The NASA Lewis integrated propulsion and flight control simulator

A new flight simulation facility was developed at NASA-Lewis. The purpose of this flight simulator is to allow integrated propulsion control and flight control algorithm development and evaluation in real time. As a preliminary check of the simulator facility capabilities and correct integration of its components, the control design and physics models for a short take-off and vertical landing fighter aircraft model were shown, with their associated system integration and architecture, pilot vehicle interfaces, and display symbology. The initial testing and evaluation results show that this fixed based flight simulator can provide real time feedback and display of both airframe and propulsion variables for validation of integrated flight and propulsion control systems. Additionally, through the use of this flight simulator, various control design methodologies and cockpit mechanizations can be tested and evaluated in a real time environment

Simulation of Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) with Variation of Process Parameters

A previously developed and verified thermal model for Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) was used to investigate the effects of various processing parameters on the temperature profile in a LOM part during the build cycle. The mathematical model, based on 3-dimensional transient heat conduction in a rectangular geometry LOM part, allows calculation ofthe transient temperature distribution within the part during the application of a new layer as well as during other periods ofthe LOM build cycle. The parameters roller temperature, roller speed, chamber air temperature, base plate temperature, and laser cutting time were independently varied, and the LOM process response simulated. The results were analyzed in order to gain insight into potential strategies for intelligent process control.Mechanical Engineerin

Lower Sioux Indian Community Housing Department Trip Report: Assessment of Mold and Moisture Conditions

Michelle Rook and Donald Fournier from the Building Research Council (BRC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign conducted a site visit at the Lower Sioux Indian Community Housing Department (LSICHD). Lower Sioux Housing administers the housing program for the Lower Sioux Indian Community of Minnesota. The site visit provided technical assistance to the Housing Department in assessing mold and moisture conditions in housing units. This report summarizes activities and issues addressed while on site. A detailed analysis of findings and recommendations is found in PART II: Lower Sioux Indian Community Housing Department Technical Housing Assessment Report: Examining Mold and Moisture Conditions of Homes in the Lower Sioux Indian Community.U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Native American Program

Differential Effects of Individual Factors on the Developmental Pathways of Depression

This study used growth mixture modeling to investigate the developmental pathways of depressive symptoms across adolescence and emerging adulthood (ages 12-25 years) using a nationally representative sample (N = 20,394). Four unique non-linear trajectories were found: low-decreasing (normative), low-increasing, low-high increasing, and high-decreasing. In general, being male (i.e., low-decreasing, high-decreasing) and having high self-esteem (i.e., low-decreasing, low-increasing, high-decreasing) were protective against depressive symptoms. None of the included factors had any effect on the dramatic increase of depressive symptoms within the low-high increasing trajectory. The results suggest that, by taking a person-centered approach that included two developmentally sensitive periods, four distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms, and a unique pattern of risk and protective factors within these trajectories were found. Study findings can inform individualized prevention and intervention initiatives by targeting protective factors that are most likely to have a positive impact on the reported developmental pattern of depressive symptoms

Reclaiming social work? an evaluation of systemic units as an approach to delivering children’s services

This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the systemic unit model as an approach to the delivery of Children‘s Social Services. The systemic unit model has sometimes been referred to as the ―Hackney Model‖ or ―Reclaiming Social Work‖ (Cross et al, 2010; Munro, 2011a; Trowler and Goodman, 2012). The evaluation is an in-depth comparative description of practice and the factors shaping it in three local authorities. One of the authorities used the systemic unit model; the other two authorities differed but both had a more conventional model for the structure of services. This involved individual allocation to social workers who received supervision from a line manager

DNA Data Banking: The Dangerous Erosion of Privacy

This article begins by describing the increasing prominence of DNA evidence in legal matters, before explaining how investigatory agencies wish to use DNA in their criminal investigations: primarily DNA banks and DNA testing large portions of the population in the wake of a crime. The article goes on to discuss privacy concerns about DNA profiling and DNA databanks. It discusses the differences between traditional fingerprint banks, and the greater privacy threats posed by the DNA banks. It moves on to point out the various public and private sector abuses possible with wide-spread DNA profiling. Finally, the authors suggest that legislation should be passed at the state level until Congress can pass a more comprehensive federal statute governing the use of DNA information and collection

DNA Data Banking: The Dangerous Erosion of Privacy

This article begins by describing the increasing prominence of DNA evidence in legal matters, before explaining how investigatory agencies wish to use DNA in their criminal investigations: primarily DNA banks and DNA testing large portions of the population in the wake of a crime. The article goes on to discuss privacy concerns about DNA profiling and DNA databanks. It discusses the differences between traditional fingerprint banks, and the greater privacy threats posed by the DNA banks. It moves on to point out the various public and private sector abuses possible with wide-spread DNA profiling. Finally, the authors suggest that legislation should be passed at the state level until Congress can pass a more comprehensive federal statute governing the use of DNA information and collection

A Clinical Prediction Score to Guide Referral of Elderly Dialysis Patients for Kidney Transplant Evaluation.

IntroductionDialysis patients aged ≥70 years derive improved life expectancy through kidney transplantation compared to their waitlisted counterparts, but guidelines are not clear about how to identify appropriate transplantation candidates. We developed a clinical prediction score to identify elderly dialysis patients with expected 5-year survival appropriate for kidney transplantation (>5 years).MethodsIncident dialysis patients in 2006-2009 aged ≥70 were identified from the United States Renal Data System database and divided into derivation and validation cohorts. Using the derivation cohort, candidate variables with a significant crude association with 5-year all-cause mortality were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to generate a scoring system. The scoring system was tested in the validation cohort and a cohort of elderly transplant recipients.ResultsCharacteristics most predictive of 5-year mortality included age >80, body mass index (BMI) <18, the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immobility, and being institutionalized. Factors associated with increased 5-year survival were non-white race, a primary cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) other than diabetes, employment within 6 months of dialysis initiation, and dialysis start via arteriovenous fistula (AVF). 5-year mortality was 47% for the lowest risk score group (3.6% of the validation cohort) and >90% for the highest risk cohort (42% of the validation cohort).ConclusionThis clinical prediction score could be useful for physicians to identify potentially suitable candidates for kidney transplantation