Interaction Model of Functions in the National Airspace System

The National Airspace System (NAS) is comprehensively described by five functions derived from big-picture goals: (1) conflict detection and resolution, (2) controlling aircraft states, (3) traffic flow management, (4) controlling passenger states, and (5) controlling company resources. It can be reasonably assumed that these functions interact in some way; this interaction is currently unknown. A model of the entire NAS would be helpful in discovering these interactions, yet no such comprehensive model exists. To address this problem an agent-based state-based model was created in MATLAB. To date, only functions (1) and (2) were implemented. Running the model shows that there are interactions between the two functions. However, the model suffers from high computational complexities. To address this second problem, simplifications were made to the model and in turn “runtime” was reduced. The next phase is to finish creating and implementing all five functions, after which, the effects of “uncertainties” on NAS interactions (performance) will be demonstrated. Uncertainties relate to an agent’s ability—human or automation—to detect various states and implement appropriate control actions. Knowledge on the effects of uncertainties will better help to drive decisions of all scales—tactical, minute-to minute decisions as well as long term investment decisions

Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Liver Transplant Recipients

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146385/1/lt25302-sup-0001-Supinfo.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146385/2/lt25302_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146385/3/lt25302.pd

Decision-Making and Optimization Framework for the Design of Emerging Satellite Constellations

Presented at AIAA SciTech 2023, National Harbor, MD January 23rd -27th, 2023With the parallel increase in global orbital debris due to passive object collisions, as well as in the number of proposed low earth orbit mega-constellations, in anti-satellite missile tests, and the fielding of new satellites, there is an inherent need for a framework to optimize the design of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega-constellations to avoid collisions while maintaining the functionality of the constellation. In this paper, we aim to provide a framework that unifies these considerations in the conceptual design phase of mega-constellations. We start with a discussion of metrics of importance for the design of mega-constellations, namely coverage, collision risk, collision avoidance, and station-keeping costs. With these metrics defined, we utilize the first principles of orbital mechanics and statistical models to analyze potential alternative mega-constellation designs. These designs are then optimized using Non-denominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm 2 (NSGA2) with our own defined objective function to create a repository of Pareto optimal configurations. We then showcase how a multi-criteria decision-making methodology can be utilized by a variety of unique stakeholders and subject-matter experts to select an optimal constellation design for a given scenario. A Pareto Frontier collection with optimal solutions of 10 constellations was produced by the framework. Radar plots to assess the significance of the weighted metric of the framework shows several trading options for conceptual designs of the constellations. We finally discuss the scope, limitations, applications, and future work for various scenarios

Characteristics, distribution and morphogenesis of subtidal microbial systems in Shark Bay, Australia

The distribution, nature and extent of microbial deposits in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay have been investigated and mapped with emphasis on the occurrence, external morphologies, internal fabrics, constructional mechanisms, microbial communities, growth rates and sediment associations in the intertidal and previously little researched subtidal zone. Detailed georeferenced substrate mapping revealed extensive subtidal microbial deposits occupying approximately 300 km2 of the total Holocene 1400 km2 area of Hamelin Pool. The Microbial Pavement covers 227 km2 of the subtidal substrate that together with columnar structures reveals a subtidal microbial habitat which occupies an area 10 times larger than the area of the intertidal deposits. Microbial carbonate is composed of aragonite (80–98%) that reveals high positive values of δ13C (+4.46 to +5.88) and δ18O (+3.06 to +3.88) as a characteristic of the highly evaporative environment with extensive microbial activity. Oldest dated heads are 1915 and 1680 14C years BP, and the overall system was deposited in two stages; the first between 2000 and 1200 and the last from 900 years BP to the present. Slow growth rates vary from less than 0.1 mm/year to 0.5 mm/year. Different internal fabrics were constructed according to their position in relation to the littoral zone by distinct microbial communities, and lateral fabric relations have been established.Evidence of shallowing upward fabric sequences of microbial origin reflects relative falling sea levels during the late Holocene and is likely useful in ancient environmental interpretation. A sequence of events and mechanisms are described emphasizing differences between the stromatolitic, thrombolitic and cryptomicrobial deposits in Shark Bay. The new substrate map and depositional history for this distinctive and peculiar microbial habitat establish the significance of subtidal structures and emphasize the geoscientific importance of Hamelin Pool, especially with respect to early life studies and ancient analogues for understanding microbial activity, deposit characteristics, fenestral fabrics and distribution

Investigating the preservation of orbital forcing in peritidal carbonates

Peer reviewedPostprin

Ground segment preparation for NPSAT1

Most satellites rely on a ground control station to command their payloads and through which they download data from their payloads. The Naval Postgraduate School?s satellite (NPSAT1) is no exception. The spacecraft?s payloads, which include the Coherent Electromagnetic Radio Tomography (CERTO), Langmuir probe, Configurable Fault Tolerant Processor (CFTP), as well as the Visible Wavelength Imager (VISIM), all generate data that require collection on the ground through a radio frequency downlink. Telemetry from NPSAT1?s unique attitude control system, which uses only MEMS angular rate sensors, magnetic coils, a magnetometer and a GPS could aid in the development of improved or more economical attitude control systems. The goal of this thesis is to ready the ground control segment for operation for collection of data from and command of NPSAT1 immediately after launch. Included is a description of the spacecraft to ground calculation, bidirectional, link budget and the operation and testing of the ground antenna pointing control system. Future space systems students and faculty will use the ground control segment to harvest the data and reap the knowledge of the experiments that will orbit inside NPSAT1. What better way to test the pointing of the antenna than to use it to track the Midshipman Space Technology Applications Research Program?s first satellite (MidSTAR1).http://archive.org/details/groundsegmentpre109453261US Army (USA) author.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Novel educational and goal-setting tool to improve knowledge of chronic kidney disease among liver transplant recipients: A pilot study.

IntroductionLiver transplant (LT) recipients have limited understanding of post-transplant chronic kidney disease (CKD) despite an excellent pre-existing framework of transplant care. This pilot study examined the efficacy and feasibility of a tailored educational and goal-setting tool in improving CKD knowledge among LT recipients with early-stage CKD.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we administered the CKD educational and goal-setting tool to 81 LT recipients between 7/1/2016 and 12/31/2017. We excluded patients with simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation, eGFRResultsMean age was 56.3 years, 69.1% were males, 85.2% were Caucasians and mean eGFR was 61.2 ± 20.0 ml/min. The CKD educational and goal-setting tool improved the CKD knowledge scores among LT recipients (pre: 71.8 ± 16.6%, post: 83.3 ± 10.4%; pConclusionsA simple LT-specific patient educational and goal-setting tool effectively improved CKD knowledge. Implementation of this tailored intervention will improve CKD awareness and may promote goal-setting in the target population