SCAN_59-01

59-01 APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

Title:
GPM Pre-Launch Algorithm Development for Physically-Based Falling Snow Retrievals
Document ID:
20080030134
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources Copyright
Author(s):
Jackson, Gail Skofronick (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Tokay, Ali (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County) Kramer, Anne W. (Caelum Research Corp.) Hudak, David (Environment Canada)
Published:
20080707
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
In this work we compare and correlate the long time series (Nov.-March) n~easurements of precipitation rate from the Parsivels and 2DVD to the passive (89, 150, 183+/-1, +/-3, +/-7 GHz) observations of NOAA's AMSU-B radiometer. There are approximately 5-8 AMSU-B overpass views of the CARE site a day. We separate the comparisons into categories of no precipitation, liquid rain and falling snow precipitation. Scatterplots between the Parsivel snowfall rates and AMSU-B brightness temperatures (TBs) did not show an exploitable relationship for retrievals. We further compared and contrasted brightness temperatures to other surface measurements such as temperature and relative humidity with equally unsatisfying results. We found that there are similar TBs (especially at 89 and 150 GHz) for cases with falling snow and for non-precipitating cases. The comparisons indicate that surface emissivity contributions to the satellite observed TB over land can add uncertainty in detecting and estimating falling snow. The newest results show that the cloud icc scattering signal in the AMSU-B data call be detected by computing clear air TBs based on CARE radiosonde data and a rough estimate of surface emissivity. That is the differences in computed TI3 and AMSU-B TB for precipitating and nonprecipitating cases are unique such that the precipitating versus ~lon-precipitating cases can be identified. These results require that the radiosonde releases are within an hour of the AMSU-B data and allow for three surface types: no snow on the ground, less than 5 cm snow on the ground, and greater than 5 cm on the ground (as given by ground station data). Forest fraction and measured emissivities were combined to calculate the surface emissivities. The above work and future work to incorporate knowledge about falling snow retrievals into the framework of the expected GPM Bayesian retrievals will be described during this presentation.
Language:
English
Notes:
2008 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium Boston, MA 7-11 Jul. 2008

Title:
Real-Time Application of Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis for Floods and Landslides
Document ID:
20080030216
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
Adler, Robert (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Hong, Yang (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Huffman, George (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20071110
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Satellite data acquired and processed in real time now have the potential to provide the spacetime information on rainfall needed to monitor flood and landslide events around the world. This can be achieved by integrating the satellite-derived forcing data with hydrological models and landslide algorithms. Progress in using the TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) as input to flood and landslide forecasts is outlined, with a focus on understanding limitations of the rainfall data and impacts of those limitations on flood/landslide analyses. Case studies of both successes and failures will be shown, as well as comparison with ground comparison data sets-- both in terms of rainfall and in terms of flood/landslide events. In addition to potential uses in real-time, the nearly ten years of TMPA data allow retrospective running of the models to examine variations in extreme events. The flood determination algorithm consists of four major components: 1) multi-satellite precipitation estimation; 2) characterization of land surface including digital elevation from NASA SRTM (Shuttle Radar Terrain Mission), topography-derived hydrologic parameters such as flow direction, flow accumulation, basin, and river network etc.; 3) a hydrological model to infiltrate rainfall and route overland runoff; and 4) an implementation interface to relay the input data to the models and display the flood inundation results to potential users and decision-makers, In terms of landslides, the satellite rainfall information is combined with a global landslide susceptibility map, derived from a combination of global surface characteristics (digital elevation topography, slope, soil types, soil texture, and land cover classification etc.) using a weighted linear combination approach. In those areas identified as "susceptible" (based on the surface characteristics), landslides are forecast where and when a rainfall intensity/duration threshold is exceeded. Results are described indicating general agreement with landslide occurrences.
Language:
English
Notes:
2nd Space for Hydrology Workshop Geneva 10-15 Nov. 2007

Title:
A Slow Retrieval Algorithm for Satellite and Surface Based Instruments
Document ID:
20080030228
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
Weaver, C. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Flittner, D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20071201
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
We present results of a retrieval algorithm for satellite and ground based instruments using the Arizona radiative transfer code. A state vector describing the atmospheric and surface condition is iteratively modified until the calculated radiances match the observed values. Elements of the state vector include: aerosol concentrations, radius, optical properties, mass-weighted altitudes, chlorophyll concentration and wind speed. While computationally expensive, many assumptions used in other retrieval algorithms are not invoked. We present co-located retrievals for MODIS, SEAWIFS and nearby AERONET sites. MODIS AQUA and SEA WIFS: Ten MODIS (.412 - 2.110 microns) and eight SEA WIFS (.412-.865 microns) radiances (.412-.865 microns) include channels where aerosols absorb and reflect radiation. We focus on retrieving bio-mass burning aerosols that are advected over open ocean. Since chlorophyll absorbs at frequencies where black carbon absorbs, our retrieval algorithm accounts for chlorophyll absorption by simultaneously retrieving both aerosol and chlorophyll amount. Our retrieved chlorophyll concentrations are similar to those from the Ocean Color Group. AERONET: Both Almucantar and Principle plane radiances are used to retrieve the state of the atmosphere and ocean conditions. Our retrieved aerosol size distributions and optical properties are consistent with the aerosol inversions from the AERONET group.
Language:
English
Notes:
American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December 2007

Title:
An Automated SVD for Alignment and Control of James Webb Space Telescope Mirrors
Document ID:
20080030249
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
Shiri, Sharam (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Howard, Joseph M. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Aronstein, David L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Ha, Kong (SGT, Inc.) Smith, J. Scott (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Dean, Bruce (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20080624
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a three-mirror anastigmatic telescope. The alignment of the segmented primary and secondary mirrors in the wavefront sensing and control process involves a series of actuators to control the six degrees-of-freedom motion on each surface in addition to the radius of curvature. The control matrix developed from the alignment parameters is over-determined and singular value decomposition (SVD) method is used to solve it in the least square sense. An automated SVD scheme has been developed to identify the most contributing modes in a typical alignment process and reduce the impact of error-prone modes from the control process.
Language:
English
Notes:
SPIE Astronomical Telescope and Instrumentation Meeting Marseilles 24-28 Jun. 2008

Title:
Using COMSOL Multiphysics Software to Model Anisotropic Dielectric and Metamaterial Effects in Folded-Waveguide Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits
Document ID:
20080030373
Report #:
NASA/TM-2008-215267, P1.35, E-16537
Sales Agency:
CASI Hardcopy A02 Copyright
Author(s):
Starinshak, David P. (Ohio Aerospace Inst.) Smith, Nathan D. (Ohio Aerospace Inst.) Wilson, Jeffrey D. (NASA Glenn Research Center)
Published:
20080701
Source:
NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, OH, United States)
Pages:
9
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The electromagnetic effects of conventional dielectrics, anisotropic dielectrics, and metamaterials were modeled in a terahertz-frequency folded-waveguide slow-wave circuit. Results of attempts to utilize these materials to increase efficiency are presented.
Language:
English
Notes:
Ninth International Vacuum Electronics Conference (IVEC 2008) Monterey, CA 22-24 Apr. 2008

Title:
Cautious Inference in Collective Classification
Document ID:
20080030406
Report #:
AD-A479720
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479720
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
McDowell, Luke K Gupta, Kalyan M Aha, David W
Published:
20070101
Source:
Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD United States)
Pages:
7
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Collective classification can significantly improve accuracy by exploiting relationships among instances. Although several collective inference procedures have been reported they have not been thoroughly evaluated for their commonalities and differences. We introduce novel generalizations of three existing algorithms that allow such algorithmic and empirical comparisons. Our generalizations permit us to examine how cautiously or aggressively each algorithm exploits intermediate relational data, which can be noisy. We conjecture that cautious approaches that identify and preferentially exploit the more reliable intermediate data should outperform aggressive approaches. We explain why caution is useful and introduce three parameters to control the degree of caution. An empirical evaluation of collective classification algorithms, using two base classifiers on three data sets, supports our conjecture.
Language:
English

Title:
Verification of the AFWA 3-Element Severe Weather Forecast Algorithm
Document ID:
20080030473
Report #:
AD-A479883
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479883
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Pagliaro, Daniel E
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
107
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Accurate severe thunderstorm forecasts are critical to providing sufficient lead-time to protect lives and property The Air Force Weather Agency has developed a 3-Element Severe Weather Forecast Algorithm that when applied to model forecasts gives and outlook region for severe thunderstorms improvements were made in this study to enhance the algorithm's forecast skill, reduce its false alarm rate, and thereby increase the amount of lead-time for installation commanders to take decisive action to protect personnel and resources. This paper discusses the performance of the 3-Element Algorithm in its original form, and the adjustments made to overcome some of its limitations.
Language:
English

Title:
Vibration Response Models of a Stiffened Aluminum Plate Excited by a Shaker
Document ID:
20080030797
Report #:
None
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/2060/20080030797
Sales Agency:
CASI Hardcopy A03 No Copyright
Author(s):
Cabell, Randolph H. (NASA Langley Research Center)
Published:
20080728
Source:
NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA, United States)
Pages:
12
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Numerical models of structural-acoustic interactions are of interest to aircraft designers and the space program. This paper describes a comparison between two energy finite element codes, a statistical energy analysis code, a structural finite element code, and the experimentally measured response of a stiffened aluminum plate excited by a shaker. Different methods for modeling the stiffeners and the power input from the shaker are discussed. The results show that the energy codes (energy finite element and statistical energy analysis) accurately predicted the measured mean square velocity of the plate. In addition, predictions from an energy finite element code had the best spatial correlation with measured velocities. However, predictions from a considerably simpler, single subsystem, statistical energy analysis model also correlated well with the spatial velocity distribution. The results highlight a need for further work to understand the relationship between modeling assumptions and the prediction results.
Language:
English
Notes:
Noise-Con 2008 Dearborn, MI 28-31 Jul. 2008

59-02 DATA PROCESSING
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

Title:
Optical Modeling Activities for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Document ID:
20080030117
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
Howard, Joseph (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20070924
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This is part four of a series on the ongoing optical modeling activities for James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The first two discussed modeling JWST on-orbit performance using wavefront sensitivities to predict line of sight motion induced blur, and stability during thermal transients. The third investigates the aberrations resulting from alignment and figure compensation of the controllable degrees of freedom (primary and secondary mirrors), which may be encountered during ground alignment and on-orbit commissioning of the observatory. The work here introduces some of the math software tools used to perform the work of the previous three papers of this series. NASA has recently approved these in-house tools for public release as open source, so this presentation also serves as a quick tutorial on their use. The tools are collections of functions written in Matlab, which interface with optical design software (CodeV, OSLO, and Zemax) using either COM or DDE communication protocol. The functions are discussed, and examples are given.
Language:
English
Notes:
SPIE Optics and Photonics meeting San Diego, CA 26-30 Aug. 2007

Title:
Quality Control Procedures for Achived Operations Traffic Data: Synthesis of Practice and Recommendations
Document ID:
20080030203
Report #:
PB2007-113178
Sales Agency:
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) No Copyright
Author(s):
Turner, S.
Published:
20070301
Source:
Battelle Team (Columbus, OH, United States) Texas A&M Univ. (College Station, TX United States)
Pages:
44
Contract #:
DTFH61-97-C-00010
Abstract:
This report summarizes and provides recommendations for quality control procedures to be used for archived data that have been collected and saved by traffic operations systems. This report summarizes quality control procedures used in numerous archived data management systems (ADMS) implementations. This report provides recommendations for a basic set of quality control procedures that can be adopted, as well as a process to customize quality control procedures for system-specific data quality issues. This report also details the typical steps involved in quality control procedures, including the automation of quality checks, the use of manual visual review, the flagging of failed data records, and the use of metadata to document quality control actions. The intended audience for this report includes developers of ADMS as well as researchers and analysts of archived data. Software developers can adapt some or all of the quality control procedures as deemed necessary. The report could also be used or specified in writing a request for proposals to develop an ADMS. Researchers and data analysts can use the report to perform additional quality control if data quality remains an issue.
Language:
English

Title:
The Water Vapor Variability - Satellite/Sondes (WAVES) Field Campaigns
Document ID:
20080030242
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
CASI Hardcopy A01 Copyright
Author(s):
Whiteman, D. N. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Adam, M. (Howard Univ.) Barnet, C. (National Environmental Satellite Service) Bojkov, B. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County) Delgado, R. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County) Demoz, B. (Howard Univ.) Fitzgibbon, J. (National Weather Service) Forno, R. (Universidad Mayor de San Andres) Herman, R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech.) Hoff, E. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County) Joseph, E. (Howard Univ.) Landulfo, E. (Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares) McCann, K. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County) McGee, T. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Miloshevich, L. (National Center for Atmospheric Research) Restrepo, I. (Trinity Univ.) Schmidlin, F. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Taubman, B. (Appalachian State Univ.) Thompson, A. (Pennsylvania State Univ.) Twigg, L. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.) Venable, D. (Howard Univ.) Vomel, H. (Colorado Univ.) Walthall, C. (Department of Agriculture)
Published:
20080707
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
4
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Three NASA-funded field campaigns have been hosted at the Howard University Research Campus in Beltsville, MD. In each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, WAVES field campaigns have coordinated ozonesonde launches, lidar operations and other measurements with A-train satellite overpasses for the purposes of satellite validation. The unique mix of measurement systems, physical location and the interagency, international group of researchers and students has permitted other objectives, such as mesoscale meteorological studies, to be addressed as well. We review the goals and accomplishments of the three WAVES missions with the emphasis on the nonsatellite validation component of WAVES, as the satellite validation activities have been reported elsewhere.
Language:
English
Notes:
Laboratorio de Fisica de la Atmosfera/Universidad mayor de San Andres Meeting La Paz 7-11 Jul. 2008

Title:
An Assessment of Current Satellite Precipitation Algorithms
Document ID:
20080030250
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
Smith, Eric A. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20071014
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The H-SAF Program requires an experimental operational European-centric Satellite Precipitation Algorithm System (E-SPAS) that produces medium spatial resolution and high temporal resolution surface rainfall and snowfall estimates over the Greater European Region including the Greater Mediterranean Basin. Currently, there are various types of experimental operational algorithm methods of differing spatiotemporal resolutions that generate global precipitation estimates. This address will first assess the current status of these methods and then recommend a methodology for the H-SAF Program that deviates somewhat from the current approach under development but one that takes advantage of existing techniques and existing software developed for the TRMM Project and available through the public domain.
Language:
English
Notes:
First Workshop on the Satellite Application Facility in Support of Operational Hydrology and Water Management Rome 14-23 Oct. 2007

Title:
Development of Time-Distance Helioseismology Data Analysis Pipeline for SDO/HMI
Document ID:
20080030281
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources No Copyright
Author(s):
DuVall, T. L., Jr. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Zhao, J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Couvidat, S. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Parchevsky, K. V. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Beck, J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Kosovichev, A. G. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Scherrer, P. H. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Published:
20080526
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager of SDO will provide uninterrupted 4k x 4k-pixel Doppler-shift images of the Sun with approximately 40 sec cadence. These data will have a unique potential for advancing local helioseismic diagnostics of the Sun's interior structure and dynamics. They will help to understand the basic mechanisms of solar activity and develop predictive capabilities for NASA's Living with a Star program. Because of the tremendous amount of data the HMI team is developing a data analysis pipeline, which will provide maps of subsurface flows and sound-speed distributions inferred form the Doppler data by the time-distance technique. We discuss the development plan, methods, and algorithms, and present the status of the pipeline, testing results and examples of the data products.
Language:
English
Notes:
Joint Assembly of the AAS/SPD and AGU Meeting Fort Lauderdale, FL 26-30 May 2008

Title:
Assessment of MODIS Scan Mirror Reflectance Changes On-Orbit
Document ID:
20080030347
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources Copyright
Author(s):
Xiong, Xiaoxiong (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Wu, A. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.) Angal, A. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)
Published:
20080101
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Since launch, the NASA EOS Terra and Aqua MODIS have operated successfully for more than 8 and 6 years, respectively. MODIS collects data using a two-sided scan mirror over a large scan angular range. The scan mirror is made of a polished, nickel-plated beryllium base coated with high purity silver, which is then over-coated with the Denton proprietary silicon monoxide and silicon dioxide mixture. The scan mirror's reflectance was characterized pre-launch using its witness samples, and the response versus scan angle was measured at the sensor system level. In this study, we present an assessment of MODIS scan mirror on-orbit degradation by examining changes of spectral band response over each sensor's mission lifetime. Results show that the scan mirror's optical properties for both Terra and Aqua MODIS have experienced significant degradation since launch in the VIS spectral region, which is mirror side dependent as well as scan angle dependent. In general, the mirror degradation is more severe for Terra MODIS than Aqua MODIS, especially during recent years. For Terra MODIS, the degradation rate is noticeably different between the mirror sides. On the other hand, there has been little mirror side dependent difference for Aqua MODIS.
Language:
English
Notes:
Meeting held in San Diego, CA on August 10-14, 2008

Title:
Managing Uncertainty Due to a Fundamental Error Source Arising from Scatterer Distribution Complexity in Radar Remote Sensing of Precipitation
Document ID:
20080030358
Report #:
None
Sales Agency:
Other Sources Copyright
Author(s):
Smith, Eric A. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Kuo, Kwo-Sen (Caelum Research Corp.) Meneghini, Robert (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Mugnai, Alberto (National Research Council)
Published:
20071110
Source:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pages:
1
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The assumption that cloud and rain drops are spatially distributed according to a Poisson distribution within a scattering volume probed by a radar being used to estimate precipitation has represented bedrock theory in establishing 'rules of the game' for pulse averaging--the process needed to beat down noise to an acceptable level in the measurement of radar reflectivity factor. Based on relatively recent observations of 'realistic' spatial distributions of hydrometeor scatterers in a cloudy atmosphere motivates a renewed examination of the consequences of using a too simplified assumption underlying volume scattering--particularly in regards to the standard pulse averaging rule. Our investigation addresses two extremes, simple to complex, insofar as allowed for complexities in an underlying scatterer distribution. It is demonstrated that as the spatial distribution ranges from Poisson (a narrow distribution) to multi-fractal (much broader distribution), uncertainty in a measurement increases if the rule for pulse averaging goes unchanged from its Poisson distribution reference county. [A bounded cascade is used for the multi-fractal distribution, a regularly observed distribution vis-a-vis cloud liquid water content.] The resultant measurement uncertainty leads to a fundamental source of error in the estimation of rain rate from radar measurements, one that has been disregarded since the early 1950s when radar sets first began to be used for rainfall measuring. It is shown how this source of error can be 'managed'--under the assumption that number of data analysis experiments would be carried out, experiments involving pulse-by-pulse measurements obtained from a radar set modified to output individual pulses of reflectivity factor. For practical applications, a new parameter called normalized k-sample intensity invariance is developed to enable defining the required pulse average count according to a preferred degree of uncertainty.
Language:
English
Notes:
9th International Precipitation Conference Paris 10-17 Nov. 2007

Title:
The Implementation of a Python Class for Structuring Network Data Collected in a Test Bed
Document ID:
20080030399
Report #:
AD-A479698, ARL-TR-4423
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479698
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Nguyen, Binh Q
Published:
20080401
Source:
Army Research Lab. (Adelphi, MD United States)
Pages:
30
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This report documents an internally developed Python class that takes in a set of data files and organizes them into effective data structures that are suitable for the subsequent extraction, processing, and analysis. The report includes usage examples by describing Python snippets that perform statistical calculations and that transform the data into comma-separated values. Sample input and output data are appended to the report.
Language:
English

Title:
An Attacker-Defender Model for IP-Based Networks
Document ID:
20080030403
Report #:
AD-A479714
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479714
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Barkley, Timothy R
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
79
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The Internet Protocol (IP) has emerged as the dominant technology for determining how data is routed across the Internet. Because IP flows are defined essentially in terms of origin-destination (O-D) pairs, we represent IP traffic engineering as a multi-commodity flow problem in which each O-D pair is treated as a separate commodity. We account for the diversity in IP routing by modeling opposite extremes of traffic engineering: naive traffic engineering where the IP routes data between any two users using only the shortest path between them, and best case traffic engineering where IP has the flexibility to route data using multiple paths in the network regardless of their length. We develop linear programming formulations that identify the maximum data flow for an IP network that satisfies proportionality constraints for traffic demand for each case of traffic engineering, and we also determine the optimal interdiction of those flows that reduces that maximum flow in the worst possible way.
Language:
English

Title:
FALCON Pilot: Applying Open Standards for PLM Systems Interoperability
Document ID:
20080030431
Report #:
AD-A479801, TARDEC-17642
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479801
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Iyer, Raj
Published:
20070926
Source:
Army Tank-Automotive Research and Development Command (Warren, MI United States)
Pages:
48
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This briefing discusses FALCON (Federated Army Lifecycle Collaborative Enterprise), a data exchange protocol that allows contractors access to Army vehicular product data from a range of engineering and logistics databases. Through FALCON, TARDEC can have access to a richer data set from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). FALCON enables a route for improved data synchronization. FALCON enables use of simple add-on services via web-services. It provides a starting point for tracking configuration of individual vehicles.
Language:
English
Notes:
Presented at the Product Data Technology Europe 2007 16th Symposium, Geneva, Switzerland, 24-26 Sep 2007. The original document contains color images

Title:
Mitigating Information Overload: The Impact of "Context-Based Approach" to the Design of Tools for Intelligence Analysts
Document ID:
20080030454
Report #:
AD-A479839
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479839
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Brueggemann, Charles E
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
130
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
With the explosion of available data from a variety of sources, it has become increasingly difficult for intelligence analysts and others to keep pace with the amount of arriving data, to extract actionable information from it, and to integrate that information with prior knowledge. Add to that the pressures of today's fusion center climate and it becomes clear that analysts, police officers, and executives' ability to make rapid, sound decisions is severely compromised. The combination of circular reporting and the complexity of data sources are contributing to information overload. Law enforcement agencies realize this cannot be resolved by continuing to hire more intelligence analysts. Instead, they must begin leveraging technology. The Illinois State Police department is utilizing a technology artifact in its Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) that incorporates technology built from the context of these users. This thesis uses a survey instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology on reducing circular reporting and easing the handling of complex data sources. The findings show that intelligence analysts within STIC perceive that information overload exists, and both the complexity of data sources and circular reporting minimize their effectiveness and efficiency. The technology described here mitigates these negative effects and increases the Illinois STIC's ability to better serve communities.
Language:
English

Title:
Information Management Utilizing Valued Information at the Right Time (VIRT) as Applied to a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Mission
Document ID:
20080030572
Report #:
AD-A479969
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Morris, Jason T
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
77
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This research utilizes the JTAC mission and applies the VIRT concept of smart-push information delivery. Current efforts within DoD focus on achieving a virtual world where all information becomes available through the GIG. This smart pull approach to information delivery does not adequately address the value of information and the absolute requirement to deliver it to the lowest levels when and where needed. The current DoD enterprise wide mentality of IT implementation does not focus on where best to leverage IT in order to achieve an immediate increase in capability. VIRT, as demonstrated in this research, provides an excellent place to start and a great opportunity to utilize technology in an effective way without taking a decade for implementation.
Language:
English

Title:
Comparative Cognitive Task Analysis
Document ID:
20080030588
Report #:
AD-A480014
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Kirschenbaum, Susan S Trafton, J G Pratt, Elizabeth
Published:
20070101
Source:
Naval Undersea Warfare Center (Newport, RI United States)
Pages:
11
Contract #:
N00014-00-WX-20844 N00014-00-WX-40002
Abstract:
It is easy to force a weather forecaster to work out of context -- simply move him or her to some new locale. Effects of ocean currents, seasonal variations, and effects of land masses change everything. Any knowledge of trends that the forecaster had relied on are now utterly useless. The information that the weather forecaster uses is often downloaded from external Web sites. Local weather organizations use (or build) support tools for displaying downloaded data and images and for building and displaying their own forecasts. To optimize these tools, consideration must be given to the user-tooltask triad that is central to the principles of human-centered computing (HCC). The traditional way human factors engineers approach this problem is to perform a task analyses to determine how people operate in a specific domain on a specific task. Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) is a set of methods that takes into account the perception (i.e., vision), cognition (i.e., decision making), and motor actions (i.e., mouse movements) needed to accomplish a task. In this chapter, we build on CTA methods by suggesting that comparative cognitive task analysis (C2TA) can help solve the aforementioned problems. C2TA is based on replication studies conducted in different environments. Because it derives data from more than one environment, C2TA provides insight into interface design that single-site studies and individual CTA methods cannot.
Language:
English
Notes:
Published in Expertise Out Of Context: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Naturalistic Decision Making, p327-336, May 2007; ISBN 978-0-8058-5509-8

Title:
Complex Visual Data Analysis, Uncertainty, and Representation
Document ID:
20080030609
Report #:
AD-A480056, XB-NRL/MR/5510
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Schunn, Christian D Saner, Lelyn D Kirschenbaum, Susan K Trafton, J G Littleton, Eliza B
Published:
20070101
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
54
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
How do problem solvers represent visual-spatial information in complex problem solving tasks? This paper explores the predictions of symbolic computation, embodied problem solving and a neurocomputational theory for what factors influence internal representation choices. Across two studies, data are collected from experts and novices in three different, complex visual-spatial problem-solving domains (weather forecasting, submarine target motion analysis, and fMRI data analysis). Internal spatial representations are coded from spontaneous gestures made during cued-recall summaries of problem solving activities. Analyses of domain differences, expertise differences, and changes over time with problem solving suggest that neurocomputational constraints play a larger role than the nature of the visual input or the nature of the underlying real world being examined through problem solving, especially for expert problem solvers. The particular neurocomptuational feature that was found to drive internal representation choice is the required spatial precision of the main goals of problem solving.
Language:
English

Title:
Enhancing Text Analysis via Dimensionality Reduction
Document ID:
20080030849
Report #:
AD-A479796
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479796
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Underhill, David G McDowell, Luke K Marchette, David J Solka, Jeffrey L
Published:
20070801
Source:
Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD United States)
Pages:
7
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Many applications require analyzing vast amounts of textual data, but the size and inherent noise of such data can make processing very challenging. One approach to these issues is to mathematically reduce the data so as to represent each document using only a few dimensions. Techniques for performing such "dimensionality reduction" (DR) have been well-studied for geometric and numerical data, but more rarely applied to text. In this paper, we examine the impact of five DR techniques on the accuracy of two supervised classifiers on three textual sources. This task mirrors important real world problems, such as classifying web pages or scientific articles. In addition, the accuracy serves as a proxy measure for how well each DR technique preserves the inter-document relationships while vastly reducing the size of the data, facilitating more sophisticated analysis. We show that, for a fixed number of dimensions, DR can be very successful at improving accuracy compared to using the original words as features. Surprisingly, we also find that one of the simplest DR techniques, Multi-dimensional Scaling (MDS), is among the most effective. This suggests that textual data may often lie upon a linear manifold where the more complex non-linear DR techniques do not have an advantage.
Language:
English
Notes:
Presented at the IEEE International Conference on Information Reuse and Integration, IRI 2007, Las Vegas, NV on 13-15 Aug 2007. Published in proceedings of the same, p348-353; ISBN 1-4244-1500-4

Title:
Gemini: Extending Information Management for Real Time Tactical Environments
Document ID:
20080030880
Report #:
AD-A480203
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Merrill, Derek
Published:
20080301
Source:
General Dynamics Decision Systems (Scottsdale, AZ United States)
Pages:
63
Contract #:
FA8750-06-C-0067
Abstract:
This is the Final Technical Report for the Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI) Gemini program, herein referred to as Gemini. The objective of this document is to describe the technical lessons learned, results achieved, and characteristics of the product offering which we have developed within this initial Gemini contract. Gemini focused on the challenges presented by highly dynamic networks and implementing a relatively lightweight and yet robust architecture. JBI is an information management system that provides users with the specific information required for them to perform their functional responsibilities during crisis or conflict. JBI integrates data from a wide variety of sources, aggregates this information, and distributes the information in the appropriate form and level of detail to users at all echelons. The JBI platform for brokering information from a distributed JBI repository provides the following core services to JBI clients : publish, subscribe, query, and control.
Language:
English

Title:
Targeted Information Dissemination
Document ID:
20080030886
Report #:
AD-A480150
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Kallurkar, Srikanth
Published:
20080301
Source:
Quantum Leap Innovations, Inc. (Newark, DE United States)
Pages:
50
Contract #:
FA8750-05-C-0104
Abstract:
Quantum Leap Innovations (QLI) developed a Targeted Information Dissemination (TID) system for rapid gathering and dissemination of the right information to the right people at the right time. The TID user interface shows tasks of an analyst. A hierarchical view of interests learned over a period of time is shown for each task. A table displays documents filtered-in by the user agent. The filtering is based on an interest profile that the agent manages on behalf of the user. The user can view and change the degree of filtering, document relevance and the interests related to task at any time. QLI focused their system to derive an early warning system (EWS) posed by a potential pandemic influenza (PI) episode, but the technology will be broadly applicable and configurable as an EWS for any future biological incident.
Language:
English

60-01 DIGITAL AND ANALOG COMPUTERS
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

Title:
Implementation of a Cyclostationary Spectral Analysis Algorithm on an SRC Reconfigurable Computer for Real-Time Signal Processing
Document ID:
20080030611
Report #:
AD-A480065
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Upperman, Gary J
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
124
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This thesis describes a near-real-time method of detecting low probability of intercept (LPI) emissions. A cyclostationary spectral analysis algorithm developed by the Center for Joint Services Electronic Warfare at the Naval Postgraduate School was implemented on the SRC-6 reconfigurable computer. This thesis is part of a larger project investigating the use of the SRC-6 for electronic intelligence detection and processing. Cyclostationary processing transforms a received signal into a frequency-cycle frequency domain which can have detection advantages over a time-frequency domain transformation. When performed at near-real-time processing speed, the algorithm can be used to detect and classify LPI emissions. The performance of the algorithm on the SRC-6 is compared to equivalent implementations in MATLAB and the C programming language.
Language:
English

61-01 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

Title:
The Use of Concept Maps for the Diffusion of the Distributed Operations Concept and the Dissemination of Existing Virtual Training Simulations
Document ID:
20080030391
Report #:
AD-A479668
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479668
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Boone, Brian S
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
89
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The Marine Corps finds itself increasingly fighting an elusive, adaptive and decentralized enemy. Facing this type of decentralized enemy suggests the Marine Corps embrace a more decentralized approach to conventional military operations. One of the strategies that the USMC has been introducing is Distributed Operations (DO) that will enable meeting the need of commanders to fight a highly decentralized engagement. DO require that the Marine Corps add to its conventional skills the additive ability to decentralize decision making and an ability to distribute the force when it is tactically advantageous to do so. Lessons learned from the Hunter Warrior series of experiments suggest that technology can only be effectively applied once assigned tasks have been mastered In order for the Marine Corps to enable DO capability throughout the Marine Corps, a proactive information campaign must be conducted. The thesis seeks to develop a web based collaboration tool which will link critical DO specific and conventional skills to the current simulations which train them This will serve to increase all Marines' understanding of the requisite knowledge and introduce novel training opportunities that exist as the concept of DO is concurrently developed.
Language:
English

Title:
Moving Up the CMMI Capability and Maturity Levels Using Simulation
Document ID:
20080030419
Report #:
AD-A479755, CMU/SEI-2008-TR-002
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479755
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Raffo, David M Wakeland, Wayne
Published:
20080101
Source:
Carnegie-Mellon Univ. (Pittsburgh, PA United States)
Pages:
131
Contract #:
FA8721-05-C-0003
Abstract:
Process Simulation Modeling (PSIM) technology can be used to evaluate issues related to process strategy, process improvement, technology and tool adoption, project management and control, and process design. Recent developments in PSIM tools have drastically cut the costs to develop models for evaluating such issues, and new methods have been developed to apply PSIM, enabling it to provide greater business value. At the same time, trends within the software industry towards improving operations and reducing costs have heightened the need for tools to better plan and manage processes. As a result, organizations regard PSIM as an attractive tool that can provide business value today. This report shows examples of how PSIM has been implemented within industry and government organizations to improve process consistency and results. The report also shows, via many examples, exactly how PSIM supports Capability Maturity Model Integration Process Areas from level 2 through level 5.
Language:
English

Title:
Using Aspect-Oriented Programming to Enforce Architecture
Document ID:
20080030427
Report #:
AD-A479786, CMU/SEI-2007-TN-019
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479786
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Merson, Paulo
Published:
20070901
Source:
Carnegie-Mellon Univ. (Pittsburgh, PA United States)
Pages:
25
Contract #:
FA8721-05-C-0003
Abstract:
Using aspect-oriented programming (AOP), software developers can define customized compile-time error or warning messages that are issued when the code contains join points that match specified pointcuts. These customized messages are generated by compiletime declarations, which are an extremely simple but powerful AOP mechanism. Declarations that look for nonvalid interactions between modules can be used for architecture enforcement. Coding policies, best practices, design patterns, and code-naming conventions can also be enforced. Compile-time declarations operate as an additional verification in the build process, but they do not affect the compiled application and can be turned on and off at any time. That feature makes this approach an automated and nondisruptive solution for architecture enforcement and a risk-free first step towards AOP adoption.
Language:
English

Title:
Basic Principles and Concepts for Achieving Quality
Document ID:
20080030433
Report #:
AD-A479804, CMU/SEI-2007-TN-002
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479804
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Baker, Emanuel R Fisher, Matthew J Goethert, Wolfhart Marino, Lisa
Published:
20071201
Source:
Carnegie-Mellon Univ. (Pittsburgh, PA United States)
Pages:
44
Contract #:
F19628-00-C-0003
Abstract:
This technical note extends the quality concepts first articulated in "A Software Quality Framework" (SQF) developed in the early 1980s for the Department of Defense (DoD) by Baker and colleagues. The original quality concepts of the SQF are extended beyond software to include products, services, and processes. This technical note also describes the conceptual elements necessary for building quality into systems, or any entity, and evaluating the quality actually achieved. The technical note presents definitions and conceptual elements within the context of Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) to show how CMMI codifies the concepts. Another goal of including the CMMI context is to help CMMI implementers recognize the purpose of some CMMI components relative to quality concepts and principles, and to help ensure a CMMI implementation leading to quality products. The definitions provided are the structural members of this extended framework, which lay the basis for establishing quality requirements, methods to help satisfy these requirements, and quality evaluation.
Language:
English

Title:
A Novel Project Management Theory and Its Applicability
Document ID:
20080030437
Report #:
AD-A479817
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479817
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Erguner, Abdulkerim
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
113
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Software Project Management is an emerging discipline. The software project manager's job comprises every aspect of the project from starting the project to closing out. Practitioners of the discipline use several project management tools in managing diverse aspects of their projects. However, there is no existing management theory that combines different aspects of a software project and results in a complete picture. This study discusses a management theory and modeling language that combine several management aspects of software projects into concrete models to aid the software project manager. The mathematical relations and graphical models derived from the theory consist of entire entities and activities of a project as determined by the project team, and they depict any kind of relationship between the entities and activities, including stakeholders. The theory provides a mathematical model for software projects and the modeling language provides graphical models of software projects representing the mathematical model. This study tests the applicability of the theory and the modeling language in two case studies. The results indicate that the theory and modeling language are applicable to real world projects, and that they show promise as valuable software project management tools.
Language:
English

Title:
Statistical Debugging
Document ID:
20080030568
Report #:
AD-A479960
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Murphy, Toriano A
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
109
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Software debugging is a time consuming and important step in the development and evolution of software systems. Debugging is a practice that normally gets the least praise but normally requires the most attention and effort. The aim of debugging is to find and reduce the number of faults in a program, thereby making a program behave the way it is expected. Even with the advances that have been made with computer speed, graphical user interfaces, networking abilities and storage capabilities the cost of debugging remains high. The aim of this thesis is to build on the process of debugging using a statistical approach. Statistical debugging is not a new phenomenon, but a statistical debugging technique has been developed to assist in addressing the difficulties of isolating faults in software. The tool developed for debugging by this thesis will save time and effort in finding faults thereby saving money.
Language:
English

Title:
Automated Speech Intelligibility System for Head-Borne Personal Protective Equipment: Proof of Concept
Document ID:
20080030582
Report #:
AD-A480001, ECBC-TR-616
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Coyne, Karen M Barker, Daniel J Eshbaugh, Jonathan P
Published:
20080401
Source:
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD United States)
Pages:
20
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
An automated objective test system was developed to assess the impact of head-borne personal protective equipment on speech intelligibility and transmission. The system comprised talker and listener headforms, speech recordings, and speech recognition software. A recording of sentences from the Speech Perception in Noise test was transmitted from the speaker in the talker headform to microphones in the ears of the listener headform. The speech recognition software recorded the speech received at the listener headform. The responses were scored by hand. Speech transmission was assessed by separately placing two air-purifying respirators on the talker headform while speech intelligibility was evaluated by separately placing a chemical protective suit, an escape respirator with hood, and a ballistic helmet on the listener headform. A control condition with bareheaded talker and listener headforms was run for comparison. Speech transmission was statistically significantly degraded by both respirator conditions compared to the control condition. The protective suit and escape respirator both caused statistically significant decreases in speech intelligibility compared to the control and helmet conditions. These results show that an automated test system has been developed that can be used to quantify degradations in speech transmission and intelligibility when head-borne personal protective equipment is worn.
Language:
English
Notes:
Sponsored in part by Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate

Title:
Technical Approach for Coupled Reliability-Durability Assessment of Army Vehicle Sub-Assemblies
Document ID:
20080030585
Report #:
AD-A480010
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Abumeri, Galib Garg, Mohit Lamb, David A
Published:
20080401
Source:
Alpha STAR Corp. (Long Beach, CA United States)
Pages:
9
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The US Army is seeking to advance simulation methods for assessing the performance and reliability of ground vehicles. The reliability is defined as the probability that the Army vehicle performs its function over a specified period of time and under specified loading conditions; it can be viewed as a measure of successful performance of the component, sub-assembly and eventually whole vehicle. For the structural reliability calculation to be meaningful, it must be coupled with durability evaluation. The durability describes the ability of the structure to endure or resist applied loading. Maximum benefit would be obtained when both the reliability and durability are maximized. Such an outcome is highly desired, especially if it is achieved at low cost and low weight.
Language:
English
Notes:
Presented at SAE 2008 World Congress, April 14-17, 2008, Detroit, MI,on 14-17 Apr 2008 and published in the proceedings as 2008-01-0541. The original document contains color images

Title:
RE Theory Meets Software Practice: Lessons from the Software Development Trenches
Document ID:
20080030586
Report #:
AD-A480012
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Heitmeyer, Constance Jeffords, Ralph Bharadwaj, Ramesh Archer, Myla
Published:
20071001
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
5
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Based on our recent experience in four projects, each focused on either security-critical or safety-critical software, this paper evaluates several notions, widely held by Requirements Engineering researchers, for their utility in practical software development. It describes four notions which in our view work in practice and five others which do not.
Language:
English
Notes:
Sponsored in part by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Presented IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference (15th), RE'07, in New Delhi, India, on 15-19 Oct 2007. Published in proceedings of the same, p265-268; ISBN 978-0-7695-2935-6. The original document contains color images

Title:
ELINT Signal Processing Using Choi-Williams Distribution on Reconfigurable Computers for Detection and Classification of LPI Emitters
Document ID:
20080030592
Report #:
AD-A480021
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Upperman, Teresa L O
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
104
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This thesis documents the use of the SRC-6 Reconfigurable Computer for use in analyzing low probability of intercept (LPI) signals using the Choi-Williams distribution. The SRC-6 is a reconfigurable computer manufactured by SRC Computers, Inc. which allows the user to tailor both the software and the hardware to a specific task. This increases the speed at which the task can be accomplished making it useful for applications in electronic intelligence (ELINT). The Choi-Williams distribution is a mathematical technique that was first created using MATLAB and then converted to C code for use on the SRC-6. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a reconfigurable computer for ELINT applications and the timely detection and classification of LPI signals. This thesis is part of a larger study to use reconfigurable computers for the autonomous detection and classification of LPI signals.
Language:
English

Title:
Applying Formal Methods to a Certifiably Secure Software System
Document ID:
20080030598
Report #:
AD-A480033
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Heitmeyer, Constance L Archer, Myla M Leonard, Elizabeth I McLean, John D
Published:
20080201
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
18
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
A major problem in verifying the security of code is that the code's large size makes it much too costly to verify in its entirety. This paper describes a novel and practical approach to verifying the security of code which substantially reduces the cost of verification. In this approach, a compact security model containing only information needed to reason about the security properties of interest is constructed and the security properties are represented formally in terms of the model. To reduce the cost of verification, the code to be verified is partitioned into three categories and only the first category, which is less than 10 percent of the code in our application, requires formal verification. The proof of the other two categories is relatively trivial. Our approach was developed to support a Common Criteria evaluation of the separation kernel of an embedded software system. This paper describes 1) our techniques and theory for verifying the kernel code and 2) the artifacts produced, that is, a Top-Level Specification (TLS), a formal statement of the security property, a mechanized proof that the TLS satisfies the property, the partitioning of the code, and a demonstration that the code conforms to the TLS. This paper also presents the formal basis for the argument that the kernel code conforms to the TLS and consequently satisfies the security property.
Language:
English

Title:
Formal Methods for Specifying, Validating, and Verifying Requirements
Document ID:
20080030622
Report #:
AD-A480106, XB-NRL/ITD/5500
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Heitmeyer, Constance L
Published:
20070528
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
13
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
This paper describes the specification, validation and verification of system and software requirements using the SCR tabular method and tools. An example is presented to illustrate the SCR tabular notation, and an overview of each of the ten tools in the SCR toolset is presented.
Language:
English
Notes:
Published in the Journal of Universal Computer Science, v13, n5, p607-618, 28 May 2007

Title:
ASSIP Study of Real-Time Safety-Critical Embedded Software-Intensive System Engineering Practices
Document ID:
20080030627
Report #:
AD-A480129, CMU/SEI-2008-SR-001
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Feiler, Peter H Niz, Dionisio de
Published:
20080201
Source:
Carnegie-Mellon Univ. (Pittsburgh, PA United States)
Pages:
51
Contract #:
FA8721-05-C-0003
Abstract:
Modern weapon systems increasingly depend on real-time, safety-critical, embedded (RTSCE) software to achieve their mission objectives. In addition, these systems are experiencing far longer service lives than anticipated at their inception. Army weapon system developers are concerned that this combination of factors renders today's software acquisition and development practices insufficient to address the challenges of these software-intensive systems. To address the concern, the Army Strategic Software Improvement Program tasked the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to assess RTSCE software-intensive systems issues and develop recommendations. The findings of phase one of that study are presented in this report: (1) industry is driving the development of tools for model-based engineering to meet the needs of RTSCE system development, and (2) many opportunities exist for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to gain experience and advance the transition of these tools into DoD programs.
Language:
English

61-02 CAD/CAM
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

No records are available for this topic on this date.

63-01 CYBERNETICS AND BIONICS
Aug 24, 2008 -- Additions to the NASA scientific and technical information knowledge base

Title:
The Joint Center for Robotics and Its JAUS Implementation Efforts
Document ID:
20080030434
Report #:
AD-A479810, TARDEC-18829-RC
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479810
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Theisen, Bernard
Published:
20080416
Source:
Army Tank-Automotive Research and Development Command (Warren, MI United States)
Pages:
31
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The mission of the Joint Center for Robotics is to serve as a focal point for military ground vehicle robotics integration efforts and to coordinate support across the life cycle spectrum (research, development, acquisition and sustainment) for all current and future military unmanned ground vehicles and robotic platforms.
Language:
English
Notes:
Presented at the Society for Automotive Engineers 2008 World Congress, held in Detroit, MI, on 14-17 April 2008. The original document contains color images

Title:
Wireless Robotic Communications in Urban Environments: Issues for the Fire Service
Document ID:
20080030494
Report #:
AD-A479946
Available Online:
http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA479946
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Hough, George
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
169
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Firefighters are tasked with conducting search and rescue operations at incidents ranging from minor smoke conditions to multi-agency disasters. In each instance, a rapid risk assessment must be conducted based on preliminary dispatch information. Small lightweight man portable robots are a natural fit for gaining improved situational awareness, yet few have been employed for this application. The problems encountered in using wireless robots in urban environments are among the primary reasons. This thesis focuses on the wireless link between the robot and the firefighter employing it. The work presented is useful for policy makers in allocating public safety spectrum, firefighters in pre-planning responses, and engineers for designing relevant control systems. While the arguments rest on a technical footing of test data and models, the paper is written primarily for a non-technical audience. A technology acceptance model is developed for employing robots wirelessly. Test data is presented showing the debilitating effects of interference from employing multiple robots concurrently. Models are applied to predict signal loss in tunnels and urban environments, and results indicate an optimal frequency range exists between 500 MHz and 1 GHz. A case is presented to allocate spectrum in this range using a priority access protocol.
Language:
English

Title:
Using a Competitive Approach to Improve Military Simulation Artificial Intelligence Design
Document ID:
20080030579
Report #:
AD-A479996
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Stoykov, Sevdalin
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA United States)
Pages:
67
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
The research presented in this thesis attempts to show how using a competitive approach to artificial intelligence (AI) design can lead to improvement of the AI solutions used in military simulations. To demonstrate the potential of the competitive approach, ORTS, a real-time strategy game engine, and its competition setup are used. To justify the thesis statement, a set of exploratory experiments are conducted. The experiments represent a tournament of virtual battles between base case AIs and test case AIs. The existing OTRS clients are used as base cases, and the test cases are evolved using the competitive approach to AI design described in this work. The analysis of the results from the tournament proves the advantages of the competitive approach. At the end of the thesis, some conclusions and recommendations for future work are made.
Language:
English

Title:
Using Simulations to Model Shared Mental Models
Document ID:
20080030603
Report #:
AD-A480040, XB-NRL/MR/5510
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Kennedy, William G Trafton, J G
Published:
20070701
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
3
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Good team members seem to have the ability to simulate what others on the team will do in different situations. Team researchers have long studied what makes an effective team. Their methodology has been to examine how high and low performing teams accomplish team-related tasks. They have suggested that a good team-member has three knowledge components (Cannon-Bowers, Salas, & Converse, 1993): (1) Knowledge of own capabilities [meta-knowledge], (2) Knowledge of the task, and (3) Knowledge about the capabilities of their teammates. Most researchers have suggested that these three components are deeply inter-related; without any one of these, a person is not a good team member. However, without a computational theory, these claims can be difficult to examine empirically. The focus of this paper is the third component, the cognitive modeling done of a teammate's cognitive processes. This shared understanding of teammates frequently called a shared mental model (Mathieu, Heffner, Goodwin, Salas, & Cannon-Bowers, 2000). We start with the premise that humans use themselves as an initial model of their teammate, and then refine it as the team (and individuals within the team) gains experience. Our primary research goal is to create a computational theory of teamwork by modeling the individuals within the team so that we can eventually build plausible robots for teamwork and human-robot interaction.
Language:
English
Notes:
Presented at the International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (8th) held in Ann Arbor, MI on 27-29 July 2007. Published in the Proceedings of the International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (8th), p253-254, 2007

Title:
Thinking Graphically: Connecting Vision and Cognition during Graph Comprehension
Document ID:
20080030608
Report #:
AD-A480055, XB-NRL/MR/5510
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Ratwani, Raj M Trafton, J G Boehm-Davis, Deborah A
Published:
20080101
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
56
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
Task analytic theories of graph comprehension account for the perceptual and conceptual processes required to extract specific information from graphs. Comparatively, the processes underlying information integration have received less attention. We propose a new framework for information integration that highlights visual integration and cognitive integration. During visual integration, pattern recognition processes are used to form visual clusters of information; these visual clusters are then used to reason about the graph during cognitive integration. In three experiments the processes required to extract specific information and to integrate information were examined by collecting verbal protocol and eye movement data. Results supported the task analytic theories for specific information extraction and the processes of visual and cognitive integration for integrative questions. Further, the integrative processes scaled up as graph complexity increased, highlighting the importance of these processes for integration in more complex graphs. Finally, based on this framework, design principles to improve both visual and cognitive integration are described.
Language:
English

Title:
Integrating Vision and Audition within a Cognitive Architecture to Track Conversations
Document ID:
20080030610
Report #:
AD-A480061
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Trafton, J G Bugajska, Magdalena D Fransen, Benjamin R Ratwani, Raj M
Published:
20080301
Source:
Naval Research Lab. (Washington, DC United States)
Pages:
9
Contract #:
None
Abstract:
We describe a computational cognitive architecture for robots which we call ACT-R/E (ACT-R/Embodied). ACT-R/E is based on ACT-R, but uses different visual, auditory and movement modules. We describe a model that uses ACT-R/E to integrate visual and auditory information to perform conversation tracking in a dynamic environment. We also performed an empirical evaluation study which shows that people see our conversational tracking system as extremely natural.
Language:
English

Title:
Real World Cognitive Multi-Tasking and Problem Solving: A Large Scale Cognitive Architecture Simulation Through High Performance Computing-Project Casie
Document ID:
20080030877
Report #:
AD-A480207
Sales Agency:
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) No Copyright
Author(s):
Santos, Jr , Eugene McEvoy, Kiley Abu-Ghazaleh, Nael Kolar, Vinay Zhang, Mark Guo, Zhen
Published:
20080301
Source:
Dartmouth Coll. (Hanover, NH United States)
Pages:
41
Contract #:
FA8750-05-2-0284
Abstract:
In its grandest sense, Project CASIE explored the development of a computational system capable of high level perception and problem solving that reflects the cognitive processes of the human brain. Most specifically, it concentrated on better understanding and modeling intuition and insight in a computational fashion. The goal was to address the fundamental problem of modeling and solving communities of tasks from a cognitive point of view through multiple problem solving agents working cooperatively or competitively on different subtasks at multiple levels of granularity.
Language:
English

Title:
An Integrated Self-Aware Cognitive Architecture
Document ID:
20080030884