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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2

International photovoltaic program. Volume 2: Appendices

The results of analyses conducted in preparation of an international photovoltaic marketing plan are summarized. Included are compilations of relevant statutes and existing Federal programs; strategies designed to expand the use of photovoltaics abroad; information on the domestic photovoltaic plan and its impact on the proposed international plan; perspectives on foreign competition; industry views on the international photovoltaic market and ideas about the how US government actions could affect this market;international financing issues; and information on issues affecting foreign policy and developing countries.

Costello, D.↗

Jim Pollack's Contributions to Planetary Science

Jim Pollack was an extraordinary scientist. Since receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1965, he published hundreds of papers in scientific journals, encyclopedias, popular magazines, and books. The sheer volume of this kind of productivity is impressive enough, but when considering the diversity and detail of his work, these accomplishments seem almost superhuman. Jim studied and wrote about every planet in the solar system. For, this he was perhaps the most distinguished planetary scientist of his generation. He successfully identified the composition of Saturn's rings and Venus's clouds. With his collaborators, he created the first detailed models for the formation of the outer planets, and the general circulation of the Martian atmosphere. His interest in Mars dust storms provided a foundation for the "nuclear winter" theory that ultimately helped shape foreign policy in the cold war era. Jim's creative talents brought him many awards including the Kuiper Award of the Division of Planetary Sciences, the Leo Szilard Award of the American Physical Society, H. Julian Allen award of the Ames Research Center, and several NASA medals for exceptional scientific achievement.

Haberle, Robert M.↗

Integrated Data Modeling and Simulation on the Joint Polar Satellite System Program

The Joint Polar Satellite System is a modern, large-scale, complex, multi-mission aerospace program, and presents a variety of design, testing and operational challenges due to: (1) System Scope: multi-mission coordination, role, responsibility and accountability challenges stemming from porous/ill-defined system and organizational boundaries (including foreign policy interactions) (2) Degree of Concurrency: design, implementation, integration, verification and operation occurring simultaneously, at multiple scales in the system hierarchy (3) Multi-Decadal Lifecycle: technical obsolesce, reliability and sustainment concerns, including those related to organizational and industrial base. Additionally, these systems tend to become embedded in the broader societal infrastructure, resulting in new system stakeholders with perhaps different preferences (4) Barriers to Effective Communications: process and cultural issues that emerge due to geographic dispersion and as one spans boundaries including gov./contractor, NASA/Other USG, and international relationships.

Roberts, Christopher J.↗

Regional Cooperation to Strengthen Safeguards

President Obama’s decision over four years ago to ”pivot” toward Asia represented an important strategic shift in American foreign policy and a rebalancing of U.S. economic and security engagement in the Asia-Pacific countries. The United States has since supported a variety of regional initiatives aimed at promoting nuclear security and safeguards. When a new regional organization, the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network (APSN) was established in 2010, DOE/NNSA became an early member and enthusiastic advocate. Launched on the initiative of Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Indonesia, the APSN aims to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of safeguards implementation in the Asia-Pacific region.

APSN↗

The U.S. DOE-EM International Program - 17411

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) has a mission to complete the safe clean-up of the environmental legacy resulting from six decades of weapons production and energy research. This effort is recognized as one of the largest and most diverse and technically complex environmental clean-up operations in the world. The overall strategy to address this challenge includes several components, one of which involves leveraging the expertise within the International community, when applicable. The opportunities related to international collaborations are an important component of the DOE EM strategy for the clean-up mission, providing excellent forums for EM to stay beneficially engaged with the international community and our global partners. EM has been supporting the clean-up mission of the Department through international collaborations for almost 20 years. The EM International Program is sponsored by the DOE EM Office of the Chief of Staff (EM-2.1), which directly supports the DOE-EM Office of Assistant Secretary (EM-1), in coordination with the entire EM organization. The primary objective of the EM International Program is to provide benefit to the Department in successful completion of the EM clean-up mission, through establishing strategic approaches for specific international collaboration initiatives that are focused on appropriate strategic program goals. The EM International Program strategy to support the EM mission includes many facets, but they can generally be grouped into two primary areas. First, the EM International Program maintains, establishes, and/or participates in international agreements such that appropriate mechanisms are available for conducting international collaborations with foreign government organizations, educational institutions and private industry to leverage resources and link international experience and expertise, in support of the EM mission and compliant with US foreign policy. Second, through coordination with the EM Office of Technology Development (EM-3.2), the EM International Program leverages these agreements to identify mutually beneficial opportunities to evaluate, test, and adapt technologies, capabilities, and expertise for application to EM mission needs. These activities directly support goals within the current DOE Strategic Plan 2014 - 2018, issued in April 2014. Working with the Office of Technology Development, the EM International Program is developing a process for identifying and selecting collaborative international technology projects for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) that have high potential impact to the EM mission. The technical scope of these activities is expected to span the entire EM mission, including tank waste and nuclear materials management; groundwater and soil remediation; deactivation and decommissioning; and radioactive waste disposal operations. Depending on budget availability, these collaborative activities are expected to be awarded by mid-FY17. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Understanding the cost bases of Space Shuttle pricing policies for commercial and foreign customers

The principles and underlying cost bases of the 1977 and 1982 Space Shuttle Reimbursement Policies are compared and contrasted. Out-of-pocket cost recovery has been chosen as the base of the price for the 1986-1988 time period. With this cost base, it is NASA's intent to recover the total cost of consumables and the launch and flight operations costs added by commercial and foreign customers over the 1986-1988 time period. Beyond 1988, NASA intends to return to its policy of full cost recovery.

Stone, Barbara A.↗

Global Energy Policy to Achieve the United States’ Nationally Determined Contributions: Potential Pathway

In 2021, the United States declared its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in preparation for the COP26 climate summit, setting goals to achieve zero emission electricity by 2035, and reducing net emissions by 50–52% compared to 2005 levels. The current U.S. energy policies were found to not be adequate to meet these goals, thus it is necessary to draft a pathway to achieving these goals through policy changes. This study focused on foreign energy policies to analyze the most effective policies in a host of sectors. By identifying the most ambitious and effective policies from around the world in each sector, this study was able to suggest a policy pathway that can potentially achieve both of goals set in the NDC. In guiding the development of the proposed policy pathway, this study analyzed policies from Australia, Canada, California, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This study found that the most drastic CO2 reductions came from low-carbon electricity policy, but contributions were also made from carbon capture, reforestation, hydrogen, energy efficiency, and climate smart agriculture.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Foreign direct investment with tax holidays and policy uncertainty

Abstract We study foreign direct investment agreements that entitle firms to a lower tax rate during a tax holiday period. Our model considers both finite and uncertain tax holiday period settings. We show that the tax holiday duration may have, for small tax rate reductions, a nonmonotonic effect on the investment timing. For sufficiently high tax reductions, a longer tax holiday speeds up investment. A higher tax reduction during the tax holiday and a lower uncertainty are shown to have a monotonic effect on the threshold, hastening investment. However, in case of a finite tax holiday, for exceptional high salvage values, a higher uncertainty can speed up investment. We show the usefulness of our model to design an optimal incentives package that prompts investment.

Azevedo, Alcino↗

Multivariate pluvial flood damage models

Depth–damage-functions, relating the monetary flood damage to the depth of the inundation, are commonly used in the case of fluvial floods (floods caused by a river overflowing). We construct four multivariate damage models for pluvial floods (caused by extreme rainfall) by differentiating on the one hand between ground floor floods and basement floods and on the other hand between damage to residential buildings and damage to housing contents. We do not only take into account the effect of flood-depth on damage, but also incorporate the effects of non-hazard indicators (building characteristics, behavioural indicators and socio-economic variables). By using a Tobit-estimation technique on identified victims of pluvial floods in Flanders (Belgium), we take into account the effect of cases of reported zero damage. Our results show that the flood depth is an important predictor of damage, but with a diverging impact between ground floor floods and basement floods. Also non-hazard indicators are important. For example being aware of the risk just before the water enters the building reduces content damage considerably, underlining the importance of warning systems and policy in this case of pluvial floods. - Highlights: • Prediction of damage of pluvial floods using also non-hazard information • We include ‘no damage cases’ using a Tobit model. • The damage of flood depth is stronger for ground floor than for basement floods. • Non-hazard indicators are especially important for content damage. • Potential gain of policies that increase awareness of flood risks.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Determinants of land take at the regional scale: a study concerning Sardinia (Italy)

In its “Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe” (Communication COM(2011) 571 of 20 September 2011), the European Commission (EC) established an ambitious goal for the European Union (EU), that of achieving no land take by 2050; towards this aim, a key milestone for the year 2020 was set, by stating that European policies in the programming period 2014–2020 ought to consider both their direct and their indirect impacts on land use in the EU. Within this framework, this paper builds upon the findings of a previous paper (Zoppi and Lai, 2014), in which we estimated the magnitude of land take over a short period of time (2003–2008) in Sardinia, an Italian NUTS2 region, and we assessed whether and how land take is related to a set of variables that are regarded as important determinants in the literature, such as parcel size, accessibility, and proximity to main cities and towns, to the coastline, or to protected areas. In this paper we study the land-taking process taking Sardinia as a case study, in two larger time periods, 1960–1990 and 1990–2008. We assess if, and to what extent, these factors reveal similar, or different, effects in the two periods, and try to identify consistencies concerning the determinants of land take. - Highlights: • Population density and parcel size significantly affect the magnitude of land take. • The presence of nature conservation areas hinders land taking processes. • Extensive urbanization might effectively preserve non-artificial land. • Balanced accessibility of settlements and nature conservation regional policies can effectively contrast land take. • Size of non-artificial land parcels that become artificial is negatively and significantly connected to land take.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Community participation in Health Impact Assessment. A scoping review of the literature

Currently, the engagement of local communities in Health Impact Assessment is becoming more and more important. A scoping review was performed to take stock of visions, methods and experiences in this field. A combined Scopus and Medline search yielded 100 articles in scientific journals. The final selection consisted of 43 papers, including case studies, evaluation studies, reviews, and opinion papers. After analysis, consultation of four experts was performed to check preliminary study outcomes. A grey literature web search was performed to check and complement the results. Results show that community participation is generally considered a core element in HIA. Views as expressed in the papers concern, firstly, the need for and value of local knowledge, secondly, the adherence to or application of democratic values and, thirdly, empowerment of communities. Three categories of methods are used in relation to community participation, often in combination: methods to facilitate knowledge elicitation, to ensure the inclusion of communities in the HIA process, and to build community capacity to participate in policy development. However, the theoretical or practical underpinning of the choice for specific methods is mostly not presented. The experiences described in the papers mainly focus on the access to local knowledge and its usability as a source of evidence in the HIA process. Described effects of community participation are (improved) relations between communities and local agencies, policy makers and professionals and the empowerment of community members. Although these effects are ascribed to community participation, many papers do not provide support for this conclusion beyond the retrospective perception of participants. Expert consultation and additional analysis of the grey literature supported the results derived from the scientific literature and provided more in-depth knowledge. In the grey literature theoretical frameworks, methods and tools for community participation in HIA were more extensively reported as compared to the scientific literature. We conclude that the visions, methods and experiences concerning community participation show that a participative approach may contribute to better, context specific knowledge. It appears that participative HIA has health promotion potential as it helps develop responsive policies. To accomplish this, HIA should, firstly, be better embedded in broader health promotion programmes. Secondly, the methods and approaches for community participation applied in HIA should be theory-informed and well described. The grey literature offers entry points. Finally, more robust and systematic evaluation and research is needed to assess the impact of HIAs on communities and policies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of the decision-support function of policy assessment in real-world policy making in the field of poverty and social inequalities. Case study on migrant integration policies in the Brussels-Capital Region

Despite its high potential to support decision-making, the role of policy assessment in real-world policy making in the field of poverty and social inequalities remains largely questioned. In this study, we analyse policy assessment's role in a context of real-world policymaking, by means of a case study on a legislative proposal on integration policy for immigrant newcomers in the Brussels-Capital Region, for which we evaluate the potential effects on poverty and social inequalities. We first analyse the policy process surrounding the policy proposal – a process that is often treated as a black box within policy assessment research. Understanding the factors that influence and determine the decision-making process, enables us to gain insight into the potential decision-support function(s). Second, we develop an approach to policy assessment that aims to fully exploit its potential to contribute to the functions of both instrumental and conceptual learning. For this purpose, we propose to introduce the approach of realist evaluation and to focus on evaluating the underlying policy intervention theory from the perspective of poverty and social inequalities. Finally, we illustrate this new approach and its added value by applying it to the legislative proposal on integration policy and analyse its contribution to policy-oriented learning. - Highlights: •The field of policy assessment should draw on insights from policy studies. •We unpacked the policymaking black-box to identify the mechanisms of policy change. •The policy process is driven by an interaction of ideas, interests and institutions. •Policy assessment's potential lies in both instrumental and conceptual learning. •We propose to integrate realist evaluation's logic of inquiry within policy assessment.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Strengths and Limitations of Governmental Support for Environmental Technology in Japan

In recent years, Japanese government and industry have initiated a wide range of policies, programs, and investment strategies responsive to the growing agenda of domestic and global environmental problems. For the most part, these actions have not been due to any significant domestic envi ronmental political pressure but primarily because of the perception that "green" products and manufacturing methods are simply good business. These strategies have, therefore, been closely linked to export and foreign aid policies of long-term benefit to the Japanese economy. A strength of the Japanese approach to environmental policy is the govern ment's ability to bring together a range of business to create a climate for long-term investment in promising new technologies such as fuel cells and electric vehicles. Because this approach is done to advance industrial policy as much as environmental goals, industrial interests are responding to busi ness opportunities, rather than environmental constraints. The Japanese sys tem is, however, not without its own blind spots and limitations. For exam ple, very little has been done to improve the energy efficiency of consumer products, including automobiles, since the mid 1980s. Japanese industry has so far not demonstrated much awareness of concepts like "design for envi ronment" that imply a fundamental reexamination of manufacturing meth ods and materials. The Japanese response to conservation issues that tend not to have technological solutions or potential for business development has also not been as impressive.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Brazil in the Global Nuclear Order, 1945-2018

This book is a comprehensive history of Brazil's nuclear activities and diplomacy. The author provides an in-depth explanation of the country's decision to give up the nuclear arms option and to accept nonproliferation norms after decades of opposition.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

STS pricing policy

In 1977 NASA published Shuttle Reimbursement Policies for Civil U.S. Government, DOD and Commercial and Foreign Users. These policies were based on the principle of total cost recovery over a period of time with a fixed flat price for initial period to time to enhance transition. This fixed period was to be followed with annual adjustments thereafter, NASA is establishing a new price for 1986 and beyond. In order to recover costs, that price must be higher than the initial fixed price through FY 1985. NASA intends to remain competitive. Competitive posture includes not only price, but other factors such as assured launch, reliability, and unique services. NASA's pricing policy considers all these factors.

Lee, C. M.↗

Strategic Competition in China-US Relations

How should the United States approach strategic competition with China? This has been a central question in U.S. foreign and defense policy for decades. Each new presidential administration has tried to find the right balance between competition and cooperation in an evolving bilateral relationship with complex political, economic, and security dimensions. In anticipation of a widening discussion of these matters within the United States, with U.S. allies, and also of course in China, we turned to Michael Nacht. As a scholar of international relations and as a policy practitioner in two presidential administrations, he has deep insight into the China–U.S. strategic relationship and the enduring challenge of how best to balance competition and cooperation. This paper provides essential context for the current policy debate, as well as insights and recommendations of immediate relevance. Dr. Nacht then turned to two research fellows at CGSR for assistance with this project, who played a significant role in writing the report. Sarah Laderman and Julie Beeston contributed importantly to the analytical work reflected here. We are grateful to all three coauthors for such a timely and important piece of analysis. We are also grateful for the good counsel of an external reviewer and for supplemental research support provided by other members of the CGSR research team.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

NASA Headquarters/Kennedy Space Center: Organization and Small Spacecraft Launch Services

The objectives of the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV) Program are to provide safe, reliable, cost effective ELV launches, maximize customer satisfaction, and perform advanced payload processing capability development. Details are given on the ELV program organization, products and services, foreign launch vehicle policy, how to get a NASA launch service, and some of the recent NASA payloads.

Sierra, Albert↗

Buying a Shuttle ticket

A preliminary draft policy for reimbursement for Space Shuttle flights has been developed by NASA in the form of pricing criteria for Space Transportation System (STS) users in domestic and foreign government and industry. The reimbursement policy, the transition from expendable launch vehicles to STS, the new user services, and the interaction of the economics of new user services and STS cost to fly are discussed in the present paper. Current efforts to develop new users are noted.

Moore, W. F.↗