Investigation of a high speed data handling system for use with multispectral aircraft scanners

A buffer memory data handling technique for use with multispectral aircraft scanners is presented which allows digital data generated at high data rates to be recorded on magnetic tape. A digital memory is used to temporarily store the data for subsequent recording at slower rates during the passive time of the scan line, thereby increasing the maximum data rate recording capability over real-time recording. Three possible implementations are described and the maximum data rate capability is defined in terms of the speed capability of the key hardware components. The maximum data rates can be used to define the maximum ground resolution achievable by a multispectral aircraft scanner using conventional data handling techniques

The role of the microprocessor in onboard image processing for the information adaptive system

The preliminary design of the Information Adaptive System is presented. The role of the microprocessor in the implementation of the individual processing elements is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on multispectral image data processing

A design approach to real-time formatting of high speed multispectral image data

A design approach to formatting multispectral image data in real time at very high data rates is presented for future onboard processing applications. The approach employs a microprocessor-based alternating buffer memory configuration whose formatting function is completely programmable. Data are read from an output buffer in the desired format by applying the proper sequence of addresses to the buffer via a lookup table memory. Sensor data can be processed using this approach at rates limited by the buffer memory access time and the buffer switching process delay time. This design offers flexible high speed data processing and benefits from continuing increases in the performance of digital memories

One size doesn't fit all: Research methodologies in a language variation study of Sudanese teens

The research reported here draws on a study of five teenagers from a Dinka-speaking community of Sudanese settling in Australia. A range of factors including language proficiency, social network structure and language attitudes are examined as possible causes for the variability of language use. The results and discussion illustrate how the use of a triangular research approach captured the complexity of the participants' language situation and was critical to developing a full understanding of the interplay of factors influencing the teens' language maintenance and shift in a way that no single method could. Further, it shows that employment of different methodologies allowed for flexibility in data collection to ensure the fullest response from participants. Overall, this research suggests that for studies of non-standard communities, variability in research methods may prove more of a strength that the use of standardised instruments and approaches

LED instrument approach instruction display

A display employing light emitting diodes (LED's) was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of such displays for presenting landing and navigation information to reduce the workload of general aviation pilots during IFR flight. The display consists of a paper tape reader, digital memory, control electronics, digital latches, and LED alphanumeric displays. A presentable digital countdown clock-timer is included as part of the system to provide a convenient means of monitoring time intervals for precise flight navigation. The system is a limited capability prototype assembled to test pilot reaction to such a device under simulated IFR operation. Pilot opinion indicates that the display is helpful in reducing the IFR pilots workload when used with a runway approach plate. However, the development of a compact, low power second generation display was recommended which could present several instructions simultaneously and provide information update capability. A microprocessor-based display could fulfill these requirements

High speed lookup table approach to radiometric calibration of multispectral image data

A concept for performing radiometric correction of multispectral image data onboard a spacecraft at very high data rates is presented and demonstrated. This concept utilized a lookup table approach, implemented in hardware, to convert the raw sensor data into the desired corrected output data. The digital lookup table memory was interfaced to a microprocessor to allow the data correction function to be completely programmable. Sensor data was processed with this approach at rates equal to the access time of the lookup table memory. This concept offers flexible high speed data processing for a wide range of applications and will benefit from the continuing improvements in performance of digital memories

A Moderately Intensive Functional Treatment For Severe Auditory Comprehension Deficits Associated with Aphasia

Severe, chronic, auditory comprehension deficits secondary to aphasia can adversely impact an individual’s quality of life by limiting successful communication interactions (Bose et al., 2009). Furthermore, individuals lacking awareness of comprehension deficits may be less inclined to compensate for communication breakdowns (Knollman-Porter, Dietz, & Groh, 2012). Interventions utilizing intense and repetitive stimulation are recommended to promote neuroplasticity, and therefore, language function following a stroke (Kleim & Jones, 2008; Kurland et al., 2012). More specifically, highly intensive treatment protocols (two hours a day, five days a week for three weeks) for severe comprehension deficits have demonstrated promising gains in word comprehension and awareness with corrective feedback and researcher-selected stimuli (Knollman-Porter et al., 2012). However, not all clients and caregivers can tolerate intensive treatment protocols. Additionally, the importance of stimuli type, particularly personally relevant stimuli, has been suggested in promoting treatment outcomes (Hinckley & Carr, 2005; McKelvey et al., 2010). Therefore, further research is needed to examine more functional treatment options for individuals with comprehension deficits. This study investigated the impact of a moderately intensive treatment protocol using personally relevant stimuli and corrective feedback on auditory comprehension and self-awareness in individuals with severe, chronic, aphasia

Simple Sprinkler Performance Testing for Utah County

This fact sheet describes how to perform a site inspection and a sprinkler test so you can irrigate your landscape more efficiently, and provides an irigation schedule for Utah County

Is AFI All in the Family? A Multi-Level Family Study of Age of First Intercourse

The importance of the timing of first intercourse in one's life history, and its significance in relation to a number of fertility and social outcomes, has been established in a number of studies. Studies have attempted to untangle the factors that contribute to its timing, and only some of these studies explore the possibility of selection influences on this outcome. This study uses National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) samples and multilevel survival models to evaluate predictors of age at first intercourse (AFI) at both the family and individual level. The family structure among the NLSY samples enables the use of a children of siblings type design so that we may also investigate the possible influence of selection effects. Intelligence and educational goals are often implicated as factors motivating adolescents and young adults to delay AFI. Extended family, maternal, and child intelligence variables are the predictor variables of focus in this study. Other variables include maternal AFI, measures of the home environment, and family income, as these variables also relate to the evaluation of educational goals. Gender and race are also included as control variables. None of the intelligence variables were found to be significant predictors of AFI, though interesting trends emerged. Maternal AFI was consistently a significant predictor across models, but was later identified as non-significant relative to average AFI at the maternal family level. Possible explanations for these findings are offered

The Effects of Pulsed Electrical Stimulation on the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Prior to Exercise

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a commonly employed modality for rehabilitation and is growing in utilization due to its physiological effect in muscular activation. Recent comparative studies have examined utilizing stimulation versus isometric exercise and differences between genders on the effects of administering NMES after physical activity for recuperative purposes, but very little information exists regarding the effects of pre-stimulation to specific muscle groups for strength enhancement. This study aimed to answer this question by pre-stimulating the quadriceps femoris muscle prior to resistance training to determine if there is greater improvement in overall strength performance of the lower body. Fifteen healthy, recreationally and/or competitively active college students (male and female, ages 21 + 3 years, weight 152.8 + 42.2 lbs, height 66.1 + 6 inches) with at least 2 years of resistance training experience performed a 8-week strength training program targeting the quadriceps femoris muscle and its synergists (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus, soleus, gastrocnemius) for three nonconsecutive days each week. Individuals were randomly selected for placement in either the experimental (n=7) or control group (n=8). The experimental group received pulsed NMES prior to the workout for 15 minutes. Training volume for each participant was collected weekly to measure participants’ progress, and 1-repetition maximums were collected before and after the workout program to quantitatively determine any impact on strength from pulsed NMES. A Mann-Whitney U-test was used to statistically compare the improvements in strength performance between groups. The results indicated that pre-stimulation of the quadriceps muscle before exercise will result in enhanced strength performance. This study shows that administering NMES prior to resistance training is an efficient method of pre-activating muscle fibers, conditioning the muscle to tolerate longer and more forceful contractions during exercise, and allow for greater improvement in strength to be achieved more quickly