Health Care System Transformation and Integration: A Call to Action for Public Health.

PubMed

Wiley, Lindsay F; Matthews, Gene W

2017-03-01

Restructured health care reimbursement systems and new requirements for nonprofit hospitals are transforming the U.S. health system, creating opportunities for enhanced integration of public health and health care goals. This article explores the role of public health practitioners and lawyers in this moment of transformation. We argue that the population perspective and structural strategies that characterize public health can add value to the health care system but could get lost in translation as changes to tax requirements and payment systems are rapidly implemented. We urge public health leaders to take a more active role in hospital assessments of community health needs and evaluation of the patient outcomes for which providers are accountable.

Research on Harmonic Characteristic of Electronic Current Transformer Based on the Rogowski Coil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Diqiu; Hu, Bei; Wang, Xufeng; Zhu, Mingdong; Wang, Liang; Lu, Wenxing

2017-05-01

The nonlinear load present in the power system will cause the distortion of AC sine wave and generate the harmonic, which havea severe impact on the accuracy of energy metering and reliability of relay protection. Tosatisfy the requirements of energy metering and relay protection for the new generation of intelligent substation, based on the working principle of Rogowski coil current transformer, mathematical model and transfer characteristics of Rogowski coil sensors were studied in this paper, and frequency response characteristics of Rogowski coil current transformer system were analysed. Finally, the frequency response characteristics of the Rogowski coil current transformer at 2 to 13 harmonics was simulated and experimented. Simulation and experiments show that Rogowski coil current transformer couldmeet 0.2 accuracy requirements of harmonic power measurement of power system, and measure the harmonic components of the grid reliably.

US effort on HTS power transformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, S.

2011-11-01

Waukesha Electric Systems has been working in HTS power transformers development program under the auspices of US Government Department of Energy since 1994. This presentation will describe various milestones for this program and program history along with the lessons learned along the way. Our motivations for working on this development program based on man benefits offered by HTS power transformers to power delivery systems will be discussed. Based on various issues encountered during execution of many HTS projects, DOE has set up an independent program review process that is lead by team of experts. This team reviews are integral part of all DOE HTS projects. Success of all projects would be greatly enhanced by identifying critical issues early in the program. Requiring appropriate actions to mitigate the issues before processing further will lead to proactive interrogation and incorporation of expert's ideas in the project plans. Working of this review process will be also described in this presentation. Waukesha Electric Systems team including: Superpower-Inc, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Houston Center for Superconductivity and Southern California Edison company was awarded a cost share grant by US Government in 2010 for development of a fault current limiting HTS power transformer. This multi year's program will require design, manufacture, installation, and monitoring of a 28 MVA tree phase transformer installed at Irvine CA. Smart Grid demonstration site. Transformer specifications along with requirements for fault current limiting and site requirement will be discussed. Design and development of various sub systems in support of this program including: HTS conductor performance specification, Dielectric system design approach, Dewar development for containing phase assemblies, cryo-cooling system design approach, etc. will be described. Finally; overall program schedule, critical milestone events, test plans and progress to date will be reported.

A Formal Approach to Requirements-Based Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinchey, Michael G.; Rash, James L.; Rouff, Christopher A.

2005-01-01

No significant general-purpose method is currently available to mechanically transform system requirements into a provably equivalent model. The widespread use of such a method represents a necessary step toward high-dependability system engineering for numerous application domains. Current tools and methods that start with a formal model of a system and mechanically produce a provably equivalent implementation are valuable but not sufficient. The "gap" unfilled by such tools and methods is that the formal models cannot be proven to be equivalent to the requirements. We offer a method for mechanically transforming requirements into a provably equivalent formal model that can be used as the basis for code generation and other transformations. This method is unique in offering full mathematical tractability while using notations and techniques that are well known and well trusted. Finally, we describe further application areas we are investigating for use of the approach.

University Transformation: New Demands and Coping Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chidindi, Joseph

2012-01-01

University education system is undergoing transformation requirements particularly in the developing world. The demands require adaptation to the prevailing circumstances hence the need for relevant strategies for universities. Issues such as institutional profiles, organizational structure and work integration, research activities, and funding…

Kinematics of Laying an Automated Weapon System

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-19

mathematical transformation is required to move the firing solution from its reference frame to a reference frame that is meaningful to the weapon system. This...Procedures 2 Conventions and Variable Definitions 2 Rotation Matrices 5 Transformation of a Vector 5 Conversion Between Cartestian and Spherical...Coordinate Systems 6 Transformation of Earth Referenced Lay to Platform Reference Frame 6 Results and Discussions 7 Conclusions 8 Bibliography 9

A Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Corridor© to Supporting System-Level Transformations for Chronic Conditions.

PubMed

Sampalli, Tara; Christian, Erin; Edwards, Lynn; Ryer, Ashley

2015-01-01

Improving care for chronic conditions requires system-level transformations to ensure multiple levels of adoption and sustainability of the implemented improvements. These comprehensive solutions require transformations and supports at various levels, leadership and process changes at service/program level. Recognizing the importance of an organization-wide strategy to mitigate the growing issue of chronic disease prevention and management, a novel system-level approach has been developed in a district health authority in Nova Scotia, Canada. In this paper, the contextual factors and efforts that led to the conceptual framework of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (CDPM) "Corridor©" to management of chronic conditions are discussed. The CDPM Corridor© essentially constitutes a system-level redesign process; common elements, tools and resources; and a hub of supports for chronic disease prevention and management. The CDPM Corridor © will include a toolkit to guide the implementation of the proposed transformations.

Transformation Based Education Leaders--The Wheels That Drive Successful Institutions for Sustainable Educational Excellence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, Bobby

2006-01-01

In this article, author Bobby Leonard asserts that the best institutions in India today are good in Policies Systems and administration. However, the key is developing a new generation of education based workforce under the hands of a good leader. India requires transformational leaders, leaders who can transform educational systems and who are…

Strapping Wings on a Caterpillar and Calling It a Butterfly: When Systemic Change Is Not Systemic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffy, Francis M.

2008-01-01

This article challenges misperceptions about the definition of systemic change in school districts. While many contemporary change efforts are described as "systemic," in fact, they are not. The author also argues that a special instance of systemic change known as systemic transformational change is required to transform entire school…

Systems Thinking for Transformational Change in Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willis, Cameron D.; Best, Allan; Riley, Barbara; Herbert, Carol P.; Millar, John; Howland, David

2014-01-01

Incremental approaches to introducing change in Canada's health systems have not sufficiently improved the quality of services and outcomes. Further progress requires 'large system transformation', considered to be the systematic effort to generate coordinated change across organisations sharing a common vision and goal. This essay draws on…

New Horizons through Systems Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banathy, Bela H.

1991-01-01

Continuing use of outdated design is the main source of the crisis in education. The existing system should be "trans-formed" rather than "re-formed." Transformation requires the development of organizational capacity and collective capability to engage in systems design with a broad vision of what should be. (Author/JOW)

Stacked Transformer for Driver Gain and Receive Signal Splitting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driscoll, Kevin R.

2013-01-01

In a high-speed signal transmission system that uses transformer coupling, there is a need to provide increased transmitted signal strength without adding active components. This invention uses additional transformers to achieve the needed gain. The prior art uses stronger drivers (which require an IC redesign and a higher power supply voltage), or the addition of another active component (which can decrease reliability, increase power consumption, reduce the beneficial effect of serializer/deserializer preemphasis or deemphasis, and/or interfere with fault containment mechanisms), or uses a different transformer winding ratio (which requires redesign of the transformer and may not be feasible with high-speed signals that require a 1:1 winding ratio). This invention achieves the required gain by connecting the secondaries of multiple transformers in series. The primaries of these transformers are currently either connected in parallel or are connected to multiple drivers. There is also a need to split a receive signal to multiple destinations with minimal signal loss. Additional transformers can achieve the split. The prior art uses impedance-matching series resistors that cause a loss of signal. Instead of causing a loss, most instantiations of this invention would actually provide gain. Multiple transformers are used instead of multiple windings on a single transformer because multiple windings on the same transformer would require a redesign of the transformer, and may not be feasible with high-speed transformers that usually require a bifilar winding with a 1:1 ratio. This invention creates the split by connecting the primaries of multiple transformers in series. The secondary of each transformer is connected to one of the intended destinations without the use of impedance-matching series resistors.

Transformative environmental governance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chaffin, Brian C.; Garmestani, Ahjond S.; Gunderson, Lance H.; Harm Benson, Melinda; Angeler, David G.; Arnold, Craig Anthony (Tony); Cosens, Barbara; Kundis Craig, Robin; Ruhl, J.B.; Allen, Craig R.

2016-01-01

Transformative governance is an approach to environmental governance that has the capacity to respond to, manage, and trigger regime shifts in coupled social-ecological systems (SESs) at multiple scales. The goal of transformative governance is to actively shift degraded SESs to alternative, more desirable, or more functional regimes by altering the structures and processes that define the system. Transformative governance is rooted in ecological theories to explain cross-scale dynamics in complex systems, as well as social theories of change, innovation, and technological transformation. Similar to adaptive governance, transformative governance involves a broad set of governance components, but requires additional capacity to foster new social-ecological regimes including increased risk tolerance, significant systemic investment, and restructured economies and power relations. Transformative governance has the potential to actively respond to regime shifts triggered by climate change, and thus future research should focus on identifying system drivers and leading indicators associated with social-ecological thresholds.

Induced over voltage test on transformers using enhanced Z-source inverter based circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peter, Geno; Sherine, Anli

2017-09-01

The normal life of a transformer is well above 25 years. The economical operation of the distribution system has its roots in the equipments being used. The economy being such, that it is financially advantageous to replace transformers with more than 15 years of service in the second perennial market. Testing of transformer is required, as its an indication of the extent to which a transformer can comply with the customers specified requirements and the respective standards (IEC 60076-3). In this paper, induced over voltage testing on transformers using enhanced Z source inverter is discussed. Power electronic circuits are now essential for a whole array of industrial electronic products. The bulky motor generator set, which is used to generate the required frequency to conduct the induced over voltage testing of transformers is nowadays replaced by static frequency converter. First conventional Z-source inverter, and second an enhanced Z source inverter is being used to generate the required voltage and frequency to test the transformer for induced over voltage test, and its characteristics is analysed.

Transforming Functional Requirements from UML into BPEL to Efficiently Develop SOA-Based Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vemulapalli, Anisha; Subramanian, Nary

The intended behavior of any system such as services, tasks or functions can be captured by functional requirements of the system. As our dependence on online services has grown steadily, the web applications are being developed employing the SOA. BPEL4WS provides a means for expressing functional requirements of an SOA-based system by providing constructs to capture business goals and objectives for the system. In this paper we propose an approach for transforming user-centered requirements captured using UML into a corresponding BPEL specification, where the business processes are captured by means of use-cases from which UML sequence diagrams and activity diagrams are extracted. Subsequently these UML models are mapped to BPEL specifications that capture the essence of the initial business requirements to develop the SOA-based system by employing CASE tools. A student housing system is used as a case study to illustrate this approach and the system is validated using NetBeans.

Realizing Aspects by Transforming for Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Filman, Robert E.; Havelund, Klaus; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We explore the extent to which concerns can be separated in programs by program transformation with respect to the events required by these concerns. We describe our early work on developing a system to perform event-driven transformation and discuss possible applications of this approach.

How the Army Should Use Lean Six Sigma as a Transformation Strategy for Logistics in the 21st Century

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-13

business transformation is cautiously mechanistic or not much different than earlier versions of process improvement systems. This strategic research...tool for business transformation meet future needs of the Army and what changes to current systems are required. The Army should not present L6s as a...continually adapt how we approach and confront challenges, conduct business , and work with others.”3 The Secretary’s purpose for continuous transformation is

Chemical Transformation System: Cloud Based Cheminformatic Services to Support Integrated Environmental Modeling

EPA Science Inventory

Integrated Environmental Modeling (IEM) systems that account for the fate/transport of organics frequently require physicochemical properties as well as transformation products. A myriad of chemical property databases exist but these can be difficult to access and often do not co...

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

Behnke, M. R.; Bloethe, W.G.; Bradt, M.

Wind power plants use power transformers to step plant output from the medium voltage of the collector system to the HV or EHV transmission system voltage. This paper discusses the application of these transformers with regard to the selection of winding configuration, MVA rating, impedance, loss evaluation, on-load tapchanger requirements, and redundancy.

Transforming care at the bedside: implementation and spread model for single-hospital and multihospital systems.

PubMed

Martin, Susan Christie; Greenhouse, Pamela K; Merryman, Tamra; Shovel, Judith; Liberi, Cindy A; Konzier, Jeannine

2007-10-01

Institute of Medicine reports provide evidence of the failings of the healthcare system in the United States and a vision of the required transformation. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation created the Transforming Care at the Bedside initiative in 2003 to develop and validate a process for transforming care in hospital medical-surgical units. The authors describe Transforming Care at the Bedside as implemented by one of Institute for Healthcare Improvement/Robert Wood Johnson's initial pilot hospitals, including promising outcomes and a model for spreading the initiative.

Chemical Transformation System: Cloud Based Cheminformatic Services to Support Integrated Environmental Modeling (proceedings)

EPA Science Inventory

Integrated Environmental Modeling (IEM) systems that account for the fate/transport of organics frequently require physicochemical properties as well as transformation products. A myriad of chemical property databases exist but these can be difficult to access and often do not co...

Formal Requirements-Based Programming for Complex Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rash, James L.; Hinchey, Michael G.; Rouff, Christopher A.; Gracanin, Denis

2005-01-01

Computer science as a field has not yet produced a general method to mechanically transform complex computer system requirements into a provably equivalent implementation. Such a method would be one major step towards dealing with complexity in computing, yet it remains the elusive holy grail of system development. Currently available tools and methods that start with a formal model of a system and mechanically produce a provably equivalent implementation are valuable but not sufficient. The gap that such tools and methods leave unfilled is that the formal models cannot be proven to be equivalent to the system requirements as originated by the customer For the classes of complex systems whose behavior can be described as a finite (but significant) set of scenarios, we offer a method for mechanically transforming requirements (expressed in restricted natural language, or appropriate graphical notations) into a provably equivalent formal model that can be used as the basis for code generation and other transformations. While other techniques are available, this method is unique in offering full mathematical tractability while using notations and techniques that are well known and well trusted. We illustrate the application of the method to an example procedure from the Hubble Robotic Servicing Mission currently under study and preliminary formulation at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Creating a Common Data Model for Comparative Effectiveness with the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership.

PubMed

FitzHenry, F; Resnic, F S; Robbins, S L; Denton, J; Nookala, L; Meeker, D; Ohno-Machado, L; Matheny, M E

2015-01-01

Adoption of a common data model across health systems is a key infrastructure requirement to allow large scale distributed comparative effectiveness analyses. There are a growing number of common data models (CDM), such as Mini-Sentinel, and the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDMs. In this case study, we describe the challenges and opportunities of a study specific use of the OMOP CDM by two health systems and describe three comparative effectiveness use cases developed from the CDM. The project transformed two health system databases (using crosswalks provided) into the OMOP CDM. Cohorts were developed from the transformed CDMs for three comparative effectiveness use case examples. Administrative/billing, demographic, order history, medication, and laboratory were included in the CDM transformation and cohort development rules. Record counts per person month are presented for the eligible cohorts, highlighting differences between the civilian and federal datasets, e.g. the federal data set had more outpatient visits per person month (6.44 vs. 2.05 per person month). The count of medications per person month reflected the fact that one system's medications were extracted from orders while the other system had pharmacy fills and medication administration records. The federal system also had a higher prevalence of the conditions in all three use cases. Both systems required manual coding of some types of data to convert to the CDM. The data transformation to the CDM was time consuming and resources required were substantial, beyond requirements for collecting native source data. The need to manually code subsets of data limited the conversion. However, once the native data was converted to the CDM, both systems were then able to use the same queries to identify cohorts. Thus, the CDM minimized the effort to develop cohorts and analyze the results across the sites.

40 CFR 761.40 - Marking requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as ML throughout this subpart. (1) PCB Containers; (2) PCB Transformers...) Equipment containing a PCB Transformer or a PCB Large High Voltage Capacitor at the time of manufacture, at... this section); (8) Heat transfer systems (other than PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also paragraph...

40 CFR 761.40 - Marking requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as ML throughout this subpart. (1) PCB Containers; (2) PCB Transformers...) Equipment containing a PCB Transformer or a PCB Large High Voltage Capacitor at the time of manufacture, at... this section); (8) Heat transfer systems (other than PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also paragraph...

40 CFR 761.40 - Marking requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as ML throughout this subpart. (1) PCB Containers; (2) PCB Transformers...) Equipment containing a PCB Transformer or a PCB Large High Voltage Capacitor at the time of manufacture, at... this section); (8) Heat transfer systems (other than PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also paragraph...

40 CFR 761.40 - Marking requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as ML throughout this subpart. (1) PCB Containers; (2) PCB Transformers...) Equipment containing a PCB Transformer or a PCB Large High Voltage Capacitor at the time of manufacture, at... this section); (8) Heat transfer systems (other than PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also paragraph...

40 CFR 761.40 - Marking requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as ML throughout this subpart. (1) PCB Containers; (2) PCB Transformers...) Equipment containing a PCB Transformer or a PCB Large High Voltage Capacitor at the time of manufacture, at... this section); (8) Heat transfer systems (other than PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also paragraph...

Employing health information technology in the real world to transform delivery.

PubMed

Gold, Marsha

2013-11-01

Strong leadership and a supportive culture are critical to effective organizational transformation, but organizations pursuing change also need the infrastructure and tools to do so effectively. As policy makers seek to transform healthcare systems-specifically the delivery of care-we explore the real-world connection between health information technology (HIT) and the transformation of care delivery. This study is based on interviews with diverse federal and health system leaders and federal officials. The work was funded by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology as part of a global assessment of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. The functionalities supported by HIT are integral to creating the information flow required for innovations such as medical homes, accountable care organizations, and bundled payment. However, such functionalities require much more than the presence of electronic health records; the data must also be liquid, integrated into the work flow, and used for analysis. Even in advanced systems, it takes years to create HIT infrastructure. Building this infrastructure and transforming delivery simultaneously is difficult, although probably unavoidable, for most providers. Progress will likely be slow and will require creative strategies that take into account the real-world environment of organizations and communities. While the rapid transformation of delivery and infrastructure is appealing, both types of change will take time and will progress unevenly across the nation. Policy makers serious about transforming the delivery of healthcare can benefit by recognizing these realities and developing practical strategies to deal with them over a relatively long period of time.

A hardware implementation of the discrete Pascal transform for image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodman, Thomas J.; Aburdene, Maurice F.

2006-02-01

The discrete Pascal transform is a polynomial transform with applications in pattern recognition, digital filtering, and digital image processing. It already has been shown that the Pascal transform matrix can be decomposed into a product of binary matrices. Such a factorization leads to a fast and efficient hardware implementation without the use of multipliers, which consume large amounts of hardware. We recently developed a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation to compute the Pascal transform. Our goal was to demonstrate the computational efficiency of the transform while keeping hardware requirements at a minimum. Images are uploaded into memory from a remote computer prior to processing, and the transform coefficients can be offloaded from the FPGA board for analysis. Design techniques like as-soon-as-possible scheduling and adder sharing allowed us to develop a fast and efficient system. An eight-point, one-dimensional transform completes in 13 clock cycles and requires only four adders. An 8x8 two-dimensional transform completes in 240 cycles and requires only a top-level controller in addition to the one-dimensional transform hardware. Finally, through minor modifications to the controller, the transform operations can be pipelined to achieve 100% utilization of the four adders, allowing one eight-point transform to complete every seven clock cycles.

Simulating first order optical systems—algorithms for and composition of discrete linear canonical transforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Healy, John J.

2018-01-01

The linear canonical transforms (LCTs) are a parameterised group of linear integral transforms. The LCTs encompass a number of well-known transformations as special cases, including the Fourier transform, fractional Fourier transform, and the Fresnel integral. They relate the scalar wave fields at the input and output of systems composed of thin lenses and free space, along with other quadratic phase systems. In this paper, we perform a systematic search of all algorithms based on up to five stages of magnification, chirp multiplication and Fourier transforms. Based on that search, we propose a novel algorithm, for which we present numerical results. We compare the sampling requirements of three algorithms. Finally, we discuss some issues surrounding the composition of discrete LCTs.

Highly-efficient liposome-mediated transformation system for the basidiomycetous fungus Flammulina velutipes.

PubMed

Shi, Liang; Chen, Dongdong; Xu, Chao; Ren, Ang; Yu, Hanshou; Zhao, Mingwen

2017-07-11

Flammulina velutipes is a well-known edible mushroom cultivated all over the world. However, because of the low transformation frequency, the expensive instruments required, and the complicated, time-consuming procedures necessary, there is insufficient genetic research on F. velutipes. In this study, we report a liposome-mediated transformation (LMT) system for the genetic transformation of F. velutipes. Using the LMT system, we obtained 82 ± 4 stable F. velutipes transformants per 10 5 protoplasts, which is a clear increase in transformation frequency compared to the other methods used. We were able to detect the expression of an EGFP reporter gene in the F. velutipes transformants using fluorescence imaging assays. Furthermore, we used this method to transfer the laccase gene into F. velutipes and found that the transcriptional level and enzymatic activity increased in these transformants. Mitotic stability analysis showed that all of the selected transformants remained mitotically stable, even after five successive rounds of sub-culturing. These results demonstrate a new transgenic approach that will facilitate F. velutipes research.

Self-organization, transformity, and information.

PubMed

Odum, H T

1988-11-25

Ecosystems and other self-organizing systems develop system designs and mathematics that reinforce energy use, characteristically with alternate pulsing of production and consumption, increasingly recognized as the new paradigm. Insights from the energetics of ecological food chains suggest the need to redefine work, distinguishing kinds of energy with a new quantity, the transformity (energy of one type required per unit of another). Transformities may be used as an energy-scaling factor for the hierarchies of the universe including information. Solar transformities in the biosphere, expressed as solar emjoules per joule, range from one for solar insolation to trillions for categories of shared information. Resource contributions multiplied by their transformities provide a scientifically based value system for human service, environmental mitigation, foreign trade equity, public policy alternatives, and economic vitality.

A decision support system for map projections of small scale data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Finn, Michael P.; Usery, E. Lynn; Posch, Stephan T.; Seong, Jeong Chang

2004-01-01

The use of commercial geographic information system software to process large raster datasets of terrain elevation, population, land cover, vegetation, soils, temperature, and rainfall requires both projection from spherical coordinates to plane coordinate systems and transformation from one plane system to another. Decision support systems deliver information resulting in knowledge that assists in policies, priorities, or processes. This paper presents an approach to handling the problems of raster dataset projection and transformation through the development of a Web-enabled decision support system to aid users of transformation processes with the selection of appropriate map projections based on data type, areal extent, location, and preservation properties.

Transform coding for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Daniel

1993-01-01

Data compression coding requirements for aerospace applications differ somewhat from the compression requirements for entertainment systems. On the one hand, entertainment applications are bit rate driven with the goal of getting the best quality possible with a given bandwidth. Science applications are quality driven with the goal of getting the lowest bit rate for a given level of reconstruction quality. In the past, the required quality level has been nothing less than perfect allowing only the use of lossless compression methods (if that). With the advent of better, faster, cheaper missions, an opportunity has arisen for lossy data compression methods to find a use in science applications as requirements for perfect quality reconstruction runs into cost constraints. This paper presents a review of the data compression problem from the space application perspective. Transform coding techniques are described and some simple, integer transforms are presented. The application of these transforms to space-based data compression problems is discussed. Integer transforms have an advantage over conventional transforms in computational complexity. Space applications are different from broadcast or entertainment in that it is desirable to have a simple encoder (in space) and tolerate a more complicated decoder (on the ground) rather than vice versa. Energy compaction with new transforms are compared with the Walsh-Hadamard (WHT), Discrete Cosine (DCT), and Integer Cosine (ICT) transforms.

Value 101: the basics of clinical transformation.

PubMed

Hancock, Melinda S

2013-06-01

Health systems should take strong steps to ensure that their current and aspiring finance leaders are fully prepared to engage with clinicians in meeting the requirements of healthcare reform. In 2012, Bon Secours held a clinical transformation finance intensive to teach finance staff how to accelerate clinical transformation within their markets. The education and skills that Bon Secours' finance professionals gained from the intensive have strengthened the health system's ability to respond to the challenges of reform.

Emerging Definition of Next-Generation of Aeronautical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerczewski, Robert J.

2006-01-01

Aviation continues to experience rapid growth. In regions such as the United States and Europe air traffic congestion is constraining operations, leading to major new efforts to develop methodologies and infrastructures to enable continued aviation growth through transformational air traffic management systems. Such a transformation requires better communications linking airborne and ground-based elements. Technologies for next-generation communications, the required capacities, frequency spectrum of operation, network interconnectivity, and global interoperability are now receiving increased attention. A number of major planning and development efforts have taken place or are in process now to define the transformed airspace of the future. These activities include government and industry led efforts in the United States and Europe, and by international organizations. This paper will review the features, approaches, and activities of several representative planning and development efforts, and identify the emerging global consensus on requirements of next generation aeronautical communications systems for air traffic control.

The Formalism of Quantum Mechanics Specified by Covariance Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nisticò, G.

2009-03-01

The known methods, due for instance to G.W. Mackey and T.F. Jordan, which exploit the transformation properties with respect to the Euclidean and Galileian group to determine the formalism of the Quantum Theory of a localizable particle, fail in the case that the considered transformations are not symmetries of the physical system. In the present work we show that the formalism of standard Quantum Mechanics for a particle without spin can be completely recovered by exploiting the covariance properties with respect to the group of Euclidean transformations, without requiring that these transformations are symmetries of the physical system.

Volume and Mass Estimation of Three-Phase High Power Transformers for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimnach, Greg L.

2004-01-01

Spacecraft historically have had sub-1kW(sub e), electrical requirements for GN&C, science, and communications: Galileo at 600W(sub e), and Cassini at 900W(sub e), for example. Because most missions have had the same order of magnitude power requirements, the Power Distribution Systems (PDS) use existing, space-qualified technology and are DC. As science payload and mission duration requirements increase, however, the required electrical power increases. Subsequently, this requires a change from a passive energy conversion (solar arrays and batteries) to dynamic (alternator, solar dynamic, etc.), because dynamic conversion has higher thermal and conversion efficiencies, has higher power densities, and scales more readily to higher power levels. Furthermore, increased power requirements and physical distribution lengths are best served with high-voltage, multi-phase AC to maintain distribution efficiency and minimize voltage drops. The generated AC-voltage must be stepped-up (or down) to interface with various subsystems or electrical hardware. Part of the trade-space design for AC distribution systems is volume and mass estimation of high-power transformers. The volume and mass are functions of the power rating, operating frequency, the ambient and allowable temperature rise, the types and amount of heat transfer available, the core material and shape, the required flux density in a core, the maximum current density, etc. McLyman has tabulated the performance of a number of transformers cores and derived a "cookbook" methodology to determine the volume of transformers, whereas Schawrze had derived an empirical method to estimate the mass of single-phase transformers. Based on the work of McLyman and Schwarze, it is the intent herein to derive an empirical solution to the volume and mass estimation of three-phase, laminated EI-core power transformers, having radiated and conducted heat transfer mechanisms available. Estimation of the mounting hardware, connectors, etc. is not included.

Isolated orbital mass as the primary presentation of a triple-hit lymphoma transformed from a systemic follicular lymphoma.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiao Yi; Lu, Xinyan; Raparia, Kirtee; Chen, Yi-Hua

2018-06-01

Triple-hit lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma. We report a case of triple-hit lymphoma transformed from systemic follicular lymphoma (FL) after 9-year remission and presented primarily as an isolated orbital mass without systemic symptoms or lymphadenopathy. A 58-year-old female presented with intermittent vertical binocular diplopia, left upper eyelid swelling and pain and was found to have a 2.9 cm orbital mass. Histological section revealed a CD10-positive large B-cell lymphoma, consistent with transformation of FL. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis demonstrated rearrangements involving C-MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6 genes, indicating a high grade, triple-hit lymphoma. Triple-hit lymphoma transformed from a low-grade lymphoma may initially present as an isolated orbital mass without systemic evidence of transformation. Early recognition of double or triple-hit lymphomas is important since these patients require aggressive chemotherapy.

The future of obstetrics/gynecology in 2020: a clearer vision. Transformational forces and thriving in the new system.

PubMed

Lagrew, David C; Jenkins, Todd R

2015-01-01

Revamping the delivery of women's health care to meet future demands will require a number of changes. In the first 2 articles of this series, we introduced the reasons for change, suggested the use of the 'Triple Aim' concept to (1) improve the health of a population, (2) enhance the patient experience, and (3) control costs as a guide post for changes, and reviewed the transformational forces of payment and care system reform. In the final article, we discuss the valuable use of information technology and disruptive clinical technologies. The new health care system will require a digital transformation so that there can be increased communication, availability of information, and ongoing assessment of clinical care. This will allow for more cost-effective and individualized treatments as data are securely shared between patients and providers. Scientific advances that radically change clinical practice are coming at an accelerated pace as the underlying technologies of genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and molecular biology are translated into tools for diagnosis and treatment. Thriving in the new system not only will require time-honored traits such as leadership and compassion but also will require the obstetrician/gynecologist to become comfortable with technology, care redesign, and quality improvement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Development method of healthcare information system integration based on business collaboration model].

PubMed

Li, Shasha; Nie, Hongchao; Lu, Xudong; Duan, Huilong

2015-02-01

Integration of heterogeneous systems is the key to hospital information construction due to complexity of the healthcare environment. Currently, during the process of healthcare information system integration, people participating in integration project usually communicate by free-format document, which impairs the efficiency and adaptability of integration. A method utilizing business process model and notation (BPMN) to model integration requirement and automatically transforming it to executable integration configuration was proposed in this paper. Based on the method, a tool was developed to model integration requirement and transform it to integration configuration. In addition, an integration case in radiology scenario was used to verify the method.

Digital interface of electronic transformers based on embedded system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Qiufeng; Qi, Yincheng

2008-10-01

Benefited from digital interface of electronic transformers, information sharing and system integration in substation can be realized. An embedded system-based digital output scheme of electronic transformers is proposed. The digital interface is designed with S3C44B0X 32bit RISC microprocessor as the hardware platform. The μCLinux operation system (OS) is transplanted on ARM7 (S3C44B0X). Applying Ethernet technology as the communication mode in the substation automation system is a new trend. The network interface chip RTL8019AS is adopted. Data transmission is realized through the in-line TCP/IP protocol of uClinux embedded OS. The application result and character analysis show that the design can meet the real-time and reliability requirements of IEC60044-7/8 electronic voltage/current instrument transformer standards.

High Accuracy Evaluation of the Finite Fourier Transform Using Sampled Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morelli, Eugene A.

1997-01-01

Many system identification and signal processing procedures can be done advantageously in the frequency domain. A required preliminary step for this approach is the transformation of sampled time domain data into the frequency domain. The analytical tool used for this transformation is the finite Fourier transform. Inaccuracy in the transformation can degrade system identification and signal processing results. This work presents a method for evaluating the finite Fourier transform using cubic interpolation of sampled time domain data for high accuracy, and the chirp Zeta-transform for arbitrary frequency resolution. The accuracy of the technique is demonstrated in example cases where the transformation can be evaluated analytically. Arbitrary frequency resolution is shown to be important for capturing details of the data in the frequency domain. The technique is demonstrated using flight test data from a longitudinal maneuver of the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle.

Health information technology: a few years of magical thinking?

PubMed

Diamond, Carol C; Shirky, Clay

2008-01-01

One of the biggest obstacles to expanding the use of information technology (IT) in health care may be the current narrow focus on how to stimulate its adoption. The challenge of thinking of IT as a tool to improve quality requires serious attention to transforming the U.S. health care system as a whole, rather than simply computerizing the current setup. Proponents of health IT must resist "magical thinking," such as the notion that technology will transform our broken system, absent integrated work on policy or incentives. The alternative route to transforming the system sets all of its sights on the destination.

Development of human epithelial cell systems for radiation risk assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, C. H.; Craise, L. M.

1994-10-01

The most important health effect of space radiation for astronauts is cancer induction. For radiation risk assessment, an understanding of carcinogenic effect of heavy ions in human cells is most essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed a human mammary epithelial cell system for studying the neoplastic transformation in vitro. Growth variants were obtained from heavy ion irradiated immortal mammary cell line. These cloned growth variants can grow in regular tissue culture media and maintain anchorage dependent growth and density inhibition property. Upon further irradiation with high-LET radiation, transformed foci were found. Experimental results from these studies suggest that multiexposure of radiation is required to induce neoplastic transformation of human epithelial cells. This multihits requirement may be due to high genomic stability of human cells. These growth variants can be useful model systems for space flight experiments to determine the carcinogenic effect of space radiation in human epithelial cells.

An improved ternary vector system for Agrobacterium-mediated rapid maize transformation.

PubMed

Anand, Ajith; Bass, Steven H; Wu, Emily; Wang, Ning; McBride, Kevin E; Annaluru, Narayana; Miller, Michael; Hua, Mo; Jones, Todd J

2018-05-01

A simple and versatile ternary vector system that utilizes improved accessory plasmids for rapid maize transformation is described. This system facilitates high-throughput vector construction and plant transformation. The super binary plasmid pSB1 is a mainstay of maize transformation. However, the large size of the base vector makes it challenging to clone, the process of co-integration is cumbersome and inefficient, and some Agrobacterium strains are known to give rise to spontaneous mutants resistant to tetracycline. These limitations present substantial barriers to high throughput vector construction. Here we describe a smaller, simpler and versatile ternary vector system for maize transformation that utilizes improved accessory plasmids requiring no co-integration step. In addition, the newly described accessory plasmids have restored virulence genes found to be defective in pSB1, as well as added virulence genes. Testing of different configurations of the accessory plasmids in combination with T-DNA binary vector as ternary vectors nearly doubles both the raw transformation frequency and the number of transformation events of usable quality in difficult-to-transform maize inbreds. The newly described ternary vectors enabled the development of a rapid maize transformation method for elite inbreds. This vector system facilitated screening different origins of replication on the accessory plasmid and T-DNA vector, and four combinations were identified that have high (86-103%) raw transformation frequency in an elite maize inbred.

Innovation in transformative nursing leadership: nursing informatics competencies and roles.

PubMed

Remus, Sally; Kennedy, Margaret Ann

2012-12-01

In a recent brief to the Canadian Nurses Association's National Expert Commission on the Health of Our Nation, the Academy of Canadian Executive Nurses (ACEN) discussed leadership needs in the Canadian healthcare system, and promoted the pivotal role of nursing executives in transforming Canada's healthcare system into an integrated patient-centric system. Included among several recommendations was the need to develop innovative leadership competencies that enable nurse leaders to lead and advance transformative health system change. This paper focuses on an emerging "avant-garde executive leadership competency" recommended for today's health leaders to guide health system transformation. Specifically, this competency is articulated as "state of the art communication and technology savvy," and it implies linkages between nursing informatics competencies and transformational leadership roles for nurse executive. The authors of this paper propose that distinct nursing informatics competencies are required to augment traditional executive skills to support transformational outcomes of safe, integrated, high-quality care delivery through knowledge-driven care. International trends involving nursing informatics competencies and the evolution of new corporate informatics roles, such as chief nursing informatics officers (CNIOs), are demonstrating value and advanced transformational leadership as nursing executive roles that are informed by clinical data. Copyright © 2013 Longwoods Publishing.

The potential of transgenic green microalgae; a robust photobioreactor to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins.

PubMed

Akbari, Fariba; Eskandani, Morteza; Khosroushahi, Ahmad Yari

2014-11-01

Microalgae have been used in food, cosmetic, and biofuel industries as a natural source of lipids, vitamins, pigments and antioxidants for a long time. Green microalgae, as potent photobioreactors, can be considered as an economical expression system to produce recombinant therapeutical proteins at large-scale due to low cost of production and scaling-up capitalization owning to the inexpensive medium requirement, fast growth rate, and the ease of manipulation. These microalgae possess all benefit eukaryotic expression systems including the ability of post-translational modifications required for proper folding and stability of active proteins. Among the many items regarded as recombinant protein production, this review compares the different expression systems with green microalgae like Dunaliella by viewing the nuclear/chloroplast transformation challenges/benefits, related selection markers/reporter genes, and crucial factors/strategies affecting the increase of foreign protein expression in microalgae transformants. Some important factors were discussed regarding the increase of protein yielding in microalgae transformants including: transformation-associated genotypic modifications, endogenous regulatory factors, promoters, codon optimization, enhancer elements, and milking of recombinant protein.

Novel Concept for Flexible and Resilient Large Power Transformers

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

Upadhyay, Parag; Englebretson, Steven; Ramanan, V. R. R.

This feasibility study investigates a flexible and adaptable LPT design solution which can facilitate long-term replacement in the event of both catastrophic failures as well as scheduled replacements, thereby increasing grid resilience. The scope of this project has been defined based on an initial system study and identification of the transformer requirements from an overall system load flow perspective.

Transforming Science Teaching Environment for the 21st Century Primary School Pupils

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheikh Abdullah, Siti Hendon

2016-01-01

The transformation of technology in the 21st century has produced children who are technology savvy and exposed to the internet and social networking at a very young age. These children are already in our school system. Thus teachers too need to use technology and transform the learning environment to meet the requirements of these children. This…

Transforming the Future of Business Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Business Transformation Acquisition, finance and accounting, program management —Elizabeth McGrath has experi...executing the de- partment’s primary governance body for business trans- formation, the Defense Business Systems Management Committee (DBSMC... business transformation requires a num- ber of things—leadership commitment, strong investment 3 Defense AT&L: March-April 2008 management , an active

Use of software tools in the development of real time software systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garvey, R. C.

1981-01-01

The transformation of a preexisting software system into a larger and more versatile system with different mission requirements is discussed. The history of this transformation is used to illustrate the use of structured real time programming techniques and tools to produce maintainable and somewhat transportable systems. The predecessor system is a single ground diagnostic system; its purpose is to exercise a computer controlled hardware set prior to its deployment in its functional environment, as well as test the equipment set by supplying certain well known stimulas. The successor system (FTE) is required to perform certain testing and control functions while this hardware set is in its functional environment. Both systems must deal with heavy user input/output loads and a new I/O requirement is included in the design of the FTF system. Human factors are enhanced by adding an improved console interface and special function keyboard handler. The additional features require the inclusion of much new software to the original set from which FTF was developed. As a result, it is necessary to split the system into a duel programming configuration with high rates of interground communications. A generalized information routing mechanism is used to support this configuration.

A New Health Care Prevention Agenda: Sustainable Food Procurement and Agricultural Policy

PubMed Central

Harvie, Jamie; Mikkelsen, Leslie; Shak, Linda

2009-01-01

Health care leaders are broadening their awareness to include the need to address the food system as a means to individual, public, and global health, above and beyond basic nutritional factors. Key voices from the health care sector have begun to engage in market transformation and are aggregating to articulate the urgency for engagement in food and agricultural policy. Systemic transformation requires a range of policies that complement one another and address various aspects of the food system. Health care involvement in policy and advocacy is vital to solve the expanding ecological health crises facing our nation and globe and will require an urgency that may be unprecedented. PMID:23144678

A New Health Care Prevention Agenda: Sustainable Food Procurement and Agricultural Policy.

PubMed

Harvie, Jamie; Mikkelsen, Leslie; Shak, Linda

2009-07-01

Health care leaders are broadening their awareness to include the need to address the food system as a means to individual, public, and global health, above and beyond basic nutritional factors. Key voices from the health care sector have begun to engage in market transformation and are aggregating to articulate the urgency for engagement in food and agricultural policy. Systemic transformation requires a range of policies that complement one another and address various aspects of the food system. Health care involvement in policy and advocacy is vital to solve the expanding ecological health crises facing our nation and globe and will require an urgency that may be unprecedented.

On importance assessment of aging multi-state system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frenkel, Ilia; Khvatskin, Lev; Lisnianski, Anatoly

2017-01-01

Modern high-tech equipment requires precise temperature control and effective cooling below the ambient temperature. Greater cooling efficiencies will allow equipment to be operated for longer periods without overheating, providing a greater return on investment and increased in availability of the equipment. This paper presents application of the Lz-transform method to importance assessment of aging multi-state water-cooling system used in one of Israeli hospitals. The water cooling system consists of 3 principal sub-systems: chillers, heat exchanger and pumps. The performance of the system and the sub-systems is measured by their produced cooling capacity. Heat exchanger is an aging component. Straightforward Markov method applied to solve this problem will require building of a system model with numerous numbers of states and solving a corresponding system of multiple differential equations. Lz-transform method, which is used for calculation of the system elements importance, drastically simplified the solution. Numerical example is presented to illustrate the described approach.

Establishment of a simple and efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for Phytophthora palmivora.

PubMed

Wu, Dongliang; Navet, Natasha; Liu, Yingchao; Uchida, Janice; Tian, Miaoying

2016-09-06

As an agriculturally important oomycete genus, Phytophthora contains a large number of destructive plant pathogens that severely threaten agricultural production and natural ecosystems. Among them is the broad host range pathogen P. palmivora, which infects many economically important plant species. An essential way to dissect their pathogenesis mechanisms is genetic modification of candidate genes, which requires effective transformation systems. Four methods were developed for transformation of Phytophthora spp., including PEG(polyethylene glycol)/CaCl2 mediated protoplast transformation, electroporation of zoospores, microprojectile bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT). Among them, AMT has many advantages over the other methods such as easy handling and mainly generating single-copy integration in the genome. An AMT method previously reported for P. infestans and P. palmivora has barely been used in oomycete research due to low success and low reproducibility. In this study, we report a simple and efficient AMT system for P. palmivora. Using this system, we were able to reproducibly generate over 40 transformants using zoospores collected from culture grown in a single 100 mm-diameter petri dish. The generated GFP transformants constitutively expressed GFP readily detectable using a fluorescence microscope. All of the transformants tested using Southern blot analysis contained a single-copy T-DNA insertion. This system is highly effective and reproducible for transformation of P. palmivora and expected to be adaptable for transformation of additional Phytophthora spp. and other oomycetes. Its establishment will greatly accelerate their functional genomic studies.

Transformational System Concepts and Technologies for Our Future in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, Joe T.; Mankins, John C.

2004-01-01

Continued constrained budgets and growing national and international interests in the commercialization and development of space requires NASA to be constantly vigilant, to be creative, and to seize every opportunity for assuring the maximum return on space infrastructure investments. Accordingly, efforts are underway to forge new and innovative approaches to transform our space systems in the future to ultimately achieve two or three or five times as much with the same resources. This bold undertaking can be achieved only through extensive cooperative efforts throughout the aerospace community and truly effective planning to pursue advanced space system design concepts and high-risk/high-leverage research and technology. Definitive implementation strategies and roadmaps containing new methodologies and revolutionary approaches must be developed to economically accommodate the continued exploration and development of space. Transformation can be realized through modular design and stepping stone development. This approach involves sustainable budget levels and multi-purpose systems development of supporting capabilities that lead to a diverse amy of sustainable future space activities. Transformational design and development requires revolutionary advances by using modular designs and a planned, stepping stone development process. A modular approach to space systems potentially offers many improvements over traditional one-of-a-kind space systems comprised of different subsystem element with little standardization in interfaces or functionality. Modular systems must be more flexible, scaleable, reconfigurable, and evolvable. Costs can be reduced through learning curve effects and economies of scale, and by enabling servicing and repair that would not otherwise be feasible. This paper briefly discusses achieving a promising approach to transforming space systems planning and evolution into a meaningful stepping stone design, development, and implementation process. The success of this well planned and orchestrated approach holds great promise for achieving innovation and revolutionary technology development for supporting future exploration and development of space.

Transformation as a Design Process and Runtime Architecture for High Integrity Software

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

Bespalko, S.J.; Winter, V.L.

1999-04-05

We have discussed two aspects of creating high integrity software that greatly benefit from the availability of transformation technology, which in this case is manifest by the requirement for a sophisticated backtracking parser. First, because of the potential for correctly manipulating programs via small changes, an automated non-procedural transformation system can be a valuable tool for constructing high assurance software. Second, modeling the processing of translating data into information as a, perhaps, context-dependent grammar leads to an efficient, compact implementation. From a practical perspective, the transformation process should begin in the domain language in which a problem is initially expressed.more » Thus in order for a transformation system to be practical it must be flexible with respect to domain-specific languages. We have argued that transformation applied to specification results in a highly reliable system. We also attempted to briefly demonstrate that transformation technology applied to the runtime environment will result in a safe and secure system. We thus believe that the sophisticated multi-lookahead backtracking parsing technology is central to the task of being in a position to demonstrate the existence of HIS.« less

Emerging perspectives on transforming the healthcare system: redesign strategies and a call for needed research.

PubMed

Doebbeling, Bradley N; Flanagan, Mindy E

2011-12-01

U.S. healthcare requires major redesign of its delivery systems, finances, and incentives. Healthcare operations, leadership, and payors are increasingly recognizing the need for community-business-research partnerships to transform healthcare. New models of continuous learning, research, and development should help focus and sustain redesign efforts. This study summarizes suggested strategies for transformational change in healthcare and identifies needed areas for research to inform, spread, and sustain transformational change. We developed these recommendations based on a series of review papers, invited expert discussion, and a subsequent review in the context of a health system transformation research conference (The Regenstrief Biennial Research Conference). The multidisciplinary audience included health systems researchers, clinicians, informaticians, social and engineering scientists, and operational and business leaders. Conference participants and literature reviews identified key strategies for system redesign with the following themes: using the framework of complex adaptive systems; fostering organizational redesign; developing appropriate performance measures and incentives; creating continuous learning organizations; and integrating health information, technology, and communication into practice. Sustained investment in research and development in these areas is crucial. Multiple issues influence the likelihood that healthcare leaders will make transformational changes in their healthcare systems. Healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, journals, and academic institutions, in partnership with payors, government and multiple other stakeholders, should apply the recommendations relevant to their own setting to redesign healthcare delivery, improve cognitive support, and sustain transformation. Fostering further research investments in these areas will increase the impact of transformation on the health and healthcare of the public.

Distributed clinical data sharing via dynamic access-control policy transformation.

PubMed

Rezaeibagha, Fatemeh; Mu, Yi

2016-05-01

Data sharing in electronic health record (EHR) systems is important for improving the quality of healthcare delivery. Data sharing, however, has raised some security and privacy concerns because healthcare data could be potentially accessible by a variety of users, which could lead to privacy exposure of patients. Without addressing this issue, large-scale adoption and sharing of EHR data are impractical. The traditional solution to the problem is via encryption. Although encryption can be applied to access control, it is not applicable for complex EHR systems that require multiple domains (e.g. public and private clouds) with various access requirements. This study was carried out to address the security and privacy issues of EHR data sharing with our novel access-control mechanism, which captures the scenario of the hybrid clouds and need of access-control policy transformation, to provide secure and privacy-preserving data sharing among different healthcare enterprises. We introduce an access-control mechanism with some cryptographic building blocks and present a novel approach for secure EHR data sharing and access-control policy transformation in EHR systems for hybrid clouds. We propose a useful data sharing system for healthcare providers to handle various EHR users who have various access privileges in different cloud environments. A systematic study has been conducted on data sharing in EHR systems to provide a solution to the security and privacy issues. In conclusion, we introduce an access-control method for privacy protection of EHRs and EHR policy transformation that allows an EHR access-control policy to be transformed from a private cloud to a public cloud. This method has never been studied previously in the literature. Furthermore, we provide a protocol to demonstrate policy transformation as an application scenario. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Requirements Analysis for Primary Care at Womack Army Medical Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-16

posed by threats such as weapons of mass destruction and terrorism (Army Transformation Plan, 2001). The Army Transformation Plan revising European...Health Systems Specialist for Clark Health Clinic, Expansion Plan 14 personal comunication , May 2006) . Robinson Health Clinic supports the 8 2 nd

An accurate online calibration system based on combined clamp-shape coil for high voltage electronic current transformers.

PubMed

Li, Zhen-hua; Li, Hong-bin; Zhang, Zhi

2013-07-01

Electronic transformers are widely used in power systems because of their wide bandwidth and good transient performance. However, as an emerging technology, the failure rate of electronic transformers is higher than that of traditional transformers. As a result, the calibration period needs to be shortened. Traditional calibration methods require the power of transmission line be cut off, which results in complicated operation and power off loss. This paper proposes an online calibration system which can calibrate electronic current transformers without power off. In this work, the high accuracy standard current transformer and online operation method are the key techniques. Based on the clamp-shape iron-core coil and clamp-shape air-core coil, a combined clamp-shape coil is designed as the standard current transformer. By analyzing the output characteristics of the two coils, the combined clamp-shape coil can achieve verification of the accuracy. So the accuracy of the online calibration system can be guaranteed. Moreover, by employing the earth potential working method and using two insulating rods to connect the combined clamp-shape coil to the high voltage bus, the operation becomes simple and safe. Tests in China National Center for High Voltage Measurement and field experiments show that the proposed system has a high accuracy of up to 0.05 class.

Transforming Legacy Systems to Obtain Information Superiority

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

is imperative that innovative technologies be developed to enable legacy weapon systems to exploit the information revolution, achieve information ... dominance , and meet the required operational tempo. This paper presents an embedded-system architecture, open system middleware services, and a software

Application of power transistors to residential and intermediate rating photovoltaic array power conditioners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steigerwald, R. L.; Ferraro, A.; Turnbull, F. G.

1983-04-01

Power conditioning systems that interface with photovoltaic arrays are presently investigated for the cases of 5-30 kW residential systems interfacing with a 240-V single-phase utility connection, and 30-200 kW intermediate systems interfacing with a 480-V three-phase utility connection. Both systems require an isolation transformer between the array and the utility interface. A tradeoff study is conducted for numerous transistor and thyristor circuits and configurations, with weighting criteria that include full- and part-load efficiency, size, weight, reliability, ease of control, injected harmonics, reactive power requirements, and parts cost. On the basis of study results, a 10-kW high frequency transistor inverter feeding a high frequency isolation transformer with a sinusoidally shaped current wave was selected.

A Tool for Requirements-Based Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rash, James L.; Hinchey, Michael G.; Rouff, Christopher A.; Gracanin, Denis; Erickson, John

2005-01-01

Absent a general method for mathematically sound, automated transformation of customer requirements into a formal model of the desired system, developers must resort to either manual application of formal methods or to system testing (either manual or automated). While formal methods have afforded numerous successes, they present serious issues, e.g., costs to gear up to apply them (time, expensive staff), and scalability and reproducibility when standards in the field are not settled. The testing path cannot be walked to the ultimate goal, because exhaustive testing is infeasible for all but trivial systems. So system verification remains problematic. System or requirements validation is similarly problematic. The alternatives available today depend on either having a formal model or pursuing enough testing to enable the customer to be certain that system behavior meets requirements. The testing alternative for non-trivial systems always have some system behaviors unconfirmed and therefore is not the answer. To ensure that a formal model is equivalent to the customer s requirements necessitates that the customer somehow fully understands the formal model, which is not realistic. The predominant view that provably correct system development depends on having a formal model of the system leads to a desire for a mathematically sound method to automate the transformation of customer requirements into a formal model. Such a method, an augmentation of requirements-based programming, will be briefly described in this paper, and a prototype tool to support it will be described. The method and tool enable both requirements validation and system verification for the class of systems whose behavior can be described as scenarios. An application of the tool to a prototype automated ground control system for NASA mission is presented.

Green fluorescent protein is lighting up fungal biology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lorang, J.M.; Tuori, R.P; Martinez, J.P; Sawyer, T.L.; Redman, R.S.; Rollins, J. A.; Wolpert, T.J.; Johnson, K.B.; Rodriguez, R.J.; Dickman, M. B.; Ciuffetti, L.M.

2001-01-01

Expression of gfp in filamentous fungi requires agfp variant that is efficiently translated in fungi, a transformation system, and a fungal promoter that satisfies the requirements of a given experimental objective. Transformation of fungi has recently been reviewed by Gold et al. (26). Robinson and Sharon (44) suggest that GFP can actually be used to optimize transformation protocols. In addition to reporting the construction of a new fungal transformation vector that expressesSGFP under the control of the ToxA gene promoter from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (12) and demonstrating its use in plant pathogens belonging to eight different genera of filamentous fungi (Fusarium, Botrytis, Pyrenophora, Alternaria, Cochliobolus, Sclerotinia, Colletotrichum, andVerticillium), in this review we also enumerate and describe a comprehensive list of vectors for expressing GFP in fungi.

DRS: Derivational Reasoning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bose, Bhaskar

1995-01-01

The high reliability requirements for airborne systems requires fault-tolerant architectures to address failures in the presence of physical faults, and the elimination of design flaws during the specification and validation phase of the design cycle. Although much progress has been made in developing methods to address physical faults, design flaws remain a serious problem. Formal methods provides a mathematical basis for removing design flaws from digital systems. DRS (Derivational Reasoning System) is a formal design tool based on advanced research in mathematical modeling and formal synthesis. The system implements a basic design algebra for synthesizing digital circuit descriptions from high level functional specifications. DRS incorporates an executable specification language, a set of correctness preserving transformations, verification interface, and a logic synthesis interface, making it a powerful tool for realizing hardware from abstract specifications. DRS integrates recent advances in transformational reasoning, automated theorem proving and high-level CAD synthesis systems in order to provide enhanced reliability in designs with reduced time and cost.

Suppression of Adverse Effects of GIC Using Controlled Variable Grounding Resistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abuhussein, A.; Ali, M. H.

2016-12-01

Geomagnetically induced current (GIC) has a harmful impact on power systems, with a large footprint. Mitigation strategies for the GIC are required to protect the integrity of the power system. To date, the adverse effects of GIC are being mitigated by either operational procedures or grounding fixed capacitors (GFCs). The operational procedures are uncertain, reduce systems' reliability, and increase energy losses. On the other hand, GFCs, incur voltage spikes, increase the transformer cost substantially, and require protection circuitry. This study investigates new possible approaches to cope with GIC, by using a controlled variable grounding resistor (CVGR), without interfering with the system's normal operation. In addition, the new techniques help suppress unsymmetrical faults in the power network. The controllability of the grounding resistor is applied using three different techniques: (1) a Parallel switch that is controlled by PI regulated duty cycle, (2) a Parallel switch that is triggered by a preset values in a look-up-table (LUT), and (3) a Mechanical resistor varied by a Fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The experimental results were obtained and validated using the MATLAB/SIMULINK software. A hypothetical power system that consists of a generator, a 765kv, 500 km long transmission lines connecting between a step-up, Δ-Yn, transformer, and a step-down, Yn-Δ, transformer, is considered. The performance of the CVGR is compared with that of the GFC under the cases of GIC event and unsymmetrical faults. From the simulation results, the following points are concluded: The CVGR effectively suppresses the GIC flowing in the system. Consequently, it protects the transformers from saturation and the rest of the system from collapsing. The CVGR also reduces the voltage and power swings associated with unsymmetrical faults and blocks the zero sequence current flowing through the neutral of the transformer. The performance of the CVGR surpasses that of the GFC in terms of GIC/fault current magnitude and decay time reduction. The GFC violates the IEEE standards C57.32/ C57.12 of transformers insulation level, while the CVGR maintain the neutral to ground voltage within acceptable levels. The CVGR, as opposed to the GFC, does not require a discharge circuit (spark gap), thus it reduces the cost and complexity.

Enhancing fire safety at Hydro plants with dry transformers

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

Clemen, D.M.

Hydroelectric plant owners and engineers can use dry-type transformers to reduce fire hazards in auxiliary power systems. The decision to replace a liquid-immersed transformer with a dry-type product has a price: higher unit cost and a need to be more vigilant in detailing transformer specifications. But, whether the change affects only one failed transformer or is part of a plant rehabilitation project, the benefits in safety can be worth it. Voltages on hydroelectric plant auxiliary power systems can range from a 20 kV medium-voltage system to the normal 480-208/120 V low-voltage system. Dry transformers typically are used in such systemsmore » to reduce the fire hazard present with liquid-filled transformers. For a hydro plant owner or engineer seeking alternatives to liquid-filled transformers, there are two main kinds of dry-type transformers to consider: vacuum pressure impregnated (VPI) and cast coil epoxy resin. VPI transformers normally are manufactured in sizes up to 6,000 kVA with primary voltage ratings up to 20 kV. Cast coil transformers can be made in sizes from 75 to 10,000 kVA, with primary voltage ratings up to 34,500 V. Although the same transformer theory applies to dry transformers as to liquid-filled units, the cooling medium, air, required different temperature rise ratings, dielectric tests, and construction techniques to ensure reliability. Consequently, the factory and field tests for dry units are established by a separate set of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. Cast coil transformers have several important advantages over VPI units.« less

Transformation of fruit trees. Useful breeding tool or continued future prospect?

PubMed

Petri, César; Burgos, Lorenzo

2005-02-01

Regeneration and transformation systems using mature plant material of woody fruit species have to be achieved as a necessary requirement for the introduction of useful genes into specific cultivars and the rapid evaluation of resulting horticultural traits. Although the commercial production of transgenic annual crops is a reality, commercial genetically-engineered fruit trees are still far from common. In most woody fruit species, transformation and regeneration of commercial cultivars are not routine, generally being limited to a few genotypes or to seedlings. The future of genetic transformation as a tool for the breeding of fruit trees requires the development of genotype-independent procedures, based on the transformation of meristematic cells with high regeneration potential and/or the use of regeneration-promoting genes. The public concern with the introduction of antibiotic resistance into food and the restrictions due to new European laws that do not allow deliberate release of plants transformed with antibiotic-resistance genes highlight the development of methods that avoid the use of antibiotic-dependent selection or allow elimination of marker genesfrom the transformed plant as a research priority in coming years.

Area and power efficient DCT architecture for image compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhandapani, Vaithiyanathan; Ramachandran, Seshasayanan

2014-12-01

The discrete cosine transform (DCT) is one of the major components in image and video compression systems. The final output of these systems is interpreted by the human visual system (HVS), which is not perfect. The limited perception of human visualization allows the algorithm to be numerically approximate rather than exact. In this paper, we propose a new matrix for discrete cosine transform. The proposed 8 × 8 transformation matrix contains only zeros and ones which requires only adders, thus avoiding the need for multiplication and shift operations. The new class of transform requires only 12 additions, which highly reduces the computational complexity and achieves a performance in image compression that is comparable to that of the existing approximated DCT. Another important aspect of the proposed transform is that it provides an efficient area and power optimization while implementing in hardware. To ensure the versatility of the proposal and to further evaluate the performance and correctness of the structure in terms of speed, area, and power consumption, the model is implemented on Xilinx Virtex 7 field programmable gate array (FPGA) device and synthesized with Cadence® RTL Compiler® using UMC 90 nm standard cell library. The analysis obtained from the implementation indicates that the proposed structure is superior to the existing approximation techniques with a 30% reduction in power and 12% reduction in area.

Genetic transformation system in the archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg.

PubMed Central

Worrell, V E; Nagle, D P; McCarthy, D; Eisenbraun, A

1988-01-01

A wild-type strain of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg was transformed by DNA from strains resistant to 5-fluorouracil. Recipient cells were grown without selection on gellan gum (GELRITE) plates with DNA. Drug-resistant cells were recovered by replica plating the resulting colonies onto drug plates. Transformation required high-molecular-weight DNA with appropriate markers and was not observed on agar or in liquid media under a variety of conditions. PMID:3422229

DNA transformation via local heat shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Sha; Meadow Anderson, L.; Yang, Jui-Ming; Lin, Liwei; Yang, Haw

2007-07-01

This work describes transformation of foreign DNA into bacterial host cells by local heat shock using a microfluidic system with on-chip, built-in platinum heaters. Plasmid DNA encoding ampicillin resistance and a fluorescent protein can be effectively transformed into the DH5α chemically competent E. coli using this device. Results further demonstrate that only one-thousandth of volume is required to obtain transformation efficiencies as good as or better than conventional practices. As such, this work complements other lab-on-a-chip technologies for potential gene cloning/therapy and protein expression applications.

Curriculum Alignment, Globalization, and Quality Assurance in South African Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Ria; van der Horst, Helen

2007-01-01

The democratization of South Africa has necessitated a transformation of the education system. The current transformational landscape of higher education in South Africa requires that basic curriculum concepts, and principles be rediscovered and, rethought with a view to ensuring that future educational practice is based on sound, and proven…

Image Tiling for Profiling Large Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkataraman, Ajit; Schock, Harold; Mercer, Carolyn R.

1992-01-01

Three dimensional surface measurements of large objects arc required in a variety of industrial processes. The nature of these measurements is changing as optical instruments arc beginning to replace conventional contact probes scanned over the objects. A common characteristic of the optical surface profilers is the trade off between measurement accuracy and field of view. In order to measure a large object with high accuracy, multiple views arc required. An accurate transformation between the different views is needed to bring about their registration. In this paper, we demonstrate how the transformation parameters can be obtained precisely by choosing control points which lie in the overlapping regions of the images. A good starting point for the transformation parameters is obtained by having a knowledge of the scanner position. The selection of the control points arc independent of the object geometry. By successively recording multiple views and obtaining transformation with respect to a single coordinate system, a complete physical model of an object can be obtained. Since all data arc in the same coordinate system, it can thus be used for building automatic models for free form surfaces.

An accurate online calibration system based on combined clamp-shape coil for high voltage electronic current transformers

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

Li, Zhen-hua; Li, Hong-bin; Zhang, Zhi

Electronic transformers are widely used in power systems because of their wide bandwidth and good transient performance. However, as an emerging technology, the failure rate of electronic transformers is higher than that of traditional transformers. As a result, the calibration period needs to be shortened. Traditional calibration methods require the power of transmission line be cut off, which results in complicated operation and power off loss. This paper proposes an online calibration system which can calibrate electronic current transformers without power off. In this work, the high accuracy standard current transformer and online operation method are the key techniques. Basedmore » on the clamp-shape iron-core coil and clamp-shape air-core coil, a combined clamp-shape coil is designed as the standard current transformer. By analyzing the output characteristics of the two coils, the combined clamp-shape coil can achieve verification of the accuracy. So the accuracy of the online calibration system can be guaranteed. Moreover, by employing the earth potential working method and using two insulating rods to connect the combined clamp-shape coil to the high voltage bus, the operation becomes simple and safe. Tests in China National Center for High Voltage Measurement and field experiments show that the proposed system has a high accuracy of up to 0.05 class.« less

Similar solutions for the compressible laminar boundary layer with heat transfer and pressure gradient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Clarence B; Reshotko, Eli

1956-01-01

Stewartson's transformation is applied to the laminar compressible boundary-layer equations and the requirement of similarity is introduced, resulting in a set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations previously quoted by Stewartson, but unsolved. The requirements of the system are Prandtl number of 1.0, linear viscosity-temperature relation across the boundary layer, an isothermal surface, and the particular distributions of free-stream velocity consistent with similar solutions. This system admits axial pressure gradients of arbitrary magnitude, heat flux normal to the surface, and arbitrary Mach numbers. The system of differential equations is transformed to integral system, with the velocity ratio as the independent variable. For this system, solutions are found by digital computation for pressure gradients varying from that causing separation to the infinitely favorable gradient and for wall temperatures from absolute zero to twice the free-stream stagnation temperature. Some solutions for separated flows are also presented.

Combining points and lines in rectifying satellite images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elaksher, Ahmed F.

2017-09-01

The quick advance in remote sensing technologies established the potential to gather accurate and reliable information about the Earth surface using high resolution satellite images. Remote sensing satellite images of less than one-meter pixel size are currently used in large-scale mapping. Rigorous photogrammetric equations are usually used to describe the relationship between the image coordinates and ground coordinates. These equations require the knowledge of the exterior and interior orientation parameters of the image that might not be available. On the other hand, the parallel projection transformation could be used to represent the mathematical relationship between the image-space and objectspace coordinate systems and provides the required accuracy for large-scale mapping using fewer ground control features. This article investigates the differences between point-based and line-based parallel projection transformation models in rectifying satellite images with different resolutions. The point-based parallel projection transformation model and its extended form are presented and the corresponding line-based forms are developed. Results showed that the RMS computed using the point- or line-based transformation models are equivalent and satisfy the requirement for large-scale mapping. The differences between the transformation parameters computed using the point- and line-based transformation models are insignificant. The results showed high correlation between the differences in the ground elevation and the RMS.

Using the Cycloid as an Introduction to Transformations of E and B Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frodyma, Marc; Le, My Phuong

2018-05-01

The transformations of electric and magnetic fields are usually introduced by viewing systems such as a long, straight current-carrying wire and a parallel plate capacitor in two different reference frames. These well-known examples show that magnetism is a necessary consequence of augmenting electrostatics with relativity. Because they require the full apparatus of Lorentz contraction and Lorentz transformation of forces, they are often postponed until the upper-division undergraduate electrodynamics course.

Stochastic Independence as a Resource for Small-Scale Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lostaglio, Matteo; Mueller, Markus P.; Pastena, Michele

It is well-known in thermodynamics that the creation of correlations costs work. It seems then a truism that if a thermodynamic transformation A --> B is impossible, so will be any transformation that in sending A to B also correlates among them some auxiliary systems C. Surprisingly, we show that this is not the case for non-equilibrium thermodynamics of microscopic systems. On the contrary, the creation of correlations greatly extends the set of accessible states, to the point that we can perform on individual systems and in a single shot any transformation that would otherwise be possible only if the number of systems involved was very large. We also show that one only ever needs to create a vanishingly small amount of correlations (as measured by mutual information) among a small number of auxiliary systems (never more than three). The many, severe constraints of microscopic thermodynamics are reduced to the sole requirement that the non-equilibrium free energy decreases in the transformation. This shows that, in principle, reliable extraction of work equal to the free energy of a system can be performed by microscopic engines.

Stochastic Independence as a Resource in Small-Scale Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lostaglio, Matteo; Müller, Markus P.; Pastena, Michele

2015-10-01

It is well known in thermodynamics that the creation of correlations costs work. It seems then a truism that if a thermodynamic transformation A →B is impossible, so will be any transformation that in sending A to B also correlates among them some auxiliary systems C . Surprisingly, we show that this is not the case for nonequilibrium thermodynamics of microscopic systems. On the contrary, the creation of correlations greatly extends the set of accessible states, to the point that we can perform on individual systems and in a single shot any transformation that would otherwise be possible only if the number of systems involved was very large. We also show that one only ever needs to create a vanishingly small amount of correlations (as measured by mutual information) among a small number of auxiliary systems (never more than three). The many, severe constraints of microscopic thermodynamics are reduced to the sole requirement that the nonequilibrium free energy decreases in the transformation. This shows that, in principle, reliable extraction of work equal to the free energy of a system can be performed by microscopic engines.

Development of a spectrofluorimetry-based device for determining the acetylene content in the oils of power transformers.

PubMed

Quintella, Cristina M; Meira, Marilena; Silva, Weidson Leal; Filho, Rogério G D; Araújo, André L C; Júnior, Elias T S; Sales, Lindolfo J O

2013-12-15

Power transformers are essential for a functioning electrical system and therefore require special attention by maintenance programs because a fault can harm both the company and society. The temperature inside a power transformer and the dissolved gases, which are primarily composed of acetylene, are the two main parameters monitored when detecting faults. This paper describes the development of a device for analyzing the acetylene content in insulating oil using spectrofluorimetry. Using this device introduces a new methodology for the maintaining and operating power transformers. The prototype is currently operating in a substation. The results presented by this system were satisfactory; when compared to chromatographic data, the errors did not exceed 15%. This prototype may be used to confirm the quality of an insulating oil sample to detect faults in power transformers. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extended canonical field theory of matter and space-time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Struckmeier, J.; Vasak, D.; matter, H. Stoecker Field theory of; space-time

2015-11-01

Any physical theory that follows from an action principle should be invariant in its form under mappings of the reference frame in order to comply with the general principle of relativity. The required form-invariance of the action principle implies that the mapping must constitute a particular extended canonical transformation. In the realm of the covariant Hamiltonian formulation of field theory, the term ``extended'' implies that not only the fields but also the space-time geometry is subject to transformation. A canonical transformation maintains the general form of the action principle by simultaneously defining the appropriate transformation rules for the fields, the conjugate momentum fields, and the transformation rule for the Hamiltonian. Provided that the given system of fields exhibits a particular global symmetry, the associated extended canonical transformation determines an amended Hamiltonian that is form-invariant under the corresponding local symmetry. This will be worked out for a Hamiltonian system of scalar and vector fields that is presupposed to be form-invariant under space-time transformations xμ\\mapsto Xμ with partial Xμ/partial xν=const., hence under global space-time transformations such as the Poincaré transformation. The corresponding amended system that is form-invariant under local space-time transformations partial Xμ/partial xν≠qconst. then describes the coupling of the fields to the space-time geometry and thus yields the dynamics of space-time that is associated with the given physical system. Non-zero spin matter determines thereby the space-time curvature via a well-defined source term in a covariant Poisson-type equation for the Riemann tensor.

An accurate on-site calibration system for electronic voltage transformers using a standard capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chen; Chen, Mian-zhou; Li, Hong-bin; Zhang, Zhu; Jiao, Yang; Shao, Haiming

2018-05-01

Ordinarily electronic voltage transformers (EVTs) are calibrated off-line and the calibration procedure requires complex switching operations, which will influence the reliability of the power grid and induce large economic losses. To overcome this problem, this paper investigates a 110 kV on-site calibration system for EVTs, including a standard channel, a calibrated channel and a PC equipped with the LabView environment. The standard channel employs a standard capacitor and an analogue integrating circuit to reconstruct the primary voltage signal. Moreover, an adaptive full-phase discrete Fourier transform (DFT) algorithm is proposed to extract electrical parameters. The algorithm involves the process of extracting the frequency of the grid, adjusting the operation points, and calculating the results using DFT. In addition, an insulated automatic lifting device is designed to realize the live connection of the standard capacitor, which is driven by a wireless remote controller. A performance test of the capacitor verifies the accurateness of the standard capacitor. A system calibration test shows that the system ratio error is less than 0.04% and the phase error is below 2‧, which meets the requirement of the 0.2 accuracy class. Finally, the developed calibration system was used in a substation, and the field test data validates the availability of the system.

A novel method for improving the accuracy of coordinate transformation in multiple measurement systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. L.; Li, Y. W.

2017-09-01

Large-scale dimensional metrology usually requires a combination of multiple measurement systems, such as laser tracking, total station, laser scanning, coordinate measuring arm and video photogrammetry, etc. Often, the results from different measurement systems must be combined to provide useful results. The coordinate transformation is used to unify coordinate frames in combination; however, coordinate transformation uncertainties directly affect the accuracy of the final measurement results. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for improving the accuracy of coordinate transformation, combining the advantages of the best-fit least-square and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks. First of all, the configuration of coordinate transformation is introduced and a transformation matrix containing seven variables is obtained. Second, the 3D uncertainty of the transformation model and the residual error variable vector are established based on the best-fit least-square. Finally, in order to optimize the uncertainty of the developed seven-variable transformation model, we used the RBF neural network to identify the uncertainty of the dynamic, and unstructured, owing to its great ability to approximate any nonlinear function to the designed accuracy. Intensive experimental studies were conducted to check the validity of the theoretical results. The results show that the mean error of coordinate transformation decreased from 0.078 mm to 0.054 mm after using this method in contrast with the GUM method.

Chromosomal changes in cultured human epithelial cells transformed by low- and high-LET radiation

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

Yang, Tracy Chui-hsu; Craise, L.M; Prioleau, J.C.

1990-11-01

For a better assessment of radiation risk in space, an understanding of the responses of human cells, especially the epithelial cells, to low- and high-LET radiation is essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed techniques to study the neoplastic transformation of two human epithelial cell systems by ionizing radiation. These cell systems are human mammary epithelial cells (H184B5) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Both cell lines are immortal, anchorage dependent for growth, and nontumorigenic in athymic nude nice. Neoplastic transformation was achieved by irradiation cells successively. Our results showed that radiogenic cell transformation is a multistep process and thatmore » a single exposure of ionizing radiation can cause only one step of transformation. It requires, therefore, multihits to make human epithelial cells fully tumorigenic. Using a simple karyotyping method, we did chromosome analysis with cells cloned at various stages of transformation. We found no consistent large terminal deletion of chromosomes in radiation-induced transformants. Some changes of total number of chromosomes, however, were observed in the transformed cells. These transformants provide an unique opportunity for further genetic studies at a molecular level. 15 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Chromosomal changes in cultured human epithelial cells transformed by low- and high-let radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chui-Hsu Yang, Tracy; Craise, Laurie M.; Prioleau, John C.; Stampfer, Martha R.; Rhim, Johng S.

1992-07-01

For a better assessment of radiation risk in space, an understanding of the responses of human cells, especially the epithelial cells, to low- and high-LET radiation is essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed techniques to study the neoplastic transformation of two human epithelial cell systems by ionizing radiation. These cell systems are human mammary epithelial cells (H184B5) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Both cell lines are immortal, anchorage dependent for growth, and nontumorigenic in athymic nude mice. Neoplastic transformation was achieved by irradiating cells successively. Our results showed that radiogenic cell transformation is a multistep process and that a single exposure of ionizing radiation can cause only one step of transformation. It requires, therefore, multihits to make human epithelial cells fully tumorigenic. Using a simple karyotyping method, we did chromosome analysis with cells cloned at various stages of transformation. We found no consistent large terminal deletion of chromosomes in radiation-induced transformants. Some changes of total number of chromosomes, however, were observed in the transformed cells. These transformants provide an unique opportunity for further genetic studies at a molecular level.

Chromosomal changes in cultured human epithelial cells transformed by low- and high-LET radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craise, L. M.; Prioleau, J. C.; Stampfer, M. R.; Rhim, J. S.; Yang, TC-H (Principal Investigator)

1992-01-01

For a better assessment of radiation risk in space, an understanding of the responses of human cells, especially the epithelial cells, to low- and high-LET radiation is essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed techniques to study the neoplastic transformation of two human epithelial cell systems by ionizing radiation. These cell systems are human mammary epithelial cells (H184B5) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Both cell lines are immortal, anchorage dependent for growth, and nontumorigenic in athymic nude mice. Neoplastic transformation was achieved by irradiating cells successively. Our results showed that radiogenic cell transformation is a multistep process and that a single exposure of ionizing radiation can cause only one step of transformation. It requires, therefore, multihits to make human epithelial cells fully tumorigenic. Using a simple karyotyping method, we did chromosome analysis with cells cloned at various stages of transformation. We found no consistent large terminal deletion of chromosomes in radiation-induced transformants. Some changes of total number of chromosomes, however, were observed in the transformed cells. These transformants provide an unique opportunity for further genetic studies at a molecular level.

Air core poloidal magnetic field system for a toroidal plasma producing device

DOEpatents

Marcus, Frederick B.

1978-01-01

A poloidal magnetics system for a plasma producing device of toroidal configuration is provided that reduces both the total volt-seconds requirement and the magnitude of the field change at the toroidal field coils. The system utilizes an air core transformer wound between the toroidal field (TF) coils and the major axis outside the TF coils. Electric current in the primary windings of this transformer is distributed and the magnetic flux returned by air core windings wrapped outside the toroidal field coils. A shield winding that is closely coupled to the plasma carries a current equal and opposite to the plasma current. This winding provides the shielding function and in addition serves in a fashion similar to a driven conducting shell to provide the equilibrium vertical field for the plasma. The shield winding is in series with a power supply and a decoupling coil located outside the TF coil at the primary winding locations. The present invention requires much less energy than the usual air core transformer and is capable of substantially shielding the toroidal field coils from poloidal field flux.

Development of an expert system prototype for determining software functional requirements for command management activities at NASA Goddard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebowitz, J.

1985-01-01

The development of an expert system prototype for determining software functional requirements for NASA Goddard's Command Management System (CMS) is described. The role of the CMS is to transform general requests into specific spacecraft commands with command execution conditions. The CMS is part of the NASA Data System which entails the downlink of science and engineering data from NASA near-earth satellites to the user, and the uplink of command and control data to the spacecraft. Subjects covered include: the problem environment of determining CMS software functional requirements; the expert system approach for handling CMS requirements development; validation and evaluation procedures for the expert system.

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

PubMed

Song, Guo-Qing; Sink, Kenneth C

2006-01-01

Recent advances in plant biotechnology have led to a reliable and reproductive method for genetic transformation of blueberry. These efforts built on previous attempts at transient and stable transformation of blueberry that demonstrated the potential of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and as well, the difficulties of selecting and regenerating transgenic plants. As a prerequisite for successful stable transformation, efficient regeneration systems were required despite many reports on factors controlling shoot regeneration from leaf explants. The A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol described in this chapter is based on combining efficient regeneration methods and the results of A. tumefaciens-mediated transient transformation studies to optimize selected parameters for gene transfer. The protocol has led to successful regeneration of transgenic plants of four commercially important highbush blueberry cultivars.

Military Health System Transformation Implications on Health Information Technology Modernization.

PubMed

Khan, Saad

2018-03-01

With the recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, Congress has triggered groundbreaking Military Health System organizational restructuring with the Defense Health Agency assuming responsibility for managing all hospitals and clinics owned by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is a major shift toward a modern value-based managed care system, which will require much greater military-civilian health care delivery integration to be in place by October 2018. Just before the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 passage, the Department of Defense had already begun a seismic shift and awarded a contract for the new Military Health System-wide electronic health record system. In this perspective, we discuss the implications of the intersection of two large-scope and large-scale initiatives, health system transformation, and information technology modernization, being rolled out in the largest and most complex federal agency and potential risk mitigating steps. The Military Health System will require an expanded unified clinical leadership to spearhead short-term transformation; furthermore, developing, organizing, and growing a cadre of informatics expertise to expand the use and diffusion of novel solutions such as health information exchanges, data analytics, and others to transcend organizational barriers are still needed to achieve the long-term aim of health system reform as envisioned by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

Equivalent circuit of radio frequency-plasma with the transformer model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishida, K.; Mochizuki, S.; Ohta, M.; Yasumoto, M.; Lettry, J.; Mattei, S.; Hatayama, A.

2014-02-01

LINAC4 H- source is radio frequency (RF) driven type source. In the RF system, it is required to match the load impedance, which includes H- source, to that of final amplifier. We model RF plasma inside the H- source as circuit elements using transformer model so that characteristics of the load impedance become calculable. It has been shown that the modeling based on the transformer model works well to predict the resistance and inductance of the plasma.

Developing a reversible rapid coordinate transformation model for the cylindrical projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Si-jing; Yan, Tai-lai; Yue, Yan-li; Lin, Wei-yan; Li, Lin; Yao, Xiao-chuang; Mu, Qin-yun; Li, Yong-qin; Zhu, De-hai

2016-04-01

Numerical models are widely used for coordinate transformations. However, in most numerical models, polynomials are generated to approximate "true" geographic coordinates or plane coordinates, and one polynomial is hard to make simultaneously appropriate for both forward and inverse transformations. As there is a transformation rule between geographic coordinates and plane coordinates, how accurate and efficient is the calculation of the coordinate transformation if we construct polynomials to approximate the transformation rule instead of "true" coordinates? In addition, is it preferable to compare models using such polynomials with traditional numerical models with even higher exponents? Focusing on cylindrical projection, this paper reports on a grid-based rapid numerical transformation model - a linear rule approximation model (LRA-model) that constructs linear polynomials to approximate the transformation rule and uses a graticule to alleviate error propagation. Our experiments on cylindrical projection transformation between the WGS 84 Geographic Coordinate System (EPSG 4326) and the WGS 84 UTM ZONE 50N Plane Coordinate System (EPSG 32650) with simulated data demonstrate that the LRA-model exhibits high efficiency, high accuracy, and high stability; is simple and easy to use for both forward and inverse transformations; and can be applied to the transformation of a large amount of data with a requirement of high calculation efficiency. Furthermore, the LRA-model exhibits advantages in terms of calculation efficiency, accuracy and stability for coordinate transformations, compared to the widely used hyperbolic transformation model.

Coordinate transformations and gauges in the relativistic astronomical reference systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, J.-H.; Huang, T.-Y.; Han, C.-H.

2000-11-01

This paper applies a fully post-Newtonian theory (Damour et al. 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994) to the problem of gauge in relativistic reference systems. Gauge fixing is necessary when the precision of time measurement and application reaches 10-16 or better. We give a general procedure for fixing the gauges of gravitational potentials in both the global and local coordinate systems, and for determining the gauge functions in all the coordinate transformations. We demonstrate that gauge fixing in a gravitational N-body problem can be solved by fixing the gauge of the self-gravitational potential of each body and the gauge function in the coordinate transformation between the global and local coordinate systems. We also show that these gauge functions can be chosen to make all the coordinate systems harmonic or any as required, no matter what gauge is chosen for the self-gravitational potential of each body.

Sizing community energy storage systems to reduce transformer overloading with emphasis on plug-in electric vehicle loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trowler, Derik Wesley

The research objective of this study was to develop a sizing method for community energy storage systems with emphasis on preventing distribution transformer overloading due to plug-in electric vehicle charging. The method as developed showed the formulation of a diversified load profile based upon residential load data for several customers on the American Electric Power system. Once a load profile was obtained, plug-in electric vehicle charging scenarios which were based upon expected adoption and charging trends were superimposed on the load profile to show situations where transformers (in particular 25 kVA, 50 kVA, and 100 kVA) would be overloaded during peak hours. Once the total load profiles were derived, the energy and power requirements of community energy storage systems were calculated for a number of scenarios with different combinations of numbers of homes and plug-in electric vehicles. The results were recorded and illustrated into charts so that one could determine the minimum size per application. Other topics that were covered in this thesis were the state of the art and future trends in plug-in electric vehicle and battery chemistry adoption and development. The goal of the literature review was to confirm the already suspected notion that Li-ion batteries are best suited and soon to be most cost-effective solution for applications requiring small, efficient, reliable, and light-weight battery systems such as plug-in electric vehicles and community energy storage systems. This thesis also includes a chapter showing system modeling in MATLAB/SimulinkRTM. All in all, this thesis covers a wide variety of considerations involved in the designing and deploying of community energy storage systems intended to mitigate the effects of distribution transformer overloading.

A Methodological Framework for Enterprise Information System Requirements Derivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caplinskas, Albertas; Paškevičiūtė, Lina

Current information systems (IS) are enterprise-wide systems supporting strategic goals of the enterprise and meeting its operational business needs. They are supported by information and communication technologies (ICT) and other software that should be fully integrated. To develop software responding to real business needs, we need requirements engineering (RE) methodology that ensures the alignment of requirements for all levels of enterprise system. The main contribution of this chapter is a requirement-oriented methodological framework allowing to transform business requirements level by level into software ones. The structure of the proposed framework reflects the structure of Zachman's framework. However, it has other intentions and is purposed to support not the design but the RE issues.

Application of an impedance matching transformer to a plasma focus.

PubMed

Bures, B L; James, C; Krishnan, M; Adler, R

2011-10-01

A plasma focus was constructed using an impedance matching transformer to improve power transfer between the pulse power and the dynamic plasma load. The system relied on two switches and twelve transformer cores to produce a 100 kA pulse in short circuit on the secondary at 27 kV on the primary with 110 J stored. With the two transformer systems in parallel, the Thevenin equivalent circuit parameters on the secondary side of the driver are: C = 10.9 μF, V(0) = 4.5 kV, L = 17 nH, and R = 5 mΩ. An equivalent direct drive circuit would require a large number of switches in parallel, to achieve the same Thevenin equivalent. The benefits of this approach are replacement of consumable switches with non-consumable transformer cores, reduction of the driver inductance and resistance as viewed by the dynamic load, and reduction of the stored energy to produce a given peak current. The system is designed to operate at 100 Hz, so minimizing the stored energy results in less load on the thermal management system. When operated at 1 Hz, the neutron yield from the transformer matched plasma focus was similar to the neutron yield from a conventional (directly driven) plasma focus at the same peak current.

Radiogenic cell transformation and carcinogenesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, T. C.; Georgy, K. A.; Mei, M.; Durante, M.; Craise, L. M.

1995-01-01

Radiation carcinogenesis is one of the major biological effects considered important in the risk assessment for space travel. Various biological model systems, including both cultured cells and animals, have been found useful for studying the carcinogenic effects of space radiations, which consist of energetic electrons, protons and heavy ions. The development of techniques for studying neoplastic cell transformation in culture has made it possible to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis. Cultured cell systems are thus complementary to animal models. Many investigators have determined the oncogenic effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation in cultured mammalian cells. One of the cell systems used most often for radiation transformation studies is mouse embryonic cells (C3H10T1/2), which are easy to culture and give good quantitative dose-response curves. Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for heavy ions with various energies and linear energy transfer (LET) have been obtained with this cell system. Similar RBE and LET relationship was observed by investigators for other cell systems. In addition to RBE measurements, fundamental questions on repair of sub- and potential oncogenic lesions, direct and indirect effect, primary target and lesion, the importance of cell-cell interaction and the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in radiogenic carcinogenesis have been studied, and interesting results have been found. Recently several human epithelial cell systems have been developed, and ionizing radiation have been shown to transform these cells. Oncogenic transformation of these cells, however, requires a long expression time and/or multiple radiation exposures. Limited experimental data indicate high-LET heavy ions can be more effective than low-LET radiation in inducing cell transformation. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses can be performed with cloned transformants to provide insights into basic genetic mechanism(s) of radiogenic transformation of human epithelial cells.

Cross-sectoral optimization and visualization of transformation processes in urban water infrastructures in rural areas.

PubMed

Baron, S; Kaufmann Alves, I; Schmitt, T G; Schöffel, S; Schwank, J

2015-01-01

Predicted demographic, climatic and socio-economic changes will require adaptations of existing water supply and wastewater disposal systems. Especially in rural areas, these new challenges will affect the functionality of the present systems. This paper presents a joint interdisciplinary research project with the objective of developing an innovative software-based optimization and decision support system for the implementation of long-term transformations of existing infrastructures of water supply, wastewater and energy. The concept of the decision support and optimization tool is described and visualization methods for the presentation of results are illustrated. The model is tested in a rural case study region in the Southwest of Germany. A transformation strategy for a decentralized wastewater treatment concept and its visualization are presented for a model village.

Digital combined instrument transformer for automated electric power supply control systems of mining companies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topolsky, D. V.; Gonenko, T. V.; Khatsevskiy, V. F.

2017-10-01

The present paper discusses ways to solve the problem of enhancing operating efficiency of automated electric power supply control systems of mining companies. According to the authors, one of the ways to solve this problem is intellectualization of the electric power supply control system equipment. To enhance efficiency of electric power supply control and electricity metering, it is proposed to use specially designed digital combined instrument current and voltage transformers. This equipment conforms to IEC 61850 international standard and is adapted for integration into the digital substation structure. Tests were performed to check conformity of an experimental prototype of the digital combined instrument current and voltage transformer with IEC 61850 standard. The test results have shown that the considered equipment meets the requirements of the standard.

Performance of the Wavelet Decomposition on Massively Parallel Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Ghazawi, Tarek A.; LeMoigne, Jacqueline; Zukor, Dorothy (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Traditionally, Fourier Transforms have been utilized for performing signal analysis and representation. But although it is straightforward to reconstruct a signal from its Fourier transform, no local description of the signal is included in its Fourier representation. To alleviate this problem, Windowed Fourier transforms and then wavelet transforms have been introduced, and it has been proven that wavelets give a better localization than traditional Fourier transforms, as well as a better division of the time- or space-frequency plane than Windowed Fourier transforms. Because of these properties and after the development of several fast algorithms for computing the wavelet representation of any signal, in particular the Multi-Resolution Analysis (MRA) developed by Mallat, wavelet transforms have increasingly been applied to signal analysis problems, especially real-life problems, in which speed is critical. In this paper we present and compare efficient wavelet decomposition algorithms on different parallel architectures. We report and analyze experimental measurements, using NASA remotely sensed images. Results show that our algorithms achieve significant performance gains on current high performance parallel systems, and meet scientific applications and multimedia requirements. The extensive performance measurements collected over a number of high-performance computer systems have revealed important architectural characteristics of these systems, in relation to the processing demands of the wavelet decomposition of digital images.

Partial Discharge Monitoring in Power Transformers Using Low-Cost Piezoelectric Sensors

PubMed Central

Castro, Bruno; Clerice, Guilherme; Ramos, Caio; Andreoli, André; Baptista, Fabricio; Campos, Fernando; Ulson, José

2016-01-01

Power transformers are crucial in an electric power system. Failures in transformers can affect the quality and cause interruptions in the power supply. Partial discharges are a phenomenon that can cause failures in the transformers if not properly monitored. Typically, the monitoring requires high-cost corrective maintenance or even interruptions of the power system. Therefore, the development of online non-invasive monitoring systems to detect partial discharges in power transformers has great relevance since it can reduce significant maintenance costs. Although commercial acoustic emission sensors have been used to monitor partial discharges in power transformers, they still represent a significant cost. In order to overcome this drawback, this paper presents a study of the feasibility of low-cost piezoelectric sensors to identify partial discharges in mineral insulating oil of power transformers. The analysis of the feasibility of the proposed low-cost sensor is performed by its comparison with a commercial acoustic emission sensor commonly used to detect partial discharges. The comparison between the responses in the time and frequency domain of both sensors was carried out and the experimental results indicate that the proposed piezoelectric sensors have great potential in the detection of acoustic waves generated by partial discharges in insulation oil, contributing for the popularization of this noninvasive technique. PMID:27517931

Partial Discharge Monitoring in Power Transformers Using Low-Cost Piezoelectric Sensors.

PubMed

Castro, Bruno; Clerice, Guilherme; Ramos, Caio; Andreoli, André; Baptista, Fabricio; Campos, Fernando; Ulson, José

2016-08-10

Power transformers are crucial in an electric power system. Failures in transformers can affect the quality and cause interruptions in the power supply. Partial discharges are a phenomenon that can cause failures in the transformers if not properly monitored. Typically, the monitoring requires high-cost corrective maintenance or even interruptions of the power system. Therefore, the development of online non-invasive monitoring systems to detect partial discharges in power transformers has great relevance since it can reduce significant maintenance costs. Although commercial acoustic emission sensors have been used to monitor partial discharges in power transformers, they still represent a significant cost. In order to overcome this drawback, this paper presents a study of the feasibility of low-cost piezoelectric sensors to identify partial discharges in mineral insulating oil of power transformers. The analysis of the feasibility of the proposed low-cost sensor is performed by its comparison with a commercial acoustic emission sensor commonly used to detect partial discharges. The comparison between the responses in the time and frequency domain of both sensors was carried out and the experimental results indicate that the proposed piezoelectric sensors have great potential in the detection of acoustic waves generated by partial discharges in insulation oil, contributing for the popularization of this noninvasive technique.

Direct transformation of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. by particle bombardment using immature thalli developing from spores.

PubMed

Chiyoda, Shota; Ishizaki, Kimitsune; Kataoka, Hideo; Yamato, Katsuyuki T; Kohchi, Takayuki

2008-09-01

The liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha L., belongs to a group of basal land plants and is an emerging model for plant biology. We established a procedure to prepare sporangia of M. polymorpha under laboratory conditions by promoting its transition to reproductive development by far-red light irradiation. Here we report an improved direct transformation system of M. polymorpha using immature thalli developing from spores. Hygromycin-resistant transformants were obtained on selective media by transformation with a plasmid carrying the hygromycin-phosphotransferase gene (hpt) conferring hygromycin resistance in 4 weeks. The aminoglycoside-3''-adenyltransferase gene (aadA) conferring spectinomycin resistance was also successfully used as an additional selectable marker for nuclear transformation of M. polymorpha. The availability of the aadA gene in addition to the hpt gene should make M. polymorpha a versatile host for genetic manipulation. DNA gel-blot analyses indicated that transformed thalli carried a variable number of copies of the transgene integrated into the genome. Although the previous system using thalli grown from gemmae required a two-step selection in liquid and solid media for 8 weeks, the system reported here using thalli developing from spores allows generation of transformants in half the time by direct selection on solid media, facilitating genetic analyses in this model plant.

Distributed Two-Dimensional Fourier Transforms on DSPs with an Application for Phase Retrieval

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jeffrey Scott

2006-01-01

Many applications of two-dimensional Fourier Transforms require fixed timing as defined by system specifications. One example is image-based wavefront sensing. The image-based approach has many benefits, yet it is a computational intensive solution for adaptive optic correction, where optical adjustments are made in real-time to correct for external (atmospheric turbulence) and internal (stability) aberrations, which cause image degradation. For phase retrieval, a type of image-based wavefront sensing, numerous two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) are used. To meet the required real-time specifications, a distributed system is needed, and thus, the 2-D FFT necessitates an all-to-all communication among the computational nodes. The 1-D floating point FFT is very efficient on a digital signal processor (DSP). For this study, several architectures and analysis of such are presented which address the all-to-all communication with DSPs. Emphasis of this research is on a 64-node cluster of Analog Devices TigerSharc TS-101 DSPs.

Transforming an EPA QA/R-2 quality management plan into an ISO 9002 quality management system.

PubMed

Kell, R A; Hedin, C M; Kassakhian, G H; Reynolds, E S

2001-01-01

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR) requires environmental data of known quality to support Superfund hazardous waste site projects. The Quality Assurance Technical Support (QATS) Program is operated by Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. to provide EPA's Analytical Operations Center (AOC) with performance evaluation samples, reference materials, on-site laboratory auditing capabilities, data audits (including electronic media data audits), methods development, and other support services. The new QATS contract awarded in November 2000 required that the QATS Program become ISO 9000 certified. In a first for an EPA contractor, the QATS staff and management successfully transformed EPA's QA/R-2 type Quality Management Plan into a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the requirements of the internationally recognized ISO 9002 standard and achieved certification in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. The presentation describes how quality system elements of ISO 9002 were implemented on an already existing quality system. The psychological and organizational challenges of the culture change in QATS' day-to-day operations will be discussed for the benefit of other ISO 9000 aspirants.

Parameter estimation in 3D affine and similarity transformation: implementation of variance component estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiri-Simkooei, A. R.

2018-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) coordinate transformations, generally consisting of origin shifts, axes rotations, scale changes, and skew parameters, are widely used in many geomatics applications. Although in some geodetic applications simplified transformation models are used based on the assumption of small transformation parameters, in other fields of applications such parameters are indeed large. The algorithms of two recent papers on the weighted total least-squares (WTLS) problem are used for the 3D coordinate transformation. The methodology can be applied to the case when the transformation parameters are generally large of which no approximate values of the parameters are required. Direct linearization of the rotation and scale parameters is thus not required. The WTLS formulation is employed to take into consideration errors in both the start and target systems on the estimation of the transformation parameters. Two of the well-known 3D transformation methods, namely affine (12, 9, and 8 parameters) and similarity (7 and 6 parameters) transformations, can be handled using the WTLS theory subject to hard constraints. Because the method can be formulated by the standard least-squares theory with constraints, the covariance matrix of the transformation parameters can directly be provided. The above characteristics of the 3D coordinate transformation are implemented in the presence of different variance components, which are estimated using the least squares variance component estimation. In particular, the estimability of the variance components is investigated. The efficacy of the proposed formulation is verified on two real data sets.

Transforming user needs into functional requirements for an antibiotic clinical decision support system: explicating content analysis for system design.

PubMed

Bright, T J

2013-01-01

Many informatics studies use content analysis to generate functional requirements for system development. Explication of this translational process from qualitative data to functional requirements can strengthen the understanding and scientific rigor when applying content analysis in informatics studies. To describe a user-centered approach transforming emergent themes derived from focus group data into functional requirements for informatics solutions and to illustrate these methods to the development of an antibiotic clinical decision support system (CDS). THE APPROACH CONSISTED OF FIVE STEPS: 1) identify unmet therapeutic planning information needs via Focus Group Study-I, 2) develop a coding framework of therapeutic planning themes to refine the domain scope to antibiotic therapeutic planning, 3) identify functional requirements of an antibiotic CDS system via Focus Group Study-II, 4) discover informatics solutions and functional requirements from coded data, and 5) determine the types of information needed to support the antibiotic CDS system and link with the identified informatics solutions and functional requirements. The coding framework for Focus Group Study-I revealed unmet therapeutic planning needs. Twelve subthemes emerged and were clustered into four themes; analysis indicated a need for an antibiotic CDS intervention. Focus Group Study-II included five types of information needs. Comments from the Barrier/Challenge to information access and Function/Feature themes produced three informatics solutions and 13 functional requirements of an antibiotic CDS system. Comments from the Patient, Institution, and Domain themes generated required data elements for each informatics solution. This study presents one example explicating content analysis of focus group data and the analysis process to functional requirements from narrative data. Illustration of this 5-step method was used to develop an antibiotic CDS system, resolving unmet antibiotic prescribing needs. As a reusable approach, these techniques can be refined and applied to resolve unmet information needs with informatics interventions in additional domains.

Public Leadership Competencies in Adoption of Enterprise Systems at Federal Government Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lapham, John Edmund

2009-01-01

The Federal Government continues to implement enterprise systems (information and communication technology solutions) as part of reinvention and business transformation. Enterprise system implementations are complex, costly, and often under achieving endeavors requiring that effective public leaders engage and influence the sociotechnical projects…

Speech transformation system (spectrum and/or excitation) without pitch extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seneff, S.

1980-07-01

A speech analysis synthesis system was developed which is capable of independent manipulation of the fundamental frequency and spectral envelope of a speech waveform. The system deconvolved the original speech with the spectral envelope estimate to obtain a model for the excitation, explicit pitch extraction was not required and as a consequence, the transformed speech was more natural sounding than would be the case if the excitation were modeled as a sequence of pulses. It is shown that the system has applications in the areas of voice modifications, baseband excited vocoders, time scale modifications, and frequency compression as an aid to the partially deaf.

The coordinate system of the eye in cataract surgery: Performance comparison of the circle Hough transform and Daugman's algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlachynska, Alzbeta; Oplatkova, Zuzana Kominkova; Sramka, Martin

2017-07-01

The aim of the work is to determine the coordinate system of an eye and insert a polar-axis system into images captured by a slip lamp. The image of the eye with the polar axis helps a surgeon accurately implant toric intraocular lens in the required position/rotation during the cataract surgery. In this paper, two common algorithms for pupil detection are compared: the circle Hough transform and Daugman's algorithm. The procedures were tested and analysed on the anonymous data set of 128 eyes captured at Gemini eye clinic in 2015.

Reliability Analysis of Differential Relay as Main Protection Transformer Using Fuzzy Logic Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulyadi, Y.; Sucita, T.; Sumarto; Alpani, M.

2018-02-01

Electricity supply demand is increasing every year. It makes PT. PLN (Persero) is required to provide optimal customer service and satisfaction. Optimal service depends on the performance of the equipment of the power system owned, especially the transformer. Power transformer is an electrical equipment that transforms electricity from high voltage to low voltage or vice versa. However, in the electrical power system, is inseparable from interference included in the transformer. But, the disturbance can be minimized by the protection system. The main protection transformer is differential relays. Differential relays working system using Kirchoff law where inflows equal outflows. If there are excessive currents that interfere then the relays will work. But, the relay can also experience decreased performance. Therefore, this final project aims to analyze the reliability of the differential relay on the transformer in three different substations. Referring to the standard applied by the transmission line protection officer, the differential relay shall have slope characteristics of 30% in the first slope and 80% in the second slope when using two slopes and 80% when using one slope with an instant time and the corresponding ratio. So, the results obtained on the Siemens differential release have a reliable slope characteristic with a value of 30 on the fuzzy logic system. In a while, ABB a differential relay is only 80% reliable because two experiments are not reliable. For the time, all the differential relays are instant with a value of 0.06 on the fuzzy logic system. For ratios, the differential relays ABB have a better value than others brand with a value of 151 on the fuzzy logic system.

Testability/Diagnostics Design Encyclopedia

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

weapon system that is pushing the state of the art and produced In limited numbers, with questionable historical data on their operation, one can...designs with questionable basis and justification. Unfortunately, this process has not been transformed from an art to a rigorous methodology...REQUIREMENT #2.1 - On-the-job training - Formal school training o O-Level data acquieitlonico01ectlon system (and data management) o Requirements to

3D Visual Tracking of an Articulated Robot in Precision Automated Tasks

PubMed Central

Alzarok, Hamza; Fletcher, Simon; Longstaff, Andrew P.

2017-01-01

The most compelling requirements for visual tracking systems are a high detection accuracy and an adequate processing speed. However, the combination between the two requirements in real world applications is very challenging due to the fact that more accurate tracking tasks often require longer processing times, while quicker responses for the tracking system are more prone to errors, therefore a trade-off between accuracy and speed, and vice versa is required. This paper aims to achieve the two requirements together by implementing an accurate and time efficient tracking system. In this paper, an eye-to-hand visual system that has the ability to automatically track a moving target is introduced. An enhanced Circular Hough Transform (CHT) is employed for estimating the trajectory of a spherical target in three dimensions, the colour feature of the target was carefully selected by using a new colour selection process, the process relies on the use of a colour segmentation method (Delta E) with the CHT algorithm for finding the proper colour of the tracked target, the target was attached to the six degree of freedom (DOF) robot end-effector that performs a pick-and-place task. A cooperation of two Eye-to Hand cameras with their image Averaging filters are used for obtaining clear and steady images. This paper also examines a new technique for generating and controlling the observation search window in order to increase the computational speed of the tracking system, the techniques is named Controllable Region of interest based on Circular Hough Transform (CRCHT). Moreover, a new mathematical formula is introduced for updating the depth information of the vision system during the object tracking process. For more reliable and accurate tracking, a simplex optimization technique was employed for the calculation of the parameters for camera to robotic transformation matrix. The results obtained show the applicability of the proposed approach to track the moving robot with an overall tracking error of 0.25 mm. Also, the effectiveness of CRCHT technique in saving up to 60% of the overall time required for image processing. PMID:28067860

Chemical Transformation System: Cloud Based ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Integrated Environmental Modeling (IEM) systems that account for the fate/transport of organics frequently require physicochemical properties as well as transformation products. A myriad of chemical property databases exist but these can be difficult to access and often do not contain the proprietary chemicals that environmental regulators must consider. We are building the Chemical Transformation System (CTS) to facilitate model parameterization and analysis. CTS integrates a number of physicochemical property calculators into the system including EPI Suite, SPARC, TEST and ChemAxon. The calculators are heterogeneous in their scientific methodologies, technology implementations and deployment stacks. CTS also includes a chemical transformation processing engine that has been loaded with reaction libraries for human biotransformation, abiotic reduction and abiotic hydrolysis. CTS implements a common interface for the disparate calculators accepting molecular identifiers (SMILES, IUPAC, CAS#, user-drawn molecule) before submission for processing. To make the system as accessible as possible and provide a consistent programmatic interface, we wrapped the calculators in a standardized RESTful Application Programming Interface (API) which makes it capable of servicing a much broader spectrum of clients without constraints to interoperability such as operating system or programming language. CTS is hosted in a shared cloud environment, the Quantitative Environmental

Linear Transformation of Electromagnetic Wave Beams of the Electron-Cyclotron Range in Toroidal Magnetic Configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khusainov, T. A.; Shalashov, A. G.; Gospodchikov, E. D.

2018-05-01

The field structure of quasi-optical wave beams tunneled through the evanescence region in the vicinity of the plasma cutoff in a nonuniform magnetoactive plasma is analyzed. This problem is traditionally associated with the process of linear transformation of ordinary and extraordinary waves. An approximate analytical solution is constructed for a rather general magnetic configuration applicable to spherical tokamaks, optimized stellarators, and other magnetic confinement systems with a constant plasma density on magnetic surfaces. A general technique for calculating the transformation coefficient of a finite-aperture wave beam is proposed, and the physical conditions required for the most efficient transformation are analyzed.

Intelligent Power Swing Detection Scheme to Prevent False Relay Tripping Using S-Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, Nor Z.; Abidin, Ahmad F.; Musirin, Ismail

2014-06-01

Distance relay design is equipped with out-of-step tripping scheme to ensure correct distance relay operation during power swing. The out-of-step condition is a consequence result from unstable power swing. It requires proper detection of power swing to initiate a tripping signal followed by separation of unstable part from the entire power system. The distinguishing process of unstable swing from stable swing poses a challenging task. This paper presents an intelligent approach to detect power swing based on S-Transform signal processing tool. The proposed scheme is based on the use of S-Transform feature of active power at the distance relay measurement point. It is demonstrated that the proposed scheme is able to detect and discriminate the unstable swing from stable swing occurring in the system. To ascertain validity of the proposed scheme, simulations were carried out with the IEEE 39 bus system and its performance has been compared with the wavelet transform-based power swing detection scheme.

Automata learning algorithms and processes for providing more complete systems requirements specification by scenario generation, CSP-based syntax-oriented model construction, and R2D2C system requirements transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margaria, Tiziana (Inventor); Hinchey, Michael G. (Inventor); Rouff, Christopher A. (Inventor); Rash, James L. (Inventor); Steffen, Bernard (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, automata learning algorithms and techniques are implemented to generate a more complete set of scenarios for requirements based programming. More specifically, a CSP-based, syntax-oriented model construction, which requires the support of a theorem prover, is complemented by model extrapolation, via automata learning. This may support the systematic completion of the requirements, the nature of the requirement being partial, which provides focus on the most prominent scenarios. This may generalize requirement skeletons by extrapolation and may indicate by way of automatically generated traces where the requirement specification is too loose and additional information is required.

Transforming User Needs into Functional Requirements for an Antibiotic Clinical Decision Support System

PubMed Central

Bright, T.J.

2013-01-01

Summary Background Many informatics studies use content analysis to generate functional requirements for system development. Explication of this translational process from qualitative data to functional requirements can strengthen the understanding and scientific rigor when applying content analysis in informatics studies. Objective To describe a user-centered approach transforming emergent themes derived from focus group data into functional requirements for informatics solutions and to illustrate these methods to the development of an antibiotic clinical decision support system (CDS). Methods The approach consisted of five steps: 1) identify unmet therapeutic planning information needs via Focus Group Study-I, 2) develop a coding framework of therapeutic planning themes to refine the domain scope to antibiotic therapeutic planning, 3) identify functional requirements of an antibiotic CDS system via Focus Group Study-II, 4) discover informatics solutions and functional requirements from coded data, and 5) determine the types of information needed to support the antibiotic CDS system and link with the identified informatics solutions and functional requirements. Results The coding framework for Focus Group Study-I revealed unmet therapeutic planning needs. Twelve subthemes emerged and were clustered into four themes; analysis indicated a need for an antibiotic CDS intervention. Focus Group Study-II included five types of information needs. Comments from the Barrier/Challenge to information access and Function/Feature themes produced three informatics solutions and 13 functional requirements of an antibiotic CDS system. Comments from the Patient, Institution, and Domain themes generated required data elements for each informatics solution. Conclusion This study presents one example explicating content analysis of focus group data and the analysis process to functional requirements from narrative data. Illustration of this 5-step method was used to develop an antibiotic CDS system, resolving unmet antibiotic prescribing needs. As a reusable approach, these techniques can be refined and applied to resolve unmet information needs with informatics interventions in additional domains. PMID:24454586

Species-Specific Elements in the Large T-Antigen J Domain Are Required for Cellular Transformation and DNA Replication by Simian Virus 40

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Christopher S.; Tremblay, James D.; Fewell, Sheara W.; Lewis, John A.; Brodsky, Jeffrey L.; Pipas, James M.

2000-01-01

The J domain of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen is required for efficient DNA replication and transformation. Despite previous reports demonstrating the promiscuity of J domains in heterologous systems, results presented here show the requirement for specific J-domain sequences in SV40 large-T-antigen-mediated activities. In particular, chimeric-T-antigen constructs in which the SV40 T-antigen J domain was replaced with that from the yeast Ydj1p or Escherichia coli DnaJ proteins failed to replicate in BSC40 cells and did not transform REF52 cells. However, T antigen containing the JC virus J domain was functional in these assays, although it was less efficient than the wild type. The inability of some large-T-antigen chimeras to promote DNA replication and elicit cellular transformation was not due to a failure to interact with hsc70, since a nonfunctional chimera, containing the DnaJ J domain, bound hsc70. However, this nonfunctional chimeric T antigen was reduced in its ability to stimulate hsc70 ATPase activity and unable to liberate E2F from p130, indicating that transcriptional activation of factors required for cell growth and DNA replication may be compromised. Our data suggest that the T-antigen J domain harbors species-specific elements required for viral activities in vivo. PMID:10891510

Optimizing the Four-Index Integral Transform Using Data Movement Lower Bounds Analysis

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

Rajbhandari, Samyam; Rastello, Fabrice; Kowalski, Karol

The four-index integral transform is a fundamental and computationally demanding calculation used in many computational chemistry suites such as NWChem. It transforms a four-dimensional tensor from an atomic basis to a molecular basis. This transformation is most efficiently implemented as a sequence of four tensor contractions that each contract a four-dimensional tensor with a two-dimensional transformation matrix. Differing degrees of permutation symmetry in the intermediate and final tensors in the sequence of contractions cause intermediate tensors to be much larger than the final tensor and limit the number of electronic states in the modeled systems. Loop fusion, in conjunction withmore » tiling, can be very effective in reducing the total space requirement, as well as data movement. However, the large number of possible choices for loop fusion and tiling, and data/computation distribution across a parallel system, make it challenging to develop an optimized parallel implementation for the four-index integral transform. We develop a novel approach to address this problem, using lower bounds modeling of data movement complexity. We establish relationships between available aggregate physical memory in a parallel computer system and ineffective fusion configurations, enabling their pruning and consequent identification of effective choices and a characterization of optimality criteria. This work has resulted in the development of a significantly improved implementation of the four-index transform that enables higher performance and the ability to model larger electronic systems than the current implementation in the NWChem quantum chemistry software suite.« less

The Affordable Care Act: the ethical call to transform the organizational culture.

PubMed

Piper, Llewellyn E

2014-01-01

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will require health care leaders and managers to develop strategies and implement organizational tactics for their organization to survive and thrive under the federal mandates of this new health care law. Successful health care organizations and health care systems will be defined by their adaptability in the new value-based marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. The most critical underlining challenge for this success will be the effective transformation of the organizational culture. Transformational value-based leadership is now needed to answer the ethical call for transforming the organizational culture. This article provides a model and recommendations to influence change in the most difficult leadership duty-transforming the organizational culture.

Organizing the University-Industry Relationship: A Case Study of Research Policy and Curriculum Restructuring at the North-West University in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boersma, F. K.; Reinecke, C. J.; Gibbons, M.

2008-01-01

A major requirement for transformation contained in the new education policy in South Africa is that the graduate outputs of the higher education system should match the needs of a modernizing economy. This paper addresses the organizational aspect of university-industry relationships that is an element of the transformation. In empirical terms,…

Transforming to a computerized system for nursing care: organizational success within Magnet idealism.

PubMed

Lindgren, Carolyn L; Elie, Leslie G; Vidal, Elizabeth C; Vasserman, Alex

2010-01-01

In reaching the goal for standardized, quality care, a not-for-profit healthcare system consisting of seven institutional entities is transforming nursing practice guidelines, patient care workflow, and patient documents into electronic, online, real-time modalities for use across departments and all healthcare delivery entities of the system. Organizational structure and a strategic plan were developed for the 2-year Clinical Transformation Project. The Siemens Patient Care Document System was adopted and adapted to the hospitals' documentation and information needs. Two fast-track sessions of more than 100 nurses and representatives from other health disciplines were held to standardize assessments, histories, care protocols, and interdisciplinary plans of care for the top 10 diagnostic regulatory groups. Education needs of the users were addressed. After the first year, a productive, functional system is evidenced. For example, the bar-coded Medication Administration Check System is in full use on the clinical units of one of the hospitals, and the other institutional entities are at substantial stages of implementation of Patient Care Documentation System. The project requires significant allocation of personnel and financial resources for a highly functional informatics system that will transform clinical care. The project exemplifies four of the Magnet ideals and serves as a model for others who may be deciding about launching a similar endeavor.

Development of human epithelial cell systems for radiation risk assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, C. H.; Craise, L. M.

1994-01-01

The most important health effect of space radiation for astronauts is cancer induction. For radiation risk assessment, an understanding of carcinogenic effect of heavy ions in human cells is most essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed a human mammary epithelial cell system for studying the neoplastic transformation in vitro. Growth variants were obtained from heavy ion irradiated immortal mammary cell line. These cloned growth variants can grow in regular tissue culture media and maintain anchorage dependent growth and density inhibition property. Upon further irradiation with high-Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation, transformed foci were found. Experimental results from these studies suggest that multiexposure of radiation is required to induce neoplastic tranformation of human epithelial cells. This multihits requirement may be due to high genomic stability of human cells. These growth variants can be useful model systems for space flight experiments to determine the carcinogenic effect of space radiation in human epithelial cells.

Cooperative transforming activities of ras, myc, and src viral oncogenes in nonestablished rat adrenocortical cells.

PubMed Central

MacAuley, A; Pawson, T

1988-01-01

Early-passage rat adrenocortical cells were infected with Kirsten murine sarcoma virus and MMCV mouse myc virus, two retroviruses carrying the v-Ki-ras and v-myc oncogenes, respectively. Efficient morphological transformation required coinfection with the two viruses, was dependent on the presence of high serum concentrations, and was not immediately accompanied by growth in soft agar. The doubly infected cells coordinately acquired the capacity for anchorage- and serum-independent growth during passage in culture. The appearance of such highly transformed cells was correlated with the emergence of a dominant clone, as suggested by an analysis of retrovirus integration sites. These results indicate that the concerted expression of v-Ki-ras and v-myc could induce rapid morphological transformation of nonestablished adrenocortical cells but that an additional genetic or epigenetic event was required to permit full transformation by these two oncogenes. In contrast, v-src, introduced by retrovirus infection in conjunction with v-myc, rapidly induced serum- and anchorage-independent growth. Therefore, the p60v-src protein-tyrosine kinase, unlike p21v-ras, is apparently not restricted in the induction of a highly transformed phenotype in adrenocortical cells. This system provides an in vitro model for the progressive transformation of epithelial cells by dominantly acting oncogenes. Images PMID:2846881

Dynamic interferometer alignment and its utility in UV Fourier transform spectrometer systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorval, Rick K.; Engel, James R.; Wyntjes, Geert J.

1993-01-01

Dynamic alignment has been demonstrated as a practical approach to alignment maintenance for systems in the infrared region of the spectrum. On the basis of work done by OPTRA, this technique was introduced in commercial Fourier transform spectrometer systems in 1982 and in various forms is now available from a number of manufacturers. This paper reports on work by OPTRA to extend the basic technique to systems operating in the ultraviolet. In addition, this paper reports the preliminary results of the development of an alignment system using a laser diode in place of a gas laser normally found in dynamic alignment systems. A unique optical system and spatial heterodyne technique allows for achievement of a metrology system with characteristics that fully satisfy the requirements of an ultraviolet spectrometer system.

Symplecticity in Beam Dynamics: An Introduction

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

Rees, John R

2003-06-10

A particle in a particle accelerator can often be considered a Hamiltonian system, and when that is the case, its motion obeys the constraints of the Symplectic Condition. This tutorial monograph derives the condition from the requirement that a canonical transformation must yield a new Hamiltonian system from an old one. It then explains some of the consequences of symplecticity and discusses examples of its applications, touching on symplectic matrices, phase space and Liouville's Theorem, Lagrange and Poisson brackets, Lie algebra, Lie operators and Lie transformations, symplectic maps and symplectic integrators.

Creative brains: designing in the real world†

PubMed Central

Goel, Vinod

2014-01-01

The process of designing artifacts is a creative activity. It is proposed that, at the cognitive level, one key to understanding design creativity is to understand the array of symbol systems designers utilize. These symbol systems range from being vague, imprecise, abstract, ambiguous, and indeterminate (like conceptual sketches), to being very precise, concrete, unambiguous, and determinate (like contract documents). The former types of symbol systems support associative processes that facilitate lateral (or divergent) transformations that broaden the problem space, while the latter types of symbol systems support inference processes facilitating vertical (or convergent) transformations that deepen of the problem space. The process of artifact design requires the judicious application of both lateral and vertical transformations. This leads to a dual mechanism model of design problem-solving comprising of an associative engine and an inference engine. It is further claimed that this dual mechanism model is supported by an interesting hemispheric dissociation in human prefrontal cortex. The associative engine and neural structures that support imprecise, ambiguous, abstract, indeterminate representations are lateralized in the right prefrontal cortex, while the inference engine and neural structures that support precise, unambiguous, determinant representations are lateralized in the left prefrontal cortex. At the brain level, successful design of artifacts requires a delicate balance between the two hemispheres of prefrontal cortex. PMID:24817846

Digital Citizenship in the Afterschool Space: Implications for Education for Sustainable Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Patrick

2015-01-01

Education for sustainable development (ESD) challenges traditional curricula and formal schooling in important ways. ESD requires systemic thinking, interdisciplinarity and is strengthened through the contributions of all disciplines. As with any transformative societal and technological shift, new questions arise when educators are required to…

Build It and They Will Come: Addressing the Problem of Declining Entry-Level Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koontz, Paul

2000-01-01

The growing gap between the skills of the work force and the technical requirements of today's jobs have reemphasized the need to transform the educational system to provide the solid academic and technical skills required by the jobs of today and tomorrow. (Author)

Optical design of the ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abel, I. R.; Reynolds, B. R.; Breckinridge, J. B.; Pritchard, J.

1979-01-01

The optical system design of the ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer to be operated from Spacelab for the measurement of stratospheric trace molecules is described. The design contains features which can achieve the required fringe contrast of 80% and spectral resolution of 0.02/cm over a spectral range of 2-16 microns. In particular, the design is based on the following features which alleviate the usual requirements for alignment precision: (1) 'cat's eye' mirror configuration in the two arms of the interferometer for retroreflection stability, (2) tilt-compensated system of beamsplitter, compensator, and fold mirrors for wavefront directional stability, (3) paraboloidal 'cat's eye' primary mirror for wavefront stability against shear, (4) rotatable compensator for matching chromatic dispersion, and (5) wedged refractive components to avoid channel spectra due to the Fabry-Perot effect.

A model for size- and rotation-invariant pattern processing in the visual system.

PubMed

Reitboeck, H J; Altmann, J

1984-01-01

The mapping of retinal space onto the striate cortex of some mammals can be approximated by a log-polar function. It has been proposed that this mapping is of functional importance for scale- and rotation-invariant pattern recognition in the visual system. An exact log-polar transform converts centered scaling and rotation into translations. A subsequent translation-invariant transform, such as the absolute value of the Fourier transform, thus generates overall size- and rotation-invariance. In our model, the translation-invariance is realized via the R-transform. This transform can be executed by simple neural networks, and it does not require the complex computations of the Fourier transform, used in Mellin-transform size-invariance models. The logarithmic space distortion and differentiation in the first processing stage of the model is realized via "Mexican hat" filters whose diameter increases linearly with eccentricity, similar to the characteristics of the receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells. Except for some special cases, the model can explain object recognition independent of size, orientation and position. Some general problems of Mellin-type size-invariance models-that also apply to our model-are discussed.

XML Based Scientific Data Management Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehrotra, Piyush; Zubair, M.; Ziebartt, John (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The World Wide Web consortium has developed an Extensible Markup Language (XML) to support the building of better information management infrastructures. The scientific computing community realizing the benefits of HTML has designed markup languages for scientific data. In this paper, we propose a XML based scientific data management facility, XDMF. The project is motivated by the fact that even though a lot of scientific data is being generated, it is not being shared because of lack of standards and infrastructure support for discovering and transforming the data. The proposed data management facility can be used to discover the scientific data itself, the transformation functions, and also for applying the required transformations. We have built a prototype system of the proposed data management facility that can work on different platforms. We have implemented the system using Java, and Apache XSLT engine Xalan. To support remote data and transformation functions, we had to extend the XSLT specification and the Xalan package.

XML Based Scientific Data Management Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehrotra, P.; Zubair, M.; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The World Wide Web consortium has developed an Extensible Markup Language (XML) to support the building of better information management infrastructures. The scientific computing community realizing the benefits of XML has designed markup languages for scientific data. In this paper, we propose a XML based scientific data management ,facility, XDMF. The project is motivated by the fact that even though a lot of scientific data is being generated, it is not being shared because of lack of standards and infrastructure support for discovering and transforming the data. The proposed data management facility can be used to discover the scientific data itself, the transformation functions, and also for applying the required transformations. We have built a prototype system of the proposed data management facility that can work on different platforms. We have implemented the system using Java, and Apache XSLT engine Xalan. To support remote data and transformation functions, we had to extend the XSLT specification and the Xalan package.

Embryogenic callus proliferation and regeneration conditions for genetic transformation of diverse sugarcane cultivars.

PubMed

Basnayake, Shiromani W V; Moyle, Richard; Birch, Robert G

2011-03-01

Amenability to tissue culture stages required for gene transfer, selection and plant regeneration are the main determinants of genetic transformation efficiency via particle bombardment into sugarcane. The technique is moving from the experimental phase, where it is sufficient to work in a few amenable genotypes, to practical application in a diverse and changing set of elite cultivars. Therefore, we investigated the response to callus initiation, proliferation, regeneration and selection steps required for microprojectile-mediated transformation, in a diverse set of Australian sugarcane cultivars. 12 of 16 tested cultivars were sufficiently amenable to existing routine tissue-culture conditions for practical genetic transformation. Three cultivars required adjustments to 2,4-D levels during callus proliferation, geneticin concentration during selection, and/or light intensity during regeneration. One cultivar gave an extreme necrotic response in leaf spindle explants and produced no callus tissue under the tested culture conditions. It was helpful to obtain spindle explants for tissue culture from plants with good water supply for growth, especially for genotypes that were harder to culture. It was generally possible to obtain several independent transgenic plants per bombardment, with time in callus culture limited to 11-15 weeks. A caution with this efficient transformation system is that separate shoots arose from different primary transformed cells in more than half of tested calli after selection for geneticin resistance. The results across this diverse cultivar set are likely to be a useful guide to key variables for rapid optimisation of tissue culture conditions for efficient genetic transformation of other sugarcane cultivars.

A Novel Approach to Teaching and Understanding Transformations of Matter in Dynamic Earth Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Scott K.; Sibley, Duncan F.; Libarkin, Julie C.; Heidemann, Merle

2009-01-01

The need to engage K-12 and post-secondary students in considering the Earth as a dynamic system requires explicit discussion of system characteristics. Fundamentally, dynamic systems involve the movement and change of matter, often through processes that are difficult to see and comprehend. We introduce a novel instructional method, termed…

State Systems Change Spotlight: Nevada. Transforming State Systems to Improve Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruedel, Kristin; Nelson, Gena; Bailey, Tessie; Pierce, Jennifer

2018-01-01

Data show that effective and ongoing communication and evaluation can have a positive impact on local and statewide systems change. Local and statewide systems change requires ongoing communication and evaluation. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) used a communication protocol to support implementation of the Assess-Plan-Teach (APT) model.…

Evolving Systems of Care with Total Clinical Outcomes Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, John S.; Epstein, Richard A.; Jordan, Neil

2010-01-01

The current article proposes that further specification of the system of care concept is required. Based on the assertions that the system of care concept (a) refers to an ideal as opposed to an observable phenomenon, and (b) is engaged in offering transformational experiences, the authors propose that the system of care definition must be…

Optical Design And Analysis Of Carbon Dioxide Laser Fusion Systems Using Interferometry And Fast Fourier Transform Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, V. K.

1980-11-01

The optical design and analysis of the LASL carbon dioxide laser fusion systems required the use of techniques that are quite different from the currently used method in conventional optical design problems. The necessity for this is explored and the method that has been successfully used at Los Alamos to understand these systems is discussed with examples. This method involves characterization of the various optical components in their mounts by a Zernike polynomial set and using fast Fourier transform techniques to propagate the beam, taking diffraction and other nonlinear effects that occur in these types of systems into account. The various programs used for analysis are briefly discussed.

Optimal control of complex atomic quantum systems

PubMed Central

van Frank, S.; Bonneau, M.; Schmiedmayer, J.; Hild, S.; Gross, C.; Cheneau, M.; Bloch, I.; Pichler, T.; Negretti, A.; Calarco, T.; Montangero, S.

2016-01-01

Quantum technologies will ultimately require manipulating many-body quantum systems with high precision. Cold atom experiments represent a stepping stone in that direction: a high degree of control has been achieved on systems of increasing complexity. However, this control is still sub-optimal. In many scenarios, achieving a fast transformation is crucial to fight against decoherence and imperfection effects. Optimal control theory is believed to be the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between early stage proof-of-principle demonstrations and experimental protocols suitable for practical applications. Indeed, it can engineer protocols at the quantum speed limit – the fastest achievable timescale of the transformation. Here, we demonstrate such potential by computing theoretically and verifying experimentally the optimal transformations in two very different interacting systems: the coherent manipulation of motional states of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate and the crossing of a quantum phase transition in small systems of cold atoms in optical lattices. We also show that such processes are robust with respect to perturbations, including temperature and atom number fluctuations. PMID:27725688

Optimal control of complex atomic quantum systems.

PubMed

van Frank, S; Bonneau, M; Schmiedmayer, J; Hild, S; Gross, C; Cheneau, M; Bloch, I; Pichler, T; Negretti, A; Calarco, T; Montangero, S

2016-10-11

Quantum technologies will ultimately require manipulating many-body quantum systems with high precision. Cold atom experiments represent a stepping stone in that direction: a high degree of control has been achieved on systems of increasing complexity. However, this control is still sub-optimal. In many scenarios, achieving a fast transformation is crucial to fight against decoherence and imperfection effects. Optimal control theory is believed to be the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between early stage proof-of-principle demonstrations and experimental protocols suitable for practical applications. Indeed, it can engineer protocols at the quantum speed limit - the fastest achievable timescale of the transformation. Here, we demonstrate such potential by computing theoretically and verifying experimentally the optimal transformations in two very different interacting systems: the coherent manipulation of motional states of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate and the crossing of a quantum phase transition in small systems of cold atoms in optical lattices. We also show that such processes are robust with respect to perturbations, including temperature and atom number fluctuations.

A complexity science-based framework for global joint operations analysis to support force projection: LDRD Final Report

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

Lawton, Craig R.

2015-01-01

The military is undergoing a significant transformation as it modernizes for the information age and adapts to address an emerging asymmetric threat beyond traditional cold war era adversaries. Techniques such as traditional large-scale, joint services war gaming analysis are no longer adequate to support program evaluation activities and mission planning analysis at the enterprise level because the operating environment is evolving too quickly. New analytical capabilities are necessary to address modernization of the Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise. This presents significant opportunity to Sandia in supporting the nation at this transformational enterprise scale. Although Sandia has significant experience with engineeringmore » system of systems (SoS) and Complex Adaptive System of Systems (CASoS), significant fundamental research is required to develop modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities at the enterprise scale. This report documents an enterprise modeling framework which will enable senior level decision makers to better understand their enterprise and required future investments.« less

Representation and presentation of requirements knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Feather, Martin S.; Harris, David R.

1992-01-01

An approach to representation and presentation of knowledge used in the ARIES, an experimental requirements/specification environment, is described. The approach applies the notion of a representation architecture to the domain of software engineering and incorporates a strong coupling to a transformation system. It is characterized by a single highly expressive underlying representation, interfaced simultaneously to multiple presentations, each with notations of differing degrees of expressivity. This enables analysts to use multiple languages for describing systems and have these descriptions yield a single consistent model of the system.

Ferroelectric Phase Transformations for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Hwan Ryul

Ferroelectric materials possess a spontaneous polarization and actively respond to external mechanical, electrical, and thermal loads. Due to their coupled behavior, ferroelectric materials are used in products such as sensors, actuators, detectors, and transducers. However, most current applications rely on low-energy conversion that involves low magnitude fields. They utilize the low-field linear properties of ferroelectric materials (piezoelectric, pyroelectric) and do not take full advantage of the large-field nonlinear behavior (irreversible domain wall motion, phase transformations) that can occur in ferroelectric materials. When external fields exceed a certain critical level, a structural transformation of the crystal can occur. These phase transformations are accompanied by a much larger response than the linear piezoelectric and pyroelectric responses, by as much as a multiple of ten times in the magnitude. This makes the non-linear behavior in ferroelectric materials promising for energy harvesting and energy storage technologies which will benefit from large-energy conversion. Yet, the ferroelectric phase transformation behavior under large external fields have been less studied and only a few studies have been directed at utilizing this large material response in applications. This dissertation addresses the development ferroelectric phase transformation-based applications, with particular focus on the materials. Development of the ferroelectric phase transformation-based applications was approached in several steps. First, the phase transformation behavior was fully characterized and understood by measuring the phase transformation responses under mechanical, electrical, thermal, and combined loads. Once the behavior was well characterized, systems level applications were addressed. This required assessing the effect of the phase transformation behavior on system performance. The performance of ferroelectric devices is strongly dependent on material properties and phase transformation behavior which can be tailored by modifying the chemical composition, processing conditions, and the loading history (poling). This results in optimization of system performance by tailoring material properties and phase transformation behavior. This approach applied to three ferroelectric phase transformation-based applications: 1. Ferroelectric energy generation 2. Ferroelectric high-energy storage capacitor 3. Ferroelectric thermal energy harvesting. This dissertation has addressed tuning the large field properties for phase transformation-based systems.

Hyperspectral imaging using the single-pixel Fourier transform technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Senlin; Hui, Wangwei; Wang, Yunlong; Huang, Kaicheng; Shi, Qiushuai; Ying, Cuifeng; Liu, Dongqi; Ye, Qing; Zhou, Wenyuan; Tian, Jianguo

2017-03-01

Hyperspectral imaging technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fields of food analysis, medicine and biotechnology. To improve the speed of operation and increase the light throughput in a compact equipment structure, a Fourier transform hyperspectral imaging system based on a single-pixel technique is proposed in this study. Compared with current imaging spectrometry approaches, the proposed system has a wider spectral range (400-1100 nm), a better spectral resolution (1 nm) and requires fewer measurement data (a sample rate of 6.25%). The performance of this system was verified by its application to the non-destructive testing of potatoes.

Act Now to Transform School Systems. 2011 PIE Network Summit Policy Briefs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miles, Karen Hawley; Baroody, Karen

2011-01-01

The U.S.'s educational system is at a crossroads. Preparing every student for college and careers in the information age requires that school districts invest more and differently in teaching effectiveness, time, individual attention, and information systems. But even before a decline in revenue, district leaders face automatic increases in…

76 FR 66220 - Automatic Underfrequency Load Shedding and Load Shedding Plans Reliability Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-26

..., EPRI Power Systems Dynamics Tutorial, Chapter 4 at page 4-78 (2009), available at http://www.epri.com.... Power systems consist of static components (e.g., transformers and transmission lines) and dynamic... decisions on simulations, both static and dynamic, using area power system models to meet requirements in...

The Air Force Interactive Meteorological System: A Research Tool for Satellite Meteorology

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-02

NFARnet itself is a subnet to the global computer network INTERNET that links nearly all U.S. government research facilities and universi- ties along...required input to a generalized mathematical solution to the satellite/earth coordinate transform used for earth location of GOES sensor data. A direct...capability also exists to convert absolute coordinates to relative coordinates for transformations associated with gridded fields. 3. Spatial objective

Sustainability and transformation plans: translating the perspectives.

PubMed

Thakrar, Sonali V; Bell, Diane

2017-10-02

Each local health economy has been tasked with producing a sustainability and transformation plan. A health economy is a system that controls and contributes to health-care resource and the effects of health services on its population. This includes commissioners, acute providers, primary care providers, community services, public health and the voluntary sector. Sustainability and transformation plans represent a shift in the way health care is planned for in England. The aim of each sustainability and transformation plan is to deliver care within existing resource limits by improving quality of care, developing new models of care and improving efficiency of care provision. The tight timescales for production of sustainability and transformation plans mean that in most cases there has been limited clinical engagement; as a result many clinicians have limited sight, understanding or ownership of the proposals within sustainability and transformation plans. As sustainability and transformation plans move into the implementation phase, this article explores the role of the clinician in the ongoing design and delivery of the local sustainability and transformation plans. By finding the common ground between the perspectives of the clinician, the commissioner and system leaders, the motivation of clinicians can be aligned with the ambitions of the sustainability and transformation plan. The common goal of a sustainability and transformation plan and the necessary collaboration required to make it successful is discussed. Ultimately, such translation is essential: clinicians are intelligent, adaptive and motivated individuals who must have a lead role in constructing and implementing plans that transform health and social care.

Unanticipated Effects of Epoxy Impregnating Transformers

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

SANCHEZ,ROBERT O.; ARCHER,WENDEL E.

2000-08-23

Many Sandia components for military applications are designed for a 20-year life. In order to determine if magnetic components meet that requirement, the parts are subjected to selected destructive tests. This paper reviews the re-design of a power transformer and the tests required to prove-in the re-design. The re-design included replacing the Epon 828/Mica/methylenedianiline (curing agent Z) epoxy encapsulant with a recent Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) developed epoxy encapsulant. The new encapsulant reduces the Environmental Safety and Health (ES and H) hazards. Life testing of this re-designed transformer generated failures; an open secondary winding. An experimental program to determine themore » cause of the broken wires and an improved design to eliminate the problem was executed. This design weakness was corrected by reverting to the hazardous epoxy system.« less

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

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

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, Ed

2010-01-01

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuuminsulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

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

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, E. F.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuum-insulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Conductor requirements for high-temperature superconducting utility power transformers

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

Pleva, E. F.; Mehrotra, V.; Schwenterly, S W

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) coated conductors in utility power transformers must satisfy a set of operating requirements that are driven by two major considerations-HTS transformers must be economically competitive with conventional units, and the conductor must be robust enough to be used in a commercial manufacturing environment. The transformer design and manufacturing process will be described in order to highlight the various requirements that it imposes on the HTS conductor. Spreadsheet estimates of HTS transformer costs allow estimates of the conductor cost required for an HTS transformer to be competitive with a similarly performing conventional unit.

The discrete Fourier transform algorithm for determining decay constants—Implementation using a field programmable gate array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostrom, G.; Atkinson, D.; Rice, A.

2015-04-01

Cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) uses the exponential decay constant of light exiting a high-finesse resonance cavity to determine analyte concentration, typically via absorption. We present a high-throughput data acquisition system that determines the decay constant in near real time using the discrete Fourier transform algorithm on a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A commercially available, high-speed, high-resolution, analog-to-digital converter evaluation board system is used as the platform for the system, after minor hardware and software modifications. The system outputs decay constants at maximum rate of 4.4 kHz using an 8192-point fast Fourier transform by processing the intensity decay signal between ringdown events. We present the details of the system, including the modifications required to adapt the evaluation board to accurately process the exponential waveform. We also demonstrate the performance of the system, both stand-alone and incorporated into our existing CRDS system. Details of FPGA, microcontroller, and circuitry modifications are provided in the Appendix and computer code is available upon request from the authors.

Extensively Reversible Thermal Transformations of a Bistable, Fluorescence-Switchable Molecular Solid: Entry into Functional Molecular Phase-Change Materials.

PubMed

Srujana, P; Radhakrishnan, T P

2015-06-15

Functional phase-change materials (PCMs) are conspicuously absent among molecular materials in which the various attributes of inorganic solids have been realized. While organic PCMs are primarily limited to thermal storage systems, the amorphous-crystalline transformation of materials like Ge-Sb-Te find use in advanced applications such as information storage. Reversible amorphous-crystalline transformations in molecular solids require a subtle balance between robust supramolecular assembly and flexible structural elements. We report novel diaminodicyanoquinodimethanes that achieve this transformation by interlinked helical assemblies coupled with conformationally flexible alkoxyalkyl chains. They exhibit highly reversible thermal transformations between bistable (crystalline/amorphous) forms, along with a prominent switching of the fluorescence emission energy and intensity. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Gaming across Cultures: Experimenting with Alternate Pedagogies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pillay, Soma; James, Reynold

2013-01-01

Purpose: Higher education is influenced, to an increasing extent, by changing student demographics. This requires educators to design and deliver learning systems which will enhance students' learning experience with innovative, real world and engaging resources. The authors predict that transformations in the learning systems will increase as…

Activity Theory and the Transformation of Pedagogic Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamazumi, Katsuhiro

2006-01-01

Today, work and other societal practices are experiencing accelerating paradigm shifts from mass-production-based systems toward new systems based on networking between organizations, collaboration, and partnerships. This shift requires new paradigms in the fields of education, learning, and development. As human activity quickly changes to…

Design study of a high power rotary transformer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinberger, S. M.

1982-01-01

A design study was made on a rotary transformer for transferring electrical power across a rotating spacecraft interface. The analysis was performed for a 100 KW, 20 KHz unit having a ""pancake'' geometry. The rotary transformer had a radial (vertical) gap and consisted of 4-25 KW modules. It was assumed that the power conditioning comprised of a Schwarz resonant circuit with a 20 KHz switching frequency. The rotary transformer, mechanical and structural design, heat rejection system and drive mechanism which provide a complete power transfer device were examined. The rotary transformer losses, efficiency, weight and size were compared with an axial (axial symmetric) gap transformer having the same performance requirements and input characteristics which was designed as part of a previous program. The ""pancake'' geometry results in a heavier rotary transformer primarily because of inefficient use of the core material. It is shown that the radial gap rotary transformer is a feasible approach for the transfer of electrical power across a rotating interface and can be implemented using presently available technology.

High pressure phase transformations revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitas, Valery I.

2018-04-01

High pressure phase transformations play an important role in the search for new materials and material synthesis, as well as in geophysics. However, they are poorly characterized, and phase transformation pressure and pressure hysteresis vary drastically in experiments of different researchers, with different pressure transmitting media, and with different material suppliers. Here we review the current state, challenges in studying phase transformations under high pressure, and the possible ways in overcoming the challenges. This field is critically compared with fields of phase transformations under normal pressure in steels and shape memory alloys, as well as plastic deformation of materials. The main reason for the above mentioned discrepancy is the lack of understanding that there is a fundamental difference between pressure-induced transformations under hydrostatic conditions, stress-induced transformations under nonhydrostatic conditions below yield, and strain-induced transformations during plastic flow. Each of these types of transformations has different mechanisms and requires a completely different thermodynamic and kinetic description and experimental characterization. In comparison with other fields the following challenges are indicated for high pressure phase transformation: (a) initial and evolving microstructure is not included in characterization of transformations; (b) continuum theory is poorly developed; (c) heterogeneous stress and strain fields in experiments are not determined, which leads to confusing material transformational properties with a system behavior. Some ways to advance the field of high pressure phase transformations are suggested. The key points are: (a) to take into account plastic deformations and microstructure evolution during transformations; (b) to formulate phase transformation criteria and kinetic equations in terms of stress and plastic strain tensors (instead of pressure alone); (c) to develop multiscale continuum theories, and (d) to couple experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of the behavior of a tested sample to extract information about fields of stress and strain tensors and concentration of high pressure phase, transformation criteria and kinetics. The ideal characterization should contain complete information which is required for simulation of the same experiments.

High pressure phase transformations revisited.

PubMed

Levitas, Valery I

2018-04-25

High pressure phase transformations play an important role in the search for new materials and material synthesis, as well as in geophysics. However, they are poorly characterized, and phase transformation pressure and pressure hysteresis vary drastically in experiments of different researchers, with different pressure transmitting media, and with different material suppliers. Here we review the current state, challenges in studying phase transformations under high pressure, and the possible ways in overcoming the challenges. This field is critically compared with fields of phase transformations under normal pressure in steels and shape memory alloys, as well as plastic deformation of materials. The main reason for the above mentioned discrepancy is the lack of understanding that there is a fundamental difference between pressure-induced transformations under hydrostatic conditions, stress-induced transformations under nonhydrostatic conditions below yield, and strain-induced transformations during plastic flow. Each of these types of transformations has different mechanisms and requires a completely different thermodynamic and kinetic description and experimental characterization. In comparison with other fields the following challenges are indicated for high pressure phase transformation: (a) initial and evolving microstructure is not included in characterization of transformations; (b) continuum theory is poorly developed; (c) heterogeneous stress and strain fields in experiments are not determined, which leads to confusing material transformational properties with a system behavior. Some ways to advance the field of high pressure phase transformations are suggested. The key points are: (a) to take into account plastic deformations and microstructure evolution during transformations; (b) to formulate phase transformation criteria and kinetic equations in terms of stress and plastic strain tensors (instead of pressure alone); (c) to develop multiscale continuum theories, and (d) to couple experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of the behavior of a tested sample to extract information about fields of stress and strain tensors and concentration of high pressure phase, transformation criteria and kinetics. The ideal characterization should contain complete information which is required for simulation of the same experiments.

Phase equilibrium modeling for high temperature metallization on GaAs solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, M. A.; Davison, J. E.; Smith, S. R.

1991-01-01

Recent trends in performance specifications and functional requirements have brought about the need for high temperature metallization technology to be developed for survivable DOD space systems and to enhance solar cell reliability. The temperature constitution phase diagrams of selected binary and ternary systems were reviewed to determine the temperature and type of phase transformation present in the alloy systems. Of paramount interest are the liquid-solid and solid-solid transformations. Data are being utilized to aid in the selection of electrical contact materials to gallium arsenide solar cells. Published data on the phase diagrams for binary systems is readily available. However, information for ternary systems is limited. A computer model is being developed which will enable the phase equilibrium predictions for ternary systems where experimental data is lacking.

Parallel solution of closely coupled systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Utku, S.; Salama, M.

1986-01-01

The odd-even permutation and associated unitary transformations for reordering the matrix coefficient A are employed as means of breaking the strong seriality which is characteristic of closely coupled systems. The nested dissection technique is also reviewed, and the equivalence between reordering A and dissecting its network is established. The effect of transforming A with odd-even permutation on its topology and the topology of its Cholesky factors is discussed. This leads to the construction of directed graphs showing the computational steps required for factoring A, their precedence relationships and their sequential and concurrent assignment to the available processors. Expressions for the speed-up and efficiency of using N processors in parallel relative to the sequential use of a single processor are derived from the directed graph. Similar expressions are also derived when the number of available processors is fewer than required.

The Pilin N-terminal Domain Maintains Neisseria gonorrhoeae Transformation Competence during Pilus Phase Variation

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The obligate human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the sole aetiologic agent of the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea. Required for gonococcal infection, Type IV pili (Tfp) mediate many functions including adherence, twitching motility, defense against neutrophil killing, and natural transformation. Critical for immune escape, the gonococcal Tfp undergoes antigenic variation, a recombination event at the pilE locus that varies the surface exposed residues of the major pilus subunit PilE (pilin) in the pilus fiber. This programmed recombination system has the potential to produce thousands of pilin variants and can produce strains with unproductive pilin molecules that are completely unable to form Tfp. Saturating mutagenesis of the 3’ third of the pilE gene identified 68 unique single nucleotide mutations that each resulted in an underpiliated colony morphology. Notably, all isolates, including those with undetectable levels of pilin protein and no observable surface-exposed pili, retained an intermediate level of transformation competence not exhibited in ΔpilE strains. Site-directed, nonsense mutations revealed that only the first 38 amino acids of the mature pilin N-terminus (the N-terminal domain or Ntd) are required for transformation competence, and microscopy, ELISAs and pilus purification demonstrate that extended Tfp are not required for competence. Transformation in strains producing only the pilin Ntd has the same genetic determinants as wild-type transformation. The Ntd corresponds to the alternative product of S-pilin cleavage, a specific proteolysis unique to pathogenic Neisseria. Mutation of the S-pilin cleavage site demonstrated that S-pilin cleavage mediated release of the Ntd is required for competence when a strain produces unproductive pilin molecules that cannot assemble into a Tfp through mutation or antigenic variation. We conclude that S-pilin cleavage evolved as a mechanism to maintain competence in nonpiliated antigenic variants and suggest there are alternate forms of the Tfp assembly apparatus that mediate various functions including transformation. PMID:27213957

ARIES: Acquisition of Requirements and Incremental Evolution of Specifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Nancy A.

1993-01-01

This paper describes a requirements/specification environment specifically designed for large-scale software systems. This environment is called ARIES (Acquisition of Requirements and Incremental Evolution of Specifications). ARIES provides assistance to requirements analysts for developing operational specifications of systems. This development begins with the acquisition of informal system requirements. The requirements are then formalized and gradually elaborated (transformed) into formal and complete specifications. ARIES provides guidance to the user in validating formal requirements by translating them into natural language representations and graphical diagrams. ARIES also provides ways of analyzing the specification to ensure that it is correct, e.g., testing the specification against a running simulation of the system to be built. Another important ARIES feature, especially when developing large systems, is the sharing and reuse of requirements knowledge. This leads to much less duplication of effort. ARIES combines all of its features in a single environment that makes the process of capturing a formal specification quicker and easier.

Natural language processing and advanced information management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoard, James E.

1989-01-01

Integrating diverse information sources and application software in a principled and general manner will require a very capable advanced information management (AIM) system. In particular, such a system will need a comprehensive addressing scheme to locate the material in its docuverse. It will also need a natural language processing (NLP) system of great sophistication. It seems that the NLP system must serve three functions. First, it provides an natural language interface (NLI) for the users. Second, it serves as the core component that understands and makes use of the real-world interpretations (RWIs) contained in the docuverse. Third, it enables the reasoning specialists (RSs) to arrive at conclusions that can be transformed into procedures that will satisfy the users' requests. The best candidate for an intelligent agent that can satisfactorily make use of RSs and transform documents (TDs) appears to be an object oriented data base (OODB). OODBs have, apparently, an inherent capacity to use the large numbers of RSs and TDs that will be required by an AIM system and an inherent capacity to use them in an effective way.

Use of uninformative priors to initialize state estimation for dynamical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worthy, Johnny L.; Holzinger, Marcus J.

2017-10-01

The admissible region must be expressed probabilistically in order to be used in Bayesian estimation schemes. When treated as a probability density function (PDF), a uniform admissible region can be shown to have non-uniform probability density after a transformation. An alternative approach can be used to express the admissible region probabilistically according to the Principle of Transformation Groups. This paper uses a fundamental multivariate probability transformation theorem to show that regardless of which state space an admissible region is expressed in, the probability density must remain the same under the Principle of Transformation Groups. The admissible region can be shown to be analogous to an uninformative prior with a probability density that remains constant under reparameterization. This paper introduces requirements on how these uninformative priors may be transformed and used for state estimation and the difference in results when initializing an estimation scheme via a traditional transformation versus the alternative approach.

Knowledge-based requirements analysis for automating software development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markosian, Lawrence Z.

1988-01-01

We present a new software development paradigm that automates the derivation of implementations from requirements. In this paradigm, informally-stated requirements are expressed in a domain-specific requirements specification language. This language is machine-understable and requirements expressed in it are captured in a knowledge base. Once the requirements are captured, more detailed specifications and eventually implementations are derived by the system using transformational synthesis. A key characteristic of the process is that the required human intervention is in the form of providing problem- and domain-specific engineering knowledge, not in writing detailed implementations. We describe a prototype system that applies the paradigm in the realm of communication engineering: the prototype automatically generates implementations of buffers following analysis of the requirements on each buffer.

Polar exponential sensor arrays unify iconic and Hough space representation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiman, Carl F. R.

1990-01-01

The log-polar coordinate system, inherent in both polar exponential sensor arrays and log-polar remapped video imagery, is identical to the coordinate system of its corresponding Hough transform parameter space. The resulting unification of iconic and Hough domains simplifies computation for line recognition and eliminates the slope quantization problems inherent in the classical Cartesian Hough transform. The geometric organization of the algorithm is more amenable to massively parallel architectures than that of the Cartesian version. The neural architecture of the human visual cortex meets the geometric requirements to execute 'in-place' log-Hough algorithms of the kind described here.

Can managed care plans control health care costs?

PubMed

Zwanziger, J; Melnick, G A

1996-01-01

The health insurance sector has been transformed in the past fifteen years, with managed care replacing indemnity insurance as the norm. This transformation was intended to change the nature of competition in the health care system so that market forces could be used to control costs. Empirical studies have shown that this objective has been met, as areas with high managed care penetration have tended to have much lower rates of increase in their costs. Creating a more efficient health care system will require additional efforts to produce useful measures of quality and to maintain competitive markets.

Teacher Disempowerment in the Education System of Ecuador

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fajardo-Dack, Tammy M.

2016-01-01

A profound and systemic education change requires taking into consideration the several factors that intervene, particularly, and most importantly, the role of the teacher. Ecuador, since 2009 has been immersed in constant changes to achieve an educational transformation; however, nothing has been invested in the professional development of…

30 CFR 18.53 - High-voltage longwall mining systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... and Design Requirements § 18.53 High-voltage longwall mining systems. (a) In each high-voltage motor...-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure. (d) Transformers with high... “open” position; (iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and...

30 CFR 18.53 - High-voltage longwall mining systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and Design Requirements § 18.53 High-voltage longwall mining systems. (a) In each high-voltage motor...-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure. (d) Transformers with high... “open” position; (iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and...

30 CFR 18.53 - High-voltage longwall mining systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... and Design Requirements § 18.53 High-voltage longwall mining systems. (a) In each high-voltage motor...-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure. (d) Transformers with high... “open” position; (iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and...

30 CFR 18.53 - High-voltage longwall mining systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... and Design Requirements § 18.53 High-voltage longwall mining systems. (a) In each high-voltage motor...-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure. (d) Transformers with high... “open” position; (iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and...

30 CFR 18.53 - High-voltage longwall mining systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and Design Requirements § 18.53 High-voltage longwall mining systems. (a) In each high-voltage motor...-interrupting devices must be designed and installed to prevent automatic reclosure. (d) Transformers with high... “open” position; (iv) When located in an explosion-proof enclosure, the device must be designed and...

Creating Better Library Information Systems: The Road to FRBR-Land

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercun, Tanja; Švab, Katarina; Harej, Viktor; Žumer, Maja

2013-01-01

Introduction: To provide valuable services in the future, libraries will need to create better information systems and set up an infrastructure more in line with the current technologies. The "Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records" conceptual model provides a basis for this transformation, but there are still a number of…

Sparsity prediction and application to a new steganographic technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, David; Noonan, Joseph

2004-10-01

Steganography is a technique of embedding information in innocuous data such that only the innocent data is visible. The wavelet transform lends itself to image steganography because it generates a large number of coefficients representing the information in the image. Altering a small set of these coefficients allows embedding of information (payload) into an image (cover) without noticeably altering the original image. We propose a novel, dual-wavelet steganographic technique, using transforms selected such that the transform of the cover image has low sparsity, while the payload transform has high sparsity. Maximizing the sparsity of the payload transform reduces the amount of information embedded in the cover, and minimizing the sparsity of the cover increases the locations that can be altered without significantly altering the image. Making this system effective on any given image pair requires a metric to indicate the best (maximum sparsity) and worst (minimum sparsity) wavelet transforms to use. This paper develops the first stage of this metric, which can predict, averaged across many wavelet families, which of two images will have a higher sparsity. A prototype implementation of the dual-wavelet system as a proof of concept is also developed.

Transforming Executive Fire Officers-A Paradigm Shift to Meet the Intelligence Needs of the 21st Century Fire Service

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

the non-police public. Additionally, inclusion will have positive returns by generating political support in the best- case scenario. Conversely, an...is challenged to adapt its practices, policies and strategic objectives if it is to maintain the highest state of operational readiness. Inclusion of...readiness. Inclusion of firefighters into the information and intelligence- sharing framework will require a systemic transformation by both the fire

Integration of Hospital Information and Clinical Decision Support Systems to Enable the Reuse of Electronic Health Record Data.

PubMed

Kopanitsa, Georgy

2017-05-18

The efficiency and acceptance of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can increase if they reuse medical data captured during health care delivery. High heterogeneity of the existing legacy data formats has become the main barrier for the reuse of data. Thus, we need to apply data modeling mechanisms that provide standardization, transformation, accumulation and querying medical data to allow its reuse. In this paper, we focus on the interoperability issues of the hospital information systems (HIS) and CDSS data integration. Our study is based on the approach proposed by Marcos et al. where archetypes are used as a standardized mechanism for the interaction of a CDSS with an electronic health record (EHR). We build an integration tool to enable CDSSs collect data from various institutions without a need for modifications in the implementation. The approach implies development of a conceptual level as a set of archetypes representing concepts required by a CDSS. Treatment case data from Regional Clinical Hospital in Tomsk, Russia was extracted, transformed and loaded to the archetype database of a clinical decision support system. Test records' normalization has been performed by defining transformation and aggregation rules between the EHR data and the archetypes. These mapping rules were used to automatically generate openEHR compliant data. After the transformation, archetype data instances were loaded into the CDSS archetype based data storage. The performance times showed acceptable performance for the extraction stage with a mean of 17.428 s per year (3436 case records). The transformation times were also acceptable with 136.954 s per year (0.039 s per one instance). The accuracy evaluation showed the correctness and applicability of the method for the wide range of HISes. These operations were performed without interrupting the HIS workflow to prevent the HISes from disturbing the service provision to the users. The project results have proven that archetype based technologies are mature enough to be applied in routine operations that require extraction, transformation, loading and querying medical data from heterogeneous EHR systems. Inference models in clinical research and CDSS can benefit from this by defining queries to a valid data set with known structure and constraints. The standard based nature of the archetype approach allows an easy integration of CDSSs with existing EHR systems.

Diagnostics of the power oil-filled transformer equipment of thermal power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eltyshev, D. K.; Khoroshev, N. I.

2016-08-01

Problems concerning improvement of the diagnostics efficiency of the electrical facilities and functioning of the generation and distribution systems through the examples of the power oil-filled transformers, as the responsible elements referring to the electrical part of thermal power plants (TPP), were considered. Research activity is based on the fuzzy logic system allowing working both with statistical and expert information presented in the form of knowledge accumulated during operation of the power oil-filled transformer facilities. The diagnostic algorithm for various types of transformers, with the use of the intellectual estimation model of its thermal state on the basis of the key diagnostic parameters and fuzzy inference hierarchy, was developed. Criteria for taking measures allowing preventing emergencies in the electric power systems were developed. The fuzzy hierarchical model for the state assessment of the power oil-filled transformers of 110 kV, possessing high degree of credibility and setting quite strict requirements to the limits of variables of the equipment diagnostic parameters, was developed. The most frequent defects of the transformer standard elements, related with the disturbance of the isolation properties and instrumentation operation, were revealed after model testing on the real object. Presented results may be used both for the express diagnostics of the transformers state without disconnection from the power line and for more detailed analysis of the defects causes on the basis of the advanced list of the diagnostic parameters; information on those parameters may be received only after complete or partial disconnection.

Navigating transformations in governance of Chilean marine coastal resources

PubMed Central

Gelcich, Stefan; Hughes, Terry P.; Olsson, Per; Folke, Carl; Defeo, Omar; Fernández, Miriam; Foale, Simon; Gunderson, Lance H.; Rodríguez-Sickert, Carlos; Scheffer, Marten; Steneck, Robert S.; Castilla, Juan C.

2010-01-01

Marine ecosystems are in decline. New transformational changes in governance are urgently required to cope with overfishing, pollution, global changes, and other drivers of degradation. Here we explore social, political, and ecological aspects of a transformation in governance of Chile's coastal marine resources, from 1980 to today. Critical elements in the initial preparatory phase of the transformation were (i) recognition of the depletion of resource stocks, (ii) scientific knowledge on the ecology and resilience of targeted species and their role in ecosystem dynamics, and (iii) demonstration-scale experimental trials, building on smaller-scale scientific experiments, which identified new management pathways. The trials improved cooperation among scientists and fishers, integrating knowledge and establishing trust. Political turbulence and resource stock collapse provided a window of opportunity that triggered the transformation, supported by new enabling legislation. Essential elements to navigate this transformation were the ability to network knowledge from the local level to influence the decision-making processes at the national level, and a preexisting social network of fishers that provided political leverage through a national confederation of artisanal fishing collectives. The resultant governance scheme includes a revolutionary national system of marine tenure that allocates user rights and responsibilities to fisher collectives. Although fine tuning is necessary to build resilience of this new regime, this transformation has improved the sustainability of the interconnected social–ecological system. Our analysis of how this transformation unfolded provides insights into how the Chilean system could be further developed and identifies generalized pathways for improved governance of marine resources around the world. PMID:20837530

Development of Simulated Disturbing Source for Isolation Switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Lin; Liu, Xiang; Deng, Xiaoping; Pan, Zhezhe; Zhou, Hang; Zhu, Yong

2018-01-01

In order to simulate the substation in the actual scene of the harsh electromagnetic environment, and then research on electromagnetic compatibility testing of electronic instrument transformer, On the basis of the original isolation switch as a harassment source of the electronic instrument transformer electromagnetic compatibility test system, an isolated switch simulation source system was developed, to promote the standardization of the original test. In this paper, the circuit breaker is used to control the opening and closing of the gap arc to simulate the operating of isolating switch, and the isolation switch simulation harassment source system is designed accordingly. Comparison with the actual test results of the isolating switch, it is proved that the system can meet the test requirements, and the simulation harassment source system has good stability and high reliability.

Digital techniques for ULF wave polarization analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arthur, C. W.

1979-01-01

Digital power spectral and wave polarization analysis are powerful techniques for studying ULF waves in the earth's magnetosphere. Four different techniques for using the spectral matrix to perform such an analysis have been presented in the literature. Three of these techniques are similar in that they require transformation of the spectral matrix to the principal axis system prior to performing the polarization analysis. The differences in the three techniques lie in the manner in which determine this transformation. A comparative study of these three techniques using both simulated and real data has shown them to be approximately equal in quality of performance. The fourth technique does not require transformation of the spectral matrix. Rather, it uses the measured spectral matrix and state vectors for a desired wave type to design a polarization detector function in the frequency domain. The design of various detector functions and their application to both simulated and real data will be presented.

Time-response shaping using output to input saturation transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chambon, E.; Burlion, L.; Apkarian, P.

2018-03-01

For linear systems, the control law design is often performed so that the resulting closed loop meets specific frequency-domain requirements. However, in many cases, it may be observed that the obtained controller does not enforce time-domain requirements amongst which the objective of keeping a scalar output variable in a given interval. In this article, a transformation is proposed to convert prescribed bounds on an output variable into time-varying saturations on the synthesised linear scalar control law. This transformation uses some well-chosen time-varying coefficients so that the resulting time-varying saturation bounds do not overlap in the presence of disturbances. Using an anti-windup approach, it is obtained that the origin of the resulting closed loop is globally asymptotically stable and that the constrained output variable satisfies the time-domain constraints in the presence of an unknown finite-energy-bounded disturbance. An application to a linear ball and beam model is presented.

Optical chirp z-transform processor with a simplified architecture.

PubMed

Ngo, Nam Quoc

2014-12-29

Using a simplified chirp z-transform (CZT) algorithm based on the discrete-time convolution method, this paper presents the synthesis of a simplified architecture of a reconfigurable optical chirp z-transform (OCZT) processor based on the silica-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology. In the simplified architecture of the reconfigurable OCZT, the required number of optical components is small and there are no waveguide crossings which make fabrication easy. The design of a novel type of optical discrete Fourier transform (ODFT) processor as a special case of the synthesized OCZT is then presented to demonstrate its effectiveness. The designed ODFT can be potentially used as an optical demultiplexer at the receiver of an optical fiber orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission system.

Multi-type Tectonic Responses to Plate Motion Changes of Mega-Offset Transform Faults at the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, F.; Lin, J.; Yang, H.; Zhou, Z.

2017-12-01

Magmatic and tectonic responses of a mid-ocean ridge system to plate motion changes can provide important constraints on the mechanisms of ridge-transform interaction and lithospheric properties. Here we present new analysis of multi-type responses of the mega-offset transform faults at the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge (PAR) system to plate motion changes in the last 12 Ma. Detailed analysis of the Heezen, Tharp, and Udintsev transform faults showed that the extensional stresses induced by plate motion changes could have been released through a combination of magmatic and tectonic processes: (1) For a number of ridge segments with abundant magma supply, plate motion changes might have caused the lateral transport of magma along the ridge axis and into the abutting transform valley, forming curved "hook" ridges at the ridge-transform intersection. (2) Plate motion changes might also have caused vertical deformation on steeply-dipping transtensional faults that were developed along the Heezen, Tharp, and Udintsev transform faults. (3) Distinct zones of intensive tectonic deformation, resembling belts of "rift zones", were found to be sub-parallel to the investigated transform faults. These rift-like deformation zones were hypothesized to have developed when the stresses required to drive the vertical deformation on the steeply-dipping transtensional faults along the transform faults becomes excessive, and thus deformation on off-transform "rift zones" became favored. (4) However, to explain the observed large offsets on the steeply-dipping transtensional faults, the transform faults must be relatively weak with low apparent friction coefficient comparing to the adjacent lithospheric plates.

Transformations in Air Transportation Systems For the 21st Century

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Bruce J.

2004-01-01

Globally, our transportation systems face increasingly discomforting realities: certain of the legacy air and ground infrastructures of the 20th century will not satisfy our 21st century mobility needs. The consequence of inaction is diminished quality of life and economic opportunity for those nations unable to transform from the 20th to 21st century systems. Clearly, new thinking is required regarding business models that cater to consumers value of time, airspace architectures that enable those new business models, and technology strategies for innovating at the system-of-networks level. This lecture proposes a structured way of thinking about transformation from the legacy systems of the 20th century toward new systems for the 21st century. The comparison and contrast between the legacy systems of the 20th century and the transformed systems of the 21st century provides insights into the structure of transformation of air transportation. Where the legacy systems tend to be analog (versus digital), centralized (versus distributed), and scheduled (versus on-demand) for example, transformed 21st century systems become capable of scalability through technological, business, and policy innovations. Where air mobility in our legacy systems of the 20th century brought economic opportunity and quality of life to large service markets, transformed air mobility of the 21st century becomes more equitable available to ever-thinner and widely distributed populations. Several technological developments in the traditional aircraft disciplines as well as in communication, navigation, surveillance and information systems create new foundations for 21st thinking about air transportation. One of the technological developments of importance arises from complexity science and modern network theory. Scale-free (i.e., scalable) networks represent a promising concept space for modeling airspace system architectures, and for assessing network performance in terms of robustness, resilience, and other metrics. The lecture offers an air transportation system topology and a scale-free network linkage graphic as framework for transportation system innovation. Successful outcomes of innovation in air transportation could lay the foundations for new paradigms for aircraft and their operating capabilities, air transportation system topologies, and airspace architectures and procedural concepts. These new paradigms could support scalable alternatives for the expansion of future air mobility to more consumers in more parts of the world.

An Approach for Implementation of Project Management Information Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Běrziša, Solvita; Grabis, Jānis

Project management is governed by project management methodologies, standards, and other regulatory requirements. This chapter proposes an approach for implementing and configuring project management information systems according to requirements defined by these methodologies. The approach uses a project management specification framework to describe project management methodologies in a standardized manner. This specification is used to automatically configure the project management information system by applying appropriate transformation mechanisms. Development of the standardized framework is based on analysis of typical project management concepts and process and existing XML-based representations of project management. A demonstration example of project management information system's configuration is provided.

Transformation of Arden Syntax's medical logic modules into ArdenML for a business rules management system.

PubMed

Jung, Chai Young; Choi, Jong-Ye; Jeong, Seong Jik; Cho, Kyunghee; Koo, Yong Duk; Bae, Jin Hee; Kim, Sukil

2016-05-16

Arden Syntax is a Health Level Seven International (HL7) standard language that is used for representing medical knowledge as logic statements. Arden Syntax Markup Language (ArdenML) is a new representation of Arden Syntax based on XML. Compilers are required to execute medical logic modules (MLMs) in the hospital environment. However, ArdenML may also replace the compiler. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that MLMs, encoded in ArdenML, can be transformed into a commercial rule engine format through an XSLT stylesheet and made executable in a target system. The target rule engine selected was Blaze Advisor. We developed an XSLT stylesheet to transform MLMs in ArdenML into Structured Rules Language (SRL) in Blaze Advisor, through a comparison of syntax between the two languages. The stylesheet was then refined recursively, by building and applying rules collected from the billing and coding guidelines of the Korean health insurance service. Two nurse coders collected and verified the rules and two information technology (IT) specialists encoded the MLMs and built the XSLT stylesheet. Finally, the stylesheet was validated by importing the MLMs into Blaze Advisor and applying them to claims data. The language comparison revealed that Blaze Advisor requires the declaration of variables with explicit types. We used both integer and real numbers for numeric types in ArdenML. "IF∼THEN" statements and assignment statements in ArdenML become rules in Blaze Advisor. We designed an XSLT stylesheet to solve this issue. In addition, we maintained the order of rule execution in the transformed rules, and added two small programs to support variable declarations and action statements. A total of 1489 rules were reviewed during this study, of which 324 rules were collected. We removed duplicate rules and encoded 241 unique MLMs in ArdenML, which were successfully transformed into SRL and imported to Blaze Advisor via the XSLT stylesheet. When applied to 73,841 outpatients' insurance claims data, the review result was the same as that of the legacy system. We have demonstrated that ArdenML can replace a compiler for transforming MLMs into commercial rule engine format. While the proposed XSLT stylesheet requires refinement for general use, we anticipate that the development of further XSLT stylesheets will support various rule engines. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Management Information Systems for Faculty Allocations in Institutions of Higher Education: A Case Study for the Universidad de Santiago de Chile.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karadima, Oscar

The transformation of the present manual system of data manipulation at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile into a computer-based information system capable of supporting decision making is proposed. The information system would be used to determine the number of faculty required by each academic department, based on the number of weekly hours…

State Policies to Transform Struggling Schools: How Various State Policies Can Be Used to Enable School & District Turnaround. Meeting the Turnaround Challenge: Strategies, Resources & Tools to Transform a Framework into Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mass Insight Education (NJ1), 2009

2009-01-01

State governments wield significant authority in the management of public schools. As a nexus for federal funding, state funding, and regulatory authority, states have both the legal and financial power to help drive school change. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has required each state to create a system of standards-based assessment and…

Moments and Signal Processing: Proceedings of the Conference Held in Monterey, CA. on March 30-31 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-26

the following three categories, de- pending where the nonlinear transformation is being applied on the data : (i) the Bussgang algorithms, where the...algorithms belong to one of the following three categories, depending where the nonlinear transformation is being applied on the data : "* The Bussgang...communication systems usually require an initial training period, during which a known data sequence (i.e., training sequence) is transmitted [43], [45]. An

Transforming Change in the Military: A Systems Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

organization, such as Matthias Finger and Silvia Burgin Brand, argue that the learning organization concept is still very vague.46 And there is still...Matthias Finger and S. B. Brand, “The Concept of the ‘Learning Organization’ Applied to the Transformation of the Public Sector,” in Organizational...for an officer to immerse herself in intellectual study and the time required in a “muddy boot” billet. According to Murray and Millet , “the Naval

Military Transformation and the Defense Industry After Next: The Defense Industrial Implications of Network-Centric Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-01

including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services , Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson...require the acquisition of unfamiliar weapons and support systems. Joint and service visions of the military after next raise serious questions that...and the U.S. Defense Industry The U.S. military is awash in visions of transformation. There is an array of joint and service visions of what has become

Assessing regional differences in nitrogen losses from U.S. dairy farms using the integrated farm systems model

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nitrogen (N) enters and leaves a dairy production system through many pathways and in many forms: undergoing numerous transformations as it passes from feed to animal to milk or manure and back again. Due to the complexity of the dairy system, estimates of N flows and losses require the use of model...

A modular neural network scheme applied to fault diagnosis in electric power systems.

PubMed

Flores, Agustín; Quiles, Eduardo; García, Emilio; Morant, Francisco; Correcher, Antonio

2014-01-01

This work proposes a new method for fault diagnosis in electric power systems based on neural modules. With this method the diagnosis is performed by assigning a neural module for each type of component comprising the electric power system, whether it is a transmission line, bus or transformer. The neural modules for buses and transformers comprise two diagnostic levels which take into consideration the logic states of switches and relays, both internal and back-up, with the exception of the neural module for transmission lines which also has a third diagnostic level which takes into account the oscillograms of fault voltages and currents as well as the frequency spectrums of these oscillograms, in order to verify if the transmission line had in fact been subjected to a fault. One important advantage of the diagnostic system proposed is that its implementation does not require the use of a network configurator for the system; it does not depend on the size of the power network nor does it require retraining of the neural modules if the power network increases in size, making its application possible to only one component, a specific area, or the whole context of the power system.

A Modular Neural Network Scheme Applied to Fault Diagnosis in Electric Power Systems

PubMed Central

Flores, Agustín; Morant, Francisco

2014-01-01

This work proposes a new method for fault diagnosis in electric power systems based on neural modules. With this method the diagnosis is performed by assigning a neural module for each type of component comprising the electric power system, whether it is a transmission line, bus or transformer. The neural modules for buses and transformers comprise two diagnostic levels which take into consideration the logic states of switches and relays, both internal and back-up, with the exception of the neural module for transmission lines which also has a third diagnostic level which takes into account the oscillograms of fault voltages and currents as well as the frequency spectrums of these oscillograms, in order to verify if the transmission line had in fact been subjected to a fault. One important advantage of the diagnostic system proposed is that its implementation does not require the use of a network configurator for the system; it does not depend on the size of the power network nor does it require retraining of the neural modules if the power network increases in size, making its application possible to only one component, a specific area, or the whole context of the power system. PMID:25610897

Recombineering in Streptococcus mutans Using Direct Repeat-Mediated Cloning-Independent Markerless Mutagenesis (DR-CIMM).

PubMed

Zhang, Shan; Zou, Zhengzhong; Kreth, Jens; Merritt, Justin

2017-01-01

Studies of the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans have benefitted tremendously from its sophisticated genetic system. As part of our own efforts to further improve upon the S. mutans genetic toolbox, we previously reported the development of the first cloning-independent markerless mutagenesis (CIMM) system for S. mutans and illustrated how this approach could be adapted for use in many other organisms. The CIMM approach only requires overlap extension PCR (OE-PCR) protocols to assemble counterselectable allelic replacement mutagenesis constructs, and thus greatly increased the speed and efficiency with which markerless mutations could be introduced into S. mutans . Despite its utility, the system is still subject to a couple limitations. Firstly, CIMM requires negative selection with the conditionally toxic phenylalanine analog p -chlorophenylalanine (4-CP), which is efficient, but never perfect. Typically, 4-CP negative selection results in a small percentage of naturally resistant background colonies. Secondly, CIMM requires two transformation steps to create markerless mutants. This can be inherently problematic if the transformability of the strain is negatively impacted after the first transformation step, which is used to insert the counterselection cassette at the mutation site on the chromosome. In the current study, we develop a next-generation counterselection cassette that eliminates 4-CP background resistance and combine this with a new direct repeat-mediated cloning-independent markerless mutagenesis (DR-CIMM) system to specifically address the limitations of the prior approach. DR-CIMM is even faster and more efficient than CIMM for the creation of all types of deletions, insertions, and point mutations and is similarly adaptable for use in a wide range of genetically tractable bacteria.

Transforming Collaborative Process Models into Interface Process Models by Applying an MDA Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazarte, Ivanna M.; Chiotti, Omar; Villarreal, Pablo D.

Collaborative business models among enterprises require defining collaborative business processes. Enterprises implement B2B collaborations to execute these processes. In B2B collaborations the integration and interoperability of processes and systems of the enterprises are required to support the execution of collaborative processes. From a collaborative process model, which describes the global view of the enterprise interactions, each enterprise must define the interface process that represents the role it performs in the collaborative process in order to implement the process in a Business Process Management System. Hence, in this work we propose a method for the automatic generation of the interface process model of each enterprise from a collaborative process model. This method is based on a Model-Driven Architecture to transform collaborative process models into interface process models. By applying this method, interface processes are guaranteed to be interoperable and defined according to a collaborative process.

Optical generation of millimeter-wave pulses using a fiber Bragg grating in a fiber-optics system.

PubMed

Ye, Qing; Qu, Ronghui; Fang, Zujie

2007-04-10

A scheme is proposed to transform an optical pulse into a millimeter-wave frequency modulation pulse by using a weak fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in a fiber-optics system. The Fourier transformation method is used to obtain the required spectrum response function of the FBG for the Gaussian pulse, soliton pulse, and Lorenz shape pulse. On the condition of the first-order Born approximation of the weak fiber grating, the relation of the refractive index distribution and the spectrum response function of the FBG satisfies the Fourier transformation, and the corresponding refractive index distribution forms are obtained for single-frequency modulation and linear-frequency modulation millimeter-wave pulse generation. The performances of the designed fiber gratings are also studied by a numerical simulation method for a supershort pulse transmission.

A flexible and cost-effective compensation method for leveling using large-scale coordinate measuring machines and its application in aircraft digital assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zhengping; Li, Shuanggao; Huang, Xiang

2018-06-01

In the assembly process of large-size aerospace products, the leveling and horizontal alignment of large components are essential prior to the installation of an inertial navigation system (INS) and the final quality inspection. In general, the inherent coordinate systems of large-scale coordinate measuring devices are not coincident with the geodetic horizontal system, and a dual-axis compensation system is commonly required for the measurement of difference in heights. These compensation systems are expensive and dedicated designs for different devices at present. Considering that a large-size assembly site usually needs more than one measuring device, a compensation approach which is versatile for different devices would be a more convenient and economic choice for manufacturers. In this paper, a flexible and cost-effective compensation method is proposed. Firstly, an auxiliary measuring device called a versatile compensation fixture (VCF) is designed, which mainly comprises reference points for coordinate transformation and a dual-axis inclinometer, and a kind of network tighten points (NTPs) are introduced and temporarily deployed in the large measuring space to further reduce transformation error. Secondly, the measuring principle of height difference is studied, based on coordinate transformation theory and trigonometry while considering the effects of earth curvature, and the coordinate transformation parameters are derived by least squares adjustment. Thirdly, the analytical solution of leveling uncertainty is analyzed, based on which the key parameters of the VCF and the proper deployment of NTPs are determined according to the leveling accuracy requirement. Furthermore, the proposed method is practically applied to the assembly of a large helicopter by developing an automatic leveling and alignment system. By measuring four NTPs, the leveling uncertainty (2σ) is reduced by 29.4% to about 0.12 mm, compared with that without NTPs.

Engagement of the PFC in Consolidation and Recall of Recent Spatial Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leon, Wanda C.; Bruno, Martin A.; Allard, Simon; Nader, Karim; Cuello, A. Claudio

2010-01-01

The standard model of system consolidation proposes that memories are initially hippocampus dependent and become hippocampus independent over time. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the retrieval of remote memories. The transformations required to make a memory undergo system's…

Transforming University Governance in Ukraine: Collegiums, Bureaucracies, and Political Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osipian, Ararat L.

2014-01-01

The massification of higher education in Ukraine is a fact, while financing the system is still an issue. External pressures from the central government and the market require changes in university governance. Europeanization of the educational system and adherence to the principles laid down by the Bologna Declaration add to already existing…

Micropropagation of juvenile and mature American elms from stem nodal sections

Treesearch

Ann M. Chanon; Joseph C. Kamalay; Pablo Jourdan

1997-01-01

A micropropagation system has been established for the regeneration of superior trees of Ulmus americana L., the American elm. The development of a reliable regeneration system is also required as a prelude to genetic transformation of selected genotypes. The effects of explant source, media formulations, and plant growth regulator concentrations on...

Keeping trees as assets

Treesearch

Kevin T. Smith

2009-01-01

Landscape trees have real value and contribute to making livable communities. Making the most of that value requires providing trees with the proper care and attention. As potentially large and long-lived organisms, trees benefit from commitment to regular care that respects the natural tree system. This system captures, transforms, and uses energy to survive, grow,...

Evaluating Student-Teacher Linkage Data in Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) Sites: Acquisition, Verification, and System Development. The Harvesting Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Jeffery; Witham, Peter; St. Louis, Timothy

2010-01-01

The U.S. Department of Education Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) seeks to transform education compensation systems so that principal and teacher performance (measured through classroom productivity measures) connects to compensation. Classroom-level productivity measures require robust student-teacher linkage data. Organizations such as the…

Requirements for effective academic leadership in Iran: A Nominal Group Technique exercise

PubMed Central

Bikmoradi, Ali; Brommels, Mats; Shoghli, Alireza; Sohrabi, Zohreh; Masiello, Italo

2008-01-01

Background During the last two decades, medical education in Iran has shifted from elite to mass education, with a considerable increase in number of schools, faculties, and programs. Because of this transformation, it is a good case now to explore academic leadership in a non-western country. The objective of this study was to explore the views on effective academic leadership requirements held by key informants in Iran's medical education system. Methods A nominal group study was conducted by strategic sampling in which participants were requested to discuss and report on requirements for academic leadership, suggestions and barriers. Written notes from the discussions were transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Results Six themes of effective academic leadership emerged: 1)shared vision, goal, and strategy, 2) teaching and research leadership, 3) fair and efficient management, 4) mutual trust and respect, 5) development and recognition, and 6) transformational leadership. Current Iranian academic leadership suffers from lack of meritocracy, conservative leaders, politicization, bureaucracy, and belief in misconceptions. Conclusion The structure of the Iranian medical university system is not supportive of effective academic leadership. However, participants' views on effective academic leadership are in line with what is also found in the western literature, that is, if the managers could create the premises for a supportive and transformational leadership, they could generate mutual trust and respect in academia and increase scientific production. PMID:18430241

Requirements for effective academic leadership in Iran: a nominal group technique exercise.

PubMed

Bikmoradi, Ali; Brommels, Mats; Shoghli, Alireza; Sohrabi, Zohreh; Masiello, Italo

2008-04-22

During the last two decades, medical education in Iran has shifted from elite to mass education, with a considerable increase in number of schools, faculties, and programs. Because of this transformation, it is a good case now to explore academic leadership in a non-western country. The objective of this study was to explore the views on effective academic leadership requirements held by key informants in Iran's medical education system. A nominal group study was conducted by strategic sampling in which participants were requested to discuss and report on requirements for academic leadership, suggestions and barriers. Written notes from the discussions were transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Six themes of effective academic leadership emerged: 1)shared vision, goal, and strategy, 2) teaching and research leadership, 3) fair and efficient management, 4) mutual trust and respect, 5) development and recognition, and 6) transformational leadership. Current Iranian academic leadership suffers from lack of meritocracy, conservative leaders, politicization, bureaucracy, and belief in misconceptions. The structure of the Iranian medical university system is not supportive of effective academic leadership. However, participants' views on effective academic leadership are in line with what is also found in the western literature, that is, if the managers could create the premises for a supportive and transformational leadership, they could generate mutual trust and respect in academia and increase scientific production.

Ion Source Development for a Compact Proton Beam Writing System III

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-28

to yield ion beam with energies up to 3 keV. The electrical power required to operate multiple components (like RF Valve , Probe and Extraction...they are powered through an isolation transformer. The required gas, to be ionized in the RF ion source, is fed through a coarse needle valve ...connector, the system can be pumped down to 3×10-2 mbar using an oil roughing pump. Nitrogen gas is feed in by adjusting the gas regulating valve

Irradiation-induced β to α SiC transformation at low temperature

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

Parish, Chad M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; Kondo, Sosuke

Here, we observed that β-SiC, neutron irradiated to 9 dpa (displacements per atom) at ≈1440 °C, began transforming to α-SiC, with radiation-induced Frank dislocation loops serving as the apparent nucleation sites. 1440 °C is a far lower temperature than usual β → α phase transformations in SiC. SiC is considered for applications in advanced nuclear systems, as well as for electronic or spintronic applications requiring ion irradiation processing. β-SiC, preferred for nuclear applications, is metastable and undergoes a phase transformation at high temperatures (typically 2000 °C and above). Nuclear reactor concepts are not expected to reach the very high temperaturesmore » for thermal transformation. However, our results indicate incipient β → α phase transformation, in the form of small (~5–10 nm) pockets of α-SiC forming in the β matrix. In service transformation could degrade structural stability and fuel integrity for SiC-based materials operated in this regime. However, engineering this transformation deliberately using ion irradiation could enable new electronic applications.« less

Irradiation-induced β to α SiC transformation at low temperature

DOE PAGES

Parish, Chad M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; Kondo, Sosuke; ...

2017-04-26

Here, we observed that β-SiC, neutron irradiated to 9 dpa (displacements per atom) at ≈1440 °C, began transforming to α-SiC, with radiation-induced Frank dislocation loops serving as the apparent nucleation sites. 1440 °C is a far lower temperature than usual β → α phase transformations in SiC. SiC is considered for applications in advanced nuclear systems, as well as for electronic or spintronic applications requiring ion irradiation processing. β-SiC, preferred for nuclear applications, is metastable and undergoes a phase transformation at high temperatures (typically 2000 °C and above). Nuclear reactor concepts are not expected to reach the very high temperaturesmore » for thermal transformation. However, our results indicate incipient β → α phase transformation, in the form of small (~5–10 nm) pockets of α-SiC forming in the β matrix. In service transformation could degrade structural stability and fuel integrity for SiC-based materials operated in this regime. However, engineering this transformation deliberately using ion irradiation could enable new electronic applications.« less

Corresponding color datasets and a chromatic adaptation model based on the OSA-UCS system.

PubMed

Oleari, Claudio

2014-07-01

Today chromatic adaptation transforms (CATs) are reconsidered, since their mathematical inconsistency has been shown in Color Res. Appl.38, 188 (2013) and by the CIE technical committee TC 8-11: CIECAM02 Mathematics. In 2004-2005 the author proposed an adaptation transform based on the uniform color scale system of the Optical Society of America (OSA-UCS) [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A21, 677 (2004); Color Res. Appl. 30, 31 (2005)] that transforms the cone-activation stimuli into adapted stimuli. The present work considers all the 37 available corresponding color (CC) datasets selected by CIE and (1) shows that the adapted stimuli obtained from CC data are defined up to an unknown transformation, and an unambiguous definition of the adapted stimuli requires additional hypotheses or suitable experimental data (as it is in the OSA-UCS system); (2) produces a CAT, represented by a linear transformation between CCs, associated with any CC dataset, whose high quality measured in ΔE units discards the possibility of nonlinear transformations; (3) analyzes these color-conversion matrices in a heuristic way with a reference adaptation that is approximately that of the OSA-UCS adapted colors for the D65 illuminant and particularly shows accordance with the Hunt effect and the Bezold-Brücke hue shift; (4) proposes the measurements of CC stimuli with a reference adaptation equal to that of the visual situation of the OSA-UCS system for defining adapted colors for any considered illumination adaptation and therefore for defining a general CAT formula.

Development of a HTSMA-Actuated Surge Control Rod for High-Temperature Turbomachinery Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padula, Santo, II; Noebe, Ronald; Bigelow, Glen; Culley, Dennis; Stevens, Mark; Penney, Nicholas; Gaydosh, Darrell; Quackenbush, Todd; Carpenter, Bernie

2007-01-01

In recent years, a demand for compact, lightweight, solid-state actuation systems has emerged, driven in part by the needs of the aeronautics industry. However, most actuation systems used in turbomachinery require not only elevated temperature but high-force capability. As a result, shape memory alloy (SMA) based systems have worked their way to the forefront of a short list of viable options to meet such a technological challenge. Most of the effort centered on shape memory systems to date has involved binary NiTi alloys but the working temperatures required in many aeronautics applications dictate significantly higher transformation temperatures than the binary systems can provide. Hence, a high temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) based on NiTiPdPt, having a transformation temperature near 300 C, was developed. Various thermo-mechanical processing schemes were utilized to further improve the dimensional stability of the alloy and it was later extruded/drawn into wire form to be more compatible with envisioned applications. Mechanical testing on the finished wire form showed reasonable work output capability with excellent dimensional stability. Subsequently, the wire form of the alloy was incorporated into a benchtop system, which was shown to provide the necessary stroke requirements of approx.0.125 inches for the targeted surge-control application. Cycle times for the actuator were limited to 4 seconds due to control and cooling constraints but this cycle time was determined to be adequate for the surge control application targeted as the primary requirement was initial actuation of a surge control rod, which could be completed in approximately one second.

Why Lean doesn't work for everyone.

PubMed

Kaplan, Gary S; Patterson, Sarah H; Ching, Joan M; Blackmore, C Craig

2014-12-01

Popularisation of Lean in healthcare has led to emphasis on Lean quality improvement tools in isolation, with inconsistent results. We argue that delivery of safer, more efficient, and higher quality-patient focused care requires organisational transformation of which the Lean toolkit is only one component. To successfully facilitate system transformation toward higher quality care at lower cost, Lean tools must be part of a comprehensive management system, within a supportive institutional culture, and with committed leadership. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

DNA-controlled dynamic colloidal nanoparticle systems for mediating cellular interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Seiichi; Glancy, Dylan; Chan, Warren C. W.

2016-02-01

Precise control of biosystems requires development of materials that can dynamically change physicochemical properties. Inspired by the ability of proteins to alter their conformation to mediate function, we explored the use of DNA as molecular keys to assemble and transform colloidal nanoparticle systems. The systems consist of a core nanoparticle surrounded by small satellites, the conformation of which can be transformed in response to DNA via a toe-hold displacement mechanism. The conformational changes can alter the optical properties and biological interactions of the assembled nanosystem. Photoluminescent signal is altered by changes in fluorophore-modified particle distance, whereas cellular targeting efficiency is increased 2.5 times by changing the surface display of targeting ligands. These concepts provide strategies for engineering dynamic nanotechnology systems for navigating complex biological environments.

Method of reduction of the number of driving system channels for phased-array transducers using isolation transformers.

PubMed

Fjield, T; Hynynen, K

2000-01-01

Phased-array technology offers an incredible advantage to therapeutic ultrasound due to the ability to electronically steer foci, create multiple foci, or to create an enlarged focal region by using phase cancellation. However, to take advantage of this flexibility, the phased-arrays generally consist of many elements. Each of these elements requires its own radio-frequency generator with independent amplitude and phase control, resulting in a large, complex, and expensive driving system. A method is presented here where in certain cases the number of amplifier channels can be reduced to a fraction of the number of transducer elements, thereby simplifying the driving system and reducing the overall system complexity and cost, by using isolation transformers to produce 180 degrees phase shifts.

Development of an expert system prototype for determining software functional requirements for command management activities at NASA Goddard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebowitz, J.

1986-01-01

The development of an expert system prototype for software functional requirement determination for NASA Goddard's Command Management System, as part of its process of transforming general requests into specific near-earth satellite commands, is described. The present knowledge base was formulated through interactions with domain experts, and was then linked to the existing Knowledge Engineering Systems (KES) expert system application generator. Steps in the knowledge-base development include problem-oriented attribute hierarchy development, knowledge management approach determination, and knowledge base encoding. The KES Parser and Inspector, in addition to backcasting and analogical mapping, were used to validate the expert system-derived requirements for one of the major functions of a spacecraft, the solar Maximum Mission. Knowledge refinement, evaluation, and implementation procedures of the expert system were then accomplished.

Formation and maintenance of tubular membrane projections: experiments and numerical calculations.

PubMed

Umeda, Tamiki; Inaba, Takehiko; Ishijima, Akihiko; Takiguchi, Kingo; Hotani, Hirokazu

2008-01-01

To study the mechanical properties of lipid membranes, we manipulated liposomes by using a system comprising polystyrene beads and laser tweezers, and measured the force required to transform their shapes. When two beads pushed the membrane from inside, spherical liposomes transformed into a lemon-shape. Then a discontinuous shape transformation occurred to form a membrane tube from either end of the liposomes, and the force dropped drastically. We analyzed these processes using a mathematical model based on the bending elasticity of the membranes. Numerical calculations showed that when the bead size was taken into account, the model reproduced both the liposomal shape transformation and the force-extension relation. This result suggests that the size of the beads is responsible for the existence of a force barrier for the tube formation.

Techniques and potential capabilities of multi-resolutional information (knowledge) processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meystel, A.

1989-01-01

A concept of nested hierarchical (multi-resolutional, pyramidal) information (knowledge) processing is introduced for a variety of systems including data and/or knowledge bases, vision, control, and manufacturing systems, industrial automated robots, and (self-programmed) autonomous intelligent machines. A set of practical recommendations is presented using a case study of a multiresolutional object representation. It is demonstrated here that any intelligent module transforms (sometimes, irreversibly) the knowledge it deals with, and this tranformation affects the subsequent computation processes, e.g., those of decision and control. Several types of knowledge transformation are reviewed. Definite conditions are analyzed, satisfaction of which is required for organization and processing of redundant information (knowledge) in the multi-resolutional systems. Providing a definite degree of redundancy is one of these conditions.

Transforming Education to Strengthen Health Systems in the Sultanate of Oman

PubMed Central

White, Gillian

2012-01-01

Conspicuous gaps demonstrate a collective global failure in the world’s health systems as they struggle to manage complex and expensive demands. The Lancet Commission recently took a global interdisciplinary perspective and systematic approach to consider alliances between education for health professionals and health systems in order to address these problems. They concluded that positive outcomes require new instructional and institutional designs. Findings from the Lancet Commission have implications for the development of health professional education in Oman, particularly with regard to the call for integrative and transformative education for the next generation of health professionals. Education in the Omani health sector must keep up with increasing challenges in both the health and education sectors. PMID:23275838

Cooling Concepts for High Power Density Magnetic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biela, Juergen; Kolar, Johann W.

In the area or power electronics there is a general trend to higher power densities. In order to increase the power density the systems must be designed optimally concerning topology, semiconductor selection, etc. and the volume of the components must be decreased. The decreasing volume comes along with a reduced surface for cooling. Consequently, new cooling methods are required. In the paper an indirect air cooling system for magnetic devices which combines the transformer with a heat sink and a heat transfer component is presented. Moreover, an analytic approach for calculating the temperature distribution is derived and validated by measurements. Based on these equations a transformer with an indirect air cooling system is designed for a 10kW telecom power supply.

Acceptorless dehydrogenation of small molecules through cooperative base metal catalysis

PubMed Central

West, Julian G.; Huang, David; Sorensen, Erik J.

2015-01-01

The dehydrogenation of unactivated alkanes is an important transformation both in industrial and biological systems. Recent efforts towards this reaction have revolved around high temperature, organometallic C–H activation by noble metal catalysts that produce alkenes and hydrogen gas as the sole products. Conversely, natural desaturase systems proceed through stepwise hydrogen atom transfer at physiological temperature; however, these transformations require a terminal oxidant. Here we show combining tetra-n-butylammonium decatungstate (TBADT) and cobaloxime pyridine chloride (COPC) can catalytically dehydrogenate unactivated alkanes and alcohols under near-UV irradiation at room temperature with hydrogen as the sole by-product. This noble metal-free process follows a nature-inspired pathway of high- and low-energy hydrogen atom abstractions. The hydrogen evolution ability of cobaloximes is leveraged to render the system catalytic, with cooperative turnover numbers up to 48 and yields up to 83%. Our results demonstrate how cooperative base metal catalysis can achieve transformations previously restricted to precious metal catalysts. PMID:26656087

A fast identification algorithm for Box-Cox transformation based radial basis function neural network.

PubMed

Hong, Xia

2006-07-01

In this letter, a Box-Cox transformation-based radial basis function (RBF) neural network is introduced using the RBF neural network to represent the transformed system output. Initially a fixed and moderate sized RBF model base is derived based on a rank revealing orthogonal matrix triangularization (QR decomposition). Then a new fast identification algorithm is introduced using Gauss-Newton algorithm to derive the required Box-Cox transformation, based on a maximum likelihood estimator. The main contribution of this letter is to explore the special structure of the proposed RBF neural network for computational efficiency by utilizing the inverse of matrix block decomposition lemma. Finally, the Box-Cox transformation-based RBF neural network, with good generalization and sparsity, is identified based on the derived optimal Box-Cox transformation and a D-optimality-based orthogonal forward regression algorithm. The proposed algorithm and its efficacy are demonstrated with an illustrative example in comparison with support vector machine regression.

A direct application of the non-linear inverse transformation flight control system design on a STOVL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, W. W.; Mcneill, W. E.; Stortz, M. W.

1993-01-01

The nonlinear inverse transformation flight control system design method is applied to the Lockheed Ft. Worth Company's E-7D short takeoff and vertical land (STOVL) supersonic fighter/attack aircraft design with a modified General Electric F110 engine which has augmented propulsive lift capability. The system is fully augmented to provide flight path control and velocity control, and rate command attitude hold for angular axes during the transition and hover operations. In cruise mode, the flight control system is configured to provide direct thrust command, rate command attitude hold for pitch and roll axes, and sideslip command with turn coordination. A control selector based on the nonlinear inverse transformation method is designed specifically to be compatible with the propulsion system's physical configuration which has a two dimensional convergent-divergent aft nozzle, a vectorable ventral nozzle, and a thrust augmented ejector. The nonlinear inverse transformation is used to determine the propulsive forces and nozzle deflections, which in combination with the aerodynamic forces and moments (including propulsive induced contributions), and gravitational force, are required to achieve the longitudinal and vertical acceleration commands. The longitudinal control axes are fully decoupled within the propulsion system's performance envelope. A piloted motion-base flight simulation was conducted on the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) at NASA Ames Research Center to examine the handling qualities of this design. Based on results of the simulation, refinements to the control system have been made and will also be covered in the report.

Polarization transformation as an algorithm for automatic generalization and quality assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Haizhong; Meng, Liqiu

2007-06-01

Since decades it has been a dream of cartographers to computationally mimic the generalization processes in human brains for the derivation of various small-scale target maps or databases from a large-scale source map or database. This paper addresses in a systematic way the polarization transformation (PT) - a new algorithm that serves both the purpose of automatic generalization of discrete features and the quality assurance. By means of PT, two dimensional point clusters or line networks in the Cartesian system can be transformed into a polar coordinate system, which then can be unfolded as a single spectrum line r = f(α), where r and a stand for the polar radius and the polar angle respectively. After the transformation, the original features will correspond to nodes on the spectrum line delimited between 0° and 360° along the horizontal axis, and between the minimum and maximum polar radius along the vertical axis. Since PT is a lossless transformation, it allows a straighforward analysis and comparison of the original and generalized distributions, thus automatic generalization and quality assurance can be down in this way. Examples illustrate that PT algorithm meets with the requirement of generalization of discrete spatial features and is more scientific.

Gas Measurement Using Static Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometers.

PubMed

Köhler, Michael H; Schardt, Michael; Rauscher, Markus S; Koch, Alexander W

2017-11-13

Online monitoring of gases in industrial processes is an ambitious task due to adverse conditions such as mechanical vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Whereas conventional Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers use rather complex optical and mechanical designs to ensure stable operation, static FTIR spectrometers do not require moving parts and thus offer inherent stability at comparatively low costs. Therefore, we present a novel, compact gas measurement system using a static single-mirror Fourier transform spectrometer (sSMFTS). The system works in the mid-infrared range from 650 cm - 1 to 1250 cm - 1 and can be operated with a customized White cell, yielding optical path lengths of up to 120 cm for highly sensitive quantification of gas concentrations. To validate the system, we measure different concentrations of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and perform a PLS regression analysis of the acquired infrared spectra. Thereby, the measured absorption spectra show good agreement with reference data. Since the system additionally permits measurement rates of up to 200 Hz and high signal-to-noise ratios, an application in process analysis appears promising.

Gas Measurement Using Static Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometers

PubMed Central

Schardt, Michael; Rauscher, Markus S.; Koch, Alexander W.

2017-01-01

Online monitoring of gases in industrial processes is an ambitious task due to adverse conditions such as mechanical vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Whereas conventional Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers use rather complex optical and mechanical designs to ensure stable operation, static FTIR spectrometers do not require moving parts and thus offer inherent stability at comparatively low costs. Therefore, we present a novel, compact gas measurement system using a static single-mirror Fourier transform spectrometer (sSMFTS). The system works in the mid-infrared range from 650 cm−1 to 1250 cm−1 and can be operated with a customized White cell, yielding optical path lengths of up to 120 cm for highly sensitive quantification of gas concentrations. To validate the system, we measure different concentrations of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and perform a PLS regression analysis of the acquired infrared spectra. Thereby, the measured absorption spectra show good agreement with reference data. Since the system additionally permits measurement rates of up to 200 Hz and high signal-to-noise ratios, an application in process analysis appears promising. PMID:29137193

SORTEZ: a relational translator for NCBI's ASN.1 database.

PubMed

Hart, K W; Searls, D B; Overton, G C

1994-07-01

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has created a database collection that includes several protein and nucleic acid sequence databases, a biosequence-specific subset of MEDLINE, as well as value-added information such as links between similar sequences. Information in the NCBI database is modeled in Abstract Syntax Notation 1 (ASN.1) an Open Systems Interconnection protocol designed for the purpose of exchanging structured data between software applications rather than as a data model for database systems. While the NCBI database is distributed with an easy-to-use information retrieval system, ENTREZ, the ASN.1 data model currently lacks an ad hoc query language for general-purpose data access. For that reason, we have developed a software package, SORTEZ, that transforms the ASN.1 database (or other databases with nested data structures) to a relational data model and subsequently to a relational database management system (Sybase) where information can be accessed through the relational query language, SQL. Because the need to transform data from one data model and schema to another arises naturally in several important contexts, including efficient execution of specific applications, access to multiple databases and adaptation to database evolution this work also serves as a practical study of the issues involved in the various stages of database transformation. We show that transformation from the ASN.1 data model to a relational data model can be largely automated, but that schema transformation and data conversion require considerable domain expertise and would greatly benefit from additional support tools.

Access Control Management for SCADA Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Seng-Phil; Ahn, Gail-Joon; Xu, Wenjuan

The information technology revolution has transformed all aspects of our society including critical infrastructures and led a significant shift from their old and disparate business models based on proprietary and legacy environments to more open and consolidated ones. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have been widely used not only for industrial processes but also for some experimental facilities. Due to the nature of open environments, managing SCADA systems should meet various security requirements since system administrators need to deal with a large number of entities and functions involved in critical infrastructures. In this paper, we identify necessary access control requirements in SCADA systems and articulate access control policies for the simulated SCADA systems. We also attempt to analyze and realize those requirements and policies in the context of role-based access control that is suitable for simplifying administrative tasks in large scale enterprises.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Exploration Systems Interim Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Contents include the following: 1. The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate within NASA. Enabling the Vision for Space Exploration. The Role of the Directorate. 2. Strategic Context and Approach. Corporate Focus. Focused, Prioritized Requirements. Spiral Transformation. Management Rigor. 3. Achieving Directorate Objectives. Strategy to Task Process. Capability Development. Research and Technology Development. 4. Beyond the Horizon. Appendices.

Merging Developmental and Feminist Evaluation to Monitor and Evaluate Transformative Social Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haylock, Laura; Miller, Carol

2016-01-01

Programs seeking to challenge and change gender and power relationships require a nimble, evolving monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) system that helps make sense of how nonlinear complex social change happens. This article describes efforts by Oxfam Canada to develop such a system for a women's rights and gender equality program. The…

Technical and Vocational Education Transformation in Malaysia: Shaping the Future Leaders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sauffie, Nur Fatin Binti Mohd

2015-01-01

In accordance with the concept of lifelong education, the Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) system is one flaw of that is recognized or known as a system whose role is to develop individuals with high technical skills as desired by the industry nowadays. Changing times and technology development at this time require changes to the TVET…

Shortening tobacco life cycle accelerates functional gene identification in genomic research.

PubMed

Ning, G; Xiao, X; Lv, H; Li, X; Zuo, Y; Bao, M

2012-11-01

Definitive allocation of function requires the introduction of genetic mutations and analysis of their phenotypic consequences. Novel, rapid and convenient techniques or materials are very important and useful to accelerate gene identification in functional genomics research. Here, over-expression of PmFT (Prunus mume), a novel FT orthologue, and PtFT (Populus tremula) lead to shortening of the tobacco life cycle. A series of novel short life cycle stable tobacco lines (30-50 days) were developed through repeated self-crossing selection breeding. Based on the second transformation via a gusA reporter gene, the promoter from BpFULL1 in silver birch (Betula pendula) and the gene (CPC) from Arabidopsis thaliana were effectively tested using short life cycle tobacco lines. Comparative analysis among wild type, short life cycle tobacco and Arabidopsis transformation system verified that it is optional to accelerate functional gene studies by shortening host plant material life cycle, at least in these short life cycle tobacco lines. The results verified that the novel short life cycle transgenic tobacco lines not only combine the advantages of economic nursery requirements and a simple transformation system, but also provide a robust, effective and stable host system to accelerate gene analysis. Thus, shortening tobacco life cycle strategy is feasible to accelerate heterologous or homologous functional gene identification in genomic research. © 2012 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

System design package for the solar heating and cooling central data processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The central data processing system provides the resources required to assess the performance of solar heating and cooling systems installed at remote sites. These sites consist of residential, commercial, government, and educational types of buildings, and the solar heating and cooling systems can be hot-water, space heating, cooling, and combinations of these. The instrumentation data associated with these systems will vary according to the application and must be collected, processed, and presented in a form which supports continuity of performance evaluation across all applications. Overall software system requirements were established for use in the central integration facility which transforms raw data collected at remote sites into performance evaluation information for assessing the performance of solar heating and cooling systems.

Chronic and integrated care in Catalonia

PubMed Central

Contel, Juan Carlos; Ledesma, Albert; Blay, Carles; Mestre, Assumpció González; Cabezas, Carmen; Puigdollers, Montse; Zara, Corine; Amil, Paloma; Sarquella, Ester; Constante, Carles

2015-01-01

Introduction The Chronicity Prevention and Care Programme set up by the Health Plan for Catalonia 2011–2015 has been an outstanding and excellent opportunity to create a new integrated care model in Catalonia. People with chronic conditions require major changes and transformation within the current health and social system. The new and gradual context of ageing, increase in the number of chronic diseases and the current fragmented system requires this transformation to be implemented. Method The Chronicity Prevention and Care Programme aims to implement actions which drive the current system towards a new scenario where organisations and professionals must work collaboratively. New tools should facilitate this new context- or work-like integrated health information systems, an integrative financing and commissioning scheme and provide a new approach to virtual care by substituting traditional face-to-face care with transfer and shared responsibilities between patients, citizens and health care professionals. Results It has been observed some impact reducing the rate of emergency admissions and readmission related to chronic conditions and better outcome related to better chronic disease control. Some initiative like the Catalan Expert Patient Program has obtained good results and an appropriate service utilization. Discussion The implementation of a Chronic Care Program show good results but it is expected that the new integrated health and social care agenda could provoke a real change and transformation. Some of the results related to better health outcomes and a decrease in avoidable hospital admissions related to chronic conditions confirm we are on the right track to make our health and social system more sustainable for the decades to come. PMID:26150763

46 CFR 111.20-10 - Autotransformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Autotransformers. 111.20-10 Section 111.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-10 Autotransformers. An...

46 CFR 111.20-10 - Autotransformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Autotransformers. 111.20-10 Section 111.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-10 Autotransformers. An...

46 CFR 111.20-10 - Autotransformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Autotransformers. 111.20-10 Section 111.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-10 Autotransformers. An...

46 CFR 111.20-10 - Autotransformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Autotransformers. 111.20-10 Section 111.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-10 Autotransformers. An...

46 CFR 111.20-10 - Autotransformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Autotransformers. 111.20-10 Section 111.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-10 Autotransformers. An...

Health Care Transformation: The Role of Academic Health Centers and Their Psychologists.

PubMed

Kirch, Darrell G; Ast, Cori E

2017-06-01

The health care system of the United States has been in a period of dramatic transformation since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, and the rate of change is accelerating. Historically, health care delivery was focused on the efforts of independent individual providers related to single patients, but the future will require interprofessional teamwork to achieve successful transformation. Academic health centers must identify nimble leaders who can harness the expertise of every team member to succeed in yielding the triple aim-better care for individuals, better health for populations, and lower overall cost. To create this change, there are several critical success factors for academic health center leaders, including creating a culture of collaboration, becoming "multipliers," embracing innovation, adhering to core professional ethics, and working to promote resilience. Given their extensive training and predisposition to these skills, psychologists are well-positioned to serve as leaders in today's academic health systems.

Innovation and Transformation in California’s Safety-net Healthcare Settings: An Inside Perspective

PubMed Central

Lyles, Courtney R.; Aulakh, Veenu; Jameson, Wendy; Schillinger, Dean; Yee, Hal; Sarkar, Urmimala

2016-01-01

Background Health reform requires safety-net settings to transform care delivery, but how they will innovate in order to achieve this transformation is unknown. Methods We conducted two series of key informant interviews (N= 28) in 2012 with leadership from both California’s public hospital systems and community health centers. Interviews focused on how innovation was conceptualized and solicited examples of successful innovations. Results In contrast to disruptive innovation, interviewees often defined innovation as improving implementation, making incremental changes, and promoting integration. Many leaders gave examples of existing innovative practices such as patient-centered approaches to meeting their diverse patient needs. Participants expressed challenges to adapting quickly, but a desire to partner together. Conclusions Safety-net systems have already begun implementing innovative practices supporting their key priority areas. However, more support is needed, specifically to accelerate the change needed to succeed under health reform. PMID:24170938

Noise Reduction in Breath Sound Files Using Wavelet Transform Based Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syahputra, M. F.; Situmeang, S. I. G.; Rahmat, R. F.; Budiarto, R.

2017-04-01

The development of science and technology in the field of healthcare increasingly provides convenience in diagnosing respiratory system problem. Recording the breath sounds is one example of these developments. Breath sounds are recorded using a digital stethoscope, and then stored in a file with sound format. This breath sounds will be analyzed by health practitioners to diagnose the symptoms of disease or illness. However, the breath sounds is not free from interference signals. Therefore, noise filter or signal interference reduction system is required so that breath sounds component which contains information signal can be clarified. In this study, we designed a filter called a wavelet transform based filter. The filter that is designed in this study is using Daubechies wavelet with four wavelet transform coefficients. Based on the testing of the ten types of breath sounds data, the data is obtained in the largest SNRdB bronchial for 74.3685 decibels.

Using a small hybrid pulse power transformer unit as component of a high-current opening switch for a railgun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, E. M. W.; Bailey, R. E.; Michels, P. H.

1989-03-01

The hybrid pulse power transformer (HPPT) is a unique concept utilizing the ultrafast superconducting-to-normal transition process of a superconductor. When used in the form of a hybrid transformer current-zero switch (HTCS), this creates an approach in which the large, high-power, high-current opening switch in a conventional railgun system can be eliminated. This represents an innovative application of superconductivity to pulsed power conditioning required for the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The authors explain the working principles of a 100-KJ unit capable of switching up to 500 kA at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and with a system efficiency of greater than 90 percent. Circuit analysis using a computer code called SPICE PLUS was used to verify the HTCS concept. This concept can be scaled up to applications in the several mega-ampere levels.

An engineering approach to the use of expert systems technology in avionics applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duke, E. L.; Regenie, V. A.; Brazee, M.; Brumbaugh, R. W.

1986-01-01

The concept of using a knowledge compiler to transform the knowledge base and inference mechanism of an expert system into a conventional program is presented. The need to accommodate real-time systems requirements in applications such as embedded avionics is outlined. Expert systems and a brief comparison of expert systems and conventional programs are reviewed. Avionics applications of expert systems are discussed before the discussions of applying the proposed concept to example systems using forward and backward chaining.

Roadmap on transformation optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCall, Martin; Pendry, John B.; Galdi, Vincenzo; Lai, Yun; Horsley, S. A. R.; Li, Jensen; Zhu, Jian; Mitchell-Thomas, Rhiannon C.; Quevedo-Teruel, Oscar; Tassin, Philippe; Ginis, Vincent; Martini, Enrica; Minatti, Gabriele; Maci, Stefano; Ebrahimpouri, Mahsa; Hao, Yang; Kinsler, Paul; Gratus, Jonathan; Lukens, Joseph M.; Weiner, Andrew M.; Leonhardt, Ulf; Smolyaninov, Igor I.; Smolyaninova, Vera N.; Thompson, Robert T.; Wegener, Martin; Kadic, Muamer; Cummer, Steven A.

2018-06-01

Transformation optics asks, using Maxwell’s equations, what kind of electromagnetic medium recreates some smooth deformation of space? The guiding principle is Einstein’s principle of covariance: that any physical theory must take the same form in any coordinate system. This requirement fixes very precisely the required electromagnetic medium. The impact of this insight cannot be overestimated. Many practitioners were used to thinking that only a few analytic solutions to Maxwell’s equations existed, such as the monochromatic plane wave in a homogeneous, isotropic medium. At a stroke, transformation optics increases that landscape from ‘few’ to ‘infinity’, and to each of the infinitude of analytic solutions dreamt up by the researcher, there corresponds an electromagnetic medium capable of reproducing that solution precisely. The most striking example is the electromagnetic cloak, thought to be an unreachable dream of science fiction writers, but realised in the laboratory a few months after the papers proposing the possibility were published. But the practical challenges are considerable, requiring meta-media that are at once electrically and magnetically inhomogeneous and anisotropic. How far have we come since the first demonstrations over a decade ago? And what does the future hold? If the wizardry of perfect macroscopic optical invisibility still eludes us in practice, then what compromises still enable us to create interesting, useful, devices? While three-dimensional (3D) cloaking remains a significant technical challenge, much progress has been made in two dimensions. Carpet cloaking, wherein an object is hidden under a surface that appears optically flat, relaxes the constraints of extreme electromagnetic parameters. Surface wave cloaking guides sub-wavelength surface waves, making uneven surfaces appear flat. Two dimensions is also the setting in which conformal and complex coordinate transformations are realisable, and the possibilities in this restricted domain do not appear to have been exhausted yet. Beyond cloaking, the enhanced electromagnetic landscape provided by transformation optics has shown how fully analytic solutions can be found to a number of physical scenarios such as plasmonic systems used in electron energy loss spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence. Are there further fields to be enriched? A new twist to transformation optics was the extension to the spacetime domain. By applying transformations to spacetime, rather than just space, it was shown that events rather than objects could be hidden from view; transformation optics had provided a means of effectively redacting events from history. The hype quickly settled into serious nonlinear optical experiments that demonstrated the soundness of the idea, and it is now possible to consider the practical implications, particularly in optical signal processing, of having an ‘interrupt-without-interrupt’ facility that the so-called temporal cloak provides. Inevitable issues of dispersion in actual systems have only begun to be addressed. Now that time is included in the programme of transformation optics, it is natural to ask what role ideas from general relativity can play in shaping the future of transformation optics. Indeed, one of the earliest papers on transformation optics was provocatively titled ‘General Relativity in Electrical Engineering’. The answer that curvature does not enter directly into transformation optics merely encourages us to speculate on the role of transformation optics in defining laboratory analogues. Quite why Maxwell’s theory defines a ‘perfect’ transformation theory, while other areas of physics such as acoustics are not apparently quite so amenable, is a deep question whose precise, mathematical answer will help inform us of the extent to which similar ideas can be extended to other fields. The contributors to this Roadmap, who are all renowned practitioners or inventors of transformation optics, will give their perspectives into the field’s status and future development.

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

Terahertz bandwidth photonic Hilbert transformers based on synthesized planar Bragg grating fabrication.

PubMed

Sima, Chaotan; Gates, J C; Holmes, C; Mennea, P L; Zervas, M N; Smith, P G R

2013-09-01

Terahertz bandwidth photonic Hilbert transformers are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The integrated device is fabricated via a direct UV grating writing technique in a silica-on-silicon platform. The photonic Hilbert transformer operates at bandwidths of up to 2 THz (~16 nm) in the telecom band, a 10-fold greater bandwidth than any previously reported experimental approaches. Achieving this performance requires detailed knowledge of the system transfer function of the direct UV grating writing technique; this allows improved linearity and yields terahertz bandwidth Bragg gratings with improved spectral quality. By incorporating a flat-top reflector and Hilbert grating with a waveguide coupler, an ultrawideband all-optical single-sideband filter is demonstrated.

Evaluation of Multi-Level Support Structure Requirements for New Weapon Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

transformer 1 total consumed manhours on this level 19.45 hrs average manhrs within 4 weeks on this level : .38 hrs average rounded number of mainten; personal ...major unit data to provide conclusions about the logistics behavior of failing weapon systems. The modeling of system behavior with CAESAR has severa-l...characteristic data and major unit data to provide conclusions about the logistics behavior of failing weapon systems. The modelling of system behavior

Establishment of an efficient genetic transformation method in Dunaliella tertiolecta mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

PubMed

Norzagaray-Valenzuela, Claudia D; Germán-Báez, Lourdes J; Valdez-Flores, Marco A; Hernández-Verdugo, Sergio; Shelton, Luke M; Valdez-Ortiz, Angel

2018-05-16

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms widely used for the production of highly valued compounds, and recently they have been shown to be promising as a system for the heterologous expression of proteins. Several transformation methods have been successfully developed, from which the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method remains the most promising. However, microalgae transformation efficiency by A. tumefaciens is shown to vary depending on several transformation conditions. The present study aimed to establish an efficient genetic transformation system in the green microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta using the A. tumefaciens method. The parameters assessed were the infection medium, the concentration of the A. tumefaciens and co-culture time. As a preliminary screening, the expression of the gusA gene and the viability of transformed cells were evaluated and used to calculate a novel parameter called Transformation Efficiency Index (TEI). The statistical analysis of TEI values showed five treatments with the highest gusA gene expression. To ensure stable transformation, transformed colonies were cultured on selective medium using hygromycin B and the DNA of resistant colonies were extracted after five subcultures and molecularly analyzed by PCR. Results revealed that treatments which use solid infection medium, A. tumefaciens OD 600  = 0.5 and co-culture times of 72 h exhibited the highest percentage of stable gusA expression. Overall, this study established an efficient, optimized A. tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of D. tertiolecta, which represents a relatively easy procedure with no expensive equipment required. This simple and efficient protocol opens the possibility for further genetic manipulation of this commercially-important microalgae for biotechnological applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The MOD-OA 200 kilowatt wind turbine generator design and analysis report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, T. S.; Bodenschatz, C. A.; Eggers, A. G.; Hughes, P. S.; Lampe, R. F.; Lipner, M. H.; Schornhorst, J. R.

1980-08-01

The project requirements, approach, system description, design requirements, design, analysis, system tests, installation safety considerations, failure modes and effects analysis, data acquisition, and initial performance for the MOD-OA 200 kw wind turbine generator are discussed. The components, the rotor, driven train, nacelle equipment, yaw drive mechanism and brake, tower, foundation, electrical system, and control systems are presented. The rotor includes the blades, hub and pitch change mechanism. The drive train includes the low speed shaft, speed increaser, high speed shaft, and rotor brake. The electrical system includes the generator, switchgear, transformer, and utility connection. The control systems are the blade pitch, yaw, and generator control, and the safety system. Manual, automatic, and remote control and Dynamic loads and fatigue are analyzed.

The MOD-OA 200 kilowatt wind turbine generator design and analysis report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andersen, T. S.; Bodenschatz, C. A.; Eggers, A. G.; Hughes, P. S.; Lampe, R. F.; Lipner, M. H.; Schornhorst, J. R.

1980-01-01

The project requirements, approach, system description, design requirements, design, analysis, system tests, installation safety considerations, failure modes and effects analysis, data acquisition, and initial performance for the MOD-OA 200 kw wind turbine generator are discussed. The components, the rotor, driven train, nacelle equipment, yaw drive mechanism and brake, tower, foundation, electrical system, and control systems are presented. The rotor includes the blades, hub and pitch change mechanism. The drive train includes the low speed shaft, speed increaser, high speed shaft, and rotor brake. The electrical system includes the generator, switchgear, transformer, and utility connection. The control systems are the blade pitch, yaw, and generator control, and the safety system. Manual, automatic, and remote control and Dynamic loads and fatigue are analyzed.

1996 Andrew Pattullo lecture. A vision of the role of health administration education in the transformation of the American health system.

PubMed

Sigmond, R M

1997-01-01

In summary, it is my conviction that each of the AUPHA programs would be well advised to re-discover a shared vision of health care as public service, caring for communities as well as for patients and enrolled populations. I am also convinced that each program should be shaping a shared vision of the role of the academic program in providing intellectual leadership in this respect. These processes can be designed to have impact on all of the activities of the program, starting with low hanging fruit, and moving higher with growing confidence and commitment. The key task for AUPHA as an organization right now is ro re-examine its own vision as a basis for providing strong leadership to the field. This involves promoting visioning as a management tool, helping to sharpen the accreditation requirements in this respect, and carrying out the recommendation of the Pew Health Professions Commission to bring the academic and practitioner worlds into closer synch. The talent and the zeal are evident. What is required now is the will to make changes. Continued transformation of the American Health system and of the academic programs in health administration are both inevitable. Managing the transformation is more exciting, more productive, more professionally satisfying and more fun than just surviving or not surviving at all. Managing a transformation is not easy, especially in academia. Just watching it happen is not nearly as satisfying or as much fun.

An Approach for Calculating Land Valuation by Using Inspire Data Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydinoglu, A. C.; Bovkir, R.

2017-11-01

Land valuation is a highly important concept for societies and governments have always emphasis on the process especially for taxation, expropriation, market capitalization and economic activity purposes. To success an interoperable and standardised land valuation, INSPIRE data models can be very practical and effective. If data used in land valuation process produced in compliance with INSPIRE specifications, a reliable and effective land valuation process can be performed. In this study, possibility of the performing land valuation process with using the INSPIRE data models was analysed and with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a case study in Pendik was implemented. For this purpose, firstly data analysis and gathering was performed. After, different data structures were transformed according to the INSPIRE data model requirements. For each data set necessary ETL (Extract-Transform-Load) tools were produced and all data transformed according to the target data requirements. With the availability and practicability of spatial analysis tools of GIS software, land valuation calculations were performed for study area.

Lessons for major system change: centralization of stroke services in two metropolitan areas of England

PubMed Central

Ramsay, Angus; Perry, Catherine; Boaden, Ruth; McKevitt, Christopher; Morris, Stephen; Pursani, Nanik; Rudd, Anthony; Tyrrell, Pippa; Wolfe, Charles; Fulop, Naomi

2016-01-01

Objectives Our aim was to identify the factors influencing the selection of a model of acute stroke service centralization to create fewer high-volume specialist units in two metropolitan areas of England (London and Greater Manchester). It considers the reasons why services were more fully centralized in London than in Greater Manchester. Methods In both areas, we analysed 316 documents and conducted 45 interviews with people leading transformation, service user organizations, providers and commissioners. Inductive and deductive analyses were used to compare the processes underpinning change in each area, with reference to propositions for achieving major system change taken from a realist review of the existing literature (the Best framework), which we critique and develop further. Results In London, system leadership was used to overcome resistance to centralization and align stakeholders to implement a centralized service model. In Greater Manchester, programme leaders relied on achieving change by consensus and, lacking decision-making authority over providers, accommodated rather than challenged resistance by implementing a less radical transformation of services. Conclusions A combination of system (top-down) and distributed (bottom-up) leadership is important in enabling change. System leadership provides the political authority required to coordinate stakeholders and to capitalize on clinical leadership by aligning it with transformation goals. Policy makers should examine how the structures of system authority, with performance management and financial levers, can be employed to coordinate transformation by aligning the disparate interests of providers and commissioners. PMID:26811375

Lessons for major system change: centralization of stroke services in two metropolitan areas of England.

PubMed

Turner, Simon; Ramsay, Angus; Perry, Catherine; Boaden, Ruth; McKevitt, Christopher; Morris, Stephen; Pursani, Nanik; Rudd, Anthony; Tyrrell, Pippa; Wolfe, Charles; Fulop, Naomi

2016-07-01

Our aim was to identify the factors influencing the selection of a model of acute stroke service centralization to create fewer high-volume specialist units in two metropolitan areas of England (London and Greater Manchester). It considers the reasons why services were more fully centralized in London than in Greater Manchester. In both areas, we analysed 316 documents and conducted 45 interviews with people leading transformation, service user organizations, providers and commissioners. Inductive and deductive analyses were used to compare the processes underpinning change in each area, with reference to propositions for achieving major system change taken from a realist review of the existing literature (the Best framework), which we critique and develop further. In London, system leadership was used to overcome resistance to centralization and align stakeholders to implement a centralized service model. In Greater Manchester, programme leaders relied on achieving change by consensus and, lacking decision-making authority over providers, accommodated rather than challenged resistance by implementing a less radical transformation of services. A combination of system (top-down) and distributed (bottom-up) leadership is important in enabling change. System leadership provides the political authority required to coordinate stakeholders and to capitalize on clinical leadership by aligning it with transformation goals. Policy makers should examine how the structures of system authority, with performance management and financial levers, can be employed to coordinate transformation by aligning the disparate interests of providers and commissioners. © The Author(s) 2016.

Final cooling for a high-energy high-luminosity lepton collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuffer, D.; Sayed, H.; Acosta, J.; Hart, T.; Summers, D.

2017-07-01

A high-energy muon collider requires a "final cooling" system that reduces transverse emittance by a factor of ~ 10, while allowing the longitudinal emittance to increase. The baseline approach has low-energy transverse cooling within high-field solenoids, with strong longitudinal heating. This approach and its recent simulation are discussed. Alternative approaches, which more explicitly include emittance exchange are also presented. Round-to-flat beam transform, transverse slicing, and longitudinal bunch coalescence are possible components of an alternative approach. Wedge-based emittance exchange could provide much of the required transverse cooling with longitudinal heating. Li-lens and quadrupole focusing systems could also provide much of the required final cooling.

Discrete shaped strain sensors for intelligent structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andersson, Mark S.; Crawley, Edward F.

1992-01-01

Design of discrete, highly distributed sensor systems for intelligent structures has been studied. Data obtained indicate that discrete strain-averaging sensors satisfy the functional requirements for distributed sensing of intelligent structures. Bartlett and Gauss-Hanning sensors, in particular, provide good wavenumber characteristics while meeting the functional requirements. They are characterized by good rolloff rates and positive Fourier transforms for all wavenumbers. For the numerical integration schemes, Simpson's rule is considered to be very simple to implement and consistently provides accurate results for five sensors or more. It is shown that a sensor system that satisfies the functional requirements can be applied to a structure that supports mode shapes with purely sinusoidal curvature.

Analysis of de-noising methods to improve the precision of the ILSF BPM electronic readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafiee, M.; Feghhi, S. A. H.; Rahighi, J.

2016-12-01

In order to have optimum operation and precise control system at particle accelerators, it is required to measure the beam position with the precision of sub-μm. We developed a BPM electronic readout system at Iranian Light Source Facility and it has been experimentally tested at ALBA accelerator facility. The results show the precision of 0.54 μm in beam position measurements. To improve the precision of this beam position monitoring system to sub-μm level, we have studied different de-noising methods such as principal component analysis, wavelet transforms, filtering by FIR, and direct averaging method. An evaluation of the noise reduction was given to testify the ability of these methods. The results show that the noise reduction based on Daubechies wavelet transform is better than other algorithms, and the method is suitable for signal noise reduction in beam position monitoring system.

33 CFR 149.660 - What are the requirements for emergency power?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... SECURITY (CONTINUED) DEEPWATER PORTS DEEPWATER PORTS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT Design and... complex must have emergency power equipment including power source, associated transforming equipment, and...; (4) Radar equipment; (5) Alarm systems; (6) Electrically operated fire pumps; and (7) Other...

33 CFR 149.660 - What are the requirements for emergency power?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... SECURITY (CONTINUED) DEEPWATER PORTS DEEPWATER PORTS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT Design and... complex must have emergency power equipment including power source, associated transforming equipment, and...; (4) Radar equipment; (5) Alarm systems; (6) Electrically operated fire pumps; and (7) Other...

A MAPPING BASED ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL FEATURES: LESSONS LEARNT

EPA Science Inventory

The ban on animal testing of cosmetic products for systemic toxicity in Europe is foreseen in 2013. Several research programs involving the public and private sectors have been initiated with the aim of fulfilling regulatory requirements and complying with this transformative shi...

Visualization of Computational Fluid Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerald-Yamasaki, Michael; Hultquist, Jeff; Bryson, Steve; Kenwright, David; Lane, David; Walatka, Pamela; Clucas, Jean; Watson, Velvin; Lasinski, T. A. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

Scientific visualization serves the dual purpose of exploration and exposition of the results of numerical simulations of fluid flow. Along with the basic visualization process which transforms source data into images, there are four additional components to a complete visualization system: Source Data Processing, User Interface and Control, Presentation, and Information Management. The requirements imposed by the desired mode of operation (i.e. real-time, interactive, or batch) and the source data have their effect on each of these visualization system components. The special requirements imposed by the wide variety and size of the source data provided by the numerical simulation of fluid flow presents an enormous challenge to the visualization system designer. We describe the visualization system components including specific visualization techniques and how the mode of operation and source data requirements effect the construction of computational fluid dynamics visualization systems.

Definition of a metrology servo-system for a solar imaging fourier transform spectrometer working in the far UV (IFTSUV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz de Galarreta Fanju, C.; Philippon, A.; Bouzit, M.; Appourchaux, T.; Vial, J.-C.; Maillard, J.-P.; Lemaire, P.

2017-11-01

The understanding of the solar outer atmosphere requires a simultaneous combination of imaging and spectral observations concerning the far UV lines that arise from the high chromospheres up to the corona. These observations must be performed with enough spectral, spatial and temporal resolution to reveal the small atmospheric structures and to resolve the solar dynamics. An Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer working in the far-UV (IFTSUV, Figure 1) is an attractive instrumental solution to fulfill these requirements. However, due to the short wavelength, to preserve IFTSUV spectral precision and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) requires a high optical surface quality and a very accurate (linear and angular) metrology to maintain the optical path difference (OPD) during the entire scanning process by: optical path difference sampling trigger; and dynamic alignment for tip/tilt compensation (Figure 2).

Mass Storage Performance Information System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheuermann, Peter

2000-01-01

The purpose of this task is to develop a data warehouse to enable system administrators and their managers to gather information by querying the data logs of the MDSDS. Currently detailed logs capture the activity of the MDSDS internal to the different systems. The elements to be included in the data warehouse are requirements analysis, data cleansing, database design, database population, hardware/software acquisition, data transformation, query and report generation, and data mining.

Zero cylinder coordinate system approach to image reconstruction in fan beam ICT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yan-Chun; Xian, Wu; Hall, Ernest L.

1992-11-01

The state-of-the-art of the transform algorithms has allowed the newest versions to produce excellent and efficient reconstructed images in most applications, especially in medical CT and industrial CT etc. Based on the Zero Cylinder Coordinate system (ZCC) presented in this paper, a new transform algorithm of image reconstruction in fan beam industrial CT is suggested. It greatly reduces the amount of computation of the backprojection, which requires only two INC instructions to calculate the weighted factor and the subcoordinate. A new backprojector is designed, which simplifies its assembly-line mechanism based on the ZCC method. Finally, a simulation results on microcomputer is given out, which proves this method is effective and practical.

Clinical data integration model. Core interoperability ontology for research using primary care data.

PubMed

Ethier, J-F; Curcin, V; Barton, A; McGilchrist, M M; Bastiaens, H; Andreasson, A; Rossiter, J; Zhao, L; Arvanitis, T N; Taweel, A; Delaney, B C; Burgun, A

2015-01-01

This article is part of the Focus Theme of METHODS of Information in Medicine on "Managing Interoperability and Complexity in Health Systems". Primary care data is the single richest source of routine health care data. However its use, both in research and clinical work, often requires data from multiple clinical sites, clinical trials databases and registries. Data integration and interoperability are therefore of utmost importance. TRANSFoRm's general approach relies on a unified interoperability framework, described in a previous paper. We developed a core ontology for an interoperability framework based on data mediation. This article presents how such an ontology, the Clinical Data Integration Model (CDIM), can be designed to support, in conjunction with appropriate terminologies, biomedical data federation within TRANSFoRm, an EU FP7 project that aims to develop the digital infrastructure for a learning healthcare system in European Primary Care. TRANSFoRm utilizes a unified structural / terminological interoperability framework, based on the local-as-view mediation paradigm. Such an approach mandates the global information model to describe the domain of interest independently of the data sources to be explored. Following a requirement analysis process, no ontology focusing on primary care research was identified and, thus we designed a realist ontology based on Basic Formal Ontology to support our framework in collaboration with various terminologies used in primary care. The resulting ontology has 549 classes and 82 object properties and is used to support data integration for TRANSFoRm's use cases. Concepts identified by researchers were successfully expressed in queries using CDIM and pertinent terminologies. As an example, we illustrate how, in TRANSFoRm, the Query Formulation Workbench can capture eligibility criteria in a computable representation, which is based on CDIM. A unified mediation approach to semantic interoperability provides a flexible and extensible framework for all types of interaction between health record systems and research systems. CDIM, as core ontology of such an approach, enables simplicity and consistency of design across the heterogeneous software landscape and can support the specific needs of EHR-driven phenotyping research using primary care data.

Piezoelectric transformers for low-voltage generation of gas discharges and ionic winds in atmospheric air

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

Johnson, Michael J.; Go, David B., E-mail: dgo@nd.edu; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indianapolis 46556

To generate a gas discharge (plasma) in atmospheric air requires an electric field that exceeds the breakdown threshold of ∼30 kV/cm. Because of safety, size, or cost constraints, the large applied voltages required to generate such fields are often prohibitive for portable applications. In this work, piezoelectric transformers are used to amplify a low input applied voltage (<30 V) to generate breakdown in air without the need for conventional high-voltage electrical equipment. Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) use their inherent electromechanical resonance to produce a voltage amplification, such that the surface of the piezoelectric exhibits a large surface voltage that can generate corona-like dischargesmore » on its corners or on adjacent electrodes. In the proper configuration, these discharges can be used to generate a bulk air flow called an ionic wind. In this work, PT-driven discharges are characterized by measuring the discharge current and the velocity of the induced ionic wind with ionic winds generated using input voltages as low as 7 V. The characteristics of the discharge change as the input voltage increases; this modifies the resonance of the system and subsequent required operating parameters.« less

Transformational Autonomy and Personal Transportation: Synergies and Differences Between Cars and Planes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodrich, Kenneth H.; Nickolaou, Jim; Moore, Mark D.

2016-01-01

Highly automated cars have undergone tremendous investment and progress over the past ten years with speculation about fully-driverless cars within the foreseeable, or even near future, becoming common. If a driverless future is realized, what might be the impact on personal aviation? Would self-piloting airplanes be a relatively simple spin-off, possibly making travel by personal aircraft also commonplace? What if the technology for completely removing human drivers turns out to be further in the future rather than sooner; would such a delay suggest that transformational personal aviation is also somewhere over the horizon or can transformation be achieved with less than full automation? This paper presents a preliminary exploration of these questions by comparing the operational, functional, and implementation requirements and constraints of cars and small aircraft for on-demand mobility. In general, we predict that the mission management and perception requirements of self-piloting aircraft differ significantly from self-driving cars and requires the development of aviation specific technologies. We also predict that the highly-reliable control and system automation technology developed for conditionally and highly automated cars can have a significant beneficial effect on personal aviation, even if full automation is not immediately feasible.

The re-design at the transformer portion of transcutaneous energy transmission system for all implantable devices.

PubMed

Watada, Masaya; Saisho, Ryohei; Kim, Yong-Jae; Ohuchi, Katsuhiro; Takatani, Setsuo; Um, Yong-Su

2007-01-01

All implantable devices, such as an artificial heart, an artificial lung, a pacemaker, a defibrillator, need electric power. So the electric power supply through the skin is requested. Then, it is transcutaneous energy transmission system (TETS) that has been studied and used a lot. TETS is the system which performs an electric power supply by non-contact transcutaneously using the electromagnetic induction phenomenon of an external primary side coil and a secondary side coil in human body. In this research, we are developing the core type TETS which applied for the implantable devices. In this paper, corresponding to various conditions, such as a difference in required electric power and transmission distance change, the core type transformer which can hold high transmission efficiency is designed.

Moloney leukemia virus immortalizes B lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed Central

Runnels, J; Serunian, L; Thursby, M; Rosenberg, N

1991-01-01

An in vitro culture system in which Moloney murine leukemia virus induces immortalization of mature B lymphocytes has been developed. The cell lines derived in this way are nontumorigenic, and virus production is not required to sustain them. This system provides a new in vitro model with which to study the stepwise process of transformation by retroviruses lacking oncogenes. Images PMID:1895405

46 CFR 111.20-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-1 General requirements. Each transformer winding must be resistant to moisture, sea atmosphere, and oil vapor, unless special precautions...

46 CFR 111.20-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-1 General requirements. Each transformer winding must be resistant to moisture, sea atmosphere, and oil vapor, unless special precautions...

46 CFR 111.20-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-1 General requirements. Each transformer winding must be resistant to moisture, sea atmosphere, and oil vapor, unless special precautions...

46 CFR 111.20-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-1 General requirements. Each transformer winding must be resistant to moisture, sea atmosphere, and oil vapor, unless special precautions...

46 CFR 111.20-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... REQUIREMENTS Transformer Construction, Installation, and Protection § 111.20-1 General requirements. Each transformer winding must be resistant to moisture, sea atmosphere, and oil vapor, unless special precautions...

Poster - Thur Eve - 77: Coordinate transformation from DICOM to DOSXYZnrc.

PubMed

Zhan, L; Jiang, R; Osei, E K

2012-07-01

DICOM format is the de facto standard for communications between therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. A plan generated by a treatment planning system (TPS) is often exported to DICOM format. BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc is a widely used Monte Carlo (MC) package for beam and dose simulations in radiotherapy. It has its own definition for beam orientation, which is not in compliance with the one defined in DICOM standard. Dose simulations using TPS generated plans require transformation of beam orientations to DOSXYZnrc coordinate system (c.s.) after extracting the necessary parameters from DICOM RP files. The transformation is nontrivial. There have been two studies for the coordinate transformations. The transformation equation sets derived have been helpful to BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc users. However, both the transformation equation sets are complex mathematically and not easy to program. In this study, we derive a new set of transformation equations, which are more compact, better understandable, and easier for computational implementation. The derivation of polar angle θ and azimuthal angle φ is similar to the existing studies by applying a series of rotations to a vector in DICOM patient c.s. The derivation of beam rotation Φ col for DOSXYZnrc, however, is different. It is obtained by a direct combination of the actual collimator rotation with the projection of the couch rotation to the collimator rotating plane. Verification of the transformation has been performed using clinical plans created with Eclipse. The comparison between Eclipse and MC results show exact geometrical agreement for field placements, together with good agreement in dose distributions. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Beam coordinate transformations from DICOM to DOSXYZnrc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Lixin; Jiang, Runqing; Osei, Ernest K.

2012-12-01

Digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) format is the de facto standard for communications between therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. A plan generated by a treatment planning system (TPS) is often exported in DICOM format. BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc is a widely used Monte Carlo (MC) package for modelling the Linac head and simulating dose delivery in radiotherapy. It has its own definition of beam orientation, which is not in compliance with the one defined in the DICOM standard. MC dose calculations using information from TPS generated plans require transformation of beam orientations to the DOSXYZnrc coordinate system (c.s.) and the transformation is non-trivial. There have been two studies on the coordinate transformations. The transformation equation sets derived have been helpful to BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc users. However, the transformation equation sets are complex mathematically and not easy to program. In this study, we derive a new set of transformation equations, which are more compact, easily understandable, and easier for computational implementation. The derivation of the polar angle θ and the azimuthal angle φ used by DOSXYZnrc is similar to the existing studies by applying a series of rotations to a vector in DICOM patient c.s. The derivation of the beam rotation ϕcol for DOSXYZnrc, however, is different. It is obtained by a direct combination of the actual collimator rotation with the projection of the couch rotation to the collimator rotating plane. Verification of the transformation has been performed using clinical plans. The comparisons between TPS and MC results show very good geometrical agreement for field placements, together with good agreement in dose distributions.

The Requirements and Design of the Rapid Prototyping Capabilities System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haupt, T. A.; Moorhead, R.; O'Hara, C.; Anantharaj, V.

2006-12-01

The Rapid Prototyping Capabilities (RPC) system will provide the capability to rapidly evaluate innovative methods of linking science observations. To this end, the RPC will provide the capability to integrate the software components and tools needed to evaluate the use of a wide variety of current and future NASA sensors, numerical models, and research results, model outputs, and knowledge, collectively referred to as "resources". It is assumed that the resources are geographically distributed, and thus RPC will provide the support for the location transparency of the resources. The RPC system requires providing support for: (1) discovery, semantic understanding, secure access and transport mechanisms for data products available from the known data provides; (2) data assimilation and geo- processing tools for all data transformations needed to match given data products to the model input requirements; (3) model management including catalogs of models and model metadata, and mechanisms for creation environments for model execution; and (4) tools for model output analysis and model benchmarking. The challenge involves developing a cyberinfrastructure for a coordinated aggregate of software, hardware and other technologies, necessary to facilitate RPC experiments, as well as human expertise to provide an integrated, "end-to-end" platform to support the RPC objectives. Such aggregation is to be achieved through a horizontal integration of loosely coupled services. The cyberinfrastructure comprises several software layers. At the bottom, the Grid fabric encompasses network protocols, optical networks, computational resources, storage devices, and sensors. At the top, applications use workload managers to coordinate their access to physical resources. Applications are not tightly bounded to a single physical resource. Instead, they bind dynamically to resources (i.e., they are provisioned) via a common grid infrastructure layer. For the RPC system, the cyberinfrastructure must support organizing computations (or "data transformations" in general) into complex workflows with resource discovery, automatic resource allocation, monitoring, preserving provenance as well as to aggregate heterogeneous, distributed data into knowledge databases. Such service orchestration is the responsibility of the "collective services" layer. For RPC, this layer will be based on Java Business Integration (JBI, [JSR-208]) specification which is a standards-based integration platform that combines messaging, web services, data transformation, and intelligent routing to reliably connect and coordinate the interaction of significant numbers of diverse applications (plug-in components) across organizational boundaries. JBI concept is a new approach to integration that can provide the underpinnings for loosely coupled, highly distributed integration network that can scale beyond the limits of currently used hub-and-spoke brokers. This presentation discusses the requirements, design and early prototype of the NASA-sponsored RPC system under development at Mississippi State University, demonstrating the integration of data provisioning mechanisms, data transformation tools and computational models into a single interoperable system enabling rapid execution of RPC experiments.

Development Challenges and Opportunities Confronting Economies in Transition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estes, Richard J.

2007-01-01

"Economies in Transition" (hereafter EIT or EITs) are countries in the process of shifting from "command" to "more open", liberalized, free market economic systems. In addition to achieving major structural adjustments to their economies, the transformational process requires the introduction of a high degree of…

Fuse Selection for the Two-Stage Explosive Type Switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muravlev, I. O.; Surkov, M. A.; Tarasov, E. V.; Uvarov, N. F.

2017-04-01

In the two-level explosive switch destruction of a delay happens in the form of electric explosion. Criteria of similarity of electric explosion in transformer oil are defined. The challenge of protecting the power electrical equipment from short circuit currents is still urgent, especially with the growth of unit capacity. Is required to reduce the tripping time as much as possible, and limit the amplitude of the fault current, that is very important for saving of working capacity of life-support systems. This is particularly important when operating in remote stand-alone power supply systems with a high share of renewable energy, working through the inverter transducers, as well as inverter-type diesel generators. The explosive breakers copes well with these requirements. High-speed flow of transformer oil and high pressure provides formation rate of a contact gap of 20 - 100 m/s. In these conditions there is as a rapid increase in voltage on the discontinuity, and recovery of electric strength (Ures) after current interruption.

An approach for management of geometry data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dube, R. P.; Herron, G. J.; Schweitzer, J. E.; Warkentine, E. R.

1980-01-01

The strategies for managing Integrated Programs for Aerospace Design (IPAD) computer-based geometry are described. The computer model of geometry is the basis for communication, manipulation, and analysis of shape information. IPAD's data base system makes this information available to all authorized departments in a company. A discussion of the data structures and algorithms required to support geometry in IPIP (IPAD's data base management system) is presented. Through the use of IPIP's data definition language, the structure of the geometry components is defined. The data manipulation language is the vehicle by which a user defines an instance of the geometry. The manipulation language also allows a user to edit, query, and manage the geometry. The selection of canonical forms is a very important part of the IPAD geometry. IPAD has a canonical form for each entity and provides transformations to alternate forms; in particular, IPAD will provide a transformation to the ANSI standard. The DBMS schemas required to support IPAD geometry are explained.

Numerical Algorithms for Precise and Efficient Orbit Propagation and Positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, Ben K.

Motivated by the growing space catalog and the demands for precise orbit determination with shorter latency for science and reconnaissance missions, this research improves the computational performance of orbit propagation through more efficient and precise numerical integration and frame transformation implementations. Propagation of satellite orbits is required for astrodynamics applications including mission design, orbit determination in support of operations and payload data analysis, and conjunction assessment. Each of these applications has somewhat different requirements in terms of accuracy, precision, latency, and computational load. This dissertation develops procedures to achieve various levels of accuracy while minimizing computational cost for diverse orbit determination applications. This is done by addressing two aspects of orbit determination: (1) numerical integration used for orbit propagation and (2) precise frame transformations necessary for force model evaluation and station coordinate rotations. This dissertation describes a recently developed method for numerical integration, dubbed Bandlimited Collocation Implicit Runge-Kutta (BLC-IRK), and compare its efficiency in propagating orbits to existing techniques commonly used in astrodynamics. The BLC-IRK scheme uses generalized Gaussian quadratures for bandlimited functions. It requires significantly fewer force function evaluations than explicit Runge-Kutta schemes and approaches the efficiency of the 8th-order Gauss-Jackson multistep method. Converting between the Geocentric Celestial Reference System (GCRS) and International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) is necessary for many applications in astrodynamics, such as orbit propagation, orbit determination, and analyzing geoscience data from satellite missions. This dissertation provides simplifications to the Celestial Intermediate Origin (CIO) transformation scheme and Earth orientation parameter (EOP) storage for use in positioning and orbit propagation, yielding savings in computation time and memory. Orbit propagation and position transformation simulations are analyzed to generate a complete set of recommendations for performing the ITRS/GCRS transformation for a wide range of needs, encompassing real-time on-board satellite operations and precise post-processing applications. In addition, a complete derivation of the ITRS/GCRS frame transformation time-derivative is detailed for use in velocity transformations between the GCRS and ITRS and is applied to orbit propagation in the rotating ITRS. EOP interpolation methods and ocean tide corrections are shown to impact the ITRS/GCRS transformation accuracy at the level of 5 cm and 20 cm on the surface of the Earth and at the Global Positioning System (GPS) altitude, respectively. The precession-nutation and EOP simplifications yield maximum propagation errors of approximately 2 cm and 1 m after 15 minutes and 6 hours in low-Earth orbit (LEO), respectively, while reducing computation time and memory usage. Finally, for orbit propagation in the ITRS, a simplified scheme is demonstrated that yields propagation errors under 5 cm after 15 minutes in LEO. This approach is beneficial for orbit determination based on GPS measurements. We conclude with a summary of recommendations on EOP usage and bias-precession-nutation implementations for achieving a wide range of transformation and propagation accuracies at several altitudes. This comprehensive set of recommendations allows satellite operators, astrodynamicists, and scientists to make informed decisions when choosing the best implementation for their application, balancing accuracy and computational complexity.

Technical fixes and Climate Change: Optimizing for Risks and Consequences

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

Rasch, Philip J.

2010-09-16

Scientists and society in general are becoming increasingly concerned about the risks of climate change from the emission of greenhouse gases [IPCC, 2007]. Yet emissions continue to increase [Raupach et al., 2007], and reductions soon enough to avoid large and undesirable impacts requires a near revolutionary global transformation of energy and transportation systems [Hoffert et al., 1998]. The size of the transformation and lack of an effective societal response has motivated some to explore other quite controversial strategies to mitigate some of the planetary consequences of these emissions.

Application of the medical data warehousing architecture EPIDWARE to epidemiological follow-up: data extraction and transformation.

PubMed

Kerkri, E; Quantin, C; Yetongnon, K; Allaert, F A; Dusserre, L

1999-01-01

In this paper, we present an application of EPIDWARE, medical data warehousing architecture, to our epidemiological follow-up project. The aim of this project is to extract and regroup information from various information systems for epidemiological studies. We give a description of the requirements of the epidemiological follow-up project such as anonymity of medical data information and data file linkage procedure. We introduce the concept of Data Warehousing Architecture. The particularities of data extraction and transformation are presented and discussed.

Laser beam shaping for biomedical microscopy techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laskin, Alexander; Kaiser, Peter; Laskin, Vadim; Ostrun, Aleksei

2016-04-01

Uniform illumination of a working field is very important in optical systems of confocal microscopy and various implementations of fluorescence microscopy like TIR, SSIM, STORM, PALM to enhance performance of these laser-based research techniques. Widely used TEM00 laser sources are characterized by essentially non-uniform Gaussian intensity profile which leads usually to non-uniform intensity distribution in a microscope working field or in a field of microlenses array of a confocal microscope optical system, this non-uniform illumination results in instability of measuring procedure and reducing precision of quantitative measurements. Therefore transformation of typical Gaussian distribution of a TEM00 laser to flat-top (top hat) profile is an actual technical task, it is solved by applying beam shaping optics. Due to high demands to optical image quality the mentioned techniques have specific requirements to a uniform laser beam: flatness of phase front and extended depth of field, - from this point of view the microscopy techniques are similar to holography and interferometry. There are different refractive and diffractive beam shaping approaches used in laser industrial and scientific applications, but only few of them are capable to fulfil the optimum conditions for beam quality required in discussed microscopy techniques. We suggest applying refractive field mapping beam shapers πShaper, which operational principle presumes almost lossless transformation of Gaussian to flat-top beam with flatness of output wavefront, conserving of beam consistency, providing collimated low divergent output beam, high transmittance, extended depth of field, negligible wave aberration, and achromatic design provides capability to work with several lasers with different wavelengths simultaneously. The main function of a beam shaper is transformation of laser intensity profile, further beam transformation to provide optimum for a particular technique spot size and shape has to be realized by an imaging optical system which can include microscope objectives and tube lenses. This paper will describe design basics of refractive beam shapers and optical layouts of their applying in microscopy systems. Examples of real implementations and experimental results will be presented as well.

A System of Conservative Regridding for Ice-Atmosphere Coupling in a General Circulation Model (GCM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, R.; Nowicki, S.; Kelley, M.; Schmidt, G. A.

2014-01-01

The method of elevation classes, in which the ice surface model is run at multiple elevations within each grid cell, has proven to be a useful way for a low-resolution atmosphere inside a general circulation model (GCM) to produce high-resolution downscaled surface mass balance fields for use in one-way studies coupling atmospheres and ice flow models. Past uses of elevation classes have failed to conserve mass and energy because the transformation used to regrid to the atmosphere was inconsistent with the transformation used to downscale to the ice model. This would cause problems for two-way coupling. A strategy that resolves this conservation issue has been designed and is presented here. The approach identifies three grids between which data must be regridded and five transformations between those grids required by a typical coupled atmosphere-ice flow model. This paper develops a theoretical framework for the problem and shows how each of these transformations may be achieved in a consistent, conservative manner. These transformations are implemented in Glint2, a library used to couple atmosphere models with ice models. Source code and documentation are available for download. Confounding real-world issues are discussed, including the use of projections for ice modeling, how to handle dynamically changing ice geometry, and modifications required for finite element ice models.

Impact of asymmetric martensite and austenite nucleation and growth behavior on the phase stability and hysteresis of freestanding shape-memory nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Won-Seok; Grabowski, Blazej; Neugebauer, Jörg

2018-03-01

Martensitic transformations in nanoscaled shape-memory alloys exhibit characteristic features absent for the bulk counterparts. Detailed understanding is required for applications in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems, and experimental limitations render atomistic simulation an important complementary approach. Using a recently developed, accurate potential we investigate the phase transformation in freestanding Ni-Ti shape-memory nanoparticles with molecular-dynamics simulations. The results confirm that the decrease in the transformation temperature with decreasing particle size is correlated with an overstabilization of the austenitic surface energy over the martensitic surface energy. However, a detailed atomistic analysis of the nucleation and growth behavior reveals an unexpected difference in the mechanisms determining the austenite finish and martensite start temperature. While the austenite finish temperature is directly affected by a contribution of the surface energy difference, the martensite start temperature is mostly affected by the transformation strain, contrary to general expectations. This insight not only explains the reduced transformation temperature but also the reduced thermal hysteresis in freestanding nanoparticles.

Spherical harmonic analysis of a harmonic function given on a spheroid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claessens, S. J.

2016-07-01

A new analytical method for the computation of a truncated series of solid spherical harmonic coefficients (HCs) from data on a spheroid (i.e. an oblate ellipsoid of revolution) is derived, using a transformation between surface and solid spherical HCs. A two-step procedure is derived to extend this transformation beyond degree and order (d/o) 520. The method is compared to the Hotine-Jekeli transformation in a numerical study based on the EGM2008 global gravity model. Both methods are shown to achieve submicrometre precision in terms of height anomalies for a model to d/o 2239. However, both methods result in spherical harmonic models that are different by up to 7.6 mm in height anomalies and 2.5 mGal in gravity disturbances due to the different coordinate system used. While the Hotine-Jekeli transformation requires the use of an ellipsoidal coordinate system, the new method uses only spherical polar coordinates. The Hotine-Jekeli transformation is numerically more efficient, but the new method can more easily be extended to cases where (a linear combination of) normal derivatives of the function under consideration are given on the surface of the spheroid. It therefore provides a solution to many types of ellipsoidal boundary-value problems in the spectral domain.

Annual Review of Research under the Joint Services Electronics Program,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

nonlinear system under investigation to be transformed, without approximation, into an equivalent linear system to which classical design methodologies are...employed his work in the design of an experimental helicopter autopilot which is presently under- going simulation and is expected to fly in the near...decentralized, and non -quad- duced from that which would be required ratic systems is presented. Here, one for an optimal non -linlar controller. designs a

Investigation of a High Voltage, High Frequency Power Conditioning System for Use with Flux Compression Generators

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

missouri.edu Abstract The University of Missouri-Columbia is developing a compact pulsed power system to condition the high current signal from a...flux compression generator (FCG) to the high voltage, high frequency signal required for many pulsed power applications. The system consists of a...non-magnetic core, spiral-wound transformer, series exploding wire fuse, and an oscillating mesoband source. The flux compression generator is being

Preliminary design review package for the solar heating and cooling central data processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The Central Data Processing System (CDPS) is designed to transform the raw data collected at remote sites into performance evaluation information for assessing the performance of solar heating and cooling systems. Software requirements for the CDPS are described. The programming standards to be used in development, documentation, and maintenance of the software are discussed along with the CDPS operations approach in support of daily data collection and processing.

Ultralow-fatigue shape memory alloy films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chluba, Christoph; Ge, Wenwei; Lima de Miranda, Rodrigo; Strobel, Julian; Kienle, Lorenz; Quandt, Eckhard; Wuttig, Manfred

2015-05-01

Functional shape memory alloys need to operate reversibly and repeatedly. Quantitative measures of reversibility include the relative volume change of the participating phases and compatibility matrices for twinning. But no similar argument is known for repeatability. This is especially crucial for many future applications, such as artificial heart valves or elastocaloric cooling, in which more than 10 million transformation cycles will be required. We report on the discovery of an ultralow-fatigue shape memory alloy film system based on TiNiCu that allows at least 10 million transformation cycles. We found that these films contain Ti2Cu precipitates embedded in the base alloy that serve as sentinels to ensure complete and reproducible transformation in the course of each memory cycle.

A reduced adaptive observer for multivariable systems. [using reduced dynamic ordering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carroll, R. L.; Lindorff, D. P.

1973-01-01

An adaptive observer for multivariable systems is presented for which the dynamic order of the observer is reduced, subject to mild restrictions. The observer structure depends directly upon the multivariable structure of the system rather than a transformation to a single-output system. The number of adaptive gains is at most the sum of the order of the system and the number of input parameters being adapted. Moreover, for the relatively frequent specific cases for which the number of required adaptive gains is less than the sum of system order and input parameters, the number of these gains is easily determined by inspection of the system structure. This adaptive observer possesses all the properties ascribed to the single-input single-output adpative observer. Like the other adaptive observers some restriction is required of the allowable system command input to guarantee convergence of the adaptive algorithm, but the restriction is more lenient than that required by the full-order multivariable observer. This reduced observer is not restricted to cycle systems.

High efficiency coherent optical memory with warm rubidium vapour

PubMed Central

Hosseini, M.; Sparkes, B.M.; Campbell, G.; Lam, P.K.; Buchler, B.C.

2011-01-01

By harnessing aspects of quantum mechanics, communication and information processing could be radically transformed. Promising forms of quantum information technology include optical quantum cryptographic systems and computing using photons for quantum logic operations. As with current information processing systems, some form of memory will be required. Quantum repeaters, which are required for long distance quantum key distribution, require quantum optical memory as do deterministic logic gates for optical quantum computing. Here, we present results from a coherent optical memory based on warm rubidium vapour and show 87% efficient recall of light pulses, the highest efficiency measured to date for any coherent optical memory suitable for quantum information applications. We also show storage and recall of up to 20 pulses from our system. These results show that simple warm atomic vapour systems have clear potential as a platform for quantum memory. PMID:21285952

High efficiency coherent optical memory with warm rubidium vapour.

PubMed

Hosseini, M; Sparkes, B M; Campbell, G; Lam, P K; Buchler, B C

2011-02-01

By harnessing aspects of quantum mechanics, communication and information processing could be radically transformed. Promising forms of quantum information technology include optical quantum cryptographic systems and computing using photons for quantum logic operations. As with current information processing systems, some form of memory will be required. Quantum repeaters, which are required for long distance quantum key distribution, require quantum optical memory as do deterministic logic gates for optical quantum computing. Here, we present results from a coherent optical memory based on warm rubidium vapour and show 87% efficient recall of light pulses, the highest efficiency measured to date for any coherent optical memory suitable for quantum information applications. We also show storage and recall of up to 20 pulses from our system. These results show that simple warm atomic vapour systems have clear potential as a platform for quantum memory.

Synthesis and Control of Flexible Systems with Component-Level Uncertainties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maghami, Peiman G.; Lim, Kyong B.

2009-01-01

An efficient and computationally robust method for synthesis of component dynamics is developed. The method defines the interface forces/moments as feasible vectors in transformed coordinates to ensure that connectivity requirements of the combined structure are met. The synthesized system is then defined in a transformed set of feasible coordinates. The simplicity of form is exploited to effectively deal with modeling parametric and non-parametric uncertainties at the substructure level. Uncertainty models of reasonable size and complexity are synthesized for the combined structure from those in the substructure models. In particular, we address frequency and damping uncertainties at the component level. The approach first considers the robustness of synthesized flexible systems. It is then extended to deal with non-synthesized dynamic models with component-level uncertainties by projecting uncertainties to the system level. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Detecting and coping with disruptive shocks in Arctic marine systems: a resilience approach to place and people.

PubMed

Carmack, Eddy; McLaughlin, Fiona; Whiteman, Gail; Homer-Dixon, Thomas

2012-02-01

It seems inevitable that the ongoing and rapid changes in the physical environment of the marine Arctic will push components of the region's existing social-ecological systems-small and large-beyond tipping points and into new regimes. Ongoing changes include warming, freshening, acidification, and alterations to food web structure. In anticipation we pose three distinct but interrelated challenges: (1) to explore existing connectivities within components of the marine system; (2) to seek indicators (if they exist) of approaching regime change through observation and modeling; and (3) to build functional resilience into existing systems through adaptation-oriented policy and to have in hand transformative options when tipping points are crossed and new development trajectories are required. Each of the above challenges is scale dependent, and each requires a much deeper understanding than we currently have of connectivity within existing systems and their response to external forcing. Here, we argue from a global perspective the need to understand the Arctic's role in an increasingly nonlinear world; then describe emerging evidence from new observations on the connectivity of processes and system components from the Canada Basin and subarctic seas surrounding northern North America; and finally posit an approach founded in "resilience thinking" to allow northern residents living in small coastal communities to participate in the observation, adaption and-if necessary-transformation of the social-ecological system with which they live.

Inventing the Electronic University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, David W.

2015-01-01

Higher education is confronting a fundamental change. The transition from print on paper to digital and electronic technologies is transforming instruction, scholarly communication, and the storage and preservation of knowledge. What is required is not the automation of old systems, but the restructuring of institutions. The drive for autonomy,…

Fueling the Green Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elder, James

2009-01-01

The Obama administration, along with many others, has placed a high priority on accelerating the nation's transition to a cleaner, greener economy. Transforming the nation's economic, energy, and environmental systems to become more sustainable will require a level of expertise, innovation, and cooperation unseen since the 1940s war effort. Public…

Whole-cell fungal transformation of precursors into dyes

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Chemical methods of producing dyes involve extreme temperatures and unsafe toxic compounds. Application of oxidizing enzymes obtained from fungal species, for example laccase, is an alternative to chemical synthesis of dyes. Laccase can be replaced by fungal biomass acting as a whole-cell biocatalyst with properties comparable to the isolated form of the enzyme. The application of the whole-cell system simplifies the transformation process and reduces the time required for its completion. In the present work, four fungal strains with a well-known ability to produce laccase were tested for oxidation of 17 phenolic and non-phenolic precursors into stable and non-toxic dyes. Results An agar-plate screening test of the organic precursors was carried out using four fungal strains: Trametes versicolor, Fomes fomentarius, Abortiporus biennis, and Cerrena unicolor. Out of 17 precursors, nine were transformed into coloured substances in the presence of actively growing fungal mycelium. The immobilized fungal biomass catalyzed the transformation of 1 mM benzene and naphthalene derivatives in liquid cultures yielding stable and non-toxic products with good dyeing properties. The type of fungal strain had a large influence on the absorbance of the coloured products obtained after 48-hour transformation of the selected precursors, and the most effective was Fomes fomentarius (FF25). Whole-cell transformation of AHBS (3-amino-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid) into a phenoxazinone dye was carried out in four different systems: in aqueous media comprising low amounts of carbon and nitrogen source, in buffer, and in distilled water. Conclusions This study demonstrated the ability of four fungal strains belonging to the ecological type of white rot fungi to transform precursors into dyes. This paper highlights the potential of fungal biomass for replacing isolated enzymes as a cheaper industrial-grade biocatalyst for the synthesis of dyes and other commercially important products. The use of immobilized fungal biomass limits free migration of cells and facilitates their reuse in a continuous system for precursor transformation. PMID:20598166

Model Transformation for a System of Systems Dependability Safety Case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Judy; Driskell, Stephen B.

2010-01-01

Software plays an increasingly larger role in all aspects of NASA's science missions. This has been extended to the identification, management and control of faults which affect safety-critical functions and by default, the overall success of the mission. Traditionally, the analysis of fault identification, management and control are hardware based. Due to the increasing complexity of system, there has been a corresponding increase in the complexity in fault management software. The NASA Independent Validation & Verification (IV&V) program is creating processes and procedures to identify, and incorporate safety-critical software requirements along with corresponding software faults so that potential hazards may be mitigated. This Specific to Generic ... A Case for Reuse paper describes the phases of a dependability and safety study which identifies a new, process to create a foundation for reusable assets. These assets support the identification and management of specific software faults and, their transformation from specific to generic software faults. This approach also has applications to other systems outside of the NASA environment. This paper addresses how a mission specific dependability and safety case is being transformed to a generic dependability and safety case which can be reused for any type of space mission with an emphasis on software fault conditions.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.).

PubMed

Torregrosa, Laurent; Vialet, Sandrine; Adivèze, Angélique; Iocco-Corena, Pat; Thomas, Mark R

2015-01-01

Grapevine (Vitis) is considered to be one of the major fruit crops in the world based on hectares cultivated and economic value. Grapes are used not only for wine but also for fresh fruit, dried fruit, and juice production. Wine is by far the major product of grapes, and the focus of this chapter is on wine grape cultivars. Grapevine cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. have a reputation for producing premium quality wines. These premium quality wines are produced from a small number of cultivars that enjoy a high level of consumer acceptance and are firmly entrenched in the market place because of varietal name branding and the association of certain wine styles and regions with specific cultivars. In light of this situation, grapevine improvement by a transgenic approach is attractive when compared to a classical breeding approach. The transfer of individual traits as single genes with a minimum disruption to the original genome would leave the traditional characteristics of the cultivar intact. However, a reliable transformation system is required for a successful transgenic approach to grapevine improvement. There are three criteria for achieving an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system: (1) the production of highly regenerative transformable tissue, (2) optimal cocultivation conditions for both grapevine tissue and Agrobacterium, and (3) an efficient selection regime for transgenic plant regeneration. In this chapter, we describe a grapevine transformation system that meets these criteria. We also describe a protocol for the production of transformed roots suitable for functional gene studies and for the production of semi-transgenic grafted plants.

Research on Coordinate Transformation Method of Gb-Sar Image Supported by 3d Laser Scanning Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, P.; Xing, C.

2018-04-01

In the image plane of GB-SAR, identification of deformation distribution is usually carried out by artificial interpretation. This method requires analysts to have adequate experience of radar imaging and target recognition, otherwise it can easily cause false recognition of deformation target or region. Therefore, it is very meaningful to connect two-dimensional (2D) plane coordinate system with the common three-dimensional (3D) terrain coordinate system. To improve the global accuracy and reliability of the transformation from 2D coordinates of GB-SAR images to local 3D coordinates, and overcome the limitation of traditional similarity transformation parameter estimation method, 3D laser scanning data is used to assist the transformation of GB-SAR image coordinates. A straight line fitting method for calculating horizontal angle was proposed in this paper. After projection into a consistent imaging plane, we can calculate horizontal rotation angle by using the linear characteristics of the structure in radar image and the 3D coordinate system. Aided by external elevation information by 3D laser scanning technology, we completed the matching of point clouds and pixels on the projection plane according to the geometric projection principle of GB-SAR imaging realizing the transformation calculation of GB-SAR image coordinates to local 3D coordinates. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by the GB-SAR deformation monitoring experiment on the high slope of Geheyan dam.

Low-pass filtering of noisy field Schlumberger sounding curves. Part II: Application

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

Ghosh, N.; Wadhwa, R.S.; Shrotri, B.S.

1986-02-01

The basic principles of the application of the linear system theory for smoothing noise-degraded d.c. geoelectrical sounding curves were recently established by Patella. A field Schlumberger sounding is presented to demonstrate first their application and validity. To achieve this purpose, firstly it is pointed out that the required smoothing or low-pass filtering can be considered as an intrinsic property of the transformation of original Schlumberger sounding curves into pole-pole (two-electrode) curves. Then the authors sketch a numerical algorithm to perform the transformation, opportunely modified from a known procedure for transforming dipole diagrams into Schlumberger ones. Finally they show a fieldmore » example with the double aim of demonstrating (i) the high quality of the low-pass filtering, and (ii) the reliability of the transformed pole-pole curve as far as quantitative interpretation is concerned.« less

Remote-sensing image encryption in hybrid domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoqiang; Zhu, Guiliang; Ma, Shilong

2012-04-01

Remote-sensing technology plays an important role in military and industrial fields. Remote-sensing image is the main means of acquiring information from satellites, which always contain some confidential information. To securely transmit and store remote-sensing images, we propose a new image encryption algorithm in hybrid domains. This algorithm makes full use of the advantages of image encryption in both spatial domain and transform domain. First, the low-pass subband coefficients of image DWT (discrete wavelet transform) decomposition are sorted by a PWLCM system in transform domain. Second, the image after IDWT (inverse discrete wavelet transform) reconstruction is diffused with 2D (two-dimensional) Logistic map and XOR operation in spatial domain. The experiment results and algorithm analyses show that the new algorithm possesses a large key space and can resist brute-force, statistical and differential attacks. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm has the desirable encryption efficiency to satisfy requirements in practice.

Transformational leadership: implications for nursing leaders in facilities seeking magnet designation.

PubMed

Schwartz, Diane Brady; Spencer, Tammy; Wilson, Brigitte; Wood, Kim

2011-06-01

A perioperative nurse leader's ability to effect positive change and inspire others to higher levels of achievement is related to his or her leadership style in the practice setting and the leadership style that is present across the organization. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet™ designation and redesignation process requires the demonstration of transformational leadership as one of the components of excellence. Transformational leadership can increase nurses' job satisfaction and commitment to the organization and organizational culture. Engaging staff members in the transition to transformational leadership and developing a common mission, vision, and goals are keys to success in the surgical setting. Bass's four interrelated leadership components-idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration-and associated behaviors were used by surgical services leaders in an East Coast, two-hospital system to successfully achieve redesignation as a Magnet facility. Copyright © 2011 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A large-stroke cryogenic imaging FTS system for SPICA-Safari

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jellema, Willem; van Loon, Dennis; Naylor, David; Roelfsema, Peter

2014-08-01

The scientific goals of the far-infrared astronomy mission SPICA challenge the design of a large-stroke imaging FTS for Safari, inviting for the development of a new generation of cryogenic actuators with very low dissipation. In this paper we present the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) system concept, as foreseen for SPICA-Safari, and we discuss the technical developments required to satisfy the instrument performance.

Paradigms, Mental Models, and Mindsets: Triple Barriers to Transformational Change in School Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffy, Francis M.

2009-01-01

For more than a century the American education system has been guided by the Industrial Age world view (the controlling paradigm) that delivers education services to children by teaching them in groups, by requiring them to learn a fixed amount of content in a fixed amount of time, and by having their teachers serve as center stage directors of…

Development of 3-Year Roadmap to Transform the Discipline of Systems Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-31

quickly humans could physically construct them. Indeed, magnetic core memory was entirely constructed by human hands until it was superseded by...For their mainframe computers, IBM develops the applications, operating system, computer hardware and microprocessors (off the shelf standard memory ...processor developers work on potential computational and memory pipelines to support the required performance capabilities and use the available transistors

Data Use "Multi-State" Spotlight: Using Data Fidelity Tools to Improve Data Quality. Transforming State Systems to Improve Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruedel, Kristin; Nelson, Gena; Bailey, Tessie

2018-01-01

To evaluate interim progress toward the State-identified Measurable Result (SIMR), states require access to high-quality data from local education agencies (LEAs) and early intervention service providers. In a review of 2017 Phase III State Systemic Improvement Plans (SSIP), 43 Part C states noted limitations or concerns related to data and…

SAR data compression: Application, requirements, and designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curlander, John C.; Chang, C. Y.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of reducing data volume and data rate is evaluated for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). All elements of data stream from the sensor downlink data stream to electronic delivery of browse data products are explored. The factors influencing design of a data compression system are analyzed, including the signal data characteristics, the image quality requirements, and the throughput requirements. The conclusion is that little or no reduction can be achieved in the raw signal data using traditional data compression techniques (e.g., vector quantization, adaptive discrete cosine transform) due to the induced phase errors in the output image. However, after image formation, a number of techniques are effective for data compression.

A Reexamination of the Emergy Input to a System from the ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The wind energy absorbed in the global boundary layer (GBL, 900 mb surface) is the basis for calculating the wind emergy input for any system on the Earth’s surface. Estimates of the wind emergy input to a system depend on the amount of wind energy dissipated, which can have a range of magnitudes for a given velocity depending on surface drag and atmospheric stability at the location and time period under study. In this study, we develop a method to consider this complexity in estimating the emergy input to a system from the wind. A new calculation of the transformity of the wind energy dissipated in the GBL (900 mb surface) based on general models of atmospheric circulation in the planetary boundary layer (PBL, 100 mb surface) is presented and expressed on the 12.0E+24 seJ y-1 geobiosphere baseline to complete the information needed to calculate the emergy input from the wind to the GBL of any system. The average transformity of wind energy dissipated in the GBL (below 900 mb) was 1241±650 sej J-1. The analysis showed that the transformity of the wind varies over the course of a year such that summer processes may require a different wind transformity than processes occurring with a winter or annual time boundary. This is a paper in the proceedings of Emergy Synthesis 9, thus it will be available online for those interested in this subject. The paper describes a new and more accurate way to estimate the wind energy input to any system. It also has a new cal

A Fast Hartley Transform based novel optical OFDM system for VLC indoor application with constant envelope PAPR reduction technique using frequency modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vinay Kumar; Dalal, U. D.

2017-10-01

In this research literature we present a unique optical OFDM system for Visible Light Communication (VLC) intended for indoor application which uses a non conventional transform-Fast Hartley Transform and an effective method to reduce the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of the OFDM signal based on frequency modulation leading to a constant envelope (CE) signal. The proposed system is analyzed by a complete mathematical model and verified by the concurrent simulations results. The use of the non conventional transform makes the system computationally more desirable as it does not require the Hermitian symmetry constraint to yield real signals. The frequency modulation of the baseband signal converge random peaks into a CE signal. This leads to alleviation of the non linearity effects of the LED used in the link for electrical to optical conversion. The PAPR is reduced to 2 dB by this technique in this work. The impact of the modulation index on the performance of the system is also investigated. An optimum modulation depth of 30% gives better results. The additional phase discontinuity incurring on the demodulated signal at the receiver is also significantly reduced. A comparison of the improvement in phase discontinuity of the proposed technique of combating the PAPR with the previously known phase modulation technique is also presented in this work. Based on the channel metrics we evaluate the system performance and report an improvement of 1.2 dB at the FEC threshold. The proposed system is simple in design and computationally efficient and this can be incorporated into the present VLC system without much alteration thereby making it a cost effective solution.

Transforming youth mental health services and supports in Ireland.

PubMed

Illback, Robert J; Bates, Tony

2011-02-01

Young people in the Republic of Ireland do not have access to appropriate mental health services and supports, necessitating transformational change in delivery systems. Describe ongoing development and change efforts facilitated by Headstrong--The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Discusses findings from a national needs assessment, core strategies within the change initiative, progress in system-building, and preliminary descriptive and outcome data. Five demonstration sites comprised of four counties and a city neighbourhood are operational and preliminary data are promising with respect to implementation and outcomes. Effective change initiatives require vision and leadership, competence- and capacity-building, participative planning and engagement, adequate and thoughtfully deployed resources, and a comprehensive change management approach. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

On detection and visualization techniques for cyber security situation awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Wei; Wei, Shixiao; Shen, Dan; Blowers, Misty; Blasch, Erik P.; Pham, Khanh D.; Chen, Genshe; Zhang, Hanlin; Lu, Chao

2013-05-01

Networking technologies are exponentially increasing to meet worldwide communication requirements. The rapid growth of network technologies and perversity of communications pose serious security issues. In this paper, we aim to developing an integrated network defense system with situation awareness capabilities to present the useful information for human analysts. In particular, we implement a prototypical system that includes both the distributed passive and active network sensors and traffic visualization features, such as 1D, 2D and 3D based network traffic displays. To effectively detect attacks, we also implement algorithms to transform real-world data of IP addresses into images and study the pattern of attacks and use both the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based scheme and the statistical based scheme to detect attacks. Through an extensive simulation study, our data validate the effectiveness of our implemented defense system.

75 FR 652 - Energy Conservation Program: Certification, Compliance, and Enforcement Requirements for Certain...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-05

... manufacturer certification for distribution transformers. DATES: This rule is effective February 4, 2010 except... 2005--Commercial Equipment D. Distribution Transformers E. General Requirements IV. Procedural... distribution transformers that DOE proposed in the July 2006 NOPR. II. Summary of Today's Action DOE adopts...

Development of spectral analysis math models and software program and spectral analyzer, digital converter interface equipment design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayden, W. L.; Robinson, L. H.

1972-01-01

Spectral analyses of angle-modulated communication systems is studied by: (1) performing a literature survey of candidate power spectrum computational techniques, determining the computational requirements, and formulating a mathematical model satisfying these requirements; (2) implementing the model on UNIVAC 1230 digital computer as the Spectral Analysis Program (SAP); and (3) developing the hardware specifications for a data acquisition system which will acquire an input modulating signal for SAP. The SAP computational technique uses extended fast Fourier transform and represents a generalized approach for simple and complex modulating signals.

Full-field optical coherence tomography image restoration based on Hilbert transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Jihoon; Choi, Woo June; Choi, Eun Seo; Ryu, Seon Young; Lee, Byeong Ha

2007-02-01

We propose the envelope detection method that is based on Hilbert transform for image restoration in full-filed optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT). The FF-OCT system presenting a high-axial resolution of 0.9 μm was implemented with a Kohler illuminator based on Linnik interferometer configuration. A 250 W customized quartz tungsten halogen lamp was used as a broadband light source and a CCD camera was used as a 2-dimentional detector array. The proposed image restoration method for FF-OCT requires only single phase-shifting. By using both the original and the phase-shifted images, we could remove the offset and the background signals from the interference fringe images. The desired coherent envelope image was obtained by applying Hilbert transform. With the proposed image restoration method, we demonstrate en-face imaging performance of the implemented FF-OCT system by presenting a tilted mirror surface, an integrated circuit chip, and a piece of onion epithelium.

Deep neural network for traffic sign recognition systems: An analysis of spatial transformers and stochastic optimisation methods.

PubMed

Arcos-García, Álvaro; Álvarez-García, Juan A; Soria-Morillo, Luis M

2018-03-01

This paper presents a Deep Learning approach for traffic sign recognition systems. Several classification experiments are conducted over publicly available traffic sign datasets from Germany and Belgium using a Deep Neural Network which comprises Convolutional layers and Spatial Transformer Networks. Such trials are built to measure the impact of diverse factors with the end goal of designing a Convolutional Neural Network that can improve the state-of-the-art of traffic sign classification task. First, different adaptive and non-adaptive stochastic gradient descent optimisation algorithms such as SGD, SGD-Nesterov, RMSprop and Adam are evaluated. Subsequently, multiple combinations of Spatial Transformer Networks placed at distinct positions within the main neural network are analysed. The recognition rate of the proposed Convolutional Neural Network reports an accuracy of 99.71% in the German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark, outperforming previous state-of-the-art methods and also being more efficient in terms of memory requirements. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanoclusters first: a hierarchical phase transformation in a novel Mg alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuda, Hiroshi; Yamasaki, Michiaki; Kawamura, Yoshihito; Tabuchi, Masao; Kimizuka, Hajime

2015-09-01

The Mg-Y-Zn ternary alloy system contains a series of novel structures known as long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures. The formation process and its key concept from a viewpoint of phase transition are not yet clear. The current study reveals that the phase transformation process is not a traditional spinodal decomposition or structural transformation but, rather a novel hierarchical phase transformation. In this transformation, clustering occurs first, and the spatial rearrangement of the clusters induce a secondary phase transformation that eventually lead to two-dimensional ordering of the clusters. The formation process was examined using in situ synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Rapid quenching from liquid alloy into thin ribbons yielded strongly supersaturated amorphous samples. The samples were heated at a constant rate of 10 K/min. and the scattering patterns were acquired. The SAXS analysis indicated that small clusters grew to sizes of 0.2 nm after they crystallized. The clusters distributed randomly in space grew and eventually transformed into a microstructure with two well-defined cluster-cluster distances, one for the segregation periodicity of LPSO and the other for the in-plane ordering in segregated layer. This transformation into the LPSO structure concomitantly introduces the periodical stacking fault required for the 18R structures.

Real Time, Real Life Journeys toward Institutional Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adamek, Margaret A.; Alter, Theodore; Bridger, Jeffrey; Ferrick, John; Shapiro, Kenneth

2004-01-01

Creating a culture of engagement on college campuses requires investment and energy at the individual and institutional level. For a decade, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation has sponsored the Food Systems Professors Education initiative involving thirteen land-grant colleges of agriculture and their partners, designed to transform higher education and…

Selection of the next generation of air traffic control specialists : aptitude requirements for the air traffic control tower cab in 2018.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces two significant organizational challenges in the 21st century: (1) transformation of the current NAS into the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen); and (2) recruitment, selection, a...

Using Activity Theory to Understand Learning Design Requirements of Patient Self-Management Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaffer, Scott P.; Reyes, Lisette; Kim, Hannah; Collins, Bart

2010-01-01

Learning designs aimed at supporting transformational change could significantly benefit from the adoption of socio-historical and socio-cultural analysis approaches. Such systemic perspectives are gaining more importance in education as they facilitate understanding of complex interactions between learning environments and human activity. The…

Direct digital RF synthesis and modulation for MSAT mobile applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crozier, Stewart; Datta, Ravi; Sydor, John

1993-01-01

A practical method of performing direct digital RF synthesis using the Hilbert transform single sideband (SSB) technique is described. It is also shown that amplitude and phase modulation can be achieved directly at L-band with frequency stability and spurii performance exceeding stringent MSAT system requirements.

Rapid deletion plasmid construction methods for protoplast and Agrobacterium based fungal transformation systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Increasing availability of genomic data and sophistication of analytical methodology in fungi has elevated the need for functional genomics tools in these organisms. Gene deletion is a critical tool for functional analysis. The targeted deletion of genes requires both a suitable method for the trans...

Transforming Professional Learning and Practice in Assessment for Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poskitt, Jenny

2014-01-01

Assessing student learning is a complex process requiring teachers to have deep knowledge of the curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy. Changing political climates mean that teachers are expected to respond to new approaches or systems and adjust their classroom practice accordingly. Teachers often engage in professional learning (PL) to assist…

A genetic replacement system for selection-based engineering of essential proteins

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Essential genes represent the core of biological functions required for viability. Molecular understanding of essentiality as well as design of synthetic cellular systems includes the engineering of essential proteins. An impediment to this effort is the lack of growth-based selection systems suitable for directed evolution approaches. Results We established a simple strategy for genetic replacement of an essential gene by a (library of) variant(s) during a transformation. The system was validated using three different essential genes and plasmid combinations and it reproducibly shows transformation efficiencies on the order of 107 transformants per microgram of DNA without any identifiable false positives. This allowed for reliable recovery of functional variants out of at least a 105-fold excess of non-functional variants. This outperformed selection in conventional bleach-out strains by at least two orders of magnitude, where recombination between functional and non-functional variants interfered with reliable recovery even in recA negative strains. Conclusions We propose that this selection system is extremely suitable for evaluating large libraries of engineered essential proteins resulting in the reliable isolation of functional variants in a clean strain background which can readily be used for in vivo applications as well as expression and purification for use in in vitro studies. PMID:22898007

Behavioral analysis of Drosophila transformants expressing human taste receptor genes in the gustatory receptor neurons.

PubMed

Adachi, Ryota; Sasaki, Yuko; Morita, Hiromi; Komai, Michio; Shirakawa, Hitoshi; Goto, Tomoko; Furuyama, Akira; Isono, Kunio

2012-06-01

Transgenic Drosophila expressing human T2R4 and T2R38 bitter-taste receptors or PKD2L1 sour-taste receptor in the fly gustatory receptor neurons and other tissues were prepared using conventional Gal4/UAS binary system. Molecular analysis showed that the transgene mRNAs are expressed according to the tissue specificity of the Gal4 drivers. Transformants expressing the transgene taste receptors in the fly taste neurons were then studied by a behavioral assay to analyze whether transgene chemoreceptors are functional and coupled to the cell response. Since wild-type flies show strong aversion against the T2R ligands as in mammals, the authors analyzed the transformants where the transgenes are expressed in the fly sugar receptor neurons so that they promote feeding ligand-dependently if they are functional and activate the neurons. Although the feeding preference varied considerably among different strains and individuals, statistical analysis using large numbers of transformants indicated that transformants expressing T2R4 showed a small but significant increase in the preference for denatonium and quinine, the T2R4 ligands, as compared to the control flies, whereas transformants expressing T2R38 did not. Similarly, transformants expressing T2R38 and PKD2L1 also showed a similar preference increase for T2R38-specific ligand phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and a sour-taste ligand, citric acid, respectively. Taken together, the transformants expressing mammalian taste receptors showed a small but significant increase in the feeding preference that is taste receptor and also ligand dependent. Although future improvements are required to attain performance comparable to the endogenous robust response, Drosophila taste neurons may serve as a potential in vivo heterologous expression system for analyzing chemoreceptor function.

Designing an architectural style for Pervasive Healthcare systems.

PubMed

Rafe, Vahid; Hajvali, Masoumeh

2013-04-01

Nowadays, the Pervasive Healthcare (PH) systems are considered as an important research area. These systems have a dynamic structure and configuration. Therefore, an appropriate method for designing such systems is necessary. The Publish/Subscribe Architecture (pub/sub) is one of the convenient architectures to support such systems. PH systems are safety critical; hence, errors can bring disastrous results. To prevent such problems, a powerful analytical tool is required. So using a proper formal language like graph transformation systems for developing of these systems seems necessary. But even if software engineers use such high level methodologies, errors may occur in the system under design. Hence, it should be investigated automatically and formally that whether this model of system satisfies all their requirements or not. In this paper, a dynamic architectural style for developing PH systems is presented. Then, the behavior of these systems is modeled and evaluated using GROOVE toolset. The results of the analysis show its high reliability.

Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship, 1984: transformation of a profession.

PubMed

Gilfoyle, E M

1984-09-01

Professional evolution includes a period of disunity, a phase when old values and concepts are being examined, and new perspectives emerge. Disunity can be a positive impetus for dynamic change. Transformation provides a higher level reintegration through which new understanding and progress unfold. Occupational therapy's transformation is now; it is time for careful analysis and creative synthesis. Transformation is a three-fold process of integration of past, present, and future into an upward spiral of professional development. Transformation is a constant flow of activities influenced by both internal and external factors. Although there are multidimensions that influence occupational therapy's transformation, three major components are inherent in the profession's paradigm shift: society's decline in patriarchal authority; decline in allegiance to a biomedical model; and shift in values, dimensions of practice, and education that form the reality of occupational therapy. Transformation of our profession will be a paradigm shift: in our value system of purposeful activity to a new perspective of occupation and occupational, in our quest to develop a unifying theory for recognition of the unifying force of values, in our concepts and theories to include the science of occupation and the art of purposefulness from total allegiance to scientific knowledge to include intuitive knowledge, from being an allied medical field to an independent health profession that is both educationally and medically related, from a biomedical model to a paradigm of wellness, in balancing of feminine and masculine values of human nature in organizing educational curricula and entry-level requirements that reflect our value system and predicted practice dimensions.

Experimental evidence for non-redox transformations between magnetite and hematite under H 2-rich hydrothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otake, Tsubasa; Wesolowski, David J.; Anovitz, Lawrence M.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Ohmoto, Hiroshi

2007-05-01

Transformations of magnetite (Fe IIFe 2IIIO 4) to hematite (Fe 2IIIO 3) (and vice versa) have been thought by many scientists and engineers to require molecular O 2 and/or H 2. Thus, the presence of magnetite and/or hematite in rocks has been linked to a specific oxidation environment. However, the availability of reductants or oxidants in many geologic and industrial environments appears to have been too low to account for the transformations of iron oxides through redox reactions. Here, we report the results of hydrothermal experiments in mildly acidic and H 2-rich aqueous solutions at 150 °C, which demonstrate that transformations of magnetite to hematite, and hematite to magnetite, occur rapidly without involving molecular O 2 or H 2: Fe3O 4(Mt) + 2H (aq)+ ↔ Fe 2O 3(Hm) + Fe (aq)2+ + H 2O. The transformation products are chemically and structurally homogeneous, and typically occur as euhedral single crystals much larger than the precursor minerals. This suggests that, in addition to the expected release of aqueous ferrous species to solution, the transformations involve release of aqueous ferric species from the precursor oxides to the solution, which reprecipitate without being reduced by H 2. These redox-independent transformations may have been responsible for the formation of some iron oxides in natural systems, such as high-grade hematite ores that developed from Banded Iron Formations (BIFs), hematite-rich deposits formed on Mars, corrosion products in power plants and other industrial systems.

Learning Is the Journey: From Process Reengineering to Systemic Customer-Service Design at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-23

This monograph borrows from multiple disciplines to argue for an organizational shift from process reengineering to system design to improve...government customer-service delivery. Specifically, the monograph proposes a transformation in claims processing within the Veterans Benefits Administration...required. The proposed system design is an attempt to place the disability claims process within a larger environment encompassing multiple dimensions of customers.

7 CFR 1724.52 - Permitted deviations from RUS construction standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... (b) Transformer neutral connections. Where it is necessary to separate the primary and secondary neutrals to provide the required electric service to a consumer, the RUS standard transformer secondary... economically meeting the clearance requirements of the NESC. (2) It is permissible to lower the transformer and...

7 CFR 1724.52 - Permitted deviations from RUS construction standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... (b) Transformer neutral connections. Where it is necessary to separate the primary and secondary neutrals to provide the required electric service to a consumer, the RUS standard transformer secondary... economically meeting the clearance requirements of the NESC. (2) It is permissible to lower the transformer and...

7 CFR 1724.52 - Permitted deviations from RUS construction standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... (b) Transformer neutral connections. Where it is necessary to separate the primary and secondary neutrals to provide the required electric service to a consumer, the RUS standard transformer secondary... economically meeting the clearance requirements of the NESC. (2) It is permissible to lower the transformer and...

7 CFR 1724.52 - Permitted deviations from RUS construction standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... (b) Transformer neutral connections. Where it is necessary to separate the primary and secondary neutrals to provide the required electric service to a consumer, the RUS standard transformer secondary... economically meeting the clearance requirements of the NESC. (2) It is permissible to lower the transformer and...

7 CFR 1724.52 - Permitted deviations from RUS construction standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... (b) Transformer neutral connections. Where it is necessary to separate the primary and secondary neutrals to provide the required electric service to a consumer, the RUS standard transformer secondary... economically meeting the clearance requirements of the NESC. (2) It is permissible to lower the transformer and...

Leadership and transformational change in healthcare organisations: a qualitative analysis of the North East Transformation System.

PubMed

Erskine, Jonathan; Hunter, David J; Small, Adrian; Hicks, Chris; McGovern, Tom; Lugsden, Ed; Whitty, Paula; Steen, Nick; Eccles, Martin Paul

2013-02-01

The research project 'An Evaluation of Transformational Change in NHS North East' examines the progress and success of National Health Service (NHS) organisations in north east England in implementing and embedding the North East Transformation System (NETS), a region-wide programme to improve healthcare quality and safety, and to reduce waste, using a combination of Vision, Compact, and Lean-based Method. This paper concentrates on findings concerning the role of leadership in enabling tranformational change, based on semi-structured interviews with a mix of senior NHS managers and quality improvement staff in 14 study sites. Most interviewees felt that implementing the NETS requires committed, stable leadership, attention to team-building across disciplines and leadership development at many levels. We conclude that without senior leader commitment to continuous improvement over a long time scale and serious efforts to distribute leadership tasks to all levels, healthcare organisations are less likely to achieve positive changes in managerial-clinical relations, sustainable improvements to organisational culture and, ultimately, the region-wide step change in quality, safety and efficiency that the NETS was designed to deliver. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Characterizing new compositions of [001]C relaxor ferroelectric single crystals using a work-energy model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, John A.

2016-04-01

The desired operating range of ferroelectric materials with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary is limited by field induced phase transformations. In [001]C cut and poled relaxor ferroelectric single crystals the mechanically driven ferroelectric rhombohedral to ferroelectric orthorhombic phase transformation is hindered by antagonistic electrical loading. Instability around the phase transformation makes the current experimental technique for characterization of the large field behavior very time consuming. Characterization requires specialized equipment and involves an extensive set of measurements under combined electrical, mechanical, and thermal loads. In this work a mechanism-based model is combined with a more limited set of experiments to obtain the same results. The model utilizes a work-energy criterion that calculates the mechanical work required to induce the transformation and the required electrical work that is removed to reverse the transformation. This is done by defining energy barriers to the transformation. The results of the combined experiment and modeling approach are compared to the fully experimental approach and error is discussed. The model shows excellent predictive capability and is used to substantially reduce the total number of experiments required for characterization. This decreases the time and resources required for characterization of new compositions.

A simplified Integer Cosine Transform and its application in image compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costa, M.; Tong, K.

1994-01-01

A simplified version of the integer cosine transform (ICT) is described. For practical reasons, the transform is considered jointly with the quantization of its coefficients. It differs from conventional ICT algorithms in that the combined factors for normalization and quantization are approximated by powers of two. In conventional algorithms, the normalization/quantization stage typically requires as many integer divisions as the number of transform coefficients. By restricting the factors to powers of two, these divisions can be performed by variable shifts in the binary representation of the coefficients, with speed and cost advantages to the hardware implementation of the algorithm. The error introduced by the factor approximations is compensated for in the inverse ICT operation, executed with floating point precision. The simplified ICT algorithm has potential applications in image-compression systems with disparate cost and speed requirements in the encoder and decoder ends. For example, in deep space image telemetry, the image processors on board the spacecraft could take advantage of the simplified, faster encoding operation, which would be adjusted on the ground, with high-precision arithmetic. A dual application is found in compressed video broadcasting. Here, a fast, high-performance processor at the transmitter would precompensate for the factor approximations in the inverse ICT operation, to be performed in real time, at a large number of low-cost receivers.

A Turbo-Brayton Cryocooler for Aircraft Superconducting Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietz, Anthony

2014-01-01

Hybrid turboelectric aircraft-with gas turbines driving electric generators connected to electric propulsion motors-have the potential to transform aircraft design. Decoupling power generation from propulsion enables innovative aircraft designs, such as blended-wing bodies, with distributed propulsion. These hybrid turboelectric aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce emissions, decrease fuel burn, and reduce noise, all of which are required to make air transportation growth projections sustainable. The power density requirements for these electric machines can only be achieved with superconductors, which in turn require lightweight, high-capacity cryocoolers.

Deriving persistence indicators from regulatory water-sediment studies – opportunities and limitations in OECD 308 data.

PubMed

Honti, Mark; Fenner, Kathrin

2015-05-19

The OECD guideline 308 describes a laboratory test method to assess aerobic and anaerobic transformation of organic chemicals in aquatic sediment systems and is an integral part of tiered testing strategies in different legislative frameworks for the environmental risk assessment of chemicals. The results from experiments carried out according to OECD 308 are generally used to derive persistence indicators for hazard assessment or half-lives for exposure assessment. We used Bayesian parameter estimation and system representations of various complexities to systematically assess opportunities and limitations for estimating these indicators from existing data generated according to OECD 308 for 23 pesticides and pharmaceuticals. We found that there is a disparity between the uncertainty and the conceptual robustness of persistence indicators. Disappearance half-lives are directly extractable with limited uncertainty, but they lump degradation and phase transfer information and are not robust against changes in system geometry. Transformation half-lives are less system-specific but require inverse modeling to extract, resulting in considerable uncertainty. Available data were thus insufficient to derive indicators that had both acceptable robustness and uncertainty, which further supports previously voiced concerns about the usability and efficiency of these costly experiments. Despite the limitations of existing data, we suggest the time until 50% of the parent compound has been transformed in the entire system (DegT(50,system)) could still be a useful indicator of persistence in the upper, partially aerobic sediment layer in the context of PBT assessment. This should, however, be accompanied by a mandatory reporting or full standardization of the geometry of the experimental system. We recommend transformation half-lives determined by inverse modeling to be used as input parameters into fate models for exposure assessment, if due consideration is given to their uncertainty.

Carbon Budgets as a Guide to Deep Decarbonisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogelj, J.

2017-12-01

Halting global mean temperature rise requires a limit on the cumulative amount of net CO2 disposed of in the atmosphere. Remaining within the limits of such carbon budgets over the 21st century will require a profound transformation of how our societies use and produce energy, crops, and materials. To understand the options available to stay within stringent carbon budget constraints, global transformation pathways are being devised with integrated models of the energy-economy-land system. This presentation will look at how the latest insights of such pathways affect carbon budgets. Estimates of carbon budgets compatible with a given temperature limit depend on the anticipated temperature contribution at peak warming of non-CO2 forcers. Integrated transformation pathways allow to understand the projected extend of these contributions, as well as estimate the maximum conceivable rate of emissions reductions over the coming decades. The latter directly informs the lower end of future cumulative CO2 emissions and can thus provide an estimate for minimum peak warming over the 21st century - a measure which can be compared to the ambitious long-term temperature goal of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement.

Co-Creating an Expansive Health Care Learning System.

PubMed

Cribb, Alan; Owens, John; Singh, Guddi

2017-11-01

How should practices of co-creation be integrated into health professions education? Although co-creation permits a variety of interpretations, we argue that realizing a transformative vision of co-creation-one that invites professionals to genuinely reconsider the purposes, relationships, norms, and priorities of health care systems through new forms of collaborative thought and practice-will require radically rethinking existing approaches to professional education. The meaningful enactment of co-creative roles and practices requires health professionals and students to negotiate competing traditions, pressures, and expectations. We therefore suggest that the development of what we call an "expansive health care learning system" is crucial for supporting learners in meeting the challenges of establishing genuinely co-creative health care systems. © 2017 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

Embracing uncertainty, managing complexity: applying complexity thinking principles to transformation efforts in healthcare systems.

PubMed

Khan, Sobia; Vandermorris, Ashley; Shepherd, John; Begun, James W; Lanham, Holly Jordan; Uhl-Bien, Mary; Berta, Whitney

2018-03-21

Complexity thinking is increasingly being embraced in healthcare, which is often described as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Applying CAS to healthcare as an explanatory model for understanding the nature of the system, and to stimulate changes and transformations within the system, is valuable. A seminar series on systems and complexity thinking hosted at the University of Toronto in 2016 offered a number of insights on applications of CAS perspectives to healthcare that we explore here. We synthesized topics from this series into a set of six insights on how complexity thinking fosters a deeper understanding of accepted ideas in healthcare, applications of CAS to actors within the system, and paradoxes in applications of complexity thinking that may require further debate: 1) a complexity lens helps us better understand the nebulous term "context"; 2) concepts of CAS may be applied differently when actors are cognizant of the system in which they operate; 3) actor responses to uncertainty within a CAS is a mechanism for emergent and intentional adaptation; 4) acknowledging complexity supports patient-centred intersectional approaches to patient care; 5) complexity perspectives can support ways that leaders manage change (and transformation) in healthcare; and 6) complexity demands different ways of implementing ideas and assessing the system. To enhance our exploration of key insights, we augmented the knowledge gleaned from the series with key articles on complexity in the literature. Ultimately, complexity thinking acknowledges the "messiness" that we seek to control in healthcare and encourages us to embrace it. This means seeing challenges as opportunities for adaptation, stimulating innovative solutions to ensure positive adaptation, leveraging the social system to enable ideas to emerge and spread across the system, and even more important, acknowledging that these adaptive actions are part of system behaviour just as much as periods of stability are. By embracing uncertainty and adapting innovatively, complexity thinking enables system actors to engage meaningfully and comfortably in healthcare system transformation.

Production of transgenic strawberries by temporary immersion bioreactor system and verification by TAIL-PCR

PubMed Central

Hanhineva, Kati J; Kärenlampi, Sirpa O

2007-01-01

Background Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is an economically important soft fruit crop with polyploid genome which complicates the breeding of new cultivars. For certain traits, genetic engineering offers a potential alternative to traditional breeding. However, many strawberry varieties are quite recalcitrant for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and a method allowing easy handling of large amounts of starting material is needed. Also the genotyping of putative transformants is challenging since the isolation of DNA for Southern analysis is difficult due to the high amount of phenolic compounds and polysaccharides that complicate efficient extraction of digestable DNA. There is thus a need to apply a screening method that is sensitive and unambiguous in identifying the different transformation events. Results Hygromycin-resistant strawberries were developed in temporary immersion bioreactors by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Putative transformants were screened by TAIL-PCR to verify T-DNA integration and to distinguish between the individual transformation events. Several different types of border sequence arrangements were detected. Conclusion This study demonstrates that temporary immersion bioreactor system suits well for the regeneration of transgenic strawberry plants as a labour-efficient technique. Small amount of DNA required by TAIL-PCR is easily recovered even from a small transformant, which allows rapid verification of T-DNA integration and detection of separate gene transfer events. These techniques combined clearly facilitate the generation of transgenic strawberries but should be applicable to other plants as well. PMID:17309794

Sociology, systems and (patient) safety: knowledge translations in healthcare policy.

PubMed

Jensen, Casper Bruun

2008-03-01

In 2000 the American Institute of Medicine, adviser to the federal government on policy matters relating to the health of the public, published the report To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System, which was to become a call to arms for improving patient safety across the Western world. By re-conceiving healthcare as a system, it was argued that it was possible to transform the current culture of blame, which made individuals take defensive precautions against being assigned responsibility for error - notably by not reporting adverse events, into a culture of safety. The IOM report draws on several prominent social scientists in accomplishing this re-conceptualisation. But the analyses of these authors are not immediately relevant for health policy. It requires knowledge translation to make them so. This paper analyses the process of translation. The discussion is especially pertinent due to a certain looping effect between social science research and policy concerns. The case here presented is thus doubly illustrative: exemplifying first how social science is translated into health policy and secondly how the transformation required for this to function is taken as an analytical improvement that can in turn be redeployed in social research.

Determination of acoustical transfer functions using an impulse method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacPherson, J.

1985-02-01

The Transfer Function of a system may be defined as the relationship of the output response to the input of a system. Whilst recent advances in digital processing systems have enabled Impulse Transfer Functions to be determined by computation of the Fast Fourier Transform, there has been little work done in applying these techniques to room acoustics. Acoustical Transfer Functions have been determined for auditoria, using an impulse method. The technique is based on the computation of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of a non-ideal impulsive source, both at the source and at the receiver point. The Impulse Transfer Function (ITF) is obtained by dividing the FFT at the receiver position by the FFT of the source. This quantity is presented both as linear frequency scale plots and also as synthesized one-third octave band data. The technique enables a considerable quantity of data to be obtained from a small number of impulsive signals recorded in the field, thereby minimizing the time and effort required on site. As the characteristics of the source are taken into account in the calculation, the choice of impulsive source is non-critical. The digital analysis equipment required for the analysis is readily available commercially.

Reference coordinate systems: An update. Supplement 11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Ivan I.

1988-01-01

A common requirement for all geodetic investigations is a well-defined coordinate system attached to the earth in some prescribed way, as well as a well-defined inertial coordinate system in which the motions of the terrestrial frame can be monitored. The paper deals with the problems encountered when establishing such coordinate systems and the transformations between them. In addition, problems related to the modeling of the deformable earth are discussed. This paper is an updated version of the earlier work, Reference Coordinate Systems for Earth Dynamics: A Preview, by the author.

The feasibility of replacing or upgrading utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance

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

Barnes, P.R.; Van Dyke, J.W.; McConnell, B.W.

It is estimated that electric utilities use about 40 million distribution transformers in supplying electricity to customers in the United States. Although utility distribution transformers collectively have a high average efficiency, they account for approximately 61 billion kWh of the 229 billion kWh of energy lost annually in the delivery of electricity. Distribution transformers are being replaced over time by new, more efficient, lower-loss units during routine utility maintenance of power distribution systems. Maintenance is typically not performed on units in service. However, units removed from service with appreciable remaining life are often refurbished and returned to stock. Distribution transformersmore » may be removed from service for many reasons, including failure, over- or underloading, or line upgrades such as voltage changes or rerouting. When distribution transformers are removed from service, a decision must be made whether to dispose of the transformer and purchase a lower-loss replacement or to refurbish the transformer and return it to stock for future use. This report contains findings and recommendations on replacing utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance, which is required by section 124(c) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the practicability, cost-effectiveness, and potential energy savings of replacing or upgrading existing transformers during routine utility maintenance and to develop recommendations on was to achieve the potential energy savings.« less

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) transformation using mature embryos.

PubMed

Medvecká, Eva; Harwood, Wendy A

2015-01-01

In most protocols for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of wheat, the preferred target tissues are immature embryos. However, transformation methods relying on immature embryos require the growth of plants under controlled conditions to provide a continuous supply of good-quality target tissue. The use of mature embryos as a target tissue has the advantage of only requiring good-quality seed as the starting material. Here we describe a transformation method based on the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of callus cultures derived from mature wheat embryos of the genotype Bobwhite S56.

An Analysis of the Accessibility of Earth-Approaching Asteroids.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

coordinate system. Outputs are the X,Y,Z coordinates of the sun in the geocentric-equatorial coordinate system. The obliquity of the ecliptic is a variable...All positions and velocities are calculated in heliocentric- ecliptic coordinates thus requiring no transformations into unusual frames of reference...tion vectors of the departure and arrival planets in the heliocentric- ecliptic reference frame. ,\\. , V I(W() - / n (16) %: ~22% .b The angle between

Data-driven discovery of Koopman eigenfunctions using deep learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lusch, Bethany; Brunton, Steven L.; Kutz, J. Nathan

2017-11-01

Koopman operator theory transforms any autonomous non-linear dynamical system into an infinite-dimensional linear system. Since linear systems are well-understood, a mapping of non-linear dynamics to linear dynamics provides a powerful approach to understanding and controlling fluid flows. However, finding the correct change of variables remains an open challenge. We present a strategy to discover an approximate mapping using deep learning. Our neural networks find this change of variables, its inverse, and a finite-dimensional linear dynamical system defined on the new variables. Our method is completely data-driven and only requires measurements of the system, i.e. it does not require derivatives or knowledge of the governing equations. We find a minimal set of approximate Koopman eigenfunctions that are sufficient to reconstruct and advance the system to future states. We demonstrate the method on several dynamical systems.

Multi-agent electricity market modeling with EMCAS.

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

North, M.; Macal, C.; Conzelmann, G.

2002-09-05

Electricity systems are a central component of modern economies. Many electricity markets are transitioning from centrally regulated systems to decentralized markets. Furthermore, several electricity markets that have recently undergone this transition have exhibited extremely unsatisfactory results, most notably in California. These high stakes transformations require the introduction of largely untested regulatory structures. Suitable tools that can be used to test these regulatory structures before they are applied to real systems are required. Multi-agent models can provide such tools. To better understand the requirements such as tool, a live electricity market simulation was created. This experience helped to shape the developmentmore » of the multi-agent Electricity Market Complex Adaptive Systems (EMCAS) model. To explore EMCAS' potential, several variations of the live simulation were created. These variations probed the possible effects of changing power plant outages and price setting rules on electricity market prices.« less

Method for Reducing the Refresh Rate of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Allen R., Jr. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The invention provides a method of obtaining the FBG data in final form (transforming the raw data into frequency and location data) by taking the raw FBG sensor data and dividing the data into a plurality of segments over time. By transforming the raw data into a plurality of smaller segments, processing time is significantly decreased. Also, by defining the segments over time, only one processing step is required. By employing this method, the refresh rate of FBG sensor systems can be improved from about 1 scan per second to over 20 scans per second.

Can big data transform electronic health records into learning health systems?

PubMed

Harper, Ellen

2014-01-01

In the United States and globally, healthcare delivery is in the midst of an acute transformation with the adoption and use of health information technology (health IT) thus generating increasing amounts of patient care data available in computable form. Secure and trusted use of these data, beyond their original purpose can change the way we think about business, health, education, and innovation in the years to come. "Big Data" is data whose scale, diversity, and complexity require new architecture, techniques, algorithms, and analytics to manage it and extract value and hidden knowledge from it.

Study of power management technology for orbital multi-100KWe applications. Volume 2: Study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mildice, J. W.

1980-01-01

The preliminary requirements and technology advances required for cost effective space power management systems for multi-100 kilowatt requirements were identified. System requirements were defined by establishing a baseline space platform in the 250 KE KWe range and examining typical user loads and interfaces. The most critical design parameters identified for detailed analysis include: increased distribution voltages and space plasma losses, the choice between ac and dc distribution systems, shuttle servicing effects on reliability, life cycle costs, and frequency impacts to power management system and payload systems for AC transmission. The first choice for a power management system for this kind of application and size range is a hybrid ac/dc combination with the following major features: modular design and construction-sized minimum weight/life cycle cost; high voltage transmission (100 Vac RMS); medium voltage array or = 440 Vdc); resonant inversion; transformer rotary joint; high frequency power transmission line or = 20 KHz); energy storage on array side or rotary joint; fully redundant; and 10 year life with minimal replacement and repair.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.).

PubMed

Bouquet, Alain; Torregrosa, Laurent; Iocco, Pat; Thomas, Mark R

2006-01-01

Grapevine (Vitis) is considered to be one of the major fruit crops in the world based on hectares cultivated and economic value. Grapes are used not only for wine but also for fresh fruit, dried fruit, and juice production. Wine is by far the major product of grapes and the focus of this chapter is on wine grape cultivars. Grapevine cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. have a reputation for producing premium quality wines. These premium quality wines are produced from a small number of cultivars that enjoy a high level of consumer acceptance and are firmly entrenched in the market place because of varietal name branding and the association of certain wine styles and regions with specific cultivars. In light of this situation, grapevine improvement by a transgenic approach is attractive when compared to a classical breeding approach. The transfer of individual traits as single genes with a minimum disruption to the original genome would leave the traditional characteristics of the cultivar intact. However, a reliable transformation system is required for a successful transgenic approach to grapevine improvement. There are three criteria for achieving an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system: (1) the production of highly regenerative transformable tissue, (2) optimal co-cultivation conditions for both grapevine tissue and Agrobacterium, and (3) an efficient selection regime for transgenic plant regeneration. In this chapter, we describe a grapevine transformation system which meets the above mentioned criteria.

Requirements for a transformerless power conditioning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, J.; Koerner, T.; Rippel, W.; Kalbach, J.

1984-01-01

Requirements for development of a Transformerless Power Conditioning Subsystem (TPCS) that will meet utility, manufacturer, and customer needs are detailed. Issues analyzed include current utility guidelines, safety and grounding issues that appear as local codes, various kinds of TPCS connections that can be developed, dc injection, and a brief survey of TPCS circuit topologies that will meet requirements. The major result is that a finite time exists for control operation before dc injection into the distribution transformer causes customer outage (on the order of seconds). This time permits the control system to sense a dc injection condition and remove the TPCS from the utility system. Requirements for such a control system are specified. A three wire connection will ensure balanced operation for customer loads and two wire connections caused average value dc to be injected into single phase loads. This type of connection also allows for the lowest array voltage. The conclusion is that requirements for a TPCS can be determined and that there are not showstopping issues preventing implementation. The actual design and topology of the TPCS was left for further study.

Requirements' Role in Mobilizing and Enabling Design Conversation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergman, Mark

Requirements play a critical role in a design conversation of systems and products. Product and system design exists at the crossroads of problems, solutions and requirements. Requirements contextualize problems and solutions, pointing the way to feasible outcomes. These are captured with models and detailed specifications. Still, stakeholders need to be able to understand one-another using shared design representations in order to mobilize bias and transform knowledge towards legitimized, desired results. Many modern modeling languages, including UML, as well as detailed, logic-based specifications are beyond the comprehension of key stakeholders. Hence, they inhibit, rather than promote design conversation. Improved design boundary objects (DBO), especially design requirements boundary objects (DRBO), need to be created and refined to improve the communications between principals. Four key features of design boundary objects that improve and promote design conversation are discussed in detail. A systems analysis and design case study is presented which demonstrates these features in action. It describes how a small team of analysts worked with key stakeholders to mobilize and guide a complex system design discussion towards an unexpected, yet desired outcome within a short time frame.

Off Grid Photovoltaic Wastewater Treatment and Management Lagoons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaPlace, Lucas A.; Moody, Bridget D.

2015-01-01

The SSC wastewater treatment system is comprised of key components that require a constant source of electrical power or diesel fuel to effectively treat the wastewater. In alignment with the President's new Executive Order 13653, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade, this project aims to transform the wastewater treatment system into a zero emissions operation by incorporating the advantages of an off grid, photovoltaic system. Feasibility of implementation will be based on an analytical evaluation of electrical data, fuel consumption, and site observations.

Image processing techniques and applications to the Earth Resources Technology Satellite program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polge, R. J.; Bhagavan, B. K.; Callas, L.

1973-01-01

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite system is studied, with emphasis on sensors, data processing requirements, and image data compression using the Fast Fourier and Hadamard transforms. The ERTS-A system and the fundamentals of remote sensing are discussed. Three user applications (forestry, crops, and rangelands) are selected and their spectral signatures are described. It is shown that additional sensors are needed for rangeland management. An on-board information processing system is recommended to reduce the amount of data transmitted.

Boundary particle method for Laplace transformed time fractional diffusion equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zhuo-Jia; Chen, Wen; Yang, Hai-Tian

2013-02-01

This paper develops a novel boundary meshless approach, Laplace transformed boundary particle method (LTBPM), for numerical modeling of time fractional diffusion equations. It implements Laplace transform technique to obtain the corresponding time-independent inhomogeneous equation in Laplace space and then employs a truly boundary-only meshless boundary particle method (BPM) to solve this Laplace-transformed problem. Unlike the other boundary discretization methods, the BPM does not require any inner nodes, since the recursive composite multiple reciprocity technique (RC-MRM) is used to convert the inhomogeneous problem into the higher-order homogeneous problem. Finally, the Stehfest numerical inverse Laplace transform (NILT) is implemented to retrieve the numerical solutions of time fractional diffusion equations from the corresponding BPM solutions. In comparison with finite difference discretization, the LTBPM introduces Laplace transform and Stehfest NILT algorithm to deal with time fractional derivative term, which evades costly convolution integral calculation in time fractional derivation approximation and avoids the effect of time step on numerical accuracy and stability. Consequently, it can effectively simulate long time-history fractional diffusion systems. Error analysis and numerical experiments demonstrate that the present LTBPM is highly accurate and computationally efficient for 2D and 3D time fractional diffusion equations.

Strategic re-design of team-based patient-focused health care services.

PubMed

Tahara, Denise C; Green, Richard P

2014-01-01

This paper proposes an organizational change process to prepare physicians and other health professionals for their new roles in patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs). It provides physician-centered tools, models, concepts, and the language to implement transformational patient-centered medical care. To improve care delivery, quality, and patient engagement, a systems approach to care is required. This paper examines a systems approach to patient care where all inputs that influence patient interactions and participation are considered in the design of health care delivery and follow-up treatment plans. Applying systems thinking, organizational change models, and team-building, we have examined the continuum of this change process from ideation through the diffusion of new methods and behaviors. PCMHs make compelling business sense. Studies have shown that the PCMH improves patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and reduces underuse and overuse of medical services. Patient-centered care necessitates transitioning from an adversarial to a collaborative culture. It is a transformation process predicated on strong leadership able to align an organization toward a vision of patient-centered care, creating a collaborative culture committed to health-goal achievement. This paper proposes that the PCMH is a rigorous team-building transformational organizational change, a radical departure from the current hierarchical, silo-oriented, medical practice model. It requires that participants within and across health care organizations learn new skills and behaviors to achieve the anticipated quality and efficiency improvements. It is an innovative health care organization model of the future whose success is premised on teams supplanting the individual as the building block and unit of health care performance.

Measuring adaptive capacity of urban wastewater infrastructure - Change impact and change propagation.

PubMed

Spiller, Marc

2017-12-01

The ability of urban wastewater systems to adapt and transform as a response to change is an integral part of sustainable development. This requires technology and infrastructure that can be adapted to new operational challenges. In this study the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems is evaluated by assessing the interdependencies between system components. In interdependent and therefore tightly coupled systems, changes to one systems component will require alteration elsewhere in the system, therefore impairing the capacity of these systems to be changed. The aim of this paper is to develop a methodology to evaluate the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems by assessing how change drivers and innovation affect existing wastewater technology and infrastructure. The methodology comprises 7 steps and applies a change impact table and a design structure matrix that are completed by experts during workshops. Change impact tables quantify where change drivers, such as energy neutrality and resource recovery, require innovation in a system. The design structure matrix is a tool to quantify "emerging changes" that are a result of the innovation. The method is applied for the change driver of energy neutrality and shown for two innovations: a decentralised upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by an anammox process and a conventional activated sludge treatment with enhanced chemical precipitation and high temperature-high pressure hydrolysis. The results show that the energy neutrality of wastewater systems can be address by either innovation in the decentralised or centralised treatment. The quantification of the emerging changes for both innovations indicates that the decentralised treatment is more disruptive, or in other words, the system needs to undergo more adaptation. It is concluded that the change impact and change propagation method can be used to characterise and quantify the technological or infrastructural transformations. In addition, it provides insight into the stakeholders affected by change. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Augmented reality image guidance for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Figl, Michael; Rueckert, Daniel; Hawkes, David; Casula, Roberto; Hu, Mingxing; Pedro, Ose; Zhang, Dong Ping; Penney, Graeme; Bello, Fernando; Edwards, Philip

2008-03-01

We propose a novel system for image guidance in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB). A key requirement is the availability of 2D-3D registration techniques that can deal with non-rigid motion and deformation. Image guidance for TECAB is mainly required before the mechanical stabilization of the heart, thus the most dominant source of non-rigid deformation is the motion of the beating heart. To augment the images in the endoscope of the da Vinci robot, we have to find the transformation from the coordinate system of the preoperative imaging modality to the system of the endoscopic cameras. In a first step we build a 4D motion model of the beating heart. Intraoperatively we can use the ECG or video processing to determine the phase of the cardiac cycle. We can then take the heart surface from the motion model and register it to the stereo-endoscopic images of the da Vinci robot using 2D-3D registration methods. We are investigating robust feature tracking and intensity-based methods for this purpose. Images of the vessels available in the preoperative coordinate system can then be transformed to the camera system and projected into the calibrated endoscope view using two video mixers with chroma keying. It is hoped that the augmented view can improve the efficiency of TECAB surgery and reduce the conversion rate to more conventional procedures.

Acousto-optic replication of ultrashort laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yushkov, Konstantin B.; Molchanov, Vladimir Ya.; Ovchinnikov, Andrey V.; Chefonov, Oleg V.

2017-10-01

Precisely controlled sequences of ultrashort laser pulses are required in various scientific and engineering applications. We developed a phase-only acousto-optic pulse shaping method for replication of ultrashort laser pulses in a TW laser system. A sequence of several Fourier-transform-limited pulses is generated from a single femtosecond laser pulse by means of applying a piecewise linear phase modulation over the whole emission spectrum. Analysis demonstrates that the main factor which limits maximum delay between the pulse replicas is spectral resolution of the acousto-optic dispersive delay line used for pulse shaping. In experiments with a Cr:forsterite laser system, we obtained delays from 0.3 to 3.5 ps between two replicas of 190 fs transform-limited pulses at the central wavelength of laser emission, 1230 nm.

Improving TOGAF ADM 9.1 Migration Planning Phase by ITIL V3 Service Transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanum Harani, Nisa; Akhmad Arman, Arry; Maulana Awangga, Rolly

2018-04-01

Modification planning of business transformation involving technological utilization required a system of transition and migration planning process. Planning of system migration activity is the most important. The migration process is including complex elements such as business re-engineering, transition scheme mapping, data transformation, application development, individual involvement by computer and trial interaction. TOGAF ADM is the framework and method of enterprise architecture implementation. TOGAF ADM provides a manual refer to the architecture and migration planning. The planning includes an implementation solution, in this case, IT solution, but when the solution becomes an IT operational planning, TOGAF could not handle it. This paper presents a new model framework detail transitions process of integration between TOGAF and ITIL. We evaluated our models in field study inside a private university.

Note: Tesla based pulse generator for electrical breakdown study of liquid dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veda Prakash, G.; Kumar, R.; Patel, J.; Saurabh, K.; Shyam, A.

2013-12-01

In the process of studying charge holding capability and delay time for breakdown in liquids under nanosecond (ns) time scales, a Tesla based pulse generator has been developed. Pulse generator is a combination of Tesla transformer, pulse forming line, a fast closing switch, and test chamber. Use of Tesla transformer over conventional Marx generators makes the pulse generator very compact, cost effective, and requires less maintenance. The system has been designed and developed to deliver maximum output voltage of 300 kV and rise time of the order of tens of nanoseconds. The paper deals with the system design parameters, breakdown test procedure, and various experimental results. To validate the pulse generator performance, experimental results have been compared with PSPICE simulation software and are in good agreement with simulation results.

Turnaround Necessities: Basic Conditions for an Effective, Sustainable, and Scalable School Turnaround

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, William S.; Buntrock, LeAnn M.

2011-01-01

Turning around chronically low-performing schools is challenging work requiring fundamental rethinking of the change process, and a systemic rather than school-by-school approach. Without a doubt, high-impact school leaders are critical to turnaround success, and pockets of success around the country demonstrate this. However, transformational and…

REDUCING THE WASTE STREAM: BRINGING ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMICAL, AND EDUCATIONAL COMPOSTING TO A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE

EPA Science Inventory

The Northfield, Minnesota area contains three institutions that produce a large amount of compostable food waste. St. Olaf College uses a large-scale on-site composting machine that effectively transforms the food waste to compost, but the system requires an immense start-up c...

The Academic Degree as a Distorting Mirror of Russian Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porus, V. N.

2014-01-01

The process of obtaining academic degrees in Russia has gone through serious distortions, and this has damaged Russian science. Existing administrative measures taken to correct the situation have been ineffective, and a radical transformation of the entire system of the training of scientific and scientific pedagogical cadres is required. [This…

A Theory of Information Quality and a Framework for Its Implementation in the Requirements Engineering Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grenn, Michael W.

2013-01-01

This dissertation introduces a theory of information quality to explain macroscopic behavior observed in the systems engineering process. The theory extends principles of Shannon's mathematical theory of communication [1948] and statistical mechanics to information development processes concerned with the flow, transformation, and meaning of…

Codifying a Next-Generation Education System: New York City iSchool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Education Development Center, Inc, 2009

2009-01-01

The world outside schools is changing rapidly with the advances of technology and economic requirements for a 21st-century global citizenry. Today, technology has moved into one's everyday life and is becoming a pervasive part of how one works, learns, and plays. Similarly, networked communications and computer technology have transformed the…

The Role of Early Literacy Interventions in the Transformation of Educational Systems. Technical Report No. 617.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaffney, Janet S.; Paynter, Susan Y.

A literacy intervention is designed to produce accelerated change, moving student achievement rapidly and providing for sustained performance over time. Adopting a complex intervention is a problem-solving process that requires understanding of the conceptual congruity of all aspects of the theory, intervention, and training underlying the…

Improving Computational Efficiency of Prediction in Model-Based Prognostics Using the Unscented Transform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daigle, Matthew John; Goebel, Kai Frank

2010-01-01

Model-based prognostics captures system knowledge in the form of physics-based models of components, and how they fail, in order to obtain accurate predictions of end of life (EOL). EOL is predicted based on the estimated current state distribution of a component and expected profiles of future usage. In general, this requires simulations of the component using the underlying models. In this paper, we develop a simulation-based prediction methodology that achieves computational efficiency by performing only the minimal number of simulations needed in order to accurately approximate the mean and variance of the complete EOL distribution. This is performed through the use of the unscented transform, which predicts the means and covariances of a distribution passed through a nonlinear transformation. In this case, the EOL simulation acts as that nonlinear transformation. In this paper, we review the unscented transform, and describe how this concept is applied to efficient EOL prediction. As a case study, we develop a physics-based model of a solenoid valve, and perform simulation experiments to demonstrate improved computational efficiency without sacrificing prediction accuracy.

[The Mexican health system: does it require a transformation?].

PubMed

Chertorivski Woldenberg, Salomón; Fajardo Dolci, German

2012-01-01

National health systems represent an organized social response that enables countries to improve, maintain and enhance the health status of their citizens. These evolve and are transformed according to changes in the biological, economic, political and social components of health. In Mexico there is currently a segmented health system, consisting of a bismarckian model of social security and a social protection in health model. The latter developed to comply with the fourth constitutional article by which health is no longer described as a right linked to the employment status of the individual. Given this reality at least three alternatives seem to emerge for the future: the permanence of a mixed health system with social security and social protection institutions with a similar weight within the national health system, or its opposite, the extension of social protection as a mechanism for widespread access. Given the challenges we face, it is desirable to establish a unified health system, the aim should be that health care is universally protected, as currently happens, but is guaranteed through a much more efficient and based in primary care health care system.

Design, Test and Demonstration of Fault Current Limiting HTS Transformer

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

Hazelton, Drew

The project developed new technology that enables the creation of a high temperature superconductor-based FCL power transformer. SuperPower’s research and development created new methods to bond HTS conductor to a supporting substrate, test, and insulate the resulting bonded conductor, reduce winding ac losses, ensure FCL functionality during a transformer fault and build firm superconducting joints in the transformer harnesses and cabling. The bonded conductor in this program was shown to meet the critical operating parameters of providing the superconducting transformer operation while being able to meet the target normal state resistance required for FCL operation. The bonded conductor was alsomore » shown to be able to handle the fabrication stresses associated with the manufacture of the FCL transformer while also being able to handle the high hoop stresses and axial forces during a fault transient. Much of the technology developed here is applicable to the broader applied superconductivity community. The ability to tailor the clad conductors performance characteristics gives the designer of devices utilizing HTS a broader capability to address the particular needs of an given application. SuperPower worked with its sub-recipients Waukesha Electric Systems, ORNL, Southern California Edison and University of Houston to develop the design, fabrication, installation and operational aspects of a fault current limiting transformer on the electrical grid.« less

Comprehensive reliability allocation method for CNC lathes based on cubic transformed functions of failure mode and effects analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhou; Zhu, Yunpeng; Ren, Hongrui; Zhang, Yimin

2015-03-01

Reliability allocation of computerized numerical controlled(CNC) lathes is very important in industry. Traditional allocation methods only focus on high-failure rate components rather than moderate failure rate components, which is not applicable in some conditions. Aiming at solving the problem of CNC lathes reliability allocating, a comprehensive reliability allocation method based on cubic transformed functions of failure modes and effects analysis(FMEA) is presented. Firstly, conventional reliability allocation methods are introduced. Then the limitations of direct combination of comprehensive allocation method with the exponential transformed FMEA method are investigated. Subsequently, a cubic transformed function is established in order to overcome these limitations. Properties of the new transformed functions are discussed by considering the failure severity and the failure occurrence. Designers can choose appropriate transform amplitudes according to their requirements. Finally, a CNC lathe and a spindle system are used as an example to verify the new allocation method. Seven criteria are considered to compare the results of the new method with traditional methods. The allocation results indicate that the new method is more flexible than traditional methods. By employing the new cubic transformed function, the method covers a wider range of problems in CNC reliability allocation without losing the advantages of traditional methods.

Construction of a self-cloning system in the unicellular green alga Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea.

PubMed

Kasai, Yuki; Oshima, Kohei; Ikeda, Fukiko; Abe, Jun; Yoshimitsu, Yuya; Harayama, Shigeaki

2015-01-01

Microalgae have received considerable interest as a source of biofuel production. The unicellular green alga Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea (non-validated scientific name) strain Obi appears to be suitable for large-scale cultivation in outdoor open ponds for biodiesel production because it accumulates lipids to more than 30 % of dry cell weight under nitrogen-depleted conditions. It also grows rapidly under acidic conditions at which most protozoan grazers of microalgae may not be tolerant. The lipid productivity of this alga could be improved using genetic engineering techniques; however, genetically modified organisms are the subject of regulation by specific laws. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a self-cloning-based positive selection system for the breeding of P. ellipsoidea. In this study, uracil auxotrophic mutants were isolated after the mutagenesis of P. ellipsoidea using either ultraviolet light or a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) system. The cDNA of the uridine monophosphate synthase gene (PeUMPS) of P. ellipsoidea was cloned downstream of the promoter of either a beta-tubulin gene (PeTUBULIN1) or the gene for the small subunit of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (PeRBCS) to construct the pUT1 or pUT2 plasmid, respectively. These constructs were introduced into uracil auxotroph strains, and genetically complementary transformants were isolated successfully on minimal agar plates. Use of Noble agar as the solidifying agent was essential to avoid the development of false-positive colonies. It took more than 6 weeks for the formation of colonies of pUT1 transformants, whereas pUT2 transformants formed colonies in 2 weeks. Real-time PCR revealed that there were more PeUMPS transcripts in pUT2 transformants than in pUT1 transformants. Uracil synthesis (Ura(+)) transformants were also obtained using a gene cassette consisting solely of PeUMPS flanked by the PeRBCS promoter and terminator. A self-cloning-based positive selection system for the genetic transformation of P. ellipsoidea was developed. Self-cloned P. ellipsoidea strains will require less-stringent containment measures for large-scale outdoor cultivation.

Microfluidic Approaches to Synchrotron Radiation-Based Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) Spectral Microscopy of Living Biosystems

PubMed Central

Loutherback, Kevin; Birarda, Giovanni; Chen, Liang; Holman, Hoi-Ying N.

2016-01-01

A long-standing desire in biological and biomedical sciences is to be able to probe cellular chemistry as biological processes are happening inside living cells. Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectral microscopy is a label-free and nondestructive analytical technique that can provide spatiotemporal distributions and relative abundances of biomolecules of a specimen by their characteristic vibrational modes. Despite great progress in recent years, SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems remains challenging because of the demanding requirements on environmental control and strong infrared absorption of water. To meet this challenge, microfluidic devices have emerged as a method to control the water thickness while providing a hospitable environment to measure cellular processes and responses over many hours or days. This paper will provide an overview of microfluidic device development for SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems, provide contrast between the various techniques including closed and open-channel designs, and discuss future directions of development within this area. Even as the fundamental science and technological demonstrations develop, other ongoing issues must be addressed; for example, choosing applications whose experimental requirements closely match device capabilities, and developing strategies to efficiently complete the cycle of development. These will require imagination, ingenuity and collaboration. PMID:26732243

Microfluidic approaches to synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectral microscopy of living biosystems

DOE PAGES

Loutherback, Kevin; Birarda, Giovanni; Chen, Liang; ...

2016-02-15

A long-standing desire in biological and biomedical sciences is to be able to probe cellular chemistry as biological processes are happening inside living cells. Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectral microscopy is a label-free and nondestructive analytical technique that can provide spatiotemporal distributions and relative abundances of biomolecules of a specimen by their characteristic vibrational modes. Despite great progress in recent years, SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems remains challenging because of the demanding requirements on environmental control and strong infrared absorption of water. To meet this challenge, microfluidic devices have emerged as a method to control the watermore » thickness while providing a hospitable environment to measure cellular processes and responses over many hours or days. This paper will provide an overview of microfluidic device development for SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems, provide contrast between the various techniques including closed and open-channel designs, and discuss future directions of development within this area. Even as the fundamental science and technological demonstrations develop, other ongoing issues must be addressed; for example, choosing applications whose experimental requirements closely match device capabilities, and developing strategies to efficiently complete the cycle of development. These will require imagination, ingenuity and collaboration.« less

Pose Invariant Face Recognition Based on Hybrid Dominant Frequency Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijaya, I. Gede Pasek Suta; Uchimura, Keiichi; Hu, Zhencheng

Face recognition is one of the most active research areas in pattern recognition, not only because the face is a human biometric characteristics of human being but also because there are many potential applications of the face recognition which range from human-computer interactions to authentication, security, and surveillance. This paper presents an approach to pose invariant human face image recognition. The proposed scheme is based on the analysis of discrete cosine transforms (DCT) and discrete wavelet transforms (DWT) of face images. From both the DCT and DWT domain coefficients, which describe the facial information, we build compact and meaningful features vector, using simple statistical measures and quantization. This feature vector is called as the hybrid dominant frequency features. Then, we apply a combination of the L2 and Lq metric to classify the hybrid dominant frequency features to a person's class. The aim of the proposed system is to overcome the high memory space requirement, the high computational load, and the retraining problems of previous methods. The proposed system is tested using several face databases and the experimental results are compared to a well-known Eigenface method. The proposed method shows good performance, robustness, stability, and accuracy without requiring geometrical normalization. Furthermore, the purposed method has low computational cost, requires little memory space, and can overcome retraining problem.

Microfluidic approaches to synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectral microscopy of living biosystems

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

Loutherback, Kevin; Birarda, Giovanni; Chen, Liang

A long-standing desire in biological and biomedical sciences is to be able to probe cellular chemistry as biological processes are happening inside living cells. Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectral microscopy is a label-free and nondestructive analytical technique that can provide spatiotemporal distributions and relative abundances of biomolecules of a specimen by their characteristic vibrational modes. Despite great progress in recent years, SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems remains challenging because of the demanding requirements on environmental control and strong infrared absorption of water. To meet this challenge, microfluidic devices have emerged as a method to control the watermore » thickness while providing a hospitable environment to measure cellular processes and responses over many hours or days. This paper will provide an overview of microfluidic device development for SR-FTIR imaging of living biological systems, provide contrast between the various techniques including closed and open-channel designs, and discuss future directions of development within this area. Even as the fundamental science and technological demonstrations develop, other ongoing issues must be addressed; for example, choosing applications whose experimental requirements closely match device capabilities, and developing strategies to efficiently complete the cycle of development. These will require imagination, ingenuity and collaboration.« less

Model Predictive Control of A Matrix-Converter Based Solid State Transformer for Utility Grid Interaction

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

Xue, Yaosuo

The matrix converter solid state transformer (MC-SST), formed from the back-to-back connection of two three-to-single-phase matrix converters, is studied for use in the interconnection of two ac grids. The matrix converter topology provides a light weight and low volume single-stage bidirectional ac-ac power conversion without the need for a dc link. Thus, the lifetime limitations of dc-bus storage capacitors are avoided. However, space vector modulation of this type of MC-SST requires to compute vectors for each of the two MCs, which must be carefully coordinated to avoid commutation failure. An additional controller is also required to control power exchange betweenmore » the two ac grids. In this paper, model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for an MC-SST connecting two different ac power grids. The proposed MPC predicts the circuit variables based on the discrete model of MC-SST system and the cost function is formulated so that the optimal switch vector for the next sample period is selected, thereby generating the required grid currents for the SST. Simulation and experimental studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed MPC for such MC-SST-based grid interfacing systems.« less

Low-complex energy-aware image communication in visual sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phamila, Yesudhas Asnath Victy; Amutha, Ramachandran

2013-10-01

A low-complex, low bit rate, energy-efficient image compression algorithm explicitly designed for resource-constrained visual sensor networks applied for surveillance, battle field, habitat monitoring, etc. is presented, where voluminous amount of image data has to be communicated over a bandwidth-limited wireless medium. The proposed method overcomes the energy limitation of individual nodes and is investigated in terms of image quality, entropy, processing time, overall energy consumption, and system lifetime. This algorithm is highly energy efficient and extremely fast since it applies energy-aware zonal binary discrete cosine transform (DCT) that computes only the few required significant coefficients and codes them using enhanced complementary Golomb Rice code without using any floating point operations. Experiments are performed using the Atmel Atmega128 and MSP430 processors to measure the resultant energy savings. Simulation results show that the proposed energy-aware fast zonal transform consumes only 0.3% of energy needed by conventional DCT. This algorithm consumes only 6% of energy needed by Independent JPEG Group (fast) version, and it suits for embedded systems requiring low power consumption. The proposed scheme is unique since it significantly enhances the lifetime of the camera sensor node and the network without any need for distributed processing as was traditionally required in existing algorithms.

Framework for experimenting with QoS for multimedia services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Deming; Colwell, Regis; Gelman, Herschel; Chrysanthis, Panos K.; Mosse, Daniel

1996-03-01

It has been recognized that an effective support for multimedia applications must provide Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. Current methods propose to provide such QoS guarantees through coordinated network resource reservations. In our approach, we extend this idea providing system-wide QoS guarantees that consider the data manipulation and transformations needed in the intermediate and end sites of the network. Given a user's QoS requirements, multisegment virtual channels are established with the necessary communication and computation resources reserved for the timely, synchronized, and reliable delivery of the different datatypes. Such data originate in several distributed data repositories, are transformed at intermediate service stations into suitable formats for transportation and presentation, and are delivered to a viewing unit. In this paper, we first review NETWORLD, an architecture that provides such QoS guarantees and an interface for the specification and negotiation of user-level QoS requirements. Our user interface supports both expert and non- expert modes. We then describe how to map user-level QoS requirements into low-level system parameters, leading into a contract between the application and the network. The mapping considers various characteristics of the architectures (such as the hardware and software available at each source, destination, or intermediate site) as well as cost constraints.

Making a georeferenced mosaic of historical map series using constrained polynomial fit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnár, G.

2009-04-01

Present day GIS software packages make it possible to handle several hundreds of rasterised map sheets. For proper usage of such datasets we usually have two requirements: First these map sheets should be georeferenced, secondly these georeferenced maps should fit properly together, without overlap and short. Both requirements can be fulfilled easily, if the geodetic background for the map series is accurate, and the projection of the map series is known. In this case the individual map sheets should be georeferenced in the projected coordinate system of the map series. This means every individual map sheets are georeferenced using overprinted coordinate grid or image corner projected coordinates as ground control points (GCPs). If after this georeferencing procedure the map sheets do not fit together (for example because of using different projection for every map sheet, as it is in the case of Third Military Survey) a common projection can be chosen, and all the georeferenced maps should be transformed to this common projection using a map-to-map transformation. If the geodetic background is not so strong, ie. there are distortions inside the map sheets, a polynomial (linear quadratic or cubic) polynomial fit can be used for georeferencing the map sheets. Finding identical surface objects (as GCPs) on the historical map and on a present day cartographic map, let us to determine a transformation between raw image coordinates (x,y) and the projected coordinates (Easting, Northing, E,N). This means, for all the map sheets, several GCPs should be found, (for linear, quadratic of cubic transformations at least 3, 5 or 10 respectively) and every map sheets should be transformed to a present day coordinate system individually using these GCPs. The disadvantage of this method is that, after the transformation, the individual transformed map sheets not necessarily fit together properly any more. To overcome this problem neither the reverse order of procedure helps: if we make the mosaic first (eg. graphically) and we try the polynomial fit of this mosaic afterwards, neither using this can we reduce the error of internal inaccuracy of the map-sheets. We can overcome this problem by calculating the transformation parameters of polynomial fit with constrains (Mikhail, 1976). The constrain is that the common edge of two neighboring map-sheets should be transformed identically, ie. the right edge of the left image and the left edge of the right image should fit together after the transformation. This condition should fulfill for all the internal (not only the vertical, but also for the horizontal) edges of the mosaic. Constrains are expressed as a relationship between parameters: The parameters of the polynomial transformation should fulfill not only the least squares adjustment criteria but also the constrain: the transformed coordinates should be identical on the image edges. (With the example mentioned above, for image points of the rightmost column of the left image the transformed coordinates should be the same a for the image points of the leftmost column of the right image, and these transformed coordinates can depend on the line number image coordinate of the raster point.) The normal equation system can be calculated with Lagrange-multipliers. The resulting set of parameters for all map-sheets should be applied on the transformation of the images. This parameter set can not been directly applied in GIS software for the transformation. The simplest solution applying this parameters is ‘simulating' GCPs for every image, and applying these simulated GCPs for the georeferencing of the individual map sheets. This method is applied on a set of map-sheets of the First military Survey of the Habsburg Empire with acceptable results. Reference: Mikhail, E. M.: Observations and Least Squares. IEP—A Dun-Donnelley Publisher, New York, 1976. 497 pp.

Application of singular value decomposition to structural dynamics systems with constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1985-01-01

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

Automated Health Surveillance

PubMed Central

Block, Bruce; Brennan, J.A.

1987-01-01

A successful health maintenance program requires physicians interested in and knowledgeable about the appropriate health surveillance actions to pursue. But even well-informed physicians need help transforming good intentions into effective health surveillance. An automated health surveillance system was designed and implemented to simplify documentation of health maintenance and remind physicians when actions were overdue. The system has increased insight into the complex process of health promotion and promises to be an important clinical, educational, and research tool.

A new and efficient approach for construction of uridine/uracil auxotrophic mutants in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation.

PubMed

Nguyen, Khuyen Thi; Ho, Quynh Ngoc; Do, Loc Thi Binh Xuan; Mai, Linh Thi Dam; Pham, Duc-Ngoc; Tran, Huyen Thi Thanh; Le, Diep Hong; Nguyen, Huy Quang; Tran, Van-Tuan

2017-06-01

Aspergillus oryzae is a filamentous fungus widely used in food industry and as a microbial cell factory for recombinant protein production. Due to the inherent resistance of A. oryzae to common antifungal compounds, genetic transformation of this mold usually requires auxotrophic mutants. In this study, we show that Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) method is very efficient for deletion of the pyrG gene in different Aspergillus oryzae wild-type strains to generate uridine/uracil auxotrophic mutants. Our data indicated that all the obtained uridine/uracil auxotrophic transformants, which are 5- fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA) resistant, exist as the pyrG deletion mutants. Using these auxotrophic mutants and the pyrG selectable marker for genetic transformation via A. tumefaciens, we could get about 1060 transformants per 10 6 fungal spores. In addition, these A. oryzae mutants were also used successfully for expression of the DsRed fluorescent reporter gene under control of the A. oryzae amyB promoter by the ATMT method, which resulted in obvious red transformants on agar plates. Our work provides a new and effective approach for constructing the uridine/uracil auxotrophic mutants in the importantly industrial fungus A. oryzae. This strategy appears to be applicable to other filamentous fungi to develop similar genetic transformation systems based on auxotrophic/nutritional markers for food-grade recombinant applications.

Transformational capacity and the influence of place and identity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, N. A.; Park, S. E.; Adger, W. N.; Brown, K.; Howden, S. M.

2012-09-01

Climate change is altering the productivity of natural resources with far-reaching implications for those who depend on them. Resource-dependent industries and communities need the capacity to adapt to a range of climate risks if they are to remain viable. In some instances, the scale and nature of the likely impacts means that transformations of function or structure will be required. Transformations represent a switch to a distinct new system where a different suite of factors become important in the design and implementation of response strategies. There is a critical gap in knowledge on understanding transformational capacity and its influences. On the basis of current knowledge on adaptive capacity we propose four foundations for measuring transformational capacity: (1) how risks and uncertainty are managed, (2) the extent of skills in planning, learning and reorganizing, (3) the level of financial and psychological flexibility to undertake change and (4) the willingness to undertake change. We test the influence of place attachment and occupational identity on transformational capacity using the Australian peanut industry, which is presently assessing significant structural change in response to predicted climatic changes. Survey data from 88% of peanut farmers in Queensland show a strong negative correlation between transformational capacity and both place attachment and occupational attachment, suggesting that whilst these factors may be important positive influences on the capacity to adapt to incremental change, they act as barriers to transformational change.

Extended sources near-field processing of experimental aperture synthesis data and application of the Gerchberg method for enhancing radiometric three-dimensional millimetre-wave images in security screening portals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmon, Neil A.

2017-10-01

Aperture synthesis for passive millimetre wave imaging provides a means to screen people for concealed threats in the extreme near-field configuration of a portal, a regime where the imager to subject distance is of the order of both the required depth-of-field and the field-of-view. Due to optical aberrations, focal plane array imagers cannot deliver the large depth-of-fields and field-of-views required in this regime. Active sensors on the other hand can deliver these but face challenges of illumination, speckle and multi-path issues when imaging canyon regions of the body. Fortunately an aperture synthesis passive millimetre wave imaging system can deliver large depth-of-fields and field-of-views, whilst having no speckle effects, as the radiometric emission from the human body is spatially incoherent. Furthermore, as in portal security screening scenarios the aperture synthesis imaging technique delivers a half-wavelength spatial resolution, it can effectively screen the whole of the human body. Some recent measurements are presented that demonstrate the three-dimensional imaging capability of extended sources using a 22 GHz aperture synthesis system. A comparison is made between imagery generated via the analytic Fourier transform and a gridding fast Fourier transform method. The analytic Fourier transform enables aliasing in the imagery to be more clearly identified. Some initial results are also presented of how the Gerchberg technique, an image enhancement algorithm used in radio astronomy, is adapted for three-dimensional imaging in security screening. This technique is shown to be able to improve the quality of imagery, without adding extra receivers to the imager. The requirements of a walk through security screening system for use at entrances to airport departure lounges are discussed, concluding that these can be met by an aperture synthesis imager.

Image Stability Requirements For a Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bingham, G. E.; Cantwell, G.; Robinson, R. C.; Revercomb, H. E.; Smith, W. L.

2001-01-01

A Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) has been selected for the NASA New Millennium Program (NMP) Earth Observing-3 (EO-3) mission. Our paper will discuss one of the key GIFTS measurement requirements, Field of View (FOV) stability, and its impact on required system performance. The GIFTS NMP mission is designed to demonstrate new and emerging sensor and data processing technologies with the goal of making revolutionary improvements in meteorological observational capability and forecasting accuracy. The GIFTS payload is a versatile imaging FTS with programmable spectral resolution and spatial scene selection that allows radiometric accuracy and atmospheric sounding precision to be traded in near real time for area coverage. The GIFTS sensor combines high sensitivity with a massively parallel spatial data collection scheme to allow high spatial resolution measurement of the Earth's atmosphere and rapid broad area coverage. An objective of the GIFTS mission is to demonstrate the advantages of high spatial resolution (4 km ground sample distance - gsd) on temperature and water vapor retrieval by allowing sampling in broken cloud regions. This small gsd, combined with the relatively long scan time required (approximately 10 s) to collect high resolution spectra from geostationary (GEO) orbit, may require extremely good pointing control. This paper discusses the analysis of this requirement.

Hybrid insulation coordination and optimisation for 1 MV operation of pulsed electron accelerator KALI-30GW

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

Senthil, K.; Mitra, S.; Sandeep, S., E-mail: sentilk@barc.gov.in

In a multi-gigawatt pulsed power system like KALI-30 GW, insulation coordination is required to achieve high voltages ranging from 0.3 MV to 1 MV. At the same time optimisation of the insulation parameters is required to minimize the inductance of the system, so that nanoseconds output can be achieved. The KALI-30GW pulse power system utilizes a combination of Perspex, delrin, epoxy, transformer oil, nitrogen/SF{sub 6} gas and vacuum insulation at its various stages in compressing DC high voltage to a nanoseconds pulse. This paper describes the operation and performance of the system from 400 kV to 1030 kV output voltagemore » pulse and insulation parameters utilized for obtaining peak 1 MV output. (author)« less

Fracture Toughness, Mechanical Property, And Chemical Characterization Of A Critical Modification To The NASA SLS Solid Booster Internal Material System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pancoast, Justin; Garrett, William; Moe, Gulia

2015-01-01

A modified propellant-liner-insulation (PLI) bondline in the Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket booster required characterization for flight certification. The chemical changes to the PLI bondline and the required additional processing have been correlated to mechanical responses of the materials across the bondline. Mechanical properties testing and analyses included fracture toughness, tensile, and shear tests. Chemical properties testing and analyses included Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, cross-link density, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and wave dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The testing identified the presence of the expected new materials and found the functional bondline performance of the new PLI system was not significantly changed from the old system.

Research Opportunities Supporting the Vision for Space Exploration from the Transformation of the Former Microgravity Materials Science Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clinton, R. G., Jr.; Szofran, Frank; Bassler, Julie A.; Schlagheck, Ronald A.; Cook, Mary Beth

2005-01-01

The Microgravity Materials Science Program established a strong research capability through partnerships between NASA and the scientific research community. With the announcement of the vision for space exploration, additional emphasis in strategic materials science areas was necessary. The President's Commission recognized that achieving its exploration objectives would require significant technical innovation, research, and development in focal areas defined as "enabling technologies." Among the 17 enabling technologies identified for initial focus were: advanced structures, advanced power and propulsion; closed-loop life support and habitability; extravehicular activity systems; autonomous systems and robotics; scientific data collection and analysis, biomedical risk mitigation; and planetary in situ resource utilization. Mission success may depend upon use of local resources to fabricate a replacement part to repair a critical system. Future propulsion systems will require materials with a wide range of mechanical, thermophysical, and thermochemical properties, many of them well beyond capabilities of today's materials systems. Materials challenges have also been identified by experts working to develop advanced life support systems. In responding to the vision for space exploration, the Microgravity Materials Science Program aggressively transformed its research portfolio and focused materials science areas of emphasis to include space radiation shielding; in situ fabrication and repair for life support systems; in situ resource utilization for life support consumables; and advanced materials for exploration, including materials science for space propulsion systems and for life support systems. The purpose of this paper is to inform the scientific community of these new research directions and opportunities to utilize their materials science expertise and capabilities to support the vision for space exploration.

Optimal reconstruction of the states in qutrit systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Fei; Yang, Ming; Cao, Zhuo-Liang

2010-10-01

Based on mutually unbiased measurements, an optimal tomographic scheme for the multiqutrit states is presented explicitly. Because the reconstruction process of states based on mutually unbiased states is free of information waste, we refer to our scheme as the optimal scheme. By optimal we mean that the number of the required conditional operations reaches the minimum in this tomographic scheme for the states of qutrit systems. Special attention will be paid to how those different mutually unbiased measurements are realized; that is, how to decompose each transformation that connects each mutually unbiased basis with the standard computational basis. It is found that all those transformations can be decomposed into several basic implementable single- and two-qutrit unitary operations. For the three-qutrit system, there exist five different mutually unbiased-bases structures with different entanglement properties, so we introduce the concept of physical complexity to minimize the number of nonlocal operations needed over the five different structures. This scheme is helpful for experimental scientists to realize the most economical reconstruction of quantum states in qutrit systems.

Modeling of a data exchange process in the Automatic Process Control System on the base of the universal SCADA-system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topolskiy, D.; Topolskiy, N.; Solomin, E.; Topolskaya, I.

2016-04-01

In the present paper the authors discuss some ways of solving energy saving problems in mechanical engineering. In authors' opinion one of the ways of solving this problem is integrated modernization of power engineering objects of mechanical engineering companies, which should be intended for the energy supply control efficiency increase and electric energy commercial accounting improvement. The author have proposed the usage of digital current and voltage transformers for these purposes. To check the compliance of this equipment with the IEC 61850 International Standard, we have built a mathematic model of the data exchange process between measuring transformers and a universal SCADA-system. The results of modeling show that the discussed equipment corresponds to the mentioned Standard requirements and the usage of the universal SCADA-system for these purposes is preferable and economically reasonable. In modeling the authors have used the following software: MasterScada, Master OPC_DI_61850, OPNET.

[Spatial domain display for interference image dataset].

PubMed

Wang, Cai-Ling; Li, Yu-Shan; Liu, Xue-Bin; Hu, Bing-Liang; Jing, Juan-Juan; Wen, Jia

2011-11-01

The requirements of imaging interferometer visualization is imminent for the user of image interpretation and information extraction. However, the conventional researches on visualization only focus on the spectral image dataset in spectral domain. Hence, the quick show of interference spectral image dataset display is one of the nodes in interference image processing. The conventional visualization of interference dataset chooses classical spectral image dataset display method after Fourier transformation. In the present paper, the problem of quick view of interferometer imager in image domain is addressed and the algorithm is proposed which simplifies the matter. The Fourier transformation is an obstacle since its computation time is very large and the complexion would be even deteriorated with the size of dataset increasing. The algorithm proposed, named interference weighted envelopes, makes the dataset divorced from transformation. The authors choose three interference weighted envelopes respectively based on the Fourier transformation, features of interference data and human visual system. After comparing the proposed with the conventional methods, the results show the huge difference in display time.

Transformation rules and degradation of CAHs by Fentonlike oxidation in growth ring of water distribution network-A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, D.; Ma, W. C.; Jiang, X. Q.; Yuan, Y. X.; Yuan, Y.; Wang, Z. Q.; Fang, T. T.; Huang, W. Y.

2017-08-01

Chlorinated hydrocarbons are widely used as organic solvent and chemical raw materials. After treatment, water polluted with trichloroethylene (TCE)/tetrachloroethylene (PCE) can reach the water quality requirements, while water with trace amounts of TCE/PCE is still harmful to humans, which will cause cancers. Water distribution network is an extremely complicated system, in which adsorption, desorption, flocculation, movement, transformation and reduction will occur, leading to changes of TCE/PCE concentrations and products. Therefore, it is important to investigate the transformation rules of TCE/PCE in water distribution network. What’s more, growth-ring, including drinking water pipes deposits, can act as catalysts in Fenton-like reagent (H2O2). This review summarizes the status of transformation rules of CAHs in water distribution network. It also evaluates the effectiveness and fruit of CAHs degradation by Fenton-like reagent based on growth-ring. This review is important in solving the potential safety problems caused by TCE/PCE in water distribution network.

Isolation transformers for utility-interactive photovoltaic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, E. C., Jr.

1982-12-01

Isolation transformers are used in some photovoltaic systems to isolate the photovoltaic system common mode voltage from the utility distribution system. In early system experiments with grid connected photovoltaics, such transformers were the source of significant power losses. A project at the Lincoln Laboratory and at Allied Chemical Corporation developed an improved isolation transformer to minimize such power losses. Experimental results and an analytical model of conventional and improved transformers are presented, showing considerable reductions of losses associated with the improved transformer.

Miniature, Low-Power, Waveguide Based Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer for Spacecraft Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hewagama, TIlak; Aslam, Shahid; Talabac, Stephen; Allen, John E., Jr.; Annen, John N.; Jennings, Donald E.

2011-01-01

Fourier transform spectrometers have a venerable heritage as flight instruments. However, obtaining an accurate spectrum exacts a penalty in instrument mass and power requirements. Recent advances in a broad class of non-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) devices, generally called spatial heterodyne spectrometers, offer distinct advantages as flight optimized systems. We are developing a miniaturized system that employs photonics lightwave circuit principles and functions as an FTS operating in the 7-14 micrometer spectral region. The inteferogram is constructed from an ensemble of Mach-Zehnder interferometers with path length differences calibrated to mimic scan mirror sample positions of a classic Michelson type FTS. One potential long-term application of this technology in low cost planetary missions is the concept of a self-contained sensor system. We are developing a systems architecture concept for wide area in situ and remote monitoring of characteristic properties that are of scientific interest. The system will be based on wavelength- and resolution-independent spectroscopic sensors for studying atmospheric and surface chemistry, physics, and mineralogy. The self-contained sensor network is based on our concept of an Addressable Photonics Cube (APC) which has real-time flexibility and broad science applications. It is envisaged that a spatially distributed autonomous sensor web concept that integrates multiple APCs will be reactive and dynamically driven. The network is designed to respond in an event- or model-driven manner or reconfigured as needed.

A Modular Multilevel Converter with Power Mismatch Control for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems

DOE PAGES

Duman, Turgay; Marti, Shilpa; Moonem, M. A.; ...

2017-05-17

A modular multilevel power converter configuration for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed. The converter configuration replaces the conventional bulky line frequency transformer with several high frequency transformers, potentially reducing the balance of systems cost of PV systems. The front-end converter for each port is a neutral-point diode clamped (NPC) multi-level dc-dc dual-active bridge (ML-DAB) which allows maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The integrated high frequency transformer provides the galvanic isolation between the PV and grid side and also steps up the low dc voltage from PV source. Following the ML-DAB stage, in each port, is a NPC inverter.more » N number of NPC inverters’ outputs are cascaded to attain the per-phase line-to-neutral voltage to connect directly to the distribution grid (i.e., 13.8 kV). The cascaded NPC (CNPC) inverters have the inherent advantage of using lower rated devices, smaller filters and low total harmonic distortion required for PV grid interconnection. The proposed converter system is modular, scalable, and serviceable with zero downtime with lower foot print and lower overall cost. A novel voltage balance control at each module based on power mismatch among N-ports, have been presented and verified in simulation. Analysis and simulation results are presented for the N-port converter. The converter performance has also been verified on a hardware prototype.« less

A Modular Multilevel Converter with Power Mismatch Control for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems

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

Duman, Turgay; Marti, Shilpa; Moonem, M. A.

A modular multilevel power converter configuration for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed. The converter configuration replaces the conventional bulky line frequency transformer with several high frequency transformers, potentially reducing the balance of systems cost of PV systems. The front-end converter for each port is a neutral-point diode clamped (NPC) multi-level dc-dc dual-active bridge (ML-DAB) which allows maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The integrated high frequency transformer provides the galvanic isolation between the PV and grid side and also steps up the low dc voltage from PV source. Following the ML-DAB stage, in each port, is a NPC inverter.more » N number of NPC inverters’ outputs are cascaded to attain the per-phase line-to-neutral voltage to connect directly to the distribution grid (i.e., 13.8 kV). The cascaded NPC (CNPC) inverters have the inherent advantage of using lower rated devices, smaller filters and low total harmonic distortion required for PV grid interconnection. The proposed converter system is modular, scalable, and serviceable with zero downtime with lower foot print and lower overall cost. A novel voltage balance control at each module based on power mismatch among N-ports, have been presented and verified in simulation. Analysis and simulation results are presented for the N-port converter. The converter performance has also been verified on a hardware prototype.« less

Training for planning tumour resection: augmented reality and human factors.

PubMed

Abhari, Kamyar; Baxter, John S H; Chen, Elvis C S; Khan, Ali R; Peters, Terry M; de Ribaupierre, Sandrine; Eagleson, Roy

2015-06-01

Planning surgical interventions is a complex task, demanding a high degree of perceptual, cognitive, and sensorimotor skills to reduce intra- and post-operative complications. This process requires spatial reasoning to coordinate between the preoperatively acquired medical images and patient reference frames. In the case of neurosurgical interventions, traditional approaches to planning tend to focus on providing a means for visualizing medical images, but rarely support transformation between different spatial reference frames. Thus, surgeons often rely on their previous experience and intuition as their sole guide is to perform mental transformation. In case of junior residents, this may lead to longer operation times or increased chance of error under additional cognitive demands. In this paper, we introduce a mixed augmented-/virtual-reality system to facilitate training for planning a common neurosurgical procedure, brain tumour resection. The proposed system is designed and evaluated with human factors explicitly in mind, alleviating the difficulty of mental transformation. Our results indicate that, compared to conventional planning environments, the proposed system greatly improves the nonclinicians' performance, independent of the sensorimotor tasks performed ( ). Furthermore, the use of the proposed system by clinicians resulted in a significant reduction in time to perform clinically relevant tasks ( ). These results demonstrate the role of mixed-reality systems in assisting residents to develop necessary spatial reasoning skills needed for planning brain tumour resection, improving patient outcomes.

Dual Transformer Model based on Standard Circuit Elements for the Study of Low- and Mid-frequency Transients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jazebi, Saeed

This thesis is a step forward toward achieving the final objective of creating a fully dual model for transformers including eddy currents and nonlinearities of the iron core using the fundamental electrical components already available in the EMTP-type programs. The model is effective for the study of the performance of transformers during power system transients. This is very important for transformer designers, because the insulation of transformers is determined with the overvoltages caused by lightning or switching operations. There are also internally induced transients that occur when a switch is actuated. For example switching actions for reconfiguration of distribution systems that offers economic advantages, or protective actions to clear faults and large short-circuit currents. Many of the smart grid concepts currently under development by many utilities rely heavily on switching to optimize resources that produce transients in the system. On the other hand, inrush currents produce mechanical forces which deform transformer windings and cause malfunction of the differential protection. Also, transformer performance under ferroresonance and geomagnetic induced currents are necessary to study. In this thesis, a physically consistent dual model applicable to single-phase two-winding transformers is proposed. First, the topology of a dual electrical equivalent circuit is obtained from the direct application of the principle of duality. Then, the model parameters are computed considering the variations of the transformer electromagnetic behavior under various operating conditions. Current modeling techniques use different topological models to represent diverse transient situations. The reversible model proposed in this thesis unifies the terminal and topological equivalent circuits. The model remains invariable for all low-frequency transients including deep saturation conditions driven from any of the two windings. The very high saturation region of the iron core magnetizing characteristic is modified with the accurate measurement of the air-core inductance. The air-core inductance is measured using a non-ideal low-power rectifier. Its dc output serves to drive the transformer into deep saturation, and its ripple provides low-amplitude variable excitation. The principal advantage of this method is its simplicity. To model the eddy current effects in the windings, a novel equivalent circuit is proposed. The circuit is derived from the principle of duality and therefore, matches the electromagnetic physical behavior of the transformer windings. It properly models the flux paths and current distribution from dc to MHz. The model is synthesized from a non-uniform concentric discretization of the windings. Concise guidelines are given to optimally calculate the width of the sub-divisions for various transient simulations. To compute the circuit parameters only information about the geometry of the windings and about their material properties is needed. The calculation of the circuit parameters does not require an iterative process. Therefore, the parameters are always real, positive, and free from convergence problems. The proposed model is tested with single-phase transformers for the calculation of magnetizing inrush currents, series ferroresonance, and Geomagnetic Induced Currents (GIC). The electromagnetic transient response of the model is compared to laboratory measurements for validation. Also, 3D finite element simulations are used to validate the electromagnetic behavior of the transformer model. Large manufacturer of transformers, power system designers, and electrical utility companies can benefit from the new model. It simplifies the design and optimization of the transformers' insulation, thereby reducing cost, and enhancing reliability of the system. The model could also be used for inrush current and differential protection studies, geomagnetic induced current studies, harmonic penetration studies, and switching transient studies.

Linear homotopy solution of nonlinear systems of equations in geodesy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paláncz, Béla; Awange, Joseph L.; Zaletnyik, Piroska; Lewis, Robert H.

2010-01-01

A fundamental task in geodesy is solving systems of equations. Many geodetic problems are represented as systems of multivariate polynomials. A common problem in solving such systems is improper initial starting values for iterative methods, leading to convergence to solutions with no physical meaning, or to convergence that requires global methods. Though symbolic methods such as Groebner bases or resultants have been shown to be very efficient, i.e., providing solutions for determined systems such as 3-point problem of 3D affine transformation, the symbolic algebra can be very time consuming, even with special Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). This study proposes the Linear Homotopy method that can be implemented easily in high-level computer languages like C++ and Fortran that are faster than CAS by at least two orders of magnitude. Using Mathematica, the power of Homotopy is demonstrated in solving three nonlinear geodetic problems: resection, GPS positioning, and affine transformation. The method enlarging the domain of convergence is found to be efficient, less sensitive to rounding of numbers, and has lower complexity compared to other local methods like Newton-Raphson.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

PubMed

Radonic, Laura M; Lewi, Dalia M; López, Nilda E; Hopp, H Esteban; Escandón, Alejandro S; Bilbao, Marisa López

2015-01-01

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is still considered as a recalcitrant species to in vitro culture and transformation in spite of the publication of different protocols. Here we describe a routine transformation system of this crop which requires mature HA89 genotype seeds and Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 strain for gene delivery, being both easily available. Selection of transformed shoots depends on root development in kanamycin-selective media, instead of shoot color, avoiding selection of escapes. The establishment of this protocol proved successful for the incorporation of both reporter and agronomic important genes and also for the evaluation of the specific expression patterns of different promoters in transgenic sunflower plants. Stable expression of the incorporated transgenes was confirmed by RT-PCR and GUS reporter gene visualization. Stable inheritance of transgenes was successfully followed until T2 generation in several independent lines.

Spectral analysis for GNSS coordinate time series using chirp Fourier transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shengtao; Bo, Wanju; Ma, Qingzun; Wang, Zifan

2017-12-01

Spectral analysis for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coordinate time series provides a principal tool to understand the intrinsic mechanism that affects tectonic movements. Spectral analysis methods such as the fast Fourier transform, Lomb-Scargle spectrum, evolutionary power spectrum, wavelet power spectrum, etc. are used to find periodic characteristics in time series. Among spectral analysis methods, the chirp Fourier transform (CFT) with less stringent requirements is tested with synthetic and actual GNSS coordinate time series, which proves the accuracy and efficiency of the method. With the length of series only limited to even numbers, CFT provides a convenient tool for windowed spectral analysis. The results of ideal synthetic data prove CFT accurate and efficient, while the results of actual data show that CFT is usable to derive periodic information from GNSS coordinate time series.

The application of high temperature superconductors to space electrical power distribution components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aron, Paul R.; Myers, Ira T.

1988-01-01

Some important space based electrical power distribution systems and components are examined to determine what might be achieved with the introduction of high temperature superconductors (HTS). Components that are compared in a before-and-after fashion include transformers, transmission lines, and capacitors. It is concluded that HTS has its greatest effect on the weight associated with transmission lines, where the weight penalty could be reduced by as much as 130 kg/kW/km of cable. Transformers, because 28 percent of their mass is in the conductor, are reduced in weight by the same factor. Capacitors are helped the least with only negligible savings possible. Finally, because HTS can relax the requirement to use alternating current in order to reduce conductor mass, it will be possible to generate significant savings by eliminating most transformers and capacitors.

The application of high temperature superconductors to space electrical power distribution components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aron, Paul R.; Myers, Ira T.

1988-01-01

Some important space based electrical power distribution systems and components are examined to determine what might be achieved with the introduction of high temperature superconductors (HTS). Components that are compared in a before and after fashion include transformers, transmission lines, and capacitors. It is concluded that HTS has its greatest effect on the weight associated with transmission lines, where the weight penalty could be reduced by as much as 130 kg/kW/km of cable. Transformers, because 28 percent of their mass is in the conductor, are reduced in weight by the same factor. Capacitors are helped the least with only negligible savings possible. Finally, because HTS can relax the requirement to use alternating current in order to reduce conductor mass, it will be possible to generate significant savings by eliminating most transformers and capacitors.

Real-time and high accuracy frequency measurements for intermediate frequency narrowband signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jing; Meng, Xiaofeng; Nie, Jing; Lin, Liwei

2018-01-01

Real-time and accurate measurements of intermediate frequency signals based on microprocessors are difficult due to the computational complexity and limited time constraints. In this paper, a fast and precise methodology based on the sigma-delta modulator is designed and implemented by first generating the twiddle factors using the designed recursive scheme. This scheme requires zero times of multiplications and only half amounts of addition operations by using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and the combination of the Rife algorithm and Fourier coefficient interpolation as compared with conventional methods such as DFT and Fast Fourier Transform. Experimentally, when the sampling frequency is 10 MHz, the real-time frequency measurements with intermediate frequency and narrowband signals have a measurement mean squared error of ±2.4 Hz. Furthermore, a single measurement of the whole system only requires approximately 0.3 s to achieve fast iteration, high precision, and less calculation time.

Precipitation-Strengthened, High-Temperature, High-Force Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noebe, Ronald D.; Draper, Susan L.; Nathal, Michael V.; Crombie, Edwin A.

2008-01-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are an enabling component in the development of compact, lightweight, durable, high-force actuation systems particularly for use where hydraulics or electrical motors are not practical. However, commercial shape memory alloys based on NiTi are only suitable for applications near room temperature, due to their relatively low transformation temperatures, while many potential applications require higher temperature capability. Consequently, a family of (Ni,Pt)(sub 1-x)Ti(sub x) shape memory alloys with Ti concentrations ranging from about 15 to 25 at.% have been developed for applications in which there are requirements for SMA actuators to exert high forces at operating temperatures higher than those of conventional binary NiTi SMAs. These alloys can be heat treated in the range of 500 C to produce a series of fine precipitate phases that increase the strength of alloy while maintaining a high transformation temperature, even in Ti-lean compositions.

Systems design of transformation toughened blast-resistant naval hull steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Arup

A systems approach to computational materials design has demonstrated a new class of ultratough, weldable secondary hardened plate steels combining new levels of strength and toughness while meeting processability requirements. A first prototype alloy has achieved property goals motivated by projected naval hull applications requiring extreme fracture toughness (Cv > 85 ft-lbs (115 J) corresponding to KId > 200 ksi.in1/2 (220 MPa.m1/2)) at strength levels of 150--180 ksi (1034--1241 MPa) yield strength in weldable, formable plate steels. A theoretical design concept was explored integrating the mechanism of precipitated nickel-stabilized dispersed austenite for transformation toughening in an alloy strengthened by combined precipitation of M2C carbides and BCC copper both at an optimal ˜3nm particle size for efficient strengthening. This concept was adapted to plate steel design by employing a mixed bainitic/martensitic matrix microstructure produced by air-cooling after solution-treatment and constraining the composition to low carbon content for weldability. With optimized levels of copper and M2C carbide formers based on a quantitative strength model, a required alloy nickel content of 6.5 wt% was predicted for optimal austenite stability for transformation toughening at the desired strength level of 160 ksi (1100 MPa) yield strength. A relatively high Cu level of 3.65 wt% was employed to allow a carbon limit of 0.05 wt% for good weldability. Hardness and tensile tests conducted on the designed prototype confirmed predicted precipitation strengthening behavior in quench and tempered material. Multi-step tempering conditions were employed to achieve the optimal austenite stability resulting in significant increase of impact toughness to 130 ft-lb (176 J) at a strength level of 160 ksi (1100 MPa). Comparison with the baseline toughness-strength combination determined by isochronal tempering studies indicates a transformation toughening increment of 60% in Charpy energy. Predicted Cu particle number densities and the heterogeneous nucleation of optimal stability high Ni 5 nm austenite on nanometer-scale copper precipitates in the multi-step tempered samples was confirmed using three-dimensional atom probe microscopy. Charpy impact tests and fractography demonstrate ductile fracture with C v > 90 ft-lbs (122 J) down to -40°C, with a substantial toughness peak at 25°C consistent with designed transformation toughening behavior. The properties demonstrated in this first prototype represent a substantial advance over existing naval hull steels.

Transforming Health Professionals into Population Health Change Agents

PubMed Central

Naccarella, Lucio; Butterworth, Iain; Moore, Timothy

2016-01-01

Background With the recognition that professional education has not kept pace with the challenges facing the health and human service system, there has been a move to transformative education and learning professional development designed to expand the number of enlightened and empowered change agents with the competence to implement changes at an individual, organisation and systems level. Design and Methods Since 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria, Australia, in collaboration with The University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health, has delivered seven population health short courses aimed to catalyse participants’ transformation into population health change agents. This paper presents key learnings from a combination of evaluation data from six population health short courses using a transformative learning framework from a 2010 independent international commission for health professionals that was designed to support the goals of transformative and interdependent health professionals. Participatory realist evaluation approaches and qualitative methods were used. Results Evaluation findings reveal that there were mixed outcomes in facilitating participants’ implementation of population health approaches, and their transformation into population health agents upon their return to their workplaces. Core enablers, barriers and requirements, at individual, organisational and system levels influence the capability of participants to implement population health approaches. The iterative and systemic evolution of the population health short courses, from a one off event to a program of inter-dependent modules, demonstrates sustained commitment by the short course developers and organisers to the promotion of transformative population health learning outcomes. Conclusions To leverage this commitment, recognising that professional development is not an event but part of an ongoing transformative process, suggestions to further align recognition of population health professional development programs are presented. Significance for public health With decreasing health and wellbeing of whole populations, increasing inequities among specific population groups, health professional educators are increasingly turning their attention to population health. This has implications for implementing evidence into practice. Professional development short courses are being conducted to equip participants (health service managers, health promotion managers and coordinators, health planners, population health planners and senior executives) with knowledge, skills and tools to implement population health approaches and transform them into population health change agents. The findings of this study indicate there were mixed outcomes in facilitating participants’ implementation of population health approaches and their transformation into population health agents upon their return to their workplaces. The study findings informed the evolution of the short courses, from a one off event to a program of interdependent modules, and further reveal that professional development is not an event but part of an on-going transformative process,suggestions to further align recognition of population health professional development programs are presented. PMID:27190973

An overview of expert systems. [artificial intelligence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gevarter, W. B.

1982-01-01

An expert system is defined and its basic structure is discussed. The knowledge base, the inference engine, and uses of expert systems are discussed. Architecture is considered, including choice of solution direction, reasoning in the presence of uncertainty, searching small and large search spaces, handling large search spaces by transforming them and by developing alternative or additional spaces, and dealing with time. Existing expert systems are reviewed. Tools for building such systems, construction, and knowledge acquisition and learning are discussed. Centers of research and funding sources are listed. The state-of-the-art, current problems, required research, and future trends are summarized.

Data-Driven Residential Load Modeling and Validation in GridLAB-D

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

Gotseff, Peter; Lundstrom, Blake

Accurately characterizing the impacts of high penetrations of distributed energy resources (DER) on the electric distribution system has driven modeling methods from traditional static snap shots, often representing a critical point in time (e.g., summer peak load), to quasi-static time series (QSTS) simulations capturing all the effects of variable DER, associated controls and hence, impacts on the distribution system over a given time period. Unfortunately, the high time resolution DER source and load data required for model inputs is often scarce or non-existent. This paper presents work performed within the GridLAB-D model environment to synthesize, calibrate, and validate 1-second residentialmore » load models based on measured transformer loads and physics-based models suitable for QSTS electric distribution system modeling. The modeling and validation approach taken was to create a typical GridLAB-D model home that, when replicated to represent multiple diverse houses on a single transformer, creates a statistically similar load to a measured load for a given weather input. The model homes are constructed to represent the range of actual homes on an instrumented transformer: square footage, thermal integrity, heating and cooling system definition as well as realistic occupancy schedules. House model calibration and validation was performed using the distribution transformer load data and corresponding weather. The modeled loads were found to be similar to the measured loads for four evaluation metrics: 1) daily average energy, 2) daily average and standard deviation of power, 3) power spectral density, and 4) load shape.« less

Improvements on the minimax algorithm for the Laplace transformation of orbital energy denominators

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

Helmich-Paris, Benjamin, E-mail: b.helmichparis@vu.nl; Visscher, Lucas, E-mail: l.visscher@vu.nl

2016-09-15

We present a robust and non-heuristic algorithm that finds all extremum points of the error distribution function of numerically Laplace-transformed orbital energy denominators. The extremum point search is one of the two key steps for finding the minimax approximation. If pre-tabulation of initial guesses is supposed to be avoided, strategies for a sufficiently robust algorithm have not been discussed so far. We compare our non-heuristic approach with a bracketing and bisection algorithm and demonstrate that 3 times less function evaluations are required altogether when applying it to typical non-relativistic and relativistic quantum chemical systems.

Water Fountains in Environment Transformation Correcting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorenko, M. Yu; Ponomareva, Zh V.

2017-11-01

The article provides information on the means and principles for adjusting the process of the urban environment transformation. The interest in the topic is caused by the fact that the surrounding artificial environment is turning into a dangerous factor in the mechanism of human visual perception which requires immediate, effective intervention in the adjustment of the existing modern buildings. The paper considers The correction with the help of new dominants, small architectural forms, in particular, water fountains. Fountains are an important part of the measures to create a comfortable, environmentally friendly urban human environment. Their planning and functional links with the system of streets, squares, traffic arteries can create the urban plan basis.

Robust recognition of handwritten numerals based on dual cooperative network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Sukhan; Choi, Yeongwoo

1992-01-01

An approach to robust recognition of handwritten numerals using two operating parallel networks is presented. The first network uses inputs in Cartesian coordinates, and the second network uses the same inputs transformed into polar coordinates. How the proposed approach realizes the robustness to local and global variations of input numerals by handling inputs both in Cartesian coordinates and in its transformed Polar coordinates is described. The required network structures and its learning scheme are discussed. Experimental results show that by tracking only a small number of distinctive features for each teaching numeral in each coordinate, the proposed system can provide robust recognition of handwritten numerals.

Detecting incapacity of a quantum channel.

PubMed

Smith, Graeme; Smolin, John A

2012-06-08

Using unreliable or noisy components for reliable communication requires error correction. But which noise processes can support information transmission, and which are too destructive? For classical systems any channel whose output depends on its input has the capacity for communication, but the situation is substantially more complicated in the quantum setting. We find a generic test for incapacity based on any suitable forbidden transformation--a protocol for communication with a channel passing our test would also allow one to implement the associated forbidden transformation. Our approach includes both known quantum incapacity tests--positive partial transposition and antidegradability (no cloning)--as special cases, putting them both on the same footing.

Design parameters for toroidal and bobbin magnetics. [conversion from English to metric units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclyman, W. T.

1974-01-01

The adoption by NASA of the metric system for dimensioning to replace long-used English units imposes a requirement on the U.S. transformer designer to convert from the familiar units to the less familiar metric equivalents. Material is presented to assist in that transition in the field of transformer design and fabrication. The conversion data makes it possible for the designer to obtain a fast and close approximation of significant parameters such as size, weight, and temperature rise. Nomographs are included to provide a close approximation for breadboarding purposes. For greater convenience, derivations of some of the parameters are also presented.

Numerical Grid Generation. Proceedings of a Symposium on the Numerical Generation of Curvilinear Coordinate Systems and their Use in the Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations, held April 1982, Nashville, Tennessee

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

the transformation 2 1 V I " |€ , (22) 121 I which transforms a unit circle in the Z plane to a unit upper half ...circle (and to the real axis from -1. to 1.) in the 4 plane as illustrated in Fig. 6. I Zpbns rpIUII A A , FIGURE 6. , CIRCLE TO HALF CIRCLE MAPPING The ...an airfoil, or inlet, etc. ... ) to a rectangle (or equivalently to a circle or half plane ). The cumputing time required for this step is

Big Data Transforms Discovery-Utilization Therapeutics Continuum.

PubMed

Waldman, S A; Terzic, A

2016-03-01

Enabling omic technologies adopt a holistic view to produce unprecedented insights into the molecular underpinnings of health and disease, in part, by generating massive high-dimensional biological data. Leveraging these systems-level insights as an engine driving the healthcare evolution is maximized through integration with medical, demographic, and environmental datasets from individuals to populations. Big data analytics has accordingly emerged to add value to the technical aspects of storage, transfer, and analysis required for merging vast arrays of omic-, clinical-, and eco-datasets. In turn, this new field at the interface of biology, medicine, and information science is systematically transforming modern therapeutics across discovery, development, regulation, and utilization. © 2015 ASCPT.

Beyond climate-smart agriculture: toward safe operating spaces for global food systems

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

Gulledge, Jay; Neufeldt, Heinrich; Jahn, Margaret M

Agriculture is considered to be climate-smart when it contributes to increasing food security, adaptation and mitigation in a sustainable way. This new concept now dominates current discussions in agricultural development because of its capacity to unite the agendas of the agriculture, development and climate change communities under one brand. In this opinion piece authored by scientists from a variety of international agricultural and climate research communities, we argue that the concept needs to be evaluated critically because the relationship between the three dimensions is poorly understood, such that practically any improved agricultural practice can be considered climate-smart. This lack ofmore » clarity may have contributed to the broad appeal of the concept. From the understanding that we must hold ourselves accountable to demonstrably better meet human needs in the short and long term within foreseeable local and planetary limits, we develop a conceptualization of climate-smart agriculture as agriculture that can be shown to bring us closer to safe operating spaces for agricultural and food systems across spatial and temporal scales. Improvements in the management of agricultural systems that bring us significantly closer to safe operating spaces will require transformations in governance and use of our natural resources, underpinned by enabling political, social and economic conditions beyond incremental changes. Establishing scientifically credible indicators and metrics of long-term safe operating spaces in the context of a changing climate and growing social-ecological challenges is critical to creating the societal demand and political will required to motivate deep transformations. Answering questions on how the needed transformational change can be achieved will require actively setting and testing hypotheses to refine and characterize our concepts of safer spaces for social-ecological systems across scales. This effort will demand prioritizing key areas of innovation, such as (1) improved adaptive management and governance of social-ecological systems; (2) development of meaningful and relevant integrated indicators of social-ecological systems; (3) gathering of quality integrated data, information, knowledge and analytical tools for improved models and scenarios in time frames and at scales relevant for decision-making; and (4) establishment of legitimate and empowered science policy dialogues on local to international scales to facilitate decision making informed by metrics and indicators of safe operating spaces.« less

Monitoring the health of power transformers

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

Kirtley, J.L. Jr.; Hagman, W.H.; Lesieutre, B.C.

This article reviews MIT`s model-based system which offers adaptive, intelligent surveillance of transformers, and summons attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. Failures of large power transformers are problematic for four reasons. Generally, large transformers are situated so that failures present operational problems to the system. In addition, large power transformers are encased in tanks of flammable and environmentally hazardous fluid. Failures are often accompanied by fire and/or spillage of this fluid. This presents hazards to people, other equipment and property, and the local environment. Finally, large power transformers are costly devices. There is a clear incentive for utilities tomore » keep track of the health of their power transformers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed an adaptive, intelligent, monitoring system for large power transformers. Four large transformers on the Boston Edison system are under continuous surveillance by this system, which can summon attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. The monitoring system offers two advantages over more traditional (not adaptive) methods of tracking transformer operation.« less

Automatic Whistler Detector and Analyzer system: Implementation of the analyzer algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lichtenberger, JáNos; Ferencz, Csaba; Hamar, Daniel; Steinbach, Peter; Rodger, Craig J.; Clilverd, Mark A.; Collier, Andrew B.

2010-12-01

The full potential of whistlers for monitoring plasmaspheric electron density variations has not yet been realized. The primary reason is the vast human effort required for the analysis of whistler traces. Recently, the first part of a complete whistler analysis procedure was successfully automated, i.e., the automatic detection of whistler traces from the raw broadband VLF signal was achieved. This study describes a new algorithm developed to determine plasmaspheric electron density measurements from whistler traces, based on a Virtual (Whistler) Trace Transformation, using a 2-D fast Fourier transform transformation. This algorithm can be automated and can thus form the final step to complete an Automatic Whistler Detector and Analyzer (AWDA) system. In this second AWDA paper, the practical implementation of the Automatic Whistler Analyzer (AWA) algorithm is discussed and a feasible solution is presented. The practical implementation of the algorithm is able to track the variations of plasmasphere in quasi real time on a PC cluster with 100 CPU cores. The electron densities obtained by the AWA method can be used in investigations such as plasmasphere dynamics, ionosphere-plasmasphere coupling, or in space weather models.

A Versatile Transposon-Based Activation Tag Vector System for Functional Genomics in Cereals and Other Monocot Plants1[OA

PubMed Central

Qu, Shaohong; Desai, Aparna; Wing, Rod; Sundaresan, Venkatesan

2008-01-01

Transposon insertional mutagenesis is an effective alternative to T-DNA mutagenesis when transformation through tissue culture is inefficient as is the case for many crop species. When used as activation tags, transposons can be exploited to generate novel gain-of-function phenotypes without transformation and are of particular value in the study of polyploid plants where gene knockouts will not have phenotypes. We have developed an in cis-activation-tagging Ac-Ds transposon system in which a T-DNA vector carries a Dissociation (Ds) element containing 4× cauliflower mosaic virus enhancers along with the Activator (Ac) transposase gene. Stable Ds insertions were selected using green fluorescent protein and red fluorescent protein genes driven by promoters that are functional in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa). The system has been tested in rice, where 638 stable Ds insertions were selected from an initial set of 26 primary transformants. By analysis of 311 flanking sequences mapped to the rice genome, we could demonstrate the wide distribution of the elements over the rice chromosomes. Enhanced expression of rice genes adjacent to Ds insertions was detected in the insertion lines using semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR method. The in cis-two-element vector system requires minimal number of primary transformants and eliminates the need for crossing, while the use of fluorescent markers instead of antibiotic or herbicide resistance increases the applicability to other plants and eliminates problems with escapes. Because Ac-Ds has been shown to transpose widely in the plant kingdom, the activation vector system developed in this study should be of utility more generally to other monocots. PMID:17993541

Novel claustrum activation observed during a visuomotor adaptation task using a viewing window paradigm.

PubMed

Baugh, Lee A; Lawrence, Jane M; Marotta, Jonathan J

2011-10-01

Previous literature has reported a wide range of anatomical correlates when participants are required to perform a visuomotor adaptation task. However, traditional adaptation tasks suffer a number of inherent limitations that may, in part, give rise to this variability. For instance, the sparse visual environment does not map well onto conditions in which a visuomotor transformation would normally be required in everyday life. To further clarify these neural underpinnings, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed on 17 (6M, age range 20-45 years old; mean age=26) naive participants performing a viewing window task in which a visuomotor transformation was created by varying the relationship between the participant's movement and the resultant movement of the viewing window. The viewing window task more naturally replicates scenarios in which haptic and visual information would be combined to achieve a higher-level goal. Even though activity related to visuomotor adaptation was found within previously reported regions of the parietal lobes, frontal lobes, and occipital lobes, novel activation patterns were observed within the claustrum - a region well-established as multi-modal convergence zone. These results confirm the diversity in the number and location of neurological systems recruited to perform a required visuomotor adaptation, and provide the first evidence of participation of the claustrum to overcome a visuomotor transformation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systems Thinking and Leadership: How Nephrologists Can Transform Dialysis Safety to Prevent Infections.

PubMed

Wong, Leslie P

2018-04-06

Infections are the second leading cause of death for patients with ESKD. Despite multiple efforts, nephrologists have been unable to prevent infections in dialysis facilities. The American Society of Nephrology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have partnered to create Nephrologists Transforming Dialysis Safety to promote nephrologist leadership and engagement in efforts to "Target Zero" preventable dialysis infections. Because traditional approaches to infection control and prevention in dialysis facilities have had limited success, Nephrologists Transforming Dialysis Safety is reconceptualizing the problem in the context of the complexity of health care systems and organizational behavior. By identifying different parts of a problem and attempting to understand how these parts interact and produce a result, systems thinking has effectively tackled difficult problems in dynamic settings. The dialysis facility is composed of different physical and human elements that are interconnected and affect not only behavior but also, the existence of a culture of safety that promotes infection prevention. Because dialysis infections result from a complex system of interactions between caregivers, patients, dialysis organizations, and the environment, attempts to address infections by focusing on one element in isolation often fail. Creating a sense of urgency and commitment to eradicating dialysis infections requires leadership and motivational skills. These skills are not taught in the standard nephrology or medical director curriculum. Effective leadership by medical directors and engagement in infection prevention by nephrologists are required to create a culture of safety. It is imperative that nephrologists commit to leadership training and embrace their potential as change agents to prevent infections in dialysis facilities. This paper explores the systemic factors contributing to the ongoing dialysis infection crisis in the United States and the role of nephrologists in instilling a culture of safety in which infections can be anticipated and prevented. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Development and Preliminary Technical Adequacy of the Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation Fidelity of Implementation Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Algozzine, Bob; Morsbach Sweeney, Holly; Choi, Jeong Hoon; Horner, Rob; Sailor, Wayne; McCart, Amy B.; Satter, Allyson; Lane, Kathleen Lynne

2017-01-01

U.S. public education systems are required to provide free appropriate public education to students with disabilities in least restrictive environments that are appropriate to meet their individual needs. The practice of educating students with disabilities in neighborhood schools in age-appropriate general education classrooms and other school…

Competencies Required for Healthcare Information Technology to Be an Effective Strategic Business Change Partner

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davalos, Eugenia

2013-01-01

One of the core strategies to transform the United States national healthcare system is the implementation of key technologies such as the electronic patient medical record. Such key technologies improve patient care and help the organization gain competitive advantage. With a high demand for strategic and operational change, healthcare providers…

Advanced Physiological Estimation of Cognitive Status (APECS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-15

REPORT Advanced Physiological Estimation of Cognitive Status (APECS) Final Report 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: EEG...fitness and transmit data to command and control systems. Some of the signals that the physiological sensors measure are readily interpreted, such as...electroencephalogram (EEG) and other signals requires a complex series of mathematical transformations or algorithms. Overall, research on algorithms

Report on Defense Business Operations to the Congressional Defense Committees

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-15

7 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Department of Defense,Business Information Agency,Washington,DC 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...Defense Business Transformation 7 Table 2-2: System Modernizations and Initiatives by Business Enterprise Priority* Personnel Visibility...and people to ensure reliable and accurate delivery of acceptable goods and services. The procurement functional area establishes requirements for

Detecting metrologically useful asymmetry and entanglement by a few local measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chao; Yadin, Benjamin; Hou, Zhi-Bo; Cao, Huan; Liu, Bi-Heng; Huang, Yun-Feng; Maity, Reevu; Vedral, Vlatko; Li, Chuan-Feng; Guo, Guang-Can; Girolami, Davide

2017-10-01

Important properties of a quantum system are not directly measurable, but they can be disclosed by how fast the system changes under controlled perturbations. In particular, asymmetry and entanglement can be verified by reconstructing the state of a quantum system. Yet, this usually requires experimental and computational resources which increase exponentially with the system size. Here we show how to detect metrologically useful asymmetry and entanglement by a limited number of measurements. This is achieved by studying how they affect the speed of evolution of a system under a unitary transformation. We show that the speed of multiqubit systems can be evaluated by measuring a set of local observables, providing exponential advantage with respect to state tomography. Indeed, the presented method requires neither the knowledge of the state and the parameter-encoding Hamiltonian nor global measurements performed on all the constituent subsystems. We implement the detection scheme in an all-optical experiment.

A two-dimensional time domain near zone to far zone transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebbers, Raymond J.; Ryan, Deirdre; Beggs, John H.; Kunz, Karl S.

1991-01-01

A time domain transformation useful for extrapolating three dimensional near zone finite difference time domain (FDTD) results to the far zone was presented. Here, the corresponding two dimensional transform is outlined. While the three dimensional transformation produced a physically observable far zone time domain field, this is not convenient to do directly in two dimensions, since a convolution would be required. However, a representative two dimensional far zone time domain result can be obtained directly. This result can then be transformed to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform, corrected with a simple multiplicative factor, and used, for example, to calculate the complex wideband scattering width of a target. If an actual time domain far zone result is required, it can be obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the final frequency domain result.

A two-dimensional time domain near zone to far zone transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebbers, Raymond J.; Ryan, Deirdre; Beggs, John H.; Kunz, Karl S.

1991-01-01

In a previous paper, a time domain transformation useful for extrapolating 3-D near zone finite difference time domain (FDTD) results to the far zone was presented. In this paper, the corresponding 2-D transform is outlined. While the 3-D transformation produced a physically observable far zone time domain field, this is not convenient to do directly in 2-D, since a convolution would be required. However, a representative 2-D far zone time domain result can be obtained directly. This result can then be transformed to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform, corrected with a simple multiplicative factor, and used, for example, to calculate the complex wideband scattering width of a target. If an actual time domain far zone result is required it can be obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the final frequency domain result.

Invariance of visual operations at the level of receptive fields

PubMed Central

Lindeberg, Tony

2013-01-01

The brain is able to maintain a stable perception although the visual stimuli vary substantially on the retina due to geometric transformations and lighting variations in the environment. This paper presents a theory for achieving basic invariance properties already at the level of receptive fields. Specifically, the presented framework comprises (i) local scaling transformations caused by objects of different size and at different distances to the observer, (ii) locally linearized image deformations caused by variations in the viewing direction in relation to the object, (iii) locally linearized relative motions between the object and the observer and (iv) local multiplicative intensity transformations caused by illumination variations. The receptive field model can be derived by necessity from symmetry properties of the environment and leads to predictions about receptive field profiles in good agreement with receptive field profiles measured by cell recordings in mammalian vision. Indeed, the receptive field profiles in the retina, LGN and V1 are close to ideal to what is motivated by the idealized requirements. By complementing receptive field measurements with selection mechanisms over the parameters in the receptive field families, it is shown how true invariance of receptive field responses can be obtained under scaling transformations, affine transformations and Galilean transformations. Thereby, the framework provides a mathematically well-founded and biologically plausible model for how basic invariance properties can be achieved already at the level of receptive fields and support invariant recognition of objects and events under variations in viewpoint, retinal size, object motion and illumination. The theory can explain the different shapes of receptive field profiles found in biological vision, which are tuned to different sizes and orientations in the image domain as well as to different image velocities in space-time, from a requirement that the visual system should be invariant to the natural types of image transformations that occur in its environment. PMID:23894283

Optical spatial heterodyne interferometric Fourier transform technique (OSHIFT) and a resulting interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georges, James A., III

2007-09-01

This article reports on the novel patent pending Optical Spatial Heterodyne Interferometric Fourier Transform Technique (the OSHIFT technique), the resulting interferometer also referred to as OSHIFT, and its preliminary results. OSHIFT was borne out of the following requirements: wavefront sensitivity on the order of 1/100 waves, high-frequency wavefront spatial sampling, snapshot 100Hz operation, and the ability to deal with discontinuous wavefronts. The first two capabilities lend themselves to the use of traditional interferometric techniques; however, the last two prove difficult for standard techniques, e.g., phase shifting interferometry tends to take a time sequence of images and most interferometers require estimation of a center fringe across wavefront discontinuities. OSHIFT overcomes these challenges by employing a spatial heterodyning concept in the Fourier (image) plane of the optic-under-test. This concept, the mathematical theory, an autocorrelation view of operation, and the design with results of OSHIFT will be discussed. Also discussed will be future concepts such as a sensor that could interrogate an entire imaging system as well as a methodology to create innovative imaging systems that encode wavefront information onto the image. Certain techniques and systems described in this paper are the subject of a patent application currently pending in the United States Patent Office.

Practical implementation of multilevel quantum cryptography

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

Kulik, S. P.; Maslennikov, G. A.; Moreva, E. V.

2006-05-15

The physical principles of a quantum key distribution protocol using four-level optical systems are discussed. Quantum information is encoded into polarization states created by frequency-nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion in collinear geometry. In the scheme under analysis, the required nonorthogonal states are generated in a single nonlinear crystal. All states in the selected basis are measured deterministically. The results of initial experiments on transformation of the basis polarization states of a four-level optical system are discussed.

Linear Transformer Drivers for Z-pinch Based Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Robert; Seidler, William; Giddens, Patrick; Fabisinski, Leo; Cassibry, Jason

2017-01-01

The MSFC/UAH team has been developing of a novel power management and distribution system called a Linear Transformer Driver (LTD). LTD's hold the promise of dramatically reducing the required mass to drive a z-pinch by replacing the capacitor banks which constitute half the mass of the entire system. The MSFC?UAH tea, is developing this technology in hope of integrating it with the Pulsed Fission Fusion (PuFF) propulsion concept. High-Voltage pulsed power systems used for Z-Pinch experimentation have in the past largely been based on Marx Generators. Marx generators deliver the voltage and current required for the Z-Pinch, but suffer from two significant drawbacks when applied to a flight system: they are very massive, consisting of high-voltage capacitor banks insulated in oil-filled tanks and they do not lend themselves to rapid pulsing. The overall goal of Phase 2 is to demonstrate the construction of a higher voltage stack from a number of cavities each of the design proven in Phase 1 and to characterize and understand the techniques for designing the stack. The overall goal of Phase 3 is to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a higher energy cavity from a number of smaller LTD stacks, to characterize and understand the way in which the constituent stacks combine, and to extend this demonstration LTD to serve as the basis for a 64 kJ pulse generator for Z-Pinch experiments.

Double Arm Linkage precision Linear motion (DALL) Carriage, a simplified, rugged, high performance linear motion stage for the moving mirror of an Fourier Transform Spectrometer or other system requiring precision linear motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Kendall B.; Hopkins, Greg

2017-08-01

The Double Arm Linkage precision Linear motion (DALL) carriage has been developed as a simplified, rugged, high performance linear motion stage. Initially conceived as a moving mirror stage for the moving mirror of a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), it is applicable to any system requiring high performance linear motion. It is based on rigid double arm linkages connecting a base to a moving carriage through flexures. It is a monolithic design. The system is fabricated from one piece of material including the flexural elements, using high precision machining. The monolithic design has many advantages. There are no joints to slip or creep and there are no CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) issues. This provides a stable, robust design, both mechanically and thermally and is expected to provide a wide operating temperature range, including cryogenic temperatures, and high tolerance to vibration and shock. Furthermore, it provides simplicity and ease of implementation, as there is no assembly or alignment of the mechanism. It comes out of the machining operation aligned and there are no adjustments. A prototype has been fabricated and tested, showing superb shear performance and very promising tilt performance. This makes it applicable to both corner cube and flat mirror FTS systems respectively.

Programming temporal shapeshifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaobo; Zhou, Jing; Vatankhah-Varnosfaderani, Mohammad; Daniel, William F. M.; Li, Qiaoxi; Zhushma, Aleksandr P.; Dobrynin, Andrey V.; Sheiko, Sergei S.

2016-09-01

Shapeshifting enables a wide range of engineering and biomedical applications, but until now transformations have required external triggers. This prerequisite limits viability in closed or inert systems and puts forward the challenge of developing materials with intrinsically encoded shape evolution. Herein we demonstrate programmable shape-memory materials that perform a sequence of encoded actuations under constant environment conditions without using an external trigger. We employ dual network hydrogels: in the first network, covalent crosslinks are introduced for elastic energy storage, and in the second one, temporary hydrogen-bonds regulate the energy release rate. Through strain-induced and time-dependent reorganization of the reversible hydrogen-bonds, this dual network allows for encoding both the rate and pathway of shape transformations on timescales from seconds to hours. This generic mechanism for programming trigger-free shapeshifting opens new ways to design autonomous actuators, drug-release systems and active implants.

Application of the Undifferenced GNSS Precise Positioning in Determining Coordinates in National Reference Frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzan, Grzegorz; Stępniak, Katarzyna

2017-09-01

In high-accuracy positioning using GNSS, the most common solution is still relative positioning using double-difference observations of dual-frequency measurements. An increasingly popular alternative to relative positioning are undifferenced approaches, which are designed to make full use of modern satellite systems and signals. Positions referenced to global International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF2008) obtained from Precise Point Positioning (PPP) or Undifferenced (UD) network solutions have to be transformed to national (regional) reference frame, which introduces additional bases related to the transformation process. In this paper, satellite observations from two test networks using different observation time series were processed. The first test concerns the positioning accuracy from processing one year of dual-frequency GPS observations from 14 EUREF Permanent Network (EPN) stations using NAPEOS 3.3.1 software. The results were transformed into a national reference frame (PL-ETRF2000) and compared to positions from an EPN cumulative solution, which was adopted as the true coordinates. Daily observations were processed using PPP and UD multi-station solutions to determine the final accuracy resulting from satellite positioning, the transformation to national coordinate systems and Eurasian intraplate plate velocities. The second numerical test involved similar processing strategies of post-processing carried out using different observation time series (30 min., 1 hour, 2 hours, daily) and different classes of GNSS receivers. The centimeter accuracy of results presented in the national coordinate system satisfies the requirements of many surveying and engineering applications.

A new approach to configurable primary data collection.

PubMed

Stanek, J; Babkin, E; Zubov, M

2016-09-01

The formats, semantics and operational rules of data processing tasks in genomics (and health in general) are highly divergent and can rapidly change. In such an environment, the problem of consistent transformation and loading of heterogeneous input data to various target repositories becomes a critical success factor. The objective of the project was to design a new conceptual approach to configurable data transformation, de-identification, and submission of health and genomic data sets. Main motivation was to facilitate automated or human-driven data uploading, as well as consolidation of heterogeneous sources in large genomic or health projects. Modern methods of on-demand specialization of generic software components were applied. For specification of input-output data and required data collection activities, we propose a simple data model of flat tables as well as a domain-oriented graphical interface and portable representation of transformations in XML. Using such methods, the prototype of the Configurable Data Collection System (CDCS) was implemented in Java programming language with Swing graphical interfaces. The core logic of transformations was implemented as a library of reusable plugins. The solution is implemented as a software prototype for a configurable service-oriented system for semi-automatic data collection, transformation, sanitization and safe uploading to heterogeneous data repositories-CDCS. To address the dynamic nature of data schemas and data collection processes, the CDCS prototype facilitates interactive, user-driven configuration of the data collection process and extends basic functionality with a wide range of third-party plugins. Notably, our solution also allows for the reduction of manual data entry for data originally missing in the output data sets. First experiments and feedback from domain experts confirm the prototype is flexible, configurable and extensible; runs well on data owner's systems; and is not dependent on vendor's standards. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transformation of Clostridium acetobutylicum Protoplasts with Bacteriophage DNA

PubMed Central

Reid, Sharon J.; Allcock, Errol R.; Jones, David T.; Woods, David R.

1983-01-01

Techniques for the transformation of Clostridium acetobutylicum protoplasts with bacteriophage DNA are described. Transformation required regeneration of protoplasts and a 2-h eclipse period. PMID:16346174

A study on stimulation of DC high voltage power of LCC series parallel resonant in projectile velocity measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dong-dong; Gu, Jin-liang; Luo, Hong-e.; Xia, Yan

2017-10-01

According to specific requirements of the X-ray machine system for measuring velocity of outfield projectile, a DC high voltage power supply system is designed for the high voltage or the smaller current. The system comprises: a series resonant circuit is selected as a full-bridge inverter circuit; a high-frequency zero-current soft switching of a high-voltage power supply is realized by PWM output by STM32; a nanocrystalline alloy transformer is chosen as a high-frequency booster transformer; and the related parameters of an LCC series-parallel resonant are determined according to the preset parameters of the transformer. The concrete method includes: a LCC series parallel resonant circuit and a voltage doubling circuit are stimulated by using MULTISM and MATLAB; selecting an optimal solution and an optimal parameter of all parts after stimulation analysis; and finally verifying the correctness of the parameter by stimulation of the whole system. Through stimulation analysis, the output voltage of the series-parallel resonant circuit gets to 10KV in 28s: then passing through the voltage doubling circuit, the output voltage gets to 120KV in one hour. According to the system, the wave range of the output voltage is so small as to provide the stable X-ray supply for the X-ray machine for measuring velocity of outfield projectile. It is fast in charging and high in efficiency.

Transformational Spaceport and Range Capabilities Roadmap Interim Review to National Research Council External Review Panel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poniatowski, Karen

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: Overview/Introduction. Roadmap Approach/Considerations. Roadmap Timeline/Spirals. Requirements Development. Spaceport/Range Capabilities. Mixed Range Architecture. User Requirements/Customer Considerations. Manifest Considerations. Emerging Launch User Requirements. Capability Breakdown Structure/Assessment. Roadmap Team Observations. Transformational Range Test Concept. Roadmap Team Conclusions. Next Steps.

Feasibility study of a microprocessor based oculometer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varanasi, M. R.

1981-01-01

The elimination of redundancy in data to maximize processing speed and minimize storage requirements were objectives in a feasibility study of a microprocessor based oculometer system that would be portable in size and flexible in use. The appropriate architectural design of the signal processor, improved optics, and the reduction of size, weight, and power to the system were investigated. A flow chart is presented showing the strategy of the design. The simulation for developing microroutines for the high speed algorithmic processor subsystem is discussed as well as the Karhunen-Loeve transform technique for data compression.

Evaluating Pillar Industry’s Transformation Capability: A Case Study of Two Chinese Steel-Based Cities

PubMed Central

Li, Zhidong; Marinova, Dora; Guo, Xiumei; Gao, Yuan

2015-01-01

Many steel-based cities in China were established between the 1950s and 1960s. After more than half a century of development and boom, these cities are starting to decline and industrial transformation is urgently needed. This paper focuses on evaluating the transformation capability of resource-based cities building an evaluation model. Using Text Mining and the Document Explorer technique as a way of extracting text features, the 200 most frequently used words are derived from 100 publications related to steel- and other resource-based cities. The Expert Evaluation Method (EEM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques are then applied to select 53 indicators, determine their weights and establish an index system for evaluating the transformation capability of the pillar industry of China’s steel-based cities. Using real data and expert reviews, the improved Fuzzy Relation Matrix (FRM) method is applied to two case studies in China, namely Panzhihua and Daye, and the evaluation model is developed using Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE). The cities’ abilities to carry out industrial transformation are evaluated with concerns expressed for the case of Daye. The findings have policy implications for the potential and required industrial transformation in the two selected cities and other resource-based towns. PMID:26422266

Evaluating Pillar Industry's Transformation Capability: A Case Study of Two Chinese Steel-Based Cities.

PubMed

Li, Zhidong; Marinova, Dora; Guo, Xiumei; Gao, Yuan

2015-01-01

Many steel-based cities in China were established between the 1950s and 1960s. After more than half a century of development and boom, these cities are starting to decline and industrial transformation is urgently needed. This paper focuses on evaluating the transformation capability of resource-based cities building an evaluation model. Using Text Mining and the Document Explorer technique as a way of extracting text features, the 200 most frequently used words are derived from 100 publications related to steel- and other resource-based cities. The Expert Evaluation Method (EEM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques are then applied to select 53 indicators, determine their weights and establish an index system for evaluating the transformation capability of the pillar industry of China's steel-based cities. Using real data and expert reviews, the improved Fuzzy Relation Matrix (FRM) method is applied to two case studies in China, namely Panzhihua and Daye, and the evaluation model is developed using Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE). The cities' abilities to carry out industrial transformation are evaluated with concerns expressed for the case of Daye. The findings have policy implications for the potential and required industrial transformation in the two selected cities and other resource-based towns.

Local wavelet transform: a cost-efficient custom processor for space image compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masschelein, Bart; Bormans, Jan G.; Lafruit, Gauthier

2002-11-01

Thanks to its intrinsic scalability features, the wavelet transform has become increasingly popular as decorrelator in image compression applications. Throuhgput, memory requirements and complexity are important parameters when developing hardware image compression modules. An implementation of the classical, global wavelet transform requires large memory sizes and implies a large latency between the availability of the input image and the production of minimal data entities for entropy coding. Image tiling methods, as proposed by JPEG2000, reduce the memory sizes and the latency, but inevitably introduce image artefacts. The Local Wavelet Transform (LWT), presented in this paper, is a low-complexity wavelet transform architecture using a block-based processing that results in the same transformed images as those obtained by the global wavelet transform. The architecture minimizes the processing latency with a limited amount of memory. Moreover, as the LWT is an instruction-based custom processor, it can be programmed for specific tasks, such as push-broom processing of infinite-length satelite images. The features of the LWT makes it appropriate for use in space image compression, where high throughput, low memory sizes, low complexity, low power and push-broom processing are important requirements.

Updating the conceptual model for fine particle mass emissions from combustion systems.

PubMed

Robinson, Allen L; Grieshop, Andrew P; Donahue, Neil M; Hunt, Sherri W

2010-10-01

Atmospheric transformations determine the contribution of emissions from combustion systems to fine particulate matter (PM) mass. For example, combustion systems emit vapors that condense onto existing particles or form new particles as the emissions are cooled and diluted. Upon entering the atmosphere, emissions are exposed to atmospheric oxidants and sunlight, which causes them to evolve chemically and physically, generating secondary PM. This review discusses these transformations, focusing on organic PM. Organic PM emissions are semi-volatile at atmospheric conditions and thus their partitioning varies continuously with changing temperature and concentration. Because organics contribute a large portion of the PM mass emitted by most combustion sources, these emissions cannot be represented using a traditional, static emission factor. Instead, knowledge of the volatility distribution of emissions is required to explicitly account for changes in gas-particle partitioning. This requires updating how PM emissions from combustion systems are measured and simulated from combustion systems. Secondary PM production often greatly exceeds the direct or primary PM emissions; therefore, secondary PM must be included in any assessment of the contribution of combustion systems to ambient PM concentrations. Low-volatility organic vapors emitted by combustion systems appear to be very important secondary PM precursors that are poorly accounted for in inventories and models. The review concludes by discussing the implications that the dynamic nature of these PM emissions have on source testing for emission inventory development and regulatory purposes. This discussion highlights important linkages between primary and secondary PM, which could lead to simplified certification test procedures while capturing the emission components that contribute most to atmospheric PM mass.

Updating the Conceptual Model for Fine Particle Mass Emissions from Combustion Systems Allen L. Robinson.

PubMed

Robinson, Allen L; Grieshop, Andrew P; Donahue, Neil M; Hunt, Sherri W

2010-10-01

Atmospheric transformations determine the contribution of emissions from combustion systems to fine particulate matter (PM) mass. For example, combustion systems emit vapors that condense onto existing particles or form new particles as the emissions are cooled and diluted. Upon entering the atmosphere, emissions are exposed to atmospheric oxidants and sunlight, which causes them to evolve chemically and physically, generating secondary PM. This review discusses these transformations, focusing on organic PM. Organic PM emissions are semi -volatile at atmospheric conditions and thus their partitioning varies continuously with changing temperature and concentration. Because organics contribute a large portion of the PM mass emitted by most combustion sources, these emissions cannot be represented using a traditional, static emission factor. Instead, knowledge of the volatility distribution of emissions is required to explicitly account for changes in gas-particle partitioning. This requires updating how PM emissions from combustion systems are measured and simulated from combustion systems. Secondary PM production often greatly exceeds the direct or primary PM emissions; therefore, secondary PM must be included in any assessment of the contribution of combustion systems to ambient PM concentrations. Low-volatility organic vapors emitted by combustion systems appear to be very important secondary PM precursors that are poorly accounted for in inventories and models. The review concludes by discussing the implications that the dynamic nature of these PM emissions have on source testing for emission inventory development and regulatory purposes. This discussion highlights important linkages between primary and secondary PM, which could lead to simplified certification test procedures while capturing the emission components that contribute most to atmospheric PM mass.

Formation and maintenance of tubular membrane projections require mechanical force, but their elongation and shortening do not require additional force.

PubMed

Inaba, Takehiko; Ishijima, Akihiko; Honda, Makoto; Nomura, Fumimasa; Takiguchi, Kingo; Hotani, Hirokazu

2005-04-29

Living cells develop their own characteristic shapes depending on their physiological functions, and their morphologies are based on the mechanical characteristics of the cytoskeleton and of membranes. To investigate the role of lipid membranes in morphogenesis, we constructed a simple system that can manipulate liposomes and measure the forces required to transform their shapes. Two polystyrene beads (1 microm in diameter) were encapsulated in giant liposomes and were manipulated using double-beam laser tweezers. Without any specific interaction between the lipid membrane and beads, mechanical forces could be applied to the liposome membrane from the inside. Spherical liposomes transformed into a lemon shape with increasing tension, and tubular membrane projections were subsequently generated in the tips at either end. This process is similar to the liposomal transformation caused by elongation of encapsulated cytoskeletons. In the elongation stage of lemon-shaped liposomes, the force required for the transformation became larger as the end-to-end length increased. Just before the tubular membrane was generated, the force reached the maximum strength (approximately 11 pN). However, immediately after the tubular membrane developed, the force suddenly decreased and was maintained at a constant strength (approximately 4 pN) that was independent of further tube elongation or shortening, even though there was no excess membrane reservoir as occurs in living cells. When the tube length was shortened to approximately 2 microm, the liposome reversed to a lemon shape and the force temporarily increased (to approximately 7 pN). These results indicate that the simple application of mechanical force is sufficient to form a protrusion in a membrane, that a critical force and length is needed to form and to maintain the protrusion, and suggest that the lipid bilayer itself has the ability to buffer the membrane tension.

Stability of linear systems in second-order form based on structure preserving similarity transformations

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

Stoustrup, Jakob; Pommer, Christian; Kliem, Wolfhard

2015-10-31

This paper deals with two stability aspects of linear systems of the form I ¨ x +B˙ x +Cx = 0 given by the triple (I;B;C). A general transformation scheme is given for a structure and Jordan form preserving transformation of the triple. We investigate how a system can be transformed by suitable choices of the transformation parameters into a new system (I;B1;C1) with a symmetrizable matrix C1. This procedure facilitates stability investigations. We also consider systems with a Hamiltonian spectrum which discloses marginal stability after a Jordan form preserving transformation.

EBLAST: an efficient high-compression image transformation 3. application to Internet image and video transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalz, Mark S.; Ritter, Gerhard X.; Caimi, Frank M.

2001-12-01

A wide variety of digital image compression transforms developed for still imaging and broadcast video transmission are unsuitable for Internet video applications due to insufficient compression ratio, poor reconstruction fidelity, or excessive computational requirements. Examples include hierarchical transforms that require all, or large portion of, a source image to reside in memory at one time, transforms that induce significant locking effect at operationally salient compression ratios, and algorithms that require large amounts of floating-point computation. The latter constraint holds especially for video compression by small mobile imaging devices for transmission to, and compression on, platforms such as palmtop computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs). As Internet video requirements for frame rate and resolution increase to produce more detailed, less discontinuous motion sequences, a new class of compression transforms will be needed, especially for small memory models and displays such as those found on PDAs. In this, the third series of papers, we discuss the EBLAST compression transform and its application to Internet communication. Leading transforms for compression of Internet video and still imagery are reviewed and analyzed, including GIF, JPEG, AWIC (wavelet-based), wavelet packets, and SPIHT, whose performance is compared with EBLAST. Performance analysis criteria include time and space complexity and quality of the decompressed image. The latter is determined by rate-distortion data obtained from a database of realistic test images. Discussion also includes issues such as robustness of the compressed format to channel noise. EBLAST has been shown to perform superiorly to JPEG and, unlike current wavelet compression transforms, supports fast implementation on embedded processors with small memory models.

Planar LTCC transformers for high voltage flyback converters.

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

Schofield, Daryl; Schare, Joshua M.; Glass, Sarah Jill

This paper discusses the design and use of low-temperature (850 C to 950 C) co-fired ceramic (LTCC) planar magnetic flyback transformers for applications that require conversion of a low voltage to high voltage (> 100V) with significant volumetric constraints. Measured performance and modeling results for multiple designs showed that the LTCC flyback transformer design and construction imposes serious limitations on the achievable coupling and significantly impacts the transformer performance and output voltage. This paper discusses the impact of various design factors that can provide improved performance by increasing transformer coupling and output voltage. The experiments performed on prototype units demonstratedmore » LTCC transformer designs capable of greater than 2 kV output. Finally, the work investigated the effect of the LTCC microstructure on transformer insulation. Although this paper focuses on generating voltages in the kV range, the experimental characterization and discussion presented in this work applies to designs requiring lower voltage.« less

Effect of Bromouracil-containing Deoxyribonucleic Acid on Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Gimlin, Dixie M.; Hardman, Sue D.; Kelley, Betty N.; Butler, Grace C.; Leach, Franklin R.

1966-01-01

Gimlin, Dixie M. (Oklahoma State University, Stillwater), Sue D. Hardman, Betty N. Kelley, Grace C. Butler, and Franklin R. Leach. Effect of bromouracil-containing deoxyribonucleic acid on Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 92:366–374. 1966.—Replacement of one-half of the thymine with bromouracil in Bacillus subtilis transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) resulted in a slight decrease in transforming activity, but, when used at high concentrations, this DNA preparation inhibited cell growth. Acid-hydrolyzed DNA, or addition of equivalent concentrations of the free base bromouracil in a transforming mixture, was without effect on cell growth. Treatment of the DNA preparation with deoxyribonuclease completely destroyed transforming activity and killing effect, whereas treatments with ribonuclease and trypsin were without effect on either transformation or killing activity. Growth of competent B. subtilis cells in test tubes was inhibited by high concentrations of both normal and bromouracil-containing DNA, with the bromouracil-containing DNA being significantly more inhibitory. This type of inhibition was also reflected in the time of division of the cells. The inhibitory effect was not due to viscosity, or to mutagenicity. The time course of killing paralleled transformation, and competency was required. These results can be interpreted as being due to uptake of homologous but imperfect DNA (containing bromouracil instead of thymine) by means of the systems involved in transformation, followed by either integration (resulting in lethal transformation, activation of a defective, nonlytic but lethal prophage) or interference with the recombination mechanism. PMID:16562122

Impact analysis of tap switch out of step for converter transformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong-yue, ZHANG; Zhen-hua, ZHANG; Zhang-xue, XIONG; Gao-wang, YU

2017-06-01

AC transformer load regulation is mainly used to adjust the load side voltage level, improve the quality of power supply, the voltage range is relatively narrow. In DC system, converter transformer is the core equipment of AC and DC power converter and inverter. converter transformer tap adjustment can maintain the normal operation of the converter in small angle range control, the absorption of reactive power, economic operation, valve less stress, valve damping circuit loss, AC / DC harmonic component is also smaller. In this way, the tap switch action is more frequent, and a large range of the tap switch adjustment is required. Converter transformer with a more load voltage regulation switch, the voltage regulation range of the switch is generally 20~30%, the adjustment of each file is 1%~2%. Recently it is often found that the tap switch of Converter Transformers is out of step in Converter station. In this paper, it is analyzed in detail the impact of tap switch out of step for differential protection, overexcitation protection and zero sequence over current protection. Analysis results show that: the tap switch out of step has no effect on the differential protection and the overexcitation protection including the tap switch. But the tap switch out of step has effect on zero sequence overcurrent protection of out of step star-angle converter transformer. The zero sequence overcurrent protection will trip when the tap switch out of step is greater than 3 for out of step star-angle converter transformer.

Linking transformational leadership to nurses' extra-role performance: the mediating role of self-efficacy and work engagement.

PubMed

Salanova, Marisa; Lorente, Laura; Chambel, Maria J; Martínez, Isabel M

2011-10-01

This paper is a report of a social cognitive theory-guided study about the link between supervisors' transformational leadership and staff nurses' extra-role performance as mediated by nurse self-efficacy and work engagement. Past research has acknowledged the positive influence that transformational leaders have on employee (extra-role) performance. However, less is known about the psychological mechanisms that may explain the links between transformational leaders and extra-role performance, which encompasses behaviours that are not considered formal job requirements, but which facilitate the smooth functioning of the organization as a social system. Seventeen supervisors evaluated nurses' extra-role performance, the data generating a sample consisting of 280 dyads. The nurses worked in different health services in a large Portuguese hospital and the participation rate was 76·9% for nurses and 100% for supervisors. Data were collected during 2009. A theory-driven model of the relationships between transformation leadership, self-efficacy, work engagement and nurses' extra-role performance was tested using Structural Equation Modelling. Data analysis revealed a full mediation model in which transformational leadership explained extra-role performance through self-efficacy and work engagement. A direct relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement was also found. Nurses' supervisors with a transformational leadership style enhance different 'extra-role' performance in nurses and this increases hospital efficacy. They do so by establishing a sense of self-efficacy but also by amplifying their levels of engagement in the workplace. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Oceanic transform faults: how and why do they form? (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerya, T.

2013-12-01

Oceanic transform faults at mid-ocean ridges are often considered to be the direct product of plate breakup process (cf. review by Gerya, 2012). In contrast, recent 3D thermomechanical numerical models suggest that transform faults are plate growth structures, which develop gradually on a timescale of few millions years (Gerya, 2010, 2013a,b). Four subsequent stages are predicted for the transition from rifting to spreading (Gerya, 2013b): (1) crustal rifting, (2) multiple spreading centers nucleation and propagation, (3) proto-transform faults initiation and rotation and (4) mature ridge-transform spreading. Geometry of the mature ridge-transform system is governed by geometrical requirements for simultaneous accretion and displacement of new plate material within two offset spreading centers connected by a sustaining rheologically weak transform fault. According to these requirements, the characteristic spreading-parallel orientation of oceanic transform faults is the only thermomechanically consistent steady state orientation. Comparison of modeling results with the Woodlark Basin suggests that the development of this incipient spreading region (Taylor et al., 2009) closely matches numerical predictions (Gerya, 2013b). Model reproduces well characteristic 'rounded' contours of the spreading centers as well as the presence of a remnant of the broken continental crustal bridge observed in the Woodlark basin. Similarly to the model, the Moresby (proto)transform terminates in the oceanic rather than in the continental crust. Transform margins and truncated tip of one spreading center present in the model are documented in nature. In addition, numerical experiments suggest that transform faults can develop gradually at mature linear mid-ocean ridges as the result of dynamical instability (Gerya, 2010). Boundary instability from asymmetric plate growth can spontaneously start in alternate directions along successive ridge sections; the resultant curved ridges become transform faults. Offsets along the transform faults change continuously with time by asymmetric plate growth and discontinuously by ridge jumps. The ridge instability is governed by rheological weakening of active fault structures. The instability is most efficient for slow to intermediate spreading rates, whereas ultraslow and (ultra)fast spreading rates tend to destabilize transform faults (Gerya, 2010; Püthe and Gerya, 2013) References Gerya, T. (2010) Dynamical instability produces transform faults at mid-ocean ridges. Science, 329, 1047-1050. Gerya, T. (2012) Origin and models of oceanic transform faults. Tectonophys., 522-523, 34-56 Gerya, T.V. (2013a) Three-dimensional thermomechanical modeling of oceanic spreading initiation and evolution. Phys. Earth Planet. Interiors, 214, 35-52. Gerya, T.V. (2013b) Initiation of transform faults at rifted continental margins: 3D petrological-thermomechanical modeling and comparison to the Woodlark Basin. Petrology, 21, 1-10. Püthe, C., Gerya, T.V. (2013) Dependence of mid-ocean ridge morphology on spreading rate in numerical 3-D models. Gondwana Res., DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2013.04.005 Taylor, B., Goodliffe, A., Martinez, F. (2009) Initiation of transform faults at rifted continental margins. Comptes Rendus Geosci., 341, 428-438.

Evaluation of Potential Energy Loss Reduction and Savings for U. S. Army Electrical Distribution Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

Different Size Transformers (Per Transformer ) 41 15 Additional Energy Losses for Mis-Sized Transformers (Per Transformer ) 42 16 Power System ...directly affects the amount of neutral line power loss in the system . Since most Army three-phase loads are distribution transformers spread out over a...61 Balancing Three-Phase Loads Balancing Feeder Circuit Loads Power Factor Correction Optimal Transformer Sizing Conductor Sizing Combined

A Semantic Transformation Methodology for the Secondary Use of Observational Healthcare Data in Postmarketing Safety Studies.

PubMed

Pacaci, Anil; Gonul, Suat; Sinaci, A Anil; Yuksel, Mustafa; Laleci Erturkmen, Gokce B

2018-01-01

Background: Utilization of the available observational healthcare datasets is key to complement and strengthen the postmarketing safety studies. Use of common data models (CDM) is the predominant approach in order to enable large scale systematic analyses on disparate data models and vocabularies. Current CDM transformation practices depend on proprietarily developed Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) procedures, which require knowledge both on the semantics and technical characteristics of the source datasets and target CDM. Purpose: In this study, our aim is to develop a modular but coordinated transformation approach in order to separate semantic and technical steps of transformation processes, which do not have a strict separation in traditional ETL approaches. Such an approach would discretize the operations to extract data from source electronic health record systems, alignment of the source, and target models on the semantic level and the operations to populate target common data repositories. Approach: In order to separate the activities that are required to transform heterogeneous data sources to a target CDM, we introduce a semantic transformation approach composed of three steps: (1) transformation of source datasets to Resource Description Framework (RDF) format, (2) application of semantic conversion rules to get the data as instances of ontological model of the target CDM, and (3) population of repositories, which comply with the specifications of the CDM, by processing the RDF instances from step 2. The proposed approach has been implemented on real healthcare settings where Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM has been chosen as the common data model and a comprehensive comparative analysis between the native and transformed data has been conducted. Results: Health records of ~1 million patients have been successfully transformed to an OMOP CDM based database from the source database. Descriptive statistics obtained from the source and target databases present analogous and consistent results. Discussion and Conclusion: Our method goes beyond the traditional ETL approaches by being more declarative and rigorous. Declarative because the use of RDF based mapping rules makes each mapping more transparent and understandable to humans while retaining logic-based computability. Rigorous because the mappings would be based on computer readable semantics which are amenable to validation through logic-based inference methods.

Physician leadership: a health-care system's investment in the future of quality care.

PubMed

Orlando, Rocco; Haytaian, Marcia

2012-08-01

The current state of health care and its reform will require physician leaders to take on greater management responsibilities, which will require a set of organizational and leadership competencies that traditional medical education does not provide. Physician leaders can form a bridge between the clinical and administrative sides of a health-care organization, serving to further the organization's strategy for growth and success. Recognizing that the health-care industry is rapidly changing and physician leaders will play a key role in that transformation, Hartford HealthCare has established a Physician Leadership Development Institute that provides advanced leadership skills and management education to select physicians practicing within the health-care system.

Hypergeometric Equation in Modeling Relativistic Isotropic Sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thirukkanesh, S.; Ragel, F. C.

2014-04-01

We study the Einstein system of equations in static spherically symmetric spacetimes. We obtained classes of exact solutions to the Einstein system by transforming the condition for pressure isotropy to a hypergeometric equation choosing a rational form for one of the gravitational potentials. The solutions are given in simple form that is a desirable requisite to study the behavior of relativistic compact objects in detail. A physical analysis indicate that our models satisfy all the fundamental requirements of realistic star and match smoothly with the exterior Schwarzschild metric. The derived masses and densities are consistent with the previously reported experimental and theoretical studies describing strange stars. The models satisfy the standard energy conditions required by normal matter.

Improved remote gaze estimation using corneal reflection-adaptive geometric transforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chunfei; Baek, Seung-Jin; Choi, Kang-A.; Ko, Sung-Jea

2014-05-01

Recently, the remote gaze estimation (RGE) technique has been widely applied to consumer devices as a more natural interface. In general, the conventional RGE method estimates a user's point of gaze using a geometric transform, which represents the relationship between several infrared (IR) light sources and their corresponding corneal reflections (CRs) in the eye image. Among various methods, the homography normalization (HN) method achieves state-of-the-art performance. However, the geometric transform of the HN method requiring four CRs is infeasible for the case when fewer than four CRs are available. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new RGE method based on three alternative geometric transforms, which are adaptive to the number of CRs. Unlike the HN method, the proposed method not only can operate with two or three CRs, but can also provide superior accuracy. To further enhance the performance, an effective error correction method is also proposed. By combining the introduced transforms with the error-correction method, the proposed method not only provides high accuracy and robustness for gaze estimation, but also allows for a more flexible system setup with a different number of IR light sources. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

The role of technology and engineering models in transforming healthcare.

PubMed

Pavel, Misha; Jimison, Holly Brugge; Wactlar, Howard D; Hayes, Tamara L; Barkis, Will; Skapik, Julia; Kaye, Jeffrey

2013-01-01

The healthcare system is in crisis due to challenges including escalating costs, the inconsistent provision of care, an aging population, and high burden of chronic disease related to health behaviors. Mitigating this crisis will require a major transformation of healthcare to be proactive, preventive, patient-centered, and evidence-based with a focus on improving quality-of-life. Information technology, networking, and biomedical engineering are likely to be essential in making this transformation possible with the help of advances, such as sensor technology, mobile computing, machine learning, etc. This paper has three themes: 1) motivation for a transformation of healthcare; 2) description of how information technology and engineering can support this transformation with the help of computational models; and 3) a technical overview of several research areas that illustrate the need for mathematical modeling approaches, ranging from sparse sampling to behavioral phenotyping and early detection. A key tenet of this paper concerns complementing prior work on patient-specific modeling and simulation by modeling neuropsychological, behavioral, and social phenomena. The resulting models, in combination with frequent or continuous measurements, are likely to be key components of health interventions to enhance health and wellbeing and the provision of healthcare.

A novel recursive Fourier transform for nonuniform sampled signals: application to heart rate variability spectrum estimation.

PubMed

Holland, Alexander; Aboy, Mateo

2009-07-01

We present a novel method to iteratively calculate discrete Fourier transforms for discrete time signals with sample time intervals that may be widely nonuniform. The proposed recursive Fourier transform (RFT) does not require interpolation of the samples to uniform time intervals, and each iterative transform update of N frequencies has computational order N. Because of the inherent non-uniformity in the time between successive heart beats, an application particularly well suited for this transform is power spectral density (PSD) estimation for heart rate variability. We compare RFT based spectrum estimation with Lomb-Scargle Transform (LST) based estimation. PSD estimation based on the LST also does not require uniform time samples, but the LST has a computational order greater than Nlog(N). We conducted an assessment study involving the analysis of quasi-stationary signals with various levels of randomly missing heart beats. Our results indicate that the RFT leads to comparable estimation performance to the LST with significantly less computational overhead and complexity for applications requiring iterative spectrum estimations.

Low-noise, transformer-coupled resonant photodetector for squeezed state generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chaoyong; Shi, Shaoping; Zheng, Yaohui

2017-10-01

In an actual setup of squeezed state generation, the stability of a squeezing factor is mainly limited by the performance of the servo-control system, which is mainly influenced by the shot noise and gain of a photodetector. We present a unique transformer-coupled LC resonant amplifier as a photodetector circuit to reduce the electronic noise and increase the gain of the photodetector. As a result, we obtain a low-noise, high gain photodetector with the gain of more than 1.8 ×1 05 V/A, and the input current noise of less than 4.7 pA/√{Hz }. By adjusting the parameters of the transformer, the quality factor Q of the resonant circuit is close to 100 in the frequency range of more than 100 MHz, which meets the requirement for weak power detection in the application of squeezed state generation.

A three-dimensional actuated origami-inspired transformable metamaterial with multiple degrees of freedom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Overvelde, Johannes T. B.; de Jong, Twan A.; Shevchenko, Yanina; Becerra, Sergio A.; Whitesides, George M.; Weaver, James C.; Hoberman, Chuck; Bertoldi, Katia

2016-03-01

Reconfigurable devices, whose shape can be drastically altered, are central to expandable shelters, deployable space structures, reversible encapsulation systems and medical tools and robots. All these applications require structures whose shape can be actively controlled, both for deployment and to conform to the surrounding environment. While most current reconfigurable designs are application specific, here we present a mechanical metamaterial with tunable shape, volume and stiffness. Our approach exploits a simple modular origami-like design consisting of rigid faces and hinges, which are connected to form a periodic structure consisting of extruded cubes. We show both analytically and experimentally that the transformable metamaterial has three degrees of freedom, which can be actively deformed into numerous specific shapes through embedded actuation. The proposed metamaterial can be used to realize transformable structures with arbitrary architectures, highlighting a robust strategy for the design of reconfigurable devices over a wide range of length scales.