Daily Mission Research Articles

Flight performance analysis of aerial fire fighting

AbstractThis paper investigates the operational patterns and techniques of aerial fire fighting. It is demonstrated that manoeuvrability and endurance are the main characteristics when choosing air tactical aircraft; focus is on load capability for helicopters and air tankers. Water tank filling and deployment techniques are evaluated. Aircraft using pressure deployment systems are found to produce more uniform and heavy coverage in comparison with gravity systems. ADS-B open source data of flight operations and performance was collected. Operational patterns are found to be independent on the size of particular aircraft category (non-amphibious and amphibious air tanker, helicopter, air-tactical aircraft). Effectiveness and cost are modelled using the retardant dropped per operation and the average number of daily missions. The largest aircraft, Type-I helicopters and very large air tankers (VLAT) are found to be the most effective water- and retardant-dropping aircraft. The best cost-to-litre-dropped ratio for water-dropping aircraft is attributed to Type-III helicopters and amphibious Type-III aircraft; for retardant-dropping aircraft, VLAT are most effective. To maximise fire fighting effectiveness, Type-I helicopters and VLAT should be used as far as possible, with pressure deployment systems.

Autonomous drone charging station planning through solar energy harnessing for zero-emission operations

• Solar energy from building envelopes can extend UAVs coverage and reliability in last-mile delivery applications. • This integration can omit GHG emissions in parcel delivery while improving building energy efficiency. • A multi-objective optimization model is proposed that maximizes UAV coverage and minimizes the total cost of energy and decarbonization. • A flexible energy use model is applied to a digital twin to generate minimum-energy 3D trajectories. • RI-SHOT multi-objective optimization algorithm is used to solve all the delivery demands. • GHG emissions for the entire UAV charging network are omitted compared to a grid-connected operation. The introduction of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) in smart city operations is considered a sustainable technological solution due to the promised significant greenhouse gas emission reductions. This study developed an integrated multi-objective charging infrastructure coverage optimization model that integrates UAV-based operations with solar energy harnessing from building envelopes. This model maximizes UAVs’ coverage range and minimizes the total cost of energy and decarbonization. The model is based on a flexible energy use model for UAVs calibrated to experimental measurements to generate a minimum-energy trajectory. We also developed an origin-destination (O-D) demand geo-referenced in a digital-twin model to replicate real-world operation. Overall, 12,532 simulated daily missions in a large-sized city are modelled. The results show that the proposed system can eliminate GHG emissions. Furthermore, the system can significantly reduce the decarbonization price through associated savings and excess generated electricity. The proposed approach demonstrates avenues to advance smart cities and capitalize on renewable energy.

Evaluating the Feasibility of a Digital Therapeutic Program for Patients With Cancer During Active Treatment: Pre-Post Interventional Study.

BackgroundIncreasing evidence shows that lifestyle interventions can improve the symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and even overall survival of patients with cancer. Digital therapeutics (DTx) can help implement behavioral modifications and empower patients through education, lifestyle support, and remote symptom monitoring.ObjectiveWe aimed to test the feasibility of a DTx program for patients with cancer, as measured by engagement, retention, and acceptability. In addition, we explored the effects of the program on cancer-related QoL.MethodsWe conducted a 4-week single-arm trial in Iceland, where DTx was delivered through a smartphone app. The intervention consisted of patient education about mindfulness, sleep, stress, and nutrition; lifestyle coaching; and the completion of daily missions for tracking physical activity and exercise, reporting patient-reported outcomes (PROs), practicing mindfulness, and logging healthy food intake. Information on program engagement and retention, step goal attainment, as well as PROs were collected throughout the study. QoL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 at baseline and follow-up.ResultsIn total, 30 patients with cancer undergoing active therapy were enrolled, and 29 registered in the app (23 female, 18 with breast cancer; mean age 52.6, SD 11.5 years). Overall, 97% (28/29) of participants were active in 3 of the 4 weeks and completed the pre- and postprogram questionnaires. The weekly active days (median) were 6.8 (IQR 5.8-6.8), and 72% (21/29) of participants were active at least 5 days a week. Users interacted with the app on average 7.7 (SD 1.9) times per day. On week 1, all 29 participants used the step counter and logged an average of 20,306 steps; 21 (72%) participants reached their step goals of at least 3000 steps per day. On week 4, of the 28 active users, 27 (96%) were still logging their steps, with 19 (68%) reaching their step goals. Of the 28 participants who completed the satisfaction questionnaire, 25 (89%) were likely to recommend the program, 23 (82%) said the program helped them deal with the disease, and 24 (86%) said it helped them remember their medication. QoL assessment showed that the average global health status, functioning, and symptom burden remained stable from baseline to follow-up. In all, 50% (14/28) of participants reported less pain, and the average pain score decreased from 31 (SD 20.1) to 22.6 (SD 23.2; P=.16). There was no significant change in PROs on the quality of sleep, energy, and stress levels from the first to the last week.ConclusionsThe high retention, engagement, and acceptability found in this study demonstrate that multidisciplinary DTx is feasible for patients with cancer. A longer, full-scale randomized controlled trial is currently being planned to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.

Making the invisible, visible! Our daily mission!

This year, World Water Day celebrated Groundwater with the motto “Making the invisible, visible”. Regardless of this particular recurrence, the one expressed by the motto represents the daily mission of every scholar or professional dedicated to groundwater. What is done through hydrogeological maps, through numerical models, through the development and interpretation of data series, tests in boreholes, wells and springs, what else is it, if not a way of visualizing this invisible underground resource? [...]

Abstract P049: A Digital Therapeutic Intervention Is Feasible For Outpatient Care In Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Lifestyle and medication adherence are important factors in secondary coronary artery disease (CAD)-prevention. Furthermore, the mind-heart-body connection is gaining recognition in cardiovascular health management. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that a CAD-specific digital intervention is feasible for outpatient care in terms of program retention, satisfaction, quality of life, symptom frequency and medication adherence. Methods: A four-week CAD-program (SK-121) delivered via a smart phone was designed in collaboration between the National University Hospital of Iceland (NUHI) and Sidekick Health. Patient recruitment took place at NUHI, and program participation consisted of daily health promoting missions assigned within the digital intervention such as watching educational videos, mindfulness exercises, medication reminders and logging quality of life scores. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were administered for the Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7 (SAQ-7) and the Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8). Stress-, energy-levels and quality of sleep were logged on a ten-point scale. Participants were interviewed about their program experience. Results: A total of 33 individuals signed informed consent and completed the baseline survey, of which 25 individuals registered in the app (76% males, mean age 60 years [SD=10]). A total of 23 participants logged a mission during the 4-week intervention, five of those were active a single day. A total of 16 (70%) participants completed the program and both pre- and post-surveys (mean age 60 years [SD=10], range 44-80 years). On average participants logged 7.5 missions/day (10.2 for women and 6.6 for men), completing half of daily missions (women 71%, men 47%). Results for average quality of life scores from week one to four were: for energy 5.5[SD=1.8] to 5.8[SD=1.9], p =0.22, for quality of sleep 6.2[SD=2.5] to 5.9[SD=2.4] p =0.20 and for stress 3.3[SD=2.6] to 3.3[SD=2.4] p =0.71.The proportion of the 16 patients who experienced CAD-symptoms in the last four weeks decreased from 56% at baseline to 38% at program completion, p <0.01.Medication adherence at baseline was 50% (8/16, MMAS-8=8) and increased as five of the eight (63%) non-adherent individuals became adherent, p =0.03.There were slight non-significant decreases in anxiety scores from 4.3 [SD=3.4] to 4.13[SD=2.9] p =0.88 and depression scores from 3.1 [SD=3.3] to 2.8[SD=3.6] p =0.33.User satisfaction was good as 75% of the 16 participants said it was likely that they would recommend the program, that it had a positive effect on their life, well-being and ability to deal with their disease. Conclusions: In conclusion, a CAD-specific digital intervention is feasible in terms of engagement, user satisfaction and improved treatment adherence. An RCT study is being planned to further test the program.

F*ck the Police!

Abstract On the morning of 6 May 2021, the military police invaded the favela of Jacarezinho, one of Rio de Janeiro's slums, and killed 28 people during a military operation tellingly named Operation Exceptis. Photos of dead bodies in the alleys of the favela and denouncements of extrajudicial executions of individuals who had already surrendered circulated widely on the internet. Jacarezinho adds to a troubling record of police killings that includes and goes far beyond the 1992 Massacre of Carandiru, when 111 prisoners were slaughtered by São Paulo's police during a prison riot, and the equally infamous 2006 Crimes of May, when at least six hundred civilians were killed within the span of one week (Mães de Maio 2019). While human rights organizations denounced the Jacarezinho massacre for what it was, the police argued that “the only execution that took place was that of the police, unfortunately. The other deaths that happened were those of traffickers who attacked the lives of policemen and were neutralized” (Betim 2021). On a social media network, President Jair Bolsonaro praised “all the warriors who risk their lives in the daily mission to protect the good people,” and lamented that instead of honoring the life of the officer killed during the operation, human rights activists were treating “criminals who steal, kill, and destroy families” (Veja 2021) as innocent victims.

Different Charging Strategies for Electric Vehicle Fleets in Urban Freight Transport

The transition from diesel-driven urban freight transport towards more electric urban freight transport turns out to be challenging in practice. A major concern for transport operators is how to find a reliable charging strategy for a larger electric vehicle fleet that provides flexibility based on different daily mission profiles within that fleet, while also minimizing costs. This contribution assesses the trade-off between a large battery pack and opportunity charging with regard to costs and operational constraints. Based on a case study with 39 electric freight vehicles that have been used by a parcel delivery company and a courier company in daily operations for over a year, various scenarios have been analyzed by means of a TCO analysis. Although a large battery allows for more flexibility in planning, opportunity charging can provide a feasible alternative, especially in the case of varying mission profiles. Additional personnel costs during opportunity charging can be avoided as much as possible by a well-integrated charging strategy, which can be realized by a reservation system that minimizes the risk of occupied charging stations and a dense network of charging stations.

Ministers of Life: A Call to Mission for Healthcare Workers.

In its new charter, the Vatican calls on healthcare workers to be ministers of life. This is a challenging task and a most noble mission. The mission field itself is the vast, complex and mysterious field of suffering (Pope John Paul II). For Catholic healthcare professionals, it is not so much to have a mission, but to be a mission on this earth, as Pope Francis often reminds us. The daily mission needs to be nourished by a commensurate spirituality. Each deed can be offered to the Lord as part of our response. Healthcare professionals may feel called to specific mission fields too, such as working to reduce the culture of gun violence or to promote the culture of life. The ongoing formation of conscience is a vital prerequisite, so we can continually respond to the novel ethical challenges that progress in technology and medicine inevitably bring. May we each respond enthusiastically to the call to mission: "Here I am Lord, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

Freight distribution with electric vehicles: A case study in Sicily. RES, infrastructures and vehicle routing

This paper deals with the issue of the production of electricity required for an electric delivery van to carry out its daily mission. In particular, the technical solutions adopted for the generation and management of energy from renewable energy sources will be illustrated. Subsequently a vehicle routing problem with time windows is formulated in order to optimize the freight distribution at urban level completing the exploration of two aspects, infrastructures and management of the service, considered fundamental for dealing with the distribution of freight in a system scenario. The article describes a case study for the delivery of freight within the last mile in which the installation of renewable energy production plants is proposed in the same place where the urban distribution center has been planned. The area dedicated to freight handling is thus proposed in the work as an energy platform as well as logistics. The optimization of a freight delivery service is performed in order to reduce the energy used by the vehicle in its daily travels and some aspects related to the governance (i.e. time windows allowed for the delivery/pick-up operations) are included in the problem constraints. A test application, considering a set of 84 retailers, has been carried out as case study in the Capo d'Orlando municipality (Sicily, Italy).

A tengerek biztonságáról, különös tekintettel a Guineai-öböl térségére

A tengeri közlekedés és szállítás biztonsága – különösen Afrika viszonylatában – látszólag távol eshet a magyar közérdeklődéstől, valamint a rend- és honvédelmi szervezetek mindennapos feladataitól. A déli iránnyal is bíró nemzeti kül- és külgazdasági politika, illetve Magyarország NATO- és EU-tagsága miatt is azonban immár szélesebb keretben kell biztonságunkat értékelni. Az interdependencia és a globalizáció korában a földrajzilag távoli térségekben zajló folyamatokat is érdemes figyelemmel kísérni és elemezni, hogy időben adekvát válaszlépések születhessenek, ha szükséges. A Guineai-öböl az elmúlt években a legveszélyesebb területté vált a kalózkodás szempontjából, de a szervezett bűnözői tevékenység és kábítószer-csempészet mértéke és társadalmi beágyazottsága is aggasztó – mivel összefüggenek és táplálják a Nigériában és a Száhel övezetben működő, az itteni államok működőképességét aláásó szélsőséges szervezetek harcát. A Maliban növekvő szerepet vállaló Magyar Honvédség szempontjából sem mellékes, hogy ezek a csoportok a forrásaiktól elszigetelődjenek, marginalizálódjanak, ezzel pedig a tartós rendezéshez szükséges biztonsági feltételek megteremtődjenek.

Neurosurgical post-operative complications with incidental life-saving findings

Neurosurgery is one of the most complex disciplines, requiring skillfulness and ability to try to cure nervous pathologies. Despite the role of this surgery in the inviolability of life, complications are relatively likely. Complications are frustrating and they contribute to produce a wrong but physiologic guilty conscience. However, sometimes they can have a sense over the rationale.In our study, we present two examples of post-operative complications of common neurosurgical pathologies. We compared our experience with the complications reported in literature and analyzed the importance of seeing the patients in their entirety, so encouraging a mindful approach in our medical daily life. Mindfulness could be beneficial for both patients and physicians. A mindful patient would be more relaxed, trusty and more likely to have a better outcome; on the other hand, a mindful surgeon would be more sensitive, right and open-minded and more likely to have that brightened judgment needed in our daily mission. Thanks to this mindful, extensive approach, we could interpret that, sometimes, the following complications in a patient’s surgical history are only a fraction of his life and they could have implications that neither the surgeon, nor the patient could know.

Lifetime Prediction of IGBT Modules in Suspension Choppers of Medium/Low-Speed Maglev Train Using an Energy-Based Approach

Maglev trains attracted to suspend above tracks without mechanical contact is a promising type of track transportation. Suspension choppers with levitation magnets resembling wheels of traditional trains or tires of automobiles are responsible for levitation and support of maglev trains. With successful launch of the first Chinese medium/low-speed maglev line, lifetime prediction of power devices in suspension choppers becomes a crucial topic. This paper analyzes the lifetimes under two typical daily mission profiles of suspension choppers. Using look-up tables of IGBT/diode losses, a widely used RC thermal network is established. A test rig is built to measure the IGBT/diode transient case temperature and extract the thermal impedance of a heat sink. Therefore, the junction temperatures under these typical mission profiles are estimated. Using comprehensive equations to describe solder behavior, the stress–strain curves under different temperature profiles can be plotted by means of Clech's algorithm. Finally, an energy-based approach is utilized for lifetime evaluation. The daily mission profile where maglev trains operate without landing during operation hours is expected to survive much longer.

Epidemiology of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a burden affecting no fewer than 50 million patients worldwide. It is a heterogeneous group of disorders comprising both common and very rare forms, thus rendering its epidemiological investigations rather difficult. Moreover, making an epilepsy diagnosis per se can be challenging due to an evolving system of classification, and its dependency on local habits and culture. Any attempt at meta-analyses must consider such biases when pooling data from different centers and countries. Differentiating a contextual seizure from chronic epilepsy is every epileptologist's daily mission, yet it is also crucial for achieving a proper estimation of the epidemiology of epilepsy. Our present objective was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of both syndromic and non-syndromic epilepsy. Most epileptic syndromes tend to be rare and, thus, the feasibility of epidemiological quantification in populations is also addressed. Regarding its prevalence and cost, epilepsy deserves greater attention than it generally receives, as it appears to continue to be a condition under persistent taboos.

Sleep and cognitive function of crewmembers and mission controllers working 24-h shifts during a simulated 105-day spaceflight mission

The success of long-duration space missions depends on the ability of crewmembers and mission support specialists to be alert and maintain high levels of cognitive function while operating complex, technical equipment. We examined sleep, nocturnal melatonin levels and cognitive function of crewmembers and the sleep and cognitive function of mission controllers who participated in a high-fidelity 105-day simulated spaceflight mission at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow). Crewmembers were required to perform daily mission duties and work one 24-h extended duration work shift every sixth day. Mission controllers nominally worked 24-h extended duration shifts. Supplemental lighting was provided to crewmembers and mission controllers. Participants' sleep was estimated by wrist-actigraphy recordings. Overall, results show that crewmembers and mission controllers obtained inadequate sleep and exhibited impaired cognitive function, despite countermeasure use, while working extended duration shifts. Crewmembers averaged 7.04±0.92h (mean±SD) and 6.94±1.08h (mean±SD) in the two workdays prior to the extended duration shifts, 1.88±0.40h (mean±SD) during the 24-h work shift, and then slept 10.18±0.96h (mean±SD) the day after the night shift. Although supplemental light was provided, crewmembers’ average nocturnal melatonin levels remained elevated during extended 24-h work shifts. Naps and caffeine use were reported by crewmembers during ∼86% and 45% of extended night work shifts, respectively. Even with reported use of wake-promoting countermeasures, significant impairments in cognitive function were observed. Mission controllers slept 5.63±0.95h (mean±SD) the night prior to their extended duration work shift. On an average, 89% of night shifts included naps with mission controllers sleeping an average of 3.4±1.0h (mean±SD) during the 24-h extended duration work shift. Mission controllers also showed impaired cognitive function during extended duration work shifts.These findings indicate that extended duration work shifts present a significant challenge to crewmembers and mission support specialists during long-duration space mission operations. Future research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of alternative work schedules and the development and implementation of more effective countermeasures will be required to maintain high levels of performance.

COMS Normal Operation for Earth Observation Mission

Communication Ocean Meteorological Satellite (COMS) for the hybrid mission of meteorological observation, ocean monitoring, and telecommunication service was launched onto Geostationary Earth Orbit on June 27, 2010 and it is currently under normal operation service on <TEX>$128.2^{\circ}$</TEX> East of the geostationary orbit since April 2011. In order to perform the three missions, the COMS has 3 separate payloads, the meteorological imager (MI), the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), and the Ka-band antenna. The MI and GOCI perform the Earth observation mission of meteorological observation and ocean monitoring, respectively. For this Earth observation mission the COMS requires daily mission commands from the satellite control ground station and daily mission is affected by the satellite control activities. For this reason daily mission planning is required. The Earth observation mission operation of COMS is described in aspects of mission operation characteristics and mission planning for the normal operation services of meteorological observation and ocean monitoring. And the first one-year normal operation results after the In-Orbit-Test (IOT) are investigated through statistical approach to provide the achieved COMS normal operation status for the Earth observation mission.

Synthesis of Real-World Driving Cycles and Their Use for Estimating PHEV Energy Consumption and Charging Opportunities: Case Study for Midwest/U.S.

This paper analyzes plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) behavior, its impact on the electric grid, and possible charging opportunities using representative synthetic cycles with the consideration of daily driving schedules. The representative naturalistic cycles are synthesized through a stochastic process utilizing transition probability matrices extracted from naturalistic driving data collected in the Midwest region of the United States. The representativeness of the cycles is achieved through the subsequent statistical analysis. The distributions of the departure/arrival time and the rest time, analyzed from the real-world data at the key locations, complete the picture to analyze vehicle daily missions and the PHEV impact on the grid. PHEV simulation is used to determine the battery state of charge (SOC) distribution upon arrival. The results for typical locations such as residential, work, large business, and small business allow the assessment of the PHEV impact on the grid and possible charging opportunities during daily missions.

Living for Christ in a Hostile World: the Christian Identity and its Present Challenges in 1 Peter

This paper explores an aspect of the Christian identity in the First Epistle of Peter; how it contributes to or informs the central message of the epistle, and its implications for Christian praxis. How were the recipients of 1 Peter addressed? What was the reason for the identity and in what way(s) was their identity to inform or relate to their daily lifestyle and mission? How might this inform a perspective on the implications of the Christian identity in the world today?

Comparison of TRMM and water district rain rates over New Mexico

This paper compares monthly and seasonal rain rates derived from the Version 5 (V5) and Version 6 (V6) TRMM Precipitation Radar (TPR, TSDIS reference 2A25), TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI, 2A12), TRMM Combined Instrument (TCI, 2B31), TRMM calibrated IR rain estimates (3B42) and TRMM merged gauge and satellite analysis (3B43) algorithms over New Mexico (NM) with rain gauge analyses provided by the New Mexico water districts (WD). The average rain rates over the NM region for 1998–2002 are 0.91 mm d−1 for WD and 0.75, 1.38, 1.49, 1.27, and 1.07 mm d−1 for V5 3B43, 3B42, TMI, PR and TCA; and 0.74, 1.38, 0.87 and 0.97 mm d−1 for V6 3B43, TMI, TPR and TCA, respectively. Comparison of V5 3B43 with WD rain rates and the daily TRMM mission index (TPR and TMI) suggests that the low bias of V5 3B43 for the wet months (summer to early fall) may be due to the non-inclusion of some rain events in the operational gauge analyses that are used in the production of V5 3B43. Correlation analyses show that the WD rain rates vary in phase, with higher correlation between neighboring WDs. High temporal correlations (>0.8) exist between WD and the combined algorithms (3B42, 3B43 and TCA for both V5 and V6) while satellite instrument algorithms (PR, TMI and TCI) are correlated best among themselves at the monthly scale. Paired t-tests of the monthly time series show that V5 3B42 and TMI are statistically different from the WD rain rates while no significant difference exists between WD and the other products. The agreements between the TRMM satellite and WD gauge estimates are best for the spring and fall and worst for winter and summer. The reduction in V6 TMI (−7.4%) and TPR (−31%) rain rates (compared to V5) results in better agreement between WD estimates and TMI in winter and TPR during summer.

Search for life on Mars in surface samples: Lessons from the 1999 Marsokhod rover field experiment

The Marsokhod 1999 field experiment in the Mojave Desert included a simulation of a rover‐based sample selection mission. As part of this mission, a test was made of strategies and analytical techniques for identifying past or present life in environments expected to be present on Mars. A combination of visual clues from high‐resolution images and the detection of an important biomolecule (chlorophyll) with visible/near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy led to the successful identification of a rock with evidence of cryptoendolithic organisms. The sample was identified in high‐resolution images (3 times the resolution of the Imager for Mars Pathfinder camera) on the basis of a green tinge and textural information suggesting the presence of a thin, partially missing exfoliating layer revealing the organisms. The presence of chlorophyll bands in similar samples was observed in visible/NIR spectra of samples in the field and later confirmed in the laboratory using the same spectrometer. Raman spectroscopy in the laboratory, simulating a remote measurement technique, also detected evidence of carotenoids in samples from the same area. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the subsurface layer of the rock is inhabited by a community of coccoid Chroococcidioposis cyanobacteria. The identification of minerals in the field, including carbonates and serpentine, that are associated with aqueous processes was also demonstrated using the visible/NIR spectrometer. Other lessons learned that are applicable to future rover missions include the benefits of web‐based programs for target selection and for daily mission planning and the need for involvement of the science team in optimizing image compression schemes based on the retention of visual signature characteristics.

The Web Interface for Telescience

The Web Interface for Telescience (WITS) is an Internet-based tool that enables members of geographically distributed science teams to participate in daily planetary lander and rover mission planning. WITS enables the viewing of downlinked images and results in various ways, terrain-feature measurement and annotation, and the planning of daily mission activities. WITS is written in the Java language and is accessible by mission scientists and the general public via a Web browser. The public can use WITS to plan and simulate their own rover missions. WITS was used during the 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission primarily for public outreach and was evaluated as a science operations tool at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). WITS will be used as an operations tool in the 1998 lander mission, which will land on Mars in December 1999, and in the 2001 and 2003 lander-rover missions to Mars.