testing (33% vs. 83%, respectively) but more likely to have higher CD4 counts [median (interquartile range) 416 (287-587) cells/μL vs. 285 (136-482) cells/μL, respectively] than clinic testers (both P < 0.001). Of those who tested HIV positive, 10% of mobile testers linked to care, vs. 72% of clinic testers (P < 0.001). Mobile HIV testing reaches people who are younger, who are more geographically remote, and who have earlier disease compared with clinic-based testing. Fewer mobile testers underwent CD4 testing and linked to HIV care. Enhancing linkage efforts may improve the impact of mobile testing for those with early HIV disease. © 2013 British HIV Association.

An Emerging Technology Curriculum. Education for Technology Employment Project. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harms, Dan; And Others

Individualized, competency-based curriculum materials were developed for a course on Principles of Technology, Units 1-6. New and updated curriculum materials in Drafting and Electronics and the Principles of Technology units were pilot tested in area vocational center settings in Illinois. A computer maintenance program was also developed but not…

Exploring the Greenhouse Effect through Physics-Oriented Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browne, Kerry P.; Laws, Priscilla W.

2003-01-01

We are developing a new activity-based unit on global warming and the environment as part of the "Explorations in Physics Curriculum." We describe the current status of this unit, which focuses on helping students understand the greenhouse effect and its relationship to global warming. We outline several problems encountered in testing the unit…

The Impact of Advanced Curriculum on the Achievement of Mathematically Promising Elementary Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gavin, M. Katherine; Casa, Tutita M.; Adelson, Jill L.; Carroll, Susan R.; Sheffield, Linda Jensen

2009-01-01

The primary aim of Project M[superscript 3]: Mentoring Mathematical Minds was to develop and field test advanced units for mathematically promising elementary students based on exemplary practices in gifted and mathematics education. This article describes the development of the units and reports on mathematics achievement results for students in…

Restoration of severely weathered wood

Treesearch

R. Sam Williams; Mark Knaebe

2000-01-01

Severely weathered window units were used to test various restoration methods and pretreatments. Sanded and unsanded units were pretreated with a consolidant or water repellent preservative, finished with an oil- or latex-based paint system, and exposed outdoors near Madison, WI, for five years. Pretreatments were applied to both window sashes (stiles and rails) and...

Involving Diverse Communities of Practice to Minimize Unintended Consequences of Test-Based Accountability Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Behizadeh, Nadia; Engelhard, George, Jr.

2015-01-01

In his focus article, Koretz (this issue) argues that accountability has become the primary function of large-scale testing in the United States. He then points out that tests being used for accountability purposes are flawed and that the high-stakes nature of these tests creates a context that encourages score inflation. Koretz is concerned about…

A streamlined build system foundation for developing HPC software

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

White, Chris; Harrison, Cyrus; Hornung, Richard

2017-02-09

BLT bundles custom CMake macros, unit testing frameworks for C++ and Fortran, and a set of smoke tests for common HPC dependencies. The combination of these three provides a foundation for quickly bootstrapping a CMale-based system for developing HPC softward.

Commercial Skills Test Information Management System final report and self-sustainability plan : [technology brief].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

The Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS) was developed to address the fraudulent issuance of commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) across the United States. CSTIMS was developed as a Web-based, software-as-a-service system to...

Surveillance for Dengue and Dengue-Associated Neurologic Syndromes in the United States

PubMed Central

Waterman, Stephen H.; Margolis, Harold S.; Sejvar, James J.

2015-01-01

Autochthonous dengue virus transmission has occurred in the continental United States with increased frequency during the last decade; the principal vector, Aedes aegypti, has expanded its geographic distribution in the southern United States. Dengue, a potentially fatal arboviral disease, is underreported, and US clinicians encountering patients with acute febrile illness consistent with dengue are likely to not be fully familiar with dengue diagnosis and management. Recently, investigators suggested that an outbreak of dengue likely occurred in Houston during 2003 based on retrospective laboratory testing of hospitalized cases with encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Although certain aspects of the Houston testing results and argument for local transmission are doubtful, the report highlights the importance of prospective surveillance for dengue in Aedes-infested areas of the United States, the need for clinical training on dengue and its severe manifestations, and the need for laboratory testing in domestic patients presenting with febrile neurologic illness in these regions to include dengue. PMID:25371183

Surveillance for dengue and dengue-associated neurologic syndromes in the United States.

PubMed

Waterman, Stephen H; Margolis, Harold S; Sejvar, James J

2015-05-01

Autochthonous dengue virus transmission has occurred in the continental United States with increased frequency during the last decade; the principal vector, Aedes aegypti, has expanded its geographic distribution in the southern United States. Dengue, a potentially fatal arboviral disease, is underreported, and US clinicians encountering patients with acute febrile illness consistent with dengue are likely to not be fully familiar with dengue diagnosis and management. Recently, investigators suggested that an outbreak of dengue likely occurred in Houston during 2003 based on retrospective laboratory testing of hospitalized cases with encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Although certain aspects of the Houston testing results and argument for local transmission are doubtful, the report highlights the importance of prospective surveillance for dengue in Aedes-infested areas of the United States, the need for clinical training on dengue and its severe manifestations, and the need for laboratory testing in domestic patients presenting with febrile neurologic illness in these regions to include dengue. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Software for Preprocessing Data from Rocket-Engine Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Chiu-Fu

2004-01-01

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC E test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel. QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post-test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot (a free graphing program written by Rick Paris). EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PV-WAVE based plotting software.

Fiber Optic Cable Feedthrough and Sealing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, Robert J.

1998-01-01

A novel fiberoptic hermetic bulkhead feedthrough has been developed which will offer cryogenic sealing at leak rates of 10(exp -11) cc/sec helium. This feedthrough was developed for NASA in response to needs for a hermetically sealed feedthrough which could withstand a range of temperatures from low cryogenic (-196 C), due to liquid fuels and oxidizers, to high temperatures (+200 C) encountered in the proximity of combustion gasses. The development effort will be reported from conceptual design of single and multi-channel feedthrough units with single interconnection interfaces to units with double-ended interconnection interfaces. Various combinations of fiber/buffers are reported with recommendations based on test results. A comprehensive series of environmental and mechanical tests were performed to evaluate the feedthroughs in adverse conditions. Test results are reported including insertion loss, salt spray, sinusoidal vibration, random vibration, mechanical shock, thermal shock and humidity. A second set of feedthrough units was exposed to 3 different types of radiation. Optical transmittance changes during the tests were monitored and leak rate testing was done after each test. State-of-the-art technology in optical fiber feedthroughs constructed with polycrystalline ceramic is presented.

Software for Preprocessing Data From Rocket-Engine Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Chiu-Fu

2003-01-01

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC E test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: (1) Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel. (2) QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post-test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot. (3) EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PVWAVE based plotting software.

Error detection and correction unit with built-in self-test capability for spacecraft applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timoc, Constantin

1990-01-01

The objective of this project was to research and develop a 32-bit single chip Error Detection and Correction unit capable of correcting all single bit errors and detecting all double bit errors in the memory systems of a spacecraft. We designed the 32-bit EDAC (Error Detection and Correction unit) based on a modified Hamming code and according to the design specifications and performance requirements. We constructed a laboratory prototype (breadboard) which was converted into a fault simulator. The correctness of the design was verified on the breadboard using an exhaustive set of test cases. A logic diagram of the EDAC was delivered to JPL Section 514 on 4 Oct. 1988.

Testing and Results of Vacuum Swing Adsorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McMillin, Summer D.; Broerman, Craig D.; Swickrath, Michael; Anderson, Molly

2011-01-01

A principal concern for extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits is the capability to control carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity (H2O) for the crewmember. The release of CO2 in a confined or unventilated area is dangerous for human health and leads to asphyxiation; therefore, CO2 and H2O control become leading factors in the design and development of the spacesuit. An amine-based CO2 and H2O vapor sorbent for use in pressure-swing regenerable beds has been developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The application of solidamine materials with vacuum swing adsorption technology has shown the capacity to concurrently manage CO2 and H2O levels through a fully regenerative cycle eliminating mission constraints imposed with nonregenerative technologies. Two prototype solid amine-based systems, known as rapid cycle amine (RCA), were designed to continuously remove CO2 and H2O vapor from a flowing ventilation stream through the use of a two-bed amine based, vacuum-swing adsorption system. The Engineering and Science Contract Group (ESCG) RCA implements radial flow paths, whereas the Hamilton Sundstrand RCA was designed with linear flow paths. Testing was performed in a sea-level pressure environment and a reduced-pressure environment with simulated human metabolic loads in a closed-loop configuration. This paper presents the experimental results of laboratory testing for a full-size and a sub-scale test article. The testing described here characterized and evaluated the performance of each RCA unit at the required Portable Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) operating conditions. The test points simulated a range of crewmember metabolic rates. The experimental results demonstrated the ability of each RCA unit to sufficiently remove CO2 and H2O from a closed loop ambient or sub-ambient atmosphere.

Novel methods for Solving Economic Dispatch of Security-Constrained Unit Commitment Based on Linear Programming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Sangang

2017-09-01

There are two stages in solving security-constrained unit commitment problems (SCUC) within Lagrangian framework: one is to obtain feasible units’ states (UC), the other is power economic dispatch (ED) for each unit. The accurate solution of ED is more important for enhancing the efficiency of the solution to SCUC for the fixed feasible units’ statues. Two novel methods named after Convex Combinatorial Coefficient Method and Power Increment Method respectively based on linear programming problem for solving ED are proposed by the piecewise linear approximation to the nonlinear convex fuel cost functions. Numerical testing results show that the methods are effective and efficient.

Effect of an Individual Readiness Assurance Test on a Team Readiness Assurance Test in the Team-Based Learning of Physiology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gopalan, Chaya; Fox, Dainielle J.; Gaebelein, Claude J.

2013-01-01

We examined whether requiring an individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) before a team readiness assurance test (tRAT) would benefit students in becoming better problem solvers in physiology. It was tested in the form of tRAT scores, the time required to complete the tRAT assignment, and individual performance on the unit examinations. Students…

Effect of Cooling Units on the Performance of an Automotive Exhaust-Based Thermoelectric Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, C. Q.; Zhu, D. C.; Deng, Y. D.; Wang, Y. P.; Liu, X.

2017-05-01

Currently, automotive exhaust-based thermoelectric generators (AETEGs) are a hot topic in energy recovery. In order to investigate the influence of coolant flow rate, coolant flow direction and cooling unit arrangement in the AETEG, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) model and a related test bench are constructed. Water cooling is adopted in this study. Due to the non-uniformity of the surface temperature of the heat source, the coolant flow direction would affect the output performance of the TEG. Changing the volumetric flow rate of coolant can increase the output power of multi-modules connected in series or/and parallel as it can improve the temperature uniformity of the cooling unit. Since the temperature uniformity of the cooling unit has a strong influence on the output power, two cooling units are connected in series or parallel to research the effect of cooling unit arrangements on the maximum output power of the TEG. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the net output power is generally higher with cooling units connected in parallel than cooling units connected in series in the cooling system with two cooling units.

MOBILE ON-SITE RECYCLING OF METALWORKING FLUIDS

EPA Science Inventory

Product quality, waste reduction, and economic issues were evaluated for a technology designed to recycle metalworking fluids. mulsion-type fluids were tested at two sites and a synthetic fluid was tested at a third site. he specific recycling unit evaluated is based on the techn...

Benchmarking in pathology: development of an activity-based costing model.

PubMed

Burnett, Leslie; Wilson, Roger; Pfeffer, Sally; Lowry, John

2012-12-01

Benchmarking in Pathology (BiP) allows pathology laboratories to determine the unit cost of all laboratory tests and procedures, and also provides organisational productivity indices allowing comparisons of performance with other BiP participants. We describe 14 years of progressive enhancement to a BiP program, including the implementation of 'avoidable costs' as the accounting basis for allocation of costs rather than previous approaches using 'total costs'. A hierarchical tree-structured activity-based costing model distributes 'avoidable costs' attributable to the pathology activities component of a pathology laboratory operation. The hierarchical tree model permits costs to be allocated across multiple laboratory sites and organisational structures. This has enabled benchmarking on a number of levels, including test profiles and non-testing related workload activities. The development of methods for dealing with variable cost inputs, allocation of indirect costs using imputation techniques, panels of tests, and blood-bank record keeping, have been successfully integrated into the costing model. A variety of laboratory management reports are produced, including the 'cost per test' of each pathology 'test' output. Benchmarking comparisons may be undertaken at any and all of the 'cost per test' and 'cost per Benchmarking Complexity Unit' level, 'discipline/department' (sub-specialty) level, or overall laboratory/site and organisational levels. We have completed development of a national BiP program. An activity-based costing methodology based on avoidable costs overcomes many problems of previous benchmarking studies based on total costs. The use of benchmarking complexity adjustment permits correction for varying test-mix and diagnostic complexity between laboratories. Use of iterative communication strategies with program participants can overcome many obstacles and lead to innovations.

pFUnit 3.0 Tutorial Advanced

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clune, Tom

2014-01-01

This tutorial will introduce Fortran developers to unit-testing and test-driven development (TDD) using pFUnit. As with other unit-testing frameworks, pFUnit, simplifies the process of writing, collecting, and executing tests while providing clear diagnostic messages for failing tests. pFUnit specifically targets the development of scientific-technical software written in Fortran and includes customized features such as: assertions for multi-dimensional arrays, distributed (MPI) and thread-based (OpenMP) parallellism, and flexible parameterized tests.These sessions will include numerous examples and hands-on exercises that gradually build in complexity. Attendees are expected to have working knowledge of F90, but familiarity with object-oriented syntax in F2003 and MPI will be of benefit for the more advanced examples. By the end of the tutorial the audience should feel comfortable in applying pFUnit within their own development environment.

40 CFR 63.8445 - How do I conduct performance tests and establish operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... limitations. (1) To determine compliance with the production-based hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride... operating at the maximum production level. (e) You may not conduct performance tests during periods of... mass emissions per unit of production for each test run using Equation 1 of this section: ER16MY03.000...

Objective and Subjective Knowledge and HIV Testing among College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hou, Su-I

2004-01-01

Little research has been conducted on the knowledge domain specifically related to HIV testing among college students. Students (age 18-24) were recruited from a major university in the southeastern United States to participate in a Web-based survey during spring 2003 (N=440). About 21% of the students reported previous voluntary HIV tests.…

Adapting Educational Measurement to the Demands of Test-Based Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koretz, Daniel

2015-01-01

Accountability has become a primary function of large-scale testing in the United States. The pressure on educators to raise scores is vastly greater than it was several decades ago. Research has shown that high-stakes testing can generate behavioral responses that inflate scores, often severely. I argue that because of these responses, using…

Visual Signaling in a High-Search Virtual World-Based Assessment: A SAVE Science Design Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Brian C.; Kim, Younsu; Slack, Kent

2016-01-01

Education policy in the United States centers K-12 assessment efforts primarily on standardized tests. However, such tests may not provide an accurate and reliable representation of what students understand about the complexity of science. Research indicates that students tend to pass science tests, even if they do not understand the concepts…

A Smart City Application: A Fully Controlled Street Lighting Isle Based on Raspberry-Pi Card, a ZigBee Sensor Network and WiMAX

PubMed Central

Leccese, Fabio; Cagnetti, Marco; Trinca, Daniele

2014-01-01

A smart city application has been realized and tested. It is a fully remote controlled isle of lamp posts based on new technologies. It has been designed and organized in different hierarchical layers, which perform local activities to physically control the lamp posts and transmit information with another for remote control. Locally, each lamp post uses an electronic card for management and a ZigBee tlc network transmits data to a central control unit, which manages the whole isle. The central unit is realized with a Raspberry-Pi control card due to its good computing performance at very low price. Finally, a WiMAX connection was tested and used to remotely control the smart grid, thus overcoming the distance limitations of commercial Wi-Fi networks. The isle has been realized and tested for some months in the field. PMID:25529206

A smart city application: a fully controlled street lighting isle based on Raspberry-Pi card, a ZigBee sensor network and WiMAX.

PubMed

Leccese, Fabio; Cagnetti, Marco; Trinca, Daniele

2014-12-18

A smart city application has been realized and tested. It is a fully remote controlled isle of lamp posts based on new technologies. It has been designed and organized in different hierarchical layers, which perform local activities to physically control the lamp posts and transmit information with another for remote control. Locally, each lamp post uses an electronic card for management and a ZigBee tlc network transmits data to a central control unit, which manages the whole isle. The central unit is realized with a Raspberry-Pi control card due to its good computing performance at very low price. Finally, a WiMAX connection was tested and used to remotely control the smart grid, thus overcoming the distance limitations of commercial Wi-Fi networks. The isle has been realized and tested for some months in the field.

U.S.-Russian Cooperation in Science and Technology: A Case Study of the TOPAZ Space-Based Nuclear Reactor International Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabrowski, Richard S.

2014-08-01

The TOPAZ International Program (TIP) was the final name given to a series of projects to purchase and test the TOPAZ-II, a space-based nuclear reactor of a type that had been further developed in the Soviet Union than in the United States. In the changing political situation associated with the break-up of the Soviet Union it became possible for the United States to not just purchase the system, but also to employ Russian scientists, engineers and testing facilities to verify its reliability. The lessons learned from the TIP illuminate some of the institutional and cultural challenges to U.S. - Russian cooperation in technology research which remain true today.

Design and test of a 10kW ORC supersonic turbine generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seume, J. R.; Peters, M.; Kunte, H.

2017-03-01

Manufactures are searching for possibilities to increase the efficiency of combustion engines by using the remaining energy of the exhaust gas. One possibility to recover some of this thermal energy is an organic Rankine cycle (ORC). For such an ORC running with ethanol, the aerothermodynamic design and test of a supersonic axial, single stage impulse turbine generator unit is described. The blade design as well as the regulation by variable partial admission is shown. Additionally the mechanical design of the directly coupled turbine generator unit including the aerodynamic sealing and the test facility is presented. Finally the results of CFD-based computations are compared to the experimental measurements. The comparison shows a remarkably good agreement between the numerical computations and the test data.

75 FR 13123 - Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Representative Average Unit Costs of Energy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-18

... electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene. DATES: The representative average unit... after-tax costs for electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, and propane are based on simulations... million Btu As required by test Type of energy \\1\\ In commonly used terms procedure Electricity $33.70 11...

76 FR 13168 - Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Representative Average Unit Costs of Energy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-10

... electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene. DATES: The representative average unit... after-tax costs for electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, and propane are based on simulations... million As required by Type of energy Btu \\1\\ In commonly used terms test procedure Electricity $34.14 11...

Heating and Air Conditioning. Auto Mechanics Curriculum Guide Module 9. Instructor's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hevel, David

This unit of instruction is one of a series of modules in the Missouri Auto Mechanics Curriculum Guide. The module's format was developed for competency-based teaching and testing. The module contains 11 units, each of which contains the following components: a competency profile, objective sheets, references, notes to the instructor, lesson…

Children as "Solutionaries": Environmental Education as an Opportunity to Take Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crawford, Elizabeth O.; Luke, Nancy; Van Pelt, William

2015-01-01

"'Do You Want Paper or Plastic?' An Inquiry into Single-Use Grocery Bags" is an inquiry-based, solutions-focused environmental education unit developed for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Field-tested in two U.S. southeastern regions, the unit engages students as informed change makers who investigate the production, consumption, and disposal…

Status of the Boeing Dish Engine Critical Component Project

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

Brau, H.W.; Diver, R.B.; Nelving, H.

1999-01-08

The Boeing Company's Dish Engine Critical Component (DECC) project started in April of 1998. It is a continuation of a solar energy program started by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and United Stirling of Sweden in the mid 1980s. The overall objectives, schedule, and status of this project are presented in this paper. The hardware test configuration, hardware background, operation, and test plans are also discussed. A summary is given of the test data, which includes the daily power performance, generated energy, working-gas usage, mirror reflectivity, solar insolation, on-sun track time, generating time, and system availability. The system performance based uponmore » the present test data is compared to test data from the 1984/88 McDonnell Douglas/United Stirling AB/Southem California Edison test program. The test data shows that the present power, energy, and mirror performance is comparable to when the hardware was first manufactured 14 years ago.« less

Status of the Boeing Dish Engine Critical Component project

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

Stone, K.W.; Nelving, H.; Braun, H.W.

1999-07-01

The Boeing Company's Dish Engine Critical Component (DECC) project started in April of 1998. It is a continuation of a solar energy program started by McDonnel Douglas (now Boeing) and United Stirling of Sweden in the mid 1980s. The overall objectives, schedule, and status of this project are presented in this paper. The hardware test configuration, hardware background, operation, and test plans are also discussed. A summary is given of the test data, which includes the daily power performance, generated energy, working-gas usage, mirror reflectivity, solar insolation, on-sun track time. Generating time, and system availability. The system performance based uponmore » the present test data is compared to test data from the 1984/88 McDonnel Douglas/United Stirling AB/Southern California Edison test program. The test data shows that the present power, energy, and mirror performance is comparable to when the hardware was first manufactured 14 years ago.« less

FROM THE HISTORY OF PHYSICS: The extraordinarily beautiful physical principle of thermonuclear charge design (on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the test of RDS-37 — the first Soviet two-stage thermonuclear charge)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goncharov, German A.

2005-11-01

On 22 November 1955, the Semipalatinsk test site saw the test of the first domestic two-stage thermonuclear RDS-37 charge. The charge operation was based on the principle of radiation implosion. The kernel of the principle consists in the radiation generated in a primary A-bomb explosion and confined by the radiation-opaque casing propagating throughout the interior casing volume and flowing around the secondary thermonuclear unit. The secondary unit experiences a strong compression under the irradiation, with a resulting nuclear and thermonuclear explosion. The RDS-37 explosion was the strongest of all those ever realized at the Semipalatinsk test site. It produced an indelible impression on the participants in the test. This document-based paper describes the genesis of the ideas underlying the RDS-37 design and reflects the critical moments in its development. The advent of RDS-37 was an outstanding accomplishment of the scientists and engineers of our country.

Technical Evaluation Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

measuring unit and the control computer have been flight tested using both a small UAV and the PRP-560 “ Ranger ” patrol and rescue hovercraft, which...version based on the G9- Galaxy ram air parachute. Recently, in an effort to further extend the system’s payload capacity, developmental flight tests

Costs of novel tuberculosis diagnostics--will countries be able to afford it?

PubMed

Pantoja, Andrea; Kik, Sandra V; Denkinger, Claudia M

2015-04-01

Four priority target product profiles for the development of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis were identified: 1) Rapid sputum-based (RSP), 2) non-sputum Biomarker-based (BMT), 3) triage test followed by confirmatory test (TT), and 4) drug-susceptibility testing (DST). We assessed the cost of the new tests in suitable strategies and of the conventional diagnosis of tuberculosis as per World Health Organization guidelines, in 36 high tuberculosis and MDR burden countries. Costs were then compared to the available funding for tuberculosis at country level. Costs of diagnosing tuberculosis using RSP ranged US$93-187 million/year; if RSP unit cost is of US$2-4 it would be lower/similar cost than conventional strategy with sputum smear microscopy (US$ 119 million/year). Using BMT (with unit cost of US$2-4) would cost US$70-121 million/year and be lower/comparable cost than conventional diagnostics. Using TT with TPP characteristics (unit cost of US$1-2) followed by Xpert would reduce diagnostic costs up to US$36 million/year. Costs of using different novel DST strategies for the diagnosis of drug resistance would be higher compared with conventional diagnosis. Introducing a TT or a biomarker test with optimal characteristics would be affordable from a cost and affordability perspective at the current available funding for tuberculosis. Additional domestic or donor funding would be needed in most countries to achieve affordability for other new diagnostic tests. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Synthesis of the Insecticide Prothrin and Its Analogues from Biomass-Derived 5-(Cloromethyl)furfural

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-19

the same synthetic approach. Preliminary testing of these furan-based pyrethroids against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti indicates promising...approach. Preliminary testing of these furan-based pyrethroids against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti indicates promising insecticidal... Aedes aegypti (established 1952) was reared in the insectary of the Mosquito and Fly Research Unit at the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary

The Effect of Using Problem-Based Learning in Middle School Gifted Science Classes on Student Achievement and Students' Perceptions of Classroom Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horak, Anne Karen

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) units developed by a large suburban school district in the mid-Atlantic for the middle school gifted science curriculum on: a) students' performance on standardized tests in middle school Science, as measured by a sample of relevant test questions from a…

Statistical Stationarity of Sediment Interbed Thicknesses in a Basalt Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stroup, Caleb N.; Welhan, John A.; Davis, Linda C.

2008-01-01

The statistical stationarity of distributions of sedimentary interbed thicknesses within the southwestern part of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) was evaluated within the stratigraphic framework of Quaternary sediments and basalts at the INL site, eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho. The thicknesses of 122 sedimentary interbeds observed in 11 coreholes were documented from lithologic logs and independently inferred from natural-gamma logs. Lithologic information was grouped into composite time-stratigraphic units based on correlations with existing composite-unit stratigraphy near these holes. The assignment of lithologic units to an existing chronostratigraphy on the basis of nearby composite stratigraphic units may introduce error where correlations with nearby holes are ambiguous or the distance between holes is great, but we consider this the best technique for grouping stratigraphic information in this geologic environment at this time. Nonparametric tests of similarity were used to evaluate temporal and spatial stationarity in the distributions of sediment thickness. The following statistical tests were applied to the data: (1) the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) two-sample test to compare distribution shape, (2) the Mann-Whitney (M-W) test for similarity of two medians, (3) the Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test for similarity of multiple medians, and (4) Levene's (L) test for the similarity of two variances. Results of these analyses corroborate previous work that concluded the thickness distributions of Quaternary sedimentary interbeds are locally stationary in space and time. The data set used in this study was relatively small, so the results presented should be considered preliminary, pending incorporation of data from more coreholes. Statistical tests also demonstrated that natural-gamma logs consistently fail to detect interbeds less than about 2-3 ft thick, although these interbeds are observable in lithologic logs. This should be taken into consideration when modeling aquifer lithology or hydraulic properties based on lithology.

Performance analysis and an assessment of operational issues of Ya-21U

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

Paramonov, D.V.; El-Genk, M.S.

1996-03-01

Extensive testing of the Soviet made TOPAZ-II space nuclear power system unit designated {open_quote}{open_quote}Ya-21U{close_quote}{close_quote} was conducted both in the USSR (1989{endash}1990) and in the US (August 1993 to March 1995). The unit underwent a total of 15 tests for a cumulative test/operation time of almost 8000 hours. These tests included steady-state operation at different power levels, fast startups and power optimizations. Leaks were detected in some of the Thermionic Fuel Elements (TFEs) after the first test in the US. These leaks that facilitated air incursion into the interelectrode gap caused operational changes in both electric power and conversion efficiency andmore » changed the optimum cesium pressure and load voltage. Additional changes in operational performance were detected following shock and vibration tests performed in August 1994. Test data was examined and analyzed to assess the performance of not only individual TFEs, and also the whole Ya-21U unit, and identify causes for measured operational performance changes; most probable causes were identified and discussed. The Ya-21U unit remained operational throughout extensive testing for 8000 hours at conditions far exceeding the design limits of the TOPAZ-II system. No single TFE was damaged during testing and measured operational performance changes were uniform among working section TFEs. In addition to providing a unique knowledge base for future development and operation of thermionic power systems, the test results testify to the reliability and ruggedness of the TOPAZ-II system design. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Testing the Birth Unit Design Spatial Evaluation Tool (BUDSET) in Australia: a pilot study.

PubMed

Foureur, Maralyn J; Leap, Nicky; Davis, Deborah L; Forbes, Ian F; Homer, Caroline E S

2011-01-01

To pilot test the Birth Unit Design Spatial Evaluation Tool (BUDSET) in an Australian maternity care setting to determine whether such an instrument can measure the optimality of different birth settings. Optimally designed spaces to give birth are likely to influence a woman's ability to experience physiologically normal labor and birth. This is important in the current industrialized environment, where increased caesarean section rates are causing concerns. The measurement of an optimal birth space is currently impossible, because there are limited tools available. A quantitative study was undertaken to pilot test the discriminant ability of the BUDSET in eight maternity units in New South Wales, Australia. Five auditors trained in the use of the BUDSET assessed the birth units using the BUDSET, which is based on 18 design principles and is divided into four domains (Fear Cascade, Facility, Aesthetics, and Support) with three to eight assessable items in each. Data were independently collected in eight birth units. Values for each of the domains were aggregated to provide an overall Optimality Score for each birth unit. A range of Optimality Scores was derived for each of the birth units (from 51 to 77 out of a possible 100 points). The BUDSET identified units with low-scoring domains. Essentially these were older units and conventional labor ward settings. The BUDSET provides a way to assess the optimality of birth units and determine which domain areas may need improvement. There is potential for improvements to existing birth spaces, and considerable improvement can be made with simple low-cost modifications. Further research is needed to validate the tool.

Heat Pump Water Heater Durabliltiy Testing - Phase II

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

Baxter, VAND.

2004-05-29

Ten heat pump water heaters (HPWH) were placed in an environmentally controlled test facility and run through a durability test program of approximately 7300 duty cycles (actual cycles accumulated ranged from 6640 to 8324 for the ten units). Five of the units were upgraded integral types (HPWH mounted on storage tank, no pump) from the same manufacturer as those tested in our first durability program in 2001 (Baxter and Linkous, 2002). The other five were ''add-on'' type units (HPWH with circulation pump plumbed to a separate storage tank) from another manufacturer. This durability test was designed to represent approximately 7-10more » years of normal operation to meet the hot water needs of a residence. The integral units operated without incident apart from two control board failures. Both of these were caused by inadvertent exposure to very hot and humid (>135 F dry bulb and >120 F dew point) conditions that occurred due to a test loop failure. It is not likely that any residential water heater would be installed where such conditions were expected so these failures are not considered a long-term reliability concern. Two of the integral HPWHs featured a condensate management system (CMS) option that effectively eliminated any need for an evaporator condensate drain, but imposed significant efficiency penalties when operating in high humidity ambient conditions. The add-on units experienced no operational failures (breakdowns with loss of hot water production) during the course of the testing. However, their control systems exhibited some performance degradation under the high temperature, high humidity test conditions--HPWHs would shut off with tank water temperatures 15-20 F lower than when operating under moderate ambient conditions. One unit developed a refrigerant leak during the test program and lost about 50% of its charge resulting in reduced efficiency. Efficiency measurements on all the integral units and four of the add-on units showed significantly higher efficiencies than conventional electric water heaters (EWH). DOE Simulated Use Tests conducted prior to starting the durability testing resulted in energy factors (EF) of about 2.3 for the integral design and 1.4 for the add-on design compared to the minimum value of 0.86 prescribed for EWHs. Based on the experience from this and the previous durability testing, there is no evidence that strongly suggests that any of the HPWHs suffered significant performance degradation after undergoing over 7000 water heat cycles.« less

Characteristics of Inpatient Units Associated With Sustained Hand Hygiene Compliance.

PubMed

Wolfe, Jonathan D; Domenico, Henry J; Hickson, Gerald B; Wang, Deede; Dubree, Marilyn; Feistritzer, Nancye; Wells, Nancy; Talbot, Thomas R

2018-04-20

Following institution of a hand hygiene (HH) program at an academic medical center, HH compliance increased from 58% to 92% for 3 years. Some inpatient units modeled early, sustained increases, and others exhibited protracted improvement rates. We examined the association between patterns of HH compliance improvement and unit characteristics. Adult inpatient units (N = 35) were categorized into the following three tiers based on their pattern of HH compliance: early adopters, nonsustained and late adopters, and laggards. Unit-based culture measures were collected, including nursing practice environment scores (National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators [NDNQI]), patient rated quality and teamwork (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems), patient complaint rates, case mix index, staff turnover rates, and patient volume. Associations between variables and the binary outcome of laggard (n = 18) versus nonlaggard (n = 17) were tested using a Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate analysis was performed using an ordinal regression model. In direct comparison, laggard units had clinically relevant differences in NDNQI scores, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems scores, case mix index, patient complaints, patient volume, and staff turnover. The results were not statistically significant. In the multivariate model, the predictor variables explained a significant proportion of the variability associated with laggard status, (R = 0.35, P = 0.0481) and identified NDNQI scores and patient complaints as statistically significant. Uptake of an HH program was associated with factors related to a unit's safety culture. In particular, NDNQI scores and patient complaint rates might be used to assist in identifying units that may require additional attention during implementation of an HH quality improvement program.

Two are not better than one: Combining unitization and relational encoding strategies.

PubMed

Tu, Hsiao-Wei; Diana, Rachel A

2016-01-01

In recognition memory, recollection is defined as retrieval of the context associated with an event, whereas familiarity is defined as retrieval based on item strength alone. Recent studies have shown that conventional recollection-based tasks, in which context details are manipulated for source memory assessment at test, can also rely on familiarity when context information is "unitized" with the relevant item information at encoding. Unlike naturalistic episodic memories that include many context details encoded in different ways simultaneously, previous studies have focused on unitization and its effect on the recognition of a single context detail. To further understand how various encoding strategies operate on item and context representations, we independently assigned unitization and relational association to 2 context details (size and color) of each item and tested the contribution of recollection and familiarity to source recognition of each detail. The influence of familiarity on retrieval of each context detail was compared as a function of the encoding strategy used for each detail. Receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that the unitization effect was not additive and that similar levels of familiarity occurred for 1 or multiple details when unitization was the only strategy applied during encoding. On the other hand, a detrimental effect was found when relational encoding and unitization were simultaneously applied to 1 item such that a salient nonunitized context detail interfered with the effortful processing required to unitize an accompanying context detail. However, this detrimental effect was not reciprocal and possibly dependent on the nature of individual context details. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Design, Fabrication and Testing of Two Different Laboratory Prototypes of CSI-based Induction Heating Units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, M.; Sengupta, M.

2012-09-01

Induction heating is a non-contact heating process which became popular due to its energy efficiency. Current source inverter (CSI) based induction heating units are commonly used in the industry. Most of these CSIs are thyristor based, since thyristors of higher ratings are easily available. These being load commutated apparatus a start-up circuit is needed to initiate commutation. In this paper the design and fabrication of two laboratory prototypes have been presented. The first one, a SCR-based CSI fed controlled induction heating unit (IHU), has been tested with two different types of start-up procedures. Thereafter the fabrication and performance of another IGBT-based CSI is compared with the thyristor-based CSI for a 2 kW, 10 kHz application. These two types of CSIs are fully fabricated in laboratory along with the IHU. Performance analysis and simulation of two different CSIs has been done by using SequelGUI2. The triggering pulses for the inverter devices (for both CSI devices as well as auxilliary thyristor of start-up circuit) have been generated and closed-loop control has been done in FPGA platform built around an Altera make cyclone EPIC12Q240C processor which can be programmed using Quartus II software. Close agreement between simulated and experimental results highlight the accuracy of the experimental work.

Empirical study of alginate impression materials by customized proportioning system

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

PURPOSE Alginate mixers available in the market do not have the automatic proportioning unit. In this study, an automatic proportioning unit for the alginate mixer and controller software were designed and produced for a new automatic proportioning unit. With this device, it was ensured that proportioning operation could arrange weight-based alginate impression materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS The variation of coefficient in the tested groups was compared with the manual proportioning. Compression tension and tear tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of alginate impression materials. The experimental data were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey test at the 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS No statistically significant differences in modulus of elastisity (P>0.3), tensional/compresional strength (P>0.3), resilience (P>0.2), strain in failure (P>0.4), and tear energy (P>0.7) of alginate impression materials were seen. However, a decrease in the standard deviation of tested groups was observed when the customized machine was used. To verify the efficiency of the system, powder and powder/water mixing were weighed and significant decrease was observed. CONCLUSION It was possible to obtain more mechanically stable alginate impression materials by using the custom-made proportioning unit. PMID:27826387

Continued Water-Based Phase Change Material Heat Exchanger Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Scott W.; Sheth, Rubik B.; Poynot, Joe; Giglio, Tony; Ungar, Gene K.

2015-01-01

In a cyclical heat load environment such as low Lunar orbit, a spacecraft's radiators are not sized to meet the full heat rejection demands. Traditionally, a supplemental heat rejection device (SHReD) such as an evaporator or sublimator is used to act as a "topper" to meet the additional heat rejection demands. Utilizing a Phase Change Material (PCM) heat exchanger (HX) as a SHReD provides an attractive alternative to evaporators and sublimators as PCM HX's do not use a consumable, thereby leading to reduced launch mass and volume requirements. In continued pursuit of water PCM HX development two full-scale, Orion sized water-based PCM HX's were constructed by Mezzo Technologies. These HX's were designed by applying prior research on freeze front propagation to a full-scale design. Design options considered included bladder restraint and clamping mechanisms, bladder manufacturing, tube patterns, fill/drain methods, manifold dimensions, weight optimization, and midplate designs. Two units, Units A and B, were constructed and differed only in their midplate design. Both units failed multiple times during testing. This report highlights learning outcomes from these tests and are applied to a final sub-scale PCM HX which is slated to be tested on the ISS in early 2017.

[Testing system design and analysis for the execution units of anti-thrombotic device].

PubMed

Li, Zhelong; Cui, Haipo; Shang, Kun; Liao, Yuehua; Zhou, Xun

2015-02-01

In an anti-thrombotic pressure circulatory device, relays and solenoid valves serve as core execution units. Thus the therapeutic efficacy and patient safety of the device will directly depend on their performance. A new type of testing system for relays and solenoid valves used in the anti-thrombotic device has been developed, which can test action response time and fatigue performance of relay and solenoid valve. PC, data acquisition card and test platform are used in this testing system based on human-computer interaction testing modules. The testing objectives are realized by using the virtual instrument technology, the high-speed data acquisition technology and reasonable software design. The two sets of the system made by relay and solenoid valve are tested. The results proved the universality and reliability of the testing system so that these relays and solenoid valves could be accurately used in the antithrombotic pressure circulatory equipment. The newly-developed testing system has a bright future in the aspects of promotion and application prospect.

Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) Light Vehicle Field Operational Test Independent Evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-10-01

This report presents the methodology and results of the independent evaluation of a prototype integrated crash warning system for : light vehicles as part of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems initiative of the United States Department of : ...

Automated extraction and classification of time-frequency contours in humpback vocalizations.

PubMed

Ou, Hui; Au, Whitlow W L; Zurk, Lisa M; Lammers, Marc O

2013-01-01

A time-frequency contour extraction and classification algorithm was created to analyze humpback whale vocalizations. The algorithm automatically extracted contours of whale vocalization units by searching for gray-level discontinuities in the spectrogram images. The unit-to-unit similarity was quantified by cross-correlating the contour lines. A library of distinctive humpback units was then generated by applying an unsupervised, cluster-based learning algorithm. The purpose of this study was to provide a fast and automated feature selection tool to describe the vocal signatures of animal groups. This approach could benefit a variety of applications such as species description, identification, and evolution of song structures. The algorithm was tested on humpback whale song data recorded at various locations in Hawaii from 2002 to 2003. Results presented in this paper showed low probability of false alarm (0%-4%) under noisy environments with small boat vessels and snapping shrimp. The classification algorithm was tested on a controlled set of 30 units forming six unit types, and all the units were correctly classified. In a case study on humpback data collected in the Auau Chanel, Hawaii, in 2002, the algorithm extracted 951 units, which were classified into 12 distinctive types.

Fifth Graders' Learning About Simple Machines Through Engineering Design-Based Instruction Using LEGO™ Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marulcu, Ismail; Barnett, Mike

2013-10-01

This study is part of a 5-year National Science Foundation-funded project, Transforming Elementary Science Learning Through LEGO™ Engineering Design. In this study, we report on the successes and challenges of implementing an engineering design-based and LEGO™-oriented unit in an urban classroom setting and we focus on the impact of the unit on students' content understanding of simple machines. The LEGO™ engineering-based simple machines module, which was developed for fifth graders by our research team, was implemented in an urban school in a large city in the Northeastern region of the USA. Thirty-three fifth grade students participated in the study, and they showed significant growth in content understanding. We measured students' content knowledge by using identical paper tests and semistructured interviews before and after instruction. Our paired t test analysis results showed that students significantly improved their test and interview scores (t = -3.62, p < 0.001 for multiple-choice items and t = -9.06, p < 0.000 for the open-ended items in the test and t = -12.11, p < 0.000 for the items in interviews). We also identified several alternative conceptions that are held by students on simple machines.

Disposable cartridge biosensor platform for portable diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaras, Yusuf S.; Cakmak, Onur; Gunduz, Ali B.; Saglam, Gokhan; Olcer, Selim; Mostafazadeh, Aref; Baris, Ibrahim; Civitci, Fehmi; Yaralioglu, Goksen G.; Urey, Hakan

2017-03-01

We developed two types of cantilever-based biosensors for portable diagnostics applications. One sensor is based on MEMS cantilever chip mounted in a microfluidic channel and the other sensor is based on a movable optical fiber placed across a microfluidic channel. Both types of sensors were aimed at direct mechanical measurement of coagulation time in a disposable cartridge using plasma or whole blood samples. There are several similarities and also some important differences between the MEMS based and the optical fiber based solutions. The aim of this paper is to provide a comparison between the two solutions and the results. For both types of sensors, actuation of the cantilever or the moving fiber is achieved using an electro coil and the readout is optical. Since both the actuation and sensing are remote, no electrical connections are required for the cartridge. Therefore it is possible to build low cost disposable cartridges. The reader unit for the cartridge contains light sources, photodetectors, the electro coil, a heater, analog electronics, and a microprocessor. The reader unit has different optical interfaces for the cartridges that have MEMS cantilevers and moving fibers. MEMS based platform has better sensitivity but optomechanical alignment is a challenge and measurements with whole blood were not possible due to high scattering of light by the red blood cells. Fiber sensor based platform has relaxed optomechanical tolerances, ease of manufacturing, and it allows measurements in whole blood. Both sensors were tested using control plasma samples for activated-Partial-Thromboplastin-Time (aPTT) measurements. Control plasma test results matched with the manufacturer's datasheet. Optical fiber based system was tested for aPTT tests with human whole blood samples and the proposed platform provided repeatable test results making the system method of choice for portable diagnostics.

Developing Initiatives for Home-Based Child Care: Current Research and Future Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porter, Toni; Paulsell, Diane

2011-01-01

Home-based child care accounts for a significant share of the child care supply in the United States, especially for infants and toddlers. A synthesis of the home-based care research literature and information about recent home-based care quality initiatives points to a critical need for more systematic efforts to develop and test quality…

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Cruise Missile Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Paul W.

1986-01-01

Based on the 1983 controversy over cruise missile testing by the United States over Canadian air space, this article provides the text of an open letter to the people and an interview by Prime Minister Trudeau. Parenthetical comments inserted by the author point out contradiction contained in the two documents. (JDH)

Is Education the Key to Global Economic Competitiveness?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mathis, William J.

2011-01-01

Contemporary test-based reforms are often grounded in the claim that test performance is the key to international economic competitiveness. However, this oft-repeated assertion lacks empirical support. According to the World Economic Forum, the United States' recent loss of economic competitiveness standing is due to macroeconomic instability…

Freeze-Testing in St. Augustinegrass II: Evaluation of acclimation effects

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Winter survivability is a major-limiting factor for St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum [Walt.] Kuntze) grown in the transition zone of the United States as cold winters can result in high levels of winterkill. In addition to field studies, lab-based freeze tests mimicking field winter survi...

Variation of Care Time Between Nursing Units in Classification-Based Nurse-to-Resident Ratios: A Multilevel Analysis

PubMed Central

Planer, Katarina; Hagel, Anja

2018-01-01

A validity test was conducted to determine how care level–based nurse-to-resident ratios compare with actual daily care times per resident in Germany. Stability across different long-term care facilities was tested. Care level–based nurse-to-resident ratios were compared with the standard minimum nurse-to-resident ratios. Levels of care are determined by classification authorities in long-term care insurance programs and are used to distribute resources. Care levels are a powerful tool for classifying authorities in long-term care insurance. We used observer-based measurement of assignable direct and indirect care time in 68 nursing units for 2028 residents across 2 working days. Organizational data were collected at the end of the quarter in which the observation was made. Data were collected from January to March, 2012. We used a null multilevel model with random intercepts and multilevel models with fixed and random slopes to analyze data at both the organization and resident levels. A total of 14% of the variance in total care time per day was explained by membership in nursing units. The impact of care levels on care time differed significantly between nursing units. Forty percent of residents at the lowest care level received less than the standard minimum registered nursing time per day. For facilities that have been significantly disadvantaged in the current staffing system, a higher minimum standard will function more effectively than a complex classification system without scientific controls. PMID:29442533

Variation of Care Time Between Nursing Units in Classification-Based Nurse-to-Resident Ratios: A Multilevel Analysis.

PubMed

Brühl, Albert; Planer, Katarina; Hagel, Anja

2018-01-01

A validity test was conducted to determine how care level-based nurse-to-resident ratios compare with actual daily care times per resident in Germany. Stability across different long-term care facilities was tested. Care level-based nurse-to-resident ratios were compared with the standard minimum nurse-to-resident ratios. Levels of care are determined by classification authorities in long-term care insurance programs and are used to distribute resources. Care levels are a powerful tool for classifying authorities in long-term care insurance. We used observer-based measurement of assignable direct and indirect care time in 68 nursing units for 2028 residents across 2 working days. Organizational data were collected at the end of the quarter in which the observation was made. Data were collected from January to March, 2012. We used a null multilevel model with random intercepts and multilevel models with fixed and random slopes to analyze data at both the organization and resident levels. A total of 14% of the variance in total care time per day was explained by membership in nursing units. The impact of care levels on care time differed significantly between nursing units. Forty percent of residents at the lowest care level received less than the standard minimum registered nursing time per day. For facilities that have been significantly disadvantaged in the current staffing system, a higher minimum standard will function more effectively than a complex classification system without scientific controls.

Annual Progress Report, FY 1980, 1 October 1979 - 30 September 1980,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

coordinating an integrated pest management program, and constructing initial pilot prototypes, test models, and pro- ducing limited quantities of medical...Screening Test Based on the Ventilatory Responses of Fish . . . . . . . a & a . . . . 25 Chemistry and Molecular Biology of the Disinfection Process...Sink Unit, Surgical, Field (NSN 6545-00-935-4056), Engineering Evaluation of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Technical Feasibility Testing (TFT

The Influence of Test-Based Accountability Policies on Teacher Stress and Instructional Practices: A Moderated Mediation Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

von der Embse, Nathaniel P.; Schoemann, Alexander M.; Kilgus, Stephen P.; Wicoff, Maribeth; Bowler, Mark

2017-01-01

The present study examined the use of student test performance for merit pay and teacher evaluation as predictive of both educator stress and counterproductive teaching practices, and the moderating role of perceived test value. Structural equation modelling of data from a sample of 7281 educators in a South-eastern state in the United States…

Estimation of Compaction Parameters Based on Soil Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubis, A. S.; Muis, Z. A.; Hastuty, I. P.; Siregar, I. M.

2018-02-01

Factors that must be considered in compaction of the soil works were the type of soil material, field control, maintenance and availability of funds. Those problems then raised the idea of how to estimate the density of the soil with a proper implementation system, fast, and economical. This study aims to estimate the compaction parameter i.e. the maximum dry unit weight (γ dmax) and optimum water content (Wopt) based on soil classification. Each of 30 samples were being tested for its properties index and compaction test. All of the data’s from the laboratory test results, were used to estimate the compaction parameter values by using linear regression and Goswami Model. From the research result, the soil types were A4, A-6, and A-7 according to AASHTO and SC, SC-SM, and CL based on USCS. By linear regression, the equation for estimation of the maximum dry unit weight (γdmax *)=1,862-0,005*FINES- 0,003*LL and estimation of the optimum water content (wopt *)=- 0,607+0,362*FINES+0,161*LL. By Goswami Model (with equation Y=mLogG+k), for estimation of the maximum dry unit weight (γdmax *) with m=-0,376 and k=2,482, for estimation of the optimum water content (wopt *) with m=21,265 and k=-32,421. For both of these equations a 95% confidence interval was obtained.

Documentation and archiving of the Space Shuttle wind tunnel test data base. Volume 2: User's Guide to the Archived Data Base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romere, Paul O.; Brown, Steve Wesley

1995-01-01

Development of the Space Shuttle necessitated an extensive wind tunnel test program, with the cooperation of all the major wind tunnels in the United States. The result was approximately 100,000 hours of Space Shuttle wind tunnel testing conducted for aerodynamics, heat transfer, and structural dynamics. The test results were converted into Chrysler DATAMAN computer program format to facilitate use by analysts, a very cost effective method of collecting the wind tunnel test results from many test facilities into one centralized location. This report provides final documentation of the Space Shuttle wind tunnel program. The two-volume set covers the evolution of Space Shuttle aerodynamic configurations and gives wind tunnel test data, titles of wind tunnel data reports, sample data sets, and instructions for accessing the digital data base.

Implementation of Three Text to Speech Systems for Kurdish Language

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrampour, Anvar; Barkhoda, Wafa; Azami, Bahram Zahir

Nowadays, concatenative method is used in most modern TTS systems to produce artificial speech. The most important challenge in this method is choosing appropriate unit for creating database. This unit must warranty smoothness and high quality speech, and also, creating database for it must reasonable and inexpensive. For example, syllable, phoneme, allophone, and, diphone are appropriate units for all-purpose systems. In this paper, we implemented three synthesis systems for Kurdish language based on syllable, allophone, and diphone and compare their quality using subjective testing.

Assessing the P-wave attenuation and phase velocity characteristics of fractured media based on creep and relaxation tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milani, Marco; Germán Rubino, J.; Müller, Tobias M.; Quintal, Beatriz; Holliger, Klaus

2014-05-01

Fractures are present in most geological formations and they tend to dominate not only their mechanical but also, and in particular, their hydraulic properties. For these reasons, the detection and characterization of fractures are of great interest in several fields of Earth sciences. Seismic attenuation has been recognized as a key attribute for this purpose, as both laboratory and field experiments indicate that the presence of fractures typically produces significant energy dissipation and that this attribute tends to increase with increasing fracture density. This energy loss is generally considered to be primarily due to wave-induced pressure diffusion between the fractures and the embedding porous matrix. That is, due to the strong compressibility contrast between these two domains, the propagation of seismic waves can generate a strong fluid pressure gradient and associated pressure diffusion, which leads to fluid flow and in turn results in frictional energy dissipation. Numerical simulations based on Biot's poroelastic wave equations are computationally very expensive. Alternative approaches consist in performing numerical relaxation or creep tests on representative elementary volumes (REV) of the considered medium. These tests are typically based on Biot's consolidation equations. Assuming that the heterogeneous poroelastic medium can be replaced by an effective, homogeneous viscoelastic solid, these numerical creep and relaxation tests allow for computing the equivalent seismic P-wave attenuation and phase velocity. From a practical point of view, an REV is typically characterized by the smallest volume for which rock physical properties are statistically stationary and representative of the probed medium in its entirety. A more general definition in the context of wavefield attributes is to consider an REV as the smallest volume over which the P-wave attenuation and phase velocity dispersion are independent of the applied boundary conditions. That is, the corresponding results obtained from creep and relaxation tests must be equivalent. For most analyses of media characterized by patchy saturation or double-porosity-type structures these two definitions are equivalent. It is, however, not clear whether this equivalence remains true in the presence of strong material contrasts as those prevailing in fractured rocks. In this work, we explore this question for periodically fractured media. To this end, we build a medium composed of infinite replicas of a unit volume containing one fracture. This unit volume coincides with the smallest possible volume that is statistically representative of the whole. Then, we perform several creep and relaxation tests on samples composed of an increasing number of these unit volumes. We find that the wave field signatures determined from relaxation tests are independent from the number of unit volumes. Conversely, the P-wave attenuation and phase velocity characteristics inferred from creep tests are different and vary with the number of unit volumes considered. Quite interestingly, the creep test results converge with those of the relaxation tests as the number of unit volumes increases. These findings are expected to have direct implications for corresponding laboratory measurements as well as for our understanding of seismic wave propagation in fractured media.

Rule groupings: An approach towards verification of expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehrotra, Mala

1991-01-01

Knowledge-based expert systems are playing an increasingly important role in NASA space and aircraft systems. However, many of NASA's software applications are life- or mission-critical and knowledge-based systems do not lend themselves to the traditional verification and validation techniques for highly reliable software. Rule-based systems lack the control abstractions found in procedural languages. Hence, it is difficult to verify or maintain such systems. Our goal is to automatically structure a rule-based system into a set of rule-groups having a well-defined interface to other rule-groups. Once a rule base is decomposed into such 'firewalled' units, studying the interactions between rules would become more tractable. Verification-aid tools can then be developed to test the behavior of each such rule-group. Furthermore, the interactions between rule-groups can be studied in a manner similar to integration testing. Such efforts will go a long way towards increasing our confidence in the expert-system software. Our research efforts address the feasibility of automating the identification of rule groups, in order to decompose the rule base into a number of meaningful units.

United States Air Force Wipe Solvent Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornung, Steven D.; Beeson, Harold D.

2000-01-01

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), as part of the Air Force Material Command, requested that NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) conduct testing and analyses in support of the United States Air Force Wipe Solvent Development Project. The purpose of the wipe solvent project is to develop an alternative to be used by Air Force flight line and maintenance personnel for the wipe cleaning of oxygen equipment. This report provides material compatibility, liquid oxygen (LOX) mechanical impact, autogenous ignition temperature (AIT), and gauge cleaning test data for some of the currently available solvents that may be used to replace CFC-113 and methyl chloroform. It provides data from previous WSTF test programs sponsored by the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Kennedy Space Center, and other NASA programs for the purpose of assisting WP AFB in identifying the best alternative solvents for validation testing.

78 FR 17648 - Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Representative Average Unit Costs of Energy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-22

... electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene. DATES: The representative average unit... for electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, and propane are based on simulations used to produce... required by test procedure Electricity $35.46 12.1[cent]/kWh 2 3..... $0.121/kWh Natural Gas 10.87 $1.087...

Teacher's Resource Book for Balloons and Gases. Grade 6. Revised. Anchorage School District Elementary Science Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anchorage School District, AK.

This resource book introduces sixth-grade children to the physical and chemical properties of gases. The unit begins with an investigation of acids and bases. Students then generate carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen, and investigate the properties of each. The unit culminates with an activity involving an unknown gas. Students conduct tests to…

Climate-induced changes in vulnerability to biological threats in the southern United States

Treesearch

Rabiu Olatinwo; Qinfeng Guo; Songlin Fei; William Otrosina; Kier Klepzig; Douglas Streett

2014-01-01

Forest land managers face the challenges of preparing their forests for the impacts of climate change. However, climate change adds a new dimension to the task of developing and testing science-based management options to deal with the effects of stressors on forest ecosystems in the southern United States. The large spatial scale and complex interactions make...

Basic ESL Literacy from a Freirian Perspective: A Curriculum Unit for Farmworker Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faigin, Sybil Barbara

This paper discusses the development and testing of a literacy unit in basic English as a second language (ESL) for Canadian farmworkers based on the Freirian principles of designing adult education curriculum. The Freirian approach looks at adult learners in the context of their daily reality and uses literacy as a vehicle for the students'…

Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 105: Area 2 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 0

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

Matthews, Patrick

2013-09-01

This Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report presents information supporting the closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 105: Area 2 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada. CAU 105 comprises the following five corrective action sites (CASs): -02-23-04 Atmospheric Test Site - Whitney Closure In Place -02-23-05 Atmospheric Test Site T-2A Closure In Place -02-23-06 Atmospheric Test Site T-2B Clean Closure -02-23-08 Atmospheric Test Site T-2 Closure In Place -02-23-09 Atmospheric Test Site - Turk Closure In Place The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that nomore » further corrective action is needed for CAU 105 based on the implementation of the corrective actions. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed from October 22, 2012, through May 23, 2013, as set forth in the Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 105: Area 2 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites; and in accordance with the Soils Activity Quality Assurance Plan, which establishes requirements, technical planning, and general quality practices.« less

A comparison of results from two simulators used for studies of astronaut maneuvering units. [with application to Skylab program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, E. C.; Cannaday, R. L.

1973-01-01

A comparison of the results from a fixed-base, six-degree-of -freedom simulator and a moving-base, three-degree-of-freedom simulator was made for a close-in, EVA-type maneuvering task in which visual cues of a target spacecraft were used for guidance. The maneuvering unit (the foot-controlled maneuvering unit of Skylab Experiment T020) employed an on-off acceleration command control system operated entirely by the feet. Maneuvers by two test subjects were made for the fixed-base simulator in six and three degrees of freedom and for the moving-base simulator in uncontrolled and controlled, EVA-type visual cue conditions. Comparisons of pilot ratings and 13 different quantitative parameters from the two simulators are made. Different results were obtained from the two simulators, and the effects of limited degrees of freedom and uncontrolled visual cues are discussed.

Impact of an inquiry unit on grade 4 students' science learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Mauro, María Florencia; Furman, Melina

2016-09-01

This paper concerns the identification of teaching strategies that enhance the development of 4th grade students' experimental design skills at a public primary school in Argentina. Students' performance in the design of relevant experiments was evaluated before and after an eight-week intervention compared to a control group, as well as the persistence of this learning after eight months. The study involved a quasi-experimental longitudinal study with pre-test/post-test/delayed post-test measures, complemented with semi-structured interviews with randomly selected students. Our findings showed improvement in the experimental design skills as well as its sustainability among students working with the inquiry-based sequence. After the intervention, students were able to establish valid comparisons, propose pertinent designs and identify variables that should remain constant. Contrarily, students in the control group showed no improvement and continued to solve the posed problems based on prior beliefs. In summary, this paper shows evidence that implementing inquiry-based units involving problems set in cross-domain everyday situations that combine independent student work with teacher guidance significantly improves the development of scientific skills in real classroom contexts.

Software for Preprocessing Data From Rocket-Engine Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Chiu-Fu

2002-01-01

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC "E" test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: 1) Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel; 2) QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot (a free graphing program written by Rick Paris); and 3) EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PVWAVE based plotting software.

Expanding syphilis testing: a scoping review of syphilis testing interventions among key populations.

PubMed

Ong, Jason J; Fu, Hongyun; Smith, M Kumi; Tucker, Joseph D

2018-05-01

Syphilis is an important sexually transmitted infection (STI). Despite inexpensive and effective treatment, few key populations receive syphilis testing. Innovative strategies are needed to increase syphilis testing among key populations. Areas covered: This scoping review focused on strategies to increase syphilis testing in key populations (men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who use drugs, transgender people, and incarcerated individuals). Expert commentary: We identified many promising syphilis testing strategies, particularly among MSM. These innovations are separated into diagnostic, clinic-based, and non-clinic based strategies. In terms of diagnostics, self-testing, dried blood spots, and point-of-care testing can decentralize syphilis testing. Effective syphilis self-testing pilots suggest the need for further attention and research. In terms of clinic-based strategies, modifying default clinical procedures can nudge physicians to more frequently recommend syphilis testing. In terms of non-clinic based strategies, venue-based screening (e.g. in correctional facilities, drug rehabilitation centres) and mobile testing units have been successfully implemented in a variety of settings. Integration of syphilis with HIV testing may facilitate implementation in settings where individuals have increased sexual risk. There is a strong need for further syphilis testing research and programs.

Development and Testing of an Algorithm for Efficient Resource Positioning in Pre-hospital Emergency Care

PubMed Central

Saini, Devashish; Mazza, Giovanni; Shah, Najaf; Mirza, Muzna; Gori, Mandar M; Nandigam, Hari Krishna; Orthner, Helmuth F

2006-01-01

Response times for pre-hospital emergency care may be improved with the use of algorithms that analyzes historical patterns in incident location and suggests optimal places for prepositioning of emergency response units. We will develop such an algorithm based on cluster analysis and test whether it leads to significant improvement in mileage when compared to actual historical data of dispatching based on fixed stations. PMID:17238702

Development and testing of an algorithm for efficient resource positioning in pre-hospital emergency care.

PubMed

Saini, Devashish; Mazza, Giovanni; Shah, Najaf; Mirza, Muzna; Gori, Mandar M; Nandigam, Hari Krishna; Orthner, Helmuth F

2006-01-01

Response times for pre-hospital emergency care may be improved with the use of algorithms that analyzes historical patterns in incident location and suggests optimal places for pre-positioning of emergency response units. We will develop such an algorithm based on cluster analysis and test whether it leads to significant improvement in mileage when compared to actual historical data of dispatching based on fixed stations.

Technologies of high-performance thermography systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, R.; Cabanski, Wolfgang A.; Mauk, K. H.; Kock, R.; Rode, W.

1997-08-01

A family of 2 dimensional detection modules based on 256 by 256 and 486 by 640 platinum silicide (PtSi) focal planes, or 128 by 128 and 256 by 256 mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) focal planes for applications in either the 3 - 5 micrometer (MWIR) or 8 - 10 micrometer (LWIR) range was recently developed by AIM. A wide variety of applications is covered by the specific features unique for these two material systems. The PtSi units provide state of the art correctability with long term stable gain and offset coefficients. The MCT units provide extremely fast frame rates like 400 Hz with snapshot integration times as short as 250 microseconds and with a thermal resolution NETD less than 20 mK for e.g. the 128 by 128 LWIR module. The unique design idea general for all of these modules is the exclusively digital interface, using 14 bit analog to digital conversion to provide state of the art correctability, access to highly dynamic scenes without any loss of information and simplified exchangeability of the units. Device specific features like bias voltages etc. are identified during the final test and stored in a memory on the driving electronics. This concept allows an easy exchange of IDCAs of the same type without any need for tuning or e.g. the possibility to upgrade a PtSi based unit to an MCT module by just loading the suitable software. Miniaturized digital signal processor (DSP) based image correction units were developed for testing and operating the units with output data rates of up to 16 Mpixels/s. These boards provide the ability for freely programmable realtime functions like two point correction and various data manipulations in thermography applications.

Evaluation of fit of cement-retained implant-supported 3-unit structures fabricated with direct metal laser sintering and vacuum casting techniques.

PubMed

Oyagüe, Raquel Castillo; Sánchez-Turrión, Andrés; López-Lozano, José Francisco; Montero, Javier; Albaladejo, Alberto; Suárez-García, María Jesús

2012-07-01

This study evaluated the vertical discrepancy of implant-fixed 3-unit structures. Frameworks were constructed with laser-sintered Co-Cr, and vacuum-cast Co-Cr, Ni-Cr-Ti, and Pd-Au. Samples of each alloy group were randomly luted in standard fashion using resin-modified glass-ionomer, self-adhesive, and acrylic/urethane-based cements (n = 12 each). Discrepancies were SEM analyzed. Three-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were run (P < 0.05). Laser-sintered structures achieved the best fit per cement tested. Within each alloy group, resin-modified glass-ionomer and acrylic/urethane-based cements produced comparably lower discrepancies than the self-adhesive agent. The abutment position did not yield significant differences. All misfit values could be considered clinically acceptable.

Green Propulsion Auxiliary Power Unit Demonstration at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Joel W.; Beckel, Steve

2014-01-01

In 2012, the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) began the process of building an integrated technology roadmap, including both technology pull and technology push strategies. Technology Area 1 (TA-01) for Launch Propulsion Systems is one of fourteen TA's that provide recommendations for the overall technology investment strategy and prioritization of NASA's space technology activities. Identified within TA-01 was the need for a green propulsion auxiliary power unit (APU) for hydraulic power by 2015. Engineers led by the author at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have been evaluating green propellant alternatives and have begun the development of an APU testbed to demonstrate the feasibility of use. NASA has residual APU assets remaining from the retired Space Shuttle Program. Likewise, the F-16 Falcon fighter jet also uses an Emergency Power Unit (EPU) that has similar characteristics to the NASA hardware. Both EPU's and APU components have been acquired for testing at MSFC. In concert with this effort, ATK has been developing green propellant technology based on the Swedish Space Corp ECAPS LMP-103S propellant. Propellant blending and test facilities have been established at ATK's Elkton MD facility with the intent to provide suitable propellant blends for application to green APU systems as well as thrusters. This paper will summarize the status of the testing efforts with ATK for use of the green propellant LMP-103S based on ammonium dinitramide and use of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) propellant AF-M315E based on hydroxyl ammonium nitrate with these test assets.

Operational Evaluation of VEGGIE Food Production System in the Habitat Demonstration Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stutte, Gary W.; Newsham, Gerard; Morrow, Robert M.; Wheeler, Raymond M.

2011-01-01

The 2010 Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) of the VEGGIE Food Production System in the Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) Pressurized Excursion Module (PEM) was the first operational evaluation of salad crop production technology in a NASA analog test. A systematic evaluation of rooting media and nutrient delivery systems were evaluated for three lettuce cultivars that have shown promise as candidates for a surface based food production system. The VEGGIE nutrient delivery system worked well, was able to be maintained by multiple operators with a minimum of training, and supported excellent lettuce growth for the duration of the test. A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) evaluation was performed using ProSan(tm) as sanitation agent prior to consumption was approved, and the crew was allowed to consume the lettuce grown using the VEGGIE light cap and gravity based nutrient delivery system at the completion of the 14-day DRAT field test. The DRAT field test validated the crew operations; Growth of all lettuce cultivars was excellent. The operational DRAT field testing in the HDU identified light quality issues related to morphology and pigment development that will need to be addressed through additional testing. Feedback from the crew, ground support personnel, and human factors leads was uniformly positive on the psychological value of having the crop production system in the excursion module. A number of areas have been identified for future work, to minimize the "footprint" of the Food Production system through creative use of unused wall and floor space in the unit.

Operation Evaluation of the VEGGIE Food Production System in the Habitat Demonstration Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stutte, Gary W.; Newsham, Gerard; Morrow, Robert M.; Wheeler, Raymond M.

2011-01-01

The 2010 Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) of the VEGGIE Food Production System in the Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) Pressurized Excursion Module (PEM) was the first operational evaluation of salad crop production technology in a NASA analog test. A systematic evaluation of rooting media and nutrient delivery systems were evaluated for three lettuce cultivars that have shown promise as candidates for a surface based food production system. The VEGGIE nutrient delivery system worked well, was able to be maintained by multiple operators with a minimum of training, and supported excellent lettuce growth for the duration of the test. A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) evaluation was performed using ProSantm as sanitation agent prior to consumption was approved, and the crew was allowed to consume the lettuce grown using the VEGGIE light cap and gravity based nutrient delivery system at the completion of the 14-day DRAT field test. The DRAT field test validated the crew operations; Growth of all lettuce cultivars was excellent. The operational DRAT field testing in the HDU identified light quality issues related to morphology and pigment development that will need to be addressed through additional testing. Feedback from the crew, ground support personnel, and human factors leads was uniformly positive on the psychological value of having the crop production system in the excursion module. A number of areas have been identified for future work, to minimize the "footprint" of the Food Production system through creative use of unused wall and floor space in the unit.

Serological Relationships Among Feline Caliciviruses

PubMed Central

Povey, R. C.

1974-01-01

A total of 46 strains of feline calicivirus isolates from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and New Zealand were used in an investigation of their serological relationships based on the serum neutralization test. Although demonstrable antigenic variation exists between these isolates, it is shown that significant in vitro cross-activity exists between all these isolates to greater or lesser extent. All isolates tested may be regarded as serological variants of a single serotype of feline calicivirus. It is postulated that this relationship would provide for considerable cross-protection during successive exposures of cats to various feline caliciviruses. PMID:4435957

Design and flight test of a differential GPS/inertial navigation system for approach/landing guidance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vallot, Lawrence; Snyder, Scott; Schipper, Brian; Parker, Nigel; Spitzer, Cary

1991-01-01

NASA-Langley has conducted a flight test program evaluating a differential GPS/inertial navigation system's (DGPS/INS) utility as an approach/landing aid. The DGPS/INS airborne and ground components are based on off-the-shelf transport aircraft avionics, namely a global positioning/inertial reference unit (GPIRU) and two GPS sensor units (GPSSUs). Systematic GPS errors are measured by the ground GPSSU and transmitted to the aircraft GPIRU, allowing the errors to be eliminated or greatly reduced in the airborne equipment. Over 120 landings were flown; 36 of these were fully automatic DGPS/INS landings.

Development of a Fan-Filter Unit Test Standard, LaboratoryValidations, and its Applications across Industries

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

Xu, Tengfang

2006-10-20

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is now finalizing the Phase 2 Research and Demonstration Project on characterizing 2-foot x 4-foot (61-cm x 122-cm) fan-filter units in the market using the first-ever standard laboratory test method developed at LBNL.[1][2][3] Fan-filter units deliver re-circulated air and provide particle filtration control for clean environments. Much of the energy in cleanrooms (and minienvironments) is consumed by 2-foot x 4-foot (61-cm x 122-cm) or 4-foot x 4-foot (122-cm x 122-cm) fan-filter units that are typically located in the ceiling (25-100% coverage) of cleanroom controlled environments. Thanks to funding support by the California Energy Commission's Industrialmore » Program of the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program, and significant participation from manufacturers and users of fan-filter units from around the world, LBNL has developed and performed a series of standard laboratory tests and reporting on a variety of 2-foot x 4-foot (61-cm x 122-cm) fan-filter units (FFUs). Standard laboratory testing reports have been completed and reported back to anonymous individual participants in this project. To date, such reports on standard testing of FFU performance have provided rigorous and useful data for suppliers and end users to better understand, and more importantly, to quantitatively characterize performance of FFU products under a variety of operating conditions.[1] In the course of the project, the standard laboratory method previously developed at LBNL has been under continuous evaluation and update.[2][3] Based upon the updated standard, it becomes feasible for users and suppliers to characterize and evaluate energy performance of FFUs in a consistent way.« less

Development of Computer-Based Resources for Textile Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hopkins, Teresa; Thomas, Andrew; Bailey, Mike

1998-01-01

Describes the production of computer-based resources for students of textiles and engineering in the United Kingdom. Highlights include funding by the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP), courseware author/subject expert interaction, usage test and evaluation, authoring software, graphics, computer-aided design simulation, self-test…

2009 Continued Testing of the Orion Atmosphere Revitalization Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Button, Amy B.; Swerterlitsch, Jeffrey J.

2010-01-01

An amine-based carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor sorbent in pressure-swing regenerable beds has been developed by Hamilton Sundstrand and baselined for the Orion Atmosphere Revitalization System (ARS). In three previous years at this conference, reports were presented on extensive Johnson Space Center (JSC) testing of this technology in a sea-level pressure environment, with simulated and real human metabolic loads, in both open and closed-loop configurations. The test article design was iterated a third time before the latest series of such tests, which was performed in the first half of 2009. The new design incorporates a canister configuration modification for overall unit compactness and reduced pressure drop, as well as a new process flow control valve that incorporates both compressed gas purge and dual-end vacuum desorption capabilities. This newest test article is very similar to the flight article designs. Baseline tests of the new unit were performed to compare its performance to that of the previous test articles. Testing of compressed gas purge operations helped refine launchpad operating condition recommendations developed in earlier testing. Operating conditions used in flight program computer models were tested to validate the model projections. Specific operating conditions that were recommended by the JSC test team based on past test results were also tested for validation. The effects of vacuum regeneration line pressure on resulting cabin conditions was studied for high metabolic load periods, and a maximum pressure is recommended

2009 Continued Testing of the Orion Atmosphere Revitalization Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Button, Amy Lin; Sweterlitsch, Jeffrey

2009-01-01

An amine-based carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor sorbent in pressure-swing regenerable beds has been developed by Hamilton Sundstrand and baselined for the Orion Atmosphere Revitalization System (ARS). In three previous years at this conference, reports were presented on extensive Johnson Space Center (JSC) testing of this technology in a sea-level pressure environment with simulated and real human metabolic loads in both open and closed-loop configurations. The test article design was iterated a third time before the latest series of such tests, which was performed in the first half of 2009. The new design incorporates a canister configuration modification for overall unit compactness and reduced pressure drop, as well as a new process flow control valve that incorporates both compressed gas purge and dual-end vacuum desorption capabilities. This newest test article is very similar to the flight article designs. Baseline tests of the new unit were performed to compare its performance to that of the previous test articles. Testing of compressed gas purge operations helped refine launchpad operating condition recommendations developed in earlier testing. Operating conditions used in flight program computer models were tested to validate the model projections. Specific operating conditions that were recommended by the JSC test team based on past test results were also tested for validation. The effects of vacuum regeneration line pressure on resulting cabin conditions was studied for high metabolic load periods, and a maximum pressure is recommended.

Enhanced teaching and student learning through a simulator-based course in chemical unit operations design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghasem, Nayef

2016-07-01

This paper illustrates a teaching technique used in computer applications in chemical engineering employed for designing various unit operation processes, where the students learn about unit operations by designing them. The aim of the course is not to teach design, but rather to teach the fundamentals and the function of unit operation processes through simulators. A case study presenting the teaching method was evaluated using student surveys and faculty assessments, which were designed to measure the quality and effectiveness of the teaching method. The results of the questionnaire conclusively demonstrate that this method is an extremely efficient way of teaching a simulator-based course. In addition to that, this teaching method can easily be generalised and used in other courses. A student's final mark is determined by a combination of in-class assessments conducted based on cooperative and peer learning, progress tests and a final exam. Results revealed that peer learning can improve the overall quality of student learning and enhance student understanding.

A web-based tool for the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP).

PubMed

Pronovost, Peter J; King, Jay; Holzmueller, Christine G; Sawyer, Melinda; Bivens, Shauna; Michael, Michelle; Haig, Kathy; Paine, Lori; Moore, Dana; Miller, Marlene

2006-03-01

An organization's ability to change is driven by its culture, which in turn has a significant impact on safety. The six-step Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program (CUSP) is intended to improve local culture and safety. A Web-based project management tool for CUSP was developed and then pilot tested at two hospitals. HOW ECUSP WORKS: Once a patient safety concern is identified (step 3), a unit-level interdisciplinary safety committee determines issue criticality and starts up the projects (step 4), which are managed using project management tools within eCUSP (step 5). On a project's completion, the results are disseminated through a shared story (step 6). OSF St. Joseph's Medical Center-The Medical Birthing Center (Bloomington, Illinois), identified 11 safety issues, implemented 11 projects, and created 9 shared stories--including one for its Armband Project. The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) Medical Progressive Care (MPC4) Unit identified 5 safety issues and implemented 4 ongoing projects, including the intravenous (IV) Tubing Compliance Project. The eCUSP tool's success depends on an organizational commitment to creating a culture of safety.

Fermilab | Science | Particle Accelerators | Advanced Superconducting Test

Science.gov Websites

Accelerators for science and society Particle Physics 101 Science of matter, energy, space and time How Technology (FAST) Facility is America's only test bed for cutting-edge, record high-intensity particle beams in the United States as a particle beam research facility based on superconducting radio-frequency

Uniting Students To Subvert the Testing and Technology Craze.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Robert

This paper addresses the movement to "improve" schools by means of legislating mandatory testing and then publishing students' results in local newspapers and on the Internet. Students who attend schools where the standards are not met are often the ones who would benefit most from a broad-based language arts program. These students are…

40 CFR 49.153 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... negative value. If an emissions unit's post-change allowable emissions would be less than its pre-change... that program based on the actual-to-projected-actual test, it is considered a minor modification and is...-actual test is equal to or exceeds the minor NSR threshold listed in Table 1 of this section. For a...

5. Credit USAF, ca. 1944. Original housed in the Muroc ...

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

5. Credit USAF, ca. 1944. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Interior view of hangar, looking north northwest. Note exposed wooden construction. Two jet engines lie partially concealed by tarpaulins in the background, along with a combustion chamber assembly (horizontal cylinders in a circular array). On the workbench in the foreground lie an engine rotor hub and what appears to be an engine fuel line assembly. - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Hangar No. 1, First & B Streets, Boron, Kern County, CA

Validity and Reliability of 10-Hz Global Positioning System to Assess In-line Movement and Change of Direction.

PubMed

Nikolaidis, Pantelis T; Clemente, Filipe M; van der Linden, Cornelis M I; Rosemann, Thomas; Knechtle, Beat

2018-01-01

The objectives of the present study were to examine the validity and reliability of the 10 Hz Johan GPS unit in assessing in-line movement and change of direction. The validity was tested against the criterion measure of 200 m track-and-field (track-and-field athletes, n = 8) and 20 m shuttle run endurance test (female soccer players, n = 20). Intra-unit and inter-unit reliability was tested by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV), respectively. An analysis of variance examined differences between the GPS measurement and five laps of 200 m at 15 km/h, and t -test examined differences between the GPS measurement and 20 m shuttle run endurance test. The difference between the GPS measurement and 200 m distance ranged from -0.13 ± 3.94 m (95% CI -3.42; 3.17) in the first lap to 2.13 ± 2.64 m (95% CI -0.08; 4.33) in the fifth lap. A good intra-unit reliability was observed in 200 m (ICC = 0.833, 95% CI 0.535; 0.962). Inter-unit CV ranged from 1.31% (fifth lap) to 2.20% (third lap). The difference between the GPS measurement and 20 m shuttle run endurance test ranged from 0.33 ± 4.16 m (95% CI -10.01; 10.68) in 11.5 km/h to 9.00 ± 5.30 m (95% CI 6.44; 11.56) in 8.0 km/h. A moderate intra-unit reliability was shown in the second and third stage of the 20 m shuttle run endurance test (ICC = 0.718, 95% CI 0.222;0.898) and good reliability in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (ICC = 0.831, 95% CI -0.229;0.996). Inter-unit CV ranged from 2.08% (11.5 km/h) to 3.92% (8.5 km/h). Based on these findings, it was concluded that the 10 Hz Johan system offers an affordable valid and reliable tool for coaches and fitness trainers to monitor training and performance.

Assessment of coliphage surrogates for testing drinking water treatment devices.

PubMed

Gerba, Charles P; Abd-Elmaksoud, Sherif; Newick, Huikheng; El-Esnawy, Nagwa A; Barakat, Ahmed; Ghanem, Hossam

2015-03-01

Test protocols have been developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to test water treatment devices/systems that are used at the individual and home levels to ensure the removal of waterborne viruses. The goal of this study was to assess if coliphage surrogates could be used in this testing in place of the currently required use of animal or human enteric viruses. Five different coliphages (MS-2, PRD1, ΦX-174, Qβ, and fr) were compared to the removal of poliovirus type 1 (LSc-2ab) by eight different water treatment devices/systems using a general case and a challenge case (high organic load, dissolved solids, and turbidity) test water as defined by the USEPA. The performance of the units was rated as a pass/fail based on a 4 log removal/inactivation of the viruses. In all cases, a failure or a pass of the units/system for poliovirus also corresponded to a pass/fail by all of the coliphages. In summary, in using pass/fail criteria as recommended under USEPA guidelines for testing water treatment device/systems, the use of coliphages should be considered as an alternative to reduce cost and time of testing such devices/systems.

Testing of refrigerant mixtures in residential heat pumps. Final report

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

Judge, J.F.; Radermacher, R.

1995-08-01

To contribute to finding the proper substitute for R-22, a test facility was designed and built to measure the steady state and cyclic performance of two air-to-air heat pumps of 2 & 3 refrigeration-ton (RT) capacity. The performance of heat pumps is evaluated based on ASHRAE Standard 116-1983 {open_quotes}Method of Testing for Seasonal Efficiency of Unitary Air-conditioners and Heat Pumps{close_quotes} (47). This standard includes six steady-state tests; three cooling tests (A, B, and C) and three heating tests (High Temperature (47S), Frost Accumulation (35F), and Low Temperature (17L)). The standard also includes two cyclic tests; a cyclic cooling test (D)more » and a cyclic heating test (47C). The results of these tests are used to evaluate the seasonal performance of a heat pump. In the work presented here, two heat pumps (test units) are used. Test unit 1 is a 2 RT split heat pump system using a reciprocating compressor, a short tube, and a thermostatic expansion valve. Test unit 2 is a 3 RT split heat pump system using a scroll compressor and two thermostatic expansion valves. This study investigates four different possibilities for replacing R-22 with R-32/125/134a (30/10/60 wt.%) (Mixture 1) or R-32/125/134a (23/25/52 wt.%) (Mixture 2). The first and simplest scenario is the retrofit with no hardware modifications. The second possibility investigated is altering the refrigerant path to attain a near-counterflow configuration in the indoor coil for the heating mode. The third and most complex possibility is the soft optimization which consists of maximizing the COPs of R-22 and Mixture 2 in the heating and cooling modes by optimizing refrigerant charge and expansion devices. The fourth option investigated is the suction-line heat exchange (SLHX). In unit 1, the first, second, and third scenarios are investigated and in unit 2, the first, second, and fourth scenarios are investigated.« less

Systematics and biogeography of Orconectes, subgenus Trisellescens, in the southeastern United States, a test of morphology-based classification

Treesearch

Christopher A. Taylor; Susan B. Adams; Guenter A. Schuster

2014-01-01

Diagnosable taxonomic units are fundamental to conservation biology and management of resources and the need for sound science in both fields is more pressing for aquatic ecosystems. Within freshwater crayfishes, the North American genus Orconectes is one of the most diverse in the World. Accurate assessments of species level relationships and species boundaries within...

Channel water balance and exchange with subsurface flow along a mountain headwater stream in Montana, United States

Treesearch

R.A. Payn; M.N. Gooseff; B.L. McGlynn; K.E. Bencala; S.M. Wondzell

2009-01-01

Channel water balances of contiguous reaches along streams represent a poorly understood scale of stream-subsurface interaction. We measured reach water balances along a headwater stream in Montana, United States, during summer base flow recessions. Reach water balances were estimated from series of tracer tests in 13 consecutive reaches delineated evenly along a 2.6-...

Interest in the Teaching Alliance and Its Associations with Multicultural Counseling Education among a Sample of Students in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estrada, Fernando; Rigali-Oiler, Marybeth

2016-01-01

Using a scenario-based analogue experiment embedded within an online survey, 174 masters-level counseling students located at a university on the Southwest Coast of the United States provided data to test the notion that the teaching alliance--a framework for enhancing the quality of the student-instructor relationship--is (a) important in…

Swivel arm perimeter for visual field testing in different body positions.

PubMed

Flammer, J; Hendrickson, P; Lietz, A; Stümpfig, D

1993-01-01

To investigate the influence of body position on visual field results, a 'swivel arm perimeter' was built, based on a modified Octopus 1-2-3. Here, the measuring unit was detected from the control unit and mounted on a swivel arm, allowing its movement in all directions. The first results obtained with this device have indicated that its development was worthwhile.

Characterization of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator Engineering Unit 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewandowski, Edward J.; Oriti, Salvatore M.; Schifer, Niholas A.

2016-01-01

Significant progress was made developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) 140-W radioisotope power system. While the ASRG flight development project has ended, the hardware that was designed and built under the project is continuing to be tested to support future Stirling-based power system development. NASA Glenn Research Center recently completed the assembly of the ASRG Engineering Unit 2 (EU2). The ASRG EU2 consists of the first pair of Sunpower's Advanced Stirling Convertor E3 (ASC-E3) Stirling convertors mounted in an aluminum housing, and Lockheed Martin's Engineering Development Unit (EDU) 4 controller (a fourth-generation controller). The ASC-E3 convertors and Generator Housing Assembly (GHA) closely match the intended ASRG Qualification Unit flight design. A series of tests were conducted to characterize the EU2, its controller, and the convertors in the flight-like GHA. The GHA contained an argon cover gas for these tests. The tests included measurement of convertor, controller, and generator performance and efficiency; quantification of control authority of the controller; disturbance force measurement with varying piston phase and piston amplitude; and measurement of the effect of spacecraft direct current (DC) bus voltage on EU2 performance. The results of these tests are discussed and summarized, providing a basic understanding of EU2 characteristics and the performance and capability of the EDU 4 controller.

Risk management, or just a different risk?

PubMed

Freer, Y; Lyon, A

2006-09-01

National reporting of adverse incidents has resulted in a number of clinical alerts being issued. Despite a lack of evidence, these alerts are often accompanied by a mandatory requirement to alter practice. There is likely to be clinician resistance to such a method of change management, particularly where evidence of safety is missing. To determine the level of implementation within neonatal units of an alert requiring the change from litmus to pH paper to test nasogastric tube position. A questionnaire sent to all neonatal units in the United Kingdom with more than 12 cots. From the 207 questionnaires sent, there were 165 (80%) responses. Fifty five percent of units were still using litmus. All continued to use supplementary tests not recommended in best practice statements issued at the time of the alert. There was considerable variation in the pH value at which it was considered safe to feed. Nine months after the alert, more than half the units had not changed to pH paper, and supplementary methods of testing were still being used. The wide range of pH values highlights the uncertainty about the "normal" gastric pH in the newborn. The evidence that, in neonatal units, changing to pH paper is safer than the long established use of litmus is lacking. Recommendations for change in practice must be based on good information and not seen just as a "knee jerk" response to adverse incidents.

Aircraft Brake Systems Testing Handbook.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

distribution is unlimited. AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE , CALIFORNIA AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND UNITED STATES AIR FORCE A This handbook... Base , California 93523. This handbook has been reviewed and cleared for open publication and/or public release by the AFFTC Office of Public Affairs in...Force lbs Ft Engine Thrust lbs F vrt Vertical Force acting on the tire at the qround lbs 9 Acceleration due to gravity 32.17 ft/sec 2 h Distance

Significance tests for functional data with complex dependence structure.

PubMed

Staicu, Ana-Maria; Lahiri, Soumen N; Carroll, Raymond J

2015-01-01

We propose an L 2 -norm based global testing procedure for the null hypothesis that multiple group mean functions are equal, for functional data with complex dependence structure. Specifically, we consider the setting of functional data with a multilevel structure of the form groups-clusters or subjects-units, where the unit-level profiles are spatially correlated within the cluster, and the cluster-level data are independent. Orthogonal series expansions are used to approximate the group mean functions and the test statistic is estimated using the basis coefficients. The asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic is developed, under mild regularity conditions. To our knowledge this is the first work that studies hypothesis testing, when data have such complex multilevel functional and spatial structure. Two small-sample alternatives, including a novel block bootstrap for functional data, are proposed, and their performance is examined in simulation studies. The paper concludes with an illustration of a motivating experiment.

Enhanced Learning of Biotechnology Students by an Inquiry-Based Cellulase Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ketpichainarong, Watcharee; Panijpan, Bhinyo; Ruenwongsa, Pintip

2010-01-01

This study explored the effectiveness of an inquiry-based cellulase laboratory unit in promoting inquiry in undergraduate students in biotechnology. The following tools were used to assess the students' achievements and attitude: conceptual understanding test, concept mapping, students' documents, CLES questionnaire, students' self reflection, and…

Pearson's chi-square test and rank correlation inferences for clustered data.

PubMed

Shih, Joanna H; Fay, Michael P

2017-09-01

Pearson's chi-square test has been widely used in testing for association between two categorical responses. Spearman rank correlation and Kendall's tau are often used for measuring and testing association between two continuous or ordered categorical responses. However, the established statistical properties of these tests are only valid when each pair of responses are independent, where each sampling unit has only one pair of responses. When each sampling unit consists of a cluster of paired responses, the assumption of independent pairs is violated. In this article, we apply the within-cluster resampling technique to U-statistics to form new tests and rank-based correlation estimators for possibly tied clustered data. We develop large sample properties of the new proposed tests and estimators and evaluate their performance by simulations. The proposed methods are applied to a data set collected from a PET/CT imaging study for illustration. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Hollow shaft integrated health monitoring system for railroad wheels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frankenstein, B.; Hentschel, D.; Pridoehl, E.; Schubert, F.

2005-05-01

The economic efficiency and competitiveness of environment-friendly rail transportation depends on safety, availability and maintenance of single highly loaded structure components. Until now these components have been changed in fixed maintenance intervals irrespective of any usage related conditions. With the knowledge and evaluation of the component conditions, life cycle costs can be reduced by means of optimized maintenance and/or "fit for purpose" design. For example, rail-bound vehicle wheel sets are among the most highly stressed travelling gear components of the bogie. if such a component fails, a serious accident may occur. For this reason, a health monitoring system based on the interpretation of ultrasonic sound signatures has been developed. First, the ultrasonic waves generated by an artificial defect on the outer wheel tread of a railroad wheel towards an acoustic sensor, placed inside the hollow shaft of the railroad axis were simulated with a EFIT (Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique). The results achieved proved that relevant signals can be found in a frequency range up to 300 kHz. Based on this a diagnostic unit was designed and built for application under rotation conditions, which consists of a piezo-electric sensor, primary electronics, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital signal processor, a trigger unit, and a telemetric transmitter. This diagnostic unit was integrated in the hollow shaft of a railroad wheel axis, a component of a special laboratory test rig. Algorithms which allow for the rotation-synchronized processing of acoustic signals were implemented into the rotating diagnostic unit. After successfully completing a campaign for this test rig, a second test was performed inside the wheel/railroad simulation test rig of the Deutsche Bahn AG under railroad-like conditions. The data generated inside the hollow shaft of the railroad wheel axis by the diagnostic unit were telemetrically transmitted to an industrial computer. The detection of artificial defects of different sizes is shown in correlation with theoretical assumptions.

Nano-enabled paper humidity sensor for mobile based point-of-care lung function monitoring.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, Mitradip; Nemade, Harshal B; Bandyopadhyay, Dipankar

2017-08-15

The frequency of breathing and peak flow rate of exhaled air are necessary parameters to detect chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. We developed a lung function monitoring point-of-care-testing device (LFM-POCT) consisting of mouthpiece, paper-based humidity sensor, micro-heater, and real-time monitoring unit. Fabrication of a mouthpiece of optimal length ensured that the exhaled air was focused on the humidity-sensor. The resistive relative humidity sensor was developed using a filter paper coated with nanoparticles, which could easily follow the frequency and peak flow rate of the human breathing. Adsorption followed by condensation of the water molecules of the humid air on the paper-sensor during the forced exhalation reduced the electrical resistance of the sensor, which was converted to an electrical signal for sensing. A micro-heater composed of a copper-coil embedded in a polymer matrix helped in maintaining an optimal temperature on the sensor surface. Thus, water condensed on the sensor surface only during forcible breathing and the sensor recovered rapidly after the exhalation was complete by rapid desorption of water molecules from the sensor surface. Two types of real-time monitoring units were integrated into the device based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) and smart phones. The LED based unit displayed the diseased, critical, and fit conditions of the lungs by flashing LEDs of different colors. In comparison, for the mobile based monitoring unit, an application was developed employing an open source software, which established a wireless connectivity with the LFM-POCT device to perform the tests. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional imaging of aquifer and aquitard heterogeneity via transient hydraulic tomography at a highly heterogeneous field site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhanfeng; Illman, Walter A.

2018-04-01

Previous studies have shown that geostatistics-based transient hydraulic tomography (THT) is robust for subsurface heterogeneity characterization through the joint inverse modeling of multiple pumping tests. However, the hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (Ss) estimates can be smooth or even erroneous for areas where pumping/observation densities are low. This renders the imaging of interlayer and intralayer heterogeneity of highly contrasting materials including their unit boundaries difficult. In this study, we further test the performance of THT by utilizing existing and newly collected pumping test data of longer durations that showed drawdown responses in both aquifer and aquitard units at a field site underlain by a highly heterogeneous glaciofluvial deposit. The robust performance of the THT is highlighted through the comparison of different degrees of model parameterization including: (1) the effective parameter approach; (2) the geological zonation approach relying on borehole logs; and (3) the geostatistical inversion approach considering different prior information (with/without geological data). Results reveal that the simultaneous analysis of eight pumping tests with the geostatistical inverse model yields the best results in terms of model calibration and validation. We also find that the joint interpretation of long-term drawdown data from aquifer and aquitard units is necessary in mapping their full heterogeneous patterns including intralayer variabilities. Moreover, as geological data are included as prior information in the geostatistics-based THT analysis, the estimated K values increasingly reflect the vertical distribution patterns of permeameter-estimated K in both aquifer and aquitard units. Finally, the comparison of various THT approaches reveals that differences in the estimated K and Ss tomograms result in significantly different transient drawdown predictions at observation ports.

Advanced direct coal liquefaction concepts

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

Berger, D.J.; Parker, R.J.; Simpson, P.L.

During the first quarter of FY 1993, the Project proceeded close to the Project Plan. The analysis of the feed material has been completed as far as possible. Some unplanned distillation was needed to correct the boiling range of the Black Thunder solvent used during the autoclave tests. Additional distillation will be required if the same solvent is to be used for the bench unit tests. A decision on this is still outstanding. The solvent to be used with Illinois No. 6 coal has not yet been defined. As a result, the procurement of the feed and the feed analysismore » is somewhat behind schedule. Agglomeration tests with Black Thunder coal indicates that small agglomerates can be formed. However, the ash removal is quite low (about 10%), which is not surprising in view of the low ash content of the coal. The first series of autoclave tests with Black Thunder coal was completed as planned. Also, additional runs are in progress as repeats of previous runs or at different operating conditions based on the data obtained so far. The results are promising indicating that almost complete solubilization (close to 90%) of Black Thunder coal can be achieved in a CO/H[sub 2]O environment at our anticipated process conditions. The design of the bench unit has been completed. In contrast to the originally planned modifications, the bench unit is now designed based on a computerized control and data acquisition system. All major items of equipment have been received, and prefabrication of assemblies and control panels is proceeding on schedule. Despite a slight delay in the erection of the structural steel, it is anticipated that the bench unit will be operational at the beginning of April 1993.« less

Advanced direct coal liquefaction concepts. Quarterly report, October 1, 1992--December 31, 1992

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

Berger, D.J.; Parker, R.J.; Simpson, P.L.

During the first quarter of FY 1993, the Project proceeded close to the Project Plan. The analysis of the feed material has been completed as far as possible. Some unplanned distillation was needed to correct the boiling range of the Black Thunder solvent used during the autoclave tests. Additional distillation will be required if the same solvent is to be used for the bench unit tests. A decision on this is still outstanding. The solvent to be used with Illinois No. 6 coal has not yet been defined. As a result, the procurement of the feed and the feed analysismore » is somewhat behind schedule. Agglomeration tests with Black Thunder coal indicates that small agglomerates can be formed. However, the ash removal is quite low (about 10%), which is not surprising in view of the low ash content of the coal. The first series of autoclave tests with Black Thunder coal was completed as planned. Also, additional runs are in progress as repeats of previous runs or at different operating conditions based on the data obtained so far. The results are promising indicating that almost complete solubilization (close to 90%) of Black Thunder coal can be achieved in a CO/H{sub 2}O environment at our anticipated process conditions. The design of the bench unit has been completed. In contrast to the originally planned modifications, the bench unit is now designed based on a computerized control and data acquisition system. All major items of equipment have been received, and prefabrication of assemblies and control panels is proceeding on schedule. Despite a slight delay in the erection of the structural steel, it is anticipated that the bench unit will be operational at the beginning of April 1993.« less

Transforming a Traditional Inquiry-Based Science Unit into a STEM Unit for Elementary Pre-service Teachers: A View from the Trenches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Matthew; Fulton, Lori

2016-04-01

The need to prepare students with twenty-first-century skills through STEM-related teaching is strong, especially at the elementary level. However, most teacher education preparation programs do not focus on STEM education. In an attempt to provide an exemplary model of a STEM unit, we used a rapid prototyping approach to transform an inquiry-based unit on moon phases into one that integrated technology in a meaningful manner to develop technological literacy and scientific concepts for pre-service teachers (PSTs). Using qualitative case study methodology, we describe lessons learned related to the development and implementation of a STEM unit in an undergraduate elementary methods course, focusing on the impact the inquiry model had on PSTs' perceptions of inquiry-based science instruction and how the integration of technology impacted their learning experience. Using field notes and survey data, we uncovered three overarching themes. First, we found that PSTs held absolutist beliefs and had a need for instruction on inquiry-based learning and teaching. Second, we determined that explicit examples of effective and ineffective technology use are needed to help PSTs develop an understanding of meaningful technology integration. Finally, the rapid prototyping approach resulted in a successful modification of the unit, but caused the usability of our digital instructional materials to suffer. Our findings suggest that while inquiry-based STEM units can be implemented in existing programs, creating and testing these prototypes requires significant effort to meet PSTs' learning needs, and that iterating designs is essential to successful implementation.

Lunar base heat pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldman, Jeffrey H.; Tetreault, R.; Fischbach, D.; Walker, D.

1994-01-01

A heat pump is a device which elevates the temperature of a heat flow by a means of an energy input. By doing this, the heat pump can cause heat to transfer faster from a warm region to a cool region, or it can cause heat to flow from a cool region to a warmer region. The second case is the one which finds vast commercial applications such as air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration. Aerospace applications of heat pumps include both cases. The NASA Johnson Space Center is currently developing a Life Support Systems Integration Facility (LSSIF, previously SIRF) to provide system-level integration, operational test experience, and performance data that will enable NASA to develop flight-certified hardware for future planetary missions. A high lift heat pump is a significant part of the TCS hardware development associated with the LSSIF. The high lift heat pump program discussed here is being performed in three phases. In Phase 1, the objective is to develop heat pump concepts for a lunar base, a lunar lander, and for a ground development unit for the SIRF. In Phase 2, the design of the SIRF ground test unit is being performed, including identification and evaluation of safety and reliability issues. In Phase 3, the SIRF unit will be manufactured, tested, and delivered to the NASA Johnson Space Center.

A gas flow indicator for portable life support systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bass, R. L., III; Schroeder, E. C.

1975-01-01

A three-part program was conducted to develop a gas flow indicator (GFI) to monitor ventilation flow in a portable life support system. The first program phase identified concepts which could potentially meet the GFI requirements. In the second phase, a working breadboard GFI, based on the concept of a pressure sensing diaphragm-aneroid assembly connected to a venturi, was constructed and tested. Extensive testing of the breadboard GFI indicated that the design would meet all NASA requirements including eliminating problems experienced with the ventilation flow sensor used in the Apollo program. In the third program phase, an optimized GFI was designed by utilizing test data obtained on the breadboard unit. A prototype unit was constructed using prototype materials and fabrication techniques, and performance tests indicated that the prototype GFI met or exceeded all requirements.

Non-Relative Value Unit-Generating Activities Represent One-Fifth of Academic Neuroradiologist Productivity.

PubMed

Wintermark, M; Zeineh, M; Zaharchuk, G; Srivastava, A; Fischbein, N

2016-07-01

A neuroradiologist's activity includes many tasks beyond interpreting relative value unit-generating imaging studies. Our aim was to test a simple method to record and quantify the non-relative value unit-generating clinical activity represented by consults and clinical conferences, including tumor boards. Four full-time neuroradiologists, working an average of 50% clinical and 50% academic activity, systematically recorded all the non-relative value unit-generating consults and conferences in which they were involved during 3 months by using a simple, Web-based, computer-based application accessible from smartphones, tablets, or computers. The number and type of imaging studies they interpreted during the same period and the associated relative value units were extracted from our billing system. During 3 months, the 4 neuroradiologists working an average of 50% clinical activity interpreted 4241 relative value unit-generating imaging studies, representing 8152 work relative value units. During the same period, they recorded 792 non-relative value unit-generating study reviews as part of consults and conferences (not including reading room consults), representing 19% of the interpreted relative value unit-generating imaging studies. We propose a simple Web-based smartphone app to record and quantify non-relative value unit-generating activities including consults, clinical conferences, and tumor boards. The quantification of non-relative value unit-generating activities is paramount in this time of a paradigm shift from volume to value. It also represents an important tool for determining staffing levels, which cannot be performed on the basis of relative value unit only, considering the importance of time spent by radiologists on non-relative value unit-generating activities. It may also influence payment models from medical centers to radiology departments or practices. © 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Inhalation of Chlorine Gas in Sheep

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

group.52,53 The pulmonary parenchyma was separated into four regions based on the Hounsfield unit (HU) ranges reported by Gattinoni et al.54...values from Dunnet’s t test, comparing groups 2, 3, and 4 to group 1. Hyper, fraction of pixels in the lung slice with Hounsfield Unit (HU) values in...D. K. Jordan, B. S. Dick, E. J. Fudge, J. Baird, C. A. Hardin, D. E. Cancio, L. C. 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7

Effect of the lung allocation score on lung transplantation in the United States.

PubMed

Egan, Thomas M; Edwards, Leah B

2016-04-01

On May 4, 2005, the system for allocation of deceased donor lungs for transplant in the United States changed from allocation based on waiting time to allocation based on the lung allocation score (LAS). We sought to determine the effect of the LAS on lung transplantation in the United States. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data on listed and transplanted patients were analyzed for 5 calendar years before implementation of the LAS (2000-2004), and compared with data from 6 calendar years after implementation (2006-2011). Counts were compared between eras using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The rates of transplant increase within each era were compared using an F-test. Survival rates computed using the Kaplan-Meier method were compared using the log-rank test. After introduction of the LAS, waitlist deaths decreased significantly, from 500/year to 300/year; the number of lung transplants increased, with double the annual increase in rate of lung transplants, despite no increase in donors; the distribution of recipient diagnoses changed dramatically, with significantly more patients with fibrotic lung disease receiving transplants; age of recipients increased significantly; and 1-year survival had a small but significant increase. Allocating lungs for transplant based on urgency and benefit instead of waiting time was associated with fewer waitlist deaths, more transplants performed, and a change in distribution of recipient diagnoses to patients more likely to die on the waiting list. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.

The Damper Spring Unit of the Sentinel 1 Solar Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doejaaren, Frans; Ellenbroek, Marcel

2012-01-01

The Damper Spring Unit (DSU, see Figure 1) has been designed to provide the damping required to control the deployment speed of the spring driven solar array deployment in an ARA Mk3 or FRED based Solar Array in situations where the standard application of a damper at the root-hinge is not feasible. The unit consists of four major parts: a main bracket, an eddy current damper, a spring unit, an actuation pulley which is coupled via Kevlar cables to a synchro-pulley of a hinge. The damper slows down the deployment speed and prevents deployment shocks at deployment completion. The spring unit includes 4 springs which overcome the resistances of the damper and the specific DSU control cable loop. This means it can be added to any spring driven deployment system without major modifications of that system. Engineering models of the Sentinel 1 solar array wing have been built to identify the deployment behavior, and to help to determine the optimal pulley ratios of the solar array and to finalize the DSU design. During the functional tests, the behavior proved to be very sensitive for the alignment of the DSU. This was therefore monitored carefully during the qualification program, especially prior to the TV cold testing. During TV "Cold" testing the measured retarding torque exceeded the max. required value: 284 N-mm versus the required 247 N-mm. Although this requirement was not met, the torque balance analysis shows that the 284 N-mm can be accepted, because the spring unit can provide 1.5 times more torque than required. Some functional tests of the DSU have been performed without the eddy current damper attached. It provided input data for the ADAMS solar array wing model. Simulation of the Sentinel-1 deployment (including DSU) in ADAMS allowed the actual wing deployment tests to be limited in both complexity and number of tests. The DSU for the Sentinel-1 solar array was successfully qualified and the flight models are in production.

In Silico Testing of an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Artificial Pancreas Designed for Use in the Intensive Care Unit Setting

PubMed Central

DeJournett, Leon; DeJournett, Jeremy

2016-01-01

Background: Effective glucose control in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting has the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality rates which should in turn lead to decreased health care expenditures. Current ICU-based glucose controllers are mathematically derived, and tend to be based on proportional integral derivative (PID) or model predictive control (MPC). Artificial intelligence (AI)–based closed loop glucose controllers may have the ability to achieve control that improves on the results achieved by either PID or MPC controllers. Method: We conducted an in silico analysis of an AI-based glucose controller designed for use in the ICU setting. This controller was tested using a mathematical model of the ICU patient’s glucose-insulin system. A total of 126 000 unique 5-day simulations were carried out, resulting in 107 million glucose values for analysis. Results: For the 7 control ranges tested, with a sensor error of ±10%, the following average results were achieved: (1) time in control range, 94.2%, (2) time in range 70-140 mg/dl, 97.8%, (3) time in hyperglycemic range (>140 mg/dl), 2.1%, and (4) time in hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dl), 0.09%. In addition, the average coefficient of variation (CV) was 11.1%. Conclusions: This in silico study of an AI-based closed loop glucose controller shows that it may be able to improve on the results achieved by currently existing ICU-based PID/MPC controllers. If these results are confirmed in clinical testing, this AI-based controller could be used to create an artificial pancreas system for use in the ICU setting. PMID:27301982

In Silico Testing of an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Artificial Pancreas Designed for Use in the Intensive Care Unit Setting.

PubMed

DeJournett, Leon; DeJournett, Jeremy

2016-11-01

Effective glucose control in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting has the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality rates which should in turn lead to decreased health care expenditures. Current ICU-based glucose controllers are mathematically derived, and tend to be based on proportional integral derivative (PID) or model predictive control (MPC). Artificial intelligence (AI)-based closed loop glucose controllers may have the ability to achieve control that improves on the results achieved by either PID or MPC controllers. We conducted an in silico analysis of an AI-based glucose controller designed for use in the ICU setting. This controller was tested using a mathematical model of the ICU patient's glucose-insulin system. A total of 126 000 unique 5-day simulations were carried out, resulting in 107 million glucose values for analysis. For the 7 control ranges tested, with a sensor error of ±10%, the following average results were achieved: (1) time in control range, 94.2%, (2) time in range 70-140 mg/dl, 97.8%, (3) time in hyperglycemic range (>140 mg/dl), 2.1%, and (4) time in hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dl), 0.09%. In addition, the average coefficient of variation (CV) was 11.1%. This in silico study of an AI-based closed loop glucose controller shows that it may be able to improve on the results achieved by currently existing ICU-based PID/MPC controllers. If these results are confirmed in clinical testing, this AI-based controller could be used to create an artificial pancreas system for use in the ICU setting. © 2016 Diabetes Technology Society.

A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

PubMed

Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; Olaighin, Gearóid

2009-04-01

The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor-based foot switches and MEMS-based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

PubMed

Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; OLaighin, Gearoid

2007-01-01

The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor based foot switches and NMES based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

Design and Implementation of High Precision Temperature Measurement Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Xianzhen; Yu, Weiyu; Zhang, Zhijian; Liu, Hancheng

2018-03-01

Large-scale neutrino detector requires calibration of photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and electronic system in the detector, performed by plotting the calibration source with a group of designated coordinates in the acrylic sphere. Where the calibration source positioning is based on the principle of ultrasonic ranging, the transmission speed of ultrasonic in liquid scintillator of acrylic sphere is related to temperature. This paper presents a temperature measurement unit based on STM32L031 and single-line bus digital temperature sensor TSic506. The measurement data of the temperature measurement unit can help the ultrasonic ranging to be more accurate. The test results show that the temperature measurement error is within ±0.1°C, which satisfies the requirement of calibration source positioning. Take energy-saving measures, with 3.7V/50mAH lithium battery-powered, the temperature measurement unit can work continuously more than 24 hours.

A Science and Risk-Based Pragmatic Methodology for Blend and Content Uniformity Assessment.

PubMed

Sayeed-Desta, Naheed; Pazhayattil, Ajay Babu; Collins, Jordan; Doshi, Chetan

2018-04-01

This paper describes a pragmatic approach that can be applied in assessing powder blend and unit dosage uniformity of solid dose products at Process Design, Process Performance Qualification, and Continued/Ongoing Process Verification stages of the Process Validation lifecycle. The statistically based sampling, testing, and assessment plan was developed due to the withdrawal of the FDA draft guidance for industry "Powder Blends and Finished Dosage Units-Stratified In-Process Dosage Unit Sampling and Assessment." This paper compares the proposed Grouped Area Variance Estimate (GAVE) method with an alternate approach outlining the practicality and statistical rationalization using traditional sampling and analytical methods. The approach is designed to fit solid dose processes assuring high statistical confidence in both powder blend uniformity and dosage unit uniformity during all three stages of the lifecycle complying with ASTM standards as recommended by the US FDA.

In-Situ Leak Testing And Replacement Of Glovebox Isolator, Or Containment Unit Gloves

DOEpatents

Castro, Julio M.; Macdonald, John M.; Steckle, Jr., Warren P.

2004-11-02

A test plug for in-situ testing a glove installed in a glovebox is provided that uses a top plate and a base plate, and a diametrically expandable sealing mechanism fitting between the two plates. The sealing mechanism engages the base plate to diametrically expand when the variable distance between the top plate and the bottom plate is reduced. An inlet valve included on the top plate is used to introducing a pressurized gas to the interior of the glove, and a pressure gauge located on the top plate is used to monitor the interior glove pressure.

A tactile-output paging communication system for the deaf-blind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baer, J. A.

1979-01-01

A radio frequency paging communication system that has coded vibrotactile outputs suitable for use by deaf-blind people was developed. In concept, the system consists of a base station transmitting and receiving unit and many on-body transmitting and receiving units. The completed system has seven operating modes: fire alarm; time signal; repeated single character Morse code; manual Morse code; emergency aid request; operational status test; and message acknowledge. The on-body units can be addressed in three ways: all units; a group of units; or an individual unit. All the functions developed were integrated into a single package that can be worn on the user's wrist. The control portion of the on-body unit is implemented by a microcomputer. The microcomputer is packaged in a custom-designed hybrid circuit to reduce its physical size.

Analysis on mechanics response of long-life asphalt pavement at moist hot heavy loading area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xinquan; Li, Hao; Wu, Chuanhai; Li, Shanqiang

2018-04-01

Based on the durability of semi-rigid base asphalt pavement test road in Guangdong Yunluo expressway, by comparing the mechanics response of modified semi-rigid base, RCC base and inverted semi-rigid base with the state of continuous, using four unit five parameter model to evaluate rut depth of asphalt pavement structure, and through commonly used fatigue life prediction model to evaluate fatigue performance of three types of asphalt pavement structure. Theoretical calculation and four years tracking observation results of test road show that rut depth of modified semi-rigid base asphalt pavement is the minimum, the road performance is the best, and the fatigue performance is the optimal.

Aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit emissions from combusting JP-8 fuel

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

Kimm, L.T.; Sylvia, D.A.; Gerstle, T.C.

1997-12-31

Due to safety considerations and in an effort to standardize Department of Defense fuels, the US Air Force (USAF) replaced the naptha-based JP-4, MIL-T-5624, with the kerosene-based JP-8, MIL-T-83133, as the standard turbine fuel. Although engine emissions from combustion of JP-4 are well documented for criteria pollutants, little information exists for criteria and hazardous air pollutants from combustion of JP-8 fuel. Due to intrinsic differences between these two raw fuels, their combustion products were expected to differ. As part of a broader engine testing program, the Air Force, through the Human Systems Center at Brooks AFB, TX, has contracted tomore » have the emissions characterized from aircraft engines and auxiliary power units (APUs). Criteria pollutant and targeted HAP emissions of selected USAF aircraft engines were quantified during the test program. Emission test results will be used to develop emission factors for the tested aircraft engines and APUs. The Air Force intends to develop a mathematical relationship, using the data collected during this series of tests and from previous tests, to extrapolate existing JP-4 emission factors to representative JP-8 emission factors for other engines. This paper reports sampling methodologies for the following aircraft engine emissions tests: F110-GE-100, F101-GE-102, TF33-P-102, F108-CF-100, T56-A-15, and T39-GE-1A/C. The UH-60A helicopter engine, T700-GE-700, and the C-5A/B and C-130H auxiliary power units (GTCP165-1 and GTCP85-180, respectively) were also tested. Testing was performed at various engine settings to determine emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, total hydrocarbon, and selected hazardous air pollutants. Ambient monitoring was conducted concurrently to establish background pollutant concentrations for data correction.« less

40 CFR 63.8595 - How do I conduct performance tests and establish operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... with the production-based hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and particulate matter (PM) emission limits in Table 1 to this subpart, you must calculate your mass emissions per unit of production... specific conditions in Table 4 to this subpart. (d) You must test while operating at the maximum production...

Language Testing and the Assessment of Dementia in Second Language Settings: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Rosemary

1996-01-01

Reports on a patient of Japanese background with suspected dementia in an English-speaking geriatric unit. The subject was tested in Japanese using tasks such as naming, story recall, and processing by semantic category. Results demonstrate the potential contribution of information from language-based tasks in the person's preferred language to…

VLT deformable secondary mirror: integration and electromechanical tests results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biasi, R.; Andrighettoni, M.; Angerer, G.; Mair, C.; Pescoller, D.; Lazzarini, P.; Anaclerio, E.; Mantegazza, M.; Gallieni, D.; Vernet, E.; Arsenault, R.; Madec, P.-Y.; Duhoux, P.; Riccardi, A.; Xompero, M.; Briguglio, R.; Manetti, M.; Morandini, M.

2012-07-01

The VLT Deformable secondary is planned to be installed on the VLT UT#4 as part of the telescope conversion into the Adaptive Optics test Facility (AOF). The adaptive unit is based on the well proven contactless, voice coil motor technology that has been already successfully implemented in the MMT, LBT and Magellan adaptive secondaries, and is considered a promising technical choice for the forthcoming ELT-generation adaptive correctors, like the E-ELT M4 and the GMT ASM. The VLT adaptive unit has been recently assembled after the completion of the manufacturing and modular test phases. In this paper, we present the most relevant aspects of the system integration and report the preliminary results of the electromechanical tests performed on the unit. This test campaign is a typical major step foreseen in all similar systems built so far: thanks to the metrology embedded in the system, that allows generating time-dependent stimuli and recording in real time the position of the controlled mirror on all actuators, typical dynamic response quality parameters like modal settling time, overshoot and following error can be acquired without employing optical measurements. In this way the system dynamic and some aspect of its thermal and long term stability can be fully characterized before starting the optical tests and calibrations.

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power. Given the... performance of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.005 where Xi is the measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power. Given the... performance of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.005 where Xi is the measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency...

Differences in Academic Achievement of Students Involved in Extracurricular Activities in Seventh-Day Adventist Schools in the United States and Bermuda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sandiford, Anderson P.

2013-01-01

This study examined differences in the academic performance of students in grades 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 in Seventh-day Adventist schools in the United States and Bermuda based on their level of involvement in school music organizations--band or choir--and school sports--varsity or intramural--as measured by standardized achievement and ability tests.…

Report to the President of the United States on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

established research history based on laboratory- tested principles of memory retrieval, knowledge representation, and communication. AFOSI has been using CI...analysis methods, including scientific research , data analysis, focus groups , and on -site assessments to evaluate the Department’s SAPR program...131 Report to the President of the United States on SAPR DMDC’s focus group methodology employs a standard qualitative research approach to

The Influence of Cardiac Risk Factor Burden on Cardiac Stress Test Outcomes.

PubMed

Schrock, Jon W; Li, Morgan; Orazulike, Chidubem; Emerman, Charles L

2011-06-01

Chest pain is the most common admission diagnosis for observation unit patients. These patients often undergo cardiac stress testing to further risk stratify for coronary artery disease (CAD). The decision of whom to stress is currently based on clinical judgment. We sought to determine the influence of cardiac risk factor burden on cardiac stress test outcome for patients tested from an observation unit, inpatient or outpatient setting. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study for all patients undergoing stress testing in our institution from June 2006 through July 2007. Cardiac risk factors were collected at the time of stress testing. Risk factors were evaluated in a summative fashion using multivariate regression adjusting for age and known coronary artery disease. The model was tested for goodness of fit and collinearity and the c statistic was calculated using the receiver operating curve. A total of 4026 subjects were included for analysis of which 22% had known CAD. The rates of positive outcome were 89 (12.0%), 95 (12.6%), and 343 (16.9%) for the OU, outpatients, and hospitalized patients respectively. While the odds of a positive test outcome increased for additional cardiac risk factors, ROC curve analysis indicates that simply adding the number of risk factors does not add significant diagnostic value. Hospitalized patients were more likely to have a positive stress test, OR 1.41 (1.10 - 1.81). Our study does not support basing the decision to perform a stress test on the number of cardiac risk factors.

Three-Dimensional Simulation of Base Bleed Unit with AP/HTPB Propellant in Fast Cook-off Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wen-feng; Yu, Yong-gang; Ye, Rui; Yang, Hou-wen

2017-07-01

In this work, a three-dimensional unsteady heat transfer model of base bleed unit with trilobite ammonium perchlorate (AP)/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) composite solid propellant is presented to analyze the cook-off characteristics. According to the two-step chemical reaction of AP/HTPB propellant, a small-scale cook-off test is established. A comparison of the experimental and calculated results is made to verify the rationality of the computation model. On this basis, a cook-off numerical simulation of the base bleed unit at the heating rates of 0.33, 0.58 and 0.83 K/s is presented to investigate the ignition and initiation characteristics. The results show that the ignitions occur on the head face of the AP/HTPB propellant and near the internal gas chamber in these conditions. As the heating rate increases, the runaway time decreases and the ignition temperature rises.

Subscale Water Based Phase Change Material Heat Exchanger Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheth, Rubik; Hansen, Scott

2016-01-01

Supplemental heat rejection devices are required in many spacecraft as the radiators are not sized to meet the full heat rejection demand. One means of obtaining additional heat rejection is through the use of phase change material heat exchangers (PCM HX's). PCM HX's utilize phase change to store energy in unfavorable thermal environments (melting) and reject the energy in favorable environments (freezing). Traditionally, wax has been used as a PCM on spacecraft. However, water is an attractive alternative because it is capable of storing about 40% more energy per unit mass due to its higher latent heat of fusion. The significant problem in using water as a PCM is its expansion while freezing, leading to structural integrity concerns when housed in an enclosed heat exchanger volume. Significant investigation and development has taken place over the past five years to understand and overcome the problems associated with water PCM HX's. This paper reports on the final efforts by Johnson Space Center's Thermal Systems Branch to develop a water based PCM HX. The test article developed and reported on is a subscale version of the full-scale water-based PCM HX's constructed by Mezzo Technologies. The subscale unit was designed by applying prior research on freeze front propagation and previous full-scale water PCM HX development. Design modifications to the subscale unit included use of urethane bladder, decreased aspect ratio, perforated protection sheet, and use of additional mid-plates. Testing of the subscale unit was successful and 150 cycles were completed without fail.

An extensible, low-cost drifter control unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giudici, Andrea; Torsvik, Tomas; Soomere, Tarmo

2017-04-01

We introduce an extensible, low-cost drifter control unit, which is developed for use with surface drifters that are deployed in inland water bodies or near-coast regions. The control unit is custom-built on top of a small footprint micro controller. It makes use of a GPS receiver for position tracking, a GSM radio for data transmission, and two sensor buses to handle analog and digital data measured by an array of external sensors. A cloud-based data collection platform receives and stores the data transmitted over GPRS from the drifter. The control unit was found to perform satisfactorily in operational testing, providing data at sub-Hz frequency for position and temperature during extended time. Test deployments revealed some issues related to power consumption spikes. Even though the unit is fully functional in the present form and shows, on average, low energy consumption , battery packs with relatively large maximum output power are required to ensure its operation within prolonged periods of time. We expect that a further development of the power supply unit together with a careful de-synchronization scheme of sensors' operation would smooth those peaks without any loss of the quality of recorded information.

Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 105: Area 2 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 1

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

Matthews, Patrick

2014-01-01

The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 105 based on the implementation of the corrective actions. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed from October 22, 2012, through May 23, 2013, as set forth in the Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 105: Area 2 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites; and in accordance with the Soils Activity Quality Assurance Plan, which establishes requirements, technical planning, and general quality practices.

A Novel Framework Based on FastICA for High Density Surface EMG Decomposition

PubMed Central

Chen, Maoqi; Zhou, Ping

2015-01-01

This study presents a progressive FastICA peel-off (PFP) framework for high density surface electromyogram (EMG) decomposition. The novel framework is based on a shift-invariant model for describing surface EMG. The decomposition process can be viewed as progressively expanding the set of motor unit spike trains, which is primarily based on FastICA. To overcome the local convergence of FastICA, a “peel off” strategy (i.e. removal of the estimated motor unit action potential (MUAP) trains from the previous step) is used to mitigate the effects of the already identified motor units, so more motor units can be extracted. Moreover, a constrained FastICA is applied to assess the extracted spike trains and correct possible erroneous or missed spikes. These procedures work together to improve the decomposition performance. The proposed framework was validated using simulated surface EMG signals with different motor unit numbers (30, 70, 91) and signal to noise ratios (SNRs) (20, 10, 0 dB). The results demonstrated relatively large numbers of extracted motor units and high accuracies (high F1-scores). The framework was also tested with 111 trials of 64-channel electrode array experimental surface EMG signals during the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle contraction at different intensities. On average 14.1 ± 5.0 motor units were identified from each trial of experimental surface EMG signals. PMID:25775496

Detailed design and first tests of the application software for the instrument control unit of Euclid-NISP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligori, S.; Corcione, L.; Capobianco, V.; Bonino, D.; Sirri, G.; Fornari, F.; Giacomini, F.; Patrizii, L.; Valenziano, L.; Travaglini, R.; Colodro, C.; Bortoletto, F.; Bonoli, C.; Chiarusi, T.; Margiotta, A.; Mauri, N.; Pasqualini, L.; Spurio, M.; Tenti, M.; Dal Corso, F.; Dusini, S.; Laudisio, F.; Sirignano, C.; Stanco, L.; Ventura, S.; Auricchio, N.; Balestra, A.; Franceschi, E.; Morgante, G.; Trifoglio, M.; Medinaceli, E.; Guizzo, G. P.; Debei, S.; Stephen, J. B.

2016-07-01

In this paper we describe the detailed design of the application software (ASW) of the instrument control unit (ICU) of NISP, the Near-Infrared Spectro-Photometer of the Euclid mission. This software is based on a real-time operating system (RTEMS) and will interface with all the subunits of NISP, as well as the command and data management unit (CDMU) of the spacecraft for telecommand and housekeeping management. We briefly review the main requirements driving the design and the architecture of the software that is approaching the Critical Design Review level. The interaction with the data processing unit (DPU), which is the intelligent subunit controlling the detector system, is described in detail, as well as the concept for the implementation of the failure detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR) algorithms. The first version of the software is under development on a Breadboard model produced by AIRBUS/CRISA. We describe the results of the tests and the main performances and budgets.

Information management system breadboard data acquisition and control system.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mallary, W. E.

1972-01-01

Description of a breadboard configuration of an advanced information management system based on requirements for high data rates and local and centralized computation for subsystems and experiments to be housed on a space station. The system is to contain a 10-megabit-per-second digital data bus, remote terminals with preprocessor capabilities, and a central multiprocessor. A concept definition is presented for the data acquisition and control system breadboard, and a detailed account is given of the operation of the bus control unit, the bus itself, and the remote acquisition and control unit. The data bus control unit is capable of operating under control of both its own test panel and the test processor. In either mode it is capable of both single- and multiple-message operation in that it can accept a block of data requests or update commands for transmission to the remote acquisition and control unit, which in turn is capable of three levels of data-handling complexity.

Two Are Not Better than One: Combining Unitization and Relational Encoding Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tu, Hsiao-Wei; Diana, Rachel A.

2016-01-01

In recognition memory, "recollection" is defined as retrieval of the context associated with an event, whereas "familiarity" is defined as retrieval based on item strength alone. Recent studies have shown that conventional recollection-based tasks, in which context details are manipulated for source memory assessment at test,…

Dendrochemical response to soil fertilization

Treesearch

David R. DeWalle; Jeffrey S. Tepp; Bryan R. Swistock; Pamela J. Edwards; William E. Sharpe; Mary Beth Adams; James N. Kochenderfer

2003-01-01

Use of chemical element content of tree rings to detect soil acid or base changes was tested at 13 sites of former forest fertilization trials in the eastern United States and Canada. Ammonium sulfate or nitrogen fertilization was the typical acidification treatment, while lime added with or without other fertilizer was the typical base treatment. Molar ratios of...

The Research and Test of Fast Radio Burst Real-time Search Algorithm Based on GPU Acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Chen, M. Z.; Pei, X.; Wang, Z. Q.

2017-03-01

In order to satisfy the research needs of Nanshan 25 m radio telescope of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO) and study the key technology of the planned QiTai radio Telescope (QTT), the receiver group of XAO studied the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) based real-time FRB searching algorithm which developed from the original FRB searching algorithm based on CPU (Central Processing Unit), and built the FRB real-time searching system. The comparison of the GPU system and the CPU system shows that: on the basis of ensuring the accuracy of the search, the speed of the GPU accelerated algorithm is improved by 35-45 times compared with the CPU algorithm.

Functionalization of SBA-15 mesoporous silica by Cu-phosphonate units: Probing of synthesis route

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

Laskowski, Lukasz, E-mail: lukasz.laskowski@kik.pcz.pl; Czestochowa University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Al. Armii Krajowej 19, 42-201 Czestochowa; Laskowska, Magdalena, E-mail: magdalena.laskowska@onet.pl

2014-12-15

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 containing propyl-copper phosphonate units was investigated. The structure of mesoporous samples was tested by N{sub 2} isothermal sorption (BET and BHJ analysis), TEM microscopy and X-Ray scattering. Quantitative analysis EDX has given information about proportions between component atoms in the sample. Quantitative elemental analysis has been carried out to support EDX. To examine bounding between copper atoms and phosphonic units the Raman spectroscopy was carried out. As a support of Raman scattering, the theoretical calculations were made based on density functional theory, with the B3LYP method. By comparison of the calculated vibrational spectra of the molecule withmore » experimental results, distribution of the active units inside silica matrix has been determined. - Graphical abstract: The present study is devoted to mesoporous silica SBA-15 containing propyl-copper phosphonate units. The species were investigated to confirm of synthesis procedure correctness by the micro-Raman technique combined with DFT numerical simulations. Complementary research was carried out to test the structure of mesoporous samples. - Highlights: • SBA-15 silica functionalized with propyl-copper phosphonate units was synthesized. • Synthesis efficiency probed by Raman study supported with DFT simulations. • Homogenous distribution of active units was proved. • Synthesis route enables precise control of distance between copper ions.« less

Enhancing Carbon Reactivity in Mercury Control in Lignite-Fired Systems

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

Chad Wocken; Michael Holmes; John Pavlish

2008-06-30

This project was awarded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory Program Solicitation DE-PS26-03NT41718-01. The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) led a consortium-based effort to resolve mercury (Hg) control issues facing the lignite industry. The EERC team-the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); the URS Corporation; the Babcock & Wilcox Company; ADA-ES; Apogee; Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Otter Tail Power Company; Great River Energy; Texas Utilities; Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.; Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.; BNI Coal Ltd.; Dakota Westmoreland Corporation; the North American Coal Corporation; SaskPower; and the North Dakota Industrial Commission-demonstrated technologies that substantially enhanced themore » effectiveness of carbon sorbents to remove Hg from western fuel combustion gases and achieve a high level ({ge} 55% Hg removal) of cost-effective control. The results of this effort are applicable to virtually all utilities burning lignite and subbituminous coals in the United States and Canada. The enhancement processes were previously proven in pilot-scale and limited full-scale tests. Additional optimization testing continues on these enhancements. These four units included three lignite-fired units: Leland Olds Station Unit 1 (LOS1) and Stanton Station Unit 10 (SS10) near Stanton and Antelope Valley Station Unit 1 (AVS1) near Beulah and a subbituminous Powder River Basin (PRB)-fired unit: Stanton Station Unit 1 (SS1). This project was one of three conducted by the consortium under the DOE mercury program to systematically test Hg control technologies available for utilities burning lignite. The overall objective of the three projects was to field-test and verify options that may be applied cost-effectively by the lignite industry to reduce Hg emissions. The EERC, URS, and other team members tested sorbent injection technologies for plants equipped with electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and spray dryer absorbers combined with fabric filters (SDAs-FFs). The work focused on technology commercialization by involving industry and emphasizing the communication of results to vendors and utilities throughout the project.« less

Development of a 12-Thrust Chamber Kerosene /Oxygen Primary Rocket Sub-System for an Early (1964) Air-Augmented Rocket Ground-Test System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pryor, D.; Hyde, E. H.; Escher, W. J. D.

1999-01-01

Airbreathing/Rocket combined-cycle, and specifically rocket-based combined- cycle (RBCC), propulsion systems, typically employ an internal engine flow-path installed primary rocket subsystem. To achieve acceptably short mixing lengths in effecting the "air augmentation" process, a large rocket-exhaust/air interfacial mixing surface is needed. This leads, in some engine design concepts, to a "cluster" of small rocket units, suitably arrayed in the flowpath. To support an early (1964) subscale ground-test of a specific RBCC concept, such a 12-rocket cluster was developed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The small primary rockets used in the cluster assembly were modified versions of an existing small kerosene/oxygen water-cooled rocket engine unit routinely tested at MSFC. Following individual thrust-chamber tests and overall subsystem qualification testing, the cluster assembly was installed at the U. S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) for RBCC systems testing. (The results of the special air-augmented rocket testing are not covered here.) While this project was eventually successfully completed, a number of hardware integration problems were met, leading to catastrophic thrust chamber failures. The principal "lessons learned" in conducting this early primary rocket subsystem experimental effort are documented here as a basic knowledge-base contribution for the benefit of today's RBCC research and development community.

The Shift in Emphasis From Risk-Based to Age-Based Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing in the US Tends to Remove Injection Drug Use From Discourse on HCV.

PubMed

Jordan, Ashly E; Perlman, David C

2017-02-23

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is hyperendemic among people who inject drugs; nonsterile drug injection is the principle risk for HCV acquisition. Due to gaps in the HCV care continuum, there have been recommendations in the United States emphasizing age-rather than risk-based testing strategies. The central research focus of this project is to explore the meanings and implications of the shift in emphasis from risk-based to age-based HCV testing with regard to people who use drugs. Content analysis and critical discourse analysis, informed by eco-social theory, were used to examine relevant documents. Fifteen documents were assessed for eligibility; 6 documents comprised the final set reviewed. In content analysis, age-based testing was both mentioned more frequently and was supported more strongly than risk-based testing. Risk-based testing was frequently mentioned in terms minimizing its use and drug use was often mentioned only euphemistically. The reframed emphasis largely removed discussion of injection drug use from discussion of HCV risks. Shifting the emphasis of HCV testing from testing based on specific routes of transmission and risk to testing based on age removes injection drug use from HCV discourse. This has the potential to either facilitate HCV care for drug users or to further stigmatize and marginalize drug use and people who use drugs. The potential implications of this shift in testing emphasis for public health merit further investigation.

Cost benefit analysis of malaria rapid diagnostic test: the perspective of Nigerian community pharmacists.

PubMed

Ezennia, Ifeoma Jovita; Nduka, Sunday Odunke; Ekwunife, Obinna Ikechukwu

2017-01-03

In 2010, the World Health Organization issued a guideline that calls for a shift from presumptive to test-based treatment. However, test-based treatment is still unpopular in community pharmacies. This could be due to unwillingness of customers to spend extra finance on rapid diagnostic test (RDT). It could also result from lack of interest from community pharmacists since they may perceive no financial gain attached to this service. This study assessed the cost-benefit of test-based malaria treatment to community pharmacists. The study was a community pharmacy-based cross sectional survey. Potential benefit of RDT was determined using customers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for service. Average WTP was estimated using contingent valuation. Binary logistic regression was used to assess correlates of WTP acceptance while multiple linear regression was used to model the relationship between the independent variables and WTP amount. Cost associated with provision of RDT was estimated from provider's perspective. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to capture parameter uncertainty. Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was calculated to determine study objective. A total of 135 out of 235 participants (57.4%) responded to the WTP question. Of this subset, 111 participants (82.2%) preferred RDT before malaria treatment. Average WTP [minimum-maximum] was US$1.23 [US$0.0-US$5.03]. Educated participants had 1.8 times higher odds of WTP for RDT. Participants that understood RDT as described in the questionnaire had 18.3 times higher odds of WTP for RDT compared to participants that did not understand RDT as described in the questionnaire. Additionally, a unit increase in level of education (e.g. from primary to secondary school) led to US$0.298 increase in WTP amount for RDT. Also, a unit increase in malaria frequency (e.g. from 'never' to 'rarely') led to US$0.293 decrease in WTP amount for RDT. Average cost [minimum-maximum] of RDT test kit and pharmacist time spent in administering the test were US$0.15 [US$0.13-US$0.17] and US$0.41 [US$0.18-US$0.52], respectively. BCR of test-based malaria treatment was 6.7 (95% CI 6.4-7.0). Test-based malaria treatment is cost-beneficial for pharmacy practitioners. This finding could be used as an advocacy tool to increase community pharmacists' interest and uptake of test-based malaria treatment.

Prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy and prenatal syphilis testing in Brazil: birth in Brazil study.

PubMed

Domingues, Rosa Maria Soares Madeira; Szwarcwald, Celia Landmann; Souza Junior, Paulo Roberto Borges; Leal, Maria do Carmo

2014-10-01

Determine the coverage rate of syphilis testing during prenatal care and the prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women in Brazil. This is a national hospital-based cohort study conducted in Brazil with 23,894 postpartum women between 2011 and 2012. Data were obtained using interviews with postpartum women, hospital records, and prenatal care cards. All postpartum women with a reactive serological test result recorded in the prenatal care card or syphilis diagnosis during hospitalization for childbirth were considered cases of syphilis in pregnancy. The Chi-square test was used for determining the disease prevalence and testing coverage rate by region of residence, self-reported skin color, maternal age, and type of prenatal and child delivery care units. Prenatal care covered 98.7% postpartum women. Syphilis testing coverage rate was 89.1% (one test) and 41.2% (two tests), and syphilis prevalence in pregnancy was 1.02% (95% CI 0.84; 1.25). A lower prenatal coverage rate was observed among women in the North region, indigenous women, those with less education, and those who received prenatal care in public health care units. A lower testing coverage rate was observed among residents in the North, Northeast, and Midwest regions, among younger and non-white skin-color women, among those with lower education, and those who received prenatal care in public health care units. An increased prevalence of syphilis was observed among women with < 8 years of education (1.74%), who self-reported as black (1.8%) or mixed (1.2%), those who did not receive prenatal care (2.5%), and those attending public (1.37%) or mixed (0.93%) health care units. The estimated prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy was similar to that reported in the last sentinel surveillance study conducted in 2006. There was an improvement in prenatal care and testing coverage rate, and the goals suggested by the World Health Organization were achieved in two regions. Regional and social inequalities in access to health care units, coupled with other gaps in health assistance, have led to the persistence of congenital syphilis as a major public health problem in Brazil.

Prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy and prenatal syphilis testing in Brazil: Birth in Brazil study

PubMed Central

Domingues, Rosa Maria Soares Madeira; Szwarcwald, Celia Landmann; Souza, Paulo Roberto Borges; Leal, Maria do Carmo

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE Determine the coverage rate of syphilis testing during prenatal care and the prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women in Brazil. METHODS This is a national hospital-based cohort study conducted in Brazil with 23,894 postpartum women between 2011 and 2012. Data were obtained using interviews with postpartum women, hospital records, and prenatal care cards. All postpartum women with a reactive serological test result recorded in the prenatal care card or syphilis diagnosis during hospitalization for childbirth were considered cases of syphilis in pregnancy. The Chi-square test was used for determining the disease prevalence and testing coverage rate by region of residence, self-reported skin color, maternal age, and type of prenatal and child delivery care units. RESULTS Prenatal care covered 98.7% postpartum women. Syphilis testing coverage rate was 89.1% (one test) and 41.2% (two tests), and syphilis prevalence in pregnancy was 1.02% (95%CI 0.84;1.25). A lower prenatal coverage rate was observed among women in the North region, indigenous women, those with less education, and those who received prenatal care in public health care units. A lower testing coverage rate was observed among residents in the North, Northeast, and Midwest regions, among younger and non-white skin-color women, among those with lower education, and those who received prenatal care in public health care units. An increased prevalence of syphilis was observed among women with < 8 years of education (1.74%), who self-reported as black (1.8%) or mixed (1.2%), those who did not receive prenatal care (2.5%), and those attending public (1.37%) or mixed (0.93%) health care units. CONCLUSIONS The estimated prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy was similar to that reported in the last sentinel surveillance study conducted in 2006. There was an improvement in prenatal care and testing coverage rate, and the goals suggested by the World Health Organization were achieved in two regions. Regional and social inequalities in access to health care units, coupled with other gaps in health assistance, have led to the persistence of congenital syphilis as a major public health problem in Brazil. PMID:25372167

IPv6 Test Bed for Testing Aeronautical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkins, Ryan; Zernic, Michael; Dhas, Chris

2004-01-01

Aviation industries in United States and in Europe are undergoing a major paradigm shift in the introduction of new network technologies. In the US, NASA is also actively investigating the feasibility of IPv6 based networks for the aviation needs of the United States. In Europe, the Eurocontrol lead, Internet Protocol for Aviation Exchange (iPAX) Working Group is actively investigating the various ways of migrating the aviation authorities backbone infrastructure from X.25 based networks to an IPv6 based network. For the last 15 years, the global aviation community has pursued the development and implementation of an industry-specific set of communications standards known as the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN). These standards are now beginning to affect the emerging military Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) community as well as the commercial air transport community. Efforts are continuing to gain a full understanding of the differences and similarities between ATN and Internet architectures as related to Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure choices. This research paper describes the implementation of the IPv6 test bed at NASA GRC, and Computer Networks & Software, Inc. and these two test beds are interface to Eurocontrol over the IPv4 Internet. This research work looks into the possibility of providing QoS performance for Aviation application in an IPv6 network as is provided in an ATN based network. The test bed consists of three autonomous systems. The autonomous system represents CNS domain, NASA domain and a EUROCONTROL domain. The primary mode of connection between CNS IPv6 testbed and NASA and EUROCONTROL IPv6 testbed is initially a set of IPv6 over IPv4 tunnels. The aviation application under test (CPDLC) consists of two processes running on different IPv6 enabled machines.

Development report: Automatic System Test and Calibration (ASTAC) equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thoren, R. J.

1981-01-01

A microcomputer based automatic test system was developed for the daily performance monitoring of wind energy system time domain (WEST) analyzer. The test system consists of a microprocessor based controller and hybrid interface unit which are used for inputing prescribed test signals into all WEST subsystems and for monitoring WEST responses to these signals. Performance is compared to theoretically correct performance levels calculated off line on a large general purpose digital computer. Results are displayed on a cathode ray tube or are available from a line printer. Excessive drift and/or lack of repeatability of the high speed analog sections within WEST is easily detected and the malfunctioning hardware identified using this system.

Technical Issues Related to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garwin, Richard L.

2003-04-01

The National Academy of Sciences recently published a detailed study of technical factors related to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), with emphasis on those issues that arose when the Senate declined to ratify the Treaty in 1999. The study considered (1) the capacity of the United States to maintain confidence in the safety and reliability of its nuclear weapons without nuclear testing; (2) the capabilities of the international nuclear-test monitoring system; and (3) the advances in nuclear weapons capabilities that other countries might make through low-yield testing that might escape detection. Excluding political factors, the committee considered three possible future worlds: (1) a world without a CTBT; (2) a world in which the signatories comply with a CTBT; and (3) a world in the signatories evade its strictures within the limits set by the detection system. The talk and ensuing discussion will elaborate on the study. The principal conclusion of the report, based solely on technical reasons, is that the national security of the United States is better served with a CTBT in force than without it, whether or not other signatories conduct low level but undetected tests in violation of the treaty. Moreover, the study finds that nuclear testing would not add substantially to the US Stockpile Stewardship Program in allowing the United States to maintain confidence in the assessment of its existing nuclear weapons.

Technical Issues Related to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2003-03-01

The National Academy of Sciences recently completed a detailed study of the technical factors related to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), with emphasis on those issues that arose when the Senate declined to ratify the Treaty in 1999. The study considered (1) the capacity of the United States to maintain confidence in the safety and reliability of its nuclear weapons without nuclear testing; (2) the capabilities of the international nuclear-test monitoring system; and (3) the advances in nuclear weapons capabilities that other countries might make through low-yield testing that might escape detection. While political factors were excluded, the committee considered three possible future worlds: (1) a world without a CTBT; (2) a world in which the signatories comply with a CTBT; and (3) a world in the signatories evade its strictures within the limits set by the detection system. The talk will elaborate on the study. The primary conclusion, based solely on technical reasons, is that the national security of the United States is better served with a CTBT in force than without it, whether or not other signatories conduct low level but undetected tests in violation of the treaty. Moreover, the study finds that nuclear testing would not add substantially to the US Stockpile Stewardship Program in allowing the United States to maintain confidence in the assessment of its existing nuclear weapons."

Testing of DentStat (trademark) and Competing Dental Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-13

NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT SAN ANTONIO TESTING OF DENTST AT™ AND COMPETING DENTAL MATERIALS Y OON HWANG PHD, JONATHAN STAHL DDS PHD, WAYNE M. D...LtCOL Wen Lien of the US Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service for assistance with the strength testing. 1 Reviewed and Approved by...direct dental repair materials. They are made of calcium or strontium aluminofluoro-silicate glass powder (base) combined with a water-soluble polymer

Automated unit-level testing with heuristic rules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlisle, W. Homer; Chang, Kai-Hsiung; Cross, James H.; Keleher, William; Shackelford, Keith

1990-01-01

Software testing plays a significant role in the development of complex software systems. Current testing methods generally require significant effort to generate meaningful test cases. The QUEST/Ada system is a prototype system designed using CLIPS to experiment with expert system based test case generation. The prototype is designed to test for condition coverage, and attempts to generate test cases to cover all feasible branches contained in an Ada program. This paper reports on heuristics sued by the system. These heuristics vary according to the amount of knowledge obtained by preprocessing and execution of the boolean conditions in the program.

Analytical design and performance studies of nuclear furnace tests of small nuclear light bulb models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latham, T. S.; Rodgers, R. J.

1972-01-01

Analytical studies were continued to identify the design and performance characteristics of a small-scale model of a nuclear light bulb unit cell suitable for testing in a nuclear furnace reactor. Emphasis was placed on calculating performance characteristics based on detailed radiant heat transfer analyses, on designing the test assembly for ease of insertion, connection, and withdrawal at the reactor test cell, and on determining instrumentation and test effluent handling requirements. In addition, a review of candidate test reactors for future nuclear light bulb in-reactor tests was conducted.

3D web based learning of medical equipment employed in intensive care units.

PubMed

Cetin, Aydın

2012-02-01

In this paper, both synchronous and asynchronous web based learning of 3D medical equipment models used in hospital intensive care unit have been described over the moodle course management system. 3D medical equipment models were designed with 3ds Max 2008, then converted to ASE format and added interactivity displayed with Viewpoint-Enliven. 3D models embedded in a web page in html format with dynamic interactivity-rotating, panning and zooming by dragging a mouse over images-and descriptive information is embedded to 3D model by using xml format. A pilot test course having 15 h was applied to technicians who is responsible for intensive care unit at Medical Devices Repairing and Maintenance Center (TABOM) of Turkish High Specialized Hospital.

Risk management, or just a different risk?

PubMed Central

Freer, Y; Lyon, A

2006-01-01

Background National reporting of adverse incidents has resulted in a number of clinical alerts being issued. Despite a lack of evidence, these alerts are often accompanied by a mandatory requirement to alter practice. There is likely to be clinician resistance to such a method of change management, particularly where evidence of safety is missing. Aim To determine the level of implementation within neonatal units of an alert requiring the change from litmus to pH paper to test nasogastric tube position. Method A questionnaire sent to all neonatal units in the United Kingdom with more than 12 cots. Results From the 207 questionnaires sent, there were 165 (80%) responses. Fifty five percent of units were still using litmus. All continued to use supplementary tests not recommended in best practice statements issued at the time of the alert. There was considerable variation in the pH value at which it was considered safe to feed. Conclusions Nine months after the alert, more than half the units had not changed to pH paper, and supplementary methods of testing were still being used. The wide range of pH values highlights the uncertainty about the “normal” gastric pH in the newborn. The evidence that, in neonatal units, changing to pH paper is safer than the long established use of litmus is lacking. Recommendations for change in practice must be based on good information and not seen just as a “knee jerk” response to adverse incidents. PMID:16464936

System Testing of Ground Cooling System Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ensey, Tyler Steven

2014-01-01

This internship focused primarily upon software unit testing of Ground Cooling System (GCS) components, one of the three types of tests (unit, integrated, and COTS/regression) utilized in software verification. Unit tests are used to test the software of necessary components before it is implemented into the hardware. A unit test determines that the control data, usage procedures, and operating procedures of a particular component are tested to determine if the program is fit for use. Three different files are used to make and complete an efficient unit test. These files include the following: Model Test file (.mdl), Simulink SystemTest (.test), and autotest (.m). The Model Test file includes the component that is being tested with the appropriate Discrete Physical Interface (DPI) for testing. The Simulink SystemTest is a program used to test all of the requirements of the component. The autotest tests that the component passes Model Advisor and System Testing, and puts the results into proper files. Once unit testing is completed on the GCS components they can then be implemented into the GCS Schematic and the software of the GCS model as a whole can be tested using integrated testing. Unit testing is a critical part of software verification; it allows for the testing of more basic components before a model of higher fidelity is tested, making the process of testing flow in an orderly manner.

Research and development of energy-efficient appliance motor-compressors. Volume IV. Production demonstration and field test

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

Middleton, M.G.; Sauber, R.S.

Two models of a high-efficiency compressor were manufactured in a pilot production run. These compressors were for low back-pressure applications. While based on a production compressor, there were many changes that required production process changes. Some changes were performed within our company and others were made by outside vendors. The compressors were used in top mount refrigerator-freezers and sold in normal distribution channels. Forty units were placed in residences for a one-year field test. Additional compressors were built so that a life test program could be performed. The results of the field test reveal a 27.0% improvement in energy consumptionmore » for the 18 ft/sup 3/ high-efficiency model and a 15.6% improvement in the 21 ft/sup 3/ improvement in the 21 ft/sup 3/ high-efficiency model as compared to the standard production unit.« less

Cosmo Cassette: A Microfluidic Microgravity Microbial System For Synthetic Biology Unit Tests and Satellite Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berliner, Aaron J.

2013-01-01

Although methods in the design-build-test life cycle of the synthetic biology field have grown rapidly, the expansion has been non-uniform. The design and build stages in development have seen innovations in the form of biological CAD and more efficient means for building DNA, RNA, and other biological constructs. The testing phase of the cycle remains in need of innovation. Presented will be both a theoretical abstraction of biological measurement and a practical demonstration of a microfluidics-based platform for characterizing synthetic biological phenomena. Such a platform demonstrates a design of additive manufacturing (3D printing) for construction of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) to be used in experiments carried out in space. First, the biocompatibility of the polypropylene chassis will be demonstrated. The novel MFCs will be cheaper, and faster to make and iterate through designs. The novel design will contain a manifold switchingdistribution system and an integrated in-chip set of reagent reservoirs fabricated via 3D printing. The automated nature of the 3D printing yields itself to higher resolution switching valves and leads to smaller sized payloads, lower cost, reduced power and a standardized platform for synthetic biology unit tests on Earth and in space. It will be demonstrated that the application of unit testing in synthetic biology will lead to the automatic construction and validation of desired constructs. Unit testing methodologies offer benefits of preemptive problem identification, change of facility, simplicity of integration, ease of documentation, and separation of interface from implementation, and automated design.

Recent Declines in Infant Mortality in the United States, 2005-2011

MedlinePlus

... 37 completed weeks of gestation. Data source and methods Data presented in this report were based on ... Text statements were tested for statistical significance using methods described elsewhere ( 3 ), and a statement that a ...

Reliability considerations of a fuel cell backup power system for telecom applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serincan, Mustafa Fazil

2016-03-01

A commercial fuel cell backup power unit is tested in real life operating conditions at a base station of a Turkish telecom operator. The fuel cell system responds to 256 of 260 electric power outages successfully, providing the required power to the base station. Reliability of the fuel cell backup power unit is found to be 98.5% at the system level. On the other hand, a qualitative reliability analysis at the component level is carried out. Implications of the power management algorithm on reliability is discussed. Moreover, integration of the backup power unit to the base station ecosystem is reviewed in the context of reliability. Impact of inverter design on the stability of the output power is outlined. Significant current harmonics are encountered when a generic inverter is used. However, ripples are attenuated significantly when a custom design inverter is used. Further, fault conditions are considered for real world case studies such as running out of hydrogen, a malfunction in the system, or an unprecedented operating scheme. Some design guidelines are suggested for hybridization of the backup power unit for an uninterrupted operation.

Swarm based mean-variance mapping optimization (MVMOS) for solving economic dispatch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoa, T. H.; Vasant, P. M.; Singh, M. S. Balbir; Dieu, V. N.

2014-10-01

The economic dispatch (ED) is an essential optimization task in the power generation system. It is defined as the process of allocating the real power output of generation units to meet required load demand so as their total operating cost is minimized while satisfying all physical and operational constraints. This paper introduces a novel optimization which named as Swarm based Mean-variance mapping optimization (MVMOS). The technique is the extension of the original single particle mean-variance mapping optimization (MVMO). Its features make it potentially attractive algorithm for solving optimization problems. The proposed method is implemented for three test power systems, including 3, 13 and 20 thermal generation units with quadratic cost function and the obtained results are compared with many other methods available in the literature. Test results have indicated that the proposed method can efficiently implement for solving economic dispatch.

Novel Galvanic Corrosion Inhibitors: Synthesis, Characterization, Fabrication and Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-30

have attempted to develop methods based on chemical structural modification to prevent galvanically-induced composite corrosion. [9, 10-12] These...of the two metallopolymers 11 and 12 show characteristic MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) absorption band of tris(bipyridyl)Ru(II) unit at k...showed absorption band at 450 nm and emission band at 325 nm of tris(bipyridyl)Ru(II) units in its respective UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. Very

Advanced Stirling Convertor Dynamic Test Approach and Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meer, David W.; Hill, Dennis; Ursic, Joseph

2009-01-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system for space science missions. As part of the extended operation testing of this power system, the Advanced Stirling Converters (ASC) at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center undergo a vibration test sequence intended to simulate the vibration history of an ASC used in an ASRG for a space mission. This sequence includes testing at Workmanship and Flight Acceptance levels interspersed with periods of extended operation to simulate pre and post fueling. The final step in the test sequence utilizes additional testing at Flight Acceptance levels to simulate launch. To better replicate the acceleration profile seen by an ASC incorporated into an ASRG, the input spectra used in testing the convertors was modified based on dynamic testing of the ASRG Engineering Unit ( ASRG-EU) at Lockheed Martin. This paper presents the vibration test plan for current and future ASC units, including the modified input spectra, and the results of recent tests using these spectra. The test results include data from several accelerometers mounted on the convertors as well as the piston position and output power variables.

A Hydrostratigraphic System for Modeling Groundwater Flow and Radionuclide Migration at the Corrective Action Unit Scale, Nevada Test Site and Surrounding Areas, Clark, Lincoln, and Nye Counties, Nevada

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

Prothro, Lance; Drellack Jr., Sigmund; Mercadante, Jennifer

2009-01-31

Underground Test Area (UGTA) corrective action unit (CAU) groundwater flow and contaminant transport models of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and vicinity are built upon hydrostratigraphic framework models (HFMs) that utilize the hydrostratigraphic unit (HSU) as the fundamental modeling component. The delineation and three-dimensional (3-D) modeling of HSUs within the highly complex geologic terrain that is the NTS requires a hydrostratigraphic system that is internally consistent, yet flexible enough to account for overlapping model areas, varied geologic terrain, and the development of multiple alternative HFMs. The UGTA CAU-scale hydrostratigraphic system builds on more than 50 years of geologic and hydrologicmore » work in the NTS region. It includes 76 HSUs developed from nearly 300 stratigraphic units that span more than 570 million years of geologic time, and includes rock units as diverse as marine carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, granitic intrusives, rhyolitic lavas and ash-flow tuffs, and alluvial valley-fill deposits. The UGTA CAU-scale hydrostratigraphic system uses a geology-based approach and two-level classification scheme. The first, or lowest, level of the hydrostratigraphic system is the hydrogeologic unit (HGU). Rocks in a model area are first classified as one of ten HGUs based on the rock’s ability to transmit groundwater (i.e., nature of their porosity and permeability), which at the NTS is mainly a function of the rock’s primary lithology, type and degree of postdepositional alteration, and propensity to fracture. The second, or highest, level within the UGTA CAU-scale hydrostratigraphic system is the HSU, which is the fundamental mapping/modeling unit within UGTA CAU-scale HFMs. HSUs are 3-D bodies that are represented in the finite element mesh for the UGTA groundwater modeling process. HSUs are defined systematically by stratigraphically organizing HGUs of similar character into larger HSUs designations. The careful integration of stratigraphic information in the development of HSUs is important to assure individual HSUs are internally consistent, correlatable, and mappable throughout all the model areas.« less

Evaluating the Validity of Accommodations for English Learners through Evidence Based on Response Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crotts, Katrina M.

2013-01-01

English learners (ELs) represent one of the fastest growing student populations in the United States. Given that language can serve as a barrier in EL performance, test accommodations are provided to help level the playing field and allow ELs to better demonstrate their true performance level. Test accommodations on the computer offer the ability…

Defect Depth Measurement Using White Light Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Don; Starr, Stan

2009-01-01

The objectives of the White Light Interferometry project are the following: (1) Demonstrate a small hand-held instrument capable of performing inspections of identified defects on Orbiter outer pane window surfaces. (2) Build and field-test a prototype device using miniaturized optical components. (3) Modify the instrument based on field testing and begin the conversion of the unit to become a certified shop-aid.

Operational Assessment of Color Vision

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-20

evaluated in this study. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Color vision, aviation, cone contrast test, Colour Assessment & Diagnosis , color Dx, OBVA 16. SECURITY...symbologies are frequently used to aid or direct critical activities such as aircraft landing approaches or railroad right-of-way designations...computer-generated display systems have facilitated the development of computer-based, automated tests of color vision [14,15]. The United Kingdom’s

Documentation and archiving of the Space Shuttle wind tunnel test data base. Volume 1: Background and description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romere, Paul O.; Brown, Steve Wesley

1995-01-01

Development of the space shuttle necessitated an extensive wind tunnel test program, with the cooperation of all the major wind tunnels in the United States. The result was approximately 100,000 hours of space shuttle wind tunnel testing conducted for aerodynamics, heat transfer, and structural dynamics. The test results were converted into Chrysler DATAMAN computer program format to facilitate use by analysts, a very cost effective method of collecting the wind tunnel test results from many test facilities into one centralized location. This report provides final documentation of the space shuttle wind tunnel program. The two-volume set covers evolution of space shuttle aerodynamic configurations and gives wind tunnel test data, titles of wind tunnel data reports, sample data sets, and instructions for accessing the digital data base.

DOE Coal Gasification Multi-Test Facility: fossil fuel processing technical/professional services

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

Hefferan, J.K.; Lee, G.Y.; Boesch, L.P.

1979-07-13

A conceptual design, including process descriptions, heat and material balances, process flow diagrams, utility requirements, schedule, capital and operating cost estimate, and alternative design considerations, is presented for the DOE Coal Gasification Multi-Test Facility (GMTF). The GMTF, an engineering scale facility, is to provide a complete plant into which different types of gasifiers and conversion/synthesis equipment can be readily integrated for testing in an operational environment at relatively low cost. The design allows for operation of several gasifiers simultaneously at a total coal throughput of 2500 tons/day; individual gasifiers operate at up to 1200 tons/day and 600 psig using airmore » or oxygen. Ten different test gasifiers can be in place at the facility, but only three can be operated at one time. The GMTF can produce a spectrum of saleable products, including low Btu, synthesis and pipeline gases, hydrogen (for fuel cells or hydrogasification), methanol, gasoline, diesel and fuel oils, organic chemicals, and electrical power (potentially). In 1979 dollars, the base facility requires a $288 million capital investment for common-use units, $193 million for four gasification units and four synthesis units, and $305 million for six years of operation. Critical reviews of detailed vendor designs are appended for a methanol synthesis unit, three entrained flow gasifiers, a fluidized bed gasifier, and a hydrogasifier/slag-bath gasifier.« less

Methods for the Quality Control of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccines.

PubMed

Wilton, Thomas

2016-01-01

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) plays an instrumental role in the Global Poliovirus Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The quality of IPV is controlled by assessment of the potency of vaccine batches. The potency of IPV can be assessed by both in vivo and in vitro methods. In vitro potency assessment is based upon the assessment of the quantity of the D-Antigen (D-Ag) units in an IPV. The D-Ag unit is used as a measure of potency as it is largely expressed on native infectious virions and is the protective immunogen. The most commonly used in vitro test is the indirect ELISA which is used to ensure consistency throughout production.A range of in vivo assays have been developed in monkeys, chicks, guinea pigs, mice, and rats to assess the potency of IPV. All are based on assessment of the neutralizing antibody titer within the sera of the respective animal model. The rat potency test has become the favored in vivo potency test as it shows minimal variation between laboratories and the antibody patterns of rats and humans are similar. With the development of transgenic mice expressing the human poliovirus receptor, immunization-challenge tests have been developed to assess the potency of IPVs. This chapter describes in detail the methodology of these three laboratory tests to assess the quality of IPVs.

Design of BLDCM emulator for transmission control units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chang; He, Yongyi; Zhang, Bodong

2018-04-01

According to the testing requirements of the transmission control unit, a brushless DC motor emulating system is designed based on motor simulation and power hardware-in-the-loop. The discrete motor model is established and a real-time numerical method is designed to solve the motor states. The motor emulator directly interacts with power stage of the transmission control unit using a power-efficient circuit topology and is compatible with sensor-less control. Experiments on a laboratory prototype help to verify that the system can emulate the real motor currents and voltages whenever the motor is starting up or suddenly loaded.

Analytical validation of a novel multiplex test for detection of advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients.

PubMed

Dillon, Roslyn; Croner, Lisa J; Bucci, John; Kairs, Stefanie N; You, Jia; Beasley, Sharon; Blimline, Mark; Carino, Rochele B; Chan, Vicky C; Cuevas, Danissa; Diggs, Jeff; Jennings, Megan; Levy, Jacob; Mina, Ginger; Yee, Alvin; Wilcox, Bruce

2018-05-30

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is key to reducing associated mortality. Despite the importance of early detection, approximately 40% of individuals in the United States between the ages of 50-75 have never been screened for CRC. The low compliance with colonoscopy and fecal-based screening may be addressed with a non-invasive alternative such as a blood-based test. We describe here the analytical validation of a multiplexed blood-based assay that measures the plasma concentrations of 15 proteins to assess advanced adenoma (AA) and CRC risk in symptomatic patients. The test was developed on an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay platform employing four multi-marker panels, to be implemented in the clinic as a laboratory developed test (LDT). Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations, a United States-based clinical laboratory utilizing an LDT must establish performance characteristics relating to analytical validity prior to releasing patient test results. This report describes a series of studies demonstrating the precision, accuracy, analytical sensitivity, and analytical specificity for each of the 15 assays, as required by CLIA/CAP. In addition, the report describes studies characterizing each of the assays' dynamic range, parallelism, tolerance to common interfering substances, spike recovery, and stability to sample freeze-thaw cycles. Upon completion of the analytical characterization, a clinical accuracy study was performed to evaluate concordance of AA and CRC classifier model calls using the analytical method intended for use in the clinic. Of 434 symptomatic patient samples tested, the percent agreement with original CRC and AA calls was 87% and 92% respectively. All studies followed CLSI guidelines and met the regulatory requirements for implementation of a new LDT. The results provide the analytical evidence to support the implementation of the novel multi-marker test as a clinical test for evaluating CRC and AA risk in symptomatic individuals. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-isolated 30 kW class arcjet PCU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, See-Pok; Britt, Edward J.

1994-03-01

A 30 kW class arcjet Power Conditioning Unit, PCU, was built and tested during this Phase 2 SBIR contract. The PCU is an improved version of two previously developed PCU's. All of these units are 3-phase, 20 kHz buck regulators with current mode feed back to modulate the duty cycle to control the arcjet current at any selected operating point. The steady state control can assure arcjet stability despite the negative dynamic resistance of the arc discharge. The system also has a circuit to produce a high voltage start pulse to breakdown the gas and initiate the arc. The start pulse is formed by temporarily switching a short current path across the output terminals with a special solid state switching array. The switches then open rapidly, and the energy stored in the output inductors of the buck regulator produces a pulse of approximately 2500 V for approximately 500 nsec. The system was tested and modified until the transition to steady operation occurred after start up with a very small surge current overshoot. The system also can withstand a direct short circuit across the output without damage. The automatic feed back control simply reduces the duty cycle to hold the current at the set point. When the short is removed the full power output is immediately restored. This latest version arcjet PCU is conduction cooled to remove waste heat by conduction to the base plate. This unit is closer to flight a type of design than the previous functional bread boards. Waste heat is small because the PCU has a very high efficiency, 296 percent. The PCU was extensively tested with resistor loads to simulate operation with an arcjet. The unit was tested with ammonia arcjets at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Approximately 400 hours of testing were completed, with several starts. Many hours were also demonstrated with resistive loads.

Non-isolated 30 kW class arcjet PCU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, See-Pok; Britt, Edward J.

1994-01-01

A 30 kW class arcjet Power Conditioning Unit, PCU, was built and tested during this Phase 2 SBIR contract. The PCU is an improved version of two previously developed PCU's. All of these units are 3-phase, 20 kHz buck regulators with current mode feed back to modulate the duty cycle to control the arcjet current at any selected operating point. The steady state control can assure arcjet stability despite the negative dynamic resistance of the arc discharge. The system also has a circuit to produce a high voltage start pulse to breakdown the gas and initiate the arc. The start pulse is formed by temporarily switching a short current path across the output terminals with a special solid state switching array. The switches then open rapidly, and the energy stored in the output inductors of the buck regulator produces a pulse of approximately 2500 V for approximately 500 nsec. The system was tested and modified until the transition to steady operation occurred after start up with a very small surge current overshoot. The system also can withstand a direct short circuit across the output without damage. The automatic feed back control simply reduces the duty cycle to hold the current at the set point. When the short is removed the full power output is immediately restored. This latest version arcjet PCU is conduction cooled to remove waste heat by conduction to the base plate. This unit is closer to flight a type of design than the previous functional bread boards. Waste heat is small because the PCU has a very high efficiency, 296 percent. The PCU was extensively tested with resistor loads to simulate operation with an arcjet. The unit was tested with ammonia arcjets at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Approximately 400 hours of testing were completed, with several starts. Many hours were also demonstrated with resistive loads. Some testing with hydrogen arcjets was also carried out at NASA LeRC. This system concept is now the design base for the ATTD program.

Green Propulsion Auxiliary Power Unit Demonstration at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Joel W.

2014-01-01

In 2012, the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) began the process of building an integrated technology roadmap, including both technology pull and technology push strategies. Technology Area 1 (TA-01)1 for Launch Propulsion Systems is one of fourteen TAs that provide recommendations for the overall technology investment strategy and prioritization of NASA's space technology activities. Identified within TA-01 was the need for a green propulsion auxiliary power unit (APU) for hydraulic power by 2015. Engineers led by the author at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have been evaluating green propellant alternatives and have begun the development of an APU test bed to demonstrate the feasibility of use. NASA has residual APU assets remaining from the retired Space Shuttle Program. Likewise, the F-16 Falcon fighter jet also uses an Emergency Power Unit (EPU) that has similar characteristics to the NASA hardware. Both EPU and APU components have been acquired for testing at MSFC. This paper will summarize the status of the testing efforts of green propellant from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) propellant AFM315E based on hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN) with these test assets.

QUEST/Ada (query utility environment for software testing of Ada: The development of a program analysis environment for Ada, task 1, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, David B.

1991-01-01

The results of research and development efforts of the first six months of Task 1, Phase 3 of the project are presented. The goals of Phase 3 are: (1) to further refine the rule base and complete the comparative rule base evaluation; (2) to implement and evaluate a concurrency testing prototype; (3) to convert the complete (unit-level and concurrency) testing prototype to a workstation environment; and (4) to provide a prototype development document to facilitate the transfer of research technology to a working environment. These goals were partially met and the results are summarized.

Characterization of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator EU2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewandowski, Edward J.; Oriti, Salvatore M.; Schifer, Nicholas A.

2015-01-01

Significant progress was made developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), a 140-watt radioisotope power system. While the ASRG flight development project has ended, the hardware that was designed and built under the project is continuing to be tested to support future Stirling-based power system development. NASA GRC recently completed the assembly of the ASRG Engineering Unit 2 (EU2). The ASRG EU2 consists of the first pair of Sunpower's ASC-E3 Stirling convertors mounted in an aluminum housing, and Lockheed Martin's Engineering Development Unit (EDU) 4 controller (a fourth generation controller). The ASC-E3 convertors and Generator Housing Assembly (GHA) closely match the intended ASRG Qualification Unit flight design. A series of tests were conducted to characterize the EU2, its controller, and the convertors in the flight-like GHA. The GHA contained an argon cover gas for these tests. The tests included: measurement of convertor, controller, and generator performance and efficiency, quantification of control authority of the controller, disturbance force measurement with varying piston phase and piston amplitude, and measurement of the effect of spacecraft DC bus voltage on EU2 performance. The results of these tests are discussed and summarized, providing a basic understanding of EU2 characteristics and the performance and capability of the EDU 4 controller.

Methods and instruments for materials testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansma, Paul (Inventor); Drake, Barney (Inventor); Rehn, Douglas (Inventor); Adams, Jonathan (Inventor); Lulejian, Jason (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing. Optionally, a measurement unit containing the test probe and reference probe is connected to a base unit with a wireless connection, allowing in the field material testing.

Inquiry-Based Instruction and High Stakes Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cothern, Rebecca L.

Science education is a key to economic success for a country in terms of promoting advances in national industry and technology and maximizing competitive advantage in a global marketplace. The December 2010 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked the United States 23rd of 65 countries in science. That dismal standing in science proficiency impedes the ability of American school graduates to compete in the global market place. Furthermore, the implementation of high stakes testing in science mandated by the 2007 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has created an additional need for educators to find effective science pedagogy. Research has shown that inquiry-based science instruction is one of the predominant science instructional methods. Inquiry-based instruction is a multifaceted teaching method with its theoretical foundation in constructivism. A correlational survey research design was used to determine the relationship between levels of inquiry-based science instruction and student performance on a standardized state science test. A self-report survey, using a Likert-type scale, was completed by 26 fifth grade teachers. Participants' responses were analyzed and grouped as high, medium, or low level inquiry instruction. The unit of analysis for the achievement variable was the student scale score average from the state science test. Spearman's Rho correlation data showed a positive relationship between the level of inquiry-based instruction and student achievement on the state assessment. The findings can assist teachers and administrators by providing additional research on the benefits of the inquiry-based instructional method. Implications for positive social change include increases in student proficiency and decision-making skills related to science policy issues which can help make them more competitive in the global marketplace.

A Neural Assembly-Based View on Word Production: The Bilingual Test Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strijkers, Kristof

2016-01-01

I will propose a tentative framework of how words in two languages could be organized in the cerebral cortex based on neural assembly theory, according to which neurons that fire synchronously are bound into large-scale distributed functional units (assemblies), which represent a mental event as a whole ("gestalt"). For language this…

Validating a Standards-Based Classroom Assessment of English Proficiency: A Multitrait-Multimethod Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Llosa, Lorena

2007-01-01

The use of standards-based classroom assessments to test English learners' language proficiency is increasingly prevalent in the United States and many other countries. In a large urban school district in California, for example, a classroom assessment is used to make high-stakes decisions about English learners' progress from one level to the…

The Influences of Physical Attractiveness and Sex-Based Biases on Midshipman Performance Evaluations at the United States Naval Academy

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

Meyer - 54 55 Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test yielded a KMO measure of sampling adequacy of .683. Based on a rotated factor matrix, two factors were...factor analysis was performed on the first four questionnaire items (concern for success, effectiveness, friendliness, and sociability). A Kaiser

Soils and Fertilizers. Competency Based Teaching Materials in Horticulture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Legacy, Jim; And Others

This competency-based curriculum unit on soils and fertilizers is one of four developed for classroom use in teaching the turf and lawn services area of horticulture. The four sections are each divided into teaching content (in a question-and-answer format) and student skills that outline taking soil samples, testing samples, preparing soil for…

Adult Roles & Functions. Objective Based Evaluation System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West Virginia State Vocational Curriculum Lab., Cedar Lakes.

This book of objective-based test items is designed to be used with the Adult Roles and Functions curriculum for a non-laboratory home economic course for grades eleven and twelve. It contains item banks for each cognitive objective in the curriculum. In addition, there is a form for the table of specifications to be developed for each unit. This…

Problem-Based Learning in an Online Course: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheaney, James D.; Ingebritsen, Thomas S.

2005-01-01

Problem-based learning (PBL) is the use of a "real world" problem or situation as a context for learning. The present study explores the use of PBL in an online biotechnology course. In the PBL unit, student groups dealt with the ethical, legal, social, and human issues surrounding pre-symptomatic DNA testing for a genetic disease. Issues…

Weaving It All Together: Meeting Standards, Motivating Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Horn, Leigh

2002-01-01

Notes the author vowed to prove to herself and to her students that they could meet and exceed the state standards, that they could succeed on any test, and that they could do it while engaging in authentic, context-based reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing, and visually representing. Discusses units of study based upon a…

Welcome to dBase III Plus. Learning Activity Packets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Steven; And Others

This learning activity packet (LAP) contains nine self-paced study lessons that allow students to proceed along a a 43-hour course of study for dBase III Plus at their own pace. The lessons are organized in the following way: objectives, completion standard, performance standard, a list of required materials, unit test, and exercises (applications…

Testing homogeneity in Weibull-regression models.

PubMed

Bolfarine, Heleno; Valença, Dione M

2005-10-01

In survival studies with families or geographical units it may be of interest testing whether such groups are homogeneous for given explanatory variables. In this paper we consider score type tests for group homogeneity based on a mixing model in which the group effect is modelled as a random variable. As opposed to hazard-based frailty models, this model presents survival times that conditioned on the random effect, has an accelerated failure time representation. The test statistics requires only estimation of the conventional regression model without the random effect and does not require specifying the distribution of the random effect. The tests are derived for a Weibull regression model and in the uncensored situation, a closed form is obtained for the test statistic. A simulation study is used for comparing the power of the tests. The proposed tests are applied to real data sets with censored data.

Initial Closed Operation of the CELSS Test Facility Engineering Development Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kliss, Mark

1995-01-01

As part of the NASA Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Program, a CELSS Test Facility (CTF) is being planned for installation on the Space Station. The CTF will be used to provide data on the productivity and efficiency of a variety of CELSS higher plant crops grown sequentially from seed to harvest in the microgravity environment of the Space Station. Stringent environmental control will be maintained while fundamental crop productivity issues, such as carbon dioxide uptake and oxygen production rates, water transpiration rates, and biomass accumulation rates are obtained for comparison with ground-based data. In order to obtain an early realistic determination of the subsystem and system requirements necessary to provide the appropriate environmental conditions specified for CTF crop productivity experiments, an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) has been constructed and is undergoing initial operational testing at NASA Ames Research Center. The EDU is a ground-based testbed which will be used to characterize the integrated performance of major subsystem technologies, to evaluate hardware candidates and control strategies required for the CTF, and to further define the ability to meet CTF requirements within present Space Station constraints. This paper describes the initial closed operational testing of the EDU. Measured performance data are compared with the specified functional requirements and results from initial closed testing are presented. Plans for future science and technology testing are discussed.

Performance Characterization and Simulation of Amine-Based Vacuum Swing Sorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swickrath, Michael J.; Watts, Carly; Anderson, Molly; McMillin, Summer; Broerman, Craig; Colunga, Aaron; Vogel, Matthew

2012-01-01

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) vapor concentrations in a space suit is critical to ensuring an astronauts safety, comfort, and capability to perform extra-vehicular activity (EVA) tasks. Historically, this has been accomplished using lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and metal oxide (MetOx) canisters. Lithium hydroxide is a consumable material that requires priming with water before it becomes effective at removing carbon dioxide. MetOx is regenerable through a power-intensive thermal cycle but is significantly heavier on a volume basis than LiOH. As an alternative, amine-based vacuum swing beds are under aggressive development for EVA applications. The vacuum swing units control atmospheric concentrations of both CO2 and H2O through fully-regenerative process. The current concept, referred to as the rapid cycle amine (RCA), has resulted in numerous laboratory prototypes. Performance of these prototypes have been assessed experimentally and documented in previous reports. To support developmental e orts, a first principles model has also been established for the vacuum swing sorption technology. For the first time in several decades, a major re-design of Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for the extra-vehicular mobility unit (EMU) is underway. NASA at Johnson Space Center built and tested an integrated PLSS test bed of all subsystems under a variety of simulated EVA conditions of which the RCA prototype played a significant role. The efforts documented herein summarize RCA test performance and simulation results for single and variable metabolic rate experiments in an integrated context. In addition, a variety of off-nominal tests were performed to assess the capability of the RCA to function under challenging circumstances. Tests included high water production experiments, degraded vacuum regeneration, and deliberate valve/power failure and recovery.

Maternal Serologic Screening to Prevent Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Decision-Analytic Economic Model

PubMed Central

Stillwaggon, Eileen; Carrier, Christopher S.; Sautter, Mari; McLeod, Rima

2011-01-01

Objective To determine a cost-minimizing option for congenital toxoplasmosis in the United States. Methodology/Principal Findings A decision-analytic and cost-minimization model was constructed to compare monthly maternal serological screening, prenatal treatment, and post-natal follow-up and treatment according to the current French (Paris) protocol, versus no systematic screening or perinatal treatment. Costs are based on published estimates of lifetime societal costs of developmental disabilities and current diagnostic and treatment costs. Probabilities are based on published results and clinical practice in the United States and France. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses are used to evaluate robustness of results. Universal monthly maternal screening for congenital toxoplasmosis with follow-up and treatment, following the French protocol, is found to be cost-saving, with savings of $620 per child screened. Results are robust to changes in test costs, value of statistical life, seroprevalence in women of childbearing age, fetal loss due to amniocentesis, and to bivariate analysis of test costs and incidence of primary T. gondii infection in pregnancy. Given the parameters in this model and a maternal screening test cost of $12, screening is cost-saving for rates of congenital infection above 1 per 10,000 live births. If universal testing generates economies of scale in diagnostic tools—lowering test costs to about $2 per test—universal screening is cost-saving at rates of congenital infection well below the lowest reported rates in the United States of 1 per 10,000 live births. Conclusion/Significance Universal screening according to the French protocol is cost saving for the US population within broad parameters for costs and probabilities. PMID:21980546

High-fidelity, simulation-based, interdisciplinary operating room team training at the point of care.

PubMed

Paige, John T; Kozmenko, Valeriy; Yang, Tong; Paragi Gururaja, Ramnarayan; Hilton, Charles W; Cohn, Isidore; Chauvin, Sheila W

2009-02-01

The operating room (OR) is a dynamic, high risk setting requiring effective teamwork for the safe delivery of care. Teamwork in the modern OR, however, is less than ideal. High fidelity simulation is an attractive approach to training key teamwork competencies. We have developed a portable simulation platform, the mobile mock OR (MMOR) that permits bringing team training over long distances to the point of care. We examined the effectiveness of this innovative, simulation-based interdisciplinary operating room (OR) team training model on its participants. All general surgical OR team members at an academic affiliated medical center underwent scenario-based training using a mobile mock OR. Pre- and post-session mean scores were calculated and analyzed for 15 Likert-type items measuring self-efficacy in teamwork competencies using t test. The mean gain in pre-post item scores for 38 participants averaged 0.4 units on a 6-point Likert scale. The significance was demonstrated in 4 of the items: role clarity (Delta = 0.6 units, P = .02), anticipatory response (Delta = 0.6 units, P = .01), cross monitoring (Delta = 0.6 units, P < .01), and team cohesion and interaction (Delta = 0.7 units, P < .01). High-fidelity, simulation-based OR team training at the point of care positively impacts self-efficacy for effective teamwork performance in everyday practice.

A photoelectric amplifier as a dye detector

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ebel, Wesley J.

1962-01-01

A dye detector, based on a modified photoelectric amplifier, has been planned, built, and tested. It was designed to record automatically the time of arrival of fluorescein dye at predetermined points in a stream system. Laboratory tests and stream trials proved the instrument to be efficient. Small changes in color can be detected in turbid or clear water. The unit has been used successfully for timing intervals of more than 17 hours; significant savings of time and manpower have resulted. Replacement of the clock, included in the original device, with a recording milliammeter increases the efficiency of the unit by contin,!ously recording changes in turbidity. The addition of this component would increase the cost from $75 to approximately $105.

Construction of a Simple, Inexpensive Multiple Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Microdilution Plate Washer

PubMed Central

Stobbs, L. W.

1990-01-01

In this paper, plans are given for the construction of an inexpensive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate washer from readily available materials. The wash unit uses an intermittent wash cycle based on a wash manifold cycling over the microdilution plates for a predetermined time. Laboratory tests showed that the unit provided reliable, rapid washing of plates with tap water, with no detectable contamination between wells. Substrate absorbance values for test samples from machine-washed plates were equal to or greater than absorbance values for corresponding samples from plates washed manually by an accepted protocol, by using either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay wash buffer or tap water. Images PMID:16348216

Petroleum mineral oil refining and evaluation of cancer hazard.

PubMed

Mackerer, Carl R; Griffis, Larry C; Grabowski, John S; Reitman, Fred A

2003-11-01

Petroleum base oils (petroleum mineral oils) are manufactured from crude oils by vacuum distillation to produce several distillates and a residual oil that are then further refined. Aromatics including alkylated polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) are undesirable constituents of base oils because they are deleterious to product performance and are potentially carcinogenic. In modern base oil refining, aromatics are reduced by solvent extraction, catalytic hydrotreating, or hydrocracking. Chronic exposure to poorly refined base oils has the potential to cause skin cancer. A chronic mouse dermal bioassay has been the standard test for estimating carcinogenic potential of mineral oils. The level of alkylated 3-7-ring PAC in raw streams from the vacuum tower must be greatly reduced to render the base oil noncarcinogenic. The processes that can reduce PAC levels are known, but the operating conditions for the processing units (e.g., temperature, pressure, catalyst type, residence time in the unit, unit engineering design, etc.) needed to achieve adequate PAC reduction are refinery specific. Chronic dermal bioassays provide information about whether conditions applied can make a noncarcinogenic oil, but cannot be used to monitor current production for quality control or for conducting research or developing new processes since this test takes at least 78 weeks to conduct. Three short-term, non-animal assays all involving extraction of oil with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) have been validated for predicting potential carcinogenic activity of petroleum base oils: a modified Ames assay of a DMSO extract, a gravimetric assay (IP 346) for wt. percent of oil extracted into DMSO, and a GC-FID assay measuring 3-7-ring PAC content in a DMSO extract of oil, expressed as percent of the oil. Extraction with DMSO concentrates PAC in a manner that mimics the extraction method used in the solvent refining of noncarcinogenic oils. The three assays are described, data demonstrating the validation of the assays are shown, and test results of currently manufactured base oils are summarized to illustrate the general lack of cancer hazard for the base oils now being manufactured.

Long-Term Outdoor Reliability Assessment of a Wireless Unit for Air-Quality Monitoring Based on Nanostructured Films Integrated on Micromachined Platforms

PubMed Central

Leccardi, Matteo; Decarli, Massimiliano; Lorenzelli, Leandro; Milani, Paolo; Mettala, Petteri; Orava, Risto; Barborini, Emanuele

2012-01-01

We have fabricated and tested in long-term field operating conditions a wireless unit for outdoor air quality monitoring. The unit is equipped with two multiparametric sensors, one miniaturized thermo-hygrometer, front-end analogical and digital electronics, and an IEEE 802.15.4 based module for wireless data transmission. Micromachined platforms were functionalized with nanoporous metal-oxides to obtain multiparametric sensors, hosting gas-sensitive, anemometric and temperature transducers. Nanoporous metal-oxide layer was directly deposited on gas sensing regions of micromachined platform batches by hard-mask patterned supersonic cluster beam deposition. An outdoor, roadside experiment was arranged in downtown Milan (Italy), where one wireless sensing unit was continuously operated side by side with standard gas chromatographic instrumentation for air quality measurements. By means of a router PC, data from sensing unit and other instrumentation were collected, merged, and sent to a remote data storage server, through an UMTS device. The whole-system robustness as well as sensor dataset characteristics were continuously characterized over a run-time period of 18 months. PMID:22969394

Foliage Penetration Radar: History and Developed Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-05-01

26 M-FOPEN Antenna Mast with Delta- Loop Antennas 44 27 AB-577/GRC Antenna Mast Used to Extend the Range of the Man-Portable Radar 45 28 Base Station...Ground Control Unit 47 29 Base Station Tov.er with Delta- Loop Antennas 48 30 Test Configuration for the AN/fPS-5 Comparison Test and Tactical Exercise...00 UNDERGROW 1H TRANSMTTTING ANTENN . HEIG IT: 2 m 5(6- 13 m ) \\\\7 \\ Seo \\................ $A1 U, -< o\\ 31 I~ ~ A ,M\\;’ I10 31 ’•...GJ, FIGURE 3

Accuracy, intra- and inter-unit reliability, and comparison between GPS and UWB-based position-tracking systems used for time-motion analyses in soccer.

PubMed

Bastida Castillo, Alejandro; Gómez Carmona, Carlos D; De la Cruz Sánchez, Ernesto; Pino Ortega, José

2018-05-01

There is interest in the accuracy and inter-unit reliability of position-tracking systems to monitor players. Research into this technology, although relatively recent, has grown exponentially in the last years, and it is difficult to find professional team sport that does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology at least. The aim of this study is to know the accuracy of both GPS-based and Ultra Wide Band (UWB)-based systems on a soccer field and their inter- and intra-unit reliability. A secondary aim is to compare them for practical applications in sport science. Following institutional ethical approval and familiarization, 10 healthy and well-trained former soccer players (20 ± 1.6 years, 1.76 ± 0.08 cm, and 69.5 ± 9.8 kg) performed three course tests: (i) linear course, (ii) circular course, and (iii) a zig-zag course, all using UWB and GPS technologies. The average speed and distance covered were compared with timing gates and the real distance as references. The UWB technology showed better accuracy (bias: 0.57-5.85%), test-retest reliability (%TEM: 1.19), and inter-unit reliability (bias: 0.18) in determining distance covered than the GPS technology (bias: 0.69-6.05%; %TEM: 1.47; bias: 0.25) overall. Also, UWB showed better results (bias: 0.09; ICC: 0.979; bias: 0.01) for mean velocity measurement than GPS (bias: 0.18; ICC: 0.951; bias: 0.03).

Getting evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention into practice: a multi-faceted unit-tailored intervention in a hospital setting.

PubMed

Sving, Eva; Högman, Marieann; Mamhidir, Anna-Greta; Gunningberg, Lena

2016-10-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a multi-faceted, unit-tailored intervention using evidenced-based pressure ulcer prevention affects (i) the performance of pressure ulcer prevention, (ii) the prevalence of pressure ulcers and (iii) knowledge and attitudes concerning pressure ulcer prevention among registered and assistant nurses. A quasi-experimental, clustered pre- and post-test design was used. Five units at a hospital setting were included. The intervention was based on the PARIHS framework and included a multi-professional team, training and repeated quality measurements. An established methodology was used to evaluate the prevalence and prevention of pressure ulcers. Nurses' knowledge and attitudes were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. A total of 506 patients were included, of whom 105 patients had a risk to develop pressure ulcer. More patients were provided pressure ulcer prevention care (P = 0·001) and more prevention care was given to each patient (P = 0·021) after the intervention. Corresponding results were shown in the group of patients assessed as being at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Nurses' knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention increased (P < 0·001). Positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention remained high between pre- and post-test surveys. This multi-faceted unit-tailored intervention affected pressure ulcer prevention. Facilitation and repeated quality measurement together with constructed feedback of results seemed to be the most important factor for pressure ulcer prevention. © 2014 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2014 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A PREP Panel, Practice-Based, Evaluation of the Handling of the Kerr Demi-Ultra Light Curing Unit.

PubMed

Burke, F J Trevor; Crisp, Russell J

2015-09-01

This paper describes the handling evaluation (by a group of practice-based researchers, the PREP Panel) of a recently introduced Light Curing Unit (LCU), the Kerr Demi-Ultra, which possesses a number of novel features such as its ultracapacitor power source, and the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) which provide the light output being placed close to the tip of the light guide. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Testing of new devices and materials with respect to their handling is of importance, given that an easy to handle device should produce better clinical results than one which is difficult to use.

Screening prostate cancer using a portable near infrared scanning imaging unit with an optical fiber-based rectal probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Yang; Wang, Wubao; Tang, Guichen; Budansky, Yury; Sharonov, Mikhail; Xu, Min; Achilefu, Samuel; Eastham, James A.; Alfano, Robert R.

2012-01-01

A portable near infrared scanning polarization imaging unit with an optical fiber-based rectal probe, namely Photonic Finger, was designed and developed o locate the 3D position of abnormal prostate site inside normal prostate tissue. An inverse algorithm, Optical Tomography using Independent Component Analysis (OPTICA) was improved particularly to unmix the signal from targets (cancerous tissue) embedded in a turbid medium (normal tissue) in the backscattering imaging geometry. Photonic Finger combined with OPTICA was tested to characterize different target(s) inside different tissue medium, including cancerous prostate tissue embedded by large piece of normal tissue.

Turbomachinery group for cold energy concept application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alavi, S.; Arpi, A.; Ascani, M.; Cerri, G.; Chennaoui, L.; Manni, A.

2017-08-01

The paper discusses a special attempt to improve COP and compressor capacity. Theoretical and experimental results are presented, and they show a very positive trend. Compressor and Expander Group impellers are selected among the Car Engine Turbocharger Units. Modifications are proposed to achieve the best performance, taking the peculiar characteristics of the refrigerant into consideration. Tests have confirmed the positive saving trend, which can reach up to 22%-24% for an optimized bleed vapour generator and turbomachinery-based booster unit.

Validation of Filtration Skid During Land-Based & Shipboard Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-12

b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (include area code) Standard Form 298 (Re . 8-98) v Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18 12...skid device that it had previously developed. A prototype unit was developed and deployed on the bulk carrier M/ V Indiana Harbor, and commissioning...a preliminary design of a filter skid device that it had previously developed. A prototype unit was developed and deployed on the bulk carrier M/ V

The Roles of Similarity in Transfer: Determinants of Similarity-Based Reminding and Mapping

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-02

Psychology , Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208. Reproduction in whole or part is permitted for any purpose of the United...ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIPCode) 10 SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS Department of Psychology PROGRAM PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT 603 E. Daniel ELEMENT NO NO NO...according to 3 whether the stimuli (in an S-R pair) or the responses are similar from training to test . Ellis (1965), while agreeing that similarity is

Mixed Methods Approach to Identify Factors and the Extent to Which They Influence Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Use

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

2009). Choosing the Right Type of Rotation in PCA and EFA. JALT Testing & Evaluation Newsletter , 13 (3), 20-25. 102 Bryman , A . (2006). Integrating...FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A . APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE...official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States government. This material is declared a work of

Liquid disinfecting and sterilization reprocessors used for flexible endoscopes.

PubMed

1994-06-01

In this issue, we evaluate three liquid disinfecting flexible endoscope reprocessors that can be used with a user-supplied liquid chemical germicide (LCG), primarily for high-level disinfection (HLD). Applying most of the same criteria and test methods, we also evaluated a fourth unit, presented separately, that is marketed as a liquid sterilizing reprocessor and must be used with manufacturer-supplied, single-use containers of LCG. Although the sterilizing unit can be used for rigid endoscopes, surgical instruments, and endoscopic accessories, we evaluated its application to the reprocessing of only flexible endoscopes. Our ratings are based on the following: (1) basic performance, such as compatibility with several different types of endoscopes and LCGs, inclusion of all essential reprocessing phases, and exposure of all endoscope surfaces to the LCG and rinse water; (2) safety, such as ensuring that essential reprocessing phases cannot be skipped or omitted, that personnel exposure to LCG vapors is minimized, and that the reprocessor is unlikely to contaminate the endoscope during reprocessing; and (3) human factors design, such as ease of use and installation. We did not perform microbiological testing to confirm HLD or sterilization by any of the evaluated reprocessors because, with a suitably clean endoscope that is in good condition, no evidence indicates that the LCGs used would not be effective on the surfaces that they contact; also, the results would be unique to the two flexible endoscopes that we used for our testing. We rated all four reprocessors Conditionally Acceptable. The units are Acceptable on the condition that users understand that they cannot be used to process the elevator cable channel of side-viewing duodenoscopes; additional conditions apply only to the liquid disinfecting units. However, if the conditions are met, all four units reduce the likelihood of using a contaminated endoscope on a patient and reduce personnel exposure to the LCG. Selection of a unit will be based on the needs and preferences of the individual healthcare facility. Our ratings also assume that these units will be used according to the manufacturers' instructions and the endoscope's operator's manual. Note that, although the evaluated liquid disinfecting units provide detergent-flushing, post-detergent water-rinse, and post-detergent water-rinse-removal phases, manual cleaning of endoscopes before automatic reprocessing is essential, regardless of which reprocessor is used.

Enhanced Motor Imagery-Based BCI Performance via Tactile Stimulation on Unilateral Hand.

PubMed

Shu, Xiaokang; Yao, Lin; Sheng, Xinjun; Zhang, Dingguo; Zhu, Xiangyang

2017-01-01

Brain-computer interface (BCI) has attracted great interests for its effectiveness in assisting disabled people. However, due to the poor BCI performance, this technique is still far from daily-life applications. One of critical issues confronting BCI research is how to enhance BCI performance. This study aimed at improving the motor imagery (MI) based BCI accuracy by integrating MI tasks with unilateral tactile stimulation (Uni-TS). The effects were tested on both healthy subjects and stroke patients in a controlled study. Twenty-two healthy subjects and four stroke patients were recruited and randomly divided into a control-group and an enhanced-group. In the control-group, subjects performed two blocks of conventional MI tasks (left hand vs. right hand), with 80 trials in each block. In the enhanced-group, subjects also performed two blocks of MI tasks, but constant tactile stimulation was applied on the non-dominant/paretic hand during MI tasks in the second block. We found the Uni-TS significantly enhanced the contralateral cortical activations during MI of the stimulated hand, whereas it had no influence on activation patterns during MI of the non-stimulated hand. The two-class BCI decoding accuracy was significantly increased from 72.5% (MI without Uni-TS) to 84.7% (MI with Uni-TS) in the enhanced-group ( p < 0.001, paired t -test). Moreover, stroke patients in the enhanced-group achieved an accuracy >80% during MI with Uni-TS. This novel approach complements the conventional methods for BCI enhancement without increasing source information or complexity of signal processing. This enhancement via Uni-TS may facilitate clinical applications of MI-BCI.

Does Film Affect Learning Engagement?: Historical Inquiry and the Document-Based Question in a Middle School Social Studies Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paska, Lawrence M.

2010-01-01

This quasi-experimental study uses mixed methodologies to examine learning engagement on a social studies unit test based on primary and secondary sources (a "document-based question", or DBQ), to determine whether the use of film in a DBQ changes the nature of historical inquiry. The study was conducted in two Grade 7 classes taught by the same…

Experimental evaluation of battery cells for space-based radar application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maskell, Craig A.; Metcalfe, John R.

1994-01-01

A test program was conducted to characterize five space-quality nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) battery cells. A subset of those tests was also done on five commercial nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells, for correlation to the characteristics of an Energy Storage Unit Simulator. The test program implemented the recommendations of a 1991 study, as reported to IECEC-92. The findings of the tests are summarized, and expected impacts on the performance of the electrical power system (EPS) of a large space-based radar (SBR) surveillance satellite are derived. The main characteristics examined and compared were terminal voltage (average and transient) and capacity through discharge, equivalent series resistance, derived inductance and capacitance, charge return efficiency, and inter-pulse charge effectiveness.

A Kinetic Study of DDGS Hemicellulose Acid Hydrolysis and NMR Characterization of DDGS Hydrolysate.

PubMed

Chen, Hanchi; Liu, Shijie

2015-09-01

Liquid hot water (LHW) extraction was used as a pretreatment method to separate the hemicellulose fraction from dried distiller's grain with solubles (DDGS) into liquid phase. Acid hydrolysis using 3.264 % w/w sulfuric acid at 130 °C was performed to convert polysaccharides in LHW extract to monosaccharides. The structure characterization of DDGS in anomeric carbon region based on proton NMR and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) during acid hydrolysis was studied in this work. It reveals that the sugar units in DDGS hemicelluloses are constructed with (1-4)-β-D-xylopyranose and α-L-arabinofuranosyl residues. A kinetic model is included to explain the changing concentration of monomer, oligomer, and sugar units. The model was further tested based on the changing concentration of five carbon sugar units during hydrolysis.

Randomized trial of a novel game-based appointment system for a university hospital venereology unit: study protocol.

PubMed

Gabarron, Elia; Serrano, J Artur; Fernandez-Luque, Luis; Wynn, Rolf; Schopf, Thomas

2015-04-08

Chlamydia is the most common reportable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Norway, and its incidence in the two northernmost counties has been disclosed to be nearly the double of the Norwegian average. The latest publicly available rates showed that 85.6% of the new cases were diagnosed in people under 29 years old. The information and communication technologies are among the most powerful influences in the lives of young people. The Internet can potentially represent a way to educate on sexual health and encourage young people, and especially youth, to be tested for STDs. If hospital websites include an easy and anonymous system for scheduling appointments with the clinic, it is possible that this could lead to an increase in the number of people tested for STDs. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of a game-based appointment system on the frequency of consultations at a venereology unit and on the use of an educational web app. An A/B testing methodology is used. Users from the city of Tromsø, in North Norway, will be randomized to one of the two versions of the game-style web app on sexual health at www.sjekkdeg.no. Group A will have access to educational content only, while group B will have, in addition, access to a game-based appointment system with automatic prioritization. After one year of the trial, it will be analyzed if the game-based appointment system increases the number of consultations at the venereology unit and if health professionals deem the system useful. This study will explore if facilitating the access to health services for youth through the use of a game-based appointment system integrated in a game-style web app on sexual health education can have an impact on appointment rates. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.org under the identifier ClinicalTrials.gov NCT:02128620.

Kennedy Space Center's Partnership with Graftel Incorporated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunn, Carol Anne

2010-01-01

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has recently partnered with Graftel Incorporated under an exclusive license agreement for the manufacture and sale of the Smart Current Signature Sensor. The Smart Current Signature Sensor and software were designed and developed to be utilized on any application using solenoid valves. The system monitors the electrical and mechanical health of solenoids by comparing the electrical current profile of each solenoid actuation to a typical current profile and reporting deviation from its learned behavior. The objective of this partnership with Graftel is for them to develop the technology into a hand-held testing device for their customer base in the Nuclear Power Industry. The device will be used to perform diagnostic testing on electromechanical valves used in Nuclear Power plants. Initially, Graftel plans to have working units within the first year of license in order to show customers and allow them to put purchase requests into their next year's budget. The subject technology under discussion was commercialized by the Kennedy Space Center Technology Programs and Partnerships Office, which patented the technology and licensed it to Graftel, Inc., a company providing support, instrumentation, and calibration services to the nuclear community and private sector for over 10 years. For the nuclear power industry, Graftel designs, manufacturers, and calibrates a full line of testing instrumentation. Grafters smart sensors have been in use in the United States since 1993 and have proved to decrease set-up time and test durations. The project was funded by Non-Destructive Engineering, and it is felt that this technology will have more emphasis on future vehicles. Graftel plans to market the Current Signature Sensor to the Electric Utility industry. Graftel currently supplies product and services to the Nuclear Power Industry in the United States as well as internationally. Product and services sold are used in non-destructive testing for valves, penetrations and other applications. Graftel also supplies testing services to an industrial customer base. The customer base includes 90 percent of the U.S. Nuclear plants and plants in Brazil, Europe, and Asia. Graftel works internationally with two representative groups and employees and has ten people at the principle location and a group of contract engineers around the country.

Dental unit waterlines disinfection using hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant

PubMed Central

Shajahan, Irfana Fathima; Kandaswamy, D; Srikanth, Padma; Narayana, L Lakshmi; Selvarajan, R

2016-01-01

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a new disinfectant to disinfect the dental unit waterlines. Materials and Methods: New dental unit waterlines were installed in 13 dental chairs, and biofilm was allowed to grow for 10 days. Disinfection treatment procedure was carried out in the 12 units, and one unit was left untreated. The dental unit waterlines were removed and analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) (TESCAN VEGA3 SBU). Result: On examination, SEM images showed that there was no slime layer or bacterial cells seen in any of the 12 cut sections obtained from the treated dental waterlines which mean that there was no evident of biofilm formation. Untreated dental unit waterlines showed a microbial colonization with continuous filamentous organic matrix. There was significant biofilm formation in the control tube relative to the samples. Conclusion: The tested disinfectant was found to be effective in the removal of biofilm from the dental unit waterlines. PMID:27563184

The role of community acceptance over time for costs of HIV and STI prevention interventions: analysis of the Masaka Intervention Trial, Uganda, 1996-1999.

PubMed

Terris-Prestholt, Fern; Kumaranayake, Lilani; Foster, Susan; Kamali, Anatoli; Kinsman, John; Basajja, Vincent; Nalweyso, Nora; Quigley, Maria; Kengeya-Kayondo, Jane; Whitworth, James

2006-10-01

The objective of this study is to estimate the annual costs of information, education, and communication (IEC), both community- and school-based; strengthened public and private sexually transmitted infections treatment; condom social marketing (CSM); and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) implemented in Masaka, Uganda, over 4 years, and to explore how unit costs change with varying population use/uptake. Total economic provider's costs and intervention outputs were collected annually to estimate annual unit costs between 1996 and 1999. In early intervention years, uptake of all activities grew dramatically and continued to grow for public STI treatment, CSM, and VCT. Attendance at IEC performances started to drop in year 4. Unit costs dropped rapidly with increasing uptake of and participation in interventions. When implementing long-term community-based interventions, it is important to take into account that it takes time for communities to scale up their participation, since this can lead to large variations in unit costs.

Conducted-Susceptibility Testing as an Alternative Approach to Unit-Level Radiated-Susceptibility Verifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badini, L.; Grassi, F.; Pignari, S. A.; Spadacini, G.; Bisognin, P.; Pelissou, P.; Marra, S.

2016-05-01

This work presents a theoretical rationale for the substitution of radiated-susceptibility (RS) verifications defined in current aerospace standards with an equivalent conducted-susceptibility (CS) test procedure based on bulk current injection (BCI) up to 500 MHz. Statistics is used to overcome the lack of knowledge about uncontrolled or uncertain setup parameters, with particular reference to the common-mode impedance of equipment. The BCI test level is properly investigated so to ensure correlation of currents injected in the equipment under test via CS and RS. In particular, an over-testing probability quantifies the severity of the BCI test with respect to the RS test.

Cord Blood Banking and Transplantation in China: A Ten Years Experience of a Single Public Bank.

PubMed

Liu, Jinhui; He, Ji; Chen, Shu; Qin, Fei; Wang, Fang; Xu, Gang; Zhu, Faming; Lv, Hangjun; Yan, Lixing

2012-02-01

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has successfully used for transplantation to treat hematologic malignancies and genetic diseases. Herein, we describe the experience generated in a single public UCB bank at Zhejiang Province in China. METHODS: Good manufacturing practice and standard operating procedures were used to address donor selection as well as UCB collection, processing, and cryopreservation. Total nucleated cells (TNCs), cellular viability, CD34+ cells, and colony-forming units were determined, and infectious diseases screening test, sterility test, and HLA typing for UCB units were done. RESULTS: Only 18.51% of all collected UCB units met storage criteria, and 7,056 UCB units were cryopreserved in 10 years. The volume of UCB units was 95.0 ± 22.0 ml. The number of TNCs before and after processing was 13.32 ± 3.63 × 10(8) and 10.63 ± 2.80 × 10(8), respectively, and the recovery rate was 80.71 ± 11.26%. 0.4344 ± 0.1874% of the TNCs were CD34+ cells. The CFU-GM was 32.1 ± 28.0 colonies per 1 × 10(5) nucleated cells. Based mainly on HLA and nucleated cell content, 26 UCB units were released for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: A public UCB bank was successfully established in China; collection and processing of UCB units should be optimized in order to gain maximum volume and cell count.

Community-Based Assessment to Inform a Chlamydia Screening Program for Women in a Rural American Indian Community

PubMed Central

Smartlowit-Briggs, Lucy; Pearson, Cynthia; Whitefoot, Patricia; Altamirano, Bianca N.; Womack, Michelle; Bastin, Marie; Dombrowski, Julia C.

2017-01-01

Background Rates of chlamydial infection in American Indian/Alaska Native women in the United States are approximately 4-fold those in non-Hispanic white women. We conducted a community-based survey of self-identified American Indian/Alaska Native women 14 to 25 years of age on a reservation in the Northwestern United States to inform a chlamydia screening strategy. Methods The anonymous survey assessed respondents’ knowledge, perceptions, and preferences related to chlamydia screening, results receipt, and partner notification. We recruited women using respondent-driven sampling, school-based sampling, and direct recruitment through social media and fliers. Participants in schools completed the survey as a paper-based, self-administered survey. Other participants could complete the survey in person, by phone as an interviewer-administered survey, or online. Results We recruited 162 participants, most in schools (n = 83; 51%) or by peer referral (n = 55; 34%). Only 1 woman completed the survey online. Thirty-one respondents (19%) reported a history of an unplanned first pregnancy, and 19 (12%) reported a history of a diagnosed sexually transmitted disease. Most women (n = 98; 63%) recognized the potential impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on fertility. The preferred site for chlamydia screening was the Indian Health Service Clinic (n = 114; 70%), but 79 women (41%) would accept a C. trachomatis test at a nonclinical testing site. Of the 56 women (35%) who would accept home testing, most preferred to get the test kit from a clinic. Conclusions Our results suggest that Indian Health Service efforts to increase chlamydia screening in the clinic and through outreach may be more successful than promotion of home testing in this population. PMID:27196261

Community-Based Assessment to Inform a Chlamydia Screening Program for Women in a Rural American Indian Community.

PubMed

Smartlowit-Briggs, Lucy; Pearson, Cynthia; Whitefoot, Patricia; Altamirano, Bianca N; Womack, Michelle; Bastin, Marie; Dombrowski, Julia C

2016-06-01

Rates of chlamydial infection in American Indian/Alaska Native women in the United States are approximately 4-fold those in non-Hispanic white women. We conducted a community-based survey of self-identified American Indian/Alaska Native women 14 to 25 years of age on a reservation in the Northwestern United States to inform a chlamydia screening strategy. The anonymous survey assessed respondents' knowledge, perceptions, and preferences related to chlamydia screening, results receipt, and partner notification. We recruited women using respondent-driven sampling, school-based sampling, and direct recruitment through social media and fliers. Participants in schools completed the survey as a paper-based, self-administered survey. Other participants could complete the survey in person, by phone as an interviewer-administered survey, or online. We recruited 162 participants, most in schools (n = 83; 51%) or by peer referral (n = 55; 34%). Only 1 woman completed the survey online. Thirty-one respondents (19%) reported a history of an unplanned first pregnancy, and 19 (12%) reported a history of a diagnosed sexually transmitted disease. Most women (n = 98; 63%) recognized the potential impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on fertility. The preferred site for chlamydia screening was the Indian Health Service Clinic (n = 114; 70%), but 79 women (41%) would accept a C. trachomatis test at a nonclinical testing site. Of the 56 women (35%) who would accept home testing, most preferred to get the test kit from a clinic. Our results suggest that Indian Health Service efforts to increase chlamydia screening in the clinic and through outreach may be more successful than promotion of home testing in this population.

22 CFR 62.32 - Summer work travel.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... studies at accredited post-secondary, classroom-based, academic institutions physically located outside of the United States and have successfully completed at least one semester, or equivalent, of post... comprehension through either recognized language tests administered by academic institutions or English language...

22 CFR 62.32 - Summer work travel.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... studies at accredited post-secondary, classroom-based, academic institutions physically located outside of the United States and have successfully completed at least one semester, or equivalent, of post... comprehension through either recognized language tests administered by academic institutions or English language...

Measurement-based evaluation of noncomposite steel girder bridges.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

The results from an experimental study into the behavior of noncomposite slab-on-steel girder bridges are presented. Two bridge : units were tested under increasing static loads beyond first yield of the girders with a flatbed trailer loaded with con...

Diagnosis - Using automatic test equipment and artificial intelligence expert systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramsey, J. E., Jr.

Three expert systems (ATEOPS, ATEFEXPERS, and ATEFATLAS), which were created to direct automatic test equipment (ATE), are reviewed. The purpose of the project was to develop an expert system to troubleshoot the converter-programmer power supply card for the F-15 aircraft and have that expert system direct the automatic test equipment. Each expert system uses a different knowledge base or inference engine, basing the testing on the circuit schematic, test requirements document, or ATLAS code. Implementing generalized modules allows the expert systems to be used for any different unit under test. Using converted ATLAS to LISP code allows the expert system to direct any ATE using ATLAS. The constraint propagated frame system allows for the expansion of control by creating the ATLAS code, checking the code for good software engineering techniques, directing the ATE, and changing the test sequence as needed (planning).

Cascade Distillation Subsystem Development: Progress Toward a Distillation Comparison Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, M. R.; Lubman, A.; Pickering, Karen D.

2009-01-01

Recovery of potable water from wastewater is essential for the success of long-duration manned missions to the Moon and Mars. Honeywell International and a team from NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) are developing a wastewater processing subsystem that is based on centrifugal vacuum distillation. The wastewater processor, referred to as the Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS), utilizes an innovative and efficient multistage thermodynamic process to produce purified water. The rotary centrifugal design of the system also provides gas/liquid phase separation and liquid transport under microgravity conditions. A five-stage subsystem unit has been designed, built, delivered and integrated into the NASA JSC Advanced Water Recovery Systems Development Facility for performance testing. A major test objective of the project is to demonstrate the advancement of the CDS technology from the breadboard level to a subsystem level unit. An initial round of CDS performance testing was completed in fiscal year (FY) 2008. Based on FY08 testing, the system is now in development to support an Exploration Life Support (ELS) Project distillation comparison test expected to begin in early 2009. As part of the project objectives planned for FY09, the system will be reconfigured to support the ELS comparison test. The CDS will then be challenged with a series of human-gene-rated waste streams representative of those anticipated for a lunar outpost. This paper provides a description of the CDS technology, a status of the current project activities, and data on the system s performance to date.

Thermal measurement of brake pad lining surfaces during the braking process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piątkowski, Tadeusz; Polakowski, Henryk; Kastek, Mariusz; Baranowski, Pawel; Damaziak, Krzysztof; Małachowski, Jerzy; Mazurkiewicz, Łukasz

2012-06-01

This paper presents the test campaign concept and definition and the analysis of the recorded measurements. One of the most important systems in cars and trucks are brakes. The braking temperature on a lining surface can rise above 500°C. This shows how linings requirements are so strict and, what is more, continuously rising. Besides experimental tests, very supportive method for investigating processes which occur on the brake pad linings are numerical analyses. Experimental tests were conducted on the test machine called IL-68. The main component of IL-68 is so called frictional unit, which consists of: rotational head, which convey a shaft torque and where counter samples are placed and translational head, where samples of coatings are placed and pressed against counter samples. Due to the high rotational speeds and thus the rapid changes in temperature field, the infrared camera was used for testing. The paper presents results of analysis registered thermograms during the tests with different conditions. Furthermore, based on this testing machine, the numerical model was developed. In order to avoid resource demanding analyses only the frictional unit (described above) was taken into consideration. Firstly the geometrical model was performed thanks to CAD techniques, which in the next stage was a base for developing the finite element model. Material properties and boundary conditions exactly correspond to experimental tests. Computations were performed using a dynamic LS-Dyna code where heat generation was estimated assuming full (100%) conversion of mechanical work done by friction forces. Paper presents the results of dynamic thermomechanical analysis too and these results were compared with laboratory tests.

Computer-aided boundary delineation of agricultural lands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Thomas D.; Angelici, Gary L.; Slye, Robert E.; Ma, Matt

1989-01-01

The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) presently uses labor-intensive aerial photographic interpretation techniques to divide large geographical areas into manageable-sized units for estimating domestic crop and livestock production. Prototype software, the computer-aided stratification (CAS) system, was developed to automate the procedure, and currently runs on a Sun-based image processing system. With a background display of LANDSAT Thematic Mapper and United States Geological Survey Digital Line Graph data, the operator uses a cursor to delineate agricultural areas, called sampling units, which are assigned to strata of land-use and land-cover types. The resultant stratified sampling units are used as input into subsequent USDA sampling procedures. As a test, three counties in Missouri were chosen for application of the CAS procedures. Subsequent analysis indicates that CAS was five times faster in creating sampling units than the manual techniques were.

Task and fatigue effects on low-threshold motor units in human hand muscle.

PubMed

Enoka, R M; Robinson, G A; Kossev, A R

1989-12-01

1. The activity of single motor units was recorded in the first dorsal interosseus muscle of human subjects while they performed an isometric ramp-and-hold maneuver. Motor-unit activity was characterized before and after fatigue by the use of a branched bipolar electrode that was positioned subcutaneously over the test muscle. Activity was characterized in terms of the forces of recruitment and derecruitment and the discharge pattern. The purpose was to determine, before and after fatigue, whether motor-unit activity was affected by the direction in which the force was exerted. 2. Regardless of the task during prefatigue trials, interimpulse intervals were 1) more variable during increases or decreases in force than when force was held constant at the target value (4-6% above the recruitment force), and 2) more clustered around an arbitrary central value than would be expected with a normal (Gaussian) distribution. Both effects were seen during the flexion and abduction tasks. The behavior of low-threshold motor units in first dorsal interosseus is thus largely unaffected by the direction of the force exerted by the index finger. The absence of a task (i.e., a direction of force) effect suggests that the resultant force vector about the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger is not coded in terms of discrete populations of motor units, but, rather, it is based on the net muscle activity about the joint. 3. Motor-unit behavior during and after fatigue showed that the relatively homogeneous behavior seen before fatigue could be severely disrupted. The fatiguing protocol involved the continuous repetition, to the endurance limit, of a 15-s ramp-and-hold maneuver in which the abduction target force was 50% of maximum and was held for 10-s epochs (ramps up and down were approximately 2 s each). Motor-unit threshold was assessed by the forces of recruitment and derecruitment associated with each cycle of the fatigue test. Changes in recruitment force during the protocol were either minimal or, when present, not systematic. In contrast, the derecruitment force of all units exhibited a marked and progressive increase over the course of the test. 4. After the fatigue test, when the initial threshold tasks were repeated, the behavior of most motor units changed. These changes included the derecruitment of previously active motor units, the recruitment of additional motor units, and an increased discharge variability of units that remained recruited. The variation in recruitment order seemed to be much greater than that reported previously for nonfatiguing conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Statistically rigorous calculations do not support common input and long-term synchronization of motor-unit firings

PubMed Central

Kline, Joshua C.

2014-01-01

Over the past four decades, various methods have been implemented to measure synchronization of motor-unit firings. In this work, we provide evidence that prior reports of the existence of universal common inputs to all motoneurons and the presence of long-term synchronization are misleading, because they did not use sufficiently rigorous statistical tests to detect synchronization. We developed a statistically based method (SigMax) for computing synchronization and tested it with data from 17,736 motor-unit pairs containing 1,035,225 firing instances from the first dorsal interosseous and vastus lateralis muscles—a data set one order of magnitude greater than that reported in previous studies. Only firing data, obtained from surface electromyographic signal decomposition with >95% accuracy, were used in the study. The data were not subjectively selected in any manner. Because of the size of our data set and the statistical rigor inherent to SigMax, we have confidence that the synchronization values that we calculated provide an improved estimate of physiologically driven synchronization. Compared with three other commonly used techniques, ours revealed three types of discrepancies that result from failing to use sufficient statistical tests necessary to detect synchronization. 1) On average, the z-score method falsely detected synchronization at 16 separate latencies in each motor-unit pair. 2) The cumulative sum method missed one out of every four synchronization identifications found by SigMax. 3) The common input assumption method identified synchronization from 100% of motor-unit pairs studied. SigMax revealed that only 50% of motor-unit pairs actually manifested synchronization. PMID:25210152

Uptake of community-based, self-collected HPV testing vs. visual inspection with acetic acid for cervical cancer screening in Kampala, Uganda: preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Moses, Erin; Pedersen, Heather N; Mitchell, Sheona M; Sekikubo, Musa; Mwesigwa, David; Singer, Joel; Biryabarema, Christine; Byamugisha, Josaphat K; Money, Deborah M; Ogilvie, Gina S

2015-10-01

To compare two cervical cancer screening methods: community-based self-collection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Pilot randomised controlled trial of 500 women aged 30-65 in the community of Kisenyi, Uganda. Women randomised to self-collection-based HR-HPV testing provided a cervico-vaginal swab for HR-HPV, and results were provided by phone after laboratory testing. Women who tested HPV positive were referred for VIA at the local health unit. Women randomised to VIA underwent screening at the local health unit, where women who tested positive with VIA were provided cryotherapy at time of screening, as per local standard of care. Women were referred for colposcopy when indicated. Outcome measures were uptake of screening, HR-HPV prevalence, VIA result and treatment rates. In the HR-HPV arm, 248 of 250 (p < 0.01) women provided samples, while in the VIA arm, 121 of 250 (48.4%) women attended screening. Among the 73 of 248 HR-HPV-positive women, 45.2% (N = 33) attended VIA screening for follow-up, 21.2% (N = 7) of whom screened positive; five received treatment and two were missing clinical follow-up records. Of the 121 women in the VIA arm who attended screening, 13.2% (N = 16) screened positive; seven received cryotherapy, three refused treatment, five were referred to colposcopy; and one woman had suspected cervical cancer and received treatment after confirmatory testing. This pilot study demonstrated trial feasibility and willingness of the women to participate and be randomised successfully into the two arms. Self-collection-based cervical cancer screening had a higher uptake than VIA. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Eucalyptus Energy Farm: feasibility study and demonstration. Phase 1: site and species selection

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

Mariani, E.O.; Wood, W.A.; Kouchoukos, P.C.

1978-06-01

The results of investigations to determine the feasibility for establishing ''Eucalyptus Energy Farms'' as a potential source of biomass derived energy are presented. Included in this report are: the results of an extensive literature search and numerous field interviews (both domestically and internationally) to identify those Eucalyptus species most suitable for use within the United States; a description of the site selection criteria, site selection process, and identification of potential sites for use in testing the Eucalyptus Energy Farm concept; a description of the Eucalyptus species selection criteria, species selection process, and an identification of the specific species recommended formore » testing at specific sites; preliminary engineering designs for each of the proposed plantation sites; and environmental impact considerations related to Eucalyptus growing. It is concluded that although the Eucalyptus are extremely temperature sensitive and the geographic areas which appear suitable for their planting (within the United States) are principally confined to western and central California and the warmest regions of the southeastern United States, each of the areas contain large amounts of marginal land which could be converted into Eucalyptus based biomass plantations. Suitable sites, which are representative of the larger marginal land areas, are immediately available for use in establishing Eucalyptus screening test sites. Furthermore, there are not significant environmental conditions which would preclude the establishment of these initial test sites. It is therefore recommended that efforts be initiated to obtain selected provenances of Eucalyptus seeds (of the designated species) for further field testing and data collection within the United States, and that actual site selection be initiated.« less

The Use of Office-Based Sedation and General Anesthesia by Board Certified Pediatric Dentists Practicing in the United States

PubMed Central

Olabi, Nassim F.; Jones, James E.; Saxen, Mark A.; Sanders, Brian J.; Walker, LaQuia A.; Weddell, James A.; Schrader, Stuart M.; Tomlin, Angela M.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of office-based sedation by board-certified pediatric dentists practicing in the United States. Pediatric dentists have traditionally relied upon self-administered sedation techniques to provide office-based sedation. The use of dentist anesthesiologists to provide office-based sedation is an emerging trend. This study examines and compares these two models of office-based sedations. A survey evaluating office-based sedation of diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) based on gender, age, years in practice, practice types, regions, and years as a diplomate of the ABPD was completed by 494 active members. The results were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Relationships of dentist age, gender, and number of years in practice with the use of intravenous (IV) sedation was completed using two-way contingency tables and Mantel-Haenszel tests for ordered categorical data. Relationships of office-based sedation use and the type of one's practice were examined using Pearson chi-square tests. Of the 1917 surveys e-mailed, 494 completed the survey for a response rate of 26%. Over 70% of board-certified US pediatric dentists use some form of sedation in their offices. Less than 20% administer IV sedation, 20 to 40% use a dentist anesthesiologist, and 60 to 70% would use dentist anesthesiologists if one were available. PMID:22428969

The use of office-based sedation and general anesthesia by board certified pediatric dentists practicing in the United States.

PubMed

Olabi, Nassim F; Jones, James E; Saxen, Mark A; Sanders, Brian J; Walker, Laquia A; Weddell, James A; Schrader, Stuart M; Tomlin, Angela M

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of office-based sedation by board-certified pediatric dentists practicing in the United States. Pediatric dentists have traditionally relied upon self-administered sedation techniques to provide office-based sedation. The use of dentist anesthesiologists to provide office-based sedation is an emerging trend. This study examines and compares these two models of office-based sedations. A survey evaluating office-based sedation of diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) based on gender, age, years in practice, practice types, regions, and years as a diplomate of the ABPD was completed by 494 active members. The results were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Relationships of dentist age, gender, and number of years in practice with the use of intravenous (IV) sedation was completed using two-way contingency tables and Mantel-Haenszel tests for ordered categorical data. Relationships of office-based sedation use and the type of one's practice were examined using Pearson chi-square tests. Of the 1917 surveys e-mailed, 494 completed the survey for a response rate of 26%. Over 70% of board-certified US pediatric dentists use some form of sedation in their offices. Less than 20% administer IV sedation, 20 to 40% use a dentist anesthesiologist, and 60 to 70% would use dentist anesthesiologists if one were available.

A remarkable sea-level drop and relevant biotic responses across the Guadalupian-Lopingian (Permian) boundary in low-latitude mid-Panthalassa: Irreversible changes recorded in accreted paleo-atoll limestones in Akasaka and Ishiyama, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kofukuda, Daisuke; Isozaki, Yukio; Igo, Hisayoshi

2014-03-01

The Capitanian (Upper Guadalupian) to Wuchiapingian (Lower Lopingian) shallow-marine limestones at Akasaka and Ishiyama in central Japan record unique aspects of the extinction-related Guadalupian-Lopingian boundary (G-LB) interval. The ca. 140 m-thick Akasaka Limestone consists of the Capitanian black limestone (Unit B; 112 m) and the Wuchiapingian light gray dolomitic limestone (Unit W; 21 m), with a black/white striped limestone (Unit S; 9 m) between them. The G-LB horizon is assigned at the base of Unit W, on the basis of the first occurrence of the Wuchiapingian fusulines. The Capitanian Unit B and the Wuchiapingian Unit W were deposited mostly in the subtidal zone of a lagoon, whereas the intervened Unit S and the lowermost Unit W were in the intertidal zone. A hiatus with a remarkable erosional feature was newly identified at the top of Unit S. These records indicate that the sea-level has dropped significantly around the G-LB to have exposed the top of the atoll complex above the sea-level. The Ishiyama Limestone, located ca. 10 km to the north of the Akasaka limestone, retains almost the same depositional records. The extinction of large-tested fusuline (Yabeina) and large bivalves (Alatoconchidae) occurred in the upper part of Unit B, and the overlying 20 m-thick limestone (the uppermost Unit B and Unit S) below the hiatus represents a unique barren interval. The upper half of the barren interval is more depleted in fossils than the lower half, and this likely represents a duration of the severest environmental stress(es) for the shallow-marine protists/animals on the mid-oceanic paleo-atoll complex. Small-tested fusulines re-appeared at the base of Unit W above the hiatus. These facts prove that the elimination of shallow-marine biota occurred during the Capitanian shallowing of Akasaka paleo-atoll before the subaerial exposure/erosion across the G-LB. The overall shallowing and the development of such a clear hiatus at the top of a mid-oceanic seamount, in accordance with the contemporary sea-level curve based on continental shelf records, indicates that a remarkable sea-level drop has occurred globally during the latest Capitanian. This further suggests that a cool climate likely has appeared even in the low-latitude domains in Panthalassa to cause the decline of the Middle Permian shallow-water protists/animals that adapted to warmer seawater. The Wuchiapingian biota first appeared immediately after this erosional episode, i.e., during the onset of warming after the G-LB.

A microcomputer-based testing station for dynamic and static testing of protective relay systems

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

Lee, W.J.; Li, R.J.; Gu, J.C.

1995-12-31

Dynamic and static relay performance testing before installation in the field is a subject of great interest to utility relay engineers. The common practice in utility testing of new relays is to put the new unit to be tested in parallel with an existing functioning relay in the system, wait until an actual transient occurs and then observe and analyze the performance of new relay. It is impossible to have a thorough test of the protective relay system through this procedure. An equipment, Microcomputer-Based Testing Station (or PC-Based Testing Station), that can perform both static and dynamic testing of themore » relay is described in this paper. The Power System Simulation Laboratory at the University of Texas at Arlington is a scaled-down, three-phase, physical power system which correlates well with the important components for a real power system and is an ideal facility for the dynamic and static testing of protective relay systems. A brief introduction to the configuration of this laboratory is presented. Test results of several protective functions by using this laboratory illustrate the usefulness of this test set-up.« less

Web-Based Honorarium Confirmation System Prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wisswani, N. W.; Catur Bawa, I. G. N. B.

2018-01-01

Improving services in academic environment can be applied by regulating salary payment process for all employees. As a form of control to maintain financial transparency, employees should have information concerning salary payment process. Currently, notification process of committee honorarium will be accepted by the employees in a manual manner. The salary will be received by the employee bank account and to know its details, they should go to the accounting unit to find out further information. Though there are some employees entering the accounting unit, they still find difficulty to obtain information about detailed honor information that they received in their accounts. This can be caused by many data collected and to be managed. Based on this issue, this research will design a prototype of web-based system for accounting unit system in order to provide detailed financial transaction confirmation to employee bank accounts that have been informed through mobile banking system. This prototype will be developed with Waterfall method through testing on final users after it is developed through PHP program with MySQL as DBMS

Gene-Based Testing of Interactions in Association Studies of Quantitative Traits

PubMed Central

Ma, Li; Clark, Andrew G.; Keinan, Alon

2013-01-01

Various methods have been developed for identifying gene–gene interactions in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, most methods focus on individual markers as the testing unit, and the large number of such tests drastically erodes statistical power. In this study, we propose novel interaction tests of quantitative traits that are gene-based and that confer advantage in both statistical power and biological interpretation. The framework of gene-based gene–gene interaction (GGG) tests combine marker-based interaction tests between all pairs of markers in two genes to produce a gene-level test for interaction between the two. The tests are based on an analytical formula we derive for the correlation between marker-based interaction tests due to linkage disequilibrium. We propose four GGG tests that extend the following P value combining methods: minimum P value, extended Simes procedure, truncated tail strength, and truncated P value product. Extensive simulations point to correct type I error rates of all tests and show that the two truncated tests are more powerful than the other tests in cases of markers involved in the underlying interaction not being directly genotyped and in cases of multiple underlying interactions. We applied our tests to pairs of genes that exhibit a protein–protein interaction to test for gene-level interactions underlying lipid levels using genotype data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. We identified five novel interactions that are not evident from marker-based interaction testing and successfully replicated one of these interactions, between SMAD3 and NEDD9, in an independent sample from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. We conclude that our GGG tests show improved power to identify gene-level interactions in existing, as well as emerging, association studies. PMID:23468652

Participatory design methods for the development of a clinical telehealth service for neonatal homecare.

PubMed

Garne Holm, Kristina; Brødsgaard, Anne; Zachariassen, Gitte; Smith, Anthony C; Clemensen, Jane

2017-01-01

Neonatal homecare delivered during home visits by neonatal nurses is a common method for supporting families of preterm infants following discharge. Telehealth has been introduced for the provision of neonatal homecare, resulting in positive feedback from parents of preterm infants. While the benefits are beginning to be realised, widespread uptake of telehealth has been limited due to a range of logistical challenges. Understanding user requirements is important when planning and developing a clinical telehealth service. We therefore used participatory design to develop a clinical telehealth service for neonatal homecare. The study adopted a participatory design approach to engage users in the development and design of a new telehealth service. Participatory design embraces qualitative research methods. Creative and technical workshops were conducted as part of the study. Tests of the telehealth service were conducted in the neonatal unit. Participants in this study were former and current parents of preterm infants eligible for neonatal homecare, and clinical staff (medical and nursing) from the neonatal unit. Preterm infants accompanied their parents. Based on the results obtained during the workshops and subsequent testing, we developed an application (app), which was integrated into the medical record at the neonatal unit. The app was used to initiate videoconferences and chat messages between the family at home and the neonatal unit, and to share information regarding infant growth and well-being. Results obtained from the workshops and testing demonstrated the importance of involving users when developing new telehealth applications. The workshops helped identify the challenges associated with delivery of the service, and helped instruct the design of a new telehealth service for neonatal homecare based on the needs of parents and clinical staff.

Experimental characterization of a solar cooker with thermal energy storage based on solar salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coccia, G.; Di Nicola, G.; Tomassetti, S.; Gabrielli, G.; Chieruzzi, M.; Pierantozzi, M.

2017-11-01

High temperature solar cooking allows to cook food fast and with good efficiency. An unavoidable drawback of this technology is that it requires nearly clear-sky conditions. In addition, evening cooking is difficult to be accomplished, particularly on the winter season during which solar radiation availability is limited to a few hours in the afternoon in most of countries. These restrictions could be overcome using a cooker thermal storage unit (TSU). In this work, a TSU based on solar salt was studied. The unit consists of two metal concentric cylindrical vessels, connected together to form a double-walled vessel. The volume between walls was filled with a certain amount of nitrate based phase change material (solar salt). In order to characterize the TSU, a test bench used to assess solar cooker performance was adopted. Experimental load tests with the TSU were carried out to evaluate the cooker performance. The obtained preliminary results show that the adoption of the solar salt TSU seems to allow both the opportunity of evening cooking and the possibility to better stabilize the cooker temperature when sky conditions are variable.

A Methodology for Assessing the Impact of Sea Level Rise on Representative Military Installations in the Southwestern United States (RC-1703)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-03

results. As part of this research and development effort, a number of products were developed that served to advance the research and provided a testing ...Teams, U.S. Navy SEALs, brown‐water Navy personnel, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen. The base conducts research and tests of newly...effort, a number of products were developed that served to advance the research , and provided a testing ground for our methodologies. In addition

Pilot project for rapid Legionella testing.

PubMed

Pearson, Susan

2013-08-01

Susan Pearson BSc, a freelance journalist and communications consultant specialising in medicine and the environment (see also HEJ - April 2013), reports on discussions, at a recent educational seminar, on a pilot project undertaken by the Environmental Microbiology Unit at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) NHS Trust, which compared the effectiveness and accuracy of conventional 'culture' testing for Legionella in water systems, with a new, 'less labour-intensive', DNA-based testing system that can produce results 'in a matter of hours'.

Government Beta: The Value of Unscripted Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-26

vs . Progress The Contract and Award Fee Plan Final Thoughts 1 GOVERNMENT BETA – The Value of Unscripted Testing 2...D a t a b a s e Database Layer C/C++ SQL OS Layer Presentation / Mission Layer F u n c t i o n a l D L L Application/Controller F u n c t i o n a l...Testing 20 Unscripted, not Unplanned 21 IEEE 12207 22 CUT DD MLT ELT SLT IST RTO , OUE Architecture Based DesignTM Detailed Design Code & Unit

Sharing the Environment: Cultural Exchange through Inquiry-Based Environmental Education in Trinidad and Tobago (T & T) and the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McHenry, Nadine; Alvare, Bretton; Bowes, Kathleen; Childs, Ashley

2013-01-01

This study examined the effects of Sharing the Environment (STE), a situated professional development pilot program that uses an inquiry-based approach to teaching Environmental Education (EE) to elementary students in the US and Trinidad. Inquiry is difficult to incorporate in both cultures because proficient performance on national tests is a…

Standards-Based Accountability under No Child Left Behind: Experiences of Teachers and Administrators in Three States. MG-589-NSF

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamilton, Laura S.; Stecher, Brian M.; Marsh, Julie A.; McCombs, Jennifer Sloan; Robyn, Abby; Russell, Jennifer; Naftel, Scott; Barney, Heather

2007-01-01

Since 2001-2002, standards-based accountability (SBA) provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) have shaped the work of public school teachers and administrators in the United States. NCLB requires each state to develop content and achievement standards in several subjects, administer tests to measure students' progress toward…

The Effects of Varied Visual Organizational Strategies within Computer-Based Instruction on Factual, Conceptual and Problem Solving Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haag, Brenda Bannan; Grabowski, Barbara L.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effectiveness of learner manipulation of visuals with and without organizing cues in computer-based instruction on adults' factual, conceptual, and problem-solving learning. An instructional unit involving the physiology and the anatomy of the heart was used. A post-test only control group…

29 CFR 1919.71 - Unit proof test and examination of cranes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Unit proof test and examination of cranes. 1919.71 Section... § 1919.71 Unit proof test and examination of cranes. (a) Unit proof tests of cranes shall be carried out at the following times: (1) In the cases of new cranes, before initial use and every 4 years...

29 CFR 1919.71 - Unit proof test and examination of cranes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Unit proof test and examination of cranes. 1919.71 Section... § 1919.71 Unit proof test and examination of cranes. (a) Unit proof tests of cranes shall be carried out at the following times: (1) In the cases of new cranes, before initial use and every 4 years...

Three-dimensional photoacoustic tomography based on graphics-processing-unit-accelerated finite element method.

PubMed

Peng, Kuan; He, Ling; Zhu, Ziqiang; Tang, Jingtian; Xiao, Jiaying

2013-12-01

Compared with commonly used analytical reconstruction methods, the frequency-domain finite element method (FEM) based approach has proven to be an accurate and flexible algorithm for photoacoustic tomography. However, the FEM-based algorithm is computationally demanding, especially for three-dimensional cases. To enhance the algorithm's efficiency, in this work a parallel computational strategy is implemented in the framework of the FEM-based reconstruction algorithm using a graphic-processing-unit parallel frame named the "compute unified device architecture." A series of simulation experiments is carried out to test the accuracy and accelerating effect of the improved method. The results obtained indicate that the parallel calculation does not change the accuracy of the reconstruction algorithm, while its computational cost is significantly reduced by a factor of 38.9 with a GTX 580 graphics card using the improved method.

Expert systems for automated maintenance of a Mars oxygen production system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jen-Kuang; Ho, Ming-Tsang; Ash, Robert L.

1992-08-01

Application of expert system concepts to a breadboard Mars oxygen processor unit have been studied and tested. The research was directed toward developing the methodology required to enable autonomous operation and control of these simple chemical processors at Mars. Failure detection and isolation was the key area of concern, and schemes using forward chaining, backward chaining, knowledge-based expert systems, and rule-based expert systems were examined. Tests and simulations were conducted that investigated self-health checkout, emergency shutdown, and fault detection, in addition to normal control activities. A dynamic system model was developed using the Bond-Graph technique. The dynamic model agreed well with tests involving sudden reductions in throughput. However, nonlinear effects were observed during tests that incorporated step function increases in flow variables. Computer simulations and experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of expert systems utilizing rule-based diagnosis and decision-making algorithms.

Experience of Data Handling with IPPM Payload

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Errico, Walter; Tosi, Pietro; Ilstad, Jorgen; Jameux, David; Viviani, Riccardo; Collantoni, Daniele

2010-08-01

A simplified On-Board Data Handling system has been developed by CAEN AURELIA SPACE and ABSTRAQT as PUS-over-SpaceWire demonstration platform for the Onboard Payload Data Processing laboratory at ESTEC. The system is composed of three Leon2-based IPPM (Integrated Payload Processing Module) computers that play the roles of Instrument, Payload Data Handling Unit and Satellite Management Unit. Two PCs complete the test set-up simulating an external Memory Management Unit and the Ground Control Unit. Communication among units take place primarily through SpaceWire links; RMAP[2] protocol is used for configuration and housekeeping. A limited implementation of ECSS-E-70-41B Packet Utilisation Standard (PUS)[1] over CANbus and MIL-STD-1553B has been also realized. The Open Source RTEMS is running on the IPPM AT697E CPU as real-time operating system.

Long-term durability of geosynthetics based on exhumed samples from construction projects

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-04-01

This report presents the results of mechanical and chemical tests on 24 retrieved geosynthetics from 12 sites, across the United States and provides a baseline databank of mechanical and chemical properties of many commonly used geosynthesis in trans...

Specifications Physiological Monitoring System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The operation of a physiological monitoring system (PMS) is described. Specifications were established for performance, design, interface, and test requirements. The PMS is a compact, microprocessor-based system, which can be worn in a pack on the body or may be mounted on a Spacelab rack or other appropriate structure. It consists of two modules, the Data Control Unit (DCU) and the Remote Control/Display Unit (RCDU). Its purpose is to collect and distribute data from physiological experiments in the Spacelab and in the Orbiter.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

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

Valx: A system for extracting and structuring numeric lab test comparison statements from text

PubMed Central

Hao, Tianyong; Liu, Hongfang; Weng, Chunhua

2017-01-01

Objectives To develop an automated method for extracting and structuring numeric lab test comparison statements from text and evaluate the method using clinical trial eligibility criteria text. Methods Leveraging semantic knowledge from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and domain knowledge acquired from the Internet, Valx takes 7 steps to extract and normalize numeric lab test expressions: 1) text preprocessing, 2) numeric, unit, and comparison operator extraction, 3) variable identification using hybrid knowledge, 4) variable - numeric association, 5) context-based association filtering, 6) measurement unit normalization, and 7) heuristic rule-based comparison statements verification. Our reference standard was the consensus-based annotation among three raters for all comparison statements for two variables, i.e., HbA1c and glucose, identified from all of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes trials in ClinicalTrials.gov. Results The precision, recall, and F-measure for structuring HbA1c comparison statements were 99.6%, 98.1%, 98.8% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 98.8%, 96.9%, 97.8% for Type 2 Diabetes trials, respectively. The precision, recall, and F-measure for structuring glucose comparison statements were 97.3%, 94.8%, 96.1% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 92.3%, 92.3%, 92.3% for Type 2 diabetes trials, respectively. Conclusions Valx is effective at extracting and structuring free-text lab test comparison statements in clinical trial summaries. Future studies are warranted to test its generalizability beyond eligibility criteria text. The open-source Valx enables its further evaluation and continued improvement among the collaborative scientific community. PMID:26940748

Valx: A System for Extracting and Structuring Numeric Lab Test Comparison Statements from Text.

PubMed

Hao, Tianyong; Liu, Hongfang; Weng, Chunhua

2016-05-17

To develop an automated method for extracting and structuring numeric lab test comparison statements from text and evaluate the method using clinical trial eligibility criteria text. Leveraging semantic knowledge from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and domain knowledge acquired from the Internet, Valx takes seven steps to extract and normalize numeric lab test expressions: 1) text preprocessing, 2) numeric, unit, and comparison operator extraction, 3) variable identification using hybrid knowledge, 4) variable - numeric association, 5) context-based association filtering, 6) measurement unit normalization, and 7) heuristic rule-based comparison statements verification. Our reference standard was the consensus-based annotation among three raters for all comparison statements for two variables, i.e., HbA1c and glucose, identified from all of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes trials in ClinicalTrials.gov. The precision, recall, and F-measure for structuring HbA1c comparison statements were 99.6%, 98.1%, 98.8% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 98.8%, 96.9%, 97.8% for Type 2 diabetes trials, respectively. The precision, recall, and F-measure for structuring glucose comparison statements were 97.3%, 94.8%, 96.1% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 92.3%, 92.3%, 92.3% for Type 2 diabetes trials, respectively. Valx is effective at extracting and structuring free-text lab test comparison statements in clinical trial summaries. Future studies are warranted to test its generalizability beyond eligibility criteria text. The open-source Valx enables its further evaluation and continued improvement among the collaborative scientific community.

Competency-Based Curriculum for Articulated Programs in Nursing Occupations. A Study for the Articulation of Competency-Based Curricula for the Coordination of Vocational-Technical Education Programs in Louisiana. Final Report. Volume V.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louisiana State Dept. of Education, Baton Rouge. Div. of Vocational Education.

The curriculum guide for nursing occupations is one of five guides written and field tested in a project to develop statewide articulated competency-based curricula in selected vocational education programs. Following an introductory section giving the philosophy, background, and recommendations for nursing education, the 82 study units are…

[Revolution of the health care delivery system and its impacts on laboratory testing in the United States].

PubMed

Takemura, Y; Ishibashi, M

2000-02-01

Failure to slow the exponential growth of total health care expenditures in the United States through the government policies resulted in a rapid and progressive penetration of managed care organizations(MCOs) in the early 1990s. Diagnostic testing is viewed as a "commodity" rather than a medical service under the managed care environment. Traditional hospital-based laboratories are placed in a downward spiral with the advent of managed care era. A massive reduction of in-house testing resulted from shorter lengths of patients' hospital stay and a marked decrease in admission under the dominance of managed care urges them to develop strategies for restoring tests deprived by the managed care-associated new businesses: consolidation and networking, participation in the outreach-testing market, and point-of-care/satellite laboratory testing in non-traditional, ambulatory settings are major strategies for survival of hospital laboratories. A number of physicians' office laboratories(POLs) have been closed owing to regulatory restrictions imposed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988(CLIA '88), and to the expanded penetration of MCOs which limit reimbursement to a very few in-house procedures. It seems likely that POLs and hospital laboratories continue to reduce test volumes, while commercial reference laboratories(CRLs) gain more tests through contracting with MCOs. In the current stream of managed care dominance in the United States, clinical laboratories are changing their basic operation focus and mission in response to the aggressively changing landscape. Traditional laboratories which are unwilling to adapt themselves to the new environment will not survive in this country.

Modulation of jaw muscle spindle afferent activity following intramuscular injections with hypertonic saline.

PubMed

Ro, J Y; Capra, N F

2001-05-01

Transient noxious chemical stimulation of small diameter muscle afferents modulates jaw movement-related responses of caudal brainstem neurons. While it is likely that the effect is mediated from the spindle afferents in the mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) via the caudally projecting Probst's tract, the mechanisms of pain induced modulations of jaw muscle spindle afferents is not known. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that jaw muscle nociceptors gain access to muscle spindle afferents in the same muscle via central mechanisms and alter their sensitivity. Thirty-five neurons recorded from the Vmes were characterized as muscle spindle afferents based on their responses to passive jaw movements, muscle palpation, and electrical stimulation of the masseter nerve. Each cell was tested by injecting a small volume (250 microl) of either 5% hypertonic and/or isotonic saline into the receptor-bearing muscle. Twenty-nine units were tested with 5% hypertonic saline, of which 79% (23/29) showed significant modulation of mean firing rates (MFRs) during one or more phases of ramp-and-hold movements. Among the muscle spindle primary-like units (n = 12), MFRs of 4 units were facilitated, five reduced, two showed mixed responses and one unchanged. In secondary-like units (n = 17), MFRs of 9 were facilitated, three reduced and five unchanged. Thirteen units were tested with isotonic saline, of which 77% showed no significant changes of MFRs. Further analysis revealed that the hypertonic saline not only affected the overall output of muscle spindle afferents, but also increased the variability of firing and altered the relationship between afferent signal and muscle length. These results demonstrated that activation of muscle nociceptors significantly affects proprioceptive properties of jaw muscle spindles via central neural mechanisms. The changes can have deleterious effects on oral motor function as well as kinesthetic sensibility.

Evaluation of Serodiagnostic Assays for Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Elk, White-Tailed Deer, and Reindeer in the United States

PubMed Central

Nelson, Jeffrey T.; Orloski, Kathleen A.; Lloyd, Audra L.; Camacho, Mark; Schoenbaum, Mark A.; Robbe-Austerman, Suelee; Thomsen, Bruce V.; Hall, S. Mark

2012-01-01

In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture conducted a project in which elk (Cervus elaphus spp.), white-tailed deer (WTD) (Odocoileus virginianus), and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were evaluated by the single cervical tuberculin test (SCT), comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT), and serologic tests. The rapid antibody detection tests evaluated were the CervidTB Stat-Pak (Stat-Pak), and the Dual Path Platform VetTB (DPP). Blood was collected from presumably uninfected animals prior to tuberculin injection for the SCT. A total of 1,783 animals were enrolled in the project. Of these, 1,752 (98.3%) were classified as presumably uninfected, based on originating from a captive cervid herd with no history of exposure to TB. Stat-Pak specificity estimates were 92.4% in reindeer, 96.7% in WTD, and 98.3% in elk and were not significantly different from SCT specificity estimates. Using the DPP in series on Stat-Pak antibody-positive samples improved specificity in the three species. Thirty one animals were classified as confirmed infected, based on necropsy and laboratory results, and 27/31 were antibody positive on Stat-Pak for an estimated sensitivity of 87.1%. The study findings indicate that rapid serologic tests used in series are comparable to the SCT and CCT and may have a greater ability to detect TB-infected cervids. PMID:22792512

HIV infection and testing among Latino men who have sex with men in the United States: the role of location of birth and other social determinants.

PubMed

Oster, Alexandra M; Russell, Kate; Wiegand, Ryan E; Valverde, Eduardo; Forrest, David W; Cribbin, Melissa; Le, Binh C; Paz-Bailey, Gabriela

2013-01-01

In the United States, Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Latino MSM are a diverse group who differ culturally based on their countries or regions of birth and their time in the United States. We assessed differences in HIV prevalence and testing among Latino MSM by location of birth, time since arrival, and other social determinants of health. For the 2008 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, a cross-sectional survey conducted in large US cities, MSM were interviewed and tested for HIV infection. We used generalized estimating equations to test associations between various factors and 1) prevalent HIV infection and 2) being tested for HIV infection in the past 12 months. Among 1734 Latino MSM, HIV prevalence was 19%. In multivariable analysis, increasing age, low income, and gay identity were associated with HIV infection. Moreover, men who were U.S.-born or who arrived ≥5 years ago had significantly higher HIV prevalence than recent immigrants. Among men not reporting a previous positive HIV test, 63% had been tested for HIV infection in the past 12 months; recent testing was most strongly associated with having seen a health care provider and disclosing male-male attraction/sexual behavior to a health care provider. We identified several social determinants of health associated with HIV infection and testing among Latino MSM. Lower HIV prevalence among recent immigrants contrasts with higher prevalence among established immigrants and suggests a critical window of opportunity for HIV prevention, which should prioritize those with low income, who are at particular risk for HIV infection. Expanding health care utilization and encouraging communication with health care providers about sexual orientation may increase testing.

Report to the Congress on the Strategic Defense Initiative, 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-13

veterinarians for its ability to cleanse harmful viruses from bovine semen so it can be used for artificial insemination . This process is also being...pointing out major advances in small, lightweight and affordable components for defensive interceptors; sensor developments for satellites and ground- based...test satellites . The United States view is that the number of designated ABM test satellites in orbit simultaneously shall not exceed a number well

Operational Based Vision Assessment Research: Depth Perception

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

13-072 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) USAF School of Aerospace Medicine...Aeromedical Research Department 2510 Fifth St. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7913 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER AFRL-SA-WP-JA-2014...tests are tests of stereopsis, such as the AFVT and AO Vectograph. Others evaluate depth perception with stereo as a contributor to performance , such

Demonstration of Mer-Cure Technology for Enhanced Mercury Control

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

John Marion; Dave O'Neill; Kevin Taugher

2008-06-01

Alstom Power Inc. has completed a DOE/NETL-sponsored program (under DOE Cooperative Agreement No. De-FC26-07NT42776) to demonstrate Mer-Cure{trademark}, one of Alstom's mercury control technologies for coal-fired boilers. The Mer-Cure{trademark}system utilizes a small amount of Mer-Clean{trademark} sorbent that is injected into the flue gas stream for oxidation and adsorption of gaseous mercury. Mer-Clean{trademark} sorbents are carbon-based and prepared with chemical additives that promote oxidation and capture of mercury. The Mer-Cure{trademark} system is unique in that the sorbent is injected into an environment where the mercury capture kinetics is accelerated. The full-scale demonstration program originally included test campaigns at two host sites: LCRA's 480-MW{sub e} Fayette Unit No.3 and Reliant Energy's 190-MW{sub e} Shawville Unit No.3. The only demonstration tests actually done were the short-term tests at LCRA due to budget constraints. This report gives a summary of the demonstration testing at Fayette Unit No.3. The goals for this Mercury Round 3 program, established by DOE/NETL under the original solicitation, were to reduce the uncontrolled mercury emissions by 90% at a cost significantly less than 50% of the previous target ofmore » $$60,000/lb mercury removed. The results indicated that Mer-Cure{trademark} technology could achieve mercury removal of 90% based on uncontrolled stack emissions. The estimated costs for 90% mercury control, at a sorbent cost of $$0.75 to $2.00/lb respectively, were $13,400 to $18,700/lb Hg removed. In summary, the results from demonstration testing show that the goals established by DOE/NETL were met during this test program. The goal of 90% mercury reduction was achieved. Estimated mercury removal costs were 69-78% lower than the benchmark of $60,000/lb mercury removed, significantly less than 50% of the baseline removal cost.« less

The optimal imaging strategy for patients with stable chest pain: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

PubMed

Genders, Tessa S S; Petersen, Steffen E; Pugliese, Francesca; Dastidar, Amardeep G; Fleischmann, Kirsten E; Nieman, Koen; Hunink, M G Myriam

2015-04-07

The optimal imaging strategy for patients with stable chest pain is uncertain. To determine the cost-effectiveness of different imaging strategies for patients with stable chest pain. Microsimulation state-transition model. Published literature. 60-year-old patients with a low to intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). Lifetime. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, cardiac stress magnetic resonance imaging, stress single-photon emission CT, and stress echocardiography. Lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. The strategy that maximized QALYs and was cost-effective in the United States and the Netherlands began with coronary CT angiography, continued with cardiac stress imaging if angiography found at least 50% stenosis in at least 1 coronary artery, and ended with catheter-based coronary angiography if stress imaging induced ischemia of any severity. For U.K. men, the preferred strategy was optimal medical therapy without catheter-based coronary angiography if coronary CT angiography found only moderate CAD or stress imaging induced only mild ischemia. In these strategies, stress echocardiography was consistently more effective and less expensive than other stress imaging tests. For U.K. women, the optimal strategy was stress echocardiography followed by catheter-based coronary angiography if echocardiography induced mild or moderate ischemia. Results were sensitive to changes in the probability of CAD and assumptions about false-positive results. All cardiac stress imaging tests were assumed to be available. Exercise electrocardiography was included only in a sensitivity analysis. Differences in QALYs among strategies were small. Coronary CT angiography is a cost-effective triage test for 60-year-old patients who have nonacute chest pain and a low to intermediate probability of CAD. Erasmus University Medical Center.

Is the aligning prism measured with the Mallett unit correlated with fusional vergence reserves?

PubMed

Conway, Miriam L; Thomas, Jennifer; Subramanian, Ahalya

2012-01-01

The Mallett Unit is a clinical test designed to detect the fixation disparity that is most likely to occur in the presence of a decompensated heterophoria. It measures the associated phoria, which is the "aligning prism" needed to nullify the subjective disparity. The technique has gained widespread acceptance within professions such as optometry, for investigating suspected cases of decompensating heterophoria; it is, however, rarely used by orthoptists and ophthalmologists. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fusional vergence reserves, measured routinely by both orthoptists and ophthalmologists to detect heterophoria decompensation, were correlated with aligning prism (associated phoria) in a normal clinical population. Aligning prism (using the Mallett Unit) and fusional vergence reserves (using a prism bar) were measured in 500 participants (mean 41.63 years; standard deviation 11.86 years) at 40 cm and 6 m. At 40 cm a strong correlation (p<0.001) between base in aligning prism (Exo FD) and positive fusional reserves was found. Of the participants with zero aligning prism 30% had reduced fusional reserves. At 6 m a weak correlation between base out aligning prism (Eso FD) and negative fusional reserves was found to break (p = 0.01) and to recovery (p = 0.048). Of the participants with zero aligning prism 12% reported reduced fusional reserves. For near vision testing, the strong inverse correlation between base in aligning prism (Exo FD) and fusional vergence reserves supports the notion that both measures are indicators of decompensation of heterophoria. For distance vision testing and for those patients reporting zero aligning prism further research is required to determine why the relationship appears to be weak/non-existent?

A methodology for obtaining on-orbit SI-traceable spectral radiance measurements in the thermal infrared

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dykema, John A.; Anderson, James G.

2006-06-01

A methodology to achieve spectral thermal radiance measurements from space with demonstrable on-orbit traceability to the International System of Units (SI) is described. This technique results in measurements of infrared spectral radiance R(\\tilde {\\upsilon }) , with spectral index \\tilde {\\upsilon } in cm-1, with a relative combined uncertainty u_c[R(\\tilde {\\upsilon })] of 0.0015 (k = 1) for the average mid-infrared radiance emitted by the Earth. This combined uncertainty, expressed in brightness temperature units, is equivalent to ±0.1 K at 250 K at 750 cm-1. This measurement goal is achieved by utilizing a new method for infrared scale realization combined with an instrument design optimized to minimize component uncertainties and admit tests of radiometric performance. The SI traceability of the instrument scale is established by evaluation against source-based and detector-based infrared scales in defined laboratory protocols before launch. A novel strategy is executed to ensure fidelity of on-orbit calibration to the pre-launch scale. This strategy for on-orbit validation relies on the overdetermination of instrument calibration. The pre-launch calibration against scales derived from physically independent paths to the base SI units provides the foundation for a critical analysis of the overdetermined on-orbit calibration to establish an SI-traceable estimate of the combined measurement uncertainty. Redundant calibration sources and built-in diagnostic tests to assess component measurement uncertainties verify the SI traceability of the instrument calibration over the mission lifetime. This measurement strategy can be realized by a practical instrument, a prototype Fourier-transform spectrometer under development for deployment on a small satellite. The measurement record resulting from the methodology described here meets the observational requirements for climate monitoring and climate model testing and improvement.

Is the Aligning Prism Measured with the Mallett Unit Correlated with Fusional Vergence Reserves?

PubMed Central

Conway, Miriam L.; Thomas, Jennifer; Subramanian, Ahalya

2012-01-01

Background The Mallett Unit is a clinical test designed to detect the fixation disparity that is most likely to occur in the presence of a decompensated heterophoria. It measures the associated phoria, which is the “aligning prism” needed to nullify the subjective disparity. The technique has gained widespread acceptance within professions such as optometry, for investigating suspected cases of decompensating heterophoria; it is, however, rarely used by orthoptists and ophthalmologists. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fusional vergence reserves, measured routinely by both orthoptists and ophthalmologists to detect heterophoria decompensation, were correlated with aligning prism (associated phoria) in a normal clinical population. Methodology/Principal Findings Aligning prism (using the Mallett Unit) and fusional vergence reserves (using a prism bar) were measured in 500 participants (mean 41.63 years; standard deviation 11.86 years) at 40 cm and 6 m. At 40 cm a strong correlation (p<0.001) between base in aligning prism (Exo FD) and positive fusional reserves was found. Of the participants with zero aligning prism 30% had reduced fusional reserves. At 6 m a weak correlation between base out aligning prism (Eso FD) and negative fusional reserves was found to break (p = 0.01) and to recovery (p = 0.048). Of the participants with zero aligning prism 12% reported reduced fusional reserves. Conclusions/Significance For near vision testing, the strong inverse correlation between base in aligning prism (Exo FD) and fusional vergence reserves supports the notion that both measures are indicators of decompensation of heterophoria. For distance vision testing and for those patients reporting zero aligning prism further research is required to determine why the relationship appears to be weak/non-existent? PMID:22905174

The impact of Nursing Rounds on the practice environment and nurse satisfaction in intensive care: pre-test post-test comparative study.

PubMed

Aitken, Leanne M; Burmeister, Elizabeth; Clayton, Samantha; Dalais, Christine; Gardner, Glenn

2011-08-01

Factors previously shown to influence patient care include effective decision making, team work, evidence based practice, staffing and job satisfaction. Clinical rounds have the potential to optimise these factors and impact on patient outcomes, but use of this strategy by intensive care nurses has not been reported. To determine the effect of implementing Nursing Rounds in the intensive care environment on patient care planning and nurses' perceptions of the practice environment and work satisfaction. Pre-test post-test 2 group comparative design. Two intensive care units in tertiary teaching hospitals in Australia. A convenience sample of registered nurses (n=244) working full time or part time in the participating intensive care units. Nurses in participating intensive care units were asked to complete the Practice Environment Scale-Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and the Nursing Worklife Satisfaction Scale (NWSS) prior to and after a 12 month period during which regular Nursing Rounds were conducted in the intervention unit. Issues raised during Nursing Rounds were described and categorised. The characteristics of the sample and scale scores were summarised with differences between pre and post scores analysed using t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Independent predictors of the PES-NWI were determined using multivariate linear regression. Nursing Rounds resulted in 577 changes being initiated for 171 patients reviewed; these changes related to the physical, psychological--individual, psychological--family, or professional practice aspects of care. Total PES-NWI and NWSS scores were similar before and after the study period in both participating units. The NWSS sub-scale of interaction between nurses improved in the intervention unit during the study period (pre--4.85±0.93; post--5.36±0.89, p=0.002) with no significant increase in the control group. Factors independently related to higher PES-NWI included intervention site and less years in critical care (p<0.05). Implementation of Nursing Rounds within the intensive care environment is feasible and is an effective strategy for initiating change to patient care. Application and testing of this strategy, including identification of the most appropriate methods of measuring impact, in other settings is needed to determine generalisability. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A large-scale initiative to disseminate an evidence-based drug abuse prevention program in Italy: Lessons learned for practitioners and researchers.

PubMed

Velasco, Veronica; Griffin, Kenneth W; Antichi, Mariella; Celata, Corrado

2015-10-01

Across developed countries, experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs often begins in the early adolescent years. Several evidence-based programs have been developed to prevent adolescent substance use. Many of the most rigorously tested and empirically supported prevention programs were initially developed and tested in the United States. Increasingly, these interventions are being adopted for use in Europe and throughout the world. This paper reports on a large-scale comprehensive initiative designed to select, adapt, implement, and sustain an evidence-based drug abuse prevention program in Italy. As part of a large-scale regionally funded collaboration in the Lombardy region of Italy, we report on processes through which a team of stakeholders selected, translated and culturally adapted, planned, implemented and evaluated the Life Skills Training (LST) school-based drug abuse prevention program, an evidence-based intervention developed in the United States. We discuss several challenges and lessons learned and implications for prevention practitioners and researchers attempting to undertake similar international dissemination projects. We review several published conceptual models designed to promote the replication and widespread dissemination of effective programs, and discuss their strengths and limitations in the context of planning and implementing a complex, large-scale real-world dissemination effort. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 412: Clean Slate I Plutonium Dispersion (TTR) Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, Revision 0

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

Matthews, Patrick

This Closure Report (CR) presents information supporting the clean closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 412: Clean Slate I Plutonium Dispersion (TTR), located on the Tonopah Test Range, Nevada. CAU 412 consists of a release of radionuclides to the surrounding soil from a storage–transportation test conducted on May 25, 1963. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed in April and May 2015, as set forth in the Streamlined Approach for Environmental Restoration (SAFER) Plan for Corrective Action Unit 412: Clean Slate I Plutonium Dispersion (TTR), Tonopah Test Range, Nevada; and in accordance with the Soils Activity Quality Assurance Plan. Themore » purpose of the CAI was to fulfill data needs as defined during the data quality objectives process. The CAU 412 dataset of investigation results was evaluated based on a data quality assessment. This assessment demonstrated the dataset is complete and acceptable for use in fulfilling the data needs identified by the data quality objectives process. This CR provides documentation and justification for the clean closure of CAU 412 under the FFACO without further corrective action. This justification is based on historical knowledge of the site, previous site investigations, implementation of the 1997 interim corrective action, and the results of the CAI. The corrective action of clean closure was confirmed as appropriate for closure of CAU 412 based on achievement of the following closure objectives: Radiological contamination at the site is less than the final action level using the ground troops exposure scenario (i.e., the radiological dose is less than the final action level): Removable alpha contamination is less than the high contamination area criterion: No potential source material is present at the site, and any impacted soil associated with potential source material has been removed so that remaining soil contains contaminants at concentrations less than the final action levels: and There is sufficient information to characterize investigation and remediation waste for disposal.« less

Priority-based methods for reducing the impact of packet loss on HEVC encoded video streams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nightingale, James; Wang, Qi; Grecos, Christos

2013-02-01

The rapid growth in the use of video streaming over IP networks has outstripped the rate at which new network infrastructure has been deployed. These bandwidth-hungry applications now comprise a significant part of all Internet traffic and present major challenges for network service providers. The situation is more acute in mobile networks where the available bandwidth is often limited. Work towards the standardisation of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), the next generation video coding scheme, is currently on track for completion in 2013. HEVC offers the prospect of a 50% improvement in compression over the current H.264 Advanced Video Coding standard (H.264/AVC) for the same quality. However, there has been very little published research on HEVC streaming or the challenges of delivering HEVC streams in resource-constrained network environments. In this paper we consider the problem of adapting an HEVC encoded video stream to meet the bandwidth limitation in a mobile networks environment. Video sequences were encoded using the Test Model under Consideration (TMuC HM6) for HEVC. Network abstraction layers (NAL) units were packetized, on a one NAL unit per RTP packet basis, and transmitted over a realistic hybrid wired/wireless testbed configured with dynamically changing network path conditions and multiple independent network paths from the streamer to the client. Two different schemes for the prioritisation of RTP packets, based on the NAL units they contain, have been implemented and empirically compared using a range of video sequences, encoder configurations, bandwidths and network topologies. In the first prioritisation method the importance of an RTP packet was determined by the type of picture and the temporal switching point information carried in the NAL unit header. Packets containing parameter set NAL units and video coding layer (VCL) NAL units of the instantaneous decoder refresh (IDR) and the clean random access (CRA) pictures were given the highest priority followed by NAL units containing pictures used as reference pictures from which others can be predicted. The second method assigned a priority to each NAL unit based on the rate-distortion cost of the VCL coding units contained in the NAL unit. The sum of the rate-distortion costs of each coding unit contained in a NAL unit was used as the priority weighting. The preliminary results of extensive experiments have shown that all three schemes offered an improvement in PSNR, when comparing original and decoded received streams, over uncontrolled packet loss. Using the first method consistently delivered a significant average improvement of 0.97dB over the uncontrolled scenario while the second method provided a measurable, but less consistent, improvement across the range of testing conditions and encoder configurations.

Improving environmental cleaning in clinical areas: staff education based on adenosine triphosphate readings.

PubMed

Villanueva, Ariadna; Guanche, Humberto

2016-11-01

Aim To describe the effect of education on environmental cleaning in patient care areas using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) readings. Method A quality improvement initiative was developed in a community hospital in Qatar. Over a two-month period, an infection-control practitioner monitored ATP readings in patient care areas, at any time and regardless of the time of the previous disinfection. The initiative included staff education, use of ATP readings and the drawing up of quarterly quality reports. The ATP readings were considered 'pass', meaning well cleaned, or 'fail', meaning non-cleaned, according to the following standards:>250 relative light units (RLU) in non-critical units and<200RLU for critical units. The proportion of test passes was calculated per 100 tests performed. Results A total of 1,617 tests were performed, after which 1,259 (78%) surfaces were identified as well cleaned. The lowest proportion of non-pass and higher ATP readings was observed in non-critical areas. The test points with the lowest proportion of passes were telephones (40.5%), a medication dispensing system (58.5%), an oximeter (66.7%) and callbox buttons (67.6%). A sustained increase in test passes was observed during the study period. Conclusion There was an improvement in environmental cleaning due to monitoring of ATP on surfaces and staff education.

Enabling a flexible exchange of energy of a photovoltaic plant with the grid by means of a controlled storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazzari, R.; Parma, C.; De Marco, A.; Bittanti, S.

2015-07-01

In this paper, we describe a control strategy for a photovoltaic (PV) power plant equipped with an energy storage system (ESS), based on lithium-ion battery. The plant consists of the following units: the PV generator, the energy storage system, the DC-bus and the inverter. The control, organised in a hierarchical manner, maximises the self-consumption of the local load unit. In particular, the ESS action performs power balance in case of low solar radiation or surplus of PV generation, thus managing the power exchange variability at the plant with the grid. The implemented control strategy is under testing in RSE pilot test facility in Milan, Italy.

Alternate Protocol for Detecting Biological Contamination on Sensitive Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berlin, David; Lalime, Erin; Carosso, Nancy

2015-01-01

The purpose of this project is to develop a sterile water based rapid bioburden test. Contamination engineers use two tests to assess the level of biological contamination on hardware: the rapid five minute bioburden test, which is a molecular screening for Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule found in all cells on the hardware, and a slower colony growth test, which is used to give a more accurate representation of the amount of microbes on the hardware. However, the rapid bioburden test has limited application because it leaves a residue that can be detrimental to sensitive hardware. This can cause project delays while waiting for the results from the three day colony growth test. We address this problem by adapting the commercial germicide based ATP system to a sterile water based system. The test works by reacting ATP with D-Luciferin and Luciferase protein to yield light. The light is then detected by a luminometer that outputs a Relative Light Unit (RLU) amount depending on how much ATP is present. To analyze the effectiveness of the new test, we developed a correlation between amounts of ATP and the RLU produced using the germicide based system. From these experiments, we've generated a consistent relationship between the two in the form of a power curve. From there, we developed a correlation curve between the amount of colonies and the RLU they produced. Initial tests of the new protocol have shown that the water based system isn't as sensitive as the germicide based test.

Experimental research on a modular miniaturization nanoindentation device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hu; Zhao, Hongwei; Mi, Jie; Yang, Jie; Wan, Shunguang; Yang, Zhaojun; Yan, Jiwang; Ma, Zhichao; Geng, Chunyang

2011-09-01

Nanoindentation technology is developing toward the in situ test which requires miniaturization of indentation instruments. This paper presents a miniaturization nanoindentation device based on the modular idea. It mainly consists of macro-adjusting mechanism, x-y precise positioning platform, z axis precise driving unit, and the load-depth measuring unit. The device can be assembled with different forms and has minimum dimensions of 200 mm × 135 mm × 200 mm. The load resolution is about 0.1 mN and the displacement resolution is about 10 nm. A new calibration method named the reference-mapping method is proposed to calibrate the developed device. Output performance tests and indentation experiments indicate the feasibility of the developed device and calibration method. This paper gives an example that combining piezoelectric actuators with flexure hinge to realize nanoindentation tests. Integrating a smaller displacement sensor, a more compact nanoindentation device can be designed in the future.

Clinic-based nerve conduction studies reduce time to surgery and are cost effective: a comparison with formal electrophysiological testing

PubMed Central

Bourke, Henry E; Read, Jeremy; Kampa, Rebecca; Hearnden, Anthony; Davey, Paul A

2011-01-01

INTRODUCTION Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy affecting the upper limb. Clinical diagnosis is not always clear and electrophysiological testing can be indicated when considering a patient for decompression surgery. The downside of electrophysiological testing is cost and increased time to surgery. Newer methods of performing nerve conduction studies in clinic have become available. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the use of a clinic-based, handheld, non-invasive electrophysiological device (NC-stat®) in 71 patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome presenting to our hand clinic in a district general hospital. We compared this to a similar cohort of 71 age-matched patients also presenting to our unit in whom formal nerve conduction studies were performed at a local neurophysiology unit. Our outcome measures were time from presentation to carpal tunnel decompression, the cost of each pathway and the practicalities of using the device in a busy hand unit. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The NC-stat® proved to be a successful device when compared with referring patients out for more formal nerve conduction studies, shortening the time from presentation to surgery from 198 days to 102 days (p<0.0001). It was also cost effective with a calculated saving to the hospital of more than £70 per patient. The device is easy to use and acceptable to patients and no adverse effects were noted. PMID:21477439

Design and Test Plans for a Non-Nuclear Fission Power System Technology Demonstration Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee; Palac, Donald; Gibson, Marc; Houts, Michael; Warren, John; Werner, James; Poston, David; Qualls, Arthur Lou; Radel, Ross; Harlow, Scott

2012-01-01

A joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) team is developing concepts and technologies for affordable nuclear Fission Power Systems (FPSs) to support future exploration missions. A key deliverable is the Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU). The TDU will assemble the major elements of a notional FPS with a non-nuclear reactor simulator (Rx Sim) and demonstrate system-level performance in thermal vacuum. The Rx Sim includes an electrical resistance heat source and a liquid metal heat transport loop that simulates the reactor thermal interface and expected dynamic response. A power conversion unit (PCU) generates electric power utilizing the liquid metal heat source and rejects waste heat to a heat rejection system (HRS). The HRS includes a pumped water heat removal loop coupled to radiator panels suspended in the thermal-vacuum facility. The basic test plan is to subject the system to realistic operating conditions and gather data to evaluate performance sensitivity, control stability, and response characteristics. Upon completion of the testing, the technology is expected to satisfy the requirements for Technology Readiness Level 6 (System Demonstration in an Operational and Relevant Environment) based on the use of high-fidelity hardware and prototypic software tested under realistic conditions and correlated with analytical predictions.

Diesel fuel to dc power: Navy & Marine Corps Applications

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

Bloomfield, D.P.

1996-12-31

During the past year Analytic Power has tested fuel cell stacks and diesel fuel processors for US Navy and Marine Corps applications. The units are 10 kW demonstration power plants. The USN power plant was built to demonstrate the feasibility of diesel fueled PEM fuel cell power plants for 250 kW and 2.5 MW shipboard power systems. We designed and tested a ten cell, 1 kW USMC substack and fuel processor. The complete 10 kW prototype power plant, which has application to both power and hydrogen generation, is now under construction. The USN and USMC fuel cell stacks have beenmore » tested on both actual and simulated reformate. Analytic Power has accumulated operating experience with autothermal reforming based fuel processors operating on sulfur bearing diesel fuel, jet fuel, propane and natural gas. We have also completed the design and fabrication of an advanced regenerative ATR for the USMC. One of the significant problems with small fuel processors is heat loss which limits its ability to operate with the high steam to carbon ratios required for coke free high efficiency operation. The new USMC unit specifically addresses these heat transfer issues. The advances in the mill programs have been incorporated into Analytic Power`s commercial units which are now under test.« less

Design and Test Plans for a Non-Nuclear Fission Power System Technology Demonstration Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, L.; Palac, D.; Gibson, M.; Houts, M.; Warren, J.; Werner, J.; Poston, D.; Qualls, L.; Radel, R.; Harlow, S.

A joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) team is developing concepts and technologies for affordable nuclear Fission Power Systems (FPSs) to support future exploration missions. A key deliverable is the Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU). The TDU will assemble the major elements of a notional FPS with a non-nuclear reactor simulator (Rx Sim) and demonstrate system-level performance in thermal vacuum. The Rx Sim includes an electrical resistance heat source and a liquid metal heat transport loop that simulates the reactor thermal interface and expected dynamic response. A power conversion unit (PCU) generates electric power utilizing the liquid metal heat source and rejects waste heat to a heat rejection system (HRS). The HRS includes a pumped water heat removal loop coupled to radiator panels suspended in the thermal-vacuum facility. The basic test plan is to subject the system to realistic operating conditions and gather data to evaluate performance sensitivity, control stability, and response characteristics. Upon completion of the testing, the technology is expected to satisfy the requirements for Technology Readiness Level 6 (System Demonstration in an Operational and Relevant Environment) based on the use of high-fidelity hardware and prototypic software tested under realistic conditions and correlated with analytical predictions.

Virus removal retention challenge tests performed at lab scale and pilot scale during operation of membrane units.

PubMed

Humbert, H; Machinal, C; Labaye, Ivan; Schrotter, J C

2011-01-01

The determination of the virus retention capabilities of UF units during operation is essential for the operators of drinking water treatment facilities in order to guarantee an efficient and stable removal of viruses through time. In previous studies, an effective method (MS2-phage challenge tests) was developed by the Water Research Center of Veolia Environnement for the measurement of the virus retention rates (Log Removal Rate, LRV) of commercially available hollow fiber membranes at lab scale. In the present work, the protocol for monitoring membrane performance was transferred from lab scale to pilot scale. Membrane performances were evaluated during pilot trial and compared to the results obtained at lab scale with fibers taken from the pilot plant modules. PFU culture method was compared to RT-PCR method for the calculation of LRV in both cases. Preliminary tests at lab scale showed that both methods can be used interchangeably. For tests conducted on virgin membrane, a good consistency was observed between lab and pilot scale results with the two analytical methods used. This work intends to show that a reliable determination of the membranes performances based on RT-PCR analytical method can be achieved during the operation of the UF units.

Grades, Student Satisfaction and Retention in Online and Face-to-Face Introductory Psychology Units: A Test of Equivalency Theory.

PubMed

Garratt-Reed, David; Roberts, Lynne D; Heritage, Brody

2016-01-01

There has been a recent rapid growth in the number of psychology courses offered online through institutions of higher education. The American Psychological Association has highlighted the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of online psychology courses (Halonen et al., 2013). Despite this, there have been inconsistent findings regarding student grades, satisfaction, and retention in online psychology units. Equivalency Theory (Simonson, 1999; Simonson et al., 1999) posits that online and classroom-based learners will attain equivalent learning outcomes when equivalent learning experiences are provided. We present a study of an online introductory psychology unit designed to provide equivalent learning experiences to the pre-existing face-to-face version of the unit. Using quasi-experimental methods, academic performance, student feedback, and retention data from 866 Australian undergraduate psychology students were examined to assess whether the online unit developed to provide equivalent learning experiences produced comparable outcomes to the 'traditional' unit delivered face-to-face. Student grades did not significantly differ between modes of delivery, except for a group-work based assessment where online students performed more poorly. Student satisfaction was generally high in both modes of the unit, with group-work the key source of dissatisfaction in the online unit. The results provide partial support for Equivalency Theory. The group-work based assessment did not provide an equivalent learning experience for students in the online unit highlighting the need for further research to determine effective methods of engaging students in online group activities. Consistent with previous research, retention rates were significantly lower in the online unit, indicating the need to develop effective strategies to increase online retention rates. While this study demonstrates successes in presenting students with an equivalent learning experience, we recommend that future research investigate means of successfully facilitating collaborative group-work assessment, and to explore contributing factors to actual student retention in online units beyond that of non-equivalent learning experiences.

Diversity and Innovation for Geosciences (dig) Texas Earth and Space Science Instructional Blueprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellins, K. K.; Bohls-Graham, E.; Riggs, E. M.; Serpa, L. F.; Jacobs, B. E.; Martinez, A. O.; Fox, S.; Kent, M.; Stocks, E.; Pennington, D. D.

2014-12-01

The NSF-sponsored DIG Texas Instructional Blueprint project supports the development of online instructional blueprints for a yearlong high school-level Earth science course. Each blueprint stitches together three-week units that contain curated educational resources aligned with the Texas state standards for Earth and Space Science and the Earth Science Literacy Principles. Units focus on specific geoscience content, place-based concerns, features or ideas, or other specific conceptual threads. Five regional teams composed of geoscientists, pedagogy specialists, and practicing science teachers chose unit themes and resources for twenty-two units during three workshops. In summer 2014 three Education Interns (Earth science teachers) spent six weeks refining the content of the units and aligning them with the Next Generation Science Standards. They also assembled units into example blueprints. The cross-disciplinary collaboration among blueprint team members allowed them to develop knowledge in new areas and to share their own discipline-based knowledge and perspectives. Team members and Education Interns learned where to find and how to evaluate high quality geoscience educational resources, using a web-based resource review tool developed by the Science Education Resource Center (SERC). SERC is the repository for the DIG Texas blueprint web pages. Work is underway to develop automated tools to allow educators to compile resources into customized instructional blueprints by reshuffling units within an existing blueprint, by mixing units from other blueprints, or creating new units and blueprints. These innovations will enhance the use of the units by secondary Earth science educators beyond Texas. This presentation provides an overview of the project, shows examples of blueprints and units, reports on the preliminary results of classroom implementation by Earth science teachers, and considers challenges encountered in developing and testing the blueprints. The project is a collaboration between The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at El Paso, and Texas A&M University, all of which participate in the DIG Texas alliance. Website:serc.carleton.edu/dig_blueprints/index.html

Grades, Student Satisfaction and Retention in Online and Face-to-Face Introductory Psychology Units: A Test of Equivalency Theory

PubMed Central

Garratt-Reed, David; Roberts, Lynne D.; Heritage, Brody

2016-01-01

There has been a recent rapid growth in the number of psychology courses offered online through institutions of higher education. The American Psychological Association has highlighted the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of online psychology courses (Halonen et al., 2013). Despite this, there have been inconsistent findings regarding student grades, satisfaction, and retention in online psychology units. Equivalency Theory (Simonson, 1999; Simonson et al., 1999) posits that online and classroom-based learners will attain equivalent learning outcomes when equivalent learning experiences are provided. We present a study of an online introductory psychology unit designed to provide equivalent learning experiences to the pre-existing face-to-face version of the unit. Using quasi-experimental methods, academic performance, student feedback, and retention data from 866 Australian undergraduate psychology students were examined to assess whether the online unit developed to provide equivalent learning experiences produced comparable outcomes to the ‘traditional’ unit delivered face-to-face. Student grades did not significantly differ between modes of delivery, except for a group-work based assessment where online students performed more poorly. Student satisfaction was generally high in both modes of the unit, with group-work the key source of dissatisfaction in the online unit. The results provide partial support for Equivalency Theory. The group-work based assessment did not provide an equivalent learning experience for students in the online unit highlighting the need for further research to determine effective methods of engaging students in online group activities. Consistent with previous research, retention rates were significantly lower in the online unit, indicating the need to develop effective strategies to increase online retention rates. While this study demonstrates successes in presenting students with an equivalent learning experience, we recommend that future research investigate means of successfully facilitating collaborative group-work assessment, and to explore contributing factors to actual student retention in online units beyond that of non-equivalent learning experiences. PMID:27242587

Helium gas purity monitor based on low frequency acoustic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasthurirengan, S.; Jacob, S.; Karunanithi, R.; Karthikeyan, A.

1996-05-01

Monitoring gas purity is an important aspect of gas recovery stations where air is usually one of the major impurities. Purity monitors of Katherometric type are commercially available for this purpose. Alternatively, we discuss here a helium gas purity monitor based on acoustic resonance of a cavity at audio frequencies. It measures the purity by monitoring the resonant frequency of a cylindrical cavity filled with the gas under test and excited by conventional telephone transducers fixed at the ends. The use of the latter simplifies the design considerably. The paper discusses the details of the resonant cavity and the electronic circuit along with temperature compensation. The unit has been calibrated with helium gas of known purities. The unit has a response time of the order of 10 minutes and measures the gas purity to an accuracy of 0.02%. The unit has been installed in our helium recovery system and is found to perform satisfactorily.

KSC-2011-2760

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-02

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician guides the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft toward the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB

KSC-2011-2762

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-02

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is secured to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB

KSC-2011-2761

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-02

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician secures the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB

Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 414: Clean Slate III Plutonium Dispersion (TTR) Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, Revision 1

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

Matthews, Patrick

Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 414 is located on the Tonopah Test Range, which is approximately 130 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, and approximately 40 miles southeast of Tonopah, Nevada. The CAU 414 site consists of the release of radionuclides to the surface and shallow subsurface from the conduct of the Clean Slate III (CSIII) storage–transportation test conducted on June 9, 1963. CAU 414 includes one corrective action site (CAS), TA-23-03CS (Pu Contaminated Soil). The known releases at CAU 414 are the result of the atmospheric dispersal of contamination from the 1963 CSIII test. The CSIII test was a nonnuclearmore » detonation of a nuclear device located inside a reinforced concrete bunker covered with 8 feet of soil. This test dispersed radionuclides, primarily uranium and plutonium, on the ground surface. The presence and nature of contamination at CAU 414 will be evaluated based on information collected from a corrective action investigation (CAI). The investigation is based on the data quality objectives (DQOs) developed on June 7, 2016, by representatives of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection; the U.S. Air Force; and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office. The DQO process was used to identify and define the type, amount, and quality of data needed to develop and evaluate appropriate corrective action alternatives for CAU 414.« less

Design and initial testing of a one-bladed 30-meter-diameter rotor on the NASA/DOE mod-O wind turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corrigan, R. D.; Ensworth, C. B. F.

1986-01-01

The concept of a one-bladed horizontal-axis wind turbine has been of interest to wind turbine designers for many years. Many designs and economic analyses of one-bladed wind turbines have been undertaken by both United States and European wind energy groups. The analyses indicate significant economic advantages but at the same time, significant dynamic response concerns. In an effort to develop a broad data base on wind turbine design and operations, the NASA Wind Energy Project Office has tested a one-bladed rotor at the NASA/DOE Mod-O Wind Turbine Facility. This is the only known test on an intermediate-sized one-bladed rotor in the United States. The 15.2-meter-radius rotor consists of a tip-controlled blade and a counterweight assembly. A rigorous test series was conducted in the Fall of 1985 to collect data on rotor performance, drive train/generator dynamics, structural dynamics, and structural loads. This report includes background information on one-bladed rotor concepts, and Mod-O one-bladed rotor test configuration, supporting design analysis, the Mod-O one-blade rotor test plan, and preliminary test results.

1995 Truck Size and Weight Performance-Based Workshop report : activity 5 : document North American and European experiences

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM proje...

Conservatism and Cognitive Ability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stankov, Lazar

2009-01-01

Conservatism and cognitive ability are negatively correlated. The evidence is based on 1254 community college students and 1600 foreign students seeking entry to United States' universities. At the individual level of analysis, conservatism scores correlate negatively with SAT, Vocabulary, and Analogy test scores. At the national level of…

Heat transfer with hockey-stick steam generator. [LMFBR

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

Moody, E; Gabler, M J

1977-11-01

The hockey-stick modular design concept is a good answer to future needs for reliable, economic LMFBR steam generators. The concept was successfully demonstrated in the 30 Mwt MSG test unit; scaled up versions are currently in fabrication for CRBRP usage, and further scaling has been accomplished for PLBR applications. Design and performance characteristics are presented for the three generations of hockey-stick steam generators. The key features of the design are presented based on extensive analytical effort backed up by extensive ancillary test data. The bases for and actual performance evaluations are presented with emphasis on the CRBRP design. The designmore » effort on these units has resulted in the development of analytical techniques that are directly applicable to steam generators for any LMFBR application. In conclusion, the hockey-stick steam generator concept has been proven to perform both thermally and hydraulically as predicted. The heat transfer characteristics are well defined, and proven analytical techniques are available as are personnel experienced in their use.« less

Straight Talk: HIV Prevention for African-American Heterosexual Men: Theoretical Bases and Intervention Design

PubMed Central

Frye, Victoria; Bonner, Sebastian; Williams, Kim; Henny, Kirk; Bond, Keosha; Lucy, Debbie; Cupid, Malik; Smith, Stephen; Koblin, Beryl A.

2016-01-01

In the United States, racial disparities in HIV/AIDS are stark. Although African Americans comprise an estimated 14% of the U.S. population, they made up 52% of new HIV cases among adults and adolescents diagnosed in 2009. Heterosexual transmission is now the second leading cause of HIV in the United States. African Americans made up a full two-thirds of all heterosexually acquired HIV/AIDS cases between 2005 and 2008. Few demonstrated efficacious HIV prevention interventions designed specifically for adult, African-American heterosexual men exist. Here, we describe the process used to design a theory-based HIV prevention intervention to increase condom use, reduce concurrent partnering, and increase HIV testing among heterosexually active African-American men living in high HIV prevalence areas of New York City. The intervention integrated empowerment, social identity, and rational choices theories and focused on four major content areas: HIV/AIDS testing and education; condom skills training; key relational and behavioral turning points; and masculinity and fatherhood. PMID:23016501

Crosslinked wholly aromatic polyether membranes based on quinoline derivatives and their application in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallitsis, K. J.; Nannou, R.; Andreopoulou, A. K.; Daletou, M. K.; Papaioannou, D.; Neophytides, S. G.; Kallitsis, J. K.

2018-03-01

An AB type difunctional quinoline based monomer bearing a pentafluorophenyl unit combined with a phenol functionality is being synthesized and homopolymerized to create linear aromatic polyethers as polymer electrolytes for HT-PEM FCs applications. Several conditions are tested for the optimized synthesis of the monomer and homopolymer. Additionally, covalent crosslinking through aromatic polyether bond formation enables the creation of wholly aromatic crosslinked polymeric electrolyte membranes. More specifically, the perfluorophenyl units are crosslinked with other hydroxyl end functionalized moieties, providing membranes with enhanced chemical and mechanical properties that are moreover easily doped with phosphoric acid even at ambient temperatures. All membranes are evaluated for their structural and thermal characteristics and their doping ability with phosphoric acid. Selected crosslinked membranes are further tested in terms of their single cell performance at the temperature range 160 °C-200 °C showing promising performance and high conductivity values even up to 0.2 S cm-1 in some cases.

Unit Testing for Command and Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, Joshua

2018-01-01

Unit tests were created to evaluate the functionality of a Data Generation and Publication tool for a command and control system. These unit tests are developed to constantly evaluate the tool and ensure it functions properly as the command and control system grows in size and scope. Unit tests are a crucial part of testing any software project and are especially instrumental in the development of a command and control system. They save resources, time and costs associated with testing, and catch issues before they become increasingly difficult and costly. The unit tests produced for the Data Generation and Publication tool to be used in a command and control system assure the users and stakeholders of its functionality and offer assurances which are vital in the launching of spacecraft safely.

Simulation-based Testing of Control Software

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

Ozmen, Ozgur; Nutaro, James J.; Sanyal, Jibonananda

It is impossible to adequately test complex software by examining its operation in a physical prototype of the system monitored. Adequate test coverage can require millions of test cases, and the cost of equipment prototypes combined with the real-time constraints of testing with them makes it infeasible to sample more than a small number of these tests. Model based testing seeks to avoid this problem by allowing for large numbers of relatively inexpensive virtual prototypes that operate in simulation time at a speed limited only by the available computing resources. In this report, we describe how a computer system emulatormore » can be used as part of a model based testing environment; specifically, we show that a complete software stack including operating system and application software - can be deployed within a simulated environment, and that these simulations can proceed as fast as possible. To illustrate this approach to model based testing, we describe how it is being used to test several building control systems that act to coordinate air conditioning loads for the purpose of reducing peak demand. These tests involve the use of ADEVS (A Discrete Event System Simulator) and QEMU (Quick Emulator) to host the operational software within the simulation, and a building model developed with the MODELICA programming language using Buildings Library and packaged as an FMU (Functional Mock-up Unit) that serves as the virtual test environment.« less

ACER Physics Unit Tests: Unit Tests, Diagnostic Aids, [and] Teachers Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Australian Council for Educational Research, Hawthorn.

The Physics Unit Tests are designed to assist in the diagnostic evaluation of students' progress in the study of physics during the last two years of secondary schooling. They consist of a collection of 21 separate tests, each related to a different topic, and 21 diagnostic aids corresponding to the tests. The topics covered are: physical…

42 CFR 84.310 - Post-approval testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Respirators § 84.310 Post-approval testing. (a) NIOSH will periodically test the capacity and performance of units of approved CCERs. (b) NIOSH may test units that are new and/or units that have been deployed in... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Post-approval testing. 84.310 Section 84.310 Public...

42 CFR 84.310 - Post-approval testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Respirators § 84.310 Post-approval testing. (a) NIOSH will periodically test the capacity and performance of units of approved CCERs. (b) NIOSH may test units that are new and/or units that have been deployed in... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Post-approval testing. 84.310 Section 84.310 Public...

42 CFR 84.310 - Post-approval testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Respirators § 84.310 Post-approval testing. (a) NIOSH will periodically test the capacity and performance of units of approved CCERs. (b) NIOSH may test units that are new and/or units that have been deployed in... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Post-approval testing. 84.310 Section 84.310 Public...

Zn- and Co-based layered double hydroxides: prediction of the a parameter from the fraction of trivalent cations and vice versa

PubMed Central

Richardson, Ian G.

2013-01-01

A recently proposed method to calculate the a parameter of the unit cell of layered double hydroxides from the fraction of trivalent cations is extended to Zn- and Co-based phases. It is shown to be useful as a sanity test for extant and future structure determinations and computer-simulation studies. PMID:23873067

Modeling "Tiktaalik": Using a Model-Based Inquiry Approach to Engage Community College Students in the Practices of Science during an Evolution Unit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baze, Christina L.; Gray, Ron

2018-01-01

Inquiry methods have been successful in improving science literacy in students of all ages. Model-Based Inquiry (MBI) is an instructional model that engages students in the practices of science through the collaborative development of scientific models to explain an anchoring phenomenon. Student ideas are tested through engagement in content-rich…

Staff Perspectives on the Use of a Computer-Based Concept for Lifestyle Intervention Implemented in Primary Health Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlfjord, Siw; Johansson, Kjell; Bendtsen, Preben; Nilsen, Per; Andersson, Agneta

2010-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate staff experiences of the use of a computer-based concept for lifestyle testing and tailored advice implemented in routine primary health care (PHC). Design: The design of the study was a cross-sectional, retrospective survey. Setting: The study population consisted of staff at nine PHC units in the…

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

None, None

The most common method of measuring air leakage is to perform single (or solo) blower door pressurization and/or depressurization test. In detached housing, the single blower door test measures leakage to the outside. In attached housing, however, this "solo" test method measures both air leakage to the outside and air leakage between adjacent units through common surfaces. Although minimizing leakage to neighboring units is highly recommended to avoid indoor air quality issues between units, reduce pressure differentials between units, and control stack effect, the energy benefits of air sealing can be significantly overpredicted if the solo air leakage number ismore » used in the energy analysis. Guarded blower door testing is more appropriate for isolating and measuring leakage to the outside in attached housing. This method uses multiple blower doors to depressurize adjacent spaces to the same level as the unit being tested. Maintaining a neutral pressure across common walls, ceilings, and floors acts as a "guard" against air leakage between units. The resulting measured air leakage in the test unit is only air leakage to the outside. Although preferred for assessing energy impacts, the challenges of performing guarded testing can be daunting.« less

Evaluation of Aqua-Ammonia Chiller Technologies and Field Site Installation

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

Zaltash, Abdolreza

2007-09-01

The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) has sponsored Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to review, select, and evaluate advanced, gas-fired, 5-ton, aqua-ammonia, chiller technologies. The selection criteria was that units have COP values of 0.67 or better at Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) 95 F outdoor rating conditions, an active refrigerant flow control, and a variable-speed condenser fan. These features are expected to allow these units to operate at higher ambient temperatures (up to the maximum operating temperature of 110 F) with minimal degradation in performance. ORNL evaluated three potential manufacturers of advanced, gas-fired, 5-ton, aqua-ammonia chillers-Robur, Ambian, andmore » Cooling Technologies. Unfortunately, Robur did not meet the COP requirements and Cooling Technologies could not deliver a unit to be tested at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-ORNL environmental chamber testing facility for thermally activated heat pumps. This eliminated these two technologies from further consideration, leaving only the Ambian chillers for evaluation. Two Ambian chillers were evaluated at the DOE-ORNL test facility. Overall these chillers operated well over a wide range of ambient conditions with minimal degradation in performance due to several control strategies used such as a variable speed condenser fan, a modulating burner, and active refrigerant flow control. These Ambian pre-commercial units were selected for installation and field testing at three federal facilities. NFESC worked with ORNL to assist with the site selection for installation and evaluation of these chillers. Two sites (ORNL and Naval Surface Warfare Center [NSWC] Corona) had a single chiller unit installed; and at one site (Naval Amphibious Base [NAB] Little Creek), two 5-ton chillers linked together were installed to provide 10 tons of cooling. A chiller link controller developed under this project was evaluated in the field test at Little Creek.« less

A lab-based study of subground passive cooling system for indoor temperature control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chok, Mun-Hong; Chan, Chee-Ming

2017-11-01

Passive cooling is an alternative cooling technique which helps to reduce high energy consumption. Respectively, dredged marine soil (DMS) is either being dumped or disposed as waste materials. Dredging works had resulted high labor cost, therefore reuse DMS as to fill it along the coastal area. In this study, DMS chosen to examine the effectiveness of passive cooling system by model tests. Soil characterization were carried out according to BS1377: Part 2: 1990. Model were made into scale of 3 cm to 1 m. Heat exchange unit consists of three pipe designs namely, parallel, ramp and spiral. Preliminary tests including flow rate test and soil sample selection were done to select the best heat exchange unit to carry out the model test. Model test is classified into 2 conditions, day and night, each condition consists of 4 configurations which the temperature results are determined. The result shows that window left open and fan switched on (WO/FO) recorded the most effective cooling effects, from 29 °C to 27 °C with drop of 6.9 %.

Flight test results of riblets at supersonic speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuniga, Fanny A.; Anderson, Bianca T.; Bertelrud, Arild

1992-01-01

A flight experiment to test and evaluate the skin friction drag characteristics of a riblet surface in turbulent flow at supersonic speeds was conducted at NASA Dryden. Riblets of groove sizes 0.0030 and 0.0013 in. were mounted on the F-104G flight test fixture. The test surfaces were surveyed with boundary layer rakes and pressure orifices to examine the boundary layer profiles and pressure distributions of the flow. Skin friction reductions caused by the riblet surface were reported based on measured differences of momentum thickness between the smooth and riblet surfaces obtained from the boundary layer data. Flight test results for the 0.0030 in. riblet show skin friction reductions of 4 to 8 % for Mach numbers ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 2 to 3.4 million per unit foot. The results from the 0.0013 in. riblets show skin friction reductions of 4 to 15 % for Mach 1.2 to 1.4 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 3.6 to 6 million per unit foot.

Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A). Performance Verification Report: Initial Comprehensive Performance Test Report, P/N 1331200-2-IT, S/N 105/A2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Platt, R.

1999-01-01

This is the Performance Verification Report, Initial Comprehensive Performance Test Report, P/N 1331200-2-IT, S/N 105/A2, for the Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A). The specification establishes the requirements for the Comprehensive Performance Test (CPT) and Limited Performance Test (LPT) of the Advanced Microwave Sounding, Unit-A2 (AMSU-A2), referred to herein as the unit. The unit is defined on Drawing 1331200. 1.2 Test procedure sequence. The sequence in which the several phases of this test procedure shall take place is shown in Figure 1, but the sequence can be in any order.

Test Report Emission Test Program EPA Information Collection Request for Delayed Coking Units 736 Coker Unit

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

ARI Environmental, Inc. (ARI) was retained by Houston Refining LP (HRO) to conduct an emission test program at their refinery located in Houston, Texas. The testing was conducted on on the 736 Delayed Coking Unit (DCU) in response to EPA's ICR.

Cost calculator methods for estimating casework time in child welfare services: A promising approach for use in implementation of evidence-based practices and other service innovations.

PubMed

Holmes, Lisa; Landsverk, John; Ward, Harriet; Rolls-Reutz, Jennifer; Saldana, Lisa; Wulczyn, Fred; Chamberlain, Patricia

2014-04-01

Estimating costs in child welfare services is critical as new service models are incorporated into routine practice. This paper describes a unit costing estimation system developed in England (cost calculator) together with a pilot test of its utility in the United States where unit costs are routinely available for health services but not for child welfare services. The cost calculator approach uses a unified conceptual model that focuses on eight core child welfare processes. Comparison of these core processes in England and in four counties in the United States suggests that the underlying child welfare processes generated from England were perceived as very similar by child welfare staff in California county systems with some exceptions in the review and legal processes. Overall, the adaptation of the cost calculator for use in the United States child welfare systems appears promising. The paper also compares the cost calculator approach to the workload approach widely used in the United States and concludes that there are distinct differences between the two approaches with some possible advantages to the use of the cost calculator approach, especially in the use of this method for estimating child welfare costs in relation to the incorporation of evidence-based interventions into routine practice.

Ion thruster system (8-cm) cyclic endurance test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dulgeroff, C. R.; Beattie, J. R.; Poeschel, R. L.; Hyman, J., Jr.

1984-01-01

This report describes the qualification test of an Engineering-Model 5-mN-thrust 8-cm-diameter mercury ion thruster which is representative of the Ion Auxiliary Propulsion System (IAPS) thrusters. Two of these thrusters are scheduled for future flight test. The cyclic endurance test described herein was a ground-based test performed in a vacuum facility with a liquid-nitrogen-cooled cryo-surface and a frozen mercury target. The Power Electronics Unit, Beam Shield, Gimal, and Propellant Tank that were used with the thruster in the endurance test are also similar to those of the IAPS. The IAPS thruster that will undergo the longest beam-on-time during the actual space test will be subjected to 7,055 hours of beam-on-time and 2,557 cycles during the flight test. The endurance test was successfully concluded when the mercury in the IAPS Propellant Tank was consumed. At that time, 8,471 hours of beam-on-time and 599 cycles had been accumulated. Subsequent post-test-evaluation operations were performed (without breaking vacuum) which extended the test values to 652 cycles and 9,489 hours of beam-on-time. The Power Electronic Unit (PEU) and thruster were in the same vacuum chamber throughout the test. The PEU accumulated 10,268 hr of test time with high voltage applied to the operating thruster or dummy load.

Efficiency of endoscopy units can be improved with use of discrete event simulation modeling.

PubMed

Sauer, Bryan G; Singh, Kanwar P; Wagner, Barry L; Vanden Hoek, Matthew S; Twilley, Katherine; Cohn, Steven M; Shami, Vanessa M; Wang, Andrew Y

2016-11-01

Background and study aims: The projected increased demand for health services obligates healthcare organizations to operate efficiently. Discrete event simulation (DES) is a modeling method that allows for optimization of systems through virtual testing of different configurations before implementation. The objective of this study was to identify strategies to improve the daily efficiencies of an endoscopy center with the use of DES. Methods: We built a DES model of a five procedure room endoscopy unit at a tertiary-care university medical center. After validating the baseline model, we tested alternate configurations to run the endoscopy suite and evaluated outcomes associated with each change. The main outcome measures included adequate number of preparation and recovery rooms, blocked inflow, delay times, blocked outflows, and patient cycle time. Results: Based on a sensitivity analysis, the adequate number of preparation rooms is eight and recovery rooms is nine for a five procedure room unit (total 3.4 preparation and recovery rooms per procedure room). Simple changes to procedure scheduling and patient arrival times led to a modest improvement in efficiency. Increasing the preparation/recovery rooms based on the sensitivity analysis led to significant improvements in efficiency. Conclusions: By applying tools such as DES, we can model changes in an environment with complex interactions and find ways to improve the medical care we provide. DES is applicable to any endoscopy unit and would be particularly valuable to those who are trying to improve on the efficiency of care and patient experience.

Design and development of control unit and software for the ADFOSC instrument of the 3.6 m Devasthal optical telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, T. S.

2016-08-01

In this paper, we describe the details of control unit and GUI software for positioning two filter wheels, a slit wheel and a grism wheel in the ADFOSC instrument. This is a first generation instrument being built for the 3.6 m Devasthal optical telescope. The control hardware consists of five electronic boards based on low cost 8-bit PIC microcontrollers and are distributed over I2C bus. The four wheels are controlled by four identical boards which are configured in I2C slave mode while the fifth board acts as an I2C master for sending commands to and receiving status from the slave boards. The master also communicates with the interfacing PC over TCP/IP protocol using simple ASCII commands. For moving the wheels stepper motors along with suitable amplifiers have been employed. Homing after powering ON is achieved using hall effect sensors. By implementing distributed control units having identical design modularity is achieved enabling easier maintenance and upgradation. A GUI based software for commanding the instrument is developed in Microsoft Visual C++. For operating the system during observations the user selects normal mode while the engineering mode is available for offering additional flexibility and low level control during maintenance and testing. A detailed time-stamped log of commands, status and errors are continuously generated. Both the control unit and the software have been successfully tested and integrated with the ADFOSC instrument.

Efficiency of endoscopy units can be improved with use of discrete event simulation modeling

PubMed Central

Sauer, Bryan G.; Singh, Kanwar P.; Wagner, Barry L.; Vanden Hoek, Matthew S.; Twilley, Katherine; Cohn, Steven M.; Shami, Vanessa M.; Wang, Andrew Y.

2016-01-01

Background and study aims: The projected increased demand for health services obligates healthcare organizations to operate efficiently. Discrete event simulation (DES) is a modeling method that allows for optimization of systems through virtual testing of different configurations before implementation. The objective of this study was to identify strategies to improve the daily efficiencies of an endoscopy center with the use of DES. Methods: We built a DES model of a five procedure room endoscopy unit at a tertiary-care university medical center. After validating the baseline model, we tested alternate configurations to run the endoscopy suite and evaluated outcomes associated with each change. The main outcome measures included adequate number of preparation and recovery rooms, blocked inflow, delay times, blocked outflows, and patient cycle time. Results: Based on a sensitivity analysis, the adequate number of preparation rooms is eight and recovery rooms is nine for a five procedure room unit (total 3.4 preparation and recovery rooms per procedure room). Simple changes to procedure scheduling and patient arrival times led to a modest improvement in efficiency. Increasing the preparation/recovery rooms based on the sensitivity analysis led to significant improvements in efficiency. Conclusions: By applying tools such as DES, we can model changes in an environment with complex interactions and find ways to improve the medical care we provide. DES is applicable to any endoscopy unit and would be particularly valuable to those who are trying to improve on the efficiency of care and patient experience. PMID:27853739

HIV testing for pregnant women: a rights-based analysis of national policies.

PubMed

King, Elizabeth J; Maman, Suzanne; Wyckoff, Sarah C; Pierce, Matthew W; Groves, Allison K

2013-01-01

Ethical and human rights concerns have been expressed regarding the global shift in policies on HIV testing of pregnant women. The main purpose of this research was to conduct a policy analysis using a human rights-based approach of national policies for HIV testing of pregnant women. We collected HIV testing policies from 19 countries including: Cambodia, China, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Moldova, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We analysed the HIV testing policies using a standardised framework that focused on government obligations to respect, protect and fulfil. Our results highlight the need for more attention to issues of pregnant women's autonomy in consenting to HIV testing, confidentiality in antenatal care settings and provision of counselling and care services. We conclude with a discussion about potential implications of the current testing policies and provide recommendations for ways that HIV testing policies can more effectively uphold the human rights of pregnant women.

Multi-purpose HealthCare Telemedicine Systems with mobile communication link support.

PubMed

Kyriacou, E; Pavlopoulos, S; Berler, A; Neophytou, M; Bourka, A; Georgoulas, A; Anagnostaki, A; Karayiannis, D; Schizas, C; Pattichis, C; Andreou, A; Koutsouris, D

2003-03-24

The provision of effective emergency telemedicine and home monitoring solutions are the major fields of interest discussed in this study. Ambulances, Rural Health Centers (RHC) or other remote health location such as Ships navigating in wide seas are common examples of possible emergency sites, while critical care telemetry and telemedicine home follow-ups are important issues of telemonitoring. In order to support the above different growing application fields we created a combined real-time and store and forward facility that consists of a base unit and a telemedicine (mobile) unit. This integrated system: can be used when handling emergency cases in ambulances, RHC or ships by using a mobile telemedicine unit at the emergency site and a base unit at the hospital-expert's site, enhances intensive health care provision by giving a mobile base unit to the ICU doctor while the telemedicine unit remains at the ICU patient site and enables home telemonitoring, by installing the telemedicine unit at the patient's home while the base unit remains at the physician's office or hospital. The system allows the transmission of vital biosignals (3-12 lead ECG, SPO2, NIBP, IBP, Temp) and still images of the patient. The transmission is performed through GSM mobile telecommunication network, through satellite links (where GSM is not available) or through Plain Old Telephony Systems (POTS) where available. Using this device a specialist doctor can telematically "move" to the patient's site and instruct unspecialized personnel when handling an emergency or telemonitoring case. Due to the need of storing and archiving of all data interchanged during the telemedicine sessions, we have equipped the consultation site with a multimedia database able to store and manage the data collected by the system. The performance of the system has been technically tested over several telecommunication means; in addition the system has been clinically validated in three different countries using a standardized medical protocol.

What’s God got to do with it? Engaging African American faith-based institutions in HIV prevention

PubMed Central

Nunn, Amy; Cornwall, Alexandra; Thomas, Gladys; Waller, Pastor Alyn; Friend, Rafiyq; Broadnax, Pastor Jay; Flanigan, Timothy

2013-01-01

African Americans are disproportionately infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Although faith-based institutions play critical leadership roles in the African American community, the faith-based response to HIV/AIDS has historically been lacking. We explore recent successful strategies of a citywide HIV/AIDS awareness and testing campaign developed in partnership with 40 African American faith-based institutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city with some of the United State’s highest HIV infection rates. Drawing on important lessons from the campaign and subsequent efforts to sustain the campaign’s momentum with a citywide HIV testing, treatment and awareness program, we provide a roadmap for engaging African American faith communities in HIV prevention that include partnering with faith leaders; engaging the media to raise awareness, destigmatising HIV/AIDS and encouraging HIV testing; and conducting educational and HIV testing events at houses of worship. African American faith based institutions have a critical role to play in raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and for reducing racial disparities in HIV infection. PMID:23379422

A comparison of interteaching and lecture in the college classroom.

PubMed

Saville, Bryan K; Zinn, Tracy E; Neef, Nancy A; Van Norman, Renee; Ferreri, Summer J

2006-01-01

Interteaching is a new method of classroom instruction that is based on behavioral principles but offers more flexibility than other behaviorally based methods. We examined the effectiveness of interteaching relative to a traditional form of classroom instruction-the lecture. In Study 1, participants in a graduate course in special education took short quizzes after alternating conditions of interteaching and lecture. Quiz scores following interteaching were higher than quiz scores following lecture, although both methods improved performance relative to pretest measures. In Study 2, we also alternated interteaching and lecture but counterbalanced the conditions across two sections of an undergraduate research methods class. After each unit of information, participants from both sections took the same test. Again, test scores following interteaching were higher than test scores following lecture. In addition, students correctly answered more interteaching-based questions than lecture-based questions on a cumulative final test. In both studies, the majority of students reported a preference for interteaching relative to traditional lecture. In sum, the results suggest that interteaching may be an effective alternative to traditional lecture-based methods of instruction.

Simultaneous real-time data collection methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klincsek, Thomas

1992-01-01

This paper describes the development of electronic test equipment which executes, supervises, and reports on various tests. This validation process uses computers to analyze test results and report conclusions. The test equipment consists of an electronics component and the data collection and reporting unit. The PC software, display screens, and real-time data-base are described. Pass-fail procedures and data replay are discussed. The OS2 operating system and Presentation Manager user interface system were used to create a highly interactive automated system. The system outputs are hardcopy printouts and MS DOS format files which may be used as input for other PC programs.

Testing for independence in J×K contingency tables with complex sample survey data.

PubMed

Lipsitz, Stuart R; Fitzmaurice, Garrett M; Sinha, Debajyoti; Hevelone, Nathanael; Giovannucci, Edward; Hu, Jim C

2015-09-01

The test of independence of row and column variables in a (J×K) contingency table is a widely used statistical test in many areas of application. For complex survey samples, use of the standard Pearson chi-squared test is inappropriate due to correlation among units within the same cluster. Rao and Scott (1981, Journal of the American Statistical Association 76, 221-230) proposed an approach in which the standard Pearson chi-squared statistic is multiplied by a design effect to adjust for the complex survey design. Unfortunately, this test fails to exist when one of the observed cell counts equals zero. Even with the large samples typical of many complex surveys, zero cell counts can occur for rare events, small domains, or contingency tables with a large number of cells. Here, we propose Wald and score test statistics for independence based on weighted least squares estimating equations. In contrast to the Rao-Scott test statistic, the proposed Wald and score test statistics always exist. In simulations, the score test is found to perform best with respect to type I error. The proposed method is motivated by, and applied to, post surgical complications data from the United States' Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) complex survey of hospitals in 2008. © 2015, The International Biometric Society.

Assessment of the influence of test characteristics on the clinical and cost impacts of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening programs in US hospitals.

PubMed

Olchanski, Natalia; Mathews, Charles; Fusfeld, Lauren; Jarvis, William

2011-03-01

To compare the impacts of different methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening test options (eg, polymerase chain reaction [PCR], rapid culture) and program characteristics on the clinical outcomes and budget of a typical US hospital. We developed an Excel-based decision-analytic model, using published literature to calculate and compare hospital costs and MRSA infection rates for PCR- or culture-based MRSA screening and then used multivariate sensitivity analysis to evaluate key variables. Same-day PCR testing for a representative 370-bed teaching hospital in the United States was assessed in different populations (high-risk patients, intensive care unit [ICU] patients, or all patients) and compared with other test options. Different screening program populations (all patients, high-risk patients, ICU patients, or patients with previous MRSA colonization or infection only) represented a potential savings of $12,158-$76,624 per month over no program ($188,618). Analysis of multiple test options in high-risk population screening indicated that same-day PCR testing of high-risk patients resulted in fewer infections over 1,720 patient-days (2.9, compared with 3.5 for culture on selective media and 3.8 for culture on nonselective media) and the lowest total cost ($112,012). The costs of other testing approaches ranged from $113,742 to $123,065. Sensitivity analysis revealed that variations in transmission rate, conversion to infection, prevalence increases, and hospital size are important to determine program impact. Among test characteristics, turnaround time is highly influential. All screening options showed reductions in infection rates and cost impact improvement over no screening program. Among the options, same-day PCR testing for high-risk patients slightly edges out the others in terms of fewest infections and greatest potential cost savings.

Statistically rigorous calculations do not support common input and long-term synchronization of motor-unit firings.

PubMed

De Luca, Carlo J; Kline, Joshua C

2014-12-01

Over the past four decades, various methods have been implemented to measure synchronization of motor-unit firings. In this work, we provide evidence that prior reports of the existence of universal common inputs to all motoneurons and the presence of long-term synchronization are misleading, because they did not use sufficiently rigorous statistical tests to detect synchronization. We developed a statistically based method (SigMax) for computing synchronization and tested it with data from 17,736 motor-unit pairs containing 1,035,225 firing instances from the first dorsal interosseous and vastus lateralis muscles--a data set one order of magnitude greater than that reported in previous studies. Only firing data, obtained from surface electromyographic signal decomposition with >95% accuracy, were used in the study. The data were not subjectively selected in any manner. Because of the size of our data set and the statistical rigor inherent to SigMax, we have confidence that the synchronization values that we calculated provide an improved estimate of physiologically driven synchronization. Compared with three other commonly used techniques, ours revealed three types of discrepancies that result from failing to use sufficient statistical tests necessary to detect synchronization. 1) On average, the z-score method falsely detected synchronization at 16 separate latencies in each motor-unit pair. 2) The cumulative sum method missed one out of every four synchronization identifications found by SigMax. 3) The common input assumption method identified synchronization from 100% of motor-unit pairs studied. SigMax revealed that only 50% of motor-unit pairs actually manifested synchronization. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Development of in situ product removal strategies in biocatalysis applying scaled-down unit operations.

PubMed

Heintz, Søren; Börner, Tim; Ringborg, Rolf H; Rehn, Gustav; Grey, Carl; Nordblad, Mathias; Krühne, Ulrich; Gernaey, Krist V; Adlercreutz, Patrick; Woodley, John M

2017-03-01

An experimental platform based on scaled-down unit operations combined in a plug-and-play manner enables easy and highly flexible testing of advanced biocatalytic process options such as in situ product removal (ISPR) process strategies. In such a platform, it is possible to compartmentalize different process steps while operating it as a combined system, giving the possibility to test and characterize the performance of novel process concepts and biocatalysts with minimal influence of inhibitory products. Here the capabilities of performing process development by applying scaled-down unit operations are highlighted through a case study investigating the asymmetric synthesis of 1-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine (MPPA) using ω-transaminase, an enzyme in the sub-family of amino transferases (ATAs). An on-line HPLC system was applied to avoid manual sample handling and to semi-automatically characterize ω-transaminases in a scaled-down packed-bed reactor (PBR) module, showing MPPA as a strong inhibitor. To overcome the inhibition, a two-step liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) ISPR concept was tested using scaled-down unit operations combined in a plug-and-play manner. Through the tested ISPR concept, it was possible to continuously feed the main substrate benzylacetone (BA) and extract the main product MPPA throughout the reaction, thereby overcoming the challenges of low substrate solubility and product inhibition. The tested ISPR concept achieved a product concentration of 26.5 g MPPA  · L -1 , a purity up to 70% g MPPA  · g tot -1 and a recovery in the range of 80% mol · mol -1 of MPPA in 20 h, with the possibility to increase the concentration, purity, and recovery further. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 600-609. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inter-rater reliability of motor unit number estimates and quantitative motor unit analysis in the tibialis anterior muscle.

PubMed

Boe, S G; Dalton, B H; Harwood, B; Doherty, T J; Rice, C L

2009-05-01

To establish the inter-rater reliability of decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG) derived motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) and quantitative motor unit (MU) analysis. Using DQEMG, two examiners independently obtained a sample of needle and surface-detected motor unit potentials (MUPs) from the tibialis anterior muscle from 10 subjects. Coupled with a maximal M wave, surface-detected MUPs were used to derive a MUNE for each subject and each examiner. Additionally, size-related parameters of the individual MUs were obtained following quantitative MUP analysis. Test-retest MUNE values were similar with high reliability observed between examiners (ICC=0.87). Additionally, MUNE variability from test-retest as quantified by a 95% confidence interval was relatively low (+/-28 MUs). Lastly, quantitative data pertaining to MU size, complexity and firing rate were similar between examiners. MUNEs and quantitative MU data can be obtained with high reliability by two independent examiners using DQEMG. Establishing the inter-rater reliability of MUNEs and quantitative MU analysis using DQEMG is central to the clinical applicability of the technique. In addition to assessing response to treatments over time, multiple clinicians may be involved in the longitudinal assessment of the MU pool of individuals with disorders of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Morphological evidence for discrete stocks of yellow perch in Lake Erie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kocovsky, Patrick M.; Knight, Carey T.

2012-01-01

Identification and management of unique stocks of exploited fish species are high-priority management goals in the Laurentian Great Lakes. We analyzed whole-body morphometrics of 1430 yellow perch Perca flavescens captured during 2007–2009 from seven known spawning areas in Lake Erie to determine if morphometrics vary among sites and management units to assist in identification of spawning stocks of this heavily exploited species. Truss-based morphometrics (n = 21 measurements) were analyzed using principal component analysis followed by ANOVA of the first three principal components to determine whether yellow perch from the several sampling sites varied morphometrically. Duncan's multiple range test was used to determine which sites differed from one another to test whether morphometrics varied at scales finer than management unit. Morphometrics varied significantly among sites and annually, but differences among sites were much greater. Sites within the same management unit typically differed significantly from one another, indicating morphometric variation at a scale finer than management unit. These results are largely congruent with recently-published studies on genetic variation of yellow perch from many of the same sampling sites. Thus, our results provide additional evidence that there are discrete stocks of yellow perch in Lake Erie and that management units likely comprise multiple stocks.

The effects of light curing units and environmental temperatures on C 000000000000 000000000000 000000000000 111111111111 000000000000 111111111111 000000000000 000000000000 000000000000 C conversion of commercial and experimental bonding agents.

PubMed

Jafarzadeh-Kashi, Tahereh Sadat; Erfan, Mohmmad; Kalbasi, Salmeh; Ghadiri, Malihe; Rakhshan, Vahid

2014-10-01

Polymerization of bonding agents (BA) is a critical factor in determining the success of bonded restorations. We aimed to assess the effects of two light curing units and two temperatures on the extent of polymerization (EP) of a commercial BA and an experimental BA. Forty BA specimens were randomly divided into 8 subgroups of n = 5 to compare the polymerization of two BAs (experimental/Scotchbond) based on the variables: temperature (23/37 °C) and light-curing unit (quartz-tungsten-halogen/light-emitting diode). The EP (%) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry, and analyzed using the t-test, two- and three-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), and the Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). There were significant differences between the EP results between the two BAs (P = 0.012) and due to the different temperatures (P = 0.001), but not between the different light-curing units (P = 0.548). The interaction between BA and temperature was significant (P < 0.001). The other interactions were nonsignificant. The two light-curing units had similar effects on the EP. The EP values were better when curing was performed at human body temperature.

A ‘reader’ unit of the chemical computer

PubMed Central

Smelov, Pavel S.

2018-01-01

We suggest the main principals and functional units of the parallel chemical computer, namely, (i) a generator (which is a network of coupled oscillators) of oscillatory dynamic modes, (ii) a unit which is able to recognize these modes (a ‘reader’) and (iii) a decision-making unit, which analyses the current mode, compares it with the external signal and sends a command to the mode generator to switch it to the other dynamical regime. Three main methods of the functioning of the reader unit are suggested and tested computationally: (a) the polychronization method, which explores the differences between the phases of the generator oscillators; (b) the amplitude method which detects clusters of the generator and (c) the resonance method which is based on the resonances between the frequencies of the generator modes and the internal frequencies of the damped oscillations of the reader cells. Pro and contra of these methods have been analysed. PMID:29410852

Validation of a wireless modular monitoring system for structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Jerome P.; Law, Kincho H.; Kiremidjian, Anne S.; Carryer, John E.; Kenny, Thomas W.; Partridge, Aaron; Sundararajan, Arvind

2002-06-01

A wireless sensing unit for use in a Wireless Modular Monitoring System (WiMMS) has been designed and constructed. Drawing upon advanced technological developments in the areas of wireless communications, low-power microprocessors and micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensing transducers, the wireless sensing unit represents a high-performance yet low-cost solution to monitoring the short-term and long-term performance of structures. A sophisticated reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microcontroller is placed at the core of the unit to accommodate on-board computations, measurement filtering and data interrogation algorithms. The functionality of the wireless sensing unit is validated through various experiments involving multiple sensing transducers interfaced to the sensing unit. In particular, MEMS-based accelerometers are used as the primary sensing transducer in this study's validation experiments. A five degree of freedom scaled test structure mounted upon a shaking table is employed for system validation.

Enriching student concept images: Teaching and learning fractions through a multiple-embodiment approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaofen; Clements, M. A. (Ken); Ellerton, Nerida F.

2015-06-01

This study investigated how fifth-grade children's concept images of the unit fractions represented by the symbols , , and changed as a result of their participation in an instructional intervention based on multiple embodiments of fraction concepts. The participants' concept images were examined through pre- and post-teaching written questions and pre- and post-teaching one-to-one verbal interview questions. Results showed that at the pre-teaching stage, the student concept images of unit fractions were very narrow and mainly linked to area models. However, after the instructional intervention, the fifth graders were able to select and apply a variety of models in response to unit fraction tasks, and their concept images of unit fractions were enriched and linked to capacity, perimeter, linear and discrete models, as well as to area models. Their performances on tests had improved, and their conceptual understandings of unit fractions had developed.

Knowledge regarding noncytotoxic medication extravasation among registered nurses working in western Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Sisan, Mo'men; Rayan, Ahmad; Elmorsy, Soha; Elyan, Hamza; Salahat, Mosab

2018-03-01

Extravasation and infiltration are among the most common intravenous therapy complications. For noncytotoxic agents, the incidence of extravasation remains unknown. There has been little research into extravasation due to ethical considerations limiting controlled research; most evidences are based on small, uncontrolled trials or case reports. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge level regarding noncytotoxic medications extravasation and its associated factors among staff nurses.A descriptive correlational design using self-administered questionnaire was employed. A convenience sample of 387 nurses completed a questionnaire about noncytotoxic medication extravasation. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to analyze data by applying the chi-square test, t test, and the Mann-Whitney test to assess the knowledge difference between open and closed units' nurses.The results indicate that only 19.6% of nurses have a good knowledge about noncytotoxic medications extravasation. There was consistently poor staff knowledge regarding noncytotoxic medications extravasation. Although the closed units' nurses reported relatively higher level of knowledge than open units' nurses, their level of knowledge still inadequate. Health care organizations must consider developing specific policies regarding extravasation. Closed and open units' nurses should be enrolled in special education programs to improve their level of knowledge regarding noncytotoxic medication extravasation. Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Nursing, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preferences for HIV test characteristics among young, Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and transgender women: Implications for consistent HIV testing.

PubMed

Frye, Victoria; Wilton, Leo; Hirshfield, Sabina; Chiasson, Mary Ann; Lucy, Debbie; Usher, DaShawn; McCrossin, Jermaine; Greene, Emily; Koblin, Beryl

2018-01-01

Promoting consistent HIV testing is critical among young, Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and transgender women who are overrepresented among new HIV cases in the United States. New HIV test options are available, including mobile unit testing, one-minute testing, at home or self-testing and couples HIV testing and counseling (CHTC). In the context of these newer options, the objective of this study was to explore whether and how preferences for specific characteristics of the tests acted as barriers to and/or facilitators of testing in general and consistent testing specifically among young Black MSM and transgender women aged 16 to 29. We conducted 30 qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with young, Black, gay, bisexual or MSM and transgender women in the New York City metropolitan area to identify preferences for specific HIV tests and aspects of HIV testing options. Participants were primarily recruited from online and mobile sites, followed by community-based, face-to-face recruitment strategies to specifically reach younger participants. Thematic coding was utilized to analyze the qualitative data based on a grounded theoretical approach. We identified how past experiences, perceived test characteristics (e.g., accuracy, cost, etc.) and beliefs about the "fit" between the individual, and the test relate to preferred testing methods and consistent testing. Three major themes emerged as important to preferences for HIV testing methods: the perceived accuracy of the test method, venue characteristics, and lack of knowledge or experience with the newer testing options, including self-testing and CHTC. These findings suggest that increasing awareness of and access to newer HIV testing options (e.g., free or reduced price on home or self-tests or CHTC available at all testing venues) is critical if these new options are to facilitate increased levels of consistent testing among young, Black MSM and transgender women. Addressing perceptions of test accuracy and supporting front line staff in creating welcoming and safe testing environments may be key intervention targets. Connecting young Black MSM and transgender women to the best test option, given preferences for specific characteristics, may support more and more consistent HIV testing.

Parameter regionalization of a monthly water balance model for the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bock, Andrew R.; Hay, Lauren E.; McCabe, Gregory J.; Markstrom, Steven L.; Atkinson, R. Dwight

2016-01-01

A parameter regionalization scheme to transfer parameter values from gaged to ungaged areas for a monthly water balance model (MWBM) was developed and tested for the conterminous United States (CONUS). The Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test, a global-sensitivity algorithm, was implemented on a MWBM to generate parameter sensitivities on a set of 109 951 hydrologic response units (HRUs) across the CONUS. The HRUs were grouped into 110 calibration regions based on similar parameter sensitivities. Subsequently, measured runoff from 1575 streamgages within the calibration regions were used to calibrate the MWBM parameters to produce parameter sets for each calibration region. Measured and simulated runoff at the 1575 streamgages showed good correspondence for the majority of the CONUS, with a median computed Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient of 0.76 over all streamgages. These methods maximize the use of available runoff information, resulting in a calibrated CONUS-wide application of the MWBM suitable for providing estimates of water availability at the HRU resolution for both gaged and ungaged areas of the CONUS.

Parameter regionalization of a monthly water balance model for the conterminous United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bock, Andrew R.; Hay, Lauren E.; McCabe, Gregory J.; Markstrom, Steven L.; Atkinson, R. Dwight

2016-07-01

A parameter regionalization scheme to transfer parameter values from gaged to ungaged areas for a monthly water balance model (MWBM) was developed and tested for the conterminous United States (CONUS). The Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test, a global-sensitivity algorithm, was implemented on a MWBM to generate parameter sensitivities on a set of 109 951 hydrologic response units (HRUs) across the CONUS. The HRUs were grouped into 110 calibration regions based on similar parameter sensitivities. Subsequently, measured runoff from 1575 streamgages within the calibration regions were used to calibrate the MWBM parameters to produce parameter sets for each calibration region. Measured and simulated runoff at the 1575 streamgages showed good correspondence for the majority of the CONUS, with a median computed Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient of 0.76 over all streamgages. These methods maximize the use of available runoff information, resulting in a calibrated CONUS-wide application of the MWBM suitable for providing estimates of water availability at the HRU resolution for both gaged and ungaged areas of the CONUS.

Knowledge levels of intensive care nurses on prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Akın Korhan, Esra; Hakverdioğlu Yönt, Gülendam; Parlar Kılıç, Serap; Uzelli, Derya

2014-01-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia constitutes a significant concern for ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in general intensive care units concerning evidence-based measures for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. This study design is cross-sectional. It was carried out on nurses working in the general intensive care units of anesthiology and re-animation clinics. Collection of research data was performed by means of a Nurse Identification Form and a Form of Evidence-Based Knowledge concerning the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia. Characterization statistics were shown by percentage, median and interquartile range. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. The median value of total points scored by nurses on the questionnaire was 4.00 ± 2.00. The difference between the nurses' education levels, duration of work experience and participation in in-service training programmes on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention and the median value of their total scores on the questionnaire was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The conclusion of the study was that critical care nurses' knowledge about ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention is poor. © 2013 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Built-In Diagnostics (BID) Of Equipment/Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Granieri, Michael N.; Giordano, John P.; Nolan, Mary E.

1995-01-01

Diagnostician(TM)-on-Chip (DOC) technology identifies faults and commands systems reconfiguration. Smart microcontrollers operating in conjunction with other system-control circuits, command self-correcting system/equipment actions in real time. DOC microcontroller generates commands for associated built-in test equipment to stimulate unit of equipment diagnosed, collects and processes response data obtained by built-in test equipment, and performs diagnostic reasoning on response data, using diagnostic knowledge base derived from design data.

Battery Calendar Life Estimator Manual Modeling and Simulation

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

Jon P. Christophersen; Ira Bloom; Ed Thomas

2012-10-01

The Battery Life Estimator (BLE) Manual has been prepared to assist developers in their efforts to estimate the calendar life of advanced batteries for automotive applications. Testing requirements and procedures are defined by the various manuals previously published under the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). The purpose of this manual is to describe and standardize a method for estimating calendar life based on statistical models and degradation data acquired from typical USABC battery testing.