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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 145 records · Page 8

Performance assessment in complex individual and team tasks

Described here is an eclectic, performance based approach to assessing cognitive performance from multiple perspectives. The experience gained from assessing the effects of antihistamines and scenario difficulty on C (exp 2) decision making performance in Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) weapons director (WD) teams can serve as a model for realistic simulations in space operations. Emphasis is placed on the flexibility of measurement, hierarchical organization of measurement levels, data collection from multiple perspectives, and the difficulty of managing large amounts of data.

Eddy, Douglas R.↗

Immune alterations in male and female mice after 2-deoxy-D-glucose administration

Administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) induces acute cellular glucoprivation. In the current study, we examined differences in immune parameters after 2-DG administration in both sexes. Male and female BDF1 mice were injected three times, 48 h apart, either with a saline solution (control group) or with 2-DG in saline (500 mg/kg). Two hours after the last injection, blood and spleens were collected. Plasma levels of interleukin-1beta, and interferon-gamma levels were measured. Additionally, the levels of the specific leukocyte antigens CD3, CD4, CD8, T cell receptor (TCR) alpha/beta, I-Ad, and H-2Ld/H-2Db were evaluated by flow cytometry on both blood and spleen cells. The blastogenic response of leukocytes from both tissues to mitogens was assessed. Levels of glucose, corticosterone, testosterone, progesterone, 17beta-estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were also determined. Increases in the percentage of cells bearing TCR alpha/beta and I-Ad in the blood and H-2Ld/H-2Db in the spleen were observed in the 2-DG-treated group for both sexes. In contrast, higher corticosterone and IL-1beta plasma concentrations, as well as higher percentages of splenocytes bearing TCR alpha/beta and I-Ad, and lower mitogen-induced proliferation of mature T splenocytes (79%) were observed in female but not in male mice injected with 2-DG compared with those injected with saline (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that female mice are more sensitive than male mice to immune alterations induced by 2-DG administration.

Non-NASA Center↗

Regional Comparison and Assimilation of GOCART and MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth across the Eastern U.S.

This study compares aerosol optical depths (AOD) products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model and their integrated products with ground measurements across the eastern U.S. from March 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001. The Terra MODIS Level-3 (collection 4) AOD at 0.55 pm has better correlation, but consistently overestimates the values of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) measurements. GOCART has small biases for a 22-month integration, and slight positive biases are appeared for the cold season. These results are also supported by the comparison with the IMPROVE (Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments) light extinction index. The optimal interpolation improves the daily-scale RMSE from either MODIS or GOCART alone. However, the regional biases in the aerosol products constitute a major constraint to the optimal estimate of AOD.

Matsui, Toshihisa↗

Lidar Ratios for Dust Aerosols Derived From Retrievals of CALIPSO Visible Extinction Profiles Constrained by Optical Depths from MODIS-Aqua and CALIPSO/CloudSat Ocean Surface Reflectance Measurements

CALIPSO's (Cloud Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) analysis algorithms generally require the use of tabulated values of the lidar ratio in order to retrieve aerosol extinction and optical depth from measured profiles of attenuated backscatter. However, for any given time or location, the lidar ratio for a given aerosol type can differ from the tabulated value. To gain some insight as to the extent of the variability, we here calculate the lidar ratio for dust aerosols using aerosol optical depth constraints from two sources. Daytime measurements are constrained using Level 2, Collection 5, 550-nm aerosol optical depth measurements made over the ocean by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on board the Aqua satellite, which flies in formation with CALIPSO. We also retrieve lidar ratios from night-time profiles constrained by aerosol column optical depths obtained by analysis of CALIPSO and CloudSat backscatter signals from the ocean surface.

Young, Stuart A.↗

Cloud Regimes as a Tool for Systematic Study of Various Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation Interactions

Systematic changes of clouds and precipitation are notoriously difficult to ascribe to aerosols. This presentation will showcase yet one more attempt to at least credibly detect the signal of aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. We surmise that the concept of cloud regimes (CRs) is appropriate to conduct such an investigation. Previous studies focused on what we call here dynamical CRs, and while we continue to adopt those too for our analysis, we have found that a different way of organizing cloud systems, namely via microphysical regimes is also promising. Our analysis relies on MODIS Collection 6 Level-3 data for clouds and aerosols, and TRMM-TMPA data for precipitation. The regimes are derived by applying clustering analysis on MODIS joint histograms, and once each grid cell is assigned a regime, aerosol and precipitation data can be spatiotemporally matched and composited by regime. The composites of various cloud and precipitation variables for high (upper quartile of distribution) and low (lower quartile) aerosol loadings can then be contrasted. We seek evidence of aerosol effects both in regimes with large fractions of deep ice-rich clouds, as well as regimes where low liquid phase clouds dominate. Signals can be seen, especially when the analysis is broken by land-ocean and when additional filters are applied, but there are of course caveats which will be discussed.

cloud regimes↗

Inter-Comparison of S-NPP VIIRS and Aqua MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands Using Hyperspectral Infrared Sounder Measurements as a Transfer Reference

This paper compares the calibration consistency of the spectrally-matched thermal emissive bands (TEB) between the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), using observations from their simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNO). Nearly-simultaneous hyperspectral measurements from the Aqua Atmospheric Infrared Sounder(AIRS) and the S-NPP Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) are used to account for existing spectral response differences between MODIS and VIIRS TEB. The comparison uses VIIRS Sensor Data Records (SDR) in MODIS five-minute granule format provided by the NASA Land Product and Evaluation and Test Element (PEATE) and Aqua MODIS Collection 6 Level 1 B (L1B) products. Each AIRS footprint of 13.5 km (or CrIS field of view of 14 km) is co-located with multiple MODIS (or VIIRS) pixels. The corresponding AIRS- and CrIS-simulated MODIS and VIIRS radiances are derived by convolutions based on sensor-dependent relative spectral response (RSR) functions. The VIIRS and MODIS TEB calibration consistency is evaluated and the two sensors agreed within 0.2 K in brightness temperature.Additional factors affecting the comparison such as geolocation and atmospheric water vapor content are also discussed in this paper.

Li, Yonghong↗

Oculomotor Assessment of Diurnal Arousal Variations

Saccadic and pupillary responses are reliable indices of arousal decrement (e.g. fatigue), that might be exploited to improve work schedule guidelines. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of a short 30-s oculomotor test to detect diurnal arousal variations. Twelve participants (5 females, 7 males, 37.7+-11.9 years) volunteered to be assessed every hour (66+-20 min) for three consecutive working days, during their regular office-hours. We used a fully automated testing system, the FIT 2000 Fitness Impairment Tester (Pulse Medical Instruments Inc., Rockville, MD, USA), to measure and record saccadic peak velocity, pupil diameter, and latency and amplitude of the pupillary light reflex. In addition, we collected subjective levels of arousal using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and body core temperature. We analyzed the data using a linear mixed model approach for longitudinal data. Both saccadic velocity and subjective alertness decreased over the course of a day, while body core temperature increased (all p-values.05). The data also weakly suggested an increase of the pupil diameter (p 07). The findings support the use of oculomotor indices in the assessment of arousal and fatigue in applied settings.

saccadic velocity↗

Cross-Calibration of AQUA-MODIS and NPP-VIIRS Reflective Solar Bands for a Seamless Record of CERES Cloud and Flux Properties

The CERES measured shortwave and longwave fluxes rely on the cloud properties derived using the coincident observations from the accompanying high-resolution MODIS and VIIRS imagers. The calibration consistency is required between MODIS and VIIRS radiances to ensure that the CERES provided cloud property retrievals are temporally consistent. This paper presents multiple approaches of cross-calibrating the spectrally comparable reflective solar bands (RSB) of Aqua-MODIS and NPP- VIIRS, and estimates the radiometric biases for individual band pair. The inter-comparison is performed between the Aqua-MODIS collection 6.1 level 1B and NPP-VIIRS Land PEATE V1 datasets. Radiometric biases up to 3% were estimated bet een the MODIS and VIIRS radiances for visible bands.

Bhatt, Rajendra↗

How Do Different Knowledge Frameworks Help Us Learn From Aviation Line Observations?

Human performance includes actions that increase safety, as well as actions that can reduce safety. Ensuring safety in complex dynamic operations like commercial aviation depends on the ability to institute appropriate responses based on what is learned from flightcrew performance and the contexts in which it occurs. To do this systemically at the organization level requires collecting data on flightcrew performance, developing effective approaches to analyzing those data, and understanding how to translate what has been learned into policies, procedures, and practice. Systematic observation of front-line operators is a vital source of human performance data. Much has been learned from such observations, including methodological principles. Most observations have been based on a framework focused on managing safety challenges and the ensuing unsafe events. A complementary perspective focuses on flexibility and actions that promote continued safe and effective operation. We consider lessons learned about observational methods from an established framework focused on undesired actions and how these might be extended for a framework focused on desired actions.

safety↗

On-Orbit Calibration and Performance of NOAA-20 VIIRS Reflective Solar Bands

The NOAA-20 (N20) satellite was launched on November 18, 2017 carrying the second Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument. Immediately following the launch, the VIIRS passed a series of intensive calibration and validation tests, after which regular calibration and operation activities have continued successfully for more than three years. The production of NASA Collection 2 Level 1B (C2 L1B) for N20 VIIRS began in summer 2019. In this article, we evaluate the early mission performance of the N20 VIIRS reflective solar bands (RSB) covering the first three full years of operation. The calibrated RSB gains are calculated primarily from the onboard solar diffuser (SD) and used in generating the C2 L1B reflectance and radiance products. We also show the on-orbit performance of the instrument noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a reflectance uncertainty assessment. Comparisons are made to the first three years of operation of the first VIIRS instrument, aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite. We evaluate the long-term stability of the calibrated N20 RSB reflectance product by looking at the long-term trends of lunar observations and data from the pseudo-invariant Libya 4 desert site. The N20 RSB have had excellent early mission performance, with changes in the gain of less than 0.5% in the first three years across all detectors, stable L1B reflectance, and very stable values of detector SNR and reflectance uncertainty.

calibration↗

MODIS Detector Differences Using Deep Convective Clouds and Desert Targets

An accurate on-orbit characterization of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites is essential to satisfy the requirements from the scientific community for high-quality operational and research products. In this study, NASA’s C6.1 L1B data are utilized to assess the stability of the calibrated top of atmosphere reflectance retrieved from individual detectors within a spectral band over deep convective clouds (DCCs) and desert sites. The results from these invariant Earth targets show detector-to-detector (D2D) differences in the L1B reflectance products for select MODIS reflective solar bands. For Aqua MODIS, the D2D differences have no significant change over time for the bands studied. However, the D2D differences exhibit an increase in magnitude over time for Terra MODIS bands 1, 3-7, and 26, which can induce noticeable striping and higher uncertainties in the downstream data products. The D2D stability assessment results over DCCs are consistent with those observed over desert sites. In addition, the view-angle dependence of the D2D differences is investigated by separating the frames along scan into five zones. The D2D assessment is performed for each of the five zones, and the results will further benefit any improvements in the calibration of a detector-dependent response versus scan angle that can be considered for future MODIS Level 1B Collections.

MODIS↗

Ten Years of SNPP VIIRS Reflective Solar Bands On-Orbit Calibration and Performance

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) has successfully operated on-orbit for nearly ten years since its launch in October 2011, continuously making global observations and improving studies of changes in the Earth’s climate and environment. VIIRS has 22 spectral bands, among which 14 are reflective solar bands (RSBs) covering a spectral range from 0.41 to 2.25 μm. The SNPP VIIRS RSBs are primarily calibrated by the onboard solar diffuser (SD), with its on-orbit degradation tracked by an onboard SD stability monitor (SDSM). The near-monthly scheduled lunar observations, together with the sensor responses over stable ground targets, have contributed to the sensor’s mission-long on-orbit calibration and characterization. Numerous improvements have been made in the RSB calibration methodology since SNPP VIIRS was launched, and the RSB calibration has reached a mature stage after almost ten years of on-orbit operation. SNPP is a joint NASA/NOAA mission and there are two teams, the NASA VIIRS Calibration Support Team (VCST) and the NOAA VIIRS Sensor Data Record Team, which are dedicated to SNPP VIIRS on-orbit calibration. In this paper, we focus on the calibration performed by the NASA VCST. The SNPP VIIRS RSB calibration methodologies used to produce the calibration coefficient look up tables for the latest NASA Level 1B Collection 2 products are reviewed and the calibration improvements incorporated in this collection are described. Recent calibration changes include the removal of image striping caused by non-uniform degradation of the SD, improvements to the method for combining lunar and SD data, mitigation of the effects due a recent anomaly in the SD measurements, estimation of the SD degradation beyond 935 nm, and fitting strategy improvements for look-up table delivery. Overall, the SNPP VIIRS RSBs have performed well since its launch and continue to meet design specifications.

SNPP↗

SNPP VIIRS Day Night Band: Ten Years of On-Orbit Calibration and Performance

Aboard the polar-orbiting SNPP satellite, the VIIRS instrument has been in operation since launch in October 2011. It is a visible and infrared radiometer with a unique panchromatic channel capability designated as a day-night band (DNB). This channel covers wavelengths from 0.5 to 0.9 µm and is designed with a near-constant spatial resolution for Earth observations 24 h a day. The DNB operates at 3 gain stages (low, middle, and high) to cover a large dynamic range. An onboard solar diffuser (SD) is used for calibration in the low gain stage, and to enable the derivation of gain ratios between the different stages. In this paper, we present the SNPP VIIRS DNB calibration performed by the NASA VIIRS characterization support team (VCST). The DNB calibration algorithms are described to generate the calibration coefficient look up tables (LUTs) for the latest NASA Level 1B Collection 2 products. We provide an evaluation of DNB on-orbit calibration performance. This activity supports the NASA Earth science community by delivering consistent VIIRS sensor data products via the Land Science Investigator-led Processing Systems, including the SD degradation applied for DNB calibrations in detector gain and gain ratio trending. The DNB stray light contamination and its correction are highlighted. Performance validations are presented using comparisons to the calibration methods employed by NOAA’s operational Interface Data Processing Segment. Further work on stray light corrections is also discussed.

VIIRS↗

SNPP and N20 VIIRS Day/Night Band (DNB) Calibration and Performance

The first two Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instruments, on-board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) and the NOAA-20 (N20) satellites, have been operating for over 11 and 5 years since their launches on28 October 2011 and 18 November 2017 respectively. The day-night band (DNB) onboard VIIRS is a panchromatic visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) channel designed to detect radiance from the brightest daytime scenes down to very dim nighttime scenes illuminated by a quarter moon. In this paper, we present the SNPP and N20 VIIRS DNB calibration results performed by the NASA VIIRS Characterization Support Team (VCST) to generate the calibration coefficient look up tables (LUTs) for the latest NASA Level 1B Collection 2 products. The differing DNB straylight contamination between VIIRS instruments is discussed along with the correction methodology and performance.

Junqiang Sun↗

Plasma contactor modeling with NASCAP/LEO - Extending laboratory results to space systems

In the laboratory, hollow cathode-based plasma contactors have been observed to both emit and collect ampere-level electron currents with low impedance. The laboratory behavior of hollow cathode-based plasma contactors and the limited space experience with hollow cathodes suggest that, for many applications, a hollow cathode-based plasma contactor is the ideal device to provide electrical connection with the space plasma. In order to confidently extend the laboratory experience to the low-earth-orbit environment, a series of plasma contactor computer models has been developed. Calculations show that a hollow cathode plasma contactor that collects 0.5 A in the laboratory will only collect 2.4 mA in space. The simplest way to boost the collected current is to increase the gas flow. A mole of gas is enough to collect ampere level currents for 5-1/2 hours.

Davis, V. A.↗

An evaluation of noise and its effects on shuttle crewmembers during STS-50/USML-1

High noise levels can lead to physiological, psychological, and performance effects in man, ranging from irritability, annoyance, and sleep interference to interference with verbal communication and fatigue, and to temporary or permanent threshold shift at more extreme levels. The current study evaluated the acoustic environment of the STS50/USML-1 mission. The major objectives were to gain subjective assessments of the STS-50 noise levels, document impacts of noise upon crewmember performance, collect inflight sound level measurements, compare noise levels across missions, evaluate the current Shuttle acoustic criterion, and to make recommendations regarding noise specifications for SSF and other long-duration manned space missions. Sound measurements indicated that background noise levels were 60, 64, and 61 A-weighted decibels, respectively, on the Orbiter middeck, flight deck, and Space lab. All levels were rated acceptable, with the Spacelab environment rated the most favorably. Sleep stations afforded attenuation from airborne noise sources, although all crewmembers reported being awakened by crew activity on the middeck. Models of distance for acceptable speech communications were generated, identifying situations of compromised verbal communications to be avoided.

Koros, Anton↗

WholeTraveler Anonymized Data Phase 1

Phase 1 of the WholeTraveler Study data collection consisted of an online-only survey. This survey captured data on three categories of observable variation in the population relevant to transportation decisions. First, the survey collected traditional demographic data such as age, gender, income, and education level. Second, it collected data across personality, psychological, and preference categories. This included: 1. The "Big Five" inventory personality traits: openness to new experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism; 2. Risk and time preferences; and 3. Environmental preferences. Third, the survey collected data on historical behavior patterns including: 1. Adoption of (as well as interest in) new technologies or innovations (e.g., smartphones, PEVs, solar panels, adaptive cruise control [ACC]); 2. Car ownership history and current car ownership status; 3. Recent mode use across different time scales (e.g., previous week, previous month, previous year); and 4. Timing of major life events such as starting a family as well as overall lifecycle trajectory patterns. Data from Phase 1 and Phase 2 are linked by a unique respondent identifier. Anonymized versions of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 data are both available on Livewire.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Retransmission of water resources data using the ERTS-1 data collection system

The Water Survey of Canada operates a network of approximately 2400 gauging stations at which water level data are collected. Nine DCPs were installed in isolated areas of northern and western Canada. It was felt that DCPs in these locations would be exposed to climatic conditions severe enough to provide a check on system reliability. Water level data are transmitted from all sites and, also, some of the DCPs are used to transmit ice break-up, water velocity, precipitation, air temperature, water stage recorder clock operation or DCP battery voltage. Consideration is being given to transmitting other parameters that would be of value in flood or flow forecasting. Results of the project have been excellent. There has been no data loss that can be attributed to failure of a DCP although data were lost because of sensor malfunctions. The quality of data collected compares favourably with that of the hard record obtained at the remote sites. Costs of using the ERTS Data Collection System are reasonable.

Halliday, R. A.↗