Rapid data comparison technique development for N-ray/X-ray analysis

An operational N-ray/X-ray computer analysis system for nondestructive testing problems was realized by developing: (1) more efficient data transfer routines for use in existing image processing systems; (2) the capability to store and analyze multiple N-ray/X-ray images; (3) an efficient 2-D Fast Fourier Transform; and (4) transfer functions compensation capability to correct for distortions and nonlinearities of N-rays/X-rays. Applications of the technique are summarized for the following: thermal protection system tile with hydraulic fluid; thermal protection system tile with corrosion; thermal protection system tile debonding; stainless steel tubing corrosion; defective electrical devices; fast film restoration and deblur; corrosion tracking over time; reduction of source vignetting, and identification of materials (0 rings, Teflon parts, soft goods) via table look up

Halogen occultation experiment intergrated test plan

The test program plan is presented for the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) instrument, which is being developed in-house at the Langley Research Center for the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). This comprehensive test program was developed to demonstrate that the HALOE instrument meets its performance requirements and maintains integrity through UARS flight environments. Each component, subsystem, and system level test is described in sufficient detail to allow development of the necessary test setups and test procedures. Additionally, the management system for implementing this test program is given. The HALOE instrument is a gas correlation radiometer that measures vertical distribution of eight upper atmospheric constituents: O3, HC1, HF, NO, CH4, H2O, NO2, and CO2

Circulation control propellers for general aviation, including a BASIC computer program

The feasibility of replacing variable pitch propeller mechanisms with circulation control (Coanada effect) propellers on general aviation airplanes was examined. The study used a specially developed computer program written in BASIC which could compare the aerodynamic performance of circulation control propellers with conventional propellers. The comparison of aerodynamic performance for circulation control, fixed pitch and variable pitch propellers is based upon the requirements for a 1600 kg (3600 lb) single engine general aviation aircraft. A circulation control propeller using a supercritical airfoil was shown feasible over a representative range of design conditions. At a design condition for high speed cruise, all three types of propellers showed approximately the same performance. At low speed, the performance of the circulation control propeller exceeded the performance for a fixed pitch propeller, but did not match the performance available from a variable pitch propeller. It appears feasible to consider circulation control propellers for single engine aircraft or multiengine aircraft which have their propellers on a common axis (tractor pusher). The economics of the replacement requires a study for each specific airplane application

Technology evaluation of man-rated acceleration test equipment for vestibular research

The considerations for eliminating acceleration noise cues in horizontal, linear, cyclic-motion sleds intended for both ground and shuttle-flight applications are addressed. the principal concerns are the acceleration transients associated with change in direction-of-motion for the carriage. The study presents a design limit for acceleration cues or transients based upon published measurements for thresholds of human perception to linear cyclic motion. The sources and levels for motion transients are presented based upon measurements obtained from existing sled systems. The approaches to a noise-free system recommends the use of air bearings for the carriage support and moving-coil linear induction motors operating at low frequency as the drive system. Metal belts running on air bearing pulleys provide an alternate approach to the driving system. The appendix presents a discussion of alternate testing techniques intended to provide preliminary type data by means of pendulums, linear motion devices and commercial air bearing tables

Virtual EQ – the talent differentiator in 2020?

In an increasingly competitive, globalised world, knowledge-intensive industries/ services are seen as engines for success. Key to this marketplace is a growing army of ‘talent’ i.e. skilled and dedicated knowledge workers. These knowledge workers engage in non-routine problem solving through combining convergent, divergent and creative thinking across organizational and company boundaries - a process often facilitated though the internet and social media, consequently forming networks of expertise. For knowledge workers, sharing their learning with others through communities of practice embedded in new information media becomes an important element of their personal identity and the creation of their individual brand or e-social reputation. Part of the new knowledge/skills needed for this process becomes not only emotional intelligence (being attuned to the emotional needs of others) but being able to do this within and through new media, thus the emergence of virtual emotional intelligence (EQ). Our views of current research found that HRD practitioners in 2020 might need to consider Virtual EQ as part of their talent portfolio. However it seems that new technology has created strategies for capturing and managing knowledge that are readily duplicated and that a talent differentiator in 2020 might simply be the ability and willingness to learn

Biological studies on a number of Moorland Tipulidae

The life-history and ecology of Tipula subnodicornis Zetterstedt have been studied on the Moor House National Nature Reserve, an area of upland blanket-bog with an altitude range of 1300-278oft (396-845m). The annual life-cycle is maintained under different temperature conditions by adaptive responses to temperature and photoperiod during development. The optimum temperature for growth and the magnitude of response in growth rate to change in temperature both decrease during larval development. The growth phase is followed by an overwintering stage which is probably temperature independent but cannot be considered as a diapause as the metabolic rate does not drop. This phase can be ended by subjecting the larvae to an increased day length (l8hr). In the field the increasing day length in spring synchronises pupation. In the autumn emerging species, T. pagana, which has a summer diapause, decrease in day length breaks the diapause and promotes development towards pupation. In this case it has been shown that the degree of synchronisation is directly related to the shortness of day length. The population dynamics of T. subnodicornis have been studied and it was shown, by the method of k factor analysis, that overwinter mortality in the field is density dependent. Experimental manipulation of density in enclosures in the field and in culture indicated that the same was true for the early instars. A multi variate analysis on the factors affecting wing length, which was used as an indication of size and fecundity, showed that site and year were the most important influences in both sexes and that the effect of density was significant for the males. Wing length was not significantly correlated with altitude in either sex

How Much is Enough? Teachers’ Perceptions of Literacy Instruction and Common Core State Standards

As public school districts and teachers seek to understand the Common Core State Standards and what it means for literacy instruction, preservice teachers in universities are also learning about literacy and standards. The International Literacy Association (2016) defines literacy as Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, compute, and communicate using visual, audible, and digital materials across disciplines and in any context. How is this definition applied to real-life teaching in the classroom? In this study preservice teachers are involved in analyzing interview data in regards to practicing teacher perceptions and attitudes about literacy instruction and the CCSS

Corporate Inversions And Fair Play

A Corporate inversion is a process that a company undergoes to change the domicile of the parent corporation in a multinational corporate conglomerate to a country other than the United States. J. S. Barry (2002) quotes U.S. Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as saying: "Prominent U.S. companies are literally re-incorporating in off-shore tax havens in order to avoid U.S. taxes. They are, in effect, renouncing their U.S. citizenship to cut their tax bill. This is very troubling, especially now, as we all try to pull together as a nation." Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking Republican member of the Finance Committee, has called inversions "immoral." Stanley Works, a corporation based in Connecticut, planned to re-incorporate in Bermuda. A Democratic Representative from that state, James Maloney, said, "Connecticut hasn't seen such a shameful day since Benedict Arnold sailed away." Stanley Works buckled under political pressure and did not go forward with the planned inversion. This paper addresses the current practice of corporate inversions, and reviews the current legal and political actions taken to address them

An Internal Control Evaluation Tool For The Construction Industry

This paper presents a Control Objectives Reconciliation, a tool that independent auditors of clients in the construction industry should find useful in performing a preliminary evaluation of the client’s internal control system.  Auditors are advised to compare their client’s control objectives with those presented in Exhibits 1 through 7.  Where the client’s system appears to omit significant control objectives, the auditor should consider the risks brought on or magnified by the omission during the preliminary evaluation of the client’s internal control system.  The Control Objectives Reconciliation is also potentially useful to Construction Company CFOs or Controllers who may be concerned about the adequacy of their company’s internal control system.  The Reconciliation also highlights for Construction Company CFOs or Controllers those internal controls deemed to be important to their external, independent auditors

Benefits from synergies and advanced technologies for an advanced-technology space station

A configuration for a second-generation advanced technology space station has been defined in a series of NASA-sponsored studies. Definitions of subsystems specifically addressed opportunities for beneficial synergistic interactions and those potential synergies and their benefits are identified. One of the more significant synergistic benefits involves the multi-function utilization of water within a large system that generates artificial gravity by rotation. In such a system, water not only provides the necessary crew life support, but also serves as counterrotator mass, as moveable ballast, and as a source for propellant gases. Additionally, the synergistic effects between advanced technology materials, operation at reduced artificial gravity, and lower cabin atmospheric pressure levels show beneficial interactions that can be quantified in terms of reduced mass to orbit