15,041 research outputs found
Multiple sensor smart robot hand with force control
A smart robot hand developed at JPL for the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) is described. The development of this smart hand was based on an integrated design and subsystem architecture by considering mechanism, electronics, sensing, control, display, and operator interface in an integrated design approach. The mechanical details of this smart hand and the overall subsystem are described elsewhere. The sensing and electronics components of the JPL/PFMA smart hand are summarized and it is described in some detail in control capabilities
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Energy-aware systems for improving the well-being of older people by reducing their energy consumption
Fuel poverty is becoming a problem amongst the older community in the UK. To help reduce the anxiety that fuel poverty places on older members of the community, this paper will first address why such systems are necessary before introducing a system and various interfaces for engaging and promoting better energy usage. Key areas of the proposed prototype will be discussed which focuses on a recommender and behavioural change system which enables older people to improve their energy footprint through energy-aware systems. Using systems to help reduce fuel poverty will invariably improve their general well-being. Results show how this technology can be accepted and act as an enabler in improving the overall well-being of older people as well as other system considerations. In addition, a number of subsequent phases of the project will be detailed which will discuss a longer test duration, an analysis of the data harvested and future directions
Investigating the effect of thermal gradients on stress in solid oxide fuel cell anodes using combined synchrotron radiation and thermal imaging
Thermal gradients can arise within solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to start-up and shut-down, non-uniform gas distribution, fast cycling and operation under internal reforming conditions. Here, the effects of operationally relevant thermal gradients on Ni/YSZ SOFC anode half cells are investigated using combined synchrotron X-ray diffraction and thermal imaging. The combination of these techniques has identified significant deviation from linear thermal expansion behaviour in a sample exposed to a one dimensional thermal gradient. Stress gradients are identified along isothermal regions due to the presence of a proximate thermal gradient, with tensile stress deviations of up to 75Ă MPa being observed across the sample at a constant temperature. Significant strain is also observed due to the presence of thermal gradients when compared to work carried out at isothermal conditions
Upper Temperature Limit of Environmental Barrier Coatings for Enabling Propulsion Materials Established
Silicon-based ceramics, such as SiC/SiC composites and Si3N4, are the prime candidates for hot section structural components of next-generation gas turbines. A key barrier to such an application is the rapid recession of silicon-based ceramics in combustion environments because of the volatilization of silica scale by water vapor (refs. 1 and 2). Environmental barrier coatings (EBC's) were developed to prevent recession in the High Speed Research--Enabling Propulsion Materials (HSR-EPM) Program (refs. 3 and 4). An investigation under the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology Program was undertaken at the NASA Glenn Research Center to establish the upper temperature limit of the EPM EBC
Toward the Evidence of the Accretion Disk Emission in the Symbiotic Star RR Tel
In this paper, we argue that in the symbiotic star RR Tel the existence of an
accretion disk around the hot companion is strongly implied by the
characteristic features exhibited by the Raman-scattered O VI lines around 6830
\AA and 7088 \AA. High degrees of polarization and double-peaked profiles in
the Raman-scattered lines and single-peak profiles for other emission lines are
interpreted as line-of-sight effects, where the H I scatterers near the giant
see an incident double-peaked profile and an observer with a low inclination
sees single-peak profiles. It is predicted that different mass concentrations
around the accretion disk formed by a dusty wind may lead to the disparate
ratios of the blue peak strength to the red counterpart observed in the 6830
and 7088 features. We discuss the evolutionary links between symbiotic stars
and bipolar protoplanetary nebulae and conclude that the Raman scattering
processes may play an important role in investigation of the physical
properties of these objects.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in the ApJ Letter
HST Imaging Polarimetry of the Gravitational Lens FSC10214+4724
We present imaging polarimetry of the extremely luminous, redshift 2.3 IRAS
source FSC10214+4724. The observations were obtained with HST's Faint Object
Camera in the F437M filter, which is free of strong emission lines. The 0.7
arcsec long arc is unresolved to 0.04 arcsec FWHM in the transverse direction,
and has an integrated polarization of 28 +/- 3 percent, in good agreement with
ground-based observations. The polarization position angle varies along the arc
by up to 35 deg. The overall position angle is 62 +/- 3 deg east of north. No
counterimage is detected to B = 27.5 mag (), giving an observed arc to
counterimage flux ratio greater than 250, considerably greater than the flux
ratio of 100 measured previously in the I-band. This implies that the
configuration of the object in the source plane at the B-band is different from
that at I-band, and/or that the lensing galaxy is dusty.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomical
Journal, February 199
Effectiveness of acupoint hot compress on early puerperal rehabilitation of parturients after natural childbirth: study protocol for a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial
Early puerperal rehabilitation can interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself and her infant. Acupoint hot compress, with a combination of acupoints and natural
physical agent heat, has significant potential to alleviate symptoms experienced during early puerperium. Current evidence regarding the effects of acupoint hot compress
therapy on early puerperal rehabilitation is insufficient. The aim of this study is to address this with a multi-center design and large sample size. This is a prospective,
multi-center, and randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 1400 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy experiencing natural childbirth from 14 hospitals will be
enrolled and randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. Subjects in the control group will only receive routine postpartum care. In
addition to routine postpartum care, the subjects in the intervention group will be administered a 4-hour acupoint hot compress with a constant temperature of 45±2°C respectively within 30 minutes after delivery, 24 hours and 48 hours after delivery. The primary outcome will be the time elapsed from delivery to the first urination. The secondary outcomes will be postpartum uterine contraction pain intensity, the
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for screening postpartum depression and the assessment of lactation including recording the lactation initiation time, postpartum
diet, appetite, weight, neonatal weight. These results will provide evidence for obstetricians and parturients on considering nonpharmacologic and noninvasive intervention in early puerperal rehabilitation
Opportunities for Meeting Educational Needs of Aging Adults: Listening to Limited-Resource Older Homeowners
We present descriptive findings from a North Carolina study of 30 limited-resource older homeowners who want to age in place, and we relate those findings to opportunities for outreach education. We grouped the findings from extensive participant interviews into five key areas. For two of those areasâhealth conditions and financial situationâcritical educational content is needed. In addition, by understanding issues and attitudes related to the other key areasâneighborhood, family, and church/religionâExtension and other outreach professionals can develop and market educational programs that better address older adults\u27 needs
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