Design of a Model Execution Framework: Repetitive Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (ROSE)

The ROSE framework was designed to facilitate complex system analyses. It completely divorces the model execution process from the model itself. By doing so ROSE frees the modeler to develop a library of standard modeling processes such as Design of Experiments, optimizers, parameter studies, and sensitivity studies which can then be applied to any of their available models. The ROSE framework accomplishes this by means of a well defined API and object structure. Both the API and object structure are presented here with enough detail to implement ROSE in any object-oriented language or modeling tool

Ips Pini (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a Vector of the Fungal Pathogen, Sphaeropsis Sapinea (Coelomycetes), to Austrian Pines, Pinus Nigra (Pinaceae)

Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.:Fr.) Dyko and Sutton, is among the most common and widely distributed pathogens of conifers worldwide. S. sapinea is disseminated over short distances by rain splash and moist wind, but significant knowledge gaps regarding long-range dispersal remain. Our objective was to determine whether or not the pine engraver beetle, Ips pini Say, is a vector of the pathogen onto Austrian pines (Pinus nigra Arnold). In 2004 and 2005, individuals of I. pini were collected with pheromone traps at two locations in central Ohio (197 and 1,017 individuals for 2004 and 2005, respectively) and screened for the presence of S. sapinea. In the field, fresh logs of Austrian pine were baited with pheromone lures, mechanically wounded, or left undisturbed. After 2 mo, logs were evaluated for insect feeding and the presence of S. sapinea along beetle galleries. Fresh logs were also inoculated in the greenhouse with adult I. pini that were either artificially infested or uninfested with S. sapinea spores to determine vectoring potential. Phoresy rates for individual collections ranged from 0 to 4.1%; average rates were 1.5 and 2.0% for 2004 and 2005, respectively. Isolation frequencies of S. sapinea from baited (15 ± 5%) and unbaited logs (3 ± 1%) differed significantly (P = 0.009). I. pini was also capable of transmitting the pathogen under controlled conditions. Based on phoresy rates, association, and artificial inoculation studies, we conclude that I. pini is able to transmit S. sapinea to Austrian pine stems

Crafting Conductive Circuits and Capacitive Surfaces in Glass

Engaging the theme Procedures of Making, this paper describes and reflects on methods and processes used in the development of circuits in handcrafted glass and conductive materials, combined with interactive sensors. Demonstrating the potentials for blending techniques of artisanal glassmaking with digital manufacture and electronics, a series of cross-disciplinary workshops yielded a body of objects. These results, and the group of researchers collaborating to produce them, shared a common goal of experimenting with interactivity. The project seeks to provide a demonstration of how the combined skills of makers might expose new opportunities for forms of interaction with crafted objects, and for traditional craftspeople to form a connection with digital possibilities in creative work. While there are many potentials for digital interactions and experts who can produce them, the exploration of handcrafted conductive glass constructions offer exciting possibilities for crafting interfaces with rich material characteristics. Glass is a material that can be formed through skillful blowing, casting, cutting and kilnforming. It adds potential uses of colour, transparency, weight and potential for optical effects. More specifically in this research it can be combined with copper and other conductive materials through a range traditional and more contemporary fabrication processes. Combined with open-source electronics platforms (e.g Arduino and Touchboard) and their associated sensor arrays a myriad of effects can be prototyped. Encouraging the sharing of practice using both digital and physical making, the project seeks to consider craft as a way of thinking in a range of different media both electronic and analogue, rather than as distinct areas of practice. This paper is navigated by the following: a description of the project background and aspirations, development of an approach, illustration of results, reflection on the collaboration and possibilities for further research

FAST Mast Structural Response to Axial Loading: Modeling and Verification

The International Space Station s solar array wing mast shadowing problem is the focus of this paper. A building-block approach to modeling and analysis is pursued for the primary structural components of the solar array wing mast structure. Starting with an ANSYS (Registered Trademark) finite element model, a verified MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is established for a single longeron. This finite element model translation requires the conversion of several modeling and analysis features for the two structural analysis tools to produce comparable results for the single-longeron configuration. The model is then reconciled using test data. The resulting MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is then extended to a single-bay configuration and verified using single-bay test data. Conversion of the MSC. Nastran (Trademark) single-bay model to Abaqus (Trademark) is also performed to simulate the elastic-plastic longeron buckling response of the single bay prior to folding

Two Inter-Row Spacing and Staggered Planting on Collard (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.) Yield in a Wiregrass Tunnel House

There is interest among small vegetable producers to grow collards in Tunnel Houses during the winter months. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if collard yields could be increased by reducing row spacing and increasing plant density. This study had four treatments replicated three times, and “Georgia” and “Hi-Crop Hybrid” collards were transplanted on single, and staggered rows spaced 18” and 24” apart in a split-split-plot design. At 45 days after transplanting 50% of the leaves from all plants in each treatment were harvested, counted, and weighed. The results showed staggered 18 and 24” rows increased yields by 43 and 51%, respectively, over single planted rows for both varieties. Staggered rows incurred higher planting costs, but increased net returns to management. The increase in yield was variety-dependent, thus suggesting that the genetic potential of the varieties needs to be considered when using plant density to increase yields

Spinal Cord Stimulation in the 21st Century — Reviewing Innovation in Neuromodulation

INTRODUCTION Low back pain (LBP) is a pervasive problem impacting health systems across the world. In the United States, chronic LBP impacts up to 40% of Americans and results in excessive financial strain on the healthcare budget, estimated at up to $100 billion annually.1 Furthermore, treatment results are often disappointing, with the traditional pathway of conservative measures, narcotic pain medication, and surgical decompression and/or fusion leading to both patient and provider frustration, complications, and diminished patient productivity and quality of life. This has naturally led to questions from policymakers regarding the utility of healthcare dollars spent on back pain. In this milieu, a variety of neuromodulation techniques have found a niche in the management of this patient population, with indications commonly quoted including failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), chronic neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), among others.1,2 From its inception on the basis of Melzak and Wall’s gate theory³, to its first human trial in the 1960s,⁴ and to the modern era, spinal cord stimulation has undergone a series of innovations that have expanded indications and improved patient outcomes. The goal of this study is to summarize the most important clinical trials involving both traditional SCS and newer stimulation paradigms to provide an overview of the current state of affairs of this rapidly-growing field

St. Michaels association for special education new facility and master plan: final report

St. Michael's Association for Special Education, located near Window Rock, AZ, is an institution that has been established for the schooling and therapy of approximately 100 mentally and physically challenged Navajo children and adults. The existing school buildings are located on a 20 acre site are structurally unsound, crowded and poorly equipped to handle the daily functions of the school. FBM has outlined criteria by which the ideal solution to the problems at St. Michael's maybe resolved. The selected design alternative is a single, one story, 70,600 square foot multipurpose building that addresses site, structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other concerns of the students, faculty, and staff of St. Michael's. The building is located on the previously developed portion of St. Michael's site. The site is regraded in order to accommodate the building materials and methods chosen and to add to the long term stability of the structure. Architectural features of the building fall in line with the client's preferences. Masonry bearing walls and steel KCS joists make up the superstructure of the building and are supported by continuous footings. Pilasters are employed for lateral support. A ground source heat pump is employed for HVAC. Solar power supplements 509,000 kWh per year of electricity supplied to the building. Our design brings about a safe, efficient building that promotes a healing and nurturing school environment at a cost of about $7 million

St. Michaels association for special education new facility and master plan: final report

St. Michael's Association for Special Education, located near Window Rock, AZ, is an institution that has been established for the schooling and therapy of approximately 100 mentally and physically challenged Navajo children and adults. The existing school buildings are located on a 20 acre site are structurally unsound, crowded and poorly equipped to handle the daily functions of the school. FBM has outlined criteria by which the ideal solution to the problems at St. Michael's maybe resolved. The selected design alternative is a single, one story, 70,600 square foot multipurpose building that addresses site, structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other concerns of the students, faculty, and staff of St. Michael's. The building is located on the previously developed portion of St. Michael's site. The site is regraded in order to accommodate the building materials and methods chosen and to add to the long term stability of the structure. Architectural features of the building fall in line with the client's preferences. Masonry bearing walls and steel KCS joists make up the superstructure of the building and are supported by continuous footings. Pilasters are employed for lateral support. A ground source heat pump is employed for HVAC. Solar power supplements 509,000 kWh per year of electricity supplied to the building. Our design brings about a safe, efficient building that promotes a healing and nurturing school environment at a cost of about $7 million