An Extension of PDXI Data Models to Include Process Control Data

The results described herein have culminated into the creation of an object model which extends an existing engineering data model to include process control data. The existing data model is described in Volume I of the deliverables for the Process Data Exchange Institute (PDXI) Data File Interchange Format Project. This object model was created using the OMTooP software package on Sun Stations in the Intelligent Systems Center(ISC) of the University of Missouri--Rolla (UMR). It expands on the classes of signal port, control element, and control system

Choosing Evidence Over Theory: How the Evidence for the Resurrection Undermines A Priori Arguments Against Miracles

For centuries, the prevailing arguments against miracles have been based on David Hume and others’ a priori arguments. These theoretical arguments continue to be debated as they are not especially persuasive to those who are ideologically opposed. Because these arguments are theoretical in nature, they exclude the possibility of miraculous events. As such, there are two ways of arguing against a priori arguments. First, one can argue from an opposing theoretical viewpoint and debate the logic within the arguments. Second, one can argue for the probability of one miraculous event. If one event can be proven likely to have occurred, this would dismantle the entire a priori theory since it does not allow for a single miracle to occur. The central miracle to Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. Generally, skeptics would agree that if the resurrection occurred, it would be deemed a miracle. Therefore, one must examine the available evidence to discover if belief in it is rational. Though there is no artifact evidence (aside from the possibility of the Shroud of Turin), there is plenty of other evidence that the resurrection of Jesus was a historical event. While the resurrection will never be able to be definitively proven, it can also not be disproven. When one investigates all the available evidence, it becomes evident that belief in the resurrection is a justified belief. The vast amount of evidence for the resurrection severely weakens the a priori arguments against the supernatural, not just because of the probability of the miraculous event, but because the evidence itself answers the questions that Hume raises (such as miracle probabilities, value of testimony, and defining miracles by natural law). Once the arguments themselves are deemed unlikely as a theory, this is no longer a matter of philosophical argument but a matter of antisupernaturalist biases

The NASA high-speed turboprop program

Technology readiness for Mach 0.7 to 0.8 turboprop powered aircraft with the potential for fuel savings and DOC reductions of up to 30 and 15 percent respectively relative to current in-service aircraft is addressed. The areas of propeller aeroacoustics, propeller structures, turboprop installed performance, aircraft cabin environment, and turboprop engine and aircraft studies are emphasized. Large scale propeller characteristics and high speed propeller flight research tests using a modified testbed aircraft are also considered

Performance Evaluation of Vision-Based Algorithms for MAVs

An important focus of current research in the field of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) is to increase the safety of their operation in general unstructured environments. Especially indoors, where GPS cannot be used for localization, reliable algorithms for localization and mapping of the environment are necessary in order to keep an MAV airborne safely. In this paper, we compare vision-based real-time capable methods for localization and mapping and point out their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we describe algorithms for state estimation, control and navigation, which use the localization and mapping results of our vision-based algorithms as input.Comment: Presented at OAGM Workshop, 2015 (arXiv:1505.01065

Introduction to High-Frequency Radar: Reality and Myth

The article of record as published may be found at https://www.jstor.org/stable/43924791Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help optimize sustainment logistics for US Army brigade combat teams, which may face challenges in transporting their assigned assets. Design/methodology/approach – This paper develops a simulation framework with an integrated integer programming optimization model. The integer-programming model optimizes sustainment outcomes of supported battalions on a daily basis, whereas the simulation framework analyzes risk associated with shortfalls that may arise over the entire duration of a conflict. Findings – This work presents a scenario reflecting the steady resupply of an infantry brigade combat team during combat operations and presents an in-depth risk analysis for possible fleet compositions. Originality/value – The risk curves obtained allow decision-makers and commanders to optimize vehicle fleet design in advance of a conflict.Office of Naval ResearchThe editors of this special issue on High Frequency Radar Remote Sensing gratefully acknowledge the continued support of the Office of Naval Research through grants N00014-91-J-1775 (HIRES), 92-J-1807 (REINAS), 94-1-1016 (DUCK94), 95-3-0022 (MRY BA Y), 96-1-1065 (COPE), and 97-1-0348 (SHOALING WAVES).The editors of this special issue on High Frequency Radar Remote Sensing gratefully acknowledge the continued support of the Office of Naval Research through grants N00014-91-J-1775 (HIRES), 92-J-1807 (REINAS), 94-1-1016 (DUCK94), 95-3-0022 (MRY BA Y), 96-1-1065 (COPE), and 97-1-0348 (SHOALING WAVES)

Imaging nonequilibrium atomic vibrations with x-ray diffuse scattering

For over a century, x-ray scattering has been the most powerful tool for determining the equilibrium structure of crystalline materials. Deviations from perfect periodicity, for example due to thermal motion of the atoms, reduces the intensity of the Bragg peaks as well as produces structure in the diffuse scattering background. Analysis of the thermal diffuse scattering (TDS) had been used to determine interatomic force constants and phonon dispersion in relatively simple cases before inelastic neutron scattering became the preferred technique to study lattice dynamics. With the advent of intense synchrotron x-ray sources, there was a renewed interest in TDS for measuring phonon dispersion. The relatively short x-ray pulses emanating from these sources also enables the measurement of phonon dynamics in the time domain. Prior experiments on nonequilibrium phonons were either limited by time-resolution and/or to relatively long wavelength excitations. Here we present the first images of nonequilibrium phonons throughout the Brillouin zone in photoexcited III-V semiconductors, indium-phosphide and indium-antimonide, using picosecond time-resolved diffuse scattering. In each case, we find that the lattice remain out of equilibrium for several hundred picoseconds up to nanoseconds after laser excitation. The non-equilibrium population is dominated by transverse acoustic phonons which in InP are directed along high-symmetry directions. The results have wide implications for the detailed study of electron-phonon and phonon-phonon coupling in solids.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure