Security Encryption Scheme for Communication of Web Based Control Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robles, Rosslin John; Kim, Tai-Hoon

A control system is a device or set of devices to manage, command, direct or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. The trend in most systems is that they are connected through the Internet. Traditional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) is connected only in a limited private network Since the internet Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) facility has brought a lot of advantages in terms of control, data viewing and generation. Along with these advantages, are security issues regarding web SCADA, operators are pushed to connect Control Systems through the internet. Because of this, many issues regarding security surfaced. In this paper, we discuss web SCADA and the issues regarding security. As a countermeasure, a web SCADA security solution using crossed-crypto-scheme is proposed to be used in the communication of SCADA components.

Connect: UNESCO-UNEP Environmental Education Newsletter. 1991-1992.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connect, 1992

1992-01-01

This document consists of the eight issues of the UNESCO-UNEP Environmental Education Newsletter published in 1991 and 1992. The lead article in the March 1991 issue, "From Awareness to Action via Nonformal Environmental Education," discusses the different methods to translate and transmit environmental education concepts to citizens in…

Building Connections between Industry and University: Implementing an Internship Program at a Regional University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tovey, Janice

2001-01-01

Discusses the issues of socialization and acculturation of interns into the workplace, motivation of student employees, and the relationship between education and training/workplace and academy by using an established university level internship program. Reveals the significance of these issues for positive experiential learning. (SG)

IDRA Newsletter. Volume 37, No. 8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodman, Christie L., Ed.

2010-01-01

Each edition of the IDRA Newsletter strives to provide many different perspectives on the issues in education topics discussed and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. This issue focuses on Change Strategies and includes: (1) YA! Es Tiempo--The Courage to Connect (Maria "Cuca" Robledo Montecel); (2) Making…

"The Disinterested Scientist": Fact or Fiction?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitroff, Ian I.

1973-01-01

The behavior of scientists who studied the moon rocks from the various Apollo missions was examined over a three year period. Methods of interviews ranging from discussion to written questionnaires were designed to explore issues connected with lunar missions and to focus on specific attitudes towards these issues. The central question emphasized…

Using Machine Learning for Behavior-Based Access Control: Scalable Anomaly Detection on TCP Connections and HTTP Requests

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

machine learning techniques used in BBAC to make predictions about the intent of actors establishing TCP connections and issuing HTTP requests. We discuss pragmatic challenges and solutions we encountered in implementing and evaluating BBAC, discussing (a) the general concepts underlying BBAC, (b) challenges we have encountered in identifying suitable datasets, (c) mitigation strategies to cope...and describe current plans for transitioning BBAC capabilities into the Department of Defense together with lessons learned for the machine learning

Science, Technology, and National Security.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSieno, Robert P.

1997-01-01

Describes a course that grafts discussion of scientific ideas onto students' natural enthusiasm for public policy issues. Includes a group of topics that afford substantive discussion of important scientific ideas. Helps students explore vivid connections between scientific knowledge and public policy, including building the atomic bomb and public…

Is There a Global Role for Metropolitan City Libraries?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mason, Marilyn Gell

1994-01-01

Discusses the potential for linking large metropolitan public libraries to international interlibrary loan networks. Issues involved in international networking, including funding, standards, network connectivity, and protectionism, are discussed. Examples of libraries capable of participating and brief descriptions of their collections are given.…

National GAP Conference 2007-Discussion Groups Report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ratz, Joan M.; Lamb, Berton Lee

2010-01-01

We led two discussion groups during the 2007 National GAP Conference. These discussion groups provided information to help develop a survey of National Gap Analysis Program (GAP) data users. One group discussed technical issues, and the second group discussed the use of GAP data for decisionmaking. Themes emerging from the technical issues group included concerns about data quality, need for information on how to use data, and passive data distribution. The decisionmaking discussion included a wide range of topics including the need to understand presentation of information, the need to connect with and understand users of data, the revision of GAP's mission, and the adaptability of products and data. The decisionmaking group also raised concerns regarding technical issues. One conclusion is that a deep commitment to ongoing information transfer and support is a key component of success for the GAP program.

Balancing Act: Bridging the Traditional and Technological Aspects of Culture through Art Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawton, Pamela Harris

2007-01-01

This paper addresses the benefits of connecting and balancing education in the visual arts and in technology through discussion of actual examples. This balanced connection accomplishes three goals: to further advance and enhance quality of life, to cultivate humane and ethical behaviors, and to initiate global dialogue on issues that matter among…

Methodology in Bi- and Multilingual Studies: From Simplification to Complexity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aronin, Larissa; Jessner, Ulrike

2014-01-01

Research methodology is determined by theoretical approaches. This article discusses methods of multilingualism research in connection with theoretical developments in linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and education. Taking a brief glance at the past, the article starts with a discussion of an issue underlying the choice of…

On Ramps: Options and Issues in Accessing the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bocher, Bob

1995-01-01

Outlines the basic options that schools and libraries have for accessing the Internet, focusing on four models: direct connection; dial access using SLIP/PPP (Serial Line Internet Protocol/Point-to-Point Protocol); dial-up using terminal emulation mode; and dial access through commercial online services. Discusses access option issues such as…

Personalized Learning in Wisconsin: FLIGHT Academy. Connect: Making Learning Personal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taege, Jeffrey; Krauter, Krista; Lees, Jonathan

2015-01-01

This field report is the third in a series produced by the Center on Innovations in Learning's League of Innovators. The series describes, discusses, and analyzes policies and practices that enable personalization in education. Issues of the series will present either issue briefs or, like this one, field reports on lessons learned by…

History Museums and Social Cohesion: Building Identity, Bridging Communities, and Addressing Difficult Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenberg, Tracy Jean

2011-01-01

Museums have the capacity to enhance social cohesion, which is the product of a trusting, connected community. History museums and historic sites, in particular, can serve communities by stimulating dialogue on difficult issues, accurately representing all the people of a nation, and creating forums for discussion among groups with disparate…

Envisioning the Possible: Building a Critical Literacy Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flint, Amy Seely

2000-01-01

Notes that connecting the teachers' stories and experiences presented in this themed issue are such themes as using real life issues as the curriculum, risk taking, student ownership, and community building. Discusses how these teachers believe in the importance of making curriculum relevant and meaningful to the lives of the children by…

A Case Study Approach to Ethics in Career Development, Second Edition. Monograph Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makela, Julia Panke; Perlus, Jessamyn G.

2017-01-01

This second edition tackles some of the most vexing questions that career development professionals encounter today. Using a case study design, it offers a hands-on experience with ethical terminology, resources, and issues. Each dilemma presented includes detailed, guided discussion of key issues and recommendations, with direct connections to…

Everything Is Connected: Giftedness within a Broad Framework for Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woolcott, Geoff

2012-01-01

Ziegler and Phillipson (Z&P) have provided a valuable discussion of the identification and development of giftedness under a systemic umbrella, including issues of differing theoretical approaches and efficacy. This commentary considers their discussion within a novel systemic framework that links also individuals and environment, but in terms of…

Vocational technical and adult education: Status, trends and issues related to electronic delivery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothenberg, D.

1973-01-01

Data are analyzed, and trends and issues are discussed to provide information useful to the systems designer who wishes to identify and assess the opportunities for large scale electronic delivery in vocational/technical and adult education. Issues connected with vocational/technical education are investigated, with emphasis on those issues in the current spotlight which are relevant to the possibilities of electronic delivery. The current role of media is examined in vocational/technical instruction.

Constraints to connecting children with nature--Survey of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees sponsored by the National Conservation Training Center, Division of Education Outreach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ratz, Joan M.; Schuster, Rudy M.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) names "connecting people with nature" as one of its top six priorities in the online Service Employee Pocket Guide. The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) took the initiative to identify issues that impede greater progress in addressing constraints to connecting children with nature. The Division of Education Outreach at NCTC formed a working relation with the Policy Analysis and Science Assistance branch of the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a study on these issues. To meet the objectives of the study, a survey of a sample of FWS employees was conducted. This report includes the description of how the survey was developed and administered, how the data were analyzed, and a discussion of the survey results. The survey was developed based on published literature and incorporated input from two working groups of professionals focused on the issue of connecting children with nature. Although the objective as stated by the FWS is to connect people with nature, the survey primarily focused on connecting children, rather than all people, with nature. The four primary concepts included on the survey were interpretation of how the FWS defined "connection" as part of its mission, perceived success with outreach, constraints to connecting children with nature, and importance of connecting children with nature. The survey was conducted online using KeySurvey© software. The survey was sent to 604 FWS employees. Responses were received from 320 employees. The respondents represented diversity in regions, tenure, wage/grade level, job series, supervisory status, and involvement with education and outreach activities. The key findings of the survey are as follows: * FWS employees believe they as individuals and the agency are successful now and will be more successful in the future in connecting children with nature. * FWS employees believe that there are many outcomes that are relevant to the FWS objective to connect people with the environment. * FWS employees believe that connecting children with nature is important. * Constraints to connecting children with nature exist but are not perceived by respondents to be severe. * The constraints of greatest concern are practical issues, competition from technology, funding issues and staffing issues.

Psychosis related to neurological conditions: pro and cons of the dis- / mis-connectivity models of schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Foucher, Jack R.; Luck, David

2006-01-01

Schizophrenia is still a condition with obscure causes and psychopathology. This paper aims to discuss the “disconnectivity” hypothesis in relation to some neurological conditions which are known to alter brain connectivity, as well as mimicking some aspects of the disorder. After a short historical introduction to the concept, we will examine the evidence for connectivity problems in schizophrenia, separating the anatomical level from the functional level. Then, we will discuss three different issues concerning connectivity: i) local reduction in connectivity without neuronal loss (within the gray matter); ii) reduction in or alteration of long-range connectivity (within the white matter); and iii) abnormal targets for connections. For each of these aspects, we will look at the conditions able to reproduce anomalies capable of increasing susceptibility to schizophrenia. We conclude that psychosis is more likely to occur: i) when long-range connectivity is concerned; ii) when lesions result in lengthening and scattering of conduction times; and iii) when there are high dopamine levels, shedding light on or adding weight to the idea of an interaction between dopamine and connectivity. PMID:16640110

Effective Connectivity Modeling for fMRI: Six Issues and Possible Solutions Using Linear Dynamic Systems

PubMed Central

Smith, Jason F.; Pillai, Ajay; Chen, Kewei; Horwitz, Barry

2012-01-01

Analysis of directionally specific or causal interactions between regions in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data has proliferated. Here we identify six issues with existing effective connectivity methods that need to be addressed. The issues are discussed within the framework of linear dynamic systems for fMRI (LDSf). The first concerns the use of deterministic models to identify inter-regional effective connectivity. We show that deterministic dynamics are incapable of identifying the trial-to-trial variability typically investigated as the marker of connectivity while stochastic models can capture this variability. The second concerns the simplistic (constant) connectivity modeled by most methods. Connectivity parameters of the LDSf model can vary at the same timescale as the input data. Further, extending LDSf to mixtures of multiple models provides more robust connectivity variation. The third concerns the correct identification of the network itself including the number and anatomical origin of the network nodes. Augmentation of the LDSf state space can identify additional nodes of a network. The fourth concerns the locus of the signal used as a “node” in a network. A novel extension LDSf incorporating sparse canonical correlations can select most relevant voxels from an anatomically defined region based on connectivity. The fifth concerns connection interpretation. Individual parameter differences have received most attention. We present alternative network descriptors of connectivity changes which consider the whole network. The sixth concerns the temporal resolution of fMRI data relative to the timescale of the inter-regional interactions in the brain. LDSf includes an “instantaneous” connection term to capture connectivity occurring at timescales faster than the data resolution. The LDS framework can also be extended to statistically combine fMRI and EEG data. The LDSf framework is a promising foundation for effective connectivity analysis. PMID:22279430

K-12 access to internet: Securing the legal framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blauassociate, Andrew

1993-09-01

While many people in government, education, and industry have lauded the potential educational value of Internet access for students in grades K-12, there is as yet no legal or regulatory framework within which this new medium is being offered to students. The Communications Policy Forum, a nonpartisan project of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, recently convened a roundtable to discuss some of the legal issues that arise when K-12 schools provide Internet access to their students. Approximately 15 people, representing carriers who provide connections to the Internet, schools or school systems who are connected to the Internet, and legal experts with expertise in this and related areas, met to discuss questions of legal liability as this new medium enters an educational setting for minors. The following attempts to capture the major issues, suggestions, and directions for further collaborative efforts raised during the course of that discussion. In brief, the group identified statutory language aimed at other types of electronic communication that may offer some guidance; was briefed on a host of state laws that could be used to prosecute providers of certain materials found on the Internet; and concluded that there is no case law that clearly applies to this setting. The discussion revealed an interest in anticipating issues and developing responses before problems arose, and the need for shared approaches to allow carriers to move forward in serving and expanding this field. Members of the group offered to pursue these issues jointly and agreed upon a handful of concrete steps for further exploration and discussion.

Inferring Functional Neural Connectivity with Phase Synchronization Analysis: A Review of Methodology

PubMed Central

Sun, Junfeng; Li, Zhijun; Tong, Shanbao

2012-01-01

Functional neural connectivity is drawing increasing attention in neuroscience research. To infer functional connectivity from observed neural signals, various methods have been proposed. Among them, phase synchronization analysis is an important and effective one which examines the relationship of instantaneous phase between neural signals but neglecting the influence of their amplitudes. In this paper, we review the advances in methodologies of phase synchronization analysis. In particular, we discuss the definitions of instantaneous phase, the indexes of phase synchronization and their significance test, the issues that may affect the detection of phase synchronization and the extensions of phase synchronization analysis. In practice, phase synchronization analysis may be affected by observational noise, insufficient samples of the signals, volume conduction, and reference in recording neural signals. We make comments and suggestions on these issues so as to better apply phase synchronization analysis to inferring functional connectivity from neural signals. PMID:22577470

Sexual dysfunctions in non-heterosexual men - literature review.

PubMed

Grabski, Bartosz; Kasparek, Krzysztof

2017-02-26

The paper aims to present results and discuss methodology of research conducted so far on sexual dysfunction in non-heterosexual men, as well as to form suggestions for future research and clinical practice. The present paper is a continuation of our earlier paper, which discussed the specific context of the issue connected with the characteristics of gay sexual orientation and the social situation those men face. There is little research on dysfunctions and sexual problems in non-heterosexual men, and none has been conducted in Poland. The research that has been done is characterized by inconsistent methodology that is far from perfect, and varied results which cannot be compared. There are still many unanswered questions in the field. The issues connected with research that require attention include the choice of samples and their representativeness, and the accuracy of the methods used for identifying sexual dysfunctions. It is also still not clear whether sexual problems occur more often in non-heterosexual than heterosexual men, how non-heterosexual men deal with those problems, and how the problems influence their functioning. Another issue that requires a deeper understanding is the connections between sexual dysfunctions in this group and various aspects of the so-called minority stress, such as internalized homophobia and experiencing discrimination, psychoactive substance abuse, HIV infection, and the sexual and partnership lifestyle.

Fiber-connected, indefinite Morse 2-functions on connected n-manifolds

PubMed Central

Gay, David T.; Kirby, Robion C.

2011-01-01

We discuss generic smooth maps from smooth manifolds to smooth surfaces, which we call “Morse 2-functions,” and homotopies between such maps. The two central issues are to keep the fibers connected, in which case the Morse 2-function is “fiber-connected,” and to avoid local extrema over one-dimensional submanifolds of the range, in which case the Morse 2-function is “indefinite.” This is foundational work for the long-range goal of defining smooth invariants from Morse 2-functions using tools analogous to classical Morse homology and Cerf theory. PMID:21518894

Making Connections.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garbe, Edward

1998-01-01

Discusses enhancing a college's competitive position by offering technological capabilities to its students, including the planning process and wiring installation issues to be considered. Highlights two examples concerning building the wiring infrastructure to support multipurpose, technology-rich learning environments. (GR)

Swedish Schools and Gender Equality in the 1970s

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hedlin, Maria

2013-01-01

In Sweden, as in many countries before Sweden, boys' academic achievements are getting considerable attention as the big gender issue. The Swedish gender equality policy that was put on the agenda in the 1970s is now associated with extreme discussions. This study aims to explore how gender equality was discussed in the 1970s, in connection with…

Overcoming obstacles to the exchange of information between risk tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feather, Martin S.; Cornford, Steven L.; Meshkat, Leila; Voss, Luke

2005-01-01

Our work to date in connecting risk tools hs had successes, but also has revealed there to be significant impediments to information exchange between them. These impediments stem from the well-known phenomenon of 'semantic dissonance' - mismatch between conceptual assumptions made by the separately developed tools. This issue represents a fundamental challenge that arises regardless of the mechanism of information exchange. This paper explains the issue and illustrates it with reference to our experiences to date connecting several risk tools. We motivate this work, present and discuss the solutions we have adopted to surmount these impediments, and the implications this work has for future efforts to integrate risk tools.

Population quality and sustainable development in Indonesia: notes on a framework for the discussion of policy issues.

PubMed

Hayes, A C

1990-12-01

A simple and far reaching framework is needed to indicate the interdisciplinary connections between issues of population, environment, society, and development. Policy makers must understand the holistic nature of these issues when they formulate programs and official proclamations. High population quality and sustainable development are the goals they are trying to achieve and only by drawing from various disciplines is this goal going to be achieved. State guidelines are the context in which issues from these different areas are discussed. Quality of life and sustainable development is a national objective and is a reflection of lifestyles and values of the people. The government knows that it must work in conjunction with its people in order to complete policy goals.

78 FR 25101 - Credit Ratings Roundtable

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-29

... examine issues in connection with the possibility of developing a credit rating assignment system. The second panel will discuss the effectiveness of the Commission's current system under the Securities... focus on other potential alternatives to the current issuer pay business model. The roundtable...

The Information Superhighway and the National Information Infrastructure (NII).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffith, Jane Bortnick; Smith, Marcia S.

1994-01-01

Discusses issues connected with the information superhighway and the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Topics addressed include principles for government action; economic benefits; regulations; applications; information policy; pending federal legislation; private sector/government relationship; open access and universal service; privacy…

A hierarchical typology of intermodal air-rail connections at large airports in the United States.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

In July 2005, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report discussing : intermodal transportation strategies in developing airport intermodal capabilities (USGAO 2005). In this : report, the GAO identified those airports t...

A Max-Flow Based Algorithm for Connected Target Coverage with Probabilistic Sensors

PubMed Central

Shan, Anxing; Xu, Xianghua; Cheng, Zongmao; Wang, Wensheng

2017-01-01

Coverage is a fundamental issue in the research field of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Connected target coverage discusses the sensor placement to guarantee the needs of both coverage and connectivity. Existing works largely leverage on the Boolean disk model, which is only a coarse approximation to the practical sensing model. In this paper, we focus on the connected target coverage issue based on the probabilistic sensing model, which can characterize the quality of coverage more accurately. In the probabilistic sensing model, sensors are only be able to detect a target with certain probability. We study the collaborative detection probability of target under multiple sensors. Armed with the analysis of collaborative detection probability, we further formulate the minimum ϵ-connected target coverage problem, aiming to minimize the number of sensors satisfying the requirements of both coverage and connectivity. We map it into a flow graph and present an approximation algorithm called the minimum vertices maximum flow algorithm (MVMFA) with provable time complex and approximation ratios. To evaluate our design, we analyze the performance of MVMFA theoretically and also conduct extensive simulation studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. PMID:28587084

A Max-Flow Based Algorithm for Connected Target Coverage with Probabilistic Sensors.

PubMed

Shan, Anxing; Xu, Xianghua; Cheng, Zongmao; Wang, Wensheng

2017-05-25

Coverage is a fundamental issue in the research field of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Connected target coverage discusses the sensor placement to guarantee the needs of both coverage and connectivity. Existing works largely leverage on the Boolean disk model, which is only a coarse approximation to the practical sensing model. In this paper, we focus on the connected target coverage issue based on the probabilistic sensing model, which can characterize the quality of coverage more accurately. In the probabilistic sensing model, sensors are only be able to detect a target with certain probability. We study the collaborative detection probability of target under multiple sensors. Armed with the analysis of collaborative detection probability, we further formulate the minimum ϵ -connected target coverage problem, aiming to minimize the number of sensors satisfying the requirements of both coverage and connectivity. We map it into a flow graph and present an approximation algorithm called the minimum vertices maximum flow algorithm (MVMFA) with provable time complex and approximation ratios. To evaluate our design, we analyze the performance of MVMFA theoretically and also conduct extensive simulation studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm.

Design and performance analysis of generalised integrator-based controller for grid connected PV system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Hemant; Singh, Alka; Rai, J. N.

2018-07-01

This article discusses the design and control of a single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. A 5-kW PV system is designed and integrated at the DC link of an H-bridge voltage source converter (VSC). The control of the VSC and switching logic is modelled using a generalised integrator (GI). The use of GI or its variants such as second-order GI have recently evolved for synchronisation and are being used as phase locked loop (PLL) circuits for grid integration. Design of PLL circuits and the use of transformations such as Park's and Clarke's are much easier in three-phase systems. But obtaining in-phase and quadrature components becomes an important and challenging issue in single-phase systems. This article addresses this issue and discusses an altogether different application of GI for the design of compensator based on the extraction of in-phase and quadrature components. GI is frequently used as a PLL; however, in this article, it is not used for synchronisation purposes. A new controller has been designed for a single-phase grid-connected PV system working as a single-phase active compensator. Extensive simulation results are shown for the working of integrated PV system under different atmospheric and operating conditions during daytime as well as night conditions. Experimental results showing the proposed control approach are presented and discussed for the hardware set-up developed in the laboratory.

The Real-World Connection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estes, Charles R.

1994-01-01

Discusses theoretical versus applied science and the use of the scientific method for analysis of social issues. Topics addressed include the use of simulation and modeling; the growth in computer power, including nanotechnology; distributed computing; self-evolving programs; spiritual matters; human engineering, i.e., molding individuals;…

Choosing a CD-ROM Network Solution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doering, David

1996-01-01

Discusses issues to consider in selecting a CD-ROM network solution, including throughput (speed of data delivery), security, access, servers, key features, training, jukebox support, documentation, and licenses. Reviews software products offered by Novell, Around Technology, Micro Design, Smart Storage, Microtest, Meridian, CD-Connection,…

"Bricolage" and Teachers' Theorizing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagner, Jon

1990-01-01

Discusses issues stimulated by Elizabeth Hatton's examination of teachers' work as "bricolage" in a prior article. Explores the connection between creative potential and pedagogic knowledge and the science of the abstract and the concrete. Presents potential reforms that could enhance teachers' capacity to gain pedagogic knowledge. (JS)

Thinkable Models.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawler, Robert W.

1996-01-01

Argues that the organization of cognitive structures for technical domains can be visualized as a network of connected thinkable models. Describes a taxonomy of models that has been developed and discusses the issue of how representations relate to human modes of perception and action. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Hypnosis and Memory: A Hazardous Connection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barber, Joseph

1997-01-01

Evaluates the issues surrounding the recovery of repressed memories through hypnosis and suggests ways clinicians might productively confront the attendant clinical dilemmas in this process. Discusses the hypnotic experience, the nature of memory, and clinical problems associated with recovered memories. Makes recommendations for clinicians. (RJM)

Radiotherapy in patients with connective tissue diseases.

PubMed

Giaj-Levra, Niccolò; Sciascia, Savino; Fiorentino, Alba; Fersino, Sergio; Mazzola, Rosario; Ricchetti, Francesco; Roccatello, Dario; Alongi, Filippo

2016-03-01

The decision to offer radiotherapy in patients with connective tissue diseases continues to be challenging. Radiotherapy might trigger the onset of connective tissue diseases by increasing the expression of self-antigens, diminishing regulatory T-cell activity, and activating effectors of innate immunity (dendritic cells) through Toll-like receptor-dependent mechanisms, all of which could potentially lead to breaks of immune tolerance. This potential risk has raised some debate among radiation oncologists about whether patients with connective tissue diseases can tolerate radiation as well as people without connective tissue diseases. Because the number of patients with cancer and connective tissue diseases needing radiotherapy will probably increase due to improvements in medical treatment and longer life expectancy, the issue of interactions between radiotherapy and connective tissue diseases needs to be clearer. In this Review, we discuss available data and evidence for patients with connective tissue diseases treated with radiotherapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research in Counseling Psychology: Prospects and Recommendations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gelso, Charles J.; And Others

1988-01-01

Presents summary of discussions on research from the Third National Conference for Counseling Psychology. Topics summarized include definition and image; methodological diversity in counseling research; multi- and cross-cultural issues; the connection of research to practice; and research training. Provides 15 recommendations for research in…

78 FR 26667 - Sunshine Act Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-07

... first panel will examine issues in connection with the possibility of developing a credit rating assignment system. The second panel will discuss the effectiveness of the Commission's current system under.... The third panel will focus on other potential alternatives to the current issuer pay business model...

The PC Connection Part II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dessy, Raymond E., Ed.

1986-01-01

Discusses topics involved in the selection of an analog-to-digital (ADC) converter and associated front-end signal conditioning hardware. Reviews what types of ADC's are available, best type for particular application, conversion rates, amplification, filtering, noise, and compatibility issues. Suggests purchase strategy and supplies names and…

Exercise and Quality of Life: Strengthening the Connections

PubMed Central

Hacker, Eileen

2010-01-01

Exercise improves quality of life (QOL) in people with cancer. Most oncology healthcare providers recognize the statement to be true because the research literature provides strong support for the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. Because the terms exercise, QOL, and people with cancer have different meanings, the contextual connections in which they are used are important to understanding the relationship between exercise and QOL in people with cancer. This article explores the links between exercise and QOL in people with cancer and examines issues that impact the development, implementation, and evaluation of exercise programs for people with cancer. Issues related to exercise goal development, exercise prescription, exercise testing, exercise adherence, and methods to evaluate the efficacy of exercise in relation to QOL are discussed. PMID:19193547

Exercise and quality of life: strengthening the connections.

PubMed

Hacker, Eileen

2009-02-01

Exercise improves quality of life (QOL) in people with cancer. Most oncology healthcare providers recognize the statement to be true because the research literature provides strong support for the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. Because the terms exercise, QOL, and people with cancer have different meanings, the contextual connections in which they are used are important to understanding the relationship between exercise and QOL in people with cancer. This article explores the links between exercise and QOL in people with cancer and examines issues that impact the development, implementation, and evaluation of exercise programs for people with cancer. Issues related to exercise goal development, exercise prescription, exercise testing, exercise adherence, and methods to evaluate the efficacy of exercise in relation to QOL are discussed.

NASA/SPAN and DOE/ESnet-DECnet transition strategy for DECnet OSI/phase 5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, Linda; Demar, Phil

1991-01-01

The technical issues are examined involved with the transition of very large DECnet networks from DECnet phase IV protocols to DECnet OSI/Phase V protocols. The networks involved are the NASA's Science Internet (NSI-DECnet) and the DOE's Energy Science network (ESnet-DECnet). These networks, along with the many universities and research institutions connected to them, combine to form a single DECnet network containing more than 20,000 transitions and crossing numerous organizational boundaries. Discussion of transition planning, including decisions about Phase V naming, addressing, and routing are presented. Also discussed are transition issues related to the use of non-DEC routers in the network.

Connections Between Science and Spirituality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garen, David C.

2006-07-01

I would like to continue the discussion ofpoints raised in William Carter's response toRobert Frodeman's Eos Forum article Carter,2006; Frodeman, 2005. I have appreciatedFrodeman's work and feel that perspectiveson science deriving from humanities, philosophy,and religion can add depth, insight,and meaning to our endeavors. I would liketo broaden the discussion beyond just spacepolicy to include the relationship betweenscience in general and these, what I wouldcall, spiritual issues.

Consortia Building: A Handshake and a Smile, Island Style.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutright, Patricia J.

2000-01-01

Discussion of library consortia focuses on the collaborative efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia that will enhance library services through staff training and educating while utilizing innovative technology. Highlights include background and socioeconomic overview; a project that addresses automation and Internet connectivity issues; and…

Cell Towers and Songbirds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klosterman, Michelle; Mesa, Jennifer; Milton, Katie

2009-01-01

This article describes how our common addiction to cell phones was used to launch a discussion about their use, impacts on the environment, and connections to issues of civic concern. By encouraging middle school science students to adopt the perspectives of special-interest groups debating communication tower restrictions designed to protect…

Career Counsellors and Suicide Risk Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Popadiuk, Natalee Elizabeth

2013-01-01

Recent discussions suggest that career counsellors need to be trained in more holistic frameworks in order to deal with the career and psychological issues of their clients. In particular, research shows a strong connection between employment and suicidality, including changes in socioeconomic status, disruption in employment, sudden unemployment,…

Homeroom: An Updated Classic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vitale, Julie A.

2008-01-01

For teenagers, finding positive connections during their high school experience is essential to their level of comfort and possibly even their level of success. Without personal relationships, nothing else matters. Creating opportunities for students to interact with one another and discuss issues that they are grappling with was a major force…

Can Water Mean Health?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, Maggie, Ed.

1983-01-01

This issue of UNICEF News explores the theme of connections between water and health in developing countries. The introductory article discusses prospects for improving health through water projects during the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-90). Subsequent articles focus on (1) effects of a piped water supply on…

A Simulation of Counter-Cyclical Intervention: Some Practical Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grawe, Nathan D.; Watts, Michael, Ed.

2007-01-01

The author introduces a simulation of counter-cyclical interventions that highlights important issues surrounding the practice of government intervention. The simulation provides experiential insight as to why economists have long debated the degree of persistence exhibited by disequilibrating shocks and connects this debate to discussions about…

Global Interconnectivity Between Mobile Satellite and Terrestrial Users: Call Signalling Issues and Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estabrook, Polly; Moon, Todd; Spade, Rob

1996-01-01

This paper will discuss some of the challenges in connecting mobile satellite users and mobile terrestrial users in a cost efficient manner and with a grade of service comparable to that of satellite to fixed user calls. Issues arising from the translation between the mobility management protocols resident at the satellite Earth station and those resident at cellular switches - either GSM (Group Special Mobile) or IS-41 (used by U.S. digital cellular systems) type - will be discussed. The impact of GSM call routing procedures on the call setup of a satellite to roaming GSM user will be described. Challenges facing provision of seamless call handoff between satellite and cellular systems will be given. A summary of the issues explored in the paper are listed and future work outlined.

Connecting with the Big Picture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brophy, Jere

2009-01-01

This article concludes the special issue on identity and motivation by discussing the five preceding contributions. It identifies strengths and limitations in each article and places them within a larger context, indicating ways that the authors could broaden the scope of their inquiries by breaking free of existing limitations or adding…

Heritage, Culture, and Immigration: The Family Connection = Heritage, culture et immigration: Les relations familiales.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theilheimer, Ish, Ed.; Eisner, Kathy, Ed.

1994-01-01

This issue of the Canadian journal "Transitions," presented in French- and English-language editions, deals with immigration as it relates to families. "Immigration, Integration, Families, Values: Old Wine in New Bottles" (Morton Weinfeld with Kathy Eisner) discusses the process of immigrant integration, which spans…

A Litmus Test of Academic Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orkodashvili, Mariam

2009-01-01

The paper discusses the major issues connected with the accreditation procedures in higher education system in the U.S. The questions raised are as follows: what are the reliable and credible indicators of quality instruction that could be measured in the process of accreditation of higher education institutions? How does greater transparency in…

Accounting Issues: An Essay Series. Part II--Accounts Receivable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laux, Judith A.

2007-01-01

This is the second in a series of articles designed to help academics refocus the introductory accounting course on the theoretical underpinnings of accounting. Intended as a supplement for the principles course, this article connects the asset Accounts Receivable to the essential theoretical constructs, discusses the inherent tradeoffs and…

Article Booklet for the Eleventh Course by Newspaper Connections: Technology and Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, John G.; And Others

Controversies involving science, technology, and society are explored in 15 articles written by historians, social scientists, management consultants, engineers, and experts in the history of science. Technological development in an historical context is the central theme of the booklet. Major issues discussed include effects, preconditions, and…

Connecting Communities: Identity, Language and Diaspora

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Jean

2005-01-01

This paper compares government and media views on citizenship, language and identity with the perspectives of a particular group of British citizens who are fluent speakers of English but retain an allegiance to their other languages. Firstly, it discusses recent official and newspaper reports in the UK relating to issues of citizenship and…

The Search for Definitions: The Vitality of Politics and the Issue of Corruption.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Michael

1996-01-01

Attempts to reconcile classical and modern ways of thinking about corruption by emphasizing the connection between the idea of corruption and the vitality of the political process. Discusses the differences between behavior-specific conceptions of corruption and those emphasizing social and political processes. (MJP)

The Sociology of Urban Education: Desegregation and Integration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willie, Charles Vert

In this book, the problems of racial segregation and desegregation in urban schools and colleges are discussed in light of cultural, biological, and social questions. Part I explores various issues in urban education, such as racial balance and quality education, white flight, community control, the city-suburban connection, education for the…

Must Invisible Colleges Be Invisible? An Approach to Examining Large Communities of Network Users.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruth, Stephen R.; Gouet, Raul

1993-01-01

Discussion of characteristics of users of computer-mediated communication systems and scientific networks focuses on a study of the scientific community in Chile. Topics addressed include users and nonusers; productivity; educational level; academic specialty; age; gender; international connectivity; public policy issues; and future research…

Algebraic Concepts: What's Really New in New Curricula?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Star, Jon R.; Herbel-Eisenmann, Beth A.; Smith, John P., III

2000-01-01

Examines 8th grade units from the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP). Identifies differences in older and newer conceptions, fundamental objects of study, typical problems, and typical solution methods in algebra. Also discusses where the issue of what is new in algebra is relevant to many other innovative middle school curricula. (KHR)

Gender Tracing and Literacy Narratives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuhne, Michael

A good way "to get at gender" is to ask students to write about their literacy because literacy is a good catalyst for discussion and analysis regarding the complexities of gender. A number of recent articles connect composition studies with issues of gender, including those by Elizabeth Flynn, Geoff Sirc, Linda Peterson, Don Kraemer…

Integrating Digital Images into the Art and Art History Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pitt, Sharon P.; Updike, Christina B.; Guthrie, Miriam E.

2002-01-01

Describes an Internet-based image database system connected to a flexible, in-class teaching and learning tool (the Madison Digital Image Database) developed at James Madison University to bring digital images to the arts and humanities classroom. Discusses content, copyright issues, ensuring system effectiveness, instructional impact, sharing the…

"My Mom and Her Boyfriend Fuss": A Five-Minute RAP

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laursen, Erik K.; Whindleton, Kendra

2012-01-01

Unresolved issues from home often spill over into behavior problems at school. This article discusses the five-minute RAP techniques: (1) connect; (2) clarify; and (3) restore. The authors present a case study wherein this brief restorative intervention had been a successful alternative to punishment and exclusion.

Digital telephony analysis model and issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keuthan, Lynn M.

1995-09-01

Experts in the fields of digital telephony and communications security have stated the need for an analytical tool for evaluating complex issues. Some important policy issues discussed by experts recently include implementing digital wire-taps, implementation of the 'Clipper Chip', required registration of encryption/decryption keys, and export control of cryptographic equipment. Associated with the implementation of these policies are direct costs resulting from implementation, indirect cost benefits from implementation, and indirect costs resulting from the risks of implementation or factors reducing cost benefits. Presented herein is a model for analyzing digital telephony policies and systems and their associated direct costs and indirect benefit and risk factors. In order to present the structure of the model, issues of national importance and business-related issues are discussed. The various factors impacting the implementation of the associated communications systems and communications security are summarized, and various implementation tradeoffs are compared based on economic benefits/impact. The importance of the issues addressed herein, as well as other digital telephony issues, has greatly increased with the enormous increases in communication system connectivity due to the advance of the National Information Infrastructure.

Statistical limitations in functional neuroimaging. I. Non-inferential methods and statistical models.

PubMed Central

Petersson, K M; Nichols, T E; Poline, J B; Holmes, A P

1999-01-01

Functional neuroimaging (FNI) provides experimental access to the intact living brain making it possible to study higher cognitive functions in humans. In this review and in a companion paper in this issue, we discuss some common methods used to analyse FNI data. The emphasis in both papers is on assumptions and limitations of the methods reviewed. There are several methods available to analyse FNI data indicating that none is optimal for all purposes. In order to make optimal use of the methods available it is important to know the limits of applicability. For the interpretation of FNI results it is also important to take into account the assumptions, approximations and inherent limitations of the methods used. This paper gives a brief overview over some non-inferential descriptive methods and common statistical models used in FNI. Issues relating to the complex problem of model selection are discussed. In general, proper model selection is a necessary prerequisite for the validity of the subsequent statistical inference. The non-inferential section describes methods that, combined with inspection of parameter estimates and other simple measures, can aid in the process of model selection and verification of assumptions. The section on statistical models covers approaches to global normalization and some aspects of univariate, multivariate, and Bayesian models. Finally, approaches to functional connectivity and effective connectivity are discussed. In the companion paper we review issues related to signal detection and statistical inference. PMID:10466149

Teaching ethics using popular songs: feeling and thinking.

PubMed

O'Mathúna, Dónal P

2008-01-01

A connection has long been made between music and moral education. Recent discussions have focused on concerns that certain lyrics can lead to acceptance of violence, suicide, inappropriate views of women, and other unethical behaviour. Debate over whether such connections exist at least illustrates that popular songs engage listeners with ethical issues; this arises from the unique blend of emotional and cognitive reactions to music. And while the emotional side of ethics has received less attention than other aspects of ethics, it is important and music can be a powerful and unique tool to introduce the emotional aspects of ethics. Music appeals to almost everyone. Throughout history songs have rallied people to action and drawn people into deeper reflection. Music engages our emotions, our imagination and our intellect. Students already spend many hours listening to songs, some of which address ethical issues; it is thus an ideal pedagogic aid in teaching subjects like ethics. This article will discuss how carefully selected songs can encourage thoughtful reflection and critical thinking about ethical issues: a number of specific examples will be described, along with a discussion of the general practicalities of using popular songs in teaching ethics and a demonstration of how students learn to listen critically and actively reflect on the ethical messages they receive. The enjoyment of music helps to engage students with ethics and its relevance for their lives and careers. This article aims to share some of the excitement and enthusiasm that popular songs have brought to my teaching of ethics.

Race, Gender and Class: Lyrics of American Ethnic Literature and Cultures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Qun

2000-01-01

Examines topical issues in the study of African American, Asian American, Native American, and Hispanic American cultures. Horizontally, the article discusses inter- and intra-cultural conflicts, use of two-toned language, and the fight for social justification as portrayed in American ethnic literatures. Vertically, the connection of these ethnic…

Art and Text as Living Inquiry into Anti-Immigration Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faltis, Christian

2012-01-01

This paper examines the connections between art and text regarding the (mis) treatment of Mexican immigrants, particularly in schools. The paper discusses the harsh realities of anti-immigrant discourse through a series of oil paintings created to depict selected issues of Mexican immigrant experiences that are also written about in text. The main…

Connecting Diversity Efforts in the Workplace with Business Mission, Goals, and Objectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Sandra J.

1994-01-01

Discusses the management and evaluation of diversity in the workforce and emphasizes the need to link diversity issues with organizational goals and performance needs. Differences between a "quick fix" and systematic action are examined; distinctions between a program and a process are explained; and measuring results of diversity…

Improving Substance Abuse Treatment: The National Treatment Plan Initiative. Changing the Conversation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (DHHS/PHS), Rockville, MD. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

This report is the result of five expert panels and six regional public hearings around the country that focused on key persistent issues that have characterized discussions of substance abuse over the years: closing the treatment gap; reducing stigma and changing attitudes; improving and strengthening treatment systems; connecting services and…

Competency-Based Education and the World of Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huff, Sheila M.

Some issues in connection with competency-based education (CBE) and the world of work discussed by the author include the relevance of CBE programs to work, the changing attitudes of students and young workers toward work, "credentialism" or the continual upgrading of educational requirements for employment, underemployment and CBE, and others.…

Space Station Common Berthing Mechanism, a multi-body simulation application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Searle, Ian

1993-01-01

This paper discusses an application of multi-body dynamic analysis conducted at the Boeing Company in connection with the Space Station (SS) Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM). After introducing the hardware and analytical objectives we will focus on some of the day-to-day computational issues associated with this type of analysis.

Literacy: International, National, State, and Local. Yearbook of the American Reading Forum, Volume XI.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayes, Bernard L., Ed.; Camperell, Kay, Ed.

This book contains papers which consider literacy issues at all levels from preschool to reading and the aging. The book includes discussions of cultural literacy, computer literacy, the reading/writing connection, adult basic literacy, measurement of reading and writing, special reading programs, and reading research. The following papers are…

Biology of lung cancer: genetic mutation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells.

PubMed

Aoi, Takashi

2016-09-01

At present, most cases of unresectable cancer cannot be cured. Genetic mutations, EMT, and cancer stem cells are three major issues linked to poor prognosis in such cases, all connected by inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Issues on inter-/intra-tumor heterogeneity of genetic mutation could be resolved with recent and future technologies of deep sequencers, whereas, regarding such issues as the "same genome, different epigenome/phenotype", we expect to solve many of these problems in the future through further research in stem cell biology. We herein review and discuss the three major issues in the biology of cancers, especially from the standpoint of stem cell biology.

Warm dark matter

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

Horiuchi, Shunsaku, E-mail: horiuchi@vt.edu

2016-06-21

The cold dark matter paradigm has been extremely successful in explaining the large-scale structure of the Universe. However, it continues to face issues when confronted by observations on sub-Galactic scales. A major caveat, now being addressed, has been the incomplete treatment of baryon physics. We first summarize the small-scale issues surrounding cold dark matter and discuss the solutions explored by modern state-of-the-art numerical simulations including treatment of baryonic physics. We identify the too big to fail in field galaxies as among the best targets to study modifications to dark matter, and discuss the particular connection with sterile neutrino warm darkmore » matter. We also discuss how the recently detected anomalous 3.55 keV X-ray lines, when interpreted as sterile neutrino dark matter decay, provide a very good description of small-scale observations of the Local Group.« less

Female sex trafficking: conceptual issues, current debates, and future directions.

PubMed

Meshkovska, Biljana; Siegel, Melissa; Stutterheim, Sarah E; Bos, Arjan E R

2015-01-01

Female sex trafficking is a pressing concern. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of relevant issues regarding the concept of female sex trafficking and research in the field of human trafficking, drawing on a variety of disciplines, including economics, gender and sexuality studies, psychology, sociology, law, and social work. We discuss the debates surrounding the definition of human trafficking, compare and contrast it with human smuggling, and outline connections between female sex trafficking and the issue of sex work and prostitution. We further discuss the history and current estimations of female sex trafficking. We then outline the main actors in female sex trafficking, including trafficked persons, traffickers, clients, and service providers, and we overview the trafficking process from recruitment to identification, recovery, and (re)integration. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for future research that tie together the concepts of vulnerability, exploitation, and long-term recovery and (re)integration.

The System of Management of Innovation Projects at a Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kalimullin, Aydar M.; Youngblood, Valery ?.; Khodyreva, Elana A.

2016-01-01

The urgency of the issue discussed in this article is caused by the need for development and assessment of new models and mechanisms of management of higher education institutions, which are connected with the development of the system of management of innovation projects and contribute to the development of educational institutions. The aim of…

Literacies and Quechua Oral Language: Connecting Sociocultural Worlds and Linguistic Resources for Biliteracy Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De La Piedra, Maria Teresa

2006-01-01

This article presents partial findings of an ethnographic study in a Quechua rural community in the Peruvian Andes. It discusses the uses of hegemonic Spanish literacy practices in the school. These were characterized by emphasis on formal issues over meaning; students lives, cultural, and linguistic resources were ignored. However, there were…

Teaching Energy Concepts by Working on Themes of Cultural and Environmental Value

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Besson, Ugo; De Ambrosis, Anna

2014-01-01

Energy is a central topic in physics and a key concept for understanding the physical, biological and technological worlds. It is a complex topic with multiple connections with different areas of science and with social, environmental and philosophical issues. In this paper we discuss some aspects of the teaching and learning of the energy…

Fostering Skills to Enhance Critical Educators: A Pedagogical Proposal for Pre-Service Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguirre Morales, Jahir; Ramos Holguín, Bertha

2011-01-01

This article aims to share with teacher-educators a pedagogical proposal which we have applied in the past year. This investigation analyzes issues linked to critical pedagogy using movies connected to educational themes and readings based on critical pedagogy. We have used this study to generate class discussions in order to analyze educational…

Spatial Dimensions of Christianity and Education in Western European History, with Legacies for the Present

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brock, Colin

2010-01-01

This article attempts to illustrate the significance of the geographical dimension of certain connections between Christianity and education in Europe. It does so by initially introducing the nature of the three components of the triangle with special reference to theory. Taking the fundamental geographical issue of scale, the discussion proceeds…

Task Design for Intercultural Telecollaboration in Secondary Schools: Insights from the EU project TILA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffstaedter, Petra; Kohn, Kurt

2014-01-01

Our contribution focuses on synchronous oral telecollaboration in secondary schools. With reference to the EU project TILA, aspects of task design and implementation are discussed against the backdrop of issues of technological quality in connection with class organisation in computer labs. Case study evidence is provided in favour of the…

Is Connected Health Contributing to a Healthier Population?

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Connected health tools, including mobile phones, incorporate various functions that capture events, direct actions, and make informed decisions based on complex sources of data. Connected health, a term recently proposed by some academics and industry, refers to the development, testing, and integration of smart technology tools into health care. Through these means, connected health creates interconnectivity across various environments, profoundly changing the way we learn, self-regulate, and communicate with one another. In health care, mobile phones enable more precise diagnostics, personalized health recommendations that enhance patient experiences and outcomes while containing health care costs. However, for connected health to achieve its full potential, issues must be addressed pertaining to active engagement in use, privacy, security, and quality, as well as the development of evidence-based guidelines. This commentary discusses these key challenges and explores the promise of connected health, specifically eHealth and mHealth. Anchored within the context of cancer, the authors’ area of expertise, the ideas put forward can readily be applied to other health-related disciplines. PMID:29127077

Modeling and Simulation for an 8 kW Three-Phase Grid-Connected Photo-Voltaic Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cen, Zhaohui

2017-09-01

Gird-connected Photo-Voltaic (PV) systems rated as 5-10 kW level have advantages of scalability and energy-saving, so they are very typical for small-scale household solar applications. In this paper, an 8 kW three-phase grid-connected PV system model is proposed and studied. In this high-fidelity model, some basic PV system components such as solar panels, DC-DC converters, DC-AC inverters and three-phase utility grids are mathematically modelled and organized as a complete simulation model. Also, an overall power controller with Maximum Power Point Control (MPPT) is proposed to achieve both high-efficiency for solar energy harvesting and grid-connection stability. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the PV system model and the proposed controller, and power quality issues are discussed.

Analyzing 7000 texts on deep brain stimulation: what do they tell us?

PubMed

Ineichen, Christian; Christen, Markus

2015-01-01

The enormous increase in numbers of scientific publications in the last decades requires quantitative methods for obtaining a better understanding of topics and developments in various fields. In this exploratory study, we investigate the emergence, trends, and connections of topics within the whole text corpus of the deep brain stimulation (DBS) literature based on more than 7000 papers (title and abstracts) published between 1991 to 2014 using a network approach. Taking the co-occurrence of basic terms that represent important topics within DBS as starting point, we outline the statistics of interconnections between DBS indications, anatomical targets, positive, and negative effects, as well as methodological, technological, and economic issues. This quantitative approach confirms known trends within the literature (e.g., regarding the emergence of psychiatric indications). The data also reflect an increased discussion about complex issues such as personality connected tightly to the ethical context, as well as an apparent focus on depression as important DBS indication, where the co-occurrence of terms related to negative effects is low both for the indication as well as the related anatomical targets. We also discuss consequences of the analysis from a bioethical perspective, i.e., how such a quantitative analysis could uncover hidden subject matters that have ethical relevance. For example, we find that hardware-related issues in DBS are far more robustly connected to an ethical context compared to impulsivity, concrete side-effects or death/suicide. Our contribution also outlines the methodology of quantitative text analysis that combines statistical approaches with expert knowledge. It thus serves as an example how innovative quantitative tools can be made useful for gaining a better understanding in the field of DBS.

Analyzing 7000 texts on deep brain stimulation: what do they tell us?

PubMed Central

Ineichen, Christian; Christen, Markus

2015-01-01

The enormous increase in numbers of scientific publications in the last decades requires quantitative methods for obtaining a better understanding of topics and developments in various fields. In this exploratory study, we investigate the emergence, trends, and connections of topics within the whole text corpus of the deep brain stimulation (DBS) literature based on more than 7000 papers (title and abstracts) published between 1991 to 2014 using a network approach. Taking the co-occurrence of basic terms that represent important topics within DBS as starting point, we outline the statistics of interconnections between DBS indications, anatomical targets, positive, and negative effects, as well as methodological, technological, and economic issues. This quantitative approach confirms known trends within the literature (e.g., regarding the emergence of psychiatric indications). The data also reflect an increased discussion about complex issues such as personality connected tightly to the ethical context, as well as an apparent focus on depression as important DBS indication, where the co-occurrence of terms related to negative effects is low both for the indication as well as the related anatomical targets. We also discuss consequences of the analysis from a bioethical perspective, i.e., how such a quantitative analysis could uncover hidden subject matters that have ethical relevance. For example, we find that hardware-related issues in DBS are far more robustly connected to an ethical context compared to impulsivity, concrete side-effects or death/suicide. Our contribution also outlines the methodology of quantitative text analysis that combines statistical approaches with expert knowledge. It thus serves as an example how innovative quantitative tools can be made useful for gaining a better understanding in the field of DBS. PMID:26578908

The Mind-Body Connection - Emotions and Health

MedlinePlus

... Navigation Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues The Mind-Body Connection Emotions and Health Past Issues / Winter 2008 ... Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and ...

Conceptual design and issues of the laser inertial fusion test (LIFT) reactor—targets and chamber systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norimatsu, T.; Kozaki, Y.; Shiraga, H.; Fujita, H.; Okano, K.; Members of LIFT Design Team

2017-11-01

We present the conceptual design of an experimental laser fusion plant known as the laser inertial fusion test (LIFT) reactor. The conceptual design aims at technically connecting a single-shot experiment and a commercial power plant. The LIFT reactor is designed on a three-phase scheme, where each phase has specific goals and the dedicated chambers of each phase are driven by the same laser. Technical issues related to the chamber technology including radiation safety to repeat burst mode operation are discussed in this paper.

Integrating horizon scanning and strategic risk prioritisation using a weight of evidence framework to inform policy decisions.

PubMed

Garnett, K; Lickorish, F A; Rocks, S A; Prpich, G; Rathe, A A; Pollard, S J T

2016-08-01

Poor connection between data on emerging issues and credible policy decisions continues to challenge governments, and is only likely to grow as demands on time and resources increase. Here we summarise recent efforts to integrate horizon scanning and risk prioritisation approaches to better connect emerging issues to the political discourse on environmental and food-related issues. Our categorisation of insights including potential future risks and opportunities to inform policy discussions has emerged from a structured three-year programme of horizon scanning for a UK pan-governmental futures partnership led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Our efforts to integrate horizon scanning and risk prioritisation, utilising a qualitative weight of evidence framework, has created a systematic process for identifying all signals of potential future change with significant impact for the strategic mission and underlying values of policy actors. Our approach encourages an exploration of factors out of the control of organisations, recognising that resilience depends on the flexibility of management strategies and the preparedness to deal with a variety of unexpected outcomes. We discuss how this approach addresses key cultural and evaluative challenges that policy actors have had in embedding horizon scanning in evidence-based policy processes, and suggest further developments to build confidence in the use of horizon scanning for strategic planning. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Health Sector Reform and Social Determinants of Health: building up theoretical and methodological interconnections to approach complex global challenges.

PubMed

Junior, Garibaldi Dantas Gurgel

2014-01-01

Health Sector Reform and Social Determinants of Health are central issues for the current international policy debate, considering the turbulent scenario and the threat of economic recession in a global scale. Although these themes have been discussed for a long time, three major issues still calls the attention of the scientific community and health policymakers. The first one is the matter of how to approach scientifically the intricate connections between them in order to understand the consequences of policies for healthcare services, once this debate will become much more tensioned in the coming years. The second one is the lack of explanatory frameworks to investigate the policies of reform strategies, simultaneously observed in a variety of countries within distinct health services, which aim to achieve multiple and contradictory goals vis-à-vis the so-called social determinants of health. The third one is the challenge that governments face in developing and sustaining equitable health services, bearing in mind the intense political dispute behind the health sector reform processes. This article discusses an all-embracing theoretical and methodological scheme to address these questions. The aim is to connect macro- and middle-range theories to examine Social Determinants and Health Sector Reform interdependent issues, with view to developing new knowledge and attaining scientific understanding upon the role of universal and equitable healthcare systems, in order to avoid deepening economic crises.

Chemical wiring and soldering toward all-molecule electronic circuitry.

PubMed

Okawa, Yuji; Mandal, Swapan K; Hu, Chunping; Tateyama, Yoshitaka; Goedecker, Stefan; Tsukamoto, Shigeru; Hasegawa, Tsuyoshi; Gimzewski, James K; Aono, Masakazu

2011-06-01

Key to single-molecule electronics is connecting functional molecules to each other using conductive nanowires. This involves two issues: how to create conductive nanowires at designated positions, and how to ensure chemical bonding between the nanowires and functional molecules. Here, we present a novel method that solves both issues. Relevant functional molecules are placed on a self-assembled monolayer of diacetylene compound. A probe tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is then positioned on the molecular row of the diacetylene compound to which the functional molecule is adsorbed, and a conductive polydiacetylene nanowire is fabricated by initiating chain polymerization by stimulation with the tip. Since the front edge of chain polymerization necessarily has a reactive chemical species, the created polymer nanowire forms chemical bonding with an encountered molecular element. We name this spontaneous reaction "chemical soldering". First-principles theoretical calculations are used to investigate the structures and electronic properties of the connection. We demonstrate that two conductive polymer nanowires are connected to a single phthalocyanine molecule. A resonant tunneling diode formed by this method is discussed. © 2011 American Chemical Society

State of the Art of Network Security Perspectives in Cloud Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Tae Hwan; Lim, Shinyoung; Choi, Young B.; Park, Kwang-Roh; Lee, Heejo; Choi, Hyunsang

Cloud computing is now regarded as one of social phenomenon that satisfy customers' needs. It is possible that the customers' needs and the primary principle of economy - gain maximum benefits from minimum investment - reflects realization of cloud computing. We are living in the connected society with flood of information and without connected computers to the Internet, our activities and work of daily living will be impossible. Cloud computing is able to provide customers with custom-tailored features of application software and user's environment based on the customer's needs by adopting on-demand outsourcing of computing resources through the Internet. It also provides cloud computing users with high-end computing power and expensive application software package, and accordingly the users will access their data and the application software where they are located at the remote system. As the cloud computing system is connected to the Internet, network security issues of cloud computing are considered as mandatory prior to real world service. In this paper, survey and issues on the network security in cloud computing are discussed from the perspective of real world service environments.

Alaska Regional Energy Resources Planning Project. Phase 2: coal, hydroelectric and energy alternatives. Volume I. Beluga Coal District Analysis

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

Rutledge, G.; Lane, D.; Edblom, G.

This volume deals with the problems and procedures inherent in the development of the Beluga Coal District. Socio-economic implications of the development and management alternatives are discussed. A review of permits and approvals necessary for the initial development of Beluga Coal Field is presented. Major land tenure issues in the Beluga Coal District as well as existing transportation routes and proposed routes and sites are discussed. The various coal technologies which might be employed at Beluga are described. Transportation options and associated costs of transporting coal from the mine site area to a connecting point with a major, longer distancemore » transportation made and of transporting coal both within and outside (exportation) the state are discussed. Some environmental issues involved in the development of the Beluga Coal Field are presented. (DMC)« less

Potential of connected devices to optimize cattle reproduction.

PubMed

Saint-Dizier, Marie; Chastant-Maillard, Sylvie

2018-05-01

Estrus and calving are two major events of reproduction that benefit from connected devices because of their crucial importance in herd economics and the amount of time required for their detection. The objectives of this review are to: 1) provide an update on performances reached by sensor systems to detect estrus and calving time; 2) discuss current economic issues related to connected devices for the management of cattle reproduction; 3) propose perspectives for these devices. The main physiological parameters monitored separately or in combination by connected devices are the cow activity, body temperature and rumination or eating behavior. The combination of several indicators in one sensor may maximize the performances of estrus and calving detection. An effort remains to be made for the prediction of calvings that will require human assistance (dystocia). The main reasons to invest in connected devices are to optimize herd reproductive performances and reduce labor on farm. The economic benefit was evaluated for estrus detection and depends on the initial herd performances, herd size, labor cost and price of the equipment. Major issues associated with the use of automated sensor systems are the weight of financial investment, the lack of economic analysis and limited skills of the users to manage associated technologies. In the near future, connected devices may allow a precise phenotyping of reproductive and health traits on animals and could help to improve animal welfare and public perception of animal production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discussion about effecting of stiffener in four bolts in a row end plate connection for long span and heavy load steel structures in Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huong, Khang T.; Nguyen, Cung H.

2018-04-01

Nowadays, steel structure industry in Vietnam is in strong development. The construction of steel structure becomes larger span and heavier load. The issue spawned a number of issues arise from optimizing connections. Typical of steel connections in prefabricated steel structure that is an end plate (face plate) bolted connection. When the connection carried a heavy load, then the number of bolts is required much more. Increasing the number of rows bolts will less effective because can still not enough strength requirements, the bolts in row near rotational center will level arm reduction, then it cannot carry heavy loads. The current solution is doing multiple bolts in a row. Current standards such as EN [1], AISC [2] are no specific guidelines for calculating the connection four bolts in a row that primarily assumes the way works like a T-stub of the two bolts a row. Some articles studied T-stub four bolts in a row [3], [4], [5], [6] by component method but it has some components which weren’t considered. In this paper, in order to provide a contribution to improve the T-stub four bolts in a row, the stiffener component in T-stub will be added and compared with T-stub without stiffener by the finite element model to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing stress and displacement of T-stub. It gives ideas for the economic design of four bolts in a row end plate connection in Vietnam for future.

Working with the nature of science in physics class: turning ‘ordinary’ classroom situations into nature of science learning situations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansson, Lena; Leden, Lotta

2016-09-01

In the science education research field there is a large body of literature on the ‘nature of science’ (NOS). NOS captures issues about what characterizes the research process as well as the scientific knowledge. Here we, in line with a broad body of literature, use a wide definition of NOS including also e.g. socio-cultural aspects. It is argued that NOS issues, for a number of reasons, should be included in the teaching of science/physics. Research shows that NOS should be taught explicitly. There are plenty of suggestions on specific and separate NOS activities, but the necessity of discussing NOS issues in connection to specific science/physics content and to laboratory work, is also highlighted. In this article we draw on this body of literature on NOS and science teaching, and discuss how classroom situations in secondary physics classes could be turned into NOS-learning situations. The discussed situations have been suggested by secondary teachers, during in-service teacher training, as situations from every-day physics teaching, from which NOS could be highlighted.

Bohrian Complementarity in the Light of Kantian Teleology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pringe, Hernán

2014-03-01

The Kantian influences on Bohr's thought and the relationship between the perspective of complementarity in physics and in biology seem at first sight completely unrelated issues. However, the goal of this work is to show their intimate connection. We shall see that Bohr's views on biology shed light on Kantian elements of his thought, which enables a better understanding of his complementary interpretation of quantum theory. For this purpose, we shall begin by discussing Bohr's views on the analogies concerning the epistemological situation in biology and in physics. Later, we shall compare the Bohrian and the Kantian approaches to the science of life in order to show their close connection. On this basis, we shall finally turn to the issue of complementarity in quantum theory in order to assess what we can learn about the epistemological problems in the quantum realm from a consideration of Kant's views on teleology.

Food Chains, Frenemies, and Revenge Fantasies: Relating Fiction to Life in a Girls' Book Club

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taber, Nancy; Woloshyn, Vera; Lane, Laura

2012-01-01

In this article, we explore the experiences of four girls with reading difficulties who participated in a book club designed to promote critical discussion of sociocultural gendered issues. Using the book "Dork diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO- fabulous life", they connected content in the book to their lives as relates to school "food…

Reflections on the Emancipatory Potential of Vocational Education and Training Practices: Freire and Rancière in Dialogue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tur Porres, Gisselle; Wildemeersch, Danny; Simons, Maarten

2014-01-01

This paper focuses on the issue of emancipation in education practices in general and in vocational education and training (VET) in particular. The principal aim is to contribute to the discussion of particular traditions of emancipation in education in connection with VET practices. The exploration of ongoing educational debates on VET…

From Buttonwood to Silicon--A Bicentennial Look at the New York Stock Exchange.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pahl, Ronald H.

1992-01-01

Introduces a journal issue devoted to the New York Stock Exchange. Describes the formation and development of the stock exchange and Wall Street. Discusses the connection between politics and finance and the economic changes in formerly socialist nations. Suggests that the New York Stock Exchange may have to convert to a computer trading system.…

Young People's Preferences for Social Interaction in Terms of Homophily and Social Inclusion: A Critical Discussion about Respect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koutsouris, George

2014-01-01

This paper reports findings from a study about young people's preferences for social interaction with similar and different others, in terms of a tension between social inclusion and homophily--the concept that similarity breeds connection. The issue was explored empirically using moral dilemmas scenarios to conduct in-depth semi-structured…

The Two Disciplines Problem--"It's Like Déjà Vu All over Again!"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pellegrino, James W.

2017-01-01

In this commentary on this issue's focus article by Baird et al., Pellegrino focuses first on the fundamental nature of educational assessment and its connection to theories, models, and data on learning. He then discusses the contemporary views of learning in the form of learning progressions as they relate to assessment development. In the third…

Computers in the English Program: Promises and Pitfalls. New York State English Council Monograph.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chew, Charles R., Ed.

Since an increasing number of English teachers are being asked to find a place for computers in the English program, this monograph focuses on issues connected to this technology. The first article sets the stage with a discussion of the power and potential of the computer. Other articles focus on the following topics: (1) promises and…

Children's Mental Health: Strategies for Providing High Quality and Cost-Effective Care. North Carolina Family Impact Seminar

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Douglass, Nam, Ed.; Owen, Jenni, Ed.; Berlin, Lisa J., Ed.

2006-01-01

This report represents the second North Carolina Family Impact Seminar in a series designed to connect research and state policymaking. Family Impact Seminars analyze the impact an issue, policy, or program may have on families. This Family Impact Seminar briefing report discusses strategies for providing high quality and cost-effective children's…

The Import of Knowledge Export: Connecting Findings and Theories of Transfer of Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Day, Samuel B.; Goldstone, Robert L.

2012-01-01

After more than 100 years of interest and study, knowledge transfer remains among the most challenging, contentious, and important issues for both psychology and education. In this article, we review and discuss many of the more important ideas and findings from the existing research and attempt to bridge this body of work with the exciting new…

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

Mouchet, Amaury, E-mail: mouchet@phys.univ-tours.fr

The Noether theorem connecting symmetries and conservation laws can be applied directly in a Hamiltonian framework without using any intermediate Lagrangian formulation. This requires a careful discussion about the invariance of the boundary conditions under a canonical transformation and this paper proposes to address this issue. Then, the unified treatment of Hamiltonian systems offered by Noether’s approach is illustrated on several examples, including classical field theory and quantum dynamics.

An overview of satellite transmission issues and the ISDN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Ivor N.; Neibert, Mark T.

Satellite communications are examined in terms of services, flexibility, connectivity, and quality. Present business communications services and the need for a corporate communication network are discussed. The development of an integrated services digital network (ISDN) is proposed; the capabilities and advantages of ISDN are described. Consideration is given to the interconnectibility of ISDN and methods for improving transmission quality.

Webcasting videoconferences over IP: a synchronous communication experiment.

PubMed

Locatis, Craig; Fontelo, Paul; Sneiderman, Charles; Ackerman, Michael; Uijtdehaage, Sebastian; Candler, Chris; Stensaas, Suzanne; Dennis, Sharon

2003-01-01

A multipoint videoconference was webcast live to an audience who could communicate with conference panelists and each other via chat. The videoconference, webcast, and chat were done entirely over the Internet. Seven panelists at four conference sites that had Internet2 connectivity and were located in different time zones within the continental United States discussed the topic of "Evaluating Health Professions Education and Information Resources on the Web." This discussion was broadcast to individuals and groups at various U.S. locations who had expressed an interest in the topic and had sufficient connectivity for receiving the video stream. Webcast recipients could log on a chat server and type questions and comments to the panelists and other viewers. The experiment's rationale, procedures, and outcomes are described, and issues associated with the use of the technologies are identified.

Progression in Ethical Reasoning When Addressing Socio-scientific Issues in Biotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berne, Birgitta

2014-11-01

This article reports on the outcomes of an intervention in a Swedish school in which the author, a teacher-researcher, sought to develop students' (14-15 years old) ethical reasoning in science through the use of peer discussions about socio-scientific issues. Prior to the student discussions various prompts were used to highlight different aspects of the issues. In addition, students were given time to search for further information themselves. Analysis of students' written arguments, from the beginning of the intervention and afterwards, suggests that many students seem to be moving away from their use of everyday language towards using scientific concepts in their arguments. In addition, they moved from considering cloning and 'designer babies' solely in terms of the present to considering them in terms of the future. Furthermore, the students started to approach the issues in additional ways using not only consequentialism but also the approaches of virtue ethics, and rights and duties. Students' progression in ethical reasoning could be related to the characteristics of the interactions in peer discussions as students who critically and constructively argued with each other's ideas, and challenged each other's claims, made progress in more aspects of ethical reasoning than students merely using cumulative talk. As such, the work provides valuable indications for the importance of introducing peer discussions and debates about SSIs in connection to biotechnology into the teaching of science in schools.

Noise-induced relations between network connectivity and dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ching, Emily Sc

Many biological systems of interest can be represented as networks of many nodes that are interacting with one another. Often these systems are subject to external influence or noise. One of the central issues is to understand the relation between dynamics and the interaction pattern of the system or the connectivity structure of the network. In particular, a challenging problem is to infer the network connectivity structure from the dynamics. In this talk, we show that for stochastic dynamical systems subjected to noise, the presence of noise gives rise to mathematical relations between the network connectivity structure and quantities that can be calculated using solely the time-series measurements of the dynamics of the nodes. We present these relations for both undirected networks with bidirectional coupling and directed networks with directional coupling and discuss how such relations can be utilized to infer the network connectivity structure of the systems. Work supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council under Grant No. CUHK 14300914.

Comparative Study of Standards for Grid-Connected Wind Power Plant in China and the U.S.

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

Gao, Wenzhong; Tian, Tian; Muljadi, Eduard

2015-10-06

The rapid deployment of wind power has made grid integration and operational issues focal points in industry discussions and research. Compliance with grid connection standards for wind power plants (WPP) is crucial to ensuring the safe and stable operation of the electric power grid. The standards for grid-connected WPPs in China and the United States are compared in this paper to facilitate further improvements to the standards and enhance the development of wind power equipment. Detailed analyses in power quality, low-voltage ride-through capability, active power control, reactive power control, voltage control, and wind power forecasting are provided to enhance themore » understanding of grid codes in the two largest markets of wind power.« less

Topographical maps as complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Fontoura Costa, Luciano; Diambra, Luis

2005-02-01

The neuronal networks in the mammalian cortex are characterized by the coexistence of hierarchy, modularity, short and long range interactions, spatial correlations, and topographical connections. Particularly interesting, the latter type of organization implies special demands on developing systems in order to achieve precise maps preserving spatial adjacencies, even at the expense of isometry. Although the object of intensive biological research, the elucidation of the main anatomic-functional purposes of the ubiquitous topographical connections in the mammalian brain remains an elusive issue. The present work reports on how recent results from complex network formalism can be used to quantify and model the effect of topographical connections between neuronal cells over the connectivity of the network. While the topographical mapping between two cortical modules is achieved by connecting nearest cells from each module, four kinds of network models are adopted for implementing intramodular connections, including random, preferential-attachment, short-range, and long-range networks. It is shown that, though spatially uniform and simple, topographical connections between modules can lead to major changes in the network properties in some specific cases, depending on intramodular connections schemes, fostering more effective intercommunication between the involved neuronal cells and modules. The possible implications of such effects on cortical operation are discussed.

Analytical Review of Contemporary Fatwas in Resolving Biomedical Issues Over Gender Ambiguity.

PubMed

Zabidi, Taqwa

2018-04-21

Issues of gender ambiguity have been discussed over time from both Islamic and medical perspectives. In Islam, these issues are typically considered in the context of khunūthah (literally translated as hermaphroditism). While biomedical studies have appeared to provide a large amount of information on abnormal human biological development, i.e. Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs). However, the connection between these two fields has been given little attention. This research aims to determine the Islamic underpinnings through the fatwa around the globe. Thus, institutional fatwa organisations among Sunni schools of thought at the international, regional and national levels are observed. The fatwas regarding the management of individuals with gender ambiguity, not specifically on DSDs, are chosen and presented accordingly. Based on the findings, the sporadic fatwas from different parts of the world delineate the issue of sex ambiguity and seem to be able to provide general guidelines for management of Muslim patients with DSDs. Three common aspects have been discussed including the methodology of gender assignment, the decision-making process and the surgical and hormonal treatments.

Partner violence and substance abuse are intertwined: women's perceptions of violence-substance connections.

PubMed

Macy, Rebecca J; Renz, Connie; Pelino, Emily

2013-07-01

Research shows that co-occurring partner violence and substance abuse are problems for many women. However, less is known about women's varied experiences with partner violence and substance abuse. This exploratory, qualitative study investigates these two issues among a sample of 15 women in substance abuse treatment who experienced partner violence. Overall, findings show participants' experience of violence-substance connections varied in important ways; complicating factors exacerbate both problems; and domestic violence services and substance abuse treatments should account for these variations and complications. We discuss directions for providers, researchers, and policymakers concerned with partner violence or substance abuse.

Psychotherapy, psychopathology, research and practice: pathways of connections and integration.

PubMed

Castonguay, Louis G

2011-03-01

This paper describes three pathways of connections between different communities of knowledge seekers: integration of psychotherapeutic approaches, integration of psychotherapy and psychopathology, and integration of science and practice. Some of the issues discussed involve the delineation and investigation of common factors (e.g., principles of change), improvement of major forms of psychotherapy, clinical implications of psychopathology research, as well as current and future directions related to practice-research networks. The aim of this paper is to suggest that building bridges across theoretical orientations, scientific fields, professional experiences, and epistemological views may be a fruitful strategy to improve our understanding and the impact of psychotherapy.

Selected problems associated with the treatment and care for patients with colostomy - part 2.

PubMed

Muzyczka, Katarzyna; Kachaniuk, Hanna; Szadowska-Szlachetka, Zdzisława; Charzyńska-Gula, Marianna; Kocka, Katarzyna; Bartoszek, Agnieszka; Celej-Szuster, Jolanta

2013-01-01

Generally, ostomy is a purposeful connection of the lumen of the intestine with abdominal integuments by surgery. The study presents practical solutions related to care for the colostomy patient, i.e. an ostomy on the large intestine. The following issues will be discussed: regulating the defecation cycle, risk connected with improper selection of ostomy equipment, instruction on colostomy irrigation with practical advice and irrigation equipment supply. The knowledge of these rules and mastering them in practice is to provide ostomy patients not only with highest-standard care and help but also to prepare them for dealing with problems independently, i.e. for self-care.

Vital Connections: Children, Science, and Books. Papers from a Symposium (Washington, D.C., November 20, 1986).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saul, Wendy, Ed.; Jagusch, Sybille A., Ed.

This monograph outlines important issues that surround the topic of children's science books. In the introduction, the role of books in hands-on science curricula is discussed. In the title essay of the collection, F. J. Rutherford argues against the reliance on textbooks in elementary school science, but yet feels that books are an essential part…

Apology and disclosure for physicians and medical practices: what to keep in mind.

PubMed

Wojcieszak, Doug

2013-01-01

Disclosure and apology is an important issue in healthcare, yet physicians and other healthcare professionals are still struggling to conceptualize this topic. This article will discuss how physicians and medical practices should approach disclosure with their hospital system and/or insurance company, and how they can empathize and stay connected with their patient post-event regardless of insurance coverage.

Syndetic model of fundamental interactions

DOE PAGES

Ma, Ernest

2015-02-01

The standard model of quarks and leptons is extended to connect three outstanding issues in particle physics and astrophysics: (1) the absence of strong CP nonconservation, (2) the existence of dark matter, and (3) the mechanism of nonzero neutrino masses, and that of the first family of quarks and leptons, all in the context of having only one Higgs boson in a renormalizable theory. Some phenomenological implications are discussed.

Ethical Issues in Social Media Research for Public Health.

PubMed

Hunter, Ruth F; Gough, Aisling; O'Kane, Niamh; McKeown, Gary; Fitzpatrick, Aine; Walker, Tom; McKinley, Michelle; Lee, Mandy; Kee, Frank

2018-03-01

Social media (SM) offer huge potential for public health research, serving as a vehicle for surveillance, delivery of health interventions, recruitment to trials, collection of data, and dissemination. However, the networked nature of the data means they are riddled with ethical challenges, and no clear consensus has emerged as to the ethical handling of such data. This article outlines the key ethical concerns for public health researchers using SM and discusses how these concerns might best be addressed. Key issues discussed include privacy; anonymity and confidentiality; authenticity; the rapidly changing SM environment; informed consent; recruitment, voluntary participation, and sampling; minimizing harm; and data security and management. Despite the obvious need, producing a set of prescriptive guidelines for researchers using SM is difficult because the field is evolving quickly. What is clear, however, is that the ethical issues connected to SM-related public health research are also growing. Most importantly, public health researchers must work within the ethical principles set out by the Declaration of Helsinki that protect individual users first and foremost.

Emerging Issues in School, Family, & Community Connections. Annual Synthesis 2001

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordan, Catherine; Orozco, Evangelina; Averett, Amy

2002-01-01

This research synthesis is the first in a series that will examine key issues in the field of family and community connections with schools. The issues highlighted in this synthesis represent critical areas of work in family and community connections with schools where clarification, agreement, and further development are needed, as well as…

Engaging Students in Science Courses: Lessons of Change from the Arctic.

PubMed

Duffy, Lawrence K; Godduhn, Anna; Nicholas-Figueroa, Linda; Fabbri, Cindy E; van Muelken, Mary

2011-05-01

Where you live should have something to do with what you teach. In the Arctic, this idea of place-based education-teaching and sharing knowledge that is needed to live well- is central to the UARCTIC consortium and the 4 th International Polar Year educational reform effort. A place-based issue oriented context can engage students in chemistry concepts when it intersects with their experience and lives. This article examines the rationale and means of integrating local concerns such as world view, culture, traditional knowledge and policy into both general and specialized chemistry courses. More broadly, capacious place-based issues should be widely adapted by all curriculum reform efforts to demonstrate the connectivity between science and societal understanding of technological options. A case in point is the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in a non-majors general chemistry course when the concepts of scientific method, ice and water resources, genetic engineering, etc. are discussed. In a specialized course on radioactivity in the north, topics connected nuclear chemistry and radioactivity to people and energy. The local landscape should be central to science courses and involve issues relevant to stewardship, a component of the indigenous world view. The historical issues can be connected to current nuclear energy and uranium mining as they relate to the risks and benefits for the local community. This article will make the case that curriculum reform that focuses on real-world topics will not only engage students so that they perform well in class but also spark their interest so that they continue learning after the course is over.

Recent Progress on Supernova Remnants - Progenitors, Evolution, Cosmic-ray Acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bamba, A.

2017-10-01

Supernova remnants supplies heavy elements, kinetic and thermal energies, and cosmic rays, into the universe, and are the key sources to make the diversity of the universe. On the other hand, we do not know the fundamental issues of supernova remnants, such as (1) what their main progenitors are, (2) how they evolve into the realistic (non-uniform) interstellar space, and (3) which type of supernova remnants can accelerate cosmic rays to the knee energy. Recent X-ray studies with XMM-Newton, Chandra, Suzaku, NuSTAR, and Hitomi, progressed understandings of these issues, and found that each issue connect others tightly. In this paper, we will overview these progresses with focusing the above three topics, and discuss what we should do next.

Overview of Climate Confluence Security Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisman, J. P.

2011-12-01

Presentation will focus on an overview of the security perspectives based on the confluence considerations including energy, economics and climate change. This will include perspectives from reports generated by the Quadrennial Defense Review, Joint Forces Command, the Center for Strategic International Studies, MIT, the Inter-agency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Center for Naval Analysis, and other relevant reports. The presentation will highlight the connections between resource issues and climate change which can be interpreted into security concerns. General discussion of global issues, contextual review of AR4 WGII may be included and any other report updates as applicable. The purpose of this presentation is to give a rounded view of the general qualitative and quantitative perspectives regarding climate related security considerations.

Connected cane: Tactile button input for controlling gestures of iOS voiceover embedded in a white cane.

PubMed

Batterman, Jared M; Martin, Vincent F; Yeung, Derek; Walker, Bruce N

2018-01-01

Accessibility of assistive consumer devices is an emerging research area with potential to benefit both users with and without visual impairments. In this article, we discuss the research and evaluation of using a tactile button interface to control an iOS device's native VoiceOver Gesture navigations (Apple Accessibility, 2014). This research effort identified potential safety and accessibility issues for users trying to interact and control their touchscreen mobile iOS devices while traveling independently. Furthermore, this article discusses the participatory design process in creating a solution that aims to solve issues in utilizing a tactile button interface in a novel device. The overall goal of this study is to enable visually impaired white cane users to access their mobile iOS device's capabilities navigation aids more safely and efficiently on the go.

Food irradiation—US regulatory considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morehouse, Kim M.

2002-03-01

The use of ionizing radiation in food processing has received increased interest as a means of reducing the level of foodborne pathogens. This overview discusses the regulatory issues connected with the use of this technology in the United States. Several recent changes in the FDA's review process are discussed. These include the current policy that utilizes an expedited review process for petitions seeking approval of additives and technologies intended to reduce pathogen levels in food, and the recent USDA rule that eliminates the need for a separate rulemaking process by USDA for irradiation of meat and poultry. Recently promulgated rules and pending petitions before the FDA associated with the use of ionizing radiation for the treatment of foods are also discussed along with the current FDA labeling requirements for irradiated foods and the 1999 advanced notice of proposed rule on labeling. Another issue that is presented is the current status of the approval of packaging materials intended for food contact during irradiation treatment of foods.

Secure Naming and Addressing Operations for Store, Carry and Forward Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eddy, Wesley M.; Ivancic, William D.; Iannicca, Dennis C.; Ishac, Joseph; Hylton, Alan G.

2014-01-01

This paper describes concepts for secure naming and addressing directed at Store, Carry and Forward (SCF) distributed applications, where disconnection and intermittent connectivity between forwarding systems is the norm. The paper provides a brief overview of store, carry and forward distributed applications followed by an in depth discussion of how to securely: create a namespace; allocate names within the namespace; query for names known within a local processing system or connected subnetwork; validate ownership of a given name; authenticate data from a given name; and, encrypt data to a given name. Critical issues such as revocation of names, mobility and the ability to use various namespaces to secure operations or for Quality-of-Service are also presented. Although the concepts presented for naming and addressing have been developed for SCF, they are directly applicable to fully connected systems.

The EarthConnections San Bernardino Alliance: Addressing Diversity in the Geosciences Using a Collective Impact Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGill, S. F.; Benthien, M. L.; Castillo, B. A.; Fitzsimmons, J.; Foutz, A.; Keck, D.; Manduca, C. A.; Noriega, G. R.; Pandya, R. E.; Taber, J. J.; Vargas, B.

2017-12-01

The EarthConnections San Bernardino Alliance is one of three regional alliances supported by the national EarthConnections Collective Impact Alliance, funded by a pilot grant from the National Science Foundation INCLUDES program. All three of the regional alliances share a common vision, focused on developing a diverse geoscience workforce through connecting existing programs and institutions into regional pathways that support and guide students from engagement at an early age with Earth science linked to issues facing the local community, through the many steps and transitions to geoscience-related careers. The San Bernardino Alliance began with collaboration between one university, one community college and one high school and also includes the Southern California Earthquake Center as well as professional geologists in the region. Based on discussions at an opening round table event, the Alliance has chosen to capitalize on existing geology student clubs and deeply engaged faculty and alumni at the founding high school, community college and university members of the Alliance to plan joint field trips, service learning projects, guest speakers, and visits to dinner meetings of the local professional societies for students at participating institutions at various stages along the pathway. The underlying motivation is to connect students to their peers and to mentors at institutions that represent the next step on the pathway, as well as to expose them to careers in geology and to geoscience issues that impact the local community. A second type of intervention we are planning is to promote high quality teaching in introductory Earth science courses at the university, community college and high school levels, including the development of high school honors courses in Earth science. To this end we are hosting an NAGT traveling workshop focused on using active learning and societally relevant issues to develop engaging introductory geoscience courses. This teaching workshop will also serve as an opportunity to expand our alliance to include additional educational institutions in the region. We are also planning interviews with local community leaders to identify geoscience issues of local importance that could become a focus for joint service learning projects for students at various stages along the pathway.

Dualities of fields and strings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polchinski, Joseph

2017-08-01

Duality, the equivalence between seemingly distinct quantum systems, is a curious property that has been known for at least three quarters of a century. In the past two decades it has played a central role in mapping out the structure of theoretical physics. I discuss the unexpected connections that have been revealed among quantum field theories and string theories. Written for a special issue of Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics.

Workshop summary: connecting social and environmental factors to measure and track environmental health disparities.

PubMed

Payne-Sturges, Devon; Gee, Gilbert C; Crowder, Kirstin; Hurley, Bradford J; Lee, Charles; Morello-Frosch, Rachel; Rosenbaum, Arlene; Schulz, Amy; Wells, Charles; Woodruff, Tracey; Zenick, Hal

2006-10-01

On May 24-25, 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the University of Michigan sponsored a technical workshop on the topic of connecting social and environmental factors to measure and track environmental health disparities. The workshop was designed to develop a transdisciplinary scientific foundation for exploring the conceptual issues, data needs, and policy applications associated with social and environmental factors used to measure and track racial, ethnic, and class disparities in environmental health. Papers, presentations, and discussions focused on the use of multilevel analysis to study environmental health disparities, the development of an organizing framework for evaluating health disparities, the development of indicators, and the generation of community-based participatory approaches for indicator development and use. Group exercises were conducted to identify preliminary lists of priority health outcomes and potential indicators and to discuss policy implications and next steps. Three critical issues that stem from the workshop were: (a) stronger funding support is needed for community-based participatory research in environmental health disparities, (b) race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position need to be included in environmental health surveillance and research, and (c) models to elucidate the interrelations between social, physical, and built environments should continue to be developed and empirically tested.

Asthma Research: The NIH–NJRC Connection

MedlinePlus

... Home Current Issue Past Issues Special Section Asthma Research: The NIH–NJRC Connection Past Issues / Fall 2007 ... many ways that NIH supports and promotes asthma research is through its strong relationship with National Jewish ...

The challenge of electronic health records (EHRs) design and implementation: responses of health workers to drawing a 'big and rich picture' of a future EHR programme using animated tools.

PubMed

Jenkings, K Neil; Wilson, Robert G

2007-01-01

To investigate the use of animation tools to aid visualisation of problems for discussion within focus groups, in the context of healthcare workers discussing electronic health records (EHRs). Ten healthcare staff focus groups, held in a range of organisational contexts. Each focus group was in four stages: baseline discussion, animator presentation, post-animator discussion and questionnaire. Audio recordings of the focus groups were transcribed and coded and the emergent analytic themes analysed for issues relating to EHR design and implementation. The data allowed a comparison of baseline and post-animator discussion. The animator facilitated discussion about EHR issues and these were thematically coded as: Workload; Sharing Information; Access to Information; Record Content; Confidentiality; Patient Consent; and Implementation. We illustrate that use of the animator in focus groups is one means to raise understanding about a proposed EHR development. The animator provided a visual 'probe' to support a more proactive and discursive localised approach to end-user concerns, which could be part of an effective stakeholder engagement and communication strategy crucial in any EHR or health informatics implementation programme. The results of the focus groups were to raise salient issues and concerns, many of which anticipated those that have emerged in the current NHS Connecting for Health Care Records programme in England. Potentially, animator-type technologies may facilitate the user ownership which other forms of dissemination appear to be failing to achieve.

A perfect fit: connecting family therapy skills to family business needs.

PubMed

Cole, Patricia M; Johnson, Kit

2012-06-01

The purpose of this article is to encourage family therapists to become more interested in family business practice. It does so in three ways: (a) highlighting the number of therapists already involved in family business issues; (b) showing the parallels between family business and family therapy by applying family business research findings to couples therapy; (c) discussing how family therapists already have the practice wisdom to be effective in working with family business clients. Limitations of this practice are also discussed along with suggestions for overcoming them. © 2012 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Informing watershed connectivity barrier prioritization decisions: A synthesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKay, S. K.; Cooper, A. R.; Diebel, M.W.; Elkins, D.; Oldford, G.; Roghair, C.; Wieferich, Daniel J.

2017-01-01

Water resources and transportation infrastructure such as dams and culverts provide countless socio-economic benefits; however, this infrastructure can also disconnect the movement of organisms, sediment, and water through river ecosystems. Trade-offs associated with these competing costs and benefits occur globally, with applications in barrier addition (e.g. dam and road construction), reengineering (e.g. culvert repair), and removal (e.g. dam removal and aging infrastructure). Barrier prioritization provides a unique opportunity to: (i) restore and reconnect potentially large habitat patches quickly and effectively and (ii) avoid impacts prior to occurrence in line with the mitigation hierarchy (i.e. avoid then minimize then mitigate). This paper synthesizes 46 watershed-scale barrier planning studies and presents a procedure to guide barrier prioritization associated with connectivity for aquatic organisms. We focus on practical issues informing prioritization studies such as available data sets, methods, techniques, and tools. We conclude with a discussion of emerging trends and issues in barrier prioritization and key opportunities for enhancing the body of knowledge.

The Mind-Body Connection - Stress and Your Brain

MedlinePlus

... Current Issue Past Issues The Mind-Body Connection Stress and Your Brain Past Issues / Winter 2008 Table ... long wondered why some people are resilient to stress while others aren't. A new mouse study ...

From dinner table to digital tablet: technology's potential for reducing loneliness in older adults.

PubMed

McCausland, Lauren; Falk, Nancy L

2012-05-01

Statistics estimate that close to 35% of our nation's older individuals experience loneliness. Feelings of loneliness have been associated with physical and psychological illness in several research studies. As technology advances and connectivity through tablet devices becomes increasingly user friendly, the potential for tablets to reduce loneliness among older adults is substantial. This article discusses the issue of loneliness among older adults and suggests tablet technology as a tool to improve connectivity and reduce loneliness in the older adult population. As nurses, we have the opportunity to help enhance the quality of life for our clients. Tablet technology offers a new option that should be fully explored. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Selected problems associated with the treatment and care for patients with colostomy – part 2

PubMed Central

Kachaniuk, Hanna; Szadowska-Szlachetka, Zdzisława; Charzyńska-Gula, Marianna; Kocka, Katarzyna; Bartoszek, Agnieszka; Celej-Szuster, Jolanta

2013-01-01

Generally, ostomy is a purposeful connection of the lumen of the intestine with abdominal integuments by surgery. The study presents practical solutions related to care for the colostomy patient, i.e. an ostomy on the large intestine. The following issues will be discussed: regulating the defecation cycle, risk connected with improper selection of ostomy equipment, instruction on colostomy irrigation with practical advice and irrigation equipment supply. The knowledge of these rules and mastering them in practice is to provide ostomy patients not only with highest-standard care and help but also to prepare them for dealing with problems independently, i.e. for self-care. PMID:24596509

["Mirror, mirror on the wall", the issue of digital technology in adolescent mental healthcare].

PubMed

Pommereau, Xavier

The digital revolution is turning lifestyles and mentalities upside down. The intuitiveness, immediacy and connectivity which characterise new information and communication technologies appeal to teenagers who find in them ways to gain recognition from their peers and to exchange with each other, without having to yield to adults. However, they expect mental health professionals to talk to them, to be engaged in their discussions and to agree to use connected tools as platforms for exchange. A wide variety of such methods can form part of the therapeutic relationship, from smartphones to chat rooms, from teleconsultations to 'cybertherapies', and from video games to serious games. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Toward intelligent information system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komatsu, Sanzo

NASA/RECON, the predecessor of DIALOG System, was originally designed as a user friendly system for astronauts, so that they should not miss-operate the machine in spite of tension in the outer space. Since then, DIALOG has endeavoured to develop a series of user friendly systems, such as knowledge index, inbound gateway, as well as Version II. In this so-called end user searching era, DIALOG has released a series of front end systems successively; DIALOG Business Connection, DIALOG Medical Connection and OneSearch in 1986, early and late 1987 respectively. They are all called expert systems. In this paper, the features of each system are described in some detail and the remaining critical issues are also discussed.

Modelling and experimental evaluation of parallel connected lithium ion cells for an electric vehicle battery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruen, Thomas; Marco, James

2016-04-01

Variations in cell properties are unavoidable and can be caused by manufacturing tolerances and usage conditions. As a result of this, cells connected in series may have different voltages and states of charge that limit the energy and power capability of the complete battery pack. Methods of removing this energy imbalance have been extensively reported within literature. However, there has been little discussion around the effect that such variation has when cells are connected electrically in parallel. This work aims to explore the impact of connecting cells, with varied properties, in parallel and the issues regarding energy imbalance and battery management that may arise. This has been achieved through analysing experimental data and a validated model. The main results from this study highlight that significant differences in current flow can occur between cells within a parallel stack that will affect how the cells age and the temperature distribution within the battery assembly.

Increasing the Effectiveness of Conservation Messaging by Drawing Connections with Related Political, Social, and Economic Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Giannetta, Cathleen

2018-01-01

This article explores whether presenting conservation issues in a manner that makes connections with intertwined issues of violence, economics, social issues, and politics elicits more engagement than does presenting the conservation issues in isolation. Survey data were collected concerning African elephant poaching for ivory and the effect of…

The constraints of connecting children with nature--A research literature review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ponds, Phadrea D.; Schuster, Rudy M.

2011-01-01

Reports or research investigations studying children in nature are rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse. This document reports a review of a particular part of this field-studies of constraints to recreation and participation in environmental and outdoor recreation programs. The findings result from a review of more than 125 journal articles, books, and reports that were published between 1980 and 2009. This report discusses how the current information concerning constraints to participation can be understood in terms of four concentrations or foci of work generated in this particular field of study. These foci, which are all well established in the literature, are (1) intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural constraints, (2) significant life experiences, (3) environmental attitudes, values and beliefs, and (4) environmental behaviors. The recent research associated with each of these research areas is discussed in successive sections of the review. Overall, this review found that the research on constraints that inhibit children's connection to nature is less diverse in terms of methodological and theoretical approaches than is the research into the broader outdoor recreation research field within which it is situated. This review focused on the issue of connecting children with nature, but examples from studies using adults to understand childhood experiences and recreation preferences were used because there are relatively few peer-reviewed articles showing the theoretical or empirical connection of children and nature. In some cases, broader empirical studies were used to connect with larger themes (that is, environmental attitudes, beliefs, and values).

Special issue on eHealth and mHealth: Challenges and future directions for assessment, treatment, and dissemination.

PubMed

Borrelli, Belinda; Ritterband, Lee M

2015-12-01

This special issue is intended to promote a discussion of eHealth and mHealth and its connection with health psychology. "eHealth" generally refers to the use of information technology, including the Internet, digital gaming, virtual reality, and robotics, in the promotion, prevention, treatment, and maintenance of health. "mHealth" refers to mobile and wireless applications, including text messaging, apps, wearable devices, remote sensing, and the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, in the delivery of health related services. This special issue includes 11 articles that begin to address the need for more rigorous methodology, valid assessment, innovative interventions, and increased access to evidence-based programs and interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Research into robotic automation of drilling equipment by the Institute of Mining, UB RAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regotunov, AS; Sukhov, RI

2018-03-01

The article discusses the issues connected with the development of instrumentation for the express-determination of strength characteristics of rocks during blasthole drilling in open pit mines. The trial results of the instrumentation are reported in terms of the drilling rate–energy content interrelation determined in the analyses of experimental drilling block data and by the digital model of rock distribution in depth versus drilling complexity index.

Solving very large, sparse linear systems on mesh-connected parallel computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opsahl, Torstein; Reif, John

1987-01-01

The implementation of Pan and Reif's Parallel Nested Dissection (PND) algorithm on mesh connected parallel computers is described. This is the first known algorithm that allows very large, sparse linear systems of equations to be solved efficiently in polylog time using a small number of processors. How the processor bound of PND can be matched to the number of processors available on a given parallel computer by slowing down the algorithm by constant factors is described. Also, for the important class of problems where G(A) is a grid graph, a unique memory mapping that reduces the inter-processor communication requirements of PND to those that can be executed on mesh connected parallel machines is detailed. A description of an implementation on the Goodyear Massively Parallel Processor (MPP), located at Goddard is given. Also, a detailed discussion of data mappings and performance issues is given.

Dual-phase evolution in complex adaptive systems

PubMed Central

Paperin, Greg; Green, David G.; Sadedin, Suzanne

2011-01-01

Understanding the origins of complexity is a key challenge in many sciences. Although networks are known to underlie most systems, showing how they contribute to well-known phenomena remains an issue. Here, we show that recurrent phase transitions in network connectivity underlie emergent phenomena in many systems. We identify properties that are typical of systems in different connectivity phases, as well as characteristics commonly associated with the phase transitions. We synthesize these common features into a common framework, which we term dual-phase evolution (DPE). Using this framework, we review the literature from several disciplines to show that recurrent connectivity phase transitions underlie the complex properties of many biological, physical and human systems. We argue that the DPE framework helps to explain many complex phenomena, including perpetual novelty, modularity, scale-free networks and criticality. Our review concludes with a discussion of the way DPE relates to other frameworks, in particular, self-organized criticality and the adaptive cycle. PMID:21247947

Dual-phase evolution in complex adaptive systems.

PubMed

Paperin, Greg; Green, David G; Sadedin, Suzanne

2011-05-06

Understanding the origins of complexity is a key challenge in many sciences. Although networks are known to underlie most systems, showing how they contribute to well-known phenomena remains an issue. Here, we show that recurrent phase transitions in network connectivity underlie emergent phenomena in many systems. We identify properties that are typical of systems in different connectivity phases, as well as characteristics commonly associated with the phase transitions. We synthesize these common features into a common framework, which we term dual-phase evolution (DPE). Using this framework, we review the literature from several disciplines to show that recurrent connectivity phase transitions underlie the complex properties of many biological, physical and human systems. We argue that the DPE framework helps to explain many complex phenomena, including perpetual novelty, modularity, scale-free networks and criticality. Our review concludes with a discussion of the way DPE relates to other frameworks, in particular, self-organized criticality and the adaptive cycle.

Comparison of Standards and Technical Requirements of Grid-Connected Wind Power Plants in China and the United States

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

Gao, David Wenzhong; Muljadi, Eduard; Tian, Tian

The rapid deployment of wind power has made grid integration and operational issues focal points in industry discussions and research. Compliance with grid connection standards for wind power plants (WPPs) is crucial to ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the electric power grid. This report compares the standards for grid-connected WPPs in China to those in the United States to facilitate further improvements in wind power standards and enhance the development of wind power equipment. Detailed analyses of power quality, low-voltage ride-through capability, active power control, reactive power control, voltage control, and wind power forecasting are provided to enhancemore » the understanding of grid codes in the two largest markets of wind power. This study compares WPP interconnection standards and technical requirements in China to those in the United States.« less

Indicators of ocean health and human health: developing a research and monitoring framework.

PubMed Central

Knap, Anthony; Dewailly, Eric; Furgal, Chris; Galvin, Jennifer; Baden, Dan; Bowen, Robert E; Depledge, Michael; Duguay, Linda; Fleming, Lora E; Ford, Tim; Moser, Fredricka; Owen, Richard; Suk, William A; Unluata, Umit

2002-01-01

We need to critically assess the present quality of the marine ecosystem, especially the connection between ecosystem change and threats to human health. In this article we review the current state of indicators to link changes in marine organisms with eventual effects to human health, identify research opportunities in the use of indicators of ocean and human health, and discuss how to establish collaborations between national and international governmental and private sector groups. We present a synthesis of the present state of understanding of the connection between ocean health and human health, a discussion of areas where resources are required, and a discussion of critical research needs and a template for future work in this field. To understand fully the interactions between ocean health and human health, programs should be organized around a "models-based" approach focusing on critical themes and attributes of marine environmental and public health risks. Given the extent and complex nature of ocean and human health issues, a program networking across geographic and disciplinary boundaries is essential. The overall goal of this approach would be the early detection of potential marine-based contaminants, the protection of marine ecosystems, the prevention of associated human illness, and by implication, the development of products to enhance human well-being. The tight connection between research and monitoring is essential to develop such an indicator-based effort. PMID:12204815

Understanding the earth systems of Malawi: Ecological sustainability, culture, and place-based education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glasson, George E.; Frykholm, Jeffrey A.; Mhango, Ndalapa A.; Phiri, Absalom D.

2006-07-01

The purpose of this 2-year study was to investigate Malawian teacher educators' perspectives and dispositions toward teaching about ecological sustainability issues in Malawi, a developing country in sub-Sahara Africa. This study was embedded in a larger theoretical framework of investigating earth systems science through the understanding of nature-knowledge-culture systems from local, place-based perspectives. Specifically, we were interested in learning more about eco-justice issues that are related to environmental degradation in Malawi and the potential role of inquiry-oriented pedagogies in addressing these issues. In a science methods course, the African educators' views on deforestation and teaching about ecological sustainability were explored within the context of the local environment and culture. Teachers participated in inquiry pedagogies designed to promote the sharing of perspectives related to the connections between culture and ecological degradation. Strategies encouraging dialogue and reflection included role-playing, class discussions, curriculum development activities, teaching experiences with children, and field trips to a nature preserve. Data were analyzed from postcolonial and critical pedagogy of place theoretical perspectives to better understand the hybridization of viewpoints influenced by both Western and indigenous science and the political hegemonies that impact sustainable living in Malawi. Findings suggested that the colonial legacy of Malawi continues to impact the ecological sustainability issue of deforestation. Inquiry-oriented pedagogies and connections to indigenous science were embraced by the Malawian educators as a means to involve children in investigation, decision making, and ownership of critical environmental issues.

Let's Talk About Water: Film as a Resource to Engage Audiences Around Earth Science Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, E.; Hooper, R. P.; Lilienfeld, L.

2017-12-01

Connecting a diverse audience to science can be challenging. Scientists generally publish their findings in ways that are not easily accessible to audiences outside of the science community and translating findings for wider consumption requires a mindful balance of generalization and accuracy. In response to these communication challenges, the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) developed the Let's Talk About Water (LTAW) program as a formula for hosting successful events for Earth Science education. The program uses film as a bridge to open a discussion between scientists and the audience. In this setting, films are powerful educational tools because they use storytelling to engage audiences emotionally, which creates relatable, teachable moments. Originally designed to bring awareness to water issues, the formula can easily be applied to increase literacy on climate change and other critical Earth Science issues facing society. This presentation will discuss the LTAW event formula and the resources that CUAHSI has available to support event organizers in the development of their own LTAW events.

Dealing with quantum weirdness: Holism and related issues

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

Elby, Andrew Richard

1995-12-01

Various issues are discussed in interpretation of quantum mechanics. All these explorations point toward the same conclusion, that some systems are holistically connected, i.e., some composite systems have properties that cannot, even in principle, be reduced to the properties of its subsystems. This is argued to be the central metaphysical lesson of quantum theory; this will remain pertinent even if quantum mechanics gets replaced by a superior theory. Chap. 2 discusses nonlocality and rules out hidden-variable theories that approximately reproduce the perfect correlations of quantum mechanics, as well as theories that obey locality conditions weaker than those needed to derivemore » Bell`s inequality. Chap. 3 shows that SQUID experiments can rule out non-invasive measurability if not macrorealism. Chap. 4 looks at interpretational issues surrounding decoherence, the dissipative interaction between a system and its environment. Decoherence klcan help ``modal`` interpretations pick out the desired ``preferred`` basis. Chap. 5 explores what varieties of causation can and cannot ``explain`` EPR correlations. Instead of relying on ``watered down`` causal explanations, we should instead develop new, holistic explanatory frameworks.« less

Hybrid Mobile Communication Networks for Planetary Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alena, Richard; Lee, Charles; Walker, Edward; Osenfort, John; Stone, Thom

2007-01-01

A paper discusses the continuing work of the Mobile Exploration System Project, which has been performing studies toward the design of hybrid communication networks for future exploratory missions to remote planets. A typical network could include stationary radio transceivers on a remote planet, mobile radio transceivers carried by humans and robots on the planet, terrestrial units connected via the Internet to an interplanetary communication system, and radio relay transceivers aboard spacecraft in orbit about the planet. Prior studies have included tests on prototypes of these networks deployed in Arctic and desert regions chosen to approximate environmental conditions on Mars. Starting from the findings of the prior studies, the paper discusses methods of analysis, design, and testing of the hybrid communication networks. It identifies key radio-frequency (RF) and network engineering issues. Notable among these issues is the study of wireless LAN throughput loss due to repeater use, RF signal strength, and network latency variations. Another major issue is that of using RF-link analysis to ensure adequate link margin in the face of statistical variations in signal strengths.

An assessment of the connection machine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schreiber, Robert

1990-01-01

The CM-2 is an example of a connection machine. The strengths and problems of this implementation are considered as well as important issues in the architecture and programming environment of connection machines in general. These are contrasted to the same issues in Multiple Instruction/Multiple Data (MIMD) microprocessors and multicomputers.

A report from CPhI Worldwide 2013, Fifth Annual Pre-Connect Conference (October 22-24, 2013 - Frankfurt, Germany).

PubMed

Kuhrt, K; Gilpatrick, J

2013-11-01

A day before the start of the 2013 Conference on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPhI) Worldwide, the world's leading pharmaceutical networking event, a number of attendees gathered for the Fifth Annual Pre-Connect Conference to discuss trends in business development, manufacturing and regulatory arenas. Of the six modules presented at the meeting, one was dedicated to the sourcing environment in emerging markets, with special attention paid to developments in India and China. Other modules evaluated the current trends in the creation of generics and supergenerics in emerging markets. Additionally, there were updates on issues surrounding the regulatory and development hurdles that biosimilars and biobetters are facing today. Common themes for both discussions include appropriate pricing and erosion demographics for generics and biosimilars, licensing scenarios, commercialization strategies, and how to stay competitive and find novel innovations within new delivery systems, improved formulations and modifications to create better quality active pharmaceutical ingredients. Copyright 2013 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.

Nutrition and the science of disease prevention: a systems approach to support metabolic health

PubMed Central

Bennett, Brian J.; Hall, Kevin D.; Hu, Frank B.; McCartney, Anne L.; Roberto, Christina

2017-01-01

Progress in nutritional science, genetics, computer science, and behavioral economics can be leveraged to address the challenge of noncommunicable disease. This report highlights the connection between nutrition and the complex science of preventing disease and discusses the promotion of optimal metabolic health, building on input from several complementary disciplines. The discussion focuses on (1) the basic science of optimal metabolic health, including data from gene–diet interactions, microbiome, and epidemiological research in nutrition, with the goal of defining better targets and interventions, and (2) how nutrition, from pharma to lifestyle, can build on systems science to address complex issues. PMID:26415028

A new collective view of oceanography of the Arctic and North Atlantic basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yashayaev, Igor; Seidov, Dan; Demirov, Entcho

2015-03-01

We review some historical aspects of the major observational programs in the North Atlantic and adjacent regions that contributed to establishing and maintaining the global ocean climate monitoring network. The paper also presents the oceanic perspectives of climate change and touches the important issues of ocean climate variability on time scales from years to decades. Some elements of the improved understanding of the causes and mechanisms of variability in the subpolar North Atlantic and adjacent seas are discussed in detail. The sophistication of current oceanographic analysis, especially in connection with the most recent technological breakthroughs - notably the launch of the global array of profiling Argo floats - allows us to approach new challenges in ocean research. We demonstrate how the ocean-climate changes in the subpolar basins and polar seas correlate with variations in the major climate indices such as the North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and discuss possible connections between the unprecedented changes in the Arctic and Greenland ice-melt rates observed over the past decade and variability of hydrographic conditions in the Labrador Sea. Furthermore, a synthesis of shipboard and Argo measurements in the Labrador Sea reveals the effects of the regional climate trends such as freshening of the upper layer - possible causes of which are also discussed - on the winter convection in the Labrador Sea including its strength, duration and spatial extent. These changes could have a profound impact on the regional and planetary climates. A section with the highlights of all papers comprising the Special Issue concludes the Preface.

Supplemental Information for New York State Standardized Interconnection Requirements

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

Ingram, Michael; Narang, David J.; Mather, Barry A.

This document is intended to aid in the understanding and application of the New York State Standardized Interconnection Requirements (SIR) and Application Process for New Distributed Generators 5 MW or Less Connected in Parallel with Utility Distribution Systems, and it aims to provide supplemental information and discussion on selected topics relevant to the SIR. This guide focuses on technical issues that have to date resulted in the majority of utility findings within the context of interconnecting photovoltaic (PV) inverters. This guide provides background on the overall issue and related mitigation measures for selected topics, including substation backfeeding, anti-islanding and considerationsmore » for monitoring and controlling distributed energy resources (DER).« less

Design of a neural network simulator on a transputer array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcintire, Gary; Villarreal, James; Baffes, Paul; Rua, Monica

1987-01-01

A brief summary of neural networks is presented which concentrates on the design constraints imposed. Major design issues are discussed together with analysis methods and the chosen solutions. Although the system will be capable of running on most transputer architectures, it currently is being implemented on a 40-transputer system connected to a toroidal architecture. Predictions show a performance level equivalent to that of a highly optimized simulator running on the SX-2 supercomputer.

Visualizing spatio-temporal war casualty data in Google Earth - A case study of Map the Fallen (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askay, S.

2009-12-01

Published on Memorial Day 2009, Map the Fallen is a Google Earth visualization of the 5500+ US and international soldiers that have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. In addition to providing photos, stories and links for each solider, the time-animated map visually connects hometowns to places of death. This novel way of representing casualty data brings the geographic reach and magnitude of the issue into focus together with the very personal nature of individual stories. Innovative visualizations techniques were used that illustrate the spatio-temporal nature of this information and to show the global reach and interconnectivity of this issue. Several of advanced KML techniques employed to create this engaging and performance-conscious map will be discussed during this session. These include: 1) the use of HTML iframes and javascript to minimize the KML size, and extensive cross-linking throughout content; 2) the creation of a time-animated, on-screen casualty counter; 3) the use of parabolic arcs to connect each hometown to place of death; 4) the use of concentric spirals to represent chronological data; and 5) numerous performance optimizations to ensure the 23K placemarks, 2500 screen overlays and nearly 250k line vertices performed well in Google Earth. This session will include a demonstration of the map, conceptual discussions of the techniques used, and some in-depth technical explanation of the KML code.

The Measles Vaccination Narrative in Twitter: A Quantitative Analysis.

PubMed

Radzikowski, Jacek; Stefanidis, Anthony; Jacobsen, Kathryn H; Croitoru, Arie; Crooks, Andrew; Delamater, Paul L

2016-01-01

The emergence of social media is providing an alternative avenue for information exchange and opinion formation on health-related issues. Collective discourse in such media leads to the formation of a complex narrative, conveying public views and perceptions. This paper presents a study of Twitter narrative regarding vaccination in the aftermath of the 2015 measles outbreak, both in terms of its cyber and physical characteristics. We aimed to contribute to the analysis of the data, as well as presenting a quantitative interdisciplinary approach to analyze such open-source data in the context of health narratives. We collected 669,136 tweets referring to vaccination from February 1 to March 9, 2015. These tweets were analyzed to identify key terms, connections among such terms, retweet patterns, the structure of the narrative, and connections to the geographical space. The data analysis captures the anatomy of the themes and relations that make up the discussion about vaccination in Twitter. The results highlight the higher impact of stories contributed by news organizations compared to direct tweets by health organizations in communicating health-related information. They also capture the structure of the antivaccination narrative and its terms of reference. Analysis also revealed the relationship between community engagement in Twitter and state policies regarding child vaccination. Residents of Vermont and Oregon, the two states with the highest rates of non-medical exemption from school-entry vaccines nationwide, are leading the social media discussion in terms of participation. The interdisciplinary study of health-related debates in social media across the cyber-physical debate nexus leads to a greater understanding of public concerns, views, and responses to health-related issues. Further coalescing such capabilities shows promise towards advancing health communication, thus supporting the design of more effective strategies that take into account the complex and evolving public views of health issues.

Predicting the long-term effects of human-robot interaction: a reflection on responsibility in medical robotics.

PubMed

Datteri, Edoardo

2013-03-01

This article addresses prospective and retrospective responsibility issues connected with medical robotics. It will be suggested that extant conceptual and legal frameworks are sufficient to address and properly settle most retrospective responsibility problems arising in connection with injuries caused by robot behaviours (which will be exemplified here by reference to harms occurred in surgical interventions supported by the Da Vinci robot, reported in the scientific literature and in the press). In addition, it will be pointed out that many prospective responsibility issues connected with medical robotics are nothing but well-known robotics engineering problems in disguise, which are routinely addressed by roboticists as part of their research and development activities: for this reason they do not raise particularly novel ethical issues. In contrast with this, it will be pointed out that novel and challenging prospective responsibility issues may emerge in connection with harmful events caused by normal robot behaviours. This point will be illustrated here in connection with the rehabilitation robot Lokomat.

Beyond access: barriers to internet health information seeking among the urban poor

PubMed Central

Okechukwu, Cassandra A; Sorensen, Glorian; Viswanath, K

2016-01-01

Objective Communication inequalities deepen health disparities even when internet access is achieved. The goal of this study is to understand how a range of barriers may inhibit individuals from low socioeconomic position (SEP) from engaging with online health information even when it is freely available. Materials and methods Detailed data were collected from 118 low-SEP individuals from a randomized controlled trial providing internet access. Measures triangulated the health-seeking experience through internet use tracked in real-time, call log data, and self-reported barriers. Negative binomial regression models were fitted with technology and perceived predictors, and our outcome, health information seeking, and then stratified by medical status. Results Participants experienced a median of two computer issues (median 6 days) and two internet issues (median 6.5 days). Duration of internet problems was associated with a decrease in the rate of internet health information seeking by a factor of 0.990 (P = .03) for each additional day. Participants with a medical problem who were frustrated in their search for health information had half the rate of health information seeking of those who were not frustrated (incidence rate ratio = 0.395, P = .030). Discussion Despite IT support, participants still experienced internet connectivity issues that negatively impacted their health information seeking. Frustration in their search to find information may serve as an additional barrier to those who have medical issues. Conclusion After initial internet access, a second-level digital divide emerged due to connectivity issues, highlighting the need to understand the complex network of barriers experienced by low-SEP internet users. PMID:27206459

Another decade of social scientific work on sex work: a review of research 1990-2000.

PubMed

Vanwesenbeeck, I

2001-01-01

The international, psychological and sociological research literature on prostitution from 1990 through 2000 is reviewed. The stage is set by scanning topics and perspectives in earlier writings. Then the research is discussed under the following headings: (a) HIV related research (HIV prevalence studies, factors in condom use, and prevention program evaluation); (b) workers' background and motivational issues (early victimization and connected factors, economic motives and connected factors); (c) work related issues (working routines, risks and stresses, and managing risk, work and identity); (d) research on clients, and (e) issues related to social and legal status. The literature is still much more about sex than it is about work. In addition, although an increasing number of authors have criticized the dominance of a deviance perspective over work perspectives on prostitution, the literature still reveals many features of stigmatization. For instance, the wrongs associated with sex work are all too often attributed to the nature of sex work itself instead of to the stigma attached to it or to specific negative circumstances. Likewise, the association between prostitution and negative features (in particular HIV and early victimization) is overwhelming, despite evidence that, for large groups of sex workers, these issues are of limited relevance. Generally, writers fail to adequately differentiate among types of sex workers. In particular, in relation to issues of health and well-being, differentiation among sex workers on the basis of specific features of their working situation (e.g., contexts, routines, relations, conditions) has hardly been studied and is recommended for the future.

International Space Station Materials: Selected Lessons Learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, Johnny L.

2007-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) program is of such complexity and scale that there have been numerous issues addressed regarding safety of materials: from design to manufacturing, test, launch, assembly on-orbit, and operations. A selection of lessons learned from the ISS materials perspective will be provided. Topics of discussion are: flammability evaluation of materials with connection to on-orbit operations; toxicity findings for foams; compatibility testing for materials in fluid systems; and contamination control in precision clean systems and critical space vehicle surfaces.

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum. How did we get here? Where are we going?

PubMed

Robicsek, F; Watts, L T

2011-02-01

The currently applied techniques recommended for the repair of pectus excavatum anomalies are discussed, set against a historical review of early clinical studies and surgical interventions. The issues of the future direction pectus excavatum surgery may take are analyzed in detail, with the reviewer expressing reservations in connection with the recent trend to closed repair and concern over the potential for serious complications associated with the application of this technique. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Utility Monitoring and Control System (UMCS) and Utility Metering Plan and Specifications for Fort Leonard Wood, MO

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-22

setup” versus “use” issue. What rights does Honeywell need to run the software? We/Honeywell may not know. Discuss with Jabe? We may need to just try...Summary: It appears the direction we are going will be to install new me- ters in buildings, connect them to the Smart Servers, run the data through...damper blade type (check the appropriate item) Flat late Airfoil Calculate the nominal damper face velocity Face velocity = Flow rate ÷ Area

Characterization and Calibration of the 12-m Antenna in Warkworth, New Zealand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gulyaev, Sergei; Natusch, Tim; Wilson, David

2010-01-01

The New Zealand 12-m antenna is scheduled to start participating in regular IVS VLBI sessions from the middle of 2010. Characterization procedures and results of calibration of the New Zealand 12- m radio telescope are presented, including the main reflector surface accuracy measurement, pointing model creation, and the system equivalent flux density (SEFD) determination in both S and X bands. Important issues of network connectivity, co-located geodetic systems, and the use of the antenna in education are also discussed.

Fast Fourier Transform algorithm design and tradeoffs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamin, Ray A., III; Adams, George B., III

1988-01-01

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a mainstay of certain numerical techniques for solving fluid dynamics problems. The Connection Machine CM-2 is the target for an investigation into the design of multidimensional Single Instruction Stream/Multiple Data (SIMD) parallel FFT algorithms for high performance. Critical algorithm design issues are discussed, necessary machine performance measurements are identified and made, and the performance of the developed FFT programs are measured. Fast Fourier Transform programs are compared to the currently best Cray-2 FFT program.

Methodological challenges in qualitative content analysis: A discussion paper.

PubMed

Graneheim, Ulla H; Lindgren, Britt-Marie; Lundman, Berit

2017-09-01

This discussion paper is aimed to map content analysis in the qualitative paradigm and explore common methodological challenges. We discuss phenomenological descriptions of manifest content and hermeneutical interpretations of latent content. We demonstrate inductive, deductive, and abductive approaches to qualitative content analysis, and elaborate on the level of abstraction and degree of interpretation used in constructing categories, descriptive themes, and themes of meaning. With increased abstraction and interpretation comes an increased challenge to demonstrate the credibility and authenticity of the analysis. A key issue is to show the logic in how categories and themes are abstracted, interpreted, and connected to the aim and to each other. Qualitative content analysis is an autonomous method and can be used at varying levels of abstraction and interpretation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Balancing Health Information Exchange and Privacy Governance from a Patient-Centred Connected Health and Telehealth Perspective.

PubMed

Kuziemsky, Craig E; Gogia, Shashi B; Househ, Mowafa; Petersen, Carolyn; Basu, Arindam

2018-04-22

 Connected healthcare is an essential part of patient-centred care delivery. Technology such as telehealth is a critical part of connected healthcare. However, exchanging health information brings the risk of privacy issues. To better manage privacy risks we first need to understand the different patterns of patient-centred care in order to tailor solutions to address privacy risks.  Drawing upon published literature, we develop a business model to enable patient-centred care via telehealth. The model identifies three patient-centred connected health patterns. We then use the patterns to analyse potential privacy risks and possible solutions from different types of telehealth delivery.  Connected healthcare raises the risk of unwarranted access to health data and related invasion of privacy. However, the risk and extent of privacy issues differ according to the pattern of patient-centred care delivery and the type of particular challenge as they enable the highest degree of connectivity and thus the greatest potential for privacy breaches.  Privacy issues are a major concern in telehealth systems and patients, providers, and administrators need to be aware of these privacy issues and have guidance on how to manage them. This paper integrates patient-centred connected health care, telehealth, and privacy risks to provide an understanding of how risks vary across different patterns of patient-centred connected health and different types of telehealth delivery. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Life story resources in dementia care: a review.

PubMed

Kindell, Jacqueline; Burrow, Simon; Wilkinson, Ray; Keady, John David

2014-01-01

Life story work has a relatively long tradition in the caring sciences and is recognised as an important component of dementia care and practice. However, to date, there has not been a review of accessible life story resources. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Following a systematic approach to identification and inclusion, 11 life story resources were reviewed to ascertain areas of commonality and divergence between the materials. The authors were able to group the analysis under eight areas and at the end of this process, it was uncertain if life story work is a formal staff intervention or an informal activity that people with dementia and their families could engage in. Resources also varied in terms of whether the life story information was organised in a chronological way, or with topics of interest/discussion or with a combination of both. Life story evaluation and its impact on the life of the person with dementia is in need of development. Across the resources the authors identified four reasons to do life story work which the authors have named as: emotional connections; interactional connections; building new connections and practical care connections. There was limited guidance aimed at helping people with dementia to develop and compile their own life story. This paper provides new insights into the usefulness, future directions and content of life story resources in dementia care. It will be of interest to those in health and social care as well as people living with dementia.

The AC photovoltaic module is here!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strong, Steven J.; Wohlgemuth, John H.; Wills, Robert H.

1997-02-01

This paper describes the design, development, and performance results of a large-area photovoltaic module whose electrical output is ac power suitable for direct connection to the utility grid. The large-area ac PV module features a dedicated, integrally mounted, high-efficiency dc-to-ac power inverter with a nominal output of 250 watts (STC) at 120 Vac, 60 H, that is fully compatible with utility power. The module's output is connected directly to the building's conventional ac distribution system without need for any dc wiring, string combiners, dc ground-fault protection or additional power-conditioning equipment. With its advantages, the ac photovoltaic module promises to become a universal building block for use in all utility-interactive PV systems. This paper discusses AC Module design aspects and utility interface issues (including islanding).

Phenomenology of small violations of Fermi and Bose statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenberg, O. W.; Mohapatra, Rabindra N.

1989-04-01

In a recent paper, we proposed a ``paronic'' field-theory framework for possible small deviations from the Pauli exclusion principle. This theory cannot be represented in a positive-metric (Hilbert) space. Nonetheless, the issue of possible small violations of the exclusion principle can be addressed in the framework of quantum mechanics, without being connected with a local quantum field theory. In this paper, we discuss the phenomenology of small violations of both Fermi and Bose statistics. We consider the implications of such violations in atomic, nuclear, particle, and condensed-matter physics and in astrophysics and cosmology. We also discuss experiments that can detect small violations of Fermi and Bose statistics or place stringent bounds on their validity.

Science, marketing and wishful thinking in quantitative proteomics.

PubMed

Hackett, Murray

2008-11-01

In a recent editorial (J. Proteome Res. 2007, 6, 1633) and elsewhere questions have been raised regarding the lack of attention paid to good analytical practice with respect to the reporting of quantitative results in proteomics. Using those comments as a starting point, several issues are discussed that relate to the challenges involved in achieving adequate sampling with MS-based methods in order to generate valid data for large-scale studies. The discussion touches on the relationships that connect sampling depth and the power to detect protein abundance change, conflict of interest, and strategies to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that impede the use of peer-to-peer technologies for transfer and storage of large data files generated in such experiments.

The Expanding Role of Traceability in Seafood: Tools and Key Initiatives.

PubMed

Lewis, Sara G; Boyle, Mariah

2017-08-01

In the last decade, a range of drivers within the seafood sector have incentivized the application of traceability to issues beyond food safety and inventory management. Some of the issues motivating the expanded use of traceability within the global seafood sector include: increased media attention on the legal and social risks within some seafood supply chains, governmental traceability requirements, private-sector sustainability commitments, and others. This article begins with an overview of these topics in the seafood industry, and why many nongovernment organizations (NGOs), companies, and government actors have turned to traceability as a tool to address them. We discuss how traceability connects to key requirements of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Later, we review the range of traceability services, tools, software solutions, and the due diligence measures that are currently being leveraged within the seafood sector. The paper concludes with a discussion of several NGO- and industry-led traceability initiatives that are examples of seafood traceability improvements. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Te contaria mi vida: I would tell you my life, if only you would ask.

PubMed

Belknap, Ruth Ann; Sayeed, Pilar

2003-01-01

Universal screening for domestic violence is recommended in many health care settings. This qualitative study was undertaken to explore the thoughts and feelings of Mexican American women regarding being asked questions about domestic violence by a health care provider. We wanted to further explore what characteristics about a nurse, or other health care provider, would give a woman confianza, the trust necessary to discuss this issue. Seven women, who self identified as abused or formerly abused, were recruited from a pool of Spanish-speaking women receiving services from a rural domestic violence agency in the midwestern United States. The researchers found that, given certain characteristics and actions of the health care provider, women welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue. The implications for practice are these: be sincerely present for the client, ask about her life, listen to her response, and when necessary assist her to connect with appropriate domestic violence community services.

Genetics in child and adolescent psychiatry: methodological advances and conceptual issues.

PubMed

Hohmann, Sarah; Adamo, Nicoletta; Lahey, Benjamin B; Faraone, Stephen V; Banaschewski, Tobias

2015-06-01

Discovering the genetic basis of early-onset psychiatric disorders has been the aim of intensive research during the last decade. We will first selectively summarize results of genetic research in child and adolescent psychiatry by using examples from different disorders and discuss methodological issues, emerging questions and future directions. In the second part of this review, we will focus on how to link genetic causes of disorders with physiological pathways, discuss the impact of genetic findings on diagnostic systems, prevention and therapeutic interventions. Finally we will highlight some ethical aspects connected to genetic research in child and adolescent psychiatry. Advances in molecular genetic methods have led to insights into the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders, but not yet provided definite pathways to pathophysiology. If replicated, promising findings from genetic studies might in some cases lead to personalized treatments. On the one hand, knowledge of the genetic basis of disorders may influence diagnostic categories. On the other hand, models also suggest studying the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders across diagnoses and clinical groups.

The shape of our bodies and health: deconstructing the panopticon of separation towards an empowered dance through the world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ware, Molly

2013-03-01

This paper initiates a forum for Malin Ideland and Claes Malmberg's article titled Body talk— students' identity construction while discussing a socioscientific issue. Ideland and Malmberg explore issues of health and body through teachers' use of a pedagogical approach that foregrounds exploration of a socioscientific issue. This paper explores how the Panopticon of separation is embodied in the language and approaches to learning discussed and employed in Ideland and Malmberg's article. It explores the concept of empowerment as integral to transformative learning and contrasts this to autonomy. Furthermore, it examines how educators and students can learn in ways that lead to greater health and empowerment through more ecological and connected forms of language and approaches to learning. Excerpts from Ideland and Malmberg's article are juxtaposed with other perspectives as a means of generating edges, making differences apparent, and deconstructing the taken for granted both for the author and for Ideland and Malmberg. A feminist, poststructural approach is employed in this work as a means of embodying the uncertainty that students and educators are consistently learning to dance through with greater empowerment, which leads to improved health.

Better models are more effectively connected models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, João Pedro; Bielders, Charles; Darboux, Frederic; Fiener, Peter; Finger, David; Turnbull-Lloyd, Laura; Wainwright, John

2016-04-01

The concept of hydrologic and geomorphologic connectivity describes the processes and pathways which link sources (e.g. rainfall, snow and ice melt, springs, eroded areas and barren lands) to accumulation areas (e.g. foot slopes, streams, aquifers, reservoirs), and the spatial variations thereof. There are many examples of hydrological and sediment connectivity on a watershed scale; in consequence, a process-based understanding of connectivity is crucial to help managers understand their systems and adopt adequate measures for flood prevention, pollution mitigation and soil protection, among others. Modelling is often used as a tool to understand and predict fluxes within a catchment by complementing observations with model results. Catchment models should therefore be able to reproduce the linkages, and thus the connectivity of water and sediment fluxes within the systems under simulation. In modelling, a high level of spatial and temporal detail is desirable to ensure taking into account a maximum number of components, which then enables connectivity to emerge from the simulated structures and functions. However, computational constraints and, in many cases, lack of data prevent the representation of all relevant processes and spatial/temporal variability in most models. In most cases, therefore, the level of detail selected for modelling is too coarse to represent the system in a way in which connectivity can emerge; a problem which can be circumvented by representing fine-scale structures and processes within coarser scale models using a variety of approaches. This poster focuses on the results of ongoing discussions on modelling connectivity held during several workshops within COST Action Connecteur. It assesses the current state of the art of incorporating the concept of connectivity in hydrological and sediment models, as well as the attitudes of modellers towards this issue. The discussion will focus on the different approaches through which connectivity can be represented in models: either by allowing it to emerge from model behaviour or by parameterizing it inside model structures; and on the appropriate scale at which processes should be represented explicitly or implicitly. It will also explore how modellers themselves approach connectivity through the results of a community survey. Finally, it will present the outline of an international modelling exercise aimed at assessing how different modelling concepts can capture connectivity in real catchments.

Efficient Skeletonization of Volumetric Objects.

PubMed

Zhou, Yong; Toga, Arthur W

1999-07-01

Skeletonization promises to become a powerful tool for compact shape description, path planning, and other applications. However, current techniques can seldom efficiently process real, complicated 3D data sets, such as MRI and CT data of human organs. In this paper, we present an efficient voxel-coding based algorithm for Skeletonization of 3D voxelized objects. The skeletons are interpreted as connected centerlines. consisting of sequences of medial points of consecutive clusters. These centerlines are initially extracted as paths of voxels, followed by medial point replacement, refinement, smoothness, and connection operations. The voxel-coding techniques have been proposed for each of these operations in a uniform and systematic fashion. In addition to preserving basic connectivity and centeredness, the algorithm is characterized by straightforward computation, no sensitivity to object boundary complexity, explicit extraction of ready-to-parameterize and branch-controlled skeletons, and efficient object hole detection. These issues are rarely discussed in traditional methods. A range of 3D medical MRI and CT data sets were used for testing the algorithm, demonstrating its utility.

The Mind-Body Connection - Can Prolonged Stress Affect Whether Breast Cancer Returns?

MedlinePlus

... Past Issues The Mind-Body Connection Can Prolonged Stress Affect Whether Breast Cancer Returns? Past Issues / Winter ... traumatic life events. The categories ranged from traumatic stress to some stress to no significant stress. According ...

The Mind-Body Connection - How to Fight Stress and Ward Off Illness

MedlinePlus

... Issues The Mind-Body Connection How to Fight Stress and Ward Off Illness Past Issues / Winter 2008 ... system's ability to fight disease." Dangers of Chronic Stress Unhealthy levels of stress come in many guises. ...

The Mind-Body Connection - Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Health

MedlinePlus

... Navigation Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues The Mind-Body Connection Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Health Past ... To Find Out More At medlineplus.gov , type "mind-body" or "emotions" into the Search box. There is ...

Connections that Count: Brain-Computer Interface Enables the Profoundly Paralyzed to Communicate

MedlinePlus

... Home Current Issue Past Issues Connections that Count: Brain-Computer Interface Enables the Profoundly Paralyzed to Communicate ... of this page please turn Javascript on. A brain-computer interface (BCI) system This brain-computer interface ( ...

Can we really make a difference? Exploring pre-service teachers' experience with socio-scientific issues aiming for democratic participation in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Kristin Leigh

Responding to calls for an empirical glimpse into a socioscientific issues (SSI)-based curriculum that aims to promote democratic participation, enhance students' connections to science, and empower students for the betterment of society (Dos Santos, 2008; Sadler, Barab, & Scott, 2007; Tal & Kedmi, 2006; Fusco & Barton, 2001; Hodson, 2003), this critical case study of 24 pre-service teachers (PSTs) enrolled in a scientific inquiry course offers curricular suggestions to empower learners to connect with the dynamic and socially-mediated process of science. In effect, incorporating nature of science-focused and place-based inquiry into a collaboration between PSTs and scientists were essential elements in enhancing students' connections to and feelings of inclusion in SSI. Propelled beyond a deficit model of public participation in science, the PSTs did indeed experience a public debate model and in some cases a knowledge production model in their collaborative efforts with scientists (Callon, 1999; Pouliot, 2009). While all of the PSTs engaged in rich discussion of their perspectives with scientists to enhance the investigation of their inquiry, some experienced a redistribution of the roles of participation in the production of scientific knowledge that was integrated into the scientists' decision-making processes. The materialization of these models depended on the structures of the student-scientists collaboration and the ways in which these malleable structures were flexed and negotiated. In effect, this study contributes to the literature on the potentials of SSI by providing an example of an educational approach that engages learners in a community practice as active participants in decision-making processes regarding socio-scientific issues, as well as focuses on empowering learners to be involved in the generation of scientific knowledge that contributes to their community.

77 FR 12096 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-28

... dealt with quickly and do not cause any client outages or connectivity issues. Due to the continuous... issues are dealt with quickly and do not cause any client outages or connectivity issues. Due to the... the Commission's Internet comment form ( http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ); or Send an email to...

Literacy across the Curriculum: Connecting Literacy in the Schools, Community and Workplace, 1995-1996.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shohet, Linda, Ed.

1996-01-01

This document contains four issues of a journal that aims to connect literacy in the schools, the community, and the workplace. Each issue also contains an insert focusing on media literacy. Some of the topics covered in the spring 1995 issue include the following: positioning literacy--naming literacy; literacy and machines--an overview of the…

Client-Focused Security Assessment of mHealth Apps and Recommended Practices to Prevent or Mitigate Transport Security Issues

PubMed Central

Müthing, Jannis; Jäschke, Thomas

2017-01-01

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps show a growing importance for patients and health care professionals. Apps in this category are diverse. Some display important information (ie, drug interactions), whereas others help patients to keep track of their health. However, insufficient transport security can lead to confidentiality issues for patients and medical professionals, as well as safety issues regarding data integrity. mHealth apps should therefore deploy intensified vigilance to protect their data and integrity. This paper analyzes the state of security in mHealth apps. Objective The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) identification of relevant transport issues in mHealth apps, (2) development of a platform for test purposes, and (3) recommendation of practices to mitigate them. Methods Security characteristics relevant to the transport security of mHealth apps were assessed, presented, and discussed. These characteristics were used in the development of a prototypical platform facilitating streamlined tests of apps. For the tests, six lists of the 10 most downloaded free apps from three countries and two stores were selected. As some apps were part of these top 10 lists in more than one country, 53 unique apps were tested. Results Out of the 53 apps tested from three European App Stores for Android and iOS, 21/53 (40%) showed critical results. All 21 apps failed to guarantee the integrity of data displayed. A total of 18 apps leaked private data or were observable in a way that compromised confidentiality between apps and their servers; 17 apps used unprotected connections; and two apps failed to validate certificates correctly. None of the apps tested utilized certificate pinning. Many apps employed analytics or ad providers, undermining user privacy. Conclusions The tests show that many mHealth apps do not apply sufficient transport security measures. The most common security issue was the use of any kind of unprotected connection. Some apps used secure connections only for selected tasks, leaving all other traffic vulnerable. PMID:29046271

Client-Focused Security Assessment of mHealth Apps and Recommended Practices to Prevent or Mitigate Transport Security Issues.

PubMed

Müthing, Jannis; Jäschke, Thomas; Friedrich, Christoph M

2017-10-18

Mobile health (mHealth) apps show a growing importance for patients and health care professionals. Apps in this category are diverse. Some display important information (ie, drug interactions), whereas others help patients to keep track of their health. However, insufficient transport security can lead to confidentiality issues for patients and medical professionals, as well as safety issues regarding data integrity. mHealth apps should therefore deploy intensified vigilance to protect their data and integrity. This paper analyzes the state of security in mHealth apps. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) identification of relevant transport issues in mHealth apps, (2) development of a platform for test purposes, and (3) recommendation of practices to mitigate them. Security characteristics relevant to the transport security of mHealth apps were assessed, presented, and discussed. These characteristics were used in the development of a prototypical platform facilitating streamlined tests of apps. For the tests, six lists of the 10 most downloaded free apps from three countries and two stores were selected. As some apps were part of these top 10 lists in more than one country, 53 unique apps were tested. Out of the 53 apps tested from three European App Stores for Android and iOS, 21/53 (40%) showed critical results. All 21 apps failed to guarantee the integrity of data displayed. A total of 18 apps leaked private data or were observable in a way that compromised confidentiality between apps and their servers; 17 apps used unprotected connections; and two apps failed to validate certificates correctly. None of the apps tested utilized certificate pinning. Many apps employed analytics or ad providers, undermining user privacy. The tests show that many mHealth apps do not apply sufficient transport security measures. The most common security issue was the use of any kind of unprotected connection. Some apps used secure connections only for selected tasks, leaving all other traffic vulnerable. ©Jannis Müthing, Thomas Jäschke, Christoph M Friedrich. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 18.10.2017.

Bipolar disorder: a neural network perspective on a disorder of emotion and motivation.

PubMed

Wessa, Michèle; Kanske, Philipp; Linke, Julia

2014-01-01

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, chronic disease with a heritability of 60-80%. BD is frequently misdiagnosed due to phenomenological overlap with other psychopathologies, an important issue that calls for the identification of biological and psychological vulnerability and disease markers. Altered structural and functional connectivity, mainly between limbic and prefrontal brain areas, have been proposed to underlie emotional and motivational dysregulation in BD and might represent relevant vulnerability and disease markers. In the present laboratory review we discuss functional and structural neuroimaging findings on emotional and motivational dysregulation from our research group in BD patients and healthy individuals at risk to develop BD. As a main result of our studies, we observed altered orbitofrontal and limbic activity and reduced connectivity between dorsal prefrontal and limbic brain regions, as well as reduced integrity of fiber tracts connecting prefrontal and subcortical brain structures in BD patients and high-risk individuals. Our results provide novel insights into pathophysiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder. The current laboratory review provides a specific view of our group on altered brain connectivity and underlying psychological processes in bipolar disorder based on our own work, integrating relevant findings from others. Thereby we attempt to advance neuropsychobiological models of BD.

Connected health and integrated care: Toward new models for chronic disease management.

PubMed

Chouvarda, Ioanna G; Goulis, Dimitrios G; Lambrinoudaki, Irene; Maglaveras, Nicos

2015-09-01

The increasingly aging population in Europe and worldwide brings up the need for the restructuring of healthcare. Technological advancements in electronic health can be a driving force for new health management models, especially in chronic care. In a patient-centered e-health management model, communication and coordination between patient, healthcare professionals in primary care and hospitals can be facilitated, and medical decisions can be made timely and easily communicated. Bringing the right information to the right person at the right time is what connected health aims at, and this may set the basis for the investigation and deployment of the integrated care models. In this framework, an overview of the main technological axes and challenges around connected health technologies in chronic disease management are presented and discussed. A central concept is personal health system for the patient/citizen and three main application areas are identified. The connected health ecosystem is making progress, already shows benefits in (a) new biosensors, (b) data management, (c) data analytics, integration and feedback. Examples are illustrated in each case, while open issues and challenges for further research and development are pinpointed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lumped mass formulations for modeling flexible body systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rampalli, Rajiv

1989-01-01

The efforts of Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. in obtaining a general formulation for flexible bodies in a multibody setting are discussed. The efforts being supported by MDI, both in house and externally are summarized. The feasibility of using lumped mass approaches to modeling flexibility in a multibody dynamics context is examined. The kinematics and kinetics for a simple system consisting of two rigid bodies connected together by an elastic beam are developed in detail. Accuracy, efficiency and ease of use using this approach are some of the issues that are then looked at. The formulation is then generalized to a superelement containing several nodes and connecting several bodies. Superelement kinematics and kinetics equations are developed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method is illustrated by the use of some examples illustrating phenomena common in the context of spacecraft motions.

Religion, politics and gender in the context of nation-state formation: the case of Serbia.

PubMed

Drezgić, Rada

2010-01-01

This article argues that nationalism has connected religion with secular politics in Serbia but that their rapprochement has been a gradual process. In order to demonstrate the transition from a limited influence of religion on politics to a much tighter relationship between the two, this article discusses the abortion legislation reform and the introduction of religious education in public schools, respectively. It argues that, while illustrative of different types of connection between religion and politics, these two issues had similar implications for gender equality-they produced discourses that recreated and justified patriarchal social norms. After religion gained access to public institutions, its (patriarchal) discourses on gender were considerably empowered. The article points to some tangible evidence of a re-traditionalisation and re-patriarchalisation of gender roles within the domestic realm in Serbia.

A virtual reality browser for Space Station models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldsby, Michael; Pandya, Abhilash; Aldridge, Ann; Maida, James

1993-01-01

The Graphics Analysis Facility at NASA/JSC has created a visualization and learning tool by merging its database of detailed geometric models with a virtual reality system. The system allows an interactive walk-through of models of the Space Station and other structures, providing detailed realistic stereo images. The user can activate audio messages describing the function and connectivity of selected components within his field of view. This paper presents the issues and trade-offs involved in the implementation of the VR system and discusses its suitability for its intended purposes.

Development of a transferline connecting a helium liquefier coldbox and a liquid helium Dewar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menon, Rajendran S.; Rane, Tejas; Chakravarty, Anindya; Joemon, V.

2017-02-01

A helium liquefier with demonstrated capacity of 32 1/hr has been developed by BARC. Mumbai. A transferline for two way flow of helium between the helium liquefier coldbox and receiver Dewar has been developed in-house at BARC. Further, a functionally similar, but structurally improved transferline has been developed through a local fabricator. This paper describes and discusses issues related to the development of these cryogenic transferlines. The developed transferlines have been tested with a flow of liquid nitrogen and successfully utilised later in the helium liquefier plant.

Case-based medical informatics

PubMed Central

Pantazi, Stefan V; Arocha, José F; Moehr, Jochen R

2004-01-01

Background The "applied" nature distinguishes applied sciences from theoretical sciences. To emphasize this distinction, we begin with a general, meta-level overview of the scientific endeavor. We introduce the knowledge spectrum and four interconnected modalities of knowledge. In addition to the traditional differentiation between implicit and explicit knowledge we outline the concepts of general and individual knowledge. We connect general knowledge with the "frame problem," a fundamental issue of artificial intelligence, and individual knowledge with another important paradigm of artificial intelligence, case-based reasoning, a method of individual knowledge processing that aims at solving new problems based on the solutions to similar past problems. We outline the fundamental differences between Medical Informatics and theoretical sciences and propose that Medical Informatics research should advance individual knowledge processing (case-based reasoning) and that natural language processing research is an important step towards this goal that may have ethical implications for patient-centered health medicine. Discussion We focus on fundamental aspects of decision-making, which connect human expertise with individual knowledge processing. We continue with a knowledge spectrum perspective on biomedical knowledge and conclude that case-based reasoning is the paradigm that can advance towards personalized healthcare and that can enable the education of patients and providers. We center the discussion on formal methods of knowledge representation around the frame problem. We propose a context-dependent view on the notion of "meaning" and advocate the need for case-based reasoning research and natural language processing. In the context of memory based knowledge processing, pattern recognition, comparison and analogy-making, we conclude that while humans seem to naturally support the case-based reasoning paradigm (memory of past experiences of problem-solving and powerful case matching mechanisms), technical solutions are challenging. Finally, we discuss the major challenges for a technical solution: case record comprehensiveness, organization of information on similarity principles, development of pattern recognition and solving ethical issues. Summary Medical Informatics is an applied science that should be committed to advancing patient-centered medicine through individual knowledge processing. Case-based reasoning is the technical solution that enables a continuous individual knowledge processing and could be applied providing that challenges and ethical issues arising are addressed appropriately. PMID:15533257

Satellite Remote Sensing of Ozone Change, Air Quality and Climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilsenrath, Ernest; Bhartia, Pawan K. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

To date satellite remote sensing of ozone depletion has been very successful. Data sets have been validated and measured trends are in agreement with model calculations. Technology developed for sensing the stratosphere is now being employed to study air quality and climate with promising results. These new data show that air quality is a transcontinental issue, but that better instrumentation is needed. Recent data show a connection between the stratosphere, troposphere and climate, which will require new technology to quantify these relationships. NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are planning and developing new missions. Recent results from TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer), SeaWiffs, and Terra will be discussed and upcoming missions to study atmospheric chemistry will be discussed.

Transitions between superstatistical regimes: Validity, breakdown and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jizba, Petr; Korbel, Jan; Lavička, Hynek; Prokš, Martin; Svoboda, Václav; Beck, Christian

2018-03-01

Superstatistics is a widely employed tool of non-equilibrium statistical physics which plays an important rôle in analysis of hierarchical complex dynamical systems. Yet, its "canonical" formulation in terms of a single nuisance parameter is often too restrictive when applied to complex empirical data. Here we show that a multi-scale generalization of the superstatistics paradigm is more versatile, allowing to address such pertinent issues as transmutation of statistics or inter-scale stochastic behavior. To put some flesh on the bare bones, we provide a numerical evidence for a transition between two superstatistics regimes, by analyzing high-frequency (minute-tick) data for share-price returns of seven selected companies. Salient issues, such as breakdown of superstatistics in fractional diffusion processes or connection with Brownian subordination are also briefly discussed.

Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution

DOE PAGES

Gaffney, Jeffrey S.; Marley, Nancy A.

2003-01-01

Atmospheric chemistry is an important discipline for understanding air pollution and its impacts. This mini-review gives a brief history of air pollution and presents an overview of some of the basic photochemistry involved in the production of ozone and other oxidants in the atmosphere. Urban air quality issues are reviewed with a specific focus on ozone and other oxidants, primary and secondary aerosols, alternative fuels, and the potential for chlorine releases to amplify oxidant chemistry in industrial areas. Regional air pollution issues such as acid rain, long-range transport of aerosols and visibility loss, and the connections of aerosols to ozonemore » and peroxyacetyl nitrate chemistry are examined. Finally, the potential impacts of air pollutants on the global-scale radiative balances of gases and aerosols are discussed briefly.« less

Life story resources in dementia care: a review

PubMed Central

Kindell, Jacqueline; Burrow, Simon; Wilkinson, Ray; Keady, John David

2014-01-01

Purpose Life story work has a relatively long tradition in the caring sciences and is recognised as an important component of dementia care and practice. However, to date, there has not been a review of accessible life story resources. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Following a systematic approach to identification and inclusion, 11 life story resources were reviewed to ascertain areas of commonality and divergence between the materials. Findings The authors were able to group the analysis under eight areas and at the end of this process, it was uncertain if life story work is a formal staff intervention or an informal activity that people with dementia and their families could engage in. Resources also varied in terms of whether the life story information was organised in a chronological way, or with topics of interest/discussion or with a combination of both. Life story evaluation and its impact on the life of the person with dementia is in need of development. Practical implications Across the resources the authors identified four reasons to do life story work which the authors have named as: emotional connections; interactional connections; building new connections and practical care connections. Social implications There was limited guidance aimed at helping people with dementia to develop and compile their own life story. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into the usefulness, future directions and content of life story resources in dementia care. It will be of interest to those in health and social care as well as people living with dementia. PMID:25419453

Defining Colluvium and Alluvium: An Experiment to Discuss and Consolidate Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Bradley; Juilleret, Jérôme

2016-04-01

Describing Earth materials with a shared terminology facilitates international collaboration because it reduces misunderstandings about the connections being made between observations and interpretations. The terms colluvium and alluvium are widely used, but their meanings vary almost as widely. Definitions for these terms can include connections to different geomorphic processes, landscape positions, or hydrology. In soil science, colluvium can be particularly influential as it is recognized in some national classification systems (e.g. France, Germany) as diagnostic material for "Colluvisols." Clarifying the meaning and diagnostic criteria of colluvium versus alluvium is especially important today because some definitions connect colluvium directly to erosion processes that are wide-spread and enhanced by anthropogenic activities. For example, the German "kolluvium" is pronounced the same as colluvium, but describes deposits at the base of hillslopes produced by water and/or tillage erosion. This contrasts with the common North American definition of colluvium describing materials transported primarily by gravity (i.e. mass movement). This poster raises awareness of the issue by illustrating the variety of published definitions for both colluvium and alluvium. Then it asks viewers to engage in the conversation by completing a survey either on paper or later online. The viewers are also invited to join the discussion on the same question, posed on the ResearchGate website (https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_do_you_define_colluvium).

Finite element generation of arbitrary 3-D fracture networks for flow analysis in complicated discrete fracture networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qi-Hua

2015-10-01

Finite element generation of complicated fracture networks is the core issue and source of technical difficulty in three-dimensional (3-D) discrete fracture network (DFN) flow models. Due to the randomness and uncertainty in the configuration of a DFN, the intersection lines (traces) are arbitrarily distributed in each face (fracture and other surfaces). Hence, subdivision of the fractures is an issue relating to subdivision of two-dimensional (2-D) domains with arbitrarily-distributed constraints. When the DFN configuration is very complicated, the well-known approaches (e.g. Voronoi Delaunay-based methods and advancing-front techniques) cannot operate properly. This paper proposes an algorithm to implement end-to-end connection between traces to subdivide 2-D domains into closed loops. The compositions of the vertices in the common edges between adjacent loops (which may belong to a single fracture or two connected fractures) are thus ensured to be topologically identical. The paper then proposes an approach for triangulating arbitrary loops which does not add any nodes to ensure consistency of the meshes at the common edges. In addition, several techniques relating to tolerance control and improving code robustness are discussed. Finally, the equivalent permeability of the rock mass is calculated for some very complicated DFNs (the DFN may contain 1272 fractures, 633 connected fractures, and 16,270 closed loops). The results are compared with other approaches to demonstrate the veracity and efficiency of the approach proposed in this paper.

Connecting Creativity Research and Practice in Art Education: Foundations, Pedagogies, and Contemporary Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bastos, Flávia, Ed.; Zimmerman, Enid, Ed.

2015-01-01

In three broad sections--Foundations, Pedagogies, and Contemporary Issues--the editors and chapter authors of "Connecting Creativity Research and Practice in Art Education" articulate the significance of reconsidering creativity as a crucial dimension of art education research and practice today. This book represents a groundbreaking…

76 FR 44915 - Statement of Policy Regarding Communications in Connection With the Collection of Decedents' Debts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-27

.... 45, the Commission issues this final Statement of Policy Regarding Communications in Connection with... collection of decedents' debts (``proposed Statement'').\\2\\ The proposed Statement addressed three issues... collectors state or imply that the family has a moral obligation to pay the [[Page 44918

Is the biggest security threat to medical information simply a lack of understanding?

PubMed

Williams, Patricia A H

2011-01-01

Connecting Australian health services and the e-health initiative is a major focus in the current health environment. Many issues are presented as key to its success including solving issues with confidentiality and privacy. However, the main problem may not be these issues in sharing information but the fact that the point of origin of such records is still relatively insecure. This paper highlights why this may be the case. Research into the security of medical information has shown that many primary healthcare providers are unable to create an environment with effective information security. Numerous factors contribute to this complex situation including a trustful environment, the resultant security culture and the capability of individual healthcare organisations. Further, the growing importance of new directions in the use of patient information is considered. This paper discusses these issues and positions them within the complex environment that is healthcare. In our current health system infrastructure, the points of origin of patient information are our most vulnerable. This entwined with progressively new uses of this information expose additional security concerns, such as re-identification of information, that require attention.

On the seat of the solar cycle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gough, D.

1981-01-01

A discussion of some of the issues raised in connection with the seat of the solar cycle are presented. Is the cycle controlled by a strictly periodic oscillator that operates in the core, or is it a turbulent dynamo confined to the convection zone and possibly a thin boundary layer beneath it? Sunspot statistics are discussed, with a view to ascertaining the length of the memory of the cycle, without drawing a definitive conclusion. Also discussed are some of the processes that might bring about variations delta L and delta R in the luminosity and the radius of the photosphere. It appears that the ratio W = delta lnR/delta lnL increases with the depth of the disturbance that produces the variations, so that imminent observations might determine whether or not the principal dynamical processes are confined to only the outer layers of the Sun.

Plasmoids everywhere: ideal tearing, the transition to fast reconnection, and solar activity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velli, M. C. M.; Pucci, F.; Tenerani, A.; Shi, C.; Del Sarto, D.; Rappazzo, A. F.

2017-12-01

We discuss the role of generalized ``ideal" tearing (IT) as a possible trigger mechanism for magnetic reconnection to understand energetic phenomena in the solar atmosphere. We begin with a pedagogical introduction to the IT concept, how it stems from the classical analysis of the tearing instability, what is meant by plasmoids, and the connections of IT to the plasmoid instability and Sweet Parker current sheets. We then proceed to analyze how the IT concept extends to equilibria with flows, small scale kinetic effects, different current structures and different magnetic field topology configurations. Finally we discuss the relationship of reconnection triggering to nonlinear cascades and turbulent evolution, and how different situations may arise depending on scale, boundary conditions, and time-history, from coronal heating via nanoflares, to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Issues of local topology, dimensionality, anisotropy will also be discussed.

From cacophony to symphony: how to focus the discipline of business continuity.

PubMed

Copenhaver, John; Lindstedt, David

2010-03-01

On the 'stage' of business continuity, there is a cacophony of voices--an unfocused assortment of ideas, approaches and advice. A casual glance at any continuity trade journal quickly reveals disparate discussions about even the most fundamental of issues. The dedicated magazines and conferences are filled with anecdotes and case studies but lack a focused discussion leading towards a holistic approach to the discipline. In fact, most often these discussions are not proper conversations at all, but disjointed groupings of loosely connected topics. It is time for practitioners to organise their considerable collective talent into a structured effort to ground and defend this growing profession. It is time to move from an informal sharing of individual lessons learned to a studied discipline. This paper proposes several ways to focus thinking and energise efforts. It will offer a select few topics to help provide a framework of central focal points for research, thought and growth.

Gender relations and economic issues.

PubMed

Elson, D

1993-10-01

While most discussions of economic issues pay no explicit attention to gender relations, most economic policy is marked by male bias which provides women with an unequal access to resources. This situation exists because most economists, officials, and business managers lack the imagination to see the gender impact of economic issues and most women's groups and researchers lack the language to portray this connection. This article explores some aspects of this gap and aims to provide women with the ability to effectively discuss economic issues. After an introduction, the article considers the basic problem caused by the fact that the economy is defined primarily in terms of money-making activities. This leads to a male bias since much of women's work occurs outside of the monetary sphere. The next section looks at how a failure to understand the significance of gender relations will interfere with the fulfillment of policy objectives. This discussion is followed by a description of how cutbacks in government expenditures increase the burden on women who must replace the services. Problems with the option of the private-sector replacing government services, such as the fact that increasing disposable income in households does not guarantee that unpaid labor will be reduced and the fact that the private sector may fail to expand in a productive way, are covered. The article then touches on the new emphasis placed by some economists and policy makers on cooperative and interactive solutions to these problems and ends by mentioning three new initiatives which seek to build capacity for gender-aware economic analysis: the development of a training program at Manchester University in the UK, coordination of an international research workshop by the University of Utah in the US, and development of an international association for feminist economics based in the US.

The risks and rights of sexualization: an appreciative commentary on Lerum and Dworkin's "bad girls rule".

PubMed

Vanwesenbeeck, Ine

2009-01-01

This commentary wholeheartedly supports the critical observations by Kari Lerum and Shari L. Dworkin in this issue of the Journal of Sex Research with regard to the 2007 Report of the APA (American Psychological Association) Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. The APA task force makes an overwhelmingly strong point for the dangers of the sexualization of women and girls and the self-objectification connected to it. However, their discussion of the evidence is noteworthy for being one-sided, generalizing, and negatively toned. Among the arguments presented in this commentary are notions about the rather diverse and often ambiguous nature of sexualized imagery and about the all too often ignored complexity of its presumed "effects." In addition, the issue of female sexual power and the case of sex workers are discussed. When sexualization is defined as only negative, both sex worker's rights and, more generally, women's rights to be sexual, get into a tight corner. The main contention is that sexualization is associated with risks, as well as with rights, and that any productive analysis will have to consider both.

Torsional vibration characteristic study of the grid-connected DFIG wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Songtao; Xie, Da; Wu, Wangping; Gu, Chenghong; Li, Furong

2017-01-01

This paper studies the torsional vibration characteristics of the grid-connected doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine by small signal analysis method. Firstly a detailed small-signal stability union model of the grid-connected DFIG wind turbine is developed, including the mechanical system and electrical system. To study the dynamic characteristic of the blade, gearbox, low speed and high speed shafts, a three mass shaft model for the mechanical system is adopted. At the same time, small signal models of DFIG, the voltage source converter (VSC) and the transmission line of the electrical system are developed respectively. Then, through calculating the eigenvalues of the state matrix A and the corresponding participation factors, the modal analysis is conducted in the shaft torsional vibration issues. And the impact of the system parameters including the series compensation capacitor, the flat-wave reactor, the PI parameters, especially the speed controller of generator rotor on shaft torsional vibration are discussed. The results show that the speed controller strengthens association between the mechanical system and the electrical system, and also produces a low-frequency oscillation mode.

Graph Theoretical Framework of Brain Networks in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of Concepts.

PubMed

Fleischer, Vinzenz; Radetz, Angela; Ciolac, Dumitru; Muthuraman, Muthuraman; Gonzalez-Escamilla, Gabriel; Zipp, Frauke; Groppa, Sergiu

2017-11-01

Network science provides powerful access to essential organizational principles of the human brain. It has been applied in combination with graph theory to characterize brain connectivity patterns. In multiple sclerosis (MS), analysis of the brain networks derived from either structural or functional imaging provides new insights into pathological processes within the gray and white matter. Beyond focal lesions and diffuse tissue damage, network connectivity patterns could be important for closely tracking and predicting the disease course. In this review, we describe concepts of graph theory, highlight novel issues of tissue reorganization in acute and chronic neuroinflammation and address pitfalls with regard to network analysis in MS patients. We further provide an outline of functional and structural connectivity patterns observed in MS, spanning from disconnection and disruption on one hand to adaptation and compensation on the other. Moreover, we link network changes and their relation to clinical disability based on the current literature. Finally, we discuss the perspective of network science in MS for future research and postulate its role in the clinical framework. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional MRI and Multivariate Autoregressive Models

PubMed Central

Rogers, Baxter P.; Katwal, Santosh B.; Morgan, Victoria L.; Asplund, Christopher L.; Gore, John C.

2010-01-01

Connectivity refers to the relationships that exist between different regions of the brain. In the context of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it implies a quantifiable relationship between hemodynamic signals from different regions. One aspect of this relationship is the existence of small timing differences in the signals in different regions. Delays of 100 ms or less may be measured with fMRI, and these may reflect important aspects of the manner in which brain circuits respond as well as the overall functional organization of the brain. The multivariate autoregressive time series model has features to recommend it for measuring these delays, and is straightforward to apply to hemodynamic data. In this review, we describe the current usage of the multivariate autoregressive model for fMRI, discuss the issues that arise when it is applied to hemodynamic time series, and consider several extensions. Connectivity measures like Granger causality that are based on the autoregressive model do not always reflect true neuronal connectivity; however, we conclude that careful experimental design could make this methodology quite useful in extending the information obtainable using fMRI. PMID:20444566

Hard-to-reach? Using health access status as a way to more effectively target segments of the Latino audience.

PubMed

Wilkin, Holley A; Ball-Rokeach, Sandra J

2011-04-01

Health issues disproportionately affect Latinos, but variations within this ethnic group may mean that some Latinos are harder to reach with health messages than others. This paper introduces a methodology grounded in communication infrastructure theory to better target 'hard-to-reach' audiences. A random digit dialing telephone survey of 739 Latinos living in two Los Angeles communities was conducted. The relationships between health access difficulties and connections to an integrated storytelling network as well as individual health communication source connections were explored. Findings suggest that Latinos who are connected to an integrated storytelling network report marginally greater ease finding healthcare, despite not being any more likely to have insurance or a regular place for healthcare. Latinos who have health access problems tended to rely more upon Spanish-language television for health information. In addition, those without healthcare access problems are more likely to indicate that they use health professionals, the Internet, mainstream TV and printed materials like health pamphlets for health information. The theoretical and methodological contributions of this work, its major findings, implications, limitations and policy guidelines are discussed.

The Measles Vaccination Narrative in Twitter: A Quantitative Analysis

PubMed Central

Radzikowski, Jacek; Jacobsen, Kathryn H; Croitoru, Arie; Crooks, Andrew; Delamater, Paul L

2016-01-01

Background The emergence of social media is providing an alternative avenue for information exchange and opinion formation on health-related issues. Collective discourse in such media leads to the formation of a complex narrative, conveying public views and perceptions. Objective This paper presents a study of Twitter narrative regarding vaccination in the aftermath of the 2015 measles outbreak, both in terms of its cyber and physical characteristics. We aimed to contribute to the analysis of the data, as well as presenting a quantitative interdisciplinary approach to analyze such open-source data in the context of health narratives. Methods We collected 669,136 tweets referring to vaccination from February 1 to March 9, 2015. These tweets were analyzed to identify key terms, connections among such terms, retweet patterns, the structure of the narrative, and connections to the geographical space. Results The data analysis captures the anatomy of the themes and relations that make up the discussion about vaccination in Twitter. The results highlight the higher impact of stories contributed by news organizations compared to direct tweets by health organizations in communicating health-related information. They also capture the structure of the antivaccination narrative and its terms of reference. Analysis also revealed the relationship between community engagement in Twitter and state policies regarding child vaccination. Residents of Vermont and Oregon, the two states with the highest rates of non-medical exemption from school-entry vaccines nationwide, are leading the social media discussion in terms of participation. Conclusions The interdisciplinary study of health-related debates in social media across the cyber-physical debate nexus leads to a greater understanding of public concerns, views, and responses to health-related issues. Further coalescing such capabilities shows promise towards advancing health communication, thus supporting the design of more effective strategies that take into account the complex and evolving public views of health issues. PMID:27227144

The Impacts of Attitudes and Engagement on Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) of Mobile Sensor Computing Applications.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Liu, Yide; Lai, Ivan K W; Zhang, Hongfeng; Zhang, Yi

2016-03-18

As one of the latest revolutions in networking technology, social networks allow users to keep connected and exchange information. Driven by the rapid wireless technology development and diffusion of mobile devices, social networks experienced a tremendous change based on mobile sensor computing. More and more mobile sensor network applications have appeared with the emergence of a huge amount of users. Therefore, an in-depth discussion on the human-computer interaction (HCI) issues of mobile sensor computing is required. The target of this study is to extend the discussions on HCI by examining the relationships of users' compound attitudes (i.e., affective attitudes, cognitive attitude), engagement and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behaviors in the context of mobile sensor computing. A conceptual model is developed, based on which, 313 valid questionnaires are collected. The research discusses the level of impact on the eWOM of mobile sensor computing by considering user-technology issues, including the compound attitude and engagement, which can bring valuable discussions on the HCI of mobile sensor computing in further study. Besides, we find that user engagement plays a mediating role between the user's compound attitudes and eWOM. The research result can also help the mobile sensor computing industry to develop effective strategies and build strong consumer user-product (brand) relationships.

The Impacts of Attitudes and Engagement on Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) of Mobile Sensor Computing Applications

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yu; Liu, Yide; Lai, Ivan K. W.; Zhang, Hongfeng; Zhang, Yi

2016-01-01

As one of the latest revolutions in networking technology, social networks allow users to keep connected and exchange information. Driven by the rapid wireless technology development and diffusion of mobile devices, social networks experienced a tremendous change based on mobile sensor computing. More and more mobile sensor network applications have appeared with the emergence of a huge amount of users. Therefore, an in-depth discussion on the human–computer interaction (HCI) issues of mobile sensor computing is required. The target of this study is to extend the discussions on HCI by examining the relationships of users’ compound attitudes (i.e., affective attitudes, cognitive attitude), engagement and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behaviors in the context of mobile sensor computing. A conceptual model is developed, based on which, 313 valid questionnaires are collected. The research discusses the level of impact on the eWOM of mobile sensor computing by considering user-technology issues, including the compound attitude and engagement, which can bring valuable discussions on the HCI of mobile sensor computing in further study. Besides, we find that user engagement plays a mediating role between the user’s compound attitudes and eWOM. The research result can also help the mobile sensor computing industry to develop effective strategies and build strong consumer user—product (brand) relationships. PMID:26999155

The sleeping brain as a complex system.

PubMed

Olbrich, Eckehard; Achermann, Peter; Wennekers, Thomas

2011-10-13

'Complexity science' is a rapidly developing research direction with applications in a multitude of fields that study complex systems consisting of a number of nonlinear elements with interesting dynamics and mutual interactions. This Theme Issue 'The complexity of sleep' aims at fostering the application of complexity science to sleep research, because the brain in its different sleep stages adopts different global states that express distinct activity patterns in large and complex networks of neural circuits. This introduction discusses the contributions collected in the present Theme Issue. We highlight the potential and challenges of a complex systems approach to develop an understanding of the brain in general and the sleeping brain in particular. Basically, we focus on two topics: the complex networks approach to understand the changes in the functional connectivity of the brain during sleep, and the complex dynamics of sleep, including sleep regulation. We hope that this Theme Issue will stimulate and intensify the interdisciplinary communication to advance our understanding of the complex dynamics of the brain that underlies sleep and consciousness.

12 CFR 563f.4 - Interlocking relationships permitted by statute.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... in any part of the United States; (ii) The service would lead to substantial conflicts of interest or... Owners' Loan Act) which has issued stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance pursuant to... company which purchased the stock issued in connection with such qualified stock issuance, and shall apply...

Council Connections: A Newsletter of the Reading Recovery Council of North America, 1996-1999.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council Connections, 1999

1999-01-01

This document consists of three years' worth (8 issues) of "Council Connections," the newsletter of the Reading Recovery Council of North America. Each issue offers brief articles, updates of Reading Recovery programs in various countries, messages from the organization's president, past president, and/or the executive director, updates…

Physical stress, mass, and energy for non-relativistic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geracie, Michael; Prabhu, Kartik; Roberts, Matthew M.

2017-06-01

For theories of relativistic matter fields there exist two possible definitions of the stress-energy tensor, one defined by a variation of the action with the coframes at fixed connection, and the other at fixed torsion. These two stress-energy tensors do not necessarily coincide and it is the latter that corresponds to the Cauchy stress measured in the lab. In this note we discuss the corresponding issue for non-relativistic matter theories. We point out that while the physical non-relativistic stress, momentum, and mass currents are defined by a variation of the action at fixed torsion, the energy current does not admit such a description and is naturally defined at fixed connection. Any attempt to define an energy current at fixed torsion results in an ambiguity which cannot be resolved from the background spacetime data or conservation laws. We also provide computations of these quantities for some simple non-relativistic actions.

Medical sociology and technology: critical engagements.

PubMed

Casper, Monica J; Morrison, Daniel R

2010-01-01

In this selective review of the literature on medical sociology's engagement with technology, we outline the concurrent developments of the American Sociological Association section on medicine and advances in medical treatment. We then describe theoretical and epistemological issues with scholars' treatment of technology in medicine. Using symbolic interactionist concepts, as well as work from the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies, we review and synthesize critical connections in and across sociology's intellectual relationship with medical technology. Next, we discuss key findings in these literatures, noting a shift from a focus on the effects of technology on practice to a reconfiguration of human bodies. We also look toward the future, focusing on connections between technoscientific identities and embodied health movements. Finally, we call for greater engagement by medical sociologists in studying medical technology and the process of policy-making--two areas central to debates in health economics and public policy.

Simultaneous fits in ISIS on the example of GRO J1008-57

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kühnel, Matthias; Müller, Sebastian; Kreykenbohm, Ingo; Schwarm, Fritz-Walter; Grossberger, Christoph; Dauser, Thomas; Pottschmidt, Katja; Ferrigno, Carlo; Rothschild, Richard E.; Klochkov, Dmitry; Staubert, Rüdiger; Wilms, Joern

2015-04-01

Parallel computing and steadily increasing computation speed have led to a new tool for analyzing multiple datasets and datatypes: fitting several datasets simultaneously. With this technique, physically connected parameters of individual data can be treated as a single parameter by implementing this connection into the fit directly. We discuss the terminology, implementation, and possible issues of simultaneous fits based on the X-ray data analysis tool Interactive Spectral Interpretation System (ISIS). While all data modeling tools in X-ray astronomy allow in principle fitting data from multiple data sets individually, the syntax used in these tools is not often well suited for this task. Applying simultaneous fits to the transient X-ray binary GRO J1008-57, we find that the spectral shape is only dependent on X-ray flux. We determine time independent parameters such as, e.g., the folding energy E_fold, with unprecedented precision.

Learning in and about rural places: Connections and tensions between students' everyday experiences and environmental quality issues in their community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, Heather Toomey; Weible, Jennifer L.

2017-03-01

Guided by sociocultural perspectives on the importance of place as a resource for learning, we investigated 14- and 15-year old students' understandings of their community and water quality during a school-based watershed unit. Methods included a theory-driven thematic analysis of field notes and video transcripts from four biology classrooms, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 67 pairs of matched pre- and post-intervention mindmaps, and a content analysis of 73 student reflections. As they learned about water quality, learners recognized the relevance of the watershed's health to the health of their community. Students acknowledged the impacts of local economically driven activities (e.g., natural gas wells, application of agrichemicals) and leisure activities (e.g., boating, fishing) on the watershed's environmental health. As students learned in and about their watershed, they experienced both connections and tensions between their everyday experiences and the environmental problems in their community. The students suggested individual sustainability actions needed to address water quality issues; however, the students struggled to understand how to act collectively. Implications of rural experiences as assets to future environmental sciences learning are discussed as well as the implications of educational experiences that do not include an advocacy component when students uncover environmental health issues. We suggest further consideration is needed on how to help young people develop action-oriented science knowledge, not just inert knowledge of environmental problems, during place-based education units.

National Geodata Policy Forum: present and emerging U.S. policies governing the development, evolution, and use of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure: summary report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Federal Geographic Data Committee, U.S. Geological Survey

1993-01-01

The first National Geo-Data Policy Forum was held on May 10-12, 1993, in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. The objective of the National Geo-Data Policy Forum was to examine policies related to the evolution and use of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). A second goal was to identify issues concerning spatial data technology and its use by all citizens. Policy makers from the public and private sectors offered ideas on the myriad issues and questions related to the NSDI and learned of concerns that their organizations must address. The links that connect the NSDI to the Clinton Administration's National Information Infrastructure were identified and discussed. The forum offered participants an opportunity to define the NSDI's role in carrying out technology policy.

Reframing school dropout as a public health issue.

PubMed

Freudenberg, Nicholas; Ruglis, Jessica

2007-10-01

Good education predicts good health, and disparities in health and in educational achievement are closely linked. Despite these connections, public health professionals rarely make reducing the number of students who drop out of school a priority, although nearly one-third of all students in the United States and half of black, Latino, and American Indian students do not graduate from high school on time. In this article, we summarize knowledge on the health benefits of high school graduation and discuss the pathways by which graduating from high school contributes to good health. We examine strategies for reducing school dropout rates with a focus on interventions that improve school completion rates by improving students' health. Finally, we recommend actions health professionals can take to reframe the school dropout rate as a public health issue and to improve school completion rates in the United States.

Theory-driven research in pediatric psychology: a little bit on why and how.

PubMed

Wallander, J L

1992-10-01

Introduces a Special Issue, covering two published issues (5 and 6) of this journal, on theory-driven research in pediatric psychology. A rationale for conducting research from a conceptual basis is presented. It is emphasized that science is primarily an intellectual activity, demonstrated in the form of theory building, testing, and reformulation. Furthermore, it is argued theory serves as a planning and communication aide for scientific pursuit. The process and components of theory-driven research are then highlighted. Theoretical constructs, theoretical and empirical definitions of constructs, and the use of variables are discussed. A definition of scientific theory is offered. Theory testing is distinguished from post hoc theorizing. Differences in the scope of theories are noted. Connections between theory and hypothesis testing and research design are addressed, especially for nonexperimental or correlational research.

Weighted straight skeletons in the plane☆

PubMed Central

Biedl, Therese; Held, Martin; Huber, Stefan; Kaaser, Dominik; Palfrader, Peter

2015-01-01

We investigate weighted straight skeletons from a geometric, graph-theoretical, and combinatorial point of view. We start with a thorough definition and shed light on some ambiguity issues in the procedural definition. We investigate the geometry, combinatorics, and topology of faces and the roof model, and we discuss in which cases a weighted straight skeleton is connected. Finally, we show that the weighted straight skeleton of even a simple polygon may be non-planar and may contain cycles, and we discuss under which restrictions on the weights and/or the input polygon the weighted straight skeleton still behaves similar to its unweighted counterpart. In particular, we obtain a non-procedural description and a linear-time construction algorithm for the straight skeleton of strictly convex polygons with arbitrary weights. PMID:25648398

Incorporating café design principles into End-of-Life discussions: an innovative method for continuing education.

PubMed

Kanaskie, Mary Louise

2011-04-01

Café design provides an innovative method for conducting continuing education activities. This method was chosen to elicit meaningful conversation based on issues related to End-of-Life care. Café design principles incorporate the following: setting the context, creating hospitable space, exploring questions that matter, encouraging everyone's contributions, connecting diverse perspectives, listening together for insights, and sharing collective discoveries. Key discussion questions were identified from the End-of Life Nursing Education Consortium Core Curriculum. Questions were revised to incorporate the principles of appreciative inquiry, which encourage a shift from traditional methods of problem identification to creation of a positive vision. Participants rated the café design method as an effective way to share their ideas and to stimulate conversation.

Participation in two phase II prophylactic HIV vaccine trials in the UK.

PubMed

Gray, Kimberly; Legg, K; Sharp, A; Mackie, N; Olarinde, F; De Souza, C; Weber, J; Peters, B

2008-06-02

There will be a continued imperative to recruit large numbers of healthy volunteers to early phase prophylactic HIV vaccine (PHV) trials. We studied mechanisms associated with participation in two related phase II PHV trials. The most cited reasons for volunteering were altruism and a personal connection to HIV. The most successful recruiting strategies targeted organisations dealing with HIV, health or social issues, or were directed to large audiences through the mass media. However, circulated emails and word of mouth were the most resource-effective approaches. Group discussions and the collection of a pool of potential volunteers were much less effective than one-to-one discussions and immediate screening after recruitment. We utilised our findings to devise key recommendations to assist PHV trial teams who are planning future studies.

Tripartite counterfactual entanglement distribution.

PubMed

Chen, Yuanyuan; Gu, Xuemei; Jiang, Dong; Xie, Ling; Chen, Lijun

2015-08-10

We propose two counterfactual schemes for tripartite entanglement distribution without any physical particles travelling through the quantum channel. One scheme arranges three participators to connect with the absorption object by using switch. Using the "chained" quantum Zeno effect, three participators can accomplish the task of entanglement distribution with unique counterfactual interference probability. Another scheme uses Michelson-type interferometer to swap two entanglement pairs such that the photons of three participators are entangled. Moreover, the distance of entanglement distribution is doubled as two distant absorption objects are used. We also discuss the implementation issues to show that the proposed schemes can be realized with current technology.

Coagulation disorders in pregnancy: acquired and inherited thrombophilias.

PubMed

Benedetto, Chiara; Marozio, Luca; Tavella, Anna Maria; Salton, Loredana; Grivon, Sara; Di Giampaolo, Francesca

2010-09-01

Both acquired and inherited thrombophilias are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as with adverse pregnancy outcome. However, the extension of attributable risk for each thrombophilia and outcome is still a question of debate. Thrombophilias have been investigated in connection with VTE and pregnancy complications such as: recurrent and nonrecurrent early pregnancy loss, late fetal death, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. This review discusses the evidence of association between thrombophilias and pregnancy outcome together with issues as to clinical management and preventive strategies. © 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.

Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability: The Physics Connection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindstrom, Timothy; Middlecamp, Catherine

2018-04-01

One of us is a physicist. The other is a chemist. For the past four years, we have been teaching a large introductory environmental science course that uses our campus as a lens through which to explore issues relating to sustainability. Our students "ask questions about the energy we use to heat and cool our buildings, the food we eat, the air we breathe, the electricity to run light bulbs and appliances, the goods we purchase, and the waste we create." This course fits in the genre of using "campus as a living laboratory," a term we will discuss later.

[Ehlers Danlos type IV syndrome presenting with simultaneous dissection of both internal carotid and both vertebral arteries].

PubMed

Mondon, K; de Toffol, B; Georgesco, G; Cassarini, J-F; Machet, M-C; Cottier, J-P; Arbeille, B; Autret, A

2004-04-01

Dissection of cervical arteries is a frequent cause of stroke in young subjects. We report the case of a 34-year-old patient who experienced simultaneous dissection of both internal carotid arteries and both vertebral arteries leading to repeated motor deficit of the right half-body associated with persistent otalgia. Search for an etiology led to the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. Search for the cause of cervical artery dissection must consider connective tIssue disease, particularly vascular forms of Ehler-Danlos syndrome. Diagnostic, therapeutic as well as prognostic aspects are discussed.

System data communication structures for active-control transport aircraft, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopkins, A. L.; Martin, J. H.; Brock, L. D.; Jansson, D. G.; Serben, S.; Smith, T. B.; Hanley, L. D.

1981-01-01

Candidate data communication techniques are identified, including dedicated links, local buses, broadcast buses, multiplex buses, and mesh networks. The design methodology for mesh networks is then discussed, including network topology and node architecture. Several concepts of power distribution are reviewed, including current limiting and mesh networks for power. The technology issues of packaging, transmission media, and lightning are addressed, and, finally, the analysis tools developed to aid in the communication design process are described. There are special tools to analyze the reliability and connectivity of networks and more general reliability analysis tools for all types of systems.

Interoceptive predictions in the brain

PubMed Central

Barrett, Lisa Feldman; Simmons, W. Kyle

2016-01-01

Intuition suggests that perception follows sensation and therefore bodily feelings originate in the body. However, recent evidence goes against this logic: interoceptive experience may largely reflect limbic predictions about the expected state of the body that are constrained by ascending visceral sensations. In this Opinion article, we introduce the Embodied Predictive Interoception Coding model, which integrates an anatomical model of corticocortical connections with Bayesian active inference principles, to propose that agranular visceromotor cortices contribute to interoception by issuing interoceptive predictions. We then discuss how disruptions in interoceptive predictions could function as a common vulnerability for mental and physical illness. PMID:26016744

E.C.E. Connection: A Newsletter for Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.), 1994-1998.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

E.C.E. Connection, 1998

1998-01-01

This document consists of the first 39 consecutive issues of the newsletter, "E.C.E. Connection," published monthly (except August) to offer information and support to early childhood practitioners. Articles from the 1994 issues include: "Some 'Affordable' Ideas To Brighten Your Classroom"; "A Notice Board: A Way To Keep…

Connecting to Nature at the Zoo: Implications for Responding to Climate Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayton, Susan; Luebke, Jerry; Saunders, Carol; Matiasek, Jennifer; Grajal, Alejandro

2014-01-01

Societal response to climate change has been inadequate. A perception that the issue is both physically and temporally remote may reduce concern; concern may also be affected by the political polarization surrounding the issue in the USA. A feeling of connection to nature or to animals may increase personal relevance, and a supportive social…

Ecology in a connected world: a vision for a "network of networks"

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This special issue addresses the importance of connectivity in driving ecosystem dynamics. Connectivity is defined as the transfer of materials by wind, water, humans, and animals. Although it is well-recognized that we live in a connected world, it is less well-appreciated that these interconnectio...

Student Attitudes, Student Anxieties, and How to Address Them; A handbook for science teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastrup, Helge

2016-02-01

This book is based on a commitment to teaching science to everybody. What may work for training professional scientists does not work for general science education. Students bring to the classrooms preconceived attitudes, as well as the emotional baggage called 'science anxiety'. Students may regard science as cold, unfriendly, and even inherently hostile and biased against women. This book has been designed to deal with each of these issues and results from research in both Denmark and the USA. The first chapter discusses student attitudes towards science and the second discusses science anxiety. The connection between the two is discussed before the introduction of constructivism as a pedagogy that can aid science learning if it also addresses attitudes and anxieties. Much of the book elucidates what the authors have learned as science teachers and science education researchers. They studied various groups including university students majoring in the sciences, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, business, nursing, and education; high-school students; teachers' seminary students; science teachers at all levels from middle school through college; and science administrators. The insights of these groups constitute the most important feature of the book, and by sharing them, the authors hope to help their fellow science teachers to understand student attitudes about science, to recognize the connections between these and science anxiety, and to see how a pedagogy that takes these into account can improve science learning.

Modeling the Cerebellar Microcircuit: New Strategies for a Long-Standing Issue.

PubMed

D'Angelo, Egidio; Antonietti, Alberto; Casali, Stefano; Casellato, Claudia; Garrido, Jesus A; Luque, Niceto Rafael; Mapelli, Lisa; Masoli, Stefano; Pedrocchi, Alessandra; Prestori, Francesca; Rizza, Martina Francesca; Ros, Eduardo

2016-01-01

The cerebellar microcircuit has been the work bench for theoretical and computational modeling since the beginning of neuroscientific research. The regular neural architecture of the cerebellum inspired different solutions to the long-standing issue of how its circuitry could control motor learning and coordination. Originally, the cerebellar network was modeled using a statistical-topological approach that was later extended by considering the geometrical organization of local microcircuits. However, with the advancement in anatomical and physiological investigations, new discoveries have revealed an unexpected richness of connections, neuronal dynamics and plasticity, calling for a change in modeling strategies, so as to include the multitude of elementary aspects of the network into an integrated and easily updatable computational framework. Recently, biophysically accurate "realistic" models using a bottom-up strategy accounted for both detailed connectivity and neuronal non-linear membrane dynamics. In this perspective review, we will consider the state of the art and discuss how these initial efforts could be further improved. Moreover, we will consider how embodied neurorobotic models including spiking cerebellar networks could help explaining the role and interplay of distributed forms of plasticity. We envisage that realistic modeling, combined with closed-loop simulations, will help to capture the essence of cerebellar computations and could eventually be applied to neurological diseases and neurorobotic control systems.

Modeling the Cerebellar Microcircuit: New Strategies for a Long-Standing Issue

PubMed Central

D’Angelo, Egidio; Antonietti, Alberto; Casali, Stefano; Casellato, Claudia; Garrido, Jesus A.; Luque, Niceto Rafael; Mapelli, Lisa; Masoli, Stefano; Pedrocchi, Alessandra; Prestori, Francesca; Rizza, Martina Francesca; Ros, Eduardo

2016-01-01

The cerebellar microcircuit has been the work bench for theoretical and computational modeling since the beginning of neuroscientific research. The regular neural architecture of the cerebellum inspired different solutions to the long-standing issue of how its circuitry could control motor learning and coordination. Originally, the cerebellar network was modeled using a statistical-topological approach that was later extended by considering the geometrical organization of local microcircuits. However, with the advancement in anatomical and physiological investigations, new discoveries have revealed an unexpected richness of connections, neuronal dynamics and plasticity, calling for a change in modeling strategies, so as to include the multitude of elementary aspects of the network into an integrated and easily updatable computational framework. Recently, biophysically accurate “realistic” models using a bottom-up strategy accounted for both detailed connectivity and neuronal non-linear membrane dynamics. In this perspective review, we will consider the state of the art and discuss how these initial efforts could be further improved. Moreover, we will consider how embodied neurorobotic models including spiking cerebellar networks could help explaining the role and interplay of distributed forms of plasticity. We envisage that realistic modeling, combined with closed-loop simulations, will help to capture the essence of cerebellar computations and could eventually be applied to neurological diseases and neurorobotic control systems. PMID:27458345

Li plating as unwanted side reaction in commercial Li-ion cells - A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldmann, Thomas; Hogg, Björn-Ingo; Wohlfahrt-Mehrens, Margret

2018-04-01

Deposition of Lithium metal on anodes contributes significantly to ageing of Li-ion cells. Lithium deposition is connected not only to a drastic limitation of life-time, but also to fast-charging capability and safety issues. Lithium deposition in commercial Li-ion cells is not limited to operation conditions at low temperatures. In recent publications various types of commercial cells were investigated using complimentary analysis methods. Five cell types studied in literature (18650, 26650, pouch) serve as a basis for comparison when and why Li deposition happens in commercial Li-ion cells. In the present paper, we reviewed literature on (i) causes, (ii) hints and evidences for Li deposition, (iii) macroscopic morphology of Li deposition/plating, (iv) ageing mechanisms and shapes of capacity fade curves involving Li deposition, and (v) influences of Li deposition on safety. Although often discussed, safety issues regarding Li deposition are not only limited to dendrite growth and internal short circuits, but also to exothermic reactions in the presence of Lithium metal. Furthermore, we tried to connect knowledge from different length scales including the macroscopic level (Li-ion cells, operating conditions, gradients in cells, electrochemical tests, safety tests), the microscopic level (electrodes, particles, microstructure), and the atomic level (atoms, ions, molecules, energy barriers).

Mobility and Cloud: Operating in Intermittent, Austere Network Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

consume information, and are connected to cloud-based servers over wired or wireless network connections. For mobile clients, this connection, by...near future. In addition to intermittent connectivity issues, many wireless networks introduce additional delay due to excessive buffering. This can...requirements, commercial cloud applications have grown at a fast rate. Similar to other mobile systems, navy ships connected over wireless networks

Alternative Energy Lessons in Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyle, Julie

2010-05-01

In Scotland the new science curriculum for pupils aged 12 to 15 shall include the following outcomes: "Using my knowledge and understanding, I can express an informed view on a national or global environmental issue;" "I have participated in constructing a model to harness a renewable source of energy and can investigate how to optimise the output;" and "I can discuss why it is important to me and to the future of the world that alternatives to fossil fuels are developed." There will be an emphasis on creating lessons that will nurture responsible citizens, improve pupil engagement and allow students to develop their team working skills. To help teachers plan lessons to address this, the Scottish Schools Equipment Research Centre and Edinburgh University made teaching materials on four renewable energy resources. This poster describes how their suggested activities on solar cells, wind turbines, hydroelectric power stations and wave power were used in science lessons with twelve year old students. After an initial class discussion based on issues related to climate change and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, a workshop activity was carried out in three stages. The students were issued with a fact sheet about one of four imaginary islands (Skisdale, Cloudy Island, Surfsville and Sun City) and they were asked to work in teams to choose the most suitable method of generating electricity for their island. Issues such as costs, where it will be sited and environmental implications were considered. They were then asked to conduct practical activities by constructing and testing models for these forms of renewable energy. To conclude, they presented their proposal to the rest of the class with reasoned explanations. The kits used in the lessons can be purchased from Anderson Scientific (sales@andersonscientific.co.uk). The solar cells were simply connected to a voltmeter. The wind and hydroelectric groups used the same basic equipment. This was made using a small water bottle, insulating tape, a screwdriver, a connecting block, a solar motor, a plastic fan and thin wires. The only difference was that the wind groups were issued hairdryers and the hydroelectric groups worked at a sink. The wave turbine was constructed in a similar way using the bases from two 5 litre water bottles. Various investigations were conducted into the factors affecting the voltage produced. For instance, the effect of the distance from the light source, the area of the solar cell, the type of blades, the depth of water and the wind speed were studied. The lessons reinforced their understanding of ideas covered in Science and Geography, such as voltage, power, fair tests, compass directions and map contours. Students also had the opportunity to practise connecting electrical components in series and they consolidated their understanding of energy changes, observing that generators convert kinetic energy to electrical energy. The activities allowed students to learn the basics of how renewable energy technologies work. The tasks provided a hands-on experience of renewable energy being used to power small-scale electrical devices such as an LED. The students also gained an appreciation of the complex issues involved in planning and implementing renewable energy generation in the real world.

12 CFR 308.173 - Prevailing party.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... action. (b) Segregation of costs. When a proceeding has presented a number of discrete substantive issues... connection with the discrete significant substantive issue or issues on which the applicant's position has...

Nanomanufacturing Concerns about Measurements Made in the SEM Part IV: Charging and its Mitigation.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2015-01-01

This is the fourth part of a series of tutorial papers discussing various causes of measurement uncertainty in scanned particle beam instruments, and some of the solutions researched and developed at NIST and other research institutions. Scanned particle beam instruments especially the scanning electron microscope (SEM) have gone through tremendous evolution to become indispensable tools for many and diverse scientific and industrial applications. These improvements have significantly enhanced their performance and made them far easier to operate. But, the ease of operation has also fostered operator complacency. In addition, the user-friendliness has reduced the apparent need for extensive operator training. Unfortunately, this has led to the idea that the SEM is just another expensive "digital camera" or another peripheral device connected to a computer and that all of the problems in obtaining good quality images and data have been solved. Hence, one using these instruments may be lulled into thinking that all of the potential pitfalls have been fully eliminated and believing that, everything one sees on the micrograph is always correct. But, as described in this and the earlier papers, this may not be the case. Care must always be taken when reliable quantitative data are being sought. The first paper in this series discussed some of the issues related to signal generation in the SEM, including instrument calibration, electron beam-sample interactions and the need for physics-based modeling to understand the actual image formation mechanisms to properly interpret SEM images. The second paper has discussed another major issue confronting the microscopist: specimen contamination and methods to eliminate it. The third paper discussed mechanical vibration and stage drift and some useful solutions to mitigate the problems caused by them, and here, in this the fourth contribution, the issues related to specimen "charging" and its mitigation are discussed relative to dimensional metrology.

Does Your SEM Really Tell the Truth?-How Would You Know? Part 4: Charging and its Mitigation.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2015-01-01

This is the fourth part of a series of tutorial papers discussing various causes of measurement uncertainty in scanned particle beam instruments, and some of the solutions researched and developed at NIST and other research institutions. Scanned particle beam instruments, especially the scanning electron microscope (SEM), have gone through tremendous evolution to become indispensable tools for many and diverse scientifc and industrial applications. These improvements have significantly enhanced their performance and made them far easier to operate. But, the ease of operation has also fostered operator complacency. In addition, the user-friendliness has reduced the apparent need for extensive operator training. Unfortunately, this has led to the idea that the SEM is just another expensive "digital camera" or another peripheral device connected to a computer and that all of the problems in obtaining good quality images and data have been solved. Hence, one using these instruments may be lulled into thinking that all of the potential pitfalls have been fully eliminated and believing that, everything one sees on the micrograph is always correct. But, as described in this and the earlier papers, this may not be the case. Care must always be taken when reliable quantitative data are being sought. The first paper in this series discussed some of the issues related to signal generation in the SEM, including instrument calibration, electron beam-sample interactions and the need for physics-based modeling to understand the actual image formation mechanisms to properly interpret SEM images. The second paper has discussed another major issue confronting the microscopist: specimen contamination and methods to eliminate it. The third paper discussed mechanical vibration and stage drift and some useful solutions to mitigate the problems caused by them, and here, in this the fourth contribution, the issues related to specimen "charging" and its mitigation are discussed relative to dimensional metrology.

Design issues for semi-passive optical communication devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glaser, I.

2007-09-01

Optical smart cards are devices containing a retro-reflector, light modulator, and some computing and data storage capabilities to affect semi-passive communication. They do not produce light; instead they modulate and send back light received from a stationary unit. These devices can replace contact-based smart cards as well as RF based ones for applications ranging from identification to transmitting and validating data. Since their transmission is essentially focused on the receiving unit, they are harder to eavesdrop than RF devices, yet need no physical contact or alignment. In this paper we explore optical design issues of these devices and estimate their optical behavior. Specifically, we analyze how these compact devices can be optimized for selected application profiles. Some of the key parameters addressed are effective light efficiency (how much modulated signal can be received by the stationary unit given the amount of light it transmits), range of tilt angles (angle between device surface normal to the line connecting the optical smart card with the stationary unit) through which the device would be effective, and power requirements of the semi-passive unit. In addition, issues concerning compact packaging of this device are discussed. Finally, results of the analysis are employed to produce a comparison of achievable capabilities of these optical smart cards, as opposed to alternative devices, and discuss potential applications were they can be best utilized.

Brain hyper-connectivity and operation-specific deficits during arithmetic problem solving in children with developmental dyscalculia

PubMed Central

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Ashkenazi, Sarit; Chen, Tianwen; Young, Christina B.; Geary, David C.; Menon, Vinod

2014-01-01

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is marked by specific deficits in processing numerical and mathematical information despite normal intelligence (IQ) and reading ability. We examined how brain circuits used by young children with DD to solve simple addition and subtraction problems differ from those used by typically developing (TD) children who were matched on age, IQ, reading ability, and working memory. Children with DD were slower and less accurate during problem solving than TD children, and were especially impaired on their ability to solve subtraction problems. Children with DD showed significantly greater activity in multiple parietal, occipito-temporal and prefrontal cortex regions while solving addition and subtraction problems. Despite poorer performance during subtraction, children with DD showed greater activity in multiple intra-parietal sulcus (IPS) and superior parietal lobule subdivisions in the dorsal posterior parietal cortex as well as fusiform gyrus in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex. Critically, effective connectivity analyses revealed hyper-connectivity, rather than reduced connectivity, between the IPS and multiple brain systems including the lateral fronto-parietal and default mode networks in children with DD during both addition and subtraction. These findings suggest the IPS and its functional circuits are a major locus of dysfunction during both addition and subtraction problem solving in DD, and that inappropriate task modulation and hyper-connectivity, rather than under-engagement and under-connectivity, are the neural mechanisms underlying problem solving difficulties in children with DD. We discuss our findings in the broader context of multiple levels of analysis and performance issues inherent in neuroimaging studies of typical and atypical development. PMID:25098903

Brain hyper-connectivity and operation-specific deficits during arithmetic problem solving in children with developmental dyscalculia.

PubMed

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Ashkenazi, Sarit; Chen, Tianwen; Young, Christina B; Geary, David C; Menon, Vinod

2015-05-01

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is marked by specific deficits in processing numerical and mathematical information despite normal intelligence (IQ) and reading ability. We examined how brain circuits used by young children with DD to solve simple addition and subtraction problems differ from those used by typically developing (TD) children who were matched on age, IQ, reading ability, and working memory. Children with DD were slower and less accurate during problem solving than TD children, and were especially impaired on their ability to solve subtraction problems. Children with DD showed significantly greater activity in multiple parietal, occipito-temporal and prefrontal cortex regions while solving addition and subtraction problems. Despite poorer performance during subtraction, children with DD showed greater activity in multiple intra-parietal sulcus (IPS) and superior parietal lobule subdivisions in the dorsal posterior parietal cortex as well as fusiform gyrus in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex. Critically, effective connectivity analyses revealed hyper-connectivity, rather than reduced connectivity, between the IPS and multiple brain systems including the lateral fronto-parietal and default mode networks in children with DD during both addition and subtraction. These findings suggest the IPS and its functional circuits are a major locus of dysfunction during both addition and subtraction problem solving in DD, and that inappropriate task modulation and hyper-connectivity, rather than under-engagement and under-connectivity, are the neural mechanisms underlying problem solving difficulties in children with DD. We discuss our findings in the broader context of multiple levels of analysis and performance issues inherent in neuroimaging studies of typical and atypical development. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Jobs and Education: A Progress Report and Open Forum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nero, Anthony V.

1996-03-01

Given its current importance, the issue of jobs and education has stimulated much activity in the last year on the part of members of the Society, various units of the Society, and related institutions, such as the AIP and AAPT. At the last March meeting in particular, many of the most well-attended and vigorous sessions and other events were those related to careers or related issues in education. In part stimulated by this high level of activity, but also because of independently arranged events and organizational activities, several important developments have been proceeding during the past year. This session will report briefly on progress in these areas, then proceed to an open forum on these developments and others that might be considered to improve the situation on jobs and education, including the role that individuals or groups - whether students, faculty, or other physicists, or whether young or older - may play. In the first part of the session, the panelists will make reports of 10 to 15 minutes each. The open forum will explore both the issues raised during the panel talks or other issues raised by the audience. Members of the audience or panel can pose questions, make statements, or respond to questions or statements, in any case being limited to three minutes. The chair will regulate the discussion to assure that a wide range of topics and views are expressed. Finally, we note that many of the issues dealt with in this session are under current discussion in the ongoing internet "conference" on "jobs and education" initiated after last March's session on this topic. Those wishing to subscribe to this discussion list should send an email message to majordomo@physics.wm.edu whose body reads "subscribe jobs-ed". They will, in return, receive information on how to participate in the internet discussion, including instructions on how to access various documents related to careers, such as a summary of last year's session (and, before long, of this session). Diandra L. Leslie-Pelecky (University of Nebraska, Forum on Education newsletter editor) will report on the AAPT/APS Department Chairs Conference held in May on "physics graduate education for diverse career options." Leonard J. Brillson (Xerox Webster Research Center, Chair of the Forum on Industrial and Applied Physics) will discuss FIAP's plans for more effectively connected employers and physicists, as well as other jobs-related initiatives. James K. Freericks (Georgetown University, member of the steering committee for the planned Forum on Careers and Professional Development) will discuss plans of the new Forum.

The NIMH Research Domain Criteria Initiative: Background, Issues, and Pragmatics.

PubMed

Kozak, Michael J; Cuthbert, Bruce N

2016-03-01

This article describes the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative. The description includes background, rationale, goals, and the way the initiative has been developed and organized. The central RDoC concepts are summarized and the current matrix of constructs that have been vetted by workshops of extramural scientists is depicted. A number of theoretical and methodological issues that can arise in connection with the nature of RDoC constructs are highlighted: subjectivism and heterophenomenology, desynchrony and theoretical neutrality among units of analysis, theoretical reductionism, endophenotypes, biomarkers, neural circuits, construct "grain size," and analytic challenges. The importance of linking RDoC constructs to psychiatric clinical problems is discussed. Some pragmatics of incorporating RDoC concepts into applications for NIMH research funding are considered, including sampling design. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Using collaborative tools for energy corridor planning.

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

Kuiper, J. A.; Cantwell, B.; Hlohowskyj, I.

2008-01-01

In November 2007, the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on Designation of Energy Corridors on Federal Land in the Western 11 States was released. The draft proposes a network of 6055 miles of energy corridors on lands managed by seven different federal agencies. Determining the proposed locations of the corridors was a large collaborative effort among the agencies and included local, state, and federal land managers. To connect this geographically dispersed group of people, the project team employed a variety of approaches to communicate corridor siting issues, including sharing GIS layers and electronic maps, a downloadable GIS database and ArcReadermore » project, workshops, and Internet webcast teleconferences. This collaborative approach allowed difficult siting issues to be understood and discussed from many perspectives, which resulted in rapid and effective decision making. The result was a proposed corridor system that avoids many sensitive resources and protected lands while accommodating expected energy development.« less

Cooperating intelligent systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rochowiak, Daniel

1989-01-01

Some of the issues connected to the development of a bureaucratic system are discussed. Emphasis is on a layer multiagent approach to distributed artificial intelligence (DAI). The division of labor in a bureaucracy is considered. The bureaucratic model seems to be a fertile model for further examination since it allows for the growth and change of system components and system protocols and rules. The first part of implementing the system would be the construction of a frame based reasoner and the appropriate B-agents and E-agents. The agents themselves should act as objects and the E-objects in particular should have the capability of taking on a different role. No effort was made to address the problems of automated failure recovery, problem decomposition, or implementation. Instead what has been achieved is a framework that can be developed in several distinct ways, and which provides a core set of metaphors and issues for further research.

Psychosocial assistance after environmental accidents: a policy perspective.

PubMed Central

Becker, S M

1997-01-01

There is a substantial body of literature on psychosocial impacts of chemical and nuclear accidents. Less attention, however, has been focused on the program and policy issues that are connected with efforts to provide psychosocial assistance to the victims of such accidents. Because psychosocial assistance efforts are certain to be an essential part of the response to future environmental emergencies, it is vital that relevant program and policy issues by more fully considered. This article discusses the highly complex nature of contamination situations and highlights some of the key policy issues that are associated with the provision of psychosocial services after environmental accidents. One issue concerns the potential for assistance efforts to become objects of conflict. In the context of the intense controversy typically associated with chemical or nuclear accidents, and with debates over the causation of illness usually at the center of environmental accidents, psychosocial assistance services may themselves become contested terrain. Other significant program and policy issues include determining how to interface with citizen self-help and other voluntary groups, addressing the problem of stigma, and deciding how to facilitate stakeholder participation in the shaping of service provision. This article offers a series of policy proposals that may help smooth the way for psychosocial assistance programs in future environmental emergencies. PMID:9467082

Centralized and distributed control architectures under Foundation Fieldbus network.

PubMed

Persechini, Maria Auxiliadora Muanis; Jota, Fábio Gonçalves

2013-01-01

This paper aims at discussing possible automation and control system architectures based on fieldbus networks in which the controllers can be implemented either in a centralized or in a distributed form. An experimental setup is used to demonstrate some of the addressed issues. The control and automation architecture is composed of a supervisory system, a programmable logic controller and various other devices connected to a Foundation Fieldbus H1 network. The procedures used in the network configuration, in the process modelling and in the design and implementation of controllers are described. The specificities of each one of the considered logical organizations are also discussed. Finally, experimental results are analysed using an algorithm for the assessment of control loops to compare the performances between the centralized and the distributed implementations. Copyright © 2012 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fourth Generation Undersea Warfare: Getting C2 for Undersea Connectivity Right

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

information dominance (ID) will not be realized unless undersea connectivity issues are given the same priority as the vehicles and sensors themselves. Said another way, failure to establish an effective C2 architecture in this degraded and austere environment will be a de facto surrender to the adversary’s attempts to deny access. One way in which the U.S. Navy has moved forward to address this issue is by changing the programmatic organization that supports this vehicle and sensor integration. As Executive Agent for the Navy’s undersea connectivity efforts,

A Novel Series Connected Batteries State of High Voltage Safety Monitor System for Electric Vehicle Application

PubMed Central

Jiaxi, Qiang; Lin, Yang; Jianhui, He; Qisheng, Zhou

2013-01-01

Batteries, as the main or assistant power source of EV (Electric Vehicle), are usually connected in series with high voltage to improve the drivability and energy efficiency. Today, more and more batteries are connected in series with high voltage, if there is any fault in high voltage system (HVS), the consequence is serious and dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the electric parameters of HVS to ensure the high voltage safety and protect personal safety. In this study, a high voltage safety monitor system is developed to solve this critical issue. Four key electric parameters including precharge, contact resistance, insulation resistance, and remaining capacity are monitored and analyzed based on the equivalent models presented in this study. The high voltage safety controller which integrates the equivalent models and control strategy is developed. By the help of hardware-in-loop system, the equivalent models integrated in the high voltage safety controller are validated, and the online electric parameters monitor strategy is analyzed and discussed. The test results indicate that the high voltage safety monitor system designed in this paper is suitable for EV application. PMID:24194677

A novel series connected batteries state of high voltage safety monitor system for electric vehicle application.

PubMed

Jiaxi, Qiang; Lin, Yang; Jianhui, He; Qisheng, Zhou

2013-01-01

Batteries, as the main or assistant power source of EV (Electric Vehicle), are usually connected in series with high voltage to improve the drivability and energy efficiency. Today, more and more batteries are connected in series with high voltage, if there is any fault in high voltage system (HVS), the consequence is serious and dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the electric parameters of HVS to ensure the high voltage safety and protect personal safety. In this study, a high voltage safety monitor system is developed to solve this critical issue. Four key electric parameters including precharge, contact resistance, insulation resistance, and remaining capacity are monitored and analyzed based on the equivalent models presented in this study. The high voltage safety controller which integrates the equivalent models and control strategy is developed. By the help of hardware-in-loop system, the equivalent models integrated in the high voltage safety controller are validated, and the online electric parameters monitor strategy is analyzed and discussed. The test results indicate that the high voltage safety monitor system designed in this paper is suitable for EV application.

Science identity possibilities: a look into Blackness, masculinities, and economic power relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, Katemari

2018-02-01

This forum paper dialogues with Sheron Mark's A bit of both science and economics: a non-traditional STEM identity narrative. In her paper, she discusses the development of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) identity by a young African American male during an informal STEM for Social Justice Program. Here, the discussion focuses on Black masculinities, identity formation, and the role of science educators in making STEM fields a welcoming place for young Black men. Drawing from Mark's data and discussion, this paper is a dialogue between science identity possibilities in the United States and in Brazil when we look at the intersections of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Using the shared colonial past of both countries a connection is established to address race relations within science education. The main argument in this paper is that racism can no longer be denied and dismissed by the science education community worldwide and that intersectional approaches are needed to face this issue.

Dynamic Control of Aerodynamic Instabilities in Gas Turbine Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greitzer, E. M.; Epstein, A. H.; Guenette, G. R.; Gysling, D. L.; Haynes, J.; Hendricks, G. J.; Paduano, J.; Simon, J. S.; Valavani, L.

1992-01-01

This lecture discusses the use of closed loop control at the component level to enhance the performance of gas turbine engines. The general theme is the suppression of flow instabilities (rotating stall and surge) through use of feedback, either actively or by means of the aeromechanical coupling provided by tailored structures. The basic concepts that underlie active control of turbomachinery instability, and their experimental demonstration, are first described for a centrifugal compressor. It is shown that the mechanism for stabilization is associated with damping of unsteady perturbations in the compression system, and the steady-state performance can thus remain virtually unaltered. Control of instability using a tailored structure is then discussed, along with experimental results illustrating the flow range extension achievable using this technique. A considerably more complex problem is presented by active control or rotating stall where the multi-dimensional features mean that distributed sensing and actuation are required. In addition, there are basic questions concerning unsteady fluid mechanics; these imply the need to resolve issues connected with identification of suitable signals as well as with definition of appropriate wave launchers for implementing the feedback. These issues are discussed and the results of initial successful demonstrations of active control of rotating stall in a single-stage and a three-stage axial compressor are presented. The lecture concludes with suggestions for future research on dynamic control of gas turbine engines.

Deep space telecommunications, navigation, and information management - Support of the Space Exploration Initiative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Justin R.; Hastrup, Rolf C.

1990-01-01

The principal challenges in providing effective deep space navigation, telecommunications, and information management architectures and designs for Mars exploration support are presented. The fundamental objectives are to provide the mission with the means to monitor and control mission elements, obtain science, navigation, and engineering data, compute state vectors and navigate, and to move these data efficiently and automatically between mission nodes for timely analysis and decision making. New requirements are summarized, and related issues and challenges including the robust connectivity for manned and robotic links, are identified. Enabling strategies are discussed, and candidate architectures and driving technologies are described.

Connecting Dirac and Majorana neutrino mass matrices in the minimal left-right symmetric model.

PubMed

Nemevšek, Miha; Senjanović, Goran; Tello, Vladimir

2013-04-12

Probing the origin of neutrino mass by disentangling the seesaw mechanism is one of the central issues of particle physics. We address it in the minimal left-right symmetric model and show how the knowledge of light and heavy neutrino masses and mixings suffices to determine their Dirac Yukawa couplings. This in turn allows one to make predictions for a number of high and low energy phenomena, such as decays of heavy neutrinos, neutrinoless double beta decay, electric dipole moments of charged leptons, and neutrino transition moments. We also discuss a way of reconstructing the neutrino Dirac Yukawa couplings at colliders such as the LHC.

Multirotor micro air vehicle autonomous landing system based on image markers recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skoczylas, Marcin; Gadomer, Lukasz; Walendziuk, Wojciech

2017-08-01

In this paper the idea of an autonomic drone landing system which bases on different markers detection, is presented. The issue of safe autonomic drone landing is one of the major aspects connected with drone missions. The idea of the proposed system is to detect the landing place, marked with an image called marker, using one of the image recognition algorithms, and heading during the landing procedure to this place. Choosing the proper marker, which allows the greatest quality of the recognition system, is the main problem faced in this paper. Seven markers are tested and compared. The achieved results are described and discussed.

Depression in female adolescents: an IPA analysis.

PubMed

Shaw, Samantha K; Dallos, Rudi; Shoebridge, Philip

2009-04-01

Six female adolescents participated in open-ended interviews regarding their experiences of depression. The transcripts of their interviews were explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, 1991). The analysis revealed three inter-connected super-ordinate themes which were: communication, hurt self, and difference. These themes centred on communication processes in participants' families and with peers, issues relating to shifts in identity through adolescence, and feelings of being damaged, distressed, and hurt. Amongst a range of potentially relevant perspectives, an attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) orientation was found to be particularly relevant and helpful in interpreting the themes that captured these young women's experiences. Some implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Engaging Students through Mapping Local History

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Katharyne; Elwood, Sarah

2015-01-01

This article argues that the integration of local history and geography through collaborative digital mapping can lead to greater interest in civic participation by early adolescent learners. In the study, twenty-nine middle school students were asked to research, represent, and discuss local urban sites of historical significance on an interactive Web platform. As students learned more about local community events, people, and historical forces, they became increasingly engaged with the material and enthusiastic about making connections to larger issues and processes. In the final session, students expressed interest in participating in their own communities through joining nonprofit organizations and educating others about community history and daily life. PMID:25635145

The all-too-flexible abductive method: ATOM's normative status.

PubMed

Romeijn, Jan-Willem

2008-09-01

The author discusses the abductive theory of method (ATOM) by Brian Haig from a philosophical perspective, connecting his theory with a number of issues and trends in contemporary philosophy of science. It is argued that as it stands, the methodology presented by Haig is too permissive. Both the use of analogical reasoning and the application of exploratory factor analysis leave us with too many candidate theories to choose from, and explanatory coherence cannot be expected to save the day. The author ends with some suggestions to remedy the permissiveness and lack of normative force in ATOM, deriving from the experimental practice within which psychological data are produced.

Transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions: Status and prospects*

DOE PAGES

Angeles-Martinez, R.; Bacchetta, A.; Balitsky, Ian I.; ...

2015-01-01

In this study, we review transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions, their application to topical issues in high-energy physics phenomenology, and their theoretical connections with QCD resummation, evolution and factorization theorems. We illustrate the use of TMDs via examples of multi-scale problems in hadronic collisions. These include transverse momentum q T spectra of Higgs and vector bosons for low q T, and azimuthal correlations in the production of multiple jets associated with heavy bosons at large jet masses. We discuss computational tools for TMDs, and present the application of a new tool, TMD LIB, to parton density fits andmore » parameterizations.« less

The Benefits and Future of Standards: Metadata and Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stracke, Christian M.

This article discusses the benefits and future of standards and presents the generic multi-dimensional Reference Model. First the importance and the tasks of interoperability as well as quality development and their relationship are analyzed. Especially in e-Learning their connection and interdependence is evident: Interoperability is one basic requirement for quality development. In this paper, it is shown how standards and specifications are supporting these crucial issues. The upcoming ISO metadata standard MLR (Metadata for Learning Resource) will be introduced and used as example for identifying the requirements and needs for future standardization. In conclusion a vision of the challenges and potentials for e-Learning standardization is outlined.

Engaging Students through Mapping Local History.

PubMed

Mitchell, Katharyne; Elwood, Sarah

2012-07-01

This article argues that the integration of local history and geography through collaborative digital mapping can lead to greater interest in civic participation by early adolescent learners. In the study, twenty-nine middle school students were asked to research, represent, and discuss local urban sites of historical significance on an interactive Web platform. As students learned more about local community events, people, and historical forces, they became increasingly engaged with the material and enthusiastic about making connections to larger issues and processes. In the final session, students expressed interest in participating in their own communities through joining nonprofit organizations and educating others about community history and daily life.

Voluntarism and realism in medieval ethics.

PubMed Central

Haldane, J

1989-01-01

In contrast to other articles in this series on the history of moral philosophy the present essay is not devoted to expounding the views of a single author, or to examining a particular moral theory. Instead it discusses an important dispute between two medieval accounts of the relation between theological and moral propositions. In addition to its historical interest this debate is important both because it connects earlier and later ethical thought--being influenced by Greek moral theories and influencing subsequent European philosophy--and because it concerns issues that remain important to philosophers and to those who claim that their ethical beliefs are dictated by religious convictions. PMID:2926786

Bringing diagnostics to developing countries: an interview with Rosanna Peeling.

PubMed

Peeling, Rosanna

2015-01-01

Interview with Professor Rosanna Peeling, PhD by Claire Raison (Commissioning Editor) Professor Rosanna Peeling is Chair of Diagnostic Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (London, UK) and founded the International Diagnostics Centre at the institution. Professor Peeling previously worked for the WHO in Geneva, Switzerland, and continues to work on innovations for molecular diagnostics for point-of-care use in developing countries, addressing challenges posed by lack of funding and resources, regulatory issues and under-developed healthcare systems in these locations. Here, she discusses her career, recent progress in the field and how connectivity will affect global healthcare.

Inmarsat aeronautical mobile satellite system: Internetworking issues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sengupta, Jay R.

1990-01-01

The Inmarsat Aeronautical Mobile Satellite System (AMSS) provides air-ground and air-air communications services to aero-mobile users on a global basis. Communicating parties may be connected either directly, or more commonly, via interconnecting networks to the Inmarsat AMSS, in order to construct end-to-end communications circuits. The aircraft earth station (AES) and the aeronautical ground earth station (GES) are the points of interconnection of the Inmarsat AMSS to users, as well as to interconnecting networks. This paper reviews the internetworking aspects of the Inmarsat AMSS, by introducing the Inmarsat AMSS network architecture and services concepts and then discussing the internetwork address/numbering and routing techniques.

A survey on investigating the need for intelligent power-aware load balanced routing protocols for handling critical links in MANETs.

PubMed

Sivakumar, B; Bhalaji, N; Sivakumar, D

2014-01-01

In mobile ad hoc networks connectivity is always an issue of concern. Due to dynamism in the behavior of mobile nodes, efficiency shall be achieved only with the assumption of good network infrastructure. Presence of critical links results in deterioration which should be detected in advance to retain the prevailing communication setup. This paper discusses a short survey on the specialized algorithms and protocols related to energy efficient load balancing for critical link detection in the recent literature. This paper also suggests a machine learning based hybrid power-aware approach for handling critical nodes via load balancing.

Applying the Listening to Mothers II Results in Lamaze Classes

PubMed Central

Day, Elizabeth H.

2007-01-01

Childbirth educators can use Childbirth Connection's Listening to Mothers II survey as a resource for updating their curriculum and teaching methods. The survey reveals that issues surrounding a woman's choice of care providers, her nutrition and fitness habits, and her possible experiences with depression and abuse may not be addressed sufficiently in a traditional, third-trimester, Lamaze class and may need greater emphasis in early pregnancy. The survey's results also show that women turn primarily to books, friends and family, health-care providers, and the Internet for information on pregnancy and birth. Suggestions for incorporating new sources of information and Internet technologies into Lamaze classes are discussed. PMID:18769523

Neurosurgical rare disease: solitary plasmacytoma of the skull - case report and literature review.

PubMed

Rizea, Radu Eugen; Popescu, Mihai; Gheorghiţă, Karina Lidia; Popescu, George; Neamţu, Marius Cristian; Busuioc, Cristina Jana; Ciurea, Alexandru Vlad

2018-01-01

Solitary extranevraxial plasmacytoma (SEP), as a clinical entity without signs of systemic myelomatosis, is extremely rare; it is difficult to find literature on the issue of patient management and proper course of action in the presence of associated pathology. The authors present a rare case of plasmacytoma of the skull vault associated with severe cardiac pathology, which made surgery extremely difficult and possible only through temporization of the interventions, as presented. We discuss our findings and opportunities for treatment in this case, which seemed unapproachable at presentation, in connection with the associated cardiac pathology. The case was followed-up for eight years with no recurrences.

A Survey on Investigating the Need for Intelligent Power-Aware Load Balanced Routing Protocols for Handling Critical Links in MANETs

PubMed Central

Sivakumar, B.; Bhalaji, N.; Sivakumar, D.

2014-01-01

In mobile ad hoc networks connectivity is always an issue of concern. Due to dynamism in the behavior of mobile nodes, efficiency shall be achieved only with the assumption of good network infrastructure. Presence of critical links results in deterioration which should be detected in advance to retain the prevailing communication setup. This paper discusses a short survey on the specialized algorithms and protocols related to energy efficient load balancing for critical link detection in the recent literature. This paper also suggests a machine learning based hybrid power-aware approach for handling critical nodes via load balancing. PMID:24790546

Deep space telecommunications, navigation, and information management - Support of the Space Exploration Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Justin R.; Hastrup, Rolf C.

1990-10-01

The principal challenges in providing effective deep space navigation, telecommunications, and information management architectures and designs for Mars exploration support are presented. The fundamental objectives are to provide the mission with the means to monitor and control mission elements, obtain science, navigation, and engineering data, compute state vectors and navigate, and to move these data efficiently and automatically between mission nodes for timely analysis and decision making. New requirements are summarized, and related issues and challenges including the robust connectivity for manned and robotic links, are identified. Enabling strategies are discussed, and candidate architectures and driving technologies are described.

Manifold compositions, music visualization, and scientific sonification in an immersive virtual-reality environment.

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

Kaper, H. G.

1998-01-05

An interdisciplinary project encompassing sound synthesis, music composition, sonification, and visualization of music is facilitated by the high-performance computing capabilities and the virtual-reality environments available at Argonne National Laboratory. The paper describes the main features of the project's centerpiece, DIASS (Digital Instrument for Additive Sound Synthesis); ''A.N.L.-folds'', an equivalence class of compositions produced with DIASS; and application of DIASS in two experiments in the sonification of complex scientific data. Some of the larger issues connected with this project, such as the changing ways in which both scientists and composers perform their tasks, are briefly discussed.

Social Issue Entertainment 2.0: How pop culture, behavioral science and impact evaluation can motivate social and environmental change (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shome, D.

2010-12-01

Mainstream entertainment’s influence on our cognition, emotions, and behavior is often profound. Mass media permeates both the public and private spheres of society, saturating communities with messages from a diverse range of sources. While advertisers regularly take advantage of the extensive reach and influence of the media, social scientists, policy makers, and nonprofits have seen little success in incorporating social and environmental messaging into entertainment. Harmony Institute’s goal is to harness the power of mainstream media to provide US audiences with entertainment that educates on social and environmental issues and increases both individual and community action. The entertainment the Institute helps to produce connects with viewers on both a cognitive and emotional level. The Institute uses innovative methods across disciplines in order to measure entertainment’s impact and influence. Since its founding two years ago, the Institute has worked on a wide range of projects that have helped to establish its methodology for measured impact that applies behavioral science theory and entertainment to social and environmental issues. Projects spanning media platforms and social/environmental issues have included a web serial drama incorporating issues of water conservation and ocean stewardship into the narrative and a fotonovela for Hispanic youth in Houston focused on local environmental issues. In summer 2010, the Harmony Institute released FTW! Net Neutrality For The Win: How Entertainment and the Science of Influence Can Save Your Internet, an issue-specific communications guide about open Internet access that explains how to craft a communications strategy that connects with audiences using behavioral science research findings. In 2010-2011, the Institute will focus on measuring the impact and influence that media can have on social and environmental issues. The Institute has developed a comprehensive media evaluation methodology that employs three broad categories (comprehension, attitude, response) for evaluation. This framework accommodates evaluation standards developed across the academic, policy, nonprofit, and commercial worlds and offers a framework for assessing the outcomes and impact of media. I will discuss why narrative and storytelling are the missing links to impactful messaging, why impact evaluation is vital, and how the Harmony Institute’s unique methodology incorporates social and environmental messaging into narrative using behavioral science theory.

Characterizing Variability of Modular Brain Connectivity with Constrained Principal Component Analysis

PubMed Central

Hirayama, Jun-ichiro; Hyvärinen, Aapo; Kiviniemi, Vesa; Kawanabe, Motoaki; Yamashita, Okito

2016-01-01

Characterizing the variability of resting-state functional brain connectivity across subjects and/or over time has recently attracted much attention. Principal component analysis (PCA) serves as a fundamental statistical technique for such analyses. However, performing PCA on high-dimensional connectivity matrices yields complicated “eigenconnectivity” patterns, for which systematic interpretation is a challenging issue. Here, we overcome this issue with a novel constrained PCA method for connectivity matrices by extending the idea of the previously proposed orthogonal connectivity factorization method. Our new method, modular connectivity factorization (MCF), explicitly introduces the modularity of brain networks as a parametric constraint on eigenconnectivity matrices. In particular, MCF analyzes the variability in both intra- and inter-module connectivities, simultaneously finding network modules in a principled, data-driven manner. The parametric constraint provides a compact module-based visualization scheme with which the result can be intuitively interpreted. We develop an optimization algorithm to solve the constrained PCA problem and validate our method in simulation studies and with a resting-state functional connectivity MRI dataset of 986 subjects. The results show that the proposed MCF method successfully reveals the underlying modular eigenconnectivity patterns in more general situations and is a promising alternative to existing methods. PMID:28002474

Aspects of the RVB Luttinger Liquid Theory of the High Temperature Superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yong

1992-01-01

This thesis describes work on a large-U Hubbard model theory for high temperature superconductors. After an introduction to the Hubbard model and the normal state properties of the high T_{rm c} superconductors, we briefly examine the definition of the Fermi liquid and its breakdown. Then we explain why the 1D Hubbard model is the best starting point to approach our problem. In one dimension, the exact Lieb-Wu solution is available. We discuss the Lieb-Wu solution, and calculate various asymptotic correlation functions in the ground state. This clarifies the nature of the ground state which has not been known before. Instead of simply getting the exponents of the correlation functions from the Bethe Ansatz integral equations, we establish the connection between phase shifts at different Fermi points and the asymptotic correlation functions. We believe that this connection contains the most important physics and it can be readily generalized into higher dimensions. We then discuss bosonization in two dimensions and define the 2D RVB-Luttinger liquid theory, proposing that the ground state of the 2D Hubbard model belongs to a different fixed point than the Landau Fermi liquid-Luttinger liquid. Finally we apply the understanding of the 1D result to explain the normal state properties of the high T_ {c} superconductors, putting emphasis on how the non-Fermi liquid correlation functions explain the "anomalous" experimental results. In the Appendix, several issues related to the 1D and 2D Hubbard model are discussed.

Drug use and sexual risk among gay and bisexual men who frequent party venues.

PubMed

Theodore, Peter S; Durán, Ron E; Antoni, Michael H

2014-11-01

Research connecting club drug use to risky sex among gay/bisexual men (GBM) contains methodological issues that have limited knowledge about the relative risks of distinct drugs. This paper reports drug use and sexual behavior data from 197 GBM who frequented at least one party venue within 3 months of participating. Alarming rates of drug use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual sex-partners were reported in connection with time spent at a bar, club or circuit party. Structural equation modeling revealed that use of methamphetamine, gammahydroxybutrate (GHB), and/or ketamine (K), but not use of ecstasy, at a party venue helped explain likelihood of UAI with a casual sex-partner while under the influence of a drug during/following time partying (β = 0.41, p < .01). Findings suggest use of methamphetamine, GHB and/or K at party venues increases risk for subsequent UAI with casual sex-partners. Study implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

On the predictive ability of mechanistic models for the Haitian cholera epidemic.

PubMed

Mari, Lorenzo; Bertuzzo, Enrico; Finger, Flavio; Casagrandi, Renato; Gatto, Marino; Rinaldo, Andrea

2015-03-06

Predictive models of epidemic cholera need to resolve at suitable aggregation levels spatial data pertaining to local communities, epidemiological records, hydrologic drivers, waterways, patterns of human mobility and proxies of exposure rates. We address the above issue in a formal model comparison framework and provide a quantitative assessment of the explanatory and predictive abilities of various model settings with different spatial aggregation levels and coupling mechanisms. Reference is made to records of the recent Haiti cholera epidemics. Our intensive computations and objective model comparisons show that spatially explicit models accounting for spatial connections have better explanatory power than spatially disconnected ones for short-to-intermediate calibration windows, while parsimonious, spatially disconnected models perform better with long training sets. On average, spatially connected models show better predictive ability than disconnected ones. We suggest limits and validity of the various approaches and discuss the pathway towards the development of case-specific predictive tools in the context of emergency management. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Fields and Flows in Open Magnetic Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harrlson P.

2004-01-01

Open magnetic structures connect the solar surface to the heliosphere and are thus of great interest in solar-terrestrial physics. This talk is primarily an observational review of what is known about magnetic fields and particularly flows in such regions with special focus on coronal holes and origins of the fast solar wind. First evidence of the connection between these two features was seen in correlations of Skylab data with in situ measurements of the solar wind soon after the discovery of coronal holes, which are now known to emanate from unipolar magnetic regions at the photosphere. Subsequently many observations of have been made, ranging from oscillations in the underlying photosphere and chromosphere, to possible beginnings of the solar wind as observed by Doppler shifts in high chromospheric and transition-region lines, to coronagraphic time-lapse studies of outward-moving blobs of material which perhaps trace elements of solar-wind plasma. Some of the many unresolved and controversial issues regarding details of these observations and their association with the solar wind will be discussed.

Online Networks and the Diffusion of Protests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno, Yamir

2013-03-01

Undoubtedly, online social networks have an enormous impact on opinions and cultural trends. Also, these platforms have revealed as a fundamental organizing mechanism in country-wide social movements. Recent events in the Middle East and North Africa (the wave of protests in the Arab world), across Europe (in the form of anti-cuts demonstrations or riots) and United States (the OWS movement) have generated much discussion on how digital media is connected to the diffusion of protests. In this talk, we investigate the mechanisms driving the emergence, development and stabilization of unrest movements in Spain and the USA by analyzing data from Twitter. Messages related to the protests are analyzed at both static and dynamic levels. We show that the online trace of the protests provides a unique opportunity to tackle central issues like recruitment patterns, information cascades and their spatiotemporal dynamics. Our findings shed light on the connection between online networks and social movements, and offer an empirical test to elusive sociological questions about collective action.

Requirements for a transformerless power conditioning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, J.; Koerner, T.; Rippel, W.; Kalbach, J.

1984-01-01

Requirements for development of a Transformerless Power Conditioning Subsystem (TPCS) that will meet utility, manufacturer, and customer needs are detailed. Issues analyzed include current utility guidelines, safety and grounding issues that appear as local codes, various kinds of TPCS connections that can be developed, dc injection, and a brief survey of TPCS circuit topologies that will meet requirements. The major result is that a finite time exists for control operation before dc injection into the distribution transformer causes customer outage (on the order of seconds). This time permits the control system to sense a dc injection condition and remove the TPCS from the utility system. Requirements for such a control system are specified. A three wire connection will ensure balanced operation for customer loads and two wire connections caused average value dc to be injected into single phase loads. This type of connection also allows for the lowest array voltage. The conclusion is that requirements for a TPCS can be determined and that there are not showstopping issues preventing implementation. The actual design and topology of the TPCS was left for further study.

Enhancing the connectivity of high speed rail in the Orlando-Tampa corridor with local public transportation systems : issues and opportunities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

High Speed Rail (HSR) will only be truly transformational if it has effective connections with as many other modes of transportation as possible. This project looks at local public transportation systems that have opportunities to connect to HSR stat...

From sixty-two interviews on 'the worst and the best episode of your life'. Relationships between internal working models and a grammatical scale of subject-object affective connections.

PubMed

Seganti, A; Carnevale, G; Mucelli, R; Solano, L; Target, M

2000-06-01

The authors address the issue of inferring unconscious internal working models of interaction through language. After reviewing Main's seminal work of linguistic assessment through the 'adult attachment interview', they stress the idea of adults' internal working models (IWMs) as information-processing devices, which give moment-to-moment sensory orientation in the face of any past or present, animate or inanimate object. They propose that a selective perception of the objects could match expected with actual influence of objects on the subject's self, through very simple 'parallel-processed' categories of internal objects. They further hypothesise that the isomorphism between internal working models of interaction and grammatical connections between subjects and objects within a clause could be a key to tracking positive and negative images of self and other during discourse. An experiment is reported applying the authors' 'scale of subject/object affective connection' to the narratives of sixty-two subjects asked to write about the 'worst' and 'best' episodes of their lives. Participants had previously been classified using Hazan & Shaver's self-reported 'attachment types' (avoidant, anxious and secure) categorising individuals' general expectations in relation to others. The findings were that the subject/object distribution of positive and negative experience, through verbs defined for this purpose as either performative or state verbs, did significantly differ between groups. In addition, different groups tended, during the best episodes, significantly to invert the trend of positive/negative subject/object distribution shown during the worst episode. Results are discussed in terms of a psychoanalytic theory of improvement through co-operative elaboration of negative relational issues.

Depinning and nonequilibrium dynamic phases of particle assemblies driven over random and ordered substrates: A review

DOE PAGES

Reichhardt, Charles; Olson Reichhardt, Cynthia Jane

2016-12-20

Here, we review the depinning and nonequilibrium phases of collectively interacting particle systems driven over random or periodic substrates. This type of system is relevant to vortices in type-II superconductors, sliding charge density waves, electron crystals, colloids, stripe and pattern forming systems, and skyrmions, and could also have connections to jamming, glassy behaviors, and active matter. These systems are also ideal for exploring the broader issues of characterizing transient and steady state nonequilibrium flow phases as well as nonequilibrium phase transitions between distinct dynamical phases, analogous to phase transitions between different equilibrium states. We discuss the differences between elastic andmore » plastic depinning on random substrates and the different types of nonequilibrium phases which are associated with specific features in the velocity-force curves, fluctuation spectra, scaling relations, and local or global particle ordering. We describe how these quantities can change depending on the dimension, anisotropy, disorder strength, and the presence of hysteresis. Within the moving phase we discuss how there can be a transition from a liquid-like state to dynamically ordered moving crystal, smectic, or nematic states. Systems with periodic or quasiperiodic substrates can have multiple nonequilibrium second or first order transitions in the moving state between chaotic and coherent phases, and can exhibit hysteresis. We also discuss systems with competing repulsive and attractive interactions, which undergo dynamical transitions into stripes and other complex morphologies when driven over random substrates. Throughout this work we highlight open issues and future directions such as absorbing phase transitions, nonequilibrium work relations, inertia, the role of non-dissipative dynamics such as Magnus effects, and how these results could be extended to the broader issues of plasticity in crystals, amorphous solids, and jamming phenomena.« less

Depinning and nonequilibrium dynamic phases of particle assemblies driven over random and ordered substrates: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichhardt, C.; Olson Reichhardt, C. J.

2017-02-01

We review the depinning and nonequilibrium phases of collectively interacting particle systems driven over random or periodic substrates. This type of system is relevant to vortices in type-II superconductors, sliding charge density waves, electron crystals, colloids, stripe and pattern forming systems, and skyrmions, and could also have connections to jamming, glassy behaviors, and active matter. These systems are also ideal for exploring the broader issues of characterizing transient and steady state nonequilibrium flow phases as well as nonequilibrium phase transitions between distinct dynamical phases, analogous to phase transitions between different equilibrium states. We discuss the differences between elastic and plastic depinning on random substrates and the different types of nonequilibrium phases which are associated with specific features in the velocity-force curves, fluctuation spectra, scaling relations, and local or global particle ordering. We describe how these quantities can change depending on the dimension, anisotropy, disorder strength, and the presence of hysteresis. Within the moving phase we discuss how there can be a transition from a liquid-like state to dynamically ordered moving crystal, smectic, or nematic states. Systems with periodic or quasiperiodic substrates can have multiple nonequilibrium second or first order transitions in the moving state between chaotic and coherent phases, and can exhibit hysteresis. We also discuss systems with competing repulsive and attractive interactions, which undergo dynamical transitions into stripes and other complex morphologies when driven over random substrates. Throughout this work we highlight open issues and future directions such as absorbing phase transitions, nonequilibrium work relations, inertia, the role of non-dissipative dynamics such as Magnus effects, and how these results could be extended to the broader issues of plasticity in crystals, amorphous solids, and jamming phenomena.

Distribution network connection pricing framework and methodology: identification of areas of improvement for Sarawak Energy Berhad Connection Charges Guidelines through modified delphi method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, J. K.; Abas, N.

2017-07-01

Complaints on issues and matters related to connection charges have been very common for electricity supply utility companies around the world including Sarawak Energy Berhad. In order to identify the areas that can be improved, a mixed method of exploratory research involving qualitative and quantitative methods have been designed and undertaken rather than a single method of survey. This will ensure a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the issues from various target groups. The method is designed under three phases, employing Modified Delphi Technique for phase 1 through a series of stake holder engagements, online and offline survey questionnaires to be filled by internal wiring contractors for phase 2 whilst under phase 3, case studies shall be carried out on the issues identified from phase 1 and phase 2 of the study. This paper presented the findings from the Modified Delphi Technique. The findings revealed that there are areas of improvement for Sarawak Energy Berhad connection guidelines in term of differentiation of dedicated and shared assets which leads to unfairness to the connecting customers, inconsistency and non-transparent in charging. The findings of Modified Delphi Technique shall be used for implementation of phase 2 and phase 3 of the study.

Beyond Classroom Boundaries: Incorporating Context in Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CATESOL Journal, 1994

1994-01-01

This English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) journal periodically devotes entire issues to specific issues. The theme of this issue is "Incorporating Context in Teaching." Articles include: "Learning Beyond the Classroom: Developing the Community Connection" (Tim Beard); "Smiling through the Turbulence: The Flight Attendant Syndrome and Other Issues of…

Hydrologic Connectivity for Understanding Watershed Processes: Brand-new Puzzle or Emerging Panacea?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, G. A.; Roy, A. G.; Tetzlaff, D.; Soulsby, C.; McDonnell, J. J.

2011-12-01

As a way to develop a more holistic approach to watershed assessment and management, the concept of hydrologic connectivity (HC) is often put at the forefront. HC can be seen as the strength of the water-mediated linkages between discrete units of the landscape and as such, it facilitates our intuitive understanding of the mechanisms driving runoff initiation and cessation. Much of the excitement surrounding HC is attributable to its potential to enhance our ability to gain insights into multiple areas including process dynamics, numerical model building, the effects of human elements in our landscape conceptualization, and the development of simplified watershed management tools. However, before such potential can be fully demonstrated, many issues must be resolved with regards to the measure of HC. Here we provide examples highlighting how connectivity can be useful towards understanding water routing in river basins, ecohydrological systems coupling, and intermittent rainfall-runoff dynamics. First, the use of connectivity metrics to examine the relative influence of surface/subsurface topography and soil characteristics on runoff generation will be discussed. Second, the effectiveness of using geochemical tracers will be examined with respect to identifying non-point runoff sources and linking hillslope-to-channel connectivity with surface water-groundwater exchanges in the biologically sensitive hyporheic zone. Third, the identification of different hydrologic thresholds will be presented as a way to discriminate the establishment of connectivity across a range of contrasted catchments located in Canada, Scotland, the USA, and Sweden. These examples will show that current challenges with regards to HC revolve around the choice of an accurate methodological framework for an appropriate translation of experimental findings into effective watershed management approaches. Addressing these questions simultaneously will lead to the emergence of HC as a powerful tool for watershed process understanding.

Let Documents Talk to Each Other: A Computer Model for Connection of Short Documents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Z.

1993-01-01

Discusses the integration of scientific texts through the connection of documents and describes a computer model that can connect short documents. Information retrieval and artificial intelligence are discussed; a prototype system of the model is explained; and the model is compared to other computer models. (17 references) (LRW)

Constructionist Gaming: Understanding the Benefits of Making Games for Learning.

PubMed

Kafai, Yasmin B; Burke, Quinn

2015-10-02

There has been considerable interest in examining the educational potential of playing video games. One crucial element, however, has traditionally been left out of these discussions-namely, children's learning through making their own games. In this article, we review and synthesize 55 studies from the last decade on making games and learning. We found that the majority of studies focused on teaching coding and academic content through game making, and that few studies explicitly examined the roles of collaboration and identity in the game making process. We argue that future discussions of serious gaming ought to be more inclusive of constructionist approaches to realize the full potential of serious gaming. Making games, we contend, not only more genuinely introduces children to a range of technical skills but also better connects them to each other, addressing the persistent issues of access and diversity present in traditional digital gaming cultures.

Infertility in public health: the case of Norway

PubMed Central

Sundby, J.

2010-01-01

Infertility is a health issue that demonstrates how unequal access to health care is at a global level. In the poorer segments of the world, and in poor parts of wealthy societies, access is often minimal or non-existent. Public and lay attitudes to modern infertility treatment have been heavily debated alongside development of methods. I have looked at the changes in the public discourse in modern media, legislation, politics, and among professionals. The paper seeks to present and discuss some of these changes as they have evolved in one of the countries that have had one of the more strict laws regulating access to treatment, namely Norway. It is a country that nevertheless offers treatment in the public health system. The paper also tries to connect this discussion to the difficulties faced in every attempt to expand infertility services to the developing world. PMID:25013709

A systematic approach to synoptic tornado climatology of Hungary for the recent years (1996 2001) based on official damage reports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szilárd, Sárközi

2007-02-01

Due to the significant amount of severe storm damage from the mid 1990s, a practical need has arisen for updating risk assessment. For reliable and systematic sampling of events, data acquisition has been arranged through the disaster management official body using a pyramidal national coverage. Post-analysis, including its meteorological part, proceeds in a GIS environment. This paper focuses specifically on damaging tornadoes, since those are the most violent and best-documented phenomena. Different statistics are calculated and explained, such as seasonal, diurnal and magnitude distributions. Spatial occurrence and features are mapped. A complete synoptic climatology is given by typifying the generating conditions and categorizing events into certain classes, while discussing the role of the Carpathian Basin. In the end a conceptual issue in connection with self-similarity is raised for further discussion.

Thermodynamic description of non-Markovian information flux of nonequilibrium open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hong-Bin; Chen, Guang-Yin; Chen, Yueh-Nan

2017-12-01

One of the fundamental issues in the field of open quantum systems is the classification and quantification of non-Markovianity. In the contest of quantity-based measures of non-Markovianity, the intuition of non-Markovianity in terms of information backflow is widely discussed. However, it is not easy to characterize the information flux for a given system state and show its connection to non-Markovianity. Here, by using the concepts from thermodynamics and information theory, we discuss a potential definition of information flux of an open quantum system, valid for static environments. We present a simple protocol to show how a system attempts to share information with its environment and how it builds up system-environment correlations. We also show that the information returned from the correlations characterizes the non-Markovianity and a hierarchy of indivisibility of the system dynamics.

Theory and Practice Meets in Industrial Process Design -Educational Perspective-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aramo-Immonen, Heli; Toikka, Tarja

Software engineer should see himself as a business process designer in enterprise resource planning system (ERP) re-engineering project. Software engineers and managers should have design dialogue. The objective of this paper is to discuss the motives to study the design research in connection of management education in order to envision and understand the soft human issues in the management context. Second goal is to develop means of practicing social skills between designers and managers. This article explores the affective components of design thinking in industrial management domain. In the conceptual part of this paper are discussed concepts of network and project economy, creativity, communication, use of metaphors, and design thinking. Finally is introduced empirical research plan and first empirical results from design method experiments among the multi-disciplined groups of the master-level students of industrial engineering and management and software engineering.

Some reflections upon Internet TV in the Brazilian context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Lima-Lopes, Rodrigo

2016-10-01

Negroponte [1996. Being digital (1st ed.). New York, NY: Vintage Books] discusses the migration television might take from its air-based broadcasting to the digital environment. This paper takes into consideration the exercise in futurology made by Negroponte [1996. Being digital (1st ed.). New York, NY: Vintage Books] as an inspiration to discuss which Internet TV models are currently adopted in Brazil. They are studied in terms of the platforms used and the nature of the channels available. Results show that a number of devices can be used for Internet TV; some channels are redundant, since they are present in more than one context. There are a number of foreign (broadcasting in their own language) and Brazilian channels that seem to be exclusive in each device. Due to the price of some devices, as well as some issues regarding connectivity in Brazil, some platforms seem to lack local production.

The Connection Competencies of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers about Geometric Concepts to Daily-Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pirasa, Nimet

2016-01-01

However, geometry is the area with the most concrete possibility of mathematical topics which contains more abstract concepts, students experience difficulties while understanding. Therefore, the connection of issues with daily life to concrete the subjects and the ability of connecting geometric concepts with daily life of the teachers and…

17 CFR 230.236 - Exemption of shares offered in connection with certain transactions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Exemptions § 230.236 Exemption of shares offered in connection with certain transactions. Shares of stock or... securities in lieu of issuing fractional shares, script certificates or order forms, in connection with a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, conversion, merger or similar transaction, shall be...

Effectively Addressing Mental Health Issues in Child Welfare Practice: The Family Connection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pufahl, Elisabeth

2007-01-01

Nonprofit family-run organizations, such as Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC), are providing leadership in advocating for and delivering services to children and families in need. Utilizing a family-driven approach and a staff partially comprised of parent-professionals, TVC's Nashville Connection and Family Connection programs have strengthened…

Supporting cancer patients in illness management: usability evaluation of a mobile app.

PubMed

Mirkovic, Jelena; Kaufman, David R; Ruland, Cornelia M

2014-08-13

Mobile phones and tablets currently represent a significant presence in people's everyday lives. They enable access to different information and services independent of current place and time. Such widespread connectivity offers significant potential in different app areas including health care. Our goal was to evaluate the usability of the Connect Mobile app. The mobile app enables mobile access to the Connect system, an online system that supports cancer patients in managing health-related issues. Along with symptom management, the system promotes better patient-provider communication, collaboration, and shared decision making. The Connect Mobile app enables access to the Connect system over both mobile phones and tablets. The study consisted of usability tests of a high fidelity prototype with 7 cancer patients where the objectives were to identify existing design and functionality issues and to provide patients with a real look-and-feel of the mobile system. In addition, we conducted semistructured interviews to obtain participants' feedback about app usefulness, identify the need for new system features and design requirements, and measure the acceptance of the mobile app and its features within everyday health management. The study revealed a total of 27 design issues (13 for mobile apps and 14 for tablet apps), which were mapped to source events (ie, errors, requests for help, participants' concurrent feedback, and moderator observation). We also applied usability heuristics to identify violations of usability principles. The majority of violations were related to enabling ease of input, screen readability, and glanceability (15 issues), as well as supporting an appropriate match between systems and the real world (7 issues) and consistent mapping of system functions and interactions (4 issues). Feedback from participants also showed the cancer patients' requirements for support systems and how these needs are influenced by different context-related factors, such as type of access terminal (eg, desktop computer, tablet, mobile phone) and phases of illness. Based on the observed results, we proposed design and functionality recommendations that can be used for the development of mobile apps for cancer patients to support their health management process. Understanding and addressing users' requirements is one of the main prerequisites for developing useful and effective technology-based health interventions. The results of this study outline different user requirements related to the design of the mobile patient support app for cancer patients. The results will be used in the iterative development of the Connect Mobile app and can also inform other developers and researchers in development, integration, and evaluation of mobile health apps and services that support cancer patients in managing their health-related issues.

Granger causality network reconstruction of conductance-based integrate-and-fire neuronal systems.

PubMed

Zhou, Douglas; Xiao, Yanyang; Zhang, Yaoyu; Xu, Zhiqin; Cai, David

2014-01-01

Reconstruction of anatomical connectivity from measured dynamical activities of coupled neurons is one of the fundamental issues in the understanding of structure-function relationship of neuronal circuitry. Many approaches have been developed to address this issue based on either electrical or metabolic data observed in experiment. The Granger causality (GC) analysis remains one of the major approaches to explore the dynamical causal connectivity among individual neurons or neuronal populations. However, it is yet to be clarified how such causal connectivity, i.e., the GC connectivity, can be mapped to the underlying anatomical connectivity in neuronal networks. We perform the GC analysis on the conductance-based integrate-and-fire (I&F) neuronal networks to obtain their causal connectivity. Through numerical experiments, we find that the underlying synaptic connectivity amongst individual neurons or subnetworks, can be successfully reconstructed by the GC connectivity constructed from voltage time series. Furthermore, this reconstruction is insensitive to dynamical regimes and can be achieved without perturbing systems and prior knowledge of neuronal model parameters. Surprisingly, the synaptic connectivity can even be reconstructed by merely knowing the raster of systems, i.e., spike timing of neurons. Using spike-triggered correlation techniques, we establish a direct mapping between the causal connectivity and the synaptic connectivity for the conductance-based I&F neuronal networks, and show the GC is quadratically related to the coupling strength. The theoretical approach we develop here may provide a framework for examining the validity of the GC analysis in other settings.

Granger Causality Network Reconstruction of Conductance-Based Integrate-and-Fire Neuronal Systems

PubMed Central

Zhou, Douglas; Xiao, Yanyang; Zhang, Yaoyu; Xu, Zhiqin; Cai, David

2014-01-01

Reconstruction of anatomical connectivity from measured dynamical activities of coupled neurons is one of the fundamental issues in the understanding of structure-function relationship of neuronal circuitry. Many approaches have been developed to address this issue based on either electrical or metabolic data observed in experiment. The Granger causality (GC) analysis remains one of the major approaches to explore the dynamical causal connectivity among individual neurons or neuronal populations. However, it is yet to be clarified how such causal connectivity, i.e., the GC connectivity, can be mapped to the underlying anatomical connectivity in neuronal networks. We perform the GC analysis on the conductance-based integrate-and-fire (IF) neuronal networks to obtain their causal connectivity. Through numerical experiments, we find that the underlying synaptic connectivity amongst individual neurons or subnetworks, can be successfully reconstructed by the GC connectivity constructed from voltage time series. Furthermore, this reconstruction is insensitive to dynamical regimes and can be achieved without perturbing systems and prior knowledge of neuronal model parameters. Surprisingly, the synaptic connectivity can even be reconstructed by merely knowing the raster of systems, i.e., spike timing of neurons. Using spike-triggered correlation techniques, we establish a direct mapping between the causal connectivity and the synaptic connectivity for the conductance-based IF neuronal networks, and show the GC is quadratically related to the coupling strength. The theoretical approach we develop here may provide a framework for examining the validity of the GC analysis in other settings. PMID:24586285

Looking Deeper Into Hydrologic Connectivity and Streamflow Generation: A Groundwater Hydrologist's Perspective.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardner, W. P.

2016-12-01

In this presentation the definition of hydraulic connection will be explored with a focus on the role of deep groundwater in streamflow generation and its time and space limits. Regional groundwater flow paths can be important sources of baseflow and potentially event response in surface water systems. This deep groundwater discharge plays an important role in determining how the watershed responds to climatic forcing, whether watersheds are a carbon source or sink and can be significant for watershed geochemistry and nutrient loading. These flow paths potentially "connect" to surface water systems and saturated soil zones at large distances, and over long time scales. However, these flow paths are challenging to detect, especially with hydraulic techniques. Here we will discuss some of the basic physical processes that affect the hydraulic signal along a groundwater flow path and their implications for the definition of hydrologic connection. Methods of measuring hydraulic connection using groundwater head response and their application in detecting regional groundwater discharge will be discussed. Environmental tracers are also a powerful method for identifying connected flowpaths in groundwater systems, and are commonly used to determine flow connection and flow rates in groundwater studies. Isotopic tracer methods for detecting deep, regional flow paths in watersheds will be discussed, along with observations of deep groundwater discharge in shallow alluvial systems around the world. The goal of this talk is to discuss hydraulic and hydrologic connection from a groundwater hydrologist's perspective, spark conversation on the meaning of hydrologic connection, the processes which govern hydraulic response and methods to measure flow connections and flux.

Contemporary Environmental Issues: Creating Curricular Connections in K-12 Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dass, Pradeep Maxwell

1999-01-01

Trans-disciplinary educational approaches hold the promise of helping students see real-life issues in an organic rather than a fragmented manner and be able to apply knowledge to address these issues in an organic manner. Presents reasons for organizing trans-disciplinary instruction around contemporary environmental issues. (Contains 14…

CTE's Role in Urban Education. Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), 2012

2012-01-01

This Issue Brief explores the promising role that career and technical education programs play in addressing key student achievement issues facing urban schools. CTE programs engage urban students by providing rigorous and relevant coursework, fostering positive relationships, establishing clear pathways and connecting education and…

Geoscientists Flock to Capitol Hill for Congressional Visits Day

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chell, Kaitlin

2009-10-01

The second annual Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (Geo-CVD), on 15-16 September 2009, came at a time when the U.S. Congress is considering a number of issues intimately connected to the geosciences, including energy, the environment, and climate. Nearly 60 geoscientists from across the country, including 22 AGU members from 12 states, participated in this year's event by discussing geoscience issues with members of Congress and their staffs. AGU cosponsored the event along with nine other Earth and space science societies that work together on geoscience policy issues as part of the Geopolicy Working Group in Washington, D. C. Geo-CVD kicked off with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coalition's annual reception on Capitol Hill on 14 September. AGU is a member of the USGS Coalition, which includes several other science societies, and this year AGU organized the reception together with the Seismological Society of America. At the reception, U.S. senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) received the coalition's annual Leadership Award in recognition of their continuing commitment to USGS. Sen. Feinstein chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Issues, which is tasked with allocating funds to USGS; Sen. Murkowski is the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Connection Capacity of the Transition Zone in Steel-Concrete Hybrid Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozioł, Piotr; Kożuch, Maciej; Lorenc, Wojciech; Rowiński, Sławomir

2017-06-01

The problem of transition zone of structural steel element connected to concrete is discussed in the following paper. This zone may be located for instance in specific bridge composite girder. In such case the composite beam passes smoothly into concrete beam. Because of several dowels usage in the transition zone, the problem of uneven force distribution were discussed through analogy to bolted and welded connections. The authors present innovative solution of transition zone and discuss the results, with emphasis put on the transition zone structural response in term of bending capacity, failure model and force distribution on the connection length. The article wider the already executed experimental test and presents its newest results.

A distributed version of the NASA Engine Performance Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cours, Jeffrey T.; Curlett, Brian P.

1993-01-01

Distributed NEPP, a version of the NASA Engine Performance Program, uses the original NEPP code but executes it in a distributed computer environment. Multiple workstations connected by a network increase the program's speed and, more importantly, the complexity of the cases it can handle in a reasonable time. Distributed NEPP uses the public domain software package, called Parallel Virtual Machine, allowing it to execute on clusters of machines containing many different architectures. It includes the capability to link with other computers, allowing them to process NEPP jobs in parallel. This paper discusses the design issues and granularity considerations that entered into programming Distributed NEPP and presents the results of timing runs.

Coevolution of dependency distance, hierarchical structure and word order. Comment on "Dependency distance: a new perspective on syntactic patterns in natural languages" by Haitao Liu et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Yingqi

2017-07-01

Exploring the relationships between structural rules and their linearization constraints have been a central issue in formal syntax and linguistic typology [1]. Liu et al. give a historical overview of the investigation of dependency distance minimization (DDM) in various fields, and specify its potential connections with the graphic patterns of syntactic structure and the linear ordering of words and constituents in real sentences [2]. This comment focuses on discussing the relations between dependency distance (DD), hierarchical structure and word order, and advocates further study on the coevolution of these traits in language histories.

Phytoremediation and bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): state of knowledge and research perspectives.

PubMed

Passatore, Laura; Rossetti, Simona; Juwarkar, Asha A; Massacci, Angelo

2014-08-15

This review summarizes the bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies proposed so far to detoxify PCB-contaminated sites. A critical analysis about the potential and limits of the PCB pollution treatment strategies by means of plants, fungi and bacteria are elucidated, including the new insights emerged from recent studies on the rhizosphere potential and on the implementation of simultaneous aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation processes. The review describes the biodegradation and phytoremediation processes and elaborates on the environmental variables affecting contaminant degradation rates, summarizing the amendments recommended to enhance PCB degradation. Additionally, issues connected with PCB toxicology, actual field remediation strategies and economical evaluation are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cognitive science and the law.

PubMed

Busey, Thomas A; Loftus, Geoffrey R

2007-03-01

Numerous innocent people have been sent to jail based directly or indirectly on normal, but flawed, human perception, memory and decision making. Current cognitive-science research addresses the issues that are directly relevant to the connection between normal cognitive functioning and such judicial errors, and suggests means by which the false-conviction rate could be reduced. Here, we illustrate how this can be achieved by reviewing recent work in two related areas: eyewitness testimony and fingerprint analysis. We articulate problems in these areas with reference to specific legal cases and demonstrate how recent findings can be used to address them. We also discuss how researchers can translate their conclusions into language and ideas that can influence and improve the legal system.

Technical and Economic Aspects of Low Emission Reduction in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzikuć, M.; Łasiński, K.

2017-12-01

The paper presents the problem of excessive air pollution in Poland caused mainly by low emission. The emission arises in result of heating flats by means of old and energetically inefficient heating installations. In Poland and Bulgaria the inhaled air is of the worst quality out of all EU countries. The paper presents economic and technical problems related to low emission occurring during the combustion of solid fuels in local boiler houses. Furthermore, the most significant economic issues, connected with the reduction of low emission are discussed, as well as technological possibilities of efficient reduction of the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Conclusions are presented at the end of the article.

Access control and privacy in large distributed systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leiner, B. M.; Bishop, M.

1986-01-01

Large scale distributed systems consists of workstations, mainframe computers, supercomputers and other types of servers, all connected by a computer network. These systems are being used in a variety of applications including the support of collaborative scientific research. In such an environment, issues of access control and privacy arise. Access control is required for several reasons, including the protection of sensitive resources and cost control. Privacy is also required for similar reasons, including the protection of a researcher's proprietary results. A possible architecture for integrating available computer and communications security technologies into a system that meet these requirements is described. This architecture is meant as a starting point for discussion, rather that the final answer.

Environmental noise spectroscopy with qubits subjected to dynamical decoupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szańkowski, P.; Ramon, G.; Krzywda, J.; Kwiatkowski, D.; Cywiński, Ł.

2017-08-01

A qubit subjected to pure dephasing due to classical Gaussian noise can be turned into a spectrometer of this noise by utilizing its readout under properly chosen dynamical decoupling (DD) sequences to reconstruct the power spectral density of the noise. We review the theory behind this DD-based noise spectroscopy technique, paying special attention to issues that arise when the environmental noise is non-Gaussian and/or it has truly quantum properties. While we focus on the theoretical basis of the method, we connect the discussed concepts with specific experiments, and provide an overview of environmental noise models relevant for solid-state based qubits, including quantum-dot based spin qubits, superconducting qubits, and NV centers in diamond.

Research on unit commitment with large-scale wind power connected power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ran; Zhang, Baoqun; Chi, Zhongjun; Gong, Cheng; Ma, Longfei; Yang, Bing

2017-01-01

Large-scale integration of wind power generators into power grid brings severe challenges to power system economic dispatch due to its stochastic volatility. Unit commitment including wind farm is analyzed from the two parts of modeling and solving methods. The structures and characteristics can be summarized after classification has been done according to different objective function and constraints. Finally, the issues to be solved and possible directions of research and development in the future are discussed, which can adapt to the requirements of the electricity market, energy-saving power generation dispatching and smart grid, even providing reference for research and practice of researchers and workers in this field.

Education/Connection/Action: Community Literacies and Shared Knowledges as Creative Productions for Social Justice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Licona, Adela C.; Gonzales, J. Sarah

2013-01-01

This article highlights Education/Connection/Action (ECA), a locally developed community pedagogy deployed at a youth activism summer camp that served as a site for a community/academic teaching and research collaboration. Youth considered connections between a set of issues, including a local ban on Ethnic Studies, the School-to-Prison Pipeline,…

Management of ATM-based networks supporting multimedia medical information systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitman, Robert A.; Blaine, G. James; Fritz, Kevin; Goodgold, Ken; Heisinger, Patrick

1997-05-01

Medical information systems are acquiring the ability to collect and deliver many different types of medical information. In support of the increased network demands necessitated by these expanded capabilities, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) based networks are being deployed in medical care systems. While ATM supplies a much greater line rate than currently deployed networks, the management and standards surrounding ATM are yet to mature. This paper explores the management and control issues surrounding an ATM network supporting medical information systems, and examines how management impacts network performance and robustness. A multivendor ATM network at the BJC Health System/Washington University and the applications using the network are discussed. Performance information for specific applications is presented and analyzed. Network management's influence on application reliability is outlined. The information collected is used to show how ATM network standards and management tools influence network reliability and performance. Performance of current applications using the ATM network is discussed. Special attention is given to issues encountered in implementation of hypertext transfer protocol over ATM internet protocol (IP) communications. A classical IP ATM implementation yields greater than twenty percent higher network performance over LANE. Maximum performance for a host's suite of applications can be obtained by establishing multiple individually engineered IP links through its ATM network connection.

Clearing the air and breathing freely: the health politics of air pollution and asthma.

PubMed

Brown, Phil; Mayer, Brian; Zavestoski, Stephen; Luebke, Theo; Mandelbaum, Joshua; McCormick, Sabrina

2004-01-01

This study examines the growing debate around environmental causes of asthma in the context of federal regulatory disputes, scientific controversy, and environmental justice activism. A multifaceted form of social discovery of the effect of air pollution on asthma has resulted from multipartner and multiorganizational approaches and from intersectoral policy that deals with social inequality and environmental justice. Scientists, activists, health voluntary organizations, and some government agencies and officials have identified various elements of the asthma and air pollution connection. To tackle these issues, they have worked through a variety of collaborations and across different sectors of environmental regulation, public health, health services, housing, transportation, and community development. The authors examine the role of activist groups in discovering the increased rates of asthma and framing it as a social and environmental issue; give an overview of the current knowledge base on air pollution and asthma, and the controversies within science; and situate that science in the regulatory debate, discussing the many challenges to the air quality researchers. They then examine the implications of the scientific and regulatory controversies over linking air pollution to increases in asthma. The article concludes with a discussion of how alliances between activists and scientists lead to new research strategies and innovations.

An ambiguous monolith - the Swedish drug issue as a political battleground 1965-1981.

PubMed

Edman, Johan

2013-09-01

The drug problem has been a highly ideologized topic in the political debate in Sweden ever since the mid-1960s. The aim of the article is to investigate dominant conceptions of drugs, drug use, society and the individual in the political discussions on drug use in Sweden during the years 1965-1981. The empirical basis for the textual analysis consists of 146 parliamentary bills and 135 parliamentary protocols. The unwanted drug appear as a sensitive litmus paper, an indication that something had gone wrong in society and as a suggestion of how the good society could be accomplished. The drug problem was connected to ideological core values such as class struggle, Christianity or criticism of urbanism and modernity. The analysis suggests that the drug problem was used as political ammunition, to pick holes in political opponents and to highlight one's own ideological stance. The hegemonic conversational order, the consensual spirit and the agreement that this was the most serious problem, did not hamper these political moves. Rather, the cross-party conception of the problem's severity and accelerating deterioration contributed to a common ground for political arguments and ideological visions. It also meant that the political discussions moved away from the more obvious drug policy issues. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Business ethics as a novel issue in health care economics.

PubMed

Vrbová, H; Holmerová, I; Hrubantová, L

1997-01-01

The problems of health care providing and solutions suggested to solve them should be discussed publicly at all appropriate levels in all developed countries. In this contribution, new approaches to understanding the problems of business ethics in health care are mentioned and recommended for discussion. An application of such principles of business ethics as trust, accountability, solidarity, transparency and social responsibility is considered in the four following areas. First, it is the allocation of limited resources in health care. This is the world-wide problem of the end of 20th century, as the development of medical technologies offers a wide range of new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In our country this coincides with the on-going, and still incompleted reform of health care. Second, the other area is that of connecting health-care and social problems, important namely for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and chronically ill. The third area is concerned with the privatization of health care, the newly emanating structure and function of the health care system and the role of health care provides in society. The last group contains issues concerning attempts to facilitate communication between health care specialists and general public, as well as attempts to support those institutions of the civic democratic society that are oriented toward health, sickness and health care providing.

[Discussion regarding classification of sexual disorders in DSM-5 and research trends within the area of sexual disorders in Poland].

PubMed

Klasa, Katarzyna; Sobański, Jerzy A; Müldner-Nieckowski, Łukasz; Rutkowski, Krzysztof

2013-01-01

The fifth version of the American Psychiatric Association's classification, DSM, was released in May 2013. Its completion was preceded by years of intensive discussions, clinical trials and secondary data analysis, which were aimed at as best as possible reflecting of clinical reality. In the present article review of literature was presented, showing the range of work connected with the area of widely understood sexual disorders as well as the most important changes regarding it that are included in DSM-5. Review of Polish literature published in the last three years (2011-2013) regarding sexual issues in selected scientific journals: Seksuologia Polska, Ginekologia Polska, Psychiatria Polska, Psychoterapia was also conducted. It was aimed at analysis of basic research trends within the area of sexual disorders in Poland. The review shows that there were relatively not many articles, they were concentrated on interdisciplinary issues and clinical populations of patients suffering from disorders different than sexual. It was noticed that there were no articles on paraphilias, and at the same time publications regarding forensic sexology were present. It would be advisable to publish reports form scientific congresses of sexology on a more regular basis, that would perhaps inspire further research in the field of sexology in our country.

The Privacy and Security Implications of Open Data in Healthcare.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Shinji; Kane, Thomas B; Paton, Chris

2018-04-22

 The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Open Source Working Group (OSWG) initiated a group discussion to discuss current privacy and security issues in the open data movement in the healthcare domain from the perspective of the OSWG membership.  Working group members independently reviewed the recent academic and grey literature and sampled a number of current large-scale open data projects to inform the working group discussion.  This paper presents an overview of open data repositories and a series of short case reports to highlight relevant issues present in the recent literature concerning the adoption of open approaches to sharing healthcare datasets. Important themes that emerged included data standardisation, the inter-connected nature of the open source and open data movements, and how publishing open data can impact on the ethics, security, and privacy of informatics projects.  The open data and open source movements in healthcare share many common philosophies and approaches including developing international collaborations across multiple organisations and domains of expertise. Both movements aim to reduce the costs of advancing scientific research and improving healthcare provision for people around the world by adopting open intellectual property licence agreements and codes of practice. Implications of the increased adoption of open data in healthcare include the need to balance the security and privacy challenges of opening data sources with the potential benefits of open data for improving research and healthcare delivery. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

The extraction of neural strategies from the surface EMG: an update

PubMed Central

Merletti, Roberto; Enoka, Roger M.

2014-01-01

A surface EMG signal represents the linear transformation of motor neuron discharge times by the compound action potentials of the innervated muscle fibers and is often used as a source of information about neural activation of muscle. However, retrieving the embedded neural code from a surface EMG signal is extremely challenging. Most studies use indirect approaches in which selected features of the signal are interpreted as indicating certain characteristics of the neural code. These indirect associations are constrained by limitations that have been detailed previously (Farina D, Merletti R, Enoka RM. J Appl Physiol 96: 1486–1495, 2004) and are generally difficult to overcome. In an update on these issues, the current review extends the discussion to EMG-based coherence methods for assessing neural connectivity. We focus first on EMG amplitude cancellation, which intrinsically limits the association between EMG amplitude and the intensity of the neural activation and then discuss the limitations of coherence methods (EEG-EMG, EMG-EMG) as a way to assess the strength of the transmission of synaptic inputs into trains of motor unit action potentials. The debated influence of rectification on EMG spectral analysis and coherence measures is also discussed. Alternatively, there have been a number of attempts to identify the neural information directly by decomposing surface EMG signals into the discharge times of motor unit action potentials. The application of this approach is extremely powerful, but validation remains a central issue. PMID:25277737

Narrative persuasion, causality, complex integration, and support for obesity policy.

PubMed

Niederdeppe, Jeff; Shapiro, Michael A; Kim, Hye Kyung; Bartolo, Danielle; Porticella, Norman

2014-01-01

Narrative messages have the potential to convey causal attribution information about complex social issues. This study examined attributions about obesity, an issue characterized by interrelated biological, behavioral, and environmental causes. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three narratives emphasizing societal causes and solutions for obesity or an unrelated story that served as the control condition. The three narratives varied in the extent to which the character in the story acknowledged personal responsibility (high, moderate, and none) for controlling her weight. Stories that featured no acknowledgment and moderate acknowledgment of personal responsibility, while emphasizing environmental causes and solutions, were successful at increasing societal cause attributions about obesity and, among conservatives, increasing support for obesity-related policies relative to the control group. The extent to which respondents were able to make connections between individual and environmental causes of obesity (complex integration) mediated the relationship between the moderate acknowledgment condition and societal cause attributions. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this work for narrative persuasion theory and health communication campaigns.

Social science and the public agenda: reflections on the relation of knowledge to policy in the United States and abroad.

PubMed

Wilensky, H L

1997-10-01

It is tempting to oversell the practical value of applied research. A hard look at the effects of U.S. social science on public policy in areas such as active labor market policies (training, job creation, placement, etc.), crime prevention, fiscal policy, poverty reduction, and health care reform suggests an inverse relationship between social science consensus and policy and budgetary decisions. Fragmented and decentralized political economies (e.g., the United States) foster policy segmentation and isolated, short-run single-issue research--often politicized and misleading. More corporatist democracies (such as Sweden, Norway, Austria, and Germany) evidence a tighter relation between knowledge and power in which a wider range of issues is connected, longer-range effects are sometimes considered, and research is more often actually used for planning and implementation. Even in less hospitable societies, however, social science does make its way in the long run. Favorable conditions and examples are discussed.

[National Database of Genotypes--ethical and legal issues].

PubMed

Franková, Vera; Tesínová, Jolana; Brdicka, Radim

2011-01-01

National Database of Genotypes--ethical and legal issues The aim of the project National Database of Genotypes is to outline structure and rules for the database operation collecting information about genotypes of individual persons. The database should be used entirely for health care. Its purpose is to enable physicians to gain quick and easy access to the information about persons requiring specialized care due to their genetic constitution. In the future, another introduction of new genetic tests into the clinical practice can be expected thus the database of genotypes facilitates substantial financial savings by exclusion of duplicates of the expensive genetic testing. Ethical questions connected with the creating and functioning of such database concern mainly privacy protection, confidentiality of personal sensitive data, protection of database from misuse, consent with participation and public interests. Due to necessity of correct interpretation by qualified professional (= clinical geneticist), particular categorization of genetic data within the database is discussed. The function of proposed database has to be governed in concordance with the Czech legislation together with solving ethical problems.

Phlebotomy, a bridge between laboratory and patient.

PubMed

Ialongo, Cristiano; Bernardini, Sergio

2016-01-01

The evidence-based paradigm has changed and evolved medical practice. Phlebotomy, which dates back to the age of ancient Greece, has gained experience through the evolution of medicine becoming a fundamental diagnostic tool. Nowadays it connects the patient with the clinical laboratory dimension building up a bridge. However, more often there is a gap between laboratory and phlebotomist that causes misunderstandings and burdens on patient safety. Therefore, the scope of this review is delivering a view of modern phlebotomy to "bridge" patient and laboratory. In this regard the paper describes devices, tools and procedures in the light of the most recent scientific findings, also discussing their impact on both quality of blood testing and patient safety. It also addresses the issues concerning medical aspect of venipuncture, like the practical approach to the superficial veins anatomy, as well as the management of the patient's compliance with the blood draw. Thereby, the clinical, technical and practical issues are treated with the same relevance throughout the entire paper.

Phlebotomy, a bridge between laboratory and patient

PubMed Central

Ialongo, Cristiano; Bernardini, Sergio

2016-01-01

The evidence-based paradigm has changed and evolved medical practice. Phlebotomy, which dates back to the age of ancient Greece, has gained experience through the evolution of medicine becoming a fundamental diagnostic tool. Nowadays it connects the patient with the clinical laboratory dimension building up a bridge. However, more often there is a gap between laboratory and phlebotomist that causes misunderstandings and burdens on patient safety. Therefore, the scope of this review is delivering a view of modern phlebotomy to “bridge” patient and laboratory. In this regard the paper describes devices, tools and procedures in the light of the most recent scientific findings, also discussing their impact on both quality of blood testing and patient safety. It also addresses the issues concerning medical aspect of venipuncture, like the practical approach to the superficial veins anatomy, as well as the management of the patient’s compliance with the blood draw. Thereby, the clinical, technical and practical issues are treated with the same relevance throughout the entire paper. PMID:26981016

Narrative communication in cancer prevention and control: a framework to guide research and application.

PubMed

Kreuter, Matthew W; Green, Melanie C; Cappella, Joseph N; Slater, Michael D; Wise, Meg E; Storey, Doug; Clark, Eddie M; O'Keefe, Daniel J; Erwin, Deborah O; Holmes, Kathleen; Hinyard, Leslie J; Houston, Thomas; Woolley, Sabra

2007-06-01

Narrative forms of communication-including entertainment education, journalism, literature, testimonials, and storytelling-are emerging as important tools for cancer prevention and control. To stimulate critical thinking about the role of narrative in cancer communication and promote a more focused and systematic program of research to understand its effects, we propose a typology of narrative application in cancer control. We assert that narrative has four distinctive capabilities: overcoming resistance, facilitating information processing, providing surrogate social connections, and addressing emotional and existential issues. We further assert that different capabilities are applicable to different outcomes across the cancer control continuum (e.g., prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship). This article describes the empirical evidence and theoretical rationale supporting propositions in the typology, identifies variables likely to moderate narrative effects, raises ethical issues to be addressed when using narrative communication in cancer prevention and control efforts, and discusses potential limitations of using narrative in this way. Future research needs based on these propositions are outlined and encouraged.

Violence and Abuse Among HIV-Infected Women and Their Children in Zambia

PubMed Central

Murray, Laura K.; Haworth, Alan; Semrau, Katherine; Singh, Mini; Aldrovandi, Grace M.; Sinkala, Moses; Thea, Donald M.; Bolton, Paul A.

2009-01-01

HIV and violence are two major public health problems increasingly shown to be connected and relevant to international mental health issues and HIV-related services. Qualitative research is important due to the dearth of literature on this association in developing countries, cultural influences on mental health syndromes and presentations, and the sensitive nature of the topic. The study presented in this paper sought to investigate the mental health issues of an HIV-affected population of women and children in Lusaka, Zambia, through a systematic qualitative study. Two qualitative methods resulted in the identification of three major problems for women: domestic violence (DV), depression-like syndrome, and alcohol abuse; and children: defilement, DV, and behavior problems. DV and sexual abuse were found to be closely linked to HIV and alcohol abuse. This study shows the local perspective of the overlap between violence and HIV. Results are discussed in relation to the need for violence and abuse to be addressed as HIV services are implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. PMID:16909070

Multiscale Exploration of Mouse Brain Microstructures Using the Knife-Edge Scanning Microscope Brain Atlas

PubMed Central

Chung, Ji Ryang; Sung, Chul; Mayerich, David; Kwon, Jaerock; Miller, Daniel E.; Huffman, Todd; Keyser, John; Abbott, Louise C.; Choe, Yoonsuck

2011-01-01

Connectomics is the study of the full connection matrix of the brain. Recent advances in high-throughput, high-resolution 3D microscopy methods have enabled the imaging of whole small animal brains at a sub-micrometer resolution, potentially opening the road to full-blown connectomics research. One of the first such instruments to achieve whole-brain-scale imaging at sub-micrometer resolution is the Knife-Edge Scanning Microscope (KESM). KESM whole-brain data sets now include Golgi (neuronal circuits), Nissl (soma distribution), and India ink (vascular networks). KESM data can contribute greatly to connectomics research, since they fill the gap between lower resolution, large volume imaging methods (such as diffusion MRI) and higher resolution, small volume methods (e.g., serial sectioning electron microscopy). Furthermore, KESM data are by their nature multiscale, ranging from the subcellular to the whole organ scale. Due to this, visualization alone is a huge challenge, before we even start worrying about quantitative connectivity analysis. To solve this issue, we developed a web-based neuroinformatics framework for efficient visualization and analysis of the multiscale KESM data sets. In this paper, we will first provide an overview of KESM, then discuss in detail the KESM data sets and the web-based neuroinformatics framework, which is called the KESM brain atlas (KESMBA). Finally, we will discuss the relevance of the KESMBA to connectomics research, and identify challenges and future directions. PMID:22275895

Elastic issues and vibration reduction in a tethered deorbiting mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabatini, Marco; Gasbarri, Paolo; Palmerini, Giovanni B.

2016-05-01

Recently proposed mission concepts involving harpoons or nets to capture and de-orbit debris represent an interesting application of the tethered systems, where the orbiting bodies are connected by a flexible link. These systems present a complex behavior, as flexible characteristics combine with orbital dynamics. The focus of the paper is on the dynamic behavior of the tethered system in the final phase of the de-orbiting mission, when a powerful apogee motor is used to change the debris orbit. The thrust action introduces significant issues, as elastic waves propagate along the tether, and the relevant oscillations couple with the orbital dynamics. Input shaping techniques are proposed to limit or cancel these oscillations. However, the performance of these techniques drops when non-ideal scenarios are considered. In particular, an initially slack tether is a serious issue that must be solved if acceptably low oscillations of the tether are to be obtained. Three strategies are proposed and discussed in this paper to remove the slack condition: a natural drift of the chaser by means of a single impulse, a controlled maneuver for precisely adjusting the relative distance between chaser spacecraft and debris, and a retrieval mechanism for changing the tether length.

Communicating the Connection between Climate Change and Heat Health

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Explore how public health and environmental professionals can effectively communicate and leverage the connections among climate change, the heat island effect, and public health to raise awareness among the public and to promote progress on these issues.

Integrated groundwater data management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fitch, Peter; Brodaric, Boyan; Stenson, Matt; Booth, Nathaniel; Jakeman, Anthony J.; Barreteau, Olivier; Hunt, Randall J.; Rinaudo, Jean-Daniel; Ross, Andrew

2016-01-01

The goal of a data manager is to ensure that data is safely stored, adequately described, discoverable and easily accessible. However, to keep pace with the evolution of groundwater studies in the last decade, the associated data and data management requirements have changed significantly. In particular, there is a growing recognition that management questions cannot be adequately answered by single discipline studies. This has led a push towards the paradigm of integrated modeling, where diverse parts of the hydrological cycle and its human connections are included. This chapter describes groundwater data management practices, and reviews the current state of the art with enterprise groundwater database management systems. It also includes discussion on commonly used data management models, detailing typical data management lifecycles. We discuss the growing use of web services and open standards such as GWML and WaterML2.0 to exchange groundwater information and knowledge, and the need for national data networks. We also discuss cross-jurisdictional interoperability issues, based on our experience sharing groundwater data across the US/Canadian border. Lastly, we present some future trends relating to groundwater data management.

Agent Communication for Dynamic Belief Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Mikito; Tojo, Satoshi

Thus far, various formalizations of rational / logical agent model have been proposed. In this paper, we include the notion of communication channel and belief modality into update logic, and introduce Belief Update Logic (BUL). First, we discuss that how we can reformalize the inform action of FIPA-ACL into communication channel, which represents a connection between agents. Thus, our agents can send a message only when they believe, and also there actually is, a channel between him / her and a receiver. Then, we present a static belief logic (BL) and show its soundness and completeness. Next, we develop the logic to BUL, which can update Kripke model by the inform action; in which we show that in the updated model the belief operator also satisfies K45. Thereafter, we show that every sentence in BUL can be translated into BL; thus, we can contend that BUL is also sound and complete. Furthermore, we discuss the features of CUL, including the case of inconsistent information, as well as channel transmission. Finally, we summarize our contribution and discuss some future issues.

Why do they not answer and do they really learn? A case study in analysing student response flows in introductory physics using an audience response system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jääskeläinen, Markku; Lagerkvist, Andreas

2017-07-01

In this paper we investigate teaching with a classroom response system in introductory physics with emphasis on two issues. First, we discuss retention between question rounds and the reasons why students avoid answering the question a second time. A question with declining response rate was followed by a question addressing the student reasons for not answering. We find that there appear to be several reasons for the observed decline, and that the students need to be reminded. We argue that small drops are unimportant as the process appears to work despite the drops. Second, we discuss the dynamics of learning in a concept-sequence in electromagnetism, where a majority of the students, despite poor statistics in a first round, manage to answer a followup question correctly. In addition, we analyse the response times for both situations to connect with research on student reasoning on situations with misconception-like answers. From the combination of the answer flows and response time behaviours we find it plausible that conceptual learning occurred during the discussion phase.

Pregnancy and autoimmune connective tissue diseases

PubMed Central

Marder, Wendy; Littlejohn, Emily A

2016-01-01

The autoimmune connective tissue diseases predominantly affect women and often occur during the reproductive years. Thus, specialized issues in pregnancy planning and management are commonly encountered in this patient population. This chapter provides a current overview of pregnancy as a risk factor for onset of autoimmune disease, considerations related to the course of pregnancy in several autoimmune connective tissue diseases, and disease management and medication issues before and during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A major theme that has emerged across these inflammatory diseases is that active maternal disease during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and that maternal and fetal health can be optimized when conception is planned during times of inactive disease and through maintaining treatment regimens compatible with pregnancy. PMID:27421217

The Education-Drug Use Connection: How Successes and Failures in School Relate to Adolescent Smoking, Drinking, Drug Use, and Delinquency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bachman, Jerald G.; O'Malley, Patrick M.; Schulenberg, John E.; Johnston, Lloyd D.; Freedman-Doan, Peter; Messersmith, Emily E.

2007-01-01

Does success in school protect teenagers from drug use? Does drug use impair scholastic success? This book tackles a key issue in adolescent development and health--the education-drug use connection. The authors examine the links and likely causal connections between educational experiences, delinquent behavior, and adolescent use of tobacco,…

Connecting Students to Nature--How Intensity of Nature Experience and Student Age Influence the Success of Outdoor Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braun, Tina; Dierkes, Paul

2017-01-01

Nature connectedness counts as a crucial predictor of pro-environmental behavior. For counteracting today's environmental issues a successful re-connection of individuals to nature is necessary. Besides the promotion of knowledge transfer the aim of the educational program presented in this study is to connect students to their environment. This…

49 CFR 1150.36 - Exempt construction of connecting track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... environmental issues have been raised or discovered during the environmental review process, the Board shall... significant environmental issues have been raised or discovered, the Board, through the Director of the Office... environmental issues cannot be made prior to the date that the exemption authority would otherwise become...

Stories from the Classroom: Issues of Gender and Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchinson, Jaylynne N., Ed.

1999-01-01

Articles in this theme issue explore gender issues and their connections with classroom life. Research studies, essays, book reviews, and teacher notes deal with gender and education. The articles are: (1) "United Nations Declaration on Elimination of Discrimination of Women"; (2) "In the Classroom: De-institutionalizing Gender Bias" (Jean Ann…

Outcomes of Chat and Discussion Board Use in Online Learning: A Research Synthesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackmon, Stephanie J.

2012-01-01

Online discussion boards are often used in traditional courses, hybrid courses, and fully online courses. Online chats and discussions can be particularly useful in fully online courses, as these communication connections are often students' only means of connecting with each other and sharing ideas in an open forum. While traditional face-to-face…

Supporting Cancer Patients in Illness Management: Usability Evaluation of a Mobile App

PubMed Central

Kaufman, David R; Ruland, Cornelia M

2014-01-01

Background Mobile phones and tablets currently represent a significant presence in people’s everyday lives. They enable access to different information and services independent of current place and time. Such widespread connectivity offers significant potential in different app areas including health care. Objective Our goal was to evaluate the usability of the Connect Mobile app. The mobile app enables mobile access to the Connect system, an online system that supports cancer patients in managing health-related issues. Along with symptom management, the system promotes better patient-provider communication, collaboration, and shared decision making. The Connect Mobile app enables access to the Connect system over both mobile phones and tablets. Methods The study consisted of usability tests of a high fidelity prototype with 7 cancer patients where the objectives were to identify existing design and functionality issues and to provide patients with a real look-and-feel of the mobile system. In addition, we conducted semistructured interviews to obtain participants’ feedback about app usefulness, identify the need for new system features and design requirements, and measure the acceptance of the mobile app and its features within everyday health management. Results The study revealed a total of 27 design issues (13 for mobile apps and 14 for tablet apps), which were mapped to source events (ie, errors, requests for help, participants' concurrent feedback, and moderator observation). We also applied usability heuristics to identify violations of usability principles. The majority of violations were related to enabling ease of input, screen readability, and glanceability (15 issues), as well as supporting an appropriate match between systems and the real world (7 issues) and consistent mapping of system functions and interactions (4 issues). Feedback from participants also showed the cancer patients’ requirements for support systems and how these needs are influenced by different context-related factors, such as type of access terminal (eg, desktop computer, tablet, mobile phone) and phases of illness. Based on the observed results, we proposed design and functionality recommendations that can be used for the development of mobile apps for cancer patients to support their health management process. Conclusions Understanding and addressing users’ requirements is one of the main prerequisites for developing useful and effective technology-based health interventions. The results of this study outline different user requirements related to the design of the mobile patient support app for cancer patients. The results will be used in the iterative development of the Connect Mobile app and can also inform other developers and researchers in development, integration, and evaluation of mobile health apps and services that support cancer patients in managing their health-related issues. PMID:25119490

Vaccination and autoimmunity-'vaccinosis': a dangerous liaison?

PubMed

Shoenfeld, Y; Aron-Maor, A

2000-02-01

The question of a connection between vaccination and autoimmune illness (or phenomena) is surrounded by controversy. A heated debate is going on regarding the causality between vaccines, such as measles and anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Brain antibodies as well as clinical symptoms have been found in patients vaccinated against those diseases. Other autoimmune illnesses have been associated with vaccinations. Tetanus toxoid, influenza vaccines, polio vaccine, and others, have been related to phenomena ranging from autoantibodies production to full-blown illness (such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). Conflicting data exists regarding also the connection between autism and vaccination with measles vaccine. So far only one controlled study of an experimental animal model has been published, in which the possible causal relation between vaccines and autoimmune findings has been examined: in healthy puppies immunized with a variety of commonly given vaccines, a variety of autoantibodies have been documented but no frank autoimmune illness was recorded. The findings could also represent a polyclonal activation (adjuvant reaction). The mechanism (or mechanisms) of autoimmune reactions following immunization has not yet been elucidated. One of the possibilities is molecular mimicry; when a structural similarity exists between some viral antigen (or other component of the vaccine) and a self-antigen. This similarity may be the trigger to the autoimmune reaction. Other possible mechanisms are discussed. Even though the data regarding the relation between vaccination and autoimmune disease is conflicting, it seems that some autoimmune phenomena are clearly related to immunization (e.g. Guillain-Barre syndrome). The issue of the risk of vaccination remains a philosophical one, since to date the advantages of this policy have not been refuted, while the risk for autoimmune disease has not been irrevocably proved. We discuss the pros and cons of this issue (although the temporal relationship (i.e. always 2-3 months following immunization) is impressive). Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The CORALS Connection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plankis, Brian; Klein, Carolyn

2010-01-01

The Ocean, Reefs, Aquariums, Literacy, and Stewardship (CORALS) research program helps students connect global environmental issues to local concerns and personal choices. During the 18-week program, students strengthen their understanding of coral reef decline through a classroom aquarium activity, communicate with science experts, and create…

5 CFR 847.104 - OPM responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) ELECTIONS OF RETIREMENT COVERAGE BY CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF NONAPPROPRIATED FUND... and for counseling employees in connection with the election. (b) OPM will issue instructions to agencies concerning the transfer of funds and recordkeeping in connection with these elections. (c) OPM...

5 CFR 847.104 - OPM responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (CONTINUED) ELECTIONS OF RETIREMENT COVERAGE BY CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF NONAPPROPRIATED FUND... and for counseling employees in connection with the election. (b) OPM will issue instructions to agencies concerning the transfer of funds and recordkeeping in connection with these elections. (c) OPM...

Reimagining Obesity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultz, Jaime

2017-01-01

This article draws on Mills' sociological imagination (from the 1959 publication "The Sociological Imagination") to consider the connections between personal trouble and social issues when it comes to the causes and consequences of obesity. These connections may be important for assuaging the "obesity bias" that pervades our…

Peer discussions in lecture-based tutorials in introductory physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leinonen, Risto; Asikainen, Mervi A.; Hirvonen, Pekka E.

2017-06-01

This study analyzes the types of peer discussion that occur during lecture-based tutorial sessions. It focuses in particular on whether discussions of this kind have certain characteristics that might indicate success in the post-testing phase. The data were collected during an introductory physics course. The main data set was gathered with the aid of audio recordings. Data-driven content analysis was applied in the analysis to facilitate the placement of students' discussions in particular categories related to different types of discussions. Four major discussion types were found: discussions related to the content knowledge, metalevel discussions including metaconceptual and metacognitive elements, discussions related to practical issues, and creating a base for discussion, seen here in the order of their prevalence. These categories were found to possess individual substructures that involved, for example, asking and answering questions, participating in a dialogue, or disagreeing with a peer. Analyzing the substructures of the categories revealed that there were evident differences between the groups, some of them related to the group size. With regard to the characteristics of discussions considered to be connected to a better learning outcome, it was observed that a great number of lines uttered related to the physics content or metalevel discussions seemed to have a direct bearing on success in the post test at the group level. For individual students, answering content-related questions posed by their peers might also indicate success in the post test. We would encourage researchers to continue this type of research in order to discover the essential characteristics of students' discussions that facilitate learning.

Emotional effects of continuity of care on family physicians and the therapeutic relationship.

PubMed

Schultz, Karen; Delva, Dianne; Kerr, Jonathan

2012-02-01

To explore conceptions of continuity of care among family physicians in traditional practices, family medicine-trained physicians working in episodic care, and family medicine residents to better understand the emotional effects on physicians of establishing long-term relationships with patients as a starting point for developing a tool to measure the qualitative connections between physicians and their patients. Qualitative descriptive study using focus groups. Traditional family practice, family medicine residency training, and episodic-care settings in Kingston, Ont. Three groups of first-year family medicine residents (n = 18), 2 groups of family physicians in established traditional practice (n = 9), and 2 groups of family physicians working in episodic-care settings (n = 10). Using focus groups, a semistructured discussion guide, and a phenomenologic approach, we explored residents' and practising physicians' conceptions about continuity of care, predominantly exploring the emotional effects on physicians of providing care for a group of patients over time. Providing care for patients over time and developing a deep knowledge of, and often a deep connection to, patients affected physicians in various ways. Most of these effects were rewarding: feelings of connection, trust, curiosity, enhanced professional competence (diagnostically and therapeutically), personal growth, and being cared for and respected. Some, however, were distressing: anxiety, grief, frustration, boundary issues, and negative effects on personal life. Family physicians experience myriad emotions connected with providing care to patients. Knowledge of what physicians find rewarding from their long-term connections with patients, and of the difficulties that arise, might be useful in further understanding interpersonal continuity of care and the therapeutic relationship, and in informing resident education about developing therapeutic relationships, evaluating resident educational experiences with continuity of care, and addressing physician burnout.

Emotional effects of continuity of care on family physicians and the therapeutic relationship

PubMed Central

Schultz, Karen; Delva, Dianne; Kerr, Jonathan

2012-01-01

Abstract Objective To explore conceptions of continuity of care among family physicians in traditional practices, family medicine–trained physicians working in episodic care, and family medicine residents to better understand the emotional effects on physicians of establishing long-term relationships with patients as a starting point for developing a tool to measure the qualitative connections between physicians and their patients. Design Qualitative descriptive study using focus groups. Setting Traditional family practice, family medicine residency training, and episodic-care settings in Kingston, Ont. Participants Three groups of first-year family medicine residents (n = 18), 2 groups of family physicians in established traditional practice (n = 9), and 2 groups of family physicians working in episodic-care settings (n = 10). Methods Using focus groups, a semistructured discussion guide, and a phenomenologic approach, we explored residents’ and practising physicians’ conceptions about continuity of care, predominantly exploring the emotional effects on physicians of providing care for a group of patients over time. Main findings Providing care for patients over time and developing a deep knowledge of, and often a deep connection to, patients affected physicians in various ways. Most of these effects were rewarding: feelings of connection, trust, curiosity, enhanced professional competence (diagnostically and therapeutically), personal growth, and being cared for and respected. Some, however, were distressing: anxiety, grief, frustration, boundary issues, and negative effects on personal life. Conclusion Family physicians experience myriad emotions connected with providing care to patients. Knowledge of what physicians find rewarding from their long-term connections with patients, and of the difficulties that arise, might be useful in further understanding interpersonal continuity of care and the therapeutic relationship, and in informing resident education about developing therapeutic relationships, evaluating resident educational experiences with continuity of care, and addressing physician burnout. PMID:22337743

To discuss illicit nuclear trafficking

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

Balatsky, Galya I; Severe, William R; Wallace, Richard K

2010-01-01

The Illicit nuclear trafficking panel was conducted at the 4th Annual INMM workshop on Reducing the Risk from Radioactive and Nuclear Materials on February 2-3, 2010 in Washington DC. While the workshop occurred prior to the Nuclear Security Summit, April 12-13 2010 in Washington DC, some of the summit issues were raised during the workshop. The Communique of the Washington Nuclear Security Summit stated that 'Nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security, and strong nuclear security measures are the most effective means to prevent terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials.' Themore » Illicit Trafficking panel is one means to strengthen nuclear security and cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. Such a panel promotes nuclear security culture through technology development, human resources development, education and training. It is a tool which stresses the importance of international cooperation and coordination of assistance to improve efforts to prevent and respond to incidents of illicit nuclear trafficking. Illicit trafficking panel included representatives from US government, an international organization (IAEA), private industry and a non-governmental organization to discuss illicit nuclear trafficking issues. The focus of discussions was on best practices and challenges for addressing illicit nuclear trafficking. Terrorism connection. Workshop discussions pointed out the identification of terrorist connections with several trafficking incidents. Several trafficking cases involved real buyers (as opposed to undercover law enforcement agents) and there have been reports identifying individuals associated with terrorist organizations as prospective plutonium buyers. Some specific groups have been identified that consistently search for materials to buy on the black market, but no criminal groups were identified that specialize in nuclear materials or isotope smuggling. In most cases, sellers do not find legitimate buyers; however, there have been specific cases where sellers did find actual terrorist group representatives. There appears to be a connection between terrorist groups engaged in trafficking conventional arms and explosives components that are also looking for both nuclear materials and radioisotopes. Sale opportunities may create additional demand for such materials. As we can observe from Figure 1, many cases in the mid-90s involved kilogram quantities of material. There were smaller amounts of material moved in 2001, 2003 and 2006. While we have seen less trafficking cases involving PujHEU in recent years, the fact that it continues at all is troubling. The trafficking cases can be presented through their life cycle: Diversion of materials leads to Trafficker and then to Terrorist/Proliferator. Most of the information we have in trafficking cases is on the Trafficker. In 16 cases reported by the IAEA, there are 10 prosecutions of the involved trafficker. However, there are no confirmed diversions of material recorded in any of the 18 seizures. Most seizures were sting operations performed by law enforcement or security agents with no actual illicit end-user involved.« less

Neurolinguistics: Structure, Function, and Connectivity in the Bilingual Brain

PubMed Central

Wong, Becky; Yin, Bin; O'Brien, Beth

2016-01-01

Advances in neuroimaging techniques and analytic methods have led to a proliferation of studies investigating the impact of bilingualism on the cognitive and brain systems in humans. Lately, these findings have attracted much interest and debate in the field, leading to a number of recent commentaries and reviews. Here, we contribute to the ongoing discussion by compiling and interpreting the plethora of findings that relate to the structural, functional, and connective changes in the brain that ensue from bilingualism. In doing so, we integrate theoretical models and empirical findings from linguistics, cognitive/developmental psychology, and neuroscience to examine the following issues: (1) whether the language neural network is different for first (dominant) versus second (nondominant) language processing; (2) the effects of bilinguals' executive functioning on the structure and function of the “universal” language neural network; (3) the differential effects of bilingualism on phonological, lexical-semantic, and syntactic aspects of language processing on the brain; and (4) the effects of age of acquisition and proficiency of the user's second language in the bilingual brain, and how these have implications for future research in neurolinguistics. PMID:26881224

Co-activation patterns in resting-state fMRI signals.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao; Zhang, Nanyin; Chang, Catie; Duyn, Jeff H

2018-02-08

The brain is a complex system that integrates and processes information across multiple time scales by dynamically coordinating activities over brain regions and circuits. Correlations in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) signals have been widely used to infer functional connectivity of the brain, providing a metric of functional associations that reflects a temporal average over an entire scan (typically several minutes or longer). Not until recently was the study of dynamic brain interactions at much shorter time scales (seconds to minutes) considered for inference of functional connectivity. One method proposed for this objective seeks to identify and extract recurring co-activation patterns (CAPs) that represent instantaneous brain configurations at single time points. Here, we review the development and recent advancement of CAP methodology and other closely related approaches, as well as their applications and associated findings. We also discuss the potential neural origins and behavioral relevance of CAPs, along with methodological issues and future research directions in the analysis of fMRI co-activation patterns. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recommendations from Transgender Healthcare Consumers in Rural Areas

PubMed Central

Knutson, Douglas; Martyr, Meredith A.; Mitchell, Travis A.; Arthur, Tori; Koch, Julie M.

2018-01-01

Abstract Purpose: Scholars indicate that rates of mental and physical health issues (e.g., substance use, anxiety, depression) may be much higher among transgender individuals relative to the general population. This disparity may be even greater for transgender individuals in rural areas. Clinical researchers suggest using affirmative therapeutic approaches and interventions to address the health concerns of transgender individuals, specifically to connect individuals with the transgender community. However, little is known about the content of information that is shared in transgender communities in rural areas. Method: For this qualitative study, researchers asked transgender individuals in rural areas (n=10) what recommendations they would offer to other transgender individuals in rural areas regarding healthcare access. Results: Results were organized into four domains: Access care, Quality control, Difficulties, and Mentorship. Within these domains, we identified 11 sub-domains: Get physical healthcare, Get mental healthcare, Provider search, Provider vetting, Treatment verification, It will be difficult, Know who you are, Believe in yourself, Move, Connect to community, and Other. Conclusions: We discuss implications of our findings for healthcare provision in rural areas, and we provide recommendations for future research.

Facilitating Student Connections to Judith Ortiz Cofer's "The Line of the Sun" and Esmeralda Santiago's "Almost a Woman."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agosto, Denise E.

2002-01-01

Notes that both texts tell the story of a young Puerto Rican girl who moves to the mainland United States. Discuss methods for facilitating personal connections. Offers suggested discussion questions and essay topics in relation to each major theme discussed. Concludes that these two texts are also ideal vehicles for introducing Puerto Rican…

Long-Distance Connection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clift, Kate

2010-01-01

Transient populations, cultural diversity, language barriers, competing loyalties, and geographic separation are just some of the challenges international schools face in communicating and connecting with their alumni. And these issues are not going to get any easier as the sector grows. Communicating effectively with large, diverse groups of…

Turning the Instruction over: How to Invite Engagement through Community Connection and Civic Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pate, Joseph A.; Tobias, Toby; Johnson, Corey W.; Powell, Gwynn

2012-01-01

The Critical Issues Investigation combines experiential education philosophy with service-learning methods to situate a section of a course in both personal and professional development utilizing active and engaged citizenship for college age students. Through the use of the National Issues Forum materials, critical issues facing a variety of…

Exploring Important Issues through Keypal Connections: South Africa and the USA.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eastmond, Nick; Lester, Olivia

2001-01-01

Focuses on a class at Utah State University on race and communication issues in the United States and the New South Africa, which included an "email pen pal" correspondence. Highlights include: setting the stage; analysis and results; race and communication issues; economic and social conditions in South Africa; white privilege; pride in…

Top-Ten IT Issues, 2013: Welcome to the Connected Age

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grajek, Susan

2013-01-01

The EDUCAUSE IT Issues Panel has identified its annual top-ten IT issues for higher education, as follows: (1) Leveraging the wireless and device explosion on campus; (2) Improving student outcomes through an approach that leverages technology; (3) Developing an institution-wide cloud strategy to help the institution select the right sourcing and…

Focus on Basics: Connecting Research & Practice. Volume 8, Issue D

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garner, Barbara, Ed.

2007-01-01

Learning disabilities is the theme of the latest issue of "Focus on Basics," the World Education publication that brings together research, policy, and practice in adult basic education. Starting with an update on research on neurobiology and dyslexia, this issue also examines how the adult basic education system supports students with…

Taking it Personally: Using Literature To Stimulate and Sustain Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barkley, Mary

Literature can bring meaning to student research. When students read they develop connections to characters. They care; they empathize; they recognize the issues that face characters' lives, and they develop beliefs about those issues. Students' new feelings and beliefs motivate them to conduct research related to those issues and sustain them…

Connections 2014: Taking Stock of the Civic Arena. Annual Newsletter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilmore, Melinda, Ed.; Holwerk, David, Ed.

2014-01-01

Each issue of this annual newsletter focuses on a particular area of the Kettering Foundation's research. The 2014 issue focuses on taking stock of the civic arena, which includes organized projects in civic renewal, civic engagement, civic education, and civic capacity building in communities. This issue contains the following articles that…

Assessing the Security of Connected Diabetes Devices.

PubMed

Out, Dirk-Jan; Tettero, Olaf

2017-03-01

This article discusses the assessment of the (cyber)security of wirelessly connected diabetes devices under the DTSEC standard. We discuss the relation between diabetes devices and hackers, provide an overview of the DTSEC standard, and describe the process of security assessment of diabetes devices.

Fault-tolerant onboard digital information switching and routing for communications satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shalkhauser, Mary JO; Quintana, Jorge A.; Soni, Nitin J.; Kim, Heechul

1993-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center is developing an information-switching processor for future meshed very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) communications satellites. The information-switching processor will switch and route baseband user data onboard the VSAT satellite to connect thousands of Earth terminals. Fault tolerance is a critical issue in developing information-switching processor circuitry that will provide and maintain reliable communications services. In parallel with the conceptual development of the meshed VSAT satellite network architecture, NASA designed and built a simple test bed for developing and demonstrating baseband switch architectures and fault-tolerance techniques. The meshed VSAT architecture and the switching demonstration test bed are described, and the initial switching architecture and the fault-tolerance techniques that were developed and tested are discussed.

Statistical properties of exciton fine structure splitting and polarization angles in quantum dot ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Ming; Hofer, B.; Zallo, E.; Trotta, R.; Luo, Jun-Wei; Schmidt, O. G.; Zhang, Chuanwei

2014-05-01

We develop an effective model to describe the statistical properties of exciton fine structure splitting (FSS) and polarization angle in quantum dot ensembles (QDEs) using only a few symmetry-related parameters. The connection between the effective model and the random matrix theory is established. Such effective model is verified both theoretically and experimentally using several rather different types of QDEs, each of which contains hundreds to thousands of QDs. The model naturally addresses three fundamental issues regarding the FSS and polarization angels of QDEs, which are frequently encountered in both theories and experiments. The answers to these fundamental questions yield an approach to characterize the optical properties of QDEs. Potential applications of the effective model are also discussed.

The Ecology of Seamounts: Structure, Function, and Human Impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Malcolm R.; Rowden, Ashley A.; Schlacher, Thomas; Williams, Alan; Consalvey, Mireille; Stocks, Karen I.; Rogers, Alex D.; O'Hara, Timothy D.; White, Martin; Shank, Timothy M.; Hall-Spencer, Jason M.

2010-01-01

In this review of seamount ecology, we address a number of key scientific issues concerning the structure and function of benthic communities, human impacts, and seamount management and conservation. We consider whether community composition and diversity differ between seamounts and continental slopes, how important dispersal capabilities are in seamount connectivity, what environmental factors drive species composition and diversity, whether seamounts are centers of enhanced biological productivity, and whether they have unique trophic architecture. We discuss how vulnerable seamount communities are to fishing and mining, and how we can balance exploitation of resources and conservation of habitat. Despite considerable advances in recent years, there remain many questions about seamount ecosystems that need closer integration of molecular, oceanographic, and ecological research.

'Hot particles' in the cold light of day: principles for a stakeholder and public engagement architecture relating to historic liabilities in the marine environment.

PubMed

Wylie, Rick

2007-09-01

This paper discusses issues in stakeholder relations, focusing on the challenges of liabilities management associated with small fragments of irradiated nuclear fuel hereafter termed particles (and sometimes termed 'hot particles' in the public domain, from which this paper gets its title), produced over a number of decades from now ceased operations at Dounreay. It describes key problems confronting the nuclear industry in developing a stakeholder-relations strategy. Drawing upon examples of the stakeholder activity at Dounreay, and using an ecological metaphor, an innovative architecture for stakeholder engagement relating to nuclear issues is outlined. This is based upon the view that the solution of the stakeholder issue must reflect the complexity and connectivity of influences and interests within the stakeholder environment. It is argued that the lay public should be visualised as the stakeholder if an effective stakeholder-relations strategy is to be achieved. The importance of creating trust in a context of scientific uncertainty is highlighted. This will, it is argued, become an increasingly salient issue in the thrust for openness and transparency, two key drivers of nuclear industry public and stakeholder relations, which could make the limits of scientific knowledge and control more widely appreciated, and bring to the fore the role of lay conceptions of perceived risk.

Connections: All Issues

Science.gov Websites

; Getting ready for the Northern New Mexico RoboRAVE on March 7; Today's tuberculosis; Lab supercomputer Innovation in New Mexico Los Alamos Collaboration for Explosives Detection (LACED) SensorNexus Exascale training program; Fighting tuberculosis with better diagnostics; Santa Fe's Fiesta Queen... Connections

Development of design specifications, details and design criteria for traffic light poles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-09-01

Current rules and fabrication methods employed in the design of traffic light poles do not adequately address fatigue and fracture issues associated with the connection of mast arms to the vertical poles and the connection of the poles to the foundat...

Evaluation of Geese Theatre's Re-Connect program: addressing resettlement issues in prison.

PubMed

Harkins, Leigh; Pritchard, Cecilia; Haskayne, Donna; Watson, Andy; Beech, Anthony R

2011-06-01

This study examined the impact of Geese Theatre's Re-Connect program on a sample of offenders who attended it. This program used theatre performance, experiential exercises, skills practice role-plays, and metaphors such as the masks to invite a group of offenders to consider and explore issues connected with their release and reconnecting with a life outside prison. Pre- and postprogram psychometric tests, behavior ratings, and interviews were completed to assess the effectiveness of the program. Significant changes were observed from pre- to posttreatment in terms of self-efficacy, motivation to change, and improved confidence in skills (i.e., social and friendship, occupational, family and intimacy, dealing with authority, alternatives to aggression or offending, and self-management and self-control skills). Improved behavior and engagement within the program was observed over the 3 days of the program. Interviews also revealed the positive impact the program had on the participants. This provides evidence supporting the short-term effectiveness of the Re-Connect program.

Assessing the Security of Connected Diabetes Devices

PubMed Central

Out, Dirk-Jan; Tettero, Olaf

2017-01-01

This article discusses the assessment of the (cyber)security of wirelessly connected diabetes devices under the DTSEC standard. We discuss the relation between diabetes devices and hackers, provide an overview of the DTSEC standard, and describe the process of security assessment of diabetes devices. PMID:28264190

Multicultural Environmental Education--Making Connections.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaughan, Sharon

1996-01-01

Discusses Raptors Connecting Cultures (RCC), a multicultural environmental education program for Latino students. The RCC Program attempted to make connections between local ecology in eastern Pennsylvania and the students' home countries using the concept of migration as a link. Encourages the inclusion of contributions and connections from…

Instructor Debrief Training in SPOT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Lynne; Orasanu, Judith; Villeda, Eric; Conners, Mary M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

One way to enhance the effectiveness of Special Purpose Operational Training' (SPOT) debriefing sessions may be for instructors to make explicit connections between the Crew Resource Management (CRM) concepts a carrier advocates and the behaviors displayed by the crew in question. A tool listing key behaviors from the scenario was devised, accompanied by an instructors' training session in which links were made between the behaviors and the underlying CRM processes they reflect. The aim of the tool is to assist instructors to focus the debriefing on the key SPOT/ CRM issues, in this case on planning. A second tool suggested ways to facilitate the discussion. Fourteen instructors at a major U.S. carrier took part in the training session and used the toolkit in their subsequent debriefs. Pre- and post-training debriefing samples from each instructor were compared to assess whether there were any changes in instructors' approaches to discussions in terms of the topics they covered and how they raised the points.

Multi-finger Prehension: An overview

PubMed Central

Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M.; Latash, Mark L.

2009-01-01

This paper reviews the available experimental evidence on what people do when they grasp an object with several digits and then manipulate it. In addition to the Introduction, the paper includes three parts each addressing a specific aspect of multi-finger prehension. Part II discusses manipulation forces, i.e. the resultant force and moment of force exerted on the object, and the digits contribution to such force production. Part III deals with internal forces defined as forces that cancel each other and do not disturb object equilibrium. The role of the internal forces in maintaining the object stability is discussed with respect to such issues as slip prevention, tilt prevention and resistance to perturbations. Part IV is devoted to the motor control of prehension. It covers such topics as prehension synergies, chain effects, the principle of superposition, inter-finger connection matrices and reconstruction of neural commands, mechanical advantage of the fingers, and the simultaneous digit adjustment to several mutually reinforcing or conflicting demands. PMID:18782719

From species ethics to social concerns: Habermas's critique of "liberal eugenics" evaluated.

PubMed

Árnason, Vilhjálmur

2014-10-01

Three arguments of Habermas against "liberal eugenics" -- the arguments from consent, responsibility, and instrumentalization -- are critically evaluated and explicated in the light of his discourse ethics and social theory. It is argued that these arguments move partly at a too deep level and are in part too individualistic and psychological to sufficiently counter the liberal position that he sets out to criticize. This is also due to limitations that prevent discourse ethics from connecting effectively to the moral and political domains, e.g., through a discussion of justice. In spite of these weaknesses, Habermas's thesis is of major relevance and brings up neglected issues in the discussion about eugenic reproductive practices. This relevance has not been duly recognized in bioethics, largely because of the depth of his speculations of philosophical anthropology. It is argued that Habermas's notion of the colonization of the lifeworld could provide the analytical tool needed to build that bridge to the moral and political domain.

The Interstellar Vision: Principles and Practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilster, P. A.

The ambitious title of the 100 Year Starship study will resonate with the public, a fact that requires the recipient of the DARPA grant to use communicators who can follow a careful strategy as they bring this vision to the Internet and other outlets. It will be necessary to spur public engagement and sustain the `buzz' that will help the organization develop its ideas. This paper examines these issues in the context of the author's long involvement with Centauri Dreams, a Web site devoted to presenting interstellar flight to a broad, general audience. Central to the presentation of the starship idea is the advocacy of long-term thinking and the value of spin-off research by placing the goal of a starship in the context of other human activities that have transcended the lifetime of individual participants. Teaching cross-generational responsibility will invoke issues of history, economics and philosophy in addition to the technology issues raised by a journey of this magnitude. The best communicators for this role will be generalists who can connect such widely dispersed disciplines. Key to the study is the development of a Web presence that uses the Internet with caution. Certain Internet myths including `the wisdom of crowds' and resistance to top-down editing will compromise the project. The benefits and drawbacks of social networking will be discussed in this context. A strong editorial voice willing to cull public responses to maintain high standards in the resulting discussions is essential. Furthermore, a high standard of reporting demands the presentation of research without associated hype and a level of discourse that educates but does not patronize its audience. Careful citation of relevant research and a willingness to set the bar of discussion high will result in feedback from researchers and the public that, with the help of strenuous moderation, will build a database of thirdparty ideas that will engage interest and add materially to the value of the overall research.

Weakly connected neural nets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

1990-01-01

A new neural network architecture is proposed based upon effects of non-Lipschitzian dynamics. The network is fully connected, but these connections are active only during vanishingly short time periods. The advantages of this architecture are discussed.

Sustainable Telemedicine: Designing and Building Infrastructure to Support a Comprehensive Telemedicine Practice.

PubMed

Kreofsky, Beth L H; Blegen, R Nicole; Lokken, Troy G; Kapraun, Susan M; Bushman, Matthew S; Demaerschalk, Bart M

2018-04-16

Telemedicine services in medical institutions are often developed in isolation of one another and not as part of a comprehensive telemedicine program. The Center for Connected Care is the administrative home for a broad range of telehealth services at Mayo Clinic. This article speaks of real-time video services, referenced as telemedicine throughout. This article discusses how a large healthcare system designed and built the infrastructure to support a comprehensive telemedicine practice. Based on analysis of existing services, Mayo Clinic developed a multifaceted operational plan that addressed high-priority areas and outlined clear roles and responsibilities of the Center for Connected Care and that of the clinical departments. The plan set priorities and a direction that would lead to long-term success. The plan articulated the governing and operational infrastructure necessary to support telemedicine by defining the role of the Center for Connected Care as the owner of core administrative operations and the role of the clinical departments as the owners of clinical telemedicine services. Additional opportunities were identified to develop product selection processes, implementation services, and staffing models that would be applied to ensure successful telemedicine deployment. The telemedicine team within the Center for Connected Care completed 45 business cases resulting in 54 implementations. The standardization of core products along with key operational offerings around implementation services, and the establishment of a 24/7 support model resulted in improved provider satisfaction and fewer reported technical issues. The foundation for long-term scalability and growth was developed by centralizing operations of telemedicine services, implementing sustainable processes, employing dedicated qualified personnel, and deploying robust products.

Strategic Challenges during Changing Times: A Prioritized Research Program, 1994

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-01

and planning. 14, SUBJECT T[RMS 15 NUMBER OF PAGES strategic assessments; domestic and global issues and 5 trends; peace operations; political...1994 or which, for a variety of reasons, will riot be published. 3 SECTION I TRANSREGIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS Regional Challenges, Global Issues . When...but global issues . Global security issues derive from three forms of connectivity. The first is economic. Today, there is truly a world economy. Markets

Putting on a Green Carnival: Youth Taking Educated Action on Socioscientific Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birmingham, Daniel; Barton, Angela Calabrese

2014-01-01

Socioscientific issues in connection to energy production, use or influence on climate change continue to be at the forefront of local, national, and global debates. The pressing nature of these issues requires citizens not only to understand relevant disciplinary knowledge but also to have the ability to use that knowledge to take action. This…

Connections 2015: Our History: Journeys in KF Research. Annual Newsletter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilmore, Melinda, Ed.; Holwerk, David, Ed.

2015-01-01

Each issue of this annual newsletter focuses on a particular area of Kettering's research. The 2015 issue focuses on a yearlong review of Kettering's research over time. This issue contains the following articles that address this review: (1) How Kettering Discovered Democracy (David Mathews); (2) Key Events in KF History (Collette McDonough); (3)…

The Role of Gender Consciousness in Challenging Patriarchy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bierema, Laura L.

2003-01-01

In an action research project, eight women explored their development of gender consciousness, finding that a hidden curriculum taught subordination to the patriarchal system. Connected learning fostered gender consciousness and led to connected action. Action included teaching others about gender issues, making the invisible visible, and adopting…

20 CFR 295.6 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... divorce, dissolution, annulment or legal separation, or otherwise subjected to the jurisdiction of any... like state process issued in connection with a suit for divorce, dissolution, annulment or legal... information. A response to a request for information to be used in connection with a suit for divorce...

20 CFR 295.6 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... divorce, dissolution, annulment or legal separation, or otherwise subjected to the jurisdiction of any... like state process issued in connection with a suit for divorce, dissolution, annulment or legal... information. A response to a request for information to be used in connection with a suit for divorce...

78 FR 55684 - ConnectED Workshop

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-11

... schools for digital learning. The ConnectED Workshop will discuss the growing bandwidth needs of K-12 schools as more schools use mobile devices to enrich the learning experience; as teachers increasingly... Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program; and the U.S. Department of Education. The meeting will be open...

TASH Connections, 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Priscilla, Ed.

2002-01-01

Seven issues (2002) of this organizational newsletter comprise the document. Issues typically include news items of interest to TASH members, conference information, and articles. Article topics include the following: public policy; book clubs for professional development; principles of sound research; research in support of advocacy; action…

Promoting Lively Literature Discussion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gritter, Kristine

2011-01-01

When students create personal connections with literature during whole-class discussion, they make sense both of text and of their life experiences. In this article, the author shares tips that help students make text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections. She offers classroom examples to illustrate how conversations that encourage…

Causal Connections in Beginning Reading: The Importance of Rhyme.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goswami, Usha

2000-01-01

Discusses the implications of Goswami and Bryant's (1990) theory about important causal connections in reading for classroom teaching, and reviews more recent "rhyme and analogy" research within this framework. Discusses new research on the nature of the English spelling system and the representation of linguistic knowledge. Emphasizes the…

Commentary on 'interventions for promoting re-integration and reducing harmful behaviour and lifestyles in street-connected children and young people' with a response from the review authors.

PubMed

Christian, Rahila U

2013-07-01

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in the issue of EBCH, first published as: Coren E, Hossain R, Pardo Pardo J, Veras MMS, Chakraborty K, Harris H, Martin AJ. Interventions for promoting re-integration and reducing harmful behaviour and lifestyles in street-connected children and young people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD009823. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009823.pub2. Copyright © 2013 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical experience with a high-performance ATM-connected DICOM archive for cardiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solomon, Harry P.

1997-05-01

A system to archive large image sets, such as cardiac cine runs, with near realtime response must address several functional and performance issues, including efficient use of a high performance network connection with standard protocols, an architecture which effectively integrates both short- and long-term mass storage devices, and a flexible data management policy which allows optimization of image distribution and retrieval strategies based on modality and site-specific operational use. Clinical experience with such as archive has allowed evaluation of these systems issues and refinement of a traffic model for cardiac angiography.

School Library Media Program Connections for Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bookmark, 1991

1991-01-01

The 29 articles in this theme issue of "The Bookmark" focus on various aspects of school library media programs. The articles are as follows: (1) "School Library Media Program Connections for Learning" (Betty J. Morris); (2) "Humanity and Technology in the School of the Future" (Michael V. McGill); (3) "Community…

Mathematics & Economics: Connections for Life, Grades 6-8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoff, Jody; McCorkle, Sarapage; Suiter, Mary; Bettendorf, James; Breidenbach, Lisa; Cornwell, Pamela

This book contains a set of 12 lessons for middle school students that demonstrate how mathematical processes and concepts may be applied to the study of economics and personal finance. Mathematics educators can find lessons connecting mathematics instruction to practical problems and issues that students encounter throughout their life. The…

Making Science Relevant

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eick, Charles; Deutsch, Bill; Fuller, Jennifer; Scott, Fletcher

2008-01-01

Science teachers are always looking for ways to demonstrate the relevance of science to students. By connecting science learning to important societal issues, teachers can motivate students to both enjoy and engage in relevant science (Bennet, Lubben, and Hogarth 2007). To develop that connection, teachers can help students take an active role in…

Connect: An Effective Community-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bean, Gretchen; Baber, Kristine M.

2011-01-01

Youth suicide prevention is an important public health issue. However, few prevention programs are theory driven or systematically evaluated. This study evaluated Connect, a community-based youth suicide prevention program. Analysis of pre and posttraining questionnaires from 648 adults and 204 high school students revealed significant changes in…

Innovative Schools in Michigan. Connect: Making Learning Personal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Page, Stephen F., Ed.

2015-01-01

This second issue of "Connect" highlights innovative teaching as practiced by teachers and administrators in Michigan schools as they seek to provide greater personalization for every student's learning. Nicholas Provenzano and Ben Gilpin give field reports from their schools, which have implemented a version of 20-Time--a concept…

Focus on Basics: Connecting Research & Practice. Volume 9, Issue B

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garner, Barbara, Ed.

2008-01-01

"Focus on Basics" is a publication of the U.S. Division of World Education, Inc. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to connecting research…

Charge and spin in low-dimensional cuprates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maekawa, Sadamichi; Tohyama, Takami

2001-03-01

One of the central issues in the study of high-temperature superconducting cuprates which are composed of two-dimensional (2D) CuO2 planes is whether the 2D systems with strong electron correlation behave as a Fermi liquid or a non-Fermi-liquid-like one-dimensional (1D) system with electron correlation. In this article, we start with the detailed examination of the electronic structure in cuprates and study theoretically the spin and charge dynamics in 1D and 2D cuprates. The theoretical background of spin-charge separation in the 1D model systems including the Hubbard and t-J models is presented. The first direct observation of collective modes of spin and charge excitations in a 1D cuprate, which are called spinons and holons respectively, in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments is reviewed in the light of the theoretical results based on the numerically exact-diagonalization method. The charge and spin dynamics in 1D insulating cuprates is also discussed in connection with the spin-charge separation. The arguments are extended to the 2D cuprates, and the unique aspects of the electronic properties of high-temperature superconductors are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the d-wave-like excitations in insulating 2D cuprates observed in ARPES experiments. We explain how the excitations are caused by the spin-charge separation. The charge stripes observed in the underdoped cuprates are examined in connection with spin-charge separation in real space.

Wykorzystanie walorów turystycznych w procesie edukacji regionalnej na Południowym Podlasiu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boczukowa, Beata

2009-01-01

The article discuses the contribution of the tourism in the development of the regional education. Then the tourist virtues of Southern Podlasie and their use in the didactic and educational process were presented. The role of school in the implementation of the idea of regionalism was justified. It was introduced in the system of Polish education together with the school reform in 1999 as a intersubjective trial, which was called regional education. In the preface there was emphasized the meaning of regionalism in the contemporary world and its close connection with tourism. Using of tourist virtues (such as natural and anthropogenic virtues) in the process of regional education in South Podlasie was discussed. Simultaneously the regional education issue, which is being systematically introduced to nursery schools and other schools of South Podlasie, was exhibited. An important element of the program of the cultural heritage in the region is ecological education. For that reason the importance and results of nature contests and actions for students from primary schools and secondary school of the region was discussed. The author of this article was trying to prove that the essential component of regional education is cultivation of local traditions. These traditions are connected with Podlasie folklore because the culture and folk art in that region have special importance in the local community and contribute to its integration. In conclusion, pedagogical aspects of tourism, especially: shaping of socialization, individuality, creative work, companionship and others, were specified.

Does functional MRI detect activation in white matter? A review of emerging evidence, issues, and future directions

PubMed Central

Gawryluk, Jodie R.; Mazerolle, Erin L.; D'Arcy, Ryan C. N.

2014-01-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive technique that allows for visualization of activated brain regions. Until recently, fMRI studies have focused on gray matter. There are two main reasons white matter fMRI remains controversial: (1) the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI signal depends on cerebral blood flow and volume, which are lower in white matter than gray matter and (2) fMRI signal has been associated with post-synaptic potentials (mainly localized in gray matter) as opposed to action potentials (the primary type of neural activity in white matter). Despite these observations, there is no direct evidence against measuring fMRI activation in white matter and reports of fMRI activation in white matter continue to increase. The questions underlying white matter fMRI activation are important. White matter fMRI activation has the potential to greatly expand the breadth of brain connectivity research, as well as improve the assessment and diagnosis of white matter and connectivity disorders. The current review provides an overview of the motivation to investigate white matter fMRI activation, as well as the published evidence of this phenomenon. We speculate on possible neurophysiologic bases of white matter fMRI signals, and discuss potential explanations for why reports of white matter fMRI activation are relatively scarce. We end with a discussion of future basic and clinical research directions in the study of white matter fMRI. PMID:25152709

Helmholtz's Kant revisited (Once more). The all-pervasive nature of Helmholtz's struggle with Kant's Anschauung.

PubMed

De Kock, Liesbet

2016-04-01

In this analysis, the classical problem of Hermann von Helmholtz's (1821-1894) Kantianism is explored from a particular vantage point, that to my knowledge, has not received the attention it deserves notwithstanding its possible key role in disentangling Helmholtz's relation to Kant's critical project. More particularly, we will focus on Helmholtz's critical engagement with Kant's concept of intuition [Anschauung] and (the related issue of) his dissatisfaction with Kant's doctrinal dualism. In doing so, it soon becomes clear that both (i) crucially mediated Helmholtz's idiosyncratic appropriation and criticism of (certain aspects of) Kant's critical project, and (ii) can be considered as a common denominator in a variety of issues that are usually addressed separately under the general header of (the problem of) Helmholtz's Kantianism. The perspective offered in this analysis can not only shed interesting new light on some interpretive issues that have become commonplace in discussions on Helmholtz's Kantianism, but also offers a particular way of connecting seemingly unrelated dimensions of Helmholtz's engagement with Kant's critical project (e.g. Helmholtz's views on causality and space). Furthermore, it amounts to the rather surprising conclusion that Helmholtz's most drastic revision of Kant's project pertains to his assumption of free will as a formal condition of experience and knowledge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of an online support group for neuromuscular disorders: a thematic analysis of message postings.

PubMed

Meade, Oonagh; Buchanan, Heather; Coulson, Neil

2017-06-08

People affected by neuromuscular disorders can experience adverse psychosocial consequences and difficulties accessing information and support. Online support groups provide new opportunities for peer support. The aim of this study was to understand how contributors used the message board function of a newly available neuromuscular disorders online support group. Message postings (n = 1951) from the first five months of the message board of a newly formed online support group for neuromuscular disorders hosted by a charitable organization were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Members created a sense of community through disclosing personal information, connecting with people with similar illness experiences or interests, welcoming others and sharing aspirations for the development of a resourceful community. Experiences, emotional reactions and support were shared in relation to: delayed diagnosis; symptom interpretation; illness management and progression; the isolating impact of rare disorders; and the influence of social and political factors on illness experiences. This study provided a novel insight into individuals' experiences of accessing a newly available online support group for rare conditions hosted by a charitable organization. The findings highlight how the online support group provided an important peer support environment for members to connect with others, exchange information and support and engender discussion on political and social issues unique to living with often-rare neuromuscular disorders. Online support groups may therefore provide an important and easily accessible support outlet for people with neuromuscular disorders as well as a platform for empowering members to raise awareness about the impact of living with these conditions. Further research is needed to examine member motivations for using such groups and any effects of participation in greater detail. Implications for rehabilitation Online support groups may provide a unique forum for information sharing and peer support between people affected by often rare, neuromuscular conditions. Rehabilitation professionals may wish to signpost those affected by neuromuscular disorders to such groups. An advantage is that these groups are freely available and can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. Members may be able to learn about the diagnosis and symptom experiences of others, discuss coping strategies, validate illness experiences and discuss social and political issues relating to living with these conditions. Further research is needed before researchers and clinicians can fully understand participants' motivations for, and experiences of, using such groups and any potential psychosocial benefits.

TASH Connections, 2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Priscilla, Ed.

2001-01-01

Seven 2001 issues of the newsletter of TASH, formerly The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, comprise this document. Each issue typically contains news items, a column by the organization's executive director, reports from special interest groups, legislative testimony, conference information, and several major articles relating to…

STS, symmetry and post-truth.

PubMed

Lynch, Michael

2017-08-01

This essay takes up a series of questions about the connection between 'symmetry' in Science and Technology Studies (STS) and 'post-truth' in contemporary politics. A recent editorial in this journal by Sergio Sismondo argues that current discussions of 'post-truth' have little to do with conceptions of 'symmetry' or with concerns about 'epistemic democracy' in STS, while others, such as Steve Fuller and Harry Collins, insist that there are such connections. The present essay discusses a series of questions about the meaning of 'post-truth' and 'symmetry', and the connections of those concepts to each other and to 'epistemic democracy'. The essay ends with a series of other questions about STS and contemporary politics, and an invitation to further discussions.

Smart Inverter Control and Operation for Distributed Energy Resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tazay, Ahmad F.

The motivation of this research is to carry out the control and operation of smart inverters and voltage source converters (VSC) for distributed energy resources (DERs) such as photovoltaic (PV), battery, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The main contribution of the research includes solving a couple of issues for smart grids by controlling and implementing multifunctions of VSC and smart inverter as well as improving the operational scheme of the microgrid. The work is mainly focused on controlling and operating of smart inverter since it promises a new technology for the future microgrid. Two major applications of the smart inverter will be investigated in this work based on the connection modes: microgrid at grid-tied mode and autonomous mode. In grid-tied connection, the smart inverter and VSC are used to integrate DER such as Photovoltaic (PV) and battery to provide suitable power to the system by controlling the supplied real and reactive power. The role of a smart inverter at autonomous mode includes supplying a sufficient voltage and frequency, mitigate abnormal condition of the load as well as equally sharing the total load's power. However, the operational control of the microgrid still has a major issue on the operation of the microgrid. The dissertation is divided into two main sections which are: 1. Low-level control of a single smart Inverter. 2. High-level control of the microgrid. The first part investigates a comprehensive research for a smart inverter and VSC technology at the two major connections of the microgrid. This involves controlling and modeling single smart inverter and VSC to solve specific issues of microgrid as well as improve the operation of the system. The research provides developed features for smart inverter comparing with a conventional voltage sourced converter (VSC). The two main connections for a microgrid have been deeply investigated to analyze a better way to develop and improve the operational procedure of the microgrid as well as solve specific issues of connecting the microgrid to the system. A detailed procedure for controlling VSC and designing an optimal operation of the controller is also covered in the first part of the dissertation. This section provides an optimal operation for controlling motor drive and demonstrates issues when motor load exists at an autonomous microgrid. It also provides a solution for specific issues at operating a microgrid at autonomous mode as well as improving the structural design for the grid-tied microgrid. The solution for autonomous microgrid includes changing the operational state of the switching pattern of the smart inverter to solve the issue of a common mode voltage (CMV) that appears across the motor load. It also solves the issue of power supplying to large loads, such as induction motors. The last section of the low-level section involves an improvement of the performance and operation of the PV charging station for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at grid-tied mode. This section provides a novel structure and smart controller for PV charging station using three-phase hybrid boost converter topology. It also provides a form of applications of a multifunction smart inverter using PV charging station. The second part of the research is focusing on improving the performance of the microgrid by integrating several smart inverters to form a microgrid. It investigates the issue of connecting DER units with the microgrid at real applications. One of the common issues of the microgrid is the circulating current which is caused by poor reactive power sharing accuracy. When more than two DER units are connected in parallel, a microgrid is forming be generating required power for the load. When the microgrid is operated at autonomous mode, all DER units participate in generating voltage and frequency as well as share the load's power. This section provides a smart and novel controlling technique to solve the issue of unequal power sharing. The feature of the smart inverter is realized by the communication link between smart inverters and the main operator. The analysis and derivation of the problem are presented in this section. The dissertation has led to two accepted conference papers, one accepted transaction IEEE manuscript, and one submitted IET transaction manuscript. The future work aims to improve the current work by investigating the performance of the smart inverter at real applications.

The Reliability of Neurons

PubMed Central

Bullock, Theodore Holmes

1970-01-01

The prevalent probabilistic view is virtually untestable; it remains a plausible belief. The cases usually cited can not be taken as evidence for it. Several grounds for this conclusion are developed. Three issues are distinguished in an attempt to clarify a murky debate: (a) the utility of probabilistic methods in data reduction, (b) the value of models that assume indeterminacy, and (c) the validity of the inference that the nervous system is largely indeterministic at the neuronal level. No exception is taken to the first two; the second is a private heuristic question. The third is the issue to which the assertion in the first two sentences is addressed. Of the two kinds of uncertainty, statistical mechanical (= practical unpredictability) as in a gas, and Heisenbergian indeterminancy, the first certainly exists, the second is moot at the neuronal level. It would contribute to discussion to recognize that neurons perform with a degree of reliability. Although unreliability is difficult to establish, to say nothing of measure, evidence that some neurons have a high degree of reliability, in both connections and activity is increasing greatly. An example is given from sternarchine electric fish. PMID:5462670

SYNAPSE, Symposium for Young Neuroscientists and Professors of the Southeast: A One-day, Regional Neuroscience Meeting Focusing on Undergraduate Research

PubMed Central

Hurd, Mark W.; Lom, Barbara; Silver, Wayne L.

2011-01-01

The Symposium for Young Neuroscientists and Professors of the Southeast (SYNAPSE; synapse.cofc.edu) was designed to encourage contacts among faculty and students interested in neuroscience. Since its inception in 2003, the SYNAPSE conference has consistently drawn faculty and undergraduate interest from the region. This unique meeting provides undergraduates with a valuable opportunity for neuroscience education; students interact with noted neuroscience faculty, present research results, obtain feedback from neuroscientists at other institutions, and form connections with other neuroscientists in the region. Additionally, SYNAPSE allows undergraduate students and faculty to attend workshops and panel discussions about issues related to professional skills and career options. The SYNAPSE conference currently travels among host institutions in the southeastern United States in two-year cycles. This article briefly describes the genesis of SYNAPSE and reviews SYNAPSE conferences from 2006 through 2010. The goal of this paper is to highlight key issues organizers have experienced launching, sustaining, and hosting this regional undergraduate neuroscience conference as well as assist faculty to develop similar conferences. PMID:23493950

Becoming the Citizen Scientist: Opportunities and Challenges in Science Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosler, T. L.

2007-03-01

The methodologies, creativity and intellectual capacity of today's physicists are becoming more and more relevant in the world of policy and politics. Some issues such as climate change, alternative energy and avian influenza clearly reveal the relevance of scientific knowledge and research in policy. However, the connection between science and issues such as electronic voting, government earmarks and international cooperation are not as obvious, but the role of scientists in these topics and their effects on science itself are critical. As the world becomes increasingly technological and global, the need for the involvement of scientists in the political process grows. The traditional scientific training of physicists emphasizes intense scrutiny of specific physical phenomena in the natural world but often misses the opportunity to utilize trained scientific minds on some of society's greatest problems. I will discuss the many ways in which scientists can contribute to society far beyond the academic community and the unique opportunities science policy work offers to the socially conscious scientist or even those just looking to get more grant money.

Ethical Issues in Addressing Social Media Posts About Suicidal Intentions During an Online Study Among Youth: Case Study.

PubMed

Young, Sean D; Garett, Renee

2018-05-03

Due to the popularity of social media, researchers are increasingly conducting studies that monitor and analyze people's health-related social media conversations. Because social media users can post about any topic at any time, no known best ethical practices exist as to whether and how to monitor participants' posts for safety-related issues that might be unrelated to the study, such as expressions of suicidal intentions. This is a case study during a social media-based study on sleep and activity among freshman undergraduate students, where we by chance noticed that a student was using social media to express suicidal intentions. Although we connected the student to student psychological services in order to receive treatment, we encountered a number of barriers that initially prevented this from occurring, such as institutional review board and regulatory practices related to lack of experience with these newer types of studies. We discuss the implications of this experience for future research. ©Sean D Young, Renee Garett. Originally published in JMIR Mental Health (http://mental.jmir.org), 03.05.2018.

Antisocial Personality Disorder in Older Adults: A Critical Review.

PubMed

Holzer, Katherine J; Vaughn, Michael G

2017-11-01

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has enormous negative impacts on the affected individuals, their loved ones, and society. This burden is intensified by the social and functional changes related to age. The lower prevalence of ASPD in older adults compared to younger adults is well-documented. This discrepancy, often attributed solely to antisocial "burnout," contributes to the lack of attention given to this disorder in older adults and may signify difficulty measuring ASPD in this population. These measurement issues likely stem from problems with the validity of the diagnostic criteria for older adults which may not effectively capture changes that occur with age. This review focuses on the current literature surrounding the validity of ASPD criteria with older adults and relevant concepts, including the connection between criminality and ASPD. Issues with screening tools and the measurement of ASPD caused by problems with the criteria are also discussed. Finally, recommendations for improvement, including use of dimensional models of personality disorders, a potential geriatric subclassification of criteria, and modification of the existing criteria are presented with clinical implications and suggestions for future research.

Think globally, research locally: paradigms and place in agroecological research.

PubMed

Reynolds, Heather L; Smith, Alex A; Farmer, James R

2014-10-01

Conducting science for practical ends implicates scientists, whether they wish it or not, as agents in social-ecological systems, raising ethical, economic, environmental, and political issues. Considering these issues helps scientists to increase the relevance and sustainability of research outcomes. As we rise to the worthy call to connect basic research with food production, scientists have the opportunity to evaluate alternative food production paradigms and consider how our research funds and efforts are best employed. In this contribution, we review some of the problems produced by science conducted in service of industrial agriculture and its associated economic growth paradigm. We discuss whether the new concept of "ecological intensification" can rescue the industrial agriculture/growth paradigm and present an emerging alternative paradigm of decentralized, localized, biodiversity-promoting agriculture for a steady-state economy. This "custom fit" agriculture engages constructively with complex and highly localized ecosystems, and we draw from examples of published work to demonstrate how ecologists can contribute by using approaches that acknowledge local agricultural practices and draw on community participation. © 2014 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Progression in Complexity: Contextualizing Sustainable Marine Resources Management in a 10th Grade Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravo-Torija, Beatriz; Jiménez-Aleixandre, María-Pilar

2012-01-01

Sustainable management of marine resources raises great challenges. Working with this socio-scientific issue in the classroom requires students to apply complex models about energy flow and trophic pyramids in order to understand that food chains represent transfer of energy, to construct meanings for sustainable resources management through discourse, and to connect them to actions and decisions in a real-life context. In this paper we examine the process of elaboration of plans for resources management in a marine ecosystem by 10th grade students (15-16 year) in the context of solving an authentic task. A complete class ( N = 14) worked in a sequence about ecosystems. Working in small groups, the students made models of energy flow and trophic pyramids, and used them to solve the problem of feeding a small community for a long time. Data collection included videotaping and audiotaping of all of the sessions, and collecting the students' written productions. The research objective is to examine the process of designing a plan for sustainable resources management in terms of the discursive moves of the students across stages in contextualizing practices, or different degrees of complexity (Jiménez-Aleixandre & Reigosa International Journal of Science Education, 14(1): 51-61 2006), understood as transformations from theoretical statements to decisions about the plan. The analysis of students' discursive moves shows how the groups progressed through stages of connecting different models, between them and with the context, in order to solve the task. The challenges related to taking this sustainability issue to the classroom are discussed.

Neuropsychologists as primary care providers of cognitive health: A novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model.

PubMed

Pimental, Patricia A; O'Hara, John B; Jandak, Jessica L

2018-01-01

By virtue of their extensive knowledge base and specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, neuropsychologists are especially poised to execute a unique broad-based approach to overall cognitive wellness and should be viewed as primary care providers of cognitive health. This article will describe a novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model including cognitive health, anti-aging, lifelong wellness, and longevity-oriented practices. These practice areas include brain-based cognitive wellness, emotional and spiritually centric exploration, and related multimodality health interventions. As experts in mind-body connections, neuropsychologists can provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options, empowering patients with a sense of value and purpose. Multiple areas of clinical therapy skill-based learning, tailor-made to fit individual needs, will be discussed including: brain stimulating activities, restorative techniques, automatic negative thoughts and maladaptive thinking reduction, inflammation and pain management techniques, nutrition and culinary focused cognitive wellness, spirituality based practices and mindfulness, movement and exercise, alternative/complimentary therapies, relationship restoration/social engagement, and trauma healing/meaning. Cognitive health rests upon the foundation of counteracting mind-body connection disruptions from multiple etiologies including inflammation, chronic stress, metabolic issues, cardiac conditions, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and allergy spectrum disorders. Superimposed on these issues are lifestyle patterns and negative health behaviors that develop as ill-fated compensatory mechanisms used to cope with life stressors and aging. The brain and body are electrical systems that can "short circuit." The therapy practices inherent in the proposed cognitive wellness service delivery model can provide preventative insulation and circuit breaking against the shock of illness.

Decentralized Estimation and Control for Preserving the Strong Connectivity of Directed Graphs.

PubMed

Sabattini, Lorenzo; Secchi, Cristian; Chopra, Nikhil

2015-10-01

In order to accomplish cooperative tasks, decentralized systems are required to communicate among each other. Thus, maintaining the connectivity of the communication graph is a fundamental issue. Connectivity maintenance has been extensively studied in the last few years, but generally considering undirected communication graphs. In this paper, we introduce a decentralized control and estimation strategy to maintain the strong connectivity property of directed communication graphs. In particular, we introduce a hierarchical estimation procedure that implements power iteration in a decentralized manner, exploiting an algorithm for balancing strongly connected directed graphs. The output of the estimation system is then utilized for guaranteeing preservation of the strong connectivity property. The control strategy is validated by means of analytical proofs and simulation results.

Science and the city: A visual journey towards a critical place based science education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Sheliza

The inclusion of societal and environmental considerations during the teaching and learning of science and technology has been a central focus among science educators for many decades. Major initiatives in science and technology curriculum advocate for science, technology, society and environment (STSE). Yet, it is surprising that despite these longstanding discussions, it is only recently that a handful of researchers have turned to students' 'places' (and the literature of place based education) to serve as a source of teaching and learning in science education. In my study, I explore three issues evident in place based science education. First, it seems that past scholarship focused on place-based projects which explore issues usually proposed by government initiatives, university affiliation, or community organizations. Second, some of the studies fail to pay extended attention to the collaborative and intergenerational agency that occurs between researcher, teacher, student, and community member dynamics, nor does it share the participatory action research process in order to understand how teacher practice, student learning, and researcher/local collaborations might help pedagogy emerge. The third issue is that past place-based projects, rarely if ever, return to the projects to remember the collaborative efforts and question what aspects sustained after they were complete. To address these issues, I propose a critical place based science education (CPBSE) model. I describe a participatory action research project that develops and explores the CPBSE model. The data were gathered collaboratively among teachers, researchers, and students over 3 years (2006-2008), via digital video ethnography, photographs, and written reflections. The data were analysed using a case study approach and the constant comparative method. I discuss the implications for its practice in the field of STSE and place based education. I conclude that an effective pedagogical model of CPBSE comprises of three stages: critical visualizing, investigating, remembering, by sharing Science and the City (a case study that connects science to place using visual imagery).

Fleet Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klebe, D. I.; Colorado College Student Astronomy Instrument Team; Pikes Peak Observatory Team

1999-12-01

The Colorado College Student Astronomy Instrument Team (CCSAIT) and the Pikes Peak Observatory (PPO) present preliminary optical and mechanical designs as well as discussion on a fleet of small research-class 0.4-0.5-meter telescopes. Each telescope is being designed to accommodate a variety of visible and near-infrared instrumentation, ranging from wide-field imaging cameras to moderate resolution spectrometers. The design of these telescopes is predicated on the use of lightweight primary mirrors, which will enable the entire optical telescope assembly (OTA) including instrumentation to come in under 50 kilograms. The lightweight OTA’s will further allow the use of inexpensive high-quality off-the-shelf robotic telescope mounts for future access and computer control of these telescopes over the Internet. The basic idea is to provide astronomers with a comprehensive arsenal of modest instrumentation at their fingertips in order to conduct a wide variety of interesting scientific research programs. Some of these research programs are discussed and input from the astronomical community is strongly encouraged. Connectivity and Internet control issues are also briefly discussed as development in this area is already underway through a collaborative effort between the PPO and the Cowan-Fouts Foundation of Woodland Park, Colorado.

COMMENTARY ON FATHERS' PLAY: MEASUREMENT, CONCEPTUALIZATION, CULTURE, AND CONNECTIONS WITH CHILD DEVELOPMENT.

PubMed

MajdandžIć, Mirjana

2017-11-01

The diverse set of studies in this special issue on fathers' play includes empirical research from several countries, observational measures of play, and multiple children's outcomes, including language, negativity, social competence, aggression and internalizing problems. The chief conclusion across studies is that the role of paternal play is important in various domains of child development. This is encouraging, yet also disturbing given the results of the State of the World's Fathers: Time for Action report 2017, revealing the low amount of care fathers provide to their children worldwide, relative to mothers. In this commentary, the measurement and conceptualization of play are discussed, as well as cultural considerations regarding the meaning and consequences of play. The findings of the studies are integrated in order to guide future research, addressing what domains of child development appear to be influenced by what types of paternal play, and discussing the contexts that affect paternal play. Lastly, the collective results are related to recent efforts to increase fathers' involvement and implications for interventions are discussed. © 2017 The Authors. Infant Mental Health Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

A modelling framework to evaluate human-induced alterations of network sediment connectivity and quantify their unplanned adverse impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizzi, S.; Schmitt, R. J. P.; Giuliani, M.; Castelletti, A.

2016-12-01

World-wide human-induced alterations of sediment transport, e.g. due to dams, sand and gravel mining along rivers and channel maintenance, translated into geomorphic changes, which have had major effects on ecosystem integrity, human livelihoods, ultimately negatively impacting also on the expected benefit from building water infrastructures. Despite considerable recent advances in modelling basin-scale hydrological and geomorphological processes, our ability to quantitatively simulate network sediment transport, foresee effects of alternative scenarios of human development on fluvial morpho-dynamics, and design anticipatory planning adaptation measures is still limited. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of a novel modelling framework called CASCADE (CAtchment SEdiment Connectivity And Delivery (Schmitt et al., 2016)) to characterize sediment connectivity at the whole river network scale, predict the disturbing effect of dams on the sediment transport, and quantify the associated loss with respect to the level of benefits that provided the economic justification for their development. CASCADE allows tracking the fate of a sediment from its source to its multiple sinks across the network. We present the results from two major, transboundary river systems (3S and Red River) in South-East Asia. We first discuss the ability of CASCADE to properly represent sediment connectivity at the network scale using available remote sensing data and information from monitoring networks. Secondly, we assess the impacts on sediment connectivity induced by existing and planned dams in the 3S and Red River basins and compare these alterations with revenues in terms of hydropower production. CASCADE outputs support a broader understanding of sediment connectivity tailored for water management issues not yet available, and it is suitable to enrich assessments of food-energy-water nexus. The model framework can be embedded into the design of optimal siting and sizing of water infrastructures at the river basin scale. This enlarges the scope of the analysis to account for human-induced alterations of network sediment connectivity, and to explore the trade-off with respect to primary operational objectives, such as hydropower production, water supply, and flood control.

Social Justice Is in the Air: Teaching Climate Change and Air Pollution with Scientific and Social Inquiry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahnenberger, M.

2014-12-01

The intersection of environmental with social problems is a growing area of concern for scientists, policy makers, and citizens. Climate change and air pollution are two current environmental issues holding the public's attention which require collaboration of all stakeholders to create meaningful solutions. General education science courses are critical venues to engage students in the intersection of science with society. Effective teaching methods for these intersections include case studies, gallery walks, and town hall meetings. A case study from California explores how air quality has greatly improved in Los Angeles in the past 20 years, however residents of neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status are still exposed to high levels of air pollutants. Students analyze scientific and health data to develop understanding and expertise in the problem, and are then tasked with developing a cost-benefit analysis of solutions. Gallery walks can be used to connect natural phenomena, such as hurricanes and severe weather, with their human impacts. Students bring their personal experiences with disasters and recovery to analyze how societies should deal with the changing climate and weather risks in their region, the country, or across the world. Town hall meetings allow students to gain expertise and perspective while embodying a role as a particular stakeholder in a climate mitigation or adaptation issue. A successful application of this method is a discussion of whether a resort community should be rebuilt on a barrier island after being destroyed in a category 3 hurricane. Stakeholders which students take on as roles have included climate scientists, homeowners, emergency managers, meteorologists, and others. Including distinct connections to social issues in introductory science courses helps students to not only engage with the material in a deeper way, but also helps to create critical thinkers who will become better citizens for tomorrow.

Nonrandom network connectivity comes in pairs.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Felix Z; Triesch, Jochen

2017-01-01

Overrepresentation of bidirectional connections in local cortical networks has been repeatedly reported and is a focus of the ongoing discussion of nonrandom connectivity. Here we show in a brief mathematical analysis that in a network in which connection probabilities are symmetric in pairs, P ij = P ji , the occurrences of bidirectional connections and nonrandom structures are inherently linked; an overabundance of reciprocally connected pairs emerges necessarily when some pairs of neurons are more likely to be connected than others. Our numerical results imply that such overrepresentation can also be sustained when connection probabilities are only approximately symmetric.

Merging arts and bioethics: An interdisciplinary experiment in cultural and scientific mediation.

PubMed

Couture, Vincent; Bélisle-Pipon, Jean-Christophe; Cloutier, Marianne; Barnabé, Catherine

2017-10-01

How to engage the public in a reflection on the most pressing ethical issues of our time? What if part of the solution lies in adopting an interdisciplinary and collaborative strategy to shed light on critical issues in bioethics? An example is Art + Bioéthique, an innovative project that brought together bioethicists, art historians and artists with the aim of expressing bioethics through arts in order to convey the "sensitive" aspect of many health ethics issues. The aim of this project was threefold: 1) to identify and characterize mechanisms for the meeting of arts and bioethics; 2) to experiment with and co-construct a dialogue between arts and bioethics; and 3) to initiate a public discussion on bioethical issues through the blending of arts and bioethics. In connection with an exhibition held in March 2016 at the Espace Projet, a non-profit art space in Montréal (Canada), the project developed a platform that combined artworks, essays and cultural & scientific mediation activities related to the work of six duos of young bioethics researchers and emerging artists. Each duo worked on a variety of issues, such as the social inclusion of disabled people, the challenges of practical applications of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine, and a holistic approach to contemporary diseases. This project, which succeeded in stimulating an interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration between bioethics and arts, is an example of an innovative approach to knowledge transfer that can move bioethics reflection into the public space. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of Information Capitalism and Globalization on Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adeoye, Blessing F., Ed.; Tomei, Lawrence, Ed.

2014-01-01

As computers and Internet connections become widely available in schools and classrooms, it is critical to examine cross-cultural issues in the utilization of information and communication technologies. "Effects of Information Capitalism and Globalization on Teaching and Learning" examines issues concerning emerging multimedia…

U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-28

India in 2009,” Panorama , February 6, 2009. “Chennai Daily Report: India, Kazakhstan Set To Sign Nuclear Reactor Export Deal,” Chennai Business Line...MW thermal or special nuclear material connected therewith. U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress Congressional Research

Accounting Issues: An Essay Series Part V--Intangible Assets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laux, Judy

2008-01-01

This article represents the fifth in a series of theoretical essays intended to supplement the introductory financial accounting course and investigates the accounting treatment and related conceptual connections for intangibles. In addition, intangibles present unique accounting issues, conceptual challenges, and measurement dilemmas not found…

Introduction to Special Issue on Education and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiker, B. F.

1998-01-01

Introduces a special issue devoted to education-health linkages. The scope of coverage is quite broad. Papers treat education's connections with specific health-related behaviors, full-time employees' health insurance coverage, medical care/lifestyle choices, nurses' wage profiles, low birthweight children's capabilities, smoking decisions,…

Review on cold-formed steel connections.

PubMed

Lee, Yeong Huei; Tan, Cher Siang; Mohammad, Shahrin; Tahir, Mahmood Md; Shek, Poi Ngian

2014-01-01

The concept of cold-formed light steel framing construction has been widespread after understanding its structural characteristics with massive research works over the years. Connection serves as one of the important elements for light steel framing in order to achieve its structural stability. Compared to hot-rolled steel sections, cold-formed steel connections perform dissimilarity due to the thin-walled behaviour. This paper aims to review current researches on cold-formed steel connections, particularly for screw connections, storage rack connections, welded connections, and bolted connections. The performance of these connections in the design of cold-formed steel structures is discussed.

Review on Cold-Formed Steel Connections

PubMed Central

Tan, Cher Siang; Mohammad, Shahrin; Md Tahir, Mahmood; Shek, Poi Ngian

2014-01-01

The concept of cold-formed light steel framing construction has been widespread after understanding its structural characteristics with massive research works over the years. Connection serves as one of the important elements for light steel framing in order to achieve its structural stability. Compared to hot-rolled steel sections, cold-formed steel connections perform dissimilarity due to the thin-walled behaviour. This paper aims to review current researches on cold-formed steel connections, particularly for screw connections, storage rack connections, welded connections, and bolted connections. The performance of these connections in the design of cold-formed steel structures is discussed. PMID:24688448

Tools for Schools. Volume 12, Number 4, May-June 2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

von Frank, Valerie, Ed.

2009-01-01

This newsletter is published four times a year. It offers articles on school improvement, organizational planning, training, and managing change. This issue contains: (1) Link Up & Learn: Use Technology to Create a Personal Learning Network to Connect with Experts and Mentors Everywhere (Valerie von Frank); (2) NSDC Tool: Get Connected with…

The Policy Implications of Internet Connectivity in Public Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaeger, Paul T.; Bertot, John Carlo; McClure, Charles R.; Langa, Lesley A.

2006-01-01

The provision of public Internet access and related networked services by public libraries is affected by a number of information policy issues. This article analyzes the policy dimensions of Internet connectivity in public libraries in light of the data and findings from a national survey of public libraries conducted by the authors of this…

Enhancing the Connection between Higher Education and the Workplace: A Survey of Employers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Horn, Carl E.

This paper reviews issues in fostering closer connections between higher education and the workplace and summarizes results of a 1995 survey of 404 New Jersey employers concerning the knowledge, skills, and abilities that New Jersey employers expect from higher education graduates and their suggestions for improving college-based workforce…

"The Music, Movement, and Learning Connection": A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blasi, MaryJane; Foley, Mary B.

2006-01-01

In this article, the authors review "The Music, Movement, and Learning Connection," written by early childhood educator and musician Hap Palmer in the September 2001 issue of Young Children, which is of significant interest to parents and teachers. As trained musicians, the authors agree with Palmer's message about music's positive effect on…

Talking to Adolescents About Social Media.

PubMed

Dawson, Rachel S

2017-08-01

I see a large number of adolescents in my clinic with issues related to their social media use. These issues range from lack of sleep, to depression, to cyberbullying, and even sex trafficking, all secondary to constant social media exposure. Pediatricians should ask about social media use when they see children and adolescents who already have access to electronic devices. They should also ask parents about controls that are set in place to monitor social media use, content, and friend connections on those sites. They should ensure that their children know personally everyone they are connected to on social media and that their accounts are always private and not public. This will help reduce many of the issues associated with the potential consequences of social media use. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(8):e274-e276.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

The 160 TES bolometer read-out using FDM for SAFARI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hijmering, R. A.; den Hartog, R. H.; van der Linden, A. J.; Ridder, M.; Bruijn, M. P.; van der Kuur, J.; van Leeuwen, B. J.; van Winden, P.; Jackson, B.

2014-07-01

For the read out of the Transition Edge Sensors (TES) bolometer arrays of the SAFARI instrument on the Japanese background-limited far-IR SPICA mission SRON is developing a Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) read-out system. The next step after the successful demonstration of the read out of 38 TES bolometers using FDM was to demonstrate the FDM readout of the required 160 TES bolometers. Of the 160 LC filter and TES bolometer chains 151 have been connected and after cooldown 148 of the resonances could be identified. Although initial operation and locking of the pixels went smoothly the experiment revealed several complications. In this paper we describe the 160 pixel FDM set-up, show the results and discuss the issues faced during operation of the 160 pixel FDM experiment.

Engineering aspect of the Microwave Ionosphere Nonlinear Interaction Experiment (MINIX) with a sounding rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatomo, M.; Kaya, N.; Matsumoto, H.

1984-10-01

One type of problem arising in connection with an evaluation of the feasibility of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) and the definition of suitable SPS designs is related to environmental issues. Questions exist, for instance, regarding the interaction between microwave power and the upper atmosphere. The present investigation is concerned with the Microwave Ionosphere Nonlinear Interaction Experiment (MINIX), which is a space plasma experiment originally devoted to the research of space plasma physics. MINIX is eventually to observe possible effects of a strong microwave field in the ionospheric environment. The scientific requirements of the MINIX are discussed, taking into account functional and experimental conditions. Attention is also given to rocket characteristics, experimental design, the payload, the inflight experiment configuration, and details concerning the conduction of the experiment.

Beryllium for fusion application - recent results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khomutov, A.; Barabash, V.; Chakin, V.; Chernov, V.; Davydov, D.; Gorokhov, V.; Kawamura, H.; Kolbasov, B.; Kupriyanov, I.; Longhurst, G.; Scaffidi-Argentina, F.; Shestakov, V.

2002-12-01

The main issues for the application of beryllium in fusion reactors are analyzed taking into account the latest results since the ICFRM-9 (Colorado, USA, October 1999) and presented at 5th IEA Be Workshop (10-12 October 2001, Moscow Russia). Considerable progress has been made recently in understanding the problems connected with the selection of the beryllium grades for different applications, characterization of the beryllium at relevant operational conditions (irradiation effects, thermal fatigue, etc.), and development of required manufacturing technologies. The key remaining problems related to the application of beryllium as an armour in near-term fusion reactors (e.g. ITER) are discussed. The features of the application of beryllium and beryllides as a neutron multiplier in the breeder blanket for power reactors (e.g. DEMO) in pebble-bed form are described.

Using Interactive Technology to Support Students' Understanding of the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varma, Keisha; Linn, Marcia C.

2012-08-01

In this work, we examine middle school students' understanding of the greenhouse effect and global warming. We designed and refined a technology-enhanced curriculum module called Global Warming: Virtual Earth. In the module activities, students conduct virtual experiments with a visualization of the greenhouse effect. They analyze data and draw conclusions about how individual variables effect changes in the Earth's temperature. They also carry out inquiry activities to make connections between scientific processes, the socio-scientific issues, and ideas presented in the media. Results show that participating in the unit increases students' understanding of the science. We discuss how students integrate their ideas about global climate change as a result of using virtual experiments that allow them to explore meaningful complexities of the climate system.

Understanding housing and health through the lens of transitional housing members in a high-incarceration Baltimore City neighborhood: the GROUP Ministries Photovoice Project to promote community redevelopment.

PubMed

Grieb, Suzanne M Dolwick; Joseph, Rachel M; Pridget, Anton; Smith, Horace; Harris, Richard; Ellen, Jonathan

2013-05-01

In this study we used photovoice to better understand transitional housing residents' perceptions of housing and health at the individual and community levels. Discussion sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through a modified constant comparison approach. The results demonstrate that participants had a rich understanding of the complex connections between housing, neighborhood, and health that were intimately tied to the spatial concentration of incarceration in their community. The men identified social and physical sources of stress that manifest in a community-wide sense of hopelessness; however, utilization of community social networks and social capital provide opportunities for addressing these issues locally. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies of Nucleation, Growth, Specific Heat, and Viscosity of Undercooled Melts of Quasicrystals and Polytetrahedral-Phase-Forming Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, K. F.; Croat, T. K.; Gangopadhyay, A.; Holland-Moritz, D.; Hyers, Robert W.; Rathz, Thomas J.; Robinson, Michael B.; Rogers, Jan R.

2001-01-01

Undercooling experiments and thermal physical property measurements of metallic alloys on the International Space Station (ISS) are planned. This recently-funded research focuses on fundamental issues of the formation and structure of highly-ordered non-crystallographic phases (quasicrystals) and related crystal phases (crystal approximants), and the connections between the atomic structures of these phases and those of liquids and glasses. It extends studies made previously by us of the composition dependence of crystal nucleation processes in silicate and metallic glasses, to the case of nucleation from the liquid phase. Motivating results from rf-levitation and drop-tube measurements of the undercooling of Ti/Zr-based liquids that form quasicrystals and crystal approximants are discussed. Preliminary measurements by electrostatic levitation (ESL) are presented.

From Giza to the Pantheon: astronomy as a key to the architectural projects of the ancient past

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magli, Giulio

2011-06-01

In many of the ``wonders'' of our past, information about their meaning and scope has been encoded in the form of astronomical alignments to celestial bodies. Therefore, in many cases, understanding the ideas of the ancient architects turns out to be connected with the study of the relationship of their cultures with the sky. This is the aim of archaeoastronomy, a discipline which is a quite efficacious tool in unraveling the original projects of many monuments. This issue is briefly discussed here by means of three examples taken from three completely different cultures and historical periods: the so-called ``air shafts'' of the Great Pyramid, the urban layout of the capital of the Incas, and the design of the Pantheon.

The business case for connectivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Dennis; Hirschheim, Rudy

1991-01-01

Information systems that provide competitive advantages to organizations can be broadly classified into those that improve the effectiveness of a business function and those that improve the reach of information in the organization. The latter, organizational connectivity systems, can be categorized as intraorganizational and interorganizational systems. Intraorganization systems provide connectivity to function areas within the business, while interorganizational systems support the exchange of business data between independent business units. These system are not confined to a single entity but span organizational boundaries which can be national or international in scope. A series of case studies was undertaken in an effort to better understand the issues and problems associated with providing an increased flow of information within and outside of an organization. Ten issues emerged from this study. In summary, it is necessary for firms to first consider how effective their internal communications systems are before launching projects that tie the organization to external systems.

The hand that rocks the cradle rocks the boat: the empowerment of women.

PubMed

Turkel, Ann Ruth

2004-01-01

The obstacles to equality for women have changed from external to intrapsychic. The relational characteristics of women, such as nurturing and connecting with others, are now regarded as desirable attributes for the workplace. Adult growth and achievement models are based on the so-called masculine characteristics of separation, individuation, and independence. Relational theory supplies an alternative model called growth-in-connection, which stems from the feminine characteristics of connection, collectivity, and interdependence. Women's fears of exercising power, men's resistance to sharing power, the traditional ways in which women attain power are all concerns that are examined. Real power lies in exercising leadership, which implies risk-taking. Exploring the gender disequilibrium in issues of power--both the female advantage and the female disadvantage-as exemplified by the glass ceiling and its origins--helps to clarify the issues involved in empowerment.

Stakeholder analysis of perceived relevance of connectivity - the implication to your research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smetanova, Anna; Müller, Eva Nora Nora; Fernández-Getino, Ana Patricia; José Marqués, María; Vericat, Damià; Dugodan, Recep; Kapovic, Marijana; Ljusa, Melisa; Ferreira, Carla Sofia; Cavalli, Marco; Marttila, Hannu; Broja, Manuel Esteban Lucas; Święchowicz, Jolanta; Zumr, David

2016-04-01

Effectively communicated connectivity research is inevitable for targeting the real world connectivity issues, the land and water managers - stakeholders, deal with every day. The understanding of stakeholder's perception of connectivity and the usage of the connectivity concept in their work (both theoretically and practically), are the pre-requisites for successful dialogue between scientist and the end-users of the scientific advancements, that is one of the goals of the COST Action ES1306: Connecting European connectivity research (Connecteur). The contribution presents the results of a questionnaire survey on stakeholders perception of connectivity from 20 European countries. Potential stakeholders on local/ regional and national level, in agriculture, water and land management, or cross-sectoral management authorities, were identified and interviewed in their native language by 29 members of the Connecteur network. Semi-structured interviews consisted of mix of 20 opened, multiple-choice and closed questions. They focused on the context the stakeholders' work, the management issues they deal with, the sources and type of data their use, their collaborative network in relation to management, understanding of connectivity and their expectation on connectivity research. Semi-qualitative analysis was applied to the final datasets of 85 questionnaires in order to (i) understand the stakeholders mental models and perception of connectivity,(ii) to identify the management issues where immediate scientific cooperation is required and / or demanded, and (iii) to identify the tools to represent connectivity that would accepted and implemented by the practitioners. Direct implications for the experts in different domains of the connectivity research, including (i) its theoretical conceptualisation, (ii) measurements, (iii) modelling, (iv) connectivity indices and (v)communication, are presented. Following members of the Connecteur expert team are acknowledged for conducting interview with a stakeholder: Charles Bielders (Catholic University Louvain, Belgium), Frédéric Darboux (Department of Soil Science Orléans, INRA, France), Dragana Dordevic (Centre of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia), Tobias Heckmann (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany), Anna Kidová (Institute of Geography, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia), Tobias Krüger (Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems, Humboldt University, Germany), Carly Maynard (Department of Geography and the Lived Environment, University of Edinburgh, UK), Eva Mockler, (School of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering , University College Dublin, Ireland), Tony Parsons, (Department of Geography, University Sheffield, UK), Thorunn Petursdottir (RECARE, Soil Conservation Service of Iceland, Iceland), Ronald Pöppel (Institute of Geography and Regional Research, University Vienna, Austria), Jerzy Rejman (Institute of Agronomy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland), Jose López-Tarazón (Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Potsdam, Germany), Sophie Tindale (Department of Geography, University, Durham, UK), Brigitta Tóth (Department of Crop Production and Soil Sciences, Pannonian University, Hungary) and Marco Vainu (Institute of Ecology, Tallinn University, Estonia). The project was supported by COST-STSM-ECOST-STSM-ES1306-011215-063624.

Welcome to a Special Issue about the School-to-Prison Pipeline: The Pathway to Modern Institutionalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houchins, David E.; Shippen, Margaret E.

2012-01-01

The aim of this issue is to provide readers with a better understanding of the inexplicable connection between school, community, and incarceration, and how better prepared professionals can make a difference in the lives of youth in the school-to-prison pipeline (STPP). This issue provides readers with an awareness of the current status of the…

An examination of tort liability issues connected with release of arrested, intoxicated DWI offenders

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-06-01

The authors have studied the legal issues concerning a non-jail option for DWI offenders and they explore the risks such procedures have for enforcement agencies. The report examines the tort liability of such agencies if a released offender crashes ...

49 CFR 172.203 - Additional description requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS Shipping Papers § 172.203 Additional description requirements. (a) Special permits. Except as provided in § 173.23 of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in... to which the special permit applies. Each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made...

49 CFR 172.203 - Additional description requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS Shipping Papers § 172.203 Additional description requirements. (a) Special permits. Except as provided in § 173.23 of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in... to which the special permit applies. Each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made...

49 CFR 172.203 - Additional description requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS Shipping Papers § 172.203 Additional description requirements. (a) Special permits. Except as provided in § 173.23 of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in... to which the special permit applies. Each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made...

49 CFR 172.203 - Additional description requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS Shipping Papers § 172.203 Additional description requirements. (a) Special permits. Except as provided in § 173.23 of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in... to which the special permit applies. Each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made...

A Streamlined Monitoring Framework for Sustainable and Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Practices - 2

EPA Science Inventory

The problems of urbanization and stormwater management, as they pertain to monitoring the condition of water and environmental resources, are grounded in issues of scale, connectivity, temporal and non-linear change. Given our current understanding of these issues, the challenge ...

U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-27

in 2009,” Panorama , February 6, 2009. “Chennai Daily Report: India, Kazakhstan Set To Sign Nuclear Reactor Export Deal,” Chennai Business Line Online...than 5 MW thermal or special nuclear material connected therewith. . U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress Congressional

The Politics, Roles, and Future of Professional Societies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feingold, Ronald S.; Estes, Steven G.

2016-01-01

This article analyzes various issues related to a professional society's having greater influence on governmental, societal, and global issues. Analysis of association/society missions and goals, support for enhanced connections with other groups and collaboration to other disciplines through scholarly research projects, plus greater relevance and…

Rural-Urban Connections.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perkins, Daniel F.; LaGreca, Anthony J.; Mullis, Ronald L.

This publication combines three papers on rural and urban youth issues. "Key Issues Facing Rural Youth" (Daniel F. Perkins) notes that rural adolescents share the same concerns and exhibit the same problem behaviors as their urban counterparts. But in addition, geographic isolation presents problems unique to rural areas. A framework is proposed…

Linking international research to global health equity: the limited contribution of bioethics.

PubMed

Pratt, Bridget; Loff, Bebe

2013-05-01

Health research has been identified as a vehicle for advancing global justice in health. However, in bioethics, issues of global justice are mainly discussed within an ongoing debate on the conditions under which international clinical research is permissible. As a result, current ethical guidance predominantly links one type of international research (biomedical) to advancing one aspect of health equity (access to new treatments). International guidelines largely fail to connect international research to promoting broader aspects of health equity - namely, healthier social environments and stronger health systems. Bioethical frameworks such as the human development approach do consider how international clinical research is connected to the social determinants of health but, again, do so to address the question of when international clinical research is permissible. It is suggested that the narrow focus of this debate is shaped by high-income countries' economic strategies. The article further argues that the debate's focus obscures a stronger imperative to consider how other types of international research might advance justice in global health. Bioethics should consider the need for non-clinical health research and its contribution to advancing global justice. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Progress and opportunities in high-voltage microactuator powering technology towards one-chip MEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mita, Yoshio; Hirakawa, Atsushi; Stefanelli, Bruno; Mori, Isao; Okamoto, Yuki; Morishita, Satoshi; Kubota, Masanori; Lebrasseur, Eric; Kaiser, Andreas

2018-04-01

In this paper, we address issues and solutions for micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) powering through semiconductor devices towards one-chip MEMS, especially those with microactuators that require high voltage (HV, which is more than 10 V, and is often over 100 V) for operation. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that the main reason why MEMS actuators need such HV is the tradeoff between resonant frequency and displacement amplitude. Indeed, the product of frequency and displacement is constant regardless of the MEMS design, but proportional to the input energy, which is the square of applied voltage in an electrostatic actuator. A comprehensive study on the principles of HV device technology and associated circuit technologies, especially voltage shifter circuits, was conducted. From the viewpoint of on-chip energy source, series-connected HV photovoltaic cells have been discussed. Isolation and electrical connection methods were identified to be key enabling technologies. Towards future rapid development of such autonomous devices, a technology to convert standard 5 V CMOS devices into HV circuits using SOI substrate and a MEMS postprocess is presented. HV breakdown experiments demonstrated this technology can hold over 700 to 1000 V, depending on the layout.

A Collaboration-Oriented M2M Messaging Mechanism for the Collaborative Automation between Machines in Future Industrial Networks

PubMed Central

Gray, John

2017-01-01

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a key enabling technology for industrial internet of things (IIoT)-empowered industrial networks, where machines communicate with one another for collaborative automation and intelligent optimisation. This new industrial computing paradigm features high-quality connectivity, ubiquitous messaging, and interoperable interactions between machines. However, manufacturing IIoT applications have specificities that distinguish them from many other internet of things (IoT) scenarios in machine communications. By highlighting the key requirements and the major technical gaps of M2M in industrial applications, this article describes a collaboration-oriented M2M (CoM2M) messaging mechanism focusing on flexible connectivity and discovery, ubiquitous messaging, and semantic interoperability that are well suited for the production line-scale interoperability of manufacturing applications. The designs toward machine collaboration and data interoperability at both the communication and semantic level are presented. Then, the application scenarios of the presented methods are illustrated with a proof-of-concept implementation in the PicknPack food packaging line. Eventually, the advantages and some potential issues are discussed based on the PicknPack practice. PMID:29165347

Adapting and Implementing a School-Based Resilience-Building Curriculum Among Low-Income Racial and Ethnic Minority Students.

PubMed

Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Roya; Marlotte, Lauren; Garcia, Ediza; Aralis, Hilary; Lester, Patricia; Escudero, Pia; Kataoka, Sheryl

2017-09-01

Although youth are at risk for exposure to adversity and trauma, many youth, especially ethnic and racial minorities, do not have access to mental health care. Resilience-building curriculums can teach important internal resilience skills and provide support to students who may not receive prevention or treatment services. We adapted a resilience curriculum initially used for military-connected youth facing adversities related to parental wartime deployments, to meet the needs of low-income, predominantly racial and ethnic minority students in a large urban school district. In this article we describe the cultural adaptation, the implementation process, and the evaluation of the trauma-informed resilience curriculum using pre-post surveys and focus group discussions. We found significantly improved overall internal resilience scores, as well as significantly improved scores on subscales of problem solving and empathy among students receiving the curriculum. The focus groups revealed that the curriculum enhanced connections among students, as well as students and teachers, and served as a way to destigmatize mental health issues. The acceptability of the curriculum, as well as implementation successes and challenges are described. We provide suggestions for future steps for school psychologists and school social workers for implementing this curriculum.

The remarkable AGN jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komissarov, Serguei

The jets from active galactic nuclei exhibit stability which seems to be far superior compared to that of terrestrial and laboratory jets. They manage to propagate over distances up to a billion of initial jet radii. Yet this may not be an indication of some exotic physics but mainly a reflection of the specific environment these jets propagate through. The key property of this environment is a rapid decline of density and pressure along the jet, which promotes its rapid expansion. Such an expansion can suppress global instabilities, which require communication across the jet, and hence ensure its survival over huge distances. At kpc scales, some AGN jets do show signs of strong instabilities and even turn into plumes. This could be a result of the flattening of the external pressure distribution in their host galaxies or inside the radio lobes. In this regard, we discuss the possible connection between the stability issue and the Fanaroff-Riley classification of extragalactic radio sources. The observations of AGN jets on sub-kpc scale do not seem to support their supposed lack of causal connectivity. When interpreted using simple kinematic models, they reveal a rather perplexing picture with more questions than answers on the jets dynamics.

AC HTS Transmission Cable for Integration into the Future EHV Grid of the Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuijderduin, R.; Chevtchenko, O.; Smit, J. J.; Aanhaanen, G.; Melnik, I.; Geschiere, A.

Due to increasing power demand, the electricity grid of the Netherlands is changing. The future grid must be capable to transmit all the connected power. Power generation will be more decentralized like for instance wind parks connected to the grid. Furthermore, future large scale production units are expected to be installed near coastal regions. This creates some potential grid issues, such as: large power amounts to be transmitted to consumers from west to east and grid stability. High temperature superconductors (HTS) can help solving these grid problems. Advantages to integrate HTS components at Extra High Voltage (EHV) and High Voltage (HV) levels are numerous: more power with less losses and less emissions, intrinsic fault current limiting capability, better control of power flow, reduced footprint, etc. Today's main obstacle is the relatively high price of HTS. Nevertheless, as the price goes down, initial market penetration for several HTS components is expected by year 2015 (e.g.: cables, fault current limiters). In this paper we present a design of intrinsically compensated EHV HTS cable for future grid integration. Discussed are the parameters of such cable providing an optimal power transmission in the future network.

Boom Rendezvous Alternative Docking Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonometti, Joseph A.

2006-01-01

Space rendezvous and docking has always been attempted with primarily one philosophic methodology. The slow matching of one vehicle's orbit by a second vehicle and then a final closing sequence that ends in matching the orbits with perfect precision and with near zero relative velocities. The task is time consuming, propellant intensive, risk inherent (plume impingement, collisions, fuel depletion, etc.) and requires substantial hardware mass. The historical background and rationale as to why this approach is used is discussed in terms of the path-not-taken and in light of an alternate methodology. Rendezvous and docking by boom extension is suggested to have inherent advantages that today s technology can readily exploit. Extension from the primary spacecraft, beyond its inherent large inertia, allows low inertia connections to be made rapidly and safely. Plume contamination issues are eliminated as well as the extra propellant mass and risk required for the final thruster (docking) operations. Space vehicle connection hardware can be significantly lightened. Also, docking sensors and controls require less fidelity; allowing them to be more robust and less sensitive. It is the potential safety advantage and mission risk reduction that makes this approach attractive, besides the prospect of nominal time and mass savings.

Touching the private parts: how gender and sexuality norms affect medical students' first pelvic examination.

PubMed

Sörensdotter, Renita; Siwe, Karin

2016-11-01

Gynaecologists are in a position to challenge norms about gender and sexuality in relation to female genitals. Through their work they have the opportunity to educate patients, which is why teaching medical students to perform examinations in a gender sensitive way is significant. Medical students performing their first pelvic examination often experience the examination as uncomfortable because it is a body part that is connected to sex and to something private. This paper uses medical students' interpretations of performing their first pelvic examination as a means to discuss how cultural norms for gender, sexuality and female genitals affect these examinations. Issues raised include how cultural connotations of female genitals affect the pelvic examination, how female and male students relate differently to examining female genitals and the interpretations they make in relation to themselves. Findings show that the female genitals are perceived as a special body part connected to sexuality and intimacy. Students' gender also affects the interpretations they make during pelvic examinations. Norms of gender, sexuality and female genitals need to be challenged in the teaching and performance of pelvic examination in order to demystify this experience.

RAFTing with Raptors: Connecting Science, English Language Arts, and the Common Core State Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senn, Gary J.; McMurtrie, Deborah H.; Coleman, Bridget K.

2013-01-01

This article explores using the RAFT strategy (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) for writing in science classes. The framework of the RAFT strategy will be explained, and connections with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA/Literacy will be discussed. Finally, there will be a discussion of a professional learning experience for teachers in…

Politics of nuclear waste

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

Colglazier, E.W. Jr.

1982-01-01

In November of 1979, the Program in Science, Technology and Humanism and the Energy Committee of the Aspen Institute organized a conference on resolving the social, political, and institutional conflicts over the permanent siting of radioactive wastes. This book was written as a result of this conference. The chapters provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the governance issues connected with radioactive waste management as well as a sampling of the diverse views of the interested parties. Chapter 1 looks in depth of radioactive waste management in the United States, with special emphasis on the events of the Carter Administrationmore » as well as on the issues with which the Reagen administration must deal. Chapter 2 compares waste management policies and programs among the industralized countries. Chapter 3 examines the factional controversies in the last administration and Congress over nuclear waste issues. Chapter 4 examines the complex legal questions involved in the federal-state conflicts over nuclear waste management. Chapter 5 examines the concept of consultation and concurrence from the perspectives of a host state that is a candidate for a repository and an interested state that has special concerns regarding the demonstration of nuclear waste disposal technology. Chapter 6 examines US and European perspectives concerning public participation in nuclear waste management. Chapter 7 discusses propaganda in the issues. The epilogue attempts to assess the prospects for consensus in the United States on national policies for radioactive waste management. All of the chapter in this book should be interpreted as personal assessments. (DP)« less

Extending the coverage of the internet of things with low-cost nanosatellite networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almonacid, Vicente; Franck, Laurent

2017-09-01

Recent technology advances have made CubeSats not only an affordable means of access to space, but also promising platforms to develop a new variety of space applications. In this paper, we explore the idea of using nanosatellites as access points to provide extended coverage to the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. This study is mainly motivated by two facts: on the one hand, it is already obvious that the number of machine-type devices deployed globally will experiment an exponential growth over the forthcoming years. This trend is pushed by the available terrestrial cellular infrastructure, which allows adding support for M2M connectivity at marginal costs. On the other hand, the same growth is not observed in remote areas that must rely on space-based connectivity. In such environments, the demand for M2M communications is potentially large, yet it is challenged by the lack of cost-effective service providers. The traffic characteristics of typical M2M applications translate into the requirement for an extremely low cost per transmitted message. Under these strong economical constraints, we expect that nanosatellites in the low Earth orbit will play a fundamental role in overcoming what we may call the IoT digital divide. The objective of this paper is therefore to provide a general analysis of a nanosatellite-based, global IoT/M2M network. We put emphasis in the engineering challenges faced in designing the Earth-to-Space communication link, where the adoption of an efficient multiple-access scheme is paramount for ensuring connectivity to a large number of terminal nodes. In particular, the trade-offs energy efficiency-access delay and energy efficiency-throughput are discussed, and a novel access approach suitable for delay-tolerant applications is proposed. Thus, by keeping a system-level standpoint, we identify key issues and discuss perspectives towards energy efficient and cost-effective solutions.

The Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN): A member-driven network approach to supporting women in the Geosciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastings, M. G.; Kontak, R.; Adams, A. S.; Barnes, R. T.; Fischer, E. V.; Glessmer, M. S.; Holloway, T.; Marin-Spiotta, E.; Rodriguez, C.; Steiner, A. L.; Wiedinmyer, C.; Laursen, S. L.

2013-12-01

The Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN) is an organization of women geoscientists, many in the early stages of their careers. The mission of ESWN is to promote success in scientific careers by facilitating career development, community, informal mentoring and support, and professional collaborations. ESWN currently connects nearly 2000 women across the globe, and includes graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, tenure and non-tenure track faculty from diverse colleges and universities, program managers, and government, non-government and industry researchers. In 2009, ESWN received an NSF ADVANCE PAID award, with the primary goals to grow our membership to serve a wider section of the geosciences community, to design and administer career development workshops, to promote professional networking at scientific conferences, and to develop web resources to build connections, collaborations, and peer mentoring for and among women in the Earth Sciences. Now at the end of the grant, ESWN members have reported gains in a number of aspects of their personal and professional lives including: knowledge about career resources; a greater understanding of the challenges facing women in science and resources to overcome them; a sense of community and less isolation; greater confidence in their own career trajectories; professional collaborations; emotional support on a variety of issues; and greater engagement and retention in scientific careers. The new ESWN web center (www.ESWNonline.org), a major development supported by NSF ADVANCE and AGU, was created to facilitate communication and networking among our members. The web center offers a state-of-the-art social networking platform and features: 1) a public site offering information on ESWN, career resources for all early career scientists, and a 'members' spotlight' highlighting members' scientific and professional achievements; and 2) a password protected member area where users can personalize profiles, create and respond to discussions, and connect with other members. The new member area's archive of discussions and member database are searchable, providing better tools for targeted networking and collaboration.

23 CFR 636.508 - Can price or cost be an issue in discussions?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Can price or cost be an issue in discussions? 636.508... TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Discussions, Proposal Revisions and Source Selection § 636.508 Can price or cost be an issue in discussions? You may inform an offeror that its price is considered...

Internet Connections to Mathematics Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Day, Roger

1995-01-01

Presents Internet connections appropriate for mathematics education; provides descriptions of ways that mathematics educators can access electronic resources such as e-mail, discussion groups, gopher servers, and transfer of files; and provides hints and examples from classroom connections and professional applications. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

76 FR 34286 - ITS Joint Program Office; Webinar on Connected Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Analysis Report...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-13

... Deployment Analysis Report Review; Notice of Public Meeting AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology... discuss the Connected Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Analysis Report. The webinar will provide an... and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Connected Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Analysis Report...

Cartography and Connectomes Perspective article for Neuron 25th Anniversary Issue

PubMed Central

Van Essen, David C.

2013-01-01

The past 25 years have seen great progress in parcellating the cerebral cortex into a mosaic of many distinct areas in mice, monkeys, and humans. Quantitative studies of inter-areal connectivity have revealed unexpectedly many pathways and a wide range of connection strengths in mouse and macaque cortex. In humans, advances in analyzing ‘structural’ and ‘functional’ connectivity using powerful but indirect noninvasive neuroimaging methods are yielding intriguing insights about brain circuits, their variability across individuals, and their relationship to behavior. PMID:24183027