Workshop proceedings: Information Systems for Space Astrophysics in the 21st Century, volume 1

The Astrophysical Information Systems Workshop was one of the three Integrated Technology Planning workshops. Its objectives were to develop an understanding of future mission requirements for information systems, the potential role of technology in meeting these requirements, and the areas in which NASA investment might have the greatest impact. Workshop participants were briefed on the astrophysical mission set with an emphasis on those missions that drive information systems technology, the existing NASA space-science operations infrastructure, and the ongoing and planned NASA information systems technology programs. Program plans and recommendations were prepared in five technical areas: Mission Planning and Operations; Space-Borne Data Processing; Space-to-Earth Communications; Science Data Systems; and Data Analysis, Integration, and Visualization

Astrotech 21: A technology program for future astrophysics missions

The Astrotech 21 technology program is being formulated to enable a program of advanced astrophysical observatories in the first decade of the 21st century. This paper describes the objectives of Astrotech 21 and the process that NASA is using to plan and implement it. It also describes the future astrophysical mission concepts that have been defined for the twenty-first century and discusses some of the requirements that they will impose on information systems for space astrophysics

FMEAssist: A knowledge-based approach to Failure Modes and Effects Analysis

A Failure Modes and Effects Analysis workstation (FMESassist) was designed for use during the development of the space station. It assists engineers in the complex task of tracking failures and their effects on the system. Engineers experience increased productivity through reduced clerical loads, reduced data inconsistency, and significantly reduced analysis time. System developments benefit from a more thorough analysis than was available using previous methods

Programmable hyperspectral image mapper with on-array processing

A hyperspectral imager includes a focal plane having an array of spaced image recording pixels receiving light from a scene moving relative to the focal plane in a longitudinal direction, the recording pixels being transportable at a controllable rate in the focal plane in the longitudinal direction, an electronic shutter for adjusting an exposure time of the focal plane, whereby recording pixels in an active area of the focal plane are removed therefrom and stored upon expiration of the exposure time, an electronic spectral filter for selecting a spectral band of light received by the focal plane from the scene during each exposure time and an electronic controller connected to the focal plane, to the electronic shutter and to the electronic spectral filter for controlling (1) the controllable rate at which the recording is transported in the longitudinal direction, (2) the exposure time, and (3) the spectral band so as to record a selected portion of the scene through M spectral bands with a respective exposure time t(sub q) for each respective spectral band q

Foundation: Transforming data bases into knowledge bases

One approach to transforming information stored in relational data bases into knowledge based representations and back again is described. This system, called Foundation, allows knowledge bases to take advantage of vast amounts of pre-existing data. A benefit of this approach is inspection, and even population, of data bases through an intelligent knowledge-based front-end

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: transmission patterns and vaccine control

A community-based seroepidemiological survey of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was conducted in 1994 to inform on the transmission dynamics and control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Venous blood from 4736 individuals under 50 years of age from 1262 households, selected using stratified cluster-sampling, was screened for HBV markers using commercial ELISAs. HBsAg prevalence was 7% (95% CI 6–8), higher in males (9%; 7–10) than females (5%; 4–6). HBeAg prevalence in HBsAg positives was 23% (18–29), and less than 1% of women of childbearing age were HBeAg positive. Overall HBV seroprevalence (any marker), rose steadily with age to over 70% in 40–49 year olds, indicating significant childhood and adult transmission. Estimated instantaneous incidence was 3–4/100 susceptibles/year, higher in males than females in 0–4 year olds, and peaking in early childhood and young adults. The age at which 50% had evidence of infection was around 20 years, and the herd immunity threshold is approximated at 63–77%. Addis Ababa is of intermediate-high HBV endemicity, with negligible perinatal transmission. Our main findings are the identification of a significant difference between males and females in the age-acquisition of HBV infection, and marked differences between age groups in HBV incidence rates. These results should target future research studies of underlying risk factors. Furthermore, we generate a crude estimate of the level of coverage of HBV vaccine that would be required to eliminate the virus from the study population

Use of a microcomputer database system in a statewide effort for data collection in medical genetics

pre-printThe Genetics Office Automation System (GOAS) is a database management system for the collection and reporting of medical genetics data. We have previously reported on its implementation in a single university center [1,2]. We report here on its implementation in a coordinated data collection effort for the State of Missouri. We discuss the current status of the data collection activities and procedures to share data collected at an individual center with state, regional, and national data collection efforts

Global thermodynamic, transport-property and dynamic characteristics of the Venus lower atmosphere below the cloud layer

This study investigates the global characteristics of the Venus lower atmosphere below the cloud layer. Starting from available data regarding species composition, temperature and pressure, the general thermodynamic and transport properties of the Venus lower atmosphere are first computed at altitudes below the cloud layer. The thermodynamic and transport properties are validated with known data. A thermodynamic stability analysis for a variety of potentially existing mixtures is conducted to highlight the sensitivity of the thermodynamic regime to the variation of the species molar fractions. The limits of thermodynamic stability are represented in the thermodynamic phase diagram of the mixture, and thus regions of phase stability and instability are determined. It is found that the Venus lower-atmosphere thermodynamic regime is located in the stable, single-phase regime, with supercritical conditions occurring in the lower few kilometers, thereby validating ad-hoc expectations which have never envisaged the existence of a two-phase regime at those altitudes. Using thermodynamic and transport-property information thus computed, several non-dimensional numbers are calculated. The Prandtl number is first evaluated. Then, the characteristic Reynolds number is estimated for different assumed length scales, showing that, independent of the length scale, the entire lower atmosphere below the cloud deck is in a fully-turbulent flow regime. Finally, the speed of sound and the Mach number are computed as function of altitude. The information obtained from all these calculations fills a scientific void, and may be crucial for the design of landers on the Venus surface

Sero-epidemiology of rubella in the urban population of Addis Ababa Ethiopia

We conducted a community-based cluster sample survey of rubella sero-epidemiology in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1994. Among 4666 individuals for whom complete data were available, rubella antibody prevalence was 91% (95% confidence interval: 90, 92). On multivariable analysis, seroprevalence was lower among individuals who were resident in Addis Ababa for 1 year or less. Approx. 50% seroprevalence was attained by age 4 years, and the estimated average age at infection was 5·2 years. The highest age-specific force of infection was estimated to occur in 5- to 9-year-olds. The early age at infection corresponded with a low estimated incidence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) of 0·3 per 1000 live births, equivalent to nine cases of CRS in 1994. The predicted critical level of immunity for elimination of rubella via vaccination was 85–91%, requiring 89–96% coverage with a vaccine of 95% effectiveness. Unless very high coverage of rubella vaccine could be guaranteed, the introduction of childhood vaccination could increase the incidence of CRS in Addis Ababa

The national consultation skills for pharmacy practice program in England

Background: Pharmacy professionals are playing an increasing role in caring for patients, yet evidence has shown their consultation skills are lacking. Objective: This article aims to discuss the need to enhance pharmacy professionals' (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) consultation skills in England and describe the development of a national consultation skills training program to meet these needs. Methods: The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education led on a project to create a consultation skills training program for all pharmacy professionals across England. The program embedded a set of consultation skills practice standards developed by a large task and finish group consisting of pharmacy professionals of varying roles from the National Health Service, private pharmacy organizations and academia. Key findings: A Consultation Skills for Pharmacy Practice (CSfPP) training program, consisting of a distance learning workbook and website, was produced and disseminated to all registered pharmacy professionals in England, in March 2014. Conclusions: The first consultation skills training program of its kind was created that aimed to address the growing need to improve the consultations skills of pharmacy professionals in England. Future work will examine the reception of the CSfPP among pharmacy professionals and the impact it has on their practice