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L.L. West, A.K. Garrison, G. G. Gimmestad, D. W. Roberts, J. M. Stewart, J. W. Wood, and A. L. Bowling, 'UNDERGRADUATE LIDAR EDUCATION AT GEORGIA TECH', 23rd International Laser Radar Conference, Nara City, Japan, July 24-28 2006   Abstract:  The Goergia Tech Research Institute teamed with a local undergraduate women's institution,Agnes Scott College, to develop an eyesafe lidar for atmospheric remote sensing as a unique hand-on research experience for undergraduate students. The students constructed the lidar with guidance from Georgia Tech researchers after receiving classroom lectures and doing hands-on laboratory work on the technologies required to design and build the system. Coursework included geomtrical and atmospheric optics; lasers and eye safety; radiometry; optical detection; materials; coatings, and filters; digital signal processing and data analysis; and mechanical structures. The course succeeded in making lidar technology accessible and appropriate for undergraduate students, and it is intended to serve as a model for other schools. EARL (the Eye-safe Atmospheric Research Lidar) research projects include studies of the planetary boundary layer, tropospheric aerosol layer. Partner schools for similiar projects are being sought, and a web-based network is planned among participating colleges and universities.

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Lafond-Favieres, V., Hall, K., Medlin, B., Wagner, R., Welch, G., Designing Innovative Electronic Performance Support Systems, 2003 Society of Applied Learning Technologies Conference, Orlando FL, February 18, 2003.   Abstract: Today's maintenance technicians require timely, situation-specific electronic task guidance and support while their managers desire increased performance and decreased costs. Innovative Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) architectures provide user-centered and performance-centered electronic environments that allow users to accomplish tasks with fewer errors and better results, even when provided less training (4). Electronic technical manuals, troubleshooting trees, context based training, and asynchronous communication tools provide alternatives to traditional maintenance protocols. This paper defines and explains the key features of an EPSS as applied to maintenance tasks using the US Navy P-3 Maintainers EPSS (MEPSSTM) as an example product, developed by the Logistics and Maintenance Applied Research Center (LandMARC) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. We conclude with an analysis of how this architecture can be applied to the medical field to address similiar concerns.

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Robinson, W., Welch, G., O'Neil, G.,  The Need for a Systems Engineering Approach For Measuring and Predicting the Degradation of Aging Systems And How It Can Be Achieved, Proceedings of the Applied Vehicle Technology Panel Symposium on Life Management Techniques for Aging Air Vehicles, NATO Research and Technology Agency, Manchester, UK, October 2001   Abstract:  This paper will explore the need for a comprehensive approach to measuring, and predicting, degradations in againg NATO aircraft and use of these predictions in a 'systems approach' to solving the challenges faced in supporting these aircraft. Various groups within the NATO countries have already accomplished significant progress in this area, so this paper is an attempt to refine a more global process that will provide the most useful results in the least amount of time. We believe that the appropriate application of both emerging and seemingly unrelated technologies, coupled with a systems engineering management approash, may provide acceptable results.