Benchmark fluid flow problems for continuous simulation languages

AbstractTwo benchmark problems for continuous simulation languages are discussed. The use of the Advanced Continuous Simulation Language (ACSL) and the sparse ordinary differential equation solver DSTPGT, which has been incorporated into ACSL, are discussed for the solution of these fluid flow problems. The one-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes partial differential equations are discretized spatially using the method of pseudo-characteristics. The resulting sparse system of ordinary differential equations is then solved using the method of lines. A continuous-space-discrete-time solution is also given in order to illustrate the use of the DSTPGT special event detection mechanism (root-finding) in ACSL. The discussions illustrate several important considerations related to the solution of complex fluid problems or, more generally, to sparse systems and/or systems requiring the detection and processing of special events

Curation and preservation of complex data: North Carolina Geospatial Data Archiving Project

The North Carolina Geospatial Data Archiving Project (NCGDAP) is a three-year joint effort of the North Carolina State University Libraries and the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis focused on collection and preservation of digital geospatial data resources from state and local government agencies. CGDAP is being undertaken in partnership with the Library of Congress under the ational Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP). “Digital geospatial data” consists of digital information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on the earth. Such data resources include geographic information systems (GIS) data sets, digitized maps, remote sensing data resources such as digital aerial photography, and tabular data that are tied to specific locations. These complex data objects do not suffer well from neglect, and long-term preservation will involve some combination of format migration and retention of critical documentation. While the main focus of NCGDAP is on organizational issues related to the engagement of spatial data infrastructure in the process of data archiving--with the demonstration repository seen more as a catalyst for discussion rather than an end in itself--this paper focuses more narrowly on the technical challenges associated with eveloping an ingest workflow and archive development process. New preservation hallenges associated with emergent content forms are also resented

Inhabiting The Patient Experience

Interactive session using narratives from film, artists’ books, and other sources to reflect upon the experiences of patients being treated for terminal cancer. Students were offered a “patient case” using details from Martha Hall’s artists’ books and interviews to illustrate the patient experience. (Learn more about Martha Hall.) In small interprofessional groups, participants had the opportunity to discuss Martha’s case and their own feelings, reactions, and experiences as a means of developing empathy. The goals of this program were to build skills related to team work and communication, keeping the patient at the center of practice, and engaging with the idea that the patient is the expert on their own life

Multiple Signaling Functions Of Song In A Polymorphic Species With Alternative Reproductive Strategies

Vocal traits can be sexually selected to reflect male quality, but may also evolve to serve additional signaling functions. We used a long-term dataset to examine the signaling potential of song in dimorphic white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). We investigated whether song conveys multifaceted information about the vocalizing individual, including fitness, species identity, individual identity, and morph. We also evaluated whether song traits correlate differently with fitness in the two morphs, as the more promiscuous strategy of white, relative to tan, morph males might impose stronger sexual selection. Males with high song rates achieved higher lifetime reproductive success, and this pattern was driven by white morph males. In addition, males that sang songs with many notes survived longer, but this pattern was less robust. Thus, song traits reflect differences in fitness and may more strongly affect fitness in the white morph. Song frequency was unrelated to fitness, body size, or morph, but was individual specific and could signal individual identity. Songs of the two morphs displayed similar frequency ratios and bandwidths. However, tan morph males sang songs with longer first notes, fewer notes, and higher variability. Thus, song could be used in morph discrimination. Variation in frequency ratios between notes was low and could function in conspecific recognition, but pitch change dynamics did differ between four different song types observed. Our results support a multiple messages model for white-throated sparrow song, in which different song traits communicate discrete information about the vocalizing individual

Mission analysis of solar powered aircraft

The effect of a real mission scenario on a solar powered airplane configuration which had been developed in previous work were assessed. The mission used was surveillance of crop conditions over a route from Phoenix to Tucson to Tombstone, Arizona. Appendices are attached which address the applicability of existing platforms and payloads to do this mission

Rapid method for determination of antimicrobial susceptibilities pattern of urinary bacteria

Method determines bacterial sensitivity to antimicrobial agents by measuring level of adenosine triphosphate remaining in the bacteria. Light emitted during reaction of sample with a mixture of luciferase and luciferin is measured

Application of luciferase assay for ATP to antimicrobial drug susceptibility

The susceptibility of bacteria, particularly those derived from body fluids, to antimicrobial agents is determined in terms of an ATP index measured by culturing a bacterium in a growth medium. The amount of ATP is assayed in a sample of the cultured bacterium by measuring the amount of luminescent light emitted when the bacterial ATP is reacted with a luciferase-luciferin mixture. The sample of the cultured bacterium is subjected to an antibiotic agent. The amount of bacterial adenosine triphosphate is assayed after treatment with the antibiotic by measuring the luminescent light resulting from the reaction. The ATP index is determined from the values obtained from the assay procedures