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At least 451 records · Page 25

Impact of lossy compression on diagnostic accuracy of radiographs for periapical lesions

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group compression for endodontic pretreatment digital radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty clinical charge-coupled device-based, digital radiographs depicting periapical areas were selected. Each image was compressed at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 compression ratios. One root per image was marked for examination. Images were randomized and viewed by four clinical observers under standardized viewing conditions. Each observer read the image set three times, with at least two weeks between each reading. Three pre-selected sites per image (mesial, distal, apical) were scored on a five-scale score confidence scale. A panel of three examiners scored the uncompressed images, with a consensus score for each site. The consensus score was used as the baseline for assessing the impact of lossy compression on the diagnostic values of images. The mean absolute error between consensus and observer scores was computed for each observer, site, and reading session. RESULTS: Balanced one-way analysis of variance for all observers indicated that for compression ratios 48 and 64, there was significant difference between mean absolute error of uncompressed and compressed images (P <.05). After converting the five-scale score to two-level diagnostic values, the diagnostic accuracy was strongly correlated (R (2) = 0.91) with the compression ratio. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that high compression ratios can have a severe impact on the diagnostic quality of the digital radiographs for detection of periapical lesions.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

Modeling Kepler Transit Light Curves as False Positives: Rejection of Blend Scenarios for Kepler-9, and Validation of Kepler-9 d, a Super-Earth-Size Planet in a Multiple System

Light curves from the Kepler Mission contain valuable information on the nature of the phenomena producing the transit-like signals. To assist in exploring the possibility that they are due to an astrophysical false positive we describe a procedure (BLENDER) to model the photometry in terms of a blend rather than a planet orbiting a star. A blend may consist of a background or foreground eclipsing binary (or star-planet pair) whose eclipses are attenuated by the light of the candidate and possibly other stars within the photometric aperture. We apply BLENDER to the case of Kepler-9 (KIC 3323887), a target harboring two previously confirmed Saturn-size planets (Kepler-9 b and Kepler-9 c) showing transit timing variations, and an additional shallower signal with a 1.59 day period suggesting the presence of a super-Earth-size planet. Using BLENDER together with constraints from other follow-up observations we are able to rule out all blends for the two deeper signals and provide independent validation of their planetary nature. For the shallower signal, we rule out a large fraction of the false positives that might mimic the transits. The false alarm rate for remaining blends depends in part (and inversely) on the unknown frequency of small-size planets. Based on several realistic estimates of this frequency, we conclude with very high confidence that this small signal is due to a super-Earth-size planet (Kepler-9 d) in a multiple system, rather than a false positive. The radius is determined to be 1.64(exp)(sub-14),R, and current spectroscopic observations are as yet insufficient to establish its mass.

PLANETARY SYSTEMS↗

A Semi-Empirical Scheme for Bathymetric Mapping in Shallow Water by ICESat-2 and Sentinel-2: A Case Study in the South China Sea

To derive shallow water bathymetry for coastal areas, a common approach is to deploy a scanning airborne bathymetric light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system or a shipborne echosounder for ground surveys. However, recent advancements in satellite remote sensing, including the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) offer new tools for generating satellite derived bathymetry (SDB). The key payload onboard ICESat-2 is the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), a micro-pulse, photon-counting LiDAR system, simultaneously emitting six separate 532 nm beams at 10 kHz pulse rate. However, despite its high resolution, the major limitation for bathymetry is that ICESat-2 only provides along-track height profiles, leaving observation gaps between the parallel ground tracks. Merging ICESat-2 observations with optical multispectral imagery, as demonstrated herein, provides an effective solution for deriving a full scene of water depth in light of the spectral attenuation behavior. This study aims to combine ICESat-2 and Sentinel-2 optical data to derive shallow water bathymetry (depth <20 m) at six islands and reefs in the South China Sea. ICESat-2 ATL03 point clouds of georeferenced photons are first filtered to determine the seafloor elevation along the ground track. Results indicate a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.26–0.61 m as compared with independent observations from an airborne LiDAR campaign. Next, three semi-empirical functions, namely the Modified Linear/Polynomial/Exponential Ratio Models with its kernel formed by the log ratio between Sentinel-2′s green and blue bands, are used to fit the spectral data with ICESat-2 height profiles. After water depth mapping using the trained model, independent ICESat-2 point clouds are used to validate the Sentinel-2 derived bathymetry. The RMSE values of the three models using the weighted average of multiple images for these six islands are within 0.50–0.90 m in 0–15 m deep. We also demonstrate that a synthesis of satellite laser altimetry and optical remote sensing can produce SDB results that potentially meet the requirement of category C in Zones of Confidence (ZOC) of the Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) in 0–8 m deep. It is foreseen that ICESat-2 will be a helpful tool for mapping coastal and shallow waters around the world especially where bathymetric data are unavailable.

Coastal Bathymetry↗

A SURVEY OF RESEARCH ON THE STABILITY OF HYDROSTATICALLYLOADED SHELL STRUCTURES CONDUCTED AT THE DAVID TAYLOR MODEL BASIN

Experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out to investigate the stability of ring-stiffened cylinders and hemispherical shells under hydrostatic pressure. The use of accurately machined models has been found extremely valuable in improving the quality of experimental data, thereby permitting a more careful examination of theory. As a result, the effects of boundary conditions and other factors usually masked by the influence of structural imperfections have been clarified. So far these studies have caused the investigators to regard classical small-deflection theory with increasing confidence.

ROCKET NOZZLE↗

SOME FOREIGN POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF SPACE SCIENCE

The startling developments in space science of the past few years which are already affecting the everyday conduct of our lives have introduced problems of new concepts and dimensions into the formulation and conduct of United States foreign affairs. We in the foreign policy field are now forced to speak matter-of-factly, and we hope confidently, of boosters, synchronous orbits, lunar landings, and meteorological satellites--terms which still seem slightly unusual in the diplomatic vocabulary. These developments have not only changed our vocabulary, however, they have forced upon us a whole new way of looking at the rest of the world and at the role which the United States must play in the international community.

United States↗

Design Reliability Measurement and Evaluation

Reliability measurement by data collection and evaluation is considered. Parameters are defined and restrictions established. Reliability estimation of sub-systems and parts as a preliminary to system estimation is reviewed, and rules are established. Confidence levels of sub-systems and parts versus combined system are analyzed. Estimation planning is discussed. Tests planned for accept-reject reliability decision are very briefly considered.

RELIABILITY↗

Biomedical and Human Factors Requirements for a Manned Earth Orbiting Station

The primary objective of this study is to determine which biomedical and human factors measurements must be made aboard a space station to assure adequate evaluation of the astronaut's health and performance during prolonged space flights. The study has employed, where possible, a medical and engineering systems analysis to define the pertinent life sciences and space station design parameters and their influence on a measurement program. The major areas requiring evaluation in meeting the study objectives include a definition of the space environment, man's response to the environment, selection of measurement and data management techniques, experimental program, space station design requirements, and a trade-off analysis with final recommendations. The space environment factors that are believed to have a significant effect on man were evaluated. This includes those factors characteristic of the space environment (e. g. weightlessness, radiation) as well as those created within the space station (e. g. toxic contaminants, capsule atmosphere). After establishing the general features of the environment, an appraisal was made of the anticipated response of the astronaut to each of these factors. For thoroughness, the major organ systems and functions of the body were delineated, and a determination was made of their anticipated response to each of the environmental categories. A judgment was then made on the medical significance or importance of each response, which enabled a determination of which physiological and psychological effects should be monitored. Concurrently, an extensive list of measurement techniques and methods of data management was evaluated for applicability to the space station program. The various space station configurations and design parameters were defined in terms of the biomedical and human factors requirements to provide the measurements program. Research design of experimental programs for various station configurations, mission durations, and crew sizes were prepared, and, finally, a trade-off analysis of the critical variables in the station planning was completed with recommendations to enhance the confidence in the measurement program.

EARTH ORBIT↗

Biomedical and Human Factors Requirements for a Manned Earth-Orbiting Station

The study reported here has presented a measurement data pool for the determination of biomedical and behavioral effects of long-term exposure to weightlessness. This includes measures, techniques, equipment, and requirements in terms of weight, power, volume, time, crew activities, subsystem interfaces and experimental programs and designs, and confidence ratings for their effectiveness for determining weightlessness effects.

MANNED ORBITAL SPACE STATION /MOSS/↗

Results of the Second U.S. Manned Suborbital Space Flight, July 21, 1961

This document presents the results of the second United States manned suborbital space flight. The data and flight description presented form a continuation of the information provided at an open conference held under the auspices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health and the National Academy of Sciences, at the U.S. Department of State Auditorium on June 6, 1961. The papers presented herein generally parallel the presentations of the first report and were prepared by the personnel of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center in collaboration with personnel from other government agencies, participating industry, and universities. The second successful manned suborbital space flight on July 21, 1961, in which Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom was the pilot was another step in the progressive research, development, and training program leading to the study of man's capabilities in a space environment during manned orbital flight. Data and operational experiences gained from this flight were in agreement with and supplemented the knowledge obtained from the first suborbital flight of May 5, 1961, piloted by Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. The two recent manned suborbital flights, coupled with the unmanned research and development flights, have provided valuable engineering nd scientific data on which the program can progress. The successful active participation of the pilots, in much the same way as in the development and testing of high performance aircraft, has. greatly increased our confidence in giving man a significant role in future space flight activities. It is the purpose of this report to continue the practice of providing data to the scientific community interested in activities of this nature. Brief descriptions are presented of the Project Mercury spacecraft and flight plan. Papers are provided which parallel the presentations of data published for the first suborbital space flight. Additional information is given relating to the operational aspects of the medical support activities for the two manned suborbital space flights.

Source record↗

Optimum structural design based on reliability analysis

Proof-load test improves statistical confidence in the estimate of reliability, numerical examples indicate a definite advantage of the proof-load approach in terms of savings in structural weight. The cost of establishing the statistical distribution of strength of the structural material is also introduced into the cost formulation

Heer, E.↗

Proceedings of the Second Workshop on Voltage Breakdown in Electronic Equipment at Low Air Pressure

The Second Workshop on Voltage Breakdown in Electronic Equipment at Low Air Pressure was sponsored by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. It has been three and one-half years since the convening of the first workshop on voltage breakdown. In this interval, gains are evidenced in the progress and sophistication in solving voltage breakdown problems affecting electronic equip­ment operating at high altitudes or other low air pressure environments. Although space applications predominate the area of concern, other projects such as the SST are becoming increasingly involved with voltage breakdown. High-voltage breakdown in spacecraft continues; however, the incidences of occurrence appear to have decreased in spite of an increase in the number of missions flown. This, it is felt, is due to many project managers now requiring all equipment with voltage in excess of 270-V peak to be designed to operate in the critical pressure region without damage, even though its normal functional environment is sea level pressure and the hard vacuum of space. In addition, designers are becoming more aware of the principle of good high-voltage design by selecting void-free components, proper spacing of conductors, isolating high-­voltage circuitry from lower voltage areas, etc. The consensus seems to be that the slight increase in cost to achieve a provable corona-free design is more than offset by the increase in confidence that the equipment will survive accidental loss of vacuum during high-vacuum tests, inadvertent turn on while passing through the critical air-pressure region of earth after launch or outgassing in flight pressurizing the enclosure into the critical pressure region.

E. R. Bunker, Jr.↗