Relations between School Performance and Depressive Symptoms in Spanish Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orgiles, Mireia; Gomez, Marta; Piqueras, Jose A.; Espada, Jose P.

2014-01-01

Introduction: Despite data showing the relationship between depression and decreased school performance, there is a lack of studies with Spanish children. The objective of this research is to examine school performance as a function of depression and gender. Method: Participants were 658 Spanish children aged between 8 and 12 years, 49.6% male,…

Management by Objectives: The Swedish Experience in Upper Secondary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindberg, Erik; Wilson, Timothy L.

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper seeks to explore how managing by objectives (MBO) has been adopted in Swedish schools and to reflect on some of the consequences in a longitudinal study. Results relate to whether introduction has increased student performance and whether it works as a tool for the principals to create more effective schools.…

Performance Analysis of Hospital Information System of the National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital

PubMed Central

Han, Jung Mi; Boo, Eun Hee; Kim, Jung A; Yoon, Soo Jin; Kim, Seong Woo

2012-01-01

Objectives This study evaluated the qualitative and quantitative performances of the newly developed information system which was implemented on November 4, 2011 at the National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital. Methods Registration waiting time and changes in the satisfaction scores for the key performance indicators (KPI) before and after the introduction of the system were compared; and the economic effects of the system were analyzed by using the information economics approach. Results After the introduction of the system, the waiting time for registration was reduced by 20%, and the waiting time at the internal medicine department was reduced by 15%. The benefit-to-cost ratio was increased to 1.34 when all intangible benefits were included in the economic analysis. Conclusions The economic impact and target satisfaction rates increased due to the introduction of the new system. The results were proven by the quantitative and qualitative analyses carried out in this study. This study was conducted only seven months after the introduction of the system. As such, a follow-up study should be carried out in the future when the system stabilizes. PMID:23115744

The Role of Mathematical Homework and Prior Knowledge on the Relationship between Students' Mathematical Performance, Cognitive Style and Working Memory Capacity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mousavi, Shima; Radmehr, Farzad; Alamolhodaei, Hasan

2012-01-01

Introduction: The main objective of this study is (a) to investigate whether cognitive styles and working memory capacity could predict mathematical performance and which variable is relatively most important in predicting mathematical performance and b) to explore whether cognitive styles and working memory capacity could predict mathematical…

Analysis of University Student Employment and Its Impact on Academic Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simón, Hipólito; Casado Díaz, José Manuel; Castejón Costa, Juan Luis

2017-01-01

Introduction: The research has two objectives--to characterise college students who combine work and studies, and their jobs, on one hand; and to analyse the effect of work on various measures of academic performance, on the other. Method: The study is developed using individual information derived from a survey (N = 464) and from university…

Improving gross anatomy learning using reciprocal peer teaching.

PubMed

Manyama, Mange; Stafford, Renae; Mazyala, Erick; Lukanima, Anthony; Magele, Ndulu; Kidenya, Benson R; Kimwaga, Emmanuel; Msuya, Sifael; Kauki, Julius

2016-03-22

The use of cadavers in human anatomy teaching requires adequate number of anatomy instructors who can provide close supervision of the students. Most medical schools are facing challenges of lack of trained individuals to teach anatomy. Innovative techniques are therefore needed to impart adequate and relevant anatomical knowledge and skills. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the traditional teaching method and reciprocal peer teaching (RPT) method during anatomy dissection. Debriefing surveys were administered to the 227 first year medical students regarding merits, demerits and impact of both RPT and Traditional teaching experiences on student's preparedness prior to dissection, professionalism and communication skills. Out of this, 159 (70 %) completed the survey on traditional method while 148 (65.2 %) completed survey on RPT method. An observation tool for anatomy faculty was used to assess collaboration, professionalism and teaching skills among students. Student's scores on examinations done before introduction of RPT were compared with examinations scores after introduction of RPT. Our results show that the mean performance of students on objective examinations was significantly higher after introduction of RPT compared to the performance before introduction of RPT [63.7 ± 11.4 versus 58.6 ± 10, mean difference 5.1; 95 % CI = 4.0-6.3; p-value < 0.0001]. Students with low performance prior to RPT benefited more in terms of examination performance compared to those who had higher performance [Mean difference 7.6; p-value < 0.0001]. Regarding student's opinions on traditional method versus RPT, 83 % of students either agreed or strongly agreed that they were more likely to read the dissection manual before the RPT dissection session compared to 35 % for the traditional method. Over 85 % of respondents reported that RPT improved their confidence and ability to present information to peers and faculty compared to 38 % for the tradition method. The majority of faculty reported that the learning environment of the dissection groups was very active learning during RPT sessions and that professionalism was observed by most students during discussions. Introduction of RPT in our anatomy dissection laboratory was generally beneficial to both students and faculty. Both objective (student performance) and subjective data indicate that RPT improved student's performance and had a positive learning experience impact. Our future plan is to continue RPT practice and continually evaluate the RPT protocol.

Cheese mites and other delicacies: the introduction of test objects into microscopy.

PubMed

Schickore, Jutta

2003-01-01

In the 1820s, certain minute objects began to be used regularly as tests for microscopes. Scales of insects, animal hairs and tiny leaves served as convenient means to assess their optical performance. It was a peculiar conjunction of optics, astronomy and natural history that formed the intellectual background for the emergence of the tests; and their establishment was greatly facilitated by the culture of conversation and competition in which microscopical practice was embedded. The introduction of the tests soon gave rise to a peculiar and highly productive interaction: the application of test objects incited instrument makers to aspire after technical improvements. These pursuits led, in turn, to a differentiation and refinement of the tests themselves, which then again suggested specific kinds of improvements. Historians have paid only scant attention to these issues. But the early history of test objects deserves thorough investigation. In fact, it provides a key to the understanding of the intellectual and social contexts and the dynamics of microscopy in early 19th-century Britain.

Introduction to Agricultural Sales and Service. Teacher Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kauer, Les

This Oklahoma curriculum guide contains 12 units. Each instructional unit includes some or all of these components: performance objectives, suggested activities, basic academic skills taxonomy, handouts, information sheets, supplements, transparency masters, activity sheets, assignment sheets, assignment sheet answers, job sheets, practical tests,…

Improving School Bus Driver Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Ernest

This reference source is intended to assist the school bus driver training instructor in course preparation. Instructional units for program planning each contain pertinent course questions, a summary, and evaluation questions. Unit 1, "Introduction to the School Bus Driver Training Program," focuses on basic course objectives and…

Performance index and meta-optimization of a direct search optimization method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krus, P.; Ölvander, J.

2013-10-01

Design optimization is becoming an increasingly important tool for design, often using simulation as part of the evaluation of the objective function. A measure of the efficiency of an optimization algorithm is of great importance when comparing methods. The main contribution of this article is the introduction of a singular performance criterion, the entropy rate index based on Shannon's information theory, taking both reliability and rate of convergence into account. It can also be used to characterize the difficulty of different optimization problems. Such a performance criterion can also be used for optimization of the optimization algorithms itself. In this article the Complex-RF optimization method is described and its performance evaluated and optimized using the established performance criterion. Finally, in order to be able to predict the resources needed for optimization an objective function temperament factor is defined that indicates the degree of difficulty of the objective function.

Visual skills in airport-security screening.

PubMed

McCarley, Jason S; Kramer, Arthur F; Wickens, Christopher D; Vidoni, Eric D; Boot, Walter R

2004-05-01

An experiment examined visual performance in a simulated luggage-screening task. Observers participated in five sessions of a task requiring them to search for knives hidden in x-ray images of cluttered bags. Sensitivity and response times improved reliably as a result of practice. Eye movement data revealed that sensitivity increases were produced entirely by changes in observers' ability to recognize target objects, and not by changes in the effectiveness of visual scanning. Moreover, recognition skills were in part stimulus-specific, such that performance was degraded by the introduction of unfamiliar target objects. Implications for screener training are discussed.

The Knife Machine. Module 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

South Carolina State Dept. of Education, Columbia. Office of Vocational Education.

This module on the knife machine, one in a series dealing with industrial sewing machines, their attachments, and operation, covers one topic: performing special operations on the knife machine (a single needle or multi-needle machine which sews and cuts at the same time). These components are provided: an introduction, directions, an objective,…

Academic Achievement and Formal Thought in Engineering Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vazquez, Stella Maris; de Anglat, Hilda Difabio

2009-01-01

Introduction: Research on university-level academic performance has significantly linked failure and dropping out to formal reasoning deficiency. We have not found any papers on formal thought in Argentine university students, in spite of the obvious shortcomings observed in the classrooms. Thus, the main objective of this paper was exploring the…

Self-Assessment and Continuing Professional Development: The Canadian Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silver, Ivan; Campbell, Craig; Marlow, Bernard; Sargeant, Joan

2008-01-01

Introduction: Several recent studies highlight that physicians are not very accurate at assessing their competence in clinical domains when compared to objective measures of knowledge and performance. Instead of continuing to try to train physicians to be more accurate self-assessors, the research suggests that physicians will benefit from…

Using Astrometrica to Teach an Introduction to Asteroid and Comet Astrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durig, Douglas T.

2007-05-01

We have organized a Consortium for Astronomy Research and Teaching (CART) with several small colleges and universities from the Appalachian Colleges Association (ACA). In 2006 we received a small grant from the ACA Teaching and Learning Conference to develop laboratory exercises using the on-line telescopes of the Cordell-Lorenz Observatory of The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. We have completed and tested the first two, Asteroid Astrometry and Comet Astronomy and Angular Size. We are continuing to develop several more on the HR Diagram, Cataclysmic Variables and Short Period Variable Stars. We had unknown new asteroids in the field of view the first four times we performed the Asteroid Astrometry exercise but, unfortunately, none of the students recognized the new objects. However, they were more motivated to perform the exercise because of the opportunity to discover the new objects and they performed better on the review questions than students doing a comparable virtual exercise. Both of the astrometry exercises use the Astrometrica program developed by Herbert Raab and provide an introduction to the use and applications of this very functional shareware program. The program is available for free to educators.

Maintaining the Database for Information Object Analysis, Intent, Dissemination and Enhancement (IOAIDE) and the US Army Research Laboratory Campus Sensor Network (ARL CSN)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

CII-B 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1138 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-7921 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S...server database, structured query language, information objects, instructions, maintenance , cursor on target events, unattended ground sensors...unlimited. iii Contents List of Figures iv 1. Introduction 1 2. Computer and Software Development Tools Requirements 1 3. Database Maintenance 2 3.1

The Relationship between Neuropsychological and Ecological Measurements of Executive Functioning in Childhood and the Prediction of Mathematics Performance. A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zorrilla-Silvestre, Lorena; Presentación-Herrero, María Jesús; Gil-Gómez, Jesús

2016-01-01

Introduction: This study explored the variables of executive functioning (EF) that permitted the evaluation of EF both at home and at school. The objective was to compare the results of the evaluations of these functions in children aged 5 to 6 years, and see to what extent these variables predicted mathematics performance best. Method: Sixty-six…

Self-Efficacy, Gender and Trait Anxiety as Moderators of Test Anxiety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Onyeizugbo, Euckay U.

2010-01-01

Introduction: Test anxiety inhibits students from performing according to their full potential in academic setting. Objectives: This study investigated self-efficacy, gender and trait anxiety as moderators of test anxiety. Method: Two hundred and forty nine (249) psychology majors drawn from a university in Eastern Nigeria participated in the…

A Study of Labour Market Information Needs through Employers' Seeking Behaviour

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez-Cuadrado, Sonia; Morato, Jorge; Andreadakis, Yorgos; Moreiro, Jose Antonio

2010-01-01

Introduction: The objective of this study is understand the information needs that businesses have while seeking Library and Information Science professionals and analyse how they formulate those needs. Method: The analysis is performed by examining the professional skills and capabilities demanded in job offers published. A total of 1,020 job…

Motivation, Quality University and Counseling Services at the University of Granada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tirado, Jose Luis Arco; Martin, Francisco D. Fernandez; Ortega, Sagario Lopez; Diaz, Veronica Heilborn

2004-01-01

Introduction: Evaluative data on performance and school drop-out in the context of the Spanish university justify its current phase of structural, organizational and curricular changes currently underway here. A priority objective is to study motivation problems in university students, at the root of many of these problems. However, the complexity…

Two Different Organizational Reactions: The University Sector in Argentina and Colombia and the Neoliberal Proposal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rabossi, Marcelo

2009-01-01

The neoliberal reform arrived at the market of higher education with the intention of introducing private dynamics into public organizations. Through this strategy, the objective was to improve efficiency by promoting intra- and intersectoral competition. The introduction of performance funding shifted the concept of accountability for…

Assessment of Executive Functions in Prader-Willi Syndrome and Relationship with Intellectual Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chevalere, J.; Postal, V.; Jauregui, J.; Copet, P.; Laurier, V.; Thuilleaux, D.

2013-01-01

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine whether individuals with Prader--Willi syndrome (PWS) have impaired global executive functioning and whether this deficit is linked with intellectual disability. Another objective focussed on the variability in performance of intellectual quotient (IQ) and executive functions (EF)…

Psychometric Characteristics of the EEAA (Scale of Affective Strategies in the Learning Process)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villardón-Gallego, Lourdes; Yániz, Concepción

2014-01-01

Introduction: Affective strategies for coping with affective states linked to the learning process may be oriented toward controlling emotions or toward controlling motivation. Both types affect performance, directly and indirectly. The objective of this research was to design an instrument for measuring the affective strategies used by university…

Attention and Multistep Problem Solving in 24-Month-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrico, Renee L.

2013-01-01

The current study examined the role of increased attentional load in 24 month-old children's multistep problem-solving behavior. Children solved an object-based nonspatial working-memory search task, to which a motor component of varying difficulty was added. Significant disruptions in search performance were observed with the introduction of the…

Automotive Technician. A Competency-Based Curriculum Designed To Prepare Students for Entry-Level Employment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vocational Curriculum Resource Center of Maine, Fairfield.

This curriculum guide is designed to assist instructors in the development and implementation of a comprehensive, competency-based automotive curriculum. It contains an instructional unit for each task listed on the enclosed job analysis or DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) chart. These units include introduction, performance objectives, suggested…

eLearning: A Review of Internet-Based Continuing Medical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wutoh, Rita; Boren, Suzanne Austin; Balas, E. Andrew

2004-01-01

Introduction: The objective was to review the effect of Internet-based continuing medical education (CME) interventions on physician performance and health care outcomes. Methods: Data sources included searches of MEDLINE (1966 to January 2004), CINAHL (1982 to December 2003), ACP Journal Club (1991 to July/August 2003), and the Cochrane Database…

Introduction to Production/Manufacturing Drafting. Drafting Module 8. Instructor's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

This module, 1 of 10 in the Drafting curriculum guide developed in Missouri, contains 3 units of study that include some or all of the following components: performance objectives, lesson plans, information sheets, transparency masters, handouts, assignment sheets, job sheets, a unit test, and answers to the unit test. Special instructions on…

Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) study: Feasibility of an early allergenic food introduction regimen

PubMed Central

Perkin, Michael R.; Logan, Kirsty; Marrs, Tom; Radulovic, Suzana; Craven, Joanna; Flohr, Carsten; Lack, Gideon; Young, Louise; Offord, Victoria; DeSousa, Mary; Cullen, Jason; Taylor, Katherine; Tseng, Anna; Raji, Bunmi; Nesbeth, Sarah; Regis, Gillian; Bigwood, Charlie; Stedman, Charlotte; Tonner, Sharon; Banks, Emily; Kahnum, Yasmin; Babic, Rachel; Stockwell, Ben; Thompson, Erin; Wheatley, Lorna; Patkunam, Devi; Richards, Kerry; Pietraszewicz, Ewa; Stephens, Alick; Sudra, Asha; Turcanu, Victor

2016-01-01

Background The influence of early exposure to allergenic foods on the subsequent development of food allergy remains uncertain. Objective We sought to determine the feasibility of the early introduction of multiple allergenic foods to exclusively breast-fed infants from 3 months of age and the effect on breastfeeding performance. Methods We performed a randomized controlled trial. The early introduction group (EIG) continued breastfeeding with sequential introduction of 6 allergenic foods: cow's milk, peanut, hard-boiled hen's egg, sesame, whitefish (cod), and wheat; the standard introduction group followed the UK infant feeding recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for around 6 months with no introduction of allergenic foods before 6 months of age. Results One thousand three hundred three infants were enrolled. By 5 months of age, the median frequency of consumption of all 6 foods was 2 to 3 times per week for every food in the EIG and no consumption for every food in the standard introduction group (P < .001 for every comparison). By 6 months of age, nonintroduction of the allergenic foods in the EIG was less than 5% for each of the 6 foods. Achievement of the stringent per-protocol consumption target for the EIG proved more difficult (42% of evaluable EIG participants). Breastfeeding rates in both groups significantly exceeded UK government data for equivalent mothers (P < .001 at 6 and at 9 months of age). Conclusion Early introduction, before 6 months of age, of at least some amount of multiple allergenic foods appears achievable and did not affect breastfeeding. This has important implications for the evaluation of food allergy prevention strategies. PMID:26896232

Turbine Engine Diagnostics System Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-10-01

objective of this report. Tehnical pNW Decuanfmesln Page 1. Ropro. 1/ 2. ,ornm.o Acceosioa No. 3 . o.p.ifteCatalog Me. DOT/FAA/CT-91/16 4. Titeo en. depeI 0o...Safety Information Service, Springfield, Performance Virginia 22161 I9. seewrity Clossa. too *is ,pw#) 3 . 0 n4 .i. (*#A pop) ,g. 21. me. of eeoc...1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. BACKGROUND 2 3 . PHASE I TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES 4 4. SYSTEM SURVEY 7 4.1 Literature Search 7 4.2 Industry Survey 10 4.3 Technology

Failure of introduction of food allergens after negative oral food challenge tests in children.

PubMed

van der Valk, J P M; Gerth van Wijk, R; Vergouwe, Y; de Jong, N W

2015-08-01

One of the purposes to perform an oral food challenge (FC) test is to avoid unnecessary elimination of food allergens. In case of a negative FC test result, the food can be introduced. It is, however, unknown if patients act according to the outcome of the test. This study evaluates the rate of introduction of peanut, hazelnut, cow's milk or hen's egg allergens after a negative FC test. We investigated the introduction rate of children (0-18 years) with a negative FC test visiting the Department of Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam from 2008 till 2013 and the factors that influence the rate of introduction. Patients were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire about their FC test. In total, 157 (38% girls, mean age during challenge 6.9 years) participated in the study. Of these FC tests, 104 (56%) were followed by a successful introduction, 30 (16%) by a partly introduction (traces or processed foods) and 52 (28%) by a failed introduction. Peanut and hazelnut showed a statistically significant lower successful introduction rate. Age, gender, symptoms during FC test, dietary advice and time period to introduction significantly influenced the rate of introduction. One fourth of the children with failure of introducing foods experienced symptoms during the introduction. More than one quarter of all children with a negative FC test result did not introduce the food. The FC test in its current form does not achieve its objective for this group of children.

Creative group performances to assess core competencies in a first-year patient-centered medicine course

PubMed Central

Terregino, Carol A.; Saks, Norma S.

2010-01-01

Introduction A novel assessment of systems-based practice and practice-based learning and improvement learning objectives, implemented in a first-year patient-centered medicine course, is qualitatively described. Methods Student learning communities were asked to creatively demonstrate a problem and solution for health care delivery. Skits, filmed performances, plays, and documentaries were chosen by the students. Video recordings were reviewed for themes and the presence of course competencies. Results All performances demonstrated not only the index competencies of team work and facilitation of the learning of others, but many other core objectives of the course. The assignment was rated positively both by the faculty and the students, and has been added to the assessment modalities of the course. PMID:20174597

Instrumental Techniques: Guitar, Course Number: Music: 5631.3-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennitt, Barth; Thum, Marie-Jo

A course which is an introduction to music emphasizing modes and forms is outlined. Objectives include: (1) The student will select the title of a familiar melody from a list provided; (2) The student will identify by ear the performing medium from the following choices: violin, voice, piano, guitar, clarinet, trombone, organ, string bass,…

The Effects of Text Analysis on Drafting and Justifying Research Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Padilla, Maria Antonia; Solorzano, Wendy Guadalupe; Pacheco, Virginia

2009-01-01

Introduction: A correspondence has been seen between the level at which one can read scientific texts and his/her performance in writing this type of texts. Besides being able to read at the most complex levels, formulating research problems requires explicit training in writing. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether…

Science Syllabus for Middle and Junior High Schools. Living Systems: Block C, Micro-Organisms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of General Education Curriculum Development.

This syllabus begins with a list of program objectives and performance criteria for seven general topic areas related to the study of microorganisms and a list of 23 science processes. Following this information, concepts and understandings for subtopics within the general topic areas are listed as follows: (1) introduction; (2) the cell (basic…

The timing of introduction of pharmaceutical innovations in seven European countries.

PubMed

Westerling, Ragnar; Westin, Marcus; McKee, Martin; Hoffmann, Rasmus; Plug, Iris; Rey, Grégoire; Jougla, Eric; Lang, Katrin; Pärna, Kersti; Alfonso, José L; Mackenbach, Johan P

2014-08-01

Differences in the performance of medical care may be due to variation in the introduction and diffusion of medical innovations. The objective of this paper is to compare seven European countries (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, West Germany, France, Spain, Estonia and Sweden) with regard to the year of introduction of six specific pharmaceutical innovations (antiretroviral drugs, cimetidine, tamoxifen, cisplatin, oxalaplatin and cyclosporin) that may have had important population health impacts. We collected information on introduction and further diffusion of drugs using searches in the national and international literature, and questionnaires to national informants. We combined various sources of information, both official years of registration and other indicators of introduction (clinical trials, guidelines, evaluation reports, sales statistics). The total length of the period between first and last introduction varied between 8 years for antiretroviral drugs and 22 years for cisplatin. Introduction in Estonia was generally delayed until the 1990s. The average time lags were smallest in France (2.2 years), United Kingdom (2.8 years) and the Netherlands (3.5 years). Similar rank orders were seen for year of registration suggesting that introduction lags are not only explained by differences in the process of registration. We discuss possible reasons for these between-country differences and implications for the evaluation of medical care. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Introduction of software tools for epidemiological surveillance in infection control in Colombia

PubMed Central

Motoa, Gabriel; Vallejo, Marta; Blanco, Víctor M; Correa, Adriana; de la Cadena, Elsa; Villegas, María Virginia

2015-01-01

Introduction: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) are a challenge for patient safety in the hospitals. Infection control committees (ICC) should follow CDC definitions when monitoring HAI. The handmade method of epidemiological surveillance (ES) may affect the sensitivity and specificity of the monitoring system, while electronic surveillance can improve the performance, quality and traceability of recorded information. Objective: To assess the implementation of a strategy for electronic surveillance of HAI, Bacterial Resistance and Antimicrobial Consumption by the ICC of 23 high-complexity clinics and hospitals in Colombia, during the period 2012-2013. Methods: An observational study evaluating the introduction of electronic tools in the ICC was performed; we evaluated the structure and operation of the ICC, the degree of incorporation of the software HAI Solutions and the adherence to record the required information. Results: Thirty-eight percent of hospitals (8/23) had active surveillance strategies with standard criteria of the CDC, and 87% of institutions adhered to the module of identification of cases using the HAI Solutions software. In contrast, compliance with the diligence of the risk factors for device-associated HAIs was 33%. Conclusions: The introduction of ES could achieve greater adherence to a model of active surveillance, standardized and prospective, helping to improve the validity and quality of the recorded information. PMID:26309340

Cost and Performance Report: Introduction and Validation of Chromium-Free Consumables for Welding Stainless Steels. Version 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

hexavalent chromium in the welding fume of stainless steel . Welds of both Cr-free consumables met the performance objectives of 70,000 pounds per square...hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the welding fume of stainless steel . This project was developed in two stages: laboratory demonstration and field...consumables they are designed to replace. The measured Cr(VI) in the fume of the SMAW electrode when welding Type 304 stainless steel is virtually zero

Industry 4.0 Concept Introduction into Construction SMEs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowotarski, Piotr; Paslawski, Jerzy

2017-10-01

The article presents a general idea of Industry 4.0 concept with the introduction presenting descriptions of the most important aspects in terms of production and construction industry development. The importance of the SME sector is stressed showing that this group of companies plays significant role in the European economy. The main objective of the article is to define and show possible research areas connected with the introduction of Industry 4.0 concept into SMEs with the main focus on the construction sector. For this purpose, an analysis was made, based on the most recent literature, to point out actual needs in the SMEs sector in terms of its evolution into 4.0 level. What is more, the analysis was performed based on the most popular articles published in journals available in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database regarding Industry 4.0 concept in the last decade showing the actual change of interest in this filed, taking into account possibility of usage of this concept in the construction and production sector. Authors tried to describe current knowledge regarding Industry 4.0 introduction for SMEs. Performed analysis showed that there is a wide spectrum of disciplines that are affected by the Industry 4.0 that needs to be examined considering introduction into SMEs. Study also showed that multidiscipline approach was not investigated so far to create special rules, procedures and methods and know-how designed for introduction of main principles of Industry 4.0 in the SME sector. Authors came to the conclusions that there should be more stress put into research in this field especially taking into account the huge potential which lies in SME sector in terms of global economic strength.

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Overall Navy Needs to Improve Management of Waiver and Deferral Requests

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-08

Management of Waiver and Deferral Requests Visit us at www.dodig.mil Objective Our objective for this audit was to evaluate the Space and Naval Warfare...We conducted this audit in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. We considered management comments on a draft of...OFFICIAL USE ON Y Introduction DODIG-2016-003 │ 1 Introduction Objective Our objective for this audit was to evaluate the Space and Naval Warfare

A new method for the assessment of patient safety competencies during a medical school clerkship using an objective structured clinical examination

PubMed Central

Daud-Gallotti, Renata Mahfuz; Morinaga, Christian Valle; Arlindo-Rodrigues, Marcelo; Velasco, Irineu Tadeu; Arruda Martins, Milton; Tiberio, Iolanda Calvo

2011-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Patient safety is seldom assessed using objective evaluations during undergraduate medical education. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of fifth-year medical students using an objective structured clinical examination focused on patient safety after implementation of an interactive program based on adverse events recognition and disclosure. METHODS: In 2007, a patient safety program was implemented in the internal medicine clerkship of our hospital. The program focused on human error theory, epidemiology of incidents, adverse events, and disclosure. Upon completion of the program, students completed an objective structured clinical examination with five stations and standardized patients. One station focused on patient safety issues, including medical error recognition/disclosure, the patient-physician relationship and humanism issues. A standardized checklist was completed by each standardized patient to assess the performance of each student. The student's global performance at each station and performance in the domains of medical error, the patient-physician relationship and humanism were determined. The correlations between the student performances in these three domains were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 95 students participated in the objective structured clinical examination. The mean global score at the patient safety station was 87.59±1.24 points. Students' performance in the medical error domain was significantly lower than their performance on patient-physician relationship and humanistic issues. Less than 60% of students (n = 54) offered the simulated patient an apology after a medical error occurred. A significant correlation was found between scores obtained in the medical error domains and scores related to both the patient-physician relationship and humanistic domains. CONCLUSIONS: An objective structured clinical examination is a useful tool to evaluate patient safety competencies during the medical student clerkship. PMID:21876976

Ethics Simulations as Preparation for Public Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamilton, James P.; Mueller, Alfred G.

2010-01-01

Courses: Fundamentals of public speaking, basic hybrid course, introduction to communication, introduction to journalism, introduction to advertising, and any other course that includes components of communication ethics. Objective: Students will understand the fundamental elements of communication ethics.

Imaging through scattering media by Fourier filtering and single-pixel detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jauregui-Sánchez, Y.; Clemente, P.; Lancis, J.; Tajahuerce, E.

2018-02-01

We present a novel imaging system that combines the principles of Fourier spatial filtering and single-pixel imaging in order to recover images of an object hidden behind a turbid medium by transillumination. We compare the performance of our single-pixel imaging setup with that of a conventional system. We conclude that the introduction of Fourier gating improves the contrast of images in both cases. Furthermore, we show that the combination of single-pixel imaging and Fourier spatial filtering techniques is particularly well adapted to provide images of objects transmitted through scattering media.

A genetic algorithm for a bi-objective mathematical model for dynamic virtual cell formation problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradgholi, Mostafa; Paydar, Mohammad Mahdi; Mahdavi, Iraj; Jouzdani, Javid

2016-09-01

Nowadays, with the increasing pressure of the competitive business environment and demand for diverse products, manufacturers are force to seek for solutions that reduce production costs and rise product quality. Cellular manufacturing system (CMS), as a means to this end, has been a point of attraction to both researchers and practitioners. Limitations of cell formation problem (CFP), as one of important topics in CMS, have led to the introduction of virtual CMS (VCMS). This research addresses a bi-objective dynamic virtual cell formation problem (DVCFP) with the objective of finding the optimal formation of cells, considering the material handling costs, fixed machine installation costs and variable production costs of machines and workforce. Furthermore, we consider different skills on different machines in workforce assignment in a multi-period planning horizon. The bi-objective model is transformed to a single-objective fuzzy goal programming model and to show its performance; numerical examples are solved using the LINGO software. In addition, genetic algorithm (GA) is customized to tackle large-scale instances of the problems to show the performance of the solution method.

Curriculum Outline for Introduction to Engineering Chemistry. First Edition. Review Cycle-Annual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schlenker, Richard M.

This curriculum outline consists of behavioral objectives (called terminal and enabling objectives) for Introduction to Engineering Chemistry, a one-semester, post-secondary course consisting of four 1-hour lectures each week. Course goal is to introduce marine engineering students to the rudiments of basic/introductory inorganic chemistry. The…

The Madison Project-A Brief Introduction to Materials and Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Robert B.

This pamphlet gives a brief introduction into the objectives, assumptions, content, activities, and materials of the Madison Project. Reported are the objectives of the program for the student and for the teacher. The mathematical content is listed under 22 topics. It is indicated that the availability of the materials may vary extensively from…

Weaknesses in Awarding Fees for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Contract

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-02

Table of Contents Introduction 1 Audit Objectives 1 Background on Broad Area Maritime Surveillance 1...24 Mangement Comments The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition 25... Introduction Audit Objectives This is the first in a series of reports on the contract supporting the Broad Area Maritime

Introduction to Fashion Buying. Teacher Edition. Fashion Buying Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Cindy

This teacher's guide presents material for a unit on introduction to fashion buying. Content focuses on information sources, retail store types, the responsibilities of a buyer, and the qualifications of a buyer. The guide contains 4 objectives, 4 group learning activities keyed to the objectives, 17 transparency masters with dialogue for each,…

A Comparison between Students' Performance in Multiple Choice and Modified Essay Questions in the MBBS Pediatrics Examination at the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, KSA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salih, Karimeldin M. A.; Alshehri, Mohamed Abdullah Al-Gosadi; Elfaki, Omer Abdelgadir

2016-01-01

Objectives: To investigate the relation between the students' scores in MCQs and MEQs of the summative assessment in pediatrics at the College of medicine KKU. Introduction: Student assessment is the most difficult task in medicine since it is ultimately related to human life and safety. Assessment can take different types of formats with…

Drift-Free Humanoid State Estimation fusing Kinematic, Inertial and LIDAR Sensing

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

registration to this map and other objects in the robot’s vicinity while also contributing to direct low-level control of a Boston Dynamics Atlas robot ...requirements. I. INTRODUCTION Dynamic locomotion of legged robotic systems remains an open and challenging research problem whose solution will enable...humanoids to perform tasks and reach places inaccessible to wheeled or tracked robots . Several research institutions are developing walking and running

An Investigation into the Practice of Screen Education. The Introduction of Films and Television into Education as an Essential Area of Study, Phase I. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodgkinson, Anthony W.

A variety of screen education courses were designed, implemented, and evaluated in a public school system. Specific objectives of the courses were to teach screen education together with English skills and subject matter, to teach film production to interested students, to teach about media operation and performance, and to demonstrate that media…

29 CFR 102.66 - Introduction of evidence: rights of parties at hearing; subpoenas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Introduction of evidence: rights of parties at hearing... Certifications Under Section 9(b) of the Act § 102.66 Introduction of evidence: rights of parties at hearing... the conduct of the hearing, including any objection to the introduction of evidence, may be stated...

Associations between breast milk feeding, introduction of solid foods, and weight gain in the first 12 months of life

PubMed Central

Klag, Elizabeth A.; McNamara, Kelly; Geraghty, Sheela R.; Keim, Sarah A.

2016-01-01

Background and Objectives Breast milk feeding and solid food introduction can influence infant growth, but are rarely examined together. The objectives were: describe relationships between feeding practices, feeding practices and weight gain, and how the relationship of breast milk feeding and growth may change when breastfed infants start solid foods before 6 months. Methods Data was analyzed on 438 infants from the Moms2Moms Study (2011–2012, Ohio), using multivariable linear and logistic regression models to explore each of the relationships. Results For each additional month of breast milk feeding, solid food introduction was delayed by 1.32 days (95% CI: 0.11 to 2.53) and average weight gain per month decreased by 5.05 grams (95% CI: 7.39 to 2.17). There was no association between solid food introduction and growth. Conclusions Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with slower growth regardless of solid food introduction. Age at solid food introduction was not associated with growth. PMID:25644649

How to object to radically new technologies on the basis of justice: the case of synthetic biology.

PubMed

Hunter, David

2013-10-01

A recurring objection to the exploration, development and deployment of radical new technologies is based on their implications with regards to social justice. In this article, using synthetic biology as an example, I explore this line of objection and how we ought to think about justice in the context of the development and introduction of radically new technologies. I argue that contrary to popular opinion, justice rarely provides a reason not to investigate, develop and introduce radical new technologies, although it may have significant implications for how they ought to be introduced. In particular I focus on the time dependency of justice objections and argue that often these function by looking only at the implications of the introduction of the technology at the point of introduction, rather than the more important long-term impact on patterns of distribution and opportunity. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The design and performance characteristics of a cellular logic 3-D image classification processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ankeney, L. A.

1981-04-01

The introduction of high resolution scanning laser radar systems which are capable of collecting range and reflectivity images, is predicted to significantly influence the development of processors capable of performing autonomous target classification tasks. Actively sensed range images are shown to be superior to passively collected infrared images in both image stability and information content. An illustrated tutorial introduces cellular logic (neighborhood) transformations and two and three dimensional erosion and dilation operations which are used for noise filters and geometric shape measurement. A unique 'cookbook' approach to selecting a sequence of neighborhood transformations suitable for object measurement is developed and related to false alarm rate and algorithm effectiveness measures. The cookbook design approach is used to develop an algorithm to classify objects based upon their 3-D geometrical features. A Monte Carlo performance analysis is used to demonstrate the utility of the design approach by characterizing the ability of the algorithm to classify randomly positioned three dimensional objects in the presence of additive noise, scale variations, and other forms of image distortion.

Navy Commercial Access Control System Did Not Effectively Mitigate Access Control Risks

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-16

fOR OFFICL’tb HSE OtuN Contents Introduction Objective 1 Background 1 Review of Internal Controls 4 Finding A. NCACS Did Not Effectively...8fHh’ DODIC.-20 13·134 I v FOR OFFICL’tb HSE ONI-X Introduction Objective The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Navy... HSE ONb\\’ authorized a Common Access Card. In order to avoid the appearance of endorsing Rapidgate, Eid Passport’s trademarked product, in May 2011

Early Exercise in the Burn Intensive Care Unit Decreases Hospital Stay, Improves Mental Health, and Physical Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Introduction 4 2. Keywords 4 3. Accomplishments 4 4. Impact 6 5. Changes/Problems 8 6. Products 10 7. Participants & Other Collaborating...to accomplish the goals and objectives. 4. IMPACT : Describe distinctive contributions, major accomplishments, innovations...successes, or any change in practice or behavior that has come about as a result of the project relative to: What was the impact on the development

NF-kB2/p52 Activation and Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202- 4302. Respondents should be aware...Materials and Methods; ref. 38). Statistical analysis. Data are shown as the mean ± SD. Multiple group comparison was performed by one-way ANO- VA followed... Moroz , Byron Crawford, Asim Abdel-Mageed, New Orleans, LA INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: African American men (AA) have twice the incidence and mortality

Data on development of new energy technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1994-03-01

The paper compiles data on the trend of development of new energy technologies into a book. By category, renewable energy is solar energy, wind power generation, geothermal power generation, ocean energy, and biomass. As a category of fuel form conversion, cited are coal liquefaction/gasification, coal gasification combined cycle power generation, and natural gas liquefaction/decarbonization. The other categories are cogeneration by fuel cell and ceramic gas turbine, district heat supply system, power load leveling technology, transportation-use substitution-fuel vehicle, and others (Stirling engine, superconducting power generator, etc.). The data are systematically compiled on essential principles, transition of introduction, objectives of introduction, status of production, cost, development schedule, performance, etc. The paper also deals with the related legislation system, developmental organizations, and a menu for power companies' buying surplus power.

Aircraft Structural Design Handbook for Lower Cost Maintenance and Repair

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-03-01

Structure Repair and Maintenance program under Air Force contract F33615-74-C-3101, Project No. 1368, Task No. 136802. The work was performed by...Interchangeability 6.4.5.3 Work Area Consideration 6.5 Life Cycle Cost Impact Considerati ons 6.5.1 Introduction 6.5.2 Objective 6.5.3 Life Cycle Cost...engine sonic vibration, ^auses working of the vane assemblies and their inboard and outboard attach members resulting in fatigue cracks. The constant

Examining the Association between Patient-Reported Symptoms of Attention and Memory Dysfunction with Objective Cognitive Performance: A Latent Regression Rasch Model Approach.

PubMed

Li, Yuelin; Root, James C; Atkinson, Thomas M; Ahles, Tim A

2016-06-01

Patient-reported cognition generally exhibits poor concordance with objectively assessed cognitive performance. In this article, we introduce latent regression Rasch modeling and provide a step-by-step tutorial for applying Rasch methods as an alternative to traditional correlation to better clarify the relationship of self-report and objective cognitive performance. An example analysis using these methods is also included. Introduction to latent regression Rasch modeling is provided together with a tutorial on implementing it using the JAGS programming language for the Bayesian posterior parameter estimates. In an example analysis, data from a longitudinal neurocognitive outcomes study of 132 breast cancer patients and 45 non-cancer matched controls that included self-report and objective performance measures pre- and post-treatment were analyzed using both conventional and latent regression Rasch model approaches. Consistent with previous research, conventional analysis and correlations between neurocognitive decline and self-reported problems were generally near zero. In contrast, application of latent regression Rasch modeling found statistically reliable associations between objective attention and processing speed measures with self-reported Attention and Memory scores. Latent regression Rasch modeling, together with correlation of specific self-reported cognitive domains with neurocognitive measures, helps to clarify the relationship of self-report with objective performance. While the majority of patients attribute their cognitive difficulties to memory decline, the Rash modeling suggests the importance of processing speed and initial learning. To encourage the use of this method, a step-by-step guide and programming language for implementation is provided. Implications of this method in cognitive outcomes research are discussed. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Reliability- and performance-based robust design optimization of MEMS structures considering technological uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martowicz, Adam; Uhl, Tadeusz

2012-10-01

The paper discusses the applicability of a reliability- and performance-based multi-criteria robust design optimization technique for micro-electromechanical systems, considering their technological uncertainties. Nowadays, micro-devices are commonly applied systems, especially in the automotive industry, taking advantage of utilizing both the mechanical structure and electronic control circuit on one board. Their frequent use motivates the elaboration of virtual prototyping tools that can be applied in design optimization with the introduction of technological uncertainties and reliability. The authors present a procedure for the optimization of micro-devices, which is based on the theory of reliability-based robust design optimization. This takes into consideration the performance of a micro-device and its reliability assessed by means of uncertainty analysis. The procedure assumes that, for each checked design configuration, the assessment of uncertainty propagation is performed with the meta-modeling technique. The described procedure is illustrated with an example of the optimization carried out for a finite element model of a micro-mirror. The multi-physics approach allowed the introduction of several physical phenomena to correctly model the electrostatic actuation and the squeezing effect present between electrodes. The optimization was preceded by sensitivity analysis to establish the design and uncertain domains. The genetic algorithms fulfilled the defined optimization task effectively. The best discovered individuals are characterized by a minimized value of the multi-criteria objective function, simultaneously satisfying the constraint on material strength. The restriction of the maximum equivalent stresses was introduced with the conditionally formulated objective function with a penalty component. The yielded results were successfully verified with a global uniform search through the input design domain.

29 CFR 102.41 - Objection to conduct of hearing; how made; objections not waived by further participation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., including any objection to the introduction of evidence, may be stated orally or in writing, accompanied by a short statement of the grounds of such objection, and included in the record. No such objection...

Allergenic food introduction and risk of childhood atopic diseases

PubMed Central

Kiefte-de Jong, Jessica C.; Voortman, Trudy; Nijsten, Tamar E. C.; de Jong, Nicolette W.; Jaddoe, Vincent W. V.; de Jongste, Johan C.; Gerth van Wijk, Roy; Duijts, Liesbeth; Pasmans, Suzanne G. M. A.

2017-01-01

Background The role of timing and diversity of allergenic food introduction in the development of childhood allergic sensitization and atopic diseases is controversial. Objective To examine whether timing and diversity of allergenic food introduction are associated with allergic sensitization, allergy and eczema in children until age 10 years. Materials and methods This study among 5,202 children was performed in a population-based prospective cohort. Timing (age ≤6 months vs. >6 months) and diversity (0, 1, 2 and ≥3 foods) of allergenic food (cow's milk, hen's egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy and gluten) introduction were assessed by questionnaires at ages 6 and 12 months. At age 10 years, inhalant and food allergic sensitization were measured by skin prick tests, and physician-diagnosed inhalant and food allergy by questionnaire. Data on parental-reported physician-diagnosed eczema were obtained from birth until age 10 years. Results Children introduced to gluten at age ≤6 months had a decreased risk of eczema (aOR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.72, 0.99)), compared with children introduced to gluten at age >6 months. However, timing of allergenic food introduction was not associated with allergic sensitization or physician-diagnosed allergy. Children introduced to ≥3 allergenic foods at age ≤6 months had a decreased risk of physician-diagnosed inhalant allergy (0.64 (0.42, 0.98)), compared with children not introduced to any allergenic food at age ≤6 months. However, diversity of allergenic food introduction was not associated with allergic sensitization, physician-diagnosed food allergy or eczema. Conclusion Neither timing nor diversity of allergenic food introduction was consistently associated with childhood allergic sensitization, allergy or eczema. PMID:29176842

[Effect of the introduction of "on demand" nursing shifts on hours of absenteeism].

PubMed

Blanca Gutiérrez, Joaquín Jesús; del Rosal González, Antonio; González Ábalos, María de Los Ángeles; Aceituno Herrera, Ana; Martín Afán de Rivera, Juan Carlos; Arjona González, Ana

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the introduction of a new system of rotating shifts on nursing absenteeism. The novelty of this system is that both the time distribution and the planning and allocation of shifts is carried out according to the wishes of the participating nurses. This study was performed in the Infanta Margarita Hospital (Cordoba, Spain) and the new shift system was introduced in the first quarter of 2011. The total number of absolute hours of absence decreased from 5551 to 3289 per semester. The implementation of this new "on demand" shift system seems to have significantly reduced hours of absence. This strategy aims to reconcile nurses' working hours with their personal and family lives. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Introduction to the JAWS Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccarthy, John

1987-01-01

The JAWS Project is the Joint Airport Weather Studies project conceived in 1980 jointly between the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Univ. of Chicago. The objectives of the program are threefold: (1) Basic scientific characterization of the microbursts and the statistics of microbursts occurrence; (2) Detection and warning, using the Low Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWSAS) operation and performance; and (3) Doppler radar and airborne systems. These goals and the operation of the JAWS system in general are discussed in detail.

Nuclear Enterprise Performance Measurement

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

xi I. Introduction ...WSA: Weapons Storage Area 1 I. Introduction Overview This paper discusses United States Air Force nuclear enterprise...sustainment systems. Keywords Performance measurement, process measurement, strategy, multicriteria decision- making, aggregation 1. Introduction Nuclear

29 CFR 2200.72 - Objections.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... hearing, including any objection to the introduction of evidence or a ruling by the Judge, may be stated orally or in writing, accompanied by a short statement of the grounds for the objection, and shall be...

Educators Using High Technology Must Set Objectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adler, Keith; Wilcox, Gary B.

1985-01-01

Discusses a rationale for developing behavioral objects for the introduction of computers and other information technologies into advertising classes. Explores specific objectives, and provides examples to illustrate incorporating them into the advertising curriculum. (HTH)

NOHIMS (Naval Occupational Health Information Management System) Users’ Guide: Introduction and OHS (Occupational Health System) Options.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-26

irred. 2’. 4’.. Nava Het esarch CenterU 0i P. 0. Bx 8512 San iego Caiforia 2138917 P. W. SUMMARY The Naval Occupational Health information Management System (WHIMS...Introduction and OHS Options I. INTRODUCTION TO THE NAVY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NOHIMS) The objective of NOHIMS is to provide an

22 CFR 1423.21 - Objection to conduct of hearing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the conduct of the hearing, including any objection to the introduction of evidence, may be stated orally or in writing accompanied by a short statement of the grounds for such objection, and included in...

Training and outcome monitoring in robotic urologic surgery.

PubMed

Liberman, Daniel; Trinh, Quoc-Dien; Jeldres, Claudio; Valiquette, Luc; Zorn, Kevin C

2011-11-08

The use of robot-assisted laparoscopic technology is rapidly expanding, with applicability in numerous disciplines of surgery. Training to perform robot-assisted laparoscopic urological procedures requires a motivated learner, a motivated teacher or proctor, a curriculum with stepwise learning objectives, and regular access to a training robot. In light of the many constraints that limit surgical training, animal models should be utilized to quantifiably improve the surgical skills of residents and surgical fellows, before these skills are put into practice on patients. A system based on appropriate supervision, graduated responsibility, real-time feedback, and objective measure of progress has proven to be safe and effective. Surgical team education directed towards cohesion is perhaps the most important aspect of training. At present, there are very few published guidelines for the safe introduction of robotic urologic surgery at an institution. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effects of learning curve and surgical volume on oncological and functional outcomes in robotic surgery (RS). This necessitates the introduction of mechanisms and guidelines by which trainee surgeons can attain a sufficient level of skill, without compromising the safety of patients. Guidelines for outcome monitoring following RS should be developed, to ensure patient safety and sufficient baseline surgeon skill.

High altitude cognitive performance and COPD interaction

PubMed Central

Kourtidou-Papadeli, C; Papadelis, C; Koutsonikolas, D; Boutzioukas, S; Styliadis, C; Guiba-Tziampiri, O

2008-01-01

Introduction: Thousands of people work and perform everyday in high altitude environment, either as pilots, or shift workers, or mountaineers. The problem is that most of the accidents in this environment have been attributed to human error. The objective of this study was to assess complex cognitive performance as it interacts with respiratory insufficiency at altitudes of 8000 feet and identify the potential effect of hypoxia on safe performance. Methods: Twenty subjects participated in the study, divided in two groups: Group I with mild asymptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Group II with normal respiratory function. Altitude was simulated at 8000 ft. using gas mixtures. Results: Individuals with mild COPD experienced notable hypoxemia with significant performance decrements and increased number of errors at cabin altitude, compared to normal subjects, whereas their blood pressure significantly increased. PMID:19048098

22 CFR 1422.13 - Objections to conduct of hearing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... REPRESENTATION PROCEEDINGS § 1422.13 Objections to conduct of hearing. Any objection to the introduction of evidence may be stated orally or in writing and shall be accompanied by a short statement of the grounds of...

Clinical Application of Esophageal High-resolution Manometry in the Diagnosis of Esophageal Motility Disorders.

PubMed

van Hoeij, Froukje B; Bredenoord, Albert J

2016-01-31

Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) is replacing conventional manometry in the clinical evaluation of patients with esophageal symptoms, especially dysphagia. The introduction of HRM gave rise to new objective metrics and recognizable patterns of esophageal motor function, requiring a new classification scheme: the Chicago classification. HRM measurements are more detailed and more easily performed compared to conventional manometry. The visual presentation of acquired data improved the analysis and interpretation of esophageal motor function. This led to a more sensitive, accurate, and objective analysis of esophageal motility. In this review we discuss how HRM changed the way we define and categorize esophageal motility disorders. Moreover, we discuss the clinical applications of HRM for each esophageal motility disorder separately.

Clinical Application of Esophageal High-resolution Manometry in the Diagnosis of Esophageal Motility Disorders

PubMed Central

van Hoeij, Froukje B; Bredenoord, Albert J

2016-01-01

Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) is replacing conventional manometry in the clinical evaluation of patients with esophageal symptoms, especially dysphagia. The introduction of HRM gave rise to new objective metrics and recognizable patterns of esophageal motor function, requiring a new classification scheme: the Chicago classification. HRM measurements are more detailed and more easily performed compared to conventional manometry. The visual presentation of acquired data improved the analysis and interpretation of esophageal motor function. This led to a more sensitive, accurate, and objective analysis of esophageal motility. In this review we discuss how HRM changed the way we define and categorize esophageal motility disorders. Moreover, we discuss the clinical applications of HRM for each esophageal motility disorder separately. PMID:26631942

Diapers Full of?…?Pampered, Hugged, and "Luved" Babies: Teaching Ideological Criticism through Diapers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wells, Celeste C.

2016-01-01

Courses: Communication Criticism, Rhetorical Criticism, Introduction to Rhetoric, Introduction to Communication, Media Studies, and Persuasion courses. Objective: The aim of this activity is to introduce and explain the method of ideological criticism through commonplace advertising.

Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carotenuto, Luigi

This chapter introduces the context, objectives and structure of the book. This book aims both to contribute to disseminate the knowledge about the scientific research conducted in space and to promote new exploitation of existing data in this field. While space experiments are characterised by a long time for preparation, high costs and few opportunities, significant scientific value is expected from the resulting data for almost scientific disciplines. In this context, ISS is a unique experimental environment for research. As part of its Seventh Framework Programme, the European Commission intends to support further exploitation and valorisation of space experimental data. This book was realised as part of the ULISSE project, co-funded by the European Union. The book intends to provide an introduction to space research with a focus on the experiments performed on the ISS and related disciplines. The book also intends to be a useful guide, not only for scientists but also for teachers, students and newcomers to space research activities.

The advent of psychosurgery in Australia-with particular attention to its introduction into Sydney.

PubMed

White, Richard T; McGee-Collett, Martin

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to describe the advent of prefrontal lobotomy in Sydney and, less comprehensively, its introduction into Australia. Reference to journal articles, books, reports and archival data held at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and via internet searches, interviews and personal memory. This paper describes the arrival of psychosurgery in Sydney in the mid-1940s, and less comprehensively, its arrival in other Australian cities. In New South Wales, from 1945 or 1946, prefrontal lobotomies were conducted in private clinics and in public hospitals but, because of legal and practical hurdles, it is unlikely that psychosurgery was performed in mental hospitals prior to December 1958. This paper gives some details regarding the participation of neurosurgeons and of the major public hospitals in psychosurgery, and touches on the attitudes within the Australian medical profession towards this dramatic new therapy. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

An Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with a Didactic Microworld: "objectKarel"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xinogalos, Stelios; Satratzemi, Maya; Dagdilelis, Vassilios

2006-01-01

The objects-first strategy to teaching programming has prevailed over the imperative-first and functional-first strategies during the last decade. However, the objects-first strategy has created added difficulties to both the teaching and learning of programming. In an attempt to confront these difficulties and support the objects-first strategy…

12 CFR Appendix B to Part 30 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I. Introduction A. Scope B. Preservation of... Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program.... Introduction The Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards (Guidelines) set forth...

NASA's Human Planetary Landing Systems Capability Roadmap Development: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Rob

2005-01-01

General Background and Introduction of Capability Roadmaps Agency Objective. Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule. Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date)

Geo-Information Technology of 8-Level Responsibility: Concept and Standard of Construction Management for Implementation of The BIM-Technology in Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komosko, Vladimir; Serebryakov, Sergey; Strokov, Vladimir

2017-12-01

Currently, the increase in construction efficiency in the world is associated with the introduction and development of information modelling of construction objects (BIM-technology). The BIM-technology is a process of collective creation and use of information about a structure that forms the basis for all decisions throughout the life cycle of an object. The BIM-technology with the help of a number of software products provides automation of production, it does not provide a methodology for the introduction of these products. The article describes the technology of 8-level responsibility, which is guaranteed to give systematically a new quality of management in construction, related to the requirements of the Russian Government Decree No. 87 of February 16, 2008. The technology of 8-level responsibility (8LR) in the detailed specification of GD No. 87, (territory, construction stage, master plan object, section (part) of the project) extends the number of inseparable levels to 8 (part of the object, element, mark, position), where the “position” is the last indivisible detail of the object. There is reason to argue that the use of the “8LR Technology” in addition to the BIM-technology will provide a synergistic effect and will remove a number of obstacles to the BIM introduction in Russia and system control in the construction and operation of objects of any complexity in Russia.

12 CFR 269b.444 - Objection to conduct of hearing; other motions during hearing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the hearing, including any objection to the introduction of evidence, or any other motion during the... accompanied by a short statement of the grounds for such objection, and included in the record. No such...

32 CFR 634.5 - Program objectives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... vehicles. (2) Reduction of traffic deaths, injuries, and property damage from traffic accidents. Most traffic accidents can be prevented. Investigation of motor vehicle accidents should examine all factors... INVESTIGATIONS MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC SUPERVISION Introduction § 634.5 Program objectives. (a) The objectives of...

Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in four provinces of Angola before vaccine introduction.

PubMed

Esteves, Aida; Nordgren, Johan; Pereira, Joana; Fortes, Filomeno; Dimbu, Rafael; Saraiva, Nilton; Mendes, Cristina; Istrate, Claudia

2016-09-01

Angola is a sub-Saharan country in southern Africa highly affected by diarrhoeal disease with limited epidemiological data regarding etiologic agents. This study was performed during 2012-2013, prior to rotavirus vaccine introduction, with the objective to detect and characterize the rotavirus strains circulating in four provinces of the country: Huambo, Luanda, Zaire, and Cabinda. A high rotavirus detection rate (35%, 117/334) was observed. G1 was the most common G-genotype (83.6%), whereas P[8] (50.9%) followed by P[6] (38.8%) were the most common P-types. G1P[8] was identified as the predominant combination (50%), followed by the unusual G1P[6] (29.3%). Strains such G2P[4], G8P[6], G9P[6], and G12P[6] were also found in lower frequencies (5.2-1.7%). The P[6] strains did not cluster in the phylogenetic trees according to their geographic origin or even the corresponding G-genotype, suggesting a limited number of recent introductions and extensive reassortment events. Our results represent the first report on rotavirus genotype profiles in Angola, showing a wide circulation of the unusual genotype G1P[6], and underline the importance of RV surveillance after the vaccine introduction. J. Med. Virol. 88:1511-1520, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Introduction of Key Skills in Schools: Core or Casualty?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glover, Derek; Gleeson, Denis; Johnson, Mike; Spencer, Pat; Watson, Ray

2000-01-01

Study of the introduction of generic Key Skills in two local education authorities in Britain found limited implementation. Results suggested the need for strategic district- and school-level management, clear aims and objectives, ownership by school staff, and cross-curricular application. (SK)

V/STOL Aerodynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-10-01

jet exhaust, m (ft) Ro radius of engine exhaust, m (ft) 1. INTRODUCTION free deg S wing area, m2 (ft2) t time, see T Thrust, N (lb) u...dimensional potential flow method to lift prediction for a wing with internally blown flaps is described. INTRODUCTION The objectives of this paper are...twofold. The first is to provide an introduction to this session on research into the aerodynamics of powered high lift systems. This will be

Alternate Sites for a Connecting Passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

there exist various other alternatives. consideration is given here only to three locations. These are: In Mexico , across the Tehuantepec isthmus v and...vill INTRODUCTION 1 OBJECTIVE 4 PROCEDURES 6 SOILS CLASSIFICATION AND PROPERTIES INTRODUCTION 7 COLOMBIA 13 NICARAGUA 27 MEXICO 43 TOPOGRAPHY...INTRODUCTION 83 COLOMBIA 84 NICARAGUA 87 MEXICO 92 SUMMARY 95 REFERENCES 98 v11 LIST OF FIGURES Page Fig. 1 Excavated-slope criteria for high 58 quality rock

30 CFR 900.2 - Objectives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... texts of State and Federal cooperative agreements for regulation of mining on Federal lands. The... Resources OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE INTRODUCTION § 900.2 Objectives. The objective of...

MINIMIZING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES: PERSONNEL MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

This communication is presented with two objectives in mind. The first objective is to provide an introduction to personnel monitoring of occupational exposure to pesticides for those who are not familiar with this field of investigation. The second objective is to stimulate disc...

SOAP Methodology in General Practice/Family Medicine Teaching in Practical Context.

PubMed

Santiago, Luiz Miguel; Neto, Isabel

2016-12-30

Medical records in General Practice/Family Medicine are an essential information support on the health status of the patient and a communication document between health professionals. The development of competencies in General Practice/Family Medicine during pre-graduation must include the ability to make adequate medical records in practical context. As of 2012, medicine students at the University of Beira Interior have been performing visits using the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP methodology, with a performance evaluation of the visit, with the aim to check on which Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP aspects students reveal the most difficulties in order to define improvement techniques and to correlate patient grade with tutor evaluation. Analysing the evaluation data for the 2015 - 2016 school year at the General Practice/Family Medicine visit carried out by fourth year students in medicine, comparing the averages of each item in the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP checklist and the patient evaluation. In the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP, 29.7% of students are on the best grade quartile, 37.1% are on the best competencies quartile and 27.2% on the best patient grade quartile. 'Evolution was verified/noted' received the worst grades in Subjective, 'Record of physical examination focused on the problem of the visit' received the worst grades in Objective, 'Notes of Diagnostic reasoning / differential diagnostic' received de worst grades in Assessment and 'Negotiation of aims to achieve' received the worst grades in Plan. The best tutor evaluation is found in 'communication'. Only one single study evaluated student´s performance under examination during a visit, with similar results to the present one and none addressed the patient's evaluation. Students revealed a good performance in using the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP. The findings represent the beginning of the introduction of the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan - SOAP to the students. This evaluation breaks ground towards better ways to teach the most difficult aspects.

Lessons Learned From Managing the Planning and Implementation of Inactivated Polio Vaccine Introduction in Support of the Polio Endgame.

PubMed

Zipursky, Simona; Patel, Manish; Farrell, Margaret; Gonzalez, Alejandro Ramirez; Kachra, Tasleem; Folly, Yann; Kurji, Feyrouz; Veira, Chantal Laroche; Wootton, Emily; Hampton, Lee M

2017-07-01

The Immunization Systems Management Group (IMG) was established as a time-limited entity, responsible for the management and coordination of Objective 2 of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan. This objective called for the introduction of at least 1 dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into the routine immunization programs of all countries using oral polio vaccine (OPV) only. Despite global vaccine shortages, which limited countries' abilities to access IPV in a timely manner, 105 of 126 countries using OPV only introduced IPV within a 2.5-year period, making it the fastest rollout of a new vaccine in history. This achievement can be attributed to several factors, including the coordination work of the IMG; high-level engagement and advocacy across partners; the strong foundations of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at all levels; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance's vaccine introduction experiences and mechanisms; innovative approaches; and proactive communications. In many ways, the IMG's work on IPV introduction can serve as a model for other vaccine introductions, especially in an accelerated context. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

EVA Development and Verification Testing at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jairala, Juniper C.; Durkin, Robert; Marak, Ralph J.; Sipila, Stepahnie A.; Ney, Zane A.; Parazynski, Scott E.; Thomason, Arthur H.

2012-01-01

As an early step in the preparation for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), astronauts perform neutral buoyancy testing to develop and verify EVA hardware and operations. Neutral buoyancy demonstrations at NASA Johnson Space Center's Sonny Carter Training Facility to date have primarily evaluated assembly and maintenance tasks associated with several elements of the International Space Station (ISS). With the retirement of the Shuttle, completion of ISS assembly, and introduction of commercial players for human transportation to space, evaluations at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) will take on a new focus. Test objectives are selected for their criticality, lack of previous testing, or design changes that justify retesting. Assembly tasks investigated are performed using procedures developed by the flight hardware providers and the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD). Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) maintenance tasks are performed using a more systematic set of procedures, EVA Concept of Operations for the International Space Station (JSC-33408), also developed by the MOD. This paper describes the requirements and process for performing a neutral buoyancy test, including typical hardware and support equipment requirements, personnel and administrative resource requirements, examples of ISS systems and operations that are evaluated, and typical operational objectives that are evaluated.

Objective structured brainstorming questions (OSBQs) in PBL tutorial sessions: Evidence based pilot study

PubMed Central

AlHoqail, Ibrahim A.; Badr, Fouad M.

2010-01-01

The fact that faculty tutors do have different backgrounds and specialty has been a concern as a factor that contributes to disparity in the delivery of brainstorming session outcomes. This paper aims to introduce a road map in the form of a set of focused objective structured questions (OSBQs) for tutors to follow in brainstorming. Methods Objectively structured questions were generated by the block planning committees. A pilot study was conducted from February 2008 – March 2009 and included groups (44 students) of second and third year undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City. Four indicators were considered to check the validity of the proposed OSBQs; (i) feed back on the perception of medical students experiencing different types of tutorial sessions, (ii) learning objectives achieved under both systems, (iii) student’s performance under the OSBQs and the unguided tutorials and (iv) proper utilization of the time allocated to brainstorming sessions. Results The student’s perception of their satisfaction of implementation of OSBQs was unanimous. Student’s performances were much better in blocks implementing OSBQs. The time allocated for brainstorming sessions was efficiently utilized with the introduction of OSBQs. Conclusion Implementation of OSBQs leads to standardization of tutorial sessions and allows more interaction between students to achieve their learning objectives and score better in their exams. Concern over the role of tutors will diminish. PMID:21475549

Objective structured brainstorming questions (OSBQs) in PBL tutorial sessions: Evidence based pilot study.

PubMed

Alhoqail, Ibrahim A; Badr, Fouad M

2010-11-01

The fact that faculty tutors do have different backgrounds and specialty has been a concern as a factor that contributes to disparity in the delivery of brainstorming session outcomes. This paper aims to introduce a road map in the form of a set of focused objective structured questions (OSBQs) for tutors to follow in brainstorming. Objectively structured questions were generated by the block planning committees. A pilot study was conducted from February 2008 - March 2009 and included groups (44 students) of second and third year undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City. Four indicators were considered to check the validity of the proposed OSBQs; (i) feed back on the perception of medical students experiencing different types of tutorial sessions, (ii) learning objectives achieved under both systems, (iii) student's performance under the OSBQs and the unguided tutorials and (iv) proper utilization of the time allocated to brainstorming sessions. The student's perception of their satisfaction of implementation of OSBQs was unanimous. Student's performances were much better in blocks implementing OSBQs. The time allocated for brainstorming sessions was efficiently utilized with the introduction of OSBQs. Implementation of OSBQs leads to standardization of tutorial sessions and allows more interaction between students to achieve their learning objectives and score better in their exams. Concern over the role of tutors will diminish.

7 CFR 773.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL APPLE LOAN PROGRAM § 773.1 Introduction. This part contains the terms and conditions for loans made under the Special Apple Loan Program. These regulations are applicable to... program objective is to assist producers of apples suffering from economic loss as a result of low apple...

7 CFR 773.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL APPLE LOAN PROGRAM § 773.1 Introduction. This part contains the terms and conditions for loans made under the Special Apple Loan Program. These regulations are applicable to... program objective is to assist producers of apples suffering from economic loss as a result of low apple...

7 CFR 773.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL APPLE LOAN PROGRAM § 773.1 Introduction. This part contains the terms and conditions for loans made under the Special Apple Loan Program. These regulations are applicable to... program objective is to assist producers of apples suffering from economic loss as a result of low apple...

7 CFR 773.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL APPLE LOAN PROGRAM § 773.1 Introduction. This part contains the terms and conditions for loans made under the Special Apple Loan Program. These regulations are applicable to... program objective is to assist producers of apples suffering from economic loss as a result of low apple...

7 CFR 773.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL APPLE LOAN PROGRAM § 773.1 Introduction. This part contains the terms and conditions for loans made under the Special Apple Loan Program. These regulations are applicable to... program objective is to assist producers of apples suffering from economic loss as a result of low apple...

The Effect of Pilates Exercise on Trunk and Postural Stability and Throwing Velocity in College Baseball Pitchers: Single Subject Design

PubMed Central

Howe, Katherine

2007-01-01

Background Baseball pitchers need trunk strength to maximize performance. The Pilates method of exercise is gaining popularity throughout the country as a fitness and rehabilitation method of exercise. However, very few studies exist that examine the effects of the Pilates method of exercise on trunk strength or performance. Objectives Using a single subject, multiple baseline across subjects design, this study examines the effects of the Pilates method of exercise on performance of double leg lowering, star excursion balance test, and throwing velocity in college-aged baseball pitchers. Methods A convenience sample of three college baseball pitchers served as the subjects for this single subject design study. For each subject, double leg lowering, star excursion balance test, and throwing speed were measured prior to the introduction of the intervention. When baseline test values showed consistent performance, the intervention was introduced to one subject at a time. Intervention was introduced to the other subjects over a period of 4 weeks as they also demonstrated consistent performance on the baseline tests. Intervention was continued with periodic tests for the remainder of the 10 week trial. Results Each subject improved in performance on double leg lowering (increased 24.43-32.7%) and star excursion balance test (increased 4.63-17.84%) after introduction of the intervention. Throwing speed improved in two of the three subjects (up to 5.61%). Discussion and Conclusions The Pilates method of exercise may contribute to improved performance in double leg lowering, star excursion balance tests, and throwing speed in college baseball pitchers. PMID:21522199

Visual working memory is more tolerant than visual long-term memory.

PubMed

Schurgin, Mark W; Flombaum, Jonathan I

2018-05-07

Human visual memory is tolerant, meaning that it supports object recognition despite variability across encounters at the image level. Tolerant object recognition remains one capacity in which artificial intelligence trails humans. Typically, tolerance is described as a property of human visual long-term memory (VLTM). In contrast, visual working memory (VWM) is not usually ascribed a role in tolerant recognition, with tests of that system usually demanding discriminatory power-identifying changes, not sameness. There are good reasons to expect that VLTM is more tolerant; functionally, recognition over the long-term must accommodate the fact that objects will not be viewed under identical conditions; and practically, the passive and massive nature of VLTM may impose relatively permissive criteria for thinking that two inputs are the same. But empirically, tolerance has never been compared across working and long-term visual memory. We therefore developed a novel paradigm for equating encoding and test across different memory types. In each experiment trial, participants saw two objects, memory for one tested immediately (VWM) and later for the other (VLTM). VWM performance was better than VLTM and remained robust despite the introduction of image and object variability. In contrast, VLTM performance suffered linearly as more variability was introduced into test stimuli. Additional experiments excluded interference effects as causes for the observed differences. These results suggest the possibility of a previously unidentified role for VWM in the acquisition of tolerant representations for object recognition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Cluster: Drafting. Course: Introduction to Technical Drafting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanford - Lee County Schools, NC.

The set of 10 units is designed for use with an instructor as an introduction to technical drafting, and is also keyed to other texts. Each unit contains several task packages specifying prerequisites, rationale for learning, objectives, learning activities to be supervised by the instructor, and learning practice. The units cover: drafting…

Evaluation and Revision of an Introduction to Experiential Rotations Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dy, Eliza A.; Nisly, Sarah A.

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the perceived student value of topics taught in Butler University's Introduction to Experiential Rotations (RX500) course, implement course revisions to address any perceived weaknesses, and to reassess the course following implementation of those course revisions. Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience…

National Research Council Dialogue to Assess Progress on NASA's Systems Engineering Cost/Risk Analysis Capability Roadmap Development: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Regenie, Victoria

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: General Background and Introduction of Capability. Roadmaps for Systems Engineering Cost/Risk Analysis. Agency Objectives. Strategic Planning Transformation. Review Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Review Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date).

Incorporating TED Talk Assignments into a Public-Speaking Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Pamela A.

2017-01-01

Courses: Introduction to public speaking, advanced public speaking, hybrid/survey introduction to communication. Objectives: At the end of this activity, students will be able to (1) explain the elements of a speaking outline and discover these elements in real-world speech examples, (2) recreate outline formats effectively in their personal…

Introduction of structural health and safety monitoring warning systems for Shenzhen-Hong Kong Western Corridor Shenzhen Bay Bridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, N.; Zhang, X. Y.; Zhou, X. T.; Leng, J.; Liang, Z.; Zheng, C.; Sun, X. F.

2008-03-01

Though the brief introduction of the completed structural health and safety monitoring warning systems for Shenzhen-Hongkong western corridor Shenzhen bay highway bridge (SZBHMS), the self-developed system frame, hardware and software scheme of this practical research project are systematically discussed in this paper. The data acquisition and transmission hardware and the basic software based on the NI (National Instruments) Company virtual instruments technology were selected in this system, which adopted GPS time service receiver technology and so on. The objectives are to establish the structural safety monitoring and status evaluation system to monitor the structural responses and working conditions in real time and to analyze the structural working statue using information obtained from the measured data. It will be also provided the scientific decision-making bases for the bridge management and maintenance. Potential technical approaches to the structural safety warning systems, status identification and evaluation method are presented. The result indicated that the performance of the system has achieved the desired objectives, ensure the longterm high reliability, real time concurrence and advanced technology of SZBHMS. The innovate achievement which is the first time to implement in domestic, provide the reference for long-span bridge structural health and safety monitoring warning systems design.

Investigation of Remedial Education Course Scores as a Predictor of Introduction-Level Course Performances

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ulmer, Ward; Means, Darris R.; Cawthon, Tony W.; Kristensen, Sheryl A.

2016-01-01

This study explores whether performance in remedial English and remedial math is a predictor of success in a college-level introduction English or college-level math class; and whether demographic variables increase the likelihood of remedial English and remedial math as a predictor of success in a college-level introduction English or…

Columbia County Kindergarten Center Environmental Study Area Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Office of Environment Education.

The guide lists seven program objectives and 15 activities guides for meeting the objectives. Included in each activity is an introduction, outdoor activity, classroom activity, and evaluation. Sample activities are: Animals Use Natural Materials to Provide Food and Shelter, Differences in Soil, Decomposition, Man-made or Natural Objects, Food…

Techniques for the rapid display and manipulation of 3-D biomedical data.

PubMed

Goldwasser, S M; Reynolds, R A; Talton, D A; Walsh, E S

1988-01-01

The use of fully interactive 3-D workstations with true real-time performance will become increasingly common as technology matures and economical commercial systems become available. This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to high speed approaches to the display and manipulation of 3-D medical objects obtained from tomographic data acquisition systems such as CT, MR, and PET. A variety of techniques are outlined including the use of software on conventional minicomputers, hardware assist devices such as array processors and programmable frame buffers, and special purpose computer architecture for dedicated high performance systems. While both algorithms and architectures are addressed, the major theme centers around the utilization of hardware-based approaches including parallel processors for the implementation of true real-time systems.

Effect of a national primary care pay for performance scheme on emergency hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions: controlled longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Harrison, Mark J; Dusheiko, Mark; Sutton, Matt; Gravelle, Hugh; Doran, Tim

2014-01-01

Objective To estimate the impact of a national primary care pay for performance scheme, the Quality and Outcomes Framework in England, on emergency hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs). Design Controlled longitudinal study. Setting English National Health Service between 1998/99 and 2010/11. Participants Populations registered with each of 6975 family practices in England. Main outcome measures Year specific differences between trend adjusted emergency hospital admission rates for incentivised ACSCs before and after the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework scheme and two comparators: non-incentivised ACSCs and non-ACSCs. Results Incentivised ACSC admissions showed a relative reduction of 2.7% (95% confidence interval 1.6% to 3.8%) in the first year of the Quality and Outcomes Framework compared with ACSCs that were not incentivised. This increased to a relative reduction of 8.0% (6.9% to 9.1%) in 2010/11. Compared with conditions that are not regarded as being influenced by the quality of ambulatory care (non-ACSCs), incentivised ACSCs also showed a relative reduction in rates of emergency admissions of 2.8% (2.0% to 3.6%) in the first year increasing to 10.9% (10.1% to 11.7%) by 2010/11. Conclusions The introduction of a major national pay for performance scheme for primary care in England was associated with a decrease in emergency admissions for incentivised conditions compared with conditions that were not incentivised. Contemporaneous health service changes seem unlikely to have caused the sharp change in the trajectory of incentivised ACSC admissions immediately after the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework. The decrease seems larger than would be expected from the changes in the process measures that were incentivised, suggesting that the pay for performance scheme may have had impacts on quality of care beyond the directly incentivised activities. PMID:25389120

Geography 222 -- Issues in Economic Geography; Course Notes: Issues and Landscapes, [Introduction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurst, Eliot M. E.

In his introduction to the course, Issues in Economic Geography, the author surveys the profession of geography, reviewing its history and its function in today's society and making recommendations for a "rethinking" of geography. He states that positivism, the search for emperically verifiable knowledge that makes an objective science of some…

Introduction to Animal Products. Instructor Guide [and] Student Reference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

This packet contains an instructor guide and student reference for a course in introduction to animal products. The curriculum contains the following six lessons: (1) importance of animal products; (2) beef; (3) pork; (4) lamb and mutton; (5) poultry products; and (6) dairy products. The instructor guide includes the following: objectives,…

National Research Council Dialogue to Assess Progress on NASA's Title of CRM Capability Roadmap Development: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crooke, Julie A.

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: General Background and Introduction of Capability Roadmaps "Title." Agency Objective. Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule. Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date).

A Concise Introduction to Colombeau Generalized Functions and Their Applications in Classical Electrodynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gsponer, Andre

2009-01-01

The objective of this introduction to Colombeau algebras of generalized functions (in which distributions can be freely multiplied) is to explain in elementary terms the essential concepts necessary for their application to basic nonlinear problems in classical physics. Examples are given in hydrodynamics and electrodynamics. The problem of the…

National Research Council Dialogue to Assess Progress on NASA's Human Health & Support Systems Capability Roadmap Development: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aikins, Jan

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: General Background and Introduction of Capability Roadmaps. Agency Objective. Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule. Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date).

Characterization and genetics of multiple soybean aphid biotype resistance in five soybean plant introductions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is the most important soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] insect pest in the USA. The objectives of this study were to characterize the resistance expressed in the five plant introductions (PIs) to four soybean aphid biotypes, determine the mode of resistance in...

[Analysis of characteristics shown in self introduction letter and professor's recommendation letter].

PubMed

Kim, Sang Hyun

2013-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate applicants' behavioral characteristics based on the evaluation of cognitive, affective and social domain shown in self introduction letter and professor's recommendation letter. Self introduction letters and professor's recommendation letters of 109 applicants students who applied to medical school were collected. Frequency analysis and simple correlation were done in self introduction letter and professor's recommendation letter. Frequency analysis showed affective characteristics were most often mentioned in self introduction letter, and cognitive characteristics were most frequently described in professor's recommendation letter. There was a strong correlation between cognitive domains of self introduction letter and cognitive domain of professor's recommendation letter. There was a strong correlation between affective domain of self introduction letter and cognitive domain professor's recommendation letter. It is very important to make full use of self introduction letter and professor's recommendation letter for selecting medical students. Through the frequency analysis and simple correlation, more specific guidelines need to be suggested in order to secure fairness and objectivity in the evaluation of self-introduction letter and professor's recommendation letter.

Assessment of percutaneous renal access skills during Urology Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)

PubMed Central

Noureldin, Yasser A.; Elkoushy, Mohamed A.; Andonian, Sero

2015-01-01

Introduction: The first objective was to assess percutaneous renal access (PCA) skills of urology postgraduate trainees (PGTs) during the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). The second objective was to determine whether previous experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) improved performance. Methods: After obtaining ethics approval, we recruited PGTs from two urology programs in Quebec between postgraduate years (PGY-3 to PGY-5). Each trainee was asked to answer a short questionnaire regarding previous experience in endourologic procedures. After a 3-minute orientation on the PERC Mentor simulator (Simbionix, Cleveland, OH), each trainee was asked to perform task 4, where they had to correctly access all of the renal calyces and pop the balloons in a normal left kidney model. We collected and analyzed data from the questionnaire and the performance report generated by the simulator. Results: In total, 13 PGTs participated in this study. PGTs had performed a median of 200 (range: 50–1000) cystoscopies, 50 (range: 10–125) TURBTs, 30 (range: 0–100) TURPs, 5 (range: 0–50) laser prostatectomies, and 50 (range: 2–125) ureteroscopies prior to this OSCE. PGTs with previous PCNL experience (8/13) had performed a mean of 18.6 ± 6.3 PCNLs. PGTs with previous PCNL experience performed significantly better in terms of shorter fluoroscopy time (10 ± 1.5 vs. 5.1 ± 0.7 min; p = 0.04), fewer attempts required for successful puncture of the pelvi-calyceal system (PCS) (21 ± 2.3 vs. 13 ± 1.8; p = 0.02), and had significantly lower complications in terms of fewer infundibular injury (7.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2 ± 0.4; p = 0.004) and fewer PCS perforations (11 ± 1.7 vs. 4.5 ± 1.2; p = 0.01). Conclusion: It is feasible to use the PERC Mentor simulator during OSCEs to assess PCA skills of urology PGTs. PGTs who had previous PCNL experience performed significantly better with fewer complications. PMID:25844094

Inquiry-Based Learning Using Everyday Objects: Hands-On Instructional Strategies That Promote Active Learning in Grades 3-8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alvarado, Amy Edmonds; Herr, Patricia R.

This book explores the concept of using everyday objects as a process initiated both by students and teachers, encouraging growth in student observation, inquisitiveness, and reflection in learning. After "Introduction: Welcome to Inquiry-Based Learning using Everyday Objects (Object-Based Inquiry), there are nine chapters in two parts. Part 1,…

A Tentative Application Of Morphological Filters To Time-Varying Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billard, D.; Poquillon, B.

1989-03-01

In this paper, morphological filters, which are commonly used to process either 2D or multidimensional static images, are generalized to the analysis of time-varying image sequence. The introduction of the time dimension induces then interesting prop-erties when designing such spatio-temporal morphological filters. In particular, the specification of spatio-temporal structuring ele-ments (equivalent to time-varying spatial structuring elements) can be adjusted according to the temporal variations of the image sequences to be processed : this allows to derive specific morphological transforms to perform noise filtering or moving objects discrimination on dynamic images viewed by a non-stationary sensor. First, a brief introduction to the basic principles underlying morphological filters will be given. Then, a straightforward gener-alization of these principles to time-varying images will be pro-posed. This will lead us to define spatio-temporal opening and closing and to introduce some of their possible applications to process dynamic images. At last, preliminary results obtained us-ing a natural forward looking infrared (FUR) image sequence are presented.

Object Toolkit Version 4.3 User’s Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-31

unlimited. (OPS-17-12855 dtd 19 Jan 2017) 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Object Toolkit is a finite - element model builder specifically designed for...INTRODUCTION 1 What Is Object Toolkit? Object Toolkit is a finite - element model builder specifically designed for creating representations of spacecraft...Nascap-2k and EPIC, the user is not required to purchase or learn expensive finite element generators to create system models. Second, Object Toolkit

Instructional Objectives for a Junior College Course in Introduction to Mathematical Thinking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starkweather, Ann, Comp.

These instructional objectives have been selected from materials submitted to the Curriculum Laboratory of the Graduate School of Education at UCLA. Arranged by major course goals, these objectives are offered simply as samples that may be used where they correspond to the skills, abilities, and attitudes instructors want their students to…

Assessment and Instruction of Object Permanence in Children with Blindness and Multiple Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruce, Susan M.; Vargas, Claudia

2012-01-01

Introduction: This article discusses the impact of blindness and low vision on the development of object permanence and provides suggestions for assessment and instruction. Methods: The reviewed literature was identified by searching both ERIC and Psych Info using combinations of search terms such as "object permanence" and "visual…

[Description of the process of preparation and response of local health authorities facing the introduction of the Chikungunya virus in Colombia, 2014].

PubMed

Alarcón-Cruz, Ángela P; Prieto-Suárez, Edgar

2016-06-01

Objective To describe the process of preparation and response of local health authorities in key public health issues while facing the introduction stage of an unusual virus: Chikungunya in Colombia in 2014. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey that was developed for this study and sent to Public Health coordinators and to the person in charge of vector borne-diseases in the country's territorial entities. Results 23 out of the 35 territories at risk from the transmission of Chikungunya agreed to answer the survey. A global review of the survey scores for each evaluated section shows better performances in the areas of knowledge management, comprehensive patient care, epidemiological intelligence, and health promotion. According to the results of this study, the epidemiological surveillance system during the Chikungunya epidemic had a low acceptability and flexibility, possibly contributing to the underreporting of cases. Conclusions In general, knowledge and implementation by local authorities of the Integrated Health Strategy- EGI (Estrategia de Gestión Integral, by its Spanish acronym)- for vector-borne diseases was evident from the themes evaluated in this study. However, it is necessary to reinforce the communication of risks, laboratory, and outbreak and contingencies management areas faced during the introduction of new viruses.

Evaluating nonindigenous species management in a Bayesian networks derived relative risk framework for Padilla Bay, WA, USA.

PubMed

Herring, Carlie E; Stinson, Jonah; Landis, Wayne G

2015-10-01

Many coastal regions are encountering issues with the spread of nonindigenous species (NIS). In this study, we conducted a regional risk assessment using a Bayesian network relative risk model (BN-RRM) to analyze multiple vectors of NIS introductions to Padilla Bay, Washington, a National Estuarine Research Reserve. We had 3 objectives in this study. The 1st objective was to determine whether the BN-RRM could be used to calculate risk from NIS introductions for Padilla Bay. Our 2nd objective was to determine which regions and endpoints were at greatest risk from NIS introductions. Our 3rd objective was to incorporate a management option into the model and predict endpoint risk if it were to be implemented. Eradication can occur at different stages of NIS invasions, such as the elimination of these species before being introduced to the habitat or removal of the species after settlement. We incorporated the ballast water treatment management scenario into the model, observed the risk to the endpoints, and compared this risk with the initial risk estimates. The model results indicated that the southern portion of the bay was at greatest risk because of NIS. Changes in community composition, Dungeness crab, and eelgrass were the endpoints most at risk from NIS introductions. The currents node, which controls the exposure of NIS to the bay from the surrounding marine environment, was the parameter that had the greatest influence on risk. The ballast water management scenario displayed an approximate 1% reduction in risk in this Padilla Bay case study. The models we developed provide an adaptable template for decision makers interested in managing NIS in other coastal regions and large bodies of water. © 2015 SETAC.

Understanding of Object Detection Based on CNN Family and YOLO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Juan

2018-04-01

As a key use of image processing, object detection has boomed along with the unprecedented advancement of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and its variants since 2012. When CNN series develops to Faster Region with CNN (R-CNN), the Mean Average Precision (mAP) has reached 76.4, whereas, the Frame Per Second (FPS) of Faster R-CNN remains 5 to 18 which is far slower than the real-time effect. Thus, the most urgent requirement of object detection improvement is to accelerate the speed. Based on the general introduction to the background and the core solution CNN, this paper exhibits one of the best CNN representatives You Only Look Once (YOLO), which breaks through the CNN family’s tradition and innovates a complete new way of solving the object detection with most simple and high efficient way. Its fastest speed has achieved the exciting unparalleled result with FPS 155, and its mAP can also reach up to 78.6, both of which have surpassed the performance of Faster R-CNN greatly. Additionally, compared with the latest most advanced solution, YOLOv2 achieves an excellent tradeoff between speed and accuracy as well as an object detector with strong generalization ability to represent the whole image.

Le journal: une introduction (The Newspaper: An Introduction). Teacher's Guide [and Module].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scane, Joyce; Ullmann, Rebecca

A reading activity module based on the newspaper was designed for students in grades 6-8 who have had two years of instruction in French as a second language. The module includes the teacher's guide, the facsimile newspaper, and transparencies for class activities. Module objectives are to introduce students to both newspaper reading and…

Introduction to Animal Science. Unit A-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luft, Vernon D.; Backlund, Paul

This document is a teacher's guide for a unit in the college animal science curriculum. It is intended to be used for 20 hours of instruction for freshmen as an introduction to animal science. It explores the livestock industry and builds a foundation for livestock selection. The unit's objectives are to help the student develop an understanding…

Differences in Receipt of Three Preventive Health Care Services by Race/Ethnicity in Medicare Advantage Plans: Tracking the Impact of Pay for Performance, 2010 and 2013

PubMed Central

Palta, Mari; Smith, Maureen; Oliver, Thomas R.; DuGoff, Eva H.

2016-01-01

Introduction In 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration, a pay-for-performance (P4P) program, into Medicare Advantage plans. Previous studies documented racial/ethnic disparities in receipt of care among participants in these plans. The objective of this study was to determine whether P4P incentives have affected these disparities in Medicare Advantage plans. Methods We studied 411 Medicare Advantage health plans that participated in the Medicare Health Outcome Survey in 2010 and 2013. Preventive health care was defined as self-reported receipt of health care provider communication or treatment to reduce risk of falling, improve bladder control, and monitor physical activity among individuals reporting these problems. Logistic regression stratified by health care plan was used to examine racial/ethnic disparities in receipt of preventive health care before and after the introduction of the P4P program in 2012. Results We found similar racial/ethnic differences in receipt of preventive health care before and after the introduction of P4P. Blacks and Asians were less likely than whites to receive advice to improve bladder control and more likely to receive advice to reduce risk of falling and improve physical activity. Hispanics were more likely to report receiving advice about all 3 health issues than whites. After the introduction of P4P, the gap decreased between Hispanics and whites for improving bladder control and monitoring physical activity and increased between blacks and whites for monitoring physical activity. Conclusion Racial/ethnic differences in receipt of preventive health care are not always in the expected direction. CMS should consider developing a separate measure of equity in preventive health care services to encourage health plans to reduce gaps among racial/ethnic groups in receiving preventive care services. PMID:27609303

75 FR 14057 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-40; Introduction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-23

...: Introduction, Small Entity Compliance Guide, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity, Information System...; Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-40; Introduction AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services...

Using fecal hormonal and behavioral analyses to evaluate the introduction of two sable antelope at Lincoln Park Zoo.

PubMed

Loeding, Erin; Thomas, Jeanette; Bernier, Dave; Santymire, Rachel

2011-01-01

Introductions of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) can be difficult due to the potential ensuing aggression compounded by their large horns. The goal was to use hormonal assays and behavioral analyses to evaluate the success of an introduction of 2 adult females at Lincoln Park Zoo. The objectives were to (a) document behavioral and hormonal changes in 2 female sable antelope during the introduction, (b) compare fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in each individual during the introduction stages, (c) measure fecal androgen metabolites (FAM) during introduction and compare with dominance rank and observed aggression, and (d) monitor estrous cycle synchronization. Results demonstrate that FGM were higher before than during and after the introduction. Behavioral observations indicated limited aggression between females, although the keeper survey results revealed that the new female was more dominant and had higher mean FGM and FAM than the resident. Both sable antelope were reproductively active throughout the year. Results indicate that fecal hormone analysis can provide zoo management with valuable information to minimize the risk of aggression, injury, and stress during introductions of nonhuman animals.

Fall Protection Introduction, #33462

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

Chochoms, Michael

The proper use of fall prevention and fall protection controls can reduce the risk of deaths and injuries caused by falls. This course, Fall Protection Introduction (#33462), is designed as an introduction to various types of recognized fall prevention and fall protection systems at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), including guardrail systems, safety net systems, fall restraint systems, and fall arrest systems. Special emphasis is given to the components, inspection, care, and storage of personal fall arrest systems (PFASs). This course also presents controls for falling object hazards and emergency planning considerations for persons who have fallen.

Ethical issues raised by the introduction of payment for performance in France

PubMed Central

Saint-Lary, Olivier; Plu, Isabelle; Naiditch, Michel

2012-01-01

Context In France, a new payment for performance (P4P) scheme for primary care physicians was introduced in 2009 through the ‘Contract for Improving Individual Practice’ programme. Its objective was to reduce healthcare expenditures while enhancing improvement in guidelines' observance. Nevertheless, in all countries where the scheme was implemented, it raised several concerns in the domain of professional ethics. Objective To draw out in France the ethical tensions arising in the general practitioner's (GP) profession linked to the introduction of P4P. Method Qualitative research using two focus groups: first one with a sample of GPs who joined P4P and second one with those who did not. All collective interviews were recorded and fully transcribed. An inductive analysis of thematic content with construction of categories was conducted. All the data were triangulated. Results All participants agreed that conflicts of interest were a real issue, leading to the resurgence of doctor's dirigisme, which could be detrimental for patient's autonomy. GPs who did not join P4P believed that the scheme would lead to patient's selection while those who joined P4P did not. The level of the maximal bonus of the P4P was considered low by all GPs. This was considered as an offense by non-participating GPs, whereas for participating ones, this low level minimised the risk of patient's selection. Conclusion This work identified several areas of ethical tension, some being different from those previously described in other countries. The authors discuss the potential impact of institutional contexts and variability of implementation processes on shaping these differences. PMID:22493186

Test Methodology for Protection of Vehicle Occupants against Anti-Vehicular Landmine Effects (Methodologie d’essais pour la protection des occupants de vehicules contre les effets des mines terrestres anti-vehicules)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

1 Chapter 1 – Introduction 1 - 1 1.1 Background and Problem Definition 1 - 1 1.1.1...Background 1 - 1 1.1.2 Problem Definition 1 -2 1.2 The Objective and Approach of the HFM-090/TG-25 1 -2 1.2.1 Objective 1 -2 1.2.2 Approach 1 -2 1.3...Organization of this Report 1 -3 1.4 References 1 -3 Chapter 2 – The Mine Detonation Process and Occupant Loading 2- 1 2.1 Introduction to Mines 2- 1 2.2

Dynamic Simulation of VEGA SRM Bench Firing By Using Propellant Complex Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Trapani, C. D.; Mastrella, E.; Bartoccini, D.; Squeo, E. A.; Mastroddi, F.; Coppotelli, G.; Linari, M.

2012-07-01

During the VEGA launcher development, from the 2004 up to now, 8 firing tests have been performed at Salto di Quirra (Sardinia, Italy) and Kourou (Guyana, Fr) with the objective to characterize and qualify of the Zefiros and P80 Solid Rocket Motors (SRM). In fact the VEGA launcher configuration foreseen 3 solid stages based on P80, Z23 and Z9 Solid Rocket Motors respectively. One of the primary objectives of the firing test is to correctly characterize the dynamic response of the SRM in order to apply such a characterization to the predictions and simulations of the VEGA launch dynamic environment. Considering that the solid propellant is around 90% of the SRM mass, it is very important to dynamically characterize it, and to increase the confidence in the simulation of the dynamic levels transmitted to the LV upper part from the SRMs. The activity is articulated in three parts: • consolidation of an experimental method for the dynamic characterization of the complex dynamic elasticity modulus of elasticity of visco-elastic materials applicable to the SRM propellant operative conditions • introduction of the complex dynamic elasticity modulus in a numerical FEM benchmark based on MSC NASTRAN solver • analysis of the effect of the introduction of the complex dynamic elasticity modulus in the Zefiros FEM focusing on experimental firing test data reproduction with numerical approach.

The ANKLe Score: An Audit of Otolaryngology Emergency Clinic Record Keeping

PubMed Central

Dexter, Sara C; Hayashi, Daichi; Tysome, James R

2008-01-01

INTRODUCTION Accurate and legible medical records are essential to good quality patient care. Guidelines from The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) state the content required to form a complete medical record, but do not address legibility. An audit of otolaryngology emergency clinic record keeping was performed using a new scoring system. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Adjusted Note Keeping and Legibility (ANKLe) score was developed as an objective and quantitative method to assess both the content and legibility of case notes, incorporating the RCSE guidelines. Twenty consecutive otolaryngology emergency clinic case notes from each of 7 senior house officers were audited against standards for legibility and content using the ANKLe score. A proforma was introduced to improve documentation and handwriting advice was given. A further set of 140 notes (20 notes for each of the 7 doctors) was audited in the same way to provide feedback. RESULTS The introduction of a proforma and advice on handwriting significantly increased the quality of case note entries in terms of content, legibility and overall ANKLe score. CONCLUSIONS Accurate note keeping can be improved by the use of a proforma. The legibility of handwriting can be improved using simple advice. The ANKLe score is an objective assessment tool of the overall quality of medical note documentation which can be adapted for use in other specialties. PMID:18430339

Behavioral Objectives and Related Test Items for Selected Units in Automotive Mechanics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Richard K., Ed.; And Others

This is a catalog of behavioral objectives for Vocational Automotive Mechanics organized by units of instruction as listed in the State curriculum guide. Each unit contains a suggested outline of content, a goal statement, and general and specific objectives. The units taught are: introduction to the automobile; basic hand tools--fasteners and…

Object-Driven and Temporal Action Rules Mining

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hajja, Ayman

2013-01-01

In this thesis, I present my complete research work in the field of action rules, more precisely object-driven and temporal action rules. The drive behind the introduction of object-driven and temporally based action rules is to bring forth an adapted approach to extract action rules from a subclass of systems that have a specific nature, in which…

The Role of Visual Experience in Changing the Size of Objects in Imagery Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szubielska, Magdalena; Marek, Boguslaw

2015-01-01

Introduction: This paper investigates the question of whether or not subjects who are congenitally blind experience greater difficulties mentally in resizing images of objects than those who have low vision or are adventitiously blind. Methods: Two experiments were conducted--one in which subjects were asked to mentally enlarge objects they…

Ergogenic aids in sport

PubMed

Santesteban Moriones, Virginia; Ibáñez Santos, Javier

2017-02-01

Introduction: Very few nutritional supplements have scientifically demonstrated their effectiveness as an ergogenic aid. This review will examine creatine monohydrate (MC), the β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), sodium bicarbonate (BS), the β-alanine and caffeine. Objectives: To analyze the effi cacy, mechanisms of action, dose, side effects and some sports that can benefit from their consumption. Methods: Searching in PubMed bibliographic database reviews from the last 15 years and original articles from the last 5 years of the studied substances. Results: Doses of 20 mg/day for 4-7 days are effective in improving strength and muscular power and performance in short and repeated sprints. HMB at doses of 3 g/day for at least 2 weeks contributes to increased lean mass and fat-free mass. The intake of 0.3 g/kg of BS improves performance on tests of 400-1,500 meters in athletics and intermittent sprints. Meanwhile, doses of 80 mg/kg/day of β-alanine for 4-10 weeks may improve performance in high-intensity intermittent exercise. Finally, caffeine at doses of 2 mg/kg improves responsiveness and 3-6 mg/kg improves performance in endurance tests. Conclusions: The revised supplements have shown their efficacy in physical performance, but it is needed to keep in mind that most studies have been conducted with recreational-level athletes. Generally, the better the individual´s fitness level is the less improvement in physical performance the supplement shows. However, an increase of only 1% may sometimes allow the athlete to advance several positions in a final. Finally, we should draw attention to the importance of optimizing nutrition before considering the introduction of sports supplements, especially in children and youth. All analyzed substances have scientific basis supporting its ergogenic effect. All of them can be found in the market with Certificate of Quality and Purit

Survey material choices in haematology EQA: a confounding factor in automated counting performance assessment.

PubMed

De la Salle, Barbara

2017-02-15

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most frequently requested tests in laboratory medicine, performed in a range of healthcare situations. The provision of an ideal assay material for external quality assessment is confounded by the fragility of the cellular components of blood, the lack of commutability of stabilised whole blood material and the lack of certified reference materials and methods to which CBC results can be traced. The choice of assay material between fresh blood, extended life assay material and fully stabilised, commercially prepared, whole blood material depends upon the scope and objectives of the EQA scheme. The introduction of new technologies in blood counting and the wider clinical application of parameters from the extended CBC will bring additional challenges for the EQA provider.

Job Redesign: An Analysis of an Intervention to Improve Job Characteristics

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

vii I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . 1 General Issue ... . I Specific Problem . .. . . . I Research Objectives . . . . . 2...the Job Diagnostic Survey, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and ad-hoc items pertaining to the issues of training, challenge, and the matrix...vii JOB REDESIGN: AN ANALYSIS OF AN INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE JOB CHARACTERISTICS I. Introduction General Issue This tnesis will center on whether job

Teaching about the Holocaust and Genocide: Introduction. The Human Rights Series, Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Clayton; And Others

Designed to assist secondary school social studies, English, and humanities teachers as they teach about the Nazi Holocaust, the first of two volumes serves as an introduction to the concept of human rights. Divided into a rationale and two units, each unit includes a statement of purpose, a list of objectives, and a group of learning activities…

National Research Council Dialogue to Assess Progesss on NASA's Human Exploration Systems and Mobility Capability Roadmap Development: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Inman, Thomas

2005-01-01

General Background and Introduction of Capability Roadmaps: Agency Objective. Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule. Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Technology and Capability Readiness Levels. Relationships Between Roadmaps. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Team Progress to Date).

Writing Introduction: Laying the Foundations of a Research Paper.

PubMed

Bavdekar, Sandeep B

2015-07-01

The Introduction section explains the rationale for undertaking the study and clearly describes the main purpose of conducting it. It should be focused, succinct and crisp. Providing an extensive and detailed literature review, not stating the hypothesis of the objectives with clarity and not providing focused information are some of the common mistakes that the authors should steer clear of.

Guest Editor's introduction: Selected papers from the 4th USENIX Conference on Object-Oriented Technologies and Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sventek, Joe

1998-12-01

Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, 1501 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA Introduction The USENIX Conference on Object-Oriented Technologies and Systems (COOTS) is held annually in the late spring. The conference evolved from a set of C++ workshops that were held under the auspices of USENIX, the first of which met in 1989. Given the growing diverse interest in object-oriented technologies, the C++ focus of the workshop eventually became too narrow, with the result that the scope was widened in 1995 to include object-oriented technologies and systems. COOTS is intended to showcase advanced R&D efforts in object-oriented technologies and software systems. The conference emphasizes experimental research and experience gained by using object-oriented techniques and languages to build complex software systems that meet real-world needs. COOTS solicits papers in the following general areas: application of, and experiences with, object-oriented technologies in particular domains (e.g. financial, medical, telecommunication); the architecture and implementation of distributed object systems (e.g. CORBA, DCOM, RMI); object-oriented programming and specification languages; object-oriented design and analysis. The 4th meeting of COOTS was held 27 - 30 April 1998 at the El Dorado Hotel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Several tutorials were given. The technical program proper consisted of a single track of six sessions, with three paper presentations per session. A keynote address and a provocative panel session rounded out the technical program. The program committee reviewed 56 papers, selecting the best 18 for presentation in the technical sessions. While we solicit papers across the spectrum of applications of object-oriented technologies, this year there was a predominance of distributed, object-oriented papers. The accepted papers reflected this asymmetry, with 15 papers on distributed objects and 3 papers on object-oriented languages. The papers in this special issue are the six best distributed object papers (in the opinion of the program committee). They represent the diversity of research in this particular area, and should give the reader a good idea of the types of papers presented at COOTS as well as the calibre of the work so presented. The papers The paper by Jain, Widoff and Schmidt explores the suitability of Java for writing performance-sensitive distributed applications. Despite the popularity of Java, there are many concerns about its efficiency; in particular, networking and computation performance are key concerns when considering the use of Java to develop performance-sensitive distributed applications. This paper makes three contributions to the study of Java for these applications: it describes an architecture using Java and the Web to develop MedJava, which is a distributed electronic medical imaging system with stringent networking and computation requirements; it presents benchmarks of MedJava image processing and compares the results to the performance of xv, which is an equivalent image processing application written in C; it presents performance benchmarks using Java as a transport interface to exchange large medical images over high-speed ATM networks. The paper by Little and Shrivastava covers the integration of several important topics: transactions, distributed systems, Java, the Internet and security. The usefulness of this paper lies in the synthesis of an effective solution applying work in different areas of computing to the Java environment. Securing applications constructed from distributed objects is important if these applications are to be used in mission-critical situations. Delegation is one aspect of distributed system security that is necessary for such applications. The paper by Nagaratnam and Lea describes a secure delegation model for Java-based, distributed object environments. The paper by Frølund and Koistinen addresses the topical issue of providing a common way for describing Quality-of-Service (QoS) features in distributed, object-oriented systems. They present a general QoS language, QML, that can be used to capture QoS properties as part of a design. They also show how to extend UML to support QML concepts. The paper by Szymaszek, Uszok and Zielinski discusses the important issue of efficient implementation and usage of fine-grained objects in CORBA-based applications. Fine-grained objects can have serious ramifications on overall application performance and scalability, and the paper suggests that such objects should not be treated as first-class CORBA objects, proposing instead the use of collections and smart proxies for efficient implementation. The paper by Milojicic, LaForge and Chauhan describes a mobile objects and agents infrastructure. Their particular research has focused on communication support across agent migration and extensive resource control. The paper also discusses issues regarding interoperation between agent systems. Acknowledgments The editor wishes to thank all of the authors, reviewers and publishers. Without their excellent work, and the contribution of their valuable time, this special issue would not have been possible.

Does Information Matter? Competition, Quality, and the Impact of Nursing Home Report Cards

PubMed Central

Grabowski, David C; Town, Robert J

2011-01-01

Objective We evaluate the effects of the Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI), which introduced quality measures to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nursing Home Compare website, on facility performance and consumer demand for services. Data Sources The nursing home Minimum Data Set facility reports from 1999 to 2005 merged with facility-level data from the On-Line Survey, Certification, and Reporting System. Study Design We rely on the staggered rollout of the report cards across pilot and nonpilot states to examine the effect of report cards on market share and quality of care. We also exploit differences in nursing home market competition at baseline to identify the impacts of the new information on nursing home quality. Results The introduction of the NHQI was generally unrelated to facility quality and consumer demand. However, nursing homes facing greater competition improved their quality more than facilities in less competitive markets. Conclusions The lack of competition in many nursing home markets may help to explain why the NHQI report card effort had a minimal effect on nursing home quality. With the introduction of market-based reforms such as report cards, this result suggests policy makers must also consider market structure in efforts to improve nursing home performance. PMID:21790590

An Introduction to the Mission Risk Diagnostic for Incident Management Capabilities (MRD-IMC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

objectives. Analysts applying the MRD- IMC evaluate a set of systemic risk factors (called drivers) to aggregate decision-making data and provide decision...function is in position to achieve its mission and objective(s) [Alberts 2012]. To accomplish this goal, analysts applying the MRD- IMC evaluate a...005 | 3 evaluation of IM processes and capabilities. The MRD- IMC comprises the following three core tasks: 1. Identify the mission and objective(s

Increased registration of hypertension and cancer diagnoses after the introduction of a new reimbursement system

PubMed Central

Hjerpe, Per; Boström, Kristina Bengtsson; Lindblad, Ulf; Merlo, Juan

2012-01-01

Objective To investigate the impact on ICD coding behaviour of a new case-mix reimbursement system based on coded patient diagnoses. The main hypothesis was that after the introduction of the new system the coding of chronic diseases like hypertension and cancer would increase and the variance in propensity for coding would decrease on both physician and health care centre (HCC) levels. Design Cross-sectional multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed in periods covering the time before and after the introduction of the new reimbursement system. Setting Skaraborg primary care, Sweden. Subjects All patients (n = 76 546 to 79 826) 50 years of age and older visiting 468 to 627 physicians at the 22 public HCCs in five consecutive time periods of one year each. Main outcome measures Registered codes for hypertension and cancer diseases in Skaraborg primary care database (SPCD). Results After the introduction of the new reimbursement system the adjusted prevalence of hypertension and cancer in SPCD increased from 17.4% to 32.2% and from 0.79% to 2.32%, respectively, probably partly due to an increased diagnosis coding of indirect patient contacts. The total variance in the propensity for coding declined simultaneously at the physician level for both diagnosis groups. Conclusions Changes in the healthcare reimbursement system may directly influence the contents of a research database that retrieves data from clinical practice. This should be taken into account when using such a database for research purposes, and the data should be validated for each diagnosis. PMID:23130878

Changes in animal performance and profitability of Holstein dairy operations after introduction of crossbreeding with Montbéliarde, Normande, and Scandinavian Red.

PubMed

Dezetter, C; Bareille, N; Billon, D; Côrtes, C; Lechartier, C; Seegers, H

2017-10-01

An individual-based mechanistic, stochastic, and dynamic simulation model was developed to assess economic effects resulting from changes in performance for milk yield and solid contents, reproduction, health, and replacement, induced by the introduction of crossbreeding in Holstein dairy operations. Three crossbreeding schemes, Holstein × Montbéliarde, Holstein × Montbéliarde × Normande, and Holstein × Montbéliarde × Scandinavian Red, were implemented in Holstein dairy operations and compared with Holstein pure breeding. Sires were selected based on their estimated breeding value for milk. Two initial operations were simulated according to the prevalence (average or high) of reproductive and health disorders in the lactating herd. Evolution of operations was simulated during 15 yr under 2 alternative managerial goals (constant number of cows or constant volume of milk sold). After 15 yr, breed percentages reached equilibrium for the 2-breed but not for the 3-breed schemes. After 5 yr of simulation, all 3 crossbreeding schemes reduced average milk yield per cow-year compared with the pure Holstein scheme. Changes in other animal performance (milk solid contents, reproduction, udder health, and longevity) were always in favor of crossbreeding schemes. Under an objective of constant number of cows, margin over variable costs in average discounted value over the 15 yr of simulation was slightly increased by crossbreeding schemes, with an average prevalence of disorders up to €32/cow-year. In operations with a high prevalence of disorders, crossbreeding schemes increased the margin over variable costs up to €91/cow-year. Under an objective of constant volume of milk sold, crossbreeding schemes improved margin over variable costs up to €10/1,000L (corresponding to around €96/cow-year) for average prevalence of disorders, and up to €13/1,000L (corresponding to around €117/cow-year) for high prevalence of disorders. Under an objective of constant number of cows, an unfavorable pricing context (milk price vs. concentrates price) increased slightly crossbreeding positive effects on margin over variable costs. Under an objective of constant volume of milk, only very limited changes in differences of margins were found between the breeding schemes. Our results, obtained conditionally to the parameterization values used here, suggest that dairy crossbreeding should be considered as a relevant option for Holstein dairy operations with a production level until 9,000 kg/cow-year in France, and possibly in other countries. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aviation Maintenance Technology. General. G101 Aviation Mathematics and Physics. Instructor Material.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

These instructor materials for an aviation maintenance technology course contain three instructional modules covering safety, aviation mathematics, and aviation physics. Each module may contain an introduction and module objective, specific objectives, an instructor's module implementation guide, technical information supplements, transparency…

North Carolina Articulated Instructional Objectives Guide for Executive Secretary/Business Education (State Pilot Model).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Community Colleges, Raleigh.

This articulation instructional objective guide for executive secretary/business education contains summary information on sixteen blocks (courses) of instruction. They are the following: introduction to business, business mathematics, personal development, typing--beginning, records management, business machine--calculating, business…

Introduction to the special issue Hermann Weyl and the philosophy of the 'New Physics'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Bianchi, Silvia; Catren, Gabriel

2018-02-01

This Special Issue Hermann Weyl and the Philosophy of the 'New Physics' has two main objectives: first, to shed fresh light on the relevance of Weyl's work for modern physics and, second, to evaluate the importance of Weyl's work and ideas for contemporary philosophy of physics. Regarding the first objective, this Special Issue emphasizes aspects of Weyl's work (e.g. his work on spinors in n dimensions) whose importance has recently been emerging in research fields across both mathematical and experimental physics, as well as in the history and philosophy of physics. Regarding the second objective, this Special Issue addresses the relevance of Weyl's ideas regarding important open problems in the philosophy of physics, such as the problem of characterizing scientific objectivity and the problem of providing a satisfactory interpretation of fundamental symmetries in gauge theories and quantum mechanics. In this Introduction, we sketch the state of the art in Weyl studies and we summarize the content of the contributions to the present volume.

FIR digital filter-based ZCDPLL for carrier recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasir, Qassim

2016-04-01

The objective of this work is to analyse the performance of the newly proposed two-tap FIR digital filter-based first-order zero-crossing digital phase-locked loop (ZCDPLL) in the absence or presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The introduction of the two-tap FIR digital filter widens the lock range of a ZCDPLL and improves the loop's operation in the presence of AWGN. The FIR digital filter tap coefficients affect the loop convergence behaviour and appropriate selection of those gains should be taken into consideration. The new proposed loop has wider locking range and faster acquisition time and reduces the phase error variations in the presence of noise.

Associations Between Breast Milk Feeding, Introduction of Solid Foods, and Weight Gain in the First 12 Months of Life.

PubMed

Klag, Elizabeth A; McNamara, Kelly; Geraghty, Sheela R; Keim, Sarah A

2015-10-01

Breast milk feeding and solid food introduction can influence infant growth, but are rarely examined together. The objectives were to describe relationships between feeding practices, feeding practices and weight gain, and how the relationship of breast milk feeding and growth may change when breastfed infants start solid foods before 6 months. Data were analyzed on 438 infants from the Moms2Moms Study (2011-2012, Ohio), using multivariable linear and logistic regression models to explore each of the relationships. For each additional month of breast milk feeding, solid food introduction was delayed by 1.32 days (95% CI 0.11 to 2.53) and average weight gain per month decreased by 5.05 g (95% CI 7.39 to 2.17). There was no association between solid food introduction and growth. Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with slower growth regardless of solid food introduction. Age at solid food introduction was not associated with growth. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Effects of Discipline on the Application of Learning Object Metadata in UK Higher Education: The Case of the Jorum Repository

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balatsoukas, Panos; O'Brien, Ann; Morris, Anne

2011-01-01

Introduction: This paper reports on the findings of a study investigating the potential effects of discipline (sciences and engineering versus humanities and social sciences) on the application of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers learning object metadata elements for the description of learning objects in the Jorum learning…

On Two Color and CCD Methods for the Determination of Astronomic Position.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-14

INTRODUCTION .................................... 2 A. Astroposition Objectives As Related to Two-Color Refractometry .................. 2 B. Results...value for the astronomic longitude and latitude.-_ A. Astroposition Objectives As Related to Two-Color Refractometry The long term objectives consist...The interior of the box was divided into 4 bays containing the telescope, the refractometry optics, the power supplies and the refralctometry

Distributed Market-Based Algorithms for Multi-Agent Planning with Shared Resources

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

1 Introduction 1 2 Distributed Market-Based Multi-Agent Planning 5 2.1 Problem Formulation...over the deterministic planner, on the “test set” of scenarios with changing economies. . . 50 xi xii Chapter 1 Introduction Multi-agent planning is...representation of the objective (4.2.1). For example, for the supply chain mangement problem, we assumed a sequence of Bernoulli coin flips, which seems

Introduction to the enhanced logistics intratheater support tool (ELIST) mission application and its segments : global data segment version 8.1.0.0, database instance segment version 8.1.0.0, database fill segment version 8.1.0.0, database segment versio

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-02-26

This document, the Introduction to the Enhanced Logistics Intratheater Support Tool (ELIST) Mission Application and its Segments, satisfies the following objectives: : It identifies the mission application, known in brief as ELIST, and all seven ...

Introduction history and population genetics of Falcaria vulgaris (Apiaceae) in the United States

Treesearch

Sarbottam Piya

2013-01-01

Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (sickleweed), native to Eurasia, occurs disjunctly in the Midwest and the East Coast of the United States. In parts of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, it is an aggressive weed potentially turning to invasive. The main objectives of this study were (1) to reconstruct the introduction history and spread of the plant, (2) to develop and apply...

Exploration of new perspectives and limitations in Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer technology. Final report, June 1, 1992--May 31, 1995

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

Marton, L.

1996-02-01

Genetic manipulation of plants often involves the introduction of homologous or partly homologous genes. Ectropic introduction of homologous sequences into plant genomes may trigger epigenetic changes, making expression of the genes unpredictable. The main project objective was to examine the feasibility of using Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer for homologous gene targeting in plants.

An Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Pre-Hospital Phase. Emergency Medical Services Orientation, Lesson Plan No. 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Derrick P.

Designed for use with interested students at high schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges, this lesson plan was developed to provide an introduction to the pre-hospital phase of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and to serve as a recruitment tool for the EMS Program at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) in Hawaii. The objectives of the…

Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning Strategy Enhances Students’ Higher Level Thinking Skills in a Pharmaceutical Sciences Course

PubMed Central

Verlinden, Nathan; Kruger, Nicholas; Carroll, Ailey; Trumbo, Tiffany

2015-01-01

Objective. To determine if the process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) teaching strategy improves student performance and engages higher-level thinking skills of first-year pharmacy students in an Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences course. Design. Overall examination scores and scores on questions categorized as requiring either higher-level or lower-level thinking skills were compared in the same course taught over 3 years using traditional lecture methods vs the POGIL strategy. Student perceptions of the latter teaching strategy were also evaluated. Assessment. Overall mean examination scores increased significantly when POGIL was implemented. Performance on questions requiring higher-level thinking skills was significantly higher, whereas performance on questions requiring lower-level thinking skills was unchanged when the POGIL strategy was used. Student feedback on use of this teaching strategy was positive. Conclusion. The use of the POGIL strategy increased student overall performance on examinations, improved higher-level thinking skills, and provided an interactive class setting. PMID:25741027

Development of superior asphalt recycling agents. Phase 1, Technical feasibility. Final technical progress report

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

Bullin, J.A.; Davison, R.R.; Glover, C.J.

1997-07-01

After an introduction and a literature survey in Chap. 1, Chap. 2 describes the tasks, together with objectives and important results obtained for each task throughout the entire project. Chaps. 3 thru 7 detail work in developing a qualitative and quantitative knowledge of asphalt oxidation, composition dependence of asphalt properties, and guidelines for producing superior asphalt binders through composition control. They also detail the development of a kinetic model for asphalt oxidative aging and present an understanding of the composition dependence of asphalt oxidation as well as other performance-related properties. Chaps. 8 and 9 compare the aging performance of recycledmore » blends produced using commercial recycling agents and industrial supercritical fractions as rejuvenating agents. Oxidative aging of the recycled blends were evaluated along with the performance of the recycled blends in terms of the strategic highway research program performance grading procedure. Chap. 10 summarizes the work completed in the areas of processing schemes development, projection updates, and scale-up and commercialization plans.« less

Survey of existing performance requirements in codes and standards for light-frame construction

Treesearch

G. E. Sherwood

1980-01-01

Present building codes and standards are a combination of specifications and performance criteria. Where specifications prevail, the introduction f new materials or methods can be a long, cumbersome process. To facilitate the introduction of new technology, performance requirements are becoming more prevalent. In some areas, there is a lack of information on which to...

Jacks--A Study of Simple Machines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, Ralph

This vocational physics individualized student instructional module on jacks (simple machines used to lift heavy objects) contains student prerequisites and objectives, an introduction, and sections on the ratchet bumper jack, the hydraulic jack, the screw jack, and load limitations. Designed with a laboratory orientation, each section consists of…

INTRODUCTION OF BIOMASS AS RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPONENT OF FUTURE TRANSPORTATION FUELS

EPA Science Inventory

The long-term objectives of new vehicle/fuel systems require the reduction of petroleum use, reduction of air pollution emissions, and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the near term, a major advancement toward these objectives will be made possible by the improved ...

Exploring Technology Education: Introduction to Technology Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joerschke, John D.

These instructional materials include a teacher's guide designed to assist instructors in organizing and presenting an introductory course in technology education and a student guide. The materials are based on the curriculum-alignment concept of first stating the objectives, developing instructional strategies for teaching those objectives, and…

Learning of Rule Ensembles for Multiple Attribute Ranking Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dembczyński, Krzysztof; Kotłowski, Wojciech; Słowiński, Roman; Szeląg, Marcin

In this paper, we consider the multiple attribute ranking problem from a Machine Learning perspective. We propose two approaches to statistical learning of an ensemble of decision rules from decision examples provided by the Decision Maker in terms of pairwise comparisons of some objects. The first approach consists in learning a preference function defining a binary preference relation for a pair of objects. The result of application of this function on all pairs of objects to be ranked is then exploited using the Net Flow Score procedure, giving a linear ranking of objects. The second approach consists in learning a utility function for single objects. The utility function also gives a linear ranking of objects. In both approaches, the learning is based on the boosting technique. The presented approaches to Preference Learning share good properties of the decision rule preference model and have good performance in the massive-data learning problems. As Preference Learning and Multiple Attribute Decision Aiding share many concepts and methodological issues, in the introduction, we review some aspects bridging these two fields. To illustrate the two approaches proposed in this paper, we solve with them a toy example concerning the ranking of a set of cars evaluated by multiple attributes. Then, we perform a large data experiment on real data sets. The first data set concerns credit rating. Since recent research in the field of Preference Learning is motivated by the increasing role of modeling preferences in recommender systems and information retrieval, we chose two other massive data sets from this area - one comes from movie recommender system MovieLens, and the other concerns ranking of text documents from 20 Newsgroups data set.

Visual-perceptual mismatch in robotic surgery.

PubMed

Abiri, Ahmad; Tao, Anna; LaRocca, Meg; Guan, Xingmin; Askari, Syed J; Bisley, James W; Dutson, Erik P; Grundfest, Warren S

2017-08-01

The principal objective of the experiment was to analyze the effects of the clutch operation of robotic surgical systems on the performance of the operator. The relative coordinate system introduced by the clutch operation can introduce a visual-perceptual mismatch which can potentially have negative impact on a surgeon's performance. We also assess the impact of the introduction of additional tactile sensory information on reducing the impact of visual-perceptual mismatch on the performance of the operator. We asked 45 novice subjects to complete peg transfers using the da Vinci IS 1200 system with grasper-mounted, normal force sensors. The task involves picking up a peg with one of the robotic arms, passing it to the other arm, and then placing it on the opposite side of the view. Subjects were divided into three groups: aligned group (no mismatch), the misaligned group (10 cm z axis mismatch), and the haptics-misaligned group (haptic feedback and z axis mismatch). Each subject performed the task five times, during which the grip force, time of completion, and number of faults were recorded. Compared to the subjects that performed the tasks using a properly aligned controller/arm configuration, subjects with a single-axis misalignment showed significantly more peg drops (p = 0.011) and longer time to completion (p < 0.001). Additionally, it was observed that addition of tactile feedback helps reduce the negative effects of visual-perceptual mismatch in some cases. Grip force data recorded from grasper-mounted sensors showed no difference between the different groups. The visual-perceptual mismatch created by the misalignment of the robotic controls relative to the robotic arms has a negative impact on the operator of a robotic surgical system. Introduction of other sensory information and haptic feedback systems can help in potentially reducing this effect.

The influence of age, gender and education on the performance of healthy individuals on a battery for assessing limb apraxia

PubMed Central

Mantovani-Nagaoka, Joana; Ortiz, Karin Zazo

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Introduction: Apraxia is defined as a disorder of learned skilled movements, in the absence of elementary motor or sensory deficits and general cognitive impairment, such as inattention to commands, object-recognition deficits or poor oral comprehension. Limb apraxia has long been a challenge for clinical assessment and understanding and covers a wide spectrum of disorders, all involving motor cognition and the inability to perform previously learned actions. Demographic variables such as gender, age, and education can influence the performance of individuals on different neuropsychological tests. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of healthy subjects on a limb apraxia battery and to determine the influence of gender, age, and education on the praxis skills assessed. Methods: Forty-four subjects underwent a limb apraxia battery, which was composed of numerous subtests for assessing both the semantic aspects of gestural production as well as motor performance itself. The tasks encompassed lexical-semantic aspects related to gestural production and motor activity in response to verbal commands and imitation. Results: We observed no gender effects on any of the subtests. Only the subtest involving visual recognition of transitive gestures showed a correlation between performance and age. However, we observed that education level influenced subject performance for all sub tests involving motor actions, and for most of these, moderate correlations were observed between education level and performance of the praxis tasks. Conclusion: We conclude that the education level of participants can have an important influence on the outcome of limb apraxia tests. PMID:29213460

Reuseable Objects Software Environment (ROSE): Introduction to Air Force Software Reuse Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cottrell, William L.

1994-01-01

The Reusable Objects Software Environment (ROSE) is a common, consistent, consolidated implementation of software functionality using modern object oriented software engineering including designed-in reuse and adaptable requirements. ROSE is designed to minimize abstraction and reduce complexity. A planning model for the reverse engineering of selected objects through object oriented analysis is depicted. Dynamic and functional modeling are used to develop a system design, the object design, the language, and a database management system. The return on investment for a ROSE pilot program and timelines are charted.

42 CFR 493.1200 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Introduction. 493.1200 Section 493.1200 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED... Introduction. (a) Each laboratory that performs nonwaived testing must establish and maintain written policies...

Perceptions of professional nurses regarding introduction of the Batho Pele principles in State hospitals.

PubMed

James, Sindiwe; Miza, Thenjiwe M

2015-03-09

The South African health care delivery system has shifted focus to primary health care since 1994. For this purpose the Batho Pele principles were introduced. Nurses claim, however, that since the introduction of these principles patients and their families have been making unnecessary and sometimes impossible demands of nursing staff. This article presents the perceptions of the professional nurses regarding the introduction of the Batho Pele principles in their workplace. To describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding introduction of the Batho Pele principles and to recommend guidelines to facilitate measures to realise the objects of these principles. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contexual research design was used. Six audio-taped focus group discussions and field notes were used to collect data from purposively sampled participants who have worked in the outpatient departments of hospitals in the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. Guba's model of trustworthiness was used to confirm integrity of the study, whilst the participants were kept anonymous, protected from harm and participated voluntarily. Data analysis was done using Tesch's data analysis spiral and with the involvement of an independent-coder. Three themes emerged, revealing that the professional nurses perceived the objectives of the Batho Pele principles as difficult to uphold due to the inadequate planning prior to their implementation. Inadequacy of human and material resources aggravated this perception. Professional nurses are not happy with how things are in terms of introduction of the Batho Pele principles, but are optimistic of a positive change in the near future.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Visual Working Memory

PubMed Central

Wolfe, Jeremy M

2014-01-01

Objects are not represented individually in visual working memory (VWM), but in relation to the contextual information provided by other memorized objects. We studied whether the contextual information provided by the spatial configuration of all memorized objects is viewpoint-dependent. We ran two experiments asking participants to detect changes in locations between memory and probe for one object highlighted in the probe image. We manipulated the changes in viewpoint between memory and probe (Exp. 1: 0°, 30°, 60°; Exp. 2: 0°, 60°), as well as the spatial configuration visible in the probe image (Exp. 1: full configuration, partial configuration; Exp. 2: full configuration, no configuration). Location change detection was higher with the full spatial configuration than with the partial configuration or with no spatial configuration at viewpoint changes of 0°, thus replicating previous findings on the nonindependent representations of individual objects in VWM. Most importantly, the effect of spatial configurations decreased with increasing viewpoint changes, suggesting a viewpoint-dependent representation of contextual information in VWM. We discuss these findings within the context of this special issue, in particular whether research performed within the slots-versus-resources debate and research on the effects of contextual information might focus on two different storage systems within VWM. PMID:25341647

Cooling and Warming Laws: An Exact Analytical Solution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Besson, Ugo

2010-01-01

This paper deals with temperature variations over time of objects placed in a constant-temperature environment in the presence of thermal radiation. After a historical introduction, the paper discusses cooling and warming laws, by taking into account first solely object-environment energy exchange by thermal radiation, and then adding…

Projecting Program Cost Over an Adequate Time Horizon.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spencer, Milton

Planning Programming Budgeting Systems involve the introduction of three major operational concepts. First, the development of an analytical capability to examine in depth both agency objectives and the various programs to meet these objectives. Second, the formation of a five-year planning and programming process combined with a sophisticated…

GUI and Object Oriented Programming in COBOL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorents, Alden C.

Various schools are struggling with the introduction of Object Oriented (OO) programming concepts and GUI (graphical user interfaces) within the traditional COBOL sequence. OO programming has been introduced in some of the curricula with languages such as C++, Smalltalk, and Java. Introducing OO programming into a typical COBOL sequence presents…

Introduction to CAD/Computers. High-Technology Training Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lockerby, Hugh

This learning module for an eighth-grade introductory technology course is designed to help teachers introduce students to computer-assisted design (CAD) in a communications unit on graphics. The module contains a module objective and five specific objectives, a content outline, suggested instructor methodology, student activities, a list of six…

Meta-Synthesis of Research on Information Seeking Behaviour

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urquhart, Christine

2011-01-01

Introduction: Meta-synthesis methods may help to make more sense of information behaviour research evidence. Aims and objectives: The objectives are to: 1) identify and examine the theoretical research strategies commonly used in information behaviour research; 2) discuss meta-synthesis methods that might be appropriate to the type of research…

Determination of Flow Direction with Pressure Probes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-07-01

SECTION NUMBER I INTRODUCTION .......... .. ...................... 1 II A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF PROBE AERODYNAMIC BEHAVIOR . . 4 2.1 Objectives...also postulated. 3 SECTION II A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF PROBE AERODYNAMIC BEHAVIOR 2. 1 Objectives The objective of an aerodynamic probe - in the present...characLerizaLion of prode behavior , they are not capable of replacing individual probe caiibrarions. Tis is due to the limitations of the derivation itself, i.e

Introduction of knowledge bases in patient's data management system: role of the user interface.

PubMed

Chambrin, M C; Ravaux, P; Jaborska, A; Beugnet, C; Lestavel, P; Chopin, C; Boniface, M

1995-02-01

As the number of signals and data to be handled grows in intensive care unit, it is necessary to design more powerful computing systems that integrate and summarize all this information. The manual input of data as e.g. clinical signs and drug prescription and the synthetic representation of these data requires an ever more sophisticated user interface. The introduction of knowledge bases in the data management allows to conceive contextual interfaces. The objective of this paper is to show the importance of the design of the user interface, in the daily use of clinical information system. Then we describe a methodology that uses the man-machine interaction to capture the clinician knowledge during the clinical practice. The different steps are the audit of the user's actions, the elaboration of statistic models allowing the definition of new knowledge, and the validation that is performed before complete integration. A part of this knowledge can be used to improve the user interface. Finally, we describe the implementation of these concepts on a UNIX platform using OSF/MOTIF graphical interface.

Fundamental and functional aspects of mesoscopic architectures with examples in physics, cell biology, and chemistry.

PubMed

Kalay, Ziya

2011-08-01

How small can a macroscopic object be made without losing its intended function? Obviously, the smallest possible size is determined by the size of an atom, but it is not so obvious how many atoms are required to assemble an object so small, and yet that performs the same function as its macroscopic counterpart. In this review, we are concerned with objects of intermediate nature, lying between the microscopic and the macroscopic world. In physics and chemistry literature, this regime in-between is often called mesoscopic, and is known to bear interesting and counterintuitive features. After a brief introduction to the concept of mesoscopic systems from the perspective of physics, we discuss the functional aspects of mesoscopic architectures in cell biology, and supramolecular chemistry through many examples from the literature. We argue that the biochemistry of the cell is largely regulated by mesoscopic functional architectures; however, the significance of mesoscopic phenomena seems to be quite underappreciated in biological sciences. With this motivation, one of our main purposes here is to emphasize the critical role that mesoscopic structures play in cell biology and biochemistry.

Surrogate Based Uni/Multi-Objective Optimization and Distribution Estimation Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, W.; Duan, Q.; Huo, X.

2017-12-01

Parameter calibration has been demonstrated as an effective way to improve the performance of dynamic models, such as hydrological models, land surface models, weather and climate models etc. Traditional optimization algorithms usually cost a huge number of model evaluations, making dynamic model calibration very difficult, or even computationally prohibitive. With the help of a serious of recently developed adaptive surrogate-modelling based optimization methods: uni-objective optimization method ASMO, multi-objective optimization method MO-ASMO, and probability distribution estimation method ASMO-PODE, the number of model evaluations can be significantly reduced to several hundreds, making it possible to calibrate very expensive dynamic models, such as regional high resolution land surface models, weather forecast models such as WRF, and intermediate complexity earth system models such as LOVECLIM. This presentation provides a brief introduction to the common framework of adaptive surrogate-based optimization algorithms of ASMO, MO-ASMO and ASMO-PODE, a case study of Common Land Model (CoLM) calibration in Heihe river basin in Northwest China, and an outlook of the potential applications of the surrogate-based optimization methods.

Finding the Higgs boson of the standard model in the channel ZH → e +e -b$$\\bar{b}$$ with the D0 detector at the Tevatron; Recherche du boson de Higgs du nideke standard dans le canal ZH → e +e -b$$\\bar{b}$$ avec le detecteur DØ aupres du Tevatron (in French)

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

Calpas, Betty Constante

2010-06-11

The organization of this thesis consists of three main ideas: the first presents the theoretical framework and experimental, as well as objects used in the analysis and the second relates to the various work tasks of service that I performed on the calorimeter, and the third is the search for the Higgs boson in the channel ZH → e +e -bmore » $$\\bar{b}$$. Thus, this thesis has the following structure: Chapter 1 is an introduction to the standard model of particle physics and the Higgs mechanism; Chapter 2 is an overview of the complex and the acceleration of the Tevatron at Fermilab DØ detector; Chapter 3 is an introduction to physical objects used in this thesis; Chapter 4 presents the study made on correcting the energy measured in the calorimeter; Chapter 5 describes the study of certification of electrons in the calorimeter; Chapter 6 describes the study of certification of electrons in the intercryostat region of calorimeter; Chapter 7 Detailed analysis on the search for Higgs production in the channel ZH → e +e -b$$\\bar{b}$$; and Chapter 8 presents the final results of the calculations of upper limits to the production cross section of the Higgs boson on a range of low masses.« less

Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulation, and Goal Orientation: Learner Motivational Characteristics That Influence Online Student Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wintling, Cheral Ann

2012-01-01

Learner motivational constructs of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and goal orientation in predicting successful student performance in online courses were explored. Thirty-three undergraduate students from the online courses Introduction to Educational Technology and Introduction to Education completed sections of the Motivated Strategies for…

Performance of Radiant Heating Systems of Low-Energy Buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarbu, Ioan; Mirza, Matei; Crasmareanu, Emanuel

2017-10-01

After the introduction of plastic piping, the application of water-based radiant heating with pipes embedded in room surfaces (i.e., floors, walls, and ceilings), has significantly increased worldwide. Additionally, interest and growth in radiant heating and cooling systems have increased in recent years because they have been demonstrated to be energy efficient in comparison to all-air distribution systems. This paper briefly describes the heat distribution systems in buildings, focusing on the radiant panels (floor, wall, ceiling, and floor-ceiling). Main objective of this study is the performance investigation of different types of low-temperature heating systems with different methods. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the energy, environmental, and economic performances of floor, wall, ceiling, and floor-ceiling heating using numerical simulation with Transient Systems Simulation (TRNSYS) software is performed. This study showed that the floor-ceiling heating system has the best performance in terms of the lowest energy consumption, operation cost, CO2 emission, and the nominal boiler power. The comparison of the room operative air temperatures and the set-point operative air temperature indicates also that all radiant panel systems provide satisfactory results without significant deviations.

Performance Comparison between CDTD and STTD for DS-CDMA/MMSE-FDE with Frequency-Domain ICI Cancellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Kazuaki; Kojima, Yohei; Adachi, Fumiyuki

Frequency-domain equalization (FDE) based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion can provide a better bit error rate (BER) performance than rake combining. However, the residual inter-chip interference (ICI) is produced after MMSE-FDE and this degrades the BER performance. Recently, we showed that frequency-domain ICI cancellation can bring the BER performance close to the theoretical lower bound. To further improve the BER performance, transmit antenna diversity technique is effective. Cyclic delay transmit diversity (CDTD) can increase the number of equivalent paths and hence achieve a large frequency diversity gain. Space-time transmit diversity (STTD) can obtain antenna diversity gain due to the space-time coding and achieve a better BER performance than CDTD. Objective of this paper is to show that the BER performance degradation of CDTD is mainly due to the residual ICI and that the introduction of ICI cancellation gives almost the same BER performance as STTD. This study provides a very important result that CDTD has a great advantage of providing a higher throughput than STTD. This is confirmed by computer simulation. The computer simulation results show that CDTD can achieve higher throughput than STTD when ICI cancellation is introduced.

Does improved access to diagnostic imaging results reduce hospital length of stay? A retrospective study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background One year after the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support diagnostic imaging at our hospital, clinicians had faster and better access to radiology reports and images; direct access to Computed Tomography (CT) reports in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) was particularly popular. The objective of this study was to determine whether improvements in radiology reporting and clinical access to diagnostic imaging information one year after the ICT introduction were associated with a reduction in the length of patients' hospital stays (LOS). Methods Data describing hospital stays and diagnostic imaging were collected retrospectively from the EMR during periods of equal duration before and one year after the introduction of ICT. The post-ICT period was chosen because of the documented improvement in clinical access to radiology results during that period. The data set was randomly split into an exploratory part used to establish the hypotheses, and a confirmatory part. The data was used to compare the pre-ICT and post-ICT status, but also to compare differences between groups. Results There was no general reduction in LOS one year after ICT introduction. However, there was a 25% reduction for one group - patients with CT scans. This group was heterogeneous, covering 445 different primary discharge diagnoses. Analyses of subgroups were performed to reduce the impact of this divergence. Conclusion Our results did not indicate that improved access to radiology results reduced the patients' LOS. There was, however, a significant reduction in LOS for patients undergoing CT scans. Given the clinicians' interest in CT reports and the results of the subgroup analyses, it is likely that improved access to CT reports contributed to this reduction. PMID:20819224

Introduction to Seismic Tomography

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

Rowe, Charlotte Anne

2017-11-21

Tomography is a method of obtaining an image of a 3d object by observing the behavior of energy transmissions through the object. The image is obtained by Interrogating the object with Energy sources at a variety of Locations and observing the Object’s effects on the energy at a Variety of sensors. Tomography was first Used to build 3-dimensional Scans through Human bodies. These Are called computed Tomographic (ct) scans.

Does medical students’ clinical performance affect their actual performance during medical internship?

PubMed Central

Han, Eui-Ryoung; Chung, Eun-Kyung

2016-01-01

INTRODUCTION This study examines the relationship between the clinical performance of medical students and their performance as doctors during their internships. METHODS This retrospective study involved 63 applicants of a residency programme conducted at Chonnam National University Hospital, South Korea, in November 2012. We compared the performance of the applicants during their internship with their clinical performance during their fourth year of medical school. The performance of the applicants as interns was periodically evaluated by the faculty of each department, while their clinical performance as fourth-year medical students was assessed using the Clinical Performance Examination (CPX) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). RESULTS The performance of the applicants as interns was positively correlated with their clinical performance as fourth-year medical students, as measured by the CPX and OSCE. The performance of the applicants as interns was moderately correlated with the patient-physician interaction items addressing communication and interpersonal skills in the CPX. CONCLUSION The clinical performance of medical students during their fourth year in medical school was related to their performance as medical interns. Medical students should be trained to develop good clinical skills through actual encounters with patients or simulated encounters using manikins, to enable them to become more competent doctors. PMID:26768172

Space Object Radiometric Modeling for Hardbody Optical Signature Database Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Introduction This presentation summarizes recent activity in monitoring spacecraft health status using passive remote optical nonimaging ...Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Space Object Radiometric Modeling for Hardbody Optical Signature Database Generation...It is beneficial to the observer/analyst to understand the fundamental optical signature variability associated with these detection and

European Conference 'Training, Employment and Integration of Disabled Persons' (Berlin, West Germany, June 19-20, 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Berlin (West Germany).

This report summarizes contributions, discussions, results, and proposals from a conference focusing on the social and economic integration of the disabled. Introductory materials include the conference objectives and summaries of the opening, words of greeting, and introduction to conference objectives by Ernst Piehl, Henry Scicluna, and Tina…

Mycorrhizal symbiosis in leeks increases plant growth under low phosphorus and affects the levels of specific flavonoid glycosides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Introduction- Mycorrhizae symbiosis is a universal phenomenon in nature that promotes plant growth and food quality in most plants, especially, under phosphorus deficiency and water stress. Objective- The objective of this study was to assess the effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on changes in the le...

Barriers and Opportunities Related to Whole Grain Foods in Minnesota School Foodservice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hesse, David; Braun, Curtis; Dostal, Allison; Jeffery, Robert; Marquart, Len

2009-01-01

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to identify barriers and opportunities associated with the introduction of whole grain foods into school cafeterias. The primary objective was to elicit input from school foodservice personnel (SFP) regarding their experiences in ordering, purchasing, preparing, and serving whole grain foods in…

The impact of a pay-for-performance system on timing to hip fracture surgery: experience from the Lazio Region (Italy)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background A tariff modulation mechanisms has been introduced in some Italian regions with the aim of reducing inappropriate admissions and improving quality of care. In response to a regional act, hospitals in Lazio adopted a clinical pathway for elderly patients with hip fracture and introduced a compensation system based on the quality of health care, as in a pay-for-performance model. The objective of the present study was to compare the proportion of surgery for hip fracture performed within 48 hours of admission among Lazio hospitals according to different payment systems, before and after the implementation of the regional act. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 65 years and over, residing in the Lazio region and admitted to an acute care hospital for hip fracture before (1 July 2008 - 30 June 2009) and after (1 July 2010 - 30 June 2011) the pay-for-performance act. The proportion of surgeries performed within 48 h of hospital arrival was calculated. An adjusted multivariate regression analysis was applied to assess the effect of hospital payment type on the likelihood of surgery within 48 h of hospital arrival. Results The share of patients with hip fracture that had surgery within 48 hours was 11.7% before the introduction of the pay-for-performance act and 22.2% after. The proportion of early hip fracture operations increased after the pay-for-performance act, regardless of hospital payment type. The largest increase of surgery within 48 h occurred in private hospitals (adjusted Relative Risk = 2.80, p < 0.001). Conclusions The introduction of a compensation system based on health care quality is associated with improved quality of care for elderly patients with hip fracture, especially in hospitals that only use the Diagnosis Related Group system. PMID:24099264

The Effects of Compensatory Scanning Training on Mobility in Patients with Homonymous Visual Field Defects: Further Support, Predictive Variables and Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Melis-Dankers, Bart J. M.; Brouwer, Wiebo H.; Tucha, Oliver; Heutink, Joost

2016-01-01

Introduction People with homonymous visual field defects (HVFD) often report difficulty detecting obstacles in the periphery on their blind side in time when moving around. Recently, a randomized controlled trial showed that the InSight-Hemianopia Compensatory Scanning Training (IH-CST) specifically improved detection of peripheral stimuli and avoiding obstacles when moving around, especially in dual task situations. Method The within-group training effects of the previously reported IH-CST are examined in an extended patient group. Performance of patients with HVFD on a pre-assessment, post-assessment and follow-up assessment and performance of a healthy control group are compared. Furthermore, it is examined whether training effects can be predicted by demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results. Results Performance on both subjective and objective measures of mobility-related scanning was improved after training, while no evidence was found for improvement in visual functions (including visual fields), reading, visual search and dot counting. Self-reported improvement did not correlate with improvement in objective mobility performance. According to the participants, the positive effects were still present six to ten months after training. No demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results were found to predict the size of training effect, although some inconclusive evidence was found for more improvement in patients with left-sided HVFD than in patients with right-sided HFVD. Conclusion Further support was found for a positive effect of IH-CST on detection of visual stimuli during mobility-related activities specifically. Based on the reports given by patients, these effects appear to be long-term effects. However, no conclusions can be drawn on the objective long-term training effects. PMID:27935973

Poor Government Oversight of Anham and Its Subcontracting Procedures Allowed Questionable Costs To Go Undetected

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-30

contractor purchasing system review of Anham. Management Comments and Audit Response The Defense Contract Mangement Agency and the U.S. Central... Introduction 1  Background 1  Government Agency Roles and Oversight Responsibilities 4  Objectives 7  Weak Government Oversight Resulted in Significant...Subcontracting Procedures Allowed Questionable Costs To Go Undetected SIGIR 11-022 July 30, 2011 Introduction Since 2003, the United States Government

Professional Competencies of Cuban Specialists in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine.

PubMed

Véliz-Martínez, Pedro L; Jorna-Calixto, Ana R; Oramas-González, René

2016-10-01

INTRODUCTION The quality of medical training and practice reflects the competency level of the professionals involved. The intensive care and emergency medicine specialty in Cuba has not defined its competencies. OBJECTIVE Identify the competencies required for specialty practice in intensive care and emergency medicine. METHODS The study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2015, using qualitative techniques; 48 professionals participated. We undertook functional occupational analysis, based on functions defined in a previous study. Three expert groups were utilized: the first used various group techniques; the second, the Delphi method; and the third, the Delphi method and a Likert questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 73 specific competencies were defined, grouped in 11 units: 44 in the patient care function, 16 in management, 7 in teaching and 6 in research. A competency map is provided. CONCLUSIONS The intensive care and emergency medicine specialty competencies identified will help improve professional standards, ensure health workforce quality, improve patient care and academic performance, and enable objective evaluation of specialists' competence and performance. KEYWORDS Clinical competency, competency-based education, professional education, intensive care, emergency medicine, urgent care, continuing medical education, curriculum, medical residency, Cuba.

The future scientific CCD

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janesick, J. R.; Elliott, T.; Collins, S.; Marsh, H.; Blouke, M. M.

1984-01-01

Since the first introduction of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) in 1970, CCDs have been considered for applications related to memories, logic circuits, and the detection of visible radiation. It is pointed out, however, that the mass market orientation of CCD development has left largely untapped the enormous potential of these devices for advanced scientific instrumentation. The present paper has, therefore, the objective to introduce the CCD characteristics to the scientific community, taking into account prospects for further improvement. Attention is given to evaluation criteria, a summary of current CCDs, CCD performance characteristics, absolute calibration tools, quantum efficiency, aspects of charge collection, charge transfer efficiency, read noise, and predictions regarding the characteristics of the next generation of silicon scientific CCD imagers.

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Mammographic Breast Density Assessment: Applications for the US and Abroad

PubMed Central

Destounis, Stamatia; Arieno, Andrea; Morgan, Renee; Roberts, Christina; Chan, Ariane

2017-01-01

Mammographic breast density (MBD) has been proven to be an important risk factor for breast cancer and an important determinant of mammographic screening performance. The measurement of density has changed dramatically since its inception. Initial qualitative measurement methods have been found to have limited consistency between readers, and in regards to breast cancer risk. Following the introduction of full-field digital mammography, more sophisticated measurement methodology is now possible. Automated computer-based density measurements can provide consistent, reproducible, and objective results. In this review paper, we describe various methods currently available to assess MBD, and provide a discussion on the clinical utility of such methods for breast cancer screening. PMID:28561776

Curriculum Development of a Research Laboratory Methodology Course for Complementary and Integrative Medicine Students

PubMed Central

Vasilevsky, Nicole; Schafer, Morgan; Tibbitts, Deanne; Wright, Kirsten; Zwickey, Heather

2015-01-01

Training in fundamental laboratory methodologies is valuable to medical students because it enables them to understand the published literature, critically evaluate clinical studies, and make informed decisions regarding patient care. It also prepares them for research opportunities that may complement their medical practice. The National College of Natural Medicine's (NCNM) Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) program has developed an Introduction to Laboratory Methods course. The objective of the course it to train clinical students how to perform basic laboratory skills, analyze and manage data, and judiciously assess biomedical studies. Here we describe the course development and implementation as it applies to complementary and integrative medicine students. PMID:26500806

Are the General Medical Council's Tests of Competence fair to long standing doctors? A retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Mehdizadeh, Leila; Sturrock, Alison; Dacre, Jane

2015-04-21

The General Medical Council's Fitness to Practise investigations may involve a test of competence for doctors with performance concerns. Concern has been raised about the suitability of the test format for doctors who qualified before the introduction of Single Best Answer and Objective Structured Clinical Examination assessments, both of which form the test of competence. This study explored whether the examination formats used in the tests of competence are fair to long standing doctors who have undergone fitness to practise investigation. A retrospective cohort design was used to determine an association between year of primary medical qualification and doctors' test of competence performance. Performance of 95 general practitioners under investigation was compared with a group of 376 volunteer doctors. We analysed performance on knowledge test, OSCE overall, and three individual OSCE stations using Spearman's correlation and regression models. Doctors under investigation performed worse on all test outcomes compared to the comparison group. Qualification year correlated positively with performance on all outcomes except for physical examination (e.g. knowledge test r = 0.48, p < 0.001 and OSCE r = 0.37, p < 0.001). Qualification year was associated with test performance in doctors under investigation even when controlling for sex, ethnicity and qualification region. Regression analyses showed that qualification year was associated with knowledge test, OSCE and communication skills performance of doctors under investigation when other variables were controlled for. Among volunteer doctors this was not the case and their performance was more strongly related to where they qualified and their ethnic background. Furthermore, volunteer doctors who qualified before the introduction of Single Best Answer and OSCE assessments, still outperformed their peers under investigation. Earlier graduates under fitness to practise investigation performed less well on the test of competence than their more recently qualified peers under investigation. The performance of the comparator group tended to stay consistent irrespective of year qualified. Our results suggest that the test format does not disadvantage early qualified doctors. We discuss findings in relation to the GMC's fitness to practise procedures and suggest alternative explanations for the poorer performance of long standing doctors under investigation.

Impact of introduction of endoscopic ultrasound on volume, success, and complexity of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a tertiary referral center.

PubMed

Yandrapu, Harathi; Elhanafi, Sherif; Chowdhury, Farhanaz; Liu, Jiayang; Onate, Eduardo J; Dwivedi, Alok; Othman, Mohamed O

2017-01-01

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is commonly used to examine pancreaticobiliary disorders. We hypothesize that the introduction of EUS service may change the pattern and the complexity of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of introducing EUS on the volume, success, and complexity of ERCP. This is a single-center retrospective data review of ERCP procedures done "before" and "after" the introduction of EUS (before EUS and after EUS). Patients' demographics, ERCP indications, types of sedation, therapeutic interventions, outcomes, complications, and complexity of ERCP were collected. The categorical and continuous variables were compared using Fisher's exact test and the unpaired t-test, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to compare ERCP outcomes. A total of 945 ERCPs performed over a 3-year period between January 2010 and January 2013 (411 and 534 in the "before EUS" and "after EUS" time periods, respectively) were included in this study. There was a 30% relative increase in the volume of ERCPs after the introduction of EUS. ERCP success rate was higher after the introduction of EUS, even after adjusting the complexity grade [odds ratio (OR) = 4.54, P = 0.001]. Significant increase in the complexity of ERCP was observed after the introduction of EUS service. The OR of performing grade 4 ERCP was 4.44 (P = 0.0005) after the introduction of EUS. The introduction of a new EUS service in our tertiary referral university medical center is associated with an increase in the volume, success, and complexity of ERCP procedures. EUS expertise may be valuable for better ERCP outcomes.

Validating the Use of pPerformance Risk Indices for System-Level Risk and Maturity Assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloman, Sherrica S.

With pressure on the U.S. Defense Acquisition System (DAS) to reduce cost overruns and schedule delays, system engineers' performance is only as good as their tools. Recent literature details a need for 1) objective, analytical risk quantification methodologies over traditional subjective qualitative methods -- such as, expert judgment, and 2) mathematically rigorous system-level maturity assessments. The Mahafza, Componation, and Tippett (2005) Technology Performance Risk Index (TPRI) ties the assessment of technical performance to the quantification of risk of unmet performance; however, it is structured for component- level data as input. This study's aim is to establish a modified TPRI with systems-level data as model input, and then validate the modified index with actual system-level data from the Department of Defense's (DoD) Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). This work's contribution is the establishment and validation of the System-level Performance Risk Index (SPRI). With the introduction of the SPRI, system-level metrics are better aligned, allowing for better assessment, tradeoff and balance of time, performance and cost constraints. This will allow system engineers and program managers to ultimately make better-informed system-level technical decisions throughout the development phase.

Mississippi Curriculum Framework for Introduction to Agriscience (Program CIP: 02.9990--Introduction to Agriculture Science). Secondary Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi Research and Curriculum Unit for Vocational and Technical Education, State College.

This document, which reflects Mississippi's statutory requirement that instructional programs be based on core curricula and performance-based assessment, contains outlines of the instructional units required in local instructional management plans and daily lesson plans for the introduction to agriscience program. Presented first are a program…

The American Expeditionary Force Siberia: A Case Study of Operational Art with Ambiguous Strategic Objectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

Service Corp SecDef Secretary of Defense 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION The political object-the original motive for the war-will thus determine...committed to the original strategic objective even though it limited his tactical options. 8 In the end, the campaign concluded with limited tangible...of these Russian military theorists. Originally , the United States Army defined operational art as “the employment of military forces to attain

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

Rivard, M.

With the recent introduction of heterogeneity correction algorithms for brachytherapy, the AAPM community is still unclear on how to commission and implement these into clinical practice. The recently-published AAPM TG-186 report discusses important issues for clinical implementation of these algorithms. A charge of the AAPM-ESTRO-ABG Working Group on MBDCA in Brachytherapy (WGMBDCA) is the development of a set of well-defined test case plans, available as references in the software commissioning process to be performed by clinical end-users. In this practical medical physics course, specific examples on how to perform the commissioning process are presented, as well as descriptions of themore » clinical impact from recent literature reporting comparisons of TG-43 and heterogeneity-based dosimetry. Learning Objectives: Identify key clinical applications needing advanced dose calculation in brachytherapy. Review TG-186 and WGMBDCA guidelines, commission process, and dosimetry benchmarks. Evaluate clinical cases using commercially available systems and compare to TG-43 dosimetry.« less

EVA Development and Verification Testing at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jairala, Juniper; Durkin, Robert

2012-01-01

As an early step in preparing for future EVAs, astronauts perform neutral buoyancy testing to develop and verify EVA hardware and operations. To date, neutral buoyancy demonstrations at NASA JSC’s Sonny Carter Training Facility have primarily evaluated assembly and maintenance tasks associated with several elements of the ISS. With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, completion of ISS assembly, and introduction of commercial participants for human transportation into space, evaluations at the NBL will take on a new focus. In this session, Juniper Jairala briefly discussed the design of the NBL and, in more detail, described the requirements and process for performing a neutral buoyancy test, including typical hardware and support equipment requirements, personnel and administrative resource requirements, examples of ISS systems and operations that are evaluated, and typical operational objectives that are evaluated. Robert Durkin discussed the new and potential types of uses for the NBL, including those by non-NASA external customers.

EVA Development and Verification Testing at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jairala, Juniper; Durkin, Robert

2012-01-01

As an early step in preparing for future EVAs, astronauts perform neutral buoyancy testing to develop and verify EVA hardware and operations. To date, neutral buoyancy demonstrations at NASA JSC's Sonny Carter Training Facility have primarily evaluated assembly and maintenance tasks associated with several elements of the ISS. With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, completion of ISS assembly, and introduction of commercial participants for human transportation into space, evaluations at the NBL will take on a new focus. In this session, Juniper Jairala briefly discussed the design of the NBL and, in more detail, described the requirements and process for performing a neutral buoyancy test, including typical hardware and support equipment requirements, personnel and administrative resource requirements, examples of ISS systems and operations that are evaluated, and typical operational objectives that are evaluated. Robert Durkin discussed the new and potential types of uses for the NBL, including those by non-NASA external customers.

A vertex similarity index for better personalized recommendation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ling-Jiao; Zhang, Zi-Ke; Liu, Jin-Hu; Gao, Jian; Zhou, Tao

2017-01-01

Recommender systems benefit us in tackling the problem of information overload by predicting our potential choices among diverse niche objects. So far, a variety of personalized recommendation algorithms have been proposed and most of them are based on similarities, such as collaborative filtering and mass diffusion. Here, we propose a novel vertex similarity index named CosRA, which combines advantages of both the cosine index and the resource-allocation (RA) index. By applying the CosRA index to real recommender systems including MovieLens, Netflix and RYM, we show that the CosRA-based method has better performance in accuracy, diversity and novelty than some benchmark methods. Moreover, the CosRA index is free of parameters, which is a significant advantage in real applications. Further experiments show that the introduction of two turnable parameters cannot remarkably improve the overall performance of the CosRA index.

RETROFIT COSTS FOR SO2 AND NOX CONTROL OPTIONS AT 200 COAL-FIRED PLANTS, VOLUME I - INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a study, the objective of which was to significantly improve engineering cost estimates currently being used to evaluate the economic effects of applying SO2 and NOx controls at 200 large SO2-emitting coal-fired utility plants. To accomplish the object...

Agribusiness Safety. Module SH-15. Safety and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

This student module on agribusiness safety is one of 50 modules concerned with job safety and health. Following the introduction, 11 objectives (each keyed to a page in the text) the student is expected to accomplish are listed (e.g., List at least two reasons for agribusiness safety standards). Then each objective is taught in detail, sometimes…

Differences in the Socio-Emotional Competency Profile in University Students from different Disciplinary Area

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castejon, Juan Luis; Cantero, Ma. Pilar; Perez, Nelida

2008-01-01

Introduction: The main objective of this paper is to establish a profile of socio-emotional competencies characteristic of a sample of students from each of the big academic areas in higher education: legal sciences, social sciences, education, humanities, science and technology, and health. An additional objective was to analyse differences…

State Articulated Instructional Objectives Guide for Occupational Education Programs. State Pilot Model for Automotive Mechanics (DCC V-003) and Automotive Mechanics (High School).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Community Colleges, Raleigh.

This articulation instructional objective guide for automotive mechanics contains summary information on fifteen blocks (courses) of instruction. They are introduction to automotive technology; lubrication and vehicle operating maintenance; cooling system maintenance and repair; automobile heater maintenance and repair; braking system maintenance…

Vibration and Noise Control. Module SH-33. Safety and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

This student module on vibration and noise control is one of 50 modules concerned with job safety and health. Following the introduction, nine objectives (each keyed to a page in the text) the student is expected to accomplish are listed (e.g., Compare four strategies for vibration control). Then each objective is taught in detail, sometimes…

Brief Analysis of Application of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Graduation Exams of Clinical Medical Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Du, Yihua; Yu, Ke; Li, Xiaohong; Wang, Feng; Wang, Tingting

2011-01-01

This article gives a brief introduction to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and analyzes developmental progress of OSCE at both home and abroad and standardized patients' application in OSCE. Also, this article expounds application of OSCE in graduation exam of clinical medical students. Finally, this article summarizes…

Nonlinear Stochastic PDEs: Analysis and Approximations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-23

numerical performance. Main theoretical and experimental advances include: 1.Introduction of a number of effective approaches to numerical analysis of...Stokes and Euler SPDEs, quasi -geostrophic SPDE, Ginzburg-Landau SPDE and Duffing oscillator REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT...compare their numerical performance. Main theoretical and experimental advances include: 1.Introduction of a number of effective approaches to

Teaching Audience Adaptation Using Connected Presentations and Teamwork

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Opt, Susan K.

2017-01-01

Courses: Introduction to Communication, Public Speaking, Persuasion, Business Communication. Objective: This activity increases students' understanding of audience adaptation and improves their ability to adapt presentations to specific audiences.

The First View Concept: introduction of industrial flow techniques into emergency medicine organization.

PubMed

Hogan, Barbara; Rasche, Christoph; von Reinersdorff, Andrea Braun

2012-06-01

The number of patients seeking treatment in emergency departments is rising, although many governments are seeking to reduce expenditure on health. Emergency departments must achieve more with the same resources or perform the same functions with fewer resources. Patients demand higher emergency clinical care quality, with low waiting times viewed as a key quality criterion by many patients. The objective of this study was to create an improved working system in emergency departments that cuts patient waiting times for first specialty physician contact. Techniques from industrial flow management were applied to the working process of an emergency department and the concept was named 'First View.' A total of 3269 patient contacts using the First View Concept during a treatment month showed statistical significance. Before introduction, a total 3230 patients in a comparative treatment month had a median waiting time before the first doctor contact of 47.6 min, a first quartile waiting time of 36.1 min, and a third quartile waiting time of 62.7 min. After introduction, 3269 patients had a median waiting time before first specialty physician contact of 11.2 min, a first quartile waiting time of 9.1 min, and a third quartile waiting time of 15.2 min. Industrial flow concepts can achieve significant improvements in emergency department workflows in countries in which sufficient numbers of specialty physicians are available. More attention to the organization of emergency department working processes is needed, especially involving lean management.

Getting the most out of additional guidance information in deformable image registration by leveraging multi-objective optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alderliesten, Tanja; Bosman, Peter A. N.; Bel, Arjan

2015-03-01

Incorporating additional guidance information, e.g., landmark/contour correspondence, in deformable image registration is often desirable and is typically done by adding constraints or cost terms to the optimization function. Commonly, deciding between a "hard" constraint and a "soft" additional cost term as well as the weighting of cost terms in the optimization function is done on a trial-and-error basis. The aim of this study is to investigate the advantages of exploiting guidance information by taking a multi-objective optimization perspective. Hereto, next to objectives related to match quality and amount of deformation, we define a third objective related to guidance information. Multi-objective optimization eliminates the need to a-priori tune a weighting of objectives in a single optimization function or the strict requirement of fulfilling hard guidance constraints. Instead, Pareto-efficient trade-offs between all objectives are found, effectively making the introduction of guidance information straightforward, independent of its type or scale. Further, since complete Pareto fronts also contain less interesting parts (i.e., solutions with near-zero deformation effort), we study how adaptive steering mechanisms can be incorporated to automatically focus more on solutions of interest. We performed experiments on artificial and real clinical data with large differences, including disappearing structures. Results show the substantial benefit of using additional guidance information. Moreover, compared to the 2-objective case, additional computational cost is negligible. Finally, with the same computational budget, use of the adaptive steering mechanism provides superior solutions in the area of interest.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Renal Failure Requiring Hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Thimmaiah, Rohini; Murthy, K. Krishna; Pinto, Denzil

2012-01-01

Background and Objectives: Renal failure patients show significant impairment on measures of attention and memory, and consistently perform significantly better on neuropsychological measures of memory and attention, approximately 24 hours after hemodialysis treatment. The objectives are to determine the cognitive dysfunction in patients with renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects comprising of 30 renal failure patients and 30 controls were recruited. The sample was matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The tools used were the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination and the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale. Results: The patients showed high cognitive dysfunction in the pre-dialysis group, in all the five dimensions (concentration, recent memory, past memory, orientation and functioning, and self-care), and the least in the 24-hour post dialysis group. This difference was found to be statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: Patients with renal failure exhibited pronounced cognitive impairment and these functions significantly improved after the introduction of hemodialysis. PMID:23439613

Variations in physical activity of male and female students from the Ukraine in health-promoting life style.

PubMed

Bergier, Józef; Bergier, Barbara; Tsos, Anatolii

2017-05-11

[b]Introduction. [/b]A large-scale research was performed concerning issues relating to physical activity as an important factor in a healthy lifestyle and involved observing the differences among males and females as future elites of the Ukraine. [b]Objective. [/b]The objective of the research is to assess the physical activity of students from the Ukraine, considering such factors as: gender, leisure time, time spent sitting, sports performed or intended to be performed, and the BMI. [b]Materials and method.[/b] The extended version of the IPAQ, supplemented with 3 original questions by the authors, was applied to a 2,125-strong student group from 12 majors of the University of Luck, Ukraine. [b]Results. [/b]Students from Ukraine portrayed a positive picture of physical activity with significantly higher values in male students of both total activity and its fields, i.e. sports activity and work (studying). The male students performed better in their fitness (condition) self-assessment and the amount of time spent sitting, whereas the female students had better BMI results. Both genders differed considerably in their choice of sport-recreational activities. [b]Conclusions. [/b]Females more than males demonstrated lower indices of participation in physical activity, which did not permit the formulation of a positive assessment of their lifestyle. A positive phenomenon is the normal BMI and trace values of overweight in women, exactly the reverse to males.

High Resolution Near Real Time Image Processing and Support for MSSS Modernization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, R. B.; Sabol, C.; Borelli, K.; Spetka, S.; Addison, J.; Mallo, A.; Farnsworth, B.; Viloria, R.

2012-09-01

This paper describes image enhancement software applications engineering development work that has been performed in support of Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS) Modernization. It also includes R&D and transition activity that has been performed over the past few years with the objective of providing increased space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities. This includes Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) use of an FY10 Dedicated High Performance Investment (DHPI) cluster award -- and our selection and planned use for an FY12 DHPI award. We provide an introduction to image processing of electro optical (EO) telescope sensors data; and a high resolution image enhancement and near real time processing and summary status overview. We then describe recent image enhancement applications development and support for MSSS Modernization, results to date, and end with a discussion of desired future development work and conclusions. Significant improvements to image processing enhancement have been realized over the past several years, including a key application that has realized more than a 10,000-times speedup compared to the original R&D code -- and a greater than 72-times speedup over the past few years. The latest version of this code maintains software efficiency for post-mission processing while providing optimization for image processing of data from a new EO sensor at MSSS. Additional work has also been performed to develop low latency, near real time processing of data that is collected by the ground-based sensor during overhead passes of space objects.

Contrasting determinants for the introduction and establishment success of exotic birds in Taiwan using decision trees models.

PubMed

Liang, Shih-Hsiung; Walther, Bruno Andreas; Shieh, Bao-Sen

2017-01-01

Biological invasions have become a major threat to biodiversity, and identifying determinants underlying success at different stages of the invasion process is essential for both prevention management and testing ecological theories. To investigate variables associated with different stages of the invasion process in a local region such as Taiwan, potential problems using traditional parametric analyses include too many variables of different data types (nominal, ordinal, and interval) and a relatively small data set with too many missing values. We therefore used five decision tree models instead and compared their performance. Our dataset contains 283 exotic bird species which were transported to Taiwan; of these 283 species, 95 species escaped to the field successfully (introduction success); of these 95 introduced species, 36 species reproduced in the field of Taiwan successfully (establishment success). For each species, we collected 22 variables associated with human selectivity and species traits which may determine success during the introduction stage and establishment stage. For each decision tree model, we performed three variable treatments: (I) including all 22 variables, (II) excluding nominal variables, and (III) excluding nominal variables and replacing ordinal values with binary ones. Five performance measures were used to compare models, namely, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), specificity, precision, recall, and accuracy. The gradient boosting models performed best overall among the five decision tree models for both introduction and establishment success and across variable treatments. The most important variables for predicting introduction success were the bird family, the number of invaded countries, and variables associated with environmental adaptation, whereas the most important variables for predicting establishment success were the number of invaded countries and variables associated with reproduction. Our final optimal models achieved relatively high performance values, and we discuss differences in performance with regard to sample size and variable treatments. Our results showed that, for both the establishment model and introduction model, the number of invaded countries was the most important or second most important determinant, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that future success for introduction and establishment of exotic birds may be gauged by simply looking at previous success in invading other countries. Finally, we found that species traits related to reproduction were more important in establishment models than in introduction models; importantly, these determinants were not averaged but either minimum or maximum values of species traits. Therefore, we suggest that in addition to averaged values, reproductive potential represented by minimum and maximum values of species traits should be considered in invasion studies.

Contrasting determinants for the introduction and establishment success of exotic birds in Taiwan using decision trees models

PubMed Central

Liang, Shih-Hsiung; Walther, Bruno Andreas

2017-01-01

Background Biological invasions have become a major threat to biodiversity, and identifying determinants underlying success at different stages of the invasion process is essential for both prevention management and testing ecological theories. To investigate variables associated with different stages of the invasion process in a local region such as Taiwan, potential problems using traditional parametric analyses include too many variables of different data types (nominal, ordinal, and interval) and a relatively small data set with too many missing values. Methods We therefore used five decision tree models instead and compared their performance. Our dataset contains 283 exotic bird species which were transported to Taiwan; of these 283 species, 95 species escaped to the field successfully (introduction success); of these 95 introduced species, 36 species reproduced in the field of Taiwan successfully (establishment success). For each species, we collected 22 variables associated with human selectivity and species traits which may determine success during the introduction stage and establishment stage. For each decision tree model, we performed three variable treatments: (I) including all 22 variables, (II) excluding nominal variables, and (III) excluding nominal variables and replacing ordinal values with binary ones. Five performance measures were used to compare models, namely, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), specificity, precision, recall, and accuracy. Results The gradient boosting models performed best overall among the five decision tree models for both introduction and establishment success and across variable treatments. The most important variables for predicting introduction success were the bird family, the number of invaded countries, and variables associated with environmental adaptation, whereas the most important variables for predicting establishment success were the number of invaded countries and variables associated with reproduction. Discussion Our final optimal models achieved relatively high performance values, and we discuss differences in performance with regard to sample size and variable treatments. Our results showed that, for both the establishment model and introduction model, the number of invaded countries was the most important or second most important determinant, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that future success for introduction and establishment of exotic birds may be gauged by simply looking at previous success in invading other countries. Finally, we found that species traits related to reproduction were more important in establishment models than in introduction models; importantly, these determinants were not averaged but either minimum or maximum values of species traits. Therefore, we suggest that in addition to averaged values, reproductive potential represented by minimum and maximum values of species traits should be considered in invasion studies. PMID:28316893

Development of a Device for Objective Assessment of Tinnitus in Humans

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-2-0180 TITLE: Development of a Device for Objective Assessment of Tinnitus in Humans PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jeremy G...5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Development of a Device for Objective Assessment of Tinnitus in Humans 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-14-2-0180 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...8 4 1. INTRODUCTION: Narrative that briefly (one paragraph) describes the subject, purpose and scope of the research. Tinnitus is the perception

An Underwater Target Detection System for Electro-Optical Imagery Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

detection and segmentation of underwater mine-like objects in the EO images captured with a CCD-based image sensor. The main focus of this research is to...develop a robust detection algorithm that can be used to detect low contrast and partial underwater objects from the EO imagery with low false alarm rate...underwater target detection I. INTRODUCTION Automatic detection and recognition of underwater objects from EO imagery poses a serious challenge due to poor

ISST (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Silo Superhardening Technology) Structure with SIFCON (Slurry-Infiltrated Fiber Concrete) - HFC-2 Test

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

Government-related pro- curement, the United States Government incurs no responsibility or any obli -j gation whatsoever. The fact that the Government...Arizona. NIIERI then began a program to deveiop a slurry mix design for use in the structure, as well as construction techniques for placing the SIFCON in...OBJECTIVES 3 II CONSTRUCTION AND FIELDING OPERATIONS 4 INTRODUCTION 4 I DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM 4 Introduct ion 4 Procedure 4 Results 7 $ DESIGN 7 I ntrod uc

Green Infrastructure Research at EPA's Edison Environmental Center

EPA Science Inventory

The presentation outline includes: (1) Green infrastructure research objectives (2) Introduction to ongoing research projects - Aspects of design, construction, and maintenence that affect function - Real-world applications of GI research

Orbiting Astrophysical Spectrometer in Space (OASIS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, James H.

2008-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the OASIS mission. The contents include: 1) Introduction to Cosmic Rays; 2) How are they accelerated?; 3) OASIS Objectives; 4) 5) HEPCaT Instrument; and 6) ENTICE Instrument

A Course in Polymer Processing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soong, David S.

1981-01-01

Following a brief introduction to the origin and nature of a course in polymer rheology and melt processing, discusses course objectives, detailed content, teaching strategies, and observations/experiences from its first offering. (SK)

Image quality associated with the use of an MR-compatible incubator in neonatal neuroimaging.

PubMed

O'Regan, K; Filan, P; Pandit, N; Maher, M; Fanning, N

2012-04-01

MRI in the neonate poses significant challenges associated with patient transport and monitoring, and the potential for diminished image quality owing to patient motion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a dedicated MR-compatible incubator with integrated radiofrequency coils in improving image quality of MRI studies of the brain acquired in term and preterm neonates using standard MRI equipment. Subjective and objective analyses of image quality of neonatal brain MR examinations were performed before and after the introduction of an MR-compatible incubator. For all studies, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated, image quality was graded (1-3) and each was assessed for image artefact (e.g. motion). Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare mean SNR values. 39 patients were included [mean gestational age 39 weeks (range 30-42 weeks); mean postnatal age 13 days (range 1-56 days); mean weight 3.5 kg (range 1.4-4.5 kg)]. Following the introduction of the MR-compatible incubator, diagnostic quality scans increased from 50 to 89% and motion artefact decreased from 73 to 44% of studies. SNR did not increase initially, but, when using MR sequences and parameters specifically tailored for neonatal brain imaging, SNR increased from 70 to 213 (p=0.001). Use of an MR-compatible incubator in neonatal neuroimaging provides a safe environment for MRI of the neonate and also facilitates patient monitoring and transport. When specifically tailored MR protocols are used, this results in improved image quality.

Current drug therapy of patients with BPH-LUTS with the special emphasis on PDE5 inhibitors

PubMed Central

Govorov, Alexander; Kasyan, George; Priymak, Diana; Pushkar, Dmitry

2016-01-01

Introduction Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) development in men [1]. The intensity of the symptoms may vary from mild to severe, significantly affecting the quality of life. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most challenging issues in modern urology that significantly influences the quality of life in men worldwide. The objective of this literature review was to analyze the current drug therapies of patients with BPH-LUTS, with the special emphasis on PDE5 inhibitors. Material and methods The authors searched the literature for the period from 2000 until 2015 in MEDLINE and PubMed. Results Twenty-three articles were selected based on their reliability. A detailed analysis of the selected papers was performed. Primary attention was given to articles describing the use of PDE5. Works describing the use of different groups of drugs in patients with BPH-LUTS were also selected. Conclusions The current literature analysis suggests that the introduction of PDE5 inhibitors in clinical practice for the treatment of patients with BPH-LUTS will allow for significant expansion of the therapeutic options for the treatment of this disease. PMID:28127458

Maintaining Moore's law: enabling cost-friendly dimensional scaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, Arindam; Ryckaert, Julien; Mercha, Abdelkarim; Verkest, Diederik; Ronse, Kurt; Thean, Aaron

2015-03-01

Moore's Law (Moore's Observation) has been driving the progress in semiconductor technology for the past 50 years. The semiconductor industry is at a juncture where significant increase in manufacturing cost is foreseen to sustain the past trend of dimensional scaling. At N10 and N7 technology nodes, the industry is struggling to find a cost-friendly solution. At a device level, technologists have come up with novel devices (finFET, Gate-All-Around), material innovations (SiGe, Ge) to boost performance and reduce power consumption. On the other hand, from the patterning side, the relative slow ramp-up of alternative lithography technologies like EUVL and DSA pushes the industry to adopt a severely multi-patterning-based solution. Both of these technological transformations have a big impact on die yield and eventually die cost. This paper is aimed to analyze the impact on manufacturing cost to keep the Moore's law alive. We have proposed and analyzed various patterning schemes that can enable cost-friendly scaling. We evaluated the impact of EUVL introduction on tackling the high cost of manufacturing. The primary objective of this paper is to maintain Moore's scaling from a patterning perspective and analyzing EUV lithography introduction at a die level.

The Perception of Concurrent Sound Objects in Harmonic Complexes Impairs Gap Detection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leung, Ada W. S.; Jolicoeur, Pierre; Vachon, Francois; Alain, Claude

2011-01-01

Since the introduction of the concept of auditory scene analysis, there has been a paucity of work focusing on the theoretical explanation of how attention is allocated within a complex auditory scene. Here we examined signal detection in situations that promote either the fusion of tonal elements into a single sound object or the segregation of a…

Safety in Elevators and Grain Handling Facilities. Module SH-27. Safety and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

This student module on safety in elevators and grain handling facilities is one of 50 modules concerned with job safety and health. Following the introduction, 15 objectives (each keyed to a page in the text) the student is expected to accomplish are listed (e.g., Explain how explosion suppression works). Then each objective is taught in detail,…

Representing the Quantum Object through Fiction in Teaching: The Ontological Contribution of Gamow's Narrative as Part of an Introduction to Quantum Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Héraud, Jean-Loup; Lautesse, Philippe; Ferlin, Fabrice; Chabot, Hugues

2017-01-01

Our work extends a previous study of epistemological presuppositions in teaching quantum physics in upper scientific secondary school in France. Here, the problematic reference of quantum theory's concepts is treated at the ontological level (the counterintuitive nature of quantum objects). We consider the approach of using narratives describing…

Introduction of a method for quantitative evaluation of spontaneous motor activity development with age in infants.

PubMed

Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine; Heinze, Franziska; Breitbach-Faller, Nico; Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Rau, Günter

2012-04-01

Coordination between perception and action is required to interact with the environment successfully. This is already trained by very young infants who perform spontaneous movements to learn how their body interacts with the environment. The strategies used by the infants for this purpose change with age. Therefore, very early progresses in action control made by the infants can be investigated by monitoring the development of spontaneous motor activity. In this paper, an objective method is introduced, which allows the quantitative evaluation of the development of spontaneous motor activity in newborns. The introduced methodology is based on the acquisition of spontaneous movement trajectories of the feet by 3D movement analysis and subsequent calculation of specific movement parameters from them. With these movement-based parameters, it was possible to provide an objective description of age-dependent developmental steps in healthy newborns younger than 6 months. Furthermore, it has been shown that pathologies like infantile cerebral palsy influence development of motor activity significantly. Since the introduced methodology is objective and quantitative, it is suitable to monitor how newborns train their cognitive processes, which will enable them to cope with their environment by motor interaction.

Sustained Reduction of Microbial Burden on Common Hospital Surfaces through Introduction of Copper

PubMed Central

Attaway, Hubert H.; Sharpe, Peter A.; John, Joseph; Sepkowitz, Kent A.; Morgan, Andrew; Fairey, Sarah E.; Singh, Susan; Steed, Lisa L.; Cantey, J. Robert; Freeman, Katherine D.; Michels, Harold T.; Salgado, Cassandra D.

2012-01-01

The contribution of environmental surface contamination with pathogenic organisms to the development of health care-associated infections (HAI) has not been well defined. The microbial burden (MB) associated with commonly touched surfaces in intensive care units (ICUs) was determined by sampling six objects in 16 rooms in ICUs in three hospitals over 43 months. At month 23, copper-alloy surfaces, with inherent antimicrobial properties, were installed onto six monitored objects in 8 of 16 rooms, and the effect that this application had on the intrinsic MB present on the six objects was assessed. Census continued in rooms with and without copper for an additional 21 months. In concert with routine infection control practices, the average MB found for the six objects assessed in the clinical environment during the preintervention phase was 28 times higher (6,985 CFU/100 cm2; n = 3,977 objects sampled) than levels proposed as benign immediately after terminal cleaning (<250 CFU/100 cm2). During the intervention phase, the MB was found to be significantly lower for both the control and copper-surfaced objects. Copper was found to cause a significant (83%) reduction in the average MB found on the objects (465 CFU/100 cm2; n = 2714 objects) compared to the controls (2,674 CFU/100 cm2; n = 2,831 objects [P < 0.0001]). The introduction of copper surfaces to objects formerly covered with plastic, wood, stainless steel, and other materials found in the patient care environment significantly reduced the overall MB on a continuous basis, thereby providing a potentially safer environment for hospital patients, health care workers (HCWs), and visitors. PMID:22553242

Sustained reduction of microbial burden on common hospital surfaces through introduction of copper.

PubMed

Schmidt, Michael G; Attaway, Hubert H; Sharpe, Peter A; John, Joseph; Sepkowitz, Kent A; Morgan, Andrew; Fairey, Sarah E; Singh, Susan; Steed, Lisa L; Cantey, J Robert; Freeman, Katherine D; Michels, Harold T; Salgado, Cassandra D

2012-07-01

The contribution of environmental surface contamination with pathogenic organisms to the development of health care-associated infections (HAI) has not been well defined. The microbial burden (MB) associated with commonly touched surfaces in intensive care units (ICUs) was determined by sampling six objects in 16 rooms in ICUs in three hospitals over 43 months. At month 23, copper-alloy surfaces, with inherent antimicrobial properties, were installed onto six monitored objects in 8 of 16 rooms, and the effect that this application had on the intrinsic MB present on the six objects was assessed. Census continued in rooms with and without copper for an additional 21 months. In concert with routine infection control practices, the average MB found for the six objects assessed in the clinical environment during the preintervention phase was 28 times higher (6,985 CFU/100 cm(2); n = 3,977 objects sampled) than levels proposed as benign immediately after terminal cleaning (<250 CFU/100 cm(2)). During the intervention phase, the MB was found to be significantly lower for both the control and copper-surfaced objects. Copper was found to cause a significant (83%) reduction in the average MB found on the objects (465 CFU/100 cm(2); n = 2714 objects) compared to the controls (2,674 CFU/100 cm(2); n = 2,831 objects [P < 0.0001]). The introduction of copper surfaces to objects formerly covered with plastic, wood, stainless steel, and other materials found in the patient care environment significantly reduced the overall MB on a continuous basis, thereby providing a potentially safer environment for hospital patients, health care workers (HCWs), and visitors.

Comparison of the Climates of Selected Locations in the United States with the Climate of Beersheba, Israel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

INTRODUCTION .. ...... . . . .. .. .. .... 1 II. THE CLIMATE OF BEERSHEBA .............. 3 A. KZ~ppen Classification. ............. 3 B. Synoptic Features...Local Mean Solar Time. ............. 18 B. Period of Observation .. ........... 20 C. Statistical Calculations. .......... 20 1. Introduction ...157 vi I. INTRODUCTION Battlefield obscuration plays an important role in the performance of Army electro-optical devices. In turn, the type

7 CFR 283.12 - Discovery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and shall be subject to cross-examination. Objections to questions or documents shall be in the short... require the introduction of any other part which is relevant be considered with the part introduced, and...

Use of the Combined First-Trimester Screen in High- and Low-Risk Patient Populations After Introduction of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing.

PubMed

Larion, Sebastian; Warsof, Steven L; Romary, Letty; Mlynarczyk, Margaret; Peleg, David; Abuhamad, Alfred Z

2015-08-01

To report changes in the use of the combined first-trimester screen (FTS) in patients classified as high and low risk for fetal aneuploidy, including after introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). A prospectively collected database was reviewed to investigate changes in FTS use before and after American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Practice Bulletin No. 77 (Obstet Gynecol 2007; 109:217-227), which recommended that all patients be offered aneuploidy screening, and after NIPT introduction. High-risk patients were classified as 35 years or older at the estimated time of delivery or those with an abnormal prior screen, abnormal ultrasound findings, or family history of aneuploidy. Data were normalized per 100 morphologic ultrasound examinations to account for changes in patient number over time. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. A total of 10,125 FTSs were recorded during the 88-month study period, including 2962 in high-risk patients and 7163 in low-risk patients. The total number of FTSs performed per 100 morphologic ultrasound examinations significantly increased after ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 77 and significantly decreased after NIPT introduction. In high-risk patients, the total number of FTSs performed per 100 morphologic ultrasound examinations significantly increased after ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 77 but significantly decreased after NIPT introduction. In contrast, in low-risk patients, the total number of FTSs performed per 100 morphologic ultrasound examinations significantly increased after ACOG Practice Bulletin No.77 but was not statistically different after NIPT introduction. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin No. 77 significantly increased patient use of FTS. The introduction of NIPT significantly decreased FTS use in the high-risk population but not in the low-risk population. © 2015 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

pyCTQW: A continuous-time quantum walk simulator on distributed memory computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izaac, Josh A.; Wang, Jingbo B.

2015-01-01

In the general field of quantum information and computation, quantum walks are playing an increasingly important role in constructing physical models and quantum algorithms. We have recently developed a distributed memory software package pyCTQW, with an object-oriented Python interface, that allows efficient simulation of large multi-particle CTQW (continuous-time quantum walk)-based systems. In this paper, we present an introduction to the Python and Fortran interfaces of pyCTQW, discuss various numerical methods of calculating the matrix exponential, and demonstrate the performance behavior of pyCTQW on a distributed memory cluster. In particular, the Chebyshev and Krylov-subspace methods for calculating the quantum walk propagation are provided, as well as methods for visualization and data analysis.

MANAGEMENT OF PANCREATICOPLEURAL FISTULAS SECONDARY TO CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

PubMed Central

CAZZO, Everton; APODACA-RUEDA, Márcio; GESTIC, Martinho Antonio; CHAIM, Fábio Henrique Mendonça; de SAITO, Helena Paes de Almeida; UTRINI, Murillo Pimentel; CALLEJAS-NETO, Francisco; CHAIM, Elinton Adami

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. Objective: To describe pancreaticopleural fistula due to chronic pancreatitis and perform an extensive review of literature on this topic. Methods: Comprehensive narrative review through online research on the databases Medline and Lilacs for articles published over the last 20 years. There were 22 case reports and four case series selected. Results: The main indication for surgical treatment is the failure of clinical and/or endoscopic treatments. Surgery is based on internal pancreatic drainage, especially by means of pancreaticojejunostomy, and/or pancreatic resections. Conclusion: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and the Frey procedure may be an appropriate therapeutic option in selected cases when clinical and endoscopic treatments are unsuccessful. PMID:29019567

Technology Evaluation Report: Non-destructive ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Technology Evaluation Report HSRP is working to develop tools and information that will help detect the intentional introduction of chemical or biological contaminants in buildings or water systems, the containment of these contaminants, the decontamination of buildings and/or water systems, and the management of wastes generated from decontamination and cleanup operations. Evaluation of the performance of CBI Polymers’ DeconGelTM 1108, Environmental Alternatives, Inc.’s (EAI’s) Rad-Release II (RRII), Environmental Alternatives, Inc.’s SuperGel, and Intek Technologies’ LH-21. The objective of evaluating these technologies was to test their ability to remove radioactive cesium (Cs)-137 from the mixed building material coupons of brick with mortar, tile with grout, granite with mortar, all mortar and all grout coupons.

Alien mammals in Europe: updated numbers and trends, and assessment of the effects on biodiversity.

PubMed

Genovesi, Piero; Carnevali, Lucilla; Alonzi, Anna; Scalera, Riccardo

2012-09-01

This study provides an updated picture of mammal invasions in Europe, based on detailed analysis of information on introductions occurring from the Neolithic to recent times. The assessment considered all information on species introductions, known extinctions and successful eradication campaigns, to reconstruct a trend of alien mammals' establishment in the region. Through a comparative analysis of the data on introduction, with the information on the impact of alien mammals on native and threatened species of Europe, the present study also provides an objective assessment of the overall impact of mammal introductions on European biodiversity, including information on impact mechanisms. The results of this assessment confirm the constant increase of mammal invasions in Europe, with no indication of a reduction of the rate of introduction. The study also confirms the severe impact of alien mammals, which directly threaten a significant number of native species, including many highly threatened species. The results could help to prioritize species for response, as required by international conventions and obligations. © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd, ISZS and IOZ/CAS.

Propagation and introduction of Arnica montana L. into cultivation: a step to reduce the pressure on endangered and high-valued medicinal plant species.

PubMed

Sugier, Danuta; Sugier, Piotr; Gawlik-Dziki, Urszula

2013-01-01

Arnica montana (L.) is an endangered and endemic medicinal plant species in Europe. The pressure on natural sources of this plant is alleviated by a suitable use of arnica resources in the European region and introduction into cultivation. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of different ways of plant propagation and introduction on the growth and reproduction mode of this species. During the six consecutive years of the field experiment, the vegetative and reproductive traits were monitored, and survival time was assessed. The particular ways of arnica plant propagation and introduction determined all the intrinsic species traits and plant survival. The values of the characteristics studied indicated good acclimatization of the arnica ecotype to the climatic conditions of eastern Poland. Practical implications from the data presented here include the possibility of using the presented modes of arnica propagation and introduction in the short- and long-term perspective of arnica cultivation, which can give a possibility of better adjustment of raw material production.

Propagation and Introduction of Arnica montana L. into Cultivation: A Step to Reduce the Pressure on Endangered and High-Valued Medicinal Plant Species

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Arnica montana (L.) is an endangered and endemic medicinal plant species in Europe. The pressure on natural sources of this plant is alleviated by a suitable use of arnica resources in the European region and introduction into cultivation. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of different ways of plant propagation and introduction on the growth and reproduction mode of this species. During the six consecutive years of the field experiment, the vegetative and reproductive traits were monitored, and survival time was assessed. The particular ways of arnica plant propagation and introduction determined all the intrinsic species traits and plant survival. The values of the characteristics studied indicated good acclimatization of the arnica ecotype to the climatic conditions of eastern Poland. Practical implications from the data presented here include the possibility of using the presented modes of arnica propagation and introduction in the short- and long-term perspective of arnica cultivation, which can give a possibility of better adjustment of raw material production. PMID:24282381

Double peacock eye optical element for extended focal depth imaging with ophthalmic applications.

PubMed

Romero, Lenny A; Millán, María S; Jaroszewicz, Zbigniew; Kolodziejczyk, Andrzej

2012-04-01

The aged human eye is commonly affected by presbyopia, and therefore, it gradually loses its capability to form images of objects placed at different distances. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) imaging elements can overcome this inability, despite the introduction of a certain amount of aberration. This paper evaluates the EDOF imaging performance of the so-called peacock eye phase diffractive element, which focuses an incident plane wave into a segment of the optical axis and explores the element's potential use for ophthalmic presbyopia compensation optics. Two designs of the element are analyzed: the single peacock eye, which produces one focal segment along the axis, and the double peacock eye, which is a spatially multiplexed element that produces two focal segments with partial overlapping along the axis. The performances of the peacock eye elements are compared with those of multifocal lenses through numerical simulations as well as optical experiments in the image space. The results demonstrate that the peacock eye elements form sharper images along the focal segment than the multifocal lenses and, therefore, are more suitable for presbyopia compensation. The extreme points of the depth of field in the object space, which represent the remote and the near object points, have been experimentally obtained for both the single and the double peacock eye optical elements. The double peacock eye element has better imaging quality for relatively short and intermediate distances than the single peacock eye, whereas the latter seems better for far distance vision.

Differences in Receipt of Three Preventive Health Care Services by Race/Ethnicity in Medicare Advantage Plans: Tracking the Impact of Pay for Performance, 2010 and 2013.

PubMed

Jung, Daniel H; Palta, Mari; Smith, Maureen; Oliver, Thomas R; DuGoff, Eva H

2016-09-08

In 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration, a pay-for-performance (P4P) program, into Medicare Advantage plans. Previous studies documented racial/ethnic disparities in receipt of care among participants in these plans. The objective of this study was to determine whether P4P incentives have affected these disparities in Medicare Advantage plans. We studied 411 Medicare Advantage health plans that participated in the Medicare Health Outcome Survey in 2010 and 2013. Preventive health care was defined as self-reported receipt of health care provider communication or treatment to reduce risk of falling, improve bladder control, and monitor physical activity among individuals reporting these problems. Logistic regression stratified by health care plan was used to examine racial/ethnic disparities in receipt of preventive health care before and after the introduction of the P4P program in 2012. We found similar racial/ethnic differences in receipt of preventive health care before and after the introduction of P4P. Blacks and Asians were less likely than whites to receive advice to improve bladder control and more likely to receive advice to reduce risk of falling and improve physical activity. Hispanics were more likely to report receiving advice about all 3 health issues than whites. After the introduction of P4P, the gap decreased between Hispanics and whites for improving bladder control and monitoring physical activity and increased between blacks and whites for monitoring physical activity. Racial/ethnic differences in receipt of preventive health care are not always in the expected direction. CMS should consider developing a separate measure of equity in preventive health care services to encourage health plans to reduce gaps among racial/ethnic groups in receiving preventive care services.

MIT employee commuter behavior trial.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

The objectives of the project included the following: : To evaluate the potential impact (in terms of commuter mode shifts) from the introduction of : disruptive technologies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, includin...

Vision Examination Protocol for Archery Athletes Along With an Introduction to Sports Vision

PubMed Central

Mohammadi, Seyed Farzad; Aghazade Amiri, Mohammad; Naderifar, Homa; Rakhshi, Elham; Vakilian, Banafsheh; Ashrafi, Elham; Behesht-Nejad, Amir-Houshang

2016-01-01

Introduction: Visual skills are one of the main pillars of intangible faculties of athletes that can influence their performance. Great number of vision tests used to assess the visual skills and it will be irrational to perform all vision tests for every sport. Objectives: The purpose of this protocol article is to present a relatively comprehensive battery of tests and assessments on static and dynamic aspects of sight which seems relevant to sports vision and introduce the most useful ones for archery. Materials and Methods: Through extensive review of the literature, visual skills and respective tests were listed; such as ‘visual acuity, ‘contrast sensitivity’, ‘stereo-acuity’, ‘ocular alignment’, and ‘eye dominance’. Athletes were defined as “elite” and “non-elite” category based on their past performance. Dominance was considered for eye and hand; binocular or monocular aiming was planned to be recorded. Illumination condition was defined as to simulate the real archery condition to the extent possible. The full cycle of examinations and their order for each athlete was sketched (and estimated to take 40 minutes). Protocol was piloted in an eye hospital. Female and male archers aged 18 - 38 years who practiced compound and recurve archery with a history of more than 6 months were included. Conclusions: We managed to select and design a customized examination protocol for archery (a sight-intensive and aiming type of sports), serving skill assessment and research purposes. Our definition for elite and non-elite athletes can help to define sports talent and devise skill development methods as we compare the performance of these two groups. In our pilot, we identified 8 “archery figures” (by hand dominance, eye dominance and binocularity) and highlighted the concept “congruence” (dominant hand and eye in the same side) in archery performance. PMID:27217923

EMU Suit Performance Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowley, Matthew S.; Benson, Elizabeth; Harvill, Lauren; Rajulu, Sudhakar

2014-01-01

Introduction: Designing a planetary suit is very complex and often requires difficult trade-offs between performance, cost, mass, and system complexity. To verify that new suit designs meet requirements, full prototypes must be built and tested with human subjects. However, numerous design iterations will occur before the hardware meets those requirements. Traditional draw-prototype-test paradigms for research and development are prohibitively expensive with today's shrinking Government budgets. Personnel at NASA are developing modern simulation techniques that focus on a human-centric design paradigm. These new techniques make use of virtual prototype simulations and fully adjustable physical prototypes of suit hardware. This is extremely advantageous and enables comprehensive design down-selections to be made early in the design process. Objectives: The primary objective was to test modern simulation techniques for evaluating the human performance component of two EMU suit concepts, pivoted and planar style hard upper torso (HUT). Methods: This project simulated variations in EVA suit shoulder joint design and subject anthropometry and then measured the differences in shoulder mobility caused by the modifications. These estimations were compared to human-in-the-loop test data gathered during past suited testing using four subjects (two large males, two small females). Results: Results demonstrated that EVA suit modeling and simulation are feasible design tools for evaluating and optimizing suit design based on simulated performance. The suit simulation model was found to be advantageous in its ability to visually represent complex motions and volumetric reach zones in three dimensions, giving designers a faster and deeper comprehension of suit component performance vs. human performance. Suit models were able to discern differing movement capabilities between EMU HUT configurations, generic suit fit concerns, and specific suit fit concerns for crewmembers based on individual anthropometry

A pay-for-performance system for civil service doctors: the Indonesian experiment.

PubMed

Chernichovsky, D; Bayulken, C

1995-07-01

In 1980 the Government of Indonesia proposed the introduction of a pay-for-performance system, the Functional Position System (FPS), for certain occupational categories of civil servants to provide a career development path and stimulate productivity (Government of Indonesia. Government Ordinance No. 3, 1980 Concerning Appointment to Civil Service Rank. Jakarta, 1980). The FPS, a bold pay concept in the civil service, links pay to skills and performance. In 1987, instructions were issued for doctors to be included in the system (Government of Indonesia, Credit Scores for Doctors. Circular Issued by the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Administration of the Civil Service No. 614/MENKES/E/VIII/1987 and No. 16/SE/1987). In this paper we evaluate how well the system-which in principle could be applicable to both developed and developing economies--can meet its stated objectives for Indonesian doctors working in the community, and for Indonesian health policy objectives as stated in the country's last five-year development plan "Repelita V" (Government of Indonesia. The Fifth Five-year Development Plan (Repelita V) 1989-1994. Jakarta, Indonesia, 1989). The FPS is particularly innovative in the Indonesian environment where wages are low and comparatively uniform, reflecting a philosophy of 'shared poverty', and vary primarily by seniority. The FPS has, however, several conceptual and practical shortcomings. The design of the reward system disregards effort or time inputs, as well as other inputs needed per unit of reward. Consequently, the FPS can not be used as an effective incentive system promoting professional excellence and health policy objectives. Practically, the system hardly provides an effective alternative for career development among community physicians.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nursing Education in High Blood Pressure Control. Report of the Task Force on the Role of Nursing in High Blood Pressure Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Institutes of Health (DHEW), Bethesda, MD. High Blood Pressure Information Center.

This curriculum guide on high blood pressure (hypertension) for nursing educators has five sections: (1) Introduction and Objectives provides information regarding the establishment and objectives of the National Task Force on the Role of Nursing in High Blood Pressure Control and briefly discusses nursing's role in hypertension control; (2) Goals…

Spectral methods for CFD

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zang, Thomas A.; Streett, Craig L.; Hussaini, M. Yousuff

1989-01-01

One of the objectives of these notes is to provide a basic introduction to spectral methods with a particular emphasis on applications to computational fluid dynamics. Another objective is to summarize some of the most important developments in spectral methods in the last two years. The fundamentals of spectral methods for simple problems will be covered in depth, and the essential elements of several fluid dynamical applications will be sketched.

A Multi-Case Study of Research Using Mobile Imaging, Sensing and Tracking Technologies to Objectively Measure Behavior: Ethical Issues and Insights to Guide Responsible Research Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nebeker, Camille; Linares-Orozco, Rubi; Crist, Katie

2015-01-01

Introduction: The increased availability of mobile sensing technologies is creating a paradigm shift for health research by creating new opportunities for measuring and monitoring behavior. For example, researchers can now collect objective information about a participant's daily activity using wearable devices that have: 1- Global Positioning…

A comparison of the effect of different surgical gloves on objective measurement of fingertip cutaneous sensibility

PubMed Central

Bucknor, A; Karthikesalingam, A; Markar, SR; Holt, PJ; Jones, I; Allen-Mersh, TG

2010-01-01

INTRODUCTION The prudent selection of surgical gloves can deliver significant efficiency savings. However, objective data are lacking to compare differences in cutaneous sensibility between competing gloves. Therefore, the present study examined the use of a single comparable model of sterile surgical glove from two competing providers, Gammex PF HyGrip® (Ansell Limited, Red Bank, NJ, USA) with Biogel® (Mölnlycke Health Care AB, Göteborg, Sweden). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Cutaneous pressure threshold, static and moving two-point discrimination were measured as indices of objective surgical glove performance in 52 blinded healthcare professionals. RESULTS The mean cutaneous pressure threshold was 0.0680 ± 0.0923 g for skin, 0.411 ± 0.661 g for Ansell gloves and 0.472 ± 0.768 g for Biogel gloves. Skin was significantly more sensitive than Ansell (P< 0.0001) or Biogel (P< 0.0001) gloves (Wilcoxon signed rank test). There was no statistical difference between Biogel and Ansell gloves (P = 0.359). There was no significant difference between static or moving 2-point discrimination of skin and Ansell gloves (P= 0.556, P = 0.617; Wilcoxon signed rank test), skin and Biogel gloves (P= 0.486, P= 0.437; Wilcoxon signed rank test) or Ansell and Biogel gloves (P= 0.843, P= 0.670; Wilcoxon signed rank test). CONCLUSIONS No demonstrable objective difference was found between competing gloves in the outcome measures of cutaneous sensibility and two-point discrimination. However, a difference in subjective preference was noted. Untested factors may underlie this discrepancy, and further research should employ more sophisticated measurements of surgical performance using competing models of surgical glove. PMID:21118618

Using Crisis Simulations in Public Relations Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veil, Shari R.

2010-01-01

Objectives: Students will demonstrate research, decision making, team building, and public speaking skills, while applying issues management and crisis communication concepts in a realistic setting. Courses: Introduction to Public Relations, Public Relations Cases, Crisis Communication.

Curriculum Guidelines on Predoctoral Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Dental Education, 1985

1985-01-01

The American Association of Dental Schools' Curriculum Guidelines include an introduction to the discipline and its interrelationships with other disciplines, prerequisites, a core content outline, specific behavioral objectives, and notes on sequencing and faculty. (MSE)

Introduction: The National Marine Sanctuary Program--Policy, Education, and Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Nancy M., Archer, Jack H.

1988-01-01

Gives a short history of the program. Outlines the sanctuary designation process. Lists educational, research, and program objectives. Provides a list of the seven areas that have been designated and three candidates. (CW)

Environmental pediatrics: an introduction and evaluation of online resources.

PubMed

Weinstangel, Hannah; Buka, Irena; Campbell, Sandra

2016-12-01

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that three million children under the age of 5 die annually from environmentally related disease. In the United States, the cost of environmentally related public health concerns is estimated as greater than $55 billion. Environmental exposure is among parents' top health concerns for children. Yet, the study of the effects of environmental exposure on health outcomes is a developing field, and clinicians feel inadequately prepared to address these concerns. The Children's Environmental Health Clinic (ChEHC) is the first clinic of its kind in Canada. Their website includes a list of online resources on major topics related to child health and the environment. There has not yet been an objective evaluation of the comprehensiveness of the topics or scientific quality of the information on the website. This study seeks to offer an accessible introduction to the field of environmental pediatrics, including an online resource for evidence-based information on key topics in the field. These resources assist in disease prevention, health promotion, education, and the increasing need to balance environmental health risks. A scoping review of scientific and gray literature in the field of environmental pediatrics was performed to inform a written introduction to the field and to identify gaps in the content of the ChEHC website. The content of the ChEHC website was then objectively evaluated using the National Network of Libraries of Medicine checklist for health websites. Ten categories within the field of environmental pediatrics emerged from the literature review. A small number of gaps were identified on the website and in the literature. The content of the ChEHC website was found to be of high quality. The website will be updated using the results of the study as a guide, to make it as relevant, complete, and evidence-based as possible. Environmental pediatrics is an important, emerging topic. There is a need for accessible, evidence-based pediatric environmental health resources for clinicians and the general public. The products of this study (a publication and website) respond to that need and thus assist in disease prevention and health promotion.

42 CFR 493.1200 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... (that is, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic) as well as general laboratory systems. (b) The...) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS Quality System for Nonwaived Testing § 493.1200 Introduction. (a) Each laboratory that performs nonwaived testing must establish and maintain written policies...

Health plan budget impact analysis for pimecrolimus.

PubMed

Chang, Jane; Sung, Jennifer

2005-01-01

Budget impact models are useful tools for managed care organizations to make drug formulary decisions. The objective of this study was to estimate the incremental budgetary change in per-member-per-month (PMPM) medical and pharmacy costs for atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema after the introduction of pimecrolimus cream 1%, a topical calcineurin inhibitor. Estimates of the percentage of patients seeking care, treatment patterns, and quantities of medications dispensed for AD were measured using 2001 and 2002 medical and pharmacy records in a proprietary database for health plans distributed throughout the United States. Approximately 2.5 million health plan members had continuous health insurance coverage during the study period. Costs for medications were assigned using the 2003 wholesale acquisition cost, and costs for physician visits were based on average 2003 Medicare reimbursement rates. Efficacy data from clinical trials were used to model the impact of pimecrolimus on subsequent physician visits. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of varying the percentage of patients seeking care, practice patterns, medication quantities, percentage of pimecrolimus users, and levels of patient cost sharing. The estimated percentage of health plan members seeking care for AD in 2001 was 3.2%. The estimated total cost PMPM for AD treatment prior to introduction of pimecrolimus was 0.362 dollars for all covered lives, assuming no patient cost sharing. In the year after its introduction, 5.2% of the AD population filled a prescription for pimecrolimus. The incremental increase in pharmacy benefit cost was 0.008 dollars PMPM in 2003 dollars, but the total incremental medical and pharmacy cost was 0.002 dollars PMPM after accounting for the projected reduction in physician visit costs, representing a 0.7% increase in all AD-related costs. Based on sensitivity analyses, the incremental total cost PMPM after the introduction of pimecrolimus ranged from -0.004 dollars to 0.026 dollars. Using claims data for the medical treatment of AD in 2001-2002 and the utilization of pimecrolimus, the addition of pimecrolimus as a treatment option for AD had a minimal impact on PMPM costs for AD-related care in 2003 dollars. As with all pharmacoeconomic models, health plans should perform their own budget forecasting using assumptions derived from their own pharmacy and medical claims data.

Changes in alcohol consumption patterns following the introduction of credit cards in Ontario liquor stores.

PubMed

Macdonald, S A; Wells, S L; Giesbrecht, N; West, P M

1999-05-01

In 1994, regulatory changes were introduced in Ontario, Canada, permitting the purchase of alcoholic beverages with credit cards at government-operated liquor stores. Two objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the characteristics of credit card shoppers with non credit card shoppers at liquor stores, and (2) to assess whether changes occurred in alcohol consumption patterns among shoppers following the introduction of credit cards. Random digit dialing was used to interview 2,039 telephone participants prior to the introduction of credit cards (Time 1); 1,401 of these subjects were contacted 1 year later (Time 2). Independent sample t tests were used to compare credit card shoppers with shoppers not using credit cards, and paired t tests were performed to assess whether drinking behaviors changed from Time 1 to Time 2. The credit card shoppers were more likely than the non credit card shoppers to be highly educated (p < .001) and to have high incomes (p < .05). Credit card shoppers drank an average of 6.3 drinks over the previous week compared with 4.0 drinks among non credit card shoppers (p < .01). Although the overall amount of alcohol consumed among credit card shoppers dropped from 6.7 drinks at Time 1 to 6.3 at Time 2 (NS), credit card shoppers reported drinking significantly more often after credit cards were introduced (p < .05). The results suggest that credit cards may not present public health problems since significant increases in alcohol consumption among credit card shoppers were not found.

Production characteristics of the complex "SLS-vegetables" as the element of bioregenerative life support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velichko, Vladimir; Tikhomirov, Alexander A.; Ushakova, Sofya; Tirranen, Lyalya; Gros, Jean-Bernard; Lasseur, Christophe

Previously we had shown possibility of long-term cultivation of wheat and radish uneven-aged conveyer on the soil-like substrate (SLS) with periodic introduction in the SLS of edible (in the form of a mineral solution after physicochemical burning) and inedible biomass of the plants grown on it. The given work was aimed at the study of production characteristics of the plants cultivated on the SLS with a periodic introduction of plant biomass, which consisted of harvested inedible biomass and wheat straw. The wheat straw was introduced in the SLS to compensate carrying out of mineral elements from the SLS with the edible biomass of the harvested plants. Also possibility of joint cultivation of the chosen vegetable plants under the given way of plant inedible biomass introduction in the SLS was estimated. Chufa (Cyperus esculentus L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were taken as the objects of research. Plants were grown in the regime of the three-species uneven-aged conveyer. Before each next planting of plants we introduced in the SLS all inedible biomass of earlier harvested plants and wheat straw. The amount of introduced wheat straw depended on nitrogen content in edible biomass of the harvested plants. Plants irrigation was performed by means of common nutrient solution containing mineral elements extracted from the SLS. 2 concentration in a vegetation chamber was maintained in limits from 0.1The work was carried out under support of SB RAS grant 132 and INTAS grant 05-1000008-8010

Association between the age of solid food introduction and eczema: A systematic review and a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Waidyatillake, N T; Dharmage, S C; Allen, K J; Bowatte, G; Boyle, R J; Burgess, J A; Koplin, J J; Garcia-Larsen, V; Lowe, A J; Lodge, C J

2018-03-23

Eczema is a common childhood ailment responsible for a considerable disease burden. Both timing of introduction to solid food and allergenic food are believed to be related to childhood eczema. Despite the growing body of evidence, the relationship between timing of any solid food introduction (allergenic and/or non-allergenic) and development of eczema has not previously been systematically reviewed. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched using food and eczema terms. Two authors selected papers according to the inclusion criteria and extracted information on study characteristics and measures of association. Meta-analyses were performed after grouping studies according to the age and type of exposure. A total of 17 papers met the inclusion criteria, reporting results from 16 study populations. Of these, 11 were cohort studies, 2 case-controls, 1 cross-sectional study and 2 randomized controlled trials. Limited meta-analyses were performed due to heterogeneity between studies. Timing of solid food introduction was not associated with eczema. One randomized controlled trial provided weak evidence of an association between early allergenic (around 4 months) food introduction and reduced risk of eczema. The available evidence is currently insufficient to determine whether the timing of introduction of any solid food influences the risk of eczema. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An Experimental Study of the Driving Mechanism and Control of the Unsteady Shock Induced Turbulent Separation in a Mach 5 Compression Corner Flow.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

vili Table of Contents Section Page List of Tables xiii List of Figures xiv Nomenclature xxii 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Motivation 1 1.2 Objective of...Introduction 1.1 Motivation The mid-1980’s saw a renewed interest in hypersonic flight. Motivated by the achievements of the American Space Transportation... measuments made downstrem of the compreson corner. 4.2.2 VITA Technique Another approach to event detection was applied to the fluctuating pitot

Using parallel computing for the display and simulation of the space debris environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Möckel, M.; Wiedemann, C.; Flegel, S.; Gelhaus, J.; Vörsmann, P.; Klinkrad, H.; Krag, H.

2011-07-01

Parallelism is becoming the leading paradigm in today's computer architectures. In order to take full advantage of this development, new algorithms have to be specifically designed for parallel execution while many old ones have to be upgraded accordingly. One field in which parallel computing has been firmly established for many years is computer graphics. Calculating and displaying three-dimensional computer generated imagery in real time requires complex numerical operations to be performed at high speed on a large number of objects. Since most of these objects can be processed independently, parallel computing is applicable in this field. Modern graphics processing units (GPUs) have become capable of performing millions of matrix and vector operations per second on multiple objects simultaneously. As a side project, a software tool is currently being developed at the Institute of Aerospace Systems that provides an animated, three-dimensional visualization of both actual and simulated space debris objects. Due to the nature of these objects it is possible to process them individually and independently from each other. Therefore, an analytical orbit propagation algorithm has been implemented to run on a GPU. By taking advantage of all its processing power a huge performance increase, compared to its CPU-based counterpart, could be achieved. For several years efforts have been made to harness this computing power for applications other than computer graphics. Software tools for the simulation of space debris are among those that could profit from embracing parallelism. With recently emerged software development tools such as OpenCL it is possible to transfer the new algorithms used in the visualization outside the field of computer graphics and implement them, for example, into the space debris simulation environment. This way they can make use of parallel hardware such as GPUs and Multi-Core-CPUs for faster computation. In this paper the visualization software will be introduced, including a comparison between the serial and the parallel method of orbit propagation. Ways of how to use the benefits of the latter method for space debris simulation will be discussed. An introduction to OpenCL will be given as well as an exemplary algorithm from the field of space debris simulation.

Using parallel computing for the display and simulation of the space debris environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moeckel, Marek; Wiedemann, Carsten; Flegel, Sven Kevin; Gelhaus, Johannes; Klinkrad, Heiner; Krag, Holger; Voersmann, Peter

Parallelism is becoming the leading paradigm in today's computer architectures. In order to take full advantage of this development, new algorithms have to be specifically designed for parallel execution while many old ones have to be upgraded accordingly. One field in which parallel computing has been firmly established for many years is computer graphics. Calculating and displaying three-dimensional computer generated imagery in real time requires complex numerical operations to be performed at high speed on a large number of objects. Since most of these objects can be processed independently, parallel computing is applicable in this field. Modern graphics processing units (GPUs) have become capable of performing millions of matrix and vector operations per second on multiple objects simultaneously. As a side project, a software tool is currently being developed at the Institute of Aerospace Systems that provides an animated, three-dimensional visualization of both actual and simulated space debris objects. Due to the nature of these objects it is possible to process them individually and independently from each other. Therefore, an analytical orbit propagation algorithm has been implemented to run on a GPU. By taking advantage of all its processing power a huge performance increase, compared to its CPU-based counterpart, could be achieved. For several years efforts have been made to harness this computing power for applications other than computer graphics. Software tools for the simulation of space debris are among those that could profit from embracing parallelism. With recently emerged software development tools such as OpenCL it is possible to transfer the new algorithms used in the visualization outside the field of computer graphics and implement them, for example, into the space debris simulation environment. This way they can make use of parallel hardware such as GPUs and Multi-Core-CPUs for faster computation. In this paper the visualization software will be introduced, including a comparison between the serial and the parallel method of orbit propagation. Ways of how to use the benefits of the latter method for space debris simulation will be discussed. An introduction of OpenCL will be given as well as an exemplary algorithm from the field of space debris simulation.

Evaluation of adding item-response theory analysis for evaluation of the European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma examination.

PubMed

Mathysen, Danny G P; Aclimandos, Wagih; Roelant, Ella; Wouters, Kristien; Creuzot-Garcher, Catherine; Ringens, Peter J; Hawlina, Marko; Tassignon, Marie-José

2013-11-01

To investigate whether introduction of item-response theory (IRT) analysis, in parallel to the 'traditional' statistical analysis methods available for performance evaluation of multiple T/F items as used in the European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examination, has proved beneficial, and secondly, to study whether the overall assessment performance of the current written part of EBOD is sufficiently high (KR-20≥ 0.90) to be kept as examination format in future EBOD editions. 'Traditional' analysis methods for individual MCQ item performance comprise P-statistics, Rit-statistics and item discrimination, while overall reliability is evaluated through KR-20 for multiple T/F items. The additional set of statistical analysis methods for the evaluation of EBOD comprises mainly IRT analysis. These analysis techniques are used to monitor whether the introduction of negative marking for incorrect answers (since EBOD 2010) has a positive influence on the statistical performance of EBOD as a whole and its individual test items in particular. Item-response theory analysis demonstrated that item performance parameters should not be evaluated individually, but should be related to one another. Before the introduction of negative marking, the overall EBOD reliability (KR-20) was good though with room for improvement (EBOD 2008: 0.81; EBOD 2009: 0.78). After the introduction of negative marking, the overall reliability of EBOD improved significantly (EBOD 2010: 0.92; EBOD 2011:0.91; EBOD 2012: 0.91). Although many statistical performance parameters are available to evaluate individual items, our study demonstrates that the overall reliability assessment remains the only crucial parameter to be evaluated allowing comparison. While individual item performance analysis is worthwhile to undertake as secondary analysis, drawing final conclusions seems to be more difficult. Performance parameters need to be related, as shown by IRT analysis. Therefore, IRT analysis has proved beneficial for the statistical analysis of EBOD. Introduction of negative marking has led to a significant increase in the reliability (KR-20 > 0.90), indicating that the current examination format can be kept for future EBOD examinations. © 2013 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

78 FR 58534 - Warm Springs Irrigation District; Notice of Technical Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-24

... confertiflora requested by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on June 7, 2013; the coordination of the National... Agenda: 1. Introduction. 2. Meeting objectives. 3. Plant survey discussion. 4. NEPA coordination. 5...

Multi-Objective Mission Route Planning Using Particle Swarm Optimization

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-01

solutions to complex problems using particles that interact with each other. Both Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the Ant System (AS) have been...EXPERIMENTAL DESING PROCESS..............................................................55 5.1. Introduction...46 18. Phenotype level particle interaction

Freight 2055 roundtable discussion agenda Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Arlington, Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-07-08

9:00 9:30 Arrival and Registration : 9:30 10:00 Welcome / Introductions / Study and Roundtable Objectives : Michael Morris (North Central Texas Council of Governments) : Caroline Mays (Texas Department of Transportation) : Jolanda Prozzi (Tex...

Introduction: Why Teach about the Holocaust?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freedman, Theodore

1978-01-01

Presents a rationale for teaching about the Nazi era in social studies courses. Major objectives are to eliminate prejudice against Jews by rendering it intellectually indefensible and to help students deal with blind obedience to authority. (Author/DB)

PERVAPORATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH IN INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION APPLICATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this presentation is to describe research activities with USDPA's NRMRL Prevaporation Team pertaining to industrial waste. The presentation will provide a brief introduction to pervaporation technology theory and applications. Pervaporation is a membrane separ...

High Energy Power and Propulsion Capability Roadmap: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bankston, Perry

2005-01-01

Agency objective are: Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date).

Automobile Marketing Strategies, Pricing, and Product Planning

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-04-01

The objective of the study was to determine the decision-making processes concerning major model year product introductions and alterations in the automotive industry as well as to investigate techniques of price positioning, product and image positi...

Automobile Marketing Strategies, Pricing, and Product Planning

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

The objective of the study was to determine the decision-making processes concerning major model year product introductions and alterations in the automotive industry as well as to investigate techniques of price positioning, product and image positi...

Applying Metabolomics to differentiate amphibian responses to multiple stressors

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction/Objectives/Methods One of the biggest challenges in ecological risk assessment is determining the impact of multiple stressors on individual organisms and populations in ‘real world’ scenarios. Emerging ‘omic technologies, notably, metabolomics, pr...

Beyond the Atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, John

2011-08-01

1. Introduction - the atom in the seventies; 2. The vacuum tube; 3. The new rays; 4. The new substances; 5. Disintegration; 6. A family tree; 7. Verifications and results; 8. The objective reality of molecules; 9. The new atom; Bibliography; Index.

Family and infant characteristics associated with timing of core and non-core food introduction in early childhood

PubMed Central

Schrempft, Stephanie; van Jaarsveld, Cornelia H.M.; Fisher, Abigail; Wardle, Jane

2013-01-01

Objective To identify family and infant characteristics associated with timing of introduction of two food types: core foods (nutrient-dense) and non-core foods (nutrient-poor) in a population-based sample of mothers and infants. Method Participants were 1861 mothers and infants from the Gemini twin birth cohort (one child per family). Family and infant characteristics were assessed when the infants were around 8 months old. Timing of introducing core and non-core foods was assessed at 8 and 15 months. As the distributions of timing were skewed, three similar-sized groups were created for each food type: earlier (core: 1–4 months; non-core: 3–8 months), average (core: 5 months; non-core: 9–10 months), and later introduction (core: 6–12 months; non-core: 11–18 months). Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine predictors of core and non-core food introduction, with bootstrapping to test for differences between the core and non-core models. Results Younger maternal age, lower education level, and higher maternal BMI were associated with earlier core and non-core food introduction. Not breastfeeding for at least 3 months and higher birth weight were specifically associated with earlier introduction of core foods. Having older children was specifically associated with earlier introduction of non-core foods. Conclusion There are similarities and differences in the characteristics associated with earlier introduction of core and non-core foods. Successful interventions may require a combination of approaches to target both food types. PMID:23486509

Improving Quality Using Architecture Fault Analysis with Confidence Arguments

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

the same time, T text, diagram, and table-based requirements documentation and the use of Microsoft Word and Dynamic Object - Oriented Requirements...Lamsweerde 2003] Van Lamsweerde, Axel & Letier, Emmanuel. “From Object Orientation to Goal Orientation : A Paradigm Shift for Requirements Engineering,” 4–8...Introduction 1 Approach , Concepts, and Notations 5 2.1 Requirement Specification and Architecture Design 5 2.2 AADL Concepts Supporting Architecture

Ada in Introductory Computer Science Courses

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

Ada by Daniel F. Stubbs and Neil W. Webre Course Objective: To introduce the students to the basic classical data structures of computer science...Introduction to Ada, Chapman & Hall, 1993, London Dale/Weems/McCormick, Programming and Problem Solving with Ada, D. C. Heath and Company, 1994, MA Feldman...Daniel F. Stubbs and Neil W. Webre - Course Objective: To introduce the students to the basic classical data structures of computer science

Comparative performance study of different sample introduction techniques for rapid and precise selenium isotope ratio determination using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS).

PubMed

Elwaer, Nagmeddin; Hintelmann, Holger

2007-11-01

The analytical performance of five sample introduction systems, a cross flow nebulizer spray chamber, two different solvent desolvation systems, a multi-mode sample introduction system (MSIS), and a hydride generation (LI2) system were compared for the determination of Se isotope ratio measurements using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS). The optimal operating parameters for obtaining the highest Se signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and isotope ratio precision for each sample introduction were determined. The hydride generation (LI2) system was identified as the most suitable sample introduction method yielding maximum sensitivity and precision for Se isotope ratio measurement. It provided five times higher S/N ratios for all Se isotopes compared to the MSIS, 20 times the S/N ratios of both desolvation units, and 100 times the S/N ratios produced by the conventional spray chamber sample introduction method. The internal precision achieved for the (78)Se/(82)Se ratio at 100 ng mL(-1) Se with the spray chamber, two desolvation, MSIS, and the LI2 systems coupled to MC-ICP/MS was 150, 125, 114, 13, and 7 ppm, respectively. Instrument mass bias factors (K) were calculated using an exponential law correction function. Among the five studied sample introduction systems the LI2 showed the lowest mass bias of -0.0265 and the desolvation system showed the largest bias with -0.0321.

LiDAR based prediction of forest biomass using hierarchical models with spatially varying coefficients

USGS Publications Warehouse

Babcock, Chad; Finley, Andrew O.; Bradford, John B.; Kolka, Randall K.; Birdsey, Richard A.; Ryan, Michael G.

2015-01-01

Many studies and production inventory systems have shown the utility of coupling covariates derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with forest variables measured on georeferenced inventory plots through regression models. The objective of this study was to propose and assess the use of a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework that accommodates both residual spatial dependence and non-stationarity of model covariates through the introduction of spatial random effects. We explored this objective using four forest inventory datasets that are part of the North American Carbon Program, each comprising point-referenced measures of above-ground forest biomass and discrete LiDAR. For each dataset, we considered at least five regression model specifications of varying complexity. Models were assessed based on goodness of fit criteria and predictive performance using a 10-fold cross-validation procedure. Results showed that the addition of spatial random effects to the regression model intercept improved fit and predictive performance in the presence of substantial residual spatial dependence. Additionally, in some cases, allowing either some or all regression slope parameters to vary spatially, via the addition of spatial random effects, further improved model fit and predictive performance. In other instances, models showed improved fit but decreased predictive performance—indicating over-fitting and underscoring the need for cross-validation to assess predictive ability. The proposed Bayesian modeling framework provided access to pixel-level posterior predictive distributions that were useful for uncertainty mapping, diagnosing spatial extrapolation issues, revealing missing model covariates, and discovering locally significant parameters.

External Validation of European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) for Risk Prioritization in an Iranian Population

PubMed Central

Atashi, Alireza; Amini, Shahram; Tashnizi, Mohammad Abbasi; Moeinipour, Ali Asghar; Aazami, Mathias Hossain; Tohidnezhad, Fariba; Ghasemi, Erfan; Eslami, Saeid

2018-01-01

Introduction The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) is a prediction model which maps 18 predictors to a 30-day post-operative risk of death concentrating on accurate stratification of candidate patients for cardiac surgery. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the EuroSCORE II risk-analysis predictions among patients who underwent heart surgeries in one area of Iran. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the required variables for all consecutive patients who underwent heart surgeries at Emam Reza hospital, Northeast Iran between 2014 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify covariates which significantly contribute to higher EuroSCORE II in our population. External validation was performed by comparing the real and expected mortality using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for discrimination assessment. Also, Brier Score and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to show the overall performance and calibration level, respectively. Results Two thousand five hundred eight one (59.6% males) were included. The observed mortality rate was 3.3%, but EuroSCORE II had a prediction of 4.7%. Although the overall performance was acceptable (Brier score=0.047), the model showed poor discriminatory power by AUC=0.667 (sensitivity=61.90, and specificity=66.24) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P<0.01). Conclusion Our study showed that the EuroSCORE II discrimination power is less than optimal for outcome prediction and less accurate for resource allocation programs. It highlights the need for recalibration of this risk stratification tool aiming to improve post cardiac surgery outcome predictions in Iran. PMID:29617500

Technical Review Board Chairperson Guidelines for Conducting Technical Review Boards for Rocket Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-17

to create a guide for technical review board chairperson conducting technical review boards for rocket testing performed by the Air Force Research ...BOARDS FOR ROCKET TESTING   TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Acronyms 1 Abstract 2 Chapter 1. Introduction 3 Introduction and Research Question 3...boards for rocket testing performed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Missile Propulsion Division located at Edwards Air Force Base in

Crew-integration and Automation Testbed (CAT)Program Overview and RUX06 Introduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-20

unlimited Crew-integration and Automation Testbed ( CAT ) Program Overview and RUX06 Introduction 26-27 July 2006 Patrick Nunez, Terry Tierney, Brian Novak...3. DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Crew-integration and Automation Testbed ( CAT )Program Overview and RUX06 Introduction 5a. CONTRACT...Experiment • Capstone CAT experiment – Evaluate effectiveness of CAT program in improving the performance and/or reducing the workload for a mounted

Decreased Risk of Preeclampsia After the Introduction of Universal Voucher Scheme for Antenatal Care and Birth Services in the Republic of Korea.

PubMed

Choe, Seung-Ah; Min, Hye Sook; Cho, Sung-Il

2017-01-01

Objectives A number of interventions to reduce disparities in maternal health have been introduced and implemented without concrete evidence to support them. In Korea, a universal voucher scheme for antenatal care and birth services was initiated in December 2008 to improve Korea's fertility rate. This study explores the risk of preeclampsia after the introduction of a universal voucher scheme. Methods Population-based cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) covering 2002-2013 were analysed. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to estimate the relationship between the risk of preeclampsia and voucher scheme introduction. Results The annual age-adjusted incidence of preeclampsia showed no significant unidirectional change during the study period. In the GLMM analysis, the introduction of a voucher scheme was associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia, controlling for potential confounding factors. The interaction between household income level and voucher scheme was not significant. Conclusions for Practice This finding suggests that the introduction of a voucher scheme for mothers is related to a reduced risk of preeclampsia even under universal health coverage.

Transportation systems analyses. Volume 2: Technical/programmatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1993-05-01

The principal objective of this study is to accomplish a systems engineering assessment of the nation's space transportation infrastructure. This analysis addresses the necessary elements to perform man delivery and return, cargo transfer, cargo delivery, payload servicing, and the exploration of the Moon and Mars. Specific elements analyzed, but not limited to, include the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI), the National Launch System (NLS), the current expendable launch vehicle (ELV) fleet, ground facilities, the Space Station Freedom (SSF), and other civil, military and commercial payloads. The performance of this study entails maintaining a broad perspective on the large number of transportation elements that could potentially comprise the U.S. space infrastructure over the next several decades. To perform this systems evaluation, top-level trade studies are conducted to enhance our understanding of the relationships between elements of the infrastructure. This broad 'infrastructure-level perspective' permits the identification of preferred infrastructures. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assure the credibility and usefulness of study results. This report documents the three principal transportation systems analyses (TSA) efforts during the period 7 November 92 - 6 May 93. The analyses are as follows: Mixed-Fleet (STS/ELV) strategies for SSF resupply; Transportation Systems Data Book - overview; and Operations Cost Model - overview/introduction.

Steam generator tubing NDE performance

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

Henry, G.; Welty, C.S. Jr.

1997-02-01

Steam generator (SG) non-destructive examination (NDE) is a fundamental element in the broader SG in-service inspection (ISI) process, a cornerstone in the management of PWR steam generators. Based on objective performance measures (tube leak forced outages and SG-related capacity factor loss), ISI performance has shown a continually improving trend over the years. Performance of the NDE element is a function of the fundamental capability of the technique, and the ability of the analysis portion of the process in field implementation of the technique. The technology continues to improve in several areas, e.g. system sensitivity, data collection rates, probe/coil design, andmore » data analysis software. With these improvements comes the attendant requirement for qualification of the technique on the damage form(s) to which it will be applied, and for training and qualification of the data analysis element of the ISI process on the field implementation of the technique. The introduction of data transfer via fiber optic line allows for remote data acquisition and analysis, thus improving the efficiency of analysis for a limited pool of data analysts. This paper provides an overview of the current status of SG NDE, and identifies several important issues to be addressed.« less

Parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics: Current Status and Future Requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Horst D.; VanDalsem, William R.; Dagum, Leonardo; Kutler, Paul (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

One or the key objectives of the Applied Research Branch in the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) Systems Division at NASA Allies Research Center is the accelerated introduction of highly parallel machines into a full operational environment. In this report we discuss the performance results obtained from the implementation of some computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications on the Connection Machine CM-2 and the Intel iPSC/860. We summarize some of the experiences made so far with the parallel testbed machines at the NAS Applied Research Branch. Then we discuss the long term computational requirements for accomplishing some of the grand challenge problems in computational aerosciences. We argue that only massively parallel machines will be able to meet these grand challenge requirements, and we outline the computer science and algorithm research challenges ahead.

Correction of a liquid lens for 3D imaging systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bower, Andrew J.; Bunch, Robert M.; Leisher, Paul O.; Li, Weixu; Christopher, Lauren A.

2012-06-01

3D imaging systems are currently being developed using liquid lens technology for use in medical devices as well as in consumer electronics. Liquid lenses operate on the principle of electrowetting to control the curvature of a buried surface, allowing for a voltage-controlled change in focal length. Imaging systems which utilize a liquid lens allow extraction of depth information from the object field through a controlled introduction of defocus into the system. The design of such a system must be carefully considered in order to simultaneously deliver good image quality and meet the depth of field requirements for image processing. In this work a corrective model has been designed for use with the Varioptic Arctic 316 liquid lens. The design is able to be optimized for depth of field while minimizing aberrations for a 3D imaging application. The modeled performance is compared to the measured performance of the corrected system over a large range of focal lengths.

WE-F-201-00: Practical Guidelines for Commissioning Advanced Brachytherapy Dose Calculation Algorithms

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

NONE

2015-06-15

With the recent introduction of heterogeneity correction algorithms for brachytherapy, the AAPM community is still unclear on how to commission and implement these into clinical practice. The recently-published AAPM TG-186 report discusses important issues for clinical implementation of these algorithms. A charge of the AAPM-ESTRO-ABG Working Group on MBDCA in Brachytherapy (WGMBDCA) is the development of a set of well-defined test case plans, available as references in the software commissioning process to be performed by clinical end-users. In this practical medical physics course, specific examples on how to perform the commissioning process are presented, as well as descriptions of themore » clinical impact from recent literature reporting comparisons of TG-43 and heterogeneity-based dosimetry. Learning Objectives: Identify key clinical applications needing advanced dose calculation in brachytherapy. Review TG-186 and WGMBDCA guidelines, commission process, and dosimetry benchmarks. Evaluate clinical cases using commercially available systems and compare to TG-43 dosimetry.« less

PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE: A SURVEY OF SPECIALTY PROVIDERS IN UROGYNECOLOGY

PubMed Central

EREKSON, Elisabeth A.; SUNG, Vivian W.; CLARK, Melissa A.

2013-01-01

Introduction The objective of this study was to develop and implement a web-based survey to collect information on the reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice impact of pay for performance (P4P) among providers in the specialty of urogynecology. Study Design All members of the American Urogynecologic Society were invited to participate in a web-based survey. The questionnaire focused on reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice impact of P4P. Results Complete responses were obtained from 212 members for a survey response rate of 17.6%. A minority of participants (9.0%) reported having “a lot of knowledge” of the P4P reimbursement model. Fifty-five (25.9%) participants reported that the hospital or healthcare system where they worked had some involvement with P4P reimbursement. Conclusion A minority of participants reported having a lot of knowledge of P4P even though current involvement with some type of P4P reimbursement was reported by over 25% of participants. PMID:21366120

WE-F-201-03: Evaluate Clinical Cases Using Commercially Available Systems and Compare to TG-43 Dosimetry

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

Beaulieu, L.

With the recent introduction of heterogeneity correction algorithms for brachytherapy, the AAPM community is still unclear on how to commission and implement these into clinical practice. The recently-published AAPM TG-186 report discusses important issues for clinical implementation of these algorithms. A charge of the AAPM-ESTRO-ABG Working Group on MBDCA in Brachytherapy (WGMBDCA) is the development of a set of well-defined test case plans, available as references in the software commissioning process to be performed by clinical end-users. In this practical medical physics course, specific examples on how to perform the commissioning process are presented, as well as descriptions of themore » clinical impact from recent literature reporting comparisons of TG-43 and heterogeneity-based dosimetry. Learning Objectives: Identify key clinical applications needing advanced dose calculation in brachytherapy. Review TG-186 and WGMBDCA guidelines, commission process, and dosimetry benchmarks. Evaluate clinical cases using commercially available systems and compare to TG-43 dosimetry.« less

Introduction and Highlights of the Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Venneri, Samuel L.

1997-01-01

Four generations of CAD/CAM systems can be identified, corresponding to changes in both modeling functionality and software architecture. The systems evolved from 2D and wireframes to solid modeling, to parametric/variational modelers to the current simulation-embedded systems. Recent developments have enabled design engineers to perform many of the complex analysis tasks, typically performed by analysis experts. Some of the characteristics of the current and emerging CAD/CAM/CAE systems are described in subsequent presentations. The focus of the workshop is on the potential of CAD/CAM/CAE systems for use in simulating the entire mission and life-cycle of future aerospace systems, and the needed development to realize this potential. First, the major features of the emerging computing, communication and networking environment are outlined; second, the characteristics and design drivers of future aerospace systems are identified; third, the concept of intelligent synthesis environment being planned by NASA, the UVA ACT Center and JPL is presented; and fourth, the objectives and format of the workshop are outlined.

Impact of pay for performance on quality of chronic disease management by social class group in England.

PubMed

Crawley, Danielle; Ng, Anthea; Mainous, Arch G; Majeed, Azeem; Millett, Christopher

2009-03-01

To examine associations between social class and achievement of selected national audit targets for coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes and hypertension in England before and after the introduction of a major pay for performance programme in 2004. Secondary analysis of 2003 and 2006 national survey data for respondents with CHD and diabetes and hypertension. England. Achievement of national audit targets for blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol control. There were no significant differences in achievement of blood pressure targets in individuals from manual and non-manual occupational groups with diabetes (2003: 65.9% v 60.3%, 2006: 67.6% v 69.7%) or hypertension (2003: 66.2% v 66.2%, 2006: 72.8% v 71.9%) before or after the introduction of pay for performance. Achievement of the cholesterol target was also similar in individuals from manual and non-manual groups with diabetes (2003: 52.5% v 46.6%, 2006: 68.7% v 70.5%) or CHD (2003: 54.3% v 53.3%, 2006: 68.6% v 71.3%). Differences in achievement of the blood pressure target in CHD [75.8% v 84.5%; AOR 0.44 (0.21-0.90)] were evident between manual and non-manual occupational groups after the introduction of pay for performance. The quality of chronic disease management in England was broadly equitable between socioeconomic groups before this major pay for performance programme and remained so after its introduction.

Impact of New large Aircraft on Airport Design

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-03-01

The object of this project is to assess the impact of the introduction of proposed new large aircraft (NLA) on current airport design standards and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This report identifies several key design a...

Introduction to WMOST v3 and Multi-Objective Optimization

EPA Science Inventory

Version 3 of EPA’s Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) will be released in early 2018 (https://www.epa.gov/exposure-assessment-models/wmost). WMOST is designed to facilitate integrated water management among communities, utilities, watershed organization...

Empowertise Me! Understanding Marketplace Feminism through Deconstructing Advertisements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silverman, Rachel E.

2018-01-01

Courses: Introduction to advanced classes in Media Studies, Women's Studies, Gender Studies, Race, Communication, and Advertising. Objectives: In this unit activity, students critically assess advertisements that co-opt female empowerment and then identify ways they can resist such strategies.

Global Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longstreet, Wilma S., Ed.

1988-01-01

This issue contains an introduction ("The Promise and Perplexity of Globalism," by W. Longstreet) and seven articles dedicated to exploring the meaning of global education for today's schools. "Global Education: An Overview" (J. Becker) develops possible definitions, identifies objectives and skills, and addresses questions and…

Quantifying aquatic invasion patterns through space and time

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of my study was to quantify the apparent spatio-temporal relationship between anthropogenic introduction pathway intensity and non-native aquatic species presence throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes. Non-native aquatic species early detection programs are based pr...

Impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction and post-introduction etiology of diarrhea requiring hospital admission in Haydom, Tanzania, a rural African setting.

PubMed

Platts-Mills, James A; Amour, Caroline; Gratz, Jean; Nshama, Rosemary; Walongo, Thomas; Mujaga, Buliga; Maro, Athanasia; McMurry, Timothy L; Liu, Jie; Mduma, Estomih; Houpt, Eric R

2017-05-29

No data are available on the etiology of diarrhea requiring hospitalization after rotavirus vaccine introduction in Africa. The monovalent rotavirus vaccine was introduced in Tanzania on January 1, 2013. We performed a vaccine impact and effectiveness study as well as a qPCR-based etiology study at a rural Tanzanian hospital. We obtained data on admissions among children under 5 years to Haydom Lutheran Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015, and estimated the impact of vaccine introduction on all-cause diarrhea admissions. We then performed a vaccine effectiveness study using the test-negative design. Finally, we tested diarrheal specimens during 2015 by qPCR for a broad range of enteropathogens and calculated pathogen-specific attributable fractions. Vaccine introduction was associated with a 44.9% (95% CI 17.6 - 97.4) reduction in diarrhea admissions in 2015, as well as delay of the rotavirus season. The effectiveness of two doses of vaccine was 74.8% (-8.2 - 94.1) using an enzyme immunoassay-based case definition and 85.1% (26.5 - 97.0) using a qPCR-based case definition. Among 146 children enrolled in 2015, rotavirus remained the leading etiology of diarrhea requiring hospitalization (AF 25.8%, 95% CI: 24.4 - 26.7), followed by heat-stabile enterotoxin-producing E. coli (18.4%, 12.9 - 21.9), Shigella/enteroinvasive E. coli (14.5%, 10.2 - 22.8), and Cryptosporidium (7.9%, 6.2 - 9.3). Despite the clear impact of vaccine introduction in this setting, rotavirus remained the leading etiology of diarrhea requiring hospitalization. Further efforts to maximize vaccine coverage and improve vaccine performance in these settings are warranted. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Battery Systems for X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) and Deorbit Propulsion Stage (DPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Darcy, Eric

1998-01-01

A 28V 32 Ah cell Li/MnO2 and a 28V NiMH battery systems for the Deorbit Propulsion Stage (DPS) and the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) are developed in Friwo-Silforkraft, Germany with the following objectives and approach: Provide safe battery designs for lowest volume and cost, and within schedule; Take advantage of less complex requests for V201 vs OPS CRV to simplify design and reduce cost; Use only existing commercial cell designs as building blocks for larger battery; Derive battery designs from the ASTRO-SPAS design which is the largest lithium battery design with Shuttle flight experience; Place maximum amount of battery energy on DPS; DPS battery is non rechargeable; and CRV batteries are rechargeable. This paper contains the following sections: a brief introduction on CRV requirements, CRV advantages over Soyuz, and X-38 programs; Battery objectives and approach; Battery requirements and groundrules (performance, on-orbit operation, etc); Design trades, solutions, redundancy plan, and margins; Envelope, size, and mass; Interfaces (structural, electrical & thermal); and Deviation from OPS CRV.

Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) study: Feasibility of an early allergenic food introduction regimen.

PubMed

Perkin, Michael R; Logan, Kirsty; Marrs, Tom; Radulovic, Suzana; Craven, Joanna; Flohr, Carsten; Lack, Gideon

2016-05-01

The influence of early exposure to allergenic foods on the subsequent development of food allergy remains uncertain. We sought to determine the feasibility of the early introduction of multiple allergenic foods to exclusively breast-fed infants from 3 months of age and the effect on breastfeeding performance. We performed a randomized controlled trial. The early introduction group (EIG) continued breastfeeding with sequential introduction of 6 allergenic foods: cow's milk, peanut, hard-boiled hen's egg, sesame, whitefish (cod), and wheat; the standard introduction group followed the UK infant feeding recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for around 6 months with no introduction of allergenic foods before 6 months of age. One thousand three hundred three infants were enrolled. By 5 months of age, the median frequency of consumption of all 6 foods was 2 to 3 times per week for every food in the EIG and no consumption for every food in the standard introduction group (P < .001 for every comparison). By 6 months of age, nonintroduction of the allergenic foods in the EIG was less than 5% for each of the 6 foods. Achievement of the stringent per-protocol consumption target for the EIG proved more difficult (42% of evaluable EIG participants). Breastfeeding rates in both groups significantly exceeded UK government data for equivalent mothers (P < .001 at 6 and at 9 months of age). Early introduction, before 6 months of age, of at least some amount of multiple allergenic foods appears achievable and did not affect breastfeeding. This has important implications for the evaluation of food allergy prevention strategies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GUEST EDITORS' INTRODUCTION: Guest Editors' introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerraoui, Rachid; Vinoski, Steve

1997-09-01

The organization of a distributed system can have a tremendous impact on its capabilities, its performance, and its ability to evolve to meet changing requirements. For example, the client - server organization model has proven to be adequate for organizing a distributed system as a number of distributed servers that offer various functions to client processes across the network. However, it lacks peer-to-peer capabilities, and experience with the model has been predominantly in the context of local networks. To achieve peer-to-peer cooperation in a more global context, systems issues of scale, heterogeneity, configuration management, accounting and sharing are crucial, and the complexity of migrating from locally distributed to more global systems demands new tools and techniques. An emphasis on interfaces and modules leads to the modelling of a complex distributed system as a collection of interacting objects that communicate with each other only using requests sent to well defined interfaces. Although object granularity typically varies at different levels of a system architecture, the same object abstraction can be applied to various levels of a computing architecture. Since 1989, the Object Management Group (OMG), an international software consortium, has been defining an architecture for distributed object systems called the Object Management Architecture (OMA). At the core of the OMA is a `software bus' called an Object Request Broker (ORB), which is specified by the OMG Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) specification. The OMA distributed object model fits the structure of heterogeneous distributed applications, and is applied in all layers of the OMA. For example, each of the OMG Object Services, such as the OMG Naming Service, is structured as a set of distributed objects that communicate using the ORB. Similarly, higher-level OMA components such as Common Facilities and Domain Interfaces are also organized as distributed objects that can be layered over both Object Services and the ORB. The OMG creates specifications, not code, but the interfaces it standardizes are always derived from demonstrated technology submitted by member companies. The specified interfaces are written in a neutral Interface Definition Language (IDL) that defines contractual interfaces with potential clients. Interfaces written in IDL can be translated to a number of programming languages via OMG standard language mappings so that they can be used to develop components. The resulting components can transparently communicate with other components written in different languages and running on different operating systems and machine types. The ORB is responsible for providing the illusion of `virtual homogeneity' regardless of the programming languages, tools, operating systems and networks used to realize and support these components. With the adoption of the CORBA 2.0 specification in 1995, these components are able to interoperate across multi-vendor CORBA-based products. More than 700 member companies have joined the OMG, including Hewlett-Packard, Digital, Siemens, IONA Technologies, Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Microsoft and IBM, which makes it the largest standards body in existence. These companies continue to work together within the OMG to refine and enhance the OMA and its components. This special issue of Distributed Systems Engineering publishes five papers that were originally presented at the `Distributed Object-Based Platforms' track of the 30th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), which was held in Wailea on Maui on 6 - 10 January 1997. The papers, which were selected based on their quality and the range of topics they cover, address different aspects of CORBA, including advanced aspects such as fault tolerance and transactions. These papers discuss the use of CORBA and evaluate CORBA-based development for different types of distributed object systems and architectures. The first paper, by S Rahkila and S Stenberg, discusses the application of CORBA to telecommunication management networks. In the second paper, P Narasimhan, L E Moser and P M Melliar-Smith present a fault-tolerant extension of an ORB. The third paper, by J Liang, S Sédillot and B Traverson, provides an overview of the CORBA Transaction Service and its integration with the ISO Distributed Transaction Processing protocol. In the fourth paper, D Sherer, T Murer and A Würtz discuss the evolution of a cooperative software engineering infrastructure to a CORBA-based framework. The fifth paper, by R Fatoohi, evaluates the communication performance of a commercially-available Object Request Broker (Orbix from IONA Technologies) on several networks, and compares the performance with that of more traditional communication primitives (e.g., BSD UNIX sockets and PVM). We wish to thank both the referees and the authors of these papers, as their cooperation was fundamental in ensuring timely publication.

Mapping the zone of eye-height utility for seated and standing observers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wraga, M.; Proffitt, D. R.; Kaiser, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

In a series of experiments, we delimited a region within the vertical axis of space in which eye height (EH) information is used maximally to scale object heights, referred to as the "zone of eye height utility" (Wraga, 1999b Journal of Experimental Psychology, Human Perception and Performance 25 518-530). To test the lower limit of the zone, linear perspective (on the floor) was varied via introduction of a false perspective (FP) gradient while all sources of EH information except linear perspective were held constant. For seated (experiment 1a) observers, the FP gradient produced overestimations of height for rectangular objects up to 0.15 EH tall. This value was taken to be just outside the lower limit of the zone. This finding was replicated in a virtual environment, for both seated (experiment 1b) and standing (experiment 2) observers. For the upper limit of the zone, EH information itself was manipulated by lowering observers' center of projection in a virtual scene. Lowering the effective EH of standing (experiment 3) and seated (experiment 4) observers produced corresponding overestimations of height for objects up to about 2.5 EH. This zone of approximately 0.20-2.5 EH suggests that the human visual system weights size information differentially, depending on its efficacy.

Enhancing The Science Collection Capability Of Nasas Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

dog-leg maneuver. The optimal control concept can be used to automate maneuver design with bright object avoidance. 6.1 Introduction Attitude maneuver...plan can be executed and the science objectives satisfied, rapid slew maneuvers are developed using optimal control theory. A key challenge to the...rapid slew is meeting operational constraints, which are treated as path constraints in optimal control . It is shown that the slew time for a payload

A State Articulated Instructional Objectives Guide for Occupational Education Programs. State Pilot Model for Drafting (Graphic Communications). Part I--Basic. Part II--Specialty Programs. Section A (Mechanical Drafting and Design). Section B (Architectural Drafting and Design).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina State Dept. of Community Colleges, Raleigh.

A two-part articulation instructional objective guide for drafting (graphic communications) is provided. Part I contains summary information on seven blocks (courses) of instruction. They are as follow: introduction; basic technical drafting; problem solving in graphics; reproduction processes; freehand drawing and sketching; graphics composition;…

Dynamic NMDAR-mediated properties of place cells during the object place memory task.

PubMed

Faust, Thomas W; Robbiati, Sergio; Huerta, Tomás S; Huerta, Patricio T

2013-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in the hippocampus participate in encoding and recalling the location of objects in the environment, but the ensemble mechanisms by which NMDARs mediate these processes have not been completely elucidated. To address this issue, we examined the firing patterns of place cells in the dorsal CA1 area of the hippocampus of mice (n = 7) that performed an object place memory (OPM) task, consisting of familiarization (T1), sample (T2), and choice (T3) trials, after systemic injection of 3-[(±)2-carboxypiperazin-4yl]propyl-1-phosphate (CPP), a specific NMDAR antagonist. Place cell properties under CPP (CPP-PCs) were compared to those after control saline injection (SAL-PCs) in the same mice. We analyzed place cells across the OPM task to determine whether they signaled the introduction or movement of objects by NMDAR-mediated changes of their spatial coding. On T2, when two objects were first introduced to a familiar chamber, CPP-PCs and SAL-PCs showed stable, vanishing or moving place fields in addition to changes in spatial information (SI). These metrics were comparable between groups. Remarkably, previously inactive CPP-PCs (with place fields emerging de novo on T2) had significantly weaker SI increases than SAL-PCs. On T3, when one object was moved, CPP-PCs showed reduced center-of-mass (COM) shift of their place fields. Indeed, a subset of SAL-PCs with large COM shifts (>7 cm) was largely absent in the CPP condition. Notably, for SAL-PCs that exhibited COM shifts, those initially close to the moving object followed the trajectory of the object, whereas those far from the object did the opposite. Our results strongly suggest that the SI changes and COM shifts of place fields that occur during the OPM task reflect key dynamic properties that are mediated by NMDARs and might be responsible for binding object identity with location.

Dynamic NMDAR-mediated properties of place cells during the object place memory task

PubMed Central

Faust, Thomas W.; Robbiati, Sergio; Huerta, Tomás S.; Huerta, Patricio T.

2013-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in the hippocampus participate in encoding and recalling the location of objects in the environment, but the ensemble mechanisms by which NMDARs mediate these processes have not been completely elucidated. To address this issue, we examined the firing patterns of place cells in the dorsal CA1 area of the hippocampus of mice (n = 7) that performed an object place memory (OPM) task, consisting of familiarization (T1), sample (T2), and choice (T3) trials, after systemic injection of 3-[(±)2-carboxypiperazin-4yl]propyl-1-phosphate (CPP), a specific NMDAR antagonist. Place cell properties under CPP (CPP–PCs) were compared to those after control saline injection (SAL–PCs) in the same mice. We analyzed place cells across the OPM task to determine whether they signaled the introduction or movement of objects by NMDAR-mediated changes of their spatial coding. On T2, when two objects were first introduced to a familiar chamber, CPP–PCs and SAL–PCs showed stable, vanishing or moving place fields in addition to changes in spatial information (SI). These metrics were comparable between groups. Remarkably, previously inactive CPP–PCs (with place fields emerging de novo on T2) had significantly weaker SI increases than SAL–PCs. On T3, when one object was moved, CPP–PCs showed reduced center-of-mass (COM) shift of their place fields. Indeed, a subset of SAL–PCs with large COM shifts (>7 cm) was largely absent in the CPP condition. Notably, for SAL–PCs that exhibited COM shifts, those initially close to the moving object followed the trajectory of the object, whereas those far from the object did the opposite. Our results strongly suggest that the SI changes and COM shifts of place fields that occur during the OPM task reflect key dynamic properties that are mediated by NMDARs and might be responsible for binding object identity with location. PMID:24381547

FLOCCULATION-FLOTATION AIDS FOR TREATMENT OF COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS

EPA Science Inventory

The objectives of this study were to investigate the flocculation/flotation characteristics of combined sewer overflow through laboratory and field testing. The concept involves the introduction of chemicals and buoyant flotation aids into the overflow and the subsequent cofloccu...

18 CFR 801.0 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Commission. The Commission is a regional governmental agency whose purpose is to effect comprehensive multiple purpose planning for the conservation, utilization, development, management, and control of the... fulfill its statutory regional governmental role. (c) The objectives of the Commission are to: (1) Develop...

Technology Learning Activities I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Technology Education Association, Reston, VA.

This guide contains 30 technology learning activities. Activities may contain all or some of the following: an introduction, objectives, materials and equipment, challenges, limitations, notes and investigations, resources and references used, and evaluation ideas. Activity titles are: (1) Occupations in Construction Technology; (2) Designing a…

"Hitch-Hiking" on Creativity in Nature.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Offner, David

1990-01-01

An "Introduction to Bionics" course is described, focusing on objectives, the case study method used in the course, a sample case involving the design of a self-locking spine positioner for a catfish, course coverage, idea-generating techniques, and course benefits. (JDD)

Exploration of the Saturn System by the Cassini Mission: Observations with the Cassini Infrared Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, Mian M.

2014-01-01

Outline: Introduction to the Cassini mission, and Cassini mission Objectives; Cassini spacecraft, instruments, launch, and orbit insertion; Saturn, Rings, and Satellite, Titan; Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS); and Infrared observations of Saturn and titan.

Walnuts improve neuronal and behavioral function in aging

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Introduction Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and polyphenols which have been shown to improve neurochemical and behavioral function. Objectives This study investigated the mechanisms associated with age-related behavioral improvements in rats fed diets supplemented with walnu...

An Introduction to Database Structure and Database Machines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Detweiler, Karen

1984-01-01

Enumerates principal management objectives of database management systems (data independence, quality, security, multiuser access, central control) and criteria for comparison (response time, size, flexibility, other features). Conventional database management systems, relational databases, and database machines used for backend processing are…

Advanced Telescopes and Observatories and Scientific Instruments and Sensors Capability Roadmaps: General Background and Introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coulter, Dan; Bankston, Perry

2005-01-01

Agency objective are: Strategic Planning Transformation. Advanced Planning Organizational Roles. Public Involvement in Strategic Planning. Strategic Roadmaps and Schedule. Capability Roadmaps and Schedule. Purpose of NRC Review. Capability Roadmap Development (Progress to Date).

Transfer pricing in hospitals and efficiency of physicians: the case of anesthesia services.

PubMed

Kuntz, Ludwig; Vera, Antonio

2005-01-01

The objective is to investigate theoretically and empirically how the efficiency of the physicians involved in anesthesia and surgery can be optimized by the introduction of transfer pricing for anesthesia services. The anesthesiology data of approximately 57,000 operations carried out at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany in the period from 2000 to 2002 are analyzed using parametric and non-parametric methods. The principal finding of the empirical analysis is that the efficiency of the physicians involved in anesthesia and surgery at the UKE improved after the introduction of transfer pricing.

Modelling giant radio halos. Doctoral Thesis Award Lecture 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnert, J. M. F.

2013-06-01

We review models for giant radio halos in clusters of galaxies, with a focus on numerical and theoretical work. After summarising the most important observations of these objects, we present an introduction to the theoretical aspects of hadronic models. We compare these models with observations using simulations and find severe problems for hadronic models. We give a short introduction to reacceleration models and show results from the first simulation of CRe reacceleration in cluster mergers. We find that in-line with previous theoretical work, reacceleration models are able to elegantly explain main observables of giant radio halos.

The Independence and Interdependence of Coacting Observers in Regard to Performance Efficiency, Workload, and Stress in a Vigilance Task

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

independence/ dependence , evaluation apprehension, workload, stress 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT: SAR 18. NUMBER...indepen- dence/ dependence , evaluation apprehension, workload, stress IntroductIon Vigilance or sustained attention tasks require observers to maintain

High-Reynolds Number Active Blowing Semi-Span Force Measurement System Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lynn, Keith C.; Rhew, Ray D.; Acheson, Michael J.; Jones, Gregory S.; Milholen, William E.; Goodliff, Scott L.

2012-01-01

Recent wind-tunnel tests at the NASA Langley Research Center National Transonic Facility utilized high-pressure bellows to route air to the model for evaluating aircraft circulation control. The introduction of these bellows within the Sidewall Model Support System significantly impacted the performance of the external sidewall mounted semi-span balance. As a result of this impact on the semi-span balance measurement performance, it became apparent that a new capability needed to be built into the National Transonic Facility s infrastructure to allow for performing pressure tare calibrations on the balance in order to properly characterize its performance under the influence of static bellows pressure tare loads and bellows thermal effects. The objective of this study was to design both mechanical calibration hardware and an experimental calibration design that can be employed at the facility in order to efficiently and precisely perform the necessary loadings in order to characterize the semi-span balance under the influence of multiple calibration factors (balance forces/moments and bellows pressure/temperature). Using statistical design of experiments, an experimental design was developed allowing for strategically characterizing the behavior of the semi-span balance for use in circulation control and propulsion-type flow control testing at the National Transonic Facility.

Studies of pointing, acquisition, and tracking of agile optical wireless transceivers for free-space optical communication networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Tzung-Hsien; Trisno, Sugianto; Smolyaninov, Igor I.; Milner, Stuart D.; Davis, Christopher C.

2004-02-01

Free space, dynamic, optical wireless communications will require topology control for optimization of network performance. Such networks may need to be configured for bi- or multiple-connectedness, reliability and quality-of-service. Topology control involves the introduction of new links and/or nodes into the network to achieve such performance objectives through autonomous reconfiguration as well as precise pointing, acquisition, tracking, and steering of laser beams. Reconfiguration may be required because of link degradation resulting from obscuration or node loss. As a result, the optical transceivers may need to be re-directed to new or existing nodes within the network and tracked on moving nodes. The redirection of transceivers may require operation over a whole sphere, so that small-angle beam steering techniques cannot be applied. In this context, we are studying the performance of optical wireless links using lightweight, bi-static transceivers mounted on high-performance stepping motor driven stages. These motors provide an angular resolution of 0.00072 degree at up to 80,000 steps per second. This paper focuses on the performance characteristics of these agile transceivers for pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT), including the influence of acceleration/deceleration time, motor angular speed, and angular re-adjustment, on latency and packet loss in small free space optical (FSO) wireless test networks.

Fundamental Properties of Soils for Complex Dynamic Loadings: Dynamic Constitutive Modeling of Sandy Soils.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE 1 2.0 PROGRESS SUMMARY 3 2.1 Soil Element Model Development 3 2.2 U.S. Any Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES...LABORATORY BEHAVIOR OF SAND 8 3.1 Introduction 8 3.2 Material Description 8 3.3 Laboratory Tests Performed 9 3.4 Laboratory Test Results 14 4.0 MODELING THE... INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE The subject of this annual report is constitutive modeling of cohesionless soil, for both laboratory standard static test conditions

Auditory Temporal Resolution in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

PubMed

Mishra, Rajkishor; Sanju, Himanshu Kumar; Kumar, Prawin

2016-10-01

Introduction  "Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugar and abnormalities in insulin secretion and action" (American Diabetes Association). Previous literature has reported connection between diabetes mellitus and hearing impairment. There is a dearth of literature on auditory temporal resolution ability in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2. Objective  The main objective of the present study was to assess auditory temporal resolution ability through GDT (Gap Detection Threshold) in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2 with high frequency hearing loss. Methods  Fifteen subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 with high frequency hearing loss in the age range of 30 to 40 years participated in the study as the experimental group. Fifteen age-matched non-diabetic individuals with normal hearing served as the control group. We administered the Gap Detection Threshold (GDT) test to all participants to assess their temporal resolution ability. Result  We used the independent t -test to compare between groups. Results showed that the diabetic group (experimental) performed significantly poorer compared with the non-diabetic group (control). Conclusion  It is possible to conclude that widening of auditory filters and changes in the central auditory nervous system contributed to poorer performance for temporal resolution task (Gap Detection Threshold) in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2. Findings of the present study revealed the deteriorating effect of diabetes mellitus type 2 at the central auditory processing level.

Metrics for the NASA Airspace Systems Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jeremy C.; Neitzke, Kurt W.

2009-01-01

This document defines an initial set of metrics for use by the NASA Airspace Systems Program (ASP). ASP consists of the NextGen-Airspace Project and the NextGen-Airportal Project. The work in each project is organized along multiple, discipline-level Research Focus Areas (RFAs). Each RFA is developing future concept elements in support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), as defined by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). In addition, a single, system-level RFA is responsible for integrating concept elements across RFAs in both projects and for assessing system-wide benefits. The primary purpose of this document is to define a common set of metrics for measuring National Airspace System (NAS) performance before and after the introduction of ASP-developed concepts for NextGen as the system handles increasing traffic. The metrics are directly traceable to NextGen goals and objectives as defined by the JPDO and hence will be used to measure the progress of ASP research toward reaching those goals. The scope of this document is focused on defining a common set of metrics for measuring NAS capacity, efficiency, robustness, and safety at the system-level and at the RFA-level. Use of common metrics will focus ASP research toward achieving system-level performance goals and objectives and enable the discipline-level RFAs to evaluate the impact of their concepts at the system level.

Valeriana officinalis L. for conscious sedation of patients submitted to impacted lower third molar surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-mouth study

PubMed Central

Pinheiro, Marcos Luciano Pimenta; Alcântara, Carlos Eduardo Pinto; de Moraes, Márcio; de Andrade, Eduardo Dias

2014-01-01

Introduction: Anxiety is one of the components of patient stress in the dental office and is recognized as one of the main factors that negatively affect treatment. The control of anxiety can be performed through conscious sedation, for which benzodiazepine is the drug of choice in dental practice, however present side-effects. Objective: The objective of the following study is to evaluate the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerian) for control of anxiety during the third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: A single oral dose of either Valerian (100 mg) or placebo was randomly administered 1 h before each surgical procedure to 20 volunteers between 17 and 31 years of age. Anxiety level was assessed by physiological parameters (blood pressure and heart rate [HR]) and the observation of signs. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon test and effect size test were performed (P < 0.05). Results: According to the researcher's (80%) and surgeon's (75%) evaluations, the patients treated with Valerian were calmer and more relaxed during surgery. Valerian had a greater effect on the maintenance of systolic blood pressure and HR after surgery. Conclusion: Valerian was more effective at controlling anxiety than a placebo when used for the conscious sedation of adult patients submitted to impacted lower third molar surgery. PMID:24741279

A Comparison of Objective and Subjective Stress in Homogeneous Male and Female Teams in a Mars Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bishop, S.; Sundaresan, A.

Introduction The role of stress and its impact on coping performance motivation behavior cognitive functioning and psychological well-being has become a key focus for long duration missions Since all extreme environments are characterized by significant physical demands e g skiing climbing EVAs as well as inescapable environmental characteristics e g imminent danger noise isolation confinement loss of normal sensory stimuli an examination of the impact of prolong stress in analogue environments should provide insight into developing effective support and countermeasures for long duration space crews The presence of even low levels of chronic stressors if not met with functional adaptation and or countermeasures has been shown to produce subjective symptoms of stress persistent performance incompetence accelerated fatiguability altered mood states increased rate of infections and decrements in attention and cognitive Gender has been shown to cut across both individual factors and group factors including response to stress and ways of coping Generally men and women differ in many arenas such as interaction and communication styles need for affiliation responses to crowding privacy and confined spaces Men and women in homogeneous groups interact in significantly different ways than those in mixed groups Therefore differences between genders on subjective and objective responses to stress are of interest The Mars Society Utah Desert Simulation MDRS facility provides a unique opportunity to examine the interaction of

[Spiral CT angiography in practice].

PubMed

Pavcec, Zlatko; Zokalj, Ivan; Rumboldt, Zoran; Pal, Andrej; Saghir, Hussein; Ozretić, David; Latin, Branko; Perhoć, Zeljka; Marotti, Miljenko

2005-01-01

Incidence of vascular diseases and development of new radiologic techniques in the last three decades has given strong impuls for introduction of non-invasive vascular diagnostic methods. Thanks to the introduction of Doppler ultrasound, new types of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, non-invasive vascular diagnostic methods are replacing conventional invasive (catheter) angiographic methods. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive vascular diagnostic method based on continuous scanning with CT scanner during intravenous application of contrast material. Performing of CTA is possible after introduction of spiral CT technique whose characteristics are short imaging time and volumetric data acquisition. The main goal of this article, based on our experiences, is to review the role of CTA, performed on single-slice CT scanner, in managment of patients with vascular pathology.

[Introduction of capillary glycosylated haemoglobin determination in a Primary Care Health Area: Multicentre study of the evolution of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Núñez-Sánchez, M Á; Cervantes-Cuesta, M Á; Brocal-Ibañez, P; Salmeron-Arjona, E; León-Martínez, L P; Cerezo-Sanmartin, M

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a joint intervention that included educational components, self-assessment, and information to optimise diabetes control through the introduction of instant capillary glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) determination in Primary Care. A multicentre prospective descriptive study was carried out over 3years in 10Primary Care Centres of the Area VII Murcia East. At the end of the study there were 804 patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2). Patients were divided into 4 groups based on initial values of HbA1c, and if changes in their treatment were needed. HbA1c, body mass index, and blood pressure were monitored. A financial assessment was also performed on the impact of the implementation of a protocol to measure instant capillary RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in HbA1c values. The initial HbA1c mean value was 7.4±1.4%, which decreased to a final value of 6.9±1.0% (P<.001). At the end of the study, 71.4% of patients included reached diabetic control objectives. In addition, the financial assessment demonstrated that the implementation of this diabetes control system led to a decrease of the 24.7% in spending on glucose strips after the first year of study in Area VII Murcia Health Service. The introduction of capillary HbA1c determination in Primary Care has demonstrated to improve diabetes control and the efficiency of the health personnel. Furthermore, a reduction in the health costs of patients with DM2 was also shown. Copyright © 2016 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Management of soft tissue knee injuries in an accident and emergency department: the effect of the introduction of a physiotherapy practitioner

PubMed Central

Jibuike, O; Paul-Taylor, G; Maulvi, S; Richmond, P; Fairclough, J

2003-01-01

Objective: To assess the effect of the introduction of a physiotherapist with an extended scope of practice in the management of acute soft tissue knee injuries in an accident and emergency (A&E) department. Methods: The A&E department established an Acute Knee Screening Service (AKSS) in 1998. An experienced physiotherapist was appointed to run the AKSS after additional training. Local guidelines and protocols were developed in conjunction with trauma knee surgeons, radiologists, physiotherapists, and A&E doctors. This study describes 100 consecutive patients managed by the AKSS over a three month period and comparisons are made over a similar period before the introduction of the AKSS. Results: The initial diagnosis of patients with acute knee injuries referred to the service showed meniscal injuries (38%), cruciate ligament injuries (18%), fractures (2%), patellofemoral joint injuries (10%), and others (32%). Ninety five per cent of patients referred to AKSS were seen within one week. Medical time was saved in both A&E and trauma clinic. Fifty nine per cent of patients were treated and discharged from the service without further medical review. Thirty nine per cent (39) were referred to trauma clinic and of these 44% (17) had MRI scans performed as requested by the physiotherapist. Eighty eight per cent (15) of these scans showed significant abnormality: (nine, anterior cruciate ligament tears, one, posterior cruciate ligament tears, and nine meniscal tears). Conclusions: A physiotherapy practitioner working with an extended role is a valuable addition to an A&E department. The AKSS improves the quality of care of acute knee injuries, saves medical time, and fosters cooperation across services within the NHS. PMID:12533365

Management of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer.

PubMed

Vedi, A; Pennington, V; O'Meara, M; Stark, K; Senner, A; Hunstead, P; Adnum, K; Londall, W; Maurice, L; Wakefield, Claire; Cohn, R J

2015-07-01

Febrile neutropenia remains a common, life-threatening complication of chemotherapy in paediatric oncology. Delays in institution of empiric antibiotics have been identified at tertiary and regional centres caring for these patients and associated with decreased survival. Our objective was to reduce the time to administration of empiric antibiotics to less than 60 min from the time of presentation to hospital. A retrospective study of the records of oncology patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital over a 3-month period was performed and time to first antibiotic administration recorded. Potential causes of delay in commencement of antibiotics were identified and an algorithm-based approach to the management of fever in immunocompromised children developed and implemented. Follow-up evaluation data were collected at 12 and 60 months post-intervention. Causes of delay in commencement of antibiotics at regional hospitals that share care with the tertiary hospital were identified through questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, involving patients and medical and nursing staff. The impact of the introduction of the algorithm at one peripheral hospital was evaluated. The mean time to empiric antibiotics was reduced from 148 min (95% confidence interval (CI) 81-216) at baseline to 76 min (95% CI 50-101) at 12 months post-intervention and sustained at 65 min (95% CI 52-77) 5 years after the intervention. At the peripheral hospital, mean time to antibiotic delivery was reduced from 221 min (95% CI 114-328) to 65 min (95% CI 42-87) at 12 months after the intervention. The introduction of the guideline, with teaching and support for staff and parents, resulted in an improvement in practice, meeting international guidelines and achieving sustained results at 5 years after introduction at a tertiary hospital. The guideline has been shown to be feasible and effective at a regional hospital.

40 CFR 86.505-2004 - Introduction; structure of subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... procedures and the test fuel described in subpart B of this part for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles. PM... Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles; Test Procedures § 86.505-2004 Introduction; structure of... perform exhaust emission tests on motorcycles. Subpart E sets forth the testing requirements and test...

40 CFR 86.505-2004 - Introduction; structure of subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... procedures and the test fuel described in subpart B of this part for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles. PM... Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles; Test Procedures § 86.505-2004 Introduction; structure of... perform exhaust emission tests on motorcycles. Subpart E sets forth the testing requirements and test...

40 CFR 86.505-2004 - Introduction; structure of subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... procedures and the test fuel described in subpart B of this part for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles. PM... Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles; Test Procedures § 86.505-2004 Introduction; structure of... perform exhaust emission tests on motorcycles. Subpart E sets forth the testing requirements and test...

40 CFR 86.505-2004 - Introduction; structure of subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... procedures and the test fuel described in subpart B of this part for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles. PM... Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles; Test Procedures § 86.505-2004 Introduction; structure of... perform exhaust emission tests on motorcycles. Subpart E sets forth the testing requirements and test...

40 CFR 86.505-2004 - Introduction; structure of subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... procedures and the test fuel described in subpart B of this part for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles. PM... Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles; Test Procedures § 86.505-2004 Introduction; structure of... perform exhaust emission tests on motorcycles. Subpart E sets forth the testing requirements and test...

Condition and Performance Rating Procedures for Rubble Breakwaters and Jetties

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-11-01

coastal community whose excellent ideas helped guide this work. Dr. Michael J. O’Connor is Director of USACERL. Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Introduction...headquarters. Concepts for the condition rating procedures were generated by the authors, the CSAG, and other members of the Corps’ coastal community . These

Introduction to Listening: A Training Unit for Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schieber, Lisa M.

2009-01-01

The following instructional unit contains all the elements needed to complete a two hour training unit on Listening. Included in the unit are: training objectives, task analysis, needs analysis assessment, training plan, participant guide, and Power Point Presentation slides. A bibliography is included.

Respiratory Therapy Technology Program Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Georgia Univ., Athens. Dept. of Vocational Education.

This guide presents the standard curriculum for technical institutes in Georgia. The curriculum addresses the minimum competencies for a respiratory therapy technology program. The guide contains four sections. The General Information section contains an introduction giving an overview and defining the purpose and objectives, a program…

Exploring Attribution Theory and Bias

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Jessica A.

2017-01-01

Courses: This activity can be used in a wide range of classes, including interpersonal communication, introduction to communication, and small group communication. Objectives: After completing this activity, students should be able to: (1) define attribution theory, personality attribution, situational attribution, and attribution bias; (2)…

Educational Implications of Microelectronics and Microprocessors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, N. D. C., Ed.

This conference report explores microelectronic technology, its effect on educational methods and objectives, and its implications for educator responsibilities. Two main areas were considered: the significance of the likely impact of the large scale introduction of microprocessors and microelectronics on commercial and industrial processes, the…

CNC Programming I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casey, Joe

This document contains five units for a course in computer numerical control (CNC) for computer-aided manufacturing. It is intended to familiarize students with the principles and techniques necessary to create proper CNC programs manually. Each unit consists of an introduction, instructional objectives, learning materials, learning activities,…

Diesel Technology: Introduction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joerschke, John D.; Eichhorn, Lane C.

Competency-based teacher and student materials are provided for an introductory course on diesel technology. Twelve units of instruction cover the following topics: workplace tools, common materials, and basic related principles. The materials are based on the curriculum-alignment concept of first stating the objectives, then developing…

General Business 101.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manitoba Dept. of Education, Winnipeg.

This teaching guide contains guidelines for conducting a secondary-level general business course. Intended to serve as an introduction to business and consumer fundamentals, the course provides socioeconomic background useful to students seeking vocational preparation for office and clerical occupations. The goals and objectives of the course are…

Designing Web-based Telemedicine Training for Military Health Care Providers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bangert, David; Doktor, Boert; Johnson, Erik

2001-01-01

Interviews with 48 military health care professionals identified 20 objectives and 4 learning clusters for a telemedicine training curriculum. From these clusters, web-based modules were developed addressing clinical learning, technology, organizational issues, and introduction to telemedicine. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

Teaching Guidebook: An Introduction to Some Basics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blake, Veronica M.; Dinham, Sarah M.

A teaching guide designed for use by new university teaching assistants provides help in preparing for and carrying out instructional responsibilities. Separate chapters give guidance with: preparing the course description and syllabus, including writing objectives; selecting teaching strategies (lecture, discussion, and laboratory experience);…

Identification of Hotspots in the European Union for the Introduction of Four Zoonotic Arboviroses by Live Animal Trade

PubMed Central

Durand, Benoit; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Beck, Cécile; Martínez-López, Beatriz; Balenghien, Thomas; Chevalier, Véronique

2013-01-01

Live animal trade is considered a major mode of introduction of viruses from enzootic foci into disease-free areas. Due to societal and behavioural changes, some wild animal species may nowadays be considered as pet species. The species diversity of animals involved in international trade is thus increasing. This could benefit pathogens that have a broad host range such as arboviruses. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk posed by live animal imports for the introduction, in the European Union (EU), of four arboviruses that affect human and horses: Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis. Importation data for a five-years period (2005-2009, extracted from the EU TRACES database), environmental data (used as a proxy for the presence of vectors) and horses and human population density data (impacting the occurrence of clinical cases) were combined to derive spatially explicit risk indicators for virus introduction and for the potential consequences of such introductions. Results showed the existence of hotspots where the introduction risk was the highest in Belgium, in the Netherlands and in the north of Italy. This risk was higher for Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) than for the three other diseases. It was mainly attributed to exotic pet species such as rodents, reptiles or cage birds, imported in small-sized containments from a wide variety of geographic origins. The increasing species and origin diversity of these animals may have in the future a strong impact on the risk of introduction of arboviruses in the EU. PMID:23894573

Identification of hotspots in the European union for the introduction of four zoonotic arboviroses by live animal trade.

PubMed

Durand, Benoit; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Beck, Cécile; Martínez-López, Beatriz; Balenghien, Thomas; Chevalier, Véronique

2013-01-01

Live animal trade is considered a major mode of introduction of viruses from enzootic foci into disease-free areas. Due to societal and behavioural changes, some wild animal species may nowadays be considered as pet species. The species diversity of animals involved in international trade is thus increasing. This could benefit pathogens that have a broad host range such as arboviruses. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk posed by live animal imports for the introduction, in the European Union (EU), of four arboviruses that affect human and horses: Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis. Importation data for a five-years period (2005-2009, extracted from the EU TRACES database), environmental data (used as a proxy for the presence of vectors) and horses and human population density data (impacting the occurrence of clinical cases) were combined to derive spatially explicit risk indicators for virus introduction and for the potential consequences of such introductions. Results showed the existence of hotspots where the introduction risk was the highest in Belgium, in the Netherlands and in the north of Italy. This risk was higher for Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) than for the three other diseases. It was mainly attributed to exotic pet species such as rodents, reptiles or cage birds, imported in small-sized containments from a wide variety of geographic origins. The increasing species and origin diversity of these animals may have in the future a strong impact on the risk of introduction of arboviruses in the EU.

Development of automated optical verification technologies for control systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volegov, Peter L.; Podgornov, Vladimir A.

1999-08-01

The report considers optical techniques for automated verification of object's identity designed for control system of nuclear objects. There are presented results of experimental researches and results of development of pattern recognition techniques carried out under the ISTC project number 772 with the purpose of identification of unique feature of surface structure of a controlled object and effects of its random treatment. Possibilities of industrial introduction of the developed technologies in frames of USA and Russia laboratories' lab-to-lab cooperation, including development of up-to-date systems for nuclear material control and accounting are examined.

Behind-the-Counter Statins: A Silver Bullet for Reducing Costs and Increasing Access?

PubMed Central

Sood, Neeraj; Sun, Eric; Zhuo, Xiaohui

2012-01-01

Objective To examine how the 2004 introduction of behind-the-counter (BTC) simvastatin in the United Kingdom affected utilization, prices, and expenditures. Data Sources/Study Setting Secondary data on simvastatin utilization, prices, and expenditures between 1997 and 2007 in the United Kingdom and four other countries. Study Design We used a difference-in-differences approach to estimate how the introduction of BTC simvastatin affected utilization, prices, and expenditures. This approach compares outcomes in the United Kingdom before and after the introduction of BTC simvastatin, using outcomes in countries where the drug remained prescription only to control for possible confounders. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Data on simvastain utilization, prices, and expenditures between 1997 and 2007 in the United Kingdom and four other countries were obtained from an outside vendor. Principal Findings The introduction of BTC simvastatin in the United Kingdom led to a significant increase in utilization of simvastatin and a significant decline in expenditures for simvastatin purchases. Our results are robust to alternate model specifications. Conclusions Behind-the-counter statins have the potential to simultaneously increase use of statins and lower expenditures. PMID:22091792

Introducing an accountability framework for polio eradication in Ethiopia: results from the first year of implementation 2014-2015

PubMed Central

Kassahun, Aron; Braka, Fiona; Gallagher, Kathleen; Gebriel, Aregai Wolde; Nsubuga, Peter; M’pele-Kilebou, Pierre

2017-01-01

Introduction the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopia country office, introduced an accountability framework into its Polio Eradication Program in 2014 with the aim of improving the program's performance. Our study aims to evaluate staff performance and key program indicators following the introduction of the accountability framework. Methods the impact of the WHO accountability framework was reviewed after its first year of implementation from June 2014 to June 2015. We analyzed selected program and staff performance indicators associated with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance from a database available at WHO. Data on managerial actions taken were also reviewed. Performance of a total of 38 staff was evaluated during our review. Results our review of results for the first four quarters of implementation of the polio eradication accountability framework showed improvement both at the program and individual level when compared with the previous year. Managerial actions taken during the study period based on the results from the monitoring tool included eleven written acknowledgments, six discussions regarding performance improvement, six rotations of staff, four written first-warning letters and nine non-renewal of contracts. Conclusion the introduction of the accountability framework resulted in improvement in staff performance and overall program indicators for AFP surveillance. PMID:28890753

Quantifying distortions in two-photon remote focussing microscope images using a volumetric calibration specimen

PubMed Central

Corbett, Alexander D.; Burton, Rebecca A. B.; Bub, Gil; Salter, Patrick S.; Tuohy, Simon; Booth, Martin J.; Wilson, Tony

2014-01-01

Remote focussing microscopy allows sharp, in-focus images to be acquired at high speed from outside of the focal plane of an objective lens without any agitation of the specimen. However, without careful optical alignment, the advantages of remote focussing microscopy could be compromised by the introduction of depth-dependent scaling artifacts. To achieve an ideal alignment in a point-scanning remote focussing microscope, the lateral (XY) scan mirror pair must be imaged onto the back focal plane of both the reference and imaging objectives, in a telecentric arrangement. However, for many commercial objective lenses, it can be difficult to accurately locate the position of the back focal plane. This paper investigates the impact of this limitation on the fidelity of three-dimensional data sets of living cardiac tissue, specifically the introduction of distortions. These distortions limit the accuracy of sarcomere measurements taken directly from raw volumetric data. The origin of the distortion is first identified through simulation of a remote focussing microscope. Using a novel three-dimensional calibration specimen it was then possible to quantify experimentally the size of the distortion as a function of objective misalignment. Finally, by first approximating and then compensating the distortion in imaging data from whole heart rodent studies, the variance of sarcomere length (SL) measurements was reduced by almost 50%. PMID:25339910

Changes in drug use patterns reported on the web after the introduction of ADF OxyContin: findings from the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS) System Web Monitoring Program.

PubMed

Vosburg, Suzanne K; Haynes, Colleen; Besharat, Andrea; Green, Jody L

2017-09-01

This qualitative study summarizes information that individuals shared online about use of OxyContin following the August 2010 introduction of the abuse deterrent formulation (ADF). The primary objective was to study online posts that endorsed continued use of OxyContin or a switch from OxyContin to another formulation of oxycodone or another substance altogether following the introduction of the ADF. A secondary objective was to determine whether posts revealed that the ADF led to cessation of OxyContin use. Data were collected with the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction-Related Surveillance System Web Monitoring Program, an online surveillance system that collects and organizes posts about prescription drugs from social media websites, blogs, and forums from 3Q2009 to 4Q2014 using a commercially available web platform. Posts were categorized by whether they conveyed a switch to drugs other than reformulated OxyContin or a continuation of reformulated OxyContin abuse. "Switch posts" primarily discussed switching to immediate-release opioids. "Continue abusing" posts identified tampering strategies for alternate routes of administration, oral use, and continued use although post authors were generally unhappy with the experience. No reference to OxyContin cessation as a function of the introduction of the ADF was found; however, discontinued use was discussed. Web Monitoring data are useful for capturing cross sections of Internet conversation reflecting reactions to new drug formulations. These data support the notion that users will gravitate to non-ADFs generally, and to immediate-release non-ADF opioid formulations, specifically, as long as these options remain on the market. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine in Côte d’Ivoire

PubMed

Yohou, Kévin Sylvestre; Aka, Nicaise Lepri; Noufe, Soualihou; Douba, Alfred; Assi Assi, Bernard; Dagnan, Simplice N Cho

2016-11-25

Introduction: Côte d’Ivoire introduced the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine into the EPI in March 2009. Following this introduction, an evaluation was conducted in 2012 in order to evaluate the vaccine introduction process. Methods: Data collection methods consisted of document review, structured interviews and direct observation. This study collected information from six health region officials, 12 health districts and 36 healthcare institutions. Seventy-two mothers or child carers were also interviewed. Collected data were processed and analysed by Excel, Epi Info and SPSS. Results: A vaccine introduction plan was developed, but was not communicated at the operational level. The planned training for district health care providers was conducted eighteen months after introduction of the vaccine. None of the vaccinating centres had communication support about the new vaccine. Temperature recording was regularly performed in 92% of district deposits and 68% of vaccinating centres. Deteriorated vaccines were observed in 6% of vaccinating centres. Only 3.5% of parents had been informed about introduction of the vaccine. Increased immunization coverage for the third dose of pentavalent vaccine was observed in one half of health districts. Conclusion: Evaluation of the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine highlightsthe strengths and weaknesses of the health system and provides lessons for the introduction of other vaccines into the expanded programme on immunization.

Analysis of reliability of professor recommendation letters based on concordance with self-introduction letter.

PubMed

Kim, Sang Hyun

2013-12-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the concordance between a checklist's categories of professor recommendation letters and characteristics of the self-introduction letter. Checklists of professor recommendation letters were analyzed and classified into cognitive, social, and affective domains. Simple correlation was performed to determine whether the characteristics of the checklists were concordant with those of the self-introduction letter. The difference in ratings of the checklists by pass or fail grades was analyzed by independent sample t-test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether a pass or fail grade was influenced by ratings on the checklists. The Cronbach alpha value of the checklists was 0.854. Initiative, as an affective domain, in the professor's recommendation letter was highly ranked among the six checklist categories. Self-directed learning in the self-introduction letter was influenced by a pass or fail grade by logistic regression analysis (p<0.05). Successful applicants received higher ratings than those who failed in every checklist category, particularly in problem-solving ability, communication skills, initiative, and morality (p<0.05). There was a strong correlation between cognitive and affective characteristics in the professor recommendation letters and the sum of all characteristics in the self-introduction letter.

Review of Transient Testing of Fast Reactor Fuels in the Transient REActor Test Facility (TREAT)

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

Jensen, C.; Wachs, D.; Carmack, J.

The restart of the Transient REActor Test (TREAT) facility provides a unique opportunity to engage the fast reactor fuels community to reinitiate in-pile experimental safety studies. Historically, the TREAT facility played a critical role in characterizing the behavior of both metal and oxide fast reactor fuels under off-normal conditions, irradiating hundreds of fuel pins to support fast reactor fuel development programs. The resulting test data has provided validation for a multitude of fuel performance and severe accident analysis computer codes. This paper will provide a review of the historical database of TREAT experiments including experiment design, instrumentation, test objectives, andmore » salient findings. Additionally, the paper will provide an introduction to the current and future experiment plans of the U.S. transient testing program at TREAT.« less

There is No Free Lunch: Tradeoffs in the Utility of Learned Knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kedar, Smadar T.; McKusick, Kathleen B.

1992-01-01

With the recent introduction of learning in integrated systems, there is a need to measure the utility of learned knowledge for these more complex systems. A difficulty arrises when there are multiple, possibly conflicting, utility metrics to be measured. In this paper, we present schemes which trade off conflicting utility metrics in order to achieve some global performance objectives. In particular, we present a case study of a multi-strategy machine learning system, mutual theory refinement, which refines world models for an integrated reactive system, the Entropy Reduction Engine. We provide experimental results on the utility of learned knowledge in two conflicting metrics - improved accuracy and degraded efficiency. We then demonstrate two ways to trade off these metrics. In each, some learned knowledge is either approximated or dynamically 'forgotten' so as to improve efficiency while degrading accuracy only slightly.

Congenital esophageal stenosis owing to tracheobronchial remnants.

PubMed

Rebelo, Priscila Guyt; Ormonde, João Victor C; Ormonde Filho, João Baptista C

2013-09-01

OBJECTIVE To emphasize the need of an accurate diagnosis of congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants, since its treatment differs from other types of congenital narrowing. CASE DESCRIPTION Four cases of lower congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants, whose definitive diagnosis was made by histopathology. Except for the last case, in which a concomitant anti-reflux surgery was not performed, all had a favorable outcome after resection and anastomosis of the esophagus. COMMENTS The congenital esophageal stenosis is an intrinsic narrowing of the organ's wall associated with its structural malformation. The condition can be caused by tracheobronchial remnants, fibromuscular stenosis or membranous diaphragm and the first symptom is dysphagia after the introduction of solid food in the diet. The first-choice treatment to tracheobronchial remnants cases is the surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the esophagus.

NOTES: Issues and Technical Details With Introduction of NOTES Into a Small General Surgery Residency Program

PubMed Central

Mirza, Brian; Horne, Walter; Moskowitz, Jesse B.

2008-01-01

Background and Objectives: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a development of recent origin. In 2004, Kalloo et al first described NOTES investigation in an animal model. Since then, several investigators have pursued NOTES study in animal survival and nonsurvival models. Our objectives for this project included studying NOTES intervention in a laboratory environment using large animal (swine) models and learning to do so in a safe, controlled manner. Ultimately, we intend to introduce NOTES methodology into our surgical residency training program. The expertise of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, fellowship-trained laparoendoscopic surgeon, and veterinarian along with a senior surgical resident was utilized to bring the input of several disciplines to this study. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM/COP) approved this study. Methods: A series of 5 laboratory sessions using mixed breed farm swine varying in weight from 37 kg to 43.1 kg was planned for the initial phase of NOTES introduction into our residency program. Animals were not kept alive in this investigation. All animals were anesthetized using a standard swine protocol and euthanized following guidelines issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Equipment included a Fujinon EVE endoscope 0.8 cm in diameter with a suction/irrigation channel and one working channel. Initially, a US Endoscopy gastric overtube, 19.5 mm OD and 50 cm in length, was used to facilitate passage of the endoscope. However, this device was found to have insufficient length. Subsequently, commercially available 5/8” diameter clear plastic tubing, 70 cm to 80 cm in length, was adapted for use as an overtube. Standard endoscopic instruments included Boston Scientific biopsy forceps, needle-knife, papillotome, endoscopic clip applier, and Valley Lab electrosurgical unit. A Karl Storz laparoscope and tower were used for laparoscopic observation of NOTES maneuvers. Necropsy was performed to determine specific details of surgical intervention. Results: NOTES intervention is feasible in an animal model. Insight into the potential of NOTES was obtained in this investigation. Conclusions: NOTES investigation in a controlled, laboratory setting using an animal model proved to have value for our program. A steep learning curve was encountered despite the availability of an investigator familiar with elementary NOTES procedures. The authors strongly suggest investigators adopt the ASGE/SAGES working group recommendations for a multidisciplinary team possessing advanced therapeutic endoscopic and advanced laparoscopic skills to study NOTES before human investigation. Animal laboratory facilities to perform research and training should be available to the multidisciplinary team for exploration of NOTES techniques and procedures. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be obtained before introduction of NOTES procedures in human patients. PMID:18402737

"Dinosaurs." Kindergarten. Anchorage School District Elementary Science Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herminghaus, Trisha, Ed.

This unit contains 15 lessons on dinosaurs for kindergarten children. It provides a materials list, supplementary materials list, use of process skill terminology, unit objectives, vocabulary, six major dinosaurs, and background information. Lessons are: (1) "Webbing"; (2) "Introduction to the Big Six"; (3) "Paleontology…

Near Field Communication: Introduction and Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McHugh, Sheli; Yarmey, Kristen

2012-01-01

Near field communication is an emerging technology that allows objects, such as mobile phones, computers, tags, or posters, to exchange information wirelessly across a small distance. Though primarily associated with mobile payment, near field communication has many different potential commercial applications, ranging from marketing to nutrition,…

1995 American travel survey : an overview of the survey design and methodology

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-01-01

This paper describes the methods used in the 1995 ATS. The introduction provides an overview of : the purpose and objectives of the survey followed by a description of the survey and sample designs, survey field operations, and processing of survey d...

EL PASO CHILDREN'S HEALTH STUDY: A PRESENTATION TO THE BORDER 2012 AIR POLICY FOURM

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Asthmatic children living in inner-city communities are a particularly vulnerable subgroup, both because of their underlying airways disease and their exposure to relatively high levels of motor vehicle emissions.
Objective: To investigate the association betw...

ACUTE RESPIRATORY HEALTH EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON ASTHMATIC CHILDREN IN US INNER CITIES

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Asthmatic children living in inner-city communities are a particularly vulnerable subgroup, both because of their underlying airways disease and their exposure to relatively high levels of motor vehicle emissions.
Objective: To investigate the association betw...

The Literature of Veterinary Medicine. CE 60.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerker, Ann E.; Malamud, Judie

This course guide outlines the objectives and content for a professional continuing education course on the literature of veterinary medicine. Topics covered include: (1) an introduction to veterinary medicine as a discipline, including comparison with other medical sciences, veterinary medicine education, licensure, animal models, veterinary…

7 CFR 761.1 - Introduction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... objective of these programs is to provide supervised credit and management assistance to eligible farmers to become owners or operators, or both, of family farms, to continue such operations when credit is not available elsewhere, or to return to normal farming operations after sustaining substantial losses as a...

[Conflict of interest: the World Medical Association statement].

PubMed

Fialová, Lydie; Spacek, Martin; Vychytil, Pavel

2011-01-01

This article presents a translation of the World Medical Association Statement on Conflict of Interest (2009) and Statement concerning the Relationship between Physicians and Commercial Enterprises (2009). The introduction illuminates the objectives of this recommendation in the context of healthcare in the Czech Republic.

Vocational Guidance and Psychology in Spain: A Scientometric Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flores-Buils, Raquel; Gil-Beltran, Jose Manuel; Caballer-Miedes, Antonio; Martinez-Martinez, Miguel Angel

2013-01-01

Introduction: Studies that investigate research activity are possible by quantifying certain variables pertaining to articles published in specialized journals. Once quantified, numerical data are obtained that summarize characteristics of the research activity. These data are obtained through scientometric indicators. This is an objective and…

Unanticipated Learning Outcomes Associated with Commitment to Change in Continuing Medical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dolcourt, Jack L.; Zuckerman, Grace

2003-01-01

Introduction: Educator-derived, predetermined instructional objectives are integral to the traditional instructional model and form the linkage between instructional design and postinstruction evaluation. The traditional model does not consider unanticipated learning outcomes. We explored the contribution of learner-identified desired outcomes…

Supervisors Guidebook: Driver and Traffic Safety Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aaron, James E.; And Others

Intended for those responsible to organize, oversee, and evaluate a school's comprehensive traffic safety education program, this Illinois State guide contains nine major sections and appendixes. An introduction presents philosophy and status of the Illinois program, general goals and objectives, notes on relevant professional associations, and…

Fun Food Experiences for Preschool Children with Handicaps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mosiman, Joyce; And Others

The manual includes lesson plans and suggestions for introducting handicapped children to good nutrition through enjoyable activities. Special considerations for specific types of handicaps are briefly noted (including safety considerations for children with physical disabilities). Each lesson is organized according to purpose, teacher objectives,…

OASIS General Introduction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanford Univ., CA.

Recognizing the need to balance generality and economy in system costs, the Project INFO team at Stanford University developing OASIS has sought to provide generalized and powerful computer support within the normal range of operating and analytical requirements associated with university administration. The specific design objectives of the OASIS…

Computational Physics for Space Flight Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, Robert A.

2004-01-01

This paper presents viewgraphs on computational physics for space flight applications. The topics include: 1) Introduction to space radiation effects in microelectronics; 2) Using applied physics to help NASA meet mission objectives; 3) Example of applied computational physics; and 4) Future directions in applied computational physics.

New Approaches to Comparative Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altbach, Philip G., Ed.; Kelly, Gail P., Ed.

Perspectives on research in comparative education are presented in 17 articles originally published in the "Comparative Education Review." The objective is to present an array of new viewpoints, orientations, and approaches. Titles and authors are: "Introduction: Perspectives on Comparative Education" (Philip G. Altbach, Gail P. Kelly); "Critical…

Reduction of Hazardous Waste from High School Chemistry Laboratories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wahl, George H., Jr., Ed.

This document provides teachers with sources of useful information and new ideas about the high school chemistry laboratory program. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction" describing the philosophy and specific objectives of this project; (2) "Importance of Laboratory Work"; (3) "Chemistry Lab Outline" listing…

Information Processing Applications: Curriculum Guidelines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia. Div. of Vocational-Technical and Adult Education Services.

This guide is intended to serve as a resource for business education instructors who are teaching a course in information processing for the automated office. The following topics are covered: program goals, student learning objectives for production applications, an introduction to production applications, a curriculum outline, student learning…

Models of Purposive Human Organization: A Comparative Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

develop techniques for organizational diagnosis with the D-M model, to be followed by intervention by S-T methodology. 2. Introduction 2.1. Background In...relational and object data for Dinnat-Murphree model construction. 2. Develop techniques for organizational diagnosis with the Dinnat-Murphree model

TRAHC Folklife Study Guides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, Inc., TX.

Each of the seven study guides combined in this packet provides a lesson that includes a reading or descriptive narrative of the topic, along with teaching objectives, questions to consider, and suggested classroom activities. Topics covered are: (1) "Introduction to the Concept of Folklife"; (2) "Southern Gospel Music and…

The health impacts and economic value of wildland fire episodes in the U.S.: 2008-2012

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Wildland fires degrade regional air quality and adversely affect human health. A growing body of epidemiology literature report increased rates of emergency department, hospital admission and premature deaths from wildfire smoke exposure. Objective: Our research a...

P300: Waves Identification with and without Subtraction of Traces

PubMed Central

Romero, Ana Carla Leite; Reis, Ana Cláudia Mirândola Barbosa; Oliveira, Anna Caroline Silva de; Oliveira Simões, Humberto de; Oliveira Junqueira, Cinthia Amorim de; Frizzo, Ana Cláudia Figueiredo

2017-01-01

Introduction  The P300 test requires well-defined and unique criteria, in addition to training for the examiners, for a uniform analysis of studies and to avoid variations and errors in the interpretation of measurement results. Objectives  The objective of this study is to verify whether there are differences in P300 with and without subtraction of traces of standard and nonstandard stimuli. Method  We conducted this study in collaboration with two research electrophysiology laboratories. From Laboratory 1, we selected 40 tests of subjects between 7–44 years, from Laboratory 2, we selected 83 tests of subjects between 18–44 years. We first performed the identification with the nonstandard stimuli; then, we subtracted the nonstandard stimuli from the standard stimuli. The examiners identified the waves, performing a descriptive and comparative analysis of traces with and without subtraction. Results  After a comparative analysis of the traces with and without subtraction, there was no significant difference when compared with analysis of traces in both laboratories, within the conditions, of right ears ( p  = 0.13 and 0.28 for differences between latency and amplitude measurements) and left ears ( p  = 0.15 and 0.09 for differences between latency and amplitude measurements) from Laboratory 1. As for Laboratory 2, when investigating both ears, results did not identify significant differences ( p  = 0.098 and 0.28 for differences between latency and amplitude measurements). Conclusion  There was no difference verified in traces with and without subtraction. We suggest the identification of this potential performed through nonstandard stimuli. PMID:29018497

Multiple mini-interview as a predictor of performance in the objective structured clinical examination among Physician Associates in the United Kingdom: a cohort study

PubMed Central

Kumar, Narendra; Bhardwaj, Shailaja; Rahman, Eqram

2018-01-01

Introduction Patient satisfaction and health care outcomes are directly linked to useful communication skills. Therefore, excellent interpersonal skills are imperative for health care professionals. Multiple mini-interview (MMI) is designed as a selection tool to assess the communication skills of applicants in medical schools during the admission process. However, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assesses students’ communication and clinical skills at the end of their academic terms. Recently, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK, adopted MMI in the selection process for the first cohort of MSc Physician Associate trainees for the academic year 2015–2016. This study aimed to determine the likelihood of MMI as a predictor of future performance of communication skills in the OSCE. Materials and methods The anonymous data of the average scores of communication skills attained in MMI and OSCE at the end of year 1 were collected for 30 students from the Physician Associate program team. Subsequently, Pearson’s correlation was computed to determine the relationship between the average scores of communication skills attained in MMI, and OSCE during trimester 2 and trimester 3 by the Physician Associate trainees. Results The study showed positive correlation between the scores of communication skills attained in MMI and OSCE during trimester 2 (r=0.956, n=30, p<0.001) and trimester 3 (r=0.966, n=30, p<0.001). Conclusion The study provides empirical evidence for the validity of MMI as a predictor of future performance of Physician Associate trainees’ communication skills during subsequent OSCEs. PMID:29695944

Value of training on motivation among health workers in Narok County, Kenya

PubMed Central

Momanyi, George Osoro; Adoyo, Maureen Atieno; Mwangi, Eunice Muthoni; Mokua, Dennis Okari

2016-01-01

Introduction Training, as an additive human resources intervention is decisive to organizational performance. Employees require constant update of formal and informal knowledge alongside positive attitudes that have been defined as necessary in motivation leading to effectiveness in performance hence workplace training is tied to achieving organizational aims and objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of training on motivation among health workers in Narok County, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study utilizing a self administered questionnaire, targeting 237 health workers and 21 health managers was used. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 using descriptive statistics. Factor analysis was done on the training perception in relation to motivation. Results Majority of the respondents rated their motivation between 7 and 9 in the current health facility (35.4%), Sub-county (33.8%) and County (32.9%) with the median motivation level of 5. Majority of health workers 194 (81.9%) had received a form of training, of whom 191 (98.5%) indicated that on-job training was relevant to their tasks and that it motivated 192 (99.0%) of them to perform better due to coining skills to motivation. Training significantly predicted general motivation (p-value = 0.013), job satisfaction (p-value = .001), intrinsic job satisfaction (p-value = .001) and organisational commitment (p-value <.001). Conclusion The researchers concluded that there is a relationship between training and motivated health workforce in Narok County and recommended strengthening of current training initiatives by ensuring trainings are more regular and involvement of health workers in discussing their career development prospects. PMID:27516826

The Gift Code User Manual. Volume I. Introduction and Input Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-01

REPORT & PERIOD COVERED ‘TII~ GIFT CODE USER MANUAL; VOLUME 1. INTRODUCTION AND INPUT REQUIREMENTS FINAL 6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER ?. AuTHOR(#) 8...reverua side if neceaeary and identify by block number] (k St) The GIFT code is a FORTRANcomputerprogram. The basic input to the GIFT ode is data called

Developing a Knowledge Management Framework to Assist With Current USMC Information Management Practices

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................1 II. LITERATURE...LEFT BLANK 1 I. INTRODUCTION Marine Corps Information Management is performed in accordance with Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3...November 13). Air Force Center of Excellence for Knowledge Mangement Briefing. Washington, D.C. Alavi, M., & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Review: Knowledge

Chinese Communicating in the Culture Performance 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Galal; Lang, Yong

2006-01-01

This is the third text in a series of Mandarin Chinese learning texts. It continues with the theme of learning to communicate in various forms, emphasizing in this text on going to and coming from places. Contents include: (1) Acknowledgments; (2) Introduction; (3) Unit Four, Going Places and Doing Things; (4) Appendices; and (5) Introduction to…

Crew Factors in Flight Operations XIV: Alertness Management in Regional Flight Operations Education Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosekind, Mark R.; Co, Elizabeth L.; Neri, David F.; Oyung, Raymond L.; Mallis, Melissa M.

2002-01-01

Regional operations encompass a broad range of pilots and equipment. This module is intended to help all those involved in regional aviation, including pilots, schedulers, dispatchers, maintenance technicians, policy makers, and others, to understand the physiological factors underlying fatigue, how flight operations affect fatigue, and what can be done to counteract fatigue and maximize alertness and performance in their operations. The overall purpose of this module is to promote aviation safety, performance, and productivity. It is intended to meet three specific objectives: (1) to explain the current state of knowledge about the physiological mechanisms underlying fatigue; (2) to demonstrate how this knowledge can be applied to improving flight crew sleep, performance, and alertness; and (3) to offer strategies for alertness management. Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and National Transportation Safety Board (NISH) reports are used throughout this module to demonstrate that fatigue is a safety issue in the regional operations community. The appendices at the end of this module include the ASRS reports used for the examples contained in this publication, brief introductions to sleep disorders and relaxation techniques, summaries of relevant NASA publications, and a list of general readings on sleep, sleep disorders, and circadian rhythms.

Crew Factors in Flight Operations XV: Alertness Management in General Aviation Education Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosekind, Mark R.; Co, Elizabeth L.; Neri, David F.; Oyung, Raymond L.; Mallis, Melissa M.; Cannon, Mary M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Regional operations encompass a broad range of pilots and equipment. This module is intended to help all those involved in regional aviation, including pilots, schedulers, dispatchers, maintenance technicians, policy makers, and others, to understand the physiological factors underlying fatigue, how flight operations affect fatigue, and what can be done to counteract fatigue and maximize alertness and performance in their operations. The overall purpose of this module is to promote aviation safety, performance, and productivity. It is intended to meet three specific objectives: (1) to explain the current state of knowledge about the physiological mechanisms underlying fatigue; (2) to demonstrate how this knowledge can be applied to improving flight crew sleep, performance, and alertness; and (3) to offer strategies for alertness management. Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and National Transportation Safety Board (NISH) reports are used throughout this module to demonstrate that fatigue is a safety issue in the regional operations community. The appendices at the end of this module include the ASRS reports used for the examples contained in this publication, brief introductions to sleep disorders and relaxation techniques, summaries of relevant NASA publications, and a list of general readings on sleep, sleep disorders, and circadian rhythms.

An introduction to requirements capture using PVS: Specification of a simple autopilot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, Ricky W.

1996-01-01

This paper presents an introduction to capturing software requirements in the PVS formal language. The object of study is a simplified digital autopilot that was motivated in part by the mode control panel of NASA Langley's Boeing 737 research aircraft. The paper first presents the requirements for this autopilot in English and then steps the reader through a translation of these requirements into formal mathematics. Along the way deficiencies in the English specification are noted and repaired. Once completed, the formal PVS requirement is analyzed using the PVS theorem prover and shown to maintain an invariant over its state space.

Application of GIS in foreign direct investment decision support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianlan; Sun, Koumei

2007-06-01

It is important to make decisions on how to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to China and know how the inequality of FDI introduction by locational different provinces. Following background descriptions on China's FDI economic environments and FDI-related policies, this paper demonstrates the uses of geographical information system (GIS) and multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) framework in solving a spatial multi-objective problem of evaluating and ranking China's provinces for FDI introduction. It implements a foreign direct investment decision support system, which reveals the main determinants of FDI in China and gives some results of regional geographical analysis over spatial data.

The 1986/87 Army Communications Objectives Measurement System: Supplementary Tabulations of Enlisted Markets

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

and SEdward 11oke (We tat) 13a. TYPE OF REPORT 13b. TIME COVERED 14. DATE OF REPORT (Year, Month, Day) 15. PAGE COUNT Interim FROM 86/10 TO 87/06...TABULATIONS OF ENLISTED MARKETS 1. INTRODUCTION The Aray Communications Objectives Measurement System survey has been designed to provide timely information to...1987. During that time 6774 youth, ages 16 through 24, com- pleted the 30 minute ACOMS youth interview. A similar volume is also available for the

Hydrodynamics and Eutrophication Model Study of Indian River and Rehoboth Bay, Delaware

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

Station, Vicksburg, MS. V Chapter I: Introduction The Study System Indian River and Rehoboth Bay (Figure 1-1) are two water bodies that form part of the...and mass trans- port throughout the system . Objectives The primary objective of this study is to provide a hydrodynamic/ water quality model packge of...portion opens out into Indian River Bay (Figure 3-1). The cooling water diversion was included in the hydrodynamic model. Flow through the power plant, at

Working Group 3: Operations Analysis for Systems of System within a Networked C2 Context: Introduction, Purpose, and Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

1200 Session 3 – C2 Framework, OR Methods MOOs, MOEs, MOPs Development Case Study – 1300-1630 Session 4 – Findings...Objective 1: Understand the impact of the application of traditional operational research techniques to networked C2 systems. • Objective 2: Develop ...for the network. 3. Cost measures including cost and time to implement the solution (for example, a basic rule-of-thumb I use for development

Learning Distance Functions for Exemplar-Based Object Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-08

requires prior specific permission. Learning Distance Functions for Exemplar-Based Object Recognition by Andrea Lynn Frome B.S. ( Mary Washington...fantastic advisor and advocate when I was at Mary Washington College i and has since become a dear friend. Thank you, Dr. Bass, for continuing to stand...Antonio Torralba. 5 Chapter 1. Introduction 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 Number of training examples per class M ea n

Learning Distance Functions for Exemplar-Based Object Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Learning Distance Functions for Exemplar-Based Object Recognition by Andrea Lynn Frome B.S. ( Mary Washington College) 1996 A dissertation submitted...advisor and advocate when I was at Mary Washington College i and has since become a dear friend. Thank you, Dr. Bass, for continuing to stand by my...Torralba. 5 Chapter 1. Introduction 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 Number of training examples per class M ea n re co

Introduction to nanotechnology: a short course for high school students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markin, Alexey V.

2016-04-01

This report devoted to presenting results of development and implementation of a short course (4 hours) entitled "Introduction to Nanotechnology" that was specially designed for familiarizing high school students with nanomaterials and nanotechnology. The course contains introduction to nanotechnology, essential definitions, short overview of history, descriptions for various examples of nanomaterials and their classifications, performing demonstration experiments. All these parts of the course are briefly analyzed from pedagogical effectiveness point of view. Finally, results of course testing, problems and perspectives of nano-oriented education at high school are also discussed shortly.

[Advances of transgenic breeding in livestock].

PubMed

Yu, Da-Wei; Zhu, Hua-Bin; DU, Wei-Hua

2011-05-01

Transgenic technology represents a revolutionary way to produce elite livestock breeds, allowing introduction of alien gene into livestock genome. Currently, pronuclear microinjection of DNA and somatic cell nuclear transfer are two popular methods used to make transgenic farm animals. Transgenic technology can be used in livestock breeding for improving disease resistance, carcass composition, lactational performance, wool production, growth rate, and reproductive performance, as well as reducing negative environmental impact. In addition to introduction of animal transgenic technologies, this review described the status and the future perspective of transgenic breeding in livestock.

Administration of Distance-Teaching Institutions. A Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dodds, Tony, Comp.

Guidance for distance teaching media selection, management, and program organization is offered in this two-part manual. Each of eight units includes questions to be addressed, behavioral objectives, comments, exercises, and assignments. The first unit, a general introduction to distance teaching, is followed by four units covering distance…

Professional Competencies Development of Competitive Bachelors in Machine Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorozhkin, Evgenij M.; Tarasyuk, Olga V.; Sinkina, Elena A.; Deryabina, Ekaterina ?.; Sisimbaeva, Valeria S.

2016-01-01

The significance of the problem being investigated is conditioned by the need of introduction of considerable amendments to academic discipline content with the objective of ensuring effective education process and professional competencies development level increase of bachelors in machine engineering necessary in their professional activities…

Health Care Assistant. Instructor [Guide.] Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

This instructor's guide contains 65 lessons designed to aid teachers in presenting a course in basic nursing procedures for students studying for careers as health care assistants. Lesson plans consist of a scope, objectives, suggested supplementary teaching and learning items; references, an introduction, a lesson outline, handouts, evaluation…

THE NATIONAL HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT SURVEY (NHEXAS) STUDY IN ARIZONA-INTRODUCTION AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) in Arizona is to determine the multimedia distribution of total human exposure to environmental pollutants in the classes of metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the population of Ari...

Average Likelihood Methods of Classification of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

case of cognitive radio applications. Modulation classification is part of a broader problem known as blind or uncooperative demodulation the goal of...Introduction 2 2.1 Modulation Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2.2 Research Objectives...6 3 Modulation Classification Methods 7 3.0.1 Ad Hoc

A Unified Approach to the Study of Chemical Reactions in Freshman Chemistry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cassen, T.; DuBois, Thomas D.

1982-01-01

Provides rationale and objectives for presenting chemical reactions in a unified, logical six-stage approach rather than a piecemeal approach. Stages discussed include: introduction, stable electronic configurations and stable oxidation states, reactions between two free elements, ion transfer/proton transfer reactions, double displacement…

Introduction to Agribusiness. Unit A-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luft, Vernon D.; Backlund, Paul

This secondary curriculum guides is comprised of two jobs (units of instruction) designed to introduce students to Agribusiness. An introductory section lists the jobs included in the guide, intended use, unit objectives, and references. Jobs included are (1) Understanding the Importance of Agribusiness and (2) Defining Types of Business…

CyberEconomics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schenk, Robert

2003-01-01

Describes CyberEconomics, a complete, free, two-semester principles of economics textbook available on the World Wide Web. Contains chapters, sections, a table of contents, a set of learning objectives, and links to chapter introductions and sections. Offers a CD-ROM version available for a fee that contains interactive review questions. (JEH)

Teaching Group Interdependence: A Campus Murder Mystery Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minei, Elizabeth M.; Shearer Dunn, Karen

2017-01-01

Courses: Introduction to Communication; small group; interpersonal. Objectives: This single activity demonstrates: (1) how interdependence can lead to better group outcomes than individual outcomes can; (2) how diversity of knowledge from multiple contributors helps group functioning; and (3) how students can be introduced to members of the…

Advancing the Art of Inquiry in School Desegregation Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

System Development Corp., Santa Monica, CA.

This volume represents the results of an effort to reconsider school desegregation research from a "situational" perspective--one that recognizes macro and micro processes, objective and subjective forces, and proximal and distal influences. Part I is an introduction, "The Desegregation Situation," written by Jeffrey Prager,…

Active control of large space structures: An introduction and overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doane, G. B., III; Tollison, D. K.; Waites, H. B.

1985-01-01

An overview of the large space structure (LSS) control system design problem is presented. The LSS is defined as a class of system, and LSS modeling techniques are discussed. Model truncation, control system objectives, current control law design techniques, and particular problem areas are discussed.

Music: Instrumental Techniques, Conducting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grozan, Carl

A course in introduction to the conducting of music groups of voices or instruments is presented. The approach used is a laboratory approach in which pupils will develop skills in score reading, physical gestures, rehearsal techniques, transpositions, voice and instrument ranges. Course objectives include: (1) The pupil will identify all…

Kids in Germany: Comparing Students from Different Cultures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzhugh, William P.

This unit of study, intended for intermediate grade students, focuses on comparing students from different cultures: Germany and the United States. The unit addresses National Social Studies Standards (NCSS) standards; presents an introduction, such as purpose/rationale; cites a recommended grade level; states objectives; provides a time…

Tapping into Parallel Universes: Using Superhero Comic Books in Sociology Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Kelley J.; Lucal, Betsy

1999-01-01

Provides objectives and guidelines for preparing and executing a classroom exercise using superhero comic books. Discusses variations on the exercise for topics such as sociology of gender, social inequality, research methods, and introduction to sociology. Addresses purchasing comic books for the course. (CMK)

The Roles and Identification of Innovators and Linkers in the Technology Transfer Process.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 8 A. BACKGROUND 8 B. OBJECTIVES 10 C...innovation ( innova to r ) , and early knower of an innovation ” . Their self ~assessment ins t rumen t consisted of 18 mu l t ip l e~choice questions

Riding the Metro.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlile, Jan

This self-contained unit on the Paris Metro is intended for beginning students of French. The introduction to the teacher specifies the general goal (to be able to use the Metro for transportation), specific learning objectives, equipment needed, and the evaluation procedure. The student's learning activities are divided into four parts and…

Introduction to Systematic Instruction. (SCAT Project, Title VI-G).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Idaho State Dept. of Education, Boise.

Developed by the staff of SCAT (Support, Competency-Assistance and Training), the document provides information on systematic instructional procedures for teachers of exceptional children. Briefly addressed are the seven components of systematic instruction: initial assessment, establishment of long term goals, sequencing of short term objectives,…

TD4020: College and University Organization and Administration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hankin, Joseph

This document is a course syllabus for "College and University Organization and Administration." The purpose of the course is to provide an overview of the organizational structure and administrative nature of U.S. colleges, universities, and other learning organizations. Course objectives include: (1) an introduction of selected…

Using the Cascade Model to Improve Antenatal Screening for the Hemoglobin Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gould, Dinah; Papadopoulos, Irena; Kelly, Daniel

2012-01-01

Introduction: The inherited hemoglobin disorders constitute a major public health problem. Facilitators (experienced hemoglobin counselors) were trained to deliver knowledge and skills to "frontline" practitioners to enable them to support parents during antenatal screening via a cascade (train-the-trainer) model. Objectives of…

Twitter Conversation Patterns Related to Research Papers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelhans, Gustaf; Lorentzen, David Gunnarsson

2016-01-01

Introduction: This paper deals with what academic texts and datasets are referred to and discussed on Twitter. We used document object identifiers as references to these items. Method: We streamed tweets from the Twitter application programming interface including the strings "dx" and "doi" while simultaneously streaming tweets…

Professional Training of Future Teacher in Cross-Cultural Dialogue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Semenog, Olena

2014-01-01

On the example of propaedeutic educational course "Introduction to Slavic Philology" features of future teachers' professional training of cross-cultural dialogue are considered. Among the main objectives of the course, attention is focused on native language and other languages admirer's tolerance education, students' skills formation…

Project Genesis; Pre-School Diagnosis and Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1968

The introduction of a project designed to evaluate children before they enter kindergarten for potential learning problems lists additional objectives and the results of screening preschool children. Post-screening planning for each child, development of a workshop to prepare programers, presentations for parent and faculty education, and…

Curriculum Guidelines for Periodontics for Dental Hygiene Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Dental Education, 1986

1986-01-01

American Association of Dental Schools guidelines consist of an introduction to the field and its interrelationships with other fields of dental hygiene; an overview of the curriculum; outlines of primary educational goals, prerequisites, and specific content-related and clinical behavioral objectives; and recommendations concerning sequencing,…

An Introduction to Research and the Computer: A Self-Instructional Package.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vasu, Ellen Storey; Palmer, Richard I.

This self-instructional package includes learning objectives, definitions, exercises, and feedback for learning some basic concepts and skills involved in using computers for analyzing data and understanding basic research terminology. Learning activities are divided into four sections: research and research hypotheses; variables, cases, and…

High School Health Science Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirkwood Community Coll., Cedar Rapids, IA.

This curriculum guide contains units of study for high school health science courses in Iowa. The first section is a competency outline for three topics: introduction to health care; nurse aide/orderly; and rehabilitation aide. For each competency, the following information is provided: objectives; suggested learning activities; resources; and…

Relation between measures of speech-in-noise performance and measures of efferent activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Brad; Harkrider, Ashley; Burchfield, Samuel; Nabelek, Anna

2003-04-01

Individual differences in auditory perceptual abilities in noise are well documented but the factors causing such variability are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if individual differences in responses measured from the auditory efferent system were correlated to individual variations in speech-in-noise performance. The relation between behavioral performance on three speech-in-noise tasks and two objective measures of the efferent auditory system were examined in thirty normal-hearing, young adults. Two of the speech-in-noise tasks measured an acceptable noise level, the maximum level of speech-babble noise that a subject is willing to accept while listening to a story. For these, the acceptable noise level was evaluated using both an ipsilateral (story and noise in same ear) and a contralateral (story and noise in opposite ears) paradigm. The third speech-in-noise task evaluated speech recognition using monosyllabic words presented in competing speech babble. Auditory efferent activity was assessed by examining the resulting suppression of click-evoked otoacoustic emissions following the introduction of a contralateral, broad-band stimulus and the activity of the ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex arc was evaluated using tones and broad-band noise. Results will be discussed relative to current theories of speech in noise performance and auditory inhibitory processes.

Smoking abstinence and reinstatement effects in adolescent cigarette smokers

PubMed Central

Leventhal, Adam M.; Brazil, Linda; Lewis-Esquerre, Johanna; Stein, L. A. R.; Rohsenow, Damaris J.; Monti, Peter M.; Niaura, Raymond S.

2010-01-01

Introduction The study objectives were to examine smoking abstinence and reinstatement effects on subjective experience and cognitive performance among adolescent smokers. Methods Adolescents (aged 14–17 years, 60 daily smokers and 32 nonsmokers) participated. Participants completed baseline assessments (Session 1) and returned to the laboratory 1–3 days later to repeat assessments (Session 2); half of the smokers were randomly assigned to 15–17 hr tobacco abstinence preceding Session 2. Results During Session 2, abstaining smokers reported significantly greater increases in withdrawal symptoms, smoking urges, and negative affect compared with smokers who did not abstain and compared with nonsmokers. Smoking reinstatement reversed abstinence effects, returning to baseline levels for smoking urges and negative affect. Abstaining smokers showed significantly enhanced cognitive performance on two of six tasks (two-letter search compared with nonabstaining smokers; serial reaction time compared with nonsmokers); smoking reinstatement resulted in significant decrements on these two tasks relative to nonabstaining smokers. Discussion Effects of smoking abstinence and reinstatement on self-report measures are consistent with earlier research with adolescent as well as adult smokers and may help to elucidate the motivational underpinnings of smoking maintenance among adolescent smokers. Effects found on cognitive performance were contrary to hypotheses; further research is needed to understand better the role of cognitive performance effects in smoking maintenance among adolescents. PMID:19933776

Functional performance comparison between real and virtual tasks in older adults

PubMed Central

Bezerra, Ítalla Maria Pinheiro; Crocetta, Tânia Brusque; Massetti, Thais; da Silva, Talita Dias; Guarnieri, Regiani; Meira, Cassio de Miranda; Arab, Claudia; de Abreu, Luiz Carlos; de Araujo, Luciano Vieira; Monteiro, Carlos Bandeira de Mello

2018-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Ageing is usually accompanied by deterioration of physical abilities, such as muscular strength, sensory sensitivity, and functional capacity, making chronic diseases, and the well-being of older adults new challenges to global public health. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a task practiced in a virtual environment could promote better performance and enable transfer to the same task in a real environment. Method: The study evaluated 65 older adults of both genders, aged 60 to 82 years (M = 69.6, SD = 6.3). A timing coincident task was applied to measure the perceptual-motor ability to perform a motor response. The participants were divided into 2 groups: started in a real interface and started in a virtual interface. Results: All subjects improved their performance during the practice, but improvement was not observed for the real interface, as the participants were near maximum performance from the beginning of the task. However, there was no transfer of performance from the virtual to real environment or vice versa. Conclusions: The virtual environment was shown to provide improvement of performance with a short-term motor learning protocol in a timing coincident task. This result suggests that the practice of tasks in a virtual environment seems to be a promising tool for the assessment and training of healthy older adults, even though there was no transfer of performance to a real environment. Trial registration: ISRCTN02960165. Registered 8 November 2016. PMID:29369177

Comparison of Health Service Utilization for Febrile Children Before and After Introduction of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy in Rural Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Tsukahara, Takahiro; Sugahara, Takuma; Furusawa, Takuro; Hombhanje, Francis Wanak

2018-01-01

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), a malaria treatment policy using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) plus artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) was widely introduced to rural communities in 2012. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of this RDT/ACT introduction to a rural PNG population on health service utilization and to compare factors associated with health service utilization before and after the RDT/ACT introduction. Household surveys with structured questionnaires were conducted before and after the introduction of RDT/ACT in a catchment area of a health center in East Sepik Province, PNG. We interviewed caregivers with children less than 15 years of age and collected data on fever episodes in the preceding 2 weeks. Using propensity score matching, febrile children before the introduction of RDT/ACT were matched to febrile children after the introduction. Then, the adjusted difference in the proportion of health service utilization [i.e., the average treatment effect (ATE) of the introduction of RDT/ACT on health service utilization] was estimated. We also employed a multilevel Poisson regression model to investigate factors influencing the use of health services. Of 4,690 children, 911 (19%) were reported to have a fever episode. The unadjusted proportion of health service utilization was 51.7 and 57.2% before and after the RDT/ACT introduction, respectively. After matching, no significant difference in the health service utilization was observed before and after the introduction of RDT/ACT (ATE: 0.063, 95% confidence interval -0.024 to 0.150). Multilevel regression analysis showed that the consistent factors associated with a higher utilization of health services were severe illness and being female. The utilization of health services was not significantly different before and after the introduction of RDT/ACT. Villagers may have neither sufficient informations on the new protocol nor high acceptance of RDT/ACT. The observed gender bias in health service utilization could be due to female caregivers' preferences toward girls.

Protocol of the Swiss Longitudinal Cohort Study (SWICOS) in rural Switzerland

PubMed Central

Schoenenberger, Andreas W; Muggli, Franco; Parati, Gianfranco; Gallino, Augusto; Ehret, Georg; Suter, Paolo M; Schoenenberger-Berzins, Renate; Resink, Therese J; Erne, Paul

2016-01-01

Introduction Increased longevity and consequent major changes in demographics and population lifestyles necessitate new approaches to reduce the burden of ageing-related diseases (including cardiovascular disease) and maintain an optimal quality of life. This study aims to examine and longitudinally follow health status and disease risk factors in a Swiss rural cohort, evaluating all health-related research and practice disciplines to assure development of new implementable and successful preventive strategies for healthy ageing. Methods and objectives Small Swiss villages with low migration rates will be selected for this study. 2 villages (Cama/Lostallo) have already been selected as initial study sites. All residents (age ≥6 years, no upper age limit) are eligible. The target enrolment number per village is 300. Examinations and measurements encompass medical history, anthropometry, cardiac and vascular health, pulmonary function, physical performance, nutritional, mental and emotional status, biochemical and molecular analyses. Follow-up examinations (identical to baseline) will be performed after 5 and 10 years, and in 10-year intervals thereafter. The major objective is to assess, and observe change in, health status over time in a prospective manner. Secondary objectives are to: (1) identify ‘hidden’ (asymptomatic and/or unrecognised) health problems which enhance risk for chronic diseases; (2) identify barriers to accessing healthcare and adapting health behaviours; (3) evaluate efficacy of present preventive strategies and recommendations; (4) evaluate knowledge and attitude towards ongoing health programmes and public health recommendations; (5) monitor change and progress towards the national health objectives; (6) formulate new preventive strategies and recommendations based on the findings and knowledge base of the past 10 years; (7) formulate models for successful prevention of chronic diseases and for healthy ageing. Ethics and dissemination The Ethics Committee of Nordwest-und Zentralschweiz approved this study (EKNZ 2014-209). It is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02282748). Findings will be disseminated through scientific articles/presentations and public events. PMID:27895066

Factors associated with the timing of introduction of complementary feeding: the Generation R Study.

PubMed

Tromp, I I M; Briedé, S; Kiefte-de Jong, J C; Renders, C M; Jaddoe, V W V; Franco, O H; Hofman, A; Raat, H; Moll, H A

2013-06-01

Many parents do not follow recommendations for the timing of introduction of complementary feeding. The aim of this study was to identify determinants associated with the timing of introduction of complementary feeding in a multiethnic birth cohort. Subjects were 3561 mothers and infants participating in a prospective cohort study. The timing of introduction of complementary feeding and maternal and infant characteristics were obtained by parent-derived questionnaires. Regression analyses were performed to identify determinants for the timing of introduction of complementary feeding (<3, 3-6 and ≥ 6 months). In total, 62% of infants were introduced to complementary feeding before the age of 6 months. Determinants for very early (<3 months) introduction were being a single parent and infant day care attendance. Determinants for early (3-6 months) introduction were young maternal age, multiple parities, no infant family history of asthma, atopy and no infant history of allergy to cow's milk. Determinants for both very early and early introduction were low educational level and not fully breastfeeding for 4 months. Maternal educational level was only significantly associated with the timing of introduction in mothers of Western origin. This study confirmed determinants for the timing of introduction of complementary feeding that have been identified by previous studies, which may be appropriate targets for education and guidance. Moreover, mothers whose infants attend day care and have a family history of asthma, atopy or allergy to cow's milk may need guidance to follow infant feeding recommendations.

Performance-based financing to increase utilization of maternal health services: Evidence from Burkina Faso.

PubMed

Steenland, Maria; Robyn, Paul Jacob; Compaore, Philippe; Kabore, Moussa; Tapsoba, Boukary; Zongo, Aloys; Haidara, Ousmane Diadie; Fink, Günther

2017-12-01

Performance-based financing (PBF) programs are increasingly implemented in low and middle-income countries to improve health service quality and utilization. In April 2011, a PBF pilot program was launched in Boulsa, Leo and Titao districts in Burkina Faso with the objective of increasing the provision and quality of maternal health services. We evaluate the impact of this program using facility-level administrative data from the national health management information system (HMIS). Primary outcomes were the number of antenatal care visits, the proportion of antenatal care visits that occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy, the number of institutional deliveries and the number of postnatal care visits. To assess program impact we use a difference-in-differences approach, comparing changes in health service provision post-introduction with changes in matched comparison areas. All models were estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models with standard errors clustered at the facility level. On average, PBF facilities had 2.3 more antenatal care visits (95% CI [0.446-4.225]), 2.1 more deliveries (95% CI [0.034-4.069]) and 9.5 more postnatal care visits (95% CI [6.099, 12.903]) each month after the introduction of PBF. Compared to the service provision levels prior to the interventions, this implies a relative increase of 27.7 percent for ANC, of 9.2 percent for deliveries, and of 118.7 percent for postnatal care. Given the positive results observed during the pre-pilot period and the limited resources available in the health sector, the PBF program in Burkina Faso may be a low-cost, high impact intervention to improve maternal and child health.

Introduction of a paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet reduced preoperative anxiety in children.

PubMed

Kassai, B; Rabilloud, M; Dantony, E; Grousson, S; Revol, O; Malik, S; Ginhoux, T; Touil, N; Chassard, D; Pereira de Souza Neto, E

2016-07-01

The aim of the study was to determine whether the introduction of a paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet reduced preoperative anxiety levels of children undergoing major surgery. Secondary objectives were to determine whether the level of understanding of participants and other risk factors influence STAIC-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State subscale) score in children. We performed a randomized controlled parallel-group trial comparing preoperative anxiety between two groups of children aged >6 and <17 yr. Before surgery, the intervention group received a comic information leaflet at home in addition to routine information given by the anaesthetist at least 1 day before surgery. The control group received the routine information only. The outcome measure was the difference between STAIC-S scores measured before any intervention and after the anaesthetist's visit. A multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the influence of the level of education, the anxiety of parents, and the childrens' intelligence quotient on STAIC-S scores. One hundred and fifteen children were randomized between April 2009 and April 2013. An intention-to-treat analysis on data from 111 patients showed a significant reduction (P=0.002) in STAIC-S in the intervention group (n=54, mean=-2.2) compared with the control group (n=57, mean=0.90). The multiple regression analysis did not show any influence on STAIC-S scores of the level of education, parental anxiety, or the intelligence quotient of the children. A paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet was a cheap and effective means of reducing preoperative anxiety, measured by STAIC-S, in children. NCT 00841022. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Introduction of a paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet reduced preoperative anxiety in children

PubMed Central

Kassai, B.; Rabilloud, M.; Dantony, E.; Grousson, S.; Revol, O.; Malik, S.; Ginhoux, T.; Touil, N.; Chassard, D.; Pereira de Souza Neto, E.

2016-01-01

Background The aim of the study was to determine whether the introduction of a paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet reduced preoperative anxiety levels of children undergoing major surgery. Secondary objectives were to determine whether the level of understanding of participants and other risk factors influence STAIC-S (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State subscale) score in children. Methods We performed a randomized controlled parallel-group trial comparing preoperative anxiety between two groups of children aged >6 and <17 yr. Before surgery, the intervention group received a comic information leaflet at home in addition to routine information given by the anaesthetist at least 1 day before surgery. The control group received the routine information only. The outcome measure was the difference between STAIC-S scores measured before any intervention and after the anaesthetist's visit. A multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the influence of the level of education, the anxiety of parents, and the childrens' intelligence quotient on STAIC-S scores. Results One hundred and fifteen children were randomized between April 2009 and April 2013. An intention-to-treat analysis on data from 111 patients showed a significant reduction (P=0.002) in STAIC-S in the intervention group (n=54, mean=−2.2) compared with the control group (n=57, mean=0.90). The multiple regression analysis did not show any influence on STAIC-S scores of the level of education, parental anxiety, or the intelligence quotient of the children. Conclusions A paediatric anaesthesia comic information leaflet was a cheap and effective means of reducing preoperative anxiety, measured by STAIC-S, in children. Clinical trials registration NCT 00841022. PMID:27317708

Predictors of respiratory instability in neonates undergoing patient ductus arteriosus ligation after the introduction of targeted milrinone treatment.

PubMed

Ting, Joseph Y; Resende, Maura; More, Kiran; Nicholls, Donna; Weisz, Dany E; El-Khuffash, Afif; Jain, Amish; McNamara, Patrick J

2016-08-01

The postoperative course of preterm babies undergoing surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is often complicated by postligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS). Despite targeted milrinone prophylaxis, some infants continue to experience postoperative respiratory deterioration. Our objective is to describe the immediate postoperative course and identify risk factors for respiratory instability when preterm infants undergoing PDA ligation are managed with targeted milrinone treatment. A retrospective review of a cohort of infants undergoing PDA ligation between January, 2010 and August, 2013 was conducted. All infants had a targeted neonatal echocardiogram performed 1 hour after surgery. Infants received prophylactic milrinone treatment if the left ventricular output was <200 mL/kg/min. The primary outcome measure was the development of respiratory instability within 24 hours of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of respiratory instability. Eighty-six infants with a median gestational age of 25 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 24-26) and a birth weight of 740 g (IQR, 640-853) were included in this study. Forty-nine (57.0%) received milrinone prophylaxis. There were 44 (51.2%) infants who developed oxygenation or ventilation failure, and 7 (8.1%) neonates developed PLCS. Infants with longer isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT ≥30 milliseconds) were more likely to develop either oxygenation or ventilation failure. Although the incidence of PLCS has declined after the introduction of targeted milrinone prophylaxis, many preterm infants continue to develop respiratory instability after surgical ligation. In this population, diastolic dysfunction manifested by prolonged IVRT could be associated with an adverse postoperative respiratory course. Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MO-G-12A-01: Quantitative Imaging Metrology: What Should Be Assessed and How?

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

Giger, M; Petrick, N; Obuchowski, N

The first two symposia in the Quantitative Imaging Track focused on 1) the introduction of quantitative imaging (QI) challenges and opportunities, and QI efforts of agencies and organizations such as the RSNA, NCI, FDA, and NIST, and 2) the techniques, applications, and challenges of QI, with specific examples from CT, PET/CT, and MR. This third symposium in the QI Track will focus on metrology and its importance in successfully advancing the QI field. While the specific focus will be on QI, many of the concepts presented are more broadly applicable to many areas of medical physics research and applications. Asmore » such, the topics discussed should be of interest to medical physicists involved in imaging as well as therapy. The first talk of the session will focus on the introduction to metrology and why it is critically important in QI. The second talk will focus on appropriate methods for technical performance assessment. The third talk will address statistically valid methods for algorithm comparison, a common problem not only in QI but also in other areas of medical physics. The final talk in the session will address strategies for publication of results that will allow statistically valid meta-analyses, which is critical for combining results of individual studies with typically small sample sizes in a manner that can best inform decisions and advance the field. Learning Objectives: Understand the importance of metrology in the QI efforts. Understand appropriate methods for technical performance assessment. Understand methods for comparing algorithms with or without reference data (i.e., “ground truth”). Understand the challenges and importance of reporting results in a manner that allows for statistically valid meta-analyses.« less

Food for all.

PubMed

Ganzin, M

1975-01-01

Ensuring food for all requires an interdisciplinary approach, an evaluation of all sectors of the economy and the formulation of objectives which include proper nutrition in overall development plans. It is my contention that the introduction of nutrition priorities at this level, complemented with the traditional immediate and short-term measures of food aid, nutrition programmes, health campaigns and nutrition education will do much to alleviate the world's food problems. Priorities must be defined, planning structures strengthened, and politicians convinced that objectives can be reached. Otherwise, meagre resources will continue to give low priority to agriculture and social reform and we will have accomplished little toward our objective of food for all.

Aspects, Wrappers and Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Filman, Robert E.

2003-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides information on Object Infrastructure Framework (OIF), an Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) system. The presentation begins with an introduction to the difficulties and requirements of distributed computing, including functional and non-functional requirements (ilities). The architecture of Distributed Object Technology includes stubs, proxies for implementation objects, and skeletons, proxies for client applications. The key OIF ideas (injecting behavior, annotated communications, thread contexts, and pragma) are discussed. OIF is an AOP mechanism; AOP is centered on: 1) Separate expression of crosscutting concerns; 2) Mechanisms to weave the separate expressions into a unified system. AOP is software engineering technology for separately expressing systematic properties while nevertheless producing running systems that embody these properties.

Use of international foundations of medicine clinical sciences examination to evaluate students' performance in the local examination at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Dash, Nihar Ranjan; Abdalla, Mohamed Elhassan; Hussein, Amal

2017-01-01

Several medical schools around the world are moving away from isolated, locally developed in-house assessments to the introduction of external examinations into their curriculum. Although the objective varies, it is typically done to evaluate, audit, and compare students' performance to international standards. Similarly, the International Foundations of Medicine-Clinical Sciences Examination (IFOM-CSE) was introduced in the College of Medicine at the University of Sharjah as an external assessment criterion in addition to the existing in-house assessments. The aim of this study was to compare the student performance in this newly introduced IFOM-CSE examination and the existing in-house final examination in the college. The scores of three consecutive final-year undergraduate medical student batches (2013-2015) who took both the IFOM-CSE and the existing in-house final examination were analyzed. Pearson correlation and one-way analysis of variance test were conducted using SPSS 22. The students' scores in the IFOM-CSE and in the final examination prepared locally were highly correlated with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.787 for batch 2013, 0.827 for batch 2014, and 0.830 for batch 2015 (P < 0.0005). Interestingly, while the mean scores of the IFOM-CSE among the three batches in the years 2013, 2014, and 2015 (475, 492, and 513, respectively) showed improvement with borderline significance (F[2226] = 2.73, P = 0.067), local examination scores showed a significant improvement during the study period (F[2277] = 52.87, P < 0.0005). The findings of this study showed that students' scores in the local examination were consistently correlated with their scores in the IFOM-CSE over all the three batches. Thus, introduction of external examination can be an important evaluation tool to a comprehensive internal assessment system providing evidence of external validity.

Analysis of illegal peptide drugs via HILIC-DAD-MS.

PubMed

Janvier, Steven; De Sutter, Evelien; Wynendaele, Evelien; De Spiegeleer, Bart; Vanhee, Celine; Deconinck, Eric

2017-11-01

Biopharmaceuticals have established themselves as highly efficient medicines, and are still one of the fastest growing parts of the health-product industry. Unfortunately, the introduction of these promising new drugs went hand in hand with the creation of a black market for illegal and counterfeit biotechnology drugs. Particularly popular are the lyophilised peptides with a molecular weight of less than 5kDa. Most of them are meant for subcutaneous injection and are easily accessible via the internet. In recent years, different methods based on reversed phase liquid chromatography have been developed to detect and quantify these peptides. The emerging of more polar peptides however requires the introduction of other separation techniques. Therefore, we set out to develop and validate an analytical method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) to identify and quantify the most frequently encountered illegal peptides on the European market. For this objective, five different HILIC columns were selected and screened for their chromatographic performance. Among those columns, the ZIC HILIC column showed the best performance under the tested screening conditions in terms of resolution and symmetry factor for the targeted peptide set. Hence, the operational conditions were further optimised for the identification of illegal preparations via mass spectrometry (MS) and quantification via UV. Validation was performed via accuracy profiles based on the ISO 17025 guideline. The obtained validated HILIC-method allows for the detection and quantification of the most frequently encountered illegal peptides on the internet in a total run time of 35min including post gradient equilibration and online cleaning step. Combined with a previously developed RPLC-method, the ZIC HILIC system allows for the detection and quantification of a wide spectrum of illicit peptide drugs available on the internet. Furthermore, the developed method could also be envisaged for the detection of new emerging polar peptide drugs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The construct validity of HPAT-Ireland for the selection of medical students: unresolved issues and future research implications.

PubMed

Kelly, Maureen E; O'Flynn, Siun

2017-05-01

Aptitude tests are widely used in selection. However, despite certain advantages their use remains controversial. This paper aims to critically appraise five sources of evidence for the construct validity of the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT)-Ireland, an aptitude test used for selecting undergraduate medical students. The objectives are to identify gaps in the evidence, draw comparisons with other aptitude tests and outline future research directions. Our appraisal of the literature found that stakeholder feedback indicates that there is reasonable evidence for test content validity for two of the three sections of HPAT-Ireland. By contrast the Non-Verbal Reasoning section is widely criticised as having limited relevance to medical school performance and future clinical practice. In terms of concurrent validity there is a significant small to medium, negative correlation with school exit examinations, but not consistently so across all studies (r = -0.18, -0.28, 0.017). Likewise predictive validity studies vary, from negative to moderate strength correlations with examination performance during early years at medical school. Five studies indicate that HPAT-Ireland is supported in principle by the majority of stakeholders. While one consequence of its introduction is that successful applicants are now coming from more diverse academic backgrounds, there is no evidence that the socio-economic background of medical school entrants has been altered significantly. Negative perceptions of unfairness relating to gender, coaching and socio-economics remain. The evidence to date suggests that while there are slight gender differences, initially favouring males, these vary year on year. In conclusion, the attitudes towards, and performance of, HPAT-Ireland is not unlike that of other aptitude tests widely used internationally. The main justifications for its introduction have been achieved, in that Ireland no longer relies exclusively on a single measure of academic record for selection to medical school. However a number of areas require further research and exploration.

Monocular depth perception using image processing and machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hombali, Apoorv; Gorde, Vaibhav; Deshpande, Abhishek

2011-10-01

This paper primarily exploits some of the more obscure, but inherent properties of camera and image to propose a simpler and more efficient way of perceiving depth. The proposed method involves the use of a single stationary camera at an unknown perspective and an unknown height to determine depth of an object on unknown terrain. In achieving so a direct correlation between a pixel in an image and the corresponding location in real space has to be formulated. First, a calibration step is undertaken whereby the equation of the plane visible in the field of view is calculated along with the relative distance between camera and plane by using a set of derived spatial geometrical relations coupled with a few intrinsic properties of the system. The depth of an unknown object is then perceived by first extracting the object under observation using a series of image processing steps followed by exploiting the aforementioned mapping of pixel and real space coordinate. The performance of the algorithm is greatly enhanced by the introduction of reinforced learning making the system independent of hardware and environment. Furthermore the depth calculation function is modified with a supervised learning algorithm giving consistent improvement in results. Thus, the system uses the experience in past and optimizes the current run successively. Using the above procedure a series of experiments and trials are carried out to prove the concept and its efficacy.

Supply Chain Synchronization: Improving Distribution Velocity to the Theatre

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Figures ix List of Tables x I. Introduction 1 II. Literature Review 4...DISTRIBUTION VELOCITY TO THE THEATRE I. Introduction “When you do battle, even if you are winning, if you continue for a long time it will...jointvision/jvpub2.htm Accessed 9 March 2009. Lambert, Douglas M. Supply Chain Mangement : Processes, Partnerships, Performance. Jacksonville: The

Introduction to Industry Services. Self-Paced Instructional Module. Module Number I-A.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Kent

One of 33 self-paced instructional modules categorized under 13 major headings, which have been prepared for training industry services leaders to provide guidance in the performance of industry service tasks, this module is an introduction for those who need basic information about the concepts and activities of industry services programs.…

Muscular Strength Gains and Sensory Perception Changes: A Comparison of Electrical and Combined Electrical/Magnetic Stimulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-10

vi LIST OF FIGURES.......................................... Viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................... 1... INTRODUCTION Physical therapists have used neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to strengthen muscle (improve muscle performance, ie torque) and prevent...found NMES induced strength gains, though showing a positive trend, to be statistically insignificant.39,52 These results may be due to technological

Optical versus Virtual: Teaching Assistant Perceptions of the Use of Virtual Microscopy in an Undergraduate Human Anatomy Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collier, Larissa; Dunham, Stacey; Braun, Mark W.; O'Loughlin, Valerie Dean

2012-01-01

Many studies that evaluate the introduction of technology in the classroom focus on student performance and student evaluations. This study focuses on instructor evaluation of the introduction of virtual microscopy into an undergraduate anatomy class. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with graduate teaching assistants (TA) and analyzed…

Task-Oriented Language Acquisition and the Advanced Learner of French.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rolin-Ianziti, Jeanne; McCarthy, Brian

A new third-year French textbook, in its introduction, describes its rationale and construction. The book's main objective is to provide authentic material for developing students' linguistic skills, focusing on language learning rather than civilization but including a cultural component. The textbook's organization is based on 20 recorded…

HRD and Learning Organisations in Europe. Routledge Studies in Human Resource Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tjepkema, Saskia, Ed.; Stewart, Jim, Ed.; Sambrook, Sally, Ed.; Mulder, Martin, Ed.; ter Horst, Hilde, Ed.; Scheerens, Jaap, Ed.

This book presents results of a European study into the changing role of human resource development (HRD). Chapter 1, "Introduction," describes the background, objectives, research questions, and underlying research project. Chapter 2, "Learning Organizations and HRD" (Saskia Tjepkema, Hilde ter Horst, Martin Mulder), discusses…

Coal and Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryant, Reba; And Others

This teaching unit explores coal as an energy resource. Goals, student objectives, background information, and activity options are presented for each major section. The sections are: (1) an introduction to coal (which describes how and where coal was formed and explains the types of coal); (2) the mining of coal (including the methods and ways of…

Sensitivity Analysis Based Approaches for Mitigating the Effects of Reducible Interval Input Uncertainty on Single- and Multi-Disciplinary Systems Using Multi-Objective Optimization

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Multi-Disciplinary, Multi-Output Sensitivity Analysis ( MIMOSA ) .........29 3.1 Introduction to Research Thrust 1...39 3.3 MIMOSA Approach ..........................................................................................41 3.3.1...Collaborative Consistency of MIMOSA .......................................................41 3.3.2 Formulation of MIMOSA

Walking on by Is Just the Beginning: Dialogically Interrogating Face-Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herakova, Liliana L.

2016-01-01

Courses: Introduction to Communication Studies, Interpersonal Communication, Nonverbal Communication. Objectives: After completing this single-class activity, students should be able to (1) describe and interpret face-work as a communicative act that both reflects and constructs identity, (2) explain the concept of intersectionality in basic…

Stamping Die Making. 439-318/320.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yunke, P.; And Others

Each unit in this curriculum guide on stamping die making contains an introduction, objectives, materials required, lessons, space for notes, figures, and diagrams. There are 29 units in this guide, dealing with the following topics: EZ-MILL programming; EZ-MILL BATT; print of punch and EZ-MILL part programming; download to Computer Numerical…

Get the Skills Your Need...

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vincennes Univ., IN.

Compiled to assist advisors at Vincennes University (VU), a two-year college in Indiana, as well as high school counselors and prospective students, this book provides information on placement at VU and entry-level skills needed for success in specific programs, majors, or courses. A brief introduction describes the objectives of the skills guide…

Producing the 8mm Self-Instructional Film: A Demonstration Kit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerlach, Vernon S.

How does one conduct a workshop in self-instructional film production? A demonstration kit was put together to enable a teacher to do this. It consists of five monographs' ("Programing the Instructional Film", "Stating Objectives", "Developing The Instructional Specification", "An Introduction to Programing", and "Lighting Fundamentals"), one 8mm…

Improvement with Duloxetine in an Adult ADHD Patient

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tourjman, Smadar Valerie; Bilodeau, Mathieu

2009-01-01

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and disabling disorder among adults and is treated with stimulant and non stimulant medication. Objective: To report the case of a patient with ADHD showing good clinical response to duloxetine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). Case…

Considerations in Duplex Investment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Arthur; Goen, Tom

Problems of duplex investment are noted in the introduction to this booklet designed to provide a technique by which the investment decision can be approached, develop estimates of typical costs and returns under differing conditions, and encourage investors to analyze objectives and conditions before the decision to buy or build is made. A…

Energy Conservation Activities for the Classroom K-12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kentucky Dept. of Energy, Frankfort.

After a brief introduction entitled "Where Does the Energy We Use Come From," this unit presents 86 activities. Each activity gives the title, concept, objectives, subject area, level, time involved, materials needed, procedures, and related career activities. Topics cover everything from housing insulation to alternate sources of energy to energy…

Overnight incubation of entire broiler carcass for increased detection of Salmonella

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Introduction Broiler carcasses are generally sampled for presence of human pathogens such as Salmonella by whole carcass rinse and enrichment of a portion of the rinse. This may leave firmly attached cells out of the analysis potentially leading to false negative results. Purpose The objective of ...

Music: Instrumental Techniques, Woodwinds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Melvin

A course in introduction to music emphasizing modes and forms is presented. The approach used is a laboratory approach in which pupils will develop skill in playing wood-wind instruments, sing, listen to, read and compose music with emphasis on identification of elementary concepts of mode and form. Course objectives include: (1) pupil will select…

Introduction to Surgical Technology. Teacher Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bushey, Vicki; And Others

This instructor's manual contains 14 units of instruction for a course on surgical technology designed to include the entry-level competencies students need to enter any of the more advanced surgical technology courses. Each unit includes some or all of the following basic components of a unit of instruction: objective sheet, suggested activities…

ETA: Helping to Improve American Worklife.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Employment and Training Administration (DOL), Washington, DC.

This booklet serves as an introduction to the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and describes the ETA's development and the services it provides to employers and jobseekers. It details programs, field services, history, prime objectives, and the 1978 legislation concerning ETA and CETA. Special areas discussed in detail are the…

Alabama Course of Study: Humanities, K-12. Bulletin 1983, No. 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alabama State Dept. of Education, Montgomery.

A scope and sequence for incorporating humanities into the existing K-12 curriculum contains 8 sections. Following an introduction, the first section outlines characteristics of an effective humanities program. The second and third sections contain teacher and student objectives for a humanities program, minimum requirements, and alternatives for…

Space Object Detection and Tracking Within a Finite Set Statistics Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-13

Software for source extraction. Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Series, 117(2):393–404, 1996. [4] William M. Bolstad. Introduction to Bayesian...Urban, T Corbin, G Wycoff, Ulrich Bastian, Peter Schwekendiek, and A Wicenec. The tycho-2 catalogue of the 2.5 million brightest stars. Astronomy and

Appendix W. Cost Analysis in Teacher Education Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sell, G. Roger; And Others

This paper is an introduction to the basic cost-related tools available to management for planning, evaluating, and organizing resources for the purpose of achieving objectives within a teacher education preparation program. Three tools are presented in separate sections. Part I on the cost accounting tool for identifying, categorizing, and…

Introduction to the USDA-Agricultural Research Service Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory Special Rangelands Issue

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Labortory (PPRL) in Logan, UT will sponsor an edition of the magazine Rangelands. This paper provides a brief history and overview of the PPRL, mission statement, research objectives by CRIS, and the disciplines involved in the research....

Indigenous Language Education and Literacy: Introduction to the Theme Issue.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarty, Teresa L.; Zepeda, Ofelia

1995-01-01

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Using a Quasi-Experimental Research Design to Assess Knowledge in Continuing Medical Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markert, Ronald J.; O'Neill, Sally C.; Bhatia, Subhash C.

2003-01-01

Introduction: The objectives of continuing medical education (CME) programs include knowledge acquisition, skill development, clinical reasoning and decision making, and health care outcomes. We conducted a yearlong medical education research study in which knowledge acquisition in our CME programs was assessed. Method: A randomized…

The Research Priorities of People with Visual Impairments in the Netherlands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schölvinck, Anne-Floor M.; Pittens, Carina A. C. M.; Broerse, Jacqueline E. W.

2017-01-01

Introduction: Despite the relatively high prevalence and challenges of visual impairments, limited funding is available for ophthalmologic research in the Netherlands. The research needs of people with visual impairments could aid the ophthalmological research community to optimally distribute research resources. The objective of the study…

Families on the Grow.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Irene K.; Phillips, Marjorie M.

This correspondence course was designed to help parents better understand their growing children and themselves as parents. The introduction briefly sketches the importance of the family in child development. Each of the five illustrated lessons contains 7 to 12 pages on one aspect of family life. Each lesson contains a set of objectives, a…

An Evaluation of the '72 Summer Workshop on Individualized Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mohan, Madan; Hull, Ronald E.

This report evaluated a 2-week summer workshop for 37 teachers, supervisors, and administrators involved in the study and implementation of individualized instruction programs in western New York. After a brief introduction, general objectives and planning procedures of the workshop were presented. Participation selection was based on a…

Media Education: Sociology Surveys

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fedorov, Alexander

2007-01-01

In Russia as well as in foreign countries we can witness sort of the confusion of the terms of "media education" and "media literacy". There are quite a few differences in theoretical approaches to media education, to distinguishing of the most important aims, objectives, means of introduction into the teaching process, etc.…

Introduction to Vocational Agriculture/Agribusiness. Unit A-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luft, Vernon D.; Backlund, Paul

This secondary curriculum guide is comprised of three jobs (units of instruction) designed to introduce students to vocational agriculture. An introductory section lists the jobs included in the guide, intended use, unit objectives, and references. Jobs included are (1) Recognizing the Importance of Agriculture, (2) Understanding the Vocational…

Assisting the Adult with a Respiratory Condition. Care of the Adult.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anoka-Hennepin Area Vocational Technical Inst., MN.

These three units for students in a practical nursing program provide supplemental instruction in caring for adult patients with respiratory conditions. Unit titles are Introduction to Care of the Patient with a Respiratory Condition, Infectious Respiratory Conditions, and Chronic Lung Conditions. Each unit contains the following: objectives, an…

The Nature of Automated Jobs and Their Educational and Training Requirements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fine, S.A.

Objective information concerning the impact of automation on educational and training requirements was obtained for 132 employees engaged in electron tube, computer, and steel manufacturing processes through management questionnaire responses, analysis of job functions, and employer interviews before and after the introduction of automation. The…

Materials Handling. Module SH-01. Safety and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

This student module on materials handling is one of 50 modules concerned with job safety and health. It presents the procedures for safe materials handling. Discussed are manual handling methods (lifting and carrying by hand) and mechanical lifting (lifting by powered trucks, cranes or conveyors). Following the introduction, 15 objectives (each…

Physical Education. A Program For All Seasons. Grades 7-12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Idaho State Dept. of Education, Boise. Div. of Instructional Improvement.

This curriculum guide provides the basis for planning physical education programs for seventh through twelfth grade students in Idaho. Included are: (1) philosophy, goals and objectives, and guiding principles; (2) introduction to junior and high school student characteristics with implications for physical education program design; (3) a 135-item…

Backpacking. Outdoor Living Skills Series. Instructor Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mentis, Jim

Intended for use by those who teach or work with youth in classroom or organizational settings, this self-contained module is designed to teach novices how to prepare for and conduct a safe backpack trip. Initial chapters present background information under nine headings: introduction (objectives, backpack history, information about Missouri…