Turnkey System Research Articles

Library management systems in the UK: 1960s–1980s

Computers were first used in libraries for assisting with the processes of cataloguing and the issuing of materials in the collections. This paper traces this history in the UK from the experimental systems of the 1960s, to the local and also the co-operative systems of the 1970s and to the turnkey systems of the 1980s. The rise of microcomputer-based systems and integrated library management systems of the late 1980s are covered in the penultimate section. References are made to published literature of these developments and 'memories' of those involved in running and implementing these systems were elicited through an e-mail list and have been incorporated as appropriate.

Study of applying reverse engineering to turbine blade manufacture

A turbine blade has complex shaped free-form surfaces that can be modelled as surfaces with variable curvature by high-degree polynomials. Industry typically utilizes a turnkey system and special-purpose machine tool to manufacture turbine blades. A turkey system is a closed form design. Users need only input relevant data to this system to manufacture the product directly. However, users are unaware of the internal operation of the system. With rapidly advances in computing technology, commercial CAD/CAM systems can be utilized to design freeform surfaces and generate a tool path for the designed surfaces. This study uses a reverse engineering technology that is used to reconstruct the CAD model for a turbine blade. The prototype is measured by a coordinate measuring machine to obtain the geometrical control data points that are used to generate the CAD model in the UniGraphics (UG) CAD/CAM system. The UG/GRIP (GRaphics interactive Programming) language is used to generate the cutter location data rather than using the default UG CAM module. A five-axis NC code is acquired by the developed postprocessor and verified by the solid cutting simulation software VERICUT®. Real turbine blade machining is performed on a table/spindle tilting five-axis machine tool, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Savannah ALD Systems: Enabling Quick Results

Cambridge NanoTech has sold more than 70 atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems in the last 3 years. These turn-key and affordable systems have enabled researchers both in personal and multi-user cleanroom environments to introduce ALD to a wide range of applications: chemical, electronic, nanotechnology, MEMS, optical, biological and many more. These fields can now take advantage of the unique conformal coating capabilities of ALD. Cambridge NanoTech is continuously enhancing the ALD experience and has recently introduced a new heated ALD precursor vapor trap. Conventional stainless steel wool and activated alumina traps were inadequate for ALD applications due to precursor backstreaming and particulation. The new honeycomb channel trap avoids backstreaming and particulation and allows operators to keep pumping line components and pumps clean.

Towards automated screening of two-dimensional crystals

Screening trials to determine the presence of two-dimensional (2D) protein crystals suitable for three-dimensional structure determination using electron crystallography is a very labor-intensive process. Methods compatible with fully automated screening have been developed for the process of crystal production by dialysis and for producing negatively stained grids of the resulting trials. Further automation via robotic handling of the EM grids, and semi-automated transmission electron microscopic imaging and evaluation of the trial grids is also possible. We, and others, have developed working prototypes for several of these tools and tested and evaluated them in a simple screen of 24 crystallization conditions. While further development of these tools is certainly required for a turn-key system, the goal of fully automated screening appears to be within reach.

Unsupervised Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy for High Content and High Throughput Screening

Proteomics and cellomics clearly benefit from the molecular insights in cellular biochemical events that can be obtained by advanced quantitative microscopy techniques like fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer imaging. The spectroscopic information detected at the molecular level can be combined with cellular morphological estimators, the analysis of cellular localization, and the identification of molecular or cellular subpopulations. This allows the creation of powerful assays to gain a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying spatiotemporal cellular responses to chemical and physical stimuli. This work demonstrates that the high content offered by these techniques can be combined with the high throughput levels offered by automation of a fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope setup capable of unsupervised operation and image analysis. Systems and software dedicated to image cytometry for analysis and sorting represent important emerging tools for the field of proteomics, interactomics, and cellomics. These techniques could soon become readily available both to academia and the drug screening community by the application of new all-solid-state technologies that may results in cost-effective turnkey systems. Here the application of this screening technique to the investigation of intracellular ubiquitination levels of alpha-synuclein and its familial mutations that are causative for Parkinson disease is shown. The finding of statistically lower ubiquitination of the mutant alpha-synuclein forms supports a role for this modification in the mechanism of pathological protein aggregation.

Monte Carlo-based QA for IMRT of head and neck cancers

It is well-known that the presence of large air cavity in a dense medium (or patient) introduces significant electronic disequilibrium when irradiated with megavoltage X-ray field. This condition may worsen by the possible use of tiny beamlets in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs), in particular those based on the pencil-beam method, do not provide accurate dose computation for the lungs and other cavity-laden body sites such as the head and neck. In this paper we present the use of Monte Carlo (MC) technique for dose re-calculation of IMRT of head and neck cancers. In our clinic, a turn-key software system is set up for MC calculation and comparison with TPS-calculated treatment plans as part of the quality assurance (QA) programme for IMRT delivery. A set of 10 off-the-self PCs is employed as the MC calculation engine with treatment plan parameters imported from the TPS via a graphical user interface (GUI) which also provides a platform for launching remote MC simulation and subsequent dose comparison with the TPS. The TPS-segmented intensity maps are used as input for the simulation hence skipping the time-consuming simulation of the multi-leaf collimator (MLC). The primary objective of this approach is to assess the accuracy of the TPS calculations in the presence of air cavities in the head and neck whereas the accuracy of leaf segmentation is verified by fluence measurement using a fluoroscopic camera-based imaging device. This measurement can also validate the correct transfer of intensity maps to the record and verify system. Comparisons between TPS and MC calculations of 6 MV IMRT for typical head and neck treatments review regional consistency in dose distribution except at and around the sinuses where our pencil-beam-based TPS sometimes over-predicts the dose by up to 10%, depending on the size of the cavities. In addition, dose re-buildup of up to 4% is observed at the posterior nasopharyngeal mucosa for some treatments with heavily-weighted anterior fields.

Demand grows for automation and turnkey systems

A ‘one stop filament winding equipment shopping centre’ might be desired by OEMs of FRP components, but there's more to this method than just wrapping fibre in a hoop. Vicki P. McConnell offers a progress report on trends, advances and innovations in winding technology.

IT applications in Kuwaiti financial companies: an analysis

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the placement, role, functioning, and human resource aspects of IT departments in Kuwaiti corporate companies in the banking and finance sector.Design/methodology/approachThe results of this study are based on an interview‐based survey of IT managers in 17 banking, finance and investment companies in Kuwait. Data were collected through open‐ended interviews, focused upon the profile and organizational characteristics of IT operations, including placement, reporting relationship, role of managers, human resources, and internal organization. Information was collected about employment of servers, operating environments and applications of IT systems and networks these companies were using.FindingsIt has been found that most companies had elaborate IT functions where IT managers played a significant role. Large companies had built in‐house systems with little outsourcing while the majority of the other companies used turnkey systems and a great deal of outsourcing. Diversity was noted in system and network applications, related to the size and organizational needs of these companies. It was found that websites of most companies were static and these companies had to take firm initiatives if they had to adopt e‐commerce or electronic transactions.Originality/valueThis study has provided crucial understanding about the management of IT functions and applications in Kuwaiti companies.

Automated cyclotron tuning using beam phase measurements

The ACCEL K250 superconducting cyclotron is specifically designed for the use in proton therapy systems. The compact medical 250 MeV proton accelerator fulfils all present and future beam requirements for fast scanning treatment systems and is delivered as a turn key system; no operator is routinely required. During operation of the cyclotron heat dissipation of the RF system induces a small drift in iron temperature. This temperature drift slightly detunes the magnetic field and small corrections must be made. A non-destructive beam phase detector has been developed to measure and quantify the effect of a magnetic field drift. Signal calculations were made and the design of the capacitive pickup probe was optimised to cover the desired beam current range. Measurements showed a very good agreement with the calculated signals and beam phase can be measured with currents down to 3 nA. The measured phase values are used as input for a feedback loop controlling the current in the superconducting coil. The magnetic field of the cyclotron is tuned automatically and online to maintain a fixed beam phase. Extraction efficiency is thereby optimised continuously and activation of the cyclotron is minimised. The energy and position stability of the extracted beam are well within specification.

The U. S. Navy's Shipboard Solid Waste Program: Managing a Highly Accelerated Fleet‐wide Ship System Integration Program

AbstractThe FY‐94 and FY‐97 National Defense Authorization Acts amended the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) to require fleet‐wide installation of Plastics Waste Processors by December 1998, and installation of Pulpers and Shredders by December 2000. These requirements translate to an acquisition program, which could rapidly develop, procure and deploy processing equipment on about 200 surface ships (over 24 ship classes) within three years. To date, this program has successfully completed the ship integration of the Plastic Waste Processor and is in the stages of implementing the Pulpers and Shredders. » A previous paper on this subject broadly described the development of the acquisition strategy, the development of the equipment and the fleet integration plan. This paper focuses on the ownership issues of the program and how they affect program decisions. It reviews how the Navy selected its current compliance strategy, including the consideration of its effects on marine environment through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies. It details the various processes NAVSEA implemented to ensure the delivery of quality and affordable “turn‐key” system to the fleet. These processes included a comprehensive installation design and review; rapid incorporation of lessons learned; timely deployment of Integrated Logistics Support to meet fleet operations to meet fleet introduction which included establishing interim spares; and instituting a comprehensive In‐Service Engineering Agent assist and inspection program.

Versatile optical manipulation system for inspection, laser processing, and isolation of individual living cells

Isolation of individual cells from a heterogeneous cell population is an invaluable step in the analysis of single cell properties. The demands in molecular and cellular biology as well as molecular medicine are the selection, isolation, and monitoring of single cells and cell clusters of biopsy material. Of particular interest are methods which complement a passive optical or spectroscopic selection with a variety of active single cell processing techniques such as mechanical, biochemical, or genetic manipulation prior to isolation. Sophisticated laser-based cell processing systems are available which can perform single cell processing in a contact-free and sterile manner. Until now, however, these multipurpose turnkey systems offer only basic micromanipulation and are not easily modified or upgraded, whereas laboratory situations often demand simple but versatile and adaptable solutions. We built a flexible laser micromanipulation platform combining contact-free microdissection and catapulting capabilities using a pulsed ultraviolet (337nm) laser with simultaneous generation of optical tweezing forces using a continuous wave infrared (1064nm) laser. The potential of our platform is exemplified with techniques such as local laser-induced injection of biomolecules into individual living cells, laser surgery, isolation of single cells by laser catapulting, and control of neuronal growth using optical gradient forces. Arbitrary dynamic optical force patterns can be created by fast laser scanning with acousto-optical deflectors and galvanometer mirrors, allowing multibeam contact-free micromanipulation, a prerequisite for reliable handling of material in laboratory-on-a-chip applications. All common microscopy techniques can be used simultaneously with the offered palette of micromanipulation methods. Taken together, we show that advanced optical micromanipulation systems can be designed which combine quality, cost efficiency, and adaptability.

Application of Nondestructive Testing in Cyclic Fatigue Evaluation of Endodontic Ni-Ti Rotary Instruments

The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of nondestructive testing in cyclic fatigue evaluation of endodontic ProFile nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments. As-received ProFile instruments were made to rotate freely in sloped metal blocks by a contra-angle handpiece mounted on a testing machine. Rotation was interrupted periodically, and the instrument removed and engaged onto a device to monitor its stiffness by using two strain gauges in four different directions. This monitoring method has the potential to be developed into a convenient, nondestructive turnkey system that allows in situ assessment of the integrity of NiTi instruments in the clinic. Upon fracture, which was indicated by a change in instrument stiffness, the fractured surface would be examined under a scanning electron microscope. Microscopic evaluation indicated a small area of fatigue fracture with a large area of final ductile fracture, whereby the latter was the major cyclic failure mode. Based on the results of this study, we concluded that a potential nondestructive integrity assessment method for NiTi rotary instruments was developed.

Correlation-Based Decision-Feedback Equalizer for Underwater Acoustic Communications

The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) using a fixed set of parameters applicable to most shallow oceans with minimal user supervision (i.e., a turn key system). This work is motivated by the superior performance [bit error rate (BER)] of the multichannel DFE compared with other methods, such as passive-phase conjugation (PPC), at the same time noting its sensitivity to different acoustic environments. The approach is to couple PPC, utilizing its adaptability to different environments, with a single-channel DFE. This coupling forms an optimal processor for acoustic communications in theory, but it has never been implemented in practice. By coupling with DFE, the method achieves the same spatial diversity as conventional multichannel DFE, without requiring a large number of receivers as does PPC. The correlation-based DFE in terms of the autocorrelation functions of the channel impulse responses summed over the receiver channels (the Q function) is derived. This paper shows in terms of waveguide physics, further supported by real data, the many desirable features of the Q function that suggest, given adequate sampling of the water column, a general applicability of the correlation-based equalizer to different environments, irrespective of the sound speed profiles, bottom properties, and source-receiver ranges/depths. This property can be expected to hold approximately for a small number of receivers with spatial diversity. This paper demonstrates the robustness of the new equalizer with moving source data despite the range change (which modifies the impulse response) and symbol phase change due to time-varying Doppler

Nanoprocessing with nanojoule near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses

Abstract Near-infrared (NIR) femtosecond laser pulses are novel tools for ultraprecise intracellular and intratissue surgery, cell isolation and nanostructering of biomaterials as well as for high-resolution multiphoton tomography. The required high transient laser intensity of TW/cm2 for multiphoton ablation can be achieved with low nanojoule energy laser pulses when using focusing optics of high numerical aperture. Most of the experiments have been performed with a compact turn-key femtosecond laser scanning system (FemtOcut, JenLab). The tight focusing results in a sub-femtoliter multiphoton interaction volume which enables nanoprocessing in the sub-200 nm range without any destructive photodisruptive collateral effects. FWHM cut sizes and nanostructures in silicon as low as 70 nm as well as knocking out of specific sub-70 nm genomic regions have been realized at 800 nm laser wavelength. Working with a precision of one order better than “Abbe's diffraction limit”, we demonstrate nano- and microdissection for applications in genomics and proteomics, sub-100 nm nanomachining for cell adhesion studies, destruction of intracelluar organelles and intratissue cells, targeted transfection as well as ocular refractive nanosurgery. NIR femtosecond lasers will become important tools in laser nanomedicine.

Multichannel Data Acquisition System for Mapping the Electrical Activity of the Heart

Details of the electrical conduction pattern of the heart are revealed to the electrophysiologist when multichannel data are used for activation mapping. Commercial electronic systems are available for simultaneous acquisition of many surface electrograms; however, the cost of these systems may be prohibitive and they can be mostly inflexible for adaptation to other research projects. Furthermore, the hardware and software design is often proprietary. In this article we describe the in-house design and implementation of a 320-multichannel acquisition system for animal electrophysiologic research. Several modules comprise this system. The multichannel data are first preprocessed by amplification, filtering, and analog multiplexing. An algorithm for automatic adjustment of signal gains is implemented to maximize the voltage resolution and minimize noise pickup. Signals are then digitized, and sequenced to order the multichannel data and to add markers required for analysis. The digital data are streamed to archival storage media. Additionally, the electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, and stimulus channel signals are stored simultaneously. Selected signals are then displayed in real-time for measurement and analysis and as a check of the system integrity. Examples of multielectrode arrays and surface recordings are provided. Costs for building such a system are estimated. Multichannel data acquisition systems that are designed and constructed in-house have several advantages over turnkey commercial systems, including the potential for considerable cost savings, flexibility in acquiring data, and the ability to subsequently add additional components.

Frequency metrology with a turnkey all-fiber system

The repetition rate and carrier-envelope phase offset frequencies of a turnkey, all-fiber-based continuum generator were phase locked to a hydrogen maser. The frequency of the hydrogen maser was calibrated with a highly stable cesium atomic clock, and therefore a fully phase-locked optical frequency comb with well-defined absolute frequencies was obtained. In contrast with the commonly used Ti:sapphire-laser-based systems, we have accomplished a fully turnkey system with no user-adjustable parts. To evaluate the performance of this novel system, we performed absolute frequency measurements in the telecommunications region and at 1064 nm and compared them with our traditional Ti:sapphire-based comb.

A personal recollection of software's early days (1960-1979): part 1

The author, a participant in packaged software's early days, worked with IBM up through the System/360 launch and then with Turnkey Systems, an early provider of packaged software. This article traces the author's background from graduate school through the Turnkey Systems sale to National CSS in 1979 and subsequently to Dun & Bradstreet.

Biomass reforming process for integrated solid oxide-fuel cell power generation

New methane–carbon dioxide catalytic reforming processing systems for conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons such as landfill and biomass gases to hydrogen and carbon oxide mixtures are described and analyzed. The exit synthesis gas (syn-gas) from the reforming processes is used to power high temperature fuel cells such as SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells). Bypass syn-gas streams from the exit of the reformer can be alternatively used for production of synthetic fuels such as methanol and olefinic hydrocarbons. This paper also focuses on the description and design aspects of permreactors (permeable reactors) carrying out the same type of reforming reactions. Objectives of this research include turnkey process and systems development for the fuel cell industry. Also the direct utilization of biomass, landfill, and waste type resources for green power generation with increased processing capacity and efficiency and reduced capital and operation costs. Simultaneously, pollution reduction is under additional design consideration in the described processors-fuel cell systems. Such pollution reduction is achieved by the CO 2 sequestration and utilization (via in situ conversion, recycling and usage).

A Real-Time Eulerian Photochemical Model Forecast System: Overview and Initial Ozone Forecast Performance in the Northeast U.S. Corridor

This article reports on the first implementation of a real-time Eulerian photochemical model f o recast system in the United States. The forecast system consists of a tripartite set of one-way coupled models that run routinely on a parallel micro process or supercomputer. The component models are the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University (PSU)–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5), the Sparse-Matrix Operator Kernel for Emissions (SMOKE) model, and the Multiscale Air Quality Simulation Platform—Real Time (MAQSIPRT) photochemical model. Though the system has been run in real time since the summer of 1998, forecast results obtained during August of 2001 at 15-km grid spacing over New England and the northern mid-Atlantic—conducted as part of an “early start” NOAA air quality forecasting initiative—are described in this article.The development and deployment of a real-time numerical air quality prediction (NAQP) system is technically challenging. MAQSIP-RT contains a full photochemical oxidant gas-phase chemical mechanism together with transport, dry deposition, and sophisticated cloud treatment. To enable the NAQP system to run fast enough to meet operational forecast deadlines, significant work was devoted to data flow design and software engineering of the models and control codes. The result is a turnkey system now in use by a number of agencies concerned with operational ozone forecasting.Results of the chosen episode are compared against three other models/modeling techniques: a traditional statistical model used routinely in the metropolitan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, a set of publicly issued forecasts in the northeastern United States, and the operational Canadian Hemispheric and Regional Ozone and NOx System (CHRONOS) model. For the test period it is shown that the NAQP system performs as well or better than all of these operational approaches. Implications for the impending development of an operational U.S. ozone forecasting capability are discussed in light of these results.

A Study on the Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Multi-Family Housing Estates in Korea

The objective of the present study is to assess the environmental sustainability of multi-family estates in Korea, and based on the assessment, to consider the best future direction for the further promotion of environmental sustainability. In this study, 111 representative multi-family housing estates in Korea were selected and assessed for their sustainability, based on sustainability indicators and standards, and the following conclusions were drawn. In assessment by sectors, the sustainability of landuse and transportation appeared high, but the sustainability of energy and resource use was assessed to be quite low. Indicators such as sunlight use, heavy water use, construction waste recycling and biotop development showed achievement as low as 10%. Thus, these areas will require further efforts. In assessment by estates, the sustainability of landuse appeared high in estates of large-scaled systematic development, but low in those of disordered development or redevelopment. Therefore, the promotion of large-scaled systematic development is recommended. Estates developed under the slogan of environmental-friendliness were found to be superior in both ecological environment and indoor environment, so they should be promoted as well. In addition, estates constructed in the turnkey system attained good marks in several sustainability indicators including energy, which suggests that the turnkey system has advantages.