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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

A mathematical approach to using the forgetting curve to evaluate experience and training factors in human reliability analysis

Traditional human reliability analysis (HRA) methods have difficulty dealing with the dynamic nature of factors such as time and rely on static and expert-judgment-based assessments of performance-shaping factors (PSFs) across limited levels. In this study, we introduce a mathematical approach for dynamically evaluating the experience and training PSF. Our proposed method integrates the psychological concept of the “forgetting curve” to evaluate how PSFs are impacted by the number of trainings and the time elapsed since training. To confirm the validity of the model, we provide experimental data fitted by identifying the quantitative relationship between training and human performance. This research enables dynamic and objective assessments, thus reducing reliance on subjective expert judgment and improving the accuracy of HRA.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Distinct non-invasive evaluation values of tumor-derived cell-free microRNAs, circulating microvesicles and exosomal microRNAs after renal carcinoma cryoablation

Highlights: • Circulating components could be used for the non-invasive evaluation of renal tumor cryoablation therapeutic effects. • Different circulating components have distinct roles in the evaluation of renal tumor cryoablation. • Exosomal microRNAs may be more suitable for the early postoperative judgment of tumor elimination effects. The detection of peripheral circulating tumor-derived components, such as cell-free microRNAs, circulating microvesicles, and exosomal microRNAs, has been shown as a promising noninvasive strategy. However, the different roles of these components in tumor therapy evaluations have remained largely undefined. In this paper, we employed an in vivo model of the human clear cell renal cell carcinoma line Caki-1-bearing mice to evaluate the therapeutic effects of cryoablation, which is a new minimally invasive treatment for renal cell carcinoma. At different times after cryoablation, we found that the levels of the cell-free microRNAs miR-122, miR-155 and miR-210 were first increased and then decreased. Additionally, the number of large-sized microvesicles was increased after cryoablation, but the number of small-sized circulating microvesicles did not change. Furthermore, the exosomal microRNAs miR-126–3p, miR-17–5p, and miR-21–3p rapidly decreased one day after cryoablation, an effect that was well correlated with the treatment degree. Therefore, we suggest that these circulating components may have different levels of importance in the evaluation of the efficacy of renal cell cryoablation, furthermore, exosomal microRNAs may be more suitable for the early postoperative judgment of tumor elimination effects, which are worth further exploration in clinical practice.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fission gas bubble identification using MATLAB's image processing toolbox

Automated image processing routines have the potential to aid in the fuel performance evaluation process by eliminating bias in human judgment that may vary from person-to-person or sample-to-sample. This study presents several MATLAB based image analysis routines designed for fission gas void identification in post-irradiation examination of uranium molybdenum (U–Mo) monolithic-type plate fuels. Frequency domain filtration, enlisted as a pre-processing technique, can eliminate artifacts from the image without compromising the critical features of interest. This process is coupled with a bilateral filter, an edge-preserving noise removal technique aimed at preparing the image for optimal segmentation. Adaptive thresholding proved to be the most consistent gray-level feature segmentation technique for U–Mo fuel microstructures. The Sauvola adaptive threshold technique segments the image based on histogram weighting factors in stable contrast regions and local statistics in variable contrast regions. Once all processing is complete, the algorithm outputs the total fission gas void count, the mean void size, and the average porosity. The final results demonstrate an ability to extract fission gas void morphological data faster, more consistently, and at least as accurately as manual segmentation methods. - Highlights: •Automated image processing can aid in the fuel qualification process. •Routines are developed to characterize fission gas bubbles in irradiated U–Mo fuel. •Frequency domain filtration effectively eliminates FIB curtaining artifacts. •Adaptive thresholding proved to be the most accurate segmentation method. •The techniques established are ready to be applied to large scale data extraction testing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effects of Gain/Loss Framing in Cyber Defense Decision-Making

Cyber defense requires decision making under uncertainty. Yet this critical area has not been a strong focus of research in judgment and decision-making. Future defense systems, which will rely on software-defined networks and may employ ‘moving target’ defenses, will increasingly automate lower level detection and analysis, but will still require humans in the loop for higher level judgment. We studied the decision making process and outcomes of 17 experienced network defense professionals who worked through a set of realistic network defense scenarios. We manipulated gain versus loss framing in a cyber defense scenario, and found significant effects in one of two focal problems. Defenders that began with a network already in quarantine (gain framing) used a quarantine system more than those that did not (loss framing). We also found some difference in perceived workload and efficacy. Alternate explanations of these findings and implications for network defense are discussed.

cyber security↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Rule-Based Expert System Applied to Moisture Durability of Building Envelopes

The moisture durability of an envelope component such as a wall or roof is difficult to predict. Moisture durability depends on all the construction materials used, as well as the climate, orientation, air tightness, and indoor conditions. Modern building codes require more insulation and tighter construction but provide little guidance about how to ensure these energy-efficient assemblies remain moisture durable. Furthermore, as new products and materials are introduced, builders are increasingly uncertain about the long-term durability of their building envelope designs. Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the US Department of Energy's Building America Program are applying a rule-based expert system methodology in a web tool to help designers determine whether a given wall design is likely to be moisture durable and provide expert guidance on moisture risk management specific to a wall design and climate. The expert system is populated with knowledge from both expert judgment and probabilistic hygrothermal simulation results.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2015

RELAP5-3D Developmental Assessment: Comparison of Versions 4.3.4i and 4.2.1i

Figures have been generated comparing the parameters used in the developmental assessment of the RELAP5-3D code using versions 4.3.4i and 4.2.1i. The figures, which are the same as those used in Volume III of the RELAP5-3D code manual, compare calculations using the semi-implicit solution scheme with available experiment data. These figures provide a quick, visual indication of how the code predictions changed between these two code versions and can be used to identify cases in which the assessment judgment may need to be changed in Volume III of the code manual. Changes to the assessment judgments made after reviewing all of the assessment cases are also provided.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Electrification Futures Study: Scenarios of Electric Technology Adoption and Power Consumption for the United States

This report is the second in a series of Electrification Futures Study (EFS) publications, a multi-year research project to explore widespread electrification in the future energy system of the United States. The report presents scenarios of electric end-use technology adoption and resulting electricity consumption in the United States. The scenarios are used to characterize changes to end-use sectors under futures with increased electrification and to quantify how those changes might impact the amount and shape of electricity consumption. These scenarios were developed primarily using expert judgment and an energy system accounting framework. Of course, technology adoption will ultimately depend on a set of complex considerations that are not fully assessed using our methodology, but which are discussed extensively throughout the report. These interacting factors include technology and fuel cost trade-offs, infrastructure needs, environmental policies, and consumer preference. Within each of these factors are barriers that might challenge increased electrification - such as higher upfront costs or unfamiliarity with new electric technologies - but also opportunities that could yield greater adoption - such as increased productivity or expanded value streams enabled by electric and/or grid-connected technologies. Understanding and quantifying these factors are needed to both evaluate the implications of a potential increased electrification future and to influence the degree of future electrification. Overall, the report represents an initial step to inform researchers and decision-makers with data and context to plan for a potential future in which electricity powers an expanded share of the U.S. energy economy.This report is the second in a series of Electrification Futures Study (EFS) publications, a multi-year research project to explore widespread electrification in the future energy system of the United States. The report presents scenarios of electric end-use technology adoption in all major sectors - transportation, commercial and residential buildings, and industry - and resulting electricity consumption in the United States. The scenarios are used to characterize changes to end-use sectors under futures with increased electrification and to quantify how those changes might impact the amount and shape of electricity consumption. These scenarios were developed primarily using expert judgment and an energy system accounting framework. Of course, technology adoption will ultimately depend on a set of complex considerations that are not fully assessed using our methodology, but which are discussed extensively throughout the report. These interacting factors include technology and fuel cost trade-offs, infrastructure needs, environmental policies, and consumer preference. Within each of these factors are barriers that might challenge increased electrification - such as higher upfront costs or unfamiliarity with new electric technologies - but also opportunities that could yield greater adoption, such as increased productivity or expanded value streams enabled by electric and grid-connected technologies. Understanding and quantifying these factors are needed to both evaluate the implications of a potential increased electrification future and to influence the degree of future electrification. Overall, the report represents an initial step to inform researchers and decision-makers with data and context to plan for a potential future in which electricity powers an expanded share of the U.S. energy economy.

2050↗
DOE OSTI2019

Research Technology Laboratory (RTL) Disposition Program Final Status Survey Report

As part of the Battelle Facility Restoration Program (Smoter and Biebesheimer 2017), the Research Technology Laboratory (RTL) Complex was remediated through demolition and surveyed to show it meets the radiological release criteria for unrestricted use under the clearance process (DOE 2011). The restoration program has directed the implementation of the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) methodology (NRC 2011) to verify the suitability of the site to be released for unrestricted use under the clearance process in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Order 458.1 (Biebesheimer 2018a; DOE 2011). The use of MARSSIM is accepted by federal and state agencies, including DOE. This report documents how the MARSSIM process was used to assure any residual radioactivity is within acceptable levels and as low as reasonably achievable. Past land use for the RTL Complex property included agricultural, residential, and industrial activity. The historical site assessment (HSA) (Lindenmeier et al. 2015; Biebesheimer 2018b) identified use of radionuclides in past RTL Complex research and development activities from commissioning in 1966 until it was vacated in 2017. Based on the information provided in the HSA, the RTL Complex was delineated into six survey units. The 520 building footprint, tank vault and 530 building footprint, other building footprints, and pipeline survey units included excavated areas. The paved areas and open areas survey units were unexcavated areas. Survey units were all determined to be Class 3, with low probability of containing residual radioactivity, after demolition of the structures within the RTL Complex. The Research Technology Laboratory (RTL) Disposition Program: Final Status Survey Plan (Bunn et al. 2018) was designed and conducted to provide quantitative data regarding the residual radioactivity present in each survey unit. Authorized radiological release limits were developed and approved by the DOE Office of Science in December 2016 (DOE 2017). Fourteen random sample locations were identified within each survey unit. Forty-four specific judgmental sample locations were selected across the site based on information in the HSA. The number of sample locations within a survey unit ranged from 15 to 28, for a total of 127 random and judgmental sample locations identified across the RTL Complex. Sampling for the final status survey occurred over 12 days between November 11 and December 7, 2018. Laboratory results were independently validated by Analytical Quality Associates prior to evaluation. All of the over 880 residual radioactivity measurements were less than the release limits and action levels established through the RTL Disposition Program. A sum of fractions calculation for each survey unit resulted in values that were less than unity. Based on the results presented in this report, the restoration program recommends that the RTL Complex be released for unrestricted use.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1971

Loudness determined by power summation.

The predicted overall loudness of steady, broad-band noise is usually computed by summing weighted loudnesses of sub-bands of the noise intensity (mean-square pressure) spectrum. It is proposed, instead, that the overall loudness should be computed by summing weighted intensities of sub-bands ('critical bands') of noise and then obtaining the loudness of the sum. This method seems to yield better agreement with published loudness judgments than does the usual method. It appears that the proposed method should also yield better agreement with annoyance judgments than does the 'perceived noise' method of Kryter.

Howes, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A new field-laboratory methodology for assessing human response to noise

Gross measures of community annoyance with intrusive noises have been made in a number of real environment surveys which indicate that aircraft noise may have to be reduced 30-40 EPNdb before it will generally be considered acceptable. Interview studies, however, cannot provide the precise information which is needed by noise abatement engineers of the variable human response to different types and degrees of noise exposure. A new methodological field-survey approach has been developed to provide such information. The integrated attitudes and experiences of a random sample of subjects in the real environment are obtained by a prior field survey. Then these subjects record their more precise responses to controlled noise exposures in a new realistic laboratory. The laboratory is a sound chamber furnished as a typical living room (18 ft x 14 ft) and subjects watch a color TV program while they judge simulated aircraft flyovers that occur at controlled levels and intervals. Methodological experiments indicate that subjects in the laboratory have the sensation that the airplanes are actually moving overhead across the ceiling of the chamber. It was also determined that annoyance judgments in the laboratory stabilize after three flyovers are heard prior to a judgment of annoyance.

Borsky, P. N.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Loudness function derives from data on electrical discharge rates in auditory nerve fibers

Judgements of the loudness of pure-tone sound stimuli yield a loudness function which relates perceived loudness to stimulus amplitude. A loudness function is derived from physical evidence alone without regard to human judgments. The resultant loudness function is L=K(q-q0), where L is loudness, q is effective sound pressure (specifically q0 at the loudness threshold), and K is generally a weak function of the number of stimulated auditory nerve fibers. The predicted function is in agreement with loudness judgment data reported by Warren, which imply that, in the suprathreshold loudness regime, decreasing the sound-pressure level by 6 db results in halving the loudness.

Howes, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Theoretical and experimental prerequisites of exobiology

Exobiology and the origin of life: The Inseparable Connection The world we live in is constantly changing through a process of evolutionary development that is gradual, and which leads to emergence of ever newer, more complex, more diverse, and richly differentiated forms of reality. This process may not occur simultaneously and identically everywhere, but in different ways at different rates in various places in the universe and on various objects in the celestial world. Thus, evolution must not be diagramed as a single direct line, but rather as a cluster of various paths, whose separate branches may lead to very complex and complete forms of organization and movement of matter. Nothing is known about many of these forms, and in numerous instances, their existence is not even suspected. Any one form should not be considered prematurely as a special category of life, only because of its complexity or perfection. Life is far from a result of all the numerous branches in the development of matter; its specific qualities and ways of emerging and improving are inherent. Only a single example of life, terrestrial life, is known at present, from which judgments must proceed of other possible forms of biological organization. The Earth and the events which originated on it must, to a great extent, serve as a model for broader judgments of life in the universe.

A. I. Oparin↗
NASA NTRS1976

Subjective assessment of simulated helicopter blade-slap noise

The effects of several characteristics of helicopter blade slap upon human annoyance are examined. Blade slap noise was simulated by using continuous and impulsive noises characterized by five parameters: The number of sine waves in a single impulse; the frequency of the sine waves; the impulse repetition frequency; the sound pressure level (SPL) of the continuous noise; and the idealized crest factor of the impulses. Ten second samples of noise were synthesized with each of the five parameters at representative levels. The annoyance of each noise was judged by 40 human subjects. Analysis of the subjective data indicated that each of the five parameters had a statistically significant effect upon the annoyance judgments. The impulse crest factor and SPL of the continuous noise had very strong positive relationships with annoyance. The other parameters had smaller, but still significant, effects upon the annoyance judgments.

Lawton, B. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Toward fully automated agricultural inventory from satellites

Conventional approaches to inventories from satellites rely heavily on the judgment of image analysts, who 'train' the computer classification program. The fully automated approach to this problem, described in the present paper, eliminates the need for human judgment in training the computer, by using fully automated techniques for selecting spectral characteristics and classification parameters to optimize agreement with ground truth in specified test areas.

Ungar, S. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The effects of context on multidimensional spatial cognitive models

Spatial cognitive models obtained by multidimensional scaling represent cognitive structure by defining alternatives as points in a coordinate space based on relevant dimensions such that interstimulus dissimilarities perceived by the individual correspond to distances between the respective alternatives. The dependence of spatial models on the context of the judgments required of the individual was investigated. Context, which is defined as a perceptual interpretation and cognitive understanding of a judgment situation, was analyzed and classified with respect to five characteristics: physical environment, social environment, task definition, individual perspective, and temporal setting. Four experiments designed to produce changes in the characteristics of context and to test the effects of these changes upon individual cognitive spaces are described with focus on experiment design, objectives, statistical analysis, results, and conclusions. The hypothesis is advanced that an individual can be characterized as having a master cognitive space for a set of alternatives. When the context changes, the individual appears to change the dimension weights to give a new spatial configuration. Factor analysis was used in the interpretation and labeling of cognitive space dimensions.

Dupnick, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Effects of activity interference on annoyance due to aircraft noise

The effects of aircraft flyover noise on annoyance were compared for face to face conversation, reverie, and television viewing. Eighteen 5 minute sessions, each composed of three flyovers, were presented on each of 2 days to subjects in a simulated living room. Twelve pairs of females and 12 pairs of males were tested, once before and once after work. Flyovers varied in peak noise level from 53 to 83 dB, A weighted. On each day, subjects engaged in 18 sessions, six of conversation, six of television viewing, and six of reverie. The subjects completed subjective ratings of annoyance and acceptability following every session. Annoyance and unacceptability rating scores were significantly higher for the activity of television viewing compared to conversation or reverie. There was no difference between judgments during the latter two activities. No differences were found in the judgments when compared on the basis of "fatigue" (before/after work) or sex of the subject.

Willshire, K. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Separation Monitoring with Four Types of Predictors on a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information

A clear and concise display format for use in later full mission simulator evaluation of the cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI) concept was studied. This experiment required airline pilots to monitor a CDTI and make perceptual judgments concerning the future position of a single intruder aircraft in relationship to their own aircraft (ownship). The main experimental variable was the type of predictor used to display future position of each aircraft. Predictors were referenced to the ground or to ownship and they either included turn rate information or did not. Other variables were the aircraft's separation distance when the judgment was required and the type of encounter (straight or turning). Results indicate that under these experimental conditions fewer errors were made when the predictor included turn rate information. There was little difference in overall error rate for the curved ground referenced and the ownship referenced predictors.

Jago, S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A laboratory study of the perceived benefit of additional noise attenuation by houses

Two Experiments were conducted to investigate the perceived benefit of additional house attenuation against aircraft flyover noise. First, subjects made annoyance judgments in a simulated living room while an operative window with real and dummy storm windows was manipulated in full view of those subjects. Second, subjects made annoyance judgments in an anechoic audiometric test chamber of frequency shaped noise signals having spectra closely matched to those of the aircraft flyover noises reproduced in the first experiment. These stimuli represented the aircraft flyover noises in levels and spectra but without the situational and visual cues present in the simulated living room. Perceptual constancy theory implies that annoyance tends to remain constant despite reductions in noise level caused by additional attenuation of which the subjects are fully aware. This theory was supported when account was taken for a reported annoyance overestimation for certain spectra and for a simulated condition cue overreaction.

Flindell, I. H.↗