An EMAT System for Detecting Flaws in Steam Generator Tubes

The detection of flaws in steam generator tubing is often made difficult by environmental considerations. The small diameter, 7/8 inch (2.2 cm), long, 70 feet (21.3m), tubes occur in large bundles with access only being possible from the inside of the end of each tube. Furthermore, inspection must be fully automatic when the steam generator is part of a nuclear power plant because of radiation exposure limits. Consequently, a couplant free probe which can be operated remotely at the end of an automatic probe puller is needed. This paper SUillllarizes the development of an EMAT systan for this application. The device uses periodic permanent magnet probes to excite the fundamental torsional mode traveling along the axis of the tube. Included is a discussion of data obtained during a recently completed feasibility study and a description of a prototype system presently under construction

The asymmetry and temporal dynamics of incidental letter-location bindings in working memory.

Verbal-spatial bindings are integral to routine cognitive operations (e.g., reading), yet the processes supporting them in working memory are little understood. Campo and colleagues [Campo, P., Poch, C., Parmentier, F. B. R., Moratti, S., Elsley, J. V., Castellanos, N., … Maestú, F. (2010). Oscillatory activity in prefrontal and posterior regions during implicit letter-location binding. Neuroimage, 49, 2807-2815] recently reported data suggesting obligatory letter-location binding when participants were directed to remember the letters in a display (of letters in locations), but no evidence for binding when instructed to remember the filled locations. The present study contrasted two explanations for this binding asymmetry. First, it may result from an obligatory dependence on "where" during the representation of "what" information, while "where" information may be held independently of its contents (the strong asymmetry hypothesis). Second, it may constitute a snapshot of a dynamic feature inhibition process that had partially completed by test: the asymmetrical inhibition hypothesis. Using Campo and colleagues' task with a variable retention interval between display and test, we presented four consonants in distinct locations and contrasted performance between "remember letters" and "remember locations" instructions. Our data supported the strong asymmetry hypothesis through demonstrating binding in the verbal task, but not in the spatial task. Critically, when present, verbal-spatial bindings were remarkably stable, enduring for at least 15 seconds

Developing a methodology for a geo-knowledge tool to assist park management - a conceptual model and demonstration prototype

This paper describes a research project that is investigating if access to and utilisation of a park management data archive can be enhanced using the concept of a geo-knowledge tool. The tool will also provide access to alternative data not traditionally relied upon by the organisation - sourced from publicly available digital data repositories or contributed by users through participatory tools and collaborative projects. Building on the Web 2.0 notion that user contributed information can potentially enhance existing information, it will be assessed if these alternative data can benefit the existing park management data