Study of the Subarea Approach to Health Manpower Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comprehensive Health Planning, Inc., Chicago, IL.

Recognizing the need for a health manpower planning system that would insure the recruitment, training, utilization, and retention of area residents as skilled providers of health care, Comprehensive Health Planning, Inc., Metropolitan Chicago (CHP), and the West Side Health Planning Organization (WSHPO) embarked on a 1-year project to demonstrate…

A Common Foundation of Information and Analytical Capability for AFSPC Decision Making

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-23

System Strategic Master Plan MAPs/MSP CRRAAF TASK FORCE CONOPS MUA Task Weights Engagement Analysis ASIIS Optimization ACEIT COST Analysis...Engangement Architecture Analysis Architecture MUA AFSPC POM S&T Planning Military Utility Analysis ACEIT COST Analysis Joint Capab Integ Develop System

An interactive computer approach to performing resource analysis for a multi-resource/multi-project problem. [Spacelab inventory procurement planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlagheck, R. A.

1977-01-01

New planning techniques and supporting computer tools are needed for the optimization of resources and costs for space transportation and payload systems. Heavy emphasis on cost effective utilization of resources has caused NASA program planners to look at the impact of various independent variables that affect procurement buying. A description is presented of a category of resource planning which deals with Spacelab inventory procurement analysis. Spacelab is a joint payload project between NASA and the European Space Agency and will be flown aboard the Space Shuttle starting in 1980. In order to respond rapidly to the various procurement planning exercises, a system was built that could perform resource analysis in a quick and efficient manner. This system is known as the Interactive Resource Utilization Program (IRUP). Attention is given to aspects of problem definition, an IRUP system description, questions of data base entry, the approach used for project scheduling, and problems of resource allocation.

7 CFR 1751.105 - Amending a Modernization Plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Amending a Modernization Plan. 1751.105 Section 1751.105 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA, AND PROCEDURES State...

ETV/ESTCP Demonstration Plan - Demonstration and Verification of a Turbine Power Generation System Utilizing Renewable Fuel: Landfill Gas

EPA Science Inventory

This Test and Quality Assurance Plan (TQAP) provides data quality objections for the success factors that were validated during this demonstration include energy production, emissions and emission reductions compared to alternative systems, economics, and operability, including r...

New Hampshire state rail plan 2001

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-04-01

This report is the 2001 update to the New Hampshire Statewide Rail Plan, which was last updated in 1991 and amended in 1993. The Rail Plan presents an overview of the current status of the New Hampshire Rail System, who operates it and how it is util...

Biological-based and physical-based optimization for biological evaluation of prostate patient's plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhikh, E.; Sheino, I.; Vertinsky, A.

2017-09-01

Modern modalities of radiation treatment therapy allow irradiation of the tumor to high dose values and irradiation of organs at risk (OARs) to low dose values at the same time. In this paper we study optimal radiation treatment plans made in Monaco system. The first aim of this study was to evaluate dosimetric features of Monaco treatment planning system using biological versus dose-based cost functions for the OARs and irradiation targets (namely tumors) when the full potential of built-in biological cost functions is utilized. The second aim was to develop criteria for the evaluation of radiation dosimetry plans for patients based on the macroscopic radiobiological criteria - TCP/NTCP. In the framework of the study four dosimetric plans were created utilizing the full extent of biological and physical cost functions using dose calculation-based treatment planning for IMRT Step-and-Shoot delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in prostate case (5 fractions per 7 Gy).

Utilization of artificial intelligence techniques for the Space Station power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evatt, Thomas C.; Gholdston, Edward W.

1988-01-01

Due to the complexity of the Space Station Electrical Power System (EPS) as currently envisioned, artificial intelligence/expert system techniques are being investigated to automate operations, maintenance, and diagnostic functions. A study was conducted to investigate this technology as it applies to failure detection, isolation, and reconfiguration (FDIR) and health monitoring of power system components and of the total system. Control system utilization of expert systems for load scheduling and shedding operations was also researched. A discussion of the utilization of artificial intelligence/expert systems for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Space Station effort is presented along with future plans at Rocketdyne for the utilization of this technology for enhanced Space Station power capability.

Planning and Implementing Social Service Information Systems: A Guide for Management and Users. Human Services Monograph Series Number 25. Project Share.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cotter, Barbara

Intended to aid administrators and users of social services in establishing information systems, this comprehensive guide to the design of such systems identifies the elements, effective strategies, and potential pitfalls involved in their planning, implementation, and utilization. Detailed discussions of management strategies for system…

Integrated Baseline System (IBS) Version 2.0: Utilities Guide

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

Burford, M.J.; Downing, T.R.; Williams, J.R.

1994-03-01

The Integrated Baseline System (IBS) is an emergency management planning and analysis tool being developed under the direction of the US Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency. This Utilities Guide explains how you can use the IBS utility programs to manage and manipulate various kinds of IBS data. These programs include utilities for creating, editing, and displaying maps and other data that are referenced to geographic location. The intended audience for this document are chiefly data managers but also system managers and some emergency management planners and analysts.

Major Issues in the Design of New Educational Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, David F.

The necessity of design and planning for school restructuring with a macro focus on education systems design is discussed in this paper. Eight support and implementation strategies are identified: utilization of a formal change process; planned coordination; multiple sponsorship; formation of a grassroots collaboration network; external and…

STATE ACID RAIN RESEARCH AND SCREENING SYSTEM - VERSION 1.0 USER'S MANUAL

EPA Science Inventory

The report is a user's manual that describes Version 1.0 of EPA's STate Acid Rain Research and Screening System (STARRSS), developed to assist utility regulatory commissions in reviewing utility acid rain compliance plans. It is a screening tool that is based on scenario analysis...

Spectrum/Orbit-Utilization Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Edward F.; Sawitz, Paul; Zusman, Fred

1988-01-01

Interferences among geostationary satellites determine allocations. Spectrum/Orbit Utilization Program (SOUP) is analytical computer program for determining mutual interferences among geostationary-satellite communication systems operating in given scenario. Major computed outputs are carrier-to-interference ratios at receivers at specified stations on Earth. Information enables determination of acceptability of planned communication systems. Written in FORTRAN.

Renewable energy in electric utility capacity planning: a decomposition approach with application to a Mexican utility

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

Staschus, K.

1985-01-01

In this dissertation, efficient algorithms for electric-utility capacity expansion planning with renewable energy are developed. The algorithms include a deterministic phase that quickly finds a near-optimal expansion plan using derating and a linearized approximation to the time-dependent availability of nondispatchable energy sources. A probabilistic second phase needs comparatively few computer-time consuming probabilistic simulation iterations to modify this solution towards the optimal expansion plan. For the deterministic first phase, two algorithms, based on a Lagrangian Dual decomposition and a Generalized Benders Decomposition, are developed. The probabilistic second phase uses a Generalized Benders Decomposition approach. Extensive computational tests of the algorithms aremore » reported. Among the deterministic algorithms, the one based on Lagrangian Duality proves fastest. The two-phase approach is shown to save up to 80% in computing time as compared to a purely probabilistic algorithm. The algorithms are applied to determine the optimal expansion plan for the Tijuana-Mexicali subsystem of the Mexican electric utility system. A strong recommendation to push conservation programs in the desert city of Mexicali results from this implementation.« less

7 CFR 1751.104 - Obtaining RUS approval of a proposed Modernization Plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Obtaining RUS approval of a proposed Modernization Plan. 1751.104 Section 1751.104 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PLANNING AND DESIGN...

Intelligent decision support algorithm for distribution system restoration.

PubMed

Singh, Reetu; Mehfuz, Shabana; Kumar, Parmod

2016-01-01

Distribution system is the means of revenue for electric utility. It needs to be restored at the earliest if any feeder or complete system is tripped out due to fault or any other cause. Further, uncertainty of the loads, result in variations in the distribution network's parameters. Thus, an intelligent algorithm incorporating hybrid fuzzy-grey relation, which can take into account the uncertainties and compare the sequences is discussed to analyse and restore the distribution system. The simulation studies are carried out to show the utility of the method by ranking the restoration plans for a typical distribution system. This algorithm also meets the smart grid requirements in terms of an automated restoration plan for the partial/full blackout of network.

Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Deployment Scenarios of the Western United States: Implications for Solar Energy Zones in Nevada

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

Frew, Bethany; Mai, Trieu; Krishnan, Venkat

2016-12-01

In this study, we use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) capacity expansion model to estimate utility-scale photovoltaic (UPV) deployment trends from present day through 2030. The analysis seeks to inform the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM's) planning activities related to UPV development on federal lands in Nevada as part of the Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision for the Las Vegas and Pahrump field offices. These planning activities include assessing the demand for new or expanded additional Solar Energy Zones (SEZ), per the process outlined in BLM's Western Solar Plan process.

Solar thermal power plants in small utilities - An economic impact analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluhm, S. A.; Ferber, R. R.; Mayo, L. G.

1979-01-01

A study was performed to assess the potential economic impact of small solar thermal electric power systems in statistically representative synthetic small utilities of the Southwestern United States. Power supply expansion plans were compared on the basis of present worth of future revenue requirements for 1980-2000 with and without solar thermal plants. Coal-fired and oil-fired municipal utility expansion plans with 5 percent solar penetration were 0.5 percent and 2.25 percent less expensive, respectively, than the corresponding conventional plan. At $969/kWe, which assumes the same low cost solar equipment but no improvement in site development costs, solar penetration of 5 percent in the oil-fired municipal reduced revenue requirements 0.88 percent. The paper concludes that some solar thermal plants are potentially economic in small community utilities of the Southwest.

Evaluation Planning, Evaluation Management, and Utilization of Evaluation Results within Adult Literacy Campaigns, Programs and Projects (with Implications for Adult Basic Education and Nonformal Education Programs in General). A Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bhola, H. S.

Addressed to professionals involved in program evaluation, this working paper covers various aspects of evaluation planning, including the following: planning as a sociotechnical process, steps in evaluation planning, program planning and implementation versus evaluation planning and implementation, the literacy system and its subsystems, and some…

Utility interconnection issues for wind power generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrera, J. I.; Lawler, J. S.; Reddoch, T. W.; Sullivan, R. L.

1986-01-01

This document organizes the total range of utility related issues, reviews wind turbine control and dynamic characteristics, identifies the interaction of wind turbines to electric utility systems, and identifies areas for future research. The material is organized at three levels: the wind turbine, its controls and characteristics; connection strategies as dispersed or WPSs; and the composite issue of planning and operating the electric power system with wind generated electricity.

Defense Infrastructure: Actions Needed to Strengthen Utility Resilience Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

and design , historical architecture and materials, and overhead; and inflation adjustments. 6We obtained and analyzed records from DOD’s Real...the impacts of those disruptions, and the characteristics of the DOD-owned utility systems, among other things. To inform the design of our survey...managing and operating DOD-owned utility systems. Furthermore, the survey instrument was independently reviewed by a survey design expert within GAO. We

Expert systems tools for Hubble Space Telescope observation scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Glenn; Rosenthal, Don; Cohen, William; Johnston, Mark

1987-01-01

The utility of expert systems techniques for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) planning and scheduling is discussed and a plan for development of expert system tools which will augment the existing ground system is described. Additional capabilities provided by these tools will include graphics-oriented plan evaluation, long-range analysis of the observation pool, analysis of optimal scheduling time intervals, constructing sequences of spacecraft activities which minimize operational overhead, and optimization of linkages between observations. Initial prototyping of a scheduler used the Automated Reasoning Tool running on a LISP workstation.

Optimal planning and design of a renewable energy based supply system for microgrids

DOE PAGES

Hafez, Omar; Bhattacharya, Kankar

2012-03-03

This paper presents a technique for optimal planning and design of hybrid renewable energy systems for microgrid applications. The Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM) is used to determine the optimal size and type of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their operating schedules for a sample utility distribution system. Using the DER-CAM results, an evaluation is performed to evaluate the electrical performance of the distribution circuit if the DERs selected by the DER-CAM optimization analyses are incorporated. Results of analyses regarding the economic benefits of utilizing the optimal locations identified for the selected DER within the system are alsomore » presented. The actual Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) campus electrical network is used as an example to show the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that these technical and economic analyses of hybrid renewable energy systems are essential for the efficient utilization of renewable energy resources for microgird applications.« less

Honey Lake Project

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

Boren, K.L.; Johnson, K.R.

1978-11-01

Thirty units of a planned 205 geothermally heated hydroponic greenhouses are producing European cucumbers and tropic tomatoes near Wendel, California. The planned utilization of the geothermal resource in this project, hydroponics, in general, and the Honey Lake system is described. (MHR)

Quality assurance of HDR prostate plans: program implementation at a community hospital.

PubMed

Rush, Jennifer B; Thomas, Michael D

2005-01-01

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. The utilization of radiation therapy is regarded as the definitive local therapy of choice for intermediate- and high-risk disease, in which there is increased risk for extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, or regional node involvement. High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a logical treatment modality to deliver the boost dose to an external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) treatment to increase local control rates. From a treatment perspective, the utilization of a complicated treatment delivery system, the compressed time frame in which the procedure is performed, and the small number of large dose fractions make the implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance (QA) program imperative. One aspect of this program is the QA of the HDR treatment plan. Review of regulatory and medical physics professional publications shows that substantial general guidance is available. We provide some insight to the implementation of an HDR prostate plan program at a community hospital. One aspect addressed is the utilization of the low-dose-rate (LDR) planning system and the use of existing ultrasound image sets to familiarize the radiation therapy team with respect to acceptable HDR implant geometries. Additionally, the use of the LDR treatment planning system provided a means to prospectively determine the relationship between the treated isodose volume and the product of activity and time for the department's planning protocol prior to the first HDR implant. For the first 12 HDR prostate implants, the root-mean-square (RMS) deviation was 3.05% between the predicted product of activity and time vs. the actual plan values. Retrospective re-evaluation of the actual implant data reduced the RMS deviation to 2.36%.

Trends in capacity utilization for therapeutic monoclonal antibody production.

PubMed

Langer, Eric S

2009-01-01

The administration of high doses of therapeutic antibodies requires large-scale, efficient, cost effective manufacturing processes. An understanding of how the industry is using its available production capacity is important for production planning, and facility expansion analysis. Inaccurate production planning for therapeutic antibodies can have serious financial ramifications. In the recent 5(th) Annual Report and Survey of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Capacity and Production, 434 qualified respondents from 39 countries were asked to indicate, among other manufacturing issues, their current trends and future predictions with respect to the production capacity utilization of monoclonal antibodies in mammalian cell culture systems. While overall production of monoclonals has expanded dramatically since 2003, the average capacity utilization for mammalian cell culture systems, has decreased each year since 2003. Biomanufacturers aggressively attempt to avoid unanticipated high production demands that can create a capacity crunch. We summarize trends associated with capacity utilization and capacity constraints which indicate that biopharmaceutical manufacturers are doing a better job planning for capacity. The results have been a smoothing of capacity use shifts and an improved ability to forecast capacity and outsourcing needs. Despite these data, today, the instability and financial constraints caused by the current global economic crisis are likely to create unforeseen shifts in our capacity utilization and capacity expansion trends. These shifts will need to be measured in subsequent studies.

Recommended Resources for Planning to Evaluate Program Improvement Efforts (Including the SSIP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Systemic Improvement at WestEd, 2015

2015-01-01

This document provides a list of recommended existing resources for state Part C and Part B 619 staff and technical assistance (TA) providers to utilize to support evaluation planning for program improvement efforts (including the State Systemic Improvement Plan, SSIP). There are many resources available related to evaluation and evaluation…

Planning and Measurement in School to Work Transition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kooi, Beverly Y.

An analysis, development, and research (ADR) approach for planning educational research and development programs was used as a model for planning the National Institute of Education's School-To-Work Transition Program. The ADR model is system oriented and utilizes an iterative approach in which research questions are raised as others are answered.…

77 FR 32183 - Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-31

... it would not wait for systemic problems to undermine transmission planning before action is taken... that the development of transmission facilities can involve long lead times and complex problems... rather than allowing the problems in transmission planning and cost allocation to continue or to increase...

The novel use of climate information in water utility planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yates, D. N.

2016-12-01

Municipal water utilities have a long history of planning and yet their traditional use of climate information has been rather static in nature, using approaches such as 'safe-yield' to design their water infrastructure. New planning paradigms, such as triple-bottom-line approaches that integerate environemntal, social, and financial aspects of the water enterprise have led water utilies to use climate information in a much more rich and informative way. This presentation will describe examples of how climate climate information, hydrologic modeling, and water systems decision support tools are uniquely bleneded to help water utilties make informed decisions.

Internet-based system for simulation-based medical planning for cardiovascular disease.

PubMed

Steele, Brooke N; Draney, Mary T; Ku, Joy P; Taylor, Charles A

2003-06-01

Current practice in vascular surgery utilizes only diagnostic and empirical data to plan treatments, which does not enable quantitative a priori prediction of the outcomes of interventions. We have previously described simulation-based medical planning methods to model blood flow in arteries and plan medical treatments based on physiologic models. An important consideration for the design of these patient-specific modeling systems is the accessibility to physicians with modest computational resources. We describe a simulation-based medical planning environment developed for the World Wide Web (WWW) using the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) and the Java programming language.

Factors Influencing Post-Adoptive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Utilization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGinnis, Thomas C.

2011-01-01

Organizations expend a great deal of time, effort and money on the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. They are considered the price of entry for large organizations to do business. Yet the success rate of ERP systems is poor. IS literature suggests that one possible reason for this is the underutilization of these…

Comparing Public and Private Institutions That Have and Have Not Implemented Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: A Resource Dependence Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sendhil, Geetha R.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this national study was to utilize quantitative methods to examine institutional characteristics, financial resource variables, personnel variables, and customer variables of public and private institutions that have and have not implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, from a resource dependence perspective.…

Exploring Type and Amount of Parent Talk during Individualized Family Service Plan Meetings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ridgley, Robyn; Snyder, Patricia; McWilliam, R. A.

2014-01-01

We discuss the utility of a coding system designed to evaluate the amount and type of parent talk during individualized family service plan (IFSP) meetings. The iterative processes used to develop the "Parent Communication Coding System" (PCCS) and its associated codes are described. In addition, we explored whether PCCS codes could be…

A negotiation methodology and its application to cogeneration planning

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

Wang, S.M.; Liu, C.C.; Luu, S.

Power system planning has become a complex process in utilities today. This paper presents a methodology for integrated planning with multiple objectives. The methodology uses a graphical representation (Goal-Decision Network) to capture the planning knowledge. The planning process is viewed as a negotiation process that applies three negotiation operators to search for beneficial decisions in a GDN. Also, the negotiation framework is applied to the problem of planning for cogeneration interconnection. The simulation results are presented to illustrate the cogeneration planning process.

Utility of the PASS Theory and Cognitive Assessment System for Dutch Children with and without ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Luit, Johannes E. H.; Kroesbergen, Evelyn H.; Naglieri, Jack A.

2005-01-01

This study examined the utility of the Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, Successive (PASS) theory of intelligence as measured by the "Cognitive Assessment System" (CAS) for evaluation of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The CAS scores of 51 Dutch children without ADHD were compared to the scores of a group…

The School of the Future. Stelco Trend. Number 34 in a Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Howard V.; Arthur, E. R.

Floor plans and illustrations present a simplified building system for an elementary school that can be utilized by any school board. All components for the system can be drawn from existing products and readily integrated with the structure. The component assembly and connections are illustrated in detail. Factory production is utilized to reduce…

Strategic deployment plan : intelligent transportation system (ITS) : early deployment study, Kansas City metropolitan bi-state area

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are systems that utilize advanced technologies, including computer, communications and process control technologies, to improve the efficiency and safety of the transportation system. These systems encompass a...

Final Technical Report for Contract No. DE-EE0006332, "Integrated Simulation Development and Decision Support Tool-Set for Utility Market and Distributed Solar Power Generation"

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

Cormier, Dallas; Edra, Sherwin; Espinoza, Michael

This project will enable utilities to develop long-term strategic plans that integrate high levels of renewable energy generation, and to better plan power system operations under high renewable penetration. The program developed forecast data streams for decision support and effective integration of centralized and distributed solar power generation in utility operations. This toolset focused on real time simulation of distributed power generation within utility grids with the emphasis on potential applications in day ahead (market) and real time (reliability) utility operations. The project team developed and demonstrated methodologies for quantifying the impact of distributed solar generation on core utility operations,more » identified protocols for internal data communication requirements, and worked with utility personnel to adapt the new distributed generation (DG) forecasts seamlessly within existing Load and Generation procedures through a sophisticated DMS. This project supported the objectives of the SunShot Initiative and SUNRISE by enabling core utility operations to enhance their simulation capability to analyze and prepare for the impacts of high penetrations of solar on the power grid. The impact of high penetration solar PV on utility operations is not only limited to control centers, but across many core operations. Benefits of an enhanced DMS using state-of-the-art solar forecast data were demonstrated within this project and have had an immediate direct operational cost savings for Energy Marketing for Day Ahead generation commitments, Real Time Operations, Load Forecasting (at an aggregate system level for Day Ahead), Demand Response, Long term Planning (asset management), Distribution Operations, and core ancillary services as required for balancing and reliability. This provided power system operators with the necessary tools and processes to operate the grid in a reliable manner under high renewable penetration.« less

Technical assessment of Mir-1 life support hardware for the international space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, K. L.; Bagdigian, R. M.; Carrasquillo, R. L.; Carter, D. L.; Franks, G. D.; Holder, D. W., Jr.; Hutchens, C. F.; Ogle, K. Y.; Perry, J. L.; Ray, C. D.

1994-01-01

NASA has been progressively learning the design and performance of the Russian life support systems utilized in their Mir space station. In 1992, a plan was implemented to assess the benefits of the Mir-1 life support systems to the Freedom program. Three primary tasks focused on: evaluating the operational Mir-1 support technologies and understanding if specific Russian systems could be directly utilized on the American space station and if Russian technology design information could prove useful in improving the current design of the planned American life support equipment; evaluating the ongoing Russian life support technology development activities to determine areas of potential long-term application to the U.S. space station; and utilizing the expertise of their space station life support systems to evaluate the benefits to the current U.S. space station program which included the integration of the Russian Mir-1 designs with the U.S. designs to support a crew of six.

Analysis of the value of battery storage with wind and photovoltaic generation to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District

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

Zaininger, H.W.

1998-08-01

This report describes the results of an analysis to determine the economic and operational value of battery storage to wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation technologies to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) system. The analysis approach consisted of performing a benefit-cost economic assessment using established SMUD financial parameters, system expansion plans, and current system operating procedures. This report presents the results of the analysis. Section 2 describes expected wind and PV plant performance. Section 3 describes expected benefits to SMUD associated with employing battery storage. Section 4 presents preliminary benefit-cost results for battery storage added at the Solano wind plantmore » and the Hedge PV plant. Section 5 presents conclusions and recommendations resulting from this analysis. The results of this analysis should be reviewed subject to the following caveat. The assumptions and data used in developing these results were based on reports available from and interaction with appropriate SMUD operating, planning, and design personnel in 1994 and early 1995 and are compatible with financial assumptions and system expansion plans as of that time. Assumptions and SMUD expansion plans have changed since then. In particular, SMUD did not install the additional 45 MW of wind that was planned for 1996. Current SMUD expansion plans and assumptions should be obtained from appropriate SMUD personnel.« less

Alexandra Aznar | NREL

Science.gov Websites

policies Climate change impacts on natural resources (including energy systems and energy-water systems Solar's Impacts to Utility Planning and Operations. Solar Electric Power Association and the National

Study and development of techniques for automatic control of remote manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaket, E.; Leal, A.

1976-01-01

An overall conceptual design for an autonomous control system of remote manipulators which utilizes feedback was constructed. The system consists of a description of the high-level capabilities of a model from which design algorithms are constructed. The autonomous capability is achieved through automatic planning and locally controlled execution of the plans. The operator gives his commands in high level task-oriented terms. The system transforms these commands into a plan. It uses built-in procedural knowledge of the problem domain and an internal model of the current state of the world.

General Vehicle Test Plan (GVTP) for Urban Rail Transit Cars

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-09-01

The General Vehicle Test Plan provides a system for general vehicle testing and for documenting and utilizing data and information in the testing of urban rail transit cars. Test procedures are defined for nine categories: (1) Performance; (2) Power ...

7 CFR 1940.959 - Area plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) GENERAL System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development Programs § 1940.959 Area plan...

7 CFR 1940.959 - Area plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) GENERAL System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development Programs § 1940.959 Area plan...

7 CFR 1940.959 - Area plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) GENERAL System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development Programs § 1940.959 Area plan...

7 CFR 1940.959 - Area plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) GENERAL System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development Programs § 1940.959 Area plan...

Decision Support Systems for Research and Management in Advanced Life Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriquez, Luis F.

2004-01-01

Decision support systems have been implemented in many applications including strategic planning for battlefield scenarios, corporate decision making for business planning, production planning and control systems, and recommendation generators like those on Amazon.com(Registered TradeMark). Such tools are reviewed for developing a similar tool for NASA's ALS Program. DSS are considered concurrently with the development of the OPIS system, a database designed for chronicling of research and development in ALS. By utilizing the OPIS database, it is anticipated that decision support can be provided to increase the quality of decisions by ALS managers and researchers.

A Probe into Key Points in the Planning and Design of Integrated Corridor at Large Civil Airports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Qing

2018-05-01

If we compare an airport to our human body, all sorts of specialized pipelines and wires are to an airport as the vascular system and nervous system etc. to the human body, where each functional zone connecting the airport serves each major system of airport and provides “throughput like the function of driving out the processed for the new” and “central control and transmission function”. Guided by the master plan and the concept of progressive development of airports, it is critical to map out a plan to link near-term and long-term development of supporting utilities. The role and effect of integrated corridor is of significance to the construction of multi-runway large-sized new airports or to the expansion of an airport costing tens of billions. In view of the features of the fast growing civil aviation sector in China, this thesis argues for the necessity to plan for and build integrated corridor at large airports, suggests doing research on integrated corridor at the project consulting stage by drawing upon available airport design experiences and case studies and combining the plan for public utilities (or special plan), and analyzes and outlines key points in integrated corridor design based on special requirements and industrial standards for civil airport management.

Automated Planning for a Deep Space Communications Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estlin, Tara; Fisher, Forest; Mutz, Darren; Chien, Steve

1999-01-01

This paper describes the application of Artificial Intelligence planning techniques to the problem of antenna track plan generation for a NASA Deep Space Communications Station. Me described system enables an antenna communications station to automatically respond to a set of tracking goals by correctly configuring the appropriate hardware and software to provide the requested communication services. To perform this task, the Automated Scheduling and Planning Environment (ASPEN) has been applied to automatically produce antenna trucking plans that are tailored to support a set of input goals. In this paper, we describe the antenna automation problem, the ASPEN planning and scheduling system, how ASPEN is used to generate antenna track plans, the results of several technology demonstrations, and future work utilizing dynamic planning technology.

Integrated Renewable Hydrogen Utility System (IRHUS) business plan

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

NONE

1999-03-01

This business plan is for a proposed legal entity named IRHUS, Inc. which is to be formed as a subsidiary of Energy Partners, L.C. (EP) of West Palm Beach, Florida. EP is a research and development company specializing in hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and systems. A fuel cell is an engine with no moving parts that takes in hydrogen and produces electricity. The purpose of IRHUS, Inc. is to develop and manufacture a self-sufficient energy system based on the fuel cell and other new technology that produces hydrogen and electricity. The product is called the Integrated renewablemore » Hydrogen utility System (IRHUS). IRHUS, Inc. plans to start limited production of the IRHUS in 2002. The IRHUS is a unique product with an innovative concept in that it provides continuous electrical power in places with no electrical infrastructure, i.e., in remote and island locations. The IRHUS is a zero emissions, self-sufficient, hydrogen fuel generation system that produces electricity on a continuous basis by combining any renewable power source with hydrogen technology. Current plans are to produce a 10 kilowatt IRHUS MP (medium power). Future plans are to design and manufacture IRHUS models to provide power for a variety of power ranges for identified attractive market segments. The technological components of the IRHUS include an electrolyzer, hydrogen and oxygen storage subsystems, fuel cell system, and power control system. The IRHUS product is to be integrated with a variety of renewable energy technologies. 5 figs., 10 tabs.« less

Shared Decision Making in Local School Planning: An Urban School System's Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elenbogen, Janet C.; Hiestand, Nancy I.

The practices and perceptions of a shared planning team decision-making model and the effects on student achievement and attendance are examined in this study. Survey results, test scores, and background data on schools were utilized to analyze the relationships among the degree of shared decision-making and planning effectiveness ratings, student…

Implications of Current and Proposed Funding Plans for Oklahoma Common Schools. Research Report P-748.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowrance, Danny; Tweeten, Luther

Utilizing data from the 1973-1974 school year, the study analyzed and compared the educational funding system presently used by Oklahoma with other school funding plans on the basis of economic efficiency and social equity. Funding plans used for comparison included Flat Grants, Minimum Foundation, Percentage Equalizing, Guaranteed Tax Base, Full…

Teenagers Who Use Organized Family Planning Services: United States, 1978. Data on Health Resources Utilization Series 13, No. 57.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckard, Eugenia

Adolescent childbearing is a major concern because of the associated negative health, social, and economic consequences. To determine whether teenagers are using organized family services to prevent unwanted pregnancies, the National Reporting System for Family Planning Services began in 1972 to collect information on family planning clinic…

RESPONSE PROTOCOL TOOLBOX: PLANNING FOR AND RESPONDING TO DRINKING WATER CONTAMINATION THREATS AND INCIDENTS. MODULE 1: WATER UTILITIES PLANNING GUIDE - INTERIM FINAL - DECEMBER 2003

EPA Science Inventory

The interim final Response Protocol Toolbox: Planning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems is designed to help the water sector effectively and appropriately respond to intentional contamination threats and incidents. It was produced by EPA, buil...

Centralized mission planning and scheduling system for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kavelaars, Alicia; Barnoy, Assaf M.; Gregory, Shawna; Garcia, Gonzalo; Talon, Cesar; Greer, Gregory; Williams, Jason; Dulski, Vicki

2014-01-01

Satellites in Low Earth Orbit provide missions with closer range for studying aspects such as geography and topography, but often require efficient utilization of space and ground assets. Optimizing schedules for these satellites amounts to a complex planning puzzle since it requires operators to face issues such as discontinuous ground contacts, limited onboard memory storage, constrained downlink margin, and shared ground antenna resources. To solve this issue for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM, Landsat 8), all the scheduling exchanges for science data request, ground/space station contact, and spacecraft maintenance and control will be coordinated through a centralized Mission Planning and Scheduling (MPS) engine, based upon GMV’s scheduling system flexplan9 . The synchronization between all operational functions must be strictly maintained to ensure efficient mission utilization of ground and spacecraft activities while working within the bounds of the space and ground resources, such as Solid State Recorder (SSR) and available antennas. This paper outlines the functionalities that the centralized planning and scheduling system has in its operational control and management of the Landsat 8 spacecraft.

[Preliminary application of scripting in RayStation TPS system].

PubMed

Zhang, Jianying; Sun, Jing; Wang, Yun

2013-07-01

Discussing the basic application of scripting in RayStation TPS system. On the RayStation 3.0 Platform, the programming methods and the points should be considered during basic scripting application were explored with the help of utility scripts. The typical planning problems in the field of beam arrangement and plan outputting were used as examples by ironprthon language. The necessary properties and the functions of patient object for script writing can be extracted from RayStation system. With the help of NET controls, planning functions such as the interactive parameter input, treatment planning control and the extract of the plan have been realized by scripts. With the help of demo scripts, scripts can be developed in RayStation, as well as the system performance can be upgraded.

Operational Simulation Tools and Long Term Strategic Planning for High Penetrations of PV in the Southeastern United States

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

Tuohy, Aidan; Smith, Jeff; Rylander, Matt

2016-07-11

Increasing levels of distributed and utility scale Solar Photovoltaics (PV) will have an impact on many utility functions, including distribution system operations, bulk system performance, business models and scheduling of generation. In this project, EPRI worked with Southern Company Services and its affiliates and the Tennessee Valley Authority to assist these utilities in their strategic planning efforts for integrating PV, based on modeling, simulation and analysis using a set of innovative tools. Advanced production simulation models were used to investigate operating reserve requirements. To leverage existing work and datasets, this last task was carried out on the California system. Overall,more » the project resulted in providing useful information to both of the utilities involved and through the final reports and interactions during the project. The results from this project can be used to inform the industry about new and improved methodologies for understanding solar PV penetration, and will influence ongoing and future research. This report summarizes each of the topics investigated over the 2.5-year project period.« less

Global Snow from Space: Development of a Satellite-based, Terrestrial Snow Mission Planning Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forman, B. A.; Kumar, S.; LeMoigne, J.; Nag, S.

2017-12-01

A global, satellite-based, terrestrial snow mission planning tool is proposed to help inform experimental mission design with relevance to snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE). The idea leverages the capabilities of NASA's Land Information System (LIS) and the Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT-C) to harness the information content of Earth science mission data across a suite of hypothetical sensor designs, orbital configurations, data assimilation algorithms, and optimization and uncertainty techniques, including cost estimates and risk assessments of each hypothetical permutation. One objective of the proposed observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) is to assess the complementary - or perhaps contradictory - information content derived from the simultaneous collection of passive microwave (radiometer), active microwave (radar), and LIDAR observations from space-based platforms. The integrated system will enable a true end-to-end OSSE that can help quantify the value of observations based on their utility towards both scientific research and applications as well as to better guide future mission design. Science and mission planning questions addressed as part of this concept include: What observational records are needed (in space and time) to maximize terrestrial snow experimental utility? How might observations be coordinated (in space and time) to maximize this utility? What is the additional utility associated with an additional observation? How can future mission costs be minimized while ensuring Science requirements are fulfilled?

Towards the Development of a Global, Satellite-based, Terrestrial Snow Mission Planning Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forman, Bart; Kumar, Sujay; Le Moigne, Jacqueline; Nag, Sreeja

2017-01-01

A global, satellite-based, terrestrial snow mission planning tool is proposed to help inform experimental mission design with relevance to snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE). The idea leverages the capabilities of NASAs Land Information System (LIS) and the Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT C) to harness the information content of Earth science mission data across a suite of hypothetical sensor designs, orbital configurations, data assimilation algorithms, and optimization and uncertainty techniques, including cost estimates and risk assessments of each hypothetical orbital configuration.One objective the proposed observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) is to assess the complementary or perhaps contradictory information content derived from the simultaneous collection of passive microwave (radiometer), active microwave (radar), and LIDAR observations from space-based platforms. The integrated system will enable a true end-to-end OSSE that can help quantify the value of observations based on their utility towards both scientific research and applications as well as to better guide future mission design. Science and mission planning questions addressed as part of this concept include:1. What observational records are needed (in space and time) to maximize terrestrial snow experimental utility?2. How might observations be coordinated (in space and time) to maximize utility? 3. What is the additional utility associated with an additional observation?4. How can future mission costs being minimized while ensuring Science requirements are fulfilled?

Towards the Development of a Global, Satellite-Based, Terrestrial Snow Mission Planning Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forman, Bart; Kumar, Sujay; Le Moigne, Jacqueline; Nag, Sreeja

2017-01-01

A global, satellite-based, terrestrial snow mission planning tool is proposed to help inform experimental mission design with relevance to snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE). The idea leverages the capabilities of NASA's Land Information System (LIS) and the Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT-C) to harness the information content of Earth science mission data across a suite of hypothetical sensor designs, orbital configurations, data assimilation algorithms, and optimization and uncertainty techniques, including cost estimates and risk assessments of each hypothetical permutation. One objective of the proposed observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) is to assess the complementary or perhaps contradictory information content derived from the simultaneous collection of passive microwave (radiometer), active microwave (radar), and LIDAR observations from space-based platforms. The integrated system will enable a true end-to-end OSSE that can help quantify the value of observations based on their utility towards both scientific research and applications as well as to better guide future mission design. Science and mission planning questions addressed as part of this concept include: What observational records are needed (in space and time) to maximize terrestrial snow experimental utility? How might observations be coordinated (in space and time) to maximize this utility? What is the additional utility associated with an additional observation? How can future mission costs be minimized while ensuring Science requirements are fulfilled?

The use of routine monitoring and evaluation systems to assess a referral model of family planning and HIV service integration in Nigeria.

PubMed

Chabikuli, Nzapfurundi O; Awi, Dorka D; Chukwujekwu, Ogo; Abubakar, Zubaida; Gwarzo, Usman; Ibrahim, Mohammed; Merrigan, Mike; Hamelmann, Christoph

2009-11-01

To measure changes in service utilization of a model integrating family planning with HIV counselling and testing (HCT), antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in the Nigerian public health facilities. It is a retrospective survey of attendance and family planning commodity uptake in 71 health facilities in Nigeria that analyzes the preintegration and postintegration periods between March 2007 and January 2009. A prepost retrospective comparison of mean attendance at family planning clinics and couple-years of protection (CYP) compared 6 months preintegration with 9 months postintegration period. An analysis of service ratios was conducted, relating completed referrals at family planning clinics to service utilization at the referring HIV clinics. Mean attendance at family planning clinics increased significantly from 67.6 in preintegration to 87.0 in postintegration. The mean CYP increased significantly from 32.3 preintegration to 38.2 postintegration. Service ratio of referrals from each of the HIV clinics was low but increased in the postintegration period by 4, 34 and 42 per 1000 clients from HCT, ART and PMTCT clinics, respectively. Service ratios were higher in primary healthcare settings than in secondary or tertiary hospitals. Attendance by men at family planning clinics was significantly higher among clients referred from HIV clinics. Family planning-HIV integration using the referral model improved family planning service utilization by clients accessing HIV services, but further improvement is possible. Male utilization of family planning services also improved. The government of Nigeria should review the family planning user fee policy and scale up the integration in primary healthcare facilities.

Computer-assisted surgical planning and automation of laser delivery systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamorano, Lucia J.; Dujovny, Manuel; Dong, Ada; Kadi, A. Majeed

1991-05-01

This paper describes a 'real time' surgical treatment planning interactive workstation, utilizing multimodality imaging (computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, digital angiography) that has been developed to provide the neurosurgeon with two-dimensional multiplanar and three-dimensional 'display' of a patient's lesion.

Automatic mission planning algorithms for aerial collection of imaging-specific tasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sponagle, Paul; Salvaggio, Carl

2017-05-01

The rapid advancement and availability of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) has led to many novel exploitation tasks utilizing that utilize this unique aerial imagery data. Collection of this unique data requires novel flight planning to accomplish the task at hand. This work describes novel flight planning to better support structure-from-motion missions to minimize occlusions, autonomous and periodic overflight of reflectance calibration panels to permit more efficient and accurate data collection under varying illumination conditions, and the collection of imagery data to study optical properties such as the bidirectional reflectance distribution function without disturbing the target in sensitive or remote areas of interest. These novel mission planning algorithms will provide scientists with additional tools to meet their future data collection needs.

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

KIRKBRIDE, R.A.

The Tank Waste Remediation System Operation and Utilization Plan updates the operating scenario and plans for the delivery of feed to BNFL Inc., retrieval of waste from single-shell tanks, and the overall process flowsheets for Phases I and II of the privatization of the Tank Waste Remediation System. The plans and flowsheets are updated with the most recent tank-by-tank inventory and sludge washing data. Sensitivity cases were run to evaluate the impact or benefits of proposed changes to the BNFL Inc. contract and to evaluate a risk-based SST retrieval strategy.

Strategic planning--a plan for excellence for South Haven Health System.

PubMed

Urbanski, Joanne; Baskel, Maureen; Martelli, Mary

2011-01-01

South Haven Health System has developed an innovative approach to strategic planning. The key to success of this process has been the multidisciplinary involvement of all stakeholders from the first planning session through the final formation of a strategic plan with measurable objectives for each goal. The process utilizes a Conversation Café method for identifying opportunities and establishing goals, Strategic Oversight Teams to address each goal and a Champion for implementation of each objective. Progress is measured quarterly by Strategic Oversight Team report cards. Transparency of communication within the organization and the sharing of information move the plan forward. The feedback from participant evaluations has been overwhelmingly positive. They are involved and excited.

Social cost considerations and legal constraints in implementing modular integrated utility systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lede, N. W.; Dixon, H. W.; King, O.; Hill, D. K.

1974-01-01

Social costs associated with the design, demonstration, and implementation of the Modular Integrated Utility System are considered including the social climate of communities, leadership patterns, conflicts and cleavages, specific developmental values, MIUS utility goal assessment, and the suitability of certian alternative options for use in a program of implementation. General considerations are discussed in the field of socio-technological planning. These include guidelines for understanding the conflict and diversity; some relevant goal choices and ideas useful to planners of the MIUS facility.

Durability of geosynthetics for highway applications : interim report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

BRT will utilize Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology, modern land use planning and transportation policies to support new concepts for rapid transit systems based on bus-like vehicles. The success of some of these pioneering systems, s...

Space transportation system payload status and reimbursement policy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yardley, J. F.

1977-01-01

The status of the Space Transportation System (STS) is reviewed. The management structure and project planning status are discussed, including considerations of STS utilization, payloads, cost assessments, and pricing policy.

The Status of Hospital Information Systems in Iranian Hospitals

PubMed Central

Jahanbakhsh, Maryam; Sharifi, Mohammed; Ayat, Masar

2014-01-01

Background: The area of e-Health is broad and has an excellent growth potential. An increasing number of experts believe that e-Health will fuel the next breakthroughs in health system improvements throughout the world, but there is frequent evidence of unsustainable use of e-Health systems in medical centres, particularly hospitals, for different reasons in different countries. Iran is also a developing country which is presently adopting this promising technology for its traditional healthcare delivery but there is not much information about the use of e-Health systems in its hospitals, and the weakness and opportunities of utilization of such Hospital Information Systems (HIS). Methods: For this research, a number of Hospitals from Isfahan, Iran, are selected using convenient sampling. E-health research professionals went there to observe their HIS and collect required data as a qualitative survey. The design of interview questions was based on the researchers’ experiences and knowledge in this area along with elementary interviews with experts on HIS utilization in hospitals. Results: Efficient administration of e-health implementation improves the quality of healthcare, reduces costs and medical errors, makes healthcare resources available to rural areas, etc. However, there are numerous issues affecting the successful utilization of e-health in Hospitals, such as a lack of a perfect HIS implementation plan and well-defined strategy, inadequate IT-security for the protection of e-health-related data, improper training and educational issues, legal challenges, privacy concerns, improper documentation of lessons learned, resistance to the application of new technologies, and finally a lack of recovery plan and disaster management. These results along with some informative stories are extracted from interview sessions to uncover associated challenges of HIS utilization in Iranian hospitals. Conclusion: The utilization of e-health in Iranian hospitals, particularly those in Isfahan, is subject to several challenges and there is no proper long-term strategy plans for HIS initiation, development, and improvement in Iranian hospitals. In order to address these problems, six recommendations are provided. Hence, human resource and e-health professionals from third party consultancy companies along with medical university scholars have to assist such hospitals to undertake the proposed solutions in order to provide proper plans to overcome future challenges and have a mature HIS in accordance with expected HIS utilization from hospitals and medical universities. PMID:25395731

Utilizing an Intelligent Tutoring System in Tactical Action Officer Sandbox

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Office of Naval Research Future Naval Capabilities, the Defense Technology Area Plan from 2005 and the Department of Defense Science and Technology ...LEFT BLANK v ABSTRACT The Office of Naval Research Future Naval Capabilities, the Defense Technology Area Plan from 2005 and the Department...of Defense Science and Technology Priorities for FY13-17 all share a focus on systems to promote warfighter performance. The goal of these systems is

An Overview of ANN Application in the Power Industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niebur, D.

1995-01-01

The paper presents a survey on the development and experience with artificial neural net (ANN) applications for electric power systems, with emphasis on operational systems. The organization and constraints of electric utilities are reviewed, motivations for investigating ANN are identified, and a current assessment is given from the experience of 2400 projects using ANN for load forecasting, alarm processing, fault detection, component fault diagnosis, static and dynamic security analysis, system planning, and operation planning.

PLANNING STUDY TO MODEL AND MONITOR COAL PILE RUNOFF. PHASE I

EPA Science Inventory

The report describes a planning study for predicting and monitoring the hydrologic and chemical characteristics of effluent streams resulting from precipitation impacting on open storage of coal. It includes: a survey of utilities on storage habits and treatment systems for coal ...

Muck Utilization Planning - Urban Transportation Tunneling : A Handbook of Rational Practices for Planners and Designers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-05-01

This handbook alerts transportation system planners and designers to planning methods which can lead to more efficient use of earth and rock materials produced during excavation for transportation tunnels and large excavations. The earth and rock mat...

Applying Utility Functions to Adaptation Planning for Home Automation Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bratskas, Pyrros; Paspallis, Nearchos; Kakousis, Konstantinos; Papadopoulos, George A.

A pervasive computing environment typically comprises multiple embedded devices that may interact together and with mobile users. These users are part of the environment, and they experience it through a variety of devices embedded in the environment. This perception involves technologies which may be heterogeneous, pervasive, and dynamic. Due to the highly dynamic properties of such environments, the software systems running on them have to face problems such as user mobility, service failures, or resource and goal changes which may happen in an unpredictable manner. To cope with these problems, such systems must be autonomous and self-managed. In this chapter we deal with a special kind of a ubiquitous environment, a smart home environment, and introduce a user-preference-based model for adaptation planning. The model, which dynamically forms a set of configuration plans for resources, reasons automatically and autonomously, based on utility functions, on which plan is likely to best achieve the user's goals with respect to resource availability and user needs.

24 CFR 599.507 - Tax incentives utilization plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Tax incentives utilization plan....507 Tax incentives utilization plan. (a) Preliminary plan. Within six months of designation, the CoRA must prepare and submit to HUD a preliminary tax incentives utilization plan for achieving the State...

Feasibility Assessment of ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) for ITS Evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-12-01

This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing the ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) program version 2.2 as a tool for evaluating Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployment plans. Firstly, an online survey was conducted among metro...

Avionics test bed development plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, L. H.; Parks, J. M.; Murdock, C. R.

1981-01-01

A development plan for a proposed avionics test bed facility for the early investigation and evaluation of new concepts for the control of large space structures, orbiter attached flex body experiments, and orbiter enhancements is presented. A distributed data processing facility that utilizes the current laboratory resources for the test bed development is outlined. Future studies required for implementation, the management system for project control, and the baseline system configuration are defined. A background analysis of the specific hardware system for the preliminary baseline avionics test bed system is included.

Distributed photovoltaic systems: Utility interface issues and their present status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hassan, M.; Klein, J.

1981-01-01

Major technical issues involving the integration of distributed photovoltaics (PV) into electric utility systems are defined and their impacts are described quantitatively. An extensive literature search, interviews, and analysis yielded information about the work in progress and highlighted problem areas in which additional work and research are needed. The findings from the literature search were used to determine whether satisfactory solutions to the problems exist or whether satisfactory approaches to a solution are underway. It was discovered that very few standards, specifications, or guidelines currently exist that will aid industry in integrating PV into the utility system. Specific areas of concern identified are: (1) protection, (2) stability, (3) system unbalance, (4) voltage regulation and reactive power requirements, (5) harmonics, (6) utility operations, (7) safety, (8) metering, and (9) distribution system planning and design.

Emergency Water Planning for Natural and Man-Made Emergencies: An Analytical Bibliography.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-01

provide for fast recovery from disaster damages. The most frequently considered elements of such plans include (1) establishing emergency...which utilities may restrict the supply of water available to customers by manipulating the physical system: (1) pressure reduction, (2) intermittent ...shutoff, and (3) complete shutoff. Both pressure reduction and intermittent shutoff pose the risk of damages to the" system resulting from negative

Photovoltaics and electric utilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bright, R.; Leigh, R.; Sills, T.

1981-12-01

The long term value of grid connected, residential photovoltaic (PV) systems is determined. The value of the PV electricity is defined as the full avoided cost in accordance with the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The avoided cost is computed using a long range utility planning approach to measure revenue requirement changes in response to the time phased introduction of PV systems into the grid. A case study approach to three utility systems is used. The changing value of PV electricity over a twenty year period from 1985 is presented, and the fuel and capital savings due to FY are analyzed. These values are translated into measures of breakeven capital investment under several options of power interchange and pricing.

Evaluation of two typical distributed energy systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Miaomiao; Tan, Xiu

2018-03-01

According to the two-natural gas distributed energy system driven by gas engine driven and gas turbine, in this paper, the first and second laws of thermodynamics are used to measure the distributed energy system from the two parties of “quantity” and “quality”. The calculation results show that the internal combustion engine driven distributed energy station has a higher energy efficiency, but the energy efficiency is low; the gas turbine driven distributed energy station energy efficiency is high, but the primary energy utilization rate is relatively low. When configuring the system, we should determine the applicable natural gas distributed energy system technology plan and unit configuration plan according to the actual load factors of the project and the actual factors such as the location, background and environmental requirements of the project. “quality” measure, the utilization of waste heat energy efficiency index is proposed.

RESPONSE PROTOCOL TOOLBOX: PLANNING FOR AND RESPONDING TO CONTAMINATION THREATS TO DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Water/Water Security Division have jointly developed a Response Protocol Toolbox (RPTB) to address the complex, multi-faceted challenges of a water utility's planning and response to intentional contamination of drinking wate...

40 CFR 52.70 - Identification of plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Hearings, Written Testimony, etc. I-2 Recommendations for attainment/Nonattainment designations II-1 Alaska... for the Fairbanks Municipal Utilities System IV-3 Testing Procedures V-1 Air Quality Data An amended... Control Plan Amendment (which includes Appendix A the Alaska Statutes Title 46, Chapter 14, Article 3...

Working Notes from the 1992 AAAI Spring Symposium on Practical Approaches to Scheduling and Planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, Mark; Fox, Mark; Tate, Austin; Zweben, Monte

1992-01-01

The symposium presented issues involved in the development of scheduling systems that can deal with resource and time limitations. To qualify, a system must be implemented and tested to some degree on non-trivial problems (ideally, on real-world problems). However, a system need not be fully deployed to qualify. Systems that schedule actions in terms of metric time constraints typically represent and reason about an external numeric clock or calendar and can be contrasted with those systems that represent time purely symbolically. The following topics are discussed: integrating planning and scheduling; integrating symbolic goals and numerical utilities; managing uncertainty; incremental rescheduling; managing limited computation time; anytime scheduling and planning algorithms, systems; dependency analysis and schedule reuse; management of schedule and plan execution; and incorporation of discrete event techniques.

Administrative Utility Analysis: Appendices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co., San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Appendixes to a study on administrative utility analysis and vocational education programs for the Area of Vocational and Technical Education (AVTE) in the Puerto Rico Department of Education contain the planning and budgeting system elements, position descriptions, and information on the growth of vocational education in Puerto Rico. The elements…

Utilization of a multimedia PACS workstation for surgical planning of epilepsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soo Hoo, Kent; Wong, Stephen T.; Hawkins, Randall A.; Knowlton, Robert C.; Laxer, Kenneth D.; Rowley, Howard A.

1997-05-01

Surgical treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy requires the localization of the epileptogenic zone for surgical resection. Currently, clinicians utilize electroencephalography, various neuroimaging modalities, and psychological tests together to determine the location of this zone. We investigate how a multimedia neuroimaging workstation built on top of the UCSF Picture Archiving and Communication System can be used to aid surgical planning of epilepsy and related brain diseases. This usage demonstrates the ability of the workstation to retrieve image and textural data from PACS and other image sources, register multimodality images, visualize and render 3D data sets, analyze images, generate new image and text data from the analysis, and organize all data in a relational database management system.

24 CFR 599.507 - Tax incentives utilization plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... utilization plan for achieving the State and local commitments made at the time of application as required by... 24 Housing and Urban Development 3 2011-04-01 2010-04-01 true Tax incentives utilization plan. 599....507 Tax incentives utilization plan. (a) Preliminary plan. Within six months of designation, the CoRA...

Langley Research Center Utility Risk from Future Climate Change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Young, Russell J.; Ganoe, Rene

2015-01-01

The successful operation of NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) depends on services provided by several public utility companies. These include Newport News Waterworks, Dominion Virginia Power, Virginia Natural Gas and Hampton Roads Sanitation District. LaRC's plan to respond to future climate change should take into account how these companies plan to avoid interruption of services while minimizing cost to the customers. This report summarizes our findings from publicly available documents on how each company plans to respond. This will form the basis for future planning for the Center. Our preliminary findings show that flooding and severe storms could interrupt service from the Waterworks and Sanitation District but the potential is low due to plans in place to address climate change on their system. Virginia Natural Gas supplies energy to produce steam but most current steam comes from the Hampton trash burning plant, thus interruption risk is low. Dominion Virginia Power does not address climate change impacts on their system in their public reports. The potential interruption risk is considered to be medium. The Hampton Roads Sanitation District is projecting a major upgrade of their system to mitigate clean water inflow and infiltration. This will reduce infiltration and avoid overloading the pump stations and treatment plants.

The utilization of cranial models created using rapid prototyping techniques in the development of models for navigation training.

PubMed

Waran, V; Pancharatnam, Devaraj; Thambinayagam, Hari Chandran; Raman, Rajagopal; Rathinam, Alwin Kumar; Balakrishnan, Yuwaraj Kumar; Tung, Tan Su; Rahman, Z A

2014-01-01

Navigation in neurosurgery has expanded rapidly; however, suitable models to train end users to use the myriad software and hardware that come with these systems are lacking. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) industrial rapid prototyping processes, we have been able to create models using actual computed tomography (CT) data from patients with pathology and use these models to simulate a variety of commonly performed neurosurgical procedures with navigation systems. To assess the possibility of utilizing models created from CT scan dataset obtained from patients with cranial pathology to simulate common neurosurgical procedures using navigation systems. Three patients with pathology were selected (hydrocephalus, right frontal cortical lesion, and midline clival meningioma). CT scan data following an image-guidance surgery protocol in DIACOM format and a Rapid Prototyping Machine were taken to create the necessary printed model with the corresponding pathology embedded. The ability in registration, planning, and navigation of two navigation systems using a variety of software and hardware provided by these platforms was assessed. We were able to register all models accurately using both navigation systems and perform the necessary simulations as planned. Models with pathology utilizing 3D rapid prototyping techniques accurately reflect data of actual patients and can be used in the simulation of neurosurgical operations using navigation systems. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Countdown to Systems Collapse.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tysseling, John C.; Easton, Jeff; Weaks, Julie

2002-01-01

Describes how the University of New Mexico Albuquerque developed a strategic business plan for renewing its utility systems when faced with the imminent collapse of its entire energy infrastructure and a $75-100 million price tag for upgrades. (EV)

Bluetooth data collection system for planning and arterial management.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report presents the results of a research and development project of an implementable portable wireless traffic data collection system. Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology as a platform, portable battery powered data collection units housed ...

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.

Formulation of consumables management models. Consumables flight planning worksheet utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, C. M.

1977-01-01

The updated and reformatted consumables flight planning worksheet is documented. An instruction set for applying the worksheet, and a sample application of the worksheet is disclosed. The particular application is for the STS interfacing with sortie payloads and typifies the interfacing of the delivery system and payloads.

LABORATORY INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING FOR AND RESPONDING TO CONTAMINATION THREATS TO DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (Office of Research and Development) and Water Protection Task Force (Office of Water) have jointly developed a draft analytical guide that may be used by laboratories to plan for and provide support to a drinking water utility...

Linear Programming for Vocational Education Planning. Interim Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Robert C.; And Others

The purpose of the paper is to define for potential users of vocational education management information systems a quantitative analysis technique and its utilization to facilitate more effective planning of vocational education programs. Defining linear programming (LP) as a management technique used to solve complex resource allocation problems…

Pharmacy Benefit Management Companies: Do They Create Value in the US Healthcare System?

PubMed

Lyles, Alan

2017-05-01

Pharmacy benefit management companies (PBMs) perform functions in the US market-based healthcare system that may be performed by public agencies or quasi-public institutions in other nations. By aggregating lives covered under their many individual contracts with payers, PBMs have formidable negotiating power. They influence pharmaceutical insurance coverage, design the terms of coverage in a plan's drug benefit, and create competition among providers for inclusion in a plan's network. PBMs have, through intermediation, the potential to secure lower drug prices and to improve rational prescribing. Whether these potential outcomes are realized within the relevant budget is a function of the healthcare system and the interaction of benefit design and clinical processes-not just individually vetted components. Efficiencies and values achieved in price discounts and cost sharing can be nullified if there is irrational prescribing (over-utilization, under-utilization and mis-utilization), variable patient adherence to medication regimens, ineffective formulary processes, or fraud, waste and abuse. Rising prescription drug costs and the increasing prevalence of 'high deductible health plans', which require much greater patient out-of-pocket costs, is creating a crisis for PBM efforts towards an affordable pharmacy benefit. Since PBM rebate and incentive contracts are opaque to the public, whether they add value by restraining higher drug prices or benefit from them is debatable.

Climate change adaptation in regulated water utilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicuna, S.; Melo, O.; Harou, J. J.; Characklis, G. W.; Ricalde, I.

2017-12-01

Concern about climate change impacts on water supply systems has grown in recent years. However, there are still few examples of pro-active interventions (e.g. infrastructure investment or policy changes) meant to address plausible future changes. Deep uncertainty associated with climate impacts, future demands, and regulatory constraints might explain why utility planning in a range of contexts doesn't explicitly consider climate change scenarios and potential adaptive responses. Given the importance of water supplies for economic development and the cost and longevity of many water infrastructure investments, large urban water supply systems could suffer from lack of pro-active climate change adaptation. Water utilities need to balance the potential for high regret stranded assets on the one side, with insufficient supplies leading to potentially severe socio-economic, political and environmental failures on the other, and need to deal with a range of interests and constraints. This work presents initial findings from a project looking at how cities in Chile, the US and the UK are developing regulatory frameworks that incorporate utility planning under uncertainty. Considering for example the city of Santiago, Chile, recent studies have shown that although high scarcity cost scenarios are plausible, pre-emptive investment to guard from possible water supply failures is still remote and not accommodated by current planning practice. A first goal of the project is to compare and contrast regulatory approaches to utility risks considering climate change adaptation measures. Subsequently we plan to develop and propose a custom approach for the city of Santiago based on lessons learned from other contexts. The methodological approach combines institutional assessment of water supply regulatory frameworks with simulation-based decision-making under uncertainty approaches. Here we present initial work comparing the regulatory frameworks in Chile, UK and USA evaluating their ability to incorporate uncertain climate and other changes into long-term infrastructure investment planning. The potential for regulatory and financial adaptive measures is explored in addition to a discussion on evaluating their appropriateness via various modelling-based intervention decision-making approaches.

The peer review system (PRS) for quality assurance and treatment improvement in radiation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Anh H. T.; Kapoor, Rishabh; Palta, Jatinder R.

2012-02-01

Peer reviews are needed across all disciplines of medicine to address complex medical challenges in disease care, medical safety, insurance coverage handling, and public safety. Radiation therapy utilizes technologically advanced imaging for treatment planning, often with excellent efficacy. Since planning data requirements are substantial, patients are at risk for repeat diagnostic procedures or suboptimal therapeutic intervention due to a lack of knowledge regarding previous treatments. The Peer Review System (PRS) will make this critical radiation therapy information readily available on demand via Web technology. The PRS system has been developed with current Web technology, .NET framework, and in-house DICOM library. With the advantages of Web server-client architecture, including IIS web server, SOAP Web Services and Silverlight for the client side, the patient data can be visualized through web browser and distributed across multiple locations by the local area network and Internet. This PRS will significantly improve the quality, safety, and accessibility, of treatment plans in cancer therapy. Furthermore, the secure Web-based PRS with DICOM-RT compliance will provide flexible utilities for organization, sorting, and retrieval of imaging studies and treatment plans to optimize the patient treatment and ultimately improve patient safety and treatment quality.

Raster graphic helmet-mounted display study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beamon, William S.; Moran, Susanna I.

1990-01-01

A design of a helmet mounted display system is presented, including a design specification and development plan for the selected design approach. The requirements for the helmet mounted display system and a survey of applicable technologies are presented. Three helmet display concepts are then described which utilize lasers, liquid crystal display's (LCD's), and subminiature cathode ray tubes (CRT's), respectively. The laser approach is further developed in a design specification and a development plan.

The WSMR Timing System: Toward New Horizons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilbert, William A.; Stimets, Bob

1996-01-01

In 1991, White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) initiated a modernization program for its range timing system. The main focus of this modernization program was to develop a system that was highly accurate, easy to maintain, and portable. The logical decision at the time was to develop a system based solely on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Since that time, wsmr has changed its philosophy on how GPS would be utilized for the timing system. This paper will describe WSMR's initial modernization plans for its range timing system and how certain events have led to a modification of these plans.

Project management plan : Dallas Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) demonstration project.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-01

The Dallas Integrated Corridor Management System Demonstration Project is a multi-agency, de-centralized operation which will utilize a set of regional systems to integrate the operations of the corridor. The purpose of the Dallas ICM System is to im...

An adequacy-constrained integrated planning method for effective accommodation of DG and electric vehicles in smart distribution systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Zhukui; Xie, Baiming; Zhao, Yuanliang; Dou, Jinyue; Yan, Tong; Liu, Bin; Zeng, Ming

2018-06-01

This paper presents a new integrated planning framework for effective accommodating electric vehicles in smart distribution systems (SDS). The proposed method incorporates various investment options available for the utility collectively, including distributed generation (DG), capacitors and network reinforcement. Using a back-propagation algorithm combined with cost-benefit analysis, the optimal network upgrade plan, allocation and sizing of the selected components are determined, with the purpose of minimizing the total system capital and operating costs of DG and EV accommodation. Furthermore, a new iterative reliability test method is proposed. It can check the optimization results by subsequently simulating the reliability level of the planning scheme, and modify the generation reserve margin to guarantee acceptable adequacy levels for each year of the planning horizon. Numerical results based on a 32-bus distribution system verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Integrated Dynamic Process Planning and Scheduling in Flexible Manufacturing Systems via Autonomous Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejad, Hossein Tehrani Nik; Sugimura, Nobuhiro; Iwamura, Koji; Tanimizu, Yoshitaka

Process planning and scheduling are important manufacturing planning activities which deal with resource utilization and time span of manufacturing operations. The process plans and the schedules generated in the planning phase shall be modified in the execution phase due to the disturbances in the manufacturing systems. This paper deals with a multi-agent architecture of an integrated and dynamic system for process planning and scheduling for multi jobs. A negotiation protocol is discussed, in this paper, to generate the process plans and the schedules of the manufacturing resources and the individual jobs, dynamically and incrementally, based on the alternative manufacturing processes. The alternative manufacturing processes are presented by the process plan networks discussed in the previous paper, and the suitable process plans and schedules are searched and generated to cope with both the dynamic status and the disturbances of the manufacturing systems. We initiatively combine the heuristic search algorithms of the process plan networks with the negotiation protocols, in order to generate suitable process plans and schedules in the dynamic manufacturing environment. A simulation software has been developed to carry out case studies, aimed at verifying the performance of the proposed multi-agent architecture.

Power system modeling and optimization methods vis-a-vis integrated resource planning (IRP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsali, Mohammad H.

1998-12-01

The state-of-the-art restructuring of power industries is changing the fundamental nature of retail electricity business. As a result, the so-called Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) strategies implemented on electric utilities are also undergoing modifications. Such modifications evolve from the imminent considerations to minimize the revenue requirements and maximize electrical system reliability vis-a-vis capacity-additions (viewed as potential investments). IRP modifications also provide service-design bases to meet the customer needs towards profitability. The purpose of this research as deliberated in this dissertation is to propose procedures for optimal IRP intended to expand generation facilities of a power system over a stretched period of time. Relevant topics addressed in this research towards IRP optimization are as follows: (1) Historical prospective and evolutionary aspects of power system production-costing models and optimization techniques; (2) A survey of major U.S. electric utilities adopting IRP under changing socioeconomic environment; (3) A new technique designated as the Segmentation Method for production-costing via IRP optimization; (4) Construction of a fuzzy relational database of a typical electric power utility system for IRP purposes; (5) A genetic algorithm based approach for IRP optimization using the fuzzy relational database.

Scoping study of integrated resource planning needs in the public utility sector

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

Garrick, C J; Garrick, J M; Rue, D R

Integrated resource planning (IRP) is an approach to utility resource planning that integrates the evaluation of supply- and demand-site options for providing energy services at the least cost. Many utilities practice IRP; however, most studies about IRP focus on investor-owned utilities (IOUs). This scoping study investigates the IRP activities and needs of public utilities (not-for-profit utilities, including federal, state, municipal, and cooperative utilities). This study (1) profiles IRP-related characteristics of the public utility sector, (2) articulates the needs of public utilities in understanding and implementing IRP, and (3) identifies strategies to advance IRP principles in public utility planning.

Initial comparisons of modular-sized, integrated utility systems and conventional systems for several building types

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, H. E.; Monford, L. G., Jr.

1976-01-01

The results of a study of the application of a modular integrated utility system to six typical building types are compared with the application of a conventional utility system to the same facilities. The effects of varying the size and climatic location of the buildings and the size of the powerplants are presented. Construction details of the six building types (garden apartments, a high rise office building, high rise apartments, a shopping center, a high school, and a hospital) and typical site and floor plans are provided. The environmental effects, the unit size determination, and the market potential are discussed. The cost effectiveness of the various design options is not considered.

Succession Planning in the Iranian Health System: A Case Study of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education

PubMed Central

Mehrtak, Mohamad; Vatankhah, Soodabeh; Delgoshaei, Bahram; Gholipour, Arian

2014-01-01

Background: Succession planning promotes the culture of private ownership, staff loyalty to the organization and develops organizational commitment, and increases organizational stability. The study was conducted to examine the status of succession planning in the Iranian health system in order to highlight the key concepts, provide new insight, and attract the attention of senior managers of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to the importance of succession planning in achieving organizational goals. Methods: In a qualitative study with a framework analysis approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample selected using purposive and snowball sampling procedure. The MAXQDA-10 was used to apply the codes and manage the data. The codes were extracted using inductive and deductive methods. Results: Fourteen themes and six main subthemes were identified, including planning, organizational culture, system approach, competency model, career path, and senior managers. Our findings indicate a lack of succession planning in the Iranian health system. Conclusion: lack of succession planning could lead to inefficiency and ineffectiveness in health services provision. Implementation of succession planning could maximize human resources utilization. PMID:25168998

Succession planning in the Iranian health system: a case study of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

PubMed

Mehrtak, Mohamad; Vatankhah, Soodabeh; Delgoshaei, Bahram; Gholipour, Arian

2014-05-30

Succession planning promotes the culture of private ownership, staff loyalty to the organization and develops organizational commitment, and increases organizational stability. The study was conducted to examine the status of succession planning in the Iranian health system in order to highlight the key concepts, provide new insight, and attract the attention of senior managers of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to the importance of succession planning in achieving organizational goals. In a qualitative study with a framework analysis approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample selected using purposive and snowball sampling procedure. The MAXQDA-10 was used to apply the codes and manage the data. The codes were extracted using inductive and deductive methods. Fourteen themes and six main subthemes were identified, including planning, organizational culture, system approach, competency model, career path, and senior managers. Our findings indicate a lack of succession planning in the Iranian health system. lack of succession planning could lead to inefficiency and ineffectiveness in health services provision. Implementation of succession planning could maximize human resources utilization.

SURE (Science User Resource Expert): A science planning and scheduling assistant for a resource based environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thalman, Nancy E.; Sparn, Thomas P.

1990-01-01

SURE (Science User Resource Expert) is one of three components that compose the SURPASS (Science User Resource Planning and Scheduling System). This system is a planning and scheduling tool which supports distributed planning and scheduling, based on resource allocation and optimization. Currently SURE is being used within the SURPASS by the UARS (Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite) SOLSTICE instrument to build a daily science plan and activity schedule and in a prototyping effort with NASA GSFC to demonstrate distributed planning and scheduling for the SOLSTICE II instrument on the EOS platform. For the SOLSTICE application the SURE utilizes a rule-based system. Development of a rule-based program using Ada CLIPS as opposed to using conventional programming, allows for capture of the science planning and scheduling heuristics in rules and provides flexibility in inserting or removing rules as the scientific objectives and mission constraints change. The SURE system's role as a component in the SURPASS, the purpose of the SURE planning and scheduling tool, the SURE knowledge base, and the software architecture of the SURE component are described.

SU-E-T-492: Implementing a Method for Brain Irradiation in Rats Utilizing a Commercially Available Radiosurgery Irradiator

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

Cates, J; Drzymala, R

2014-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to implement a method for accurate rat brain irradiation using the Gamma Knife Perfexion unit. The system needed to be repeatable, efficient, and dosimetrically and spatially accurate. Methods: A platform (“rat holder”) was made such that it is attachable to the Leskell Gamma Knife G Frame. The rat holder utilizes two ear bars contacting bony anatomy and a front tooth bar to secure the rat. The rat holder fits inside of the Leskell localizer box, which utilizes fiducial markers to register with the GammaPlan planning system. This method allows for accurate, repeatable setup.Amore » cylindrical phantom was made so that film can be placed axially in the phantom. We then acquired CT image sets of the rat holder and localizer box with both a rat and the phantom. Three treatment plans were created: a plan on the rat CT dataset, a phantom plan with the same prescription dose as the rat plan, and a phantom plan with the same delivery time as the rat plan. Results: Film analysis from the phantom showed that our setup is spatially accurate and repeatable. It is also dosimetrically accurate, with an difference between predicted and measured dose of 2.9%. Film analysis with prescription dose equal between rat and phantom plans showed a difference of 3.8%, showing that our phantom is a good representation of the rat for dosimetry purposes, allowing for +/- 3mm diameter variation. Film analysis with treatment time equal showed an error of 2.6%, which means we can deliver a prescription dose within 3% accuracy. Conclusion: Our method for irradiation of rat brain has been shown to be repeatable, efficient, and accurate, both dosimetrically and spatially. We can treat a large number of rats efficiently while delivering prescription doses within 3% at millimeter level accuracy.« less

The Future of Electricity Resource Planning

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

Kahrl, Fredrich; Mills, Andrew; Lavin, Luke

Electricity resource planning is the process of identifying longer-term investments to meet electricity reliability requirements and public policy goals at a reasonable cost. Resource planning processes provide a forum for regulators, electric utilities, and electricity industry stakeholders to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social benefits and costs of different investment options. By facilitating a discussion on future goals, challenges and strategies, resource planning processes often play an important role in shaping utility business decisions. Resource planning emerged more than three decades ago in an era of transition, where declining electricity demand and rising costs spurred fundamental changes in electricity industrymore » regulation and structure. Despite significant changes in the industry, resource planning continues to play an important role in supporting investment decision making. Over the next two decades, the electricity industry will again undergo a period of transition, driven by technological change, shifting customer preferences and public policy goals. This transition will bring about a gradual paradigm shift in resource planning, requiring changes in scope, approaches and methods. Even as it changes, resource planning will continue to be a central feature of the electricity industry. Its functions — ensuring the reliability of high voltage (“bulk”) power systems, enabling oversight of regulated utilities and facilitating low-cost compliance with public policy goals — are likely to grow in importance as the electricity industry enters a new period of technological, economic and regulatory change. This report examines the future of electricity resource planning in the context of a changing electricity industry. The report examines emerging issues and evolving practices in five key areas that will shape the future of resource planning: (1) central-scale generation, (2) distributed generation, (3) demand-side resources, (4) transmission and (5) uncertainty and risk management. The analysis draws on a review of recent resource plans for 10 utilities that reflect some of the U.S. electricity industry’s extensive diversity.« less

An Initial Strategy for Commercial Industry Awareness of the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgensen, Catherine A.

1999-01-01

While plans are being developed to utilize the ISS for scientific research, and human and microgravity experiments, it is time to consider the future of the ISS as a world-wide commercial marketplace developed from a government owned, operated and controlled facility. Commercial industry will be able to seize this opportunity to utilize the ISS as a unique manufacturing platform and engineering testbed for advanced technology. NASA has begun the strategic planning of the evolution and commercialization of the ISS. The Pre-Planned Program Improvement (P3I) Working Group at NASA is assessing the future ISS needs and technology plans to enhance ISS performance. Some of these enhancements will allow the accommodation of commercial applications and the Human Exploration and Development of Space mission support. As this information develops, it is essential to disseminate this information to commercial industry, targeting not only the private and public space sector but also the non-aerospace commercial industries. An approach is presented for early distribution of this information via the ISS Evolution Data book that includes ISS baseline system information, baseline utilization and operations plans, advanced technologies, future utilization opportunities, ISS evolution and Design Reference Missions (DRM). This information source and tool can be used as catalyst in the commercial world for the generation of ideas and options to enhance the current capabilities of the ISS.

Taming B.C. Hydro: Site C and the implementation of the B.C. Utilities Commission Act

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, L. Graham

1988-07-01

Public policy making in resources management is greatly influenced by the institutional arrangements that arise out of the legal powers, administrative structures, and financial provisions of the decision system. In British Columbia, the institutional arrangements for energy planning in the province have been greatly altered by the passage of the Utilities Commission Act in 1980. This act redefines the policy implementation process for energy in British Columbia and provides for the regulation of the province's power utility, B.C. Hydro. This is the first time that the hitherto autonomous utility has been subject to regulation and the Utilities Commission Act represents a major reform in the institutional arrangements for energy planning in the province. The article evaluates the effectiveness of the 1980 B.C. Utilities Commission Act and assesses the impact of the legislation upon the institutional arrangements for energy planning in the province. Data for the article were derived from written sources and a series of personal interviews with key participants involved with energy planning in B.C. It is shown that the act represented a major departure in the management of energy resources in B.C. Moreover the implementation of the act's provisions, particularly in regard to B.C. Hydro, had a dramatic impact on the development of new energy projects in the province. It is suggested that while the political and economic climate during the period also favored restraint, the major influence on “taming” the utility was passage of the Utilities Commission Act. The article concludes by exploring the implications of policy changes that have occurred as a consequence of the act's impact on B.C. Hydro.

43 CFR 3272.12 - What environmental protection measures must I include in my utilization plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... must I include in my utilization plan? 3272.12 Section 3272.12 Public Lands: Interior Regulations... MANAGEMENT (3000) GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE LEASING Utilization Plan and Facility Construction Permit § 3272.12 What environmental protection measures must I include in my utilization plan? (a) Describe, at a...

Using SysML for verification and validation planning on the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvy, Brian M.; Claver, Charles; Angeli, George

2014-08-01

This paper provides an overview of the tool, language, and methodology used for Verification and Validation Planning on the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Project. LSST has implemented a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach as a means of defining all systems engineering planning and definition activities that have historically been captured in paper documents. Specifically, LSST has adopted the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) standard and is utilizing a software tool called Enterprise Architect, developed by Sparx Systems. Much of the historical use of SysML has focused on the early phases of the project life cycle. Our approach is to extend the advantages of MBSE into later stages of the construction project. This paper details the methodology employed to use the tool to document the verification planning phases, including the extension of the language to accommodate the project's needs. The process includes defining the Verification Plan for each requirement, which in turn consists of a Verification Requirement, Success Criteria, Verification Method(s), Verification Level, and Verification Owner. Each Verification Method for each Requirement is defined as a Verification Activity and mapped into Verification Events, which are collections of activities that can be executed concurrently in an efficient and complementary way. Verification Event dependency and sequences are modeled using Activity Diagrams. The methodology employed also ties in to the Project Management Control System (PMCS), which utilizes Primavera P6 software, mapping each Verification Activity as a step in a planned activity. This approach leads to full traceability from initial Requirement to scheduled, costed, and resource loaded PMCS task-based activities, ensuring all requirements will be verified.

Renewable Energy Deployment in Colorado and the West: Extended Policy Sensitivities

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

Barrows, Clayton P.; Stoll, Brady; Mooney, Meghan E.

The Resource Planning Model is a capacity expansion model designed for a regional power system, such as a utility service territory, state, or balancing authority. We apply a geospatial analysis to Resource Planning Model renewable energy capacity expansion results to understand the likelihood of renewable development on various lands within Colorado.

New Spaces for Learning: Designing College Facilities to Utilize Instructional Aids and Media. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hauf, Harold D.; And Others

Colleges need appropriate large group instructional facilities for effective and efficient use of instructional aids and media. A well planned system of facilities must provide space for learning; production, origination, and support; storage and retrieval. Design begins with a building plan--a statement, made jointly by the administrator and…

Urban Space Explorer: A Visual Analytics System for Urban Planning.

PubMed

Karduni, Alireza; Cho, Isaac; Wessel, Ginette; Ribarsky, William; Sauda, Eric; Dou, Wenwen

2017-01-01

Understanding people's behavior is fundamental to many planning professions (including transportation, community development, economic development, and urban design) that rely on data about frequently traveled routes, places, and social and cultural practices. Based on the results of a practitioner survey, the authors designed Urban Space Explorer, a visual analytics system that utilizes mobile social media to enable interactive exploration of public-space-related activity along spatial, temporal, and semantic dimensions.

Enhancement on infectious diseases nursing plan information system.

PubMed

Yeh, Mei-Lin; Hao, Te-Hui; Hsu, Chien-Yeh

2009-01-01

Based on researches, the most time-consuming nursing activities, in teaching hospital, are: room patrols, the blood pressure survey, the body temperature pulse breath survey, the nursing record maintenance. The nursing record is one way to communicate data. It can allow the medical service team to understand what measures the nursing staff once did for sickness, as well as responses from sickness. Nevertheless, it is the key component to utilize the record with a clinical nursing plan, so as to provide a proficient health management. Since the maintenance of nursing plan is costly and time-consuming, therefore, it is essential to establish the nursing plan information system, which can effectively promote the nursing quality. This research main body comes from one infectious disease division nursing plan information system, which was developed in 1992, and its data base covers entire courtyard compatibility and various faculties characteristic nursing plan. The nursing staff often complained that this system is not user-friendly, its contents are not comprehensive, and sometimes it does not let staff choose the right diagnosis. Therefore this research is based on history analysis and the questionnaire survey procedure first, the infectious disease nursing plan use number of times, the frequency and the project content, then by the literature scientific theory and result of the improvement group discussion together. The original 38 infectious disease division nursing plan will be expanded to 45 nursing plans. Moreover, the common 38 infectious disease code (ICD-9), and its corresponding diagnosis items, shall automatically appear in the disease diagnose code field, so it would be better off for the nursing staff to set up the nursing plan efficiently. Infectious disease division nursing plan information system utilization ratio is promoted 9.6-folds, according to research outcome. Each task consumes 3.68 minutes beforehand-including computer program operation, the printing of nursing plan, and now it turned out that it shall not take more than 3.08 minutes. The time efficiency is raised by 17% (0.6 minute). Yet only 17% of the users are satisfied with it before, and now 74% nursing staffs are happy with the new tool.Therefore, it shall not only improve our service quality, but also save labor cost by using this information supplementary system.

Harvard Community Health Plan's Mental Health Redesign Project: a managerial and clinical partnership.

PubMed

Abrams, H S

1993-01-01

Harvard Community Health Plan, founded in 1969 as a staff model HMO, is currently a staff and group model HMO with 521,000 members, 19 health centers and 12 independently owned group practices with 26 locations. In 1987, the Plan initiated a review of its mental health benefit and program because its costs were rising, member and clinician dissatisfaction was increasing and many believed the problem was the nature and scope of the benefit. After two years of study, surveys, interviews, cost and utilization analysis, the Plan identified its professional staff as its key asset but recognized many problem areas, including problems with access, variation from site to site, inconsistent service delivery, lack of consistent utilization management and the need for greater diversity along the spectrum of care available to members. From 1989 to 1990, more than 200 clinicians and support staff were engaged in the process of developing a variety of components to the "mental health redesign program." Three simultaneous efforts included developing a method of categorizing patients, restructuring the delivery system and redesigning the benefit. A Mental Health Patient Assessment Tool was created which assists clinicians in performing comprehensive evaluations, administers the benefit, measures progress and supports outcomes research. Delivery system changes included the implementation of self-referral, access standards, intake triage functions by non-clinical staff, program development and an outpatient utilization management function.

75 FR 37883 - Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-30

... Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities; Proposed Rule #0;#0...] Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities Issued June 17... Transmission Services by Public Utilities; Recovery of Stranded Costs by Public Utilities and Transmitting...

A case study predicting environmental impacts of urban transport planning in China.

PubMed

Chen, Chong; Shao, Li-guo; Xu, Ling; Shang, Jin-cheng

2009-10-01

Predicting environmental impacts is essential when performing an environmental assessment on urban transport planning. System dynamics (SD) is usually used to solve complex nonlinear problems. In this study, we utilized system dynamics (SD) to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with urban transport planning in Jilin City, China with respect to the local economy, society, transport, the environment and resources. To accomplish this, we generated simulation models comprising interrelated subsystems designed to utilize changes in the economy, society, road construction, changes in the number of vehicles, the capacity of the road network capacity, nitrogen oxides emission, traffic noise, land used for road construction and fuel consumption associated with traffic to estimate dynamic trends in the environmental impacts associated with Jilin's transport planning. Two simulation scenarios were then analyzed comparatively. The results of this study indicated that implementation of Jilin transport planning would improve the current urban traffic conditions and boost the local economy and development while benefiting the environment in Jilin City. In addition, comparative analysis of the two scenarios provided additional information that can be used to aid in scientific decision-making regarding which aspects of the transport planning to implement in Jilin City. This study demonstrates that our application of the SD method, which is referred to as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), is feasible for use in urban transport planning.

Network access to PCDS (SPAN, ESN, SESNET, ARPANET)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, J.

1986-01-01

One of the major goals of the National Space Science Data Center is to increase access to NASA data systems by enhancing networking activities. The activities are centered around three basic networking systems: the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN); the Earth Science Network (ESN); and the NASA Packet Switched System (NPSS). Each system is described, linkages among systems are explained, and future plans are announced. The inclusion of several new climate nodes on SPAN or ESN are also mentioned. Presently, the Pilot Climate Data System is accessible through SPAN and will be accessible through NPSS by summer and ESN by the end of 1986. Ambitious plans for implementation are underway. The implementation of these plans will represent a major advance in the utilization and accessibility of data worldwide.

Application of JLab 12GeV helium refrigeration system for the FRIB accelerator at MSU

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

Ganni, Venkatarao; Knudsen, Peter N.; Arenius, Dana M.

The planned approach to have a turnkey helium refrigeration system for the MSU-FRIB accelerator system, encompassing the design, fabrication, installation and commissioning of the 4.5-K refrigerator cold box(es), cold compression system, warm compression system, gas management, oil removal and utility/ancillary systems, was found to be cost prohibitive. Following JLab’s suggestion, MSU-FRIB accelerator management made a formal request to evaluate the applicability of the recently designed 12GeV JLab cryogenic system for this application. The following paper will outline the findings and the planned approach for the FRIB helium refrigeration system.

VIPER: Virtual Intelligent Planetary Exploration Rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Laurence; Flueckiger, Lorenzo; Nguyen, Laurent; Washington, Richard

2001-01-01

Simulation and visualization of rover behavior are critical capabilities for scientists and rover operators to construct, test, and validate plans for commanding a remote rover. The VIPER system links these capabilities. using a high-fidelity virtual-reality (VR) environment. a kinematically accurate simulator, and a flexible plan executive to allow users to simulate and visualize possible execution outcomes of a plan under development. This work is part of a larger vision of a science-centered rover control environment, where a scientist may inspect and explore the environment via VR tools, specify science goals, and visualize the expected and actual behavior of the remote rover. The VIPER system is constructed from three generic systems, linked together via a minimal amount of customization into the integrated system. The complete system points out the power of combining plan execution, simulation, and visualization for envisioning rover behavior; it also demonstrates the utility of developing generic technologies. which can be combined in novel and useful ways.

Development of an outcome measurement system for service planning for children and youth with special needs

PubMed Central

Kertoy, M K; Russell, D J; Rosenbaum, P; Jaffer, S; Law, M; McCauley, D; Gorter, J W

2013-01-01

Aim This study described the process used in developing an outcome measurement framework for system planning to improve services for children and youth with special needs and their families in a Canadian province. The study reports the results of several parent-completed measures, which would be useful in service planning as well as the acceptability and utility of these measures for use by families and service centres. Methods/results Development of a theoretical framework, consultation with key stakeholders, testing the utility of selected outcome measures and initial dissemination of results were critical elements in the successful development of an outcome system. Consultation with stakeholders confirmed use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the child-within-family-within community model as theoretical frameworks while building valuable partnerships and identifying potential barriers to implementation. Pilot testing showed three outcome measures were feasible for families to complete and the measures provided information about services for children that was valuable to families as well as service providers. Gaps in service delivery were identified and the need for better communication between service providers and communities to facilitate integrated services was highlighted. Conclusion The findings from this study can be used to implement an outcome measurement system for children with special needs and may serve as a resource for international researchers who are working to develop valid tools as well as outcome systems that are useful for system planning. PMID:22845889

Achieving Maximum Integration Utilizing Requirements Flow Down

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Archiable, Wes; Askins, Bruce

2011-01-01

A robust and experienced systems engineering team is essential for a successful program. It is often a challenge to build a core systems engineering team early enough in a program to maximize integration and assure a common path for all supporting teams in a project. Ares I was no exception. During the planning of IVGVT, the team had many challenges including lack of: early identification of stakeholders, team training in NASA s system engineering practices, solid requirements flow down and a top down documentation strategy. The IVGVT team started test planning early in the program before the systems engineering framework had been matured due to an aggressive schedule. Therefore the IVGVT team increased their involvement in the Constellation systems engineering effort. Program level requirements were established that flowed down to IVGVT aligning all stakeholders to a common set of goals. The IVGVT team utilized the APPEL REQ Development Management course providing the team a NASA focused model to follow. The IVGVT team engaged directly with the model verification and validation process to assure that a solid set of requirements drove the need for the test event. The IVGVT team looked at the initial planning state, analyzed the current state and then produced recommendations for the ideal future state of a wide range of systems engineering functions and processes. Based on this analysis, the IVGVT team was able to produce a set of lessons learned and to provide suggestions for future programs or tests to use in their initial planning phase.

Applications of Intelligent Technology to Power System Supervisory Control and Protection Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagata, Takeshi

Power system supervisory control and protection systems provide utilities with capabilities that are key to a planning business function, i.e., delivering power in a reliable and safe manner. A quality system solution is central to effective operation of a utility's most critical and costly generation, transmission, and distribution assets. The challenging issues for these systems today are not the same as they were few years ago. Today, there is much more placed on integration, use of new IT technologies, and access to information for more purposes. This article presents the topics of intelligent technology to the power system supervisory control and protection systems.

Availability of Asthma Quick Relief Medication in Five Alabama School Systems

PubMed Central

Stroupe, Nancy; McClure, Leslie A.; Wheeler, Lani; Gerald, Lynn B.

2012-01-01

Objectives This paper documents individual asthma action plan presence and quick relief medication (albuterol) availability for elementary students enrolled in five Alabama school systems. Patients and Methods Data were obtained during baseline data collection (fall 2005) of a school-based supervised asthma medication trial. All students attended 1 of 36 participating elementary schools across five school systems in Jefferson County, Alabama. In addition, they had to have physician-diagnosed asthma requiring daily controller medication. Each school system had its own superintendent and elected school board. Asthma action plan presence and albuterol availability was confirmed by study personnel. Asthma action plans had to contain daily and acute asthma management instructions. Predictors of asthma action plan presence and albuterol availability were also investigated. Associations between albuterol availability and self-reported characteristics including health care utilization prior to study enrollment and outcomes during the study baseline period were also investigated. Results Enrolled students had a mean (SD) age of 11.0 (2.1) years, 91% were African American, and 79% had moderate persistent asthma. No student had a complete asthma action plan on file and only 14% had albuterol physically available at school. Albuterol availability was not predicted by gender, race, insurance status, second-hand smoke exposure, need for pre-exercise albuterol, asthma severity, or self-reported health care utilization prior to study enrollment. Albuterol availability did not predict school absences, red/yellow peak flow recordings, or medication adherence during the study's baseline period. Conclusion Despite policies permitting students to possess albuterol, few elementary students across five independent school systems in Alabama actually had it readily available at school. PMID:22454787

Space Resource Utilization: Near-Term Missions and Long-Term Plans for Human Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Gerald B.

2015-01-01

NASA's Human Exploration Plans: A primary goal of all major space faring nations is to explore space: from the Earth with telescopes, with robotic probes and space telescopes, and with humans. For the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this pursuit is captured in three important strategic goals: 1. Ascertain the content, origin, and evolution of the solar system and the potential for life elsewhere, 2. Extend and sustain human activities across the solar system (especially the surface of Mars), and 3. Create innovative new space technologies for exploration, science, and economic future. While specific missions and destinations are still being discussed as to what comes first, it is imperative for NASA that it foster the development and implementation of new technologies and approaches that make space exploration affordable and sustainable. Critical to achieving affordable and sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) is the development of technologies and systems to identify, extract, and use resources in space instead of bringing everything from Earth. To reduce the development and implementation costs for space resource utilization, often called In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), it is imperative to work with terrestrial mining companies to spin-in/spin-off technologies and capabilities, and space mining companies to expand our economy beyond Earth orbit. In the last two years, NASA has focused on developing and implementing a sustainable human space exploration program with the ultimate goal of exploring the surface of Mars with humans. The plan involves developing technology and capability building blocks critical for sustained exploration starting with the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew spacecraft and utilizing the International Space Station as a springboard into the solar system. The evolvable plan develops and expands human exploration in phases starting with missions that are reliant on Earth, to performing ever more challenging and longer duration missions in cis-lunar space and beyond, to eventually being independent from Earth. The goal is no longer just to reach a destination, but to enable people to work, learn, operate, and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite.

Perspectives on utilization of community based health information systems in Western Kenya.

PubMed

Flora, Otieno Careena; Margaret, Kaseje; Dan, Kaseje

2017-01-01

Health information systems (HIS) are considered fundamental for the efficient delivery of high quality health care. However, a large number of legal and practical constraints influence the design and introduction of such systems. The inability to quantify and analyse situations with credible data and to use data in planning and managing service delivery plagues Africa. Establishing effective information systems and using this data for planning efficient health service delivery is essential to district health systems' performance improvement. Community Health Units in Kenya are central points for community data collection, analysis, dissemination and use. In Kenya, data tend to be collected for reporting purposes and not for decision-making at the point of collection. This paper describes the perspectives of local users on information use in various socio-economic contexts in Kenya. Information for this study was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The interviewees were purposefully selected from various community health units and public health facilities in the study area. The data were organized and analysed manually, grouping them into themes and categories. Information needs of the community included service utilization and health status information. Dialogue was the main way of information utilization in the community. However, health systems and personal challenges impeded proper collection and use of information. The challenges experienced in health information utilization may be overcome by linkages and coordination between the community and the health facilities. The personal challenges can be remedied using a motivational package that includes training of the Community Health Workers.

Reliability and cost evaluation of small isolated power systems containing photovoltaic and wind energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karki, Rajesh

Renewable energy application in electric power systems is growing rapidly worldwide due to enhanced public concerns for adverse environmental impacts and escalation in energy costs associated with the use of conventional energy sources. Photovoltaics and wind energy sources are being increasingly recognized as cost effective generation sources. A comprehensive evaluation of reliability and cost is required to analyze the actual benefits of utilizing these energy sources. The reliability aspects of utilizing renewable energy sources have largely been ignored in the past due the relatively insignificant contribution of these sources in major power systems, and consequently due to the lack of appropriate techniques. Renewable energy sources have the potential to play a significant role in the electrical energy requirements of small isolated power systems which are primarily supplied by costly diesel fuel. A relatively high renewable energy penetration can significantly reduce the system fuel costs but can also have considerable impact on the system reliability. Small isolated systems routinely plan their generating facilities using deterministic adequacy methods that cannot incorporate the highly erratic behavior of renewable energy sources. The utilization of a single probabilistic risk index has not been generally accepted in small isolated system evaluation despite its utilization in most large power utilities. Deterministic and probabilistic techniques are combined in this thesis using a system well-being approach to provide useful adequacy indices for small isolated systems that include renewable energy. This thesis presents an evaluation model for small isolated systems containing renewable energy sources by integrating simulation models that generate appropriate atmospheric data, evaluate chronological renewable power outputs and combine total available energy and load to provide useful system indices. A software tool SIPSREL+ has been developed which generates risk, well-being and energy based indices to provide realistic cost/reliability measures of utilizing renewable energy. The concepts presented and the examples illustrated in this thesis will help system planners to decide on appropriate installation sites, the types and mix of different energy generating sources, the optimum operating policies, and the optimum generation expansion plans required to meet increasing load demands in small isolated power systems containing photovoltaic and wind energy sources.

24 CFR 905.10 - Capital Fund formula (CFF).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... projects; (ii) Vacancy reduction; (iii) Addressing deferred maintenance needs and the replacement of obsolete utility systems and dwelling equipment; (iv) Planned code compliance; (v) Management improvements...

24 CFR 905.10 - Capital Fund formula (CFF).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... projects; (ii) Vacancy reduction; (iii) Addressing deferred maintenance needs and the replacement of obsolete utility systems and dwelling equipment; (iv) Planned code compliance; (v) Management improvements...

42 CFR 456.181 - Reports of evaluations and plans of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Mental Hospitals... and plan of care must be entered in the applicant's or recipient's record— (a) At the time of... evaluation or plan. Utilization Review (UR) Plan: General Requirements ...

42 CFR 456.381 - Reports of evaluations and plans of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care... evaluation and plan of care must be entered in the applicant's or recipient's record— (a) At the time of... plan. Utilization Review (UR) Plan: General Requirement ...

42 CFR 456.381 - Reports of evaluations and plans of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care... evaluation and plan of care must be entered in the applicant's or recipient's record— (a) At the time of... plan. Utilization Review (UR) Plan: General Requirement ...

Innovations for ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Kevin D.

2013-01-01

Limited resources and increasing requirements will continue to influence decisions on ISS. The ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) supports power and data for utilization, systems, and daily operations through the Electrical Power System (EPS) Secondary Power/Data Subsystem. Given the fluid launch schedule, the focus of the Plug-In Plan has evolved to anticipate future requirements by judicious development and delivery of power supplies, power strips, Alternating Current (AC) power inverters, along with innovative deployment strategies. A partnership of ISS Program Office, Engineering Directorate, Mission Operations, and International Partners poses unique solutions with existing on-board equipment and resources.

A Roadmap for using Agile Development in a Traditional System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Streiffert, Barbara; Starbird, Thomas

2006-01-01

I. Ensemble Development Group: a) Produces activity planning software for in spacecraft; b) Built on Eclipse Rich Client Platform (open source development and runtime software); c) Funded by multiple sources including the Mars Technology Program; d) Incorporated the use of Agile Development. II. Next Generation Uplink Planning System: a) Researches the Activity Planning and Sequencing Subsystem for Mars Science Laboratory (APSS); b) APSS includes Ensemble, Activity Modeling, Constraint Checking, Command Editing and Sequencing tools plus other uplink generation utilities; c) Funded by the Mars Technology Program; d) Integrates all of the tools for APSS.

7 CFR 1730.20 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... and maintaining an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP), maintaining records of the physical, cyber and... ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.20 General. Each... and maintain its system in compliance with prudent utility practice, in compliance with its loan...

7 CFR 1730.20 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... and maintaining an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP), maintaining records of the physical, cyber and... ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.20 General. Each... and maintain its system in compliance with prudent utility practice, in compliance with its loan...

7 CFR 1730.20 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and maintaining an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP), maintaining records of the physical, cyber and... ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.20 General. Each... and maintain its system in compliance with prudent utility practice, in compliance with its loan...

7 CFR 1730.20 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... and maintaining an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP), maintaining records of the physical, cyber and... ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operations and Maintenance Requirements § 1730.20 General. Each... and maintain its system in compliance with prudent utility practice, in compliance with its loan...

Ventura County fare integration : a case study : promoting seamless regional fare coordination

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

This report details the approach taken in one specific region to plan, operate, and maintain a multi-agency, transit fare collection payment system demonstration utilizing smart card technology as well as other ITS (intelligent transportation systems...

Evolutionary growth for Space Station Freedom electrical power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Matthew Fisk; Mclallin, Kerry; Zernic, Mike

1989-01-01

Over an operational lifetime of at least 30 yr, Space Station Freedom will encounter increased Space Station user requirements and advancing technologies. The Space Station electrical power system is designed with the flexibility to accommodate these emerging technologies and expert systems and is being designed with the necessary software hooks and hardware scars to accommodate increased growth demand. The electrical power system is planned to grow from the initial 75 kW up to 300 kW. The Phase 1 station will utilize photovoltaic arrays to produce the electrical power; however, for growth to 300 kW, solar dynamic power modules will be utilized. Pairs of 25 kW solar dynamic power modules will be added to the station to reach the power growth level. The addition of solar dynamic power in the growth phase places constraints in the initial Space Station systems such as guidance, navigation, and control, external thermal, truss structural stiffness, computational capabilities and storage, which must be planned-in, in order to facilitate the addition of the solar dynamic modules.

Utility interface issues for grid-connected photovoltaic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, D.; Key, T.; Fitzer, J.

Photovoltaic (PV) balance-of-system research and development has focused on interconnection with the utility grid as the most promising future application for photovoltaic energy production. These sysems must be compatible with the existing utility grid to be accepted. Compatibility encompasses many technical, economic and institutional issues, from lineman safety to revenue metering and power quality. This paper reviews DOE/PV sponsored research for two of the technical interconnection issues: harmonic injection, and power factor control. Explanations and rationale behind these two issues will be reviewed, and the status of current research and plans for required future work will be presented.

Reliability and utility of the Behaviour Support Plan Quality Evaluation tool (BSP-QEII) for auditing and quality development in services for adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour.

PubMed

McVilly, K; Webber, L; Paris, M; Sharp, G

2013-08-01

Having an objective means of evaluating the quality of behaviour support plans (BSPs) could assist service providers and statutory authorities to monitor and improve the quality of support provided to people with intellectual disability (ID) who exhibit challenging behaviour. The Behaviour Support Plan Quality Evaluation Guide II (BSP-QEII) was developed to monitor and assess BSPs prepared by teachers to support children with disability in the school system. This study investigated the application of the BSP-QEII to the assessment of BSPs for adults with ID in community support services. The inter-rater reliability of the BSP-QEII was assessed. The utility of the BPS-QEII was then investigated with reference to a time series study of matched pairs of BSPs, developed for the same clients over a period of approximately 3 years. Differences in plan quality measured across a number of service and systemic variables were also investigated. The BSP-QEII was found to have good inter-rater reliability and good utility for audit purposes. It was able to discriminate changes in plan quality over time. Differences in plan quality were also evident across different service types, where specialist staff had or had not been involved, and in some instances where a statutory format for the plan had or had not been used. There were no differences between plans developed by government and community sector agencies, nor were there any regional differences across the jurisdiction. The BSP-QEII could usefully be adopted as an audit tool for measuring the quality of BSPs for adults with ID. In addition to being used for research and administrative auditing, the principles underpinning the BSP-QEII could also be useful to guide policy and educational activities for staff in community based services for adults with ID. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd, MENCAP & IASSID.

Development of a queue warning system utilizing ATM infrastructure system development and field-testing : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-06-13

MnDOT has already deployed an extensive infrastructure for Active Traffic Management (ATM) on I-35W and I-94 with plans to expand on other segments of the Twin Cities freeway network. The ATM system includes intelligent lane control signals (ILCS) sp...

Utilization of Information Provided by the Wisconsin Management System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rossmiller, Richard A.

The management system developed by the Wisconsin Center for Cognitive Learning (CCL) is useful to principal investigators of individual projects for proposal development, project management, and project reporting, as well as to the CCL management for program planning, program management, and reporting to funding agencies. The system aids proposal…

Servicer system demonstration plan and capability development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

An orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV) front end kit is defined which is capable of performing in-situ fluid resupply and modular maintenance of free flying spacecraft based on the integrated orbital servicing system (IOSS) concept. The compatibility of the IOSS to perform gas and fluid umbilical connect and disconnect functions utilizing connect systems currently available or in development is addressed. A series of tasks involving on-orbit servicing and the engineering test unit (ETU) of the on-orbit service were studied. The objective is the advancement of orbital servicing by expanding the Spacecraft Servicing Demonstration Plan (SSDP) to include detail demonstration planning using the Multimission Modular Spacecraft (MMS) and upgrading the ETU control.

A computerized model for integrating the physical environmental factors into metropolitan landscape planning

Treesearch

Julius Gy Fabos; Kimball H. Ferris

1977-01-01

This paper justifies and illustrates (in simplified form) a landscape planning approach to the environmental management of the metropolitan landscape. The model utilizes a computerized assessment and mapping system, which exhibits a recent advancement in computer technology that allows for greater accuracy and the weighting of different values when mapping at the...

Major Events Leading to Establishment of The National Task Bank.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Upjohn (W.E.) Inst. for Employment Research, Washington, DC.

This document describes how the plan for a National Task Bank evolved as part of an effort to encourage State and local public welfare agencies to adopt new approaches to staff planning and utilization. The task bank is an outgrowth of the application of systems approach and functional job analysis to agency management. Individualized data banks…

Renewable Energy Deployment in Colorado and the West: A Modeling Sensitivity and GIS Analysis

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

Barrows, Clayton; Mai, Trieu; Haase, Scott

2016-03-01

The Resource Planning Model is a capacity expansion model designed for a regional power system, such as a utility service territory, state, or balancing authority. We apply a geospatial analysis to Resource Planning Model renewable energy capacity expansion results to understand the likelihood of renewable development on various lands within Colorado.

Implementations of Sensor Webs Utilizing Uninhabited Aerial Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Donald V.

2009-01-01

In this paper we describe the web services, processes, communication protocols and ad-hoc service chains utilized in the late summer and early fall 2007 Ikhana UAS response to the wildfires burning in southern California. Additionally, we describe the lessons learned that will be applied to the upcoming Global Hawk UAS Aura Satellite Validation Experiment planned for early 2009.

Space Station Mission Planning Study (MPS) development study. Volume 3: Software development plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klus, W. L.

1987-01-01

A software development plan is presented for the definition, design, and implementation of the Space Station (SS) Payload Mission Planning System (MPS). This plan is an evolving document and must be updated periodically as the SS design and operations concepts as well as the SS MPS concept evolve. The major segments of this plan are as follows: an overview of the SS MPS and a description of its required capabilities including the computer programs identified as configurable items with an explanation of the place and function of each within the system; an overview of the project plan and a detailed description of each development project activity breaking each into lower level tasks where applicable; identification of the resources required and recommendations for the manner in which they should be utilized including recommended schedules and estimated manpower requirements; and a description of the practices, standards, and techniques recommended for the SS MPS Software (SW) development.

Integrating MRP (materiel requirements planning) II and JIT to achieve world-class status.

PubMed

Titone, R C

1994-05-01

The concepts and principles of using manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) for planning are not new. Their success has been proven in numerous manufacturing companies in America. The concepts and principles of using just-in-time (JIT) inventory for execution, while more recent, have also been available for some time, and their success in Japan well documented. However, it is the effective integration of these two powerful tools that open the way to achieving world-class manufacturing status. This article will utilize a newly developed world-class manufacturing model, which will review the aspects of planning, beginning with a business plan through the production planning process and culminating with a master schedule that drives a materiel/capacity plan. The importance and interrelationship of these functions are reviewed. The model then illustrates the important aspects of executing these plans beginning with people issues, through total quality control (TQC) and pull systems. We will then utilize this new functional model to demonstrate the relationship between these various functions and the importance of integrating them with a total comprehensive manufacturing strategy that will lead to world-class manufacturing and profits.

An evolving systems-based methodology for healthcare planning.

PubMed

Warwick, Jon; Bell, Gary

2007-01-01

Healthcare planning seems beset with problems at all hierarchical levels. These are caused by the 'soft' nature of many of the issues present in healthcare planning and the high levels of complexity inherent in healthcare services. There has, in recent years, been a move to utilize systems thinking ideas in an effort to gain a better understanding of the forces at work within the healthcare environment and these have had some success. This paper argues that systems-based methodologies can be further enhanced by metrication and modeling which assist in exploring the changed emergent behavior of a system resulting from management intervention. The paper describes the Holon Framework as an evolving systems-based approach that has been used to help clients understand complex systems (in the education domain) that would have application in the analysis of healthcare problems.

Robustness via Run-Time Adaptation of Contingent Plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bresina, John L.; Washington, Richard; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

In this paper, we discuss our approach to making the behavior of planetary rovers more robust for the purpose of increased productivity. Due to the inherent uncertainty in rover exploration, the traditional approach to rover control is conservative, limiting the autonomous operation of the rover and sacrificing performance for safety. Our objective is to increase the science productivity possible within a single uplink by allowing the rover's behavior to be specified with flexible, contingent plans and by employing dynamic plan adaptation during execution. We have deployed a system exhibiting flexible, contingent execution; this paper concentrates on our ongoing efforts on plan adaptation, Plans can be revised in two ways: plan steps may be deleted, with execution continuing with the plan suffix; and the current plan may be merged with an "alternate plan" from an on-board library. The plan revision action is chosen to maximize the expected utility of the plan. Plan merging and action deletion constitute a more conservative general-purpose planning system; in return, our approach is more efficient and more easily verified, two important criteria for deployed rovers.

42 CFR 456.201 - UR plan required for inpatient mental hospital services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false UR plan required for inpatient mental hospital... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Mental Hospitals Utilization Review (ur) Plan: General Requirements § 456.201 UR plan required for...

In Situ Resource Utilization Technologies for Enhancing and Expanding Mars Scientific and Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sridhar, K. R.; Finn, J. E.

2000-01-01

The primary objectives of the Mars exploration program are to collect data for planetary science in a quest to answer questions related to Origins, to search for evidence of extinct and extant life, and to expand the human presence in the solar system. The public and political engagement that is critical for support of a Mars exploration program is based on all of these objectives. In order to retain and to build public and political support, it is important for NASA to have an integrated Mars exploration plan, not separate robotic and human plans that exist in parallel or in sequence. The resolutions stemming from the current architectural review and prioritization of payloads may be pivotal in determining whether NASA will have such a unified plan and retain public support. There are several potential scientific and technological links between the robotic-only missions that have been flown and planned to date, and the combined robotic and human missions that will come in the future. Taking advantage of and leveraging those links are central to the idea of a unified Mars exploration plan. One such link is in situ resource utilization (ISRU) as an enabling technology to provide consumables such as fuels, oxygen, sweep and utility gases from the Mars atmosphere.

Resource allocation planning with international components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, Gene; Durham, Ralph; Leppla, Frank; Porter, David

1993-01-01

Dumas, Briggs, Reid and Smith (1989) describe the need for identifying mutually acceptable methodologies for developing standard agreements for the exchange of tracking time or facility use among international components. One possible starting point is the current process used at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in planning the use of tracking resources. While there is a significant promise of better resource utilization by international cooperative agreements, there is a serious challenge to provide convenient user participation given the separate project and network locations. Coordination among users and facility providers will require a more decentralized communication process and a wider variety of automated planning tools to help users find potential exchanges. This paper provides a framework in which international cooperation in the utilization of ground based space communication systems can be facilitated.

Minimal-effort planning of active alignment processes for beam-shaping optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haag, Sebastian; Schranner, Matthias; Müller, Tobias; Zontar, Daniel; Schlette, Christian; Losch, Daniel; Brecher, Christian; Roßmann, Jürgen

2015-03-01

In science and industry, the alignment of beam-shaping optics is usually a manual procedure. Many industrial applications utilizing beam-shaping optical systems require more scalable production solutions and therefore effort has been invested in research regarding the automation of optics assembly. In previous works, the authors and other researchers have proven the feasibility of automated alignment of beam-shaping optics such as collimation lenses or homogenization optics. Nevertheless, the planning efforts as well as additional knowledge from the fields of automation and control required for such alignment processes are immense. This paper presents a novel approach of planning active alignment processes of beam-shaping optics with the focus of minimizing the planning efforts for active alignment. The approach utilizes optical simulation and the genetic programming paradigm from computer science for automatically extracting features from a simulated data basis with a high correlation coefficient regarding the individual degrees of freedom of alignment. The strategy is capable of finding active alignment strategies that can be executed by an automated assembly system. The paper presents a tool making the algorithm available to end-users and it discusses the results of planning the active alignment of the well-known assembly of a fast-axis collimator. The paper concludes with an outlook on the transferability to other use cases such as application specific intensity distributions which will benefit from reduced planning efforts.

Current and Future Research in Active Control of Lightweight, Flexible Structures Using the X-56 Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, John J.; Bosworth, John T.; Burken, John J.; Suh, Peter M.

2014-01-01

The X-56 Multi-Utility Technology Testbed aircraft system is a versatile experimental research flight platform. The system was primarily designed to investigate active control of lightweight flexible structures, but is reconfigurable and capable of hosting a wide breadth of research. Current research includes flight experimentation of a Lockheed Martin designed active control flutter suppression system. Future research plans continue experimentation with alternative control systems, explore the use of novel sensor systems, and experiments with the use of novel control effectors. This paper describes the aircraft system, current research efforts designed around the system, and future planned research efforts that will be hosted on the aircraft system.

Integrated Campaign Probabilistic Cost, Schedule, Performance, and Value for Program Office Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornelius, David; Sasamoto, Washito; Daugherty, Kevin; Deacon, Shaun

2012-01-01

This paper describes an integrated assessment tool developed at NASA Langley Research Center that incorporates probabilistic analysis of life cycle cost, schedule, launch performance, on-orbit performance, and value across a series of planned space-based missions, or campaign. Originally designed as an aid in planning the execution of missions to accomplish the National Research Council 2007 Earth Science Decadal Survey, it utilizes Monte Carlo simulation of a series of space missions for assessment of resource requirements and expected return on investment. Interactions between simulated missions are incorporated, such as competition for launch site manifest, to capture unexpected and non-linear system behaviors. A novel value model is utilized to provide an assessment of the probabilistic return on investment. A demonstration case is discussed to illustrate the tool utility.

A review of utility issues for the integration of wind electric generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddoch, T. W.; Barnes, P. R.

1982-01-01

A review of issues and concerns of the electric utility industry for the integration of wind electric generation is offered. The issues have been categorized in three major areas: planning, operations, and dynamic interaction. Representative studies have been chosen for each area to illustrate problems and to alleviate some concerns. The emphasis of this paper is on individual large wind turbines (WTs) and WT arrays for deployment at the bulk level in a utility system.

Documenting Living Monuments in Indonesia: Methodology for Sustainable Utility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryaningsih, F.; Purwestri, N.

2013-07-01

The systematic documentation of cultural heritage in Indonesia has been developed after the establishment of Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (1778) and De Oudheidkundige Dienst (1913) by the Netherlands Indies government. After Indonesian independent, the tasks of cultural heritage documentation take over by The Ministry of Culture (now become The Ministry of Education of Culture) with focus on the ancient and classical heritage, so called dead monument. The needed of comprehensive documentation data regarding cultural heritage become significant issues since the government and private sector pay attention to the preservation of heritage building in the urban site, so called living monument. The archives of original drawing plan many times do not fit with the existing condition, while the conservation plan demands a document such as built drawing plan to work on. The technology, methodology and system to provide such comprehensive document of heritage building and site become important, to produce good conservation plan and heritage building regular maintenance. It means the products will have a sustainable and various utility values. Since 1994, Documentation Centre for Architecture - Indonesia (PDA), has established to meet the needs of a comprehensive data of heritage building (living monuments), to utilized as basic document for conservation planning. Not only provide document of the digital drawing such site plan, plan, elevation, section and details of architecture elements, but also document of historic research, material analysis and completed with diagnosis and mapping of building damages. This manuscript is about PDA field experience, working in this subject issue

42 CFR 456.200 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Mental Hospitals Utilization Review (ur) Plan... requirements for a written utilization review (UR) plan for each mental hospital providing Medicaid services...

Management information systems in the HMO environment.

PubMed

Neal, P A

1982-01-01

Realization of the unique potential of a health maintenance organization is dependent on the availability of adequate, accurate, and timely information. The particular data needed are determined by the structure of the organization; the physician compensation plans; requirements for state, federal, or other reporting; and many other factors. The author introduces the concept and objectives of the HMO, and presents the management information systems necessary for planning and monitoring HMO performance: patient information, utilization information, and management information for the staff and nonstaff HMO.

Programmable Automated Welding System (PAWS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kline, Martin D.

1994-01-01

An ambitious project to develop an advanced, automated welding system is being funded as part of the Navy Joining Center with Babcock & Wilcox as the prime integrator. This program, the Programmable Automated Welding System (PAWS), involves the integration of both planning and real-time control activities. Planning functions include the development of a graphical decision support system within a standard, portable environment. Real-time control functions include the development of a modular, intelligent, real-time control system and the integration of a number of welding process sensors. This paper presents each of these components of the PAWS and discusses how they can be utilized to automate the welding operation.

7 CFR 1730.28 - Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... RUS borrowers) through the borrower's unique knowledge of its system, prudent utility practices (which...) Procedures for recovery from loss of power to the headquarters, key offices, and/or operation center...

An Early Survey of Best Practices for the Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems by the Electric Utility Industry

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

Lusk, Rick M.; Monday, William

This technical manual is about doing things safely. It isn’t so much a how-to guide as it is a collection of best practices from unmanned aerial system (UAS) operators from all over the world. The desired end state is to provide a touchstone for utility businesses, directors, managers, and operators that will inform them as they begin to strategize, plan, and incorporate this technology into day-to-day operations.

Scenario-based water resources planning for utilities in the Lake Victoria region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Vishal K.; Aslam, Omar; Dale, Larry; Miller, Norman; Purkey, David R.

Urban areas in the Lake Victoria (LV) region are experiencing the highest growth rates in Africa. As efforts to meet increasing demand accelerate, integrated water resources management (IWRM) tools provide opportunities for utilities and other stakeholders to develop a planning framework comprehensive enough to include short term (e.g. landuse change), as well as longer term (e.g. climate change) scenarios. This paper presents IWRM models built using the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) decision support system, for three towns in the LV region - Bukoba (Tanzania), Masaka (Uganda), and Kisii (Kenya). Each model was calibrated under current system performance based on site visits, utility reporting and interviews. Projected water supply, demand, revenues and costs were then evaluated against a combination of climate, demographic and infrastructure scenarios up to 2050. Our results show that water supply in all three towns is currently infrastructure limited; achieving existing design capacity could meet most projected demand until 2020s in Masaka beyond which new supply and conservation strategies would be needed. In Bukoba, reducing leakages would provide little performance improvement in the short-term, but doubling capacity would meet all demands until 2050. In Kisii, major infrastructure investment is urgently needed. In Masaka, streamflow simulations show that wetland sources could satisfy all demand until 2050, but at the cost of almost no water downstream of the intake. These models demonstrate the value of IWRM tools for developing water management plans that integrate hydroclimatology-driven supply to demand projections on a single platform.

Timing of Technology Upgrades: A Case of Enterprise Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Claybaugh, Craig C.

2010-01-01

Technology upgrades are an inevitable part of dealing with any man-made invention utilized for productive gain. One key technology used for productive gain within a firm is enterprise software, specifically a firm's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. After the adoption of an ERP system, an organization is perpetually faced with the…

Installation package for SIMS prototype system 2, solar hot water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The prototype system 2 solar hot water was designed for use in a single family dwelling and consists of the following subsystems: collector, storage, energy transport, and control. Guidelines are presented for utilization in the development of detailed installation plans and specifications. Instruction on operation, maintenance, and repair of the system is discussed.

A Study on Linear Programming Applications for the Optimization of School Lunch Menus. Summation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Findorff, Irene K.

This document summarizes the results of a project at Tulane University that was designed to adapt, test, and evaluate a computerized information and menu planning system utilizing linear programing techniques for use in school lunch food service operations. The objectives of the menu planning were to formulate menu items into a palatable,…

International Space Station Research Plan: Assembly Sequence. Revised

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

These viewgraphs discuss the International Space Station's Research Plan. The goals for the International Space Station Utilization are to provide a state-of-the-art research facility on which to study gravity's effects on physical, chemical, and biological systems. It is also an advanced testbed for technology and human exploration as well as a commercial platform for space research and development.

Perspectives on utilization of community based health information systems in Western Kenya

PubMed Central

Flora, Otieno Careena; Margaret, Kaseje; Dan, Kaseje

2017-01-01

Introduction Health information systems (HIS) are considered fundamental for the efficient delivery of high quality health care. However, a large number of legal and practical constraints influence the design and introduction of such systems. The inability to quantify and analyse situations with credible data and to use data in planning and managing service delivery plagues Africa. Establishing effective information systems and using this data for planning efficient health service delivery is essential to district health systems' performance improvement. Community Health Units in Kenya are central points for community data collection, analysis, dissemination and use. In Kenya, data tend to be collected for reporting purposes and not for decision-making at the point of collection. This paper describes the perspectives of local users on information use in various socio-economic contexts in Kenya. Methods Information for this study was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The interviewees were purposefully selected from various community health units and public health facilities in the study area. The data were organized and analysed manually, grouping them into themes and categories. Results Information needs of the community included service utilization and health status information. Dialogue was the main way of information utilization in the community. However, health systems and personal challenges impeded proper collection and use of information. Conclusion The challenges experienced in health information utilization may be overcome by linkages and coordination between the community and the health facilities. The personal challenges can be remedied using a motivational package that includes training of the Community Health Workers. PMID:28904707

Remote science support during MARS2013: testing a map-based system of data processing and utilization for future long-duration planetary missions.

PubMed

Losiak, Anna; Gołębiowska, Izabela; Orgel, Csilla; Moser, Linda; MacArthur, Jane; Boyd, Andrea; Hettrich, Sebastian; Jones, Natalie; Groemer, Gernot

2014-05-01

MARS2013 was an integrated Mars analog field simulation in eastern Morocco performed by the Austrian Space Forum between February 1 and 28, 2013. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the system of data processing and utilization adopted by the Remote Science Support (RSS) team during this mission. The RSS team procedures were designed to optimize operational efficiency of the Flightplan, field crew, and RSS teams during a long-term analog mission with an introduced 10 min time delay in communication between "Mars" and Earth. The RSS workflow was centered on a single-file, easy-to-use, spatially referenced database that included all the basic information about the conditions at the site of study, as well as all previous and planned activities. This database was prepared in Google Earth software. The lessons learned from MARS2013 RSS team operations are as follows: (1) using a spatially referenced database is an efficient way of data processing and data utilization in a long-term analog mission with a large amount of data to be handled, (2) mission planning based on iterations can be efficiently supported by preparing suitability maps, (3) the process of designing cartographical products should start early in the planning stages of a mission and involve representatives of all teams, (4) all team members should be trained in usage of cartographical products, (5) technical problems (e.g., usage of a geological map while wearing a space suit) should be taken into account when planning a work flow for geological exploration, (6) a system that helps the astronauts to efficiently orient themselves in the field should be designed as part of future analog studies.

The Case for CASES

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, W. R.

1978-01-01

In this article the Community Annual Energy Storage System ( CASES), a "thermal utility" plan for heating and cooling communities by storing summer heat and winter cold for use in the opposite season, is described. (MDR)

Retail wheeling - users, utilities and power producers

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

Kubacki, J. Jr.

1996-12-31

Information is outlined on the retail wheeling of electric power. Topics discussed include: SEL mission; average cost per kWh; retail pilot programs; retail wheeling activity; key tasks for industrials; power marketer quote; retail wheeling strategic planning; metered customer load profile; proposed ISO regions; conjunctive billing; interconnection areas; FERC order 888; open access same time information systems; transmission inferconnections; suppliers of energy and capacity; self-generation; FERC Form 714; rebundling unbundled services; key variables: load factor; energy and capacity; metering today; competitive industry configuration; power cost reduction: strategic planning; real-time pricing; prime sources of leverage; likeliness of switching utilities; and Strategic Energymore » Ltd.« less

PyCMSXiO: an external interface to script treatment plans for the Elekta® CMS XiO treatment planning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Aitang; Arumugam, Sankar; Holloway, Lois; Goozee, Gary

2014-03-01

Scripting in radiotherapy treatment planning systems not only simplifies routine planning tasks but can also be used for clinical research. Treatment planning scripting can only be utilized in a system that has a built-in scripting interface. Among the commercially available treatment planning systems, Pinnacle (Philips) and Raystation (Raysearch Lab.) have inherent scripting functionality. CMS XiO (Elekta) is a widely used treatment planning system in radiotherapy centres around the world, but it does not have an interface that allows the user to script radiotherapy plans. In this study an external scripting interface, PyCMSXiO, was developed for XiO using the Python programming language. The interface was implemented as a python package/library using a modern object-oriented programming methodology. The package was organized as a hierarchy of different classes (objects). Each class (object) corresponds to a plan object such as the beam of a clinical radiotherapy plan. The interface of classes was implemented as object functions. Scripting in XiO using PyCMSXiO is comparable with Pinnacle scripting. This scripting package has been used in several research projects including commissioning of a beam model, independent three-dimensional dose verification for IMRT plans and a setup-uncertainty study. Ease of use and high-level functions provided in the package achieve a useful research tool. It was released as an open-source tool that may benefit the medical physics community.

Measuring utilization and impact of home care services: a systems model approach for cost effectiveness.

PubMed

Day, S R

1984-01-01

The relevance of home care research to policy questions is discussed as framework for study on "effects" (precursors and sequelae) of home care. This study used a large, multi-service agency's longitudinal (8-year) case records (N = 2436) to examine a system model for relationships among entry characteristics, utilization of services, and need for services upon discharge from home care. Deducing case-mix from utilization patterns, pay plan at entry was identified as best of the available predictors of both duration and intensity (using multivariate analysis). Duration and intensity, dual contributors to "total visits," were found to vary inversely and were predicted by different entering pay plans. While 1/3 of all cases were discharged to informal or self care, that was the most prevalent exit status of the clients (49%) who entered directly from hospital care. The methods used in disaggregating and analyzing these retrospectively-coded case records suggest that home services research: 1. distinguish type, intensity, and duration as components of "total visits" which combine to account for costs of care; 2. find concomitants of functional level (such as pay plan) which are accessible for designating case mix for purpose of projecting service use; 3. measure effectiveness in terms relevant to stated objectives of the long term care system, which need to acknowledge mortality and to separate service needs at entry room those at exist from the series of formal and informal providers on a continuum of care.

Current NASA Plans for Mars In Situ Resource Utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Gerald

2018-01-01

The presentation is to provide relevant information to the NASA funded Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES) Institute. The presentation cover the following: 1) What is In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), 2) What are the resources of interest at the Moon and Mars, 3) ISRU-related mission requirements and ISRU economics, 4) Challenges and Risk for ISRU, 5) Concept of Operation for Mars ISRU Systems, 6) Current State of the Art (SOA) in ISRU, and 7) Current ISRU development and mission status.

SOXAL{trademark} pilot plant demonstration at Niagara Mohawk`s Dunkirk Station

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

Strangway, P.K.

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 made it necessary to accelerate the development of scrubber systems for use by some utilities burning sulfur-containing fuels, primarily coal. While many types of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems operate based on lime and limestone scrubbing, these systems have drawbacks when considered for incorporation into long-term emissions control plans. Although the costs associated with disposal of large amounts of scrubber sludge may be manageable today, the trend is toward increased disposal costs. Many new SO{sub 2} control technologies are being pursued in the hope of developing an economical regenerable FGD system did recoversmore » the SO{sub 2} as a saleable commercial product, thus minimizing the formation of disposal waste. Some new technologies include the use of exotic chemical absorbents which are alien to the utility industry and utilities` waste treatment facilities. These systems present utilities with new environmental issues. The SOXAL{trademark} process has been developed so as to eliminate such issues.« less

Needs analysis of a flexible computerized management infrastructure

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

Usman, S.; Hajek, B. K.; Ali, S. F.

2006-07-01

The United States' Energy Policy Act of 2005 is expected to facilitate construction of new commercial nuclear power plants. In the meanwhile, current plants are in the process of obtaining licenses for extended operation beyond their predetermined design life. In this beneficial yet challenging situation, it seems desirable to develop a strategic plan for smooth and seamless transition from paper based procedure systems to computer based procedure systems for improved performance and safety of the existing nuclear power plants. Many utilities already maintain procedures using word processing software, but it is common to print paper copies for daily use. Atmore » this time it is highly desirable to better understand the collective as well as individual document management needs of a commercial nuclear power plant as they migrate to a computer based system. As a contributory role in initiating a strategic plan, this paper offers a comprehensive questionnaire that is suitable for conducting a survey to determine the related needs of the utilities. The questionnaire covers three major areas: Formatting and User Friendly Features; Technical and Environmental Considerations; and Safety, System Integrity and Regulatory Considerations. A plan to conduct the proposed survey is also outlined in the future work section of this paper. (authors)« less

Proposed Space Flight Experiment Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

The primary thrust for this plan is to develop design tools and fundamental understanding that are timely and consistent with the goal of the various exploration initiatives. The plan will utilize ISS facilities, such as the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) and the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG). A preliminary flow schematic of Two-Phase Flow Facility (T(phi)FFy) which would utilize FIR is shown in Figure 3. MSG can be utilized to use the Boiling eXperiment Facility (BXF) and Contact Line Dynamics Experiment (CLiDE) Facility. The T(phi)FFy system would have multiple test sections whereby different configurations of heat exchangers could be used to study boiling and condensation phenomena. The test sections would be instrumented for pressure drop, void fraction, heat fluxes, temperatures, high-speed imaging and other diagnostics. Besides a high-speed data acquisition system with a large data storage capability, telemetry could be used to update control and test parameters and download limited amounts of data. In addition, there would be multiple accumulators that could be used to investigate system stability and fluid management issues. The system could accommodate adiabatic tests through either the space station nitrogen supply or have an experiment-specific compressor to pressurize a sufficient amount of air or other non-condensable gas for reuse as the supply bottle is depleted.

Dose distribution verification for GYN brachytherapy using EBT Gafchromic film and TG-43 calculation.

PubMed

Gholami, Somayeh; Mirzaei, Hamid Reza; Jabbary Arfaee, Ali; Jaberi, Ramin; Nedaie, Hassan Ali; Rabi Mahdavi, Seied; Rajab Bolookat, Eftekhar; Meigooni, Ali S

2016-01-01

Verification of dose distributions for gynecological (GYN) brachytherapy implants using EBT Gafchromic film. One major challenge in brachytherapy is to verify the accuracy of dose distributions calculated by a treatment planning system. A new phantom was designed and fabricated using 90 slabs of 18 cm × 16 cm × 0.2 cm Perspex to accommodate a tandem and Ovoid assembly, which is normally used for GYN brachytherapy treatment. This phantom design allows the use of EBT Gafchromic films for dosimetric verification of GYN implants with a cobalt-60 HDR system or a LDR Cs-137 system. Gafchromic films were exposed using a plan that was designed to deliver 1.5 Gy of dose to 0.5 cm distance from the lateral surface of ovoids from a pair of ovoid assembly that was used for treatment vaginal cuff. For a quantitative analysis of the results for both LDR and HDR systems, the measured dose values at several points of interests were compared with the calculated data from a commercially available treatment planning system. This planning system was utilizing the TG-43 formalism and parameters for calculation of dose distributions around a brachytherapy implant. The results of these investigations indicated that the differences between the calculated and measured data at different points were ranging from 2.4% to 3.8% for the LDR Cs-137 and HDR Co-60 systems, respectively. The EBT Gafchromic films combined with the newly designed phantom could be utilized for verification of the dose distributions around different GYN implants treated with either LDR or HDR brachytherapy procedures.

Design and utilization of a Flight Test Engineering Database Management System at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knighton, Donna L.

1992-01-01

A Flight Test Engineering Database Management System (FTE DBMS) was designed and implemented at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility. The X-29 Forward Swept Wing Advanced Technology Demonstrator flight research program was chosen for the initial system development and implementation. The FTE DBMS greatly assisted in planning and 'mass production' card preparation for an accelerated X-29 research program. Improved Test Plan tracking and maneuver management for a high flight-rate program were proven, and flight rates of up to three flights per day, two times per week were maintained.

Demand-Side Management and Integrated Resource Planning: Findings from a Survey of 24 Electric Utilities

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

Schweitzer, M.

1991-01-01

Integrated resource planning differs from traditional utility planning practices primarily in its increased attention to demand-side management (DSM) programs and its integration of supply- and demand-side resources into a combined resource portfolio. This report details the findings from an Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) survey of 24 electric utilities that have well-developed integrated planning processes. These utilities account for roughly one-third of total capacity, electricity generation, and DSM-program expenditures nationwide. The ORNL survey was designed to obtain descriptive data on a national sample of utilities and to test a number of hypothesized relationships between selected utility characteristics and the mixmore » of resources selected for the integrated plan, with an emphasis on the use of DSM resources and the processes by which they are chosen. The survey solicited information on each utility's current and projected resource mix, operating environment, procedures used to screen potential DSM resources, techniques used to obtain public input and to integrate supply- and demand-side options into a unified plan, and procedures used in the final selection of resources for the plan.« less

Orbital design strategy for domestic communication satellite systems.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramji, S.; Sawitz, P.

1973-01-01

Review of some of the considerations pertinent to efficient orbit utilization in the design of domestic communications satellite systems. A strategy is developed to efficiently locate a heterogeneous system of satellites within the available arc and provide room for future growth. A practical design is illustrated, using a computer simulation model, for the placement of 25 satellites within 73% of the available arc employing frequency and polarization coordination techniques. A number of widely variable factors that influence satellite spacing are examined. These factors include such critical system elements as telephony and television interference noise limits, frequency plan coordination, polarization plan coordination, ground antenna diameter, signal protection ratio, and satellite station keeping.

What’s Needed from Climate Modeling to Advance Actionable Science for Water Utilities?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsugli, J. J.; Anderson, C. J.; Smith, J. B.; Vogel, J. M.

2009-12-01

“…perfect information on climate change is neither available today nor likely to be available in the future, but … over time, as the threats climate change poses to our systems grow more real, predicting those effects with greater certainty is non-discretionary. We’re not yet at a level at which climate change projections can drive climate change adaptation.” (Testimony of WUCA Staff Chair David Behar to the House Committee on Science and Technology, May 5, 2009) To respond to this challenge, the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA) has sponsored a white paper titled “Options for Improving Climate Modeling to Assist Water Utility Planning for Climate Change. ” This report concerns how investments in the science of climate change, and in particular climate modeling and downscaling, can best be directed to help make climate projections more actionable. The meaning of “model improvement” can be very different depending on whether one is talking to a climate model developer or to a water manager trying to incorporate climate projections in to planning. We first surveyed the WUCA members on present and potential uses of climate model projections and on climate inputs to their various system models. Based on those surveys and on subsequent discussions, we identified four dimensions along which improvement in modeling would make the science more “actionable”: improved model agreement on change in key parameters; narrowing the range of model projections; providing projections at spatial and temporal scales that match water utilities system models; providing projections that water utility planning horizons. With these goals in mind we developed four options for improving global-scale climate modeling and three options for improving downscaling that will be discussed. However, there does not seem to be a single investment - the proverbial “magic bullet” -- which will substantially reduce the range of model projections at the scales at which utility planning is conducted. In the near term we feel strongly that water utilities and climate scientists should work together to leverage the upcoming Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 5 (CMIP5; a coordinated set climate model experiments that will be used to support the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment) to better benefit water utilities. In the longer term, even with model and downscaling improvements, it is very likely that substantial uncertainty about future climate change at the desired spatial and temporal scales will remain. Nonetheless, there is no doubt the climate is changing, and the challenge is to work with what we have, or what we can reasonably expect to have in the coming years to make the best decisions we can.

An Advanced Microcosting System for Forecasting and Managing Radiology Expenses

PubMed Central

Arenson, Ronald; Viale, Richard; van der Voorde, Frans

1985-01-01

The new prospective payment system encourages hospital cost containment and necessitates understanding actual costs for radiology procedures. The automated microcosting system described here, utilizing data from the Radiology Information Management System, hospital expense reports, and payroll management reports, calculates an accurate unit cost for each procedure type. This data is very useful for cost control, enhancement of department efficiency, and planning.

Installation package for a sunspot cascade solar water heating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Solar water heating systems installed at Tempe, Arizona and San Diego, California are described. The systems consist of the following: collector, collector-tank water loop, solar tank, conventional tank, and controls. General guidelines which may be utilized in development of detailed installation plans and specifications are provided along with instruction on operation, maintenance, and installation of solar hot water systems.

Remote sensing for urban planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Bruce A.; Schmidt, Nicholas; Jensen, John R.; Cowen, Dave J.; Halls, Joanne; Narumalani, Sunil; Burgess, Bryan

1994-01-01

Utility companies are challenged to provide services to a highly dynamic customer base. With factory closures and shifts in employment becoming a routine occurrence, the utility industry must develop new techniques to maintain records and plan for expected growth. BellSouth Telecommunications, the largest of the Bell telephone companies, currently serves over 13 million residences and 2 million commercial customers. Tracking the movement of customers and scheduling the delivery of service are major tasks for BellSouth that require intensive manpower and sophisticated information management techniques. Through NASA's Commercial Remote Sensing Program Office, BellSouth is investigating the utility of remote sensing and geographic information system techniques to forecast residential development. This paper highlights the initial results of this project, which indicate a high correlation between the U.S. Bureau of Census block group statistics and statistics derived from remote sensing data.

26 CFR 1.1083-1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... such additional systems cannot be operated as an independent system without the loss of substantial... terms and provisions of such plan, take exclusive jurisdiction and possession of the company or... or a gas utility company, as the case may be, in which event the company shall not be considered an...

32 CFR 775.6 - Planning considerations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., installation, and operation of utility (e.g., water, sewer, electrical) and communication systems (e.g., data... systems, and/or facilities; (37) Decisions to close facilities, decommission equipment, and/or temporarily... environment. The agency decision in the case of an EIS is reflected in a ROD. (b) Where a proposed major...

32 CFR 775.6 - Planning considerations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., installation, and operation of utility (e.g., water, sewer, electrical) and communication systems (e.g., data... systems, and/or facilities; (37) Decisions to close facilities, decommission equipment, and/or temporarily... environment. The agency decision in the case of an EIS is reflected in a ROD. (b) Where a proposed major...

45 CFR 205.35 - Mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems; definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... State plan requirements for an automated statewide management information system, conditions for FFP and... produce utilization and management information about such aid and services as required by the single State... 45 Public Welfare 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Mechanized claims processing and information...

76 FR 34713 - Proposed Establishment of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center-Third Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

... (FFRDC) to facilitate the modernization of business processes and supporting systems and their operations... processes and supporting systems and their operations. Some of the broad task areas that will be utilized..., organizational planning, research and development, continuous process improvement, Independent Verification and...

Domains of the Florida Performance Measurement System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee.

This monograph sets forth in detail the concepts included in the five domains of teaching as identified by the Florida Coalition for the Development of a Performance Evaluation System. The first domain, planning, includes the concepts: (1) content coverage; (2) utilization of instructional materials; (3) activity structure; (4) goal focusing; and…

System installation package for the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College, Manchester, N. H.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

A system installed in the residential solar laboratory located at the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in Manchester, N. H. is described. General guidelines which may be utilized in development of detailed installation plans and specifications, as well as instructions on operation and maintenance are provided.

75 FR 54857 - Meeting of the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-09

... Operations (CNO) Executive Panel will deliberate on the findings and proposed recommendations of the... Navy strategy, plans, and policies regarding the utilization of technically diverse systems, primarily associated with information management systems. DATES: The meeting will be held on September 30, 2010, from 9...

Effects of Dynamically Weighting Autonomous Rules in an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Flocking Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-18

methods of flight plan optimization, and yielded such techniques as: parallel A* (Gudaitis, 1994), Multi-Objective Traveling Salesman algorithms...1 Problem Statement...currently their utilization comes with a price: Problem Statement “Today’s unmanned systems require significant human interaction to operate. As

A Save-Energy, Save-Money Program That Pays Off

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Embersits, John F.

1976-01-01

Suggested guidelines for energy saving on campus include a 3-phase plan: (1) Quick Fix--effective management of what you already have; (2) Refitting--modification of existing systems and installation of simple controls; (3) Systems Convert--installation of computerized controls, waste-heat recovery, solid-waste recovery utilization and other…

Developing a UAS Program for Electric Utilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keltgen, James

New innovations and technologies using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, have created unique opportunities for commercial applications. Electric utilities, likewise, realize the benefits of using UAS as a tool in electric utility operations. Although the opportunities exist, establishing a UAS program for electric utilities is largely an endeavor of trial and error or research and development with no clear path defined on how to establish a UAS program. By reviewing UAS use case examples and integrating lessons learned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, UAS best practices, unique electric utility values, legal and insurance perspectives, equipment selection, and thoughtful planning and preparation; a solution model is developed to establish a UAS program for electric utilities.

Utilization of a Vehicle Integrated Intelligence (V(INT)2) System in Armor Units

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

weaknesses or deficiencies in the plan such as blind spots or fire integration plans likely to result in either overkill or underkill (e.g., gaps). The...movement is used with this formation. 108 A PL TI.I TK2 . *Thiso~ A oiiaini sdweee h Figue 5-4. CmbatWedg PLL PS I 10 M4w ;ok *Thi modificatio isue-heee-h

Beyond Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): The Next Generation Enterprise Resource Planning Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

Software as a Service ( SaaS )— SaaS solutions involve conforming an organization’s...consumer of the utilized service . Service Models Software as a Service ( SaaS ) The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider’s...operating system, platforms, and software installed. In contrast, Software as a Service ( SaaS ) abstracts the entire stack except for a few

San Juan National Forest Land Management Planning Support System (LMPSS) requirements definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werth, L. F. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The role of remote sensing data as it relates to a three-component land management planning system (geographic information, data base management, and planning model) can be understood only when user requirements are known. Personnel at the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado were interviewed to determine data needs for managing and monitoring timber, rangelands, wildlife, fisheries, soils, water, geology and recreation facilities. While all the information required for land management planning cannot be obtained using remote sensing techniques, valuable information can be provided for the geographic information system. A wide range of sensors such as small and large format cameras, synthetic aperture radar, and LANDSAT data should be utilized. Because of the detail and accuracy required, high altitude color infrared photography should serve as the baseline data base and be supplemented and updated with data from the other sensors.

Incorporating Social Determinants into a Groundwater Risk Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, M.; Allen, D. M.; Journeay, M.; Korteling, B.

2009-12-01

The remediation of polluted groundwater is often very costly, therefore water managers utilize various proactive measures, such as wellhead protection planning, to prevent contamination events. With limited available resources, it is essential to prioritize where these measures are introduced; systematic and integrated methodologies of assessing risk to groundwater can be utilized for this prioritization. To quantify the resistance of the physical system to pollution, Aquifer Vulnerability is commonly mapped for the area of interest. This information is useful for focusing monitoring efforts and identifying data gaps, but is a relative measure of contaminant risk. To more accurately assess the probability of contamination, an inventory of hazards can be integrated with intrinsic vulnerability of the physical system. This Threat indicator links land-use with chemicals and quantifies the risk based on the toxicity and environmental fate of these substances. Local knowledge of the quantity stored and likelihood of release can be utilized to further assess these threats. Both of these steps form part of an existing frameworks for assessing risk to groundwater. In this study, a groundwater risk framework is developed and tested in two study areas; Pender Island and the Lower Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Enhancements of a basic groundwater risk framework include not only incorporating points sources such as septic systems, landfills and fuel storage, but also various social determinants of risk. These social determinants include the Resistance of a community, which represents the planning and protection initiatives designed to safeguard the resource. These include items such as land-use planning that consider groundwater vulnerability and best management practices enforced by local governments. The ability to recover following an event is the Capacity of a community; indicators include the presence or absence of spill response plans, treatment systems or an alternative supply of water. The determinant of Loss quantifies the financial impact of this work. This indicator may be altered in future applications to include loss associated with human health and/or that stemming from a reduction in ecosystem health.

End-of-Life Care Planning in Accountable Care Organizations: Associations with Organizational Characteristics and Capabilities.

PubMed

Ahluwalia, Sangeeta C; Harris, Benjamin J; Lewis, Valerie A; Colla, Carrie H

2018-06-01

To measure the extent to which accountable care organizations (ACOs) have adopted end-of-life (EOL) care planning processes and characterize those ACOs that have established processes related to EOL. This study uses data from three waves (2012-2015) of the National Survey of ACOs. Respondents were 397 ACOs participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial ACO contracts. This is a cross-sectional survey study using multivariate ordered logit regression models. We measured the extent to which the ACO had adopted EOL care planning processes as well as organizational characteristics, including care management, utilization management, health informatics, and shared decision-making capabilities, palliative care, and patient-centered medical home experience. Twenty-one percent of ACOs had few or no EOL care planning processes, 60 percent had some processes, and 19.6 percent had advanced processes. ACOs with a hospital in their system (OR: 3.07; p = .01), and ACOs with advanced care management (OR: 1.43; p = .02), utilization management (OR: 1.58, p = .00), and shared decision-making capabilities (OR: 16.3, p = .000) were more likely to have EOL care planning processes than those with no hospital or few to no capabilities. There remains considerable room for today's ACOs to increase uptake of EOL care planning, possibly by leveraging existing care management, utilization management, and shared decision-making processes. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

76 FR 30319 - Real Property Master Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, at Yuma Proving Ground...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-25

..., sensors, and guidance systems and realistic training. The U.S. has been engaged in hostile conflicts in..., water resources, biological resources, cultural resources, socioeconomics, utilities, land use, and...

Front-Line Resilience Perspectives: The Electric Grid

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

Finster, M.; Phillips, J.; Wallace, K.

2016-11-01

This report seeks to summarize how states and local utility companies are approaching all-hazards resilience in planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of the electric system, as well as challenges faced when addressing all-hazards resilience.

Physician need. An alternative projection from a study of large, prepaid group practices.

PubMed

Mulhausen, R; McGee, J

1989-04-07

To model a base level of physician demand in a managed health care system, we examined in 1983 the ratios by specialty of full-time equivalent physicians to health maintenance organization members in seven large, closed-panel health maintenance organizations, each with more than 100,000 members. The medical director of each plan was surveyed by mailed questionnaire and telephone interview to determine the plan's number of full-time equivalent physicians by specialty and members served. Out-of-plan physicians contracted by the group were included within the specialty distribution wherever possible. We compared our findings (4779.4 full-time equivalent physicians serving 4,297,790 members) with Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee and others' projections of physician need and supply. Based on this model and unknowns that might affect utilization, our study suggests that at least 111 physicians per 100,000 population would be necessary in a system that emphasized reduced utilization of services and that more primary care physicians would be needed than the Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee predicted would be available.

Time evolving multi-city dependencies and robustness tradeoffs for risk-based portfolios of conservation, transfers, and cooperative water supply infrastructure development pathways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trindade, B. C.; Reed, P. M.; Zeff, H. B.; Characklis, G. W.

2016-12-01

Water scarcity in historically water-rich regions such as the southeastern United States is becoming a more prevalent concern. It has been shown that cooperative short-term planning that relies on conservation and transfers of existing supplies amongst communities can be used by water utilities to mitigate the effects of water scarcity in the near future. However, in the longer term, infrastructure expansion is likely to be necessary to address imbalances between growing water demands and the available supply capacity. This study seeks to better diagnose and avoid candidate modes for system failure. Although it is becoming more common for water utilities to evaluate the robustness of their water supply, defined as the insensitivity of their systems to errors in deeply uncertain projections or assumptions, defining robustness is particularly challenging in multi-stakeholder regional contexts for decisions that encompass short management actions and long-term infrastructure planning. Planning and management decisions are highly interdependent and strongly shape how a region's infrastructure itself evolves. This research advances the concept of system robustness by making it evolve over time rather than static, so that it is applicable to an adaptive system and therefore more suited for use for combined short and long-term planning efforts. The test case for this research is the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, where the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill are experiencing rapid population growth and increasing concerns over drought. This study is facilitating their engagement in cooperative and robust regional water portfolio planning. The insights from this work have general merit for regions where adjacent municipalities can benefit from improving cooperative infrastructure investments and more efficient resource management strategies.

Baseband-processed SS-TDMA communication system architecture and design concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Attwood, S.; Sabourin, D.

1982-01-01

The architecture and system design for a commercial satellite communications system planned for the 1990's was developed by Motorola for NASA's Lewis Research Center. The system provides data communications between individual users via trunking and customer premises service terminals utilizing a central switching satellite operating in a time-division multiple-access (TDMA) mode. The major elements of the design incorporating baseband processing include: demand-assigned multiple access reservation protocol, spectral utilization, system synchronization, modulation technique and forward error control implementation. Motorola's baseband processor design, which is being proven in a proof-of-concept advanced technology development, will perform data regeneration and message routing for individual users on-board the spacecraft.

42 CFR 456.523 - Revised UR plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time Requirements § 456.523 Revised... control over the utilization of services; and (2) Conducts reviews in a way that improves the quality of...

42 CFR 456.523 - Revised UR plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time Requirements § 456.523 Revised... control over the utilization of services; and (2) Conducts reviews in a way that improves the quality of...

Spectrum orbit utilization program technical manual SOUP5 Version 3.8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, J.; Ottey, H. R.; Sawitz, P.; Zusman, F. S.

1984-01-01

The underlying engineering and mathematical models as well as the computational methods used by the SOUP5 analysis programs, which are part of the R2BCSAT-83 Broadcast Satellite Computational System, are described. Included are the algorithms used to calculate the technical parameters and references to the relevant technical literature. The system provides the following capabilities: requirements file maintenance, data base maintenance, elliptical satellite beam fitting to service areas, plan synthesis from specified requirements, plan analysis, and report generation/query. Each of these functions are briefly described.

Advances in Robotic, Human, and Autonomous Systems for Missions of Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gross, Anthony R.; Briggs, Geoffrey A.; Glass, Brian J.; Pedersen, Liam; Kortenkamp, David M.; Wettergreen, David S.; Nourbakhsh, I.; Clancy, Daniel J.; Zornetzer, Steven (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Space exploration missions are evolving toward more complex architectures involving more capable robotic systems, new levels of human and robotic interaction, and increasingly autonomous systems. How this evolving mix of advanced capabilities will be utilized in the design of new missions is a subject of much current interest. Cost and risk constraints also play a key role in the development of new missions, resulting in a complex interplay of a broad range of factors in the mission development and planning of new missions. This paper will discuss how human, robotic, and autonomous systems could be used in advanced space exploration missions. In particular, a recently completed survey of the state of the art and the potential future of robotic systems, as well as new experiments utilizing human and robotic approaches will be described. Finally, there will be a discussion of how best to utilize these various approaches for meeting space exploration goals.

2012 White Book, Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study

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

None

The White Book is a planning analysis produced by BPA that informs BPA of its load and resource conditions for sales and purchases. The White Book provides a 10-year look at the expected obligations and resources in the Federal system and PNW region. The White Book is used as a planning tool for the Columbia River Treaty (Treaty) studies, as an information tool for customers and regional interests, and as a publication of information utilized by other planning entities for their analyses. The White Book is not used to guide day-to-day operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS)more » or determine BPA revenues or rates.« less

Strategic enterprise resource planning in a health-care system using a multicriteria decision-making model.

PubMed

Lee, Chang Won; Kwak, N K

2011-04-01

This paper deals with strategic enterprise resource planning (ERP) in a health-care system using a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model. The model is developed and analyzed on the basis of the data obtained from a leading patient-oriented provider of health-care services in Korea. Goal criteria and priorities are identified and established via the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Goal programming (GP) is utilized to derive satisfying solutions for designing, evaluating, and implementing an ERP. The model results are evaluated and sensitivity analyses are conducted in an effort to enhance the model applicability. The case study provides management with valuable insights for planning and controlling health-care activities and services.

Techniques for analyzing and utilizing the rain gauges at the NASA White Sands Test Facility. [Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System ground station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalagher, R. J.

1973-01-01

Ten tipping bucket rain gauges have been installed at the NASA WSTF for the purpose of determining rainfall characteristics in this area which may affect the performance of the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. A plan is presented for analyzing and utilizing the data which will be obtained during the course of this experiment. Also included is a description of a computer program which has been written to aid in the analysis.

A methodology for comprehensive strategic planning and program prioritization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raczynski, Christopher Michael

2008-10-01

This process developed in this work, Strategy Optimization for the Allocation of Resources (SOAR), is a strategic planning methodology based off Integrated Product and Process Development and systems engineering techniques. Utilizing a top down approach, the process starts with the creation of the organization vision and its measures of effectiveness. These measures are prioritized based on their application to external world scenarios which will frame the future. The programs which will be used to accomplish this vision are identified by decomposing the problem. Information is gathered on the programs as to the application, cost, schedule, risk, and other pertinent information. The relationships between the levels of the hierarchy are mapped utilizing subject matter experts. These connections are then utilized to determine the overall benefit of the programs to the vision of the organization. Through a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm a tradespace of potential program portfolios can be created amongst which the decision maker can allocate resources. The information and portfolios are presented to the decision maker through the use of a Decision Support System which collects and visualizes all the data in a single location. This methodology was tested utilizing a science and technology planning exercise conducted by the United States Navy. A thorough decomposition was defined and technology programs identified which had the potential to provide benefit to the vision. The prioritization of the top level capabilities was performed through the use of a rank ordering scheme and a previous naval application was used to demonstrate a cumulative voting scheme. Voting was performed utilizing the Nominal Group Technique to capture the relationships between the levels of the hierarchy. Interrelationships between the technologies were identified and a MOGA was utilized to optimize portfolios with respect to these constraints and information was placed in a DSS. This formulation allowed the decision makers to assess which portfolio could provide the greatest benefit to the Navy while still fitting within the funding profile.

The application of remote sensing techniques to selected inter and intra urban data acquisition problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, F. E.

1970-01-01

The utility of remote sensing techniques to urban data acquisition problems in several distinct areas was identified. This endeavor included a comparison of remote sensing systems for urban data collection, the extraction of housing quality data from aerial photography, utilization of photographic sensors in urban transportation studies, urban change detection, space photography utilization, and an application of remote sensing techniques to the acquisition of data concerning intra-urban commercial centers. The systematic evaluation of variable extraction for urban modeling and planning at several different scales, and the model derivation for identifying and predicting economic growth and change within a regional system of cities are also studied.

A hybrid algorithm optimization approach for machine loading problem in flexible manufacturing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Vijay M.; Murthy, ANN; Chandrashekara, K.

2012-05-01

The production planning problem of flexible manufacturing system (FMS) concerns with decisions that have to be made before an FMS begins to produce parts according to a given production plan during an upcoming planning horizon. The main aspect of production planning deals with machine loading problem in which selection of a subset of jobs to be manufactured and assignment of their operations to the relevant machines are made. Such problems are not only combinatorial optimization problems, but also happen to be non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard, making it difficult to obtain satisfactory solutions using traditional optimization techniques. In this paper, an attempt has been made to address the machine loading problem with objectives of minimization of system unbalance and maximization of throughput simultaneously while satisfying the system constraints related to available machining time and tool slot designing and using a meta-hybrid heuristic technique based on genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. The results reported in this paper demonstrate the model efficiency and examine the performance of the system with respect to measures such as throughput and system utilization.

Application of system dynamics for developing financially self-sustaining management policies for water and wastewater systems.

PubMed

Rehan, R; Knight, M A; Haas, C T; Unger, A J A

2011-10-15

Recently enacted regulations in Canada and elsewhere require water utilities to be financially self-sustaining over the long-term. This implies full cost recovery for providing water and wastewater services to users. This study proposes a new approach to help water utilities plan to meet the requirements of the new regulations. A causal loop diagram is developed for a financially self-sustaining water utility which frames water and wastewater network management as a complex system with multiple interconnections and feedback loops. The novel System Dynamics approach is used to develop a demonstration model for water and wastewater network management. This is the first known application of System Dynamics to water and wastewater network management. The network simulated is that of a typical Canadian water utility that has under invested in maintenance. Model results show that with no proactive rehabilitation strategy the utility will need to substantially increase its user fees to achieve financial sustainability. This increase is further exacerbated when price elasticity of water demand is considered. When the utility pursues proactive rehabilitation, financial sustainability is achieved with lower user fees. Having demonstrated the significance of feedback loops for financial management of water and wastewater networks, the paper makes the case for a more complete utility model that considers the complexity of the system by incorporating all feedback loops. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spacecraft servicing demonstration plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergonz, F. H.; Bulboaca, M. A.; Derocher, W. L., Jr.

1984-01-01

A preliminary spacecraft servicing demonstration plan is prepared which leads to a fully verified operational on-orbit servicing system based on the module exchange, refueling, and resupply technologies. The resulting system can be applied at the space station, in low Earth orbit with an orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV), or be carried with an OMV to geosynchronous orbit by an orbital transfer vehicle. The three phase plan includes ground demonstrations, cargo bay demonstrations, and free flight verifications. The plan emphasizes the exchange of multimission modular spacecraft (MMS) modules which involves space repairable satellites. Three servicer mechanism configurations are the engineering test unit, a protoflight quality unit, and two fully operational units that have been qualified and documented for use in free flight verification activity. The plan balances costs and risks by overlapping study phases, utilizing existing equipment for ground demonstrations, maximizing use of existing MMS equipment, and rental of a spacecraft bus.

The LiveWire Project final report

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

Brown, C.D.; Nelson, T.T.; Kelly, J.C.

Utilities across the US have begun pilot testing a variety of hardware and software products to develop a two-way communications system between themselves and their customers. Their purpose is to reduce utility operating costs and to provide new and improved services for customers in light of pending changes in the electric industry being brought about by deregulation. A consortium including utilities, national labs, consultants, and contractors, with the support of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), initiated a project that utilized a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) wide-area network integrated with a CEBus based local areamore » network within the customers home. The system combined energy consumption data taken within the home, and home automation features to provide a suite of energy management services for residential customers. The information was transferred via the Internet through the HFC network, and presented to the customer on their personal computer. This final project report discusses the design, prototype testing, and system deployment planning of the energy management system.« less

78 FR 5794 - Occidental Chemical Corporation v. Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Notice...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-28

..., violates the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) and the Commission's implementing... rights under PURPA and FERC's implementing regulations and find that the MISO QF Integration Plan is...

Traffic flow characteristic and capacity in intelligent work zones.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-15

Intellgent transportation system (ITS) technologies are utilized to manage traffic flow and safety in : highway work zones. Traffic management plans for work zones require queuing analyses to determine : the anticipated traffic backups, but the predi...

Installation package for a solar heating and hot water system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Development and installation of two commercial solar heating and hot water systems are reported. The systems consist of the following subsystems: collector, storage, transport, hot water, auxiliary energy and controls. General guidelines are provided which may be utilized in development of detailed installation plans and specifications. In addition, operation, maintenance and repair of a solar heating and hot water system instructions are included.

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

None

Elcam, Incorporated of Santa Barbara, California, has developed two solar water heating systems. The systems have been installed at Tempe, Arizona and San Diego, California. The systems consist of the following: collector, collector-tank water loop, solar tank, conventional tank and controls. General guidelines are provided which may be utilized in development of detailed instalation plans and specifications. In addition, it provides instruction on operation, maintenance and installation of solar hot water systems.

SU-F-T-440: The Feasibility Research of Checking Cervical Cancer IMRT Pre- Treatment Dose Verification by Automated Treatment Planning Verification System

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

Liu, X; Yin, Y; Lin, X

Purpose: To assess the preliminary feasibility of automated treatment planning verification system in cervical cancer IMRT pre-treatment dose verification. Methods: The study selected randomly clinical IMRT treatment planning data for twenty patients with cervical cancer, all IMRT plans were divided into 7 fields to meet the dosimetric goals using a commercial treatment planning system(PianncleVersion 9.2and the EclipseVersion 13.5). The plans were exported to the Mobius 3D (M3D)server percentage differences of volume of a region of interest (ROI) and dose calculation of target region and organ at risk were evaluated, in order to validate the accuracy automated treatment planning verification system.more » Results: The difference of volume for Pinnacle to M3D was less than results for Eclipse to M3D in ROI, the biggest difference was 0.22± 0.69%, 3.5±1.89% for Pinnacle and Eclipse respectively. M3D showed slightly better agreement in dose of target and organ at risk compared with TPS. But after recalculating plans by M3D, dose difference for Pinnacle was less than Eclipse on average, results were within 3%. Conclusion: The method of utilizing the automated treatment planning system to validate the accuracy of plans is convenientbut the scope of differences still need more clinical patient cases to determine. At present, it should be used as a secondary check tool to improve safety in the clinical treatment planning.« less

42 CFR 456.380 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care Facilities Plan of Care § 456.380 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to an ICF or before... designed to meet the objectives of the plan of care; (5) Plans for continuing care, including review and...

42 CFR 456.380 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care Facilities Plan of Care § 456.380 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to an ICF or before... designed to meet the objectives of the plan of care; (5) Plans for continuing care, including review and...

42 CFR 456.380 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care Facilities Plan of Care § 456.380 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to an ICF or before... designed to meet the objectives of the plan of care; (5) Plans for continuing care, including review and...

The Perceptions of the Automotive Supply Industry Related to Information Technology Utilization and Creating Barriers to Competitive Market Entry: A Case Study of the Implications for Strategic Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cargal, Joseph L.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine information technology/systems strategy related factors in the automotive supply industry based on responses to the Strategic Planning and Business Performance Survey provided to automotive suppliers. This population produces supplies to the automotive industry with products valued at hundreds of billions…

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

Trujillo, Angelina Michelle

Strategy, Planning, Acquiring- very large scale computing platforms come and go and planning for immensely scalable machines often precedes actual procurement by 3 years. Procurement can be another year or more. Integration- After Acquisition, machines must be integrated into the computing environments at LANL. Connection to scalable storage via large scale storage networking, assuring correct and secure operations. Management and Utilization – Ongoing operations, maintenance, and trouble shooting of the hardware and systems software at massive scale is required.

23. VIEW OF THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN. THE FIRST FLOOR ...

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

23. VIEW OF THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN. THE FIRST FLOOR HOUSED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, THE CENTRAL COMPUTING, UTILITY SYSTEMS, ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES, AND MAINTENANCE SHOPS. THE ORIGINAL DRAWING HAS BEEN ARCHIVED ON MICROFILM. THE DRAWING WAS REPRODUCED AT THE BEST QUALITY POSSIBLE. LETTERS AND NUMBERS IN THE CIRCLES INDICATE FOOTER AND/OR COLUMN LOCATIONS. - Rocky Flats Plant, General Manufacturing, Support, Records-Central Computing, Southern portion of Plant, Golden, Jefferson County, CO

Renewable energy and conservation measures for non-residential buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grossman, Andrew James

The energy demand in most countries is growing at an alarming rate and identifying economically feasible building retrofit solutions to decrease the need for fossil fuels so as to mitigate their environmental and societal impacts has become imperative. Two approaches are available for identifying feasible retrofit solutions: 1) the implementation of energy conservation measures; and 2) the production of energy from renewable sources. This thesis focuses on the development of retrofit software planning tools for the implementation of solar photovoltaic systems, and lighting system retrofits for mid-Michigan institutional buildings. The solar planning tool exploits the existing blueprint of a building's rooftop, and via image processing, the layouts of the solar photovoltaic arrays are developed based on the building's geographical location and typical weather patterns. The resulting energy generation of a PV system is estimated and is utilized to determine levelized energy costs. The lighting system retrofit analysis starts by a current utilization assessment of a building to determine the amount of energy used by the lighting system. Several LED lighting options are evaluated on the basis of color correlation temperature, color rendering index, energy consumption, and financial feasibility, to determine a retrofit solution. Solar photovoltaic installations in mid-Michigan are not yet financially feasible, but with the anticipated growth and dynamic complexity of the solar photovoltaic market, this solar planning tool is able to assist building proprietors make executive decisions regarding their energy usage. Additionally, a lighting system retrofit is shown to have significant financial and health benefits.

NASA UTILIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND THE VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Julie A.; Thomas, Donald A.

2006-01-01

Under U.S. President Bush s Vision for Space Exploration (January 14, 2004), NASA has refocused its utilization plans for the International Space Station (ISS). This use will now focus on: (1) the development of countermeasures that will protect crews from the hazards of the space environment, (2) testing and validating technologies that will meet information and systems needs for future exploration missions.

Utilization Management in Department of Defense Military Treatment Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-01

Health Affairs) Mendez (1992) clearly states that his plan is for the military health services system’s quality assessment and criteria to become more...also worthy of note that second surgical opinions are not part of Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) Mendez ’ (1992) memonrandur on...Affairs) Mendez ’ (1992) quality management policy already states that military medical treatment facilities will begin to implement utilization

25 CFR 290.12 - What information must the tribal revenue allocation plan contain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... incompetents' per capita payments by the parent or legal guardian; and (iii) Establishing a process, system, or... according to specific eligibility requirements and must utilize or establish a tribal court system, forum or administrative process for resolution of disputes concerning the allocation of net gaming revenues and the...

Salient Beliefs in Majoring in Management Information Systems: An Elicitation Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chipidza, Wallace; Green, Gina; Riemenschneider, Cindy

2016-01-01

Research utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand behavior should first elicit beliefs about the phenomenon from the target population. In order to understand the reasons why students choose to major or not major in Management Information Systems (MIS), we elicited beliefs from 136 students attending university in the United States…

Intelligent transportation system (ITS) study for the Buffalo and Niagara Falls metropolitan area, Erie and Niagara Counties, New York : strategic plan, working paper #7

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-06-18

This document has been prepared as part of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Buffalo and Niagara Falls Intelligent Transportation System Study. This working paper utilizes input from the previous working papers to generate an o...

Strategic plan for the electronic toll collection system : FasTrak on the San Francisco Bay Area state-owned toll bridges : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-02-01

This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the utilization and operational analysis of the electronic toll collection (ETC) - FasTrak - system on the seven state-owned bridges in the Bay Area. At present, there are a total of 68 toll ...

Aircraft flight simulation of spacelab experiment using an implanted telemetry system to obtain cardiovascular data from the monkey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccutcheon, E. P.; Miranda, R.; Fryer, T. B.; Hodges, G.; Newson, B. D.; Pace, N.

1977-01-01

The utility of a multichannel implantable telemetry system for obtaining cardiovascular data was tested in a monkey with a CV-990 aircraft flight simulation of a space flight experiment. Valuable data were obtained to aid planning and execution of flight experiments using chronically instrumented animals.

National remote computational flight research facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rediess, Herman A.

1989-01-01

The extension of the NASA Ames-Dryden remotely augmented vehicle (RAV) facility to accommodate flight testing of a hypersonic aircraft utilizing the continental United States as a test range is investigated. The development and demonstration of an automated flight test management system (ATMS) that uses expert system technology for flight test planning, scheduling, and execution is documented.

A Programming System for School Location & Facility Utilization.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction, Raleigh.

A linear program model designed to aid in site selection and the development of pupil assignment plans is illustrated in terms of a hypothetical school system. The model is designed to provide the best possible realization of any single stated objective (for example, "Minimize the distance that pupils must travel") given any number of specified…

Energy Systems Integration News | Energy Systems Integration Facility |

Science.gov Websites

Grid Modernization Project Informed by ESIF Research The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved on (HECO) to upgrade its five island power grids. The plan describes the scope and estimated cost to update the energy networks of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light in the next five

American power conference: Proceedings

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

Not Available

1994-01-01

The first volume of this conference contains papers on the following topics: (1) Controls, monitoring, and expert systems (Harnessing microprocessor revolution for a more competitive power industry; Plant control--Upgrades; Neural network applications); (2) Diversification and globalization (Electric utility diversification/globalization--Panel; Private power in developing countries); (3) Environment and clean air (Clean Air compliance costs; Site selection for power stations and related facilities; Electric utility trace substance emissions; Solid waste disposal and commercial use; Precipitators/fabric filters; and Effect of flow modifications on fisheries and water quality); (4) Generation--Fuel options equipment (Alternate fuels; Advances in fuel cells for electric power applications; Secondary containmentmore » and seismic requirements for petrochemical facilities; Clean coal technology demonstration; Advanced energy systems; Hydropower); (5) Nuclear operations options (Radioactive waste management and disposal; Off normal conditions; Advanced light water reactors--15 years after TMI; Structural dynamic analyses for nuclear power plants); (6) Retrofit, betterment, repowering maintenance (Project management; Improving competitiveness through process re-engineering; Central stations; Water and wastewater treatment); (7) System planning, operation demand maintenance (Transmission system access; Stability; Systems planning); (8) Transmission and distribution (Transformers; Relaying for system protection; Managing EMF effects); and (9) Education (Power engineering). 155 papers have been processed separately for inclusion on the data base.« less

Application of an innovative computerized virtual planning system in acetabular fracture surgery: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Wang, Huixiang; Wang, Fang; Newman, Simon; Lin, Yanping; Chen, Xiaojun; Xu, Lu; Wang, Qiugen

2016-08-01

Acetabular fracture surgery is amongst the most challenging tasks in the field of trauma surgery and careful preoperative planning is crucial for success. The aim of this paper is to describe the preliminary outcome of the utilization of an innovative computerized virtual planning system for acetabular fractures. 3D models of acetabular fractures and surrounding soft tissues from six patients were constructed from preoperative CT scans. A novel highly-automatic segmentation technique was performed on the 3D model to separate each fracture fragment, then 3D virtual reduction was performed. Additionally, the models were used to assess potential surgical approaches with reference to both the fracture and the surrounding soft tissues. The time required for virtual planning was recorded. After surgery, the virtual plan was compared to the real surgery with respect to surgical approach and reduction sequence. A Likert scale questionnaire was completed by the surgeons to evaluate their satisfaction with the system. Virtual planning was successfully completed in all cases. The planned surgical approach was followed in all cases with the planned reduction sequence followed completely in five cases and partially in one. The mean time required for virtual planning was 38.7min (range 21-57, SD=15.5). The mean time required for planning of B-type fractures was 25.0min (range 21-30, SD=4.6), of C-type fracture 52.3min (range 49-57, SD=4.2). The results of the questionnaire demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the planning system. This study demonstrates that the virtual planning system is feasible in clinical settings with high satisfaction and acceptability from the surgeons. It provides a viable option for the planning of acetabular fracture surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Knowledge-based computer systems for radiotherapy planning.

PubMed

Kalet, I J; Paluszynski, W

1990-08-01

Radiation therapy is one of the first areas of clinical medicine to utilize computers in support of routine clinical decision making. The role of the computer has evolved from simple dose calculations to elaborate interactive graphic three-dimensional simulations. These simulations can combine external irradiation from megavoltage photons, electrons, and particle beams with interstitial and intracavitary sources. With the flexibility and power of modern radiotherapy equipment and the ability of computer programs that simulate anything the machinery can do, we now face a challenge to utilize this capability to design more effective radiation treatments. How can we manage the increased complexity of sophisticated treatment planning? A promising approach will be to use artificial intelligence techniques to systematize our present knowledge about design of treatment plans, and to provide a framework for developing new treatment strategies. Far from replacing the physician, physicist, or dosimetrist, artificial intelligence-based software tools can assist the treatment planning team in producing more powerful and effective treatment plans. Research in progress using knowledge-based (AI) programming in treatment planning already has indicated the usefulness of such concepts as rule-based reasoning, hierarchical organization of knowledge, and reasoning from prototypes. Problems to be solved include how to handle continuously varying parameters and how to evaluate plans in order to direct improvements.

Resource Allocation Planning Helper (RALPH): Lessons learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durham, Ralph; Reilly, Norman B.; Springer, Joe B.

1990-01-01

The current task of Resource Allocation Process includes the planning and apportionment of JPL's Ground Data System composed of the Deep Space Network and Mission Control and Computing Center facilities. The addition of the data driven, rule based planning system, RALPH, has expanded the planning horizon from 8 weeks to 10 years and has resulted in large labor savings. Use of the system has also resulted in important improvements in science return through enhanced resource utilization. In addition, RALPH has been instrumental in supporting rapid turn around for an increased volume of special what if studies. The status of RALPH is briefly reviewed and important lessons learned from the creation of an highly functional design team are focused on through an evolutionary design and implementation period in which an AI shell was selected, prototyped, and ultimately abandoned, and through the fundamental changes to the very process that spawned the tool kit. Principal topics include proper integration of software tools within the planning environment, transition from prototype to delivered to delivered software, changes in the planning methodology as a result of evolving software capabilities and creation of the ability to develop and process generic requirements to allow planning flexibility.

Application of a risk management system to improve drinking water safety.

PubMed

Jayaratne, Asoka

2008-12-01

The use of a comprehensive risk management framework is considered a very effective means of managing water quality risks. There are many risk-based systems available to water utilities such as ISO 9001 and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). In 2004, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality recommended the use of preventive risk management approaches to manage water quality risks. This paper describes the framework adopted by Yarra Valley Water for the development of its Drinking Water Quality Risk Management Plan incorporating HACCP and ISO 9001 systems and demonstrates benefits of Water Safety Plans such as HACCP. Copyright IWA Publishing 2008.

Health care utilization and costs for diseases of the circulatory system in a corporate setting.

PubMed

Tsai, S P; Bernacki, E J; Reedy, S M; Miller, K E

1988-01-01

This article presents the health care utilization and costs for diseases of the circulatory system among 14,162 employees and their spouses based on medical insurance claims data analysis. Diseases of the circulatory system ranked first among insurance claims and costs accounting for 23% ($4.6 million) of the plan's total health care costs ($19.7 million) for the 1984 policy year. Overall, 57% of these expenditures were for hospital care, the proportion for hospital costs being as high as 64% for heart diseases and as low as 20% for hypertension. Male employees had higher utilization for both in-hospital and out-patient services than females. Utilization rates and costs dramatically increased for individuals 50 years or older. Costs for surgical and diagnostic procedures amounted to 8% of the total costs of circulatory system disorders. This article provides an example of the utility of claims analysis for morbidity surveillance. The analyses and parameters measured herein can be viewed as prerequisites to the development of health care management and health promotion strategies aimed at reducing health care cost for diseases of the circulatory system in a corporate setting.

National Conference on Integrated Resource Planning: Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Until recently, state regulators have focused most of their attention on the development of least-cost or integrated resource planning (IRP) processes for electric utilities. A number of commissions are beginning to scrutinize the planning processes of local gas distribution companies (LDCs) because of the increased control that LDCs have over their purchased gas costs (as well as the associated risks) and because of questions surrounding the role and potential of gas end-use efficiency options. Traditionally, resource planning (LDCs) has concentrated on options for purchasing and storing gas. Integrated resource planning involves the creation of a process in which supply-side and demand-side options are integrated to create a resource mix that reliably satisfies customers' short-term and long-term energy service needs at the lowest cost. As applied to gas utilities, an integrated resource plan seeks to balance cost and reliability, and should not be interpreted simply as the search for lowest commodity costs. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' (NARUC) Energy Conservation committee asked Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) to survey state PUCs to determine the extent to which they have undertaken least cost planning for gas utilities. The survey included the following topics: status of state PUC least-cost planning regulations and practices for gas utilities; type and scope of natural gas DSM programs in effect, including fuel substitution; economic tests and analysis methods used to evaluate DSM programs; relationship between prudency reviews of gas utility purchasing practices and integrated resource planning; and key regulatory issues facing gas utilities during the next five years.

Phasor Simulator for Operator Training Project

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

Dyer, Jim

2016-09-14

Synchrophasor systems are being deployed in power systems throughout the North American Power Grid and there are plans to integrate this technology and its associated tools into Independent System Operator (ISO)/utility control room operations. A pre-requisite to using synchrophasor technologies in control rooms is for operators to obtain training and understand how to use this technology in real-time situations. The Phasor Simulator for Operator Training (PSOT) project objective was to develop, deploy and demonstrate a pre-commercial training simulator for operators on the use of this technology and to promote acceptance of the technology in utility and ISO/Regional Transmission Owner (RTO)more » control centers.« less

A benders decomposition approach to multiarea stochastic distributed utility planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCusker, Susan Ann

Until recently, small, modular generation and storage options---distributed resources (DRs)---have been installed principally in areas too remote for economic power grid connection and sensitive applications requiring backup capacity. Recent regulatory changes and DR advances, however, have lead utilities to reconsider the role of DRs. To a utility facing distribution capacity bottlenecks or uncertain load growth, DRs can be particularly valuable since they can be dispersed throughout the system and constructed relatively quickly. DR value is determined by comparing its costs to avoided central generation expenses (i.e., marginal costs) and distribution investments. This requires a comprehensive central and local planning and production model, since central system marginal costs result from system interactions over space and time. This dissertation develops and applies an iterative generalized Benders decomposition approach to coordinate models for optimal DR evaluation. Three coordinated models exchange investment, net power demand, and avoided cost information to minimize overall expansion costs. Local investment and production decisions are made by a local mixed integer linear program. Central system investment decisions are made by a LP, and production costs are estimated by a stochastic multi-area production costing model with Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Law constraints. The nested decomposition is a new and unique method for distributed utility planning that partitions the variables twice to separate local and central investment and production variables, and provides upper and lower bounds on expected expansion costs. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law imposes nonlinear, nonconvex constraints that preclude use of LP if transmission capacity is available in a looped transmission system. This dissertation develops KVL constraint approximations that permit the nested decomposition to consider new transmission resources, while maintaining linearity in the three individual models. These constraints are presented as a heuristic for the given examples; future research will investigate conditions for convergence. A ten-year multi-area example demonstrates the decomposition approach and suggests the ability of DRs and new transmission to modify capacity additions and production costs by changing demand and power flows. Results demonstrate that DR and new transmission options may lead to greater capacity additions, but resulting production cost savings more than offset extra capacity costs.

The impact of a large penetration of intermittent sources on the power system operation and planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ausin, Juan Carlos

This research investigated the impact on the power system of a large penetration of intermittent renewable sources, mainly wind and photovoltaic generation. Currently, electrical utilities deal with wind and PV plants as if they were sources of negative demand, that is to say, they have no control over the power output produced. In this way, the grid absorbs all the power fluctuation as if it were coming from a common load. With the level of wind penetration growing so quickly, there is growing concern amongst the utilities and the grid operators, as they will have to deal with a much higher level of fluctuation. In the same way, the potential cost reduction of PV technologies suggests that a similar development may be expected for solar production in the mid term. The first part of the research was focused on the issues that affect utility planning and reinforcement decision making. Although DG is located mainly on the distribution network, a large penetration may alter the flows, not only on the distribution lines, but also on the transmission system and through the transmission - distribution interfaces. The optimal capacity and production costs for the UK transmission network have been calculated for several combinations of load profiles and typical wind/PV output scenarios. A full economic analysis is developed, showing the benefits and disadvantages that a large penetration of these distributed generators may have on transmission system operator reinforcement strategies. Closely related to planning factors are institutional, revelatory, and economic considerations, such as transmission pricing, which may hamper the integration of renewable energy technologies into the electric utility industry. The second part of the research related to the impact of intermittent renewable energy technologies on the second by second, minute by minute, and half-hour by half-hour operations of power systems. If a large integration of these new generators partially replaces the conventional rotating machines the aggregate fluctuation starts to become an important factor, and should be taken into account for the calculation of the balancing requirements. Additional balancing requirements would increase the total balancing cost and this could stop the future development of the intermittent sources.

Space Resource Utilization: Near-Term Missions and Long-Term Plans for Human Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Gerald B.

2015-01-01

A primary goal of all major space faring nations is to explore space: from the Earth with telescopes, with robotic probes and space telescopes, and with humans. For the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this pursuit is captured in three important strategic goals: 1. Ascertain the content, origin, and evolution of the solar system and the potential for life elsewhere, 2. Extend and sustain human activities across the solar system (especially the surface of Mars), and 3. Create innovative new space technologies for exploration, science, and economic future. While specific missions and destinations are still being discussed as to what comes first, it is imperative for NASA that it foster the development and implementation of new technologies and approaches that make space exploration affordable and sustainable. Critical to achieving affordable and sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) is the development of technologies and systems to identify, extract, and use resources in space instead of bringing everything from Earth. To reduce the development and implementation costs for space resource utilization, often called In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), it is imperative to work with terrestrial mining companies to spin-in/spin-off technologies and capabilities, and space mining companies to expand our economy beyond Earth orbit. In the last two years, NASA has focused on developing and implementing a sustainable human space exploration program with the ultimate goal of exploring the surface of Mars with humans. The plan involves developing technology and capability building blocks critical for sustained exploration starting with the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew spacecraft and utilizing the International Space Station as a springboard into the solar system. The evolvable plan develops and expands human exploration in phases starting with missions that are reliant on Earth, to performing ever more challenging and longer duration missions in cis-lunar space and beyond, to eventually being independent from Earth. The goal is no longer just to reach a destination, but to enable people to work, learn, operate, and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite.

Health and Safety Plan for Waste Area Grouping 6 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Environmental Restoration Program

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

Van Hoesen, S.D.; Clark, C. Jr.; Burman, S.N.

1993-12-01

The Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Energy Systems), policy is to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all employees and subcontractors. The accomplishment of this policy requires that operations at Waste Area Grouping (WAG) 6 at the Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory are guided by an overall plan and consistent proactive approach to safety and health (S&H) issues. The plan is written to utilize past experience and best management practices to minimize hazards to human health or the environment from events such as fires, explosions, falls, mechanical hazards, or any unplanned release of hazardous or radioactivemore » materials to air, soil, or surface water This plan explains additional site-specific health and safety requirements such as Site Specific Hazards Evaluation Addendums (SSHEAs) to the Site Safety and Health Plan which should be used in concert with this plan and existing established procedures.« less

Challenges of Communications and Tracking for Solar System Small Body Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rush, John J.; Lichten, Stephen M.; Srinivasan, Jeffrey M.

2011-01-01

This presentation will address: (1) Communications capabilities that will be needed for space missions for Small Planetary Body exploration (2) Utilization of large ground-based radar capabilities for Small Body remote sensing and mission planning

7 CFR 1726.10 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General § 1726.10 Introduction. The policies... of loan documents between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. Unless prior... construction and improvement of electric facilities. Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and...

7 CFR 1726.10 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General § 1726.10 Introduction. The policies... of loan documents between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. Unless prior... construction and improvement of electric facilities. Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and...

7 CFR 1726.10 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General § 1726.10 Introduction. The policies... of loan documents between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. Unless prior... construction and improvement of electric facilities. Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and...

7 CFR 1726.10 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General § 1726.10 Introduction. The policies... of loan documents between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. Unless prior... construction and improvement of electric facilities. Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and...

7 CFR 1726.10 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General § 1726.10 Introduction. The policies... of loan documents between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. Unless prior... construction and improvement of electric facilities. Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and...

7 CFR 4280.161 - Direct Loan Process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS Renewable Energy Systems and Energy... available for direct loans; (2) Applicant and project eligibility criteria; (3) Minimum and maximum loan...; (11) Construction planning and performing development; (12) Requirements after project construction...

Federal Register /Vol. 73, No. 96 / Friday, May 16, 2008 /Notices

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-05-16

The Office of Space : Commercialization seeks comments on a : plan to transition the installed base of : codeless and semi-codeless Global : Positioning System (GPS) user : equipment to next-generation : equipment utilizing the modernized : civil GPS...

Evaluation of complete streets policy implementation by metropolitan planning organizations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

Over the last ten years, communities around the country have begun to implement comprehensive reforms : designed to ensure that roadway users of all ages and abilities can safely utilize the transportation system. : This complete streets policy frame...

Specific test and evaluation plan

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

Hays, W.H.

1998-03-20

The purpose of this Specific Test and Evaluation Plan (STEP) is to provide a detailed written plan for the systematic testing of modifications made to the 241-AX-B Valve Pit by the W-314 Project. The STEP develops the outline for test procedures that verify the system`s performance to the established Project design criteria. The STEP is a lower tier document based on the W-314 Test and Evaluation Plan (TEP). Testing includes Validations and Verifications (e.g., Commercial Grade Item Dedication activities), Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), installation tests and inspections, Construction Acceptance Tests (CATs), Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), Pre-Operational Test Procedures (POTPs), andmore » Operational Test Procedures (OTPs). It should be noted that POTPs are not required for testing of the transfer line addition. The STEP will be utilized in conjunction with the TEP for verification and validation.« less

Recent progress in utilization planning for Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartoe, John-David F.; Thiringer, Peter S.

1991-01-01

The progress made in utilization planning for the redesigned Space Station Freedom (SSF) concept is described. Consideration is given to the SSF user capabilities, the strategic planning process, the strategic planning organizations, and the Consolidated Operations and Utilization Plan (COUP, which will be released in January 1993) as well as to the COUP development process and implementation. The process by which the COUP will be produced was exercised in the international Multilateral Strategic and Tactical Integration Process (MUSTIP) simulation. The paper describes the MUSTIP simulation and its activities along with MUSTIP findings and recommendations.

Overview of waste heat utilization systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, M. M.

1984-01-01

The heavy truck diesel engine rejects a significant fraction of its fuel energy in the form of waste heat. Historically, the Department of Energy has supported technology efforts for utilization of the diesel exhaust heat. Specifically, the Turbocompound and the Organic Rankine Cycle System (ORCS) have demonstrated that meaningful improvements in highway fuel economy can be realized through waste heat utilization. For heat recovery from the high temperature exhaust of future adiabatic diesel engines, the DOE/NASA are investigating a variety of alternatives based on the Rankine, Brayton, and Stirling power cycles. Initial screening results indicate that systems of this type offer a fuel savings advantage over the turbocompound system. Capital and maintenance cost projections, however, indicate that the alternative power cycles are not competitive on an economic payback basis. Plans call for continued analysis in an attempt to identify a cost effective configuration with adequate fuel savings potential.

Thermoelectric converter for SP-100 space reactor power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Terrill, W. R.; Haley, V. F.

1986-01-01

Conductively coupling the thermoelectric converter to the heat source and the radiator maximizes the utilization of the reactor and radiator temperatures and thereby minimizes the power system weight. This paper presents the design for the converter and the individual thermoelectric cells that are the building block modules for the converter. It also summarizes progress on the fabrication of initial cells and the results obtained from the preparation of a manufacturing plan. The design developed for the SP-100 system utilizes thermally conductive compliant pads that can absorb the displacement and distortion caused by the combinations of temperatures and thermal expansion coefficients. The converter and cell designs provided a 100 kWe system which met the system requirements. Initial cells were fabricated and tested.

42 CFR 456.180 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Mental Hospitals Plan of Care § 456.180 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to a mental hospital or...

Estimating Health-State Utility for Economic Models in Clinical Studies: An ISPOR Good Research Practices Task Force Report.

PubMed

Wolowacz, Sorrel E; Briggs, Andrew; Belozeroff, Vasily; Clarke, Philip; Doward, Lynda; Goeree, Ron; Lloyd, Andrew; Norman, Richard

Cost-utility models are increasingly used in many countries to establish whether the cost of a new intervention can be justified in terms of health benefits. Health-state utility (HSU) estimates (the preference for a given state of health on a cardinal scale where 0 represents dead and 1 represents full health) are typically among the most important and uncertain data inputs in cost-utility models. Clinical trials represent an important opportunity for the collection of health-utility data. However, trials designed primarily to evaluate efficacy and safety often present challenges to the optimal collection of HSU estimates for economic models. Careful planning is needed to determine which of the HSU estimates may be measured in planned trials; to establish the optimal methodology; and to plan any additional studies needed. This report aimed to provide a framework for researchers to plan the collection of health-utility data in clinical studies to provide high-quality HSU estimates for economic modeling. Recommendations are made for early planning of health-utility data collection within a research and development program; design of health-utility data collection during protocol development for a planned clinical trial; design of prospective and cross-sectional observational studies and alternative study types; and statistical analyses and reporting. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Auspice: Automatic Service Planning in Cloud/Grid Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, David; Agrawal, Gagan

Recent scientific advances have fostered a mounting number of services and data sets available for utilization. These resources, though scattered across disparate locations, are often loosely coupled both semantically and operationally. This loosely coupled relationship implies the possibility of linking together operations and data sets to answer queries. This task, generally known as automatic service composition, therefore abstracts the process of complex scientific workflow planning from the user. We have been exploring a metadata-driven approach toward automatic service workflow composition, among other enabling mechanisms, in our system, Auspice: Automatic Service Planning in Cloud/Grid Environments. In this paper, we present a complete overview of our system's unique features and outlooks for future deployment as the Cloud computing paradigm becomes increasingly eminent in enabling scientific computing.

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program A Reference Plan for Control Room Modernization: Planning and Analysis Phase

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

Jacques Hugo; Ronald Boring; Lew Hanes

2013-09-01

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program is collaborating with a U.S. nuclear utility to bring about a systematic fleet-wide control room modernization. To facilitate this upgrade, a new distributed control system (DCS) is being introduced into the control rooms of these plants. The DCS will upgrade the legacy plant process computer and emergency response facility information system. In addition, the DCS will replace an existing analog turbine control system with a display-based system. With technology upgrades comes the opportunity to improve the overall human-system interaction between the operators and the control room. To optimize operatormore » performance, the LWRS Control Room Modernization research team followed a human-centered approach published by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NUREG-0711, Rev. 3, Human Factors Engineering Program Review Model (O’Hara et al., 2012), prescribes four phases for human factors engineering. This report provides examples of the first phase, Planning and Analysis. The three elements of Planning and Analysis in NUREG-0711 that are most crucial to initiating control room upgrades are: • Operating Experience Review: Identifies opportunities for improvement in the existing system and provides lessons learned from implemented systems. • Function Analysis and Allocation: Identifies which functions at the plant may be optimally handled by the DCS vs. the operators. • Task Analysis: Identifies how tasks might be optimized for the operators. Each of these elements is covered in a separate chapter. Examples are drawn from workshops with reactor operators that were conducted at the LWRS Human System Simulation Laboratory HSSL and at the respective plants. The findings in this report represent generalized accounts of more detailed proprietary reports produced for the utility for each plant. The goal of this LWRS report is to disseminate the technique and provide examples sufficient to serve as a template for other utilities’ projects for control room modernization.« less

Fusion or confusion: knowledge or nonsense?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothman, Peter L.; Denton, Richard V.

1991-08-01

The terms 'data fusion,' 'sensor fusion,' multi-sensor integration,' and 'multi-source integration' have been used widely in the technical literature to refer to a variety of techniques, technologies, systems, and applications which employ and/or combine data derived from multiple information sources. Applications of data fusion range from real-time fusion of sensor information for the navigation of mobile robots to the off-line fusion of both human and technical strategic intelligence data. The Department of Defense Critical Technologies Plan lists data fusion in the highest priority group of critical technologies, but just what is data fusion? The DoD Critical Technologies Plan states that data fusion involves 'the acquisition, integration, filtering, correlation, and synthesis of useful data from diverse sources for the purposes of situation/environment assessment, planning, detecting, verifying, diagnosing problems, aiding tactical and strategic decisions, and improving system performance and utility.' More simply states, sensor fusion refers to the combination of data from multiple sources to provide enhanced information quality and availability over that which is available from any individual source alone. This paper presents a survey of the state-of-the- art in data fusion technologies, system components, and applications. A set of characteristics which can be utilized to classify data fusion systems is presented. Additionally, a unifying mathematical and conceptual framework within which to understand and organize fusion technologies is described. A discussion of often overlooked issues in the development of sensor fusion systems is also presented.

SU-G-TeP4-14: Quality Control of Treatment Planning Using Knowledge-Based Planning Across a System of Radiation Oncology Practices

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

Masi, K; Ditman, M; Marsh, R

Purpose: There is potentially a wide variation in plan quality for a certain disease site, even for clinics located in the same system of hospitals. We have used a prostate-specific knowledge-based planning (KBP) model as a quality control tool to investigate the variation in prostate treatment planning across a network of affiliated radiation oncology departments. Methods: A previously created KBP model was applied to 10 patients each from 4 community-based clinics (Clinics A, B, C, and D). The KBP model was developed using RapidPlan (Eclipse v13.5, Varian Medical Systems) from 60 prostate/prostate bed IMRT plans that were originally planned usingmore » an in-house treatment planning system at the central institution of the community-based clinics. The dosimetric plan quality (target coverage and normal-tissue sparing) of each model-generated plan was compared to the respective clinically-used plan. Each community-based clinic utilized the same planning goals to develop the clinically-used plans that were used at the main institution. Results: Across all 4 clinics, the model-generated plans decreased the mean dose to the rectum by varying amounts (on average, 12.5, 2.6, 4.5, and 2.7 Gy for Clinics A, B, C, and D, respectively). The mean dose to the bladder also decreased with the model-generated plans (5.4, 2.3, 3.0, and 4.1 Gy, respectively). The KBP model also identified that target coverage (D95%) improvements were possible for for Clinics A, B, and D (0.12, 1.65, and 2.75%) while target coverage decreased by 0.72% for Clinic C, demonstrating potentially different trade-offs made in clinical plans at different institutions. Conclusion: Quality control of dosimetric plan quality across a system of radiation oncology practices is possible with knowledge-based planning. By using a quality KBP model, smaller community-based clinics can potentially identify the areas of their treatment plans that may be improved, whether it be in normal-tissue sparing or improved target coverage. M. Matuszak has research funding for KBP from Varian Medical Systems.« less

Electric thermal storage demonstration program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In early 1989, MMWEC, a joint action agency comprised of 30 municipal light departments in Massachusetts and on affiliate in Rhode Island, responded to a DOE request to proposal for the Least Cost Utility Planning Program. The MMWEC submission was for the development of a program, focused on small rural electric utilities, to promote the use of electric thermal storage heating systems in residential applications. This report discusses the demonstration of ETS equipment at four member light departments.

MATRIS Indexing and Retrieval Thesaurus (MIRT): Definitions of Indexing Terms

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

use strategies ; may include simple manual systems for personnel management. • Bgc Marginal manpower utilization The utilization of various types of...resources. Bgg Manpower management evaluation Evaluation process including manpower plans, strategies , methods of execution, and decision making with...specialties. I I I I I I I I I U I I I I 6 MANPOWER I I I RECRUITMENT I C RECRUITMENT Process involving developing requirements and strategies for

Development, manufacturing, and test of graphite-epoxy composite spoilers for flight service on 737 transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoecklin, R. L.

1976-01-01

A total of 114 spoiler units were fabricated in a production shop environment, utilizing three graphite epoxy material systems. Production planning paper was generated for each spoiler unit to completely document each production step of each spoiler unit. The graphite epoxy skins were laid up on production tooling using both mechanical and hand layup techniques. Inspection techniques utilized MRB type assessment in the abscence of quality requirements. Each completed spoiler was subjected to ultrasonic inspection utilizing a multicolor recording system that documented each inspection result. In addition, one static test spoiler was sectioned after the test to examine the adhesive filleting to the honeycomb core. Visual examination of the cured adhesives showed excellent results.

Estimating Bird / Aircraft Collision Probabilities and Risk Utilizing Spatial Poisson Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-10

Operations (1995-2011) ........................................... 2 Table 2 DeVault Top 15 Relative Hazard Score...dedicated bird radar (Dokter, et al. 2011). The WRS-88D is used in the Avian Hazard Advisory System which is described later in this paper. Advisory...Avian Hazard Advisory System (AHAS) is an online, near real-time, geographic information system (GIS) used for bird strike risk flight planning across

Operations management: a tool to increase profitability.

PubMed

Mulvehill, M J

2001-03-01

Operations management enables the efficient utilization of the production systems in a business. This paper will address several key elements in the business competency of operations management. Specifically, this discussion will review the components of a material requirement planning system and a "just-in-time" system for inventory control and time management to enable the dentist to monitor a portion of the practice's overhead costs.

7 CFR 4280.147 - Issuance of the guarantee.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS Rural Energy for America Program General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans § 4280.147 Issuance of...) Disbursement plan, if working capital is a purpose of the project. ...

7 CFR 4280.147 - Issuance of the guarantee.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS Rural Energy for America Program General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans § 4280.147 Issuance of...) Disbursement plan, if working capital is a purpose of the project. ...

7 CFR 4280.147 - Issuance of the guarantee.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS AND GRANTS Rural Energy for America Program General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans § 4280.147 Issuance of...) Disbursement plan, if working capital is a purpose of the project. ...

Connection Development: Web Lessons from Westchester.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freedman, Maurice J.

1996-01-01

Committed to utilizing information technology, the Westchester Library System (New York) made the World Wide Web publicly accessible. Describes the planning, implementation, and management process; obstacles involving financing; establishing Internet connectivity; and vendor negotiations. Westchester hired a Web manager, created Internet use…

State Knowledge Utilization Spotlight: Maryland. Transforming State Systems to Improve Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pentimonti, Jill; Pfannenstiel, Kathleen; Walker, Melodee

2017-01-01

The selection of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in mathematics is a critical step toward improving mathematics outcomes for students with disabilities. This state spotlight presents how the Maryland State Department of Education uses the TAP-IT (Team, Analyze, Plan, Implement, and Track) process coupled with systems coaching to support the…

The Drivers of ERP Implementation and Its Impact on Organizational Capabilities and Performance and Customer Value

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hwang, Woosang

2011-01-01

In a constantly changing global business environment, firms have no other choice but to continually expand their capabilities and sharpen their competitive edge. Toward this goal, an increasing number of organizations are turning to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. An ERP system utilizes various kinds of information processing…

78 FR 7391 - Motorized Travel Management Plan, Tonto National Forest; Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Counties, AZ

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-01

... Federal lands. The regulations provide ``for a system of National Forest System (NFS) roads, NFS trails, and areas of NFS lands that are designated for motor vehicle use. Motor vehicle use off designated... travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of NFS lands (36 CFR 212.5(b)). Based on...

Solar power satellite: System definition study. Part 1, volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A study of the solar power satellite system, which represents a means of tapping baseload electric utility power from the sun on a large scale, was summarized. Study objectives, approach, and planning are presented along with an energy conversion evaluation. Basic requirements were considered in regard to space transportation, construction, and maintainability.

Mission management, planning, and cost: PULSE Attitude And Control Systems (AACS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The Pluto unmanned long-range scientific explorer (PULSE) is a probe that will do a flyby of Pluto. It is a low weight, relatively low costing vehicle which utilizes mostly off-the-shelf hardware, but not materials or techniques that will be available after 1999. A design, fabrication, and cost analysis is presented. PULSE will be launched within the first decade of the twenty-first century. The topics include: (1) scientific instrumentation; (2) mission management, planning, and costing; (3) power and propulsion systems; (4) structural subsystem; (5) command, control, and communication; and (6) attitude and articulation control.

An integrative health information systems approach for facilitating strategic planning in hospitals.

PubMed

Killingsworth, Brenda; Newkirk, Henry E; Seeman, Elaine

2006-01-01

This article presents a framework for developing strategic information systems (SISs) for hospitals. It proposes a SIS formulation process which incorporates complexity theory, strategic/organizational analysis theory, and conventional MIS development concepts. Within the formulation process, four dimensions of SIS are proposed as well as an implementation plan. A major contribution of this article is the development of a hospital SIS framework which permits an organization to fluidly respond to external, interorganizational, and intraorganizational influences. In addition, this article offers a checklist which managers can utilize in developing an SIS in health care.

Power control and management of the grid containing largescale wind power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aula, Fadhil Toufick

The ever increasing demand for electricity has driven many countries toward the installation of new generation facilities. However, concerns such as environmental pollution and global warming issues, clean energy sources, high costs associated with installation of new conventional power plants, and fossil fuels depletion have created many interests in finding alternatives to conventional fossil fuels for generating electricity. Wind energy is one of the most rapidly growing renewable power sources and wind power generations have been increasingly demanded as an alternative to the conventional fossil fuels. However, wind power fluctuates due to variation of wind speed. Therefore, large-scale integration of wind energy conversion systems is a threat to the stability and reliability of utility grids containing these systems. They disturb the balance between power generation and consumption, affect the quality of the electricity, and complicate load sharing and load distribution managing and planning. Overall, wind power systems do not help in providing any services such as operating and regulating reserves to the power grid. In order to resolve these issues, research has been conducted in utilizing weather forecasting data to improve the performance of the wind power system, reduce the influence of the fluctuations, and plan power management of the grid containing large-scale wind power systems which consist of doubly-fed induction generator based energy conversion system. The aims of this research, my dissertation, are to provide new methods for: smoothing the output power of the wind power systems and reducing the influence of their fluctuations, power managing and planning of a grid containing these systems and other conventional power plants, and providing a new structure of implementing of latest microprocessor technology for controlling and managing the operation of the wind power system. In this research, in order to reduce and smooth the fluctuations, two methods are presented. The first method is based on a de-loaded technique while the other method is based on utilizing multiple storage facilities. The de-loaded technique is based on characteristics of the power of a wind turbine and estimation of the generated power according to weather forecasting data. The technique provides a reference power by which the wind power system will operate and generate a smooth power. In contrast, utilizing storage facilities will allow the wind power system to operate at its maximum tracking power points' strategy. Two types of energy storages are considered in this research, battery energy storage system (BESS) and pumped-hydropower storage system (PHSS), to suppress the output fluctuations and to support the wind power system to follow the system load demands. Furthermore, this method provides the ability to store energy when there is a surplus of the generated power and to reuse it when there is a shortage of power generation from wind power systems. Both methods are new in terms of utilizing of the techniques and wind speed data. A microprocessor embedded system using an IntelRTM Atom(TM) processor is presented for controlling the wind power system and for providing the remote communication for enhancing the operation of the individual wind power system in a wind farm. The embedded system helps the wind power system to respond and to follow the commands of the central control of the power system. Moreover, it enhances the performance of the wind power system through self-managing, self-functioning, and self-correcting. Finally, a method of system power management and planning is modeled and studied for a grid containing large-scale wind power systems. The method is based on a new technique through constructing a new load demand curve (NLDC) from merging the estimation of generated power from wind power systems and forecasting of the load. To summarize, the methods and their results presented in this dissertation, enhance the operation of the large-scale wind power systems and reduce their drawbacks on the operation of the power grid.

25 CFR 1000.69 - How can a Tribe/Consortium obtain comments or selection documents received or utilized after OSG...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...-DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ACT Other Financial Assistance for Planning and Negotiation Grants for Non-BIA... documents received or utilized after OSG has made a decision on a planning grant application? 1000.69... selection documents received or utilized after OSG has made a decision on a planning grant application? A...

42 CFR 456.80 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Individual written plan of care. 456.80 Section 456... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Hospitals Plan of Care § 456.80 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to a hospital or before authorization for...

Utilizing semantic networks to database and retrieve generalized stochastic colored Petri nets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farah, Jeffrey J.; Kelley, Robert B.

1992-01-01

Previous work has introduced the Planning Coordinator (PCOORD), a coordinator functioning within the hierarchy of the Intelligent Machine Mode. Within the structure of the Planning Coordinator resides the Primitive Structure Database (PSDB) functioning to provide the primitive structures utilized by the Planning Coordinator in the establishing of error recovery or on-line path plans. This report further explores the Primitive Structure Database and establishes the potential of utilizing semantic networks as a means of efficiently storing and retrieving the Generalized Stochastic Colored Petri Nets from which the error recovery plans are derived.

2003 Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study.

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

United States. Bonneville Power Administration.

2003-12-01

The Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study (White Book), which is published annually by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), establishes one of the planning bases for supplying electricity to customers. The White Book contains projections of regional and Federal system load and resource capabilities, along with relevant definitions and explanations. The White Book also contains information obtained from formalized resource planning reports and data submittals including those from individual utilities, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (Council), and the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee (PNUCC). The White Book is not an operational planning guide, nor is it used for determiningmore » BPA revenues, although the database that generates the data for the White Book analysis contributes to the development of BPA's inventory and ratemaking processes. Operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) is based on a set of criteria different from that used for resource planning decisions. Operational planning is dependent upon real-time or near-term knowledge of system conditions that include expectations of river flows and runoff, market opportunities, availability of reservoir storage, energy exchanges, and other factors affecting the dynamics of operating a power system. In this loads and resources study, resource availability is compared to an expected level of total retail electricity consumption. The forecasted annual energy electricity retail load plus contract obligations are subtracted from the sum of the projected annual energy capability of existing resources and contract purchases to determine whether BPA and/or the region will be surplus or deficit. Surplus energy is available when resources are greater than loads. This energy could be marketed to increase revenues. Deficits occur when resources are less than loads. Energy deficits could be met by any combination of the following: better-than-critical water conditions, demand-side management and conservation programs, permanent loss of a load (i.e., due to economic conditions or closures), additional contract purchases, and/or new generating resources. The loads and resources analysis in this study simulates the operation of the power system under the Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement (PNCA). The PNCA defines the planning and operation of seventeen U.S. Pacific Northwest utilities and other parties with generating facilities within the region's hydroelectric (hydro) system. The hydroregulation study used for the 2003 White Book incorporates measures from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) Biological Opinion dated December 2000, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2000 Biological Opinion (2000 FCRPS BiOps) for the Snake River and Columbia River projects. These measures include: (1) Increased flow augmentation for juvenile fish migrations in the Snake and Columbia rivers in the spring and summer; (2) Mandatory spill requirements at the Lower Snake and Columbia dams to provide for non-turbine passage routes for juvenile fish migrants; and (3) Additional flows for Kootenai River white sturgeon in the spring. The hydroregulation criteria for this analysis includes: an updated Detailed Operation Plan for Treaty reservoirs for Operating Year (OY) 2004, updated PNCA planning criteria for OY 2003, and revised juvenile fish bypass spill levels for 2000 FCRPS BiOps implementation. The 2003 White Book is presented in two documents: (1) this summary document of Federal system and PNW region loads and resources, and (2) a technical appendix which presents regional loads, grouped by major PNW utility categories, and detailed contract and resource information. The technical appendix is available only in electronic form. Individual customer information regarding marketer contracts is not detailed due to confidentiality agreements. The 2003 White Book analysis updates the December 2002 White Book. This analysis projects the yearly average energy consumption and resource availability for the study period, OY 2005 through 2014. The study shows the Federal system's and the region's expected monthly peak demand, monthly energy demand, monthly peak generating capability, and monthly energy generation for OY 2005, 2009, and 2014. The Federal system and regional monthly capacity surplus/deficit projections are summarized for the 10 operating years of the study period. This document analyzes the PNW's projected loads and available generating resources in two parts: (1) the loads and resources of the Federal system, for which BPA is the marketing agency; and (2) the larger PNW regional power system loads and resources that include the Federal system as well other PNW entities.« less

2004 Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study.

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

United States. Bonneville Power Administration.

2004-12-01

The Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study (White Book), which is published annually by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), establishes one of the planning bases for supplying electricity to customers. The White Book contains projections of regional and Federal system load and resource capabilities, along with relevant definitions and explanations. The White Book also contains information obtained from formalized resource planning reports and data submittals including those from individual utilities, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (Council), and the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee (PNUCC). The White Book is not an operational planning guide, nor is it used for determiningmore » BPA revenues, although the database that generates the data for the White Book analysis contributes to the development of BPA's inventory and ratemaking processes. Operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) is based on a set of criteria different from that used for resource planning decisions. Operational planning is dependent upon real-time or near-term knowledge of system conditions that include expectations of river flows and runoff, market opportunities, availability of reservoir storage, energy exchanges, and other factors affecting the dynamics of operating a power system. The load resource balance of BPA and/or the region is determined by comparing resource availability to an expected level of total retail electricity consumption. Resources include projected energy capability plus contract purchases. Loads include a forecast of retail obligations plus contract obligations. Surplus energy is available when resources are greater than loads. This energy could be marketed to increase revenues. Energy deficits occur when resources are less than loads. These deficits could be met by any combination of the following: better-than-critical water conditions, demand-side management and conservation programs, permanent loss of loads due to economic conditions or closures, additional contract purchases, and/or the addition of new generating resources. The loads and resources analysis in this study simulates the operation of the power system under the current Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement (PNCA). The PNCA defines the planning and operation of seventeen U.S. Pacific Northwest utilities and other parties with generating facilities within the region's hydroelectric (hydro) system. The hydroregulation study used for the 2004 White Book incorporates measures from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) Biological Opinion dated December 2000, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2000 Biological Opinion (2000 FCRPS BiOps) for the Snake River and Columbia River projects. These measures include: (1) Increased flow augmentation for juvenile fish migrations in the Snake and Columbia rivers in the spring and summer; (2) Mandatory spill requirements at the Lower Snake and Columbia dams to provide for non-turbine passage routes for juvenile fish migrants; and (3) Additional flows for Kootenai River white sturgeon in the spring; The hydroregulation criteria for this analysis includes the following: (1) Detailed Operation Plan operation for Treaty reservoirs for Operating Year (OY) 2004; (2) PNCA planning criteria for OY 2004; and (3) Juvenile fish bypass spill levels for 2000 FCRPS BiOps implementation. The 2004 White Book is presented in two documents: (1) this summary document of Federal system and PNW region loads and resources, and (2) a technical appendix which presents regional loads, grouped by major PNW utility categories, and detailed contract and resource information. The technical appendix is available only in electronic form. Individual customer information for marketer contracts is not detailed due to confidentiality agreements. The 2004 White Book analysis updates the 2003 White Book. This analysis projects the yearly average energy consumption and resource availability for the study period, OY 2006 through 2015. The study shows the Federal system's and the region's expected monthly peak demand, monthly energy demand, monthly peak generating capability, and monthly energy generation for OY 2006, 2010, and 2015. The Federal system and regional monthly capacity surplus/deficit projections are summarized for the 10 operating years of the study period. This document analyzes the PNW's projected loads and available generating resources in two parts: (1) the loads and resources of the Federal system, for which BPA is the marketing agency; and (2) the larger PNW regional power system loads and resources that include the Federal system as well other PNW entities.« less

Utilizing a Pediatric Disaster Coalition Model to Increase Pediatric Critical Care Surge Capacity in New York City.

PubMed

Frogel, Michael; Flamm, Avram; Sagy, Mayer; Uraneck, Katharine; Conway, Edward; Ushay, Michael; Greenwald, Bruce M; Pierre, Louisdon; Shah, Vikas; Gaffoor, Mohamed; Cooper, Arthur; Foltin, George

2017-08-01

A mass casualty event can result in an overwhelming number of critically injured pediatric victims that exceeds the available capacity of pediatric critical care (PCC) units, both locally and regionally. To address these gaps, the New York City (NYC) Pediatric Disaster Coalition (PDC) was established. The PDC includes experts in emergency preparedness, critical care, surgery, and emergency medicine from 18 of 25 major NYC PCC-capable hospitals. A PCC surge committee created recommendations for making additional PCC beds available with an emphasis on space, staff, stuff (equipment), and systems. The PDC assisted 15 hospitals in creating PCC surge plans by utilizing template plans and site visits. These plans created an additional 153 potential PCC surge beds. Seven hospitals tested their plans through drills. The purpose of this article was to demonstrate the need for planning for disasters involving children and to provide a stepwise, replicable model for establishing a PDC, with one of its primary goals focused on facilitating PCC surge planning. The process we describe for developing a PDC can be replicated to communities of any size, setting, or location. We offer our model as an example for other cities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:473-478).

Conceptual definition of a technology development mission for advanced solar dynamic power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Migra, R. P.

1986-01-01

An initial conceptual definition of a technology development mission for advanced solar dynamic power systems is provided, utilizing a space station to provide a dedicated test facility. The advanced power systems considered included Brayton, Stirling, and liquid metal Rankine systems operating in the temperature range of 1040 to 1400 K. The critical technologies for advanced systems were identified by reviewing the current state of the art of solar dynamic power systems. The experimental requirements were determined by planning a system test of a 20 kWe solar dynamic power system on the space station test facility. These requirements were documented via the Mission Requirements Working Group (MRWG) and Technology Development Advocacy Group (TDAG) forms. Various concepts or considerations of advanced concepts are discussed. A preliminary evolutionary plan for this technology development mission was prepared.

A Healthcare Utilization Analysis Framework for Hot Spotting and Contextual Anomaly Detection

PubMed Central

Hu, Jianying; Wang, Fei; Sun, Jimeng; Sorrentino, Robert; Ebadollahi, Shahram

2012-01-01

Patient medical records today contain vast amount of information regarding patient conditions along with treatment and procedure records. Systematic healthcare resource utilization analysis leveraging such observational data can provide critical insights to guide resource planning and improve the quality of care delivery while reducing cost. Of particular interest to providers are hot spotting: the ability to identify in a timely manner heavy users of the systems and their patterns of utilization so that targeted intervention programs can be instituted, and anomaly detection: the ability to identify anomalous utilization cases where the patients incurred levels of utilization that are unexpected given their clinical characteristics which may require corrective actions. Past work on medical utilization pattern analysis has focused on disease specific studies. We present a framework for utilization analysis that can be easily applied to any patient population. The framework includes two main components: utilization profiling and hot spotting, where we use a vector space model to represent patient utilization profiles, and apply clustering techniques to identify utilization groups within a given population and isolate high utilizers of different types; and contextual anomaly detection for utilization, where models that map patient’s clinical characteristics to the utilization level are built in order to quantify the deviation between the expected and actual utilization levels and identify anomalies. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework using claims data collected from a population of 7667 diabetes patients. Our analysis demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed approaches in identifying clinically meaningful instances for both hot spotting and anomaly detection. In future work we plan to incorporate additional sources of observational data including EMRs and disease registries, and develop analytics models to leverage temporal relationships among medical encounters to provide more in-depth insights. PMID:23304306

A healthcare utilization analysis framework for hot spotting and contextual anomaly detection.

PubMed

Hu, Jianying; Wang, Fei; Sun, Jimeng; Sorrentino, Robert; Ebadollahi, Shahram

2012-01-01

Patient medical records today contain vast amount of information regarding patient conditions along with treatment and procedure records. Systematic healthcare resource utilization analysis leveraging such observational data can provide critical insights to guide resource planning and improve the quality of care delivery while reducing cost. Of particular interest to providers are hot spotting: the ability to identify in a timely manner heavy users of the systems and their patterns of utilization so that targeted intervention programs can be instituted, and anomaly detection: the ability to identify anomalous utilization cases where the patients incurred levels of utilization that are unexpected given their clinical characteristics which may require corrective actions. Past work on medical utilization pattern analysis has focused on disease specific studies. We present a framework for utilization analysis that can be easily applied to any patient population. The framework includes two main components: utilization profiling and hot spotting, where we use a vector space model to represent patient utilization profiles, and apply clustering techniques to identify utilization groups within a given population and isolate high utilizers of different types; and contextual anomaly detection for utilization, where models that map patient's clinical characteristics to the utilization level are built in order to quantify the deviation between the expected and actual utilization levels and identify anomalies. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework using claims data collected from a population of 7667 diabetes patients. Our analysis demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed approaches in identifying clinically meaningful instances for both hot spotting and anomaly detection. In future work we plan to incorporate additional sources of observational data including EMRs and disease registries, and develop analytics models to leverage temporal relationships among medical encounters to provide more in-depth insights.

Using multiobjective tradeoff sets and Multivariate Regression Trees to identify critical and robust decisions for long term water utility planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, R.; Kasprzyk, J. R.; Balaji, R.

2017-12-01

In light of deeply uncertain factors like future climate change and population shifts, responsible resource management will require new types of information and strategies. For water utilities, this entails potential expansion and efficient management of water supply infrastructure systems for changes in overall supply; changes in frequency and severity of climate extremes such as droughts and floods; and variable demands, all while accounting for conflicting long and short term performance objectives. Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) are emerging decision support tools that have been used by researchers and, more recently, water utilities to efficiently generate and evaluate thousands of planning portfolios. The tradeoffs between conflicting objectives are explored in an automated way to produce (often large) suites of portfolios that strike different balances of performance. Once generated, the sets of optimized portfolios are used to support relatively subjective assertions of priorities and human reasoning, leading to adoption of a plan. These large tradeoff sets contain information about complex relationships between decisions and between groups of decisions and performance that, until now, has not been quantitatively described. We present a novel use of Multivariate Regression Trees (MRTs) to analyze tradeoff sets to reveal these relationships and critical decisions. Additionally, when MRTs are applied to tradeoff sets developed for different realizations of an uncertain future, they can identify decisions that are robust across a wide range of conditions and produce fundamental insights about the system being optimized.

A Descent Rate Control Approach to Developing an Autonomous Descent Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fields, Travis D.

Circular parachutes have been used for aerial payload/personnel deliveries for over 100 years. In the past two decades, significant work has been done to improve the landing accuracies of cargo deliveries for humanitarian and military applications. This dissertation discusses the approach developed in which a circular parachute is used in conjunction with an electro-mechanical reefing system to manipulate the landing location. Rather than attempt to steer the autonomous descent vehicle directly, control of the landing location is accomplished by modifying the amount of time spent in a particular wind layer. Descent rate control is performed by reversibly reefing the parachute canopy. The first stage of the research investigated the use of a single actuation during descent (with periodic updates), in conjunction with a curvilinear target. Simulation results using real-world wind data are presented, illustrating the utility of the methodology developed. Additionally, hardware development and flight-testing of the single actuation autonomous descent vehicle are presented. The next phase of the research focuses on expanding the single actuation descent rate control methodology to incorporate a multi-actuation path-planning system. By modifying the parachute size throughout the descent, the controllability of the system greatly increases. The trajectory planning methodology developed provides a robust approach to accurately manipulate the landing location of the vehicle. The primary benefits of this system are the inherent robustness to release location errors and the ability to overcome vehicle uncertainties (mass, parachute size, etc.). A separate application of the path-planning methodology is also presented. An in-flight path-prediction system was developed for use in high-altitude ballooning by utilizing the path-planning methodology developed for descent vehicles. The developed onboard system improves landing location predictions in-flight using collected flight information during the ascent and descent. Simulation and real-world flight tests (using the developed low-cost hardware) demonstrate the significance of the improvements achievable when flying the developed system.

Contingency Planning for Planetary Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dearden, Richard; Meuleau, Nicolas; Ramakrishnan, Sailesh; Smith, David; Washington, Rich; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

There has been considerable work in AI on planning under uncertainty. But this work generally assumes an extremely simple model of action that does not consider continuous time and resources. These assumptions are not reasonable for a Mars rover, which must cope with uncertainty about the duration of tasks, the power required, the data storage necessary, along with its position and orientation. In this paper, we outline an approach to generating contingency plans when the sources of uncertainty involve continuous quantities such as time and resources. The approach involves first constructing a "seed" plan, and then incrementally adding contingent branches to this plan in order to improve utility. The challenge is to figure out the best places to insert contingency branches. This requires an estimate of how much utility could be gained by building a contingent branch at any given place in the seed plan. Computing this utility exactly is intractable, but we outline an approximation method that back propagates utility distributions through a graph structure similar to that of a plan graph.

Incremental Contingency Planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dearden, Richard; Meuleau, Nicolas; Ramakrishnan, Sailesh; Smith, David E.; Washington, Rich

2003-01-01

There has been considerable work in AI on planning under uncertainty. However, this work generally assumes an extremely simple model of action that does not consider continuous time and resources. These assumptions are not reasonable for a Mars rover, which must cope with uncertainty about the duration of tasks, the energy required, the data storage necessary, and its current position and orientation. In this paper, we outline an approach to generating contingency plans when the sources of uncertainty involve continuous quantities such as time and resources. The approach involves first constructing a "seed" plan, and then incrementally adding contingent branches to this plan in order to improve utility. The challenge is to figure out the best places to insert contingency branches. This requires an estimate of how much utility could be gained by building a contingent branch at any given place in the seed plan. Computing this utility exactly is intractable, but we outline an approximation method that back propagates utility distributions through a graph structure similar to that of a plan graph.

DBMS UTILIZATION: A Corporate Information System (CIS) development approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rozett, P.

1983-01-01

The Corporate Information System (CIS), an integrated information system intended to tie the corporation together as a functioning entity, is described. In addition to being a major upgraded automated data processing system, the CIS is a management philosophy which recognizes data as a valuable corporate resource and which distinguishes between data and selected data, or information. It further recognizes that different users need different kinds of information. Plans for CIS development are discussed. It will offer its users not just after-the-fact data, but timely information in a format that is meaningful and useful to the particular user, so that the information can be applied in planning, controlling, and decision making by all levels of management. In effect, CIS will help the corporation itself to function as a total, integrated system by typing together administrative activities through information exchange. The CIS supports the operational, tactical control, and strategic planning functions of the corporation. Operational functions are the day-to-day processing necessary to support the corporation's work, such as purchasing and payroll.

Plan of study for the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Regional Aquifer System Analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meisler, Harold

1980-01-01

Sediments of Cretaceous to Holocene age compose the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system in an area of 50,000 square miles in parts of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. The aquifer system is a major source of water supply in the area. About 1.4 billion gallons is withdrawn from its aquifers each day. Increasing withdrawal of ground water has created or intensified several problems such as declining water levels, development of large cones of depression, saltwater intrusion, spreading of ground-water contamination, and land subsidence. The U.S. Geological Survey has begun a comprehensive study that will define the geology, hydrology, and geochemistry of the aquifer system. The effects of future utilization of the aquifer system will be determined and alternative plans for water withdrawal will be evaluated through computer simulation modeling. This report describes the objectives, organization, and work plans of the study, and describes the work to be accomplished in each U.S. Geological Survey District of the study area.

Urban permeable pavement system design based on “sponge city” concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, M. M.; Zhu, J. W.; Gao, W. F.; Xu, D. P.; Zhao, M.

2017-08-01

Based on the “sponge city” concept, to implement the goal of building a city within the city to solve the sponge waterlogging, rational utilization of water resources, reduce water pollution this paper, combined with the city planning level in China, establishes the design system of city road flooding from the macro, medium and micro level, explore the design method of city water permeable pavement system, and has a practical significance the lower flood risk water ecological problems. On the macro level, we established an urban pavement sponge system under the regional ecological pattern by “spot permeable open space - low impact developing rain water road system - catchment area and catchment wetland”. On a medium level, this paper proposed the permeable suitability of pavement and the planning control indicators when combined with urban functional districts to conduct permeable pavement roads plans and controls. On micro level, the paper studied sponge technology design of permeable pavement from road structure, surface material, and other aspects aimed at the pavement permeability requirements.

2006 Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study.

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

United States. Bonneville Power Administration.

2006-03-01

The Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study (White Book), which is published annually by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), establishes one of the planning bases for supplying electricity to customers. The White Book contains projections of regional and Federal system load and resource capabilities, along with relevant definitions and explanations. The White Book also contains information obtained from formalized resource planning reports and data submittals including those from individual utilities, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (Council), and the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee (PNUCC). The White Book is not an operational planning guide, nor is it used for determiningmore » BPA revenues, although the database that generates the data for the White Book analysis contributes to the development of BPA's inventory and ratemaking processes. Operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) is based on a set of criteria different from that used for resource planning decisions. Operational planning is dependent upon real-time or near-term knowledge of system conditions that include expectations of river flows and runoff, market opportunities, availability of reservoir storage, energy exchanges, and other factors affecting the dynamics of operating a power system. The load resource balance of both the Federal system and the region is determined by comparing resource availability to an expected level of total retail electricity consumption. Resources include projected energy capability plus contract purchases. Loads include a forecast of retail obligations plus contract obligations. Surplus energy is available when resources are greater than loads. This surplus energy could be marketed to increase revenues. Energy deficits occur when resources are less than loads. These energy deficits will be met by any combination of the following: better-than-critical water conditions, demand-side management and conservation programs, permanent loss of loads due to economic conditions or closures, additional contract purchases, and/or the addition of new generating resources. This study incorporates information on Pacific Northwest (PNW) regional retail loads, contract obligations, and contract resources. This loads and resources analysis simulates the operation of the power system in the PNW. The simulated hydro operation incorporates plant characteristics, streamflows, and non-power requirements from the current Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement (PNCA). Additional resource capability estimates were provided by BPA, PNW Federal agency, public agency, cooperative, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and investor-owned utility (IOU) customers furnished through annual PNUCC data submittals for 2005 and/or direct submittals to BPA. The 2006 White Book is presented in two documents: (1) this summary document of Federal system and PNW region loads and resources, and (2) a technical appendix which presents regional loads, grouped by major PNW utility categories, and detailed contract and resource information. The technical appendix is available only in electronic form. Individual customer information for marketer contracts is not detailed due to confidentiality agreements. The 2006 White Book analysis updates the 2004 White Book. This analysis shows projections of the Federal system and region's yearly average annual energy consumption and resource availability for the study period, OY 2007-2016. The study also presents projections of Federal system and region expected 1-hour monthly peak demand, monthly energy demand, monthly 1-hour peak generating capability, and monthly energy generation for OY 2007, 2011, and 2016. BPA is investigating a new approach in capacity planning depicting the monthly Federal system 120-hour peak generating capability and 120-hour peak surplus/deficit for OY 2007, 2011, and 2016. This document analyzes the PNW's projected loads and available generating resources in two parts: (1) the loads and resources of the Federal system, for which BPA is the marketing agency; and (2) the larger PNW regional power system loads and resources that include the Federal system as well other PNW entities.« less

Administrator Evaluation--Planning and Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeney, Jim

1981-01-01

Discusses five tasks basic to effective administrator evaluation: development of district philosophy; identification of activities crucial to school success; determination of operational procedures; utilization of forms and records which reflect district philosophy; and examination of the components of the system during a trial period. (JD)

Continual planning and scheduling for managing patient tests in hospital laboratories.

PubMed

Marinagi, C C; Spyropoulos, C D; Papatheodorou, C; Kokkotos, S

2000-10-01

Hospital laboratories perform examination tests upon patients, in order to assist medical diagnosis or therapy progress. Planning and scheduling patient requests for examination tests is a complicated problem because it concerns both minimization of patient stay in hospital and maximization of laboratory resources utilization. In the present paper, we propose an integrated patient-wise planning and scheduling system which supports the dynamic and continual nature of the problem. The proposed combination of multiagent and blackboard architecture allows the dynamic creation of agents that share a set of knowledge sources and a knowledge base to service patient test requests.

Scandinavian systems monitoring the oral health in children and adolescents; an evaluation of their quality and utility in the light of modern perspectives of caries management.

PubMed

Skeie, Marit S; Klock, Kristin S

2014-04-30

Recording reliable oral health data is a challenge. The aims were a) to outline different Scandinavian systems of oral health monitoring, b) to evaluate the quality and utility of the collected data in the light of modern concepts of disease management and to suggest improvements. The information for in this study was related to (a) children and adolescents, (b) oral health data and (c) routines for monitoring such data. This meant information available in the official web sites of the "KOSTRA-data" (Municipality-State-Report) in Norway, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare ("Socialstyrelsen") and Oral Health Register (the SCOR system, National Board of Health) in Denmark. A potential for increasing the reliability and validity of the data existed. Routines for monitoring other oral diseases than caries were limited. Compared with the other Scandinavian countries, the data collection system in Denmark appeared more functional and had adopted more modern concepts of disease management than other systems. In the light of modern concepts of caries management, data collected elsewhere had limited utility. The Scandinavian systems of health reporting had much in common, but some essential differences existed. If the quality of epidemiological data were enhanced, it would be possible to use the data for planning oral health care. Routines and procedures should be improved and updated in accordance with the modern ideas about caries prevention and therapy. For appropriate oral health planning in an organised dental service, reporting of enamel caries is essential.

Army Networks: Opportunities Exist to Better Utilize Results from Network Integration Evaluations

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

monitor operations; a touch screen-based mission command planning tool; and an antenna mast . The Army will field only one of these systems in capability...Office JTRS Joint Tactical Radio System NIE Network Integration Evaluation OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense SUE System under Evaluation...command systems . A robust transport layer capable of delivering voice, data, imagery, and video to the tactical edge (i.e., the forward battle lines

Benchmarking the Naval Systems Engineering Guide Against the Industry Standards for Systems Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Maintenance activities, as this will allow new methods and Operational changes to be made if necessary (i.e., more downtime than originally planned or...increased complexity of military hardware, both new systems and their integration with legacy systems, requires a correspondingly increased expertise in...available Little of that added weight involves weapons or armor that actually is becoming lighter as new technologies and composites are utilized (Task

Automated Cooperative Trajectories for a More Efficient and Responsive Air Transportation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, Curt

2015-01-01

The NASA Automated Cooperative Trajectories project is developing a prototype avionics system that enables multi-vehicle cooperative control by integrating 1090 MHz ES ADS-B digital communications with onboard autopilot systems. This cooperative control capability will enable meta-aircraft operations for enhanced airspace utilization, as well as improved vehicle efficiency through wake surfing. This briefing describes the objectives and approach to a flight evaluation of this system planned for 2016.

Causal simulation and sensor planning in predictive monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doyle, Richard J.

1989-01-01

Two issues are addressed which arise in the task of detecting anomalous behavior in complex systems with numerous sensor channels: how to adjust alarm thresholds dynamically, within the changing operating context of the system, and how to utilize sensors selectively, so that nominal operation can be verified reliably without processing a prohibitive amount of sensor data. The approach involves simulation of a causal model of the system, which provides information on expected sensor values, and on dependencies between predicted events, useful in assessing the relative importance of events so that sensor resources can be allocated effectively. The potential applicability of this work to the execution monitoring of robot task plans is briefly discussed.

Reactive behavior, learning, and anticipation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitehead, Steven D.; Ballard, Dana H.

1989-01-01

Reactive systems always act, thinking only long enough to 'look up' the action to execute. Traditional planning systems think a lot, and act only after generating fairly precise plans. Each represents an endpoint on a spectrum. It is argued that primitive forms of reasoning, like anticipation, play an important role in reducing the cost of learning and that the decision to act or think should be based on the uncertainty associated with the utility of executing an action in a particular situation. An architecture for an adaptable reactive system is presented and it is shown how it can be augmented with a simple anticipation mechanism that can substantially reduce the cost and time of learning.

42 CFR 456.501 - UR plans as a condition for FFP.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals § 456.501 UR plans as a condition for FFP. (a) Except... services furnished by a hospital or mental hospital unless the facility has in effect a UR plan that meets...

Climate Narratives: Combing multiple sources of information to develop risk management strategies for a municipal water utility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yates, D. N.; Basdekas, L.; Rajagopalan, B.; Stewart, N.

2013-12-01

Municipal water utilities often develop Integrated Water Resource Plans (IWRP), with the goal of providing a reliable, sustainable water supply to customers in a cost-effective manner. Colorado Springs Utilities, a 5-service provider (potable and waste water, solid waste, natural gas and electricity) in Colorado USA, recently undertook an IWRP. where they incorporated water supply, water demand, water quality, infrastructure reliability, environmental protection, and other measures within the context of complex water rights, such as their critically important 'exchange potential'. The IWRP noted that an uncertain climate was one of the greatest sources of uncertainty to achieving a sustainable water supply to a growing community of users. We describe how historic drought, paleo-climate, and climate change projections were blended together into climate narratives that informed a suite of water resource systems models used by the utility to explore the vulnerabilities of their water systems.

Strategies for automatic planning: A collection of ideas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Carol; George, Julia; Zamani, Elaine

1989-01-01

The main goal of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is to obtain science return from interplanetary probes. The uplink process is concerned with communicating commands to a spacecraft in order to achieve science objectives. There are two main parts to the development of the command file which is sent to a spacecraft. First, the activity planning process integrates the science requests for utilization of spacecraft time into a feasible sequence. Then the command generation process converts the sequence into a set of commands. The development of a feasible sequence plan is an expensive and labor intensive process requiring many months of effort. In order to save time and manpower in the uplink process, automation of parts of this process is desired. There is an ongoing effort to develop automatic planning systems. This has met with some success, but has also been informative about the nature of this effort. It is now clear that innovative techniques and state-of-the-art technology will be required in order to produce a system which can provide automatic sequence planning. As part of this effort to develop automatic planning systems, a survey of the literature, looking for known techniques which may be applicable to our work was conducted. Descriptions of and references for these methods are given, together with ideas for applying the techniques to automatic planning.

COMPLEAT (Community-Oriented Model for Planning Least-Cost Energy Alternatives and Technologies): A planning tool for publicly owned electric utilities. [Community-Oriented Model for Planning Least-Cost Energy Alternatives and Technologies (Compleat)

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

Not Available

1990-09-01

COMPLEAT takes its name, as an acronym, from Community-Oriented Model for Planning Least-Cost Energy Alternatives and Technologies. It is an electric utility planning model designed for use principally by publicly owned electric utilities and agencies serving such utilities. As a model, COMPLEAT is significantly more full-featured and complex than called out in APPA's original plan and proposal to DOE. The additional complexity grew out of a series of discussions early in the development schedule, in which it became clear to APPA staff and advisors that the simplicity characterizing the original plan, while highly desirable in terms of utility applications, wasmore » not achievable if practical utility problems were to be addressed. The project teams settled on Energy 20/20, an existing model developed by Dr. George Backus of Policy Assessment Associates, as the best candidate for the kinds of modifications and extensions that would be required. The remainder of the project effort was devoted to designing specific input data files, output files, and user screens and to writing and testing the compute programs that would properly implement the desired features around Energy 20/20 as a core program. This report presents in outline form, the features and user interface of COMPLEAT.« less

TU-AB-201-01: A Comprehensive Planning Comparison Study Between a Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Applicator and Conventional T&R Applicator for Image Guided Cervical Cancer Brachytherapy

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

Han, D; Liu, Z; University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA

2015-06-15

Purpose: To demonstrate that utilization of a novel, intensity modulation capable, direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator can improve plan quality compared with conventional T&R applicator during an image guided cervical cancer brachytherapy. Methods: 45 cervical cancer patients treated with PDR brachytherapy were reviewed. Of them, a) 27 were treated using T&R only, b) 9 were treated using T&R with needles attached to the ring, and c) the remaining 9 were treated using T&R with needles attached to the ring (AN) as well as additional free-hand-loaded needles (FN). The DMBT tandem design has 6 peripheral holes of 1.3-mm diameter, groovedmore » along a nonmagnetic tungsten alloy rod, enclosed in a plastic sheath with total 6.0-mm diameter. An in-house-coded inverse planning system was used for planning DMBT and T&R cases. All typical clinical constraints including OAR dose limits, dwell times, and loading patterns were respected. For the DMBT and T&R applicators, the plans were optimized with the same conventional ring in place, but repeatedly planned with and without AN/FN needles. All generated plans were normalized to the same D90 of the clinically treated plans. Results: For the plans in category a), DMBT generally outperformed T&R with average reduction in D2cc of −2.39%, −5.21%, and −2.69% for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively. For the plans in category b) and c), DMBT generally outperformed T&R if the same needles in AN/FN were utilized in both cases with average reduction in D2cc of −1.82%, −3.40%, and −6.04%, respectively. For the cases where the needles were not utilized for both applicators, an average D2cc reduction of −7.45%, −7.61%, and 17.47% were observed, respectively. Conclusions: Under the same clinical conditions, with/without needles, the DMBT applicator tends to generate more favorable plans compared with the conventional T&R applicator, and hence, is a promising technology.« less

NASA's In-Situ Resource Utilization Project: Current Accomplishments and Exciting Future Plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, William E.; Sanders, Gerald B.; Sacksteder, Kurt R.

2010-01-01

The utilization of Space resources has been identified in publications for over 40 years for its potential as a "game changing" technology for the human exploration of Space. It is called "game changing" because of the mass leverage possible when local resources at the exploration destination arc used to reduce or even eliminate resources that are brought from the Earth. NASA, under the Exploration Technology Development Program has made significant investments in the development of Space resource utilization technologies as a part of the In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) project. Over the last four years, the ISRU project has taken what was essentially an academic topic with lots of experimentation but little engineering and produced near-full-scale systems that have been demonstrated. In 2008 & again in early 2010, systems that could produce oxygen from lunar soils (or their terrestrial analogs) were tested at a lunar analog site on a volcano in Hawaii. These demonstrations included collaborations with International Partners that made significant contributions to the tests. The proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2011 encourages the continued development and demonstration of ISRU. However it goes beyond what the project is currently doing and directs that the scope of the project be expanded to cover destinations throughout the inner solar system with the potential for night demonstrations. This paper will briefly cover the past accomplishments of the ISRU project then move to a di scussion of the plans for the project's future as NASA moves to explore a new paradigm for Space Exploration that includes orbital fuel depots and even refueling on other planetary bodies in the solar system.

A Planning Study to Determine the Feasibility of Developing a New Business and Office Education Curriculum. Moonshot--An Office Occupation Curriculum. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lanham, Frank W.

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of utilizing the systems approach in developing an office occupations curriculum congruent with the concepts in the organic curriculum theory. The title of this project is New Office and Business Education Learning System (NOBELS). An analog system model was developed as the framework in…

Measuring and Enhancing Organizational Productivity: An Annotated Bibliography.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

Repor for Peritod April 1 9811 - Jur. 19841 U R E S LABORATORY AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND BROOKS AIR FORCE BASETEXAS 78235 81 8 06060 NOTICE When U.S...personnel utilization, retention and productivity. To develop an effective force management system , research is needed to provide Air Force managers with...2) formal production incentive systems , (3) manpower planning, and (4) behavioral science and organizational design. He argues for developing

Iterative Repair Planning for Spacecraft Operations Using the Aspen System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabideau, G.; Knight, R.; Chien, S.; Fukunaga, A.; Govindjee, A.

2000-01-01

This paper describes the Automated Scheduling and Planning Environment (ASPEN). ASPEN encodes complex spacecraft knowledge of operability constraints, flight rules, spacecraft hardware, science experiments and operations procedures to allow for automated generation of low level spacecraft sequences. Using a technique called iterative repair, ASPEN classifies constraint violations (i.e., conflicts) and attempts to repair each by performing a planning or scheduling operation. It must reason about which conflict to resolve first and what repair method to try for the given conflict. ASPEN is currently being utilized in the development of automated planner/scheduler systems for several spacecraft, including the UFO-1 naval communications satellite and the Citizen Explorer (CX1) satellite, as well as for planetary rover operations and antenna ground systems automation. This paper focuses on the algorithm and search strategies employed by ASPEN to resolve spacecraft operations constraints, as well as the data structures for representing these constraints.

Physically Based Virtual Surgery Planning and Simulation Tools for Personal Health Care Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogan, Firat; Atilgan, Yasemin

The virtual surgery planning and simulation tools have gained a great deal of importance in the last decade in a consequence of increasing capacities at the information technology level. The modern hardware architectures, large scale database systems, grid based computer networks, agile development processes, better 3D visualization and all the other strong aspects of the information technology brings necessary instruments into almost every desk. The last decade’s special software and sophisticated super computer environments are now serving to individual needs inside “tiny smart boxes” for reasonable prices. However, resistance to learning new computerized environments, insufficient training and all the other old habits prevents effective utilization of IT resources by the specialists of the health sector. In this paper, all the aspects of the former and current developments in surgery planning and simulation related tools are presented, future directions and expectations are investigated for better electronic health care systems.

Community energy self-reliance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1980-07-01

Goals of a workshop/conference on community renewable energy systems are: (1) to encourage decentralization in attacking energy problems, (2) to show how renewable energy can meet community goals, (3) to present examples of successful projects, (4) to discuss the planning and management of renewable energy systems, (5) to identify sources of financial support, (6) to share legal strategies, and (7) to examine utility roles.

Supporting NASA Facilities Through GIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingham, Mary E.

2000-01-01

The NASA GIS Team supports NASA facilities and partners in the analysis of spatial data. Geographic Information System (G[S) is an integration of computer hardware, software, and personnel linking topographic, demographic, utility, facility, image, and other geo-referenced data. The system provides a graphic interface to relational databases and supports decision making processes such as planning, design, maintenance and repair, and emergency response.

Getting to MARS: Working with an Automated Retrieval System in the Special Collections Department at the University of Nevada, Reno

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sundstrand, Jacquelyn K.

2011-01-01

The University of Nevada, Reno's Special Collections and University Archives Department moved into a new facility and had to utilize an automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for storage of manuscript and archival collections. Using ASRS bins presented theoretical challenges in planning for the move. This article highlights how well the…

Seizure Action Plans Do Not Reduce Health Care Utilization in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients.

PubMed

Roundy, Lindsi M; Filloux, Francis M; Kerr, Lynne; Rimer, Alyssa; Bonkowsky, Joshua L

2016-03-01

Management of pediatric epilepsy requires complex coordination of care. We hypothesized that an improved seizure management care plan would reduce health care utilization and improve outcomes. The authors conducted a cohort study with historical controls of 120 epilepsy patients before and after implementation of a "Seizure Action Plan." The authors evaluated for differences in health care utilization including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, clinic visits, telephone calls, and the percentage of emergency department visits that resulted in hospitalization in patients who did or did not have a Seizure Action Plan. The authors found that there was no decrease in these measures of health care utilization, and in fact the number of follow-up clinic visits was increased in the group with Seizure Action Plans (4.2 vs 3.3, P = .006). However, the study was underpowered to detect smaller differences. This study suggests that pediatric epilepsy quality improvement measures may require alternative approaches to reduce health care utilization and improve outcomes. © The Author(s) 2015.

Seizure Action Plans Do Not Reduce Health Care Utilization in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients

PubMed Central

Roundy, Lindsi M.; Filloux, Francis M.; Kerr, Lynne; Rimer, Alyssa; Bonkowsky, Joshua L.

2015-01-01

Management of pediatric epilepsy requires complex coordination of care. We hypothesized that an improved seizure management care plan would reduce healthcare utilization and improve outcomes. We conducted a cohort study with historical controls of 120 epilepsy patients before and after implementation of a “Seizure Action Plan.” We evaluated for differences in healthcare utilization including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, clinic visits, telephone calls, and the percentage of emergency department visits that resulted in hospitalization in patients who did or did not have a Seizure Action Plan. We found that there was no decrease in these measures of healthcare utilization, and in fact the number of follow-up clinic visits was increased in the group with Seizure Action Plans (4.2 versus 3.3, p 0.006). However, the study was underpowered to detect smaller differences. Our study suggests that pediatric epilepsy quality improvement measures may require alternative approaches to reduce healthcare utilization and improve outcomes. PMID:26245799

A regional, market oriented governance for disaster management: A new planning approach.

PubMed

Blackstone, Erwin A; Hakim, Simon; Meehan, Brian

2017-10-01

This paper proposes a regional competitive governance and management of response and recovery from disasters. It presents problems experienced in major disasters, analyzes the failures, and suggests how a competitive system that relies on private and volunteer regional leaders, personnel, and capital can improve preparation, response and recovery efforts over the existing government system. A Public Choice approach is adopted to explain why government often fails, and how regional governance may be socially more efficient than the existing federal- state-local funded and managed disaster system. The paper suggests that the federal role might change from both funding and supplying aid in disasters to merely funding disaster recovery efforts. When a disaster occurs, available businesses and government resources in the region can be utilized under a competitive system. These resources could replace existing federal and state inventories and emergency personnel. An independent regionally controlled and managed council, which also develops its own financial resources, and local volunteer leaders are key for success. The paper suggests a new planning method that utilizes the statistical Factor Analysis methodology to derive an efficient organizational and functional model to confront disasters. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Life Cycle Assessment of Coal-fired Power Production

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

Spath, P. L.; Mann, M. K.; Kerr, D. R.

1999-09-01

Coal has the largest share of utility power generation in the US, accounting for approximately 56% of all utility-produced electricity (US DOE, 1998). Therefore, understanding the environmental implications of producing electricity from coal is an important component of any plan to reduce total emissions and resource consumption. A life cycle assessment (LCA) on the production of electricity from coal was performed in order to examine the environmental aspects of current and future pulverized coal boiler systems. Three systems were examined: (1) a plant that represents the average emissions and efficiency of currently operating coal-fired power plants in the US (thismore » tells us about the status quo), (2) a new coal-fired power plant that meets the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and (3) a highly advanced coal-fired power plant utilizing a low emission boiler system (LEBS).« less

Software reuse in spacecraft planning and scheduling systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclean, David; Tuchman, Alan; Broseghini, Todd; Yen, Wen; Page, Brenda; Johnson, Jay; Bogovich, Lynn; Burkhardt, Chris; Mcintyre, James; Klein, Scott

1993-01-01

The use of a software toolkit and development methodology that supports software reuse is described. The toolkit includes source-code-level library modules and stand-alone tools which support such tasks as data reformatting and report generation, simple relational database applications, user interfaces, tactical planning, strategic planning and documentation. The current toolkit is written in C and supports applications that run on IBM-PC's under DOS and UNlX-based workstations under OpenLook and Motif. The toolkit is fully integrated for building scheduling systems that reuse AI knowledge base technology. A typical scheduling scenario and three examples of applications that utilize the reuse toolkit will be briefly described. In addition to the tools themselves, a description of the software evolution and reuse methodology that was used is presented.

Risk Assessment Methodology for Water utilities (RAM-W) : the foundation for emergency response planning.

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

Danneels, Jeffrey John

2005-03-01

Concerns about acts of terrorism against critical infrastructures have been on the rise for several years. Critical infrastructures are those physical structures and information systems (including cyber) essential to the minimum operations of the economy and government. The President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection (PCCIP) probed the security of the nation's critical infrastructures. The PCCIP determined the water infrastructure is highly vulnerable to a range of potential attacks. In October 1997, the PCCIP proposed a public/private partnership between the federal government and private industry to improve the protection of the nation's critical infrastructures. In early 2000, the EPA partnered withmore » the Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) and Sandia National Laboratories to create the Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-W{trademark}). Soon thereafter, they initiated an effort to create a template and minimum requirements for water utility Emergency Response Plans (ERP). All public water utilities in the US serving populations greater than 3,300 are required to undertaken both a vulnerability assessment and the development of an emergency response plan. This paper explains the initial steps of RAM-W{trademark} and then demonstrates how the security risk assessment is fundamental to the ERP. During the development of RAM-W{trademark}, Sandia performed several security risk assessments at large metropolitan water utilities. As part of the scope of that effort, ERPs at each utility were reviewed to determine how well they addressed significant vulnerabilities uncovered during the risk assessment. The ERP will contain responses to other events as well (e.g. natural disasters) but should address all major findings in the security risk assessment.« less

Fight Fire with These Safety Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Lisa M.

1998-01-01

Provides expert guidelines on ways to keep schools and children safe from building fires, such as maintenance of exits for easy egress in emergencies, maintaining fire-protection systems, and utilizing evacuation planning and drilling. Highlights fire-safety ideas as part of school-building and renovation projects. (GR)

INTEGRATION OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND PROCESS INTENSIFICATION IN THE DESIGN OF PROCESSES FOR UTILIZING BIOBASED GLYCEROL

EPA Science Inventory

The expected results include an integrated process and mechanical design including a fabrication plan for the glycerol dehydration reactor, comprehensive heat and material balance, environmental impact assessment and comprehensive safety review. The resulting process design w...

78 FR 22889 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-17

... the data collection plans and draft instruments, email [email protected] or call the HRSA Reports... technology to minimize the information collection burden. Information Collection Request Title: Data... utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information...

78 FR 27241 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-09

... the data collection plans and draft instruments, email [email protected] or call the HRSA Information... technology to minimize the information collection burden. Information Collection Request Title... instructions; to develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting...

The Business of Art Education: A Fairytale Adventure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buda, Sharon; Fedorenko, Jan; Sheridan, Mary A.

2012-01-01

School reform initiatives designed to improve school quality require strong leadership, strategic planning, data analysis, and systemized performance accountability. Utilizing school reforms includes rethinking curriculum and instruction to improve quality and promote equality, restructuring school operations with a focus on both the students and…

Integrating market processes into utility resource planning

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

Kahn, E.P.

1992-11-01

Integrated resource planning has resulted in an abundance of alternatives for meeting existing and new demand for electricity services: (1) utility demand-side management (DSM) programs, (2) DSM bidding, (3) competitive bidding for private power supplies, (4) utility re-powering, and (5) new utility construction. Each alternative relies on a different degree of planning for implementation and, therefore, each alternative relies on markets to a greater or lesser degree. This paper shows how the interaction of planning processes and market forces results in resource allocations among the alternatives. The discussion focuses on three phenomena that are driving forces behind the unanticipated consequences'more » of contemporary integrated resource planning efforts. These forces are: (1) large-scale DSM efforts, (2) customer bypass, and (3) large-scale independent power projects. 22 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Jerry

1998-01-01

The question "Why In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)?" is addressed in this presentation. The reasons given concentrate on Cost reduction, Mass reduction, Risk reduction, the expansion of human exploration and presence and the enabling of industrial exploitation. A review of the Martian and Lunar resources available for ISRU is presented. Other ISRU concepts (i.e., In-Situ Consumable production (ISCP) and In-Situ Propellant Production (ISPP)) are introduced and further explained. The objectives of a Mars ISRU System Technology (MIST) include (1) the characterization of technology and subsystem performance for mission modeling and technology funding planning, (2) reduce risk and concerns arising from sample return and human missions utilizing ISRU, and (3) demonstrate the environmental suitability of ISRU components/processes and systems. A proof of concept demonstration schedule and a facility overview for MIST is presented.

A multiscale forecasting method for power plant fleet management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hongmei

In recent years the electric power industry has been challenged by a high level of uncertainty and volatility brought on by deregulation and globalization. A power producer must minimize the life cycle cost while meeting stringent safety and regulatory requirements and fulfilling customer demand for high reliability. Therefore, to achieve true system excellence, a more sophisticated system-level decision-making process with a more accurate forecasting support system to manage diverse and often widely dispersed generation units as a single, easily scaled and deployed fleet system in order to fully utilize the critical assets of a power producer has been created as a response. The process takes into account the time horizon for each of the major decision actions taken in a power plant and develops methods for information sharing between them. These decisions are highly interrelated and no optimal operation can be achieved without sharing information in the overall process. The process includes a forecasting system to provide information for planning for uncertainty. A new forecasting method is proposed, which utilizes a synergy of several modeling techniques properly combined at different time-scales of the forecasting objects. It can not only take advantages of the abundant historical data but also take into account the impact of pertinent driving forces from the external business environment to achieve more accurate forecasting results. Then block bootstrap is utilized to measure the bias in the estimate of the expected life cycle cost which will actually be needed to drive the business for a power plant in the long run. Finally, scenario analysis is used to provide a composite picture of future developments for decision making or strategic planning. The decision-making process is applied to a typical power producer chosen to represent challenging customer demand during high-demand periods. The process enhances system excellence by providing more accurate market information, evaluating the impact of external business environment, and considering cross-scale interactions between decision actions. Along with this process, system operation strategies, maintenance schedules, and capacity expansion plans that guide the operation of the power plant are optimally identified, and the total life cycle costs are estimated.

PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES AT THE STATE-SUPPORTED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN COLORADO.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado Association of State Institutions of Higher Education, Denver.

GUIDELINES ARE PRESENTED TO INSURE UNIFORM PLANNING AT THE EIGHT STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN COLORADO. TWO PLANNING CONSULTANT FIRMS SUBMITTED UTILIZATION CRITERIA AND SQUARE FOOTAGE CRITERIA WHICH WERE USED TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR PLANNING IN THE STATE INSTITUTIONS. STANDARDS WERE SET FOR (1) CLASSROOM UTILIZATION, (2)…

Planning satellite communication services and spectrum-orbit utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawitz, P. H.

1982-01-01

The relationship between approaches to planning satellite communication services and spectrum-orbit utilization is considered, with emphasis on the fixed-satellite and the broadcasting-satellite services. It is noted that there are several possible approaches to planning space services, differing principally in the rigidity with which technical parameters are prescribed, in the time for which a plan remains in force, and in the procedures adopted for implementation and modifications. With some planning approaches, spectrum-orbit utilization is fixed at the time the plan is made. Others provide for greater flexibility by making it possible to postpone some decisions on technical parameters. In addition, the two political questions of what is equitable access and how it can be guaranteed in practice play an important role.

Space-based solar power conversion and delivery systems study. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hazelrigg, G. A., Jr.

1976-01-01

The technical and economic aspects of satellite solar power systems are presented with a focus on the current configuration 5000 MW system. The technical studies include analyses of the orbital system structures, control and stationkeeping, and the formulation of program plans and costs for input to the economic analyses. The economic analyses centered about the development and use of a risk analysis model for a system cost assessment, identification of critical issues and technologies, and to provide information for programmatic decision making. A preliminary economic examination of some utility interface issues is included. Under the present state-of-knowledge, it is possible to formulate a program plan for the development of a satellite solar power system that can be economically justified. The key area of technological uncertainty is man's ability to fabricate and assemble large structures in space.

Evaluating the Financial Vulnerability of a Major Electric Utility in the Southeastern U.S. to Drought under Climate Change and an Evolving Generation Mix.

PubMed

Kern, Jordan D; Characklis, Gregory W

2017-08-01

There is increasing recognition of the vulnerability of electric power systems to drought and the potential for both climate change and a shifting generation mix to alter this vulnerability. Nonetheless, the considerable research in this area has not been synthesized to inform electric utilities with respect to a key factor that influences their decisions about critical infrastructure: financial risk for shareholders. This study addresses this gap in knowledge by developing a systems framework for assessing the financial exposure of utilities to drought, with further consideration of the effects of climate change and a shifting generation mix. We then apply this framework to a major utility in the Southeastern U.S. Results suggest that extreme drought could cause profit shortfalls of more than $100 million if water temperature regulations are strictly enforced. However, even losses of this magnitude would not significantly impact returns for shareholders. This may inadvertently reduce pressure internally at utilities to incorporate drought vulnerability into long-term strategic planning, potentially leaving utilities and their customers at greater risk in the future.

Intersatellite link application to commercial communications satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Young S.; Atia, Ali E.; Ponchak, Denise S.

1988-01-01

The fundamental characteristics of intersatellite link (ISL) systems, and their application to domestic, regional, and global satellite communications, are described. The quantitative advantages of using ISLs to improve orbit utilization, spectrum occupancy, transmission delay (compared to multi-hop links), coverage, and connectivity, and to reduce the number of earth station antennas, are also presented. Cost-effectiveness and other systems benefits of using ISLs are identified, and the technical and systems planning aspects of ISL systems implementation are addressed.

Utility of Megavoltage Fan-Beam CT for Treatment Planning in a Head-And-Neck Cancer Patient with Extensive Dental Fillings Undergoing Helical Tomotherapy

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

Yang, Claus; Liu Tianxiao; Jennelle, Richard L.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the potential utility of megavoltage fan-beam computed tomography (MV-FBCT) for treatment planning in a patient undergoing helical tomotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the presence of extensive dental artifact. A 28-year-old female with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma presented for radiation therapy. Due to the extensiveness of the dental artifact present in the oral cavity kV-CT scan acquired at simulation, which made treatment planning impossible on tomotherapy planning system, MV-FBCT imaging was obtained using the HI-ART tomotherapy treatment machine, with the patient in the treatment position, and this information was registered with her originalmore » kV-CT scan for the purposes of structure delineation, dose calculation, and treatment planning. To validate the feasibility of the MV-FBCT-generated treatment plan, an electron density CT phantom (model 465, Gammex Inc., Middleton, WI) was scanned using MV-FBCT to obtain CT number to density table. Additionally, both a 'cheese' phantom (which came with the tomotherapy treatment machine) with 2 inserted ion chambers and a generic phantom called Quasar phantom (Modus Medical Devices Inc., London, ON, Canada) with one inserted chamber were used to confirm dosimetric accuracy. The MV-FBCT could be used to clearly visualize anatomy in the region of the dental artifact and provide sufficient soft-tissue contrast to assist in the delineation of normal tissue structures and fat planes. With the elimination of the dental artifact, the MV-FBCT images allowed more accurate dose calculation by the tomotherapy system. It was confirmed that the phantom material density was determined correctly by the tomotherapy MV-FBCT number to density table. The ion chamber measurements agreed with the calculations from the MV-FBCT generated phantom plan within 2%. MV-FBCT may be useful in radiation treatment planning for nasopharyngeal cancer patients in the setting of extensive dental artifacts.« less

Expected Utility Distributions for Flexible, Contingent Execution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bresina, John L.; Washington, Richard

2000-01-01

This paper presents a method for using expected utility distributions in the execution of flexible, contingent plans. A utility distribution maps the possible start times of an action to the expected utility of the plan suffix starting with that action. The contingent plan encodes a tree of possible courses of action and includes flexible temporal constraints and resource constraints. When execution reaches a branch point, the eligible option with the highest expected utility at that point in time is selected. The utility distributions make this selection sensitive to the runtime context, yet still efficient. Our approach uses predictions of action duration uncertainty as well as expectations of resource usage and availability to determine when an action can execute and with what probability. Execution windows and probabilities inevitably change as execution proceeds, but such changes do not invalidate the cached utility distributions, thus, dynamic updating of utility information is minimized.

Design of a modular digital computer system DRL 4 and 5. [design of airborne/spaceborne computer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Design and development efforts for a spaceborne modular computer system are reported. An initial baseline description is followed by an interface design that includes definition of the overall system response to all classes of failure. Final versions for the register level designs for all module types were completed. Packaging, support and control executive software, including memory utilization estimates and design verification plan, were formalized to insure a soundly integrated design of the digital computer system.

Hybrid PV/Wind Power Systems Incorporating Battery Storage and Considering the Stochastic Nature of Renewable Resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnawi, Abdulwasa Bakr

Hybrid power generation system and distributed generation technology are attracting more investments due to the growing demand for energy nowadays and the increasing awareness regarding emissions and their environmental impacts such as global warming and pollution. The price fluctuation of crude oil is an additional reason for the leading oil producing countries to consider renewable resources as an alternative. Saudi Arabia as the top oil exporter country in the word announced the "Saudi Arabia Vision 2030" which is targeting to generate 9.5 GW of electricity from renewable resources. Two of the most promising renewable technologies are wind turbines (WT) and photovoltaic cells (PV). The integration or hybridization of photovoltaics and wind turbines with battery storage leads to higher adequacy and redundancy for both autonomous and grid connected systems. This study presents a method for optimal generation unit planning by installing a proper number of solar cells, wind turbines, and batteries in such a way that the net present value (NPV) is minimized while the overall system redundancy and adequacy is maximized. A new renewable fraction technique (RFT) is used to perform the generation unit planning. RFT was tested and validated with particle swarm optimization and HOMER Pro under the same conditions and environment. Renewable resources and load randomness and uncertainties are considered. Both autonomous and grid-connected system designs were adopted in the optimal generation units planning process. An uncertainty factor was designed and incorporated in both autonomous and grid connected system designs. In the autonomous hybrid system design model, the strategy including an additional amount of operation reserve as a percent of the hourly load was considered to deal with resource uncertainty since the battery storage system is the only backup. While in the grid-connected hybrid system design model, demand response was incorporated to overcome the impact of uncertainty and perform energy trading between the hybrid grid utility and main grid utility in addition to the designed uncertainty factor. After the generation unit planning was carried out and component sizing was determined, adequacy evaluation was conducted by calculating the loss of load expectation adequacy index for different contingency criteria considering probability of equipment failure. Finally, a microgrid planning was conducted by finding the proper size and location to install distributed generation units in a radial distribution network.

Impact of a Value-based Formulary on Medication Utilization, Health Services Utilization, and Expenditures.

PubMed

Yeung, Kai; Basu, Anirban; Hansen, Ryan N; Watkins, John B; Sullivan, Sean D

2017-02-01

Value-based benefit design has been suggested as an effective approach to managing the high cost of pharmaceuticals in health insurance markets. Premera Blue Cross, a large regional health plan, implemented a value-based formulary (VBF) for pharmaceuticals in 2010 that explicitly used cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to inform medication copayments. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of the VBF. Interrupted time series of employer-sponsored plans from 2006 to 2013. Intervention group: 5235 beneficiaries exposed to the VBF. 11,171 beneficiaries in plans without any changes in pharmacy benefits. The VBF-assigned medications with lower value (estimated by CEA) to higher copayment tiers and assigned medications with higher value to lower copayment tiers. Primary outcome was medication expenditures from member, health plan, and member plus health plan perspectives. Secondary outcomes were medication utilization, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, office visits, and nonmedication expenditures. In the intervention group after VBF implementation, member medication expenditures increased by $2 per member per month (PMPM) [95% confidence interval (CI), $1-$3] or 9%, whereas health plan medication expenditures decreased by $10 PMPM (CI, $18-$2) or 16%, resulting in a net decrease of $8 PMPM (CI, $15-$2) or 10%, which translates to a net savings of $1.1 million. Utilization of medications moved into lower copayment tiers increased by 1.95 days' supply (CI, 1.29-2.62) or 17%. Total medication utilization, health services utilization, and nonmedication expenditures did not change. Cost-sharing informed by CEA reduced overall medication expenditures without negatively impacting medication utilization, health services utilization, or nonmedication expenditures.

Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans on Health Care Utilization and Costs

PubMed Central

Waters, Teresa M; Chang, Cyril F; Cecil, William T; Kasteridis, Panagiotis; Mirvis, David

2011-01-01

Background High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are of high interest to employers, policy makers, and insurers because of potential benefits and risks of this fundamentally new coverage model. Objective To investigate the impact of HDHPs on health care utilization and costs in a heterogeneous group of enrollees from a variety of individual and employer-based health plans. Data Claims and member data from a major insurer and zip code-level census data. Study Design Retrospective difference-in-differences analyses were used to examine the impact of HDHP plans. This analytical approach compared changes in utilization and expenditures over time (2007 versus 2005) across the two comparison groups (HDHP switchers versus matched PPO controls). Results In two-part models, HDHP enrollment was associated with reduced emergency room use, increases in prescription medication use, and no change in overall outpatient expenditures. The impact of HDHPs on utilization differed by subgroup. Chronically ill enrollees and those who clearly had a choice of plans were more likely to increase utilization in specific categories after switching to an HDHP plan. Conclusions Whether HDHPs are associated with lower costs is far from settled. Various subgroups of enrollees may choose HDHPs for different reasons and react differently to plan incentives. PMID:21029087

Are implicit policy assumptions about climate adaptation trying to push drinking water utilities down an impossible path?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klasic, M. R.; Ekstrom, J.; Bedsworth, L. W.; Baker, Z.

2017-12-01

Extreme events such as wildfires, droughts, and flooding are projected to be more frequent and intense under a changing climate, increasing challenges to water quality management. To protect and improve public health, drinking water utility managers need to understand and plan for climate change and extreme events. This three year study began with the assumption that improved climate projections were key to advancing climate adaptation at the local level. Through a survey (N = 259) and interviews (N = 61) with California drinking water utility managers during the peak of the state's recent drought, we found that scientific information was not a key barrier hindering adaptation. Instead, we found that managers fell into three distinct mental models based on their interaction with, perceptions, and attitudes, towards scientific information and the future of water in their system. One of the mental models, "modeled futures", is a concept most in line with how climate change scientists talk about the use of information. Drinking water utilities falling into the "modeled future" category tend to be larger systems that have adequate capacity to both receive and use scientific information. Medium and smaller utilities in California, that more often serve rural low income communities, tend to fall into the other two mental models, "whose future" and "no future". We show evidence that there is an implicit presumption that all drinking water utility managers should strive to align with "modeled future" mental models. This presentation questions this assumption as it leaves behind many utilities that need to adapt to climate change (several thousand in California alone), but may not have the technical, financial, managerial, or other capacity to do so. It is clear that no single solution or pathway to drought resilience exists for water utilities, but we argue that a more explicit understanding and definition of what it means to be a resilient drinking water utility is necessary. By highlighting, then questioning, the assumption that all utility managers should strive to have "modeled future" mentalities, this presentation seeks to foster an open dialogue around which pathway or pathways are most feasible for supporting drinking water utility managers planning for climate change.

Federal Emergency Management Information System (FEMIS) system administration guide. Version 1.3

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

Burford, M.J.; Burnett, R.A.; Downing, T.R.

The Federal Emergency Management Information System (FEMIS) is an emergency management planning and analysis tool that was developed by the (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) (PNNL) under the direction of the U.S. Army Chemical Biological Defense Command. The FEMIS System Administration Guide defines FEMIS hardware and software requirements and gives instructions for installing the FEMIS software package. 91 This document also contains information on the following: software installation for the FEMIS data servers, communication server, mail server, and the emergency management workstations; distribution media loading and FEMIS installation validation and troubleshooting; and system management of FEMIS users, login, privileges, and usage.more » The system administration utilities (tools), available in the FEMIS client software, are described for user accounts and site profile. This document also describes the installation and use of system and database administration utilities that will assist in keeping the FEMIS system running in an operational environment.« less

Sustainable Energy Solutions for Rural Alaska

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

Allen, Riley; Brutkoski, Donna; Farnsworth, David

2016-04-22

The state of Alaska recognizes the challenges these rural communities face and provides financial support via the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program. The PCE subsidizes the electricity prices paid by customers of these high-cost utilities. The PCE program is designed to spread the benefits of Alaska’s natural resources more evenly throughout the state. Yet even with this subsidy, electricity is still much more expensive for these rural customers. And beyond the PCE, other forms of assistance to rural utilities are becoming scarce given the state’s current fiscal environment. Nearly 90 percent of Alaska’s unrestricted budget funds in recent years havemore » been tied to oil royalties—a sector experiencing significant declines in production and oil prices. Consequently, as Alaska looks to tighten budgets, the challenge of lowering rural utility costs, while encouraging self-sufficiency, has become more urgent.This study examines reliability, capital and strategic planning, management, workforce development, governance, financial performance and system efficiency in the various communities visited by the research team. Using those attributes, a tier system was developed to categorize rural Alaska utilities into Leading and Innovating Systems (Tier I), Advanced Diesel Systems (Tier II), Basic Systems (Tier III), and Underperforming Systems (Tier IV). The tier approach is not meant to label specific utilities, but rather to provide a general set of benchmarks and guideposts for improvement.« less

The Need for a Comprehensive Mental Health Information System. 1. Data Requirements of Local Clinicians and Administrators in Navy Psychiatry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

management, e.g., treatment plans and goals, current objectives of treatment, patient progress, and the results of any medical consultations. A planned... medical care utilization fol-low mental health interventions. Add to this fact the estimate that 50%o of patients entering the Navy health care delivery...Captain Sears is Chief, Psychiatric Services, Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92134. Report No. 80-19, supported by Naval Medical Research

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project: KDP-A for Phase 2 Minimum Operational Performance Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grindle, Laurie; Hackenberg, Davis L.

2016-01-01

UAS Integration in the NAS Project has: a) Developed Technical Challenges that are crucial to UAS integration, aligned with NASA's Strategic Plan and Thrusts, and support FAA standards development. b) Demonstrated rigorous project management processes through the execution of previous phases. c) Defined Partnership Plans. d) Established path to KDP-C. Request approval of Technical Challenges, execution of partnerships and plans, and execution of near-term FY17 activities. There is an increasing need to fly UAS in the NAS to perform missions of vital importance to National Security and Defense, Emergency Management, and Science. There is also an emerging need to enable commercial applications such as cargo transport (e.g. FedEx). Unencumbered NAS Access for Civil/Commercial UAS. Provide research findings, utilizing simulation and flight tests, to support the development and validation of DAA and C2 technologies necessary for integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System.

Ares First Stage "Systemology" - Combining Advanced Systems Engineering and Planning Tools to Assure Mission Success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seiler, James; Brasfield, Fred; Cannon, Scott

2008-01-01

Ares is an integral part of NASA s Constellation architecture that will provide crew and cargo access to the International Space Station as well as low earth orbit support for lunar missions. Ares replaces the Space Shuttle in the post 2010 time frame. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket topped by the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, its service module, and a launch abort system. The Ares I first stage is a single, five-segment reusable solid rocket booster derived from the Space Shuttle Program's reusable solid rocket motor. The Ares second or upper stage is propelled by a J-2X main engine fueled with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This paper describes the advanced systems engineering and planning tools being utilized for the design, test, and qualification of the Ares I first stage element. Included are descriptions of the current first stage design, the milestone schedule requirements, and the marriage of systems engineering, detailed planning efforts, and roadmapping employed to achieve these goals.

Earth resources data analysis program, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Tasks were performed in two areas: (1) systems analysis and (2) algorithmic development. The major effort in the systems analysis task was the development of a recommended approach to the monitoring of resource utilization data for the Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Other efforts included participation in various studies concerning the LACIE Project Plan, the utility of the GE Image 100, and the specifications for a special purpose processor to be used in the LACIE. In the second task, the major effort was the development of improved algorithms for estimating proportions of unclassified remotely sensed data. Also, work was performed on optimal feature extraction and optimal feature extraction for proportion estimation.

78 FR 9016 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Revisions to Fossil...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-07

... Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Revisions to Fossil Fuel Utilization and..., inspection, maintenance and testing requirements for certain fossil fuel utilization facilities, rename and... fossil fuel utilization facility regulation, source registration regulation, and new industrial...

Utility Monitoring and Control System (UMCS) and Utility Metering Plan and Specifications for Fort Leonard Wood, MO

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-22

setup” versus “use” issue. What rights does Honeywell need to run the software? We/Honeywell may not know. Discuss with Jabe? We may need to just try...Summary: It appears the direction we are going will be to install new me- ters in buildings, connect them to the Smart Servers, run the data through...damper blade type (check the appropriate item) Flat late Airfoil Calculate the nominal damper face velocity Face velocity = Flow rate ÷ Area

The Future Impact of Vietnam Era Veterans on Inpatient Acute Care and Mental Health Product Lines at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-06-20

smoothing and regression which includes curve fitting are two principle forecasting model types utilized in the vast majority of forecasting applications ... model were compared against the VA Office of Policy and Planning forecasting study commissioned with the actuarial firm of Milliman & Robertson (M & R... Application to the Veterans Healthcare System The development of a model to forecast future VEV needs, utilization, and cost of the Acute Care and

Sensors and signal processing for high accuracy passenger counting : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-03-05

It is imperative for a transit system to track statistics about their ridership in order to plan bus routes. There exists a wide variety of methods for obtaining these statistics that range from relying on the driver to count people to utilizing came...

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES: A GUIDE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL VISIONING PROCESS UTILIZING A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

EPA Science Inventory

This document emphasizes the local stakeholder's role in addressing community-wide environmental issues, especially with respect to the preferred "green" community development. The document is intended to help communities made decisions about alternative land uses and landscape ...

Partnerships through Innovative Telecommunications at California State University, Chico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meuter, Ralph F.; And Others

California State University (CSU), Chico, has used its relatively isolated location to develop an extensive educational system known as "Instructional Television for Students" (ITFS). Currently, the university is launching plans for new partnerships utilizing satellite technology for the delivery of educational programs. Over the years,…

Multimodal system for the planning and guidance of bronchoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgins, William E.; Cheirsilp, Ronnarit; Zang, Xiaonan; Byrnes, Patrick

2015-03-01

Many technical innovations in multimodal radiologic imaging and bronchoscopy have emerged recently in the effort against lung cancer. Modern X-ray computed-tomography (CT) scanners provide three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution chest images, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners give complementary molecular imaging data, and new integrated PET/CT scanners combine the strengths of both modalities. State-of-the-art bronchoscopes permit minimally invasive tissue sampling, with vivid endobronchial video enabling navigation deep into the airway-tree periphery, while complementary endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) reveals local views of anatomical structures outside the airways. In addition, image-guided intervention (IGI) systems have proven their utility for CT-based planning and guidance of bronchoscopy. Unfortunately, no IGI system exists that integrates all sources effectively through the complete lung-cancer staging work flow. This paper presents a prototype of a computer-based multimodal IGI system that strives to fill this need. The system combines a wide range of automatic and semi-automatic image-processing tools for multimodal data fusion and procedure planning. It also provides a flexible graphical user interface for follow-on guidance of bronchoscopy/EBUS. Human-study results demonstrate the system's potential.

42 CFR 456.401 - State plan UR requirements and options; UR plan required for intermediate care facility services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false State plan UR requirements and options; UR plan required for intermediate care facility services. 456.401 Section 456.401 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control:...

42 CFR 456.401 - State plan UR requirements and options; UR plan required for intermediate care facility services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false State plan UR requirements and options; UR plan required for intermediate care facility services. 456.401 Section 456.401 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control:...

Dynamics of a Successful Planned Giving Program Utilizing Shared Leadership at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baldwin, Robin Lynn Brunty

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of a successful planned giving program utilizing shared leadership at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This information will assist the leadership in determining if and how a successful planned giving program can be established for HBCUs. It is possible for planned gifts…

42 CFR 456.520 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time Requirements § 456.520 Definitions...

Shuttle remote manipulator system mission preparation and operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Ernest E., Jr.

1989-01-01

The preflight planning, analysis, procedures development, and operations support for the Space Transportation System payload deployment and retrieval missions utilizing the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System are summarized. Analysis of the normal operational loads and failure induced loads and motion are factored into all procedures. Both the astronaut flight crews and the Mission Control Center flight control teams receive considerable training for standard and mission specific operations. The real time flight control team activities are described.

USSR and Eastern Europe Scientific Abstracts, Cybernetics, Computers and Automation Technology, Number 35

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-09-12

the population. Only a socialist, planned economy can cope with such problems. However, the in- creasing complexity of the tasks faced’ by...the development of systems allowing man-machine dialogue does not decrease, but rather increase the complexity of the systems involved, simply...shifting the complexity to another sphere, where it is invisible to the human utilizing the system. Figures 5; refer- ences 3: 2 Russian, 1 Western

Space station electrical power distribution analysis using a load flow approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emanuel, Ervin M.

1987-01-01

The space station's electrical power system will evolve and grow in a manner much similar to the present terrestrial electrical power system utilities. The initial baseline reference configuration will contain more than 50 nodes or busses, inverters, transformers, overcurrent protection devices, distribution lines, solar arrays, and/or solar dynamic power generating sources. The system is designed to manage and distribute 75 KW of power single phase or three phase at 20 KHz, and grow to a level of 300 KW steady state, and must be capable of operating at a peak of 450 KW for 5 to 10 min. In order to plan far into the future and keep pace with load growth, a load flow power system analysis approach must be developed and utilized. This method is a well known energy assessment and management tool that is widely used throughout the Electrical Power Utility Industry. The results of a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of an Electrical Distribution System Analysis Program (EDSA) is discussed. Its potential use as an analysis and design tool for the 20 KHz space station electrical power system is addressed.

A knowledge-based patient assessment system: conceptual and technical design.

PubMed Central

Reilly, C. A.; Zielstorff, R. D.; Fox, R. L.; O'Connell, E. M.; Carroll, D. L.; Conley, K. A.; Fitzgerald, P.; Eng, T. K.; Martin, A.; Zidik, C. M.; Segal, M.

2000-01-01

This paper describes the design of an inpatient patient assessment application that captures nursing assessment data using a wireless laptop computer. The primary aim of this system is to capture structured information for facilitating decision support and quality monitoring. The system also aims to improve efficiency of recording patient assessments, reduce costs, and improve discharge planning and early identification of patient learning needs. Object-oriented methods were used to elicit functional requirements and to model the proposed system. A tools-based development approach is being used to facilitate rapid development and easy modification of assessment items and rules for decision support. Criteria for evaluation include perceived utility by clinician users, validity of decision support rules, time spent recording assessments, and perceived utility of aggregate reports for quality monitoring. PMID:11079970

Advanced batteries for load-leveling - The utility perspective on system integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delmonaco, J. L.; Lewis, P. A.; Roman, H. T.; Zemkoski, J.

1982-09-01

Rechargeable battery systems for applications as utility load-leveling units, particularly in urban areas, are discussed. Particular attention is given to advanced lead-acid, zinc-halogen, sodium-sulfer, and lithium-iron sulfide battery systems, noting that battery charging can proceed at light load hours and requires no fuel on-site. Each battery site will have a master site controller and related subsystems necessary for ensuring grid-quality power output from the batteries and charging when feasible. The actual interconnection with the grid is envisioned as similar to transmission, subtransmission, or distribution systems similar to cogeneration or wind-derived energy interconnections. Analyses are presented of factors influencing the planning economics, impacts on existing grids through solid-state converters, and operational and maintenance considerations. Finally, research directions towards large scale battery implementation are outlined.

A knowledge-based patient assessment system: conceptual and technical design.

PubMed

Reilly, C A; Zielstorff, R D; Fox, R L; O'Connell, E M; Carroll, D L; Conley, K A; Fitzgerald, P; Eng, T K; Martin, A; Zidik, C M; Segal, M

2000-01-01

This paper describes the design of an inpatient patient assessment application that captures nursing assessment data using a wireless laptop computer. The primary aim of this system is to capture structured information for facilitating decision support and quality monitoring. The system also aims to improve efficiency of recording patient assessments, reduce costs, and improve discharge planning and early identification of patient learning needs. Object-oriented methods were used to elicit functional requirements and to model the proposed system. A tools-based development approach is being used to facilitate rapid development and easy modification of assessment items and rules for decision support. Criteria for evaluation include perceived utility by clinician users, validity of decision support rules, time spent recording assessments, and perceived utility of aggregate reports for quality monitoring.

Using Multiattribute Utility Theory as a Priority-Setting Tool in Human Services Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camasso, Michael J.; Dick, Janet

1993-01-01

The feasibility of applying multiattribute utility theory to the needs assessment and priority-setting activities of human services planning councils was studied in Essex County (New Jersey). Decision-making and information filtering processes are explored in the context of community planning. (SLD)

42 CFR 456.380 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care Facilities Plan of Care § 456.380 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to an ICF or before...) Activities; (v) Therapies; (vi) Social services; (vii) Diet; and (viii) Special procedures designed to meet...

42 CFR 456.380 - Individual written plan of care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Intermediate Care Facilities Plan of Care § 456.380 Individual written plan of care. (a) Before admission to an ICF or before...) Activities; (v) Therapies; (vi) Social services; (vii) Diet; and (viii) Special procedures designed to meet...

NASA science utilization plans for the Space Station.

PubMed

Reeves, E M; Cressy, P J

1995-10-01

The Mir-1 and International Space Station Alpha capabilities present the science community with unique long duration platforms to conduct a wide range of scientific research in the microgravity and life sciences as well as in the observational sciences, NASA is developing plans to use the capabilities of Mir and Space Station as they emerge during the development of the orbital program. In both cases the planned science utilization programs take advantage of the volume, crew, power, microgravity and logistics resupply unique to each phase. The paper will present these utilization plans in the context of an evolving scientific program.

Report: Survey Results on Information Used by Water Utilities to Conduct Vulnerability Assessments

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #2004-M-0001, November 21, 2003. EPA developed a Strategic Plan for Homeland Security (Plan), dated Sept 2002, which states that EPA will work with the States, tribes, drinking water utilities, and others to enhance the security of water utilities.

Operator-assisted planning and execution of proximity operations subject to operational constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grunwald, Arthur J.; Ellis, Stephen R.

1991-01-01

Future multi-vehicle operations will involve multiple scenarios that will require a planning tool for the rapid, interactive creation of fuel-efficient trajectories. The planning process must deal with higher-order, non-linear processes involving dynamics that are often counter-intuitive. The optimization of resulting trajectories can be difficult to envision. An interaction proximity operations planning system is being developed to provide the operator with easily interpreted visual feedback of trajectories and constraints. This system is hosted on an IRIS 4D graphics platform and utilizes the Clohessy-Wiltshire equations. An inverse dynamics algorithm is used to remove non-linearities while the trajectory maneuvers are decoupled and separated in a geometric spreadsheet. The operator has direct control of the position and time of trajectory waypoints to achieve the desired end conditions. Graphics provide the operator with visualization of satisfying operational constraints such as structural clearance, plume impingement, approach velocity limits, and arrival or departure corridors. Primer vector theory is combined with graphical presentation to improve operator understanding of suggested automated system solutions and to allow the operator to review, edit, or provide corrective action to the trajectory plan.

An empty toolbox? Changes in health plans' approaches for managing costs and care.

PubMed

Mays, Glen P; Hurley, Robert E; Grossman, Joy M

2003-02-01

To examine how health plans have changed their approaches for managing costs and utilization in the wake of the recent backlash against managed care. Semistructured interviews with health plan executives, employers, providers, and other health care decision makers in 12 metropolitan areas that were randomly selected to be nationally representative of communities with more than 200,000 residents. Longitudinal data were collected as part of the Community Tracking Study during three rounds of site visits in 1996-1997, 1998-1999, and 2000-2001. Interviews probed about changes in the design and operation of health insurance products--including provider contracting and network development, benefit packages, and utilization management processes--and about the rationale and perceived impact of these changes. Data from more than 850 interviews were coded, extracted, and analyzed using computerized text analysis software. Health plans have begun to scale back or abandon their use of selected managed care tools in most communities, with selective contracting and risk contracting practices fading most rapidly and completely. In turn, plans increasingly have sought cost savings by shifting costs to consumers. Some plans have begun to experiment with new provider networks, payment systems, and referral practices designed to lower costs and improve service delivery. These changes promise to lighten administrative and financial burdens for physicians and hospitals, but they also threaten to increase consumers' financial burdens.

Redox flow cell energy storage systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thaller, L. H.

1979-01-01

The redox flow cell energy storage system being developed by NASA for use in remote power systems and distributed storage installations for electric utilities is presented. The system under consideration is an electrochemical storage device which utilizes the oxidation and reduction of two fully soluble redox couples (acidified chloride solutions of chromium and iron) as active electrode materials separated by a highly selective ion exchange membrane. The reactants are contained in large storage tanks and pumped through a stack of redox flow cells where the electrochemical reactions take place at porous carbon felt electrodes. Redox equipment has allowed the incorporation of state of charge readout, stack voltage control and system capacity maintenance (rebalance) devices to regulate cells in a stack jointly. A 200 W, 12 V system with a capacity of about 400 Wh has been constructed, and a 2 kW, 10kWh system is planned.

A technical evaluation of the Nucletron FIRST system: conformance of a remote afterloading brachytherapy seed implantation system to manufacturer specifications and AAPM Task Group report recommendations.

PubMed

Rivard, Mark J; Evans, Dee-Ann Radford; Kay, Ian

2005-01-01

The Fully Integrated Real-time Seed Treatment (FIRST) system by Nucletron has been available in Europe since November 2001 and is being used more and more in Canada and the United States. Like the conventional transrectal ultrasound implant procedure, the FIRST system utilizes an ultrasound probe, needles, and brachytherapy seeds. However, this system is unique in that it (1) utilizes a low-dose-rate brachytherapy seed remote afterloader (the seedSelectron), (2) utilizes 3D image reconstruction acquired from electromechanically controlled, nonstepping rotation of the ultrasound probe, (3) integrates the control of a remote afterloader with electromechanical control of the ultrasound probe for integrating the clinical procedure into a single system, and (4) automates the transfer of planning information and seed delivery to improve quality assurance and radiation safety. This automated delivery system is specifically intended to address reproducibility and accuracy of seed positioning during implantation. The FIRST computer system includes two software environments: SPOT PRO and seedSelectron; both are used to facilitate treatment planning and brachytherapy seed implantation from beginning to completion of the entire procedure. In addition to these features, the system is reported to meet certain product specifications for seed delivery positioning accuracy and reproducibility, seed calibration accuracy and reliability, and brachytherapy dosimetry calculations. Consequently, a technical evaluation of the FIRST system was performed to determine adherence to manufacturer specifications and to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group Reports 43, 53, 56, 59, and 64 and recommendations of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS). The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently added Licensing Guidance for the seedSelectron system under 10 CFR 35.1000. Adherence to licensing guidance is made by referencing applicable AAPM Task Group recommendations. In general, results of this evaluation indicated that the system met its claimed specifications as well as the applicable recommendations outlined in the AAPM and ABS reports.

Information systems requirements for the Microgravity Science and Applications Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kicza, M. E.; Kreer, J. R.

1991-01-01

NASA's Microgravity Science and Applications (MSAD) Program is presented. Additionally, the types of information produced wiithin the program and the anticipated growth in information system requirements as the program transitions to Space Station Freedom utilization are discussed. Plans for payload operations support in the Freedom era are addressed, as well as current activities to define research community requirements for data and sample archives.

Information systems requirements for the microgravity science and applications program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kicza, M. E.; Kreer, J. R.

1990-01-01

NASA's Microgravity Science and Applications (MSAD) Program is presented. Additionally, the types of information produced within the program and the anticipated growth in information system requirements as the program transitions to Space Station Freedom utilization are discussed. Plans for payload operations support in the Freedom era are addressed, as well as current activities to define research community requirements for data and sample archives.

Biomass cogeneration: A business assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skelton, J. C.

1981-11-01

The biomass cogeneration was reviewed. The business assessment is based in part on discussions with key officials from firms that have adopted biomass cogeneration systems and from organizations such as utilities, state and federal agencies, and banks directly involved in a biomass cogeneration project. The guide is organized into five chapters: biomass cogeneration systems, biomass cogeneration business considerations, biomass cogeneration economics, biomass cogeneration project planning, and case studies.

Photovoltaic balance-of-system designs and costs at PVUSA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes, A. B.; Jennings, C.

1995-05-01

This report is one in a series of 1994-1995 PVUSA reports that document PVUSA lessons learned at demonstration sites in California and Texas. During the last 7 years (1988 to 1994), 16 PV systems ranging from 20 kW to 500 kW have been installed. Six 20-kW emerging module technology (EMT) arrays and three turnkey (i.e., vendor designed and integrated) utility-scale systems were procured and installed at PVUSA's main test site in Davis, California. PVUSA host utilities have installed a total of seven EMT arrays and utility-scale systems in their service areas. Additional systems at Davis and host utility sites are planned. One of PVUSA's key objectives is to evaluate the performance, reliability, and cost of PV balance-of-system (BOS). In the procurement stage PVUSA encouraged innovative design to improve upon present practice by reducing maintenance, improving reliability, or lowering manufacturing or construction costs. The project team worked closely with suppliers during the design stage not only to ensure designs met functional and safety specifications, but to provide suggestions for improvement. This report, intended for the photovoltaic (PV) industry and for utility project managers and engineers considering PV plant construction and ownership, documents PVUSA utility-scale system design and cost lessons learned. Complementary PVUSA topical reports document: construction and safety experience; five-year assessment of EMTs; validation of the Kerman 500-kW grid-support PV plant benefits; PVUSA instrumentation and data analysis techniques; procurement, acceptance, and rating practices for PV power plants; experience with power conditioning units and power quality.

Solar thermal plant impact analysis and requirements definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Y. P.

1980-01-01

Progress on a continuing study comprising of ten tasks directed at defining impact and requirements for solar thermal power systems (SPS), 1 to 10 MWe each in capacity, installed during 1985 through year 2000 in a utility or a nonutility load in the United States is summarized. The point focus distributed receiver (PFDR) solar power systems are emphasized. Tasks 1 through 4, completed to date, include the development of a comprehensive data base on SPS configurations, their performance, cost, availability, and potential applications; user loads, regional characteristics, and an analytic methodology that incorporates the generally accepted utility financial planning methods and several unique modifications to treat the significant and specific characteristics of solar power systems deployed in either central or distributed power generation modes, are discussed.

Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Micol, John R.

2001-01-01

Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (CoF) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design Of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Micol, John R.

2001-01-01

Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (Car) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

Advanced space system concepts and their orbital support needs (1980 - 2000). Volume 4: Detailed data. Part 2: Program plans and common support needs (a study of the commonality of space vehicle applications to future national needs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bekey, I.; Mayer, H. L.; Wolfe, M. G.

1976-01-01

The methodology of alternate world future scenarios is utilized for selecting a plausible, though not advocated, set of future scenarios each of which results in a program plan appropriate for the respective environment. Each such program plan gives rise to different building block and technology requirements, which are analyzed for common need between the NASA and the DoD for each of the alternate world scenarios. An essentially invariant set of system, building block, and technology development plans is presented at the conclusion, intended to allow protection of most of the options for system concepts regardless of what the actual future world environment turns out to be. Thus, building block and technology needs are derived which support: (1) each specific world scenario; (2) all the world scenarios identified in this study; or (3) generalized scenarios applicable to almost any future environment. The output included in this volume consists of the building blocks, i.e.: transportation vehicles, orbital support vehicles, and orbital support facilities; the technology required to support the program plans; identification of their features which could support the DoD and NASA in common; and a complete discussion of the planning methodology.

Impact of the residential conservation service program on natural gas and electric utilities. Appendix B

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

Not Available

An assessment of the RCS program is provided from the perspective of eleven case study utilities. First, an introduction to the role and value of conservation in utility strategic planning is presented. The interplay of various utility system characteristics is shown to be the primary determinant of the value of conservation efforts from the utility's point of view. Simplified typologies of utilities are developed to aid in the identification of those combinations of the utility characteristics that will favor the adoption of the utility sponsored strategic conservation efforts. The integration of the RCS program with other utility conservation and loadmore » management programs is explored for the eleven case study utilities. Reference is made to the simplified typologies in order to show, through actual program experience, how the strategic position of the utility company affects its adoption of this federal program. Evaluative studies done by the eleven case study utilities of the RCS program are reviewed. Results are presented and the methodologies are critiqued. Conclusions regarding the RCS program from the utility perspective are presented.« less

The predictable swarm: staying on top of radiology's cyclical staffing "bug".

PubMed

Ryan, Mary Jane

2005-01-01

Partners HealthCare System in Boston, MA, took some progressive and bold steps to address the recent staffing shortages in radiology. By addressing the shortage at the system level versus the individual hospital level, Partners was able to successfully recruit and support more than 80 new radiologic technologists from initial interest through graduation in 2 years. The recruitment effort helped reduce the utilization of temporary/agency personnel that cost the system more than dollar 6 million in 2001. The system utilized a multi-disciplinary team of professionals at many levels in the organization to achieve significant results in a relatively short period of time. Further, the organization channeled all available resources, including a grant from the US Department of Labor (DOL). The Boston Private Industry Council (BPIC), a local organization well known to the Partners HealthCare community benefits and human resources departments, managed the DOL grant. At least 64 of the first 80 graduates have accepted positions within Partners HealthCare radiology departments. The organization has further populated a database of more than 1,000 interested candidates, some of whom are currently in school and preparing for a future career in radiology, hopefully within the Partners HealthCare System. Partners HealthCare has managed to maintain a diversity rate at over 25% people of color by utilizing targeted recruiting efforts. Partners plans to continue to offer scholarships and other methods of support and career laddering for radiologic technologists in order to continue to meet staffing needs well in to the future. Partners HealthCare developed and implemented a "grow your own" strategy, and the system's leaders hold the philosophy that workforce development is a long-term investment requiring a flexible, permanent plan to stay ahead of the clinical staffing curve.

Scandinavian systems monitoring the oral health in children and adolescents; an evaluation of their quality and utility in the light of modern perspectives of caries management

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Recording reliable oral health data is a challenge. The aims were a) to outline different Scandinavian systems of oral health monitoring, b) to evaluate the quality and utility of the collected data in the light of modern concepts of disease management and to suggest improvements. Material and methods The information for in this study was related to (a) children and adolescents, (b) oral health data and (c) routines for monitoring such data. This meant information available in the official web sites of the “KOSTRA-data” (Municipality-State-Report) in Norway, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (“Socialstyrelsen”) and Oral Health Register (the SCOR system, National Board of Health) in Denmark. Results A potential for increasing the reliability and validity of the data existed. Routines for monitoring other oral diseases than caries were limited. Compared with the other Scandinavian countries, the data collection system in Denmark appeared more functional and had adopted more modern concepts of disease management than other systems. In the light of modern concepts of caries management, data collected elsewhere had limited utility. Conclusions The Scandinavian systems of health reporting had much in common, but some essential differences existed. If the quality of epidemiological data were enhanced, it would be possible to use the data for planning oral health care. Routines and procedures should be improved and updated in accordance with the modern ideas about caries prevention and therapy. For appropriate oral health planning in an organised dental service, reporting of enamel caries is essential. PMID:24885243

42 CFR 456.505 - Applicability of waiver.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Waiver of Requirements § 456.505 Applicability of...

42 CFR 456.521 - Conditions for granting variance requests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time...

42 CFR 456.525 - Request for renewal of variance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time...

42 CFR 456.525 - Request for renewal of variance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time...

42 CFR 456.242 - UR plan requirements for medical care evaluation studies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Control: Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Medical Care Evaluation Studies § 456.242 UR plan requirements for medical care... evaluation studies in the mental hospital; (2) Documents for each study— (i) Its results; and (ii) How the...

75 FR 62023 - Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-07

...] Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities September 29... (75 FR 37884) proposing to amend the transmission planning and cost allocation requirements... transmission needs driven by public policy requirements established by state or federal laws or regulations...

40 CFR 72.43 - Phase I reduced utilization plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Acid Rain Compliance Plan and Compliance Options § 72.43 Phase I reduced... any Acid Rain emissions limitation or emissions reduction requirements during Phase I; and (ii) Meets... this section shall include in the Acid Rain permit application for the unit a reduced utilization plan...

40 CFR 72.43 - Phase I reduced utilization plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Acid Rain Compliance Plan and Compliance Options § 72.43 Phase I reduced... any Acid Rain emissions limitation or emissions reduction requirements during Phase I; and (ii) Meets... this section shall include in the Acid Rain permit application for the unit a reduced utilization plan...

40 CFR 72.43 - Phase I reduced utilization plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Acid Rain Compliance Plan and Compliance Options § 72.43 Phase I reduced... any Acid Rain emissions limitation or emissions reduction requirements during Phase I; and (ii) Meets... this section shall include in the Acid Rain permit application for the unit a reduced utilization plan...

40 CFR 72.43 - Phase I reduced utilization plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Acid Rain Compliance Plan and Compliance Options § 72.43 Phase I reduced... any Acid Rain emissions limitation or emissions reduction requirements during Phase I; and (ii) Meets... this section shall include in the Acid Rain permit application for the unit a reduced utilization plan...

40 CFR 72.43 - Phase I reduced utilization plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Acid Rain Compliance Plan and Compliance Options § 72.43 Phase I reduced... any Acid Rain emissions limitation or emissions reduction requirements during Phase I; and (ii) Meets... this section shall include in the Acid Rain permit application for the unit a reduced utilization plan...

Shuttle/Agena study. Volume 2, part 3: Preliminary test plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Proposed testing for the Agena tug program is based upon best estimates of shuttle and Agena tug requirements and upon the Agena configuration currently envisioned to meet these requirements. The proposed tests are presented in development, qualification, system, and launch base test plans. These plans are based upon generalized requirements and assumed situations. The limitations of this study precluded all but minimal consideration of related shuttle orbiter and shuttle ground systems. The test plans include provisions for all testing from major component to systems level, identified as necessary to aid in confirmation of the modified Agena configuration for the space tug; considerations that crew safety requirements and new environmental conditions from shuttle interface effects do impose some new Agena testing requirements; considerations that many existing Agena flight-qualified components will be utilized and qualification testing will be minimal; testing not only for the Agena tug but also for new or modified items of handling or servicing equipment for supporting the Agena factory-to-launch sequence; and the assembly of required testing into a sequence-ordered series of events.

Multistep Lattice-Voxel method utilizing lattice function for Monte-Carlo treatment planning with pixel based voxel model.

PubMed

Kumada, H; Saito, K; Nakamura, T; Sakae, T; Sakurai, H; Matsumura, A; Ono, K

2011-12-01

Treatment planning for boron neutron capture therapy generally utilizes Monte-Carlo methods for calculation of the dose distribution. The new treatment planning system JCDS-FX employs the multi-purpose Monte-Carlo code PHITS to calculate the dose distribution. JCDS-FX allows to build a precise voxel model consisting of pixel based voxel cells in the scale of 0.4×0.4×2.0 mm(3) voxel in order to perform high-accuracy dose estimation, e.g. for the purpose of calculating the dose distribution in a human body. However, the miniaturization of the voxel size increases calculation time considerably. The aim of this study is to investigate sophisticated modeling methods which can perform Monte-Carlo calculations for human geometry efficiently. Thus, we devised a new voxel modeling method "Multistep Lattice-Voxel method," which can configure a voxel model that combines different voxel sizes by utilizing the lattice function over and over. To verify the performance of the calculation with the modeling method, several calculations for human geometry were carried out. The results demonstrated that the Multistep Lattice-Voxel method enabled the precise voxel model to reduce calculation time substantially while keeping the high-accuracy of dose estimation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Georgia Institute of Technology chilled water system evaluation and master plan

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

NONE

1996-05-15

As the host of the Olympic Village for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Georgia Tech has experienced a surge in construction activities over the last three years. Over 1.3 million square feet of new buildings have been constructed on the Georgia Tech campus. This growth has placed a strain on the Georgia Tech community and challenged the facilities support staff charged with planning and organizing utility services. In concert with Olympic construction, utility planners have worked to ensure long term benefits for Georgia Tech facilities while meeting the short term requirements of the Olympic Games. The concentration of building construction inmore » the northwest quadrant of the campus allowed planners to construct a satellite chilled water plant to serve the needs of this area and provide the opportunity to integrate this section of the campus with the main campus chilled water system. This assessment and master plan, funded in part by the US Department of Energy, has evaluated the chilled water infrastructure at Georgia Tech, identified ongoing problems and made recommendations for long term chilled water infrastructure development and efficiency improvements. The Georgia Tech office of Facilities and RDA Engineering, Inc. have worked together to assemble relevant information and prepare the recommendations contained in this document.« less

76 FR 42590 - Retrospective Review Under E.O. 13563; Improving Common Acreage Reporting Processes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-19

... solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. RMA..., commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and emergency assistance programs that help improve the stability... management system. To implement ACRSI in an economical manner, we plan to the extent possible to utilize CIMS...

Goldsboro City Schools Comprehensive Survey 1988-89.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction, Raleigh. Div. of School Planning.

This report presents results of a comprehensive survey of the Goldsboro (North Carolina) City School System conducted during the 1988-89 school year. The purpose of the survey was to determine long-range planning implications for the areas of organization, facility utilization, facility needs, site development, and media facilities. The report is…

36 CFR 223.30 - Consistency with plans, environmental standards, and other management requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Property FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER...) Providing favorable conditions of water flow and quality; (f) Utilization of the timber resource to provide... characteristics; (g) Reduction of the likelihood of loss to destructive agencies; and (h) Minimizing adverse...

Efficiency in Resource Utilization in Education. Education and Development Technical Reports.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France). Directorate for Scientific Affairs.

This volume consists of papers presented at a meeting of scientific and technical personnel who examined and evaluated applications of systems analysis and operational research, and who related techniques to practical educational planning. Topics represent a variety of new management techniques available to educational administrators including…

76 FR 28060 - Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, Hays County, TX

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-13

... alternative features the acquisition of a modestly sized, pre-determined preserve system and limits the amount... under Alternative B, this alternative involves a conservation program that utilizes a pre-determined..., adaptive management, and other strategies designed to avoid and minimize harm to the covered species and...

7 CFR 1751.1-1751.99 - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false [Reserved] 1751.1-1751.99 Section 1751.1-1751.99 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA, AND PROCEDURES Reserved §§ 1751.1-1751.99...

Thermal Storage Applications Workshop. Volume 1: Plenary Session Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The importance of the development of inexpensive and efficient thermal and thermochemical energy storage technology to the solar power program is discussed in a summary of workship discussions held to exchange information and plan for future systems. Topics covered include storage in central power applications such as the 10 MW-e demonstration pilot receiver to be constructed in Barstow, California; storage for small dispersed systems, and problems associated with the development of storage systems for solar power plants interfacing with utility systems.

Photovoltaic power system reliability considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lalli, V. R.

1980-01-01

An example of how modern engineering and safety techniques can be used to assure the reliable and safe operation of photovoltaic power systems is presented. This particular application is for a solar cell power system demonstration project designed to provide electric power requirements for remote villages. The techniques utilized involve a definition of the power system natural and operating environment, use of design criteria and analysis techniques, an awareness of potential problems via the inherent reliability and FMEA methods, and use of fail-safe and planned spare parts engineering philosophy.

Understanding Enterprise Systems' Impact(s) on Business Relationships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekman, Peter; Thilenius, Peter

Enterprise systems (ESs), i.e. standardized applications supplied from software vendors such as SAP or Oracle, have been extensively employed by companies during the last decade. Today all Fortune 500 companies have, or are in the process of installing, this kind of information system (Seddon et al. 2003). A wide-spread denotation for these applications is enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. But the broad utilization use of these software packages in business is rendering this labelling too narrow (Davenport 2000).

General Plan Environmental Assessment for Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility, Washington, Maryland

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

privatization of the water and natural gas systems and other utility systems , construction of the William B. Jones building, and the creation of...at the Upper Marlboro Branch Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System at 14 730 Main St. Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 and on the...Wing 113 WG 113th Wing 316 WG 316th Wing 459 ARW 459th Air Refueling Wing AAM Annual Arithmetic Mean ACES Automated Civil Engineering System ADP

Area-Specific Marginal Costing for Electric Utilities: a Case Study of Transmission and Distribution Costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orans, Ren

1990-10-01

Existing procedures used to develop marginal costs for electric utilities were not designed for applications in an increasingly competitive market for electric power. The utility's value of receiving power, or the costs of selling power, however, depend on the exact location of the buyer or seller, the magnitude of the power and the period of time over which the power is used. Yet no electric utility in the United States has disaggregate marginal costs that reflect differences in costs due to the time, size or location of the load associated with their power or energy transactions. The existing marginal costing methods used by electric utilities were developed in response to the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) in 1978. The "ratemaking standards" (Title 1) established by PURPA were primarily concerned with the appropriate segmentation of total revenues to various classes-of-service, designing time-of-use rating periods, and the promotion of efficient long-term resource planning. By design, the methods were very simple and inexpensive to implement. Now, more than a decade later, the costing issues facing electric utilities are becoming increasingly complex, and the benefits of developing more specific marginal costs will outweigh the costs of developing this information in many cases. This research develops a framework for estimating total marginal costs that vary by the size, timing, and the location of changes in loads within an electric distribution system. To complement the existing work at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGandE) on estimating disaggregate generation and transmission capacity costs, this dissertation focuses on the estimation of distribution capacity costs. While the costing procedure is suitable for the estimation of total (generation, transmission and distribution) marginal costs, the empirical work focuses on the geographic disaggregation of marginal costs related to electric utility distribution investment. The study makes use of data from an actual distribution planning area, located within PGandE's service territory, to demonstrate the important characteristics of this new costing approach. The most significant result of this empirical work is that geographic differences in the cost of capacity in distribution systems can be as much as four times larger than the current system average utility estimates. Furthermore, lumpy capital investment patterns can lead to significant cost differences over time.

42 CFR 456.508 - Withdrawal of waiver.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and..., 1978, as amended at 61 FR 38399, July 24, 1996] UR Plan: Remote Facility Variances from Time...

Hitchhiker mission operations: Past, present, and future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Kathryn

1995-01-01

What is mission operations? Mission operations is an iterative process aimed at achieving the greatest possible mission success with the resources available. The process involves understanding of the science objectives, investigation of which system capabilities can best meet these objectives, integration of the objectives and resources into a cohesive mission operations plan, evaluation of the plan through simulations, and implementation of the plan in real-time. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive description of what the Hitchhiker mission operations approach is and why it is crucial to mission success. The authors describe the significance of operational considerations from the beginning and throughout the experiment ground and flight systems development. The authors also address the necessity of training and simulations. Finally, the authors cite several examples illustrating the benefits of understanding and utilizing the mission operations process.

Assessment of market potential of compressed air energy storage systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, D. W.; Buckley, O. E.; Clark, C. E., Jr.

1983-12-01

This report describes an assessment of potential roles that EPRI might take to facilitate the commercial acceptance of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. The assessment is based on (1) detailed analyses of the market potential of utility storage technologies, (2) interviews with representatives of key participants in the CAES market, and (3) a decision analysis synthesizing much of the information about market and technology status. The results indicate a large potential market for CAES systems if the overall business environment for utilities improves. In addition, it appears that EPRI can have a valuable incremental impact in ensuring that utilities realize the potential of CAES by (1) continuing an aggressive information dissemination and technology transfer program, (2) working to ensure the success of the first United States CAES installation at Soyland Power Cooperative, (3) developing planning methods to allow utilities to evaluate CAES and other storage options more effectively and more realistically, and (4) supporting R and D to resolve residual uncertainties in first-generation CAES cost and performance characteristics. Previously announced in STAR as N83-25121

Impact of a Value-Based Formulary on Medication Utilization, Health Services Utilization, and Expenditures

PubMed Central

Yeung, Kai; Basu, Anirban; Hansen, Ryan N.; Watkins, John B.; Sullivan, Sean D.

2016-01-01

Background Value-based benefit design has been suggested as an effective approach to managing the high cost of pharmaceuticals in health insurance markets. Premera Blue Cross, a large regional health plan, implemented a Value-Based Formulary (VBF) for pharmaceuticals in 2010 that explicitly used cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to inform medication copayments. Objective To determine the impact of the VBF. Design Interrupted time-series of employer-sponsored plans from 2006 to 2013. Subjects Intervention group: 5,235 beneficiaries exposed to the VBF. Control group: 11,171 beneficiaries in plans without any changes in pharmacy benefits. Intervention The VBF assigned medications with lower value (estimated by CEA) to higher copayment tiers and assigned medications with higher value to lower copayment tiers. Measures Primary outcome was medication expenditures from member, health plan, and member plus health plan perspectives. Secondary outcomes were medication utilization, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, office visits, and non-medication expenditures. Results In the intervention group after VBF implementation, member medication expenditures increased by $2 per member per month (PMPM) (95% CI, $1 to $3) or 9%, while health plan medication expenditures decreased by $10 PMPM (CI, $18 to $2) or 16%, resulting in a net decrease of $8 PMPM (CI, $15 to $2) or 10%, which translates to a net savings of $1.1 million. Utilization of medications moved into lower copayment tiers increased by 1.95 days’ supply (CI, 1.29 to 2.62) or 17%. Total medication utilization, health services utilization and non-medication expenditures did not change. Conclusions Cost-sharing informed by CEA reduced overall medication expenditures without negatively impacting medication utilization, health services utilization or non-medication expenditures. PMID:27579915

A Generalized Decision Framework Using Multi-objective Optimization for Water Resources Planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basdekas, L.; Stewart, N.; Triana, E.

2013-12-01

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is currently engaged in an Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP) to address the complex planning scenarios, across multiple time scales, currently faced by CSU. The modeling framework developed for the IWRP uses a flexible data-centered Decision Support System (DSS) with a MODSIM-based modeling system to represent the operation of the current CSU raw water system coupled with a state-of-the-art multi-objective optimization algorithm. Three basic components are required for the framework, which can be implemented for planning horizons ranging from seasonal to interdecadal. First, a water resources system model is required that is capable of reasonable system simulation to resolve performance metrics at the appropriate temporal and spatial scales of interest. The system model should be an existing simulation model, or one developed during the planning process with stakeholders, so that 'buy-in' has already been achieved. Second, a hydrologic scenario tool(s) capable of generating a range of plausible inflows for the planning period of interest is required. This may include paleo informed or climate change informed sequences. Third, a multi-objective optimization model that can be wrapped around the system simulation model is required. The new generation of multi-objective optimization models do not require parameterization which greatly reduces problem complexity. Bridging the gap between research and practice will be evident as we use a case study from CSU's planning process to demonstrate this framework with specific competing water management objectives. Careful formulation of objective functions, choice of decision variables, and system constraints will be discussed. Rather than treating results as theoretically Pareto optimal in a planning process, we use the powerful multi-objective optimization models as tools to more efficiently and effectively move out of the inferior decision space. The use of this framework will help CSU evaluate tradeoffs in a continually changing world.

Virtual Preoperative Planning and Intraoperative Navigation in Facial Prosthetic Reconstruction: A Technical Note.

PubMed

Verma, Suzanne; Gonzalez, Marianela; Schow, Sterling R; Triplett, R Gilbert

This technical protocol outlines the use of computer-assisted image-guided technology for the preoperative planning and intraoperative procedures involved in implant-retained facial prosthetic treatment. A contributing factor for a successful prosthetic restoration is accurate preoperative planning to identify prosthetically driven implant locations that maximize bone contact and enhance cosmetic outcomes. Navigational systems virtually transfer precise digital planning into the operative field for placing implants to support prosthetic restorations. In this protocol, there is no need to construct a physical, and sometimes inaccurate, surgical guide. The report addresses treatment workflow, radiologic data specifications, and special considerations in data acquisition, virtual preoperative planning, and intraoperative navigation for the prosthetic reconstruction of unilateral, bilateral, and midface defects. Utilization of this protocol for the planning and surgical placement of craniofacial bone-anchored implants allows positioning of implants to be prosthetically driven, accurate, precise, and efficient, and leads to a more predictable treatment outcome.

Reading the Tea Leaves: How Utilities in the West Are Managing Carbon Regulatory Risk in their Resource Plans

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

Barbose, Galen; Wiser, Ryan; Phadke, Amol

2008-02-01

The long economic lifetime and development lead-time of many electric infrastructure investments requires that utility resource planning consider potential costs and risks over a lengthy time horizon. One long-term -- and potentially far-reaching -- risk currently facing the electricity industry is the uncertain cost of future carbon dioxide (CO2) regulations. Recognizing the importance of this issue, many utilities (sometimes spurred by state regulatory requirements) are beginning to actively assess carbon regulatory risk within their resource planning processes, and to evaluate options for mitigating that risk. However, given the relatively recent emergence of this issue and the rapidly changing political landscape,more » methods and assumptions used to analyze carbon regulatory risk, and the impact of this analysis on the selection of a preferred resource portfolio, vary considerably across utilities. In this study, we examine the treatment of carbon regulatory risk in utility resource planning, through a comparison of the most-recent resource plans filed by fifteen investor-owned and publicly-owned utilities in the Western U.S. Together, these utilities account for approximately 60percent of retail electricity sales in the West, and cover nine of eleven Western states. This report has two related elements. First, we compare and assess utilities' approaches to addressing key analytical issues that arise when considering the risk of future carbon regulations. Second, we summarize the composition and carbon intensity of the preferred resource portfolios selected by these fifteen utilities and compare them to potential CO2 emission benchmark levels.« less

A mangrove creek restoration plan utilizing hydraulic modeling.

PubMed

Marois, Darryl E; Mitsch, William J

2017-11-01

Despite the valuable ecosystem services provided by mangrove ecosystems they remain threatened around the globe. Urban development has been a primary cause for mangrove destruction and deterioration in south Florida USA for the last several decades. As a result, the restoration of mangrove forests has become an important topic of research. Using field sampling and remote-sensing we assessed the past and present hydrologic conditions of a mangrove creek and its connected mangrove forest and brackish marsh systems located on the coast of Naples Bay in southwest Florida. We concluded that the hydrology of these connected systems had been significantly altered from its natural state due to urban development. We propose here a mangrove creek restoration plan that would extend the existing creek channel 1.1 km inland through the adjacent mangrove forest and up to an adjacent brackish marsh. We then tested the hydrologic implications using a hydraulic model of the mangrove creek calibrated with tidal data from Naples Bay and water levels measured within the creek. The calibrated model was then used to simulate the resulting hydrology of our proposed restoration plan. Simulation results showed that the proposed creek extension would restore a twice-daily flooding regime to a majority of the adjacent mangrove forest and that there would still be minimal tidal influence on the brackish marsh area, keeping its salinity at an acceptable level. This study demonstrates the utility of combining field data and hydraulic modeling to aid in the design of mangrove restoration plans.

Key Aspects of a Sustainable Health Insurance System in Germany.

PubMed

Pelster, Matthias; Hagemann, Vera; Laporte Uribe, Franziska

2016-06-01

The main goals of health-care systems are to improve the health of the population they serve, respond to people's legitimate expectations, and offer fair financing. As a result, the health system in Germany is subject to continuous adaption as well as public and political discussions about its design. This paper analyzes the key challenges for the German health-care system and the underlying factors driving these challenges. We aim to identify possible solutions to put the German health-care system in a better position to face these challenges. We utilize a broad array of methods to answer these questions, including a review of the published and grey literature on health-care planning in Germany, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the system, and an online questionnaire. We find that the most urgent (and manageable) aspects that merit attention are holistic hospital planning, initiatives to increase (administrative) innovation in the health-care system, incentives to increase prevention, and approaches to increase analytical quality assurance. We found that hospital planning, innovation, quality control, and prevention, are considered to be the topics most in need of attention in the German health system.

The Space Shuttle - A future space transportation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, R. F.

1974-01-01

The objective of the Space Shuttle Program is to achieve an economical space transportation system. This paper provides an introductory review of the considerations which led to the Government decisions to develop the Space Shuttle. The role of a space transportation system is then considered within the context of historical developments in the general field of transportation, followed by a review of the Shuttle system, mission profile, payload categories, and payload accommodations which the Shuttle system will provide, and concludes with a forecast of the systems utilization for space science research and payload planning activity.

Launching automated rotary parking system: Towards traffic congestion free Dhaka city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Mohummad Shariful; Tithi, Afshana Morshed; Hossain, Farzad; Shetu, Rifat Sultana; Amin, S. M. Abdullah Al; Chowdhury, Shakia Zannatul Ferdous

2017-12-01

Bangladesh is the most densely populated city in the whole world, which is visible more in the capital city Dhaka. People have to suffer and valuable times are being wasted for this chronic quandary. Lack of proper planning of the city, different speed vehicles on the same road, over population, inadequate road space, unplanned stoppage or parking etc. are responsible for causing the traffic congestion in Dhaka City. Among those insufficient/unplanned parking system is one of the main reasons for causing traffic congestion. The automated rotary car parking system is the best and suitable because of its less utilization of space compared to other systems. It is a friendly parking system due to the non-utilization of noise/pollution related mechanism. The aim of this paper is to develop an automated car parking system with a minimum cost for reducing congestion in Dhaka city.

Regulators to the rescue: PSC's restrain runaway utilities. [Missouri PSC and Kansas City Power and Light Co

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

Morgan, R.

1980-07-01

The Missouri Public Service Commission's refusal to let the Kansas City utility include a new plant in its rate base because the utility already has excess capacity could set a precedent for halting expansion plans across the country. The Missouri PSC staff accused the utility of ignoring conservation goals, distorting facts, and planning to speculate on the wholesale power market at the ratepayers' expense. Other state regulators unhappy with poor utility planning can be expected to take a good look at the Missouri decision. Regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already taken a hard line with the nuclear industrymore » since the Three Mile Island accident. (DCK)« less

Software for Planning Scientific Activities on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ai-Chang, Mitchell; Bresina, John; Jonsson, Ari; Hsu, Jennifer; Kanefsky, Bob; Morris, Paul; Rajan, Kanna; Yglesias, Jeffrey; Charest, Len; Maldague, Pierre

2003-01-01

Mixed-Initiative Activity Plan Generator (MAPGEN) is a ground-based computer program for planning and scheduling the scientific activities of instrumented exploratory robotic vehicles, within the limitations of available resources onboard the vehicle. MAPGEN is a combination of two prior software systems: (1) an activity-planning program, APGEN, developed at NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and (2) the Europa planner/scheduler from NASA Ames Research Center. MAPGEN performs all of the following functions: Automatic generation of plans and schedules for scientific and engineering activities; Testing of hypotheses (or what-if analyses of various scenarios); Editing of plans; Computation and analysis of resources; and Enforcement and maintenance of constraints, including resolution of temporal and resource conflicts among planned activities. MAPGEN can be used in either of two modes: one in which the planner/scheduler is turned off and only the basic APGEN functionality is utilized, or one in which both component programs are used to obtain the full planning, scheduling, and constraint-maintenance functionality.

Patient-reported denials, appeals, and complaints: associations with overall plan ratings.

PubMed

Quigley, Denise D; Haviland, Amelia M; Dembosky, Jacob W; Klein, David J; Elliott, Marc N

2018-03-01

To assess whether Medicare patients' reports of denied care, appeals/complaints, and satisfactory resolution were associated with ratings of their health plan or care. Retrospective analysis of 2010 Medicare Advantage Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey data. Multivariate linear regression of data from 154,766 respondents (61.1% response rate) tested the association of beneficiary ratings of plan and care with beneficiary reports of denied care, appeals, complaints, and complaint resolution, adjusting for beneficiary demographics. Beneficiaries who reported being denied needed care rated their plans and care significantly less positively, by 17.2 points (on a 100-point scale) and 9.1 points, respectively. Filing an appeal was not statistically significantly associated with further lower ratings. Beneficiaries who filed a complaint that was satisfactorily resolved gave slightly lower ratings of plans (-3.4 points) and care (-2.5 points) than those not filing a complaint (P <.001 for all results). Lower ratings from patients reporting complaints and denied care may notably affect the overall 0-10 CAHPS ratings of Medicare Advantage plans. Our results suggest that beneficiaries may attribute the actions that lead to complaints or denials to plans more than to the care they received. Successful complaint resolution and utilization management review might eliminate most deficits associated with complaints and denied care, consistent with the service recovery paradox. High rates of complaints and denied care might identify areas that need improved utilization management review, customer service, and quality improvement. Among those reporting being denied care, filing an appeal was not associated with lower patient ratings of plan or care.

Integrated planning for regional development planning and water resources management under uncertainty: A case study of Xining, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Z. H.; Zhao, H. J.; Wang, H.; Lu, W. T.; Wang, J.; Guo, H. C.

2017-11-01

Economic restructuring, water resources management, population planning and environmental protection are subjects to inner uncertainties of a compound system with objectives which are competitive alternatives. Optimization model and water quality model are usually used to solve problems in a certain aspect. To overcome the uncertainty and coupling in reginal planning management, an interval fuzzy program combined with water quality model for regional planning and management has been developed to obtain the absolutely ;optimal; solution in this study. The model is a hybrid methodology of interval parameter programming (IPP), fuzzy programing (FP), and a general one-dimensional water quality model. The method extends on the traditional interval parameter fuzzy programming method by integrating water quality model into the optimization framework. Meanwhile, as an abstract concept, water resources carrying capacity has been transformed into specific and calculable index. Besides, unlike many of the past studies about water resource management, population as a significant factor has been considered. The results suggested that the methodology was applicable for reflecting the complexities of the regional planning and management systems within the planning period. The government policy makers could establish effective industrial structure, water resources utilization patterns and population planning, and to better understand the tradeoffs among economic, water resources, population and environmental objectives.

Determining the Optimal Inventory Management Policy for Naval Medical Center San Diego’s Pharmacy

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

electronic or other system that the pharmacy’s staff can use to determine the actual on hand inventory of any items. If a pharmacist , technician or...pharmacy’s inventory: price, utilization, mix, and innovation (American Society for Health-System Pharmacists [ASHP], 2008). (1) Price Price is the cost...or the Pareto Principle can determine the best way to allocate resources and help plan inventory (American Society for Health-System Pharmacists

Habitat suitability index models: A low effort system for planned coolwater and coldwater reservoirs

USGS Publications Warehouse

McConnell, William J.; Bergersen, Eric P.; Williamson, Kathryn L.

1982-01-01

A novel approach to reservoir habitat evaluation is described and habitat ratings are proposed for five fish species in coolwater and coldwater reservoirs. This approach has the advantages of procedural simplicity and ready availability of input data; consequently, it has potential utility as a screening tool in the early stages of the reservoir planning process.Habitat suitability is determined on the basis of a composite score for five "primary" reservoir attributes (temperature, turbidity, nonliving cover, drawdown, and shallow cove frequency). The va 1ue of each primary reservoi r attribute is determined from one or more "secondary" attributes, which are easily measured variables. Secondary attributes (for example, length of growing season or mean July air temperature) can be directly obtained, prior to construction, from published documents, maps, reservoir plans, and on-site inspections of the proposed reservoir basin.Evaluation criteria and ratings are presented for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and black crappie (PomoxTS nigromaculatus). These ratings were derived from literature reviews and from persona 1 experi ence and knowl edge of the authors; however, the system is easily adaptable to change upon further review, differences of opinion by experts, or evaluation of test results under diverse conditions.This technique can be used to evaluate the suitability of a proposed reservoir for different species and to compare the outcomes of alternative construction plans. It could also be expanded to include additional species, which will improve its utility. The system should be useful in determining losses relative to benefits, trade-offs, and potential mitigation measures in reservoir projects.

Odor Control Test Report of the Urine Containment Bag (UCB) for Orion Utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casper, Stephanie; Williams, Nichole M. M.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this report is to summarize the conclusions for the odor control test of the Urine Containment Bag (UCB), P/N SDD46107234-306 in an environment simulating a space craft capsule. JSC 65891, Odor Control Test Plan of the Urine Containment Bag (UCB) for Orion Utilization, documents the test plan. The details of the test set-up and data reduction are detailed in the WSTF test report for this test WSTF #10-44500, Odor Control Test Plan of the Urine Containment Bag (UCB) for Orion Utilization,. This document outlines the project conclusions and forward plans with regard to trash containment for Constellation.

The challenges and benefits of lunar exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Aaron

1992-01-01

Three decades into the Space Age, the United States is experiencing a fundamental shift in space policy with the adoption of a broad national goal to expand human presence and activity beyond Earth orbit and out into the Solar System. These plans mark a turning point in American space exploration, for they entail a shift away from singular forays to a long-term, evolutionary program of exploration and utilization of space. No longer limited to the technical and operational specifics of any one vehicle or any one mission plan, this new approach will involve a fleet of spacecraft and a stable of off-planet research laboratories, industrial facilities, and exploration programs. The challenges inherent in this program are immense, but so too are the benefits. Central to this new space architecture is the concept of using a lunar base for in-situ resource utilization, and for the development of planetary surface exploration systems, applicable to the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies in the Solar System. This paper discusses the technical, economic, and political challenges involved in this new approach, and details the latest thinking on the benefits that could come from bold new endeavors on the final frontier.

Regional health workforce planning through action research: lessons for commissioning health services from a case study in Far North Queensland.

PubMed

Panzera, Annette June; Murray, Richard; Stewart, Ruth; Mills, Jane; Beaton, Neil; Larkins, Sarah

2016-01-01

Creating a stable and sustainable health workforce in regional, rural and remote Australia has long been a challenge to health workforce planners, policy makers and researchers alike. Traditional health workforce planning is often reactive and assumes continuation of current patterns of healthcare utilisation. This demonstration project in Far North Queensland exemplifies how participatory regional health workforce planning processes can accurately model current and projected local workforce requirements. The recent establishment of Primary Health Networks (PHNs) with the intent to commission health services tailored to individual healthcare needs underlines the relevance of such an approach. This study used action research methodology informed by World Health Organization (WHO) systems thinking. Four cyclical stages of health workforce planning were followed: needs assessment; health service model redesign; skills-set assessment and workforce redesign; and development of a workforce and training plan. This study demonstrated that needs-based loco-regional health workforce planning can be achieved successfully through participatory processes with stakeholders. Stronger health systems and workforce training solutions were delivered by facilitating linkages and planning processes based on community need involving healthcare professionals across all disciplines and sectors. By focusing upon extending competencies and skills sets, local health professionals form a stable and sustainable local workforce. Concrete examples of initiatives generated from this process include developing a chronic disease inter-professional teaching clinic in a rural town and renal dialysis being delivered locally to an Aboriginal community. The growing trend of policy makers decentralising health funding, planning and accountability and rising health system costs increase the future utility of this approach. This type of planning can also assist the new PHNs to commission health services that meet the needs of the population and contribute to service and system improvement and innovation.

An Economic Approach to Setting Contribution Limits in Qualified State-Sponsored Tuition Savings Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Jennifer; Warshawsky, Mark J.; Ameriks, John; Blohm, Julia A.

This study used an expected utility framework with a mean-lower partial moment specification for investor utility to determine the asset allocation and the allowable contribution limits for qualified state-sponsored tuition savings plans. Given the assumptions about state policymakers' perceptions of investor utility, the study determined the…

Effective planning and management as critical factors in urban water supply and management in Umuahia and Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchegbu, Smart N.

Plan and policy development usually define the course, goal, execution, success or failure of any public utilities initiative. Urban water supply is not an exception. Planning and management in public water supply systems often determine the quality of service the water supply authorities can render. This paper, therefore, addresses the issue of effective planning and management as critical determinants of urban water supply and management with respect to two Nigerian cities Umuahia and Aba both in Abia State. Appropriate sampling methods systematic sampling and cluster techniques were employed in order to collect data for the study. The collected data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings of the study indicate that planning and management indices such as funding, manpower, water storage tank capacity greatly influence the volume of water supplied in the study areas. Funding was identified as a major determinant of the efficiency of the water supply system. Therefore, the study advocates the need for sector reforms that would usher in private participants in the water sector both for improved funding and enhanced productivity.

Simulation of Hawaiian Electric Companies Feeder Operations with Advanced Inverters and Analysis of Annual Photovoltaic Energy Curtailment

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

Giraldez Miner, Julieta I.; Nagarajan, Adarsh; Gotseff, Peter

The Hawaiian Electric Companies achieved a consolidated Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of approximately 26% at the end of 2016. This significant RPS performance was achieved using various renewable energy sources - biomass, geothermal, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, hydro, wind, and biofuels - and customer-sited, grid-connected technologies (primarily private rooftop solar PV systems). The Hawaiian Electric Companies are preparing grid-modernization plans for the island grids. The plans outline specific near-term actions to accelerate the achievement of Hawai'i's 100% RPS by 2045. A key element of the Companies' grid-modernization strategy is to utilize new technologies - including storage and PV systems withmore » grid-supportive inverters - that will help to more than triple the amount of private rooftop solar PV systems. The Hawaiian Electric Companies collaborated with the Smart Inverter Technical Working Group Hawai'i (SITWG) to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to research the implementation of advanced inverter grid support functions (GSF). Together with the technical guidance from the Companies's planning engineers and stakeholder input from the SITWG members, NREL proposed a scope of work that explored different modes of voltage-regulation GSF to better understand the trade-offs of the grid benefits and curtailment impacts from the activation of selected advanced inverter grid support functions. The simulation results presented in this report examine the effectiveness in regulating voltage as well as the impact to the utility and the customers of various inverter-based grid support functions on two Hawaiian Electric distribution substations.« less

A Roadmap for Recovery/Decontamination Plan for Critical Infrastructure after CBRN Event Involving Drinking Water Utilities: Scoping Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

A Roadmap for Recovery/Decontamination Plan for Critical Infrastructure after CBRN Event Involving Drinking Water Utilities: Scoping Study... Drinking Water Utilities was supported by the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) which is led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre...after CBRN Event Involving Drinking Water Utilities Scoping Study Prepared by: Vladimir Blinov Konstantin Volchek Emergencies Science and

42 CFR 456.507 - Review and granting of waiver requests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Waiver of Requirements § 456.507 Review and...

42 CFR 456.524 - Notification of Administrator's action and duration of variance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Utilization Review Plans: FFP, Waivers, and Variances for Hospitals and Mental Hospitals Ur Plan: Remote...

An imaging informatics-based system utilizing DICOM objects for treating pain in spinal cord injury patients utilizing proton beam radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Sneha K.; Liu, Brent J.; Chun, Sophia; Gridley, Daila S.

2014-03-01

Many US combat personnel have sustained nervous tissue trauma during service, which often causes Neuropathic pain as a side effect and is difficult to manage. However in select patients, synapse lesioning can provide significant pain control. Our goal is to determine the effectiveness of using Proton Beam radiotherapy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI) related neuropathic pain as an alternative to invasive surgical lesioning. The project is a joint collaboration of USC, Spinal Cord Institute VA Healthcare System, Long Beach, and Loma Linda University. This is first system of its kind that supports integration and standardization of imaging informatics data in DICOM format; clinical evaluation forms outcomes data and treatment planning data from the Treatment planning station (TPS) utilized to administer the proton therapy in DICOM-RT format. It also supports evaluation of SCI subjects for recruitment into the clinical study, which includes the development, and integration of digital forms and tools for automatic evaluation and classification of SCI pain. Last year, we presented the concept for the patient recruitment module based on the principle of Bayesian decision theory. This year we are presenting the fully developed patient recruitment module and its integration to other modules. In addition, the DICOM module for integrating DICOM and DICOM-RT-ION data is also developed and integrated. This allows researchers to upload animal/patient study data into the system. The patient recruitment module has been tested using 25 retrospective patient data and DICOM data module is tested using 5 sets of animal data.

Virtual medicine: Utilization of the advanced cardiac imaging patient avatar for procedural planning and facilitation.

PubMed

Shinbane, Jerold S; Saxon, Leslie A

Advances in imaging technology have led to a paradigm shift from planning of cardiovascular procedures and surgeries requiring the actual patient in a "brick and mortar" hospital to utilization of the digitalized patient in the virtual hospital. Cardiovascular computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) digitalized 3-D patient representation of individual patient anatomy and physiology serves as an avatar allowing for virtual delineation of the most optimal approaches to cardiovascular procedures and surgeries prior to actual hospitalization. Pre-hospitalization reconstruction and analysis of anatomy and pathophysiology previously only accessible during the actual procedure could potentially limit the intrinsic risks related to time in the operating room, cardiac procedural laboratory and overall hospital environment. Although applications are specific to areas of cardiovascular specialty focus, there are unifying themes related to the utilization of technologies. The virtual patient avatar computer can also be used for procedural planning, computational modeling of anatomy, simulation of predicted therapeutic result, printing of 3-D models, and augmentation of real time procedural performance. Examples of the above techniques are at various stages of development for application to the spectrum of cardiovascular disease processes, including percutaneous, surgical and hybrid minimally invasive interventions. A multidisciplinary approach within medicine and engineering is necessary for creation of robust algorithms for maximal utilization of the virtual patient avatar in the digital medical center. Utilization of the virtual advanced cardiac imaging patient avatar will play an important role in the virtual health care system. Although there has been a rapid proliferation of early data, advanced imaging applications require further assessment and validation of accuracy, reproducibility, standardization, safety, efficacy, quality, cost effectiveness, and overall value to medical care. Copyright © 2018 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compressed-air energy storage: Commercialization potential and EPRI roles in the commercialization process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, D. W.; Buckley, O. E.; Clark, C. E.

1982-12-01

This report describes an assessment of potential roles that EPRI might take to facilitate the commercial acceptance of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. The assessment is based on (1) detailed analyses of the market potential of utility storage technologies, (2) interviews with representatives of key participants in the CAES market, and (3) a decision analysis synthesizing much of the information about market and technology status. The results indicate a large potential market for CAES systems if the overall business environment for utilities improves. In addition, it appears that EPRI can have a valuable incremental impact in ensuring that utilities realize the potential of CAES by (1) continuing an aggressive information dissemination and technology transfer program, (2) working to ensure the success of the first United States CAES installation at Soyland Power Cooperative, (3) developing planning methods to allow utilities to evaluate CAES and other storage options more effectively and more realistically, and (4) supporting R and D to resolve residual uncertainties in first-generation CAES cost and performance characteristics.

Customer and mission influence on space station architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Runge, F. C.

1985-01-01

Overall Space Station architecture is presented in schematic outlines and plans. How the customer and mission needs influence this design is studied. The uses, occupants, activities, interfaces, utilities, locomotion, environments, and technological costs are all factors which influence the architecture. User and system functions are profiled, interfaces are characterized and functions are grouped. These lead to packaging of functions into modules and the design of system and user accommodations.

Electric Utility Industry Experience with Geomagnetic Disturbances

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

the auroral electrojets or currents that result from solar-emitted particles during geomagnetic storms is provided by the aurora borealis , often called...on wire-based communication systems. As early as 1860 it was noted that during intense periods of the aurora borealis , telegraphic systems were... San Diego , CA 92186-5154. 221. Jaycor, M. Schultz, Jr., 1608 Spring Hill Road, Vienna, VA 22182-2270. 222. Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, The

SU-F-T-48: Clinical Implementation of Brachytherapy Planning System for COMS Eye Plaques

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

Ferreira, C; Islam, M; Ahmad, S

Purpose: To commission the Brachytherapy Planning (BP) system (Varian, Palo Alto, CA) for the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) eye plaques by evaluating dose differences against original plans from Nucletron Planning System (NPS). Methods: NPS system is the primary planning software for COMS-plaques at our facility; however, Brachytherapy Planning 11.0.47 (Varian Medical Systems) is used for secondary check and for seed placement configurations not originally commissioned. Dose comparisons of BP and NPS plans were performed for prescription of 8500 cGy at 5 mm depth and doses to normal structures: opposite retina, inner sclera, macula, optic disk and lens. Plans weremore » calculated for Iodine-125 seeds (OncoSeeds, Model 6711) using COMS-plaques of 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 mm diameters. An in-house program based on inverse-square was utilized to calculate point doses for comparison as well. Results: The highest dose difference between BP and NPS was 3.7% for the prescription point for all plaques. Doses for BP were higher than doses reported by NPS for all points. The largest percent differences for apex, opposite retina, inner sclera, macula, optic disk, and lens were 3.2%, 0.9%, 13.5%, 20.5%, 15.7% and 2.2%, respectively. The dose calculated by the in-house program was 1.3% higher at the prescription point, and were as high as 42.1%, for points away from the plaque (i.e. opposite retina) when compared to NPS. Conclusion: Doses to the tumor, lens, retina, and optic nerve are paramount for a successful treatment and vision preservation. Both systems are based on TG-43 calculations and assume water medium tissue homogeneity (ρe=1, water medium). Variations seen may result from the different task group versions and/or mathematical algorithms of the software. BP was commissioned to serve as a backup system and it also enables dose calculation in cases where seeds don’t follow conventional placement configuration.« less

Telerobotic management system: coordinating multiple human operators with multiple robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Jamie W.; Pretty, Raymond; Brothers, Brendan; Gosine, Raymond G.

2003-09-01

This paper describes an application called the Tele-robotic management system (TMS) for coordinating multiple operators with multiple robots for applications such as underground mining. TMS utilizes several graphical interfaces to allow the user to define a partially ordered plan for multiple robots. This plan is then converted to a Petri net for execution and monitoring. TMS uses a distributed framework to allow robots and operators to easily integrate with the applications. This framework allows robots and operators to join the network and advertise their capabilities through services. TMS then decides whether tasks should be dispatched to a robot or a remote operator based on the services offered by the robots and operators.

Three-dimensional/two-dimensional multiplanar stereotactic planning system: hardware and software configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamorano, Lucia J.; Dujovny, Manuel; Ausman, James I.

1990-01-01

"Real time" surgical treatment planning utilizing multimodality imaging (CT, MRI, DA) has been developed to provide the neurosurgeon with 2D multiplanar and 3D views of a patient's lesion for stereotactic planning. Both diagnostic and therapeutic stereotactic procedures have been implemented utilizing workstation (SUN 1/10) and specially developed software and hardware (developed in collaboration with TOMO Medical Imaging Technology, Southfield, MI). This provides complete 3D and 2D free-tilt views as part of the system instrumentation. The 2D Multiplanar includes reformatted sagittal, coronal, paraaxial and free tilt oblique vectors at any arbitrary plane of the patient's lesion. The 3D includes features for extracting a view of the target volume localized by a process including steps of automatic segmentation, thresholding, and/or boundary detection with 3D display of the volumes of interest. The system also includes the capability of interactive playback of reconstructed 3D movies, which can be viewed at any hospital network having compatible software on strategical locations or at remote sites through data transmission and record documentation by image printers. Both 2D and 3D menus include real time stereotactic coordinate measurements and trajectory definition capabilities as well as statistical functions for computing distances, angles, areas, and volumes. A combined interactive 3D-2D multiplanar menu allows simultaneous display of selected trajectory, final optimization, and multiformat 2D display of free-tilt reformatted images perpendicular to selected trajectory of the entire target volume.

POLARIS: Agent-based modeling framework development and implementation for integrated travel demand and network and operations simulations

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

Auld, Joshua; Hope, Michael; Ley, Hubert

This paper discusses the development of an agent-based modelling software development kit, and the implementation and validation of a model using it that integrates dynamic simulation of travel demand, network supply and network operations. A description is given of the core utilities in the kit: a parallel discrete event engine, interprocess exchange engine, and memory allocator, as well as a number of ancillary utilities: visualization library, database IO library, and scenario manager. The overall framework emphasizes the design goals of: generality, code agility, and high performance. This framework allows the modeling of several aspects of transportation system that are typicallymore » done with separate stand-alone software applications, in a high-performance and extensible manner. The issue of integrating such models as dynamic traffic assignment and disaggregate demand models has been a long standing issue for transportation modelers. The integrated approach shows a possible way to resolve this difficulty. The simulation model built from the POLARIS framework is a single, shared-memory process for handling all aspects of the integrated urban simulation. The resulting gains in computational efficiency and performance allow planning models to be extended to include previously separate aspects of the urban system, enhancing the utility of such models from the planning perspective. Initial tests with case studies involving traffic management center impacts on various network events such as accidents, congestion and weather events, show the potential of the system.« less

Comparing The Effects Of Reference Pricing And Centers-Of-Excellence Approaches To Value-Based Benefit Design.

PubMed

Zhang, Hui; Cowling, David W; Facer, Matthew

2017-12-01

Various health insurance benefit designs based on value-based purchasing have been promoted to steer patients to high-value providers, but little is known about the designs' relative effectiveness and underlying mechanisms. We compared the impact of two designs implemented by the California Public Employees' Retirement System on inpatient hospital total hip or knee replacement: a reference-based pricing design for preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and a centers-of-excellence design for health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Payment and utilization data for the procedures in the period 2008-13 were evaluated using pre-post and quasi-experimental designs at the system and health plan levels, adjusting for demographic characteristics, case-mix, and other confounders. We found that both designs prompted higher use of designated low-price high-quality facilities and reduced average replacement expenses per member at the plan and system levels. However, the designs used different routes: The reference-based pricing design reduced average replacement payments per case in PPOs by 26.7 percent in the first year, compared to HMOs, but did not lower PPO members' utilization rates. In contrast, the centers-of-excellence design lowered HMO members' utilization rates by 29.2 percent in the first year, compared to PPOs, but did not reduce HMO average replacement payments per case. The reference-based pricing design appears more suitable for reducing price variation, and the centers-of-excellence design for addressing variation in use.

Developing a PPO: challenges and benefits.

PubMed

Range, R P

1984-12-01

When deciding upon which kind of alternative delivery system to develop, Saint Vincent Charity Hospital and Health Center, Cleveland, selected the preferred provider organization (PPO) mode because of four basic advantages: (1) the health care consumer's freedom to choose providers; (2) effective cost containment; (3) coordination of services among allied providers; and (4) health promotion programs. More specifically, the Ohio Health Choice Plan (OHCP) benefits hospitals by assisting to maintain or increase market share, facilitating prompt claims payments, and improving financial mix. Physicians benefit not only because they receive prompt payment and are not a risk but also because the fee-for-service system is retained and their market shares can also be preserved or enhanced. Employers' advantages include savings through controlled utilization, positive employee relations, and improved management information. Employees' benefits include lower out-of-pocket costs and freedom of choice. As a full-service PPO, the organization provides benefits plans designed to meet each employer's needs as well as actuary services, claims screening and processing, benefits coordination, utilization control, management reporting, health promotion activities, and networking capabilities. Four major challenges do confront PPOs: 1. Start-up and operating costs can be significant; 2. The administrative skills required are different from those used in traditional health care systems; 3. The commitment in implementing and operating a PPO; and 4. All participating providers must genuinely accept the PPO. A PPO's success also can be measured in three ways: the development of a strong network; size of enrollment; and effectiveness in utilization control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

What must be the Pillars of Iran’s Health System in 2025? Values and Principles of Health System Reform Plan

PubMed Central

RAJABI, Fateme; ESMAILZADEH, Hamid; ROSTAMIGOORAN, Narges; MAJDZADEH, Reza

2013-01-01

Background: Preparing long term reformatory plan for the health system, like other macro plans, requires guiding principles which is according to the values, and as a bridge, connect the ideals and values to the goals. This study was designed with the purpose of explaining the values and principles of health system, and as a pre-requisite to compilation of Iran’s health system reform plan at 2025. Method: The document of values and principles of health system reform plan for 2025 was developed by reviewing the literature and receiving the opinions of senior experts of health system, and was criticized in focus group discussion sessions of experts and decision makers. Results: The values of Iran are: dignity of human, the right to maximum attainable level of health, comprehensive health, equity and social cohesion. The principles of this health system include: institutionalizing the ethical values, responsiveness and accountability, equitable access (utilization), prevention and health promotion, community participation, inter-sectoral collaboration, integrated stewardship, benefit from innovation and desired technology, human resources promotion and excellence and harmony. Conclusion: Based on the perception of cultural and religious teachings in Iran, protecting of human dignity and human prosperity are the ultimate social goal. In this sense, health and healthy humans, in its holistic concept (physical, mental, social health and spiritual) are the center and development in any form should lead to the human prosperity in a way that each of the individuals could enjoy the maximum attainable level of health in its holistic meaning and in a faire manner. PMID:23515322

Program evaluation in integrated resource planning

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

Council, C.D.

1994-12-31

The Western Area Power Administration along with the Southwestern and Southeastern Power Administrations joined together to develop a set of integrated resource planning (IRP) tools to help their customers development and implement an IRP process. The project has been entitled the Resource Planning Guide (RPG), and is specifically designed to help small- to mid-sized utilities analyze supply- and demand-side alternatives as part of an IRP process. The RPG project will be available in January 1994 and will include such support as: workshops, technical assistance, an RPG hotline, and an RPG User`s Group for the project. The RPG grew out ofmore » the interest shown by utility customers who wanted a user-friendly tool to aid in their application of the IRP process. The project has been field tested by 43 utilities and related organizations over the last year, has sparked interest both nationally and internationally, and is now available for public use. The program evaluation aspects of the IRP process are heightened by a requirement of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 which requires all long-term power customers of the Western Area Power Administration to develop, implement, and monitor an IRP process. The EPAct defines IRP as: A planning process for new energy resources that evaluates the full range of alternatives, including new generating capacity, power purchases, energy conservation and efficiency, cogeneration and district heating and cooling applications, and renewable energy resources, to provide adequate and reliable service to its electric customers at the lowest system cost. The process takes into account necessary features for system operation, such as diversity, reliability, dispatchability, and other factors of risk; the ability to verify energy savings achieved through energy conservation and efficiency and the projected durability of such savings measured over time; and treats demand and supply resources on a consistent and integrated basis.« less

Strategic plan for infrastructure optimization

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

Donley, C.D.

This document represents Fluor Daniel Hanford`s and DynCorp`s Tri-Cities Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 1998--2002, the road map that will guide them into the next century and their sixth year of providing safe and cost effective infrastructure services and support to the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Hanford Site. The Plan responds directly to the issues raised in the FDH/DOE Critical Self Assessment specifically: (1) a strategy in place to give DOE the management (systems) and physical infrastructure for the future; (2) dealing with the barriers that exist to making change; and (3) a plan to right-size the infrastructuremore » and services, and reduce the cost of providing services. The Plan incorporates initiatives from several studies conducted in Fiscal Year 1997 to include: the Systems Functional Analysis, 200 Area Water Commercial Practices Plan, $ million Originated Cost Budget Achievement Plan, the 1OO Area Vacate Plan, the Railroad Shutdown Plan, as well as recommendations from the recently completed Review of Hanford Electrical Utility. These and other initiatives identified over the next five years will result in significant improvements in efficiency, allowing a greater portion of the infrastructure budget to be applied to Site cleanup. The Plan outlines a planning and management process that defines infrastructure services and structure by linking site technical base line data and customer requirements to work scope and resources. The Plan also provides a vision of where Site infrastructure is going and specific initiatives to get there.« less

Inequities in access to health care in different health systems: a study in municipalities of central Colombia and north-eastern Brazil

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Health system reforms are undertaken with the aim of improving equity of access to health care. Their impact is generally analyzed based on health care utilization, without distinguishing between levels of care. This study aims to analyze inequities in access to the continuum of care in municipalities of Brazil and Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a survey of a multistage probability sample of people who had had at least one health problem in the prior three months (2,163 in Colombia and 2,167 in Brazil). The outcome variables were dichotomous variables on the utilization of curative and preventive services. The main independent variables were income, being the holder of a private health plan and, in Colombia, type of insurance scheme of the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS). For each country, the prevalence of the outcome variables was calculated overall and stratified by levels of per capita income, SGSSS insurance schemes and private health plan. Prevalence ratios were computed by means of Poisson regression models with robust variance, controlling for health care need. Results There are inequities in favor of individuals of a higher socioeconomic status: in Colombia, in the three different care levels (primary, outpatient secondary and emergency care) and preventive activities; and in Brazil, in the use of outpatient secondary care services and preventive activities, whilst lower-income individuals make greater use of the primary care services. In both countries, inequity in the use of outpatient secondary care is more pronounced than in the other care levels. Income in both countries, insurance scheme enrollment in Colombia and holding a private health plan in Brazil all contribute to the presence of inequities in utilization. Conclusions Twenty years after the introduction of reforms implemented to improve equity in access to health care, inequities, defined in terms of unequal use for equal need, are still present in both countries. The design of the health systems appears to determine access to the health services: two insurance schemes in Colombia with different benefits packages and a segmented system in Brazil, with a significant private component. PMID:24479581

Methodology for fleet deployment decisions. Final report

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

Stremel, J.; Matousek, M.

1995-01-01

In today`s more competitive energy market, selecting investment and operating plans for a generating system, specific plants, and major plant components is becoming increasingly critical and complex. As utilities consider off-system sales, the key factor for fleet deployment decisions is no longer simply minimizing revenue requirements. Rather, system-level value dominates. This is a measure that can be difficult to determine in the context of traditional decision making methods. Selecting the best fleet deployment option requires the ability to account for multiple sources of value under uncertain conditions for multiple utility stakeholders. The object of this paper was to develope andmore » test an approach for assessing the system-wide value of alternative fleet deployment decisions. This was done, and the approach was tested at Consolidated Edison and at Central Illinois Public Service Company.« less

Proceedings Papers of the AFSC (Air Force Systems Command) Avionics Standardization Conference (2nd) Held at Dayton, Ohio on 30 November-2 December 1982. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

Avionic Systems Integration Facilities, Mark van den Broek 1113 and Paul M. Vicen, AFLC/LOE Planning of Operational Software Implementation Tool...classified as software tools, including: * o" Operating System " Language Processors (compilers, assem’blers, link editors) o Source Editors " Debug Systems ...o Data Base Systems o Utilities o Etc . This talk addresses itself to the current set of tools provided JOVIAL iJ73 1750A application programmners by

Altimetric system: Earth observing system. Volume 2h: Panel report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bindschadler, Robert A.; Born, George; Chase, Robert R. P.; Fu, Lee-Lueng; Mouginis-Mark, Peter; Parsons, Chester; Tapley, Byron

1987-01-01

A rationale and recommendations for planning, implementing, and operating an altimetric system aboard the Earth observing system (Eos) spacecraft is provided. In keeping with the recommendations of the Eos Science and Mission Requirements Working Group, a complete altimetric system is defined that is capable of perpetuating the data set to be derived from TOPEX/Poseidon, enabling key scientific questions to be addressed. Since the scientific utility and technical maturity of spaceborne radar altimeters is well documented, the discussion is limited to highlighting those Eos-specific considerations that materially impact upon radar altimetric measurements.

MaROS Strategic Relay Planning and Coordination Interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allard, Daniel A.

2010-01-01

The Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) is designed to provide planning and analysis tools in support of ongoing Mars Network relay operations. Strategic relay planning requires coordination between lander and orbiter mission ground data system (GDS) teams to schedule and execute relay communications passes. MaROS centralizes this process, correlating all data relevant to relay coordination to provide a cohesive picture of the relay state. Service users interact with the system through thin-layer command line and web user interface client applications. Users provide and utilize data such as lander view periods of orbiters, Deep Space Network (DSN) antenna tracks, and reports of relay pass performance. Users upload and download relevant relay data via formally defined and documented file structures including some described in Extensible Markup Language (XML). Clients interface with the system via an http-based Representational State Transfer (ReST) pattern using Javascript Object Notation (JSON) formats. This paper will provide a general overview of the service architecture and detail the software interfaces and considerations for interface design.

Coordinating space telescope operations in an integrated planning and scheduling architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muscettola, Nicola; Smith, Stephen F.; Cesta, Amedeo; D'Aloisi, Daniela

1992-01-01

The Heuristic Scheduling Testbed System (HSTS), a software architecture for integrated planning and scheduling, is discussed. The architecture has been applied to the problem of generating observation schedules for the Hubble Space Telescope. This problem is representative of the class of problems that can be addressed: their complexity lies in the interaction of resource allocation and auxiliary task expansion. The architecture deals with this interaction by viewing planning and scheduling as two complementary aspects of the more general process of constructing behaviors of a dynamical system. The principal components of the software architecture are described, indicating how to model the structure and dynamics of a system, how to represent schedules at multiple levels of abstraction in the temporal database, and how the problem solving machinery operates. A scheduler for the detailed management of Hubble Space Telescope operations that has been developed within HSTS is described. Experimental performance results are given that indicate the utility and practicality of the approach.

Using C to build a satellite scheduling expert system: Examples from the Explorer Platform planning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclean, David R.; Tuchman, Alan; Potter, William J.

1991-01-01

A C-based artificial intelligence (AI) development effort which is based on a software tools approach is discussed with emphasis on reusability and maintainability of code. The discussion starts with simple examples of how list processing can easily be implemented in C and then proceeds to the implementations of frames and objects which use dynamic memory allocation. The implementation of procedures which use depth first search, constraint propagation, context switching, and blackboard-like simulation environment are described. Techniques for managing the complexity of C-based AI software are noted, especially the object-oriented techniques of data encapsulation and incremental development. Finally, all these concepts are put together by describing the components of planning software called the Planning And Resource Reasoning (PARR) Shell. This shell was successfully utilized for scheduling services of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System for the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite since May of 1987 and will be used for operations scheduling of the Explorer Platform in Nov. of 1991.

View from the top: CEO perspectives on executive development and succession planning practices in healthcare organizations.

PubMed

Groves, Kevin S

2006-01-01

Many healthcare professionals question whether the industry's hospitals and multi-site systems are implementing the necessary executive development and succession planning systems to ensure that high potential managers are prepared and aptly selected to assume key executive roles. Survey data, case studies, and cross-industry comparisons suggest that healthcare organizations may face a leadership crisis as the current generation of chief executive officers (CEOs) nears retirement while traditional means of developing the leadership pipeline, including middle-management positions and graduate programs requiring formal residencies, continue to dissipate. Given the daunting challenges that accompany the healthcare industry's quest to identify, develop, and retain leadership talent, this article provides best practice findings from a qualitative study of 13 healthcare organizations with a record of exemplary executive development and succession planning practices. CEOs from six single-site hospitals, six healthcare systems, and one medical group were interviewed to identify industry best practices so that healthcare practitioners and educators may utilize the findings to enhance the industry's leadership capacity.

The development of a program analysis environment for Ada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, David B.; Carlisle, Homer W.; Chang, Kai-Hsiung; Cross, James H.; Deason, William H.; Haga, Kevin D.; Huggins, John R.; Keleher, William R. A.; Starke, Benjamin B.; Weyrich, Orville R.

1989-01-01

A unit level, Ada software module testing system, called Query Utility Environment for Software Testing of Ada (QUEST/Ada), is described. The project calls for the design and development of a prototype system. QUEST/Ada design began with a definition of the overall system structure and a description of component dependencies. The project team was divided into three groups to resolve the preliminary designs of the parser/scanner: the test data generator, and the test coverage analyzer. The Phase 1 report is a working document from which the system documentation will evolve. It provides history, a guide to report sections, a literature review, the definition of the system structure and high level interfaces, descriptions of the prototype scope, the three major components, and the plan for the remainder of the project. The appendices include specifications, statistics, two papers derived from the current research, a preliminary users' manual, and the proposal and work plan for Phase 2.