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Plasma Separation Process: Betacell (BCELL) code: User's manual. [Bipolar barrier junction] (open access)

Plasma Separation Process: Betacell (BCELL) code: User's manual. [Bipolar barrier junction]

The emergence of clearly defined applications for (small or large) amounts of long-life and reliable power sources has given the design and production of betavoltaic systems a new life. Moreover, because of the availability of the plasma separation program, (PSP) at TRW, it is now possible to separate the most desirable radioisotopes for betacell power generating devices. A computer code, named BCELL, has been developed to model the betavoltaic concept by utilizing the available up-to-date source/cell parameters. In this program, attempts have been made to determine the betacell energy device maximum efficiency, degradation due to the emitting source radiation and source/cell lifetime power reduction processes. Additionally, comparison is made between the Schottky and PN junction devices for betacell battery design purposes. Certain computer code runs have been made to determine the JV distribution function and the upper limit of the betacell generated power for specified energy sources. A Ni beta emitting radioisotope was used for the energy source and certain semiconductors were used for the converter subsystem of the betacell system. Some results for a Promethium source are also given here for comparison. 16 refs.
Date: November 13, 1987
Creator: Taherzadeh, M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
ITER disruption modeling using TSC (Tokamak Simulation Code) (open access)

ITER disruption modeling using TSC (Tokamak Simulation Code)

Design of the ITER vacuum vessel (VV) is driven strongly by disruption-induced forces. We use the Tokamak Simulation Code (TSC) to model disruptions for the ITER physics phase (I{sub p} = 22 MA) and predict the time evolution of currents and forces on the VV. For a plasma vertically displaced to Z{sub axis} = {minus}1.0m before disruption and decaying at a rate of < dI{sub p}/dt > {approx equal} {minus}1.0MA/ms, the induced VV current peaks at 18 MA. The maximum radial VV force F{sub R} is 56 MN/rad; the maximum vertical force F{sub Z} is 5.4 MN/rad; and the maximum VV disruption pressure is 1.0 MPa. Variations in VV resistance (20 - 160 {mu}{Omega}) and < dI{sub p}/dt > (1 - 2.5 MA/ms) do not change F{sub R} significantly. The dependence of the forces on the initial plasma displacement and < dI{sub p}/dt > behavior, and the responses of other conducting structures are discussed. 2 refs., 6 figs.
Date: November 13, 1989
Creator: Sayer, R. O.; Peng, Y. K. M.; Wesley, J. C.; Jardin, S. C. (Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); General Atomics, San Diego, CA (USA) & Princeton Univ., NJ (USA). Plasma Physics Lab.)
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress (open access)

Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress

This report provides a definition regarding Internet governance and how the Internet is currently governed. The report discusses the role of United States government and future model of Internet governance.
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: Kruger, Lennard G.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
India-U.S. Security Relations: Current Engagement (open access)

India-U.S. Security Relations: Current Engagement

Report that reviews the major facets of U.S.-India security relations with a focus on military-to-military contacts, counterterrorism and intelligence cooperation, and defense trade. It also discusses some of the many obstacles to deeper cooperation in each of these areas.
Date: November 13, 2012
Creator: Kronstadt, K. Alan & Pinto, Sonia
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP): Available Health Insurance Options (open access)

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP): Available Health Insurance Options

This report discusses the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), a program administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which is statutorily given the authority to contract with qualified carriers offering plans and to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the statute, among other duties.
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: Mach, Annie L. & Cornell, Ada S.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Poverty in the United States: 2012 (open access)

Poverty in the United States: 2012

This report discusses poverty in United States that varies widely across the population according to age, education, labor force attachment, family living arrangements, and area of residence, among other factors. The report elaborates on the poverty among selected groups, the geography of poverty, and the research supplemental poverty measure.
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: Gabe, Thomas
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Defense Logistics: Army Should Track Financial Benefits Realized from its Logistics Modernization Program (open access)

Defense Logistics: Army Should Track Financial Benefits Realized from its Logistics Modernization Program

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Army Materiel Command (AMC) is using the Logistics Modernization Program (LMP) Increment 1 to support its industrial operations, but additional development is necessary, according to the Army, because the current system does not support certain critical requirements, including enabling the Army to generate auditable financial statements by fiscal year 2017. Officials at the 14 AMC sites GAO visited stated that LMP provided the core functionality they needed to support their operations and that they are improving in their ability to use the system. Additionally, some sites have locally developed tools to augment LMP capabilities. Army officials stated that although LMP is functional, it currently does not support certain critical requirements that have emerged since its initial development, such as automatically tracking repair and manufacturing operations on the shop floor of depots and arsenals. In addition, according to Army officials, the current system will not enable the Army to generate auditable financial statements by 2017, the statutory deadline for this goal. Increment 2, which is estimated to cost $730 million through fiscal year 2026, is expected to address these shortcomings. The Army is in the process …
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Information Technology: Leveraging Best Practices to Help Ensure Successful Major Acquisitions (open access)

Information Technology: Leveraging Best Practices to Help Ensure Successful Major Acquisitions

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Information technology (IT) acquisition best practices have been developed by both industry and the federal government. For example, the Software Engineering Institute has developed highly regarded and widely used guidance on best practices, such as requirements development and management, risk management, validation and verification, and project monitoring and control. GAO's own research in IT management best practices led to the development of the Information Technology Investment Management Framework, which describes essential and complementary IT investment management disciplines, such as oversight of system development and acquisition management, and organizes them into a set of critical processes for successful investments."
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Military Personnel: Actions Needed to Improve Evaluation and Oversight of Reserve Officers' Training Corps Programs (open access)

Military Personnel: Actions Needed to Improve Evaluation and Oversight of Reserve Officers' Training Corps Programs

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins ""
Date: November 13, 2013
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Maritime Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Effectiveness of Federal Efforts to Support the Marine Transportation System (open access)

Maritime Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Effectiveness of Federal Efforts to Support the Marine Transportation System

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) use a variety of programs to maintain and improve Marine Transportation System (MTS) infrastructure. The Corps is the lead federal agency responsible for maintaining and improving navigable waterways. Corps data show that obligations for navigable waterways have decreased from over $3 billion in fiscal year 2009 to about $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2011. Most annual DOT funding is provided to states through formulas, and states determine which projects to fund. For example, in fiscal year 2011, the Surface Transportation Program provided $9.5 billion to states for a variety of transportation projects, which may have included port improvements. However, because DOT does not specifically track formula funding used to maintain or improve ports or port connectors, officials were unable to provide GAO the extent to which these funds were used for port improvements, although the officials stated that the number of port-specific projects was likely small. Several DOT grant and credit programs can also provide specific funding to ports, though ports are primarily responsible for maintaining and improving infrastructure on port property."
Date: November 13, 2012
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
2010 Census: Census Bureau Has Made Progress on Schedule and Operational Control Tools, but Needs to Prioritize Remaining System Requirements (open access)

2010 Census: Census Bureau Has Made Progress on Schedule and Operational Control Tools, but Needs to Prioritize Remaining System Requirements

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "To carry out the decennial census, the U.S. Census Bureau (Bureau) conducts a sequence of thousands of activities and numerous operations. As requested, The Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined (1) the Bureau's use of scheduling tools to maintain and monitor progress and (2) the status of two systems key to field data collection: the control system the Bureau will use to manage the work flow for paper-based operations, including nonresponse follow-up, and the system used to manage quality control of two major field operations. GAO applied schedule analysis tools; reviewed Bureau evaluations, planning documents, and other documents on work flow management; and interviewed Bureau officials."
Date: November 13, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Illegal Aliens: INS's Processes for Denying Aliens Entry Into the United States (open access)

Illegal Aliens: INS's Processes for Denying Aliens Entry Into the United States

A statement of record issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This testimony discusses the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) processes for denying aliens entry at airports and other points of entry, including the expedited removal and credible fear processes. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 included a provision--expedited removal--for dealing with aliens who try to enter the United States by engaging in fraud or misrepresentation (e.g. falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen or misrepresenting a material fact) or who arrive with fraudulent, improper, or no documents (e.g. visa or passport). The expedited removal provision reduces an alien's right to seek review of a determination of inadmissibility decision. The Act also allows expedited removal orders to be issued to aliens who have entered the United States without being inspected or paroled at a port of entry. INS and immigration judges implement the act's provisions on the expedited removal of aliens."
Date: November 13, 2001
Creator: United States. General Accounting Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Defense Infrastructure: Guam Needs Timely Information from DOD to Meet Challenges in Planning and Financing Off-Base Projects and Programs to Support a Larger Military Presence (open access)

Defense Infrastructure: Guam Needs Timely Information from DOD to Meet Challenges in Planning and Financing Off-Base Projects and Programs to Support a Larger Military Presence

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Department of Defense's (DOD) plans to increase the U.S. military presence on Guam are expected to increase the island's current military population by about two and a half times by 2020. If implemented as planned, this realignment would increase the military population on Guam from about 15,000 in 2009 to about 29,000 in 2014, and to more than 39,000 by 2020, which will increase the current island population of 178,430 by about 14 percent over those years. The government of Guam established the Civilian-Military Task Force in April 2006 to identify and develop cost estimates for potential nondefense projects and programs needed to support the larger military presence. To determine the processes used by the government of Guam to develop cost estimates for off-base projects and programs to support a larger military and civilian population resulting from the military buildup, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) obtained and analyzed studies and assessments used by the government of Guam to develop the cost estimates. GAO also examined the government of Guam's fiscal year 2010 budget request. GAO conducted this performance audit from March 2009 through November 2009 in accordance …
Date: November 13, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Intercity Passenger Rail: National Policy and Strategies Needed to Maximize Public Benefits from Federal Expenditures (open access)

Intercity Passenger Rail: National Policy and Strategies Needed to Maximize Public Benefits from Federal Expenditures

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Intercity passenger rail service is at a critical juncture in the United States. Amtrak, the current service provider, requires $1 billion a year in federal subsidies to stay financially viable but cannot keep pace with its deteriorating infrastructure. At the same time, the federal government faces growing fiscal challenges. To assist the Congress, GAO reviewed (1) the existing U.S. system and its potential benefits, (2) how foreign countries have handled passenger rail reform and how well the United States is positioned to consider reform, (3) challenges inherent in attempting reform efforts, and (4) potential options for the federal role in intercity passenger rail. GAO analyzed data on intercity passenger rail performance and studied reform efforts in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom."
Date: November 13, 2006
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Reproductive Health: Federal Funds That Supported Four Nonprofit Organizations (open access)

Reproductive Health: Federal Funds That Supported Four Nonprofit Organizations

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This report identifies federal funding for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 that supported reproductive health activities of the following four nonprofit organizations: the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Population Council, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and The Alan Guttmacher Institute. GAO found that these organizations used $184 million in federal funds for fiscal year 1999 and $196 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2000 to support domestic and international activities related to reproductive health. The Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Agency for International Development were the major sources of these funds. Four Senate committees and four House committees have jurisdiction over the authorization of the programs under which the funding was provided. In addition, the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations each have subcommittees that have jurisdiction over the appropriations for the programs through which the funds are provided."
Date: November 13, 2001
Creator: United States. General Accounting Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Hazardous Waste: Information on How DOD and Federal and State Regulators Oversee the Off-Site Disposal of Waste from DOD Installations (open access)

Hazardous Waste: Information on How DOD and Federal and State Regulators Oversee the Off-Site Disposal of Waste from DOD Installations

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Military installations operated by the Department of Defense (DOD) can generate hazardous waste during routine operations, such as the repair and maintenance of weapon systems and equipment, or during an environmental cleanup related to past operations. The proper disposal of hazardous waste, especially when it is taken to an off-site location, is essential to ensuring the health and safety of communities across the country. This report describes (1) DOD's procedures for selecting hazardous waste transporters and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and ensuring that they properly dispose of hazardous waste; (2) the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies in ensuring hazardous waste is disposed of safely and in accordance with laws and regulations; and (3) the information that facilities and regulators must publicly report regarding a release of hazardous waste and the enforcement actions taken against facilities found in violation of the applicable laws and regulations. GAO reviewed applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and interviewed federal and state officials. GAO does not make any recommendations in this report. EPA generally agreed with the report, while DOD did not comment on the report. …
Date: November 13, 2007
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Land Management: Use of Stewardship Contracting Is Increasing, but Agencies Could Benefit from Better Data and Contracting Strategies (open access)

Federal Land Management: Use of Stewardship Contracting Is Increasing, but Agencies Could Benefit from Better Data and Contracting Strategies

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have stewardship contracting authority, which allows the agencies to trade goods--such as timber--for services (e.g., thinning forests or rangelands) that the agencies would otherwise pay for with appropriated dollars, and to enter into stewardship contracts lasting up to 10 years. The authority is set to expire in 2013. GAO was asked to determine, among other things, (1) the extent to which the agencies are using stewardship contracting and (2) what successes and challenges the agencies have experienced in using it. In doing so, GAO assessed agency data, reviewed project files, and visited projects in numerous locations."
Date: November 13, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S. Postal Service Actions to Improve Its Financial Reporting (open access)

U.S. Postal Service Actions to Improve Its Financial Reporting

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Over the past 2 years, we have been raising concerns and have made recommendations regarding the lack of sufficient and timely periodic information on the U.S. Postal Service's financial condition and outlook available to the public between publications of its audited year-end financial statements. This report responds to a request that we provide periodic updates on several key areas related to the Service's financial outlook, including improvements in financial and performance reporting. Specifically, this report discusses actions taken by the Service to address our past recommendations to provide sufficient, more timely, and accessible financial reports as well as our assessment of the Service's responses."
Date: November 13, 2002
Creator: United States. General Accounting Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Military and Veterans' Benefits: Analysis of VA Compensation Levels for Survivors of Veterans and Servicemembers (open access)

Military and Veterans' Benefits: Analysis of VA Compensation Levels for Survivors of Veterans and Servicemembers

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly payments to the survivors of those who died as a result of a service-connected disability or while on active duty in the military. In fiscal year 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) paid over $4.7 billion to about 354,000 survivors, replacing a portion of income lost with the death of the veteran or servicemember. The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the DIC program and the levels of payments it provides. This report addresses (1) the extent to which DIC replaces VA disability compensation or active duty military pay lost due to the death of a veteran or servicemember, and (2) how DIC benefits compare to benefits for survivors of civilian federal employees. GAO obtained and analyzed data on DIC payments, VA disability compensation, and military pay rates. GAO also obtained information on survivor benefits under federal employee retirement and workers' compensation programs. GAO did not include in its analysis other sources of income survivors may receive, such as Social Security, private pensions, and life insurance. Lastly, GAO …
Date: November 13, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Analysis of Data for Exports Regulated by the Department of Commerce (open access)

Analysis of Data for Exports Regulated by the Department of Commerce

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In light of the September 2001 terror attacks, we were asked to examine the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) dual-use export control system. We reported our findings in a June 26, 2006, report, saying that BIS has not systematically evaluated the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the dual-use export control system. Specifically, we reported that BIS has not conducted comprehensive analyses of available data about items that have actually been exported from the United States. We made several recommendations in that report, including that Commerce should use the available data to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Because we had difficulty obtaining data on actual exports from Commerce, we were unable to provide specific details about these data in time for our June 2006 report. We have since obtained the data and are now transmitting to Congress our analysis of the data for 2004 and 2005."
Date: November 13, 2006
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Medicare Program Integrity: Greater Prepayment Control Efforts Could Increase Savings and Better Ensure Proper Payment (open access)

Medicare Program Integrity: Greater Prepayment Control Efforts Could Increase Savings and Better Ensure Proper Payment

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Use of prepayment edits saved Medicare at least $1.76 billion in fiscal year 2010, but GAO found that savings could have been greater had prepayment edits been more widely used. GAO illustrated this point using analysis of a limited number of national policies and local coverage determinations (LCD), which are established by each Medicare administrative contractor (MAC) to specify coverage rules in its jurisdiction. GAO identified $14.7 million in payments in fiscal year 2010 that appeared to be inconsistent with four national policies and therefore improper. These payments could have been prevented through automated prepayment edits. GAO also found more than $100 million in payments that were inconsistent with three selected LCDs and that could have been identified using automated edits."
Date: November 13, 2012
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Financial Audit: IRS's Fiscal Years 2003 and 2002 Financial Statements (open access)

Financial Audit: IRS's Fiscal Years 2003 and 2002 Financial Statements

A letter report issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Because of the significance of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collections to federal receipts and, in turn, to the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. government, which GAO is required to audit, and Congress's interest in financial management at IRS, GAO audits IRS's financial statements annually to determine whether (1) the financial statements IRS prepares are reliable, (2) IRS management maintained effective internal controls, and (3) IRS complies with selected provisions of significant laws and regulations and its financial systems comply with the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 (FFMIA)."
Date: November 13, 2003
Creator: United States. General Accounting Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Military Base Realignments and Closures: Estimated Costs Have Increased While Savings Estimates Have Decreased Since Fiscal Year 2009 (open access)

Military Base Realignments and Closures: Estimated Costs Have Increased While Savings Estimates Have Decreased Since Fiscal Year 2009

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Department of Defense's (DOD) cost estimates to implement recommendations from the most recent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round have steadily increased each budget year since 2005. This BRAC round is the fifth such round undertaken by DOD since 1988 and, by our assessment, it is the biggest, most complex, and costliest BRAC round ever. With this round, DOD plans to execute hundreds of BRAC actions affecting over 800 defense locations and relocate over 123,000 personnel. Before it can realize savings from BRAC, DOD must first invest billions of dollars in facility construction, renovation, and other up-front expenses. To implement BRAC 2005, DOD plans to spend nearly $35 billion--an unprecedented amount, given that it has spent only about $25 billion to implement the four previous BRAC rounds combined."
Date: November 13, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Prevalence of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking (open access)

Prevalence of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In hearings conducted between 1990 and 1994, Congress noted that violence against women was a problem of national scope and that the majority of crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking were perpetrated against women. These hearings culminated in the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994 to address these issues on a national level. VAWA established grant programs within the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) for state, local, and Indian tribal governments and communities. These grants have various purposes, such as providing services to victims and training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors. The 2006 reauthorization of VAWA expanded existing grant programs and added new programs addressing, among other things, young victims, the housing and economic needs of victims, and the health care system's response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Although criminal justice, health, and domestic violence experts believe that valid and reliable estimates have the potential to be of use to policy makers, service providers, and researchers, there are concerns that current crime statistics do not provide a full assessment of the …
Date: November 13, 2006
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library