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At least 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Beryllium disease among construction trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites: A follow‐up

Abstract Background Construction workers at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities are screened to identify DOE‐related occupational illnesses, including beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The study objectives were to estimate beryllium disease risks and the CBD claims acceptance rate in the energy workers' benefits program. Methods Workers diagnosed with BeS via beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) included in screening examinations were interviewed about subsequent diagnosis of CBD. We estimated the proportion who developed CBD based on the ratio of CBD cases, based on self‐reported compensation claim status, to all workers with BeS interviewed. We used stratified analyses to explore trends in disease frequency by age, race, sex, DOE employment duration, site, trade group, and cigarette smoking history. Results Between 1998 and 2020, 21,854 workers received a BeLPT; 262 (1.20%) had BeS (two abnormals or one abnormal plus one borderline test); 212 (0.97%) had a single abnormal BeLPT. Of 177 BeS workers interviewed, 35 (19.8%) reported an accepted CBD compensation claim. The claims acceptance rate among BeS workers increased with years of DOE employment, from 8.4% with <5 years to 33.3% for >25 or more years. Five of 68 interviewed workers with a single positive BeLPT reported CBD claim acceptance; an additional CBD case was confirmed by chart review (8.8%). Conclusions Years of DOE work predict the risk of developing CBD among those sensitized and getting a claim for CBD accepted. Ongoing surveillance and increased awareness of the risk of beryllium exposure and CBD as an occupational disease among construction workers are needed.

Cloeren, Marianne↗
DOE OSTI2023

Observing fish interactions with marine energy turbines using acoustic cameras

Abstract Marine current energy converters such as tidal and riverine turbines have the potential to provide reliable, clean power. The risk of collision of fishes with marine energy turbines is not yet well understood, in part due to the challenges associated with observing fish at turbine sites. Turbidity and light availability can limit the effectiveness of optical sensors like video cameras, motivating the use of acoustic cameras for this task. However, challenges persist in collecting and interpreting data acquired from acoustic cameras. Given the limited number of turbine deployments to date, it is prudent to draw on the application of acoustic cameras to monitor fish in other scenarios. This article synthesizes their use for other fisheries applications to inform best practices and set realistic expectations for the results of acoustic camera monitoring at turbine sites. We discuss six key tasks performed with acoustic cameras: detecting objects, identifying objects as fish, counting fish, measuring fish, classifying fish taxonomically and analysing fish behavior. Specific challenges to monitoring fish at turbine sites are discussed. This article is intended to serve as a reference for researchers, regulators and marine energy developers on effective use of acoustic cameras to monitor fish at turbine sites. The studies detailed in this article provide evidence that, in some scenarios, acoustic cameras can be used to inform the risk of fish collision with marine energy turbines but doing so requires careful study design and data processing.

Cotter, Emma↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Biomechanical Approach to Assessing Hip Fracture Risk

Bone loss in microgravity is well documented, but it is difficult to quantify how declines in bone mineral density (BMD) contribute to an astronaut's overall risk of fracture upon return. This study uses a biomechanical approach to assessing hip fracture risk, or Factor of Risk (Phi), which is defined as the ratio of applied load to bone strength. All long-duration NASA astronauts from Expeditions 1-18 were included in this study (n=25), while crewmembers who flew twice (n=2) were treated as separate subjects. Bone strength was estimated based on an empirical relationship between areal BMD at the hip, as measured by DXA, and failure load, as determined by mechanical testing of cadaver femora. Fall load during a sideways fall was calculated from a previously developed biomechanical model, which takes into account body weight, height, gender, and soft tissue thickness overlying the lateral aspect of the hip that serves to attenuate the impact force. While no statistical analyses have been performed yet, preliminary results show that males in this population have a higher FOR than females, with a post- flight Phi of 0.87 and 0.36, respectively. FOR increases 5.1% from preflight to postflight, while only one subject crossed the fracture "threshold" of Phi = 1, for a total of 2 subjects with a postflight Phi > 1. These results suggest that men may be at greater risk for hip fracture due largely in part to their relatively thin soft tissue padding as compared to women, since soft tissue thickness has the highest correlation (R(exp 2)= .53) with FOR of all subject-specific parameters. Future work will investigate changes in FOR during recovery to see if baseline risk levels are restored upon return to 1-g activity. While dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most commonly used clinical measure of bone health, it fails to provide compartment-specific information that is useful in assessing changes to bone quality as a result of microgravity exposure. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) accomplishes this by imaging transverse "slices" of the long bones. This project was a re-analysis of a 90 day bed rest study to determine if changes to cortical and trabecular compartments could be detected in the distal tibia with statistical significance using a new pQCT image analysis method. Nearly all changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and cross sectional area (CSA) measures were seen with statistical significance, with the exception of a change in cortical BMD. Total bone CSA increased by 1.1 % (p =0.01), cortical CSA decreased by - 5.6% (p<0.001) and trabecular CSA increased by 1.76% (p=0.007); the combination of which suggests bone resorption occurred at the endocortical surface in response to mechanical unloading by bed rest. Furthermore, total BMD and trabecular BMD decreased (-3.8%, p=0.001 and -2.8%, p =0.007, respectively), while decreases in cortical BMD failed to reach significance (-1.2%, p=0.07). Given that compartment-specific changes are seen with significance and are likely to influence bone strength, it is recommended that pQCT remain a standard measure used in bed rest because it provides a unique measure by which to better evaluate the efficacy of countermeasures to microgravity-induced bone loss.

Ellman, Rachel↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using temperature and flow fields to detect gas leakage from canisters containing spent nuclear fuel: Applications to RAMM-TM

The multi-physics STAR-CCM+ code has been used to simulate the temperature and flow fields in canister gas leakage experiments conducted by using a 1/4.5-scale model storage cask. The simulations were conducted at Argonne National Laboratory’s Laboratory Computing Resource Center, utilizing high-performance computing resources. Development of STAR-CCM+ simulation models for the 1/4.5-scale model cask is described herein, followed by validation of the simulation results against experimental data. Canister depressurization and thermal response during gas leakage are discussed, along with analyses of the leakage path and allowable leakage rate. The insights gained from the STAR-CCM+ simulations and leakage analyses will help guide future experiments and actual industry applications of Argonne’s Remote Area Modular Monitoring system for canister surface temperature measurement (RAMM-TM) to enable effective aging management of spent fuel during extended dry storage, as well as help reduce risks to public safety and health and protect the environment.

Canister gas leakage↗
DOE OSTI2022

Prey-switching to fishery discards does not compensate for poor natural foraging conditions in breeding albatross

Abstract Fishery discards supplement food for many seabirds, but the impacts of declining discards are poorly understood. Discards may be beneficial for some populations but have negative impacts by increasing bycatch risk or because they are junk-food. The Falkland Islands support > 70% of global black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris populations, which feed on discards. However, the effect of discards on population demographics, and implications of fishery management changes, are unknown. We analysed stomach contents of black-browed albatross chicks across eight breeding seasons (2004–2020) from New Island, Falkland Islands, to assess variation in discard consumption and how this relates to foraging conditions and breeding success. Across years, 68%–98% of samples contained natural prey, whilst 23%–88% of samples contained fishery discards. Discard consumption was positively related to fishery catches of hoki Macruronus magellanicus and sea surface temperature anomalies SSTA (°C), and negatively related to breeding success. These results suggest a diet-switching behaviour for Falkland Islands albatrosses, whereby birds switch from preferred natural prey to suboptimal discards when environmental conditions, and hence natural feeding opportunities, are unfavourable. Crucially, this study highlights that fishery discards do not compensate for poor natural foraging conditions for breeding albatrosses in the long term.

Kuepfer, Amanda (ORCID:0000000235598802)↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coal gasification systems engineering and analysis, volume 2

The major design related features of each generic plant system were characterized in a catalog. Based on the catalog and requirements data, approximately 17 designs and cost estimates were developed for MBG and alternate products. A series of generic trade studies was conducted to support all of the design studies. A set of cost and programmatic analyses were conducted to supplement the designs. The cost methodology employed for the design and sensitivity studies was documented and implemented in a computer program. Plant design and construction schedules were developed for the K-T, Texaco, and B&W MBG plant designs. A generic work breakdown structure was prepared, based on the K-T design, to coincide with TVA's planned management approach. An extensive set of cost sensitivity analyses was completed for K-T, Texaco, and B&W design. Product price competitiveness was evaluated for MBG and the alternate products. A draft management policy and procedures manual was evaluated. A supporting technology development plan was developed to address high technology risk issues. The issues were identified and ranked in terms of importance and tractability, and a plan developed for obtaining data or developing technology required to mitigate the risk.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1990

Robotic lunar surface operations: Engineering analysis for the design, emplacement, checkout and performance of robotic lunar surface systems

The assembly, emplacement, checkout, operation, and maintenance of equipment on planetary surfaces are all part of expanding human presence out into the solar system. A single point design, a reference scenario, is presented for lunar base operations. An initial base, barely more than an output, which starts from nothing but then quickly grows to sustain people and produce rocket propellant. The study blended three efforts: conceptual design of all required surface systems; assessments of contemporary developments in robotics; and quantitative analyses of machine and human tasks, delivery and work schedules, and equipment reliability. What emerged was a new, integrated understanding of hot to make a lunar base happen. The overall goal of the concept developed was to maximize return, while minimizing cost and risk. The base concept uses solar power. Its primary industry is the production of liquid oxygen for propellant, which it extracts from native lunar regolith. Production supports four lander flights per year, and shuts down during the lunar nighttime while maintenance is performed.

Woodcock, Gordon R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hearing impairment and tinnitus among older construction workers employed at DOE facilities

Few studies have defined the risk of hearing impairment and tinnitus after retirement. This report measures hearing impairment and tinnitus prevalence among older construction trades workers. The study cohort included 21,340 participants in a national medical screening program. Audiometric hearing impairment was classified according to the Global Burden of Disease Study. Tinnitus was determined by self-report. An internal subcohort of nonconstruction trades workers served as a reference group. Stratified analyses and multivariate analyses were used to measure the prevalence of hearing impairment and tinnitus by age, sex, and job category. Prevalence of any hearing impairment was 55.2% (males, 57.7%; females, 26.8%) and increased rapidly with age. Construction trades workers were 40% more likely to have hearing impairment than the reference group. The overall prevalence of tinnitus was 46.52% and followed patterns similar to hearing impairment. Workers with hearing impairment were more likely to also have tinnitus, but tinnitus was frequently reported in the absence of measured hearing impairment. Hearing impairment and tinnitus prevalence were much higher in this study than in previous research. A significant reason for the difference is that BTMed follows participants after they have retired. To draw conclusions about the risk for work-related chronic diseases and disorders it is important to monitor workers through their lifetimes. Also, tinnitus by itself should be given greater significance. We report the findings reinforce the need to promote noise reduction and hearing conservation in construction.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of oxidation on the release of multiple metals from industrially polluted sediments and synchrotron-based evidence of Cu–S dynamic association

Disposal operations for industrially polluted sediments are usually accompanied by disturbance and resuspension, which can induce metal remobilization and secondary pollution. Evaluating the risk of metal release under various redox conditions is fundamental for predicting contaminant mobilization and guiding remediation measures. An abandoned oxidation pond, Yanjia Lake, China, was selected as a typical industrially polluted site. Re-suspension experiments were carried out by mixing polluted sediments with lake water under oxic or anoxic conditions, then investigating the effect of oxidation conditions on the release of multiple metals. Metal concentrations and aqueous chemistry in the overlying water were monitored. Synchrotron-based methods, including X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), were used to characterize oxidation states and coordination conditions of metals in sediments. The release of metals, including Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sn, Cd, and Pb, was enhanced under oxic vs. anoxic conditions. The XANES analysis revealed that elevated Cr and Zn concentrations under oxic conditions likely resulted from the oxidation of Cr(III) and oxidizing dissolution of ZnS, respectively. K-edge Cu XANES, S XANES, and Cu EXAFS analyses reconstructed the Cu–S association, indicating that S-related oxidation promoted Cu release and Cu–O partly replaced Cu–S in the sediment after a 7-day oxic treatment. The release of most metals was promoted under oxic conditions, resulting from the oxidation of sulfides and metals as indicated by aqueous and synchrotron-based evidence. The risk of secondary pollution is greatly enhanced under oxic conditions, which suggests that measures should be taken to minimize the redox disturbance during sediment remediation. This information can guide the management of sediments in Yanjia Lake and other contaminated sites with similar properties.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of Hybrid FPOG Applications in Regulated and Deregulated Markets Using HERON

Recent changes in the U.S. energy market, such as low natural gas prices and increased electricity production for variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, have led to an economic crisis for existing light-water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants (NPP). Many owners and operators of LWRs have elected to decommission these plants rather than continue using them as consistent sources of clean baseload power. This has led to exploration of various possibilities to increase the economic viability of these units, including market restructuring to monetize benefits LWRs already provide to the grid through ancillary markets, load following and economic dispatch, and possible integration of secondary systems directly to the NPP for production of additional products through technologies such as hydrogen electrolysis or water desalination. Previous studies have considered the technologies associated with these Integrated Energy Systems (IES) activities, and the analysis of markets for these secondary products. To analyze the economic viability of various system configurations including IES, especially given the uncertainty surrounding load demand, electricity prices, and the availability of VRE resources, the stochastic technoeconomic analysis package HERON (Heuristic Energy Resource Optimization Network) was released earlier this year as an extension of the risk analysis framework RAVEN (Risk Analysis Virtual Environment). HERON focuses foremost on making the complex uncertainty quantification analysis tools approachable for energy systems analysts, also providing general dispatch optimization algorithms for those workflows. HERON continues to be improved and tested as a significant part of the IES viability analyses performed in this work. HERON is not a capacity expansion model. To consider market and grid energy system development in a variety of scenarios, HERON is best used in coupling with modelling tools such as US-REGEN, which sacrifice some of the uncertainty analysis and resolution of HERON's modelling for the ability to efficiently predict the change in the grid energy system's profile due to economic drivers over decades. HERON can then use this information to explore the economic viability of introducing changes to the predicted outcomes, such as the introduction of an IES. In this work, experts at EPRI using US-REGEN provide six projection scenarios for use in HERON stochastic technoeconomic analysis (STEA) in considering the options available for increasing LWR economic viability through introduction of a hydrogen-centric IES using a high-temperature steam electrolysis plant (HTSE), hydrogen storage, and a constant-rate contracted hydrogen consumer. The results obtained are differential in nature; they do not report expected profits for any configuration, but rather report on the possible increase in the NPV of a configuration with respect to a baseline no-IES configuration. Due to the uncertainty captured in the variable net load of the systems, there is likewise uncertainty in the mean values reported. We consider this viability both in terms of a regulated market, where the energy producers and IES are owned and operated by single entity, as well as a deregulated market, where the IES chooses its bid for electricity generation and is then dispatched by the grid system operator. Results indicate that for deregulated markets, the inclusion of the IES is often statistically beneficial. This is especially true in policies that are not favorable towards nuclear, as nuclear is less often dispatched and is forced to deal with frequent idle capacity. In the nominal case as well as the case of carbon tax policies, inclusion of the IES clearly benefited the economic performance of the NPP. In the regulated case, however, there was a trend towards minimizing the IES, likely due to the optimal sizing performed by US-REGEN of the NPP within the system as well as the lack of penalty for idle capacity at the NPP in the regulated market analyses.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS2011

N plus 3 Advanced Concept Studies for Supersonic Commercial Transport Aircraft Entering Service in the 2030-2035 Period

Boeing, with Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, Rolls-Royce, M4 Engineering, Wyle Laboratories and Georgia Institute of Technology, conducted a study of supersonic commercial aircraft concepts and enabling technologies for the year 2030-2035 timeframe. The work defined the market and environmental/regulatory conditions that could evolve by the 2030/35 time period, from which vehicle performance goals were derived. Relevant vehicle concepts and technologies are identified that are anticipated to meet these performance and environmental goals. A series of multidisciplinary analyses trade studies considering vehicle sizing, mission performance and environmental conformity determined the appropriate concepts. Combinations of enabling technologies and the required technology performance levels needed to meet the desired goals were identified. Several high priority technologies are described in detail, including roadmaps with risk assessments that outline objectives, key technology challenges, detailed tasks and schedules and demonstrations that need to be performed. A representative configuration is provided for reference purposes, along with associated performance estimates based on these key technologies.

Welge, H. Robert↗
NASA NTRS2018

Payload Sensitivities for Human Mars Exploration Transportation Systems

NASA is continuing to investigate mission and transportation system alternatives to support human exploration of Mars. Several publications over the last few years have outlined, in detail, the baseline reference architectures under consideration. These alternatives include SEP-Chemical Hybrid Propulsion Systems, oxygen/methane propulsion stages, and nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Studies to date have focused on identifying mission architectures that leverage these different transportation options to best support a Mars mission within the context of overarching guidelines and constraints. The focus on identifying "closed" reference mission architectures for these transportation options is a key first step in comparing alternatives and supporting the development of technology investment strategies. Architecture closure implies that the architecture identified provides a viable solution which meets all constraints and closely aligns with guidelines. If a viable architecture cannot be identified for a given transportation option, there is no need to continue investigating that option. However, at this early stage of architecture development, metrics of comparison should look beyond how these architectures perform relative to the baseline reference mission. Architectural robustness, or an insensitivity to requirements drift, should also be considered in any comparison of architectures. At this early stage of design, mission requirements have the potential to change as more definition is provided and more analyses are completed. Particularly in relation to the mass of transported elements, including Mars landers and crew habitat, it is recognized that as designs for these elements mature there exists the potential for mass growth. Selection of an architecture alternative carries with it programmatic risks and relative sensitivity to mass growth can provide insight into a particular architecture option's risk of being unable to complete its mission without significant redesign as more element definition is provided. This paper outlines the current understanding of the sensitivity

Percy, Thomas K.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of a Bank Control Guidance for Aerocapture at Uranus

We apply the Fully Numerical Predictor-corrector Aerocapture Guidance to capture a vehicle into orbit for a mission at Uranus. Using the Genesis flight mechanics simulation, we analyze both undispersed and dispersed trajectories in order to tune the guidance parameters. We then assess the performance of the guidance using Monte Carlo analyses. Properly accounting for the oblateness of Uranus within the guidance proves to be critical. We identify high-to-low density gradients as the cause of large target orbit misses. Intentionally targeting a steeper flight-path angle at entry interface mitigates the risk of exiting the atmosphere on a hyperbolic orbit. Finally, We deliver the guidance code and tuned parameters for integration into the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II.

Daniel A Matz↗
NASA NTRS1999

Radiation-Induced Cytogenetic Damage as a Predictor of Cancer Risk for Protons and Fe Ions

We have successfully completed the series of experiments planned for year 1 and the first part of year 2 measuring the induction of chromosome aberrations induced in multiple cell types by three model space radiations: Fe-ions, protons and photons. Most of these data have now been compiled and a significant part subjected to detailed data analyses, although continuing data analysis is an important part of our current and future efforts. These analyses are directed toward defining the patterns of chromosomal damage induction by the three radiations and the extent to which such patterns are dependent on the type of cell irradiated. Our studies show significant differences, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between response of different cell types to these radiations however there is an overall pattern that characterizes each type of radiation in most cell lines. Thus our data identifies general dose-response patterns for each radiation for induction of multiple types of chromosomal aberrations but also identifies significant differences in response between some cell types. Specifically, we observe significant resistance for induction of aberrations in rat mammary epithelial cells when they are irradiated in vivo and assayed in vitro. Further, we have observed some remarkable differences in susceptibility to certain radiation-induced aberrations in cells whose genome has been modulated for two cancer- relevant genes, TP53 and CDKNIA. This data, if confirmed, may represent the first evidence of gene-specific differences in cellular metabolism of damage induced by densely-ionizing radiation that confers substantial sensitivity to protons compared to photons.

Williams, Jerry R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Agent-based Disease Surveillance and Transmission Model

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has driven a need for models that can predict transmission among populations and test the effectiveness of proposed interventions to control it such as testing, quarantining, vaccinations, and nonpharmaceutical interventions. Some questions of interest include:1. How rapidly will the virus spread if no action is taken? 2. How frequently should people be tested and quarantined if necessary? 3. Should unvaccinated persons be tested more frequently than the vaccinated? 4. If test results are delayed, how will that affect the spread? 5. How do test false negative rates affect the overall efficacy of testing programs? 6. How do constraints on testing resources impact the overall efficacy of testing programs? 7. How does the patient’s failure to recognize COVID symptoms and quarantine affect the spread? 8. What level of vaccination coverage is needed to suppress the epidemic? 9. What is the risk of a large outbreak (probability exceeding x infections)? 10. What is the cost effectiveness of interventions (dollars per avoided infection)? This report describes the structure of a discrete event simulation model that provides actionable information to address these questions. Parameter inputs and results of analyses have been reported in briefings provided to LLNL management and are not discussed here.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Methodology to Calibrate Fragility Curves Using Limited Real-World Data

With increasing human dependence on electricity and increasing energy demand, electrical infrastructure has emerged to be one of the most critical services. This is one of the main reasons for making the power grid more resilient to extreme events during which uninterrupted power supply is crucial in keeping the consequences of the extreme event limited. The first step towards making the overall power grid more resilient is to evaluate the probabilities of failure for all assets at risk from the excitation caused by extreme events. Thus, this paper presents the methodology to calibrate fragility curves. The strength of the proposed approach is its ability to calibrate the fragility curves utilizing limited data, which is the most common constraint in carrying out such analyses. This paper describes the calibration of transmission tower fragility curves for Puerto Rico utilizing only damage reports for hurricane Maria. That, combined with Puerto Rico's wind modeling & geographic information system, this study also calibrates fragility curves for transmission towers made with four different construction materials.

Bereta dos Reis, Fernando↗
NASA NTRS2006

NASA's Aviation Safety and Modeling Project

The Aviation Safety Monitoring and Modeling (ASMM) Project of NASA's Aviation Safety program is cultivating sources of data and developing automated computer hardware and software to facilitate efficient, comprehensive, and accurate analyses of the data collected from large, heterogeneous databases throughout the national aviation system. The ASMM addresses the need to provide means for increasing safety by enabling the identification and correcting of predisposing conditions that could lead to accidents or to incidents that pose aviation risks. A major component of the ASMM Project is the Aviation Performance Measuring System (APMS), which is developing the next generation of software tools for analyzing and interpreting flight data.

Chidester, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS2014

High Performance EVA Glove Collaboration: Glove Injury Data Mining Effort

Human hands play a significant role during extravehicular activity (EVA) missions and Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) training events, as they are needed for translating and performing tasks in the weightless environment. It is because of this high frequency usage that hand- and arm-related injuries and discomfort are known to occur during training in the NBL and while conducting EVAs. Hand-related injuries and discomforts have been occurring to crewmembers since the days of Apollo. While there have been numerous engineering changes to the glove design, hand-related issues still persist. The primary objectives of this study are therefore to: 1) document all known EVA glove-related injuries and the circumstances of these incidents, 2) determine likely risk factors, and 3) recommend ergonomic mitigations or design strategies that can be implemented in the current and future glove designs. METHODS: The investigator team conducted an initial set of literature reviews, data mining of Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health (LSAH) databases, and data distribution analyses to understand the ergonomic issues related to glove-related injuries and discomforts. The investigation focused on the injuries and discomforts of U.S. crewmembers who had worn pressurized suits and experienced glove-related incidents during the 1980 to 2010 time frame, either during training or on-orbit EVA. In addition to data mining of the LSAH database, the other objective of the study was to find complimentary sources of information such as training experience, EVA experience, suit-related sizing data, and hand-arm anthropometric data to be tied to the injury data from LSAH. RESULTS: Past studies indicated that the hand was the most frequently injured part of the body during both EVA and NBL training. This study effort thus focused primarily on crew training data in the NBL between 2002 and 2010. Of the 87 recorded training incidents, 19 occurred to women and 68 to men. While crew ages ranged from thirties to fifties, the age category most affected was in the forties range. Incident rate calculations (incidents per 100 training runs) revealed that the 2002, 2003, and 2004 time periods registered the highest reported incident rate levels (3.4, 6.1, and 4.1 respectively) when compared to the following years (all ≤ 1.0). In addition to general hand-arm discomfort being the highest reported result from training, specific types of hand injuries or symptoms included erythema, fingernail delamination, abrasions, muscle soreness/fatigue, paresthesia, bruising, blanching, and edema. Specific body locations most affected by hand injuries included the metacarpophalangeal joints, fingernails, finger crotches, fingers in general, interphalangeal joints, and fingertips. Causes of injuries reported in the LSAH data were primarily attributed to the forces that the gloved hands were exposed to due to hand intensive tasks and/or poor glove sizing. DISCUSSION: Although the age data indicate that most injuries are reported by male crewmembers in their forties, that is also the dominant gender and age range of most EVA crew therefore it is not an unexpected finding. Age and gender analysis will continue as more details on the uninjured population is accrued. While there is a reasonable mechanism to link training quantity to injury, the results were inconsistent and point to the need for a consistent method of suit-related injury screening and documentation. For instance, the high-incident rate levels for the years 2002 to 2004 could be attributed to a comprehensive medical review of crewmembers post-NBL EVA training that occurred from July 19, 2002 to January 16, 2004. Furthermore, there could have been increased awareness from an investigation at the NBL. These investigations may have temporarily increased the fidelity of reported injuries and discomforts during these dates as compared to surrounding years, when injury signs and symptom were no longer actively being investigated but rather voluntarily reported. Data mining for possible mechanistic factors continues and includes more detailed training timelines, hand anthropometry, and suit sizing information. The limited published data looking at hand-arm anthropometry correlated hand-anthropometry metrics with injuries stemming from glove design and operation. Future work will include further evaluation of body sizing and fit in relation to hand injury incidents.

Reid, C. R.↗