A Visual Language for Composable Simulation Scenarios

Modeling and Simulation plays an important role in how the Air Force trains and fights, Scenarios are used in simulation to give users the ability to specify entities and behaviors that should be simulated by a model: however, building and understanding scenarios can be a difficult and time-consuming process, furthermore, as composable simulations become more prominent, the need for a common descriptor for simulation scenarios has become evident. In order to reduce the complexity of creating and understanding simulation scenarios, a visual language was created, The research on visual languages presented in this thesis examines methods of visually specifying the high-level behavior of entities in scenarios and how to represent the hierarchy of the entities in scenarios. Through a study of current behavior specification techniques and the properties of mission-level simulation scenarios, Simulation Behavior Specification Diagrams (SBSD) were developed to represent the behavior of entities in scenarios, Additionally, the information visualization technique of treemaps was adapted to represent the hierarchy of entities in scenarios, After completing case studies on scenarios for the OneSAF simulation model, SBSDs and the application of treemaps to scenarios was considered successful, SBSD diagrams accurately represented the behavior of entities in the simulation scenarios and through software can be converted into code for use by simulation models, The treemap displayed the hierarchy of the entities along with information about the relative size of the entities when applied to simulation scenarios

A digital system for accurate time sector division of a spin stabilized vehicle

Digital system for accurate time sector division of spin stabilized vehicle as used on Pioneer space probe

Design, fabrication, testing and delivery of a solar collector

A two phase program encompassing the redesign and fabrication of a solar collector which is low in cost and aesthetically appealing is described. Phase one work reviewed the current collector design and developed a low-cost design based on specific design/performance/cost requirements. Throughout this phase selected collector component materials were evaluated by testing and by considering cost, installation, maintainability and durability. The resultant collector design was composed of an absorber plate, insulation, frame, cover, desiccant and sealant. In Phase two, three collector prototypes were fabricated and evaluated for both nonthermal and thermal characteristics. Tests included static load tests of covers, burst pressure tests of absorber plates, and tests for optical characteristics of selective absorber plate coatings. The three prototype collectors were shipped to Marshall Space Flight Center for use in their solar heating and cooling test facility

The crafting of text on emblematic objects: jewellery and tableware

This project examines the historical use of text on emblematic objects and through a studio-based practice investigates the signifying properties of object, text and material in the communication of symbolic message. It involves the manufacture of contemporary jewellery and tableware in traditional and non-traditional materials and references cultural and political themes. The symbolism of these themes has been explored through the visual and material applications of selected text, the collection and manipulation of found material (found with or without text), and how meaning can be symbolised through the transcendent manipulation of form. In my research I examined the established history of emblematic objects, which through their incorporation of text, their function and scale in relation to the body, organise, distinguish, categorise, unite or isolate groups of people. In my research I established that text has been employed by gold and silversmiths through out history and in a variety of ways - to narrate messages, as an abstract decoration, or as a means of identifying the maker but the graphic potential of text as a visible sign was rarely demonstrated. With this studio based project I was interested in investigating the signifying properties of text and the creation of a dynamic relationship between text, form and material as a means to communicate symbolic meaning. My research establishes the potential of the metaphoric and material language of jewellery and tableware to make reference to and communicate within contemporary cultural and political dialogues

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Long-Term Support: Recent Advances

Considerable progress has been made in component technology, circuitry, and clinical practice related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). These advances allow prolonged support with fewer complications when compared to the past eras. Long-term support cases were frequently reported with indications including respiratory failure, cardiac failure, bridge to transplantation, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and even ambulatory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The common complications associated with ECMO, including thrombosis, hemorrhage, nosocomial infection, neurological injury, vessel injury, multiple organ failure and mechanical failure, and the disease process of patients remain limiting factors. In spite of the complications, ECMO remains the only possible option in treatments for patients requiring long-term respiratory or cardiopulmonary support. In this chapter, the recent advances in long-term ECMO support are reviewed. Clinical etiology of patients placed on long-term ECMO support, the various circuit configurations, clinical and technical issues, management aspects, and clinical outcomes are discussed