Performance characteristics of Ultralife's solid polymer rechargeable batteries

Ultralife Batteries delivered the world's first commercial shipments of solid polymer rechargeable batteries in 1997. The battery consists of a Li_xMn₂O₄⁻ based cathode, graphite anode and proprietary polymeric separator. Energy density of the batteries exceeds 120 W h kg⁻¹ and 200 W h dm⁻³ at the C rate. Pulse capability up to 5 C has been demonstrated. More than 90% of the initial C rate capacity remains after 500 continuous cycles at room temperature. These solid polymer rechargeable batteries also show good low and high temperature performance and have good safety characteristics.     

Image Frequency Analysis for Testing of Fire Service Thermal Imaging Cameras

A growing number of first responders are purchasing infrared cameras (thermal imagers). Thermal imagers provide critical information for many firefighting operations: size up, tracking of fire growth, location of victims and egress routes, overhaul, etc…. Although thermal imagers have proven to be useful tools for the fire service over the past 10–15 years, there is no existing comprehensive performance standard for thermal imagers used in fire service applications. A suite of thermal imager performance metrics and test methods is being developed for possible inclusion in a proposed standard on thermal imagers for the fire service. The following goals apply to two of the imaging performance metrics in this suite: to explore the feasibility of a new spatial resolution metric and test method, the Random Modulation Transfer Function (MTF); and to transfer the essential characteristics of complex fire scene images to a thermal target for the effective temperature range test using image frequency content analysis. Images of humans standing in an upright position at varying distances from the thermal imager under test and wearing either street clothes or turnout gear were analyzed for frequency content. These data were then used to determine the frequency of a bar target for the bench-scale effective temperature range test.     

Elimination of threshold-induced distortion in the power spectrum of narrow-band laser speckle

The distortion in the power spectrum of narrow-band laser speckle that results from irradiance thresholding is quantified. A method for compensation of this distortion is presented. An optimal threshold level is presented that simplifies the compensation method.     

Standards for Which the Ellipsometric Parameter psi Remains Insensitive to Variations in the Angle of Incidence

We examine the possibility of using two- and three-phase systems suitable as standards for which the ellipsometric parameter ? remains insensitive to variations in the angle of incidence. These standards avoid propagation of errors in the angle of incidence with respect to the measured standard ? value. Different materials (dielectrics, metals, and semiconductors), adequate for the above purpose, are considered in different structure combinations, and their optical response are analyzed.     

Low-Cost 20 Gbps Digital Test Signal Synthesis Using SiGe and InP Logic

This paper demonstrates the signal performance obtained by combining data from two 10 Gbps SiGe serializers using a very high-speed, low-jitter InP exclusive-OR gate. The technique has been used in the past for lower-speed (i.e. ≤12.8 Gbps) applications. However, success at higher speeds depends upon tight control of timing and signal integrity. Relatively low-cost (off-the-shelf) components are used so that the method can be applied to test scenarios requiring many high-speed channels. Analysis of the demonstration circuit performance reveals the challenges, capabilities, and limitations of the method. A Development Platform is also described that facilitates individual module characterization and integration of multiple modules to form customized test systems.     

Transformer Fleet Optimal Maintenance with Risk Considerations

Abstract

This paper aims at proposing an optimization model for high voltage transformers’ maintenance scheduling to minimize operational cost and risk. The focus of the paper is on the transformer fleet management, and not on a single transformer maintenance procedure or the evaluation of a single transformer failure risk. The proposed methodology takes as inputs the importance (e.g., based on the expected energy not supplied) and failure risk of each transformer (e.g., based on on-line Dissolved Gas Analysis), and the maintenance cost for each transformer. It also considers the main practical constraints in field interventions. As output, the proposed methodology provides the best timing for the maintenance of each transformer from the fleet of interest. The problem has been modeled as mixed-integer linear programming. Eleven months of real data from the Brazilian transmission system are used for setting up the recent history of outages. The following year data are employed to test the effectiveness of the optimization model. The output of the proposed fleet maintenance scheduling tool is the optimum viable intervention calendar for a power transformer fleet within a 52-week horizon. This proposal represents an innovative and robust solution, which can support the operational planning experts’ decision-making process.     

The Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Executive Coaching.

This article is an attempt to evaluate the appropriateness of the cognitive-behavioral approach for use in executive coaching engagements. The basic tenets of cognitive- behavior therapy, as well as its conceptual underpinnings, are reviewed. Following this, a discussion of how well the goals of executive coaching are met by a cognitive-behavioral approach is presented. The author recommends that for stress management and skill development purposes, cognitive-behavioral coaching is appropriate and likely to be highly efficacious. However, for coaching situations that call for a more in-depth analysis of unconscious motives and conflicts, this approach is not suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)