Verification test of the MSFC solar simulator using a Honeywell double-covered liquid solar collector

Additional verification data to support the utilization of the MSFC Solar Simulator for testing solar collectors was obtained. The Honeywell double-covered liquid solar collector number 2 for which thermal performance data under natural outdoor conditions had been previously obtained was installed on the Solar Simulator and subjected to a series of eight tests under various conditions of wind flow rate. Although these test conditions were not absolutely identical to those of the outdoor tests, they are considered to be sufficiently representative to provide a basis for an accurate comparative analysis of the data recorded for both test programs

Health Care Opinion Leaders' Views on Health Care Delivery System Reform

Presents findings of a survey of experts on reforming delivery systems -- organized delivery systems, patient-centered medical homes, and retail clinics -- and recommended policy strategies, such as improving the primary care system

Health Care Opinion Leaders' Views on the Transparency of Health Care Quality and Price Information in the United States

Presents findings from a survey of experts on collecting and reporting public information on the quality and price of healthcare services; the role of transparency in improving quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness; and obstacles

Health Care Opinion Leaders' Views on the Quality and Safety of Health Care in the United States

Presents findings from an annual survey of a diverse group of experts on strategies to improve the quality and safety of health care in the United States

Evidence for an intermediate mass black hole and a multi-zone warm absorber in NGC 4395

We report on the results of an analysis in the X-ray band of a recent long ASCA observation of NGC 4395, the most variable low-luminosity AGN known. A relativistically-broadened iron line at ~6.4 keV is clearly resolved in the time-averaged spectrum, with an equivalent width of 310^{+70}_{-90} eV. Time-resolved spectral analysis of the heavily absorbed soft X-ray band confirms the existence of a variable, multi-zone warm absorber in this source, as proposed in a previous analysis of a shorter ASCA observation. The light curve of the source is wildly variable on timescales of hours or less, and a factor of nearly 10 change in count-rate was recorded in a period of less than 2000 s. The long observation and variability of the source allowed the power density spectrum (PDS) to be constructed to an unprecedented level of detail. There is evidence for a break in the PDS from a slope of \alpha~1 to \alpha~1.8 at a frequency of around 3 \times 10^{-4} Hz. The central black hole mass of NGC 4395 is estimated to be approximately 10^4-10^5 solar masses using the break in the PDS, a result consistent with previous analyses using optical and kinematical techniques.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Geometry modeling and multi-block grid generation for turbomachinery configurations

An interactive 3D grid generation code, Turbomachinery Interactive Grid genERation (TIGER), was developed for general turbomachinery configurations. TIGER features the automatic generation of multi-block structured grids around multiple blade rows for either internal, external, or internal-external turbomachinery flow fields. Utilization of the Bezier's curves achieves a smooth grid and better orthogonality. TIGER generates the algebraic grid automatically based on geometric information provided by its built-in pseudo-AI algorithm. However, due to the large variation of turbomachinery configurations, this initial grid may not always be as good as desired. TIGER therefore provides graphical user interactions during the process which allow the user to design, modify, as well as manipulate the grid, including the capability of elliptic surface grid generation

Assessing Investment in Future Landsat Instruments: The Example of Forest Carbon Offsets

We extend the theory of quality-adjusted expenditure indices to estimate benefits from public investment. In particular, we model the selection of new instruments (in the form of remote-sensing devices) to enhance the longest-operating U.S. satellite-based land-observing program, Landsat. We then apply the model to the use of Landsat in measuring global forest carbon sequestration. Improving measurement of the role of forests in storing carbon has become a prominent concern in climate policy. By characterizing the value of Landsat data in forest measurement, the expenditure function allows us to help inform public investment decisions in the satellite system. The expenditure function also makes explicit the sensitivity of the selection of instruments for the satellites to the value of Landsat information, thus linking instrument choice explicitly to policy design.value of information, satellite data, forests, carbon, sequestration, Landsat

Incinerating Hong Kong water treatment sludge: the potential of ash reuse and recycling

Symposium PaperSymposium Theme: How Sustainable Development Matters: The Search for Joined-up DisciplinesAt present, landfilling is the only means to dispose of nearly 900 tonnes of dewatered waste sludge generated in Hong Kong everyday. The Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong has chosen sludge incineration to resolve this issue, but it should be further noticed that this approach still results in residual ashes that require proper stabilization prior to be landfilled. A sustainable solution in waste management should develop a closed-loop for material flow by reusing and recycling. Current focuses on sludge incineration planning are largely the stringency of emission standards and the impact on the facility surrounding areas. However, potential reuse and recycling strategies for incineration ash should also be taken into account to be part of the sustainable waste management plan. This paper introduces the different types of sludge generated in Hong Kong; predicts the characteristics of their ashes after incineration; and evaluates the potential of ash reuse and recycling strategies, e.g. land applications and construction materials, in according to their unique nature and application goals. Although both scientific principles and engineering feasibility are core consideration factors for beneficial uses of incineration ash, rigorous campaign for the public acceptance will be essential toward the success of such implementation.postprin

Environmental nanomaterials for pollution control and decontamination technology

postprintThe 2009 International Conference on Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (ICNAM 2009), Hong Kong, 6-8 May 2009.國際納米技術暨先進材料會議, 香港, 2009年5月6-8日