Representing functions/procedures and processes/structures for analysis of effects of failures on functions and operations

Current qualitative device and process models represent only the structure and behavior of physical systems. However, systems in the real world include goal-oriented activities that generally cannot be easily represented using current modeling techniques. An extension of a qualitative modeling system, known as functional modeling, which captures goal-oriented activities explicitly is proposed and how they may be used to support intelligent automation and fault management is shown

Laterality of Eye Use by Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and Rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis) Dolphins While Viewing Predictable and Unpredictable Stimuli

Laterality of eye use has been increasingly studied in cetaceans. Research supports that many cetacean species keep prey on the right side while feeding and preferentially view unfamiliar objects with the right eye. In contrast, the left eye has been used more by calves while in close proximity to their mothers. Despite some discrepancies across and within species, laterality of eye use generally indicates functional specialization of brain hemispheres in cetaceans. The present study aimed to examine laterality of eye use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) under managed care. Subjects were video-recorded through an underwater window while viewing two different stimuli, one predictable and static and the other unpredictable and moving. Bottlenose dolphins displayed an overall right-eye preference, especially while viewing the unpredictable, moving stimulus. Rough-toothed dolphins did not display eye preference while viewing stimuli. No significant correlations between degree of laterality and behavioral interest in the stimuli were found. Only for bottlenose dolphins were the degree of laterality and curiosity ratings correlated. This study extends research on cetacean lateralization to a species not extensively examined and to stimuli that varied in movement and degree of predictability. Further research is needed to make conclusions regarding lateralization in cetaceans

Development and application of operational techniques for the inventory and monitoring of resources and uses for the Texas coastal zone

The author has identified the following significant results. Four LANDSAT scenes were analyzed for the Harbor Island area test sites to produce land cover and land use maps using both image interpretation and computer-assisted techniques. When evaluated against aerial photography, the mean accuracy for three scenes was 84% for the image interpretation product and 62% for the computer-assisted classification maps. Analysis of the fourth scene was not completed using the image interpretation technique, because of poor quality, false color composite, but was available from the computer technique. Preliminary results indicate that these LANDSAT products can be applied to a variety of planning and management activities in the Texas coastal zone

Report of the Terrestrial Bodies Science Working Group. Volume 4: The moon

A rationale for furture exploration of the moon is given. Topics discussed include the objectives of the lunar polar orbiter mission, the mission profile, and general characteristics of the spacraft to be used

VETA x ray data acquisition and control system

We describe the X-ray Data Acquisition and Control System (XDACS) used together with the X-ray Detection System (XDS) to characterize the X-ray image during testing of the AXAF P1/H1 mirror pair at the MSFC X-ray Calibration Facility. A variety of X-ray data were acquired, analyzed and archived during the testing including: mirror alignment, encircled energy, effective area, point spread function, system housekeeping and proportional counter window uniformity data. The system architecture is presented with emphasis placed on key features that include a layered UNIX tool approach, dedicated subsystem controllers, real-time X-window displays, flexibility in combining tools, network connectivity and system extensibility. The VETA test data archive is also described

Detection and response to critical lead vehicle deceleration events with peripheral vision: Glance response times are independent of visual eccentricity

Studies show high correlations between drivers’ off-road glance duration or pattern and the frequency of crashes. Understanding drivers’ use of peripheral vision to detect and react to threats is essential to modelling driver behavior and, eventually, preventing crashes caused by visual distraction. A between-group experiment with 83 participants was conducted in a high-fidelity driving simulator. Each driver in the experiment was exposed to an unexpected, critical, lead vehicle deceleration, when performing a self-paced, visual-manual, tracking task at different horizontal visual eccentricity angles (12\ub0, 40\ub0 and 60\ub0). The effect of visual eccentricity on threat detection, glance and brake response times was analyzed. Contrary to expectations, the driver glance response time was found to be independent of the eccentricity angle of the secondary task. However, the brake response time increased with increasing task eccentricity, when measured from the driver’s gaze redirection to the forward roadway. High secondary task eccentricity was also associated with a low threat detection rate and drivers were predisposed to perform frequent on-road check glances while executing the task. These observations indicate that drivers use peripheral vision to collect evidence for braking during off-road glances. The insights will be used in extensions of existing driver models for virtual testing of critical longitudinal situations, to improve the representativeness of the simulation results

Spherical harmonic representation of the main geomagnetic field for world charting and investigations of some fundamental problems of physics and geophysics

The data processing of MAGSAT investigator B test tapes and data tapes, and tapes of selected data on 15 magnetically quiet days is reported. The 1980 World Chart spherical model was compared with the MAGSAT (3/80) and MAGSAT vector data were used in the models. An article on modelling the geomagnetic field using satellite data is included

Spherical harmonic representation of the main geomagnetic field for world charting and investigations of some fundamental problems of physics and geophysics

Quiet-day data from MAGSAT were examined for effects which might test the validity of Maxwell's equations. Both external and toroidal fields which might represent a violation of the equations appear to exist, well within the associated errors. The external field might be associated with the ring current, and varies of a time-scale of one day or less. Its orientation is parallel to the geomagnetic dipole. The toriodal field can be confused with an orientation in error (in yaw). It the toroidal field really exists, its can be related to either ionospheric currents, or to toroidal fields in the Earth's core in accordance with Einstein's unified field theory, or to both