Bringing Curriculum to Life. Enacting Project-Based Learning in Music Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tobias, Evan S.; Campbell, Mark Robin; Greco, Phillip

2015-01-01

At its core, project-based learning is based on the idea that real-life problems capture student interest, provoke critical thinking, and develop skills as they engage in and complete complex undertakings that typically result in a realistic product, event, or presentation to an audience. This article offers a starting point for music teachers who…

Thinking and working relationally: interviewing and constructing hypotheses to create compassionate understanding.

PubMed

Sheinberg, Marcia; Brewster, Mary Kim

2014-12-01

In the initial interviews of family therapy sessions, the therapist faces the challenge of obtaining and organizing the information that is most relevant toward understanding the essential concerns that families and couples bring to therapy. This article describes the process of clinical interviewing and case conceptualization used in training family therapists at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. This approach helps the therapist bring forward, and organize, specific information into relational hypotheses, or systemic-relational conceptualizations, that allow both family members and the therapist to understand presenting problems within their relational contexts. While always provisional, relational hypotheses help anchor the therapist in a systemic-relational frame and provide a conceptual through-line to guide the ongoing work of the therapy. The process of interviewing and the construction of clear and complex conceptualizations of presenting problems are illustrated through case examples. © 2014 Family Process Institute.

The ASSIST: Bringing Information and Software Together for Scientists

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandel, Eric

1997-01-01

The ASSIST was developed as a step toward overcoming the problems faced by researchers when trying to utilize complex and often conflicting astronomical data analysis systems. It implements a uniform graphical interface to analysis systems, documentation, data, and organizational memory. It is layered on top of the Answer Garden Substrate (AGS), a system specially designed to facilitate the collection and dissemination of organizational memory. Under the AISRP program, we further developed the ASSIST to make it even easier for researchers to overcome the difficulties of accessing software and information in a complex computer environment.

Theoretical and Practical Issues of Systematization of Russian Energy Legislation When Bringing It into a Coherent System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shevchenko, Lyubov' I.; Ivanova, Svetlana A.

2016-01-01

The urgency of the problems stated in the paper is conditioned by the need to develop and adopt a new concept of legislation, which would have fixed the starting positions and the principles of legal regulation of relations in the sphere of fuel and energy complex, including the forms of Russia's participation in international projects in the…

RTL validation methodology on high complexity wireless microcontroller using OVM technique for fast time to market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhafirah Muhammad, Nurul; Harun, A.; Hambali, N. A. M. A.; Murad, S. A. Z.; Mohyar, S. N.; Isa, M. N.; Jambek, AB

2017-11-01

Increased demand in internet of thing (IOT) application based has inadvertently forced the move towards higher complexity of integrated circuit supporting SoC. Such spontaneous increased in complexity poses unequivocal complicated validation strategies. Hence, the complexity allows researchers to come out with various exceptional methodologies in order to overcome this problem. This in essence brings about the discovery of dynamic verification, formal verification and hybrid techniques. In reserve, it is very important to discover bugs at infancy of verification process in (SoC) in order to reduce time consuming and fast time to market for the system. Ergo, in this paper we are focusing on the methodology of verification that can be done at Register Transfer Level of SoC based on the AMBA bus design. On top of that, the discovery of others verification method called Open Verification Methodology (OVM) brings out an easier way in RTL validation methodology neither as the replacement for the traditional method yet as an effort for fast time to market for the system. Thus, the method called OVM is proposed in this paper as the verification method for larger design to avert the disclosure of the bottleneck in validation platform.

Small farms, cash crops, agrarian ideals, and international development.

PubMed

Effland, Anne

2010-01-01

This address is an exploration of a lifetime of disparate and often conflicting observations about how different people view what is right and good for agriculture, food, and farmers around the world. The exploration utilizes the concept of wicked problems to focus on the issue of differing historical interpretations of global agricultural development. Sandra Batie defines wicked problems as "dynamically complex, ill-structured, public problems" for which "there can be radically different views and understanding of the problem by different stakeholders, with no unique 'correct' view." The wicked problem construct is applied to four core ideas in the history of agricultural development -- small farms, cash crops, agrarian ideals, and international development -- to demonstrate the potential for using this concept to approach complex problems of historical interpretation and contribute to solutions to the challenges of global agricultural development. The author suggests historians should acknowledge contradictory interpretations adn work toward reconciliation and synthesis, where it is possible and, where not, toward a clear explication of the basis for remaining differences. The author also encourages historians to seek multidisciplinary research opportunities that will help bring insights about historical context to policy deliberations.

Reply to comment by Jonathan J. Rhodes on "Modeling of the interactions between forest vegetation, disturbances, and sediment yields"

Treesearch

Charles H. Luce; David G. Tarboton; Erkan Istanbulluoglu; Robert T. Pack

2005-01-01

Rhodes [2005] brings up some excellent points in his comments on the work of Istanbulluoglu et al. [2004]. We appreciate the opportunity to respond because it is likely that other readers will also wonder how they can apply the relatively simple analysis to important policy questions. Models necessarily reduce the complexity of the problem to make it tractable and...

Topics in geophysical fluid dynamics: Atmospheric dynamics, dynamo theory, and climate dynamics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghil, M.; Childress, S.

1987-01-01

This text is the first study to apply systematically the successive bifurcations approach to complex time-dependent processes in large scale atmospheric dynamics, geomagnetism, and theoretical climate dynamics. The presentation of recent results on planetary-scale phenomena in the earth's atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, mantle and core provides an integral account of mathematical theory and methods together with physical phenomena and processes. The authors address a number of problems in rapidly developing areas of geophysics, bringing into closer contact the modern tools of nonlinear mathematics and the novel problems of global change in the environment.

The paradox of physicians and administrators in health care organizations.

PubMed

Peirce, J C

2000-01-01

Rapidly changing times in health care challenge both physicians and health care administrators to manage the paradox of providing orderly, high quality, and efficient care while bringing forth innovations to address present unmet problems and surprises that emerge. Health care has grown throughout the past several centuries through differentiation and integration, becoming a highly complex biological system with the hospital as the central attractive force--or "strange attractor"--during this century. The theoretical model of complex adaptive systems promises more effective strategic direction in addressing these chaotic times where the new strange attractor moves beyond the hospital.

Modelling DC responses of 3D complex fracture networks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beskardes, Gungor Didem; Weiss, Chester Joseph

Here, the determination of the geometrical properties of fractures plays a critical role in many engineering problems to assess the current hydrological and mechanical states of geological media and to predict their future states. However, numerical modeling of geoelectrical responses in realistic fractured media has been challenging due to the explosive computational cost imposed by the explicit discretizations of fractures at multiple length scales, which often brings about a tradeoff between computational efficiency and geologic realism. Here, we use the hierarchical finite element method to model electrostatic response of realistically complex 3D conductive fracture networks with minimal computational cost.

Modelling DC responses of 3D complex fracture networks

DOE PAGES

Beskardes, Gungor Didem; Weiss, Chester Joseph

2018-03-01

Here, the determination of the geometrical properties of fractures plays a critical role in many engineering problems to assess the current hydrological and mechanical states of geological media and to predict their future states. However, numerical modeling of geoelectrical responses in realistic fractured media has been challenging due to the explosive computational cost imposed by the explicit discretizations of fractures at multiple length scales, which often brings about a tradeoff between computational efficiency and geologic realism. Here, we use the hierarchical finite element method to model electrostatic response of realistically complex 3D conductive fracture networks with minimal computational cost.

Overview of Aro Program on Network Science for Human Decision Making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, Bruce J.

This program brings together researchers from disparate disciplines to work on a complex research problem that defies confinement within any single discipline. Consequently, not only are new and rewarding solutions sought and obtained for a problem of importance to society and the Army, that is, the human dimension of complex networks, but, in addition, collaborations are established that would not otherwise have formed given the traditional disciplinary compartmentalization of research. This program develops the basic research foundation of a science of networks supporting the linkage between the physical and human (cognitive and social) domains as they relate to human decision making. The strategy is to extend the recent methods of non-equilibrium statistical physics to non-stationary, renewal stochastic processes that appear to be characteristic of the interactions among nodes in complex networks. We also pursue understanding of the phenomenon of synchronization, whose mathematical formulation has recently provided insight into how complex networks reach accommodation and cooperation. The theoretical analyses of complex networks, although mathematically rigorous, often elude analytic solutions and require computer simulation and computation to analyze the underlying dynamic process.

Environmental Sensing of Expert Knowledge in a Computational Evolution System for Complex Problem Solving in Human Genetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, Casey S.; Hill, Douglas P.; Moore, Jason H.

The relationship between interindividual variation in our genomes and variation in our susceptibility to common diseases is expected to be complex with multiple interacting genetic factors. A central goal of human genetics is to identify which DNA sequence variations predict disease risk in human populations. Our success in this endeavour will depend critically on the development and implementation of computational intelligence methods that are able to embrace, rather than ignore, the complexity of the genotype to phenotype relationship. To this end, we have developed a computational evolution system (CES) to discover genetic models of disease susceptibility involving complex relationships between DNA sequence variations. The CES approach is hierarchically organized and is capable of evolving operators of any arbitrary complexity. The ability to evolve operators distinguishes this approach from artificial evolution approaches using fixed operators such as mutation and recombination. Our previous studies have shown that a CES that can utilize expert knowledge about the problem in evolved operators significantly outperforms a CES unable to use this knowledge. This environmental sensing of external sources of biological or statistical knowledge is important when the search space is both rugged and large as in the genetic analysis of complex diseases. We show here that the CES is also capable of evolving operators which exploit one of several sources of expert knowledge to solve the problem. This is important for both the discovery of highly fit genetic models and because the particular source of expert knowledge used by evolved operators may provide additional information about the problem itself. This study brings us a step closer to a CES that can solve complex problems in human genetics in addition to discovering genetic models of disease.

JPRS Report, Soviet Union, Political Affairs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-21

broadcasts on the problems of bringing to life each resolution and other documents of the party conference. The special work groups for preparing...regular Lithuanian CP Central Committee Plenum which is planned for the end of September. Its topic will be "On reorganizing the work of the republic’s...mented quickly, yet the creation of conditions for return- ing our sons required and will still require long and complex work . Let us take another

Recent advances in computational-analytical integral transforms for convection-diffusion problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotta, R. M.; Naveira-Cotta, C. P.; Knupp, D. C.; Zotin, J. L. Z.; Pontes, P. C.; Almeida, A. P.

2017-10-01

An unifying overview of the Generalized Integral Transform Technique (GITT) as a computational-analytical approach for solving convection-diffusion problems is presented. This work is aimed at bringing together some of the most recent developments on both accuracy and convergence improvements on this well-established hybrid numerical-analytical methodology for partial differential equations. Special emphasis is given to novel algorithm implementations, all directly connected to enhancing the eigenfunction expansion basis, such as a single domain reformulation strategy for handling complex geometries, an integral balance scheme in dealing with multiscale problems, the adoption of convective eigenvalue problems in formulations with significant convection effects, and the direct integral transformation of nonlinear convection-diffusion problems based on nonlinear eigenvalue problems. Then, selected examples are presented that illustrate the improvement achieved in each class of extension, in terms of convergence acceleration and accuracy gain, which are related to conjugated heat transfer in complex or multiscale microchannel-substrate geometries, multidimensional Burgers equation model, and diffusive metal extraction through polymeric hollow fiber membranes. Numerical results are reported for each application and, where appropriate, critically compared against the traditional GITT scheme without convergence enhancement schemes and commercial or dedicated purely numerical approaches.

The Applied Mathematics for Power Systems (AMPS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chertkov, Michael

2012-07-24

Increased deployment of new technologies, e.g., renewable generation and electric vehicles, is rapidly transforming electrical power networks by crossing previously distinct spatiotemporal scales and invalidating many traditional approaches for designing, analyzing, and operating power grids. This trend is expected to accelerate over the coming years, bringing the disruptive challenge of complexity, but also opportunities to deliver unprecedented efficiency and reliability. Our Applied Mathematics for Power Systems (AMPS) Center will discover, enable, and solve emerging mathematics challenges arising in power systems and, more generally, in complex engineered networks. We will develop foundational applied mathematics resulting in rigorous algorithms and simulation toolboxesmore » for modern and future engineered networks. The AMPS Center deconstruction/reconstruction approach 'deconstructs' complex networks into sub-problems within non-separable spatiotemporal scales, a missing step in 20th century modeling of engineered networks. These sub-problems are addressed within the appropriate AMPS foundational pillar - complex systems, control theory, and optimization theory - and merged or 'reconstructed' at their boundaries into more general mathematical descriptions of complex engineered networks where important new questions are formulated and attacked. These two steps, iterated multiple times, will bridge the growing chasm between the legacy power grid and its future as a complex engineered network.« less

The application of dynamic programming in production planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Run

2017-05-01

Nowadays, with the popularity of the computers, various industries and fields are widely applying computer information technology, which brings about huge demand for a variety of application software. In order to develop software meeting various needs with most economical cost and best quality, programmers must design efficient algorithms. A superior algorithm can not only soul up one thing, but also maximize the benefits and generate the smallest overhead. As one of the common algorithms, dynamic programming algorithms are used to solving problems with some sort of optimal properties. When solving problems with a large amount of sub-problems that needs repetitive calculations, the ordinary sub-recursive method requires to consume exponential time, and dynamic programming algorithm can reduce the time complexity of the algorithm to the polynomial level, according to which we can conclude that dynamic programming algorithm is a very efficient compared to other algorithms reducing the computational complexity and enriching the computational results. In this paper, we expound the concept, basic elements, properties, core, solving steps and difficulties of the dynamic programming algorithm besides, establish the dynamic programming model of the production planning problem.

Phase Transitions in Combinatorial Optimization Problems: Basics, Algorithms and Statistical Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, Alexander K.; Weigt, Martin

2005-10-01

A concise, comprehensive introduction to the topic of statistical physics of combinatorial optimization, bringing together theoretical concepts and algorithms from computer science with analytical methods from physics. The result bridges the gap between statistical physics and combinatorial optimization, investigating problems taken from theoretical computing, such as the vertex-cover problem, with the concepts and methods of theoretical physics. The authors cover rapid developments and analytical methods that are both extremely complex and spread by word-of-mouth, providing all the necessary basics in required detail. Throughout, the algorithms are shown with examples and calculations, while the proofs are given in a way suitable for graduate students, post-docs, and researchers. Ideal for newcomers to this young, multidisciplinary field.

Method for Evaluating Information to Solve Problems of Control, Monitoring and Diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasil'ev, V. A.; Dobrynina, N. V.

2017-06-01

The article describes a method for evaluating information to solve problems of control, monitoring and diagnostics. It is necessary for reducing the dimensionality of informational indicators of situations, bringing them to relative units, for calculating generalized information indicators on their basis, ranking them by characteristic levels, for calculating the efficiency criterion of a system functioning in real time. The design of information evaluation system has been developed on its basis that allows analyzing, processing and assessing information about the object. Such object can be a complex technical, economic and social system. The method and the based system thereof can find a wide application in the field of analysis, processing and evaluation of information on the functioning of the systems, regardless of their purpose, goals, tasks and complexity. For example, they can be used to assess the innovation capacities of industrial enterprises and management decisions.

Developmental problems and their solution for the Space Shuttle main engine alternate liquid oxygen high-pressure turbopump: Anomaly or failure investigation the key

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, R.; Gross, L. A.

1995-05-01

The Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) alternate high-pressure liquid oxygen pump experienced synchronous vibration and ball bearing life problems that were program threatening. The success of the program hinged on the ability to solve these development problems. The design and solutions to these problems are engirded in the lessons learned and experiences from prior programs, technology programs, and the ability to properly conduct failure or anomaly investigations. The failure investigation determines the problem cause and is the basis for recommending design solutions. For a complex problem, a comprehensive solution requires that formal investigation procedures be used, including fault trees, resolution logic, and action items worked through a concurrent engineering-multidiscipline team. The normal tendency to use an intuitive, cut-and-try approach will usually prove to be costly, both in money and time and will reach a less than optimum, poorly understood answer. The SSME alternate high-pressure oxidizer turbopump development has had two complex problems critical to program success: (1) high synchronous vibrations and (2) excessive ball bearing wear. This paper will use these two problems as examples of this formal failure investigation approach. The results of the team's investigation provides insight into the complexity of the turbomachinery technical discipline interacting/sensitivities and the fine balance of competing investigations required to solve problems and guarantee program success. It is very important to the solution process that maximum use be made of the resources that both the contractor and Government can bring to the problem in a supporting and noncompeting way. There is no place for the not-invented-here attitude. The resources include, but are not limited to: (1) specially skilled professionals; (2) supporting technologies; (3) computational codes and capabilities; and (4) test and manufacturing facilities.

Developmental problems and their solution for the Space Shuttle main engine alternate liquid oxygen high-pressure turbopump: Anomaly or failure investigation the key

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, R.; Gross, L. A.

1995-01-01

The Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) alternate high-pressure liquid oxygen pump experienced synchronous vibration and ball bearing life problems that were program threatening. The success of the program hinged on the ability to solve these development problems. The design and solutions to these problems are engirded in the lessons learned and experiences from prior programs, technology programs, and the ability to properly conduct failure or anomaly investigations. The failure investigation determines the problem cause and is the basis for recommending design solutions. For a complex problem, a comprehensive solution requires that formal investigation procedures be used, including fault trees, resolution logic, and action items worked through a concurrent engineering-multidiscipline team. The normal tendency to use an intuitive, cut-and-try approach will usually prove to be costly, both in money and time and will reach a less than optimum, poorly understood answer. The SSME alternate high-pressure oxidizer turbopump development has had two complex problems critical to program success: (1) high synchronous vibrations and (2) excessive ball bearing wear. This paper will use these two problems as examples of this formal failure investigation approach. The results of the team's investigation provides insight into the complexity of the turbomachinery technical discipline interacting/sensitivities and the fine balance of competing investigations required to solve problems and guarantee program success. It is very important to the solution process that maximum use be made of the resources that both the contractor and Government can bring to the problem in a supporting and noncompeting way. There is no place for the not-invented-here attitude. The resources include, but are not limited to: (1) specially skilled professionals; (2) supporting technologies; (3) computational codes and capabilities; and (4) test and manufacturing facilities.

Beyond the Cell: Using Multiscalar Topics to Bring Interdisciplinarity into Undergraduate Cellular Biology Courses

PubMed Central

Weber, Carolyn F.

2016-01-01

Western science has grown increasingly reductionistic and, in parallel, the undergraduate life sciences curriculum has become disciplinarily fragmented. While reductionistic approaches have led to landmark discoveries, many of the most exciting scientific advances in the late 20th century have occurred at disciplinary interfaces; work at these interfaces is necessary to manage the world’s looming problems, particularly those that are rooted in cellular-level processes but have ecosystem- and even global-scale ramifications (e.g., nonsustainable agriculture, emerging infectious diseases). Managing such problems requires comprehending whole scenarios and their emergent properties as sums of their multiple facets and complex interrelationships, which usually integrate several disciplines across multiple scales (e.g., time, organization, space). This essay discusses bringing interdisciplinarity into undergraduate cellular biology courses through the use of multiscalar topics. Discussing how cellular-level processes impact large-scale phenomena makes them relevant to everyday life and unites diverse disciplines (e.g., sociology, cell biology, physics) as facets of a single system or problem, emphasizing their connections to core concepts in biology. I provide specific examples of multiscalar topics and discuss preliminary evidence that using such topics may increase students’ understanding of the cell’s position within an ecosystem and how cellular biology interfaces with other disciplines. PMID:27146162

To draw or not to draw? Examining the necessity of problem diagrams using massive open online course experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhongzhou; Demirci, Neset; Choi, Youn-Jeng; Pritchard, David E.

2017-06-01

Previous research on problem diagrams suggested that including a supportive diagram, one that does not provide necessary problem solving information, may bring little, or even negative, benefit to students' problem solving success. We tested the usefulness of problem diagrams on 12 different physics problems (6A/B experiments) in our massive open online course. By analyzing over 8000 student responses in total, we found that including a problem diagram that contains no significant additional information only slightly improves the first attempt correct rate for the few most spatially complex problems, and has little impact on either the final correct percentage or the time spent on solving the problem. On the other hand, in half of the cases, removing the diagram significantly increased the fraction of students' drawing their own diagrams during problem solving. The increase in drawing behavior is largely independent of students' physics abilities. In summary, our results suggest that for many physics problems, the benefit of a diagram is exceedingly small and may not justify the effort of creating one.

Study designs appropriate for the workplace.

PubMed

Hogue, C J

1986-01-01

Carlo and Hearn have called for "refinement of old [epidemiologic] methods and an ongoing evaluation of where methods fit in the overall scheme as we address the multiple complexities of reproductive hazard assessment." This review is an attempt to bring together the current state-of-the-art methods for problem definition and hypothesis testing available to the occupational epidemiologist. For problem definition, meta analysis can be utilized to narrow the field of potential causal hypotheses. Passive active surveillance may further refine issues for analytic research. Within analytic epidemiology, several methods may be appropriate for the workplace setting. Those discussed here may be used to estimate the risk ratio in either a fixed or dynamic population.

Talking about the institutional complexity of the integrated rehabilitation system-the importance of coordination.

PubMed

Miettinen, Sari; Ashorn, Ulla; Lehto, Juhani

2013-01-01

Rehabilitation in Finland is a good example of functions divided among several welfare sectors, such as health services and social services. The rehabilitation system in Finland is a complex one and there have been many efforts to create a coordinated entity. The purpose of this study is to open up a complex welfare system at the upper policy level and to understand the meaning of coordination at the level of service delivery. We shed light in particular on the national rehabilitation policy in Finland and how the policy has tried to overcome the negative effects of institutional complexity. In this study we used qualitative content analysis and frame analysis. As a result we identified four different welfare state frames with distinct features of policy problems, policy alternatives and institutional failure. The rehabilitation policy in Finland seems to be divided into different components which may cause problems at the level of service delivery and thus in the integration of services. Bringing these components together could at policy level enable a shared view of the rights of different population groups, effective management of integration at the level of service delivery and also an opportunity for change throughout the rehabilitation system.

Designing the future of healthcare.

PubMed

Fidsa, Gianfranco Zaccai

2009-01-01

This paper describes the application of a holistic design process to a variety of problems plaguing current healthcare systems. A design process for addressing complex, multifaceted problems is contrasted with the piecemeal application of technological solutions to specific medical or administrative problems. The goal of this design process is the ideal customer experience, specifically the ideal experience for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers within a healthcare system. Holistic design is shown to be less expensive and wasteful in the long run because it avoids solving one problem within a complex system at the cost of creating other problems within that system. The article applies this approach to the maintenance of good health throughout life; to the creation of an ideal experience when a person does need medical care; to the maintenance of personal independence as one ages; and to the enjoyment of a comfortable and dignified death. Virginia Mason Medical Center is discussed as an example of a healthcare institution attempting to create ideal patient and caregiver experiences, in this case by applying the principles of the Toyota Production System ("lean manufacturing") to healthcare. The article concludes that healthcare is inherently dedicated to an ideal, that science and technology have brought it closer to that ideal, and that design can bring it closer still.

Distributed computing for macromolecular crystallography

PubMed Central

Krissinel, Evgeny; Uski, Ville; Lebedev, Andrey; Ballard, Charles

2018-01-01

Modern crystallographic computing is characterized by the growing role of automated structure-solution pipelines, which represent complex expert systems utilizing a number of program components, decision makers and databases. They also require considerable computational resources and regular database maintenance, which is increasingly more difficult to provide at the level of individual desktop-based CCP4 setups. On the other hand, there is a significant growth in data processed in the field, which brings up the issue of centralized facilities for keeping both the data collected and structure-solution projects. The paradigm of distributed computing and data management offers a convenient approach to tackling these problems, which has become more attractive in recent years owing to the popularity of mobile devices such as tablets and ultra-portable laptops. In this article, an overview is given of developments by CCP4 aimed at bringing distributed crystallographic computations to a wide crystallographic community. PMID:29533240

Distributed computing for macromolecular crystallography.

PubMed

Krissinel, Evgeny; Uski, Ville; Lebedev, Andrey; Winn, Martyn; Ballard, Charles

2018-02-01

Modern crystallographic computing is characterized by the growing role of automated structure-solution pipelines, which represent complex expert systems utilizing a number of program components, decision makers and databases. They also require considerable computational resources and regular database maintenance, which is increasingly more difficult to provide at the level of individual desktop-based CCP4 setups. On the other hand, there is a significant growth in data processed in the field, which brings up the issue of centralized facilities for keeping both the data collected and structure-solution projects. The paradigm of distributed computing and data management offers a convenient approach to tackling these problems, which has become more attractive in recent years owing to the popularity of mobile devices such as tablets and ultra-portable laptops. In this article, an overview is given of developments by CCP4 aimed at bringing distributed crystallographic computations to a wide crystallographic community.

Impact of Cognitive Abilities and Prior Knowledge on Complex Problem Solving Performance - Empirical Results and a Plea for Ecologically Valid Microworlds.

PubMed

Süß, Heinz-Martin; Kretzschmar, André

2018-01-01

The original aim of complex problem solving (CPS) research was to bring the cognitive demands of complex real-life problems into the lab in order to investigate problem solving behavior and performance under controlled conditions. Up until now, the validity of psychometric intelligence constructs has been scrutinized with regard to its importance for CPS performance. At the same time, different CPS measurement approaches competing for the title of the best way to assess CPS have been developed. In the first part of the paper, we investigate the predictability of CPS performance on the basis of the Berlin Intelligence Structure Model and Cattell's investment theory as well as an elaborated knowledge taxonomy. In the first study, 137 students managed a simulated shirt factory ( Tailorshop ; i.e., a complex real life-oriented system) twice, while in the second study, 152 students completed a forestry scenario ( FSYS ; i.e., a complex artificial world system). The results indicate that reasoning - specifically numerical reasoning (Studies 1 and 2) and figural reasoning (Study 2) - are the only relevant predictors among the intelligence constructs. We discuss the results with reference to the Brunswik symmetry principle. Path models suggest that reasoning and prior knowledge influence problem solving performance in the Tailorshop scenario mainly indirectly. In addition, different types of system-specific knowledge independently contribute to predicting CPS performance. The results of Study 2 indicate that working memory capacity, assessed as an additional predictor, has no incremental validity beyond reasoning. We conclude that (1) cognitive abilities and prior knowledge are substantial predictors of CPS performance, and (2) in contrast to former and recent interpretations, there is insufficient evidence to consider CPS a unique ability construct. In the second part of the paper, we discuss our results in light of recent CPS research, which predominantly utilizes the minimally complex systems (MCS) measurement approach. We suggest ecologically valid microworlds as an indispensable tool for future CPS research and applications.

"Rebuilding our community": hearing silenced voices on Aboriginal youth suicide.

PubMed

Walls, Melissa L; Hautala, Dane; Hurley, Jenna

2014-02-01

This paper brings forth the voices of adult Aboriginal First Nations community members who gathered in focus groups to discuss the problem of youth suicide on their reserves. Our approach emphasizes multilevel (e.g., individual, family, and broader ecological systems) factors viewed by participants as relevant to youth suicide. Wheaton's conceptualization of stressors and Evans-Campbell's multilevel classification of the impacts of historical trauma are used as theoretical and analytic guides. Thematic analysis of qualitative data transcripts revealed a highly complex intersection of stressors, traumas, and social problems seen by community members as underlying mechanisms influencing heightened levels of Aboriginal youth suicidality. Our multilevel coding approach revealed that suicidal behaviors were described by community members largely as a problem with deep historical and contemporary structural roots, as opposed to being viewed as individualized pathology.

Research on mixed network architecture collaborative application model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Changfeng; Zhao, Xi'an; Liang, Song

2009-10-01

When facing complex requirements of city development, ever-growing spatial data, rapid development of geographical business and increasing business complexity, collaboration between multiple users and departments is needed urgently, however conventional GIS software (such as Client/Server model or Browser/Server model) are not support this well. Collaborative application is one of the good resolutions. Collaborative application has four main problems to resolve: consistency and co-edit conflict, real-time responsiveness, unconstrained operation, spatial data recoverability. In paper, application model called AMCM is put forward based on agent and multi-level cache. AMCM can be used in mixed network structure and supports distributed collaborative. Agent is an autonomous, interactive, initiative and reactive computing entity in a distributed environment. Agent has been used in many fields such as compute science and automation. Agent brings new methods for cooperation and the access for spatial data. Multi-level cache is a part of full data. It reduces the network load and improves the access and handle of spatial data, especially, in editing the spatial data. With agent technology, we make full use of its characteristics of intelligent for managing the cache and cooperative editing that brings a new method for distributed cooperation and improves the efficiency.

Complex mapping of aerofoils - a different perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, Miccal T.

2012-01-01

In this article an application of conformal mapping to aerofoil theory is studied from a geometric and calculus point of view. The problem is suitable for undergraduate teaching in terms of a project or extended piece of work, and brings together the concepts of geometric mapping, parametric equations, complex numbers and calculus. The Joukowski and Karman-Trefftz aerofoils are studied, and it is shown that the Karman-Trefftz aerofoil is an improvement over the Joukowski aerofoil from a practical point of view. For the most part only a spreadsheet program and pen and paper is required, only for the last portion of the study of the Karman-Trefftz aerofoils a symbolic computer package is employed. Ignoring the concept of a conformal mapping and instead viewing the problem from a parametric point of view, some interesting mappings are obtained. By considering the derivative of the mapped mapping via the chain rule, some new and interesting analytical results are obtained for the Joukowski aerofoil, and numerical results for the Karman-Trefftz aerofoil.

Using Plants to Explore the Nature & Structural Complexity of Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Ava R.

2014-01-01

Use of real specimens brings the study of biology to life. This activity brings easily acquired plant specimens into the classroom to tackle common alternative conceptions regarding life, size, complexity, the nature of science, and plants as multicellular organisms. The activity occurs after a discussion of the characteristics of life and engages…

“Rebuilding our community”: Hearing silenced voices on Aboriginal youth suicide

PubMed Central

Walls, Melissa L.; Hautala, Dane; Hurley, Jenna

2014-01-01

This paper brings forth the voices of adult Aboriginal First Nations community members who gathered in focus groups to discuss the problem of youth suicide on their reserves. Our approach emphasizes multilevel (e.g., individual, family, and broader ecological systems) factors viewed by participants as relevant to youth suicide. Wheaton’s conceptualization of stressors (1994; 1999) and Evans-Campbell’s (2008) multilevel classification of the impacts of historical trauma are used as theoretical and analytic guides. Thematic analysis of qualitative data transcripts revealed a highly complex intersection of stressors, traumas, and social problems seen by community members as underlying mechanisms influencing heightened levels of Aboriginal youth suicidality. Our multilevel coding approach revealed that suicidal behaviors were described by community members largely as a problem with deep historical and contemporary structural roots as opposed to being viewed as individualized pathology. PMID:24097414

Fast super-resolution estimation of DOA and DOD in bistatic MIMO Radar with off-grid targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dong; Zhang, Yongshun; Zheng, Guimei; Feng, Cunqian; Tang, Jun

2018-05-01

In this paper, we focus on the problem of joint DOA and DOD estimation in Bistatic MIMO Radar using sparse reconstruction method. In traditional ways, we usually convert the 2D parameter estimation problem into 1D parameter estimation problem by Kronecker product which will enlarge the scale of the parameter estimation problem and bring more computational burden. Furthermore, it requires that the targets must fall on the predefined grids. In this paper, a 2D-off-grid model is built which can solve the grid mismatch problem of 2D parameters estimation. Then in order to solve the joint 2D sparse reconstruction problem directly and efficiently, three kinds of fast joint sparse matrix reconstruction methods are proposed which are Joint-2D-OMP algorithm, Joint-2D-SL0 algorithm and Joint-2D-SOONE algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that our methods not only can improve the 2D parameter estimation accuracy but also reduce the computational complexity compared with the traditional Kronecker Compressed Sensing method.

Community How To Guide On Underage Drinking Prevention: Coalition Building.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives.

Coalitions have been used successfully in the United States to tackle a number of seemingly intractable problems. For communities that want to reduce their underage drinking problem, putting together a broad-based coalition can bring substantial dividends. In this guide, readers will learn the steps that bring together a diverse group of people in…

Innovative Use of the Law to Address Complex Global Health Problems Comment on "The Legal Strength of International Health Instruments - What It Brings toGlobal Health Governance?"

PubMed

Walls, Helen L; Ooms, Gorik

2017-05-20

Addressing the increasingly globalised determinants of many important problems affecting human health is a complex task requiring collective action. We suggest that part of the solution to addressing intractable global health issues indeed lies with the role of new legal instruments in the form of globally binding treaties, as described in the recent article of Nikogosian and Kickbusch. However, in addition to the use of international law to develop new treaties, another part of the solution may lie in innovative use of existing legal instruments. A 2015 court ruling in The Hague, which ordered the Dutch government to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% within five years, complements this perspective, suggesting a way forward for addressing global health problems that critically involves civil society and innovative use of existing domestic legal instruments. © 2017 The Author(s); Published by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The Next Generation of Learning Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carroll, Tom

2009-01-01

Cross-generational learning teams that bring together novice teachers with veteran teachers would address problems at both ends of the teacher pipeline--and benefit student learning at the same time. In this cross-generational learning team, each member brings different skills to support a child's learning--some bring deep science content…

On the interpretation of complex network analysis of language. Comment on "Approaching human language with complex networks" by Jin Cong, Haitao Liu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čech, Radek

2014-12-01

After a rapid and successful development of the theory of complex networks at the turn of the millennium [1,2], attempts to apply this theory to a language analysis emerged immediately [3,4]. The first results seemed to bring new insights to the functioning of language. Moreover, some authors assumed that this approach can even solve some fundamental problems concerning language evolution [5,6]. However, after a decade of the application of complex network theory to language analysis, the initial expectations have not been fulfilled, in my opinion, and the need for a deeper, linguistically based explanation of observed properties has been still more obvious. Cong and Liu's review [7] can be seen as a successful attempt to clarify the main aspects of this kind of research from the linguistics point of view. However, I see two problematic aspects in their study relating to the nature of the character of explanation.

The Application of Simulation Method in Isothermal Elastic Natural Gas Pipeline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Chunlei; Guan, Shiming; Zhao, Yue; Cao, Jinggang; Chu, Yanji

2018-02-01

This Elastic pipeline mathematic model is of crucial importance in natural gas pipeline simulation because of its compliance with the practical industrial cases. The numerical model of elastic pipeline will bring non-linear complexity to the discretized equations. Hence the Newton-Raphson method cannot achieve fast convergence in this kind of problems. Therefore A new Newton Based method with Powell-Wolfe Condition to simulate the Isothermal elastic pipeline flow is presented. The results obtained by the new method aregiven based on the defined boundary conditions. It is shown that the method converges in all cases and reduces significant computational cost.

Sizing of complex structure by the integration of several different optimal design algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski, J.

1974-01-01

Practical design of large-scale structures can be accomplished with the aid of the digital computer by bringing together in one computer program algorithms of nonlinear mathematical programing and optimality criteria with weight-strength and other so-called engineering methods. Applications of this approach to aviation structures are discussed with a detailed description of how the total problem of structural sizing can be broken down into subproblems for best utilization of each algorithm and for efficient organization of the program into iterative loops. Typical results are examined for a number of examples.

Public health policy for preventing violence.

PubMed

Mercy, J A; Rosenberg, M L; Powell, K E; Broome, C V; Roper, W L

1993-01-01

The current epidemic of violence in America threatens not only our physical health but also the integrity of basic social institutions such as the family, the communities in which we live, and our health care system. Public health brings a new vision of how Americans can work together to prevent violence. This new vision places emphasis on preventing violence before it occurs, making science integral to identifying effective policies and programs, and integrating the efforts of diverse scientific disciplines, organizations, and communities. A sustained effort at all levels of society will be required to successfully address this complex and deeply rooted problem.

Marshall Space Flight Center Technology Capabilities for Use in Space Situational Awareness Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gagliano, Larry; McLeod, Todd; Hovater, Mary A.

2017-01-01

Marshall performs research, integrates information, matures technologies, and enhances science to bring together a diverse portfolio of products and services of interest for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Asset Management (SAM), all of which can be accessed through partnerships with Marshall. Integrated Space Situational Awareness and Asset Management (ISSAAM) is an initiative of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to improve space situational awareness and space asset management through technical innovation, collaboration, and cooperation with U.S. Government agencies and the global space community. Marshall Space Flight Center provides solutions for complex issues with in-depth capabilities, a broad range of experience, and expertise unique in the world, and all available in one convenient location. NASA has longstanding guidelines that are used to assess space objects. Specifically, Marshall Space Flight Center has the capabilities, facilities and expertise to address the challenges that space objects, such as near-Earth objects (NEO) or Orbital Debris pose. ISSAAM's three pronged approach brings together vital information and in-depth tools working simultaneously toward examining the complex problems encountered in space situational awareness. Marshall's role in managing, understanding and planning includes many projects grouped under each prong area: Database/Analyses/Visualization; Detection/Tracking/ Mitigation/Removal. These are not limited to those listed below.

The Daily Readiness Huddle: a process to rapidly identify issues and foster improvement through problem-solving accountability.

PubMed

Donnelly, Lane F; Cherian, Shirley S; Chua, Kimberly B; Thankachan, Sam; Millecker, Laura A; Koroll, Alex G; Bisset, George S

2017-01-01

Because of the increasing complexities of providing imaging for pediatric health care services, a more reliable process to manage the daily delivery of care is necessary. Objective We describe our Daily Readiness Huddle and the effects of the process on problem identification and improvement. Our Daily Readiness Huddle has four elements: metrics review, clinical volume review, daily readiness assessment, and problem accountability. It is attended by radiologists, directors, managers, front-line staff with concerns, representatives from support services (information technology [IT] and biomedical engineering [biomed]), and representatives who join the meeting in a virtual format from off-site locations. Data are visually displayed on erasable whiteboards. The daily readiness assessment uses queues to determine whether anyone has concerns or outlier data in regard to S-MESA (Safety, Methods, Equipment, Supplies or Associates). Through this assessment, problems are identified and categorized as quick hits (will be resolved in 24-48 h, not requiring project management) and complex issues. Complex issues are assigned an owner, quality coach and report-back date. Additionally, projects are defined as improvements that are often strategic, are anticipated to take more than 60 days, and do not necessarily arise out of identified issues during the Daily Readiness Huddle. We tracked and calculated the mean, median and range of days to resolution and completion for complex issues and for projects during the first full year of implementing this process. During the first 12 months, 91 complex issues were identified and resolved, 11 projects were in progress and 33 completed, with 23 other projects active or in planning. Time to resolution of complex issues (in days) was mean 37.5, median 34.0, and range 1-105. For projects, time to completion (in days) was mean 86.0, median 84.0, and range 5-280. The Daily Readiness Huddle process has given us a framework to rapidly identify issues, bring accountability to problem-solving, and foster improvement. It has also had a positive effect on team-building and coordination.

Impact of Cognitive Abilities and Prior Knowledge on Complex Problem Solving Performance – Empirical Results and a Plea for Ecologically Valid Microworlds

PubMed Central

Süß, Heinz-Martin; Kretzschmar, André

2018-01-01

The original aim of complex problem solving (CPS) research was to bring the cognitive demands of complex real-life problems into the lab in order to investigate problem solving behavior and performance under controlled conditions. Up until now, the validity of psychometric intelligence constructs has been scrutinized with regard to its importance for CPS performance. At the same time, different CPS measurement approaches competing for the title of the best way to assess CPS have been developed. In the first part of the paper, we investigate the predictability of CPS performance on the basis of the Berlin Intelligence Structure Model and Cattell’s investment theory as well as an elaborated knowledge taxonomy. In the first study, 137 students managed a simulated shirt factory (Tailorshop; i.e., a complex real life-oriented system) twice, while in the second study, 152 students completed a forestry scenario (FSYS; i.e., a complex artificial world system). The results indicate that reasoning – specifically numerical reasoning (Studies 1 and 2) and figural reasoning (Study 2) – are the only relevant predictors among the intelligence constructs. We discuss the results with reference to the Brunswik symmetry principle. Path models suggest that reasoning and prior knowledge influence problem solving performance in the Tailorshop scenario mainly indirectly. In addition, different types of system-specific knowledge independently contribute to predicting CPS performance. The results of Study 2 indicate that working memory capacity, assessed as an additional predictor, has no incremental validity beyond reasoning. We conclude that (1) cognitive abilities and prior knowledge are substantial predictors of CPS performance, and (2) in contrast to former and recent interpretations, there is insufficient evidence to consider CPS a unique ability construct. In the second part of the paper, we discuss our results in light of recent CPS research, which predominantly utilizes the minimally complex systems (MCS) measurement approach. We suggest ecologically valid microworlds as an indispensable tool for future CPS research and applications. PMID:29867627

The P.A.C.E.S. Grading Rubric: Creating a Student-Owned Assessment Tool for Projects-The Design Brief Brings out All Kinds of "Out of the Box" Thinking, with Many Correct Answers to Solve the Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tufte, Robert B., Jr.

2005-01-01

P.A.C.E.S. stands for Participation, Appearance, Cleanup, Engineering, and Safety. The author has traditionally used design briefs to set the limits on processes and materials to solve a given problem. The design brief brings out all kinds of "out of the box" thinking, with many correct answers to solve the problem. The P.A.C.E.S. rubric ties the…

Sleep Disorder, Gastrointestinal Problems and Behaviour Problems Seen in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children and Yoga as Therapy: A Descriptive Review

PubMed Central

Pradhan, Balaram; Navaneetham, Janardhana

2016-01-01

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with deficiencies in many developmental milestones during the infantile childhood. Recent researches have shown that apart from behaviour problems, the ASD children also suffer from physiological conditions such as disturbed sleep and gastrointestinal problems that could be the contributing factors to their daytime behaviour problems. Lots of parents have expressed that, lack of sleep among the children have resulted in high levels of stress among the family members particularly among the immediate caretakers which are in most cases the mother of the child. Early behaviour intervention is a norm for ASD children which mainly affect the psychological level. Through this paper, an effort has been made to study the contributions made by yoga in order to mitigate such problems. Yoga is a non-invasive and alternative therapy that brings change in both physiological and psychological level of an individual. High levels of stress among the caretakers of these children could make them susceptible to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis etc. Parental based yoga intervention can be more effective for both children and parents and subsequently to the entire family. PMID:28050484

10. ELECTRICAL SWITCHING STATION FOR IRON MOUNTAIN BRINGS ELECTRICITY FROM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. ELECTRICAL SWITCHING STATION FOR IRON MOUNTAIN BRINGS ELECTRICITY FROM HOOVER DAM COMPLEX. - Iron Mountain Pump Plant, South of Danby Lake, north of Routes 62 & 177 junction, Rice, San Bernardino County, CA

GPU Accelerated DG-FDF Large Eddy Simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inkarbekov, Medet; Aitzhan, Aidyn; Sammak, Shervin; Givi, Peyman; Kaltayev, Aidarkhan

2017-11-01

A GPU accelerated simulator is developed and implemented for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows. The filtered density function (FDF) is utilized for modeling of the subgrid scale quantities. The filtered transport equations are solved via a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and the FDF is simulated via particle based Lagrangian Monte-Carlo (MC) method. It is demonstrated that the GPUs simulations are of the order of 100 times faster than the CPU-based calculations. This brings LES of turbulent flows to a new level, facilitating efficient simulation of more complex problems. The work at Al-Faraby Kazakh National University is sponsored by MoES of RK under Grant 3298/GF-4.

Methodology of problem-based learning engineering and technology and of its implementation with modern computer resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, A. A.; Ivanova, E. G.; Komleva, V. A.; Klokov, N. M.; Komlev, A. A.

2017-01-01

The considered method of learning the basics of microelectronic circuits and systems amplifier enables one to understand electrical processes deeper, to understand the relationship between static and dynamic characteristics and, finally, bring the learning process to the cognitive process. The scheme of problem-based learning can be represented by the following sequence of procedures: the contradiction is perceived and revealed; the cognitive motivation is provided by creating a problematic situation (the mental state of the student), moving the desire to solve the problem, to raise the question "why?", the hypothesis is made; searches for solutions are implemented; the answer is looked for. Due to the complexity of architectural schemes in the work the modern methods of computer analysis and synthesis are considered in the work. Examples of engineering by students in the framework of students' scientific and research work of analog circuits with improved performance based on standard software and software developed at the Department of Microelectronics MEPhI.

Networked Community Change: Understanding Community Systems Change through the Lens of Social Network Analysis.

PubMed

Lawlor, Jennifer A; Neal, Zachary P

2016-06-01

Addressing complex problems in communities has become a key area of focus in recent years (Kania & Kramer, 2013, Stanford Social Innovation Review). Building on existing approaches to understanding and addressing problems, such as action research, several new approaches have emerged that shift the way communities solve problems (e.g., Burns, 2007, Systemic Action Research; Foth, 2006, Action Research, 4, 205; Kania & Kramer, 2011, Stanford Social Innovation Review, 1, 36). Seeking to bring clarity to the emerging literature on community change strategies, this article identifies the common features of the most widespread community change strategies and explores the conditions under which such strategies have the potential to be effective. We identify and describe five common features among the approaches to change. Then, using an agent-based model, we simulate network-building behavior among stakeholders participating in community change efforts using these approaches. We find that the emergent stakeholder networks are efficient when the processes are implemented under ideal conditions. © Society for Community Research and Action 2016.

Engineering education in the wake of hurricane Katrina

PubMed Central

Lima, Marybeth

2007-01-01

Living through hurricane Katrina and its aftermath and reflecting on these experiences from technical and non-technical standpoints has led me to reconsider my thoughts and philosophy on engineering education. I present three ideas regarding engineering education pedagogy that I believe will prepare future engineers for problem-solving in an increasingly complex world. They are (1) we must practice radical (to the root) engineering, (2) we must illustrate connections between engineering and public policy, and (3) we will join the charge to find sustainable solutions to problems. Ideas for bringing each of these concepts into engineering curricula through methods such as case study, practicing broad information gathering and data interpretation, and other methods inside and outside the classroom, are discussed. I believe that the consequences of not considering the root issues of problems to be solved, and of not including policy and sustainability considerations when problems to be solved are framed will lead our profession toward well meaning but insufficient utility. Hurricane Katrina convinced me that we must do better as educators to prepare our students for engineering for a sustainable world. PMID:18271988

Development of a Preventive HIV Vaccine Requires Solving Inverse Problems Which Is Unattainable by Rational Vaccine Design

PubMed Central

Van Regenmortel, Marc H. V.

2018-01-01

Hypotheses and theories are essential constituents of the scientific method. Many vaccinologists are unaware that the problems they try to solve are mostly inverse problems that consist in imagining what could bring about a desired outcome. An inverse problem starts with the result and tries to guess what are the multiple causes that could have produced it. Compared to the usual direct scientific problems that start with the causes and derive or calculate the results using deductive reasoning and known mechanisms, solving an inverse problem uses a less reliable inductive approach and requires the development of a theoretical model that may have different solutions or none at all. Unsuccessful attempts to solve inverse problems in HIV vaccinology by reductionist methods, systems biology and structure-based reverse vaccinology are described. The popular strategy known as rational vaccine design is unable to solve the multiple inverse problems faced by HIV vaccine developers. The term “rational” is derived from “rational drug design” which uses the 3D structure of a biological target for designing molecules that will selectively bind to it and inhibit its biological activity. In vaccine design, however, the word “rational” simply means that the investigator is concentrating on parts of the system for which molecular information is available. The economist and Nobel laureate Herbert Simon introduced the concept of “bounded rationality” to explain why the complexity of the world economic system makes it impossible, for instance, to predict an event like the financial crash of 2007–2008. Humans always operate under unavoidable constraints such as insufficient information, a limited capacity to process huge amounts of data and a limited amount of time available to reach a decision. Such limitations always prevent us from achieving the complete understanding and optimization of a complex system that would be needed to achieve a truly rational design process. This is why the complexity of the human immune system prevents us from rationally designing an HIV vaccine by solving inverse problems. PMID:29387066

Understanding Water-Stress Responses in Soybean Using Hydroponics System—A Systems Biology Perspective

PubMed Central

Tripathi, Prateek; Rabara, Roel C.; Shulaev, Vladimir; Shen, Qingxi J.; Rushton, Paul J.

2015-01-01

The deleterious changes in environmental conditions such as water stress bring physiological and biochemical changes in plants, which results in crop loss. Thus, combating water stress is important for crop improvement to manage the needs of growing population. Utilization of hydroponics system in growing plants is questionable to some researchers, as it does not represent an actual field condition. However, trying to address a complex problem like water stress we have to utilize a simpler growing condition like the hydroponics system wherein every input given to the plants can be controlled. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, it is still challenging to address all levels of the genetic machinery whether a gene, protein, metabolite, and promoter. Thus, using a system of reduced complexity like hydroponics can certainly direct us toward the right candidates, if not completely help us to resolve the issue. PMID:26734044

Understanding Water-Stress Responses in Soybean Using Hydroponics System-A Systems Biology Perspective.

PubMed

Tripathi, Prateek; Rabara, Roel C; Shulaev, Vladimir; Shen, Qingxi J; Rushton, Paul J

2015-01-01

The deleterious changes in environmental conditions such as water stress bring physiological and biochemical changes in plants, which results in crop loss. Thus, combating water stress is important for crop improvement to manage the needs of growing population. Utilization of hydroponics system in growing plants is questionable to some researchers, as it does not represent an actual field condition. However, trying to address a complex problem like water stress we have to utilize a simpler growing condition like the hydroponics system wherein every input given to the plants can be controlled. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, it is still challenging to address all levels of the genetic machinery whether a gene, protein, metabolite, and promoter. Thus, using a system of reduced complexity like hydroponics can certainly direct us toward the right candidates, if not completely help us to resolve the issue.

Interweaving Knowledge Resources to Address Complex Environmental Health Challenges.

PubMed

Anderson, Beth Ellen; Naujokas, Marisa F; Suk, William A

2015-11-01

Complex problems do not respect academic disciplinary boundaries. Environmental health research is complex and often moves beyond these boundaries, integrating diverse knowledge resources to solve such challenges. Here we describe an evolving paradigm for interweaving approaches that integrates widely diverse resources outside of traditional academic environments in full partnerships of mutual respect and understanding. We demonstrate that scientists, social scientists, and engineers can work with government agencies, industry, and communities to interweave their expertise into metaphorical knowledge fabrics to share understanding, resources, and enthusiasm. Our goal is to acknowledge and validate how interweaving research approaches can contribute to research-driven, solution-oriented problem solving in environmental health, and to inspire more members of the environmental health community to consider this approach. The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program (SRP), as mandated by Congress, has evolved to become a program that reaches across a wide range of knowledge resources. SRP fosters interweaving multiple knowledge resources to develop innovative multidirectional partnerships for research and training. Here we describe examples of how motivation, ideas, knowledge, and expertise from different people, institutions, and agencies can integrate to tackle challenges that can be as complex as the resources they bring to bear on it. By providing structure for interweaving science with its stakeholders, we are better able to leverage resources, increase potential for innovation, and proactively ensure a more fully developed spectrum of beneficial outcomes of research investments. Anderson BE, Naujokas MF, Suk WA. 2015. Interweaving knowledge resources to address complex environmental health challenges. Environ Health Perspect 123:1095-1099; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409525.

Addressing the unmet need for visualizing conditional random fields in biological data

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The biological world is replete with phenomena that appear to be ideally modeled and analyzed by one archetypal statistical framework - the Graphical Probabilistic Model (GPM). The structure of GPMs is a uniquely good match for biological problems that range from aligning sequences to modeling the genome-to-phenome relationship. The fundamental questions that GPMs address involve making decisions based on a complex web of interacting factors. Unfortunately, while GPMs ideally fit many questions in biology, they are not an easy solution to apply. Building a GPM is not a simple task for an end user. Moreover, applying GPMs is also impeded by the insidious fact that the “complex web of interacting factors” inherent to a problem might be easy to define and also intractable to compute upon. Discussion We propose that the visualization sciences can contribute to many domains of the bio-sciences, by developing tools to address archetypal representation and user interaction issues in GPMs, and in particular a variety of GPM called a Conditional Random Field(CRF). CRFs bring additional power, and additional complexity, because the CRF dependency network can be conditioned on the query data. Conclusions In this manuscript we examine the shared features of several biological problems that are amenable to modeling with CRFs, highlight the challenges that existing visualization and visual analytics paradigms induce for these data, and document an experimental solution called StickWRLD which, while leaving room for improvement, has been successfully applied in several biological research projects. Software and tutorials are available at http://www.stickwrld.org/ PMID:25000815

Medical image segmentation using genetic algorithms.

PubMed

Maulik, Ujjwal

2009-03-01

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been found to be effective in the domain of medical image segmentation, since the problem can often be mapped to one of search in a complex and multimodal landscape. The challenges in medical image segmentation arise due to poor image contrast and artifacts that result in missing or diffuse organ/tissue boundaries. The resulting search space is therefore often noisy with a multitude of local optima. Not only does the genetic algorithmic framework prove to be effective in coming out of local optima, it also brings considerable flexibility into the segmentation procedure. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the major applications of GAs to the domain of medical image segmentation.

Problems of Indian Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linton, Marigold

Previous approaches to the learning problems of American Indian children are viewed as inadequate. An alternative is suggested which emphasizes the problem solution strategies which these children bring to the school situation. Solutions were analyzed in terms of: (1) their probability; (2) their efficiency at permitting a present problem to be…

Bringing science to medicine: an interview with Larry Weed, inventor of the problem-oriented medical record

PubMed Central

Wright, Adam; Sittig, Dean F; McGowan, Julie; Ash, Joan S; Weed, Lawrence L

2014-01-01

Larry Weed, MD is widely known as the father of the problem-oriented medical record and inventor of the now-ubiquitous SOAP (subjective/objective/assessment/plan) note, for developing an electronic health record system (Problem-Oriented Medical Information System, PROMIS), and for founding a company (since acquired), which developed problem-knowledge couplers. However, Dr Weed's vision for medicine goes far beyond software—over the course of his storied career, he has relentlessly sought to bring the scientific method to medical practice and, where necessary, to point out shortcomings in the system and advocate for change. In this oral history, Dr Weed describes, in his own words, the arcs of his long career and the work that remains to be done. PMID:24872343

Transnational Environmental Problems--The United States, Canada, Mexico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcher, Marshall E.

1983-01-01

Examines problems associated with transboundary environmental pollution, focusing on problems arising between the United States and Mexico and between the United States and Canada. Also discusses new organizational forms developed to bring transboundary issues to a higher policy-making level. (JN)

Global Optimal Trajectory in Chaos and NP-Hardness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latorre, Vittorio; Gao, David Yang

This paper presents an unconventional theory and method for solving general nonlinear dynamical systems. Instead of the direct iterative methods, the discretized nonlinear system is first formulated as a global optimization problem via the least squares method. A newly developed canonical duality theory shows that this nonconvex minimization problem can be solved deterministically in polynomial time if a global optimality condition is satisfied. The so-called pseudo-chaos produced by linear iterative methods are mainly due to the intrinsic numerical error accumulations. Otherwise, the global optimization problem could be NP-hard and the nonlinear system can be really chaotic. A conjecture is proposed, which reveals the connection between chaos in nonlinear dynamics and NP-hardness in computer science. The methodology and the conjecture are verified by applications to the well-known logistic equation, a forced memristive circuit and the Lorenz system. Computational results show that the canonical duality theory can be used to identify chaotic systems and to obtain realistic global optimal solutions in nonlinear dynamical systems. The method and results presented in this paper should bring some new insights into nonlinear dynamical systems and NP-hardness in computational complexity theory.

Automated grading of lumbar disc degeneration via supervised distance metric learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaoxu; Landis, Mark; Leung, Stephanie; Warrington, James; Shmuilovich, Olga; Li, Shuo

2017-03-01

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a commonly age-associated condition related to low back pain, while its consequences are responsible for over 90% of spine surgical procedures. In clinical practice, grading of LDD by inspecting MRI is a necessary step to make a suitable treatment plan. This step purely relies on physicians manual inspection so that it brings the unbearable tediousness and inefficiency. An automated method for grading of LDD is highly desirable. However, the technical implementation faces a big challenge from class ambiguity, which is typical in medical image classification problems with a large number of classes. This typical challenge is derived from the complexity and diversity of medical images, which lead to a serious class overlapping and brings a great challenge in discriminating different classes. To solve this problem, we proposed an automated grading approach, which is based on supervised distance metric learning to classify the input discs into four class labels (0: normal, 1: slight, 2: marked, 3: severe). By learning distance metrics from labeled instances, an optimal distance metric is modeled and with two attractive advantages: (1) keeps images from the same classes close, and (2) keeps images from different classes far apart. The experiments, performed in 93 subjects, demonstrated the superiority of our method with accuracy 0.9226, sensitivity 0.9655, specificity 0.9083, F-score 0.8615. With our approach, physicians will be free from the tediousness and patients will be provided an effective treatment.

Organized All the Way Down

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sylvan, David

At least since Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, it has been understood that social systems can be considered as having emergent properties not reducible to the actions of individuals. The appeal of this idea is obvious, no different now than in Smith's time: that aggregates of persons can be ordered without such order being intended or enforced by any particular person or persons. A search for such an "invisible hand" is what brings many of us to the study of complexity and the construction of various types of computational models aimed at capturing it. However, in proceeding along these lines, we have tended to focus on particular types of social systems — what I will in this paper call "thin" systems, such as markets and populations — and ignored other types, such as groups, whose base interactions are "thick," i.e., constructed as one of many possibilities, by the participants, at the moment in which they take place. These latter systems are not only ubiquitous but pose particular modeling problems for students of complexity: the local interactions are themselves complex and the systems display no strongly emergent features.

Engaging the creative to better build science into water resource solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klos, P. Z.

2014-12-01

Psychological thought suggests that social engagement with an environmental problem requires 1) cognitive understanding of the problem, 2) emotional engagement with the problem, and 3) perceived efficacy that there is something we can do to solve the problem. Within the water sciences, we form problem-focused, cross-disciplinary teams to help address complex water resource problems, but often we only seek teammates from other disciplines within the realms of engineering and the natural/social sciences. Here I argue that this science-centric focus fails to fully solve these water resource problems, and often the science goes unheard because it is heavily cognitive and lacks the ability to effectively engage the audience through crucial social-psychological aspects of emotion and efficacy. To solve this, future cross-disciplinary collaborations that seek to include creative actors from the worlds of art, humanities, and design can begin to provide a much stronger overlap of the cognition, emotion, and efficacy needed to communicate the science, engage the audience, and create the solutions needed to solve or world's most complex water resource problems. Disciplines across the arts, sciences, and engineering all bring unique strengths that, through collaboration, allow for uniquely creative modes of art-science overlap that can engage people through additions of emotion and efficacy that compliment the science and go beyond the traditional cognitive approach. I highlight examples of this art-science overlap in action and argue that water resource collaborations like these will be more likely to have their hydrologic science accepted and applied by those who decide on water resource solutions. For this Pop-up Talk session, I aim to share the details of this proposed framework in the context of my own research and the work of others. I hope to incite discussion regarding the utility and relevance of this framework as a future option for other water resource collaboratives working to solve hydrologic issues across the globe.

To Draw or Not to Draw? Examining the Necessity of Problem Diagrams Using Massive Open Online Course Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Zhongzhou; Demirci, Neset; Choi, Youn-Jeng; Pritchard, David E.

2017-01-01

Previous research on problem diagrams suggested that including a supportive diagram, one that does not provide necessary problem solving information, may bring little, or even negative, benefit to students' problem solving success. We tested the usefulness of problem diagrams on 12 different physics problems (6A/B experiments) in our massive open…

Using Video to Collaborate around Problems of Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Es, Elizabeth A.

2012-01-01

This article investigates how the goals of participants in a video club evolved and became more shared over time. A video club brings groups of teachers together to analyze video from one another's classrooms (Sherin, 2004). The purpose of the video club the author investigates was to bring teachers together to analyze student thinking, an…

Bringing the environment down to earth.

PubMed

Reinhardt, F L

1999-01-01

The debate on business and the environment has typically been framed in simple yes-or-no terms: "Does it pay to be green?" But the environment, like other business issues, requires a more complex approach--one that demands more than such all-or-nothing thinking. Managers need to ask instead, "Under what circumstances do particular kinds of environmental investments deliver returns to shareholders?" This article presents five approaches that managers can take to identify those circumstances and integrate the environment into their business thinking. These approaches will enable companies with the right industry structure, competitive position, and managerial skills to reconcile their responsibility to shareholders with the pressure to be faithful stewards of the earth's resources. Some companies can distance themselves from competitors by differentiating their products and commanding higher prices for them. Others may be able to "manage" their competitors by imposing a set of private regulations or by helping to shape the rules written by government officials. Still others may be able to cut costs and help the environment simultaneously. Almost all can learn to improve their management of risk and thus reduce the outlays associated with accidents, lawsuits, and boycotts. And some companies may even be able to make systemic changes that will redefine competition in their markets. All five approaches can help managers bring the environment down to earth. And that means bringing the environment back into the fold of business problems and determining when it really pays to be green.

Interweaving Knowledge Resources to Address Complex Environmental Health Challenges

PubMed Central

Anderson, Beth Ellen; Suk, William A.

2015-01-01

Background Complex problems do not respect academic disciplinary boundaries. Environmental health research is complex and often moves beyond these boundaries, integrating diverse knowledge resources to solve such challenges. Here we describe an evolving paradigm for interweaving approaches that integrates widely diverse resources outside of traditional academic environments in full partnerships of mutual respect and understanding. We demonstrate that scientists, social scientists, and engineers can work with government agencies, industry, and communities to interweave their expertise into metaphorical knowledge fabrics to share understanding, resources, and enthusiasm. Objective Our goal is to acknowledge and validate how interweaving research approaches can contribute to research-driven, solution-oriented problem solving in environmental health, and to inspire more members of the environmental health community to consider this approach. Discussion The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program (SRP), as mandated by Congress, has evolved to become a program that reaches across a wide range of knowledge resources. SRP fosters interweaving multiple knowledge resources to develop innovative multidirectional partnerships for research and training. Here we describe examples of how motivation, ideas, knowledge, and expertise from different people, institutions, and agencies can integrate to tackle challenges that can be as complex as the resources they bring to bear on it. Conclusions By providing structure for interweaving science with its stakeholders, we are better able to leverage resources, increase potential for innovation, and proactively ensure a more fully developed spectrum of beneficial outcomes of research investments. Citation Anderson BE, Naujokas MF, Suk WA. 2015. Interweaving knowledge resources to address complex environmental health challenges. Environ Health Perspect 123:1095–1099; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409525 PMID:25910282

Group Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, James C.

1988-01-01

This pamphlet discusses group problem solving in schools. Its point of departure is that teachers go at problems from a number of different directions and that principals need to capitalize on those differences and bring a whole range of skills and perceptions to the problem-solving process. Rather than trying to get everyone to think alike,…

Beyond the proteome: Mass Spectrometry Special Interest Group (MS-SIG) at ISMB/ECCB 2013

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Soyoung; Payne, Samuel H.; Schaab, Christoph

2014-07-02

Mass spectrometry special interest group (MS-SIG) aims to bring together experts from the global research community to discuss highlights and challenges in the field of mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and computational biology. The rapid echnological developments in MS-based proteomics have enabled the generation of a large amount of meaningful information on hundreds to thousands of proteins simultaneously from a biological sample; however, the complexity of the MS data require sophisticated computational algorithms and software for data analysis and interpretation. This year’s MS-SIG meeting theme was ‘Beyond the Proteome’ with major focuses on improving protein identification/quantification and using proteomics data tomore » solve interesting problems in systems biology and clinical research.« less

Health policy in Asia and the Pacific: Navigating local needs and global challenges

PubMed Central

Lee, Kelley

2014-01-01

Asia and the Pacific are undergoing a remarkable economic transformation which is occurring at an exceptional pace. There is clear evidence of an equally rapid epidemiological transition in the region. This paper sets out the policy challenges of building healthy societies in the context of rapid economic change. The region’s location at the crossroads of contemporary globalization, resulting in intensified population mobility, large-scale trade and investment, and pressures to take collective action on shared problems, adds to the complexity of this task. The paper argues that health is integral to building stable and sustainable societies, and that there are opportunities to develop more holistic approaches that bring together hitherto separate policy spheres. PMID:24592312

Helping science to succeed: improving processes in R&D.

PubMed

Sewing, Andreas; Winchester, Toby; Carnell, Pauline; Hampton, David; Keighley, Wilma

2008-03-01

Bringing drugs to the market remains a costly and, until now, often unpredictable challenge. Although understanding the underlying science is key to further progress, our imperfect knowledge of disease and complex biological systems leaves excellence in execution as the most tangible lever to sustain our serendipitous approach to drug discovery. The problems encountered in pharmaceutical R&D are not unique, but to learn from other industries it is important to recognise similarity, rather than differences, and to advance industrialisation of R&D beyond technology and automation. Tools like Lean and Six Sigma, already applied to increase business excellence across diverse organisations, can equally be introduced to pharmaceutical R&D and offer the potential to transform operations without large-scale investment.

The Impossibility of "Real-Life" Word Problems (According to Bakhtin, Lacan, Zizek and Baudrillard)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerofsky, Susan

2010-01-01

In recent years a great deal of work on mathematical word problems has focused on efforts to bring more of "real life" into the problems themselves and students' uptake of these problems. Following on from earlier studies of the word problem as a pedagogical and literary genre, the author argues that we cannot unproblematically assume an ability…

Ecology and conservation: contributions to One Health.

PubMed

Cleaveland, S; Borner, M; Gislason, M

2014-08-01

Although One Health is widely promoted as a more effective approach towards human, animal and ecosystem health, the momentum is still driven largely by health professionals, predominantly from the veterinary sector. While few can doubt the merits of interdisciplinary One Health approaches to tackle complex health problems, operating across the disciplines still presents many challenges. This paper focuses on the contributions of partners from ecology and conservation to One Health approaches, and identifies four broad areas which could act as a focus for practical engagement and bring ecological and conservation objectives more to the forefront of the One Health agenda: i) developing initiatives with shared conservation and health objectives, particularly in and around protected areas and including programmes addressing human reproductive health and mental health; ii) broadening concepts of health to extend beyond indicators of disease to include the assessment of ecological impacts; iii) the integration of ecological and epidemiological monitoring systems within protected areas to support conservation management and wildlife disease surveillance; iv) building partnerships to bring conservation, health, development and animal welfare agencies together to combat threats to global biodiversity and health from the international trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

Who is my Jung? Memories, Reflections, Prospects.

PubMed

Stone, Martin

2018-06-01

The author describes his personal and professional journey in relation to the subject of the AJA 40 th anniversary conference, 'Who is my Jung?' The first part of the paper covers his early life and his attempt to bring together two opposing parts within him: valuation of a scientific approach, and an interest in the inner world, dreams and the paranormal. Discussion of his professional life follows, including his relationship with Gerhard Adler, past problems and splits within the Jungian community and the author's attempts to heal these. The value of both remembering and forgetting is questioned. This leads onto ideas that bring value and meaning to his work and life, and which bridge the inner divisions he felt in his early life: notably Jung's focus on applying scientific theory to the mystery of the psyche, his relational attitude (exemplified by the dialectical process and his interest in countertransference) and his theory of synchronicity. Recent discussion in Jungian writing has questioned the nature of synchronistic experiences and explored how they may emerge naturally from complex systems. The paper ends the author's continuing journey with two personal vignettes describing how meaning may emerge from the unconscious. © 2018, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

Taking Care of Myself: A Guide for When I Leave the Hospital

MedlinePlus

... I have questions or problems, I should call: ________________________________________________________ Phone number: __________________________________________ If I have a serious health problem, I should call: ________________________________________________________ Phone number: __________________________________________ Bring this plan to all your medical appointments. ...

Carbohydrate structure: the rocky road to automation.

PubMed

Agirre, Jon; Davies, Gideon J; Wilson, Keith S; Cowtan, Kevin D

2017-06-01

With the introduction of intuitive graphical software, structural biologists who are not experts in crystallography are now able to build complete protein or nucleic acid models rapidly. In contrast, carbohydrates are in a wholly different situation: scant automation exists, with manual building attempts being sometimes toppled by incorrect dictionaries or refinement problems. Sugars are the most stereochemically complex family of biomolecules and, as pyranose rings, have clear conformational preferences. Despite this, all refinement programs may produce high-energy conformations at medium to low resolution, without any support from the electron density. This problem renders the affected structures unusable in glyco-chemical terms. Bringing structural glycobiology up to 'protein standards' will require a total overhaul of the methodology. Time is of the essence, as the community is steadily increasing the production rate of glycoproteins, and electron cryo-microscopy has just started to image them in precisely that resolution range where crystallographic methods falter most. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transformational Leadership in Educational Context: A Fantasy of Education Scholars. Editor's Choice: Selected Keynote Speech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simsek, Hasan

2013-01-01

Education is a global concern. The post-industrial society demand different skills and mind-set from their citizens. Transforming technologies bring new possibilities whereas education is still a highly low-tech sector. Current global economic crisis and political instabilities bring new problems to educational systems. These challenges also call…

Using Student Agencies to Produce Mini-Campaigns in the Principles of Advertising Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynn, Jerry R.; Gagnard, Alice L.

The use of mini-campaign projects in an introductory course in advertising can (1) provide students with actual experience in dealing with real advertising problems; (2) bring classroom lectures and laboratory assignments into a "real-world" perspective; (3) give students a broader perspective of advertising; (4) bring students into contact with…

Suggestions for Popularizing Civil Aviation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1926-01-01

The public generally is taking very little interest in the progress of Civil Aviation, and the time has come to educate the public in aeronautics and to make them realize the far-reaching importance of air transport. Briefly, the whole problem resolves itself into discovering and applying means for bringing some of the many aspects and effects of civil aviation into the everyday lives of the public. The report suggests three principal groups of methods: (1) Bring aviation into daily contact with the public. (2) Bring the public into daily contact with aviation. (3) General publicity.

Second Quarter Report Environmental Biosciences Program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawrence C. Mohr, M.D.

2002-10-31

In May 2002, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) signed Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC09-02CH11109 with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to support the Environmental Biosciences Program (EBP). This funding instrument replaces DOE Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC02-98CH10902. EBP is an integrated, multidisciplinary scientific program, employing a range of research initiatives to identify, study and resolve environmental health risk issues. These initiatives are consistent with the Medical University's role as a comprehensive state-supported health sciences institution and the nation's need for new and better approaches to the solution of a complex and expansive array of environment-related health problems. Themore » intrinsic capabilities of a comprehensive health sciences institution enable the Medical University to be a national resource for the scientific investigation of environmental health issues. EBP's success in convening worldwide scientific expertise is due in part to the inherent credibility the Medical University brings to the process of addressing these complex issues.« less

Environmental Biosciences Program Third Quarter Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawrence C. Mohr, M.D.

2003-01-31

In May 2002, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) signed Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC09-02CH11109 with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to support the Environmental Biosciences Program (EBP). This funding instrument replaces DOE Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC02-98CH10902. EBP is an integrated, multidisciplinary scientific program, employing a range of research initiatives to identify, study and resolve environmental health risk issues. These initiatives are consistent with the Medical University's role as a comprehensive state-supported health sciences institution and the nation's need for new and better approaches to the solution of a complex and expansive array of environment-related health problems. Themore » intrinsic capabilities of a comprehensive health sciences institution enable the Medical University to be a national resource for the scientific investigation of environmental health issues. EBP's success in convening worldwide scientific expertise is due in part to the inherent credibility the Medical University brings to the process of addressing these complex issues.« less

MUSC Environmental Biosciences Program First Quarter Report May - June, 2002

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawrence C. Mohr

2002-07-31

In May 2002, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) signed Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC02-98CH11109 with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to support the Environmental Biosciences Program (EBP). This funding instrument replaces DOE Assistance Instrument Number DE-FC02-98CH10902. EBP is an integrated, multidisciplinary scientific program, employing a range of research initiatives to identify, study and resolve environmental health risk issues. These initiatives are consistent with the Medical University's role as a comprehensive state-supported health sciences institution and the nation's need for new and better approaches to the solution of a complex and expansive array of environment-related health problems. Themore » intrinsic capabilities of a comprehensive health sciences institution enable the Medical University to be a national resource for the scientific investigation of environmental health issues. EBP's success in convening worldwide scientific expertise is due in part to the inherent credibility the Medical University brings to the process of addressing these complex issues.« less

Towards Self-adaptation for Dependable Service-Oriented Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardellini, Valeria; Casalicchio, Emiliano; Grassi, Vincenzo; Lo Presti, Francesco; Mirandola, Raffaela

Increasingly complex information systems operating in dynamic environments ask for management policies able to deal intelligently and autonomously with problems and tasks. An attempt to deal with these aspects can be found in the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) paradigm that foresees the creation of business applications from independently developed services, where services and applications build up complex dependencies. Therefore the dependability of SOA systems strongly depends on their ability to self-manage and adapt themselves to cope with changes in the operating conditions and to meet the required dependability with a minimum of resources. In this paper we propose a model-based approach to the realization of self-adaptable SOA systems, aimed at the fulfillment of dependability requirements. Specifically, we provide a methodology driving the system adaptation and we discuss the architectural issues related to its implementation. To bring this approach to fruition, we developed a prototype tool and we show the results that can be achieved with a simple example.

A Variational Formalism for the Radiative Transfer Equation and a Geostrophic, Hydrostatic Atmosphere: Prelude to Model 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Achtemeier, Gary L.

1991-01-01

The second step in development of MODEL III is summarized. It combines the four radiative transfer equations of the first step with the equations for a geostrophic and hydrostatic atmosphere. This step is intended to bring radiance into a three dimensional balance with wind, height, and temperature. The use of the geostrophic approximation in place of the full set of primitive equations allows for an easier evaluation of how the inclusion of the radiative transfer equation increases the complexity of the variational equations. Seven different variational formulations were developed for geostrophic, hydrostatic, and radiative transfer equations. The first derivation was too complex to yield solutions that were physically meaningful. For the remaining six derivations, the variational method gave the same physical interpretation (the observed brightness temperatures could provide no meaningful input to a geostrophic, hydrostatic balance) at least through the problem solving methodology used in these studies. The variational method is presented and the Euler-Lagrange equations rederived for the geostrophic, hydrostatic, and radiative transfer equations.

Prospects and limitations of full-text index structures in genome analysis

PubMed Central

Vyverman, Michaël; De Baets, Bernard; Fack, Veerle; Dawyndt, Peter

2012-01-01

The combination of incessant advances in sequencing technology producing large amounts of data and innovative bioinformatics approaches, designed to cope with this data flood, has led to new interesting results in the life sciences. Given the magnitude of sequence data to be processed, many bioinformatics tools rely on efficient solutions to a variety of complex string problems. These solutions include fast heuristic algorithms and advanced data structures, generally referred to as index structures. Although the importance of index structures is generally known to the bioinformatics community, the design and potency of these data structures, as well as their properties and limitations, are less understood. Moreover, the last decade has seen a boom in the number of variant index structures featuring complex and diverse memory-time trade-offs. This article brings a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the most popular index structures and their recently developed variants. Their features, interrelationships, the trade-offs they impose, but also their practical limitations, are explained and compared. PMID:22584621

Using Problem-Based Learning to Bring the Workplace into the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dadd, Kelsie A.

2009-01-01

A modified form of problem-based learning (PBL) with problems based on real workplace scenarios was trialled in a third year university class on Environmental Geology. Problems were developed in consultation with industry and based on their recent projects. These were then modified to allow for the shorter timeframe available, the less developed…

Effect of B-ring substitution pattern on binding mode of propionamide selective androgen receptor modulators.

PubMed

Bohl, Casey E; Wu, Zengru; Chen, Jiyun; Mohler, Michael L; Yang, Jun; Hwang, Dong Jin; Mustafa, Suni; Miller, Duane D; Bell, Charles E; Dalton, James T

2008-10-15

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are essentially prostate sparing androgens, which provide therapeutic potential in osteoporosis, male hormone replacement, and muscle wasting. Herein we report crystal structures of the androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) complexed to a series of potent synthetic nonsteroidal SARMs with a substituted pendant arene referred to as the B-ring. We found that hydrophilic B-ring para-substituted analogs exhibit an additional region of hydrogen bonding not seen with steroidal compounds and that multiple halogen substitutions affect the B-ring conformation and aromatic interactions with Trp741. This information elucidates interactions important for high AR binding affinity and provides new insight for structure-based drug design.

Oversight of human participants research: identifying problems to evaluate reform proposals.

PubMed

Emanuel, Ezekiel J; Wood, Anne; Fleischman, Alan; Bowen, Angela; Getz, Kenneth A; Grady, Christine; Levine, Carol; Hammerschmidt, Dale E; Faden, Ruth; Eckenwiler, Lisa; Muse, Carianne Tucker; Sugarman, Jeremy

2004-08-17

The oversight of research involving human participants is widely believed to be inadequate. The U.S. Congress, national commissions, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Institute of Medicine, numerous professional societies, and others are proposing remedies based on the assumption that the main problems are researchers' conflict of interest, lack of institutional review board (IRB) resources, and the volume and complexity of clinical research. Developing appropriate reform proposals requires carefully delineating the problems of the current system to know what reforms are needed. To stimulate a more informed and meaningful debate, we delineate 15 current problems into 3 broad categories. First, structural problems encompass 8 specific problems related to the way the research oversight system is organized. Second, procedural problems constitute 5 specific problems related to the operations of IRB review. Finally, performance assessment problems include 2 problems related to absence of systematic assessment of the outcomes of the oversight system. We critically assess proposed reforms, such as accreditation and central IRBs, according to how well they address these 15 problems. None of the reforms addresses all 15 problems. Indeed, most focus on the procedural problems, failing to address either the structure or the performance assessment problems. Finally, on the basis of the delineation of problems, we outline components of a more effective reform proposal, including bringing all research under federal oversight, a permanent advisory committee to address recurrent ethical issues in clinical research, mandatory single-time review for multicenter research protocols, additional financial support for IRB functions, and a standardized system for collecting and disseminating data on both adverse events and the performance assessment of IRBs.

Blog Attack: New Teaching Strategies to Engage Today's College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castro, Denise

2012-01-01

The growing need to match pedagogy with the evolving needs of a new generation of learners has stirred and interest in Web 2.0 Blogging can bring a surprisingly rich experience to class projects by increasing collaboration between students and teacher. As a teaching tool, blogging can bring greater complexity to learning that would have otherwise…

Is the Process of Special Measures an Effective Tool for Bringing about Authentic School Improvement?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willis, Lynne

2010-01-01

Managing change in education is a complex process, but to do so under the pressure of a punishment-based measurement system (Fullan, 2008) makes sustainable and meaningful change increasingly difficult. Systems which produce high stakes accountability measures, which bring with it sanctions that create a greater sense of distrust, demoralization…

Blue Collar Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vineyard, Jerry D.

1970-01-01

Discusses environmental problems that prevent quality living. To overcome these problems we must arm ourselves with the facts relating to environmental crisis and bring them to the attention of people with power; and press for increased environmental awareness among students. (BR)

Bringing science to medicine: an interview with Larry Weed, inventor of the problem-oriented medical record.

PubMed

Wright, Adam; Sittig, Dean F; McGowan, Julie; Ash, Joan S; Weed, Lawrence L

2014-01-01

Larry Weed, MD is widely known as the father of the problem-oriented medical record and inventor of the now-ubiquitous SOAP (subjective/objective/assessment/plan) note, for developing an electronic health record system (Problem-Oriented Medical Information System, PROMIS), and for founding a company (since acquired), which developed problem-knowledge couplers. However, Dr Weed's vision for medicine goes far beyond software--over the course of his storied career, he has relentlessly sought to bring the scientific method to medical practice and, where necessary, to point out shortcomings in the system and advocate for change. In this oral history, Dr Weed describes, in his own words, the arcs of his long career and the work that remains to be done. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Concepts and models of coupled systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertsen, Maurits

2017-04-01

In this paper, I will especially focus on the question of the position of human agency, social networks and complex co-evolutionary interactions in socio-hydrological models. The long term perspective of complex systems' modeling typically focuses on regional or global spatial scales and century/millennium time scales. It is still a challenge to relate correlations in outcomes defined at those longer and larger scales to the causalities at the shorter and smaller scales. How do we move today to the next 1000 years in the same way that our ancestors did move from their today to our present, in the small steps that produce reality? Please note, I am not arguing long term work is not interesting or the like. I just pose the question how to deal with the problem that we employ relations with hindsight that matter to us, but not necessarily to the agents that produced the relations we think we have observed. I would like to push the socio-hydrological community a little into rethinking how to deal with complexity, with the aim to bring together the timescales of humans and complexity. I will provide one or two examples of how larger-scale and longer-term observations on water flows and environmental loads can be broken down into smaller-scale and shorter-term production processes of these same loads.

The complexity of translationally invariant low-dimensional spin lattices in 3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bausch, Johannes; Piddock, Stephen

2017-11-01

In this theoretical paper, we consider spin systems in three spatial dimensions and consider the computational complexity of estimating the ground state energy, known as the local Hamiltonian problem, for translationally invariant Hamiltonians. We prove that the local Hamiltonian problem for 3D lattices with face-centered cubic unit cells and 4-local translationally invariant interactions between spin-3/2 particles and open boundary conditions is QMAEXP-complete, where QMAEXP is the class of problems which can be verified in exponential time on a quantum computer. We go beyond a mere embedding of past hard 1D history state constructions, for which the local spin dimension is enormous: even state-of-the-art constructions have local dimension 42. We avoid such a large local dimension by combining some different techniques in a novel way. For the verifier circuit which we embed into the ground space of the local Hamiltonian, we utilize a recently developed computational model, called a quantum ring machine, which is especially well suited for translationally invariant history state constructions. This is encoded with a new and particularly simple universal gate set, which consists of a single 2-qubit gate applied only to nearest-neighbour qubits. The Hamiltonian construction involves a classical Wang tiling problem as a binary counter which translates one cube side length into a binary description for the encoded verifier input and a carefully engineered history state construction that implements the ring machine on the cubic lattice faces. These novel techniques allow us to significantly lower the local spin dimension, surpassing the best translationally invariant result to date by two orders of magnitude (in the number of degrees of freedom per coupling). This brings our models on par with the best non-translationally invariant construction.

Building co-management as a process: problem solving through partnerships in Aboriginal country, Australia.

PubMed

Zurba, Melanie; Ross, Helen; Izurieta, Arturo; Rist, Philip; Bock, Ellie; Berkes, Fikret

2012-06-01

Collaborative problem solving has increasingly become important in the face of the complexities in the management of resources, including protected areas. The strategy undertaken by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation in north tropical Queensland, Australia, for developing co-management demonstrates the potential for a problem solving approach involving sequential initiatives, as an alternative to the more familiar negotiated agreements for co-management. Our longitudinal case study focuses on the development of indigenous ranger units as a strategic mechanism for the involvement of traditional owners in managing their country in collaboration with government and other interested parties. This was followed by Australia's first traditional use of marine resources agreement, and development of a multi-jurisdictional, land to sea, indigenous protected area. In using a relationship building approach to develop regional scale co-management, Girringun has been strengthening its capabilities as collaborator and regional service provider, thus, bringing customary decision-making structures into play to 'care for country'. From this evolving process we have identified the key components of a relationship building strategy, 'the pillars of co-management'. This approach includes learning-by-doing, the building of respect and rapport, sorting out responsibilities, practical engagement, and capacity-building.

Visualization: A pathway to enhanced scientific productivity in the expanding missions of Space and Earth Sciences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szuszczewicz, E. P.

1995-01-01

The movement toward the solution of problems involving large-scale system science, the ever-increasing capabilities of three-dimensional, time-dependent numerical models, and the enhanced capabilities of 'in situ' and remote sensing instruments bring a new era of scientific endeavor that requires an important change in our approach to mission planning and the task of data reduction and analysis. Visualization is at the heart of the requirements for a much-needed enhancement in scientific productivity as we face these new challenges. This article draws a perspective on the problem as it crosses discipline boundaries from solar physics to atmospheric and ocean sciences. It also attempts to introduce visualization as a new approach to scientific discovery and a tool which expedites and improves our insight into physically complex problems. A set of simple illustrations demonstrates a number of visualization techniques and the discussion emphasizes the trial-and-error and search-and-discover modes that are necessary for the techniques to reach their full potential. Further discussions also point to the importance of integrating data access, management, mathematical operations, and visualization into a single system. Some of the more recent developments in this area are reviewed.

Building Co-Management as a Process: Problem Solving Through Partnerships in Aboriginal Country, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurba, Melanie; Ross, Helen; Izurieta, Arturo; Rist, Philip; Bock, Ellie; Berkes, Fikret

2012-06-01

Collaborative problem solving has increasingly become important in the face of the complexities in the management of resources, including protected areas. The strategy undertaken by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation in north tropical Queensland, Australia, for developing co-management demonstrates the potential for a problem solving approach involving sequential initiatives, as an alternative to the more familiar negotiated agreements for co-management. Our longitudinal case study focuses on the development of indigenous ranger units as a strategic mechanism for the involvement of traditional owners in managing their country in collaboration with government and other interested parties. This was followed by Australia's first traditional use of marine resources agreement, and development of a multi-jurisdictional, land to sea, indigenous protected area. In using a relationship building approach to develop regional scale co-management, Girringun has been strengthening its capabilities as collaborator and regional service provider, thus, bringing customary decision-making structures into play to `care for country'. From this evolving process we have identified the key components of a relationship building strategy, `the pillars of co-management'. This approach includes learning-by-doing, the building of respect and rapport, sorting out responsibilities, practical engagement, and capacity-building.

Office automation: The administrative window into the integrated DBMS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brock, G. H.

1985-01-01

In parallel to the evolution of Management Information Systems from simple data files to complex data bases, the stand-alone computer systems have been migrating toward fully integrated systems serving the work force. The next major productivity gain may very well be to make these highly sophisticated working level Data Base Management Systems (DMBS) serve all levels of management with reports of varying levels of detail. Most attempts by the DBMS development organization to provide useful information to management seem to bog down in the quagmire of competing working level requirements. Most large DBMS development organizations possess three to five year backlogs. Perhaps Office Automation is the vehicle that brings to pass the Management Information System that really serves management. A good office automation system manned by a team of facilitators seeking opportunities to serve end-users could go a long way toward defining a DBMS that serves management. This paper will briefly discuss the problems of the DBMS organization, alternative approaches to solving some of the major problems, a debate about problems that may have no solution, and finally how office automation fits into the development of the Manager's Management Information System.

Identification of the dominant hydrological process and appropriate model structure of a karst catchment through stepwise simplification of a complex conceptual model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yong; Wu, Jichun; Jiang, Guanghui; Kang, Zhiqiang

2017-05-01

Conceptual models often suffer from the over-parameterization problem due to limited available data for the calibration. This leads to the problem of parameter nonuniqueness and equifinality, which may bring much uncertainty of the simulation result. How to find out the appropriate model structure supported by the available data to simulate the catchment is still a big challenge in the hydrological research. In this paper, we adopt a multi-model framework to identify the dominant hydrological process and appropriate model structure of a karst spring, located in Guilin city, China. For this catchment, the spring discharge is the only available data for the model calibration. This framework starts with a relative complex conceptual model according to the perception of the catchment and then this complex is simplified into several different models by gradually removing the model component. The multi-objective approach is used to compare the performance of these different models and the regional sensitivity analysis (RSA) is used to investigate the parameter identifiability. The results show this karst spring is mainly controlled by two different hydrological processes and one of the processes is threshold-driven which is consistent with the fieldwork investigation. However, the appropriate model structure to simulate the discharge of this spring is much simpler than the actual aquifer structure and hydrological processes understanding from the fieldwork investigation. A simple linear reservoir with two different outlets is enough to simulate this spring discharge. The detail runoff process in the catchment is not needed in the conceptual model to simulate the spring discharge. More complex model should need more other additional data to avoid serious deterioration of model predictions.

Teaching Methodology of Flexible Pavement Materials and Pavement Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mehta, Yusuf; Najafi, Fazil

2004-01-01

Flexible pavement materials exhibit complex mechanical behavior, in the sense, that they not only show stress and temperature dependency but also are sensitive to moisture conditions. This complex behavior presents a great challenge to the faculty in bringing across the level of complexity and providing the concepts needed to understand them. The…

Building the occupational health team: keys to successful interdisciplinary collaboration.

PubMed

Wachs, Joy E

2005-04-01

Teamwork among occupational health and safety professionals, management, and employees is vital to solving today's complex problems cost-effectively. No single discipline can meet all the needs of workers and the workplace. However, teamwork can be time-consuming and difficult if attention is not given to the role of the team leader, the necessary skills of team members, and the importance of a supportive environment. Bringing team members together regularly to foster positive relationships and infuse them with the philosophy of strength in diversity is essential for teams to be sustained and work to be accomplished. By working in tandem, occupational health and safety professionals can become the model team in business and industry delivering on their promise of a safe and healthy workplace for America's work force.

Atomic complex: a worldwide political history of nuclear energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldschmidt, B.

The author presents a personal memoir of the effort to harness energy from the atom as well as telling the story of worldwide development, from its military use in the 1940s to its peaceful use of generating electricity in the world's 263 operating nuclear power plants. As a scientist turned statesman, Goldsmith reviews nearly half a century of worldwide political moves, countermoves, international intrigue, and manipulation. His perspective is portrayed against the personal backdrop of world leaders. Taking a pragmatic look at the nuclear world of today, he describes how the mistakes of the past set the tone for today'smore » nuclear problems. Goldsmith balances the terror due to nuclear weapons with the benefits nuclear energy can bring to an economically troubled and energy-starved population.« less

Spiced-up ANFO mixture leads to super blasts for casting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chironis, N.P.

1984-05-01

There is one problem common to many coal operators in the mountainous regions of western Pennsylvania. As coal seams nearer the crop lines of their mine sites are removed, the overburden heights and stripping ratios increase to about 20-to-1, the range where coal becomes uneconomical to mine. Faced with this situation, a mine operator usually pursues one of four options: 1. Drive a drift mine, which means switching to underground operations with all the complexity and costs involved; 2. Purchase a larger dragline, which involves huge capital expenditures; 3. Bring in an augering machine to auger the exposed seams, amore » technique effective only for a very limited distance into the highwalls; 4. Discontinue operations, the route most operators take.« less

Neuroscience: toward unbinding the binding problem.

PubMed

Whitney, David

2009-03-24

How the brain 'binds' information to create a coherent perceptual experience is an enduring question. Recent research in the psychophysics of perceptual binding and developments in fMRI analysis techniques are bringing us closer to an understanding of how the brain solves the binding problem.

BI GIS Competition Brings DSS to AITP NCC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayen, Roger L.

2011-01-01

A national student competition problem in business intelligence (BI) is considered to foster an understanding of this competition and of the underlying case study problem used. The focus here is two-fold. First, is to illustrate this competition, and second, is to provide a case problem that can be considered for use in various information systems…

An Evaluation of the Turkish Education System outside the Conflict between Old and New

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kizilçelik, Sezgin

2015-01-01

Basis of the Study: Education is considered to be a system that provides solutions to communal problems, developing individual skills, bringing enlightenment and peace to people. However, the situation is somewhat different in Turkey, for education, which is regarded as a problem-solving activity, has itself become a problem. The Turkish education…

Intervention Strategies with Adolescents: The Newton Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Matt

The problem of adolescent drug/alcohol abuse seems to have once again intensified during the 1980s. When the school is the only constant in an adolescent's life and when those same teenagers bring drugs and alcohol-related problems to school, the school has an obligation to implement change. The first step is identification of the problem. Beyond…

Authentic Research in the Classroom: NITARP Teachers Connect Astronomy with NGSS.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pruett, Lee; Gibbs, John; Palmer, Robert; Young, Diedre; Gorjian, Varoujan

2016-01-01

The NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) uses authentic astronomical research to bring the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into the classroom. The creation of the NGSS was a collaborative effort between teams composed of teachers, scientists and other professionals from twenty-six states. These standards provide a framework for the change in how science is taught at all levels from kindergarten to twelfth grade in participating states. Scientific concepts are grouped into broad categories (physical, biological and earth sciences), and call for an interdisciplinary approach to content, along with the integration of engineering practices into the curriculum. This approach to the teaching of science has led educators to place more emphasis on authentic learning and problem-solving in their curricula. Project-based learning is a strategy that can effectively allow students to learn core scientific concepts within the context of a focused and complex scientific problem.The NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) pairs teams of teachers and students with NASA astronomers. These teams are immersed in an astronomy research project over the course of the year, and are responsible for writing a project proposal, doing original research and presenting that research at a professional conference. The students who are involved in the NITARP research are provided with a rich hands-on experience that both exposes them to a deep understanding of an astronomical problem (and the core physics and math behind it), as well as the process of doing real science. The NITARP program offers a unique opportunity to bring project-based learning into K-12 science classrooms. We will highlight the ways in which this program has been implemented in classrooms across the country, as well as the connections to the NGSS.This research was made possible through the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) and was funded by NASA Astrophysics Data Program.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF COMPLEX TECHNOLOGIES: INTEGRATING VARIOUS ASPECTS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT.

PubMed

Lysdahl, Kristin Bakke; Mozygemba, Kati; Burns, Jacob; Brönneke, Jan Benedikt; Chilcott, James B; Ward, Sue; Hofmann, Bjørn

2017-01-01

Despite recent development of health technology assessment (HTA) methods, there are still methodological gaps for the assessment of complex health technologies. The INTEGRATE-HTA guidance for effectiveness, economic, ethical, socio-cultural, and legal aspects, deals with challenges when assessing complex technologies, such as heterogeneous study designs, multiple stakeholder perspectives, and unpredictable outcomes. The objective of this article is to outline this guidance and describe the added value of integrating these assessment aspects. Different methods were used to develop the various parts of the guidance, but all draw on existing, published knowledge and were supported by stakeholder involvement. The guidance was modified after application in a case study and in response to feedback from internal and external reviewers. The guidance consists of five parts, addressing five core aspects of HTA, all presenting stepwise approaches based on the assessment of complexity, context, and stakeholder involvement. The guidance on effectiveness, health economics and ethics aspects focus on helping users choose appropriate, or further develop, existing methods. The recommendations are based on existing methods' applicability for dealing with problems arising with complex interventions. The guidance offers new frameworks to identify socio-cultural and legal issues, along with overviews of relevant methods and sources. The INTEGRATE-HTA guidance outlines a wide range of methods and facilitates appropriate choices among them. The guidance enables understanding of how complexity matters for HTA and brings together assessments from disciplines, such as epidemiology, economics, ethics, law, and social theory. This indicates relevance for a broad range of technologies.

Handbook of International Research in Mathematics Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

English, Lyn D., Ed.

This handbook brings together important mathematics education research that makes a difference in both theory and practice, research that anticipates problems and necessary knowledge before they become impediments to progress, interprets future-oriented problems into researchable issues, presents the implications of research and theory development…

Practical integration: The art of balancing values, institutions and knowledge - lessons from the History of British Public Health and Town Planning.

PubMed

De Grandis, Giovanni

2016-04-01

The paper uses two historical examples, public health (1840-1880) and town planning (1945-1975) in Britain, to analyse the challenges faced by goal-driven research, an increasingly important trend in science policy, as exemplified by the prominence of calls for addressing Grand Challenges. Two key points are argued. (1) Given that the aim of research addressing social or global problems is to contribute to improving things, this research should include all the steps necessary to bring science and technology to fruition. This need is captured by the idea of practical integration, which brings this type of research under the umbrella of collective practical reason rather than under the aegis of science. Achieving practical integration is difficult for many reasons: the complexity of social needs, the plurality of values at stake, the limitation of our knowledge, the elusive nature of the skills needed to deal with uncertainty, incomplete information and asymmetries of power. Nevertheless, drawing from the lessons of the case studies, it is argued that (2) practical integration needs a proper balance between values, institutions and knowledge: i.e. a combination of mutual support and mutual limitation. Pursuing such a balance provides a flexible strategy for approximating practical integration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Engaging GPs in commissioning: realist evaluation of the early experiences of Clinical Commissioning Groups in the English NHS.

PubMed

McDermott, Imelda; Checkland, Kath; Coleman, Anna; Osipovič, Dorota; Petsoulas, Christina; Perkins, Neil

2017-01-01

Objectives To explore the 'added value' that general practitioners (GPs) bring to commissioning in the English NHS. We describe the experience of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in the context of previous clinically led commissioning policy initiatives. Methods Realist evaluation. We identified the programme theories underlying the claims made about GP 'added value' in commissioning from interviews with key informants. We tested these theories against observational data from four case study sites to explore whether and how these claims were borne out in practice. Results The complexity of CCG structures means CCGs are quite different from one another with different distributions of responsibilities between the various committees. This makes it difficult to compare CCGs with one another. Greater GP involvement was important but it was not clear where and how GPs could add most value. We identified some of the mechanisms and conditions which enable CCGs to maximize the 'added value' that GPs bring to commissioning. Conclusion To maximize the value of clinical input, CCGs need to invest time and effort in preparing those involved, ensuring that they systematically gather evidence about service gaps and problems from their members, and engaging members in debate about the future shape of services.

Engaging GPs in commissioning: realist evaluation of the early experiences of Clinical Commissioning Groups in the English NHS

PubMed Central

Checkland, Kath; Coleman, Anna; Osipovič, Dorota; Petsoulas, Christina; Perkins, Neil

2016-01-01

Objectives To explore the ‘added value’ that general practitioners (GPs) bring to commissioning in the English NHS. We describe the experience of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in the context of previous clinically led commissioning policy initiatives. Methods Realist evaluation. We identified the programme theories underlying the claims made about GP ‘added value’ in commissioning from interviews with key informants. We tested these theories against observational data from four case study sites to explore whether and how these claims were borne out in practice. Results The complexity of CCG structures means CCGs are quite different from one another with different distributions of responsibilities between the various committees. This makes it difficult to compare CCGs with one another. Greater GP involvement was important but it was not clear where and how GPs could add most value. We identified some of the mechanisms and conditions which enable CCGs to maximize the ‘added value’ that GPs bring to commissioning. Conclusion To maximize the value of clinical input, CCGs need to invest time and effort in preparing those involved, ensuring that they systematically gather evidence about service gaps and problems from their members, and engaging members in debate about the future shape of services. PMID:27151153

An Analysis of Technology Transition Within the Department of Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

relentless adversaries, it is essential that the DoD performs technology transition in a practical yet expedient manner. Time is a critical factor in...themselves, rather than rely on DOD labs to do so—a practice that brings cost and schedule risk since programs may well find themselves addressing problems...that utilized non-traditional, industry practices to abate the difficulties bringing technologies to a suitable maturation state. Albeit these

Mind maps and network analysis to evaluate conceptualization of complex issues: A case example evaluating systems science workshops for childhood obesity prevention.

PubMed

Frerichs, Leah; Young, Tiffany L; Dave, Gaurav; Stith, Doris; Corbie-Smith, Giselle; Hassmiller Lich, Kristen

2018-06-01

Across disciplines, it is common practice to bring together groups to solve complex problems. Facilitators are often asked to help groups organize information about and better understand the problem in order to develop and prioritize solutions. However, despite existence of several methods to elicit and characterize how individuals and groups think about and conceptualize an issue, many are difficult to implement in practice-based settings where resources such as technology and participant time are limited and research questions shift over time. This paper describes an easy-to-implement diagramming technique for eliciting conceptualization and a flexible network analysis method for characterizing changes in both individual and group conceptualization. We use a case example to illustrate how we used the methods to evaluate African American adolescent's conceptual understanding of obesity before and after participating in a series of four systems thinking workshops. The methods produced results that were sensitive to changes in conceptualization that were likely driven by the specific activities employed during the workshop sessions. The methods appear strong for capturing salient levels of conceptualization at both individual and collective levels. The paper concludes with a critical examination of strengths and weaknesses of the methods and implications for future practice and research. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Learner-Centered Teaching and Improving Learning by Writing Down the Statement of Problems in an Introductory Physics Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurora, Tarlok

2005-04-01

In a calculus-based introductory physics course, students were assigned to write the statements of word problems (along with the accompanying diagrams if any), analyze these, identify important concepts/equations and try to solve these end-of- chapter homework problems. They were required to bring to class their written assignment until the chapter was completed in lecture. These were quickly checked at the beginning of the class. In addition, re-doing selected solved examples in the textbook were assigned as homework. Where possible, students were asked to look for similarities between the solved-examples and the end-of-the-chapter problems, or occasionally these were brought to the students' attention. It was observed that many students were able to solve several of the solved-examples on the test even though the instructor had not solved these in class. This was seen as an improvement over the previous years. It made the students more responsible for their learning. Another benefit was that it alleviated the problems previously created by many students not bringing the textbooks to class. It allowed more time for problem solving/discussions in class.

Rational Solutions for Challenges of the New Mellennium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gover, J.; Guray, P.G.

We have reviewed ten major public problems challenging our Nation as it enters the new millennium. These are defense, healthcare costs, education, aging population, energy and environment, crime, low productivity growth services, income distribution, regulations, and infrastructure. These problems share several features. First, each is so large, if it were soIved; it would have major impact on the U.S. economy. Second, each is resident in a socioeconomic system containing non-linear feedback loops and an adaptive human element. Third, each can only be solved by our political system, yet these problems are not responsive to piecemeal problem solving, the approach traditionallymore » used by policy makers. However, unless each problem is addressed in the context of the system in which it resides, the solution maybe worse than the problem. Our political system is immersed in reams of disconnected, unintelligible information skewed by various special interests to suggest policies favoring their particular needs. Help is needed, if rational solutions that serve public interests are to be forged for these ten probIems, The simulation and modeIing tools of physical scientists, engineers, economists, social scientists, public policy experts, and others, bolstered by the recent explosive growth in massively parallel computing power, must be blended together to synthesize models of the complex systems in which these problems are resident. These models must simulate the seemingly chaotic human element inherent in these systems and support policymakers in making informed decKlons about the future. We propose altering the policy development process by incorporating more modeling, simulation and analysis to bring about a revolution in policy making that takes advantage of the revolution in engineering emerging from simulation and modeling. While we recommend major research efforts to address each of these problems, we also observe these to be very complex, highly interdependent, multi-disciplinary problems; it will challenge the U.S. community of individual investigator researchers to make the cultural transformation necessary to address these problems in a team environment. Furthermore, models that simulate future behavior of these complex systems will not be exacq therefore, researchers must be prepared to use the modeling and simulation tools they develop to propose experiments to Congress. We recommend that ten laboratories owned by the American public be selected in an interagency competition to each manage and host a $1 billion/yertr National effort, each focused on one of these ten problems. Much of the supporting research and subsystem modeling work will be conducted at U.S. universities and at private firms with relevant expertise. Success of the Manhattan Project at the middle of the 20th century provides evidence this leadership model works.« less

The Washington Academy of Biomedical Engineering (WABME) Quarterly Workshops: Clinical Problems and Engineering Solutions

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

bioengineering programs and activities of The Catholic University of America, Georgetown University, The George Washington University and Howard ... University . A prime component of WABME activities is a quarterly series of research workshops, which bring together problem-rich biomedical disciplines and

A complex-network perspective on Alexander's wholeness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Bin

2016-12-01

The wholeness, conceived and developed by Christopher Alexander, is what exists to some degree or other in space and matter, and can be described by precise mathematical language. However, it remains somehow mysterious and elusive, and therefore hard to grasp. This paper develops a complex network perspective on the wholeness to better understand the nature of order or beauty for sustainable design. I bring together a set of complexity-science subjects such as complex networks, fractal geometry, and in particular underlying scaling hierarchy derived by head/tail breaks - a classification scheme and a visualization tool for data with a heavy-tailed distribution, in order to make Alexander's profound thoughts more accessible to design practitioners and complexity-science researchers. Through several case studies (some of which Alexander studied), I demonstrate that the complex-network perspective helps reduce the mystery of wholeness and brings new insights to Alexander's thoughts on the concept of wholeness or objective beauty that exists in fine and deep structure. The complex-network perspective enables us to see things in their wholeness, and to better understand how the kind of structural beauty emerges from local actions guided by the 15 fundamental properties, and in particular by differentiation and adaptation processes. The wholeness goes beyond current complex network theory towards design or creation of living structures.

[Between psychiatry and youth welfare--help and support for children of mentally ill parents in the tension field of the disciplines].

PubMed

Wagenblass, S; Schone, R

2001-09-01

A mental illness of parents brings up a high burden for the affected children. The professionals working in psychiatry and social work are getting a rising knowledge of the specific problems these children have. Anyway, there are only a few useful treatments offered for this group of people. There are a lot of reasons for this lag in take care of. It's not only based on the financial situation or the personnel structure which must be mentioned as reasons for children of parents with mental illness for not asking for help. It's also the incomplete knowledge of the caregivers. But first of all the writer wants to show that the tension in this working field brings up the main problems. For solving these problems the article gives some advice for crossing over the borderlines and build up a communication between the institutions which are involved.

Remote sensing image stitch using modified structure deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Ke-cheng; Chen, Jin-wei; Chen, Yueting; Feng, Huajun

2012-10-01

To stitch remote sensing images seamlessly without producing visual artifact which is caused by severe intensity discrepancy and structure misalignment, we modify the original structure deformation based stitching algorithm which have two main problems: Firstly, using Poisson equation to propagate deformation vectors leads to the change of the topological relationship between the key points and their surrounding pixels, which may bring in wrong image characteristics. Secondly, the diffusion area of the sparse matrix is too limited to rectify the global intensity discrepancy. To solve the first problem, we adopt Spring-Mass model and bring in external force to keep the topological relationship between key points and their surrounding pixels. We also apply tensor voting algorithm to achieve the global intensity corresponding curve of the two images to solve the second problem. Both simulated and experimental results show that our algorithm is faster and can reach better result than the original algorithm.

Efficient Computing Budget Allocation for Finding Simplest Good Designs

PubMed Central

Jia, Qing-Shan; Zhou, Enlu; Chen, Chun-Hung

2012-01-01

In many applications some designs are easier to implement, require less training data and shorter training time, and consume less storage than the others. Such designs are called simple designs, and are usually preferred over complex ones when they all have good performance. Despite the abundant existing studies on how to find good designs in simulation-based optimization (SBO), there exist few studies on finding simplest good designs. We consider this important problem in this paper, and make the following contributions. First, we provide lower bounds for the probabilities of correctly selecting the m simplest designs with top performance, and selecting the best m such simplest good designs, respectively. Second, we develop two efficient computing budget allocation methods to find m simplest good designs and to find the best m such designs, respectively; and show their asymptotic optimalities. Third, we compare the performance of the two methods with equal allocations over 6 academic examples and a smoke detection problem in wireless sensor networks. We hope that this work brings insight to finding the simplest good designs in general. PMID:23687404

ADFNE: Open source software for discrete fracture network engineering, two and three dimensional applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fadakar Alghalandis, Younes

2017-05-01

Rapidly growing topic, the discrete fracture network engineering (DFNE), has already attracted many talents from diverse disciplines in academia and industry around the world to challenge difficult problems related to mining, geothermal, civil, oil and gas, water and many other projects. Although, there are few commercial software capable of providing some useful functionalities fundamental for DFNE, their costs, closed code (black box) distributions and hence limited programmability and tractability encouraged us to respond to this rising demand with a new solution. This paper introduces an open source comprehensive software package for stochastic modeling of fracture networks in two- and three-dimension in discrete formulation. Functionalities included are geometric modeling (e.g., complex polygonal fracture faces, and utilizing directional statistics), simulations, characterizations (e.g., intersection, clustering and connectivity analyses) and applications (e.g., fluid flow). The package is completely written in Matlab scripting language. Significant efforts have been made to bring maximum flexibility to the functions in order to solve problems in both two- and three-dimensions in an easy and united way that is suitable for beginners, advanced and experienced users.

The HEP.TrkX Project: deep neural networks for HL-LHC online and offline tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrell, Steven; Anderson, Dustin; Calafiura, Paolo; Cerati, Giuseppe; Gray, Lindsey; Kowalkowski, Jim; Mudigonda, Mayur; Prabhat; Spentzouris, Panagiotis; Spiropoulou, Maria; Tsaris, Aristeidis; Vlimant, Jean-Roch; Zheng, Stephan

2017-08-01

Particle track reconstruction in dense environments such as the detectors of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) is a challenging pattern recognition problem. Traditional tracking algorithms such as the combinatorial Kalman Filter have been used with great success in LHC experiments for years. However, these state-of-the-art techniques are inherently sequential and scale poorly with the expected increases in detector occupancy in the HL-LHC conditions. The HEP.TrkX project is a pilot project with the aim to identify and develop cross-experiment solutions based on machine learning algorithms for track reconstruction. Machine learning algorithms bring a lot of potential to this problem thanks to their capability to model complex non-linear data dependencies, to learn effective representations of high-dimensional data through training, and to parallelize easily on high-throughput architectures such as GPUs. This contribution will describe our initial explorations into this relatively unexplored idea space. We will discuss the use of recurrent (LSTM) and convolutional neural networks to find and fit tracks in toy detector data.

A flipped mode teaching approach for large and advanced electrical engineering courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravishankar, Jayashri; Epps, Julien; Ambikairajah, Eliathamby

2018-05-01

A fully flipped mode teaching approach is challenging for students in advanced engineering courses, because of demanding pre-class preparation load, due to the complex and analytical nature of the topics. When this is applied to large classes, it brings an additional complexity in terms of promoting the intended active learning. This paper presents a novel selective flipped mode teaching approach designed for large and advanced courses that has two aspects: (i) it provides selective flipping of a few topics, while delivering others in traditional face-to-face teaching, to provide an effective trade-off between the two approaches according to the demands of individual topics and (ii) it introduces technology-enabled live in-class quizzes to obtain instant feedback and facilitate collaborative problem-solving exercises. The proposed approach was implemented for a large fourth year course in electrical power engineering over three successive years and the criteria for selecting between the flipped mode teaching and traditional teaching modes are outlined. Results confirmed that the proposed approach improved both students' academic achievements and their engagement in the course, without overloading them during the teaching period.

Numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations by discontinuous Galerkin method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnov, M. M.; Kuchugov, P. A.; E Ladonkina, M.; E Lutsky, A.; Tishkin, V. F.

2017-02-01

Detailed unstructured grids and numerical methods of high accuracy are frequently used in the numerical simulation of gasdynamic flows in areas with complex geometry. Galerkin method with discontinuous basis functions or Discontinuous Galerkin Method (DGM) works well in dealing with such problems. This approach offers a number of advantages inherent to both finite-element and finite-difference approximations. Moreover, the present paper shows that DGM schemes can be viewed as Godunov method extension to piecewise-polynomial functions. As is known, DGM involves significant computational complexity, and this brings up the question of ensuring the most effective use of all the computational capacity available. In order to speed up the calculations, operator programming method has been applied while creating the computational module. This approach makes possible compact encoding of mathematical formulas and facilitates the porting of programs to parallel architectures, such as NVidia CUDA and Intel Xeon Phi. With the software package, based on DGM, numerical simulations of supersonic flow past solid bodies has been carried out. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental ones.

Better Field Instruction by Using Jigsaw Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sammons, J. I.; Murray, D. P.

2006-12-01

Do any of these sound familiar? Most of my students do well at field stops, but there are always the few at the back. I'd like to guest speak at the local High School, but the students have too little background. I wish I could spark the interest of my introductory classes. Jigsaw is the solution to these problems. This easy-to-apply technique puts students in the driver's seat. They make the inferences-they own the discovery. You'll see that "A-ha!" as though it were a first time event. Jigsaw brings new excitement to familiar activities for every student in your class, even that guy in the back. Best of all, the technique does not depend on the style or force of personality of the instructor. It is easy to learn and suitable for use by Teaching Assistants. Here's how it works: 1. Identify the critical concepts necessary for a full understanding of the field stop or activity. 2. Divide your class into Expert Groups. The members of each Expert Group will master one of these critical concepts. 3.Dissolve the Expert Groups. Divide your class into new Jigsaw Groups to address the field stop or activity. Each Jigsaw Group includes members from each Expert Group. Like pieces of a puzzle, each Jigsaw Group member brings a critical piece to the problem. This talk will demonstrate Jigsaw Groups in action at a field stop. You'll see the crucial identification of critical concepts, small lab explorations carried out by the Expert Groups to master their assigned concepts, and Jigsaw Groups working a complex geological feature. You'll learn how to trouble-shoot less-than-successful first attempts and you'll leave with a step-by-step template that will allow you to adapt your existing activities to Jigsaw technique.

Chemical Dependency, Denial, and the Academic Lifestyle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donovan, Bruce E.

1990-01-01

The effects of problems with alcohol and other drugs are sometimes subtle, sometimes extravagant, and always debilitating. The tendency for individuals to deny their own problems makes the need for firm and compassionate colleagues more important. Intervention is a way of bringing sympathetic help to a colleague in distress. (MLW)

Risky Business: Students and Smartphones

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Beth H.; Chin, Amita Goyal; Aiken, Peter

2014-01-01

The increase in smartphone adoption has been no less than astounding. Unfortunately, the explosive growth has been accompanied by a rash of security problems. A contributing factor to the growing security problem is a lack of education, training, and awareness. In addition, "bring your own device" (BYOD) policies often leave security…

Information Systems and Performance Measures in Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coleman, James S.; Karweit, Nancy L.

Large school systems bring various administrative problems in handling scheduling, records, and avoiding making red tape casualties of students. The authors review a portion of the current use of computers to handle these problems and examine the range of activities for which computer processing could provide aid. Since automation always brings…

Metropolitan School Organization: Basic Problems and Patterns. Volume 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKelvey, Troy V., Ed.

This anthology describes and discusses the study and development of metropolitan educational delivery systems--the process of bringing education under the control of one system spanning the city and its suburbs. Substantive works focus on the forces presently surrounding the problem of metropolitan educational reform and the present state of…

Learning from Real-Life Problems: Functional Education in Bangladesh.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Islam, Mahmood Aminul

1980-01-01

Describes a program in Bangladesh designed to make the rural poor understand their social and economic problems in order to begin to bring about change through their own efforts. The program is functional education and includes topics in family planning, health, housing, nutrition, and agriculture. (Author/SA)

Bringing Management Reality into the Classroom--The Development of Interactive Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicholson, Alastair

1997-01-01

Effective learning in management education can be enhanced by reproducing the real-world need to solve problems under pressure of time, inadequate information, and group interaction. An interactive classroom communication system involving problems in decision making and continuous improvement is one method for bridging theory and practice. (SK)

Contributions to Statistical Problems Related to Microarray Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Feng

2009-01-01

Microarray is a high throughput technology to measure the gene expression. Analysis of microarray data brings many interesting and challenging problems. This thesis consists three studies related to microarray data. First, we propose a Bayesian model for microarray data and use Bayes Factors to identify differentially expressed genes. Second, we…

NDE in aerospace-requirements for science, sensors and sense.

PubMed

Heyman, J S

1989-01-01

The complexity of modern NDE (nondestructive evaluation) arises from four main factors: quantitative measurement, science, physical models for computational analysis, realistic interfacing with engineering decisions, and direct access to management priorities. Recent advances in the four factors of NDE are addressed. Physical models of acoustic propagation are presented that have led to the development of measurement technologies advancing the ability to assure that materials and structures will perform a design. In addition, a brief discussion is given of current research for future mission needs such as smart structures that sense their own health. Such advances permit projects to integrate design for inspection into their plans, bringing NDE into engineering and management priorities. The measurement focus is on ultrasonics with generous case examples. Problem solutions highlighted include critical stress in fasteners, residual stress in steel, NDE laminography, and solid rocket motor NDE.

Changing paradigm of cancer therapy: precision medicine by next-generation sequencing

PubMed Central

Xue, Yuan; Wilcox, William R.

2016-01-01

Precision medicine aims to identify the right drug, for the right patient, at the right dose, at the right time, which is particularly important in cancer therapy. Problems such as the variability of treatment response and resistance to medication have been long-standing challenges in oncology, especially for development of new medications. Solid tumors, unlike hematologic malignancies or brain tumors, are remarkably diverse in their cellular origins and developmental timing. The ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the comprehensive landscape of genetic alterations brings promises to diseases that have a highly complex and heterogeneous genetic composition such as cancer. Here we provide an overview of how NGS is able to facilitate precision medicine and change the paradigm of cancer therapy, especially for solid tumors, through technical advancements, molecular diagnosis, response monitoring and clinical trials. PMID:27144059

Epigenetics and Why Biological Networks are More Controllable than Expected

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motter, Adilson

2013-03-01

A fundamental property of networks is that perturbations to one node can affect other nodes, potentially causing the entire system to change behavior or fail. In this talk, I will show that it is possible to exploit this same principle to control network behavior. This approach takes advantage of the nonlinear dynamics inherent to real networks, and allows bringing the system to a desired target state even when this state is not directly accessible or the linear counterpart is not controllable. Applications show that this framework permits both reprogramming a network to a desired task as well as rescuing networks from the brink of failure, which I will illustrate through various biological problems. I will also briefly review the progress our group has made over the past 5 years on related control of complex networks in non-biological domains.

A drone detection with aircraft classification based on a camera array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Qu, Fangchao; Liu, Yingjian; Zhao, Wei; Chen, Yitong

2018-03-01

In recent years, because of the rapid popularity of drones, many people have begun to operate drones, bringing a range of security issues to sensitive areas such as airports and military locus. It is one of the important ways to solve these problems by realizing fine-grained classification and providing the fast and accurate detection of different models of drone. The main challenges of fine-grained classification are that: (1) there are various types of drones, and the models are more complex and diverse. (2) the recognition test is fast and accurate, in addition, the existing methods are not efficient. In this paper, we propose a fine-grained drone detection system based on the high resolution camera array. The system can quickly and accurately recognize the detection of fine grained drone based on hd camera.

NDE in aerospace - Requirements for science, sensors and sense

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heyman, Joseph S.

1989-01-01

The complexity of modern nondestructive evaluation (NDE) arises from four main factors: quantitative measurement science, physical models for computational analysis, realistic interfacing with engineering decisions, and direct access to management priorities. Recent advances in the four factors of NDE are addressed. Physical models of acoustic propagation are presented that have led to the development of measurement technologies advancing the ability to assure that materials and structures will perform as designed. In addition, a brief discussion is given of current research for future mission needs such as smart structures that sense their own health. Such advances permit projects to integrate design for inspection into their plans, bringing NDE into engineering and management priorities. The measurement focus is on ultrasonics with generous case examples. Problem solutions highlighted include critical stress in fasteners, residual stress in steel, NDE laminography, and solid rocket motor NDE.

A new license plate extraction framework based on fast mean shift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Luning; Li, Shuguang

2010-08-01

License plate extraction is considered to be the most crucial step of Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system. In this paper, a region-based license plate hybrid detection method is proposed to solve practical problems under complex background in which existing large quantity of disturbing information. In this method, coarse license plate location is carried out firstly to get the head part of a vehicle. Then a new Fast Mean Shift method based on random sampling of Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) is adopted to segment the color vehicle images, in order to get candidate license plate regions. The remarkable speed-up it brings makes Mean Shift segmentation more suitable for this application. Feature extraction and classification is used to accurately separate license plate from other candidate regions. At last, tilted license plate regulation is used for future recognition steps.

Improving Geoscience Students' Spatial Thinking Skills: Applying Cognitive Science Research in the Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormand, C. J.; Shipley, T. F.; Manduca, C. A.; Tikoff, B.

2011-12-01

Spatial thinking skills are critical to success in many subdisciplines of the geosciences (and beyond). There are many components of spatial thinking, such as mental rotation, penetrative visualization, disembedding, perspective taking, and navigation. Undergraduate students in introductory and upper-level geoscience courses bring a wide variety of spatial skill levels to the classroom, as measured by psychometric tests of many of these components of spatial thinking. Furthermore, it is not unusual for individual students to excel in some of these areas while struggling in others. Although pre- and post-test comparisons show that student skill levels typically improve over the course of an academic term, average gains are quite modest. This suggests that it may be valuable to develop interventions to help undergraduate students develop a range of spatial skills that can be used to solve geoscience problems. Cognitive science research suggests a number of strong strategies for building students' spatial skills. Practice is essential, and time on task is correlated to improvement. Progressive alignment may be used to scaffold students' successes on simpler problems, allowing them to see how more complex problems are related to those they can solve. Gesturing has proven effective in moving younger students from incorrect problem-solving strategies to correct strategies in other disciplines. These principles can be used to design instructional materials to improve undergraduate geoscience students' spatial skills; we will present some examples of such materials.

Bringing Lean Six Sigma to the Supply Chain Classroom: A Problem-Based Learning Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Keith E.; Hill, Craig; Miller, Antoinette R.

2016-01-01

The article describes a project that employs problem-based learning (PBL) to teach the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology as part of an undergraduate or graduate business course. It is scalable to a variety of course delivery and schedule formats, and uses data sets that can create distinct problem-solving scenarios for up to 16 student teams. It…

ARPA-E: Redefining the Problem to Fine New Solutions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGrath, Patrick; Wang, Joseph; Kester, Robbie

ARPA-E brings together experts from diverse disciplines and industries to frame new ways of looking at the energy challenge. By viewing the problem through a different lens, ARPA-E brings together new capabilities to develop new technology solutions. The DELTA and MONITOR programs illustrate this novel approach well. In this video, Associate Director of Technology Dr. Patrick McGrath discusses how ARPA-E has reframed the challenge of building efficiency with the DELTA program and methane leaks with the MONITOR program differently in order to yield “out of left field” technologies that can lead to transformational gains. The video features two projects –more » University of California San Diego’s DELTA project and Rebellion Photonics’ MONITOR project.« less

The owl: spotted, listed, barred, or gone?

Treesearch

Sally Duncan

1998-01-01

The information we bring to the table is usually complex. The April issue of Science Findings illustrates this complexity. Scientific inquiry about an individual species and its habitat requires modeling, assumptions, and time. Uncertainty remains after studies are done. Once policy is made, implementation continues to build new understanding, which may present...

[Irrational use of drugs as a source of drug - induced diseases].

PubMed

Woroń, Jarosław; Porebski, Grzegorz; Kostka-Trabka, Elzbieta; Goszcz, Aleksandra

2007-01-01

The irrational use of medication, by which we understand the administration of drugs for indications where their effectiveness has not been confirmed, the disregard of restrictions and warnings against their use, and the use of drug combinations which do not increase the therapeutic effect but to the contrary increase the risk of adverse drug reactions, is a serious problem encountered in paediatric pharmacotherapy. Each year the centres for monitoring of adverse drug reactions receive many reports, the analysis of which show that the reasons of occurrence of adverse drug reactions after drug administration, are specifically due to irrational use of medications. In order to prevent in an active way the occurrence, of adverse drug reactions following drug administration it is worthwhile to bring to attention the reasons for their occurrence which not infrequently bring about pathological effects. Our work which is based on reports received by the Regional Centre for Adverse Drug Reactions Monitoring in Krakow concerning the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in an attempt to bring to attention in our view important problems in current pharmacotherapy.

Automated campaign system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vondran, Gary; Chao, Hui; Lin, Xiaofan; Beyer, Dirk; Joshi, Parag; Atkins, Brian; Obrador, Pere

2006-02-01

To run a targeted campaign involves coordination and management across numerous organizations and complex process flows. Everything from market analytics on customer databases, acquiring content and images, composing the materials, meeting the sponsoring enterprise brand standards, driving through production and fulfillment, and evaluating results; all processes are currently performed by experienced highly trained staff. Presented is a developed solution that not only brings together technologies that automate each process, but also automates the entire flow so that a novice user could easily run a successful campaign from their desktop. This paper presents the technologies, structure, and process flows used to bring this system together. Highlighted will be how the complexity of running a targeted campaign is hidden from the user through technologies, all while providing the benefits of a professionally managed campaign.

Cheyenne/Laramie County MX Impact Human Service System Refinements Project. Refinements Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

following are but four of many possible examples ofthese types of questions. A. Assume that your agency has decided to address the problem of hunger . Should...they do not represent a long-term solution to problems . Conversely, community problem solving and attempts to bring about fundamental changes may be...are victims of acts of violence in the home... Problem solving approaches include education, the provision of food and temporary shel~er, counseling

Army Communicator. Volume 32, Number 3, Summer 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

goal of bringing people from across the Army together to talk about the issues and challenges they are experiencing in the field and try to work out...actually facing the challenges . Each work- shop had a mediator who collected information on issues being faced and suggested solutions to these problems...these possible items that Signal Center actions may be put forth to bring about resolutions to the challenges facing the warfighter in the field. “I

Editorial: Biotechnology Journal brings more than biotechnology.

PubMed

Jungbauer, Alois; Lee, Sang Yup

2015-09-01

Biotechnology Journal always brings the state-of-the-art biotechnologies to our readers. Different from other topical issues, this issue of Biotechnology Journal is complied with a series of exiting reviews and research articles from spontaneous submissions, again, addressing society's actual problems and needs. The progress is a real testimony how biotechnology contributes to achievements in healthcare, better utilization of resources, and a bio-based economy. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cognitive performance modeling based on general systems performance theory.

PubMed

Kondraske, George V

2010-01-01

General Systems Performance Theory (GSPT) was initially motivated by problems associated with quantifying different aspects of human performance. It has proved to be invaluable for measurement development and understanding quantitative relationships between human subsystem capacities and performance in complex tasks. It is now desired to bring focus to the application of GSPT to modeling of cognitive system performance. Previous studies involving two complex tasks (i.e., driving and performing laparoscopic surgery) and incorporating measures that are clearly related to cognitive performance (information processing speed and short-term memory capacity) were revisited. A GSPT-derived method of task analysis and performance prediction termed Nonlinear Causal Resource Analysis (NCRA) was employed to determine the demand on basic cognitive performance resources required to support different levels of complex task performance. This approach is presented as a means to determine a cognitive workload profile and the subsequent computation of a single number measure of cognitive workload (CW). Computation of CW may be a viable alternative to measuring it. Various possible "more basic" performance resources that contribute to cognitive system performance are discussed. It is concluded from this preliminary exploration that a GSPT-based approach can contribute to defining cognitive performance models that are useful for both individual subjects and specific groups (e.g., military pilots).

Structural Basis of Resistance to Anti-Cytochrome bc1 Complex Inhibitors: Implication for Drug Improvement

PubMed Central

Esser, Lothar; Yu, Chang-An; Xia, Di

2016-01-01

The emergence of drug resistance has devastating economic and social consequences, a testimonial of which is the rise and fall of inhibitors against the respiratory component cytochrome bc1 complex, a time tested and highly effective target for disease control. Unfortunately, the mechanism of resistance is a multivariate problem, including primarily mutations in the gene of the cytochrome b subunit but also activation of alternative pathways of ubiquinol oxidation and pharmacokinetic effects. There is a considerable interest in designing new bc1 inhibitors with novel modes of binding and lower propensity to induce the development of resistance. The accumulation of crystallographic data of bc1 complexes with and without inhibitors bound provides the structural basis for rational drug design. In particular, the cytochrome b subunit offers two distinct active sites that can be targeted for inhibition - the quinol oxidation site and the quinone reduction site. This review brings together available structural information of inhibited bc1 by various quinol oxidation- and reduction-site inhibitors, the inhibitor binding modes, conformational changes upon inhibitor binding of side chains in the active site and large scale domain movements of the iron-sulfur protein subunit. Structural data analysis provides a clear understanding of where and why existing inhibitors fail and points towards promising alternatives. PMID:23688079

Principles of structure building in music, language and animal song

PubMed Central

Rohrmeier, Martin; Zuidema, Willem; Wiggins, Geraint A.; Scharff, Constance

2015-01-01

Human language, music and a variety of animal vocalizations constitute ways of sonic communication that exhibit remarkable structural complexity. While the complexities of language and possible parallels in animal communication have been discussed intensively, reflections on the complexity of music and animal song, and their comparisons, are underrepresented. In some ways, music and animal songs are more comparable to each other than to language as propositional semantics cannot be used as indicator of communicative success or wellformedness, and notions of grammaticality are less easily defined. This review brings together accounts of the principles of structure building in music and animal song. It relates them to corresponding models in formal language theory, the extended Chomsky hierarchy (CH), and their probabilistic counterparts. We further discuss common misunderstandings and shortcomings concerning the CH and suggest ways to move beyond. We discuss language, music and animal song in the context of their function and motivation and further integrate problems and issues that are less commonly addressed in the context of language, including continuous event spaces, features of sound and timbre, representation of temporality and interactions of multiple parallel feature streams. We discuss these aspects in the light of recent theoretical, cognitive, neuroscientific and modelling research in the domains of music, language and animal song. PMID:25646520

The Language Problem in Tourism. Esperanto Documents No. 34A.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Universal Esperanto Association, Rotterdam (Netherlands).

Esperanto can remove the language problem from tourism and bring major moral, economic, and practical advantages for all of humankind. Officials of national and local tourism organizations and companies should encourage its application in various ways, for example, by using it for: publication of publicity materials destined for use abroad; public…

The Public School Infrastructure Problem: Deteriorating Buildings and Deferred Maintenance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunter, Richard C.

2009-01-01

The deterioration of public school buildings is more prevalent in large cities that, because of funding shortfalls, have deferred maintenance and require huge sums to bring their buildings up to acceptable standards. Cities such as New York will require approximately $680 million to address the problem of deferred maintenance for needed painting,…

The Intersection of Language and Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Patricia E.

2010-01-01

Story problems either bring students to a screeching halt or send them into a frenzied search for numbers and operations. They cause greater anxiety, still, in English language learners. These problems are often the nemesis of many a math teacher. This author grappled with this challenge in the context of teaching a series of lessons on integers…

Community-University Research Partnerships: Devising a Model for Ethical Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silka, Linda; Renault-Caragianes, Paulette

2006-01-01

Profound changes taking place in communities and in universities are bringing researchers and community members new opportunities for joint research endeavors and new problems that must be resolved. In such partnerships, questions about shared decision making--about the ethics of collaboration--arise at every stage: Who decides which problems are…

Special effects of gust loads on military aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houbolt, John C.

1994-01-01

In the operation of airplanes, atmospheric turbulence creates a broad spectrum of problems. The nature of these problems is presented in this paper. Those that are common to both the commercial carriers and to the military fleet are discussed first. Attention is then focused on the problems that are of special concern in military operations. An aim is to bring out the need for continued effort in the gust research area.

Health IT success and failure: recommendations from literature and an AMIA workshop.

PubMed

Kaplan, Bonnie; Harris-Salamone, Kimberly D

2009-01-01

With the United States joining other countries in national efforts to reap the many benefits that use of health information technology can bring for health care quality and savings, sobering reports recall the complexity and difficulties of implementing even smaller-scale systems. Despite best practice research that identified success factors for health information technology projects, a majority, in some sense, still fail. Similar problems plague a variety of different kinds of applications, and have done so for many years. Ten AMIA working groups sponsored a workshop at the AMIA Fall 2006 Symposium. It was entitled "Avoiding The F-Word: IT Project Morbidity, Mortality, and Immortality" and focused on this under-addressed problem. PARTICIPANTS discussed communication, workflow, and quality; the complexity of information technology undertakings; the need to integrate all aspects of projects, work environments, and regulatory and policy requirements; and the difficulty of getting all the parts and participants in harmony. While recognizing that there still are technical issues related to functionality and interoperability, discussion affirmed the emerging consensus that problems are due to sociological, cultural, and financial issues, and hence are more managerial than technical. Participants drew on lessons from experience and research in identifying important issues, action items, and recommendations to address the following: what "success" and "failure" mean, what contributes to making successful or unsuccessful systems, how to use failure as an enhanced learning opportunity for continued improvement, how system successes or failures should be studied, and what AMIA should do to enhance opportunities for successes. The workshop laid out a research agenda and recommended action items, reflecting the conviction that AMIA members and AMIA as an organization can take a leadership role to make projects more practical and likely to succeed in health care settings.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia.

PubMed

Macía, Manuel J; García, Emilia; Vidaurre, Prem Jai

2005-02-28

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants marketed in La Paz and El Alto cities in the Bolivian Andes, reported medicinal information for about 129 species, belonging to 55 vascular plant families and one uncertain lichen family. The most important family was Asteraceae with 22 species, followed by Fabaceae s.l. with 11, and Solanaceae with eight. More than 90 general medicinal indications were recorded to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. The highest number of species and applications were reported for digestive system disorders (stomach ailments and liver problems), musculoskeletal body system (rheumatism and the complex of contusions, luxations, sprains, and swellings), kidney and other urological problems, and gynecological disorders. Some medicinal species had magic connotations, e.g. for cleaning and protection against ailments, to bring good luck, or for Andean offerings to Pachamama, 'Mother Nature'. In some indications, the separation between medicinal and magic plants was very narrow. Most remedies were prepared from a single species, however some applications were always prepared with a mixture of plants, e.g. for abortion, and the complex of luxations and swellings. The part of the plant most frequently used was the aerial part (29.3%) and the leaves (20.7%). The remedies were mainly prepared as a decoction (47.5%) and an infusion (28.6%). Most of species were native from Bolivia, but an important 36.4% of them were introduced from different origins. There exists a high informant consensus for species and their medicinal indications. The present urban phytotherapy represents a medicinal alternative to treat main health problems and remains closer to the cultural and social context of this society.

Development of syntax of intuition-based learning model in solving mathematics problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeni Heryaningsih, Nok; Khusna, Hikmatul

2018-01-01

The aim of the research was to produce syntax of Intuition Based Learning (IBL) model in solving mathematics problem for improving mathematics students’ achievement that valid, practical and effective. The subject of the research were 2 classes in grade XI students of SMAN 2 Sragen, Central Java. The type of the research was a Research and Development (R&D). Development process adopted Plomp and Borg & Gall development model, they were preliminary investigation step, design step, realization step, evaluation and revision step. Development steps were as follow: (1) Collected the information and studied of theories in Preliminary Investigation step, studied about intuition, learning model development, students condition, and topic analysis, (2) Designed syntax that could bring up intuition in solving mathematics problem and then designed research instruments. They were several phases that could bring up intuition, Preparation phase, Incubation phase, Illumination phase and Verification phase, (3) Realized syntax of Intuition Based Learning model that has been designed to be the first draft, (4) Did validation of the first draft to the validator, (5) Tested the syntax of Intuition Based Learning model in the classrooms to know the effectiveness of the syntax, (6) Conducted Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to evaluate the result of syntax model testing in the classrooms, and then did the revision on syntax IBL model. The results of the research were produced syntax of IBL model in solving mathematics problems that valid, practical and effective. The syntax of IBL model in the classroom were, (1) Opening with apperception, motivations and build students’ positive perceptions, (2) Teacher explains the material generally, (3) Group discussion about the material, (4) Teacher gives students mathematics problems, (5) Doing exercises individually to solve mathematics problems with steps that could bring up students’ intuition: Preparations, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification, (6) Closure with the review of students have learned or giving homework.

Classroom-Oriented Research from a Complex Systems Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsen-Freeman, Diane

2016-01-01

Bringing a complex systems perspective to bear on classroom-oriented research challenges researchers to think differently, seeing the classroom ecology as one dynamic system nested in a hierarchy of such systems at different levels of scale, all of which are spatially and temporally situated. This article begins with an introduction to complex…

Software life cycle methodologies and environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fridge, Ernest

1991-01-01

Products of this project will significantly improve the quality and productivity of Space Station Freedom Program software processes by: improving software reliability and safety; and broadening the range of problems that can be solved with computational solutions. Projects brings in Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technology for: Environments such as Engineering Script Language/Parts Composition System (ESL/PCS) application generator, Intelligent User Interface for cost avoidance in setting up operational computer runs, Framework programmable platform for defining process and software development work flow control, Process for bringing CASE technology into an organization's culture, and CLIPS/CLIPS Ada language for developing expert systems; and methodologies such as Method for developing fault tolerant, distributed systems and a method for developing systems for common sense reasoning and for solving expert systems problems when only approximate truths are known.

Techniques, problems and uses of mega-geomorphological mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Embleton, C.

1985-01-01

A plea for a program of global geomorphological mapping based on remote sensing data is presented. It is argued that the program is a necessary step in bringing together the rapidly evolving concepts of plate tectonics with the science of geomorphology. Geomorphologists are urged to bring temporal scales into their subject and to abandon their recent isolation from tectonics and geological history. It is suggested that a start be made with a new geomorphological map of Europe, utilizing the latest space technology.

A Feasibility Study of Implementing a Bring-Your-Own-Computing-Device Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

72 percent (Bring Your Own Device to Work, 2012). The problem at Pierce, Duffy says , is not that students don’t have their own computers; it’s that...they’re trying to run current software,” he says , noting that this is probably a common issue on campuses that serve primarily adult learners who...hardware platforms (CDW-G, 2012). In addition, “Campuses are moving forward, but progress is slow, says Dr. Susan Grajek, vice president for data

Developing a Radiation Protection Hub

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hertel, Nolan E

The WARP report issued by the NCRP study committee estimates that in ten years there will be a human capital crisis across the radiation safety community. The ability to respond to this shortage will be amplified by the fact that many radiation protection (health physics) academic programs will find it difficult to justify their continued existence since they are low volume programs, both in terms of enrollment and research funding, compared to the research funding return and visibility of more highly subscribed and highly funded academic disciplines. In addition, across the national laboratory complex, radiation protection research groups have beenmore » disbanded or dramatically reduced in size. The loss of both of these national resources is being accelerated by low and uncertain government funding priorities. The most effective solution to this problem would be to form a consortium that would bring together the radiation protection research, academic and training communities. The goal of such a consortium would be to engage in research, education and training of the next generation of radiation protection professionals. Furthermore the consortium could bring together the strengths of different universities, national laboratory programs and other entities in a strategic manner to accomplish a multifaceted research, educational and training agenda. This vision would forge a working and funded relationship between major research universities, national labs, four-year degree institutes, technical colleges and other partners.« less

Developing A Radiation Protection Hub.

PubMed

Hertel, Nolan E

2017-02-01

The Where are the Radiation Professionals (WARP)? statement issued by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements estimates that in 10 y, there will be a human capital crisis across the radiation safety community. The ability to respond to this shortage will be amplified by the fact that many radiation protection (health physics) academic programs will find it difficult to justify their continued existence since they are low-volume programs, both in terms of enrollment and research funding, compared to the research funding return and visibility of more highly subscribed and highly funded academic disciplines. In addition, across the national laboratory complex, radiation protection research groups have been disbanded or dramatically reduced in size. The loss of both of these national resources is being accelerated by low and uncertain government funding priorities. The most effective solution to this problem would be to form a consortium that would bring together the radiation protection research, academic, and training communities. The goal of such a consortium would be to engage in research, education, and training of the next generation of radiation protection professionals. Furthermore, the consortium could bring together the strengths of different universities, national laboratory programs, and other entities in a strategic manner to accomplish a multifaceted research, educational, and training agenda. This vision would forge a working and funded relationship between major research universities, national laboratories, 4-y degree institutions, technical colleges, and other partners.

The role of proteomics in studies of protein moonlighting.

PubMed

Beynon, Robert J; Hammond, Dean; Harman, Victoria; Woolerton, Yvonne

2014-12-01

The increasing acceptance that proteins may exert multiple functions in the cell brings with it new analytical challenges that will have an impact on the field of proteomics. Many proteomics workflows begin by destroying information about the interactions between different proteins, and the reduction of a complex protein mixture to constituent peptides also scrambles information about the combinatorial potential of post-translational modifications. To bring the focus of proteomics on to the domain of protein moonlighting will require novel analytical and quantitative approaches.

Governing through problems: the formulation of policy on amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in Australia.

PubMed

Fraser, Suzanne; Moore, David

2011-11-01

Producing and implementing credible and effective policies on illicit drug use is generally seen as an important aspect of health governance in the West. Yet the controversy surrounding illicit drug use means this is no easy task. With public opinion perceived by policy makers to be set against illicit drug use, and understandings of its effects tending towards generalisation and pathologisation, the need for timely and rational responses is considered self evident. These responses are, however, regularly criticised as driven as much by electoral politics and expedience as by research findings or expert opinion. Destined to receive close critical scrutiny from all sides, these policies, and the processes undertaken to develop them, are obliged to negotiate a complex political domain. Despite this scrutiny, and the pressure it brings to bear on the policy-making process, little scholarly attention has been paid to the area to date. In this article, we examine in detail one important area of illicit drug policy - the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in Australia. We draw on the international critical literature on the ATS problem to situate our analysis. We note that ideas of 'panic', including Cohen's notion of moral panic, have been used here to good effect, but, aiming to acknowledge the complexities of policy, we turn to poststructuralist methods of policy analysis to pursue a different approach. Following Bacchi's observation that 'we are governed through problematisations rather than policies' (2009, p. xi), we ask how the problem of ATS use has been formulated in policy. We examine key state and national policy documents, and two central themes found in them - causation and evidence - to identify the specific strategies used to authorise the recommendations and measures presented as following from the problem of ATS use. In doing so, we clarify important ways in which policy may at times work to obscure the limits of its legitimacy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Practical Math Skills: Situations--Strategies--Solutions. Intermediate Level. Grades 4-5-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Jim

This material is a supplement to existing mathematics programs for young learners. The activities presented are based on assumptions about the young problem solver which are difficult to address in standard mathematics texts. In these pages it is assumed that each learner brings to the problem-solving effort a very personal experience base and a…

Occupations and the Printed Word: A Workbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ. Policy Information Center.

One of the problems common to efforts to set skill standards for various occupations is deciding on the facility needed for dealing with the printed word. A similar problem faces those trying to define "workplace literacy." This workbook brings together resources to make them available to those who are trying to deal with this education issue. The…

"What Brings Him Here Today?": Medical Problem Presentation Involving Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solomon, Olga; Heritage, John; Yin, Larry; Maynard, Douglas W.; Bauman, Margaret L.

2016-01-01

Conversation and discourse analyses were used to examine medical problem presentation in pediatric care. Healthcare visits involving children with ASD and typically developing children were analyzed. We examined how children's communicative and epistemic capabilities, and their opportunities to be socialized into a competent patient role are…

Struggling Readers: Assessment and Instruction in Grades K-6. Solving Problems in the Teaching of Literacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balajthy, Ernest; Lipa-Wade, Sally

This book focuses on three distinct types of struggling readers that teachers will instantly recognize from their own classrooms--the "Catch-On Reader," the "Catch-Up Reader," and the "Stalled Reader." The book provides detailed case studies which bring to life the specific problems these students are likely to face…

The Cost of Mentoring Non-University-Certified Teachers: Who Pays the Price?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steadman, Sharilyn C.; Simmons, John S.

2007-01-01

Across America today, school districts face a problem of numbers: too many students, too few educators. In some areas, the shortage of classroom teachers is approaching crisis proportions. Attempts to address the problem of teacher supply have focused on either bringing new people into the field of education or keeping beginning teachers in the…

Robotic Challenges: Robots Bring New Life to Gifted Classes, Teach Students Hands-On Problem Solving, Computer Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Ruth Baynard

1994-01-01

Intermediate level academically talented students learn essential elements of computer programming by working with robots at enrichment workshops at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey. The children combine creative thinking and problem-solving skills to program the robots' microcomputers to perform a variety of movements. (JDD)

In Swimming Branch, Identification of Family Burden of Families of Mentally Disabled Athletes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nacar, Eyyup; Karahuseyinoglu, M. Fatih; Karatas, Baykal; Altungul, Oguzhan

2017-01-01

The families of individuals with Down-syndrome, autism, and mental problem who need for special requirements experience physical problems, tiredness, and antisocial life, which bring additional cost to family budget, from time to time due to difficulties of their children The aim of this study is to identify family burdens charged by kids with…

Cyber Bullying Victimization of Elementary School Students and Their Reflections on the Victimization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sezer, Merve; Sahin, Ismail; Akturk, Ahmet Oguz

2013-01-01

With the use of developing technology, mostly in communication and entertainment, students spend considerable time on the Internet. In addition to the advantages provided by the Internet, social isolation brings problems such as addiction. This is one of the problems of the virtual violence. Cyber bullying is the common name of the intensities…

A Network Implementation Class Exercise: BusinessQuest Business Incubator, LLC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arling, Priscilla A.

2009-01-01

One way to bring concepts to life in an introductory data networks course is for students to physically build a network that addresses a real business problem. However it can be challenging to find a suitable business problem, particularly if the network can exist only during the class period. This case presents a realistic business scenario and…

Evaluation of College Reading and Study Skills Programs; Problems and Approaches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, William W.

The purpose of this paper was to bring together some of the most outstanding and significant research in recent years relating to the problems of evaluating college reading and study skills programs and the corresponding prospects and implications for improvement. The sections of the paper include: "Criterion Measures of Program Success," which is…

Nanotechnology in dentistry: prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

PubMed

Abou Neel, Ensanya Ali; Bozec, Laurent; Perez, Roman A; Kim, Hae-Won; Knowles, Jonathan C

2015-01-01

Nanotechnology has rapidly expanded into all areas of science; it offers significant alternative ways to solve scientific and medical questions and problems. In dentistry, nanotechnology has been exploited in the development of restorative materials with some significant success. This review discusses nanointerfaces that could compromise the longevity of dental restorations, and how nanotechnolgy has been employed to modify them for providing long-term successful restorations. It also focuses on some challenging areas in dentistry, eg, oral biofilm and cancers, and how nanotechnology overcomes these challenges. The recent advances in nanodentistry and innovations in oral health-related diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic methods required to maintain and obtain perfect oral health, have been discussed. The recent advances in nanotechnology could hold promise in bringing a paradigm shift in dental field. Although there are numerous complex therapies being developed to treat many diseases, their clinical use requires careful consideration of the expense of synthesis and implementation.

Nanotechnology in dentistry: prevention, diagnosis, and therapy

PubMed Central

Abou Neel, Ensanya Ali; Bozec, Laurent; Perez, Roman A; Kim, Hae-Won; Knowles, Jonathan C

2015-01-01

Nanotechnology has rapidly expanded into all areas of science; it offers significant alternative ways to solve scientific and medical questions and problems. In dentistry, nanotechnology has been exploited in the development of restorative materials with some significant success. This review discusses nanointerfaces that could compromise the longevity of dental restorations, and how nanotechnolgy has been employed to modify them for providing long-term successful restorations. It also focuses on some challenging areas in dentistry, eg, oral biofilm and cancers, and how nanotechnology overcomes these challenges. The recent advances in nanodentistry and innovations in oral health-related diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic methods required to maintain and obtain perfect oral health, have been discussed. The recent advances in nanotechnology could hold promise in bringing a paradigm shift in dental field. Although there are numerous complex therapies being developed to treat many diseases, their clinical use requires careful consideration of the expense of synthesis and implementation. PMID:26504385

Critical evaluation of challenges and future use of animals in experimentation for biomedical research.

PubMed

Singh, Vijay Pal; Pratap, Kunal; Sinha, Juhi; Desiraju, Koundinya; Bahal, Devika; Kukreti, Ritushree

2016-12-01

Animal experiments that are conducted worldwide contribute to significant findings and breakthroughs in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, bringing up appropriate clinical interventions. However, their predictive value is often low, leading to translational failure. Problems like translational failure of animal studies and poorly designed animal experiments lead to loss of animal lives and less translatable data which affect research outcomes ethically and economically. Due to increasing complexities in animal usage with changes in public perception and stringent guidelines, it is becoming difficult to use animals for conducting studies. This review deals with challenges like poor experimental design and ethical concerns and discusses key concepts like sample size, statistics in experimental design, humane endpoints, economic assessment, species difference, housing conditions, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses that are often neglected. If practiced, these strategies can refine the procedures effectively and help translate the outcomes efficiently. © The Author(s) 2016.

The Fluid Dynamics of Competitive Swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Timothy; Mark, Russell; Hutchison, Sean

2014-01-01

Nowhere in sport is performance so dependent on the interaction of the athlete with the surrounding medium than in competitive swimming. As a result, understanding (at least implicitly) and controlling (explicitly) the fluid dynamics of swimming are essential to earning a spot on the medal stand. This is an extremely complex, highly multidisciplinary problem with a broad spectrum of research approaches. This review attempts to provide a historical framework for the fluid dynamics-related aspects of human swimming research, principally conducted roughly over the past five decades, with an emphasis on the past 25 years. The literature is organized below to show a continuous integration of computational and experimental technologies into the sport. Illustrations from the authors' collaborations over a 10-year period, coupling the knowledge and experience of an elite-level coach, a lead biomechanician at USA Swimming, and an experimental fluid dynamicist, are intended to bring relevance and immediacy to the review.

Experiences Gained Creating a Biophysics Major at a Predominately Undergraduate Institution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Link, Justin; Herbert, Steven

2014-03-01

Xavier University, a liberal arts predominately undergraduate institution (PUI) located in Cincinnati, OH, implemented a Biophysics major in the Department of Physics in spring 2012. The program is built upon foundational physics courses and is unique due to the possible selection of upper-division courses that students elect to take towards their undergraduate degree. A capstone course is offered to bring all prior knowledge in the fundamental sciences together to approach complex problems in biology. Due to the flexibility of the program, it serves students well who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Biophysics or Biomedical Engineering. It also offers students interested in the health professions an alternate path towards medical school which can be advantageous in the application process. This session will express some of the advantages and challenges to creating such a program at a liberal arts PUI and discuss the capstone course within the major.

Engaging the Public Through an Interactive Astronomy Outreach Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Kristen

2018-01-01

The growing technology sector of the U.S. economy in an increasingly complex world has made it more important than ever for students to gather information, think critically, and solve problems. These skills are often acquired through the study of STEM disciplines. In an effort to inspire students and the public in the Charlotte, NC area to take an interest in STEM related fields, the Physics Department at Davidson College has recently developed an interactive astronomy community engagement program. This program is comprised of off-campus events that bring STEM programming to K-12 children, on-campus public star parties, and a day-long astronomy fair called Davidson Space Day. This presentation will illustrate the implementation of each of these components of our outreach program, present an evaluation of their success, and describe future goals and lessons learned thus far. This outreach program was made possible through funding from the NC Space Grant Consortium.

Complex problems and unchallenged solutions: Bringing ecosystem governance to the forefront of the UN sustainable development goals.

PubMed

Vasseur, Liette; Horning, Darwin; Thornbush, Mary; Cohen-Shacham, Emmanuelle; Andrade, Angela; Barrow, Ed; Edwards, Steve R; Wit, Piet; Jones, Mike

2017-11-01

Sustainable development aims at addressing economic, social, and environmental concerns, but the current lack of responsive environmental governance hinders progress. Short-term economic development has led to limited actions, unsustainable resource management, and degraded ecosystems. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may continue to fall short of achieving significant progress without a better understanding of how ecosystems contribute to achieving sustainability for all people. Ecosystem governance is an approach that integrates the social and ecological components for improved sustainability and includes principles such as adaptive ecosystem co-management, subsidiarity, and telecoupling framework, as well as principles of democracy and accountability. We explain the importance of ecosystem governance in achieving the SDGs, and suggest some ways to ensure that ecosystem services are meaningfully considered. This paper reflects on how integration of these approaches into policies can enhance the current agenda of sustainability.

A review on disaster risk mitigation in the oil and gas project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodhi, N. N.; Anwar, N.; Wiguna, I. P. A.

2018-01-01

In addition to the very complex risks, hazards potentially lead to disasters in the oil and gas projects. These risks can certainly be anticipated with the application of risk management, but an unsystematic and ineffective implementation of risk management will still bring adverse impacts. According to the eleven risk management principles in ISO 31000:2009, the application of risk management must pay attention to all aspects, both internal and external factors. Thus, this paper aims to identify variables that could affect the disaster mitigation efforts of oil and gas projects. This research began with literature study to determine the problems of risk management in oil and gas projects, so the affecting variables as the study objectives can be specified subsequently based on the literature review as well. The variables that must be considered in the efforts of disaster risk mitigation of oil and gas project are the risk factors and sustainability aspect.

Optimized Projection Matrix for Compressive Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jianping; Pi, Yiming; Cao, Zongjie

2010-12-01

Compressive sensing (CS) is mainly concerned with low-coherence pairs, since the number of samples needed to recover the signal is proportional to the mutual coherence between projection matrix and sparsifying matrix. Until now, papers on CS always assume the projection matrix to be a random matrix. In this paper, aiming at minimizing the mutual coherence, a method is proposed to optimize the projection matrix. This method is based on equiangular tight frame (ETF) design because an ETF has minimum coherence. It is impossible to solve the problem exactly because of the complexity. Therefore, an alternating minimization type method is used to find a feasible solution. The optimally designed projection matrix can further reduce the necessary number of samples for recovery or improve the recovery accuracy. The proposed method demonstrates better performance than conventional optimization methods, which brings benefits to both basis pursuit and orthogonal matching pursuit.

Control system of water flow and casting speed in continuous steel casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tirian, G. O.; Gheorghiu, C. A.; Hepuţ, T.; Chioncel, C.

2017-05-01

This paper presents the results of research based on real data taken from the installation process at Arcelor Mittal Hunedoara. Using Matlab Simulink an intelligent system is made that takes in data from the process and makes real time adjustments in the rate of flow of the cooling water and the speed of casting that eliminates fissures in the poured material from the secondary cooling of steel. Using Matlab Simulink simulation environment allowed for qualitative analysis for various real world situations. Thus, compared to the old method of approach for the problem of cracks forming in the crust of the steel in the continuous casting, this new method, proposed and developed, brings safety and precision in this complex process, thus removing any doubt on the existence or non-existence of cracks and takes the necessary steps to prevent and correct them.

Acculturation and reacculturation influence: multilayer contexts in therapy.

PubMed

Abu Baker, K

1999-12-01

Clients who live within a minority culture while being influenced by a dominant culture usually bring to therapy the impact of their multilayered cultural experience. Migration literature point to separation and marginalization processes during the acculturation process as the main cause of relocators' psychosocial problems. In contrast to other studies that appreciate assimilation and integration within the dominant culture, this study shows that these processes often lead to disharmony and disintegration within the home culture, especially among those who remigrate back home or those who continue to live simultaneously within the sending culture and the receiving culture. Additionally, this study emphasizes that acculturation often happens as a multilinear and multidimensional process within the host culture and the sending culture. Therapists may help clients when they become aware of the complexity of the multidirectional process of acculturation and its various levels, such as the interfamilial, the intrafamilial, and the social. Three case studies will illustrate the theoretical framework.

Structural Properties of the Brazilian Air Transportation Network.

PubMed

Couto, Guilherme S; da Silva, Ana Paula Couto; Ruiz, Linnyer B; Benevenuto, Fabrício

2015-09-01

The air transportation network in a country has a great impact on the local, national and global economy. In this paper, we analyze the air transportation network in Brazil with complex network features to better understand its characteristics. In our analysis, we built networks composed either by national or by international flights. We also consider the network when both types of flights are put together. Interesting conclusions emerge from our analysis. For instance, Viracopos Airport (Campinas City) is the most central and connected airport on the national flights network. Any operational problem in this airport separates the Brazilian national network into six distinct subnetworks. Moreover, the Brazilian air transportation network exhibits small world characteristics and national connections network follows a power law distribution. Therefore, our analysis sheds light on the current Brazilian air transportation infrastructure, bringing a novel understanding that may help face the recent fast growth in the usage of the Brazilian transport network.

Critical evaluation of challenges and future use of animals in experimentation for biomedical research

PubMed Central

Singh, Vijay Pal; Pratap, Kunal; Sinha, Juhi; Desiraju, Koundinya; Bahal, Devika; Kukreti, Ritushree

2016-01-01

Animal experiments that are conducted worldwide contribute to significant findings and breakthroughs in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, bringing up appropriate clinical interventions. However, their predictive value is often low, leading to translational failure. Problems like translational failure of animal studies and poorly designed animal experiments lead to loss of animal lives and less translatable data which affect research outcomes ethically and economically. Due to increasing complexities in animal usage with changes in public perception and stringent guidelines, it is becoming difficult to use animals for conducting studies. This review deals with challenges like poor experimental design and ethical concerns and discusses key concepts like sample size, statistics in experimental design, humane endpoints, economic assessment, species difference, housing conditions, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses that are often neglected. If practiced, these strategies can refine the procedures effectively and help translate the outcomes efficiently. PMID:27694614

A Systematic Review of the Literature on the Sustainability of Community Health Collaboratives.

PubMed

Hearld, Larry R; Bleser, William K; Alexander, Jeffrey A; Wolf, Laura J

2016-04-01

Recent interest in community health collaboratives has been driven by the potential of these types of organizations to solve complex health problems at the local level by bringing together stakeholders that have traditionally operated independently, and often at cross-purposes. Much of the work that is central to the mission of collaboratives can take years to reach fruition, however, and there are a number of challenges to sustaining their activities. In this article, we systematically reviewed the theoretical and empirical literature on health care collaborative sustainability, focusing on definitions and antecedents of sustainability. Given the diversity and fragmentation of this literature, we used this review as a foundation to develop a synthesized definition, conceptual groups of antecedents, and potential research propositions to help guide future research, planning, and practice of sustainable community health collaboratives. © The Author(s) 2015.

Self-Driving Cars and Engineering Ethics: The Need for a System Level Analysis.

PubMed

Borenstein, Jason; Herkert, Joseph R; Miller, Keith W

2017-11-13

The literature on self-driving cars and ethics continues to grow. Yet much of it focuses on ethical complexities emerging from an individual vehicle. That is an important but insufficient step towards determining how the technology will impact human lives and society more generally. What must complement ongoing discussions is a broader, system level of analysis that engages with the interactions and effects that these cars will have on one another and on the socio-technical systems in which they are embedded. To bring the conversation of self-driving cars to the system level, we make use of two traffic scenarios which highlight some of the complexities that designers, policymakers, and others should consider related to the technology. We then describe three approaches that could be used to address such complexities and their associated shortcomings. We conclude by bringing attention to the "Moral Responsibility for Computing Artifacts: The Rules", a framework that can provide insight into how to approach ethical issues related to self-driving cars.

Defibrotide Injection

MedlinePlus

... kidney or lung problems after receiving a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT; procedure in which certain blood cells ... any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each ...

A Flipped Mode Teaching Approach for Large and Advanced Electrical Engineering Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ravishankar, Jayashri; Epps, Julien; Ambikairajah, Eliathamby

2018-01-01

A fully flipped mode teaching approach is challenging for students in advanced engineering courses, because of demanding pre-class preparation load, due to the complex and analytical nature of the topics. When this is applied to large classes, it brings an additional complexity in terms of promoting the intended active learning. This paper…

7 CFR 610.2 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... NRCS. This program is designed to: (1) Reduce soil losses from erosion; (2) Help solve soil, water, and agricultural waste management problems; (3) Bring about adjustments in land use as needed; (4) Reduce damage...

Exploring a QoS Driven Scheduling Approach for Peer-to-Peer Live Streaming Systems with Network Coding

PubMed Central

Cui, Laizhong; Lu, Nan; Chen, Fu

2014-01-01

Most large-scale peer-to-peer (P2P) live streaming systems use mesh to organize peers and leverage pull scheduling to transmit packets for providing robustness in dynamic environment. The pull scheduling brings large packet delay. Network coding makes the push scheduling feasible in mesh P2P live streaming and improves the efficiency. However, it may also introduce some extra delays and coding computational overhead. To improve the packet delay, streaming quality, and coding overhead, in this paper are as follows. we propose a QoS driven push scheduling approach. The main contributions of this paper are: (i) We introduce a new network coding method to increase the content diversity and reduce the complexity of scheduling; (ii) we formulate the push scheduling as an optimization problem and transform it to a min-cost flow problem for solving it in polynomial time; (iii) we propose a push scheduling algorithm to reduce the coding overhead and do extensive experiments to validate the effectiveness of our approach. Compared with previous approaches, the simulation results demonstrate that packet delay, continuity index, and coding ratio of our system can be significantly improved, especially in dynamic environments. PMID:25114968

Present state of applying diode laser in Toyota Motor Corp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terada, Masaki; Nakamura, Hideo

2003-03-01

Since the mid-1980s, Toyota Motor Corporation has applied CO2 lasers and YAG lasers to machine (welding, piercing, cutting, surface modifying etc.) automobile parts. In recent years diode lasers, which are excellent in terms of cost performance, are now available on the market as a new type of oscillator and are expected to bring about a new age in laser technology. Two current problems with these lasers, however, are the lack of sufficient output and the difficulty in improving the focusing the beam, which is why it has not been easy to apply them to the machining of metal parts in the past. On the other hand, plastics can be joined with low energy because they have a lower melting point than metal and the rate of absorption of the laser is easy to control. Moreover, because the high degree of freedom in molding plastic parts results in many complex shapes that need to be welded, Toyota is looking into the use of diode lasers to weld plastic parts. This article will introduce the problems of plastics welding and the methods to solve them referring to actual examples.

Semantic Web meets Integrative Biology: a survey.

PubMed

Chen, Huajun; Yu, Tong; Chen, Jake Y

2013-01-01

Integrative Biology (IB) uses experimental or computational quantitative technologies to characterize biological systems at the molecular, cellular, tissue and population levels. IB typically involves the integration of the data, knowledge and capabilities across disciplinary boundaries in order to solve complex problems. We identify a series of bioinformatics problems posed by interdisciplinary integration: (i) data integration that interconnects structured data across related biomedical domains; (ii) ontology integration that brings jargons, terminologies and taxonomies from various disciplines into a unified network of ontologies; (iii) knowledge integration that integrates disparate knowledge elements from multiple sources; (iv) service integration that build applications out of services provided by different vendors. We argue that IB can benefit significantly from the integration solutions enabled by Semantic Web (SW) technologies. The SW enables scientists to share content beyond the boundaries of applications and websites, resulting into a web of data that is meaningful and understandable to any computers. In this review, we provide insight into how SW technologies can be used to build open, standardized and interoperable solutions for interdisciplinary integration on a global basis. We present a rich set of case studies in system biology, integrative neuroscience, bio-pharmaceutics and translational medicine, to highlight the technical features and benefits of SW applications in IB.

Matrix-product-operator approach to the nonequilibrium steady state of driven-dissipative quantum arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascarenhas, Eduardo; Flayac, Hugo; Savona, Vincenzo

2015-08-01

We develop a numerical procedure to efficiently model the nonequilibrium steady state of one-dimensional arrays of open quantum systems based on a matrix-product operator ansatz for the density matrix. The procedure searches for the null eigenvalue of the Liouvillian superoperator by sweeping along the system while carrying out a partial diagonalization of the single-site stationary problem. It bears full analogy to the density-matrix renormalization-group approach to the ground state of isolated systems, and its numerical complexity scales as a power law with the bond dimension. The method brings considerable advantage when compared to the integration of the time-dependent problem via Trotter decomposition, as it can address arbitrarily long-ranged couplings. Additionally, it ensures numerical stability in the case of weakly dissipative systems thanks to a slow tuning of the dissipation rates along the sweeps. We have tested the method on a driven-dissipative spin chain, under various assumptions for the Hamiltonian, drive, and dissipation parameters, and compared the results to those obtained both by Trotter dynamics and Monte Carlo wave function methods. Accurate and numerically stable convergence was always achieved when applying the method to systems with a gapped Liouvillian and a nondegenerate steady state.

Constraints of nonresponding flows based on cross layers in the networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhi-Chao; Xiao, Yang; Wang, Dong

2016-02-01

In the active queue management (AQM) scheme, core routers cannot manage and constrain user datagram protocol (UDP) data flows by the sliding window control mechanism in the transport layer due to the nonresponsive nature of such traffic flows. However, the UDP traffics occupy a large part of the network service nowadays which brings a great challenge to the stability of the more and more complex networks. To solve the uncontrollable problem, this paper proposes a cross layers random early detection (CLRED) scheme, which can control the nonresponding UDP-like flows rate effectively when congestion occurs in the access point (AP). The CLRED makes use of the MAC frame acknowledgement (ACK) transmitting congestion information to the sources nodes and utilizes the back-off windows of the MAC layer throttling data rate. Consequently, the UDP-like flows data rate can be restrained timely by the sources nodes in order to alleviate congestion in the complex networks. The proposed CLRED can constrain the nonresponsive flows availably and make the communication expedite, so that the network can sustain stable. The simulation results of network simulator-2 (NS2) verify the proposed CLRED scheme.

Environmental Collaborations Between Indigenous Communities and Western Science: Case Studies and Reflections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emanuel, R. E.

2016-12-01

The study of coupled natural and human systems in a changing world can benefit greatly from indigenous perspectives, which have the potential to bring deep, placed-based understanding to complex environmental issues while promoting sustainable solutions to pressing socio-environmental problems. In recent years, scientists have begun to embrace indigenous knowledge and perspectives, but indigenous voices in the sciences remain relatively few. At the same time, indigenous communities face wide ranging and unique vulnerabilities to global environmental change on a variety of fronts, particularly where water resources are concerned. Given this situation, indigenous scientists often find themselves bridging both western scientific and indigenous communities, sometimes embodying the nexus in a literal sense. Here I reflect on this nexus from the perspective of an indigenous hydrologist collaborating with American Indian communities in North Carolina, which has the largest American Indian population of any state in the eastern US. Intertwining case studies of coupled natural and human systems illustrate some of the the challenges, complexities, and successes of ongoing collaborations with tribal communities and Native-serving organizations on water resource issues, environmental impacts of food and energy production, and broadening participation of American Indians in the sciences.

Complex Approach to Conceptual Design of Machine Mechanically Extracting Oil from Jatropha curcas L. Seeds for Biomass-Based Fuel Production

PubMed Central

Mašín, Ivan

2016-01-01

One of important sources of biomass-based fuel is Jatropha curcas L. Great attention is paid to the biofuel produced from the oil extracted from the Jatropha curcas L. seeds. A mechanised extraction is the most efficient and feasible method for oil extraction for small-scale farmers but there is a need to extract oil in more efficient manner which would increase the labour productivity, decrease production costs, and increase benefits of small-scale farmers. On the other hand innovators should be aware that further machines development is possible only when applying the systematic approach and design methodology in all stages of engineering design. Systematic approach in this case means that designers and development engineers rigorously apply scientific knowledge, integrate different constraints and user priorities, carefully plan product and activities, and systematically solve technical problems. This paper therefore deals with the complex approach to design specification determining that can bring new innovative concepts to design of mechanical machines for oil extraction. The presented case study as the main part of the paper is focused on new concept of screw of machine mechanically extracting oil from Jatropha curcas L. seeds. PMID:27668259

Symmetry blockade and its breakdown in energy equipartition of square graphene resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yisen; Zhu, Zhigang; Zhang, Yong; Huang, Liang

2018-03-01

The interaction between flexural modes due to nonlinear potentials is critical to heat conductivity and mechanical vibration of two dimensional materials such as graphene. Much effort has been devoted to understanding the underlying mechanism. In this paper, we examine solely the out-of-plane flexural modes and identify their energy flow pathway during the equipartition process. In particular, the modes are grouped into four classes by their distinct symmetries. The couplings are significantly larger within a class than between classes, forming symmetry blockades. As a result, the energy first flows to the modes in the same symmetry class. Breakdown of the symmetry blockade, i.e., inter-class energy flow, starts when the displacement profile becomes complex and the inter-class couplings bear nonneglectable values. The equipartition time follows the stretched exponential law and survives in the thermodynamic limit. These results bring fundamental understandings to the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam problem in two dimensional systems with complex potentials and reveal clearly the physical picture of dynamical interactions between the flexural modes, which will be crucial to the understanding of their contribution in high thermal conductivity and mechanism of energy dissipation that may intrinsically limit the quality factor of the resonator.

Letter from...Israel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strauss, Thomas P.; Litwin, Howard

1976-01-01

A look at a video experiment which brings needed service improvements and a sense of community to an Israeli neighborhood with special problems, and charts the way for development of "alternate" video elsewhere in the country. (Author/HB)

Water and Social Justice in Bangladesh: A Transdisciplinary and Intercultural Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilligan, J. M.; Ackerly, B.; Ahmed, K.; Benneyworth, L.; Goodbred, S. L.; Hall, M.; Jacobi, J. H.; Mondal, D. R.; Pickering, J.; Rogers, K. G.; Roy, K.; Wallace Auerbach, L.

2013-12-01

Effectively addressing environmental problems---at local, national, and global scales---requires actively crossing disciplinary boundaries between natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and policymaking. The best technical solution is useless if it cannot win political support from the people it is intended to help. Enacted policies are too often hindered either by misunderstanding or ignorance of scientific and technical aspects of the problem or by misunderstanding the behavior of the population they address. Environmental problems at the international scale also require understanding of cultural and social differences across national boundaries. To prepare graduate students to be professionally effective at addressing major environmental problems, Vanderbilt University has created a transdisciplinary, intercultural course that brings students from the US and Bangladesh together, both through online connections such as blogs and Skype sessions, and in person in a week-long joint field trip in which students and faculty from universities in both countries, and representing many disciplines work side-by-side to study water as both a natural resource and a natural hazard. Activities included studying sources of drinking water, observing areas affected by flooding from cyclone storm surges, cataloging physical infrastructure, and conducting interviews with residents of vulnerable areas. Few if any students can simultaneously master the social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering skills necessary to comprehensively address major environmental problems, but students can learn to work and communicate effectively with peers in other disciplines, working together to understand the complex interactions between different aspects of their problem. We will report on the structure of the course; our experiences as faculty and student participants; and connections between this class, graduate curricula in environmental sciences, and international transdisciplinary research projects.

Reframing the Path to School Leadership: A Guide for Teachers and Principals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolman, Lee G.; Deal, Terrence E.

The best leaders use multiple frames or lenses to view common challenges and to solve their most difficult problems. This book contains a series of dialogs between a novice and a master teacher, and between a new and a seasoned principal as they demonstrate how framing and reframing challenges can bring clarity, help to anticipate problems, and…

Practical Math Skills: Situations--Strategies--Solutions. Junior High Level. Grades 7-8-9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Jim

This material is a supplement to existing mathematics programs for young learners. The activities presented are based on assumptions about the young problem solver which are difficult to address in standard mathematics texts. In these pages it is assumed that each learner brings to the problem-solving effort a very personal experience base and a…

Personality Traits of Expert Teachers of Students with Behavioural Problems: A Review and Classification of the Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buttner, Svenja; Pijl, Sip Jan; Bijstra, Jan; van den Bosch, Els

2015-01-01

Teaching students with behavioural problems is a challenge for many teachers but other teachers are able to bring out the best in these students. Much research has been done to find out what differentiates expert teachers from their less skilled colleagues. Recent evidence points to personality as an underlying core factor influencing teacher…

Facilitating Facilitators to Facilitate, in Problem or Enquiry Based Learning Sessions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coelho, Catherine

2014-01-01

Problem based learning (PBL) has been used in dental education over the past 20 years and uses a patient case scenario to stimulate learning in a small group setting, where a trained facilitator does not teach but guides the group to bring about deep contextualized learning, to be empathetic to each other and to encourage fair and equitable…

Understanding "The Grapes of Wrath": A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Claudia Durst

When the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" was published in 1939, it had an explosive effect on the public, calling attention to the problems of migrant farm workers during the Great Depression. This casebook provides primary materials on the period and the plight of the migrant worker that bring to life the problems John Steinbeck…

A Problem-Based Learning Approach to Civics Education: Exploring the Free Exercise Clause with Supreme Court Simulations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pagnotti, John; Russell, William B., III

2015-01-01

The purpose of this article is to empower those interested in teaching students powerful and engaging social studies. Through the lens of Supreme Court simulations, this article provides educators with a viable, classroom-tested lesson plan to bring Problem-Based Learning into their classrooms. The specific aim of the lesson is to provide students…

Problem-Based Learning in the Earth and Space Science Classroom, K-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McConnell, Tom J.; Parker, Joyce; Eberhardt, Janet

2017-01-01

If you've ever asked yourself whether problem-based learning (PBL) can bring new life to both your teaching and your students' learning, here's your answer: Yes. This all-in-one guide will help you engage your students in scenarios that represent real-world science in all its messy, thought-provoking glory. The scenarios will prompt K-12 students…

The role of metadata in managing large environmental science datasets. Proceedings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melton, R.B.; DeVaney, D.M.; French, J. C.

1995-06-01

The purpose of this workshop was to bring together computer science researchers and environmental sciences data management practitioners to consider the role of metadata in managing large environmental sciences datasets. The objectives included: establishing a common definition of metadata; identifying categories of metadata; defining problems in managing metadata; and defining problems related to linking metadata with primary data.

How do individuals with persecutory delusions bring worry to a close? An interpretive phenomenological analysis.

PubMed

Startup, Helen; Pugh, Katherine; Cordwell, Jacinta; Kingdon, David; Freeman, Daniel

2015-07-01

Worry is a significant problem for individuals with paranoia, leading to delusion persistence and greater levels of distress. There are established theories concerning processes that maintain worry but little has been documented regarding what brings worry to a close. The aim was to find out what patients with persecutory delusions report are the factors that bring a worry episode to an end. Eight patients with persecutory delusions who reported high levels of worry participated. An open-ended semi-structured interview technique and IPA qualitative analysis was employed to encourage a broad elaboration of relevant constructs. Analyses revealed one theme that captured participants' detailed descriptions of their experience of worry and five themes that identified factors important for bringing worry episodes to a close: natural drift, distraction, interpersonal support, feeling better, and reality testing. Patients with persecutory delusions report worry being uncontrollable and distressing but are able to identify ways that a period of worry can stop. The present study suggests that building on individuals' distraction techniques, reality testing ability and their social support network could be of benefit. Research is needed to identify the most effective means of bringing paranoid worries to an end.

Intact Capture, Aerogel, SOCCER, Stardust and LIFE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsou, P.

2013-11-01

In order to definitively determine many complex exploration curiosities, we must bring samples to terrestrial laboratories for detailed analyses by collaborating laboratories and analysts. We report this endeavor in SOCCER, NEARER, Stardust and LIFE.

Benefits estimation framework for automated vehicle operations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

Automated vehicles have the potential to bring about transformative safety, mobility, energy, and environmental benefits to the surface transportation system. They are also being introduced into a complex transportation system, where second-order imp...

The complex spine: the multidimensional system of causal pathways for low-back disorders.

PubMed

Marras, William S

2012-12-01

The aim of this study was to examine the logic behind the knowledge of low-back problem causal pathways. Low-back pain and low-back disorders (LBDs) continue to represent the major musculoskeletal risk problem in the workplace,with the prevalence and costs of such disorders increasing over time. In recent years, there has been much criticism of the ability of ergonomics methods to control the risk of LBDs. Logical assessment of the systems logic associated with our understanding and prevention of LBDs. Current spine loading as well as spine tolerance research efforts are bringing the field to the point where there is a better systems understanding of the inextricable link between the musculoskeletal system and the cognitive system. Loading is influenced by both the physical environment factors as well as mental demands, whereas tolerances are defined by both physical tissue tolerance and biochemically based tissue sensitivities to pain. However, the logic used in many low-back risk assessment tools may be overly simplistic, given what is understood about causal pathways. Current tools typically assess only load or position in a very cursory manner. Efforts must work toward satisfying both the physical environment and the cognitive environment for the worker if one is to reliably lower the risk of low-back problems. This systems representation of LBD development may serve as a guide to identify gaps in our understanding of LBDs.

Exploring asynchronous brainstorming in large groups: a field comparison of serial and parallel subgroups.

PubMed

de Vreede, Gert-Jan; Briggs, Robert O; Reiter-Palmon, Roni

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the results of two different modes of using multiple groups (instead of one large group) to identify problems and develop solutions. Many of the complex problems facing organizations today require the use of very large groups or collaborations of groups from multiple organizations. There are many logistical problems associated with the use of such large groups, including the ability to bring everyone together at the same time and location. A field study involved two different organizations and compared productivity and satisfaction of group. The approaches included (a) multiple small groups, each completing the entire process from start to end and combining the results at the end (parallel mode); and (b) multiple subgroups, each building on the work provided by previous subgroups (serial mode). Groups using the serial mode produced more elaborations compared with parallel groups, whereas parallel groups produced more unique ideas compared with serial groups. No significant differences were found related to satisfaction with process and outcomes between the two modes. Preferred mode depends on the type of task facing the group. Parallel groups are more suited for tasks for which a variety of new ideas are needed, whereas serial groups are best suited when elaboration and in-depth thinking on the solution are required. Results of this research can guide the development of facilitated sessions of large groups or "teams of teams."

Extensible Computational Chemistry Environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2012-08-09

ECCE provides a sophisticated graphical user interface, scientific visualization tools, and the underlying data management framework enabling scientists to efficiently set up calculations and store, retrieve, and analyze the rapidly growing volumes of data produced by computational chemistry studies. ECCE was conceived as part of the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory construction to solve the problem of researchers being able to effectively utilize complex computational chemistry codes and massively parallel high performance compute resources. Bringing the power of these codes and resources to the desktops of researcher and thus enabling world class research without users needing a detailed understanding of themore » inner workings of either the theoretical codes or the supercomputers needed to run them was a grand challenge problem in the original version of the EMSL. ECCE allows collaboration among researchers using a web-based data repository where the inputs and results for all calculations done within ECCE are organized. ECCE is a first of kind end-to-end problem solving environment for all phases of computational chemistry research: setting up calculations with sophisticated GUI and direct manipulation visualization tools, submitting and monitoring calculations on remote high performance supercomputers without having to be familiar with the details of using these compute resources, and performing results visualization and analysis including creating publication quality images. ECCE is a suite of tightly integrated applications that are employed as the user moves through the modeling process.« less

Bring Your Own Device and Nurse Managers' Decision Making.

PubMed

Martinez, Karen; Borycki, Elizabeth; Courtney, Karen L

2017-02-01

The Bring Your Own Device phenomenon is important in the healthcare environment because this trend is changing the workplace in healthcare organizations, such as British Columbia. At present, there is little research that exists in Canada to provide a distinct understanding of the complexities and difficulties unique to this phenomenon within the nursing practice. This study focused on the experiences and perceptions of nurse managers regarding how they make decisions on the use of personal handheld devices in the workplace. Telephone interviews (N = 10) and qualitative descriptive analysis were used. Four major themes emerged: (1) management perspective, (2) opportunities, (3) disadvantages, and (4) solutions. Nurse managers and other executives in healthcare organizations and health information technology departments need to be aware of the practice and organizational implications of the Bring Your Own Device movement.

Cuticular Compounds Bring New Insight in the Post-Glacial Recolonization of a Pyrenean Area: Deutonura deficiens Deharveng, 1979 Complex, a Case Study

PubMed Central

Porco, David; Bedos, Anne; Deharveng, Louis

2010-01-01

Background In most Arthropod groups, the study of systematics and evolution rely mostly on neutral characters, in this context cuticular compounds, as non-neutral characters, represent an underexplored but potentially informative type of characters at the infraspecific level as they have been routinely proven to be involved in sexual attraction. Methods and Findings The collembolan species complex Deutonura deficiens was chosen as a model in order to test the utility of these characters for delineating four infraspecific entities of this group. Specimens were collected for three subspecies (D. d. deficiens, D. d. meridionalis, D. d. sylvatica) and two morphotypes (D. d. sylvatica morphoype A and B) of the complex; an additional species D. monticola was added. Cuticular compounds were extracted and separated by gas chromatography for each individual. Our results demonstrate that cuticular compounds succeeded in separating the different elements of this complex. Those data allowed also the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships among them. Conclusions The discriminating power of cuticular compounds is directly related to their involvement in sexual attraction and mate recognition. These findings allowed a discussion on the potential involvement of intrinsic and paleoclimatic factors in the origin and the diversification of this complex in the Pyrenean zone. This character type brings the first advance from pattern to process concerning the origin of this species complex. PMID:21209797

Cuticular compounds bring new insight in the post-glacial recolonization of a Pyrenean area: Deutonura deficiens Deharveng, 1979 complex, a case study.

PubMed

Porco, David; Bedos, Anne; Deharveng, Louis

2010-12-21

In most Arthropod groups, the study of systematics and evolution rely mostly on neutral characters, in this context cuticular compounds, as non-neutral characters, represent an underexplored but potentially informative type of characters at the infraspecific level as they have been routinely proven to be involved in sexual attraction. The collembolan species complex Deutonura deficiens was chosen as a model in order to test the utility of these characters for delineating four infraspecific entities of this group. Specimens were collected for three subspecies (D. d. deficiens, D. d. meridionalis, D. d. sylvatica) and two morphotypes (D. d. sylvatica morphoype A and B) of the complex; an additional species D. monticola was added. Cuticular compounds were extracted and separated by gas chromatography for each individual. Our results demonstrate that cuticular compounds succeeded in separating the different elements of this complex. Those data allowed also the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships among them. The discriminating power of cuticular compounds is directly related to their involvement in sexual attraction and mate recognition. These findings allowed a discussion on the potential involvement of intrinsic and paleoclimatic factors in the origin and the diversification of this complex in the Pyrenean zone. This character type brings the first advance from pattern to process concerning the origin of this species complex.

Low-complexity stochastic modeling of wall-bounded shear flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zare, Armin

Turbulent flows are ubiquitous in nature and they appear in many engineering applications. Transition to turbulence, in general, increases skin-friction drag in air/water vehicles compromising their fuel-efficiency and reduces the efficiency and longevity of wind turbines. While traditional flow control techniques combine physical intuition with costly experiments, their effectiveness can be significantly enhanced by control design based on low-complexity models and optimization. In this dissertation, we develop a theoretical and computational framework for the low-complexity stochastic modeling of wall-bounded shear flows. Part I of the dissertation is devoted to the development of a modeling framework which incorporates data-driven techniques to refine physics-based models. We consider the problem of completing partially known sample statistics in a way that is consistent with underlying stochastically driven linear dynamics. Neither the statistics nor the dynamics are precisely known. Thus, our objective is to reconcile the two in a parsimonious manner. To this end, we formulate optimization problems to identify the dynamics and directionality of input excitation in order to explain and complete available covariance data. For problem sizes that general-purpose solvers cannot handle, we develop customized optimization algorithms based on alternating direction methods. The solution to the optimization problem provides information about critical directions that have maximal effect in bringing model and statistics in agreement. In Part II, we employ our modeling framework to account for statistical signatures of turbulent channel flow using low-complexity stochastic dynamical models. We demonstrate that white-in-time stochastic forcing is not sufficient to explain turbulent flow statistics and develop models for colored-in-time forcing of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations. We also examine the efficacy of stochastically forced linearized NS equations and their parabolized equivalents in the receptivity analysis of velocity fluctuations to external sources of excitation as well as capturing the effect of the slowly-varying base flow on streamwise streaks and Tollmien-Schlichting waves. In Part III, we develop a model-based approach to design surface actuation of turbulent channel flow in the form of streamwise traveling waves. This approach is capable of identifying the drag reducing trends of traveling waves in a simulation-free manner. We also use the stochastically forced linearized NS equations to examine the Reynolds number independent effects of spanwise wall oscillations on drag reduction in turbulent channel flows. This allows us to extend the predictive capability of our simulation-free approach to high Reynolds numbers.

Scaffolding High School Students' Reading of Complex Texts Using Linked Text Sets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elish-Piper, Laurie; Wold, Linda S.; Schwingendorf, Kathy

2014-01-01

Linked text sets (LTS) offer a promising approach to bring together adolescent students and complex texts, such as those required by the Common Core State Standards, using strategic scaffolding. LTS include a variety of print and media texts that address a guiding question that is meaningful to students such as, "Why is growing up so…

Palatal Complexity Revisited: An Electropalatographic Analysis of /image omitted/ in Brazilian Portuguese with Comparison to Peninsular Spanish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shosted, Ryan; Hualde, Jose Ignacio; Scarpace, Daniel

2012-01-01

Are palatal consonants articulated by multiple tongue gestures (coronal and dorsal) or by a single gesture that brings the tongue into contact with the palate at several places of articulation? The lenition of palatal consonants (resulting in approximants) has been presented as evidence that palatals are simple, not complex: When reduced, they do…

The Complexity of Literacy in Kenya: Narrative Analysis of Maasai Women's Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taeko, Takayanagi

2014-01-01

This paper aims to challenge limited notions of literacy and argues for the recognition of Maasai women's self-determined learning in order to bring about human development in Kenya. It also seeks to construct a complex picture of literacy, drawing on postcolonial feminist theory as a framework to ensure that the woman's voice is heard. Through…

Principles of structure building in music, language and animal song.

PubMed

Rohrmeier, Martin; Zuidema, Willem; Wiggins, Geraint A; Scharff, Constance

2015-03-19

Human language, music and a variety of animal vocalizations constitute ways of sonic communication that exhibit remarkable structural complexity. While the complexities of language and possible parallels in animal communication have been discussed intensively, reflections on the complexity of music and animal song, and their comparisons, are underrepresented. In some ways, music and animal songs are more comparable to each other than to language as propositional semantics cannot be used as indicator of communicative success or wellformedness, and notions of grammaticality are less easily defined. This review brings together accounts of the principles of structure building in music and animal song. It relates them to corresponding models in formal language theory, the extended Chomsky hierarchy (CH), and their probabilistic counterparts. We further discuss common misunderstandings and shortcomings concerning the CH and suggest ways to move beyond. We discuss language, music and animal song in the context of their function and motivation and further integrate problems and issues that are less commonly addressed in the context of language, including continuous event spaces, features of sound and timbre, representation of temporality and interactions of multiple parallel feature streams. We discuss these aspects in the light of recent theoretical, cognitive, neuroscientific and modelling research in the domains of music, language and animal song. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

NeuronDepot: keeping your colleagues in sync by combining modern cloud storage services, the local file system, and simple web applications

PubMed Central

Rautenberg, Philipp L.; Kumaraswamy, Ajayrama; Tejero-Cantero, Alvaro; Doblander, Christoph; Norouzian, Mohammad R.; Kai, Kazuki; Jacobsen, Hans-Arno; Ai, Hiroyuki; Wachtler, Thomas; Ikeno, Hidetoshi

2014-01-01

Neuroscience today deals with a “data deluge” derived from the availability of high-throughput sensors of brain structure and brain activity, and increased computational resources for detailed simulations with complex output. We report here (1) a novel approach to data sharing between collaborating scientists that brings together file system tools and cloud technologies, (2) a service implementing this approach, called NeuronDepot, and (3) an example application of the service to a complex use case in the neurosciences. The main drivers for our approach are to facilitate collaborations with a transparent, automated data flow that shields scientists from having to learn new tools or data structuring paradigms. Using NeuronDepot is simple: one-time data assignment from the originator and cloud based syncing—thus making experimental and modeling data available across the collaboration with minimum overhead. Since data sharing is cloud based, our approach opens up the possibility of using new software developments and hardware scalabitliy which are associated with elastic cloud computing. We provide an implementation that relies on existing synchronization services and is usable from all devices via a reactive web interface. We are motivating our solution by solving the practical problems of the GinJang project, a collaboration of three universities across eight time zones with a complex workflow encompassing data from electrophysiological recordings, imaging, morphological reconstructions, and simulations. PMID:24971059

Introduction: contexts and concepts of adaptability and plasticity in 20th-century plant science.

PubMed

Baranski, Marci; Peirson, B R Erick

2015-04-01

Nowhere is the problem of understanding the complex linkages between organisms and their environments more apparent than in the science of plants. Today, efforts by scientists to predict and manage the biological consequences of shifting global and regional climates depend on understanding how organisms respond morphologically, physiologically, and behaviorally to changes in their environments. Investigating organismal "adaptability" (or "plasticity") is rarely straightforward, prompting controversy and discourse among and between ecologists and agricultural scientists. Concepts like agro-climatic adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and genotype-environment interaction (GxE) are key to those debates, and their complex histories have imbued them with assumptions and meanings that are consequential but often opaque. This special section explores the diverse ways in which organismal adaptability has been conceptualized and investigated in the second half of the 20th century, and the multifarious political, economic, environmental, and intellectual contexts in which those conceptions have emerged and evolved. The papers in this section bring together perspectives from the histories of agriculture, population ecology, evolutionary theory, and plant physiology, cutting across Asian, North American, and British contexts. As a whole, this section highlights not only the diversity of meanings of "adaptability" and "plasticity," but also the complex linkages between those meanings, the scientific practices and technologies in which they are embedded, and the ends toward which those practices and technologies are employed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NeuronDepot: keeping your colleagues in sync by combining modern cloud storage services, the local file system, and simple web applications.

PubMed

Rautenberg, Philipp L; Kumaraswamy, Ajayrama; Tejero-Cantero, Alvaro; Doblander, Christoph; Norouzian, Mohammad R; Kai, Kazuki; Jacobsen, Hans-Arno; Ai, Hiroyuki; Wachtler, Thomas; Ikeno, Hidetoshi

2014-01-01

Neuroscience today deals with a "data deluge" derived from the availability of high-throughput sensors of brain structure and brain activity, and increased computational resources for detailed simulations with complex output. We report here (1) a novel approach to data sharing between collaborating scientists that brings together file system tools and cloud technologies, (2) a service implementing this approach, called NeuronDepot, and (3) an example application of the service to a complex use case in the neurosciences. The main drivers for our approach are to facilitate collaborations with a transparent, automated data flow that shields scientists from having to learn new tools or data structuring paradigms. Using NeuronDepot is simple: one-time data assignment from the originator and cloud based syncing-thus making experimental and modeling data available across the collaboration with minimum overhead. Since data sharing is cloud based, our approach opens up the possibility of using new software developments and hardware scalabitliy which are associated with elastic cloud computing. We provide an implementation that relies on existing synchronization services and is usable from all devices via a reactive web interface. We are motivating our solution by solving the practical problems of the GinJang project, a collaboration of three universities across eight time zones with a complex workflow encompassing data from electrophysiological recordings, imaging, morphological reconstructions, and simulations.

C-H and H-H Activation in Transition Metal Complexes and on Surfaces.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

IEEIIIIIEEEEI EEEIIEIIIIIII EEIIIEIIIEIII IIIEEEIIEIIII La.𔃻 m41. 12.2 1.4o 12.0 1.25 111.4 11. MICROCOP RE SOO TESTCHAR NATIONA BUREA OfSANAD 16m ~4 OFFICE...ML4 plane, bringing a C-H bond in proximity to the metal. The compounds will minimize M. . C-H re- -27 - pulsion by bringing the H atom into an axial...h) C-H activation has been shown also with organolanthanides and organo- actinide compounds : Watson, P.L. J.Chem.Soc. Chem.Commun. 1983, 176-177

Empowering Youth to Think and Act Critically About Complex Climate Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harden, L.; Michelson, M.; Schufreider, M.; Babcock, E.; Klotz-Chamberlin, R.; Bagley, E.; Cassidy, E. S.; Levedahl, K.; Perez, N.; Vanderbilt, C.; Hammond, K.; Brutus, D.; Arrowsmith, T.

2016-12-01

The world is facing complex environmental challenges and a changing climate is one of the most pressing. These challenges require innovative solutions, which can only be achieved by first developing a more science and environmentally literate public through high-quality education. We know a lot about how to frame climate change messages to be most effective for adults (1). However, we know much less about how youth respond to these same messages. It is important to engage adolescents in these conversations, as this is the age when kids begin to think more critically and abstractly about complex problems, but also when peer and social influences increase in importance (2). Thus, middle school is a critical point in young students' lives when they might either lose interest in science or gain a strong science identity. To keep them interested and invested in science and environmental issues, we need relevant and transformative climate change materials for use in the classroom—materials that are video-based, compelling, and presented by other youth. The California Academy of Sciences has developed a video-based series with lessons supporting the NGSS called Flipside Science that challenges youth to think critically about complex environmental issues. Exploring Energy: Designing a Brighter Future is a unit within this series that engages youth in thinking about how we can make changes to our current energy uses and behaviors to combat climate change. The videos in the unit are hosted by diverse teens who bring an optimistic and relevant voice to these issues, and the associated lessons engage students in honing their design thinking and problem-solving skills. Although intended for use inside the classroom, these resources inspire action among youth outside of the classroom and in their communities. Initial evaluations of two other Flipside Science units on water and food issues indicate that the youth-powered nature of the videos and the real-world challenges posed in the lessons are meaningful to students and useful for teachers. They also point the way to reimagining how environmental issues are taught by presenting them in a youth voice and injecting youth perspective on these pressing problems.1 ecoAmerica et al. (2015). Let's Talk Climate: Messages to Motivate Americans. 2 Keating, D P (1990). Adolescent thinking.

Students' and Teachers' Experiences with the Implementation of Problem-Based Learning at a University Law School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wijnen, Marit; Loyens, Sofie M. M.; Smeets, Guus; Kroeze, Maarten J.; Van der Molen, Henk T.

2017-01-01

A few years ago, the Erasmus School of Law implemented problem-based learning (PBL) as an instructional method in the bachelor's program. Transition to a PBL program often brings some difficulties for the teaching staff. To find out whether the implementation at the Erasmus School of Law has been successful, students and teachers were asked about…

On Engaging with Others: A Wittgensteinian Approach to (Some) Problems with Deeply Held Beliefs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowell, Tracy

2018-01-01

My starting point for this paper is a problem in critical thinking pedagogy--the difficult of bringing students to a point where they are able, and motivated, critically to evaluate their own deeply held beliefs. I first interrogate the very idea of a deeply held belief, drawing upon Wittgenstein's idea of a framework belief--a belief that forms…

Embracing Statistical Challenges in the Information Technology Age

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

computation and feature selection. Moreover, two research projects on network tomography and arctic cloud detection are used throughout the paper to bring...prominent Network Tomography problem, origin- destination (OD) traffic estimation. It demonstrates well how the two modes of data collection interact...software debugging (Biblit et al, 2005 [2]), and network tomography for computer network management. Computer sys- tem problems exist long before the IT

The Space Apps Challenge: Using Open Innovation Competitions to Engage The Public in the Scientific Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, S. S.

2016-12-01

NASA's Space Apps Challenge encourages innovation, creativity and collaborative problem solving by gathering coders, builders, artists, designers, and storytellers in a 48-hour hackathon. Open Innovation competitions such as the Space Apps Challenge bring the scientific world to members of the public, regardless of age, experience, credentials, or expertise. In the past five years, this model of public engagement has been widely employed by government, nonprofit and academic institutions, allowing the building of partnerships between the scientific community and the individuals and communities they serve. Furthermore, advances in technology and challenge models have lowered the barriers and costs to scientific collaboration with and for the public. NASA's Space Apps Challenge, structured as a competition seeking solutions from the public to posed problems, brings together teams and forges collaborations between individuals and groups who would otherwise have never worked together for a short but high intensity problem solving session, Space Apps has has created a pathway to public engagement and innovation that is often faster, cheaper, and more impactful than traditional approaches.

A factual survey of automobile usage

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1941-01-01

In anticipation of the problems in civilian transportation that the : defense effort would bring to the motor vehicle user, to business and industry, and to Government, the Automobile Manufacturers Association in the fall of 1940 undertook a factual ...

Thawing Out Some Magic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hippler, Arthur E.

1975-01-01

Psychiatrists have learned that delivering mental health services in a culture long dominated by magical thinking is not easy. Article discussed the problem of bringing the Eskimo into the care of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and contemporary society. (Editor/RK)

Evaluation of South Carolina's virtual transit enterprise

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-09-09

The evaluation presents an assessment of South Carolina's Virtual Transit Enterprise (VTE) project up to February 2005. The VTE is a shared technology solution to bring the state's public transit providers together to solve mutual problems. The corne...

Punishments and Prizes for Explaining Global Warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerville, R. C.

2006-12-01

Some few gifted scientists, the late Carl Sagan being an iconic example, are superbly skilled at communicating science clearly and compellingly to non-scientists. Most scientists, however, have serious shortcomings as communicators. The common failings include being verbose, addicted to jargon, caveat- obsessed and focused on details. In addition, it is far easier for a scientist to scoff at the scientific illiteracy of modern society than to work at understanding the viewpoints and concerns of journalists, policymakers and the public. Obstacles await even those scientists with the desire and the talent to communicate science well. Peer pressure and career disincentives can act as powerful deterrents, discouraging especially younger scientists from spending time on non-traditional activities. Scientists often lack mentors and role models to help them develop skills in science communication. Journalists also face real difficulties in getting science stories approved by editors and other gatekeepers. Climate change science brings its own problems in communication. The science itself is unusually wide- ranging and complex. The contentious policies and politics of dealing with global warming are difficult to disentangle from the science. Misinformation and disinformation about climate change are widespread. Intimidation and censorship of scientists by some employers is a serious problem. Polls show that global warming ranks low on the public's list of important issues. Despite all the obstacles, communicating climate change science well is critically important today. It is an art that can be learned and that brings its own rewards and satisfactions. Academic institutions and research funding agencies increasingly value outreach by scientists, and they provide resources to facilitate it. Society needs scientists who can clearly and authoritatively explain the science of global warming and its implications, while remaining objective and policy-neutral. This need will only increase in coming years as climate change makes the transition from a topic of limited public interest to one of great concern to all society.

A new approach to blind deconvolution of astronomical images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorontsov, S. V.; Jefferies, S. M.

2017-05-01

We readdress the strategy of finding approximate regularized solutions to the blind deconvolution problem, when both the object and the point-spread function (PSF) have finite support. Our approach consists in addressing fixed points of an iteration in which both the object x and the PSF y are approximated in an alternating manner, discarding the previous approximation for x when updating x (similarly for y), and considering the resultant fixed points as candidates for a sensible solution. Alternating approximations are performed by truncated iterative least-squares descents. The number of descents in the object- and in the PSF-space play a role of two regularization parameters. Selection of appropriate fixed points (which may not be unique) is performed by relaxing the regularization gradually, using the previous fixed point as an initial guess for finding the next one, which brings an approximation of better spatial resolution. We report the results of artificial experiments with noise-free data, targeted at examining the potential capability of the technique to deconvolve images of high complexity. We also show the results obtained with two sets of satellite images acquired using ground-based telescopes with and without adaptive optics compensation. The new approach brings much better results when compared with an alternating minimization technique based on positivity-constrained conjugate gradients, where the iterations stagnate when addressing data of high complexity. In the alternating-approximation step, we examine the performance of three different non-blind iterative deconvolution algorithms. The best results are provided by the non-negativity-constrained successive over-relaxation technique (+SOR) supplemented with an adaptive scheduling of the relaxation parameter. Results of comparable quality are obtained with steepest descents modified by imposing the non-negativity constraint, at the expense of higher numerical costs. The Richardson-Lucy (or expectation-maximization) algorithm fails to locate stable fixed points in our experiments, due apparently to inappropriate regularization properties.

Let the Games Begin: New Opportunities to Address Climate Change Communication, Education, and Decision Support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rooney-varga, J. N.; Sterman, J.; Jones, A.; Johnston, E.; Rath, K.; Nease, J.

2014-12-01

A rapid transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient society is not only possible, but could also bring many co-benefits for public health, economic wellbeing, social equity, and more. The science supporting an urgent need for such a transition has never been clearer. Yet, social science data are also clear: the public in the US (and many other similar developed economies) does not, on average, share this sense of urgency, nor have policymakers shown a willingness to put scientific evidence above the perceptions of their constituents. The gulf between scientific and public understanding of climate change has spurred research on climate change communication, learning, and decision-making, identifying barriers such as misconceptions and faulty mental models of the climate and energy systems; poor understanding of complex, dynamic systems generally; and affective and social barriers to learning and action. There is also a growing opportunity to address these barriers, through tools that rely on active learning, that are social, engaging (and even fun), and that are grounded in rigorous science. An increasing number of decision-support computer simulations are being developed, intended to make complex technical problems accessible to non-experts in an interactive format. At the same time, the use of scenario planning, role-playing games, and active learning approaches are gaining ground in policy and education spheres. Simulation-based role-playing games bring these approaches together and can provide powerful learning experiences: they offer the potential to compress time and reality; create experiences without requiring the 'real thing;' explore the consequences of our decisions that often unfold over decades; and open affective and social learning pathways. Here, we offer a perspective on the potential of these tools in climate change education, communication, and decision-support, and a brief demonstration of one tool we have developed, World Energy.

Customization of Curriculum Materials in Science: Motives, Challenges, and Opportunities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romine, William L.; Banerjee, Tanvi

2012-02-01

Exemplary science instructors use inquiry to tailor content to student's learning needs; traditional textbooks treat science as a set of facts and a rigid curriculum. Publishers now allow instructors to compile pieces of published and/or self-authored text to make custom textbooks. This brings numerous advantages, including the ability to produce smaller, cheaper text and added flexibility on the teaching models used. Moreover, the internet allows instructors to decentralize textbooks through easy access to educational objects such as audiovisual simulations, individual textbook chapters, and scholarly research articles. However, these new opportunities bring with them new problems. With educational materials easy to access, manipulate and duplicate, it is necessary to define intellectual property boundaries, and the need to secure documents against unlawful copying and use is paramount. Engineers are developing and enhancing information embedding technologies, including steganography, cryptography, watermarking, and fingerprinting, to label and protect intellectual property. While these are showing their utility in securing information, hackers continue to find loop holes in these protection schemes, forcing engineers to constantly assess the algorithms to make them as secure as possible. As newer technologies rise, people still question whether custom publishing is desirable. Many instructors see the process as complex, costly, and substandard in comparison to using traditional text. Publishing companies are working to improve attitudes through advertising. What lacks is peer reviewed evidence showing that custom publishing improves learning. Studies exploring the effect of custom course materials on student attitude and learning outcomes are a necessary next step.

Bringing politics and evidence together: policy entrepreneurship and the conception of the At Home/Chez Soi Housing First Initiative for addressing homelessness and mental illness in Canada.

PubMed

Macnaughton, Eric; Nelson, Geoffrey; Goering, Paula

2013-04-01

An interesting question concerns how large-scale (mental) health services policy initiatives come into being, and the role of evidence within the decision-making process behind their origins. This paper illustrates the process by which motivation to address homelessness, in the context of the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics, was leveraged into a pan-Canadian project including sites in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton, New Brunswick. The aim of the initiative was to implement and evaluate an intervention, Housing First, to provide housing and support to previously homeless people with mental illness. This qualitative case study was conducted between December 2009 and December 2010, employing grounded theory, and drawing on archival documents and interviews with 19 key informants involved in the conception of the project. Overall, the findings affirm that policy-making does not follow a rational, linear process of knowledge translation/exchange (KTE) and implementation, whereby evidence-based "products" are brought forward to address objectively determined needs and then "placed into decision-making events" (Lomas, 2007, p. 130). Instead, evidence-based policy making should be understood within the much more complex context of "policy entrepreneurship" (Kingdon, 2003; Mintrom & Norman, 2009) which entails taking advantage of windows of opportunity, and helping to bring together the "streams" of problems, politics, and policy ideas (Kingdon, 2003). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The clinical and cost-effectiveness of the BRinging Information and Guided Help Together (BRIGHT) intervention for the self-management support of people with stage 3 chronic kidney disease in primary care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Improving the quality of care for people with vascular disease is a key priority. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has recently been included as a target condition for general practices to add to registers of chronic conditions as part of the Quality and Outcome Framework. This paper outlines the implementation and evaluation of a self-management intervention involving an information guidebook, tailored access to local resources and telephone support for people with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Methods/Design The study involves a multi-site, longitudinal patient-level randomized controlled trial. The study will evaluate the clinical use and cost-effectiveness of a complex self-management intervention for people with stage 3 chronic kidney disease in terms of self-management capacity, health-related quality of life and blood pressure control compared to care as usual. We describe the methods of the patient-level randomized controlled trial. Discussion The management of chronic kidney disease is a developing area of research. The BRinging Information and Guided Help Together (BRIGHT) trial aims to provide evidence that a complementary package of support for people with vascular disease that targets both clinical and social need broadens the opportunities of self-management support by addressing problems related to social disadvantage. Trial registration Trial registration reference: ISRCTN45433299 PMID:23356861

Technology-design-manufacturing co-optimization for advanced mobile SoCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Da; Gan, Chock; Chidambaram, P. R.; Nallapadi, Giri; Zhu, John; Song, S. C.; Xu, Jeff; Yeap, Geoffrey

2014-03-01

How to maintain the Moore's Law scaling beyond the 193 immersion resolution limit is the key question semiconductor industry needs to answer in the near future. Process complexity will undoubtfully increase for 14nm node and beyond, which brings both challenges and opportunities for technology development. A vertically integrated design-technologymanufacturing co-optimization flow is desired to better address the complicated issues new process changes bring. In recent years smart mobile wireless devices have been the fastest growing consumer electronics market. Advanced mobile devices such as smartphones are complex systems with the overriding objective of providing the best userexperience value by harnessing all the technology innovations. Most critical system drivers are better system performance/power efficiency, cost effectiveness, and smaller form factors, which, in turns, drive the need of system design and solution with More-than-Moore innovations. Mobile system-on-chips (SoCs) has become the leading driver for semiconductor technology definition and manufacturing. Here we highlight how the co-optimization strategy influenced architecture, device/circuit, process technology and package, in the face of growing process cost/complexity and variability as well as design rule restrictions.

Benefits Estimation Model for Automated Vehicle Operations: Phase 2 Final Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

Automated vehicles have the potential to bring about transformative safety, mobility, energy, and environmental benefits to the surface transportation system. They are also being introduced into a complex transportation system, where second-order imp...

Design of extraction system in BRing at HIAF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruan, Shuang; Yang, Jiancheng; Zhang, Jinquan; Shen, Guodong; Ren, Hang; Liu, Jie; Shangguan, Jingbing; Zhang, Xiaoying; Zhang, Jingjing; Mao, Lijun; Sheng, Lina; Yin, Dayu; Wang, Geng; Wu, Bo; Yao, Liping; Tang, Meitang; Cai, Fucheng; Chen, Xiaoqiang

2018-06-01

The Booster Ring (BRing), which is the key part of HIAF (High Intensity heavy ion Accelerator Facility) complex at IMP (Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences), can provide uranium (A / q = 7) beam with a wide extraction energy range of 200-800 MeV/u. To fulfill a flexible beam extraction for multi-purpose experiments, both fast and slow extraction systems will be accommodated in the BRing. The fast extraction system is used for extracting short bunched beam horizontally in single-turn. The slow extraction system is used to provide quasi-continuous beam by the third order resonance and RF-knockout scheme. To achieve a compact structure, the two extraction systems are designed to share the same extraction channel. The general design of the fast and slow extraction systems and simulation results are discussed in this paper.

The Accounting Capstone Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elrod, Henry; Norris, J. T.

2012-01-01

Capstone courses in accounting programs bring students experiences integrating across the curriculum (University of Washington, 2005) and offer unique (Sanyal, 2003) and transformative experiences (Sill, Harward, & Cooper, 2009). Students take many accounting courses without preparing complete sets of financial statements. Accountants not only…

Helping Children Understand Divorce.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allers, Robert D.

1980-01-01

Children of divorced parents may bring many problems along when they come to school. Teachers can recognize these troubles and help children learn to handle them. They may be able to help children better understand their feelings about their parents' divorce. (CJ)

Computer Models Used to Support Cleanup Decision Making at Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Sites

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report is a product of the Interagency Environmental Pathway Modeling Workgroup. This report will help bring a uniform approach to solving environmental modeling problems common to site remediation and restoration efforts.

Environmental Characteristics of EPA, NRC, and DOE Sites Contaminated with Radioactive Substances

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report is one of several documents developed cooperatively by the Interagency Environmental Pathway Modeling Workgroup to help bring a uniform approach to solving environmental modeling problems common to site remediation and restoration efforts.

Enhancing Integrated Pest Management in GM Cotton Systems Using Host Plant Resistance

PubMed Central

Trapero, Carlos; Wilson, Iain W.; Stiller, Warwick N.; Wilson, Lewis J.

2016-01-01

Cotton has lost many ancestral defensive traits against key invertebrate pests. This is suggested by the levels of resistance to some pests found in wild cotton genotypes as well as in cultivated landraces and is a result of domestication and a long history of targeted breeding for yield and fiber quality, along with the capacity to control pests with pesticides. Genetic modification (GM) allowed integration of toxins from a bacteria into cotton to control key Lepidopteran pests. Since the mid-1990s, use of GM cotton cultivars has greatly reduced the amount of pesticides used in many cotton systems. However, pests not controlled by the GM traits have usually emerged as problems, especially the sucking bug complex. Control of this complex with pesticides often causes a reduction in beneficial invertebrate populations, allowing other secondary pests to increase rapidly and require control. Control of both sucking bug complex and secondary pests is problematic due to the cost of pesticides and/or high risk of selecting for pesticide resistance. Deployment of host plant resistance (HPR) provides an opportunity to manage these issues in GM cotton systems. Cotton cultivars resistant to the sucking bug complex and/or secondary pests would require fewer pesticide applications, reducing costs and risks to beneficial invertebrate populations and pesticide resistance. Incorporation of HPR traits into elite cotton cultivars with high yield and fiber quality offers the potential to further reduce pesticide use and increase the durability of pest management in GM cotton systems. We review the challenges that the identification and use of HPR against invertebrate pests brings to cotton breeding. We explore sources of resistance to the sucking bug complex and secondary pests, the mechanisms that control them and the approaches to incorporate these defense traits to commercial cultivars. PMID:27148323

Acute Complex Care Model: An organizational approach for the medical care of hospitalized acute complex patients.

PubMed

Pietrantonio, Filomena; Orlandini, Francesco; Moriconi, Luca; La Regina, Micaela

2015-12-01

Chronic diseases are the major cause of death (59%) and disability worldwide, representing 46% of global disease burden. According to the Future Hospital Commission of the Royal College of Physicians, Medical Division (MD) will be responsible for all hospital medical services, from emergency to specialist wards. The Hospital Acute Care Hub will bring together the clinical areas of the MD that focus on the management of acute medical patients. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) places the patient at the center of the care system enhancing the community's social and health support, pathways and structures to keep chronic, frail, poly-pathological people at home or out of the hospital. The management of such patients in the hospital still needs to be solved. Hereby, we propose an innovative model for the management of the hospital's acute complex patients, which is the hospital counterpart of the CCM. The target population are acutely ill complex and poly-pathological patients (AICPPs), admitted to hospital and requiring high technology resources. The mission is to improve the management of medical admissions through pre-defined intra-hospital tracks and a global, multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. The ACCM leader is an internal medicine specialist (IMS) who summarizes health problems, establishes priorities, and restores health balance in AICPPs. The epidemiological transition leading to a progressive increase in "chronically unstable" and complex patients needing frequent hospital treatment, inevitably enhances the role of hospital IMS in the coordination and delivery of care. ACCM represents a practical response to this epochal change of roles. Copyright © 2015 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioethics and the rituals of media.

PubMed

Simonson, Peter

2002-01-01

Popular media may make short shrift of complex ideas and moral deliberations, but it can also serve bioethics well. Bioethics should embrace the ritual function of the media in bringing issues to public attention and in reinforcing bioethics as a field.

COGNITIVE ECONOMICS

PubMed Central

KIMBALL, MILES

2017-01-01

Cognitive economics is the economics of what is in people’s minds. It is a vibrant area of research (much of it within behavioural economics, labour economics and the economics of education) that brings into play novel types of data, especially novel types of survey data. Such data highlight the importance of heterogeneity across individuals and highlight thorny issues for welfare economics. A key theme of cognitive economics is finite cognition (often misleadingly called “bounded rationality”), which poses theoretical challenges that call for versatile approaches. Cognitive economics brings a rich toolbox to the task of understanding a complex world. PMID:28149186

Viewing the Roots of Polynomial Functions in Complex Variable: The Use of Geogebra and the CAS Maple

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alves, Francisco Regis Vieira

2013-01-01

Admittedly, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus-TFA holds an important role in the Complex Analysis-CA, as well as in other mathematical branches. In this article, we bring a discussion about the TFA, the Rouché's theorem and the winding number with the intention to analyze the roots of a polynomial equation. We propose also a description for a…

Sonic limitations and startup problems of heat pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deverall, J. E.; Kemme, J. E.; Florschuetz, L. W.

1972-01-01

Introduction of small amounts of inert, noncombustible gas aids startup in certain types of heat pipes. When the heat pipe is closely coupled to the heat sink, the startup system must be designed to bring the heat sink on-line slowly.

Coping with Common Period Problems (For Teens)

MedlinePlus

... menstruating for her body to develop a regular cycle. Even then, what's regular varies — girls' cycles can range from 21 to 45 days. Changing ... TROH-pin) , which controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle, frequently bring on amenorrhea. Stress, anorexia, weight loss ...

Solving nuts-and-bolts nuclear problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olmstead, A.; Schoen, J.

1979-05-01

The Operations and Maintenance Information Service (MIS), created and operated by NUS Corp., was designed to improve plant availability through the exchange of practical information between nuclear plants and a return to an emphasis on the problem-solving process. MIS meetings cover a range of plant problems and have been unique in bringing the rapid feedback of information pertinent to the day-to-day working operation of a total plant. Much of the response is by telephone contact, although the monthly newsletter, semi-annual meetings, and scheduled plant visits are also helpful.

Brief Strategic Family Therapy: Engaging Drug Using/Problem Behavior Adolescents and their Families into Treatment

PubMed Central

Szapocznik, José; Zarate, Monica; Duff, Johnathan; Muir, Joan

2013-01-01

Despite the efficacy of family-based interventions for improving outcomes for adolescent behavior problems such as substance use, engaging and retaining whole families in treatment is one of the greatest challenges therapists confront. This article illustrates how the Brief Strategic Family Therapy® (BSFT®) model, a family-based, empirically validated intervention designed to treat children and adolescents’ problem behaviors, can be used to increase engagement, improve retention, and bring about positive outcomes for families. Research evidence for efficacy and effectiveness is also presented. PMID:23731415

Potential benefits and hazards of increased reliance on cockpit automation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiener, Earl L.

1990-01-01

A review is presented of the introduction of advanced technology into the modern aircraft cockpit, bringing a new era of cockpit automation, and the opportunity for safe, fuel-efficient, computer-directed flight. It is shown that this advanced technology has also brought a number of problems, not due to equipment failure, but due to problems at the human-automation interface. Consideration is given to the interface, the ATC system, and to company, regulatory, and economic environments, as well as to how they contribute to these new problems.

Can fuzzy logic bring complex problems into focus? Modeling imprecise factors in environmental policy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McKone, Thomas E.; Deshpande, Ashok W.

2004-06-14

In modeling complex environmental problems, we often fail to make precise statements about inputs and outcome. In this case the fuzzy logic method native to the human mind provides a useful way to get at these problems. Fuzzy logic represents a significant change in both the approach to and outcome of environmental evaluations. Risk assessment is currently based on the implicit premise that probability theory provides the necessary and sufficient tools for dealing with uncertainty and variability. The key advantage of fuzzy methods is the way they reflect the human mind in its remarkable ability to store and process informationmore » which is consistently imprecise, uncertain, and resistant to classification. Our case study illustrates the ability of fuzzy logic to integrate statistical measurements with imprecise health goals. But we submit that fuzzy logic and probability theory are complementary and not competitive. In the world of soft computing, fuzzy logic has been widely used and has often been the ''smart'' behind smart machines. But it will require more effort and case studies to establish its niche in risk assessment or other types of impact assessment. Although we often hear complaints about ''bright lines,'' could we adapt to a system that relaxes these lines to fuzzy gradations? Would decision makers and the public accept expressions of water or air quality goals in linguistic terms with computed degrees of certainty? Resistance is likely. In many regions, such as the US and European Union, it is likely that both decision makers and members of the public are more comfortable with our current system in which government agencies avoid confronting uncertainties by setting guidelines that are crisp and often fail to communicate uncertainty. But some day perhaps a more comprehensive approach that includes exposure surveys, toxicological data, epidemiological studies coupled with fuzzy modeling will go a long way in resolving some of the conflict, divisiveness, and controversy in the current regulatory paradigm.« less

Salvus: A flexible open-source package for waveform modelling and inversion from laboratory to global scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasiev, M.; Boehm, C.; van Driel, M.; Krischer, L.; May, D.; Rietmann, M.; Fichtner, A.

2016-12-01

Recent years have been witness to the application of waveform inversion to new and exciting domains, ranging from non-destructive testing to global seismology. Often, each new application brings with it novel wave propagation physics, spatial and temporal discretizations, and models of variable complexity. Adapting existing software to these novel applications often requires a significant investment of time, and acts as a barrier to progress. To combat these problems we introduce Salvus, a software package designed to solve large-scale full-waveform inverse problems, with a focus on both flexibility and performance. Based on a high order finite (spectral) element discretization, we have built Salvus to work on unstructured quad/hex meshes in both 2 or 3 dimensions, with support for P1-P3 bases on triangles and tetrahedra. A diverse (and expanding) collection of wave propagation physics are supported (i.e. coupled solid-fluid). With a focus on the inverse problem, functionality is provided to ease integration with internal and external optimization libraries. Additionally, a python-based meshing package is included to simplify the generation and manipulation of regional to global scale Earth models (quad/hex), with interfaces available to external mesh generators for complex engineering-scale applications (quad/hex/tri/tet). Finally, to ensure that the code remains accurate and maintainable, we build upon software libraries such as PETSc and Eigen, and follow modern software design and testing protocols. Salvus bridges the gap between research and production codes with a design based on C++ mixins and Python wrappers that separates the physical equations from the numerical core. This allows domain scientists to add new equations using a high-level interface, without having to worry about optimized implementation details. Our goal in this presentation is to introduce the code, show several examples across the scales, and discuss some of the extensible design points.

Salvus: A flexible high-performance and open-source package for waveform modelling and inversion from laboratory to global scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasiev, Michael; Boehm, Christian; van Driel, Martin; Krischer, Lion; May, Dave; Rietmann, Max; Fichtner, Andreas

2017-04-01

Recent years have been witness to the application of waveform inversion to new and exciting domains, ranging from non-destructive testing to global seismology. Often, each new application brings with it novel wave propagation physics, spatial and temporal discretizations, and models of variable complexity. Adapting existing software to these novel applications often requires a significant investment of time, and acts as a barrier to progress. To combat these problems we introduce Salvus, a software package designed to solve large-scale full-waveform inverse problems, with a focus on both flexibility and performance. Currently based on an abstract implementation of high order finite (spectral) elements, we have built Salvus to work on unstructured quad/hex meshes in both 2 or 3 dimensions, with support for P1-P3 bases on triangles and tetrahedra. A diverse (and expanding) collection of wave propagation physics are supported (i.e. viscoelastic, coupled solid-fluid). With a focus on the inverse problem, functionality is provided to ease integration with internal and external optimization libraries. Additionally, a python-based meshing package is included to simplify the generation and manipulation of regional to global scale Earth models (quad/hex), with interfaces available to external mesh generators for complex engineering-scale applications (quad/hex/tri/tet). Finally, to ensure that the code remains accurate and maintainable, we build upon software libraries such as PETSc and Eigen, and follow modern software design and testing protocols. Salvus bridges the gap between research and production codes with a design based on C++ template mixins and Python wrappers that separates the physical equations from the numerical core. This allows domain scientists to add new equations using a high-level interface, without having to worry about optimized implementation details. Our goal in this presentation is to introduce the code, show several examples across the scales, and discuss some of the extensible design points.

Aircraft Segmentation in SAR Images Based on Improved Active Shape Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Xiong, B.; Kuang, G.

2018-04-01

In SAR image interpretation, aircrafts are the important targets arousing much attention. However, it is far from easy to segment an aircraft from the background completely and precisely in SAR images. Because of the complex structure, different kinds of electromagnetic scattering take place on the aircraft surfaces. As a result, aircraft targets usually appear to be inhomogeneous and disconnected. It is a good idea to extract an aircraft target by the active shape model (ASM), since combination of the geometric information controls variations of the shape during the contour evolution. However, linear dimensionality reduction, used in classic ACM, makes the model rigid. It brings much trouble to segment different types of aircrafts. Aiming at this problem, an improved ACM based on ISOMAP is proposed in this paper. ISOMAP algorithm is used to extract the shape information of the training set and make the model flexible enough to deal with different aircrafts. The experiments based on real SAR data shows that the proposed method achieves obvious improvement in accuracy.

Partially solidified systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The evolution of magmas is a topic of considerable importance in geology and geophysics because it affects volcanology, igneous petrology, geothermal energy sources, mantle convection, and the thermaland chemical evolution of the earth. The dynamics and evolution of magmas are strongly affected by the presence of solid crystals that occur either in suspension in liquid or as a rigid porous matrix through which liquid magma can percolate. Such systems are physically complex and difficult to model mathematically. Similar physical situations are encountered by metallurgists who study the solidification of molten alloys, and applied mathematicians have long been interested in such moving boundary problems. Clearly, it would be of mutual benefit to bring together scientists, engineers, and mathematicians with a common interest in such systems. Such a meeting is being organized as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Advanced Research Workshop on the Structure and Dynamics of Partially Solidified Systems, to be held at Stanford University's Fallen Leaf Lodge at Tahoe, Calif., May 12-16, 1986 The invited speakers and their topics are

Implementing Health in All Policies – Time and Ideas Matter Too!

PubMed Central

Clavier, Carole

2016-01-01

Carey and Friel suggest that we turn to knowledge developed in the field of public administration, especially new public governance, to better understand the process of implementing health in all policies (HiAP). In this commentary, I claim that theories from the policy studies bring a broader view of the policy process, complementary to that of new public governance. Drawing on the policy studies, I argue that time and ideas matter to HiAP implementation, alongside with interests and institutions. Implementing HiAP is a complex process considering that it requires the involvement and coordination of several policy sectors, each with their own interests, institutions and ideas about the policy. Understanding who are the actors involved from the various policy sectors concerned, what context they evolve in, but also how they own and frame the policy problem (ideas), and how this has changed over time, is crucial for those involved in HiAP implementation so that they can relate to and work together with actors from other policy sectors. PMID:27694654

A Cool Sport Full of Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haché, Alain

2008-10-01

Of all sports, ice hockey is possibly the one with the widest array of physics elements in it. The game provides many examples that can bring physics to life in the classroom. Ice hockey (or just "hockey" as many Canadians would say) sees athletes sliding on ice at high speeds and in various ways, shooting and slapping pucks, and colliding against each other. The interaction between the skate blade and the ice is a problem of great physical complexity. The question "Why is ice so slippery?" has puzzled generations of scientists and, surprisingly, clear answers have come relatively recently. There is even some optics involved in hockey: how many sports are watched behind tempered glass (or Plexiglas) windows? The optical and mechanical properties of these materials are worth a physics classroom discussion. In this paper, I will review a few topics discussed at length in my book The Physics of Hockey.1,2 Interested readers may also find additional articles on our website.3

Nitrogen comes down to earth: report from the 5th European Nitrogen Fixation Conference.

PubMed

De Hoff, Peter; Hirsch, Ann M

2003-05-01

For four days and four nights, with almost 50 presentations and more than 175 posters, the 5th European Nitrogen Fixation Conference continued a tradition of excellence, bringing scientists from diverse fields such as microbiology, biochemistry, computational genomics, and plant physiology together to address the complex problems associated with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). The conference was hosted by the John Innes Center and the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England and took place from September 6 through 10, 2002. A diverse range of topics was presented, from the evolution of rhizobial genomes to the plant genes involved in bacterial and fungal symbiosis, to the structure of nitrogenase, and to the means by which nitrogen is shuttled between the symbiotic bacteria and the plant. Additionally, sessions involving broader issues, such as nitrogen fertilizer use and work being done in developing countries, brought home the importance of the research being carried out in BNF around the world.

Computational Tools for the Identification and Interpretation of Sequence Motifs in Immunopeptidomes.

PubMed

Alvarez, Bruno; Barra, Carolina; Nielsen, Morten; Andreatta, Massimo

2018-01-12

Recent advances in proteomics and mass-spectrometry have widely expanded the detectable peptide repertoire presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the cell surface, collectively known as the immunopeptidome. Finely characterizing the immunopeptidome brings about important basic insights into the mechanisms of antigen presentation, but can also reveal promising targets for vaccine development and cancer immunotherapy. This report describes a number of practical and efficient approaches to analyze immunopeptidomics data, discussing the identification of meaningful sequence motifs in various scenarios and considering current limitations. Guidelines are provided for the filtering of false hits and contaminants, and to address the problem of motif deconvolution in cell lines expressing multiple MHC alleles, both for the MHC class I and class II systems. Finally, it is demonstrated how machine learning can be readily employed by non-expert users to generate accurate prediction models directly from mass-spectrometry eluted ligand data sets. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

GNSS-based multi-sensor system for structural monitoring applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogusz, Janusz; Figurski, Mariusz; Nykiel, Grzegorz; Szolucha, Marcin; Wrona, Maciej

2012-03-01

In 2007 the Centre of Applied Geomatics of the Military University of Technology started measurements aimed at the monitoring of the dynamic state of the engineering structures using GNSS. The complexity of the problem forced us to apply an integrated system architecture. This concept is based on simultaneous measuring some selected elements of the structure using various types of sensors. Measurement information from numerous instruments is numerically integrated for determining the investigated parameter, e.g., the displacement vector. The CAG team performed the tests using such a system on the two permanent 500-meters long bridges, the temporary bridge crossing for military purposes and the 300-meters high chimney of the CHP station. The information about displacement vector together with the characteristic frequencies of the structure were determined using different techniques for increasing of its reliability. This paper presents the results of such tests, gives description of the integrated system designed in the CAG and brings forward with the plans for the future.

Work with Us | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Work With Us Work with Us Think big. Think broadly. Think boldly. Bring NREL your biggest energy , and government could work together on the most complex and important global energy challenges of our

Suffering and prejudice: paths taken by obese nutritionists seeking weight loss.

PubMed

de Araújo, Kênya Lima; Pena, Paulo Gilvane Lopes; de Freitas, Maria do Carmo Soares

2015-09-01

Obesity is a problem of public health, seen as a "moral panic," which disables the obese person from social acceptance. For obese nutritionists the paradox between the premises of their jobs and their state of morbidity makes the debate complex by the conflict with the professional identity. This study sought to bring to discussion the meanings of health care adopted by obese nutritionists in Salvador and to understand their experiences with their obesity in everyday life. The study was based on a qualitative approach, through semi-structured interviews with eight narratives on being an obese nutritionist, analysed under hermeneutics basis. The research revealed that being obese generates a stigma which is worse to the nutritionist, now seen simultaneously as unable to care for oneself and on being obese. Some of the stories of suffering seen on job routine are: strangeness of the body, social exclusion, strategies for defence on the relation professional-patient, desperate rely on miraculous diet plans which are far away from the scientific discourse, and the obese body seen as imprisonment. It is concluded that institutions of public health must have knowledge of this problem and must establish strategies to the condition of obese nutritionists, considering that this contradiction may happen on different occupations.

Synthesis of science and art: creating a new domestic world of sensual products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorpe, Chris; Friend, Clifford M.

1996-04-01

The creation of intelligent objects with sensual capabilities and caring personalities; objects which will share our domestic environments and our public spaces, is a vision at once both unnerving and inviting. As research into smart materials, intelligent material systems and the whole spectrum of related areas such as biomimetics, nano-technology and neural systems converge, we are now in a situation where in ten years intelligent objects could realize this lucid projection. The problem comes when we begin to look at the implications of such future object-environments. Our eagerness to solve the complex technical problems associated with the processing and manufacture of smart materials must be placed in the broader context of human considerations. If we are to realize their potential, and optimize the benefits which smart materials and intelligent material systems could bring to our quality of life, we must develop a new approach that is both technologically advanced and sympathetic towards human needs. An approach that is a synthesis of the objective reality sought through science and the irrational, emotional subjectivity embraced in the arts. This paper looks at the design of intelligent objects for the home, examining the role of design, the product interface and the relationship between objects and ourselves within the home environment.

[TEEN MOTHER AND NEWBORN NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN A GROUP OF TEENAGERS OF THE CITY OF MEDELLIN].

PubMed

Restrepo-Mesa, Sandra Lucia; Zapata López, Natalia; Parra Sosa, Beatriz Elena; Escudero Vásquez, Luz Estela; Betancur Arrovaye, Laura

2015-09-01

in developing countries, including Colombia, teen pregnancy is a public health problem. It brings social, health and nutritional consequences for the mother/son binomial. to assess demographic, socioeconomic, food security, health and nutritional status characteristics in a group of pregnant teenagers and their newborns. a cross sectional analytical study was performed in 294 pregnant teenagers in their third trimester of pregnancy enrolled in the prenatal care programs of the public network of hospitals in Medellin-Colombia between 2011 and 2012. Association between the mother's body mass index, iron nutritional status and newborn's weight at birth using explicative variables was assessed. monthly incomes under a minimum salary were associated with low mother's weight and newborns small for gestational age. Low gestational weight was higher in pregnant women under 15 years of age and with a gynecological age under five years. The prevalence of anemia was low in the first trimester and increased at the end of pregnancy; 5.6% had adequate iron reserves. Low weight at birth was associated with infections and mother's low weight in the third trimester of pregnancy. teenage pregnancy is a complex problem associated with negative effects in the nutritional, health and social status of the girl and their newborn. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Chandra mission scheduling on-orbit experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bucher, Sabina; Williams, Brent; Pendexter, Misty; Balke, David

2008-07-01

Scheduling observatory time to maximize both day-to-day science target integration time and the lifetime of the observatory is a formidable challenge. Furthermore, it is not a static problem. Of course, every schedule brings a new set of observations, but the boundaries of the problem change as well. As spacecraft ages, its capabilities may degrade. As in-flight experience grows, capabilities may expand. As observing programs are completed, the needs and expectations of the science community may evolve. Changes such as these impact the rules by which a mission scheduled. In eight years on orbit, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Mission Planning process has adapted to meet the challenge of maximizing day-to-day and mission lifetime science return, despite a consistently evolving set of scheduling constraints. The success of the planning team has been achieved, not through the use of complex algorithms and optimization routines, but through processes and home grown tools that help individuals make smart short term and long term Mission Planning decisions. This paper walks through the processes and tools used to plan and produce mission schedules for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Nominal planning and scheduling, target of opportunity response, and recovery from on-board autonomous safing actions are all addressed. Evolution of tools and processes, best practices, and lessons learned are highlighted along the way.

Participatory Systems Modeling to Explore Sustainable ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Decision makers often need assistance in understanding dynamic interactions and linkages among economic, environmental and social systems in coastal watersheds. They also need scientific input to better evaluate potential costs and benefits of alternative policy interventions. The US EPA is applying sustainability science to address these needs. Triple Value (3V) Scoping and Modeling projects bring a systems approach to understand complex environmental problems, incorporate local knowledge, and allow decision-makers to explore policy scenarios. This leads to better understanding of feedbacks and outcomes to both human and environmental systems. The Suffolk County, NY (eastern Long Island) 3V Case uses SES interconnections to explore possible policy options and scenarios for intervention to mitigate the effects of excess nitrogen (N) loading to ground, surface, and estuarine waters. Many of the environmental impacts of N pollution negatively affect social and economic well-being and productivity. Key are loss of enjoyment and recreational use of local beach environments and loss of income and revenues from tourism and local fisheries. Stakeholders generated this Problem Statement: Suffolk County is experiencing widespread degradation to groundwater and the coastal marine environment caused by excess nitrogen. How can local stakeholders and decision makers in Suffolk County arrest and reverse this degradation, restore conditions to support a healthy thriving ecos

Converging on the function of intrinsically disordered nucleoporins in the nuclear pore complex.

PubMed

Peleg, Orit; Lim, Roderick Y H

2010-07-01

Several biological mechanisms involve proteins or proteinaceous components that are intrinsically disordered. A case in point pertains to the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which regulates molecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. NPC functionality is dependent on unfolded domains rich in Phe-Gly (FG) repeats (i.e., FG-domains) that collectively act to promote or hinder cargo translocation. To a large extent, our understanding of FG-domain behavior is limited to in vitro investigations given the difficulty to resolve them directly in the NPC. Nevertheless, recent findings indicate a collective convergence towards rationalizing FG-domain function. This review aims to glean further insight into this fascinating problem by taking an objective look at the boundary conditions and contextual details underpinning FG-domain behavior in the NPC. Here, we treat the FG-domains as being commensurate with polymeric chains to address ambiguities such as for instance, how FG-domains tethered to the central channel of the NPC would behave differently as compared with their free-floating counterparts in solution. By bringing such fundamental questions to the fore, this review seeks to illuminate the importance of how such parameters can hold influence over the structure-function relation of intrinsically disordered proteins in the NPC and beyond.

Intraterrestrial life in igneous ocean crust: advances, technologies, and the future (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, K. J.; Wheat, C. G.

2010-12-01

The “next frontier” of scientific investigation in the deep sub-seafloor microbial biosphere lies in a realm that has been a completely unexplored until just the past decade: the igneous oceanic crust. Problems that have hampered exploration of the “hard rock” marine deep biosphere have revolved around sample access (hard rock drilling is technologically complex), contamination (a major hurdle), momentum (why take on this challenge when the relatively “easier” marine muds also have been a frontier) and suspicion that microbes in more readily accessed using (simpler) non-drilling technologies - like vents - are truly are endemic of subsurface clades/activities. Since the late 1990’s, however, technologies and resultant studies on microbes in the igneous ocean crust deep biosphere have risen sharply, and offer a new and distinct view on this biome. Moreover, microbiologists are now taking leading roles in technological developments that are critically required to address this biosphere - interfacing and collaborating closely with engineers, genomic biologists, geologists, seismologists, and geochemists to accomplish logistically complex and long-term studies that bring observatory research to this deep realm. The future of this field for the least decade is rich - opportunities abound for microbiologists to play new roles in how we study microbiology in the deep subsurface in an oceanographic and Earth system science perspective.

OPC and PSM design using inverse lithography: a nonlinear optimization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poonawala, Amyn; Milanfar, Peyman

2006-03-01

We propose a novel method for the fast synthesis of low complexity model-based optical proximity correction (OPC) and phase shift masks (PSM) to improve the resolution and pattern fidelity of optical microlithography. We use the pixel-based mask representation, a continuous function formulation, and gradient based iterative optimization techniques to solve the above inverse problem. The continuous function formulation allows analytic calculation of the gradient. Pixel-based parametrization provides tremendous liberty in terms of the features possible in the synthesized masks, but also suffers the inherent disadvantage that the masks are very complex and difficult to manufacture. We therefore introduce the regularization framework; a useful tool which provides the flexibility to promote certain desirable properties in the solution. We employ the above framework to ensure that the estimated masks have only two or three (allowable) transmission values and are also comparatively simple and easy to manufacture. The results demonstrate that we are able to bring the CD on target using OPC masks. Furthermore, we were also able to boost the contrast of the aerial image using attenuated, strong, and 100% transmission phase shift masks. Our algorithm automatically (and optimally) adds assist-bars, dog-ears, serifs, anti-serifs, and other custom structures best suited for printing the desired pattern.

Analysis of cost regression and post-accident absence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojciech, Drozd

2017-07-01

The article presents issues related with costs of work safety. It proves the thesis that economic aspects cannot be overlooked in effective management of occupational health and safety and that adequate expenditures on safety can bring tangible benefits to the company. Reliable analysis of this problem is essential for the description the problem of safety the work. In the article attempts to carry it out using the procedures of mathematical statistics [1, 2, 3].

Entrepreneurial proliferation: Russia`s nuclear industry suits the buyers market. Master`s thesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whalen, T.D.; Williams, A.R.

1995-06-01

The Soviet Union collapsed in December 1991, bringing an end to four decades of the Cold War. A system of tight centralized controls has given way to chaotic freedom and un-managed, entrepreneurial capitalism. Of immediate concern to most world leaders has been the control and safety of over 30,000 Soviet nuclear weapons. After 1991, the Soviet, centralized system of management lost one key structural element: a reliable `human factor` for nuclear material control. The Soviet systems for physical security and material control are still in place in the nuclear inheritor states - Russia, Ukraine, Khazakhnstan, and Belarus - but theymore » do not restrain or regulate their nuclear industry. In the chaos created by the Soviet collapse, the nonproliferation regime may not adequately temper the supply of the nuclear materials of the new inheritor states. This could permit organizations or states seeking nuclear weapons easier access to fissile materials. New initiatives such as the United States Cooperative Threat Reduction program, which draws upon U.S. technology and expertise to help the NIS solve these complex problems, are short-tern tactics. At present there are no strategies which address the long-tern root problems caused by the Soviet collapse.This thesis demonstrates the extent of the nuclear control problems in Russia. Specifically, we examine physical security, material control and accounting regulation and enforcement, and criminal actions. It reveals that the current lack of internal controls make access to nuclear materials easier for aspiring nuclear weapons States.« less

The role of under-determined approximations in engineering and science application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, William C.

1992-01-01

There is currently a great deal of interest in using response surfaces in the optimization of aircraft performance. The objective function and/or constraint equations involved in these optimization problems may come from numerous disciplines such as structures, aerodynamics, environmental engineering, etc. In each of these disciplines, the mathematical complexity of the governing equations usually dictates that numerical results be obtained from large computer programs such as a finite element method program. Thus, when performing optimization studies, response surfaces are a convenient way of transferring information from the various disciplines to the optimization algorithm as opposed to bringing all the sundry computer programs together in a massive computer code. Response surfaces offer another advantage in the optimization of aircraft structures. A characteristic of these types of optimization problems is that evaluation of the objective function and response equations (referred to as a functional evaluation) can be very expensive in a computational sense. Because of the computational expense in obtaining functional evaluations, the present study was undertaken to investigate under-determinined approximations. An under-determined approximation is one in which there are fewer training pairs (pieces of information about a function) than there are undetermined parameters (coefficients or weights) associated with the approximation. Both polynomial approximations and neural net approximations were examined. Three main example problems were investigated: (1) a function of one design variable was considered; (2) a function of two design variables was considered; and (3) a 35 bar truss with 4 design variables was considered.

Bringing air pollution into the climate change equation.

PubMed

Pettersen, Marit Viktoria; Fleck, Fiona

2014-08-01

As countries gear up for a major round of international climate talks next year in Paris, the growing problem of air pollution is fast becoming a vital part of the climate change and health debate. Fiona Fleck talks to Marit Viktoria Pettersen.

TREATMENT TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING TRIHALOMETHANES IN DRINKING WATER

EPA Science Inventory

In this volume, the authors attempt to bring together information developed over the past 6 years, on all aspects of trihalomethanes as they relate to drinking water. Section I summarizes with references to the primary literature the discovery of the trihalomethane problem, healt...

Breach of Faith: The Abuse of Confidentiality in Faculty Rooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopiparo, Jerry

1977-01-01

Problems can arise from comments made in faculty rooms about students and their families. The author recommends bringing the issue of gossip into the open in each school district in order for individual teachers to realize its ramifications and destructiveness. (GC)

Pakistan’s Capital Crisis: Implications for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-21

Shaukat Tarin. On September 19, 2008, acting finance minister Naveed Qamar released new economic policies designed to bring about macroeconomic...Pakistan’s political problems. When he announced the previously mentioned economic policies in September 2008, Finance Minister Qamar said that the

Modern Segregation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rothstein, Richard

2014-01-01

School reform alone cannot substantially improve the performance of the poorest African American students. This performance problem must be addressed primarily by improving the social and economic conditions that bring too many children to school unprepared to take advantage of what schools have to offer. Integrating disadvantaged black students…

Bringing SARA to School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gavin, Thomas A.

2000-01-01

Well-designed problem-solving plans have something metal detectors and security cameras lack: proof of success. SARA, an acronym for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment, was shown to increase school safety in districts in Charlotte, North Carolina, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Program workings are explained. (MLH)

Getting into the Education Business.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gayton, Carver C.

1997-01-01

The Boeing Company chairman indicates that there is no quick fix for schools and no one sector of society can solve the problems connected with them. Partnerships among schools, businesses, parents, students, and governments are needed to bring everyone together toward the same goal. (JOW)

Conducting Mathematical Research with Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Gareth E.

2013-01-01

The notion that undergraduates are capable of making profound and original contributions to mathematical research is rapidly gaining acceptance. Undergraduates bring their enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and perseverance to bona fide research problems. This article discusses some of the key issues concerning undergraduate mathematical research:…

14 CFR § 1203.202 - Responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... permitted by law, suspension without pay and removal. (b) All NASA employees are responsible for bringing to the attention of the Chairperson of the NISPC any information security problems in need of resolution... the attention of the Chairperson, NISPC, for resolution, any disagreement with classification...

Sub-Saharan Africa Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-07

public sector ba- lance of payments position deteriora- ted . X -RAY - What can you attribute the cur- rent liquidity problem to? How can this...further studied when the LPRC operation is being audi- ted . X -RAY - What role has curruption played in bringing about the current economic

Applying Ethnography in Educational Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schensul, Jean J.

1985-01-01

Explores reasons that anthropology has been applied only infrequently to the solution of education-related problems. Presents three case examples in which ethnographic research in the Hispanic community of Hartford, Connecticut, has been utilized to bring about changes in education-related services to Hispanics. (Author/GC)

Bringing values back into evidence-based nursing: the role of patients in resisting empiricism.

PubMed

Porter, Sam; O'Halloran, Peter; Morrow, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

We examine problems resulting from the narrow empirical focus associated with evidence-based nursing, including the deleterious influence of vested interests, disattention to patients' experiences, underestimation of the importance of social processes, lack of an individualized research perspective, marginalization of other forms of knowledge, and the undermining of patients' autonomy. Addressing each problem in turn, we argue that inclusion of patients at all stages of evidence-based practice can counter or ameliorate these problems. While we concede that patient involvement is not a complete solution to the problem of empiricism, it is the most effective means available to defend nursing values.

The "Martes complex"-- an opportunity to bring together marten, fisher, sable, wolverine, and tayra biologists

Treesearch

Gilbert Proulx; Keith B. Aubry

2014-01-01

Recent phylogenetic studies have shown that the genus Martes is polyphyletic with respect to the Fisher (Pekania pennanti), which is more closely related to the Wolverine (Gulo gulo) and Tayra (Eira barbara) than it is to the martens. We refer to the 11 species in the genera Martes, Pekania, Gulo, and Eira as the “Martes Complex”. Because the species comprising the...

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON ENVIRONMENTAL RISK REDUCTION IN MONCURE

EPA Science Inventory

Despite rigorous efforts to understand and resolve environmental justice (EJ) issues, the complexity of the issues associated with many of these EJ communities continues to bring challenges to community residents and environmental researchers. Moncure, NC, located in northern Cha...

Application of Core Theory to the Airline Industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raghavan, Sunder

2003-01-01

Competition in the airline industry has been fierce since the industry was deregulated in 1978. The proponents of deregulation believed that more competition would improve efficiency and reduce prices and bring overall benefits to the consumer. In this paper, a case is made based on core theory that under certain demand and cost conditions more competition can actually lead to harmful consequences for industries like the airline industry or cause an empty core problem. Practices like monopolies, cartels, price discrimination, which is considered inefficient allocation of resources in many other industries, can actually be beneficial in the case of the airline industry in bringing about an efficient equilibrium.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez-Ruiz, R.; Nagy, A.; Romera, E.

A two-parameter family of complexity measures C-tilde{sup ({alpha},{beta})} based on the Renyi entropies is introduced and characterized by a detailed study of its mathematical properties. This family is the generalization of a continuous version of the Lopez-Ruiz-Mancini-Calbet complexity, which is recovered for {alpha}=1 and {beta}=2. These complexity measures are obtained by multiplying two quantities bringing global information on the probability distribution defining the system. When one of the parameters, {alpha} or {beta}, goes to infinity, one of the global factors becomes a local factor. For this special case, the complexity is calculated on different quantum systems: H-atom, harmonic oscillator, andmore » square well.« less

First Progress Report--Victorian Country Education Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Victoria Education Dept. (Australia).

The Victorian Country Education Project (CEP), a pilot project searching for new ways of bringing beneficial educational experiences to disadvantaged rural areas, successfully achieved its aims of establishing community-based programs involving varied groups and people in developing solutions to local educational problems. A central Planning…

Talking with Your Healthcare Provider | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

MedlinePlus

... Provider Will Want to Know About Your Pain History When did your pain start? What brings on ... your pain? Include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as non-medicine ... of impending addiction or related problems. Explanations of where to find ...

Can Kindergartners Do Fractions?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cwikla, Julie

2014-01-01

Mathematics professor Julie Cwikla decided that she needed to investigate young children's understandings and see what precurricular partitioning notions young minds bring to the fraction table. Cwikla realized that only a handful of studies have examined how preschool-age and early elementary school-age students solve fraction problems (Empson…

Human Flesh Search Engine and Online Privacy.

PubMed

Zhang, Yang; Gao, Hong

2016-04-01

Human flesh search engine can be a double-edged sword, bringing convenience on the one hand and leading to infringement of personal privacy on the other hand. This paper discusses the ethical problems brought about by the human flesh search engine, as well as possible solutions.

On Teaching History in the Prisons of Georgia: A Person View.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durand, Robert

1991-01-01

Teaches a history course in a correctional facility in Georgia. Discusses class problems, testing, grading procedures, and the environment. Finds establishing routine is effective in bringing order and purpose to the class. Describes student characteristics and response to the class. (NL)

A Flawed System of Law Practice and Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bok, Derek C.

1983-01-01

Most people find their legal rights severely compromised by the cost of legal services, the baffling complications of existing rules and procedures, and the long, frustrating delays involved in bringing proceedings to a conclusion. Some of the problems of the legal system are outlined. (MLW)

The Art of Artificial Intelligence. 1. Themes and Case Studies of Knowledge Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-08-01

in scientific and medical inference illuminate the art of knowledge engineering and its parent science , Artificial Intelligence....The knowledge engineer practices the art of bringing the principles and tools of AI research to bear on difficult applications problems requiring

78 FR 10599 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-14

... Collaborative are designed to bring the intended users of the science into the research process so that their perspectives can inform problem definition, research design and implementation, and ultimately, application of...: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: National Estuarine Research Reserve System...

Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suggate, Sebastian, Ed.; Reese, Elaine, Ed.

2012-01-01

"Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development" is a unique resource and reference work that brings together leading international researchers and thinkers, with divergent points of view, to discuss contemporary problems and questions in childhood education and developmental psychology. Through an innovative format whereby leading…

Developer/Demonstrator Directory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Far West Lab. for Educational Research and Development, San Francisco, CA.

The National Diffusion Network (NDN) was established to bring together representatives of federal, state, and local agencies to promote widespread adoption of new and innovative programs within and across state boundaries. The goal in publishing this directory is to help local educators solve problems through program improvements gleaned from…

A Kaleidoscopic View of Change: Bringing Emotional Literacy into the Library Learning Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toben, Janice

1997-01-01

Discusses emotional literacy, which combines emotions, intelligence, and literacy, and suggests ways to increase emotional intelligence in school libraries and classrooms. Emotional literacy skills include self-awareness, empathy, social problem solving, mood management, and the understanding of motivation. (LRW)

Development of a vocabulary of object shapes in a child with a very-early-acquired visual agnosia: a unique case.

PubMed

Funnell, Elaine; Wilding, John

2011-02-01

We report a longitudinal study of an exceptional child (S.R.) whose early-acquired visual agnosia, following encephalitis at 8 weeks of age, did not prevent her from learning to construct an increasing vocabulary of visual object forms (drawn from different categories), albeit slowly. S.R. had problems perceiving subtle differences in shape; she was unable to segment local letters within global displays; and she would bring complex scenes close to her eyes: a symptom suggestive of an attempt to reduce visual crowding. Investigations revealed a robust ability to use the gestalt grouping factors of proximity and collinearity to detect fragmented forms in noisy backgrounds, compared with a very weak ability to segment fragmented forms on the basis of contrasts of shape. When contrasts in spatial grouping and shape were pitted against each other, shape made little contribution, consistent with problems in perceiving complex scenes, but when shape contrast was varied, and spatial grouping was held constant, S.R. showed the same hierarchy of difficulty as the controls, although her responses were slowed. This is the first report of a child's visual-perceptual development following very early neurological impairments to the visual cortex. Her ability to learn to perceive visual shape following damage at a rudimentary stage of perceptual development contrasts starkly with the loss of such ability in childhood cases of acquired visual agnosia that follow damage to the established perceptual system. Clearly, there is a critical period during which neurological damage to the highly active, early developing visual-perceptual system does not prevent but only impairs further learning.

Human factors and ergonomics in home care: Current concerns and future considerations for health information technology

PubMed Central

Or, Calvin K.L.; Valdez, Rupa S.; Casper, Gail R.; Carayon, Pascale; Burke, Laura J.; Brennan, Patricia Flatley; Karsh, Ben-Tzion

2010-01-01

Sicker patients with greater care needs are being discharged to their homes to assume responsibility for their own care with fewer nurses available to aid them. This situation brings with it a host of human factors and ergonomic (HFE) concerns, both for the home care nurse and the home dwelling patient, that can affect quality of care and patient safety. Many of these concerns are related to the critical home care tasks of information access, communication, and patient self-monitoring and self-management. Currently, a variety of health information technologies (HITs) are being promoted as possible solutions to those problems, but those same technologies bring with them a new set of HFE concerns. This paper reviews the HFE considerations for information access, communication, and patients self-monitoring and self-management, discusses how HIT can potentially mitigate current problems, and explains how the design and implementation of HIT itself requires careful HFE attention. PMID:19713630

Globalisation and allergy.

PubMed

Castelain, Michel

2011-01-01

Globalisation brings patients more and more into contact with products or food from other cultures or countries. Europeans may be confronted with allergens not yet known in Europe - such as dimethylfumarate - responsible for contact allergy epidemics. Moreover, "low cost" goods, not always legally imported into Europe, sometimes may lead to European legislation being circumvented and thus bring our patients into contact with components that have been banned from manufacturing processes or strongly regulated, such as nickel in jewelry or telephones, some colouring agents in clothes or preservatives in cosmetics. Disinfection measures for freight containers arriving from other continents into our harbours lead to fumigants and other toxic products contaminating the air and the transported products or goods. Globalisation can not only elicit contact allergy but also airborne contact dermatitis or food allergy. The aim of this paper is not to make an exhaustive review of cutaneous allergic problems elicited by globalisation, but to illustrate this new worldwide problem with a few meaningful examples.

Bringing New Ph.D.s Together for Interdisciplinary Climate Change Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phelan, Liam; Jones, Holly; Marlon, Jennifer R.

2013-01-01

Climate change is complex and thus requires interdisciplinary research, and new scholars are rising to that challenge. The Dissertations Initiative for the Advancement of Climate Change Research (DISCCRS (pronounced "discourse"); see http://www.disccrs.org) brings together select groups of recent PhD graduates to encourage interdisciplinary work on climate change. The DISCCRS Symposium VII held just outside of Colorado Springs, Colo., brought together 33 graduates from fields as diverse as climatology, ecology, anthropology, and political science for an intensive week of cross-disciplinary engagement in activities like facilitation and leadership training, collaborative research development, peer networking, communication training, and analysis of working group processes.

DRMS World, Volume 33, Number 4, Fall 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

love tors)." to hear. But what does she ask in return? EXCHANGE PROGRAM What responsibility comes with that empower- "It’s an age old problem ...said. hunt without a map. Databases By bringing all of the data sources such as MIDAS , DAISY, together there was less chance for error FEDLOG and FLIS...example, slips and falls have program. THE VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAM HAS always been a perpetual problem at More informa- BEEN IMPLEMENTED AT THE

Gender equity issues in astronomy: facts, fiction, and what the adaptive optics community can do to close the gap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Orgeville, Céline; Rigaut, François; Maddison, Sarah; Masciadri, Elena

2014-07-01

Gender equality in modern societies is a topic that never fails to raise passion and controversy, in spite of the large body of research material and studies currently available to inform the general public and scientists alike. This paper brings the gender equity and equality discussion on the Adaptive Optics community doorstep. Its aim is threefold: (1) Raising awareness about the gender gap in science and astronomy in general, and in Adaptive Optics in particular; (2) Providing a snapshot of real and/or perceived causes for the gender gap existing in science and engineering; and (3) Presenting a range of practical solutions which have been or are being implemented at various institutions in order to bridge this gap and increase female participation at all levels of the scientific enterprise. Actual data will be presented to support aim (1), including existing gender data in science, engineering and astronomy, as well as original data specific to the Adaptive Optics community to be gathered in time for presentation at this conference. (2) will explore the often complex causes converging to explain gender equity issues that are deeply rooted in our male-dominated culture, including: conscious and unconscious gender biases in perceptions and attitudes, worklife balance, n-body problem, fewer numbers of female leaders and role models, etc. Finally, (3) will offer examples of conscious and pro-active gender equity measures which are helping to bring the female to male ratio closer to its desirable 50/50 target in science and astronomy.

Improving safety of aircraft engines: a consortium approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brasche, Lisa J. H.

1996-11-01

With over seven million departures per year, air transportation has become not a luxury, but a standard mode of transportation for the United States. A critical aspect of modern air transport is the jet engine, a complex engineered component that has enabled the rapid travel to which we have all become accustomed. One of the enabling technologies for safe air travel is nondestructive evaluation, or NDE, which includes various inspection techniques used to assess the health or integrity of a structure, component, or material. The Engine Titanium Consortium (ETC) was established in 1993 to respond to recommendations made by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Titanium Rotating Components Review Team (TRCRT) for improvements in inspection of engine titanium. Several recent accomplishments of the ETC are detailed in this paper. The objective of the Engine Titanium Consortium is to provide the FAAand the manufacturers with reliable and costeffective new methods and/or improvements in mature methods for detecting cracks, inclusions, and imperfections in titanium. The consortium consists of a team of researchers from academia and industry-namely, Iowa State University, Allied Signal Propulsion Engines, General Electric Aircraft Engines, and Pratt & Whitney Engines-who work together to develop program priorities, organize a program plan, conduct the research, and implement the solutions. The true advantage of the consortium approach is that it brings together the research talents of academia and the engineering talents of industry to tackle a technology-base problem. In bringing industrial competitors together, the consortium ensures that the research results, which have safety implications and result from FAA funds, are shared and become part of the public domain.

Music in the Park. An integrating metaphor for the emerging primary (health) care system.

PubMed

Sturmberg, Joachim P; Martin, Carmel M; O'Halloran, Di

2010-06-01

Metaphors are central to the human understanding of complex issues; through the immediate associations they evoke and frame problems and suggest solutions. Our suggestion of Music in the Park as a metaphor for health systems reform brings to the forefront the environmentally diverse but bounded spaces of health services that offer a variety of attractors within their confines, while pushing into the background organizational and economic concerns. Parks, like health services, are embedded in their local landscape, serving their communities, but most importantly parks are public spaces, publically funded, ideally offering universal access and equity and to be shared by all who want to go there. Music, like health, is tangible, technical and scientific, yet ultimately experiential and based on meaning. While it encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches, music making requires as its most important skill active listening which brings with it to be 'in the moment', to take personal risks and to draw energy and inspiration from the participants. Hence 'audiences' are equally active participants because music only has meaning if it internally resonates with the listener and only can exist in what is a co-constructed experience. Music in the Park is a metaphor for primary health care systems based on shared values of experts and unique local communities. Health professionals are players in this arena, who develop and practise the full range of their skills in response to individual and community needs and preferences. Their leadership works through inspiration and empowerment, making patients 'co-producers' of their own health and 'co-shapers' of their health services.

Developments in Understanding Stability as Applied to Magnetic Levitated Launch Assist

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gering, James A.

2002-01-01

Magnetic levitation is a promising technology, with the potential of constituting the first stage of a third generation space transportation system. Today, the Space Shuttle burns on the order of one million pounds of solid rocket propellant to bring the orbiter and external tank to nearly Mach 1 (1,000 kph). Imagine the reductions in launch vehicle weight, complexity and risk if an aerospace vehicle could be accelerated to the same speed utilizing about $1,000 of off-board electrical energy stored in flywheels. After over two decades of development, maglev trains travel on full-scale demonstration tracks in Germany and Japan reaching speeds approaching 500 kph. Encouraging as this may appear, the energy and power required to accelerate a 1 million pound launch vehicle to 1,000 kph would radically redefine the state-of-the-art in electrical energy storage and delivery. Reaching such a goal will require levitation with sufficient stability to withstand an operating environment fundamentally different from that of a high-speed train. Recently NASA let contracts for the construction of three maglev demonstration tracks. This construction and several associated trade studies represent a first-order investigation into the feasibility of maglev launch assist. This report provides a review of these efforts, other government sponsored maglev projects and additional technical literature pertinent to maglev stability. This review brings to light details and dimensions of the maglev stability problem which are not found in previous NASA-sponsored trade studies and which must be addressed in order to realize magnetic levitation as a launch assist technology.

ES Review, Fall 2006

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Education Sector, 2006

2006-01-01

"ES Review" brings together in one publication recent Education Sector work that reflects both the reach of its policy projects and its commitment to translating the complexities of education policymaking for a wide range of audiences. Articles in this first edition of "ES Review" are: (1) Community College Confidential…

Ways and means of eukaryotic mRNA decay.

PubMed

Balagopal, Vidya; Fluch, Lydia; Nissan, Tracy

2012-06-01

Messenger RNA degradation is an important point of control for gene expression. Genome-wide studies on mRNA stability have demonstrated its importance in adaptation and stress response. Most of the key players in mRNA decay appear to have been identified. The study of these proteins brings insight into the mechanism of general and specific targeting of transcripts for degradation. Recruitment and assembly of mRNP complexes enhance and bring specificity to mRNA decay. mRNP complexes can form larger structures that have been found to be ubiquitous in nature. Discovery of P-Bodies, an archetype of this sort of aggregates, has generated interest in the question of where mRNA degrades. This is currently an open question under extensive investigation. This review will discuss in detail the recent developments in the regulation of mRNA decay focusing on yeast as a model system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Transport and RNA Processing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stability of stationary solutions for inflow problem on the micropolar fluid model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Haiyan

2017-04-01

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the initial boundary value problem for the micropolar fluid model in a half-line R+:=(0,∞). We prove that the corresponding stationary solutions of the small amplitude to the inflow problem for the micropolar fluid model are time asymptotically stable under small H1 perturbations in both the subsonic and degenerate cases. The microrotation velocity brings us some additional troubles compared with Navier-Stokes equations in the absence of the microrotation velocity. The proof of asymptotic stability is based on the basic energy method.

The eyes have it: A Problem-Based Learning Exercise in Molecular Evolution.

PubMed

White, Harold B

2007-05-01

Molecular evolution provides an interesting context in which to use problem-based learning because it integrates a variety of topics in biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. This three-stage problem for advanced students deals with the structure, multiple functions, and properties of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes, and the related evolutionary trade offs of gene sharing versus gene duplication among their corresponding genes. It has directive elements that require students to find and read classic articles, review thermodynamic principles, and apply their understanding to a mythical world wherein dinosaurs continued to evolve. The science fiction writing assignment that brings closure to the problem transformed the problem with respect to student interest and engagement. Copyright © 2007 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Problem formulation in the environmental risk assessment for genetically modified plants

PubMed Central

Wolt, Jeffrey D.; Keese, Paul; Raybould, Alan; Burachik, Moisés; Gray, Alan; Olin, Stephen S.; Schiemann, Joachim; Sears, Mark; Wu, Felicia

2009-01-01

Problem formulation is the first step in environmental risk assessment (ERA) where policy goals, scope, assessment endpoints, and methodology are distilled to an explicitly stated problem and approach for analysis. The consistency and utility of ERAs for genetically modified (GM) plants can be improved through rigorous problem formulation (PF), producing an analysis plan that describes relevant exposure scenarios and the potential consequences of these scenarios. A properly executed PF assures the relevance of ERA outcomes for decision-making. Adopting a harmonized approach to problem formulation should bring about greater uniformity in the ERA process for GM plants among regulatory regimes globally. This paper is the product of an international expert group convened by the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Research Foundation. PMID:19757133

Malaria remains a military medical problem.

PubMed

World, M J

2001-10-01

To bring military medical problems concerning malaria to the attention of the Defence Medical Services. Seven military medical problems related to malaria are illustrated by cases referred for secondary assessment over the past five years. Each is discussed in relation to published data. The cases of failure of various kinds of chemoprophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of malaria may represent just a fraction of the magnitude of the overall problem but in the absence of reliable published military medical statistics concerning malaria cases, the situation is unclear. Present experience suggests there are a number of persisting problems affecting the military population in relation to malaria. Only publication of reliable statistics will define their magnitude. Interim remedies are proposed whose cost-effectiveness remains to be established.

Community Cohesion: A Report of the Independent Review Team.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Home Office, London (England).

This study examined the views of English citizens and community leaders regarding problems related to disaffected, disadvantaged, culturally diverse groups. The Community Cohesion Review Team (CCRT) investigated issues needing to be addressed to bring about social cohesion. Communities were deeply polarized, with separate educational systems,…

New design for interfacing computers to the Octopus network

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sloan, L.J.

1977-03-14

The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has several large-scale computers which are connected to the Octopus network. Several difficulties arise in providing adequate resources along with reliable performance. To alleviate some of these problems a new method of bringing large computers into the Octopus environment is proposed.

Facilitating Coherence across Qualitative Research Papers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chenail, Ronald J.; Duffy, Maureen; St. George, Sally; Wulff, Dan

2011-01-01

Bringing the various elements of qualitative research papers into coherent textual patterns presents challenges for authors and editors alike. Although individual sections such as presentation of the problem, review of the literature, methodology, results, and discussion may each be constructed in a sound logical and structural sense, the…

Doing Research That Makes a Difference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bensimon, Estela Mara; Polkinghorne, Donald E.; Bauman, Georgia L.; Vallejo, Edlyn

2004-01-01

This article describes an alternative methodology for conducting research that is intended to bring about institutional change. This process involves developing deeper awareness among faculty members, administrators, or counselors, of a problem that exists in their local context. In some instances these individuals may be unaware that the problem…

A Response to Paul Stapleton's "Critiquing Research Methodology"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Steven J.

2006-01-01

Paul Stapleton's (2006) critique of quantitative research brings to the surface some common interpretive problems arising when experimental and quasi-experimental research designs are compared. While Stapleton may be correct in pointing out the superiority of experimental research designs because they best eliminate the influence of extraneous…

Better utilization of low-grade woods

Treesearch

Peter Koch

1957-01-01

The objective of this paper is threefold: to outline briefly some of the avenues of approach so far employed in utilizing low-grade wood, to comment on the economic aspects of the problem, and finally, to speculate about what developments the future might bring to the field of utilization.

Travel and Learn -- About Yourself

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nadler, Leonard

1971-01-01

While serving as consultant to a New Delhi workshop on literacy education and family planning, Nadler considers some of the same problems in the United States -- population explosions, the effects of religious practices, training of teachers, polarization of adult educators with their own group, and the difficulty of bringing professional…

Sentry Assurance: Bringing Outsiders "In."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lease, Judy E.

1998-01-01

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with multiple problems caused by the rapid expansion of an insurance brokerage, including gender issues, clarification of responsibilities and roles, and…

Natural and Professional Help during Marital Disruption.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toro, Paul A.; Zax, Melvin

Although few people bring their psychological problems to mental health professionals, research in the area of 'natural' help is rudimentary. To investigate the process and effectiveness of natural professional groups in helping individuals experiencing marital disruption, 42 helpers (14 mental health professionals, 14 divorce lawyers, and 14…

Exploring into Teacher's Specialized Practicality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tian, Lian-jin

2010-01-01

Teacher specialization is a subject with very strong practicality as regards its essence. This paper analyzes the main problems of the existing teacher professionalism, poses and argues the 3 hypotheses of teacher professionalism. Around the reality of teacher professionalism, the author brings forward and establishes a new teacher evaluation…

Complex Problem Solving: What It Is and What It Is Not

PubMed Central

Dörner, Dietrich; Funke, Joachim

2017-01-01

Computer-simulated scenarios have been part of psychological research on problem solving for more than 40 years. The shift in emphasis from simple toy problems to complex, more real-life oriented problems has been accompanied by discussions about the best ways to assess the process of solving complex problems. Psychometric issues such as reliable assessments and addressing correlations with other instruments have been in the foreground of these discussions and have left the content validity of complex problem solving in the background. In this paper, we return the focus to content issues and address the important features that define complex problems. PMID:28744242

The Stigma Complex

PubMed Central

Pescosolido, Bernice A.; Martin, Jack K.

2016-01-01

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, research on stigma has continued. Building on conceptual and empirical work, the recent period clarifies new types of stigmas, expansion of measures, identification of new directions, and increasingly complex levels. Standard beliefs have been challenged, the relationship between stigma research and public debates reconsidered, and new scientific foundations for policy and programs suggested. We begin with a summary of the most recent Annual Review articles on stigma, which reminded sociologists of conceptual tools, informed them of developments from academic neighbors, and claimed findings from the early period of “resurgence.” Continued (even accelerated) progress has also revealed a central problem. Terms and measures are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and decreasing accumulated knowledge. Drawing from this work but focusing on the past 14 years of stigma research (including mental illness, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS, and race/ethnicity), we provide a theoretical architecture of concepts (e.g., prejudice, experienced/received discrimination), drawn together through a stigma process (i.e., stigmatization), based on four theoretical premises. Many characteristics of the mark (e.g., discredited, concealable) and variants (i.e., stigma types and targets) become the focus of increasingly specific and multidimensional definitions. Drawing from complex and systems science, we propose a stigma complex, a system of interrelated, heterogeneous parts bringing together insights across disciplines to provide a more realistic and complicated sense of the challenge facing research and change efforts. The Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma (FINIS) offers a multilevel approach that can be tailored to stigmatized statuses. Finally, we outline challenges for the next phase of stigma research, with the goal of continuing scientific activity that enhances our understanding of stigma and builds the scientific foundation for efforts to reduce intolerance. PMID:26855471

Processing of fullerene-single wall carbon nanotube complex for bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng; Mitra, Somenath

2007-12-01

A fullerene-single wall carbon nanotube (C60-SWCNT) complex is used as a component of the photoactive layer in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells. This complex synthesized by microwave-assisted reaction takes advantage of the electron accepting feature of C60 and the high electron transport capability of SWCNTs. In this paper, quantum efficiency enhancement by increasing light absorption and by bringing about appropriate morphological rearrangements via solvent vapor treatment and thermal annealing is presented. The optimum combination of these steps led to an increase in efficiency by as much as 87.5%.

Proceedings of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Energy Symposium: Energy for Survival

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severe energy problems plague the 16 member states of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), including those exporting petroleum. Two particular problems are characteristic of the region. The first is deforestation which is leading to lower agriculture productivity, climatic changes, and reduced individual productivity because of the labor and time required to collect fuelwood. The second problem is the purchase of petroleum by countries, causing negative balance of payments, which in turn diverts financial resources from the other development programs. The objectives of the ECOWAS Energy Symposium were to bring these problems to the attention of policy makers and to decide a course of action.

Functionalized active-nucleus complex sensor

DOEpatents

Pines, Alexander; Wemmer, David E.; Spence, Megan; Rubin, Seth

2003-11-25

A functionalized active-nucleus complex sensor that selectively associates with one or more target species, and a method for assaying and screening for one or a plurality of target species utilizing one or a plurality of functionalized active-nucleus complexes with at least two of the functionalized active-nucleus complexes having an attraction affinity to different corresponding target species. The functionalized active-nucleus complex has an active-nucleus and a targeting carrier. The method involves functionalizing an active-nucleus, for each functionalized active-nucleus complex, by incorporating the active-nucleus into a macromolucular or molecular complex that is capable of binding one of the target species and then bringing the macromolecular or molecular complexes into contact with the target species and detecting the occurrence of or change in a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from each of the active-nuclei in each of the functionalized active-nucleus complexes.

Forward genetics by sequencing EMS variation-induced inbred lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The dramatic increase in throughput of sequencing techniques enables gene cloning through pre-existing forward genetics approaches. We show that it also brings with it the potential to change the crossing designs and approach of forward genetics. To achieve this for eukaryotic organisms with complex...

Sexting in the Schoolyard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Segool, Natasha K.; Crespi, Tony D.

2011-01-01

Rapid advances in digital technologies have resulted in school professionals having to grapple with new and complex dilemmas related to balancing student privacy, safety, and legal rights and restrictions, often with little to no guidance from school or district policies. Students commonly bring cellular telephones, smartphones, iPods, and other…

Complex Communication System and Social Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Won H.

The basic question under examination is the underlying force that brings forth changes in cultural and social organizations. By employing general system theory and communication systemic analysis, the author concludes that communication, especially human communication, is the main vehicle of change. Human interchange, it is suggested, is constant…

Cooking up an Online Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valone, Lauren

2011-01-01

As museum professionals conceptualize community building, they must now consider the virtual realm. Websites in and of themselves will not generate a community, as it takes sustained communication and interaction by staff to encourage growth. Online communities are complex forces that bring about systematic dualities that in turn stimulate…

Rethinking Education and Poverty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tierney, William G., Ed.

2015-01-01

In "Rethinking Education and Poverty," William G. Tierney brings together scholars from around the world to examine the complex relationship between poverty and education in the twenty first century. International in scope, this book assembles the best contemporary thinking about how education can mediate class and improve the lives of…

Action Research and Collaborative Research: Their Specific Contributions to Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savoie-Zajc, Lorraine; Descamps-Bednarz, Nadine

2007-01-01

The increasing complexity of the teaching profession calls for engaged professionals in their professional development. This article claims that participative types of research contribute differently to professional development. Its intent is to explore the different contributions action research and collaborative research bring. One action…

About an Optimal Visiting Problem

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bagagiolo, Fabio, E-mail: bagagiol@science.unitn.it; Benetton, Michela

In this paper we are concerned with the optimal control problem consisting in minimizing the time for reaching (visiting) a fixed number of target sets, in particular more than one target. Such a problem is of course reminiscent of the famous 'Traveling Salesman Problem' and brings all its computational difficulties. Our aim is to apply the dynamic programming technique in order to characterize the value function of the problem as the unique viscosity solution of a suitable Hamilton-Jacobi equation. We introduce some 'external' variables, one per target, which keep in memory whether the corresponding target is already visited or not,more » and we transform the visiting problem in a suitable Mayer problem. This fact allows us to overcome the lacking of the Dynamic Programming Principle for the originary problem. The external variables evolve with a hysteresis law and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation turns out to be discontinuous.« less

Genetic Fuzzy Trees for Intelligent Control of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernest, Nicholas D.

Fuzzy Logic Control is a powerful tool that has found great success in a variety of applications. This technique relies less on complex mathematics and more "expert knowledge" of a system to bring about high-performance, resilient, and efficient control through linguistic classification of inputs and outputs and if-then rules. Genetic Fuzzy Systems (GFSs) remove the need of this expert knowledge and instead rely on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and have similarly found great success. However, the combination of these methods suffer severely from scalability; the number of rules required to control the system increases exponentially with the number of states the inputs and outputs can take. Therefor GFSs have thus far not been applicable to complex, artificial intelligence type problems. The novel Genetic Fuzzy Tree (GFT) method breaks down complex problems hierarchically, makes sub-decisions when possible, and thus greatly reduces the burden on the GA. This development significantly changes the field of possible applications for GFSs. Within this study, this is demonstrated through applying this technique to a difficult air combat problem. Looking forward to an autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) in the 2030 time-frame, it becomes apparent that the mission, flight, and ground controls will utilize the emerging paradigm of Intelligent Systems (IS); namely, the ability to learn, adapt, exhibit robustness in uncertain situations, make sense of the data collected in real-time and extrapolate when faced with scenarios significantly different from those used in training. LETHA (Learning Enhanced Tactical Handling Algorithm) was created to develop intelligent controllers for these advanced unmanned craft as the first GFT. A simulation space referred to as HADES (Hoplological Autonomous Defend and Engage Simulation) was created in which LETHA can train the UCAVs. Equipped with advanced sensors, a limited supply of Self-Defense Missiles (SDMs), and a recharging Laser Weapon System (LWS), these UCAVs can navigate a mission space, counter enemy threats, cope with losses in communications, and destroy mission-critical targets. Monte Carlo simulations of the resulting controllers were tested in mission scenarios that are distinct from the training scenarios to determine the training effectiveness in new environments and the presence of deep learning. Despite an incredibly large solution space, LETHA has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in training intelligent controllers for the UCAV squadron and shown robustness to drastically changing states, uncertainty, and limited information while maintaining extreme levels of computational efficiency.

U.S. Geological Survey core science systems strategy: characterizing, synthesizing, and understanding the critical zone through a modular science framework

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bristol, R. Sky; Euliss, Ned H.; Booth, Nathaniel L.; Burkardt, Nina; Diffendorfer, Jay E.; Gesch, Dean B.; McCallum, Brian E.; Miller, David M.; Morman, Suzette A.; Poore, Barbara S.; Signell, Richard P.; Viger, Roland J.

2013-01-01

Core Science Systems is a new mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that resulted from the 2007 Science Strategy, "Facing Tomorrow's Challenges: U.S. Geological Survey Science in the Decade 2007-2017." This report describes the Core Science Systems vision and outlines a strategy to facilitate integrated characterization and understanding of the complex Earth system. The vision and suggested actions are bold and far-reaching, describing a conceptual model and framework to enhance the ability of the USGS to bring its core strengths to bear on pressing societal problems through data integration and scientific synthesis across the breadth of science. The context of this report is inspired by a direction set forth in the 2007 Science Strategy. Specifically, ecosystem-based approaches provide the underpinnings for essentially all science themes that define the USGS. Every point on Earth falls within a specific ecosystem where data, other information assets, and the expertise of USGS and its many partners can be employed to quantitatively understand how that ecosystem functions and how it responds to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Every benefit society obtains from the planet-food, water, raw materials to build infrastructure, homes and automobiles, fuel to heat homes and cities, and many others, are derived from or affect ecosystems. The vision for Core Science Systems builds on core strengths of the USGS in characterizing and understanding complex Earth and biological systems through research, modeling, mapping, and the production of high quality data on the Nation's natural resource infrastructure. Together, these research activities provide a foundation for ecosystem-based approaches through geologic mapping, topographic mapping, and biodiversity mapping. The vision describes a framework founded on these core mapping strengths that makes it easier for USGS scientists to discover critical information, share and publish results, and identify potential collaborations that transcend all USGS missions. The framework is designed to improve the efficiency of scientific work within USGS by establishing a means to preserve and recall data for future applications, organizing existing scientific knowledge and data to facilitate new use of older information, and establishing a future workflow that naturally integrates new data, applications, and other science products to make interdisciplinary research easier and more efficient. Given the increasing need for integrated data and interdisciplinary approaches to solve modern problems, leadership by the Core Science Systems mission will facilitate problem solving by all USGS missions in ways not formerly possible. The report lays out a strategy to achieve this vision through three goals with accompanying objectives and actions. The first goal builds on and enhances the strengths of the Core Science Systems mission in characterizing and understanding the Earth system from the geologic framework to the topographic characteristics of the land surface and biodiversity across the Nation. The second goal enhances and develops new strengths in computer and information science to make it easier for USGS scientists to discover data and models, share and publish results, and discover connections between scientific information and knowledge. The third goal brings additional focus to research and development methods to address complex issues affecting society that require integration of knowledge and new methods for synthesizing scientific information. Collectively, the report lays out a strategy to create a seamless connection between all USGS activities to accelerate and make USGS science more efficient by fully integrating disciplinary expertise within a new and evolving science paradigm for a changing world in the 21st century.

Science strategy for Core Science Systems in the U.S. Geological Survey, 2013-2023

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bristol, R. Sky; Euliss, Ned H.; Booth, Nathaniel L.; Burkardt, Nina; Diffendorfer, Jay E.; Gesch, Dean B.; McCallum, Brian E.; Miller, David M.; Morman, Suzette A.; Poore, Barbara S.; Signell, Richard P.; Viger, Roland J.

2012-01-01

Core Science Systems is a new mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that grew out of the 2007 Science Strategy, “Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges: U.S. Geological Survey Science in the Decade 2007–2017.” This report describes the vision for this USGS mission and outlines a strategy for Core Science Systems to facilitate integrated characterization and understanding of the complex earth system. The vision and suggested actions are bold and far-reaching, describing a conceptual model and framework to enhance the ability of USGS to bring its core strengths to bear on pressing societal problems through data integration and scientific synthesis across the breadth of science.The context of this report is inspired by a direction set forth in the 2007 Science Strategy. Specifically, ecosystem-based approaches provide the underpinnings for essentially all science themes that define the USGS. Every point on earth falls within a specific ecosystem where data, other information assets, and the expertise of USGS and its many partners can be employed to quantitatively understand how that ecosystem functions and how it responds to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Every benefit society obtains from the planet—food, water, raw materials to build infrastructure, homes and automobiles, fuel to heat homes and cities, and many others, are derived from or effect ecosystems.The vision for Core Science Systems builds on core strengths of the USGS in characterizing and understanding complex earth and biological systems through research, modeling, mapping, and the production of high quality data on the nation’s natural resource infrastructure. Together, these research activities provide a foundation for ecosystem-based approaches through geologic mapping, topographic mapping, and biodiversity mapping. The vision describes a framework founded on these core mapping strengths that makes it easier for USGS scientists to discover critical information, share and publish results, and identify potential collaborations that transcend all USGS missions. The framework is designed to improve the efficiency of scientific work within USGS by establishing a means to preserve and recall data for future applications, organizing existing scientific knowledge and data to facilitate new use of older information, and establishing a future workflow that naturally integrates new data, applications, and other science products to make it easier and more efficient to conduct interdisciplinary research over time. Given the increasing need for integrated data and interdisciplinary approaches to solve modern problems, leadership by the Core Science Systems mission will facilitate problem solving by all USGS missions in ways not formerly possible.The report lays out a strategy to achieve this vision through three goals with accompanying objectives and actions. The first goal builds on and enhances the strengths of the Core Science Systems mission in characterizing and understanding the earth system from the geologic framework to the topographic characteristics of the land surface and biodiversity across the nation. The second goal enhances and develops new strengths in computer and information science to make it easier for USGS scientists to discover data and models, share and publish results, and discover connections between scientific information and knowledge. The third goal brings additional focus to research and development methods to address complex issues affecting society that require integration of knowledge and new methods for synthesizing scientific information. Collectively, the report lays out a strategy to create a seamless connection between all USGS activities to accelerate and make USGS science more efficient by fully integrating disciplinary expertise within a new and evolving science paradigm for a changing world in the 21st century.

Conference Report on "Aqui Se Habla Espanol:" A Conference on the Role of Educational Institutions in Solving Problems Related to the Identity, Status and Future of Spanish-Speaking Peoples of the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stabb, Martin S.; And Others

This conference sought to bring to the attention of a broad audience of educators the problems facing Spanish-speakers in this country. The speakers, including Congressman Herman Badillo of New York, all agreed that not enough was being done to assist the person of Spanish background in adapting to a new and foreign culture, and presented specific…

Design of demand side response model in energy internet demonstration park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Q.; Liu, D. N.

2017-08-01

The implementation of demand side response can bring a lot of benefits to the power system, users and society, but there are still many problems in the actual operation. Firstly, this paper analyses the current situation and problems of demand side response. On this basis, this paper analyses the advantages of implementing demand side response in the energy Internet demonstration park. Finally, the paper designs three kinds of feasible demand side response modes in the energy Internet demonstration park.

An Examination of the Corporate and Individual Ethical Dilemmas Faced by a Medical Defense Contractor

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-12

ethical leadership . CL. Soldiers reenlist for a good unit that 5 for sure. Never thought that would apply outside the A-my. PL. Everything you do for...would work on changing his behaviour too and, hopefully, his attitude would follow. Glaucoma had thought on the problem of brown-nosing as well. His... problem was his self-respect. He needed to be Independent and to work with dignity, but he needed to bring home the monthly check. Yet, like the ethnic

Parents Who Abuse: What Are They Thinking?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seng, Alexandra C.; Prinz, Ronald J.

2008-01-01

Child abuse is a major social concern around the world. Important to tackling the problem is an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to abusive parenting. This article brings together research on the cognitive variables associated with abusive or high-risk parenting. Considered are dysfunctional child-centered and parent-centered…

Chemistry for Kids: What Do Chemists Do? A Program for Grades 1-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Umland, Jean B.

1985-01-01

Proposes a simple solution to the problem of expressing graphically absolute configuration, racemic character, and relative configuration in molecules. As demonstrated by several examples, the proposed convention brings added clarity and simplicity to structural drawings and renders graphic displays of chiral molecules as explicit and information…

Study on the Supply of and Demand for Teachers in Primary and Secondary Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France).

This international survey is the "consolidated report," bringing out problems raised and the means adopted to overcome persistent disequilibrium between the supply and demand for teachers, based on eleven "country studies" describing the situation in selected member countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy,…

Bringing Them in: The Experiences of Imported and Overseas-Qualified Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharplin, Elaine

2009-01-01

This qualitative multiple-site case study explores the experiences of imported and overseas-qualified teachers appointed to fill "difficult-to-staff" Western Australian rural schools. In a climate of global teacher shortages, investigation of the strategies adopted to solve this problem requires empirical examination. The study of six…

Shared Decision Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lashway, Larry

1997-01-01

In shared decision making (SDM), principals collaborate with teachers and sometimes parents to take actions aimed at improving instruction and school climate. While research on SDM outcomes is still inconclusive, the literature shows that SDM brings both benefits and problems, and that the principal is a key figure. This brief offers a sampling of…

Experiences of Design-and-Make Interventions with Indian Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khunyakari, Ritesh P.

2015-01-01

Enabling learning through meaningful classroom experiences has always been a challenge for teachers. Bringing about a balance of the "conceptual" and the "hands-on", along with contextual embeddedness in problem-solving situations, broadly characterises the experience of development and trials of three Design and Technology…

Research Methodology in Second Language Studies: Trends, Concerns, and New Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Kendall A.; Mackey, Alison

2016-01-01

The field of second language studies is using increasingly sophisticated methodological approaches to address a growing number of urgent, real-world problems. These methodological developments bring both new challenges and opportunities. This article briefly reviews recent ontological and methodological debates in the field, then builds on these…

REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT ON DOMESTIC MIGRATORY FARM LABOR.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MITCHELL, JAMES P.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON MIGRATORY LABOR ARE TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVED CONDITIONS FOR MIGRATORY WORKERS TO MIGRATE BY STABILIZING AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT. EFFORTS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TOWARD RESOLVING PROBLEMS OF CAMP HOUSING, SAFE TRANSPORTATION, ADEQUATE EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES, EXTENSION OF LABOR LAWS TO AGRICULTURAL…

A CASE STUDY IN RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES: PERCHLORATE IN POTABLE WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Risk management brings together many issues. While some of these are scientific in nature, many come down to policy and even emotion. As a result, striking a balance among competing objectives can be difficult. This is especially true when problems are localized or solutions are ...

Ability Level Estimation of Students on Probability Unit via Computerized Adaptive Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Özyurt, Hacer; Özyurt, Özcan

2015-01-01

Problem Statement: Learning-teaching activities bring along the need to determine whether they achieve their goals. Thus, multiple choice tests addressing the same set of questions to all are frequently used. However, this traditional assessment and evaluation form contrasts with modern education, where individual learning characteristics are…

Bringing a Reality into the Classroom: The Team Approach to a Client-Financed Marketing Research Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Gary L.; Kaminski, Peter

1986-01-01

Describes the authors' approach to teaching a marketing research course involving a real world business problem. The focus is on methods used to improve the effectiveness of the group and the performance of the group's management and nonmanagement members. (CT)

Recycle/Reuse: Utilizing New Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaglia, John S.

In the early 1990s, efforts were initiated to help countries move toward a solution of the global pollution problem. Technology education classrooms and laboratories are among the best places for bring the concepts of recycling/reuse and waste management to students' attention. Important concepts about pollution, waste prevention, and recycling…

Improving Bilingual Program Management. A Handbook for Title VII Directors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeGeorge, George P., Ed.

Filled with practical advice and workable techniques and strategies to help bilingual program directors deal with the problems they face, this handbook brings together ideas and suggestions from Title VII program directors, state coordinators, and superintendents with experience in bilingual programs. The handbook, written in question and answer…

Family Therapy with Intellectually and Creatively Gifted Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moon, Sidney M.; Hall, Alex S.

1998-01-01

Provides an overview of research literature on gifted children and their families with an emphasis on the endogenous and exogenous factors that can create or exacerbate psychosocial problems. Describes current conceptualizations of giftedness. Suggests an eclectic, eco-systemic approach to three common concerns that bring gifted children and their…

Violence and the Schools. A Collection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Phillip, Ed.

Statistics paint a startling and frightening picture of school violence in America. Understanding the real problem is essential to focus national attention and to bring about awareness that energy must be committed to preventing violence. The 27 items in this collection are organized into 4 comprehensive sections. Section 1, "Attention: Guns,…

Liberation Therapeutics: Consciousness Raising as a Problem.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lasch-Quinn, Elisabeth

2002-01-01

Questions the content and form of consciousness raising as a mode of purveying knowledge or bringing about change by considering its emergence in the civil rights movement. Examines such books as "Black Rage" (William Grierand Price Cobbs), "Triumph of the Therapeutic" (Philip Reiff), "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or…

Youth in Transition: Some Notes on Teaching English.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silva, Dolores

To bring the junior high school student to an awareness of himself as a unique personality constantly undergoing further definition, this presentation of organizing principles for English teaching focuses upon two primary aspects of man: his role as organizer and formulator and his role as communicator. It provides problem-solving activities…

Escape From Deja Vu: On Strengthening Teacher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mertens, Sally K.; Yarger, Sam J.

1982-01-01

Efforts to reform teacher education are traced, and the need for a prestigious, permanent national body to bring educational constituencies together is proposed. Such an organization could work on national education problems, set certification standards, and do long-range planning on difficulties such as fluctuations in teacher supply and demand.…

Dig That Site: Exploring Archaeology, History, and Civilization on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garfield, Gary M.; McDonough, Suzanne

This book combines the excitement of the Internet with conventional learning resources to explore early civilizations and cultures. This approach encourages independent student research, problem solving, and decision making while bringing together the fascination of archaeology with the Internet and hands-on learning activities. Students learn the…

Kawasaki Disease: Complications, Treatment and Prevention

MedlinePlus

... Even if there is no evidence of a heart abnormality when your child recovers from the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, it is important to bring your child in for a follow-up visit with your doctor to be sure that there aren't heart problems that did not show up right away. ...

Heterosexism and Sexism as Correlates of Psychological Distress in Lesbians

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szymanski, Dawn M.

2005-01-01

Feminist therapy theorists have made significant contributions to enhancing counselors' understanding of how social, economic, political, and institutional factors affect women's lives and the particular problems that women bring to counseling. Two of the central tenets of feminist therapy theory are the concept of an integrated analysis of…

CATV; A History of Community Antenna Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Mary Alice Mayer

The development of community antenna television (CATV) is traced from its beginnings in various local efforts to bring television to areas of poor reception. The history of federal, state, and municipal regulatory practices and problems are examined, and the potential applications of cable television are discussed in some detail. (JY)

Traffic Trials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harknett, Thomas

2007-01-01

The decision to develop a transportation master plan for a school or university is often is a gradual process determined by changes that might have seemed insignificant in the beginning, but have combined to create problems that no longer can be ignored. Many circumstances can bring to light the need for a transportation master plan. In some…

A Kindergarten Teacher Bringing Science to a Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theis, Becky; Galindo, Ed; Shockey, Tod

2014-01-01

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored professional development of educators in the NASA Summer of Innovation (SOI) program. The Idaho, Montana, and Utah (IMU-SOI) program worked with educators and students from thirteen Native American communities. The summer sessions were focused on problem based learning and…

Helping Children Learn Mathematics through Multiple Intelligences and Standards for School Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Thomasenia Lott

2001-01-01

Focuses on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2000 process-oriented standards of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation as providing a framework for using the multiple intelligences that children bring to mathematics learning. Presents ideas for mathematics lessons and activities to…

Service-Learning in a Capstone Modeling Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berkove, Ethan

2013-01-01

A capstone course is often synthetic, bringing together many components of a student's educational background. For this reason, a project-based course in mathematical modeling makes a great capstone, as modeling problems often require a broad collection of mathematical tools for their solution. The addition of a service-learning component can…

BAS Brings Continuous Savings to Nebraska School District.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Energy Management Technology, 1985

1985-01-01

Discusses advantages of a building automation system (BAS) used for monitoring and controlling 16 buildings (1,000,000 square feet). Problems solved and savings occurred with air handlers, indoor pool, minerals in boilers, and service tunnels. The system included numerous advantages for operators and paid for itself in 15 months. (DH)

"Math Anxiety" Explored in Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sparks, Sarah D.

2011-01-01

Math problems make more than a few students--and even teachers--sweat, but new brain research is providing insights into the earliest causes of the anxiety so often associated with mathematics. Experts argue that "math anxiety" can bring about widespread, intergenerational discomfort with the subject, which could lead to anything from fewer…

Youth Participation in Youth Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kothari, Roshani

Frequently, adults organize and implement youth projects without involving youth in the process. However, youth should be involved in problem identification and program design because they understand the needs of their peers and how to reach them effectively. This paper examines youth participation as a process for bringing about effective youth…

The Teaching of Anthropology: Problems, Issues, and Decisions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kottak, Conrad Phillip, Ed.; White, Jane J., Ed.; Furlow, Richard H., Ed.; Rice, Patricia C., Ed.

This volume brings together the insights of more than 40 contributors who demonstrate that anthropology has timely, important, and enduring messages for students and the public. The book provides the first comprehensive examination of teaching issues across all the subfields of anthropology since the 1963 publication of "The Teaching of…

Problems of Practice: Canadian Cases in Leadership and Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollock, Katina; Ryan, James

2013-01-01

One way to support aspiring and current administrators is through the use of case study teaching (Barnes, Christensen, & Hansen, 1994). Using case studies as a teaching and learning tool helps bring real-life situations into principal preparation and support programs. Case study approaches provide students with time to interrogate contemporary…

From Earth to Moon to City Hall

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MOSAIC, 1972

1972-01-01

Account of four senior aerospace engineers, each acting as Science and Technology Advisor to the City Manager'' of the cities of Anaheim, Fresno, Pasadena, and San Jose, California. The objective is to bring the technological expertise of the aerospace engineer to bear on the problems of Urban management. (LK)

Understanding Adult Lifelong Learning Participation as a Layered Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boeren, Ellen

2017-01-01

This paper discusses the layered nature of lifelong learning participation, bringing together fragmented insights in why adults do or do not participate in lifelong learning activities. The paper will discuss the roles and responsibilities of individual adults, education and training providers and countries' social education policies, often…

Boron brings big benefits to bio-based blends

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The solution to the problems with bio-based lubrication can be approached by a combination of blending and additive strategies. However, many additives do not show efficacy when used in bio-based lubricants. Additive addition also lowers the bio-based content of the blend, which in turn limits the a...

Coming to Terms with "Double Knowing": An Inclusive Approach to International Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tange, Hanne; Kastberg, Peter

2013-01-01

International education brings together students from a range of institutional, educational and academic traditions. In the classroom, such differences manifest themselves in the form of unfamiliar and, at times, unacceptable behaviours, which have motivated some researchers to focus on the problems that diversity presents to teaching and…

Stress, Sleep, Grief: Are College Students Receiving Information That Interests Them?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagner, Meredith; Rhee, Yeong

2013-01-01

Problem: College life brings with it many challenges for students' well-being including stress, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and difficulties with relationships. However, evidence of substantial variation in organization and availability of health-focused resources on college campuses has been documented and students' interest in health-related…

Male Anorexia Nervosa: A New Focus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crosscope-Happel, Cindy; Hutchins, David E.; Getz, Hildy G.; Hayes, Gerald L.

2000-01-01

Although anorexia nervosa affects over one million males yearly, it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked by mental health and medical practitioners. This article brings the problem to the forefront and outlines features that are unique to these males. Greater recognition of the disorder can lead to more accurate diagnoses and, subsequently, better…

The Pueblo of Laguna.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lockart, Barbetta L.

Proximity to urban areas, a high employment rate, development of natural resources and high academic achievement are all serving to bring Laguna Pueblo to a period of rapid change on the reservation. While working to realize its potential in the areas of natural resources, commercialism and education, the Pueblo must also confront the problems of…

Disabling Spatialities and the Regulation of a Visible Secret.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkesworth, Marian

2001-01-01

Participants in this study testify that acne alterations to the skin often bring about changes in spatial practices or body movements on account of society's aesthetic prejudices regarding facial disfigurement. Examines the urban geographies of people distinguished by their perceived facial differences. Explains that problems of exclusion arise…

India: National Adult Education to Reach 310 Million Illiterates.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Work, 1978

1978-01-01

India's national adult education program is being planned to bring literacy to its 310 million adult illiterates. The first stage is projected to cover 100 million persons in the 15-35 age group by 1983-84. Problems include motivating institutions and individuals to participate and providing for adequate funding. (MF)

Learner Centered Classroom in Science Instruction: Providing Feedback with Technology Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yilmaz, Ozkan

2017-01-01

"Learner centered" term points out environments that attention to the learners brings to the educational setting. This term includes teaching practices: effort to uncover what learners think in a specific problem on hand, talking about their misconceptions and, giving them situations to readjust their ideas. In Learner centered…

Power Equalization and the Reform of Public School Finance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Treacy, John J.; Frueh, Lloyd W., II

1974-01-01

The rationale of power equalization approaches are explored, and the advantages, shortcomings, and details of operation are examined. A power equalization bill proposed by the Ohio Legislature is analyzed in terms of projected costs, impact on educational programs, and to bring out problems of grafting power equalization programs onto existing…

Creativity in Communications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Robert A., Ed.

A collection of 20 essays on creative problem solving in advertising and sales promotion considers the relationship between client and agency and the degree of creativity that is necessary or desirable for each side to bring to their collaboration. The different essays are fully illustrated and specifically focus on such areas as creativity in…

Labor and the Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Washington, DC.

Recent studies confirm that organized labor's role in society does not get fair treatment in the social studies and American history courses of the nation's schools. The report covers the first stage of AFL-CIO efforts in dealing with this problem, bringing together concerned persons in labor and education. Following the opening of the conference…

Indigenous Research Capability in Aotearoa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ormond, Adreanne; Williams, Les R. Tumoana

2013-01-01

This article begins by considering the general nature of capability, from some dictionary meanings, then extends to theoretical perspectives related to the capability approach. As a consequence, we arrive at an operational definition that emphasises the ability to solve problems in a systematic way that brings transformation. In these terms,…

Dialogues between social and natural sciences: contribution to the debate on socio-environmental conflicts.

PubMed

Milanez, Bruno

2015-01-01

In this article, I argue that attempting to solve real problems is a possible approach to bring social and natural sciences together, and suggest that - as Environmental Impact Assessment necessarily brings together social and environmental issues - this debate is a strong candidate for such a task. The argument is based on a general discussion about the possibilities and limitations of Environmental Impact Assessments, the social-environmental impacts of mining activities and three case studies. The analysis of the cases indicates possibilities and limitations of the dialogue between scientists from various areas - and of the collaboration with social movements and affected communities - in avoiding negative impacts of mining projects and, eventually, increasing their sustainability.

Bring It On, Complexity! Present and Future of Self-Organising Middle-Out Abstraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mammen, Sebastian Von; Steghöfer, Jan-Philipp

The following sections are included: * The Great Complexity Challenge * Self-Organising Middle-Out Abstraction * Optimising Graphics, Physics and Artificial Intelligence * Emergence and Hierarchies in a Natural System * The Technical Concept of SOMO * Observation of interactions * Interaction pattern recognition and behavioural abstraction * Creating and adjusting hierarchies * Confidence measures * Execution model * Learning SOMO: parameters, knowledge propagation, and procreation * Current Implementations * Awareness Beyond Virtuality * Integration and emergence * Model inference * SOMO net * SOMO after me * The Future of SOMO

Early Language Learning: Complexity and Mixed Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enever, Janet, Ed.; Lindgren, Eva, Ed.

2017-01-01

This is the first collection of research studies to explore the potential for mixed methods to shed light on foreign or second language learning by young learners in instructed contexts. It brings together recent studies undertaken in Cameroon, China, Croatia, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and…

69PC-23

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-02-24

An Atlas-Centaur rocket carrying the Mariner 6 spacecraft lifted off from Cape Kennedy’s Launch Complex 36B at 8:29 P.M. EST, February 24, 1969. The spacecraft’s journey to Mars will span five months, bringing it to within 2,000 miles to help determine whether that planet can support life.

Once More unto the Breaching Experiment: Reconsidering a Popular Pedagogical Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braswell, Matthew

2014-01-01

Instructors frequently utilize breaching experiments in an attempt to "bring sociology to life." However, an uncritical embrace of breaching experiments obscures the complexity of their possible effects on participants and subjects. These experiments have real potential to inflict deleterious consequences on individuals and groups.…

Being in Community: A Food Security Themed Approach to Public Scholarship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Barbara; Nelson, Connie; Stroink, Mirella

2013-01-01

For six years the Food Security Research Network at Lakehead University, Canada, has been engaged in an interdisciplinary theme-based service-learning initiative focusing on food security. Informed by complexity theory, the contextual fluidity partnership model brings community partners, students, and faculty into a nexus through which new…

Who Are Our Students?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

St. Onge, Stephen R.; Ellett, Thomas

2005-01-01

America's current generation of adolescents promises to be not only one of the country's most complex but also one of the country's largest, rivaling the baby boomer generation in size and consumer power. Understanding the challenges and positive experiences that these students bring with them to college campuses is important for educators as they…

Understanding the Sales Process by Selling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bussière, Dave

2017-01-01

Experiential projects bring students closer to real-world situations. This is valuable in sales education because the complexities of the sales process are difficult to learn from a textbook. A student project was developed that involved the selling of advertising space in a one-time newspaper insert. The project included a substantial minimum…

Building Bridges across the Autism Spectrum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boroson, Barbara

2017-01-01

Among the many challenges that students with autism spectrum disorder bring into the learning environment, teachers report one particular difficulty: working with students' parents. As both an autism educator and parent of a child on the spectrum, Barbara Boroson explores some common complexities in parent-teacher relationships. She also offers…

Threatening the Patriarchy: Teaching as Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Falter, Michelle M.

2016-01-01

This article brings into conversation theories of performance and performativity to argue that the analogy of a teacher as a performer is a very complex discourse that both empowers and disempowers women teachers. As the field of teachers is increasingly comprised of women and the education policy and administrative leadership fields is…

Preparing Bilingual Teachers for the Future: Developing Culture and Linguistic Global Competence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alfaro, Cristina

2008-01-01

Increasing diversity and linguistics complexity in classrooms is occurring in schools throughout the world. Bilingual teachers need to develop knowledge and skills to succees in teaching diverse students. Demographic shifts are bringing increasing numbers of international students from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, class, and linguistic…

Youth Purpose through the Lens of the Theory of Organizing Models of Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arantes, Valeria; Araujo, Ulisses; Pinheiro, Viviane; Moreno Marimon, Montserrat; Sastre, Genoveva

2017-01-01

Purpose represents a unique opportunity for identifying and analyzing the complexity of human reasoning, considering that its constitution brings together cognitive, affective and social elements. In this article, we use the Theory of Organizing Models of Thinking (OMT), an epistemological and methodological approach based on developmental…

A SCHOOL FOR ALL SEASONS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BERGQUIST, ROBERT

THIS REPORT DESCRIBES A HIGH SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA INCORPORATING FLEXIBILITY TO ACOMMODATE ALMOST ANY FORESEEABLE EDUCATIONAL CHANGE. STUDENTS MOVE IN THE MIDST OF A COMPACT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH ALMOST EVERY SQUARE FOOT OF SPACE IS USABLE ACADEMIC SPACE. EACH DEPARTMENT SUBCOURT COMPLEX IS SITUATED SO AS TO BRING ALL STUDENTS INTO SOME CONTACT WITH…

Beyond a Tolerance of Ambiguity: Symbolic Competence as Creative Uncertainty and Doubt

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Diane

2017-01-01

Tolerance of ambiguity has been referred to as "the indispensable component of symbolic competence" (Kramsch, 2006, p. 251) and the recommendation was later made for college-level language instructors interested in emphasizing symbolic competence in their classrooms to "bring up every opportunity to show complexity and…

Bringing Knowledge Management into an Engineering Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winberg, S. L.; Schach, S. R.; Inggs, M. R.

2007-01-01

The use of effective knowledge management is becoming an essential part of technical development projects in order to enable developers to handle the growing complexity of these projects. In this article we discuss an innovative approach to address this concern from the perspective of an undergraduate engineering curriculum. Instead of adding…

A Study of Students on the Autism Spectrum Transformation in a High School Transition Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore-Gumora, Courteny

2014-01-01

This study brings together the theoretical and empirical practices of traditional informative education, radical transformative education, and sustainable education reform. An analysis of learning disability and constructivist learning are used to elucidate the socio-complexity of historic academic constructs concerning educational leadership for…

Seeing Children's Pleasure with Food

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curtis, Deb

2010-01-01

Children's relationship with food in early childhood programs is often a complex topic. Families have concerns about "picky eaters" and teachers feel pressure to make sure that children eat enough while in their care. Children bring snacks that teachers describe as junk food and believe this negatively impacts children's behavior. Foods marketed…

Discourses of Greyness and Diversity: Revisiting the ALBE and ESL Interface.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suda, Liz

Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse society is an important consideration in the role of adult literacy and numeracy in lifelong learning and socioeconomic well-being. A case study highlights the complexities diversity brings to development of language and literacy practices and challenges facing educators in developing a culturally…

Career Development Practitioners as Advocates for Transgender Individuals: Understanding Gender Transition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sangganjanavanich, Varunee Faii

2009-01-01

Assisting transgender individuals is a concern for career development practitioners because there is a lack of knowledge on this topic. The complexity of gender reassignment surgery brings challenges and unique needs to this population, throughout gender transition, and requires career development practitioners to understand these challenges and…

Engaging or Distracting: Children's Tablet Computer Use in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEwen, Rhonda N.; Dubé, Adam K.

2015-01-01

Communications studies and psychology offer analytical and methodological tools that when combined have the potential to bring novel perspectives on human interaction with technologies. In this study of children using simple and complex mathematics applications on tablet computers, cognitive load theory is used to answer the question: how…

More Power to the President?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keohane, Nannerl O.

1998-01-01

Argues that with the increasing complexity of American college and university governance, the presidency should be strengthened, and the president's goal should be to use the powers of the office in serious, not cosmetic, collaboration with others who have responsibility and interests in the institution, and to bring partial views together in a…

The Pericles Space Case: Preserving Earth Observation Data for the Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, C.; Pandey, P.; Pericles Consortium

2016-08-01

PERICLES (Promoting and Enhancing the Reuse of Information throughout the Content Lifecycle exploiting Evolving Semantics) is an FP7 project started on February 2013. It aims at preserving by design large and complex data sets. PERICLES is coordinated by King's College London, UK and its partners are University of Borås (Sweden), CERT (Greece), DotSoft(Greece), GeorgAugustUniversität, Göttingen (Germany), University of Liverpool (UK), Space Application Services (Belgium), XEROX France and University of Edinburgh (UK). Two additional partners provide the case studies: Tate Gallery (UK) brings the digital art and media case study and B.USOC (Belgian Users Support and Operations Centre) brings the space science case study.

Algorithms for Automatic Alignment of Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chatterjee, Siddhartha; Gilbert, John R.; Oliker, Leonid; Schreiber, Robert; Sheffler, Thomas J.

1996-01-01

Aggregate data objects (such as arrays) are distributed across the processor memories when compiling a data-parallel language for a distributed-memory machine. The mapping determines the amount of communication needed to bring operands of parallel operations into alignment with each other. A common approach is to break the mapping into two stages: an alignment that maps all the objects to an abstract template, followed by a distribution that maps the template to the processors. This paper describes algorithms for solving the various facets of the alignment problem: axis and stride alignment, static and mobile offset alignment, and replication labeling. We show that optimal axis and stride alignment is NP-complete for general program graphs, and give a heuristic method that can explore the space of possible solutions in a number of ways. We show that some of these strategies can give better solutions than a simple greedy approach proposed earlier. We also show how local graph contractions can reduce the size of the problem significantly without changing the best solution. This allows more complex and effective heuristics to be used. We show how to model the static offset alignment problem using linear programming, and we show that loop-dependent mobile offset alignment is sometimes necessary for optimum performance. We describe an algorithm with for determining mobile alignments for objects within do loops. We also identify situations in which replicated alignment is either required by the program itself or can be used to improve performance. We describe an algorithm based on network flow that replicates objects so as to minimize the total amount of broadcast communication in replication.

Genetic learning in rule-based and neural systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Robert E.

1993-01-01

The design of neural networks and fuzzy systems can involve complex, nonlinear, and ill-conditioned optimization problems. Often, traditional optimization schemes are inadequate or inapplicable for such tasks. Genetic Algorithms (GA's) are a class of optimization procedures whose mechanics are based on those of natural genetics. Mathematical arguments show how GAs bring substantial computational leverage to search problems, without requiring the mathematical characteristics often necessary for traditional optimization schemes (e.g., modality, continuity, availability of derivative information, etc.). GA's have proven effective in a variety of search tasks that arise in neural networks and fuzzy systems. This presentation begins by introducing the mechanism and theoretical underpinnings of GA's. GA's are then related to a class of rule-based machine learning systems called learning classifier systems (LCS's). An LCS implements a low-level production-system that uses a GA as its primary rule discovery mechanism. This presentation illustrates how, despite its rule-based framework, an LCS can be thought of as a competitive neural network. Neural network simulator code for an LCS is presented. In this context, the GA is doing more than optimizing and objective function. It is searching for an ecology of hidden nodes with limited connectivity. The GA attempts to evolve this ecology such that effective neural network performance results. The GA is particularly well adapted to this task, given its naturally-inspired basis. The LCS/neural network analogy extends itself to other, more traditional neural networks. Conclusions to the presentation discuss the implications of using GA's in ecological search problems that arise in neural and fuzzy systems.

A general optimality criteria algorithm for a class of engineering optimization problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belegundu, Ashok D.

2015-05-01

An optimality criteria (OC)-based algorithm for optimization of a general class of nonlinear programming (NLP) problems is presented. The algorithm is only applicable to problems where the objective and constraint functions satisfy certain monotonicity properties. For multiply constrained problems which satisfy these assumptions, the algorithm is attractive compared with existing NLP methods as well as prevalent OC methods, as the latter involve computationally expensive active set and step-size control strategies. The fixed point algorithm presented here is applicable not only to structural optimization problems but also to certain problems as occur in resource allocation and inventory models. Convergence aspects are discussed. The fixed point update or resizing formula is given physical significance, which brings out a strength and trim feature. The number of function evaluations remains independent of the number of variables, allowing the efficient solution of problems with large number of variables.

Facilitating the transition from physiology to hospital wards through an interdisciplinary case study of septic shock.

PubMed

Li, Albert S; Berger, Kenneth I; Schwartz, David R; Slater, William R; Goldfarb, David S

2014-04-12

In order to develop clinical reasoning, medical students must be able to integrate knowledge across traditional subject boundaries and multiple disciplines. At least two dimensions of integration have been identified: horizontal integration, bringing together different disciplines in considering a topic; and vertical integration, bridging basic science and clinical practice. Much attention has been focused on curriculum overhauls, but our approach is to facilitate horizontal and vertical integration on a smaller scale through an interdisciplinary case study discussion and then to assess its utility. An interdisciplinary case study discussion about a critically ill patient was implemented at the end of an organ system-based, basic sciences module at New York University School of Medicine. Three clinical specialists-a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, and a nephrologist-jointly led a discussion about a complex patient in the intensive care unit with multiple medical problems secondary to septic shock. The discussion emphasized the physiologic underpinnings behind the patient's presentation and the physiologic considerations across the various systems in determining proper treatment. The discussion also highlighted the interdependence between the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, which were initially presented in separate units. After the session students were given a brief, anonymous three-question free-response questionnaire in which they were asked to evaluate and freely comment on the exercise. Students not only took away physiological principles but also gained an appreciation for various thematic lessons for bringing basic science to the bedside, especially horizontal and vertical integration. The response of the participants was overwhelmingly positive with many indicating that the exercise integrated the material across organ systems, and strengthened their appreciation of the role of physiology in understanding disease presentations and guiding appropriate therapy. Horizontal and vertical integration can be presented effectively through a single-session case study, with complex patient cases involving multiple organ systems providing students opportunities to integrate their knowledge across organ systems while emphasizing the importance of physiology in clinical reasoning. Furthermore, having several clinicians from different specialties discuss the case together can reinforce the matter of integration across multiple organ systems and disciplines in students' minds.

Facilitating the transition from physiology to hospital wards through an interdisciplinary case study of septic shock

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background In order to develop clinical reasoning, medical students must be able to integrate knowledge across traditional subject boundaries and multiple disciplines. At least two dimensions of integration have been identified: horizontal integration, bringing together different disciplines in considering a topic; and vertical integration, bridging basic science and clinical practice. Much attention has been focused on curriculum overhauls, but our approach is to facilitate horizontal and vertical integration on a smaller scale through an interdisciplinary case study discussion and then to assess its utility. Methods An interdisciplinary case study discussion about a critically ill patient was implemented at the end of an organ system-based, basic sciences module at New York University School of Medicine. Three clinical specialists—a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, and a nephrologist—jointly led a discussion about a complex patient in the intensive care unit with multiple medical problems secondary to septic shock. The discussion emphasized the physiologic underpinnings behind the patient’s presentation and the physiologic considerations across the various systems in determining proper treatment. The discussion also highlighted the interdependence between the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, which were initially presented in separate units. After the session students were given a brief, anonymous three-question free-response questionnaire in which they were asked to evaluate and freely comment on the exercise. Results Students not only took away physiological principles but also gained an appreciation for various thematic lessons for bringing basic science to the bedside, especially horizontal and vertical integration. The response of the participants was overwhelmingly positive with many indicating that the exercise integrated the material across organ systems, and strengthened their appreciation of the role of physiology in understanding disease presentations and guiding appropriate therapy. Conclusions Horizontal and vertical integration can be presented effectively through a single-session case study, with complex patient cases involving multiple organ systems providing students opportunities to integrate their knowledge across organ systems while emphasizing the importance of physiology in clinical reasoning. Furthermore, having several clinicians from different specialties discuss the case together can reinforce the matter of integration across multiple organ systems and disciplines in students’ minds. PMID:24725336

Multi-Criteria Approach in Multifunctional Building Design Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerigk, Mateusz

2017-10-01

The paper presents new approach in multifunctional building design process. Publication defines problems related to the design of complex multifunctional buildings. Currently, contemporary urban areas are characterized by very intensive use of space. Today, buildings are being built bigger and contain more diverse functions to meet the needs of a large number of users in one capacity. The trends show the need for recognition of design objects in an organized structure, which must meet current design criteria. The design process in terms of the complex system is a theoretical model, which is the basis for optimization solutions for the entire life cycle of the building. From the concept phase through exploitation phase to disposal phase multipurpose spaces should guarantee aesthetics, functionality, system efficiency, system safety and environmental protection in the best possible way. The result of the analysis of the design process is presented as a theoretical model of the multifunctional structure. Recognition of multi-criteria model in the form of Cartesian product allows to create a holistic representation of the designed building in the form of a graph model. The proposed network is the theoretical base that can be used in the design process of complex engineering systems. The systematic multi-criteria approach makes possible to maintain control over the entire design process and to provide the best possible performance. With respect to current design requirements, there are no established design rules for multifunctional buildings in relation to their operating phase. Enrichment of the basic criteria with functional flexibility criterion makes it possible to extend the exploitation phase which brings advantages on many levels.

Multiple scales and phases in discrete chains with application to folded proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinelnikova, A.; Niemi, A. J.; Nilsson, Johan; Ulybyshev, M.

2018-05-01

Chiral heteropolymers such as large globular proteins can simultaneously support multiple length scales. The interplay between the different scales brings about conformational diversity, determines the phase properties of the polymer chain, and governs the structure of the energy landscape. Most importantly, multiple scales produce complex dynamics that enable proteins to sustain live matter. However, at the moment there is incomplete understanding of how to identify and distinguish the various scales that determine the structure and dynamics of a complex protein. Here we address this impending problem. We develop a methodology with the potential to systematically identify different length scales, in the general case of a linear polymer chain. For this we introduce and analyze the properties of an order parameter that can both reveal the presence of different length scales and can also probe the phase structure. We first develop our concepts in the case of chiral homopolymers. We introduce a variant of Kadanoff's block-spin transformation to coarse grain piecewise linear chains, such as the C α backbone of a protein. We derive analytically, and then verify numerically, a number of properties that the order parameter can display, in the case of a chiral polymer chain. In particular, we propose that in the case of a chiral heteropolymer the order parameter can reveal traits of several different phases, contingent on the length scale at which it is scrutinized. We confirm that this is the case with crystallographic protein structures in the Protein Data Bank. Thus our results suggest relations between the scales, the phases, and the complexity of folding pathways.

Evaluation in context: ATC automation in the field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harwood, Kelly; Sanford, Beverly

1994-01-01

The process for incorporating advanced technologies into complex aviation systems is as important as the final product itself. This paper described a process that is currently being applied to the development and assessment of an advanced ATC automation system, CTAS. The key element of the process is field exposure early in the system development cycle. The process deviates from current established practices of system development -- where field testing is an implementation endpoint -- and has been deemed necessary by the FAA for streamlining development and bringing system functions to a level of stability and usefulness. Methods and approaches for field assessment are borrowed from human factors engineering, cognitive engineering, and usability engineering and are tailored for the constraints of an operational ATC environment. To date, the focus has been on the qualitative assessment of the match between TMA capabilities and the context for their use. Capturing the users' experience with the automation tool and understanding tool use in the context of the operational environment is important, not only for developing a tool that is an effective problem-solving instrument but also for defining meaningful operational requirements. Such requirements form the basis for certifying the safety and efficiency of the system. CTAS is the first U.S. advanced ATC automation system of its scope and complexity to undergo this field development and assessment process. With the rapid advances in aviation technologies and our limited understanding of their impact on system performance, it is time we opened our eyes to new possibilities for developing, validating, and ultimately certifying complex aviation systems.

A Cyber-ITS Framework for Massive Traffic Data Analysis Using Cyber Infrastructure

PubMed Central

Fontaine, Michael D.

2013-01-01

Traffic data is commonly collected from widely deployed sensors in urban areas. This brings up a new research topic, data-driven intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), which means to integrate heterogeneous traffic data from different kinds of sensors and apply it for ITS applications. This research, taking into consideration the significant increase in the amount of traffic data and the complexity of data analysis, focuses mainly on the challenge of solving data-intensive and computation-intensive problems. As a solution to the problems, this paper proposes a Cyber-ITS framework to perform data analysis on Cyber Infrastructure (CI), by nature parallel-computing hardware and software systems, in the context of ITS. The techniques of the framework include data representation, domain decomposition, resource allocation, and parallel processing. All these techniques are based on data-driven and application-oriented models and are organized as a component-and-workflow-based model in order to achieve technical interoperability and data reusability. A case study of the Cyber-ITS framework is presented later based on a traffic state estimation application that uses the fusion of massive Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) data and GPS data. The results prove that the Cyber-ITS-based implementation can achieve a high accuracy rate of traffic state estimation and provide a significant computational speedup for the data fusion by parallel computing. PMID:23766690

Cleaning up our Federal energy regulatory mess

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kennedy, R.T.

1978-08-01

The new Department of Energy is making much effort to cut back on overlaps of regulations in regard to energy. Several governmental agencies were absorbed into DOE, but many of the previous agencies' policies are still on the books. The Energy Reorganization Act of 1977 did not eliminate the problem of regulatory overlap and confusion, the author says. Also, our future national energy policy will have to rest on this very complex of laws and regulations, he says. The author, being a former deputy administrator of the FEA, uses the nuclear industry to discuss ''the confusion.'' He concludes that eachmore » of us ''has a responsibility to clean up the energy regulation situation. Broad national policy issues must be addressed by Congress and the President. The States must focus hard on ways to simplify and strengthen their processes; and Federal agencies must look to ways to improve their interface with the states and to reduce duplication both with the states and with each other. All regulatory agencies must, mindful of their role in the process, police themselves, and keep a close eye on how that process is working. Finally, each government official and citizen must do his part to bring problems and solutions to the attention of the appropriate officials. For you are the watchdogs in this process, the keystone upon which our system rests.'' (MCW)« less

The nitrogen cycle in highly urbanized tropical regions and the effect of river-aquifer interactions: The case of Jakarta and the Ciliwung River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Diogo; Burlando, Paolo; Priadi, Cindy; Shie-Yui, Liong

2016-09-01

Groundwater is extensively used in Jakarta to compensate for the limited public water supply network. Recent observations show a rise in nitrate (NO3-) levels in the shallow aquifer, thus pointing at a potential risk for public health. The detected levels are still below national and international regulatory limits for drinking water but a strategy is necessary to contain the growing problem. We combine 3 years of available data in the Ciliwung River, the major river flowing through Jakarta, with a distributed river-aquifer interaction model to characterise the impact of urbanisation on the N-cycle of both surface and groundwater systems. Results show that the N-cycle in the river-aquifer system is heterogeneous in space, seasonal dependent (i.e. flow regime) and strongly affected by urban pollution. Results suggest also that although the main sources of N related groundwater pollution are leaking septic tanks, the aquifer interaction with the Ciliwung River may locally have a strong effect on the concentrations. In the general context of pollution control in urban areas, this study demonstrates how advanced process-based models can be efficiently used in combination with field measurements to bring new insights into complex contamination problems. These are essential for more effective and integrated management of water quality in river-aquifer systems.

Using student feedback to improve student attitudes and mathematical confidence in a first year interdisciplinary quantitative course: from the ashes of disaster!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everingham, Yvette; Gyuris, Emma; Sexton, Justin

2013-09-01

Today's scientist is faced with complex problems that require interdisciplinary solutions. Consequently, tertiary science educators have had to develop and deliver interdisciplinary science courses to equip students with the skills required to solve the evolving real-world challenges of today and tomorrow. There are few reported studies of the lessons learned from designing and delivering first year compulsory interdisciplinary science subjects at regional universities. Even fewer studies assess the impact that teaching interventions within interdisciplinary courses have on students' attitudes towards mathematics and technology, and mathematics anxiety. This paper discusses the feedback received from the first student cohort of a new compulsory, first year interdisciplinary science subject at a regional Australian university which resulted in curricular revisions. These revisions included a greater emphasis on the subject relevance and increased student support in tutorials. Assessment practices were also dramatically modified. The change in student attitudes and anxiety levels a priori and a posteriori to the interventions was measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Post-intervention, female and non-mathematics major students had grown in mathematical confidence and were less anxious. It is important that positive and negative research findings are reported, so science educators can learn from one another, and can better prepare their students for the challenges they will face in bringing interdisciplinary solutions to contemporary real-world problems.

Sorting points into neighborhoods (SPIN): data analysis and visualization by ordering distance matrices.

PubMed

Tsafrir, D; Tsafrir, I; Ein-Dor, L; Zuk, O; Notterman, D A; Domany, E

2005-05-15

We introduce a novel unsupervised approach for the organization and visualization of multidimensional data. At the heart of the method is a presentation of the full pairwise distance matrix of the data points, viewed in pseudocolor. The ordering of points is iteratively permuted in search of a linear ordering, which can be used to study embedded shapes. Several examples indicate how the shapes of certain structures in the data (elongated, circular and compact) manifest themselves visually in our permuted distance matrix. It is important to identify the elongated objects since they are often associated with a set of hidden variables, underlying continuous variation in the data. The problem of determining an optimal linear ordering is shown to be NP-Complete, and therefore an iterative search algorithm with O(n3) step-complexity is suggested. By using sorting points into neighborhoods, i.e. SPIN to analyze colon cancer expression data we were able to address the serious problem of sample heterogeneity, which hinders identification of metastasis related genes in our data. Our methodology brings to light the continuous variation of heterogeneity--starting with homogeneous tumor samples and gradually increasing the amount of another tissue. Ordering the samples according to their degree of contamination by unrelated tissue allows the separation of genes associated with irrelevant contamination from those related to cancer progression. Software package will be available for academic users upon request.

Build It: Will They Come?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corrie, Brian; Zimmerman, Todd

Scientific research is fundamentally collaborative in nature, and many of today's complex scientific problems require domain expertise in a wide range of disciplines. In order to create research groups that can effectively explore such problems, research collaborations are often formed that involve colleagues at many institutions, sometimes spanning a country and often spanning the world. An increasingly common manifestation of such a collaboration is the collaboratory (Bos et al., 2007), a “…center without walls in which the nation's researchers can perform research without regard to geographical location — interacting with colleagues, accessing instrumentation, sharing data and computational resources, and accessing information from digital libraries.” In order to bring groups together on such a scale, a wide range of components need to be available to researchers, including distributed computer systems, remote instrumentation, data storage, collaboration tools, and the financial and human resources to operate and run such a system (National Research Council, 1993). Media Spaces, as both a technology and a social facilitator, have the potential to meet many of these needs. In this chapter, we focus on the use of scientific media spaces (SMS) as a tool for supporting collaboration in scientific research. In particular, we discuss the design, deployment, and use of a set of SMS environments deployed by WestGrid and one of its collaborating organizations, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences (IRMACS) over a 5-year period.

Looking into the water with oblique head tilting: revision of the aerial binocular imaging of underwater objects.

PubMed

Horváth, Gábor; Buchta, Krisztián; Varjú, Dezsö

2003-06-01

It is a well-known phenomenon that when we look into the water with two aerial eyes, both the apparent position and the apparent shape of underwater objects are different from the real ones because of refraction at the water surface. Earlier studies of the refraction-distorted structure of the underwater binocular visual field of aerial observers were restricted to either vertically or horizontally oriented eyes. We investigate a generalized version of this problem: We calculate the position of the binocular image point of an underwater object point viewed by two arbitrarily positioned aerial eyes, including oblique orientations of the eyes relative to the flat water surface. Assuming that binocular image fusion is performed by appropriate vergent eye movements to bring the object's image onto the foveas, the structure of the underwater binocular visual field is computed and visualized in different ways as a function of the relative positions of the eyes. We show that a revision of certain earlier treatments of the aerial imaging of underwater objects is necessary. We analyze and correct some widespread erroneous or incomplete representations of this classical geometric optical problem that occur in different textbooks. Improving the theory of aerial binocular imaging of underwater objects, we demonstrate that the structure of the underwater binocular visual field of aerial observers distorted by refraction is more complex than has been thought previously.

The nitrogen cycle in highly urbanized tropical regions and the effect of river-aquifer interactions: The case of Jakarta and the Ciliwung River.

PubMed

Costa, Diogo; Burlando, Paolo; Priadi, Cindy; Shie-Yui, Liong

2016-09-01

Groundwater is extensively used in Jakarta to compensate for the limited public water supply network. Recent observations show a rise in nitrate (NO3(-)) levels in the shallow aquifer, thus pointing at a potential risk for public health. The detected levels are still below national and international regulatory limits for drinking water but a strategy is necessary to contain the growing problem. We combine 3years of available data in the Ciliwung River, the major river flowing through Jakarta, with a distributed river-aquifer interaction model to characterise the impact of urbanisation on the N-cycle of both surface and groundwater systems. Results show that the N-cycle in the river-aquifer system is heterogeneous in space, seasonal dependent (i.e. flow regime) and strongly affected by urban pollution. Results suggest also that although the main sources of N related groundwater pollution are leaking septic tanks, the aquifer interaction with the Ciliwung River may locally have a strong effect on the concentrations. In the general context of pollution control in urban areas, this study demonstrates how advanced process-based models can be efficiently used in combination with field measurements to bring new insights into complex contamination problems. These are essential for more effective and integrated management of water quality in river-aquifer systems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perspective: The language of leadership.

PubMed

Souba, Chip

2010-10-01

Human meaning is not given before language in and by some detached, prelinguistic domain and then labeled with words. Rather, language itself, always already ardently at play in our lives, is constitutive of the realities of our experience, opening up to us a uniquely human world. Language is the bridge between the created present and the uncreated future, affording leaders of medical schools with an underused opportunity to transform academic medicine. In creating and exchanging meaning, good leaders translate ambiguity into clear messages that convey the rationale for change and enroll others in a compelling strategy that fosters alignment and commitment. Because language influences our thinking and emotions, it is most powerful and effective for tackling challenges that rely heavily on conceptual, innovative solutions as opposed to those problems whose solutions are simple and technical in nature. However, many leaders in academic medicine spend much of their time in the domain of content, where issues are understandable, strategies are familiar, and solutions are seemingly apparent. Complex problems cannot be tackled by solely addressing content; the issue in question must be situated within an appropriate conversational context to provide a basis for action. Leaders do this by creating linguistic distinctions that prompt cognitive shifts in others, jarring them loose from their entrenched worldviews. This property of language--its ability to bring forth, out of the unspoken realm, innovative ideas and possibilities--will determine the future of our health care system and our world.

A Cyber-ITS framework for massive traffic data analysis using cyber infrastructure.

PubMed

Xia, Yingjie; Hu, Jia; Fontaine, Michael D

2013-01-01

Traffic data is commonly collected from widely deployed sensors in urban areas. This brings up a new research topic, data-driven intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), which means to integrate heterogeneous traffic data from different kinds of sensors and apply it for ITS applications. This research, taking into consideration the significant increase in the amount of traffic data and the complexity of data analysis, focuses mainly on the challenge of solving data-intensive and computation-intensive problems. As a solution to the problems, this paper proposes a Cyber-ITS framework to perform data analysis on Cyber Infrastructure (CI), by nature parallel-computing hardware and software systems, in the context of ITS. The techniques of the framework include data representation, domain decomposition, resource allocation, and parallel processing. All these techniques are based on data-driven and application-oriented models and are organized as a component-and-workflow-based model in order to achieve technical interoperability and data reusability. A case study of the Cyber-ITS framework is presented later based on a traffic state estimation application that uses the fusion of massive Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) data and GPS data. The results prove that the Cyber-ITS-based implementation can achieve a high accuracy rate of traffic state estimation and provide a significant computational speedup for the data fusion by parallel computing.

How to get paid for having fun.

PubMed

Koshland, D E

1996-01-01

As I look back, I am still amazed that I was actually paid to do something I loved and others could describe as work. Yet my situation is no different from that of most scientists who find that they are asked to pursue their innate curiosity to solve puzzles, the solutions to which fortunately are of value to society. I enjoyed the beautiful logic of mathematics in elementary grades and was entranced by the exciting solution of puzzles described by DeKruif. So I drifted into the scientific profession without a clear idea of what to do or how to do it. Each experience prepared my mind and supplied the base for the next job, creating what was for me a smooth flow from scientist to professor to editor to scientist. Fortunately for me and fellow scientists the problems of the world never disappear. "The one who rides the tiger can never get off" is an aphorism that expresses society's dependence on science. Automobiles improve transportation and create pollution, medical advantages prolong life and create over-population, pesticides bring cheaper food and create soil problems. Each advance brings on the need for more science to solve the new problems. Society, which likes to live well, is addicted to the products of science, and fortunately a peculiar set of humans are addicted to solving the problems. I am one of those typical addicts who finds the obstacle course fascinating and the endlessness of the quest utopia.

Bringing the Unidata IDV to the Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, W. I.; Oxelson Ganter, J.

2015-12-01

Maintaining software compatibility across new computing environments and the associated underlying hardware is a common problem for software engineers and scientific programmers. While traditional software engineering provides a suite of tools and methodologies which may mitigate this issue, they are typically ignored by developers lacking a background in software engineering. Causing further problems, these methodologies are best applied at the start of project; trying to apply them to an existing, mature project can require an immense effort. Visualization software is particularly vulnerable to this problem, given the inherent dependency on particular graphics hardware and software API's. As a result of these issues, there exists a large body of software which is simultaneously critical to the scientists who are dependent upon it, and yet increasingly difficult to maintain.The solution to this problem was partially provided with the advent of Cloud Computing; Application Streaming. This technology allows a program to run entirely on a remote virtual machine while still allowing for interactivity and dynamic visualizations, with little-to-no re-engineering required. When coupled with containerization technology such as Docker, we are able to easily bring the same visualization software to a desktop, a netbook, a smartphone, and the next generation of hardware, whatever it may be.Unidata has been able to harness Application Streaming to provide a tablet-compatible version of our visualization software, the Integrated Data Viewer (IDV). This work will examine the challenges associated with adapting the IDV to an application streaming platform, and include a brief discussion of the underlying technologies involved.

Development of an intelligent interface for adding spatial objects to a knowledge-based geographic information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, William J.; Goettsche, Craig

1989-01-01

Earth Scientists lack adequate tools for quantifying complex relationships between existing data layers and studying and modeling the dynamic interactions of these data layers. There is a need for an earth systems tool to manipulate multi-layered, heterogeneous data sets that are spatially indexed, such as sensor imagery and maps, easily and intelligently in a single system. The system can access and manipulate data from multiple sensor sources, maps, and from a learned object hierarchy using an advanced knowledge-based geographical information system. A prototype Knowledge-Based Geographic Information System (KBGIS) was recently constructed. Many of the system internals are well developed, but the system lacks an adequate user interface. A methodology is described for developing an intelligent user interface and extending KBGIS to interconnect with existing NASA systems, such as imagery from the Land Analysis System (LAS), atmospheric data in Common Data Format (CDF), and visualization of complex data with the National Space Science Data Center Graphics System. This would allow NASA to quickly explore the utility of such a system, given the ability to transfer data in and out of KBGIS easily. The use and maintenance of the object hierarchies as polymorphic data types brings, to data management, a while new set of problems and issues, few of which have been explored above the prototype level.

Where are family theories in family-based obesity treatment?: conceptualizing the study of families in pediatric weight management

PubMed Central

Skelton, JA; Buehler, C; Irby, MB; Grzywacz, JG

2014-01-01

Family-based approaches to pediatric obesity treatment are considered the ‘gold-standard,’ and are recommended for facilitating behavior change to improve child weight status and health. If family-based approaches are to be truly rooted in the family, clinicians and researchers must consider family process and function in designing effective interventions. To bring a better understanding of family complexities to family-based treatment, two relevant reviews were conducted and are presented: (1) a review of prominent and established theories of the family that may provide a more comprehensive and in-depth approach for addressing pediatric obesity; and (2) a systematic review of the literature to identify the use of prominent family theories in pediatric obesity research, which found little use of theories in intervention studies. Overlapping concepts across theories include: families are a system, with interdependence of units; the idea that families are goal-directed and seek balance; and the physical and social environment imposes demands on families. Family-focused theories provide valuable insight into the complexities of families. Increased use of these theories in both research and practice may identify key leverage points in family process and function to prevent the development of or more effectively treat obesity. The field of family studies provides an innovative approach to the difficult problem of pediatric obesity, building on the long-established approach of family-based treatment. PMID:22531090

A Framework for Hierarchical Perception-Action Learning Utilizing Fuzzy Reasoning.

PubMed

Windridge, David; Felsberg, Michael; Shaukat, Affan

2013-02-01

Perception-action (P-A) learning is an approach to cognitive system building that seeks to reduce the complexity associated with conventional environment-representation/action-planning approaches. Instead, actions are directly mapped onto the perceptual transitions that they bring about, eliminating the need for intermediate representation and significantly reducing training requirements. We here set out a very general learning framework for cognitive systems in which online learning of the P-A mapping may be conducted within a symbolic processing context, so that complex contextual reasoning can influence the P-A mapping. In utilizing a variational calculus approach to define a suitable objective function, the P-A mapping can be treated as an online learning problem via gradient descent using partial derivatives. Our central theoretical result is to demonstrate top-down modulation of low-level perceptual confidences via the Jacobian of the higher levels of a subsumptive P-A hierarchy. Thus, the separation of the Jacobian as a multiplying factor between levels within the objective function naturally enables the integration of abstract symbolic manipulation in the form of fuzzy deductive logic into the P-A mapping learning. We experimentally demonstrate that the resulting framework achieves significantly better accuracy than using P-A learning without top-down modulation. We also demonstrate that it permits novel forms of context-dependent multilevel P-A mapping, applying the mechanism in the context of an intelligent driver assistance system.

Participation in medical research as a resource-seeking strategy in socio-economically vulnerable communities: call for research and action.

PubMed

Ravinetto, Raffaella M; Afolabi, Muhammed O; Okebe, Joseph; Van Nuil, Jennifer Ilo; Lutumba, Pascal; Mavoko, Hypolite Muhindo; Nahum, Alain; Tinto, Halidou; Addissie, Adamu; D'Alessandro, Umberto; Grietens, Koen Peeters

2015-01-01

The freedom to consent to participate in medical research is a complex subject, particularly in socio-economically vulnerable communities, where numerous factors may limit the efficacy of the informed consent process. Informal consultation among members of the Switching the Poles Clinical Research Network coming from various sub-Saharan African countries, that is Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Benin, seems to support the hypothesis that in socio-economical vulnerable communities with inadequate access to health care, the decision to participate in research is often taken irrespectively of the contents of the informed consent interview, and it is largely driven by the opportunity to access free or better quality care and other indirect benefits. Populations' vulnerability due to poverty and/or social exclusion should obviously not lead to exclusion from medical research, which is most often crucially needed to address their health problems. Nonetheless, to reduce the possibility of exploitation, there is the need to further investigate the complex links between socio-economical vulnerability, access to health care and individual freedom to decide on participation in medical research. This needs bringing together clinical researchers, social scientists and bioethicists in transdisciplinary collaborative research efforts that require the collective input from researchers, research sponsors and funders. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Using complexity theory to analyse the organisational response to resurgent tuberculosis across London.

PubMed

Trenholm, Susan; Ferlie, Ewan

2013-09-01

We employ complexity theory to analyse the English National Health Service (NHS)'s organisational response to resurgent tuberculosis across London. Tennison (2002) suggests that complexity theory could fruitfully explore a healthcare system's response to this complex and emergent phenomenon: we explore this claim here. We also bring in established New Public Management principles to enhance our empirical analysis, which is based on data collected between late 2009 and mid-2011. We find that the operation of complexity theory based features, especially self-organisation, are significantly impacted by the macro context of a New Public Management-based regime which values control, measurement and risk management more than innovation, flexibility and lateral system building. We finally explore limitations and suggest perspectives for further research. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ecology of Problem Individuals and the Efficacy of Selective Wildlife Management.

PubMed

Swan, George J F; Redpath, Steve M; Bearhop, Stuart; McDonald, Robbie A

2017-07-01

As a result of ecological and social drivers, the management of problems caused by wildlife is becoming more selective, often targeting specific animals. Narrowing the sights of management relies upon the ecology of certain 'problem individuals' and their disproportionate contribution to impacts upon human interests. We assess the ecological evidence for problem individuals and confirm that some individuals or classes can be both disproportionately responsible and more likely to reoffend. The benefits of management can sometimes be short-lived, and selective management can affect tolerance of wildlife for better or worse, but, when effectively targeted, selective management can bring benefits by mitigating impact and conflict, often in a more socially acceptable way. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complex-valued multistate associative memory with nonlinear multilevel functions for gray-level image reconstruction.

PubMed

Tanaka, Gouhei; Aihara, Kazuyuki

2009-09-01

A widely used complex-valued activation function for complex-valued multistate Hopfield networks is revealed to be essentially based on a multilevel step function. By replacing the multilevel step function with other multilevel characteristics, we present two alternative complex-valued activation functions. One is based on a multilevel sigmoid function, while the other on a characteristic of a multistate bifurcating neuron. Numerical experiments show that both modifications to the complex-valued activation function bring about improvements in network performance for a multistate associative memory. The advantage of the proposed networks over the complex-valued Hopfield networks with the multilevel step function is more outstanding when a complex-valued neuron represents a larger number of multivalued states. Further, the performance of the proposed networks in reconstructing noisy 256 gray-level images is demonstrated in comparison with other recent associative memories to clarify their advantages and disadvantages.

The Engaged Institution, the Twenty-First Century, and the New University Extension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reilly, Kevin P.

2003-01-01

The National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges' Kellogg Commission notes the perception that "despite the resources and expertise available on our campuses, our institutions are not well organized to bring them to bear on local problems in a coherent way." This article suggests some organizational patterns and…

The Library as Partner in University Data Curation: A Case Study in Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Latham, Bethany; Poe, Jodi Welch

2012-01-01

Data curation is a concept with many facets. Curation goes beyond research-generated data, and its principles can support the preservation of institutions' historical data. Libraries are well-positioned to bring relevant expertise to such problems, especially those requiring collaboration, because of their experience as neutral caretakers and…

Immigration and Higher Education: The Crisis and the Opportunities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, David W.

1991-01-01

Changes in immigration patterns bring problems and opportunities to higher education. New federal law significantly changes the ethnic and skills mix of the immigrant pool. Issues emerging include potential brain drain; pressure for curriculum change; language as a barrier to access; and the rights of illegal immigrants to higher education. (MSE)

I'll Bring the Popcorn

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blickenstaff, Jacob Clark

2011-01-01

Movie clips can provide data for content-rich problem solving, show students exotic phenomena, allow them to apply science concepts in a new setting, and foster connections between science and the humanities. Though the latest release will have the advantage of pop-culture currency, films old enough to be released on DVD give teachers more…

Rethinking Bilingual Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gándara, Patricia

2015-01-01

It's one of the ironies of United States culture: We love our history as "a nation of immigrants," but at the same time, we're conflicted about immigration and the changes it brings. In this article, Patricia Gándara examines the research on one area of debate: whether multilingualism should be considered a problem to be fixed, or a…

The Power of Partnerships: When Librarians Bring People Together, Everyone Wins

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Jami

2005-01-01

Recently a public librarian e-mailed the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)about teen problem behaviors at the library--excessive noise, profanity, vandalism, the works. Anthony Bernier, director of teen services at the Oakland (CA) Public Library, came to the teens' defense. He charged that some librarians "cultivate, exaggerate, or…

Tailor-Made: Towards a Pedagogy for Educating Second-Career Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tigchelaar, Anke; Brouwer, Niels; Vermunt, Jan D.

2010-01-01

Many countries suffer from teacher shortages. One possible solution to this problem is to recruit second-career teachers. These second-career teachers form an intriguing group. They bring an abundance of previous experiences into a new, professional domain. The purpose of this study is to identify pedagogical principles that support the training…

Integrating Learner-Driven and Organization-Driven Agendas: A Workplace Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lessard, Richard

For the past 4 years, Alpena Community College (ACC) in Michigan has been involved in the Workplace Partnership Project (WPP), a federally funded program which brings basic skills classes into the worksite to help upgrade employees' math, reading, writing, problem-solving, and science knowledge. The college works with partner companies to help…

Are Electronic Conferences a Solution in Search of an Urban Problem?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klecka, Cari; Clift, Renee; Cheng, Yu-Ming

2005-01-01

This article briefly reviews initiatives that have attempted to create communities of educators using Web-based, electronic conferencing. The authors critically analyze the advocacy for electronic communication as a medium for bringing educators together across time and distance with an emphasis on what is known about urban schools, access to…

Lifelong Learning & Distance Higher Education. Perspectives on Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McIntosh, Christopher, Ed.

2005-01-01

Reflecting a common objective of ensuring quality Education for All, this book is a joint initiative of UNESCO and COL and jointly published. Lifelong Learning in Distance Higher Education brings together a diverse group of experts from many countries. The book provides a clear picture of the challenges, problems and potential of distance higher…

Evaluating Text-Based Information on the World Wide Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wopereis, Iwan G. J. H.; van Merrienboer, Jeroen J. G.

2011-01-01

This special section contributes to an inclusive cognitive model of information problem solving (IPS) activity, touches briefly IPS learning, and brings to the notice methodological pitfalls related to uncovering IPS processes. Instead of focusing on the IPS process as a whole, the contributing articles turn their attention to what is regarded the…

A Long-Awaited Revolution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flint, Colin

2004-01-01

The heart of Mike Tomlinson's vision of the future is the diploma. This is seen as the answer to the problems posed by "the proliferation of qualifications of different types and size, few of which offer a balance between generic and specialised knowledge and skills". The diplomas look to provide coherence and balance, and to bring a transparent…

Recurrent Education and Lifelong Learning. World Yearbook of Education 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schuller, Tom, Ed.; Megarry, Jacquetta, Ed.

To bring a comparative education perspective to the practical problems of recurrent education and lifelong learning, the essays in this collection are written by authors from around the world. Parts 1 (Orientation) and 2 (Major Issues) clarify concepts and issues of general application. Topics include work/leisure/education life cycle, definitions…

The Teachability Index: Can Disadvantaged Students Learn? Education Working Paper 6

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greene, Jay P.; Forster, Greg

2004-01-01

Student "teachability"--the advantages and disadvantages that students bring to school--is often offered as an excuse for educational failure. Many claim that students are less teachable than they used to be, and that reforms cannot meaningfully improve student achievement due to problems like poverty and social dysfunction. This study measures…

Considering Layoffs? Tips for Avoiding Legal Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelderman, Eric

2009-01-01

The fiscal year that begins on July 1 for most colleges is expected to bring a wave of layoffs, as institutions grapple with declining state contributions, a falloff in donations, and other budget pressures. Eliminating jobs can create a number of legal pitfalls, including potential lawsuits for breach of contract or discrimination. If handled…

Childcare Practices among Construction Workers in Chira Chas, Jharkhand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dhar, Rajib

2012-01-01

This study aims at examining the childcare practices and issues experienced by the low-income construction workers in India. It is concerned with understanding varied aspects relating to problems that construction workers, as parents, face while bringing up their children in one of the small construction companies of eastern India, in the state of…

How Interesting Is a Cricket Match?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glaister, P.

2006-01-01

Even for those passionate about both cricket and maths, each can have their dull moments. This article brings together the sometimes-dry binomial distribution with a problem of cricket matches where the result of the series has already been decided, and so are "dead". It is hoped that readers will become more interested in at least one…

IDR: A Participatory Methodology for Interdisciplinary Design in Technology Enhanced Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winters, Niall; Mor, Yishay

2008-01-01

One of the important themes that emerged from the CAL'07 conference was the failure of technology to bring about the expected disruptive effect to learning and teaching. We identify one of the causes as an inherent weakness in prevalent development methodologies. While the problem of designing technology for learning is irreducibly…

Salmonella Smorgasbord: The Problem with too Many Choices

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Although hundreds of articles are written about Salmonella each year, it continues to command top billing as a food borne pathogen. We have revisited the same issues over a period of time without hitting upon a ‘eureka’ moment. Often, we tend to travel in the comfort zone, bringing in the latest ...

Collaborative Research Seed Grants for Integrating Knowledges and Creating New Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freitag, Amy

2015-01-01

Incorporating different ways of knowing in research and management has the potential to bring creativity to environmental problem-solving through integrating ways of knowing and innovation via co-producing knowledge. To gain these benefits, North Carolina Sea Grant Extension offers small annual grants called Fisheries Resource Grants to paired…

Bringing Installation Art to Reconnaissance to Share Values and Generate Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Townsend, Andrew; Thomson, Pat

2015-01-01

The English education system has recently seen something of a revival of enthusiasm for the use of research both to develop educational practices and to gather evidence about their effectiveness. These initiatives often present action research as a model of individual problem-solving, which, we argue, communicates a limited conception of action…

Discourse Anaphora in Turkish as Mother Tongue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyuchukov, Hristo

2009-01-01

The present paper researches the abilities of Turkish adults from Bulgaria to create narratives. It analyses the narratives of the adults using discourse strategies. The findings show some problems of bilingual adults in creating narratives which are not discussed in the scientific literature. This paper brings some new knowledge to the field of…

Bringing the Digital Camera to the Physics Lab

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rossi, M.; Gratton, L. M.; Oss, S.

2013-01-01

We discuss how compressed images created by modern digital cameras can lead to even severe problems in the quantitative analysis of experiments based on such images. Difficulties result from the nonlinear treatment of lighting intensity values stored in compressed files. To overcome such troubles, one has to adopt noncompressed, native formats, as…

Opening the Door to Coaching Conversations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheliotes, Linda Gross; Reilly, Marceta Fleming

2012-01-01

A leader doesn't have to solve every problem personally to be effective. In fact, helping others learn to resolve issues and implement their own solutions is the key to sustainable leadership and an empowered staff. This companion and follow-up book to "Coaching Conversations" brings the coaching style of leadership to life with stories from the…

Our Blind Child: Bringing Up a Blind Child During Its Early Years.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pielasch, Helmut, Ed.; And Others

The document contains 10 author contributed chapters (in four languages) which resulted from a 1976 international symposium on problems concerning the preschool education of blind children and the guidance of their parents. Chapters have the following titles (with authors and nationality in parentheses): "Development of the Blind Child"…

The Affects of Not Reading: Hating Characters, Being Bored, Feeling Stupid

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poletti, Anna; Seaboyer, Judith; Kennedy, Rosanne; Barnett, Tully; Douglas, Kate

2016-01-01

This article brings recent debates in literary studies regarding the practice of close reading into conversation with Derek Attridge's idea of "readerly hospitality" (2004) to diagnose the problem of students in undergraduate literary studies programme not completing set reading. We argue that the method of close reading depends on…

Central and Eastern Europe: Vocational Education and Training in Transition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bertrand, Olivier

1995-01-01

Analysis of recent developments in vocational education and training in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe brings out certain common problems. On the economic level, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania are undergoing a profound crisis. Consequences for training have included the closing of many company schools or workshops, absence of…

Industry/Government Teleconference on Pollution Control. Proceedings National Telecast and Local Panel Sessions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Manufacturers, New York, NY.

Proceedings of the closed-circuit Teleconference on Pollution Control conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers on May 26, 1971 are supplied in this compendium. Edited transcripts are provided for the national programs and local panel sessions. Seeking to bring business and government together for cooperative problem solving, the…

The Hidden Curriculum of Whiteness: White Teachers, White Territory, and White Community.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, Ricky Lee

This paper suggests that space and spatiality are major features of racial identity and the formation of student resistance. It brings together critical studies of "Whiteness," human territoriality, and theories of resistance in education. The problems between white teachers and students of color can be understood better through a combination of…