Hawai'i Youth at Risk? Conceptual Challenges in Communicating a Statewide Mentoring Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollard, Vincent Kelly

This paper discusses several issues considered as part of a statewide mentoring initiative. It is divided into three sections. The first section summarizes the key issues associated with short-term mentoring and mentoring in a longer-term, socially transformative context. Data from Comprehensive School Alienation Program is discussed concerning…

DOT's Budget: Safety, Management, and Other Issues Facing the Department in Fiscal Year 1998 and Beyond

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-03-06

This testimony discusses key resource management issues and performance challenges facing the Department of Transportation in 1998 and beyond. 1. Increased safety and security concerns prompted by accidents and maintenance issues. 2. Important manage...

Environmental Scanning and the Information Manager.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newsome, James; McInerney, Claire

1990-01-01

Discusses nine components of an environmental scanning model: selecting the scanning team; selecting resources to scan; choosing criteria for scanning; scanning the resources; identifying signals of new issues; selecting key events/issues; monitoring and analyzing events/issues; disseminating information; and deciding on appropriate organizational…

Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

Sessions in this conference include: Mars polar geology and glaciology; Mars and terrestrial radar investigations; Observations, nature, and evolution of the Martian seasonal polar caps; Mars' residual south polar cap; Climate change, ice core analysis, and the redistribution of volatiles on Mars; errestrial Mars analog environments; The Phoenix Scout mission and the nature of the near-polar environment; Moderated Discussion: Key Issues Regarding Phoenix Scout Mission and the nature of the near-polar environment; Panel Discussion: Key Issues in Mars Polar Science and Exploration; Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter investigations of the Martian polar regions and climate; Mars Polar Scout Mission concepts; and Panel Discussion: New perspectives on Mars polar science and exploration

The Role of Gender in the Socialization of Emotion: Key Concepts and Critical Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Root, Amy Kennedy; Denham, Susanne A.

2010-01-01

Given the omnipresent role of gender in children's and adolescents' development, it seems necessary to better understand how gender affects the process of emotion socialization. In this introductory chapter, the authors discuss the overarching themes and key concepts discussed in this volume, as well as outline the distinct contribution of each…

Questioning Inclusion: The Education of Roma/Traveller Students and Young People in Europe and England--A Critical Examination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Themelis, Spyros

2009-01-01

This article deals with issues pertinent to the "inclusion" of Roma/Traveller children and young people in Europe and, in particular, England. It discusses some key issues that pertain to the inclusion of Roma/Traveller groups in society and it critically presents some key policies that have been advanced to tackle educational and social…

Quality assurance in transnational higher education: a case study of the tropEd network

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Transnational or cross-border higher education has rapidly expanded since the 1980s. Together with that expansion issues on quality assurance came to the forefront. This article aims to identify key issues regarding quality assurance of transnational higher education and discusses the quality assurance of the tropEd Network for International Health in Higher Education in relation to these key issues. Methods Literature review and review of documents. Results From the literature the following key issues regarding transnational quality assurance were identified and explored: comparability of quality assurance frameworks, true collaboration versus erosion of national education sovereignty, accreditation agencies and transparency. The tropEd network developed a transnational quality assurance framework for the network. The network accredits modules through a rigorous process which has been accepted by major stakeholders. This process was a participatory learning process and at the same time the process worked positive for the relations between the institutions. Discussion The development of the quality assurance framework and the process provides a potential example for others. PMID:23537108

Current Issues: Critical Issues Confronting the Nation and the World. 1997 Edition [and] Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Close Up Foundation, Arlington, VA.

This student text and teacher's guide feature current events and policy issues that are in discussion today. The books offer background on 20 important domestic and foreign policy issues and present arguments from both sides of key issues. The books are divided into three sections. Section 1, "The Federal Government," contains: (1) "The Clinton…

Design issues for lunar in situ aluminum/oxygen propellant rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Michael L.

1992-01-01

Design issues for lunar ascent and lunar descent rocket engines fueled by aluminum/oxygen propellant produced in situ at the lunar surface were evaluated. Key issues are discussed which impact the design of these rockets: aluminum combustion, throat erosion, and thrust chamber cooling. Four engine concepts are presented, and the impact of combustion performance, throat erosion and thrust chamber cooling on overall engine design are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each engine concept are presented.

International and cross-cultural issues: six key challenges for our professions.

PubMed

Marshall, Julie

2003-01-01

This paper discusses a number of key challenges facing professionals who work with people who have communication disabilities. The challenges are related to working internationally and in a cross-culturally competent way. Each challenge is discussed, drawing on material from a range of sources, including the papers in the final 2003 edition of FOLIA PHONIATRICA ET LOGOPAEDICA ('International and Cross-Cultural Issues'). The challenges discussed cover how experiences from majority world countries can be used to benefit services elsewhere, 'mainstreaming' commitment to cross-cultural competence, learning from relationships with other professionals, influencing research practice, responding to requests to work internationally and finally, dealing with cultural differences that challenge working practices. Some solutions are suggested and additional questions posed. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Data publication and dissemination of interactive keys under the open access model

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The concepts of publication, citation and dissemination of interactive keys and other online keys are discussed and illustrated by a sample paper published in the present issue (doi: 10.3897/zookeys.21.271). The present model is based on previous experience with several existing examples of publishi...

Is Accreditation Accountable? The Continuing Conversation between Accreditation and the Federal Government. CHEA Monograph Series 2003, Number 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eaton, Judith S.

2003-01-01

This monograph addresses key issues in the current discussion between accreditation and the federal government relative to accountability and higher education. The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) now being discussed in Congress is driving this issue to the top of the academic agenda. The paper describes some of the accountability…

Learning, Motivation, and Transfer: Successful Teacher Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Lex

2012-01-01

In this article, I am concerned with three key issues of teacher professional development--teacher learning, motivation, and transfer of learning. Each issue has received minimal attention in teacher professional development literature. The three issues are discussed, and a model of an integrative professional development approach is outlined,…

Bulimia: A Self-Psychological and Ego-Developmental View.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brenner-Liss, Deborah

1986-01-01

Discusses key clinical issues in the treatment of bulimia with clinical examples from a self-psychological and ego-developmental point of view. Identifies three developmental issues for bulimia: self-regulatory, differentiation, and self-esteem. (Author/ABB)

Ethical Responsibility Key to Computer Security.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynn, M. Stuart

1989-01-01

The pervasiveness of powerful computers and computer networks has raised the specter of new forms of abuse and of concomitant ethical issues. Blurred boundaries, hackers, the Computer Worm, ethical issues, and implications for academic institutions are discussed. (MLW)

Three Reaction Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dominic, Joseph F.; And Others

1983-01-01

With regard to the preceding articles in this issue, Joseph F. Dominic identifies key ideas of the research on writing, Susan Florio-Ruane points out similarities and differences among the articles, and Nancy L. Stein discusses methodological and conceptual issues in writing research. (RH)

Classrooms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butin, Dan

This paper addresses classroom design trends and the key issues schools should consider for better classroom space flexibility and adaptability. Classroom space design issues when schools embrace technology are discussed, as are design considerations when rooms must accommodate different grade levels, the importance of lighting, furniture…

Strategic management and organizational behavior in dental education: reflections on key issues in an environment of change.

PubMed

Dunning, David G; Durham, Timothy M; Lange, Brian M; Aksu, Mert N

2009-06-01

With issues such as shrinking revenue, access to care, faculty workloads, and graying faculty, dental schools are faced with difficult challenges that fall to dental school deans to manage. Do dental school deans have the organizational skill sets and ethical frameworks necessary to address the challenges now facing dental schools? The purpose of this article is to pose questions and suggestions regarding some of the key issues in dental colleges today and to stimulate discussion in the dental community about needed changes in dental education.

Using Eight Key Questions as an Inquiry-Based Framework for Ethical Reasoning Issues in a General Education Earth Systems and Climate Change Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, E. A.; Ball, T. C.

2014-12-01

An important objective in general education geoscience courses is to help students evaluate social and ethical issues based upon scientific knowledge. It can be difficult for instructors trained in the physical sciences to design effective ways of including ethical issues in large lecture courses where whole-class discussions are not practical. The Quality Enhancement Plan for James Madison University, "The Madison Collaborative: Ethical Reasoning in Action," (http://www.jmu.edu/mc/index.shtml) has identified eight key questions to be used as a framework for developing ethical reasoning exercises and evaluating student learning. These eight questions are represented by the acronym FOR CLEAR and are represented by the concepts of Fairness, Outcomes, Responsibilities, Character, Liberty, Empathy, Authority, and Rights. In this study, we use the eight key questions as an inquiry-based framework for addressing ethical issues in a 100-student general education Earth systems and climate change course. Ethical reasoning exercises are presented throughout the course and range from questions of personal behavior to issues regarding potential future generations and global natural resources. In the first few exercises, key questions are identified for the students and calibrated responses are provided as examples. By the end of the semester, students are expected to identify key questions themselves and justify their own ethical and scientific reasoning. Evaluation rubrics are customized to this scaffolding approach to the exercises. Student feedback and course data will be presented to encourage discussion of this and other approaches to explicitly incorporating ethical reasoning in general education geoscience courses.

Exploring Ethical Issues Associated with Using Online Surveys in Educational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Lynne D.; Allen, Peter J.

2015-01-01

Online surveys are increasingly used in educational research, yet little attention has focused on ethical issues associated with their use in educational settings. Here, we draw on the broader literature to discuss 5 key ethical issues in the context of educational survey research: dual teacher/researcher roles; informed consent; use of…

Exploring E-Learning. IES Report 376.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollard, E.; Hillage, J.

This guide summarizes current research and commentary on e-learning, examining the key issues facing organizations exploring e-learning for employee development. The guide contains six sections. The first section provides an introduction to the issue of e-learning and a summary of the issues discussed in the remainder of the guide. Section 2…

The National Issues Forum: Bridging the Human Gap through Innovative Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMahan, Eva M.

The National Issues Forum model, a series of community based public discussions on key domestic issues, may be a partial solution to the "human gap" between growing complexity and a capacity to deal with it, by exemplifying "innovative learning." To engage in innovative learning, characterized by anticipation and participation,…

DOT's budget : management and performance issues facing the department in fiscal year 1999

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-02-12

This testimony discusses key resource management issues and performance challenges facing the Department of Transportation in 1999 and beyond. 1. There is a need for increased management attention to highway, transit, and rail programs - which accoun...

Understanding Cost-Effectiveness of Energy Efficiency Programs: Best Practices, Technical Methods, and Emerging Issues for Policy-Makers

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Reviews the issues and approaches involved in considering and adopting cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency, including discussing each perspective represented by the five standard cost-effectiveness tests and clarifying key terms.

ISSUES IN SEDIMENT TOXICITY AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

EPA Science Inventory

This paper is based on a facilitated Workshop and Roundtable Discussion of key issues in sediment toxicology and ecological risk assessment (ERA) as applied to sediments that was held at the Conference on Dredged Material Management: Options and Environmental Considerations. The ...

Starting a hospital-based home health agency: Part II--Key success factors.

PubMed

Montgomery, P

1993-09-01

In Part II of a three-part series, the financial, technological and legislative issues of a hospital-based home health-agency are discussed. Beginning a home healthcare service requires intensive research to answer key environmental and operational questions--need, competition, financial projections, initial start-up costs and the impact of delayed depreciation. Assessments involving technology, staffing, legislative and regulatory issues can help project service volume, productivity and cost-control.

Key Issues in the Networking Field Today. Proceedings of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee Meeting (Washington, DC, May 6-8, 1985). Network Planning Paper No. 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Network Development Office.

The May 1985 program session of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee focused on the identification of key issues in the networking field. Presentations included discussions of major network developments in the last two decades, the changing network players, the impact of technology on networks, and library networks and the law. The…

Disassembling archeology, reassembling the modern world.

PubMed

Carruthers, William; Van Damme, Stéphane

2017-09-01

This article provides a substantive discussion of the relevance of the history of archeology to the history of science. At the same time, the article introduces the papers contained in this special issue as exemplars of this relevance. To make its case, the article moves through various themes in the history of archeology that overlap with key issues in the history of science. The article discusses the role and tension of regimes of science in antiquarian and archeological practices, and also considers issues of scale and place, particularly in relation to the field. Additionally, the piece attends to issues of professionalization and the constitution of an archeological public, at the same time as discussing issues of empire, colonialism, and the circulation of knowledge. Meanwhile, enriching discussions within and beyond the history of science, the article discusses the history of archeology and its relationship with museums, collecting, and material culture and materiality. Finally, the piece discusses the relationship of the history of archeology with wider discussions about scientific ethics. In conclusion, the article questions whether we should speak of 'the history of archeology' at all.

Finding the Key to a Good Theatre Program: Some Comments on the ETA Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hobgood, Burnet M.

1991-01-01

Offers some comments on the Educational Theatre Association's survey on the status of theater in U.S. high schools in the same issue of this journal. Discusses finding the key factors responsible for good school theater. (PRA)

Qualitative Approaches to Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Issues and Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLeod, John

1996-01-01

Discusses key issues which address the distinctive dilemmas and challenges associated with qualitative approaches to evaluating counseling. Investigates such concerns as relationships with research participants, ethics, reflexivity, methodological choice, communicability, perspective, and obviousness. Makes some suggestions regarding the link…

Gender, Literacy and Women's Empowerment in India: Some Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghose, Malini

2007-01-01

The note discusses some key issues pertaining to gender, literacy and women's empowerment in India. It uses disaggregated data to illustrate the persisting gender disparities with regard to literacy and points out that despite this there is a lack of real political will to address issues of adult literacy. It further draws on data from the…

Excellence at Work. Policy Option Papers for the National Governors' Association.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganzglass, Evelyn, Ed.

This volume contains an introduction and four policy option papers that explore key issues affecting the economy and state options to address the issues within the context of the U.S. workplace. "Introduction" (David Bedford, Evelyn Ganzglass) discusses the issues identified in the first phase of the governors' initiative on Excellence at Work and…

National GAP Conference 2007-Discussion Groups Report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ratz, Joan M.; Lamb, Berton Lee

2010-01-01

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

Outlook. Number 364

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council for American Private Education, 2011

2011-01-01

Council for American Private Education (CAPE) is a coalition of national associations serving private schools K-12. "Outlook" is published monthly by CAPE. This issue contains the following articles: (1) House Approves Opportunity Scholarships Bill; (2) Lawmakers Discuss Key Issues at CAPE Forum; (3) Digital Now; and (4) CAPE Notes.

Serving the Public Good

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greene, Jennifer C.

2010-01-01

This discussion foregrounds four key issues engaged by the articles presented in this special issue: the unique challenges and opportunities of environmental education evaluation, how to think well about the evaluation approaches and purposes that best match this domain, evaluation capacity building in environmental education and action, and…

Major Issues Facing the Conservation Movement in the Coming Decade and Beyond.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strong, Maurice

1984-01-01

The key issues facing the conservation movement may be grouped into three areas: (1) threats to human health; (2) threats to food and fuel supplies; and (3) long-term threats to the biosphere. Each of these areas is discussed. (JN)

Political Socialization, Tolerance, and Sexual Identity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avery, Patricia G.

2002-01-01

Key concepts in political socialization, tolerance, groups, rights and responsibilities can be used to understand the way in which young people struggle with sexual identity issues. Educators may promote greater tolerance for homosexuality among heterosexuals by situating sexual identity issues within a broader discussion of democratic principles.…

75 FR 881 - Meeting of Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-06

... development issues, international spectrum requirements and harmonization, cyber-security, and data protection... will discuss key issues of importance to U.S. communications policy interests including future... Bureau of Diplomatic Security to enhance the Department's security by tracking visitor traffic and to...

Model of the Students' Key Competences Development through Interactive Whiteboard in the Subject of Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brecka, Peter; Valentová, Monika

2017-01-01

The basis of the submitted study are the continuously rising demands to alter the curricula with the aim to develop students' key competences in order to increase their professional versatility. The lack of scientific research and discussions show that little investigation has been done on the issue of development of key competences. Therefore,…

Developing Communities of Enquiry: Dealing with Social and Ethical Issues in Science at Key Stage 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunlop, Lynda; Humes, Gill; Clarke, Linda; Martin, Valerie McKelvey

2011-01-01

Reproductive technologies, drug discovery and exploration of the universe are areas of contemporary research that raise issues for individuals and society. Forward Thinking, Northern Ireland uses the development of communities of enquiry to promote discussion of these and other social and ethical issues in science with students aged 11-14 years.…

Language Policy in Education and Its Affect in Cyprus Issues on the Development of Identity and Interethnic Relationships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karmellou, Christalla

2008-01-01

The paper discusses educational and language policy issues within the context of the Greek Cypriot education as prescribed by the constitutional provisions of the 1960s settlement. In view of the prospect of unification in Cyprus, the author examines the role of language educational policy in future peace building. Key issues regarding ethnic…

College and Career Readiness: K-12 and Higher Education Collaborating for Student Success. coNCepts. Issue 5, Jan 2014

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Buddy

2014-01-01

"coNCepts" is a state-specific policy primer of The Hunt Institute. Each issue focuses on a critical topic in education policy, highlights key research for North Carolina policymakers, and prompts discussion of solutions. This issue begins by describing North Carolina's economy as having experienced a remarkable transformation during the…

The Ethics of Archival Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKee, Heidi A.; Porter, James E.

2012-01-01

What are the key ethical issues involved in conducting archival research? Based on examination of cases and interviews with leading archival researchers in composition, this article discusses several ethical questions and offers a heuristic to guide ethical decision making. Key to this process is recognizing the person-ness of archival materials.…

Keys to Transition: The California Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kearly, Patt

This publication addresses basic issues related to the concept of transition as it is applied to students with disabilities in California. Following a pretest (and its answer key), the document uses a question and answer format to discuss common concerns about transition, normalization, the school role, the "Bridges" model developed by…

Legal Issues for Postsecondary Education. Briefing Papers 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blumer, Dennis H., Ed.

This publication is intended to outline basic legal issues in key areas confronting the postsecondary education community, and to provide background information of which every college administrator should be aware. Chapter 1, Some General Thoughts on Postsecondary Education and the Law, discusses the increased activity of courts in campus matters…

Observing Teaching. SEDA Paper 79.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Sally, Ed.; And Others

This publication offers practical support to those in British higher education implementing the Observation of Teaching governmental directives. It provides discussion of key issues as well as a range of materials on how to carry out teaching observation including 23 checklists. The materials are grouped in four main areas: general issues, self…

Methodological Issues in Achieving School Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linn, Robert L.

2008-01-01

Test-based educational accountability is widely used in many countries, but is pervasive in the US. Key features of test-based accountability required by the US No Child Left Behind Act are discussed. Particular attention is given to methodological issues such as the distinction between status and growth approaches, the setting of performance…

Dilemmas of American Policy; Crucial Issues in Contemporary Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Samuel DuBois; And Others

This volume contains four papers dealing with key social issues confronting American society; racial conflict; education (especially concerning national policies and goals); rationale for limited war for a nonmilitaristic nation; and the generation gap. Dr. Cook discusses black identity and white response and the problem of inculcating hope where…

Issues Involved in the Evaluation of Gifted Programmes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ali, A. Sidiq

2001-01-01

This article discusses the purpose of gifted program evaluation and identifies some of the pertinent issues involved in evaluating gifted programs. The gifted program delivered by the Peel District Board of Education in Ontario, Canada, is used to illustrate key evaluation considerations, including gifted identification procedures and gifted…

Opportunity Foregone: Education in Brazil.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birdsall, Nancy, Ed.; Sabot, Richard H., Ed.

The studies presented in this volume help readers to understand the constraints faced in addressing the key problems within the Brazilian education system. Steps to address the issues and benefits to be gained by addressing those issues are discussed. Forty-two authors reiterate that the success of Brazil's education reform will have an important…

The Online Catalog: Issues in Planning and Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richards, Timothy F.

1984-01-01

Discusses key issues to be addressed in planning for introduction of online public access catalog in academic research library environment. Purpose of catalog, reasons to adopt catalog, user behavior, use of catalog records, authority control, shared or unique systems, and impact on staff are highlighted. Seventy-three sources are cited. (EJS)

Introduction to This Special Issue on Context-Aware Computing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moran, Thomas P.; Dourish, Paul

2001-01-01

Discusses pervasive, or ubiquitous, computing; explains the notion of context; and defines context-aware computing as the key to disperse and enmesh computation into our lives. Considers context awareness in human-computer interaction and describes the broad topic areas of the essays included in this special issue. (LRW)

Focus issue articles on emerging and re-emerging plant diseases

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This review sums up the key findings of seventeen articles on emerging and re-emerging plant diseases that are designated for the July focus issue in Phytopathology. The emerging and re-emerging diseases discussed include those caused by three viral, six fungal, five oomycete, and four bacterial pa...

Professional Ethics in Teaching: Towards the Development of a Code of Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Elizabeth

2000-01-01

Provides a theoretical discussion about the process of creating a professional code of ethics for educators. Discusses six key issues and questions, introducing the development of a code of professional ethics and the complexities the code should address. Includes references. (CMK)

Security Issues on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bar-Ilan, Judit

1996-01-01

Discusses some basic notions of modern cryptography: public key systems and digital signatures. Describes how theoretical modern cryptography can help solve security problems on the Internet. (Author/JKP)

Issues for eHealth in Psychiatry: Results of an Expert Survey

PubMed Central

Huckvale, Kit; Larsen, Mark Erik; Basu, Ashna; Batterham, Philip J; Shaw, Frances; Sendi, Shahbaz

2017-01-01

Background Technology has changed the landscape in which psychiatry operates. Effective, evidence-based treatments for mental health care are now available at the fingertips of anyone with Internet access. However, technological solutions for mental health are not necessarily sought by consumers nor recommended by clinicians. Objective The objectives of this study are to identify and discuss the barriers to introducing eHealth technology-supported interventions within mental health. Methods An interactive polling tool was used to ask “In this brave new world, what are the key issues that need to be addressed to improve mental health (using technology)?” Respondents were the multidisciplinary attendees of the “Humans and Machines: A Quest for Better Mental Health” conference, held in Sydney, Australia, in 2016. Responses were categorized into 10 key issues using team-based qualitative analysis. Results A total of 155 responses to the question were received from 66 audience members. Responses were categorized into 10 issues and ordered by importance: access to care, integration and collaboration, education and awareness, mental health stigma, data privacy, trust, understanding and assessment of mental health, government and policy, optimal design, and engagement. In this paper, each of the 10 issues are outlined, and potential solutions are discussed. Many of the issues were interrelated, having implications for other key areas identified. Conclusions As many of the issues identified directly related to barriers to care, priority should be given to addressing these issues that are common across mental health delivery. Despite new challenges raised by technology, technology-supported mental health interventions represent a tremendous opportunity to address in a timely way these major concerns and improve the receipt of effective, evidence-based therapy by those in need. PMID:28246068

Why Minimal Multiple Rules Provide a Unique Window into UG and L2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amaral, Luiz; Roeper, Tom

2014-01-01

This article clarifies some ideas presented in this issue's keynote article (Amaral and Roeper, this issue) and discusses several issues raised by the contributors' comments on the nature of the Multiple Grammars (MG) theory. One of the key goals of the article is to unequivocally state that MG is not a parametric theory and that its…

Technological Innovations and Intervention Practices for Children with Cochlear Implants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ertmer, David J.

2002-01-01

This epilogue to a forum on children with hearing impairments who have cochlear implants discusses innovation in implant technology and considers intervention issues. Key factors influencing outcomes are discussed, including educational programming, amount and length of communication intervention, and the targeting of both developmental and…

How should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchese Robinson, Richard L.; Lynch, Iseult; Peijnenburg, Willie; Rumble, John; Klaessig, Fred; Marquardt, Clarissa; Rauscher, Hubert; Puzyn, Tomasz; Purian, Ronit; Åberg, Christoffer; Karcher, Sandra; Vriens, Hanne; Hoet, Peter; Hoover, Mark D.; Hendren, Christine Ogilvie; Harper, Stacey L.

2016-05-01

Nanotechnology is of increasing significance. Curation of nanomaterial data into electronic databases offers opportunities to better understand and predict nanomaterials' behaviour. This supports innovation in, and regulation of, nanotechnology. It is commonly understood that curated data need to be sufficiently complete and of sufficient quality to serve their intended purpose. However, assessing data completeness and quality is non-trivial in general and is arguably especially difficult in the nanoscience area, given its highly multidisciplinary nature. The current article, part of the Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative series, addresses how to assess the completeness and quality of (curated) nanomaterial data. In order to address this key challenge, a variety of related issues are discussed: the meaning and importance of data completeness and quality, existing approaches to their assessment and the key challenges associated with evaluating the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data. Considerations which are specific to the nanoscience area and lessons which can be learned from other relevant scientific disciplines are considered. Hence, the scope of this discussion ranges from physicochemical characterisation requirements for nanomaterials and interference of nanomaterials with nanotoxicology assays to broader issues such as minimum information checklists, toxicology data quality schemes and computational approaches that facilitate evaluation of the completeness and quality of (curated) data. This discussion is informed by a literature review and a survey of key nanomaterial data curation stakeholders. Finally, drawing upon this discussion, recommendations are presented concerning the central question: how should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated?Nanotechnology is of increasing significance. Curation of nanomaterial data into electronic databases offers opportunities to better understand and predict nanomaterials' behaviour. This supports innovation in, and regulation of, nanotechnology. It is commonly understood that curated data need to be sufficiently complete and of sufficient quality to serve their intended purpose. However, assessing data completeness and quality is non-trivial in general and is arguably especially difficult in the nanoscience area, given its highly multidisciplinary nature. The current article, part of the Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative series, addresses how to assess the completeness and quality of (curated) nanomaterial data. In order to address this key challenge, a variety of related issues are discussed: the meaning and importance of data completeness and quality, existing approaches to their assessment and the key challenges associated with evaluating the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data. Considerations which are specific to the nanoscience area and lessons which can be learned from other relevant scientific disciplines are considered. Hence, the scope of this discussion ranges from physicochemical characterisation requirements for nanomaterials and interference of nanomaterials with nanotoxicology assays to broader issues such as minimum information checklists, toxicology data quality schemes and computational approaches that facilitate evaluation of the completeness and quality of (curated) data. This discussion is informed by a literature review and a survey of key nanomaterial data curation stakeholders. Finally, drawing upon this discussion, recommendations are presented concerning the central question: how should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated? Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: (1) Detailed information regarding issues raised in the main text; (2) original survey responses. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08944a

Youth Physical Fitness: Ten Key Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corbin, Charles B.; Welk, Gregory J.; Richardson, Cheryl; Vowell, Catherine; Lambdin, Dolly; Wikgren, Scott

2014-01-01

The promotion of physical fitness has been a key objective of physical education for more than a century. During this period, physical education has evolved to accommodate changing views on fitness and health. The purpose of this article is to discuss issues with fitness assessment and fitness education central to the new Presidential Youth…

Spatial transformations: from fundamentals to applications.

PubMed

Foster, Robert; Grant, Patrick; Hao, Yang; Hibbins, Alastair; Philbin, Thomas; Sambles, Roy

2015-08-28

This paper forms the introduction to this themed issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A on 'Spatial transformations', arising from the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting held in January 2015. The paper begins with a review of the concepts and history of spatial transformations, followed by a discussion of the contributions from the papers in this themed issue. A summary of the advantages and current limitations of spatial transformations concludes the paper, with the key challenges identified at the Scientific Discussion Meeting also given. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Continuing Professional Library and Information Science Education for Advancing Equity of Access.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy, Loriene; Lee, Seung-ah

Equity of access is one of the American Library Association's (ALA's) five key action areas. Discussions of digital divide issues sometimes sound confusing and unfocused; however, the digital divide issue provides information professionals with the opportunity to discover more about their own skills and potential, to understand more about library…

Language Teacher Associations: Key Themes and Future Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paran, Amos

2016-01-01

This article presents the themes that emerge from this Special Issue on language teacher associations (LTAs). I discuss various conceptualizations of LTAs, as well as the different theoretical frameworks which the contributors to the Special Issue use in their analyses. I then focus on some of the ways in which LTAs achieve their mission of…

Electronic Ramp to Success: Designing Campus Web Pages for Users with Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coombs, Norman

2002-01-01

Discusses key issues in addressing the challenge of Web accessibility for people with disabilities, including tools for Web authoring, repairing, and accessibility validation, and relevant legal issues. Presents standards for Web accessibility, including the Section 508 Standards from the Federal Access Board, and the World Wide Web Consortium's…

Advocacy for School Leaders: Becoming a Strong Voice for Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitaker, Sandra

2007-01-01

In today's political and global world, it's not enough to remain a solid educational leader; leaders must become advocates for education--on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and within communities. In this book, Sandra Whitaker examines key issues facing education, demonstrates methods for unpacking the issues, and discusses strategies to…

A Short History of Randomized Experiments in Criminology: A Meager Feast.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farrington, David P.

2003-01-01

Discusses advantages of randomized experiments and key issues raised in this special issue. Focuses on growth and decrease in the use of randomized experiments by the California Youth Authority, the U.S. National Institute of Justice, and the British Home Office. Calls for increased recognition of the importance of randomized experiments. (SLD)

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makela, Julia Panke; Perlus, Jessamyn G.

2017-01-01

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

Gender and Diversity in Organizations: Past, Present, and Future Directions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murrell, Audrey J.; James, Erika Hayes

2001-01-01

Introduces a special issue on how the nature of organizations has changed in recent years and implications of these changes for the future. Discusses key issues that have been studied on gender and diversity in organizations (discrimination, affirmative action, barriers to career advancement, and sexual harassment). Notes strategies for enhancing…

Spirituality-Focused Genograms: Keys to Uncovering Spiritual Resources in African American Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Adriana Balaguer; Dawes, Sharese Johnson

1999-01-01

Little attention has been paid to the overlap of the religious and therapeutic worlds. Spiritual issues can be considered in the context of family dynamics as well as cultural factors, including gender, socioeconomic status, language, geographic origins, and issues of racism and oppression. Discusses two genograms as examples of…

Increased Attention to Human Sexuality Can Improve HIV-AIDS Prevention Efforts: Key Research Issues and Directions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Jeffrey A.; Kalichman, Seth C.

1995-01-01

Discusses curtailing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by helping people reduce high-risk sexual behavior. Reviews research in the relationship contexts of sexuality, including variations in monogamy, condom use in affectionate versus casual relationships, sexual communication, and coercion. Notes policy and training issues related to human…

EPA's Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA is releasing the draft report, EPA's Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments (Volume 1), that was distributed to Federal agencies and White House Offices for comment during the Science Discussion step of the IRIS Assessment Development Process. Comments received from other Federal agencies and White House Offices are provided below with external peer review panel comments. The objective of this report is to respond to the NAS coments on dose-response modeling conducted in the EPA Reassessment of the health effects associated with dioxin exposure.

Stop, Look, and Listen: Children Ahead.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stirling, Nora

This play, commissioned by Project Head Start, is designed to stimulate discussion and deepen understanding of key issues surrounding the confusion and conflicts that often arise when parents and professionals become entangled in disputes over "who is in charge" of the Head Start program. Guidelines for a discussion session following presentation…

The carbon cycle revisited

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolin, Bert; Fung, Inez

1992-01-01

Discussions during the Global Change Institute indicated a need to present, in some detail and as accurately as possible, our present knowledge about the carbon cycle, the uncertainties in this knowledge, and the reasons for these uncertainties. We discuss basic issues of internal consistency within the carbon cycle, and end by summarizing the key unknowns.

Information Security in Higher Education. Professional Paper Series, #5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Raymond; And Others

Intended to generate discussion and motivate proactive intervention in matters of information security, this paper defines and discusses some of the key issues relating to information security on college and university campuses based on in-depth interviews conducted at eight selected higher education institutions of varying size and composition in…

Analytical simulation of SPS system performance, volume 3, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, A. V.; Lindsey, W. C.

1980-01-01

The simulation model for the Solar Power Satellite spaceantenna and the associated system imperfections are described. Overall power transfer efficiency, the key performance issue, is discussed as a function of the system imperfections. Other system performance measures discussed include average power pattern, mean beam gain reduction, and pointing error.

Kim Davis: A Mother's Dilemma.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudecki, Michael S.

2000-01-01

Presents a discussion case in which parents must decide whether or not to enroll their sons in an experimental treatment program for muscular dystrophy. Identifies teaching objectives and discusses the key issues of the case--muscle structure and function, muscular dystrophy, scientists and money, scientific method and the FDA, and family health…

Issues in the study of intonation in language varieties.

PubMed

Warren, Paul

2005-01-01

Some key issues in the study of intonation in language varieties are presented and discussed with reference to recent research on the intonation of New Zealand English. The particular issues that are highlighted include the determination of the intonational phonological categories of a language variety, and the attribution of varietal differences as realizational differences between varieties or as systemic differences in the categories found to be present in each variety.

Employer Supported Child Care: An Idea Whose Time Has Come. A Conference on Child Care as an Employee Benefit (Costs and Benefits, Successful Programs, Company Options, Current Issues). Conference Proceedings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haiman, Peter, Ed.; Sud, Gian, Ed.

Many aspects of employer-sponsored child care programs--including key issues, costs and benefits, programmatic options, and implementation strategies--are discussed in these conference proceedings. Public policy issues, legal aspects of child care as an employee benefit, tax incentives for corporate child care, and funding sources for child care…

Ethical Issues in Social Media Research for Public Health.

PubMed

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

2018-03-01

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

Chronic Absenteeism: A Key Indicator of Student Success. Policy Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rafa, Alyssa

2017-01-01

Research shows that chronic absenteeism can affect academic performance in later grades and is a key early warning sign that a student is more likely to drop out of high school. Several states enacted legislation to address this issue, and many states are currently discussing the utility of chronic absenteeism as an indicator of school quality or…

Effective Schooling in Rural Africa Report 2: Key Issues Concerning School Effectiveness and Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saunders, Lesley

This report presents an overview of the literature on school/teacher effectiveness and improvement, with a focus on implications for developing countries. Sections 1-2 discuss the trend toward site-based management, which has increased pressures on individual schools and their staff; eight key domains of school effectiveness; and the need to…

The Development of Resources of Students in Adolescence as a Key Issue in Contemporary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gosk, Urszula; Kuracki, Kamil

2015-01-01

In the presented paper, the issue of recognition and building of resources in adolescent pupils was discussed, referring to salutogenic concept of A. Antonovsky and Conservation of Resources Theory of S. E. Hobfoll. Coming out from developmental pedagogy and positive orientation in social sciences, benefits of scientific and educational actions…

Unlocking Australia's Language Potential. Profiles of 9 Key Languages in Australia. Volume 7: Japanese.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marriott, Helen; And Others

The report on the status of Japanese language teaching in Australia gives a broad view of Japanese study and discusses current educational issues in some detail. An introductory chapter offers a brief overview of the history, objectives, and issues of Japanese language instruction in Australia. The second chapter details features of instructional…

Building Blocks: A Legislator's Guide to Child Care Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Culkin, Mary L.; Groginsky, Scott; Christian, Steve

The care and education of the youngest children in the United States has become a critical public policy issue affecting millions of families. This guide closely examines the issues and tradeoffs in key child care policy decisions that face state legislators. The guide provides a discussion of state efforts to build supply, improve quality, and…

Perspectives on Terminology and Conceptual and Professional Issues in Health Education and Health Promotion Credentialing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taub, Alyson; Allegrante, John P.; Barry, Margaret M.; Sakagami, Keiko

2009-01-01

This article was prepared to inform the deliberations of the Galway Consensus Conference by providing a common and global reference point for the discussion of terminology and key conceptual and professional issues in the credentialing of health education and health promotion specialists. The article provides a review of the terminology that is…

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

Kaufmann, John R.; Hand, James R.; Halverson, Mark A.

This report evaluates how and when to best integrate renewable energy requirements into building energy codes. The basic goals were to: (1) provide a rough guide of where we’re going and how to get there; (2) identify key issues that need to be considered, including a discussion of various options with pros and cons, to help inform code deliberations; and (3) to help foster alignment among energy code-development organizations. The authors researched current approaches nationally and internationally, conducted a survey of key stakeholders to solicit input on various approaches, and evaluated the key issues related to integration of renewable energymore » requirements and various options to address those issues. The report concludes with recommendations and a plan to engage stakeholders. This report does not evaluate whether the use of renewable energy should be required on buildings; that question involves a political decision that is beyond the scope of this report.« less

Evidence-Based Ethics for Neurology and Psychiatry Research

PubMed Central

Kim, Scott Y. H.

2004-01-01

Summary: American bioethics, historically arising out of theology and philosophy, has been dominated by the method of normative analysis. Ethics as policy, however, requires in addition a solid evidence base. This paper discusses the background conditions that make neurotherapeutics research particularly challenging. Three key ethical issues are discussed within an evidence-based ethics framework: the ethical challenges arising from changes in the financial incentive structures for academic researchers and their institutions, the challenges of risk-benefit analysis for neurotherapeutics protocols testing innovative interventions, and the evolving issues surrounding impaired decision-making capacity and surrogate consent for research. For each of these issues, selected empirical data are reviewed, areas for further inquiry are noted, and the need for development of novel methods for bioethics policy research is discussed. PMID:15717040

International Students and American University Culture: Adjustment Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Jennifer

This paper discusses two types of adjustments that foreign students face when they encounter university culture in the United States. The central section lists and describes four key groups of underlying principles, values, and practices in American education and discusses the reasons why these may be difficult for foreign students to understand.…

Hidden Perils: Instructional Media and Higher Education. Occasional Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grossman, David M.

This booklet discusses issues to consider when using instructional media in higher education. Section 1 highlights quality control, discussing such key questions as how accountability and responsibility for creating instruction are determined and what the faculty's role is in determining how courses are to be adapted and delivered. Section 2…

Patients' Rights and Advocacy: For Hispanics?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrade, Sally J., Ed.

The monograph outlines key issues in the area of patients' rights and advocacy as they relate to Hispanic mental health clients or patients. Providing background material on patients' rights and advocacy in general, the first section includes a chronological history of major litigation, a discussion of patient advocacy, a discussion of a client's…

Coaching Considerations: FAQs Useful in the Development of Literacy Coaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Douglas

2012-01-01

The National Advisory Board for the Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse have identified a number of considerations that it believed needed further discussion as schools, districts, and states embrace literacy coaching. It negotiated and discussed a number of issues surrounding coaching and agreed on 10 key ideas that should be part of the discussions…

From Husserl to van Manen. A review of different phenomenological approaches.

PubMed

Dowling, Maura

2007-01-01

This paper traces the development of phenomenology as a philosophy originating from the writings of Husserl to its use in phenomenological research and theory development in nursing. The key issues of phenomenological reduction and bracketing are also discussed as they play a pivotal role in the how phenomenological research studies are approached. What has become to be known as "new" phenomenology is also explored and the key differences between it and "traditional" phenomenology are discussed. van Manen's phenomenology is also considered in light of its contemporary popularity among nurse researchers.

The role of gender in the socialization of emotion: key concepts and critical issues.

PubMed

Root, Amy Kennedy; Denham, Susanne A

2010-01-01

Given the omnipresent role of gender in children's and adolescents' development, it seems necessary to better understand how gender affects the process of emotion socialization. In this introductory chapter, the authors discuss the overarching themes and key concepts discussed in this volume, as well as outline the distinct contribution of each individual chapter. Each chapter within this volume underscores the important role that parents play in the socialization of emotion, and the impact gender-typed emotion socialization may have on later socioemotional adjustment. (c) Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of food marketing to kids: I'm lovin' it?

PubMed

Salinsky, Eileen

2006-08-15

This issue brief reviews key findings and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine study on food marketing and its effects on childhood obesity. The brief describes the childhood obesity epidemic, discusses key trends associated with rising childhood obesity rates, and considers the relative role of marketing practices on diet and obesity within the broader context of complex contributory factors. The brief also summarizes the current legal framework for regulating marketing directed at children;discusses voluntary, self-regulatory mechanisms; and highlights proposals to re-orient marketing practices to combat childhood obesity.

Switching antipsychotic medications.

PubMed

Weiden, P J; Aquila, R; Dalheim, L; Standard, J M

1997-01-01

Compared with conventional antipsychotics, the so-called "atypical" antipsychotics promise improved side effect profiles and better control of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, most patients currently taking conventional antipsychotics could potentially benefit from a switch to an atypical antipsychotic. Often, the key issue in deciding whether to switch is the presence of countervailing factors that mitigate against the change. This paper discusses the indications and contraindications for switching antipsychotics, plus issues that require consideration before a switch is made. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of various switching techniques are discussed, with a particular focus on the newer antipsychotic olanzapine.

Key issues concerning environmental enrichment for laboratory-held fish species.

PubMed

Williams, T D; Readman, G D; Owen, S F

2009-04-01

An improved knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological requirements is needed for many of the species of fish held in captivity and, without this knowledge it is difficult to determine the optimal conditions for laboratory culture. The aim of this paper is to review the key issues concerning environmental enrichment for laboratory-held fish species and identify where improvements are required. It provides background information on environmental enrichment, describes enrichment techniques currently used in aquatic ecotoxicology studies, identifies potential restrictions in their use and discusses why more detailed and species-specific guidance is needed.

Thought for application and application with thought: issues in theoretical thinking and practical wisdom.

PubMed

Jenkins, Sandra K; Thomas, Mary Beth

2005-01-01

Both theoretical thinking and practical wisdom are used by health professionals in their clinical practice. Lately, discussion has centered on the abstract phrase "theory-practice gap." The health profession is not the only discipline that seeks unity in theory and practice issues. Education is also building bridges in this arena. One reoccurring myth is the notion that theory and practice are separate; as a result, this gives a mistaken impression that theory serves no purpose in practice. Discussion of the issues in this paper includes definitions of theoretical thinking and practical wisdom, theoretical and practical knowledge development, and relevance to health professional's education, practice and science. These issues must be communicated to practitioners, educators and theorists. A collective definition to begin communication is proposed and suggestions are offered for addressing key issues.

Understanding Price Elasticities to Inform Public Health Research and Intervention Studies: Key Issues

PubMed Central

Nghiem, Nhung; Genç, Murat; Blakely, Tony

2013-01-01

Pricing policies such as taxes and subsidies are important tools in preventing and controlling a range of threats to public health. This is particularly so in tobacco and alcohol control efforts and efforts to change dietary patterns and physical activity levels as a means of addressing increases in noncommunicable diseases. To understand the potential impact of pricing policies, it is critical to understand the nature of price elasticities for consumer products. For example, price elasticities are key parameters in models of any food tax or subsidy that aims to quantify health impacts and cost-effectiveness. We detail relevant terms and discuss key issues surrounding price elasticities to inform public health research and intervention studies. PMID:24028228

Current Foreign Aid Patterns and Policies on Education in Developing Countries among Like-Minded Nations: Some Key Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buchert, Lene

1995-01-01

Issues in the provision of educational assistance in the 1990s by Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands are discussed in light of the change of the international climate toward developing countries. The changing approaches of these countries reflect new thinking that developing countries need to adapt to the Western industrial world. (SLD)

Some Comments on Key Themes and Issues in the Practice of Educational Administration. Practice, Problems and Trends in the Field: An Overview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, William G.

This paper summarizes and analyzes the views presented in the preceding group of five papers, focusing on important issues in educational administration in four countries. The author notes that the developed countries discussed (England, Canada, and Australia) all face the problems of declining student numbers, decreasing birth rates, public…

Replicating Social Programmes: Approaches, Strategies and Conceptual Issues. Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Discussion Paper Series, No. 18.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Oudenhoven, Nico; Wazir, Rekha

This paper reviews the key issues and methodologies involved in the replication of social programs, as they pertain to non-profit sector development in the United States and in international development. The related process of knowledge transfer and dissemination, as well as the more specific strategies involved in replication and going-to-scale…

Key barriers to the use of modern contraceptives among women in Albania: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Kragelund Nielsen, Karoline; Nielsen, Siff Malue; Butler, Robb; Lazarus, Jeffrey V

2012-12-01

In spite of a number of communication campaigns since 1999 promoting modern contraceptives in Albania, their use remains low. In this paper we identify and analyse key barriers to the use of modern contraception among women in Albania. Semi-structured interviews with 11 stakeholders from organisations involved in promoting modern contraception, and four focus group discussions with 40 women from Tirana and a rural village in the periphery of Tirana, divided according to age and residence, were also conducted. Content analysis was used to analyse both the interviews and focus group discussions. Barriers identified included socio-cultural issues such as status of the relationship with partners and the importance of virginity, problems talking about sexual issues and contraception being taboo, health care issues--especially cost and availability--and individual issues such as unfavourable social attitudes towards contraceptives and a lack of knowledge about the use and benefits of modern contraception. To promote contraceptive use in the future, campaigns should address these barriers and expand from a focus on women of reproductive age only to target youth, men, health care providers, parents and schoolteachers as well. Copyright © 2012 Reproductive Health Matters. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Technical viability and development needs for waste forms and facilities

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

Pegg, I.; Gould, T.

1996-05-01

The objective of this breakout session was to provide a forum to discuss technical issues relating to plutonium-bearing waste forms and their disposal facilities. Specific topics for discussion included the technical viability and development needs associated with the waste forms and/or disposal facilities. The expected end result of the session was an in-depth (so far as the limited time would allow) discussion of key issues by the session participants. The session chairs expressed allowance for, and encouragement of, alternative points of view, as well as encouragement for discussion of any relevant topics not addressed in the paper presentations. It wasmore » not the intent of this session to recommend or advocate any one technology over another.« less

Issues for eHealth in Psychiatry: Results of an Expert Survey.

PubMed

Nicholas, Jennifer; Huckvale, Kit; Larsen, Mark Erik; Basu, Ashna; Batterham, Philip J; Shaw, Frances; Sendi, Shahbaz

2017-02-28

Technology has changed the landscape in which psychiatry operates. Effective, evidence-based treatments for mental health care are now available at the fingertips of anyone with Internet access. However, technological solutions for mental health are not necessarily sought by consumers nor recommended by clinicians. The objectives of this study are to identify and discuss the barriers to introducing eHealth technology-supported interventions within mental health. An interactive polling tool was used to ask "In this brave new world, what are the key issues that need to be addressed to improve mental health (using technology)?" Respondents were the multidisciplinary attendees of the "Humans and Machines: A Quest for Better Mental Health" conference, held in Sydney, Australia, in 2016. Responses were categorized into 10 key issues using team-based qualitative analysis. A total of 155 responses to the question were received from 66 audience members. Responses were categorized into 10 issues and ordered by importance: access to care, integration and collaboration, education and awareness, mental health stigma, data privacy, trust, understanding and assessment of mental health, government and policy, optimal design, and engagement. In this paper, each of the 10 issues are outlined, and potential solutions are discussed. Many of the issues were interrelated, having implications for other key areas identified. As many of the issues identified directly related to barriers to care, priority should be given to addressing these issues that are common across mental health delivery. Despite new challenges raised by technology, technology-supported mental health interventions represent a tremendous opportunity to address in a timely way these major concerns and improve the receipt of effective, evidence-based therapy by those in need. ©Jennifer Nicholas, Kit Huckvale, Mark Erik Larsen, Ashna Basu, Philip J Batterham, Frances Shaw, Shahbaz Sendi. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 28.02.2017.

Sensing and Measurement Architecture for Grid Modernization

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

Taft, Jeffrey D.; De Martini, Paul

2016-02-01

This paper addresses architecture for grid sensor networks, with primary emphasis on distribution grids. It describes a forward-looking view of sensor network architecture for advanced distribution grids, and discusses key regulatory, financial, and planning issues.

Propulsion issues, options and trades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forsythe, Doug J.

1986-01-01

Several different types of propulsion concepts are discussed: pulsed fission; continuous nuclear fission; chemical; and chemical boost with advanced nuclear fission. Some of the key characteristics of each type are provided, and typical concepts of each are shown.

FHWA LTBP Bridge Performance Primer

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-01

This TechBrief defines bridge performance and discusses the importance of measuring performance and current practices for doing so. It identifies key issues to improving performance measures and the role the Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Progra...

When Push Comes to Shove: Strikes in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magney, John

2002-01-01

To provide a better sense of how academic unions handle a strike situation, examines six unions who, between 1996 and 2000, went through strikes. Discusses the key issues and outcomes of the strikes. (EV)

Instrumentation issues in implementation science.

PubMed

Martinez, Ruben G; Lewis, Cara C; Weiner, Bryan J

2014-09-04

Like many new fields, implementation science has become vulnerable to instrumentation issues that potentially threaten the strength of the developing knowledge base. For instance, many implementation studies report findings based on instruments that do not have established psychometric properties. This article aims to review six pressing instrumentation issues, discuss the impact of these issues on the field, and provide practical recommendations. This debate centers on the impact of the following instrumentation issues: use of frameworks, theories, and models; role of psychometric properties; use of 'home-grown' and adapted instruments; choosing the most appropriate evaluation method and approach; practicality; and need for decision-making tools. Practical recommendations include: use of consensus definitions for key implementation constructs; reporting standards (e.g., regarding psychometrics, instrument adaptation); when to use multiple forms of observation and mixed methods; and accessing instrument repositories and decision aid tools. This debate provides an overview of six key instrumentation issues and offers several courses of action to limit the impact of these issues on the field. With careful attention to these issues, the field of implementation science can potentially move forward at the rapid pace that is respectfully demanded by community stakeholders.

Diabetes and end of life: ethical and methodological issues in gathering evidence to guide care.

PubMed

Dunning, Trisha; Duggan, Nicole; Savage, Sally; Martin, Peter

2013-03-01

Providing palliative care for people with diabetes at the end of life is part of the chronic disease care trajectory, but end of life care is complex and the presence of diabetes further complicates management. The aim of the paper is to discuss the ethical and methodological issues encountered when undertaking research to develop guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life and the strategies used to address the issues. The issues emerged as we developed guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life, which included conducting individual interviews with 14 people with diabetes requiring palliative care and 10 family members. A reflexive researcher journal was maintained throughout the guideline development process. The interview transcripts and researcher's journal were analysed to determine key methodological, ethical and researcher-related issues. Key themes were vulnerability of the sampling population, methodological issues included recruiting participants and ensuring rigor, ethical issues concerned benefit and risk, justice, autonomy, privacy, professional boundaries and informed consent. Researcher-related issues were identified such as managing participant distress and their own emotional distress. People were willing to discuss end of life diabetes management preferences. Undertaking research with people at the end of life is complex because of their vulnerability and the ethical issues involved. However, the ethical principles of autonomy and justice apply and people should be given the relevant information and opportunity to decide whether to participate or not. © 2012 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences © 2012 Nordic College of Caring Science.

Fast Tracking School Site Acquisition: A Perspective of an Eminent Domain Attorney.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Behrens, Jerry

This paper discusses key issues in fast-tracking the acquisition of school sites in California. Discussion addresses: (1) assembling an experienced team; (2) whether the property owner is a willing or unwilling seller; (3) level of community support or opposition to the site; (4) timing and commencement of California Environmental Quality Act…

On Teaching Abstraction in Computer Science to Novices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armoni, Michal

2013-01-01

Abstraction is a key concept in CS, one of the most fundamental ideas underlying CS and its practice. However, teaching this soft concept to novices is a very difficult task, as discussed by many CSE experts. This paper discusses this issue, and suggests a general framework for teaching abstraction in CS to novices, a framework that would fit into…

The Internet and the Law: What Educators Need To Know.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conn, Kathleen

This book discusses the key legal issues public schools face in using the World Wide Web, e-mail, and other computer technologies. Chapter 1 covers the foundations of school Internet law, including Supreme Court decisions, the legal standard of conduct, standards for technology literacy, and federal vs. state law. Chapter 2 discusses freedom of…

Social and Emotional Learning for Children with Learning Disability: Implications for Inclusion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavioni, Valeria; Grazzani, Ilaria; Ornaghi, Veronica

2017-01-01

This paper discusses the key role of social and emotional learning programmes for children with Learning Disability (LD). The first part of the paper discusses the difficulties students with learning disability may encounter in their education, such as issues related to peer group acceptance, friendship and social isolation, low self-efficacy and…

Cloud Computing Fundamentals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furht, Borko

In the introductory chapter we define the concept of cloud computing and cloud services, and we introduce layers and types of cloud computing. We discuss the differences between cloud computing and cloud services. New technologies that enabled cloud computing are presented next. We also discuss cloud computing features, standards, and security issues. We introduce the key cloud computing platforms, their vendors, and their offerings. We discuss cloud computing challenges and the future of cloud computing.

Using Future Trends to Inform Planning/Marketing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nichols, John V.

1995-01-01

Explores the reasons for incorporating trend analysis of librarianship into library planning and marketing. Key financial and technological issues are reviewed, and the techniques of environmental scanning and alternative scenario-building to incorporate future trends are discussed. (AEF)

Advance of Nitrogen Removal in Constructed Wetland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Anbin; Chen, Hao; You, Shaohong

2018-01-01

Based on current literature, the article reviewed the mechanism and route of nitrogen removal, discussed the microbial species associated with nitrogen metabolism in constructed wetlands. Key unresolved issues were concluded for classical and novel nitrogen removal routes.

Safe and inclusive research practices for qualitative research involving people with dementia: A review of key issues and strategies.

PubMed

Novek, Sheila; Wilkinson, Heather

2017-01-01

Aim Developing strategies to ensure the safe participation of people with dementia in research is critical to support their wider inclusion in research and to advance knowledge in the areas of dementia policy and practice. Objectives This literature review synthesizes and critically appraises different approaches to promote the safe participation of people with dementia in qualitative research. Methods Two databases were searched for articles that discuss the methodological or ethical aspects of qualitative research involving people with dementia. We did not focus on informed consent or ethical review processes as these have been reviewed elsewhere. Findings Key issues that impact participant safety include: language, gatekeepers, the research relationship, communication, dealing with distress, knowledge dissemination, and researcher skills. Conclusion By synthesizing different approaches to safety and highlighting areas of debate, we hope to advance discussion and to contribute to the development of inclusive research methods.

Addressing the psychosocial and communication challenges posed by radiological/nuclear terrorism: key developments since NCRP Report No. 138.

PubMed

Becker, Steven M

2005-11-01

One of the most innovative aspects of NCRP Report No. 138 (Management of Terrorist Incidents Involving Radioactive Material) was the high priority it accorded to psychosocial and communication issues. While previous discussions of radiological and nuclear terrorism had occasionally referred to these topics, NCRP Report No. 138 was the first report of its kind to recognize the profound challenges posed by these issues and to place them at the heart of preparedness and response efforts. In the years since the report's release, a host of important developments have taken place in relation to psychosocial and communication issues. This paper reviews key changes and advances in five broad areas: (1) training exercises, (2) policy and guidance development, (3) findings on hospital and clinician needs, (4) survey research on public perceptions of radiological terrorism, and (5) risk communication for radiological and nuclear terrorism situations. The article concludes with a discussion of continuing psychosocial and communication challenges, including critical areas needing further attention as the nation moves to meet the threat of terrorism involving radioactive materials.

The Utility of Targeting the Petroleum-Based Sector of a Nation’s Economic Infrastructure

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

throughout most of 1940 and continued to enjoy popular support. The Future Strateg report issued by the British chiefs of staff on 4 September 1940...Casablanca during mid-January 1943. Among the key issues discussed was how best to use the rapidly growing Allied bomber force. On 21 January 1943, the CCS...example involving strategic bombing remained World War II. Planners are only now just beginning to resolve the issue of "tactical" versus "strategic

Legal, ethical, and financial dilemmas in electronic health record adoption and use.

PubMed

Sittig, Dean F; Singh, Hardeep

2011-04-01

Electronic health records (EHRs) facilitate several innovations capable of reforming health care. Despite their promise, many currently unanswered legal, ethical, and financial questions threaten the widespread adoption and use of EHRs. Key legal dilemmas that must be addressed in the near-term pertain to the extent of clinicians' responsibilities for reviewing the entire computer-accessible clinical synopsis from multiple clinicians and institutions, the liabilities posed by overriding clinical decision support warnings and alerts, and mechanisms for clinicians to publically report potential EHR safety issues. Ethical dilemmas that need additional discussion relate to opt-out provisions that exclude patients from electronic record storage, sale of deidentified patient data by EHR vendors, adolescent control of access to their data, and use of electronic data repositories to redesign the nation's health care delivery and payment mechanisms on the basis of statistical analyses. Finally, one overwhelming financial question is who should pay for EHR implementation because most users and current owners of these systems will not receive the majority of benefits. The authors recommend that key stakeholders begin discussing these issues in a national forum. These actions can help identify and prioritize solutions to the key legal, ethical, and financial dilemmas discussed, so that widespread, safe, effective, interoperable EHRs can help transform health care.

Communicating Employability Enhancement throughout the Life-Span: A National Intervention Program Aimed at Combating Age-Related Stereotypes at the Workplace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Selm, Martine; Van der Heijden, Beatrice I. J. M.

2013-01-01

The stimulation of lifelong employability of employees is one of today's challenges in all sectors of the Dutch society. In this article, we will outline the historical context of the life-long employability issue in the Netherlands, and provide an overview of current business responses to the issue. We will discuss key obstacles for improving…

Use of Census Bureau Data in GPO Depository Libraries: Future Issues and Trends. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClure, Charles R.; Hernon, Peter

A discussion piece to assist the U.S. Bureau of the Census in planning for the effective use and dissemination of future census data and products in the Government Printing Office's Depository Library Program (DLP), this report identifies key issues that may affect the role of the DLP in providing the public with access to Census Bureau data. The…

Whose Side Are We on and for Whom Do We Write? Notes on Issues and Challenges Facing Those Researching and Evaluating Public Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warren, Jon; Garthwaite, Kayleigh

2015-01-01

Becker (1967) poses the question "Whose side are we on?," a question which has become an enduring part of discussions within social scientific methodology. This paper explores the key issues in Becker's argument and considers its relevance to researchers today, locating this within a consideration of evaluation-based research and policy.…

Beyond the Year of the Family: Defining the Agenda. St. Catharine's Conference (Windsor, England, February 1995). St. Catharine's Conference Report No. 47.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenhalgh, Claire

This report summarizes papers presented and the resulting discussions at a conference focused on key issues emerging from the 1994 United Nations International Year of the Family and how these issues should be reflected in policies for families in Great Britain. The papers addressed the following topics: (1) specific achievements of the United…

Elements of impact assessment: a case study with cyber attacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shanchieh Jay; Holsopple, Jared; Liu, Daniel

2009-05-01

Extensive discussions have taken place in recent year regarding impact assessment - what is it and how can we do it? It is especially intriguing in this modern era where non-traditional warfare has caused either information overload or limited understanding of adversary doctrines. This work provides a methodical discussion of key elements for the broad definition of impact assessment (IA). The discussion will start with a process flow involving components related to IA. Two key functional components, impact estimation and threat projection, are compared and illustrated in detail. These details include a discussion of when to model red and blue knowledge. Algorithmic approaches will be discussed, augmented with lessons learned from our IA development for cyber situation awareness. This paper aims at providing the community with a systematic understanding of IA and its open issues with specific examples.

NCAP projection displays: key issues for commercialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomita, Akira; Jones, Philip J.

1992-06-01

Recently there has been much interest in a new polymer nematic dispersion technology, often called as NCAP, PDLC, PNLC, LCPC, etc., since projection displays using this technology have been shown to produce much brighter display images than projectors using conventional twisted nematic (TN) lightvalves. For commercializing projection displays based on this polymer nematic dispersion technology, the new materials must not only meet various electro- optic requirements, e.g., operational voltage, `off-state'' scattering angle, voltage holding ratio and hysteresis, but must also be stable over the lifetime of the product. This paper reports recent progress in the development of NCAP based projection displays and discusses some of the key commercialization issues.

Key issues for low-cost FGD installations

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

DePriest, W.; Mazurek, J.M.

1995-12-01

This paper will discuss various methods for installing low-cost FGD systems. The paper will include a discussion of various types of FGD systems available, both wet and dry, and will compare the relative cost of each type. Important design issues, such as use of spare equipment, materials of construction, etc. will be presented. An overview of various low-cost construction techniques (i.e., modularization) will be included. This paper will draw heavily from Sargent & Lundy`s database of past and current FGD projects together with information we gathered for several Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) studies on the subject.

Special Collections in ARL Libraries: A Discussion Report from the ARL Working Group on Special Collections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Research Libraries, 2009

2009-01-01

This discussion report identifies key issues in the management of special collections material in the 21st century. The report uses a broad definition of "special collections," which encompasses distinctive material in all media and attendant library services. The group's main focus was on 19th- and 20th-century materials, including…

Discussing end-of-life issues with terminally ill cancer patients and their carers: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Clayton, Josephine M; Butow, Phyllis N; Arnold, Robert M; Tattersall, Martin H N

2005-08-01

Discussing end-of-life issues is of key importance to terminally ill cancer patients and their families, and a challenging topic for both health professionals and patients/carers. There is a lack of research evidence in the literature to guide clinical practice. The objective of this study was to explore the optimal content and phrasing of information when discussing the dying process and end-of-life issues with terminally ill cancer patients and their carers. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 19 palliative care patients and 24 carers from three palliative care services in Sydney, and 22 palliative care health professionals from around Australia. The focus groups and individual interviews were audiotaped and fully transcribed. Further focus groups and/or individual interviews were conducted until no additional topics were raised. Participants' narratives were analysed using qualitative methodology. Distinct content areas emerged for discussing end-of-life issues: treatment decisions at the end-of-life; potential future symptoms; preferences for place of death; the process of dying; what needs to be done immediately after death; and existential issues. When discussing the process of dying participants recommended: exploring the persons' fears about dying and dispelling myths; describing the final days and the likely unconscious period; and the reduced need for food and fluids. Many participants identified the dilemma regarding whether to discuss potential complications around the time of death. This paper provides strategies, words and phrases which may inform discussions about the process of dying and end-of-life issues. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of these findings.

Psycholinguistics in Applied Linguistics: Trends and Perspectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Bot, Kees

2000-01-01

Discusses the relationship between the terms psycholinguistics and applied linguistics, and in the process explores key issues in multilingual processing, such as the structure of the bilingual lexicon, language choice in production and perception, and the language mode. (Author/VWL)

Dancing around death: hospitalist-patient communication about serious illness.

PubMed

Anderson, Wendy G; Kools, Susan; Lyndon, Audrey

2013-01-01

Hospital physicians care for most seriously ill patients in the United States. We employed dimensional analysis to describe communication about death and dying in audio-recorded admission encounters between seriously ill patients and hospitalists. Acknowledging or not acknowledging the possibility of dying emerged as a key process. Acknowledgment was rare, and depended on synergistic communication behaviors between patient and physician. Facilitators included patients cuing for information and disclosing emotional distress, and physicians exploring the patient's understanding of his or her illness and emotional distress. When hospitalists focused on acute issues, stated that they were awaiting test results, and deferred to other physicians, discussion moved away from acknowledgment. Meaningful discussion of end-of-life issues, including goals and values, fears about death and dying, prognosis, and options for palliative care followed open acknowledgment. This acknowledgment process can serve as a guide for providers to sensitively and honestly discuss essential end-of-life issues.

Dancing Around Death: Hospitalist-Patient Communication About Serious Illness

PubMed Central

Anderson, Wendy G.; Kools, Susan; Lyndon, Audrey

2012-01-01

Hospital physicians care for most seriously ill patients in the United States. We employed dimensional analysis to describe communication about death and dying in audio-recorded admission encounters between seriously ill patients and hospitalists. Acknowledging or not acknowledging the possibility of dying emerged as a key process. Acknowledgment was rare, and depended on synergistic communication behaviors between patient and physician. Facilitators included patients cuing for information and disclosing emotional distress, and physicians exploring the patient’s understanding of his or her illness and emotional distress. When hospitalists focused on acute issues, stated that they were awaiting test results, and deferred to other physicians, discussion moved away from acknowledgment. Meaningful discussion of end-of-life issues, including goals and values, fears about death and dying, prognosis, and options for palliative care followed open acknowledgment. This acknowledgment process can serve as a guide for providers to sensitively and honestly discuss essential end-of-life issues. PMID:23034778

Alternative Designs for Evaluating Workplace Literacy Programs. Conference Proceedings and Commissioned Papers at the "Design Guidance for Evaluating Workplace Literacy Programs" Work Group Conference (Washington, D.C. April 13, 1993).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC.

This document contains the five papers presented at a meeting at which key issues in evaluating workplace literacy programs were discussed. In "Key Components of Workplace Liteacy Projects and Definitions of Project 'Modules,'" Judith A. Alamprese describes the context for evaluating the National Extension Program, components of workplace literacy…

Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communication and Communication Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-24

designed to gather SC educators and key practitioners for thoughtful discussions on SC education and training issues. KLE is not about engaging key...operational design and early joint operation planning process to identify indicators that will enable us to detect when it is time to “reframe” the problem...integrating process across DOD, included in concept and doctrine development, strategy and plan design , execution, and assessment, and incorporated

Foster Parents' Rights to Share in Decision-Making for the Foster Child: Some Issues That Foster Parents Should Be Aware Of.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardin, Mark; Tazzara, Patricia

This brief paper is intended, not to provide legal advice, but to alert foster parents to some of the key legal issues affecting their role in decision-making for the foster child. Contents discuss foster parents' access to adequate information concerning their foster children and their right to pursue grievances, resist agency decisions to remove…

Fiscal Issues in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rigolot, Carol, Ed.

Forty colleges and life insurance presidents met to discuss key historical and contemporary factors influencing fiscal management in higher education, including inflation, salaries, diminishing enrollment figures, energy costs, federal regulations and the increasing cost of research. Differences and similarities between business and academia were…

The Mystic River Watershed Initiative Steering Committee Purpose and Structure

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Mystic River Watershed Initiative (MRWI) works to improve water quality and public access to open spaces in the Mystic River watershed. The MRWI Steering Committee meets regularly to discuss key issues and priority actions related to this initiative.

Being "Chill" with Teachers and "Frozen" by Peers in Science: Overcoming Social and Educational Barriers in a Learning Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Hannah; Scantlebury, Kathryn

2013-01-01

This forum discusses the issue of "othering" and how intersectionality is a useful analytical framework for understanding the students' immigrant experiences in, and out of, the science classroom. We use a feminist perspective to discuss Minjung's study because gender is a key aspect of one's identity other aspects such as…

Laser diode technology for coherent communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Channin, D. J.; Palfrey, S. L.; Toda, M.

1989-01-01

The effect of diode laser characteristics on the overall performance capabilities of coherent communication systems is discussed. In particular, attention is given to optical performance issues for diode lasers in coherent systems, measurements of key performance parameters, and optical requirements for coherent single-channel and multichannel communication systems. The discussion also covers limitations imposed by diode laser optical performance on multichannel system capabilities and implications for future developments.

So you want to do research? 3. An introduction to qualitative methods.

PubMed

Meadows, Keith A

2003-10-01

This article describes some of the key issues in the use of qualitative research methods. Starting with a description of what qualitative research is and outlining some of the distinguishing features between quantitative and qualitative research, examples of the type of setting where qualitative research can be applied are provided. Methods of collecting information through in-depth interviews and group discussions are discussed in some detail, including issues around sampling and recruitment, the use of topic guides and techniques to encourage participants to talk openly. An overview on the analysis of qualitative data discusses aspects on data reduction, display and drawing conclusions from the data. Approaches to ensuring rigour in the collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative research are discussed and the concepts of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability are described. Finally, guidelines for the reporting of qualitative research are outlined and the need to write for a particular audience is discussed.

Labor force planning issues for allied health in Australia.

PubMed

Smith, C S; Crowley, S

1995-01-01

The aim of this paper is to discuss labor force planning issues for allied health professionals in Australia. Health system reform and changes in the demand for health labor, combined with key characteristics of the professions, will have a profound influence on future needs for career development of allied health professionals. Key issues include the increasing need for allied health professionals to undertake business management and public health training, the growing trend of multiskilling versus specialization, and the need for the professions to diversify their skill base to ensure a range of career options in a changing health care system. The challenge for allied health professions is to improve tools of analysis in relation to labor force planning and to systematically investigate various factors influencing labor force supply and demand, on both a short-term and long-term basis.

Reproductive issues in anorexia nervosa

PubMed Central

Hoffman, Elizabeth R; Zerwas, Stephanie C; Bulik, Cynthia M

2011-01-01

Despite a high prevalence of menstrual irregularities, women with anorexia nervosa are becoming pregnant. The physical and psychological demands of pregnancy and motherhood can represent an immense challenge for women already struggling with the medical and psychological stress of an eating disorder. This article summarizes key issues related to reproduction in women with anorexia nervosa, highlighting the importance of preconception counseling, adequate gestational weight gain, and sufficient pre- and post-natal nutrition. Postpartum issues including eating disorder symptom relapse, weight loss, breastfeeding, and risk of perinatal depression and anxiety are also discussed. PMID:22003362

Parents and Campus Safety.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sells, Debra

2002-01-01

Parents are demanding greater inclusion in issues relating to campus safety and security. This article examines the historical evolution of relations between parents, students, and universities, discussing two pieces of key legislation and describing strategies to optimize common interrelationships between parents and institutions. (Contains 14…

Online Learning: Research Readings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guthrie, Hugh, Ed.

This book comprises an overview and 11 chapters that address issues related to flexible approaches to delivery and online learning in particular. "Overview" (Guthrie) highlights key points drawn from the chapters. "Does Digital Literacy Mean More Than Clicking Your Fingers?" (Candy) discusses the importance of information and…

Choosing a CD-ROM Network Solution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doering, David

1996-01-01

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

Misconceptions about Psychological Science: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Sean; Lyddy, Fiona; Lambe, Sinead

2013-01-01

This article provides an overview of the available evidence on psychological misconceptions, including key findings, current directions and emerging issues for investigation. We begin by defining misconceptions and then examine their prevalence and persistence, discuss their implications for student learning and highlight potential strategies to…

Building Better Buildings: Sustainable Building Activities in California Higher Education Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sowell, Arnold; Eichel, Amanda; Alevantis, Leon; Lovegreen, Maureen

2003-01-01

This article outlines the activities and recommendations of California's sustainable building task force, discusses sustainable building activities in California's higher education systems, and highlights key issues that California is grappling with in its implementation of sustainable building practices. (EV)

Applying stand replacement prescribed fires in Alaska

Treesearch

Larry A. Vanderlinden

1996-01-01

Stand replacement prescribed burning has been applied in Alaska on several occasions. Based on that experience, perspectives can be provided, issues can be discussed, and keys to success can be identified that are applicable to stand replacement prescribed burning activities in areas outside Alaska.

The innovation process centre stage.

PubMed

2005-09-01

London's Olympia 2 was the venue for the first Medical Device Technology Innovation Forum. The event was characterised by dialogue and discussion that explored the key issues involved in delivering clinical need through innovative products to the end user. Highlights of the event are reported here.

Conducting Mathematical Research with Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Gareth E.

2013-01-01

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

STS-114 Mission Management Team Meeting

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-08-04

JSC2005-E-32012 (4 August 2005) --- John Muratore, Manager of Space Shuttle Systems Engineering & Integration Office, discusses a key STS-114 issue during the Mission Management Team (MMT) session of the afternoon of August 4. The MMT meets daily in Houston's Mission Control Center.

Programmatic and economic challenges for commercial space processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Overfelt, Tony; Watkins, John

1997-01-01

The International Space Station is the largest cooperative space project in history and is likely to be industry's most viable access to the low-g environment for long duration materials processing experiments. Such access will provide unique and competitive research capabilities to industry if private sector entities can commercially utilize the Space Station for their industrial projects. Although ``commercial utilization'' implies a variety of things to different people, the key industrial issues are frequent, reliable, and economical access to space as well as protection of private sector intellectual property rights. This paper discusses how these key issues will influence the programmatic and economic challenges for commercial space processing in the future Space Station era.

Digital telephony analysis model and issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keuthan, Lynn M.

1995-09-01

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

A short history of randomized experiments in criminology. A meager feast.

PubMed

Farrington, David P

2003-06-01

This article discusses advantages of randomized experiments and key issues raised in the following articles. The main concern is the growth and decrease in the use of randomized experiments by the California Youth Authority, the U.S. National Institute of Justice, and the British Home Office, although other experiments are also discussed. It is concluded that feast and famine periods are influenced by key individuals. It is recommended that policy makers, practitioners, funders, the mass media, and the general public need better education in research quality so that they can tell the difference between good and poor evaluation studies. They might then demand better evaluations using randomized experiments.

What does voice-processing technology support today?

PubMed Central

Nakatsu, R; Suzuki, Y

1995-01-01

This paper describes the state of the art in applications of voice-processing technologies. In the first part, technologies concerning the implementation of speech recognition and synthesis algorithms are described. Hardware technologies such as microprocessors and DSPs (digital signal processors) are discussed. Software development environment, which is a key technology in developing applications software, ranging from DSP software to support software also is described. In the second part, the state of the art of algorithms from the standpoint of applications is discussed. Several issues concerning evaluation of speech recognition/synthesis algorithms are covered, as well as issues concerning the robustness of algorithms in adverse conditions. Images Fig. 3 PMID:7479720

Reaching kids: partnering with preschools and schools to improve children's health.

PubMed

2009-11-01

As part of its continuing mission to serve trustees and staff of health foundations and corporate giving programs, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) convened a group of grantmakers and education experts on May 27, 2009, for an informative discussion about ways in which preschools and schools are working to improve outcomes related to children's health. The Issue Dialogue Reaching Kids: Partnering with Preschools and Schools to Improve Children's Health synthesized the latest research on health-related issues affecting children's educational outcomes. It also provided illustrative examples of foundation-driven initiatives aimed at promoting collaborations between the health and education sectors to improve children's health and development outcomes. This Issue Brief summarizes background materials compiled for the meeting and highlights key themes and findings that emerged from the day's discussion among meeting participants.

Online epistemic communities: theoretical and methodological directions for understanding knowledge co-elaboration in new digital spaces.

PubMed

Détienne, Françoise; Barcellini, Flore; Baker, Michael; Burkhardt, Jean-Marie; Fréard, Dominique

2012-01-01

This paper presents, illustrates and discusses a generic framework for studying knowledge co-elaboration in online epistemic communities ("OECs"). Our approach is characterised by: considering knowledge co-elaboration as a design activity; distinguishing discussion and production spaces in OECs; characterising participation via the notion of role; fine-grained analyses of meaning, content and communicative functions in interactions. On this basis, three key issues for ergonomics research on OECs are discussed and illustrated by results from our previous studies on OSS and Wikipedia. One issue concerns the interrelation between design (task) and regulation. Whereas design task-oriented activity is distributed among participants, we illustrate that OCEs function with specialised emerging roles of group regulation. However, the task-oriented activity also functions at an interpersonal level, as an interplay of knowledge-based discussion with negotiation of competencies. Another issue concerns the foci of activity on the (designed) knowledge object. Based on a generic task model, we illustrate asymmetry and distinctiveness in tasks' foci of participants. The last issue concerns how design-use mediation is ensured by specific forms of mediation roles in OECs. Finally we discuss the degree of generality of our framework and draw some perspectives for extending our framework to other OECs.

Computer vision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gennery, D.; Cunningham, R.; Saund, E.; High, J.; Ruoff, C.

1981-01-01

The field of computer vision is surveyed and assessed, key research issues are identified, and possibilities for a future vision system are discussed. The problems of descriptions of two and three dimensional worlds are discussed. The representation of such features as texture, edges, curves, and corners are detailed. Recognition methods are described in which cross correlation coefficients are maximized or numerical values for a set of features are measured. Object tracking is discussed in terms of the robust matching algorithms that must be devised. Stereo vision, camera control and calibration, and the hardware and systems architecture are discussed.

What does it mean to "employ" the RE-AIM model?

PubMed

Kessler, Rodger S; Purcell, E Peyton; Glasgow, Russell E; Klesges, Lisa M; Benkeser, Rachel M; Peek, C J

2013-03-01

Many grant proposals identify the use of a given evaluation model or framework but offer little about how such models are implemented. The authors discuss what it means to employ a specific model, RE-AIM, and key dimensions from this model for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. The authors report both conceptual and content specifications for the use of the RE-AIM model and a content review of 42 recent dissemination and implementation grant applications to National Institutes of Health that proposed the use of this model. Outcomes include the extent to which proposals addressed the overall RE-AIM model and specific items within the five dimensions in their methods or evaluation plans. The majority of grants used only some elements of the model (less than 10% contained thorough measures across all RE-AIM dimensions). Few met criteria for "fully developed use" of RE-AIM and the percentage of key issues addressed varied from, on average, 45% to 78% across the RE-AIM dimensions. The results and discussion of key criteria should help investigators in their use of RE-AIM and illuminate the broader issue of comprehensive use of evaluation models.

Dr. Deming Comes to Class.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gartner, William B.

1993-01-01

One college faculty member's experiences in applying Deming management theory to his business courses to improve instruction are discussed. Key issues in the Deming philosophy are outlined, course changes based on them are described, and outcomes are examined. Suggestions are offered for overcoming institutional and ideological barriers. (MSE)

Research on Psychotherapy Integration: Recommendations and Conclusions from an NIMH Workshop.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolfe, Barry E.; Goldfried, Marvin R.

1988-01-01

Describes National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) workshop (March 1986) which invited 14 psychotherapy researchers to consider key issues associated with psychotherapy integration. Discusses recommendations developed to initiate a research program encompassing conceptual clarification, efficacy studies of systematic eclectic therapies, the role…

A Blueprint for Success. Operation Rescue.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, Washington, DC.

A set of principles that focus on issues concerning implementation of a successful dropout prevention program is presented by a consortium of national educational organizations. The key elements of this "blueprint" consider local adaptations and effective results among various programs. The booklet discusses seven principles for dropout…

The Keepers of the Key: Development Education in the 21st Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crease, Skid

1999-01-01

Discusses the role of development education in the 21st century. Awareness of the global interconnectedness of issues of water, food, health, education, and wealth is broadening the scope of development education to include a closer look at home. (CCM)

The power of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family molecules.

PubMed

Thomas, Jean-Leon; Eichmann, Anne

2013-05-01

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their high-affinity tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) are key regulators of both angiogenesis and neurogenesis. The current issue of CMLS discusses recent literature and work implementing these signals in nervous system development, maintenance and disease pathology.

The ABSEL Classicos Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cannon, Hugh M.; Smith, J. Alexander

2004-01-01

Over the years, the Association for Business Simulation and Experiential Learning (ABSEL) has invested considerable effort in formulating its research mission while reflecting on its unique identity among professional organizations. This article reviews the literature on this topic while identifying key issues and proposals. It then discusses the…

Technology Helps Increase Poverty Awareness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samaras, Anastasia P.

2002-01-01

Discusses the importance of developing curricular initiatives that educate students on the major facts and issues associated with poverty in America. Provides key poverty statistics and highlights useful Internet resources that offer resource lists, success stories, relevant press releases, and curriculum guides. For example, the PovertyUSA Web…

Key Issues in the Practice of Youth Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silliman, Benjamin

2004-01-01

Three significant trends in youth development practice are discussed: movement toward consensus in models guiding practice, movement toward science-based practice, and increasing resources available to practitioners. Consensus on an ecological framework for risk reduction and competence building among advocates for prevention, resilience, and…

How to Conduct Ethnographic Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sangasubana, Nisaratana

2011-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of conducting ethnographic research. Methodology definition and key characteristics are given. The stages of the research process are described including preparation, data gathering and recording, and analysis. Important issues such as reliability and validity are also discussed.

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

PubMed

Lewis, Sara G; Boyle, Mariah

2017-08-01

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

SSHAC Workshop 1 - November 15-18, 2010 | NGA East

Science.gov Websites

(2:00-4:30) Methods for finite fault simulations 2:00-3:00 Methods considered: description of selected methods (2.Yuehua Zeng; Sim WG) 3:00-3:30 Discussion 3:30-3:45 Break 3:45-4:00 Discussion: Capture of representative methods 4:00-4:30 Summary of today's key issues (3.Norman Abrahamson) 4:30-5:00

How should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated?†

PubMed Central

Marchese Robinson, Richard L.; Lynch, Iseult; Peijnenburg, Willie; Rumble, John; Klaessig, Fred; Marquardt, Clarissa; Rauscher, Hubert; Puzyn, Tomasz; Purian, Ronit; Åberg, Christoffer; Karcher, Sandra; Vriens, Hanne; Hoet, Peter; Hoover, Mark D.; Hendren, Christine Ogilvie; Harper, Stacey L.

2016-01-01

Nanotechnology is of increasing significance. Curation of nanomaterial data into electronic databases offers opportunities to better understand and predict nanomaterials’ behaviour. This supports innovation in, and regulation of, nanotechnology. It is commonly understood that curated data need to be sufficiently complete and of sufficient quality to serve their intended purpose. However, assessing data completeness and quality is non-trivial in general and is arguably especially difficult in the nanoscience area, given its highly multidisciplinary nature. The current article, part of the Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative series, addresses how to assess the completeness and quality of (curated) nanomaterial data. In order to address this key challenge, a variety of related issues are discussed: the meaning and importance of data completeness and quality, existing approaches to their assessment and the key challenges associated with evaluating the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data. Considerations which are specific to the nanoscience area and lessons which can be learned from other relevant scientific disciplines are considered. Hence, the scope of this discussion ranges from physicochemical characterisation requirements for nanomaterials and interference of nanomaterials with nanotoxicology assays to broader issues such as minimum information checklists, toxicology data quality schemes and computational approaches that facilitate evaluation of the completeness and quality of (curated) data. This discussion is informed by a literature review and a survey of key nanomaterial data curation stakeholders. Finally, drawing upon this discussion, recommendations are presented concerning the central question: how should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated? PMID:27143028

Parents' views on childhood obesity: qualitative analysis of discussion board postings.

PubMed

Appleton, Jessica; Fowler, Cathrine; Brown, Nicola

2017-08-01

Childhood obesity is an increasing concern for parents and health professionals alike. Parents' perception of obesity as a current health issue for their children is important for the everyday parenting and health choices parents make. As parents are frequently going online to seek and exchange information about parenting and child health, asynchronous online discussion forums provide an opportunity to investigate their perceptions and concerns. Understanding parents' perceptions, beliefs and attitudes is important in any childhood obesity prevention and intervention. To explore parents' perceptions, perspectives and concerns regarding childhood obesity expressed on asynchronous online discussion forums. A qualitative descriptive approach using template analysis to analyse a novel data collection strategy of 34 purposefully sampled threads from two Australian-based asynchronous online discussion forums. Parents on the discussion forum displayed an understanding of childhood obesity as a public health concern, the discussion incorporated issues such as providing a healthy diet and lifestyle for children. Parents shared their own opinions and experiences that challenged or conceded to the status quo of the discussion. Parents discussed the role of health professionals in obesity prevention. There were varied opinions on the relevance of health professionals, particularly nurses, monitoring of growth and risk of obesity. This exploratory study highlights that parents perceive childhood obesity as an important public health concern, and that they understand the key public health messages of prevention and intervention. Yet, for many it is difficult to successfully implement these messages into their everyday lives. Health professionals need to play a key role in providing non-judgemental, innovative support and advice to parents to successfully implement prevention and intervention strategies.

Qualitative inquiry and the debate between hermeneutics and critical theory.

PubMed

Shaw, James A; DeForge, Ryan T

2014-11-01

Two issues have been central to ongoing disputes about judgments of quality in qualitative inquiry: (a) the ways in which paradigmatic orientations are understood to guide procedural decisions and (b) the meaning and intelligibility of paradigmatic incommensurability. In this article, we address these two key issues through an exploration of the debates between hermeneutics and critical social theory, including the exchanges between Hans-Georg Gadamer and Jurgen Habermas, and between Richard Rorty and Thomas McCarthy. We suggest that the key epistemological issue addressed in these debates is the nature of interpretation, separating the two philosophical camps based on beliefs about whether foundational knowledge is possible to achieve. We conclude the article by discussing the implications of these different positions for beliefs about quality in qualitative inquiry, and comment on the role of judgment in assessments of the value and quality of different approaches to qualitative research. © The Author(s) 2014.

Cultural differences in end-of-life care.

PubMed

Vincent, J L

2001-02-01

The exact time of death for many intensive care unit patients is increasingly preceded by an end-of-life decision. Such decisions are fraught with ethical, religious, moral, cultural, and legal difficulties. Key questions surrounding this issue include the difference between withholding and withdrawing, when to withhold/withdraw, who should be involved in the decision-making process, what are the relevant legal precedents, etc. Cultural variations in attitude to such issues are perhaps expected between continents, but key differences also exist on a more local basis, for example, among the countries of Europe. Physicians need to be aware of the potential cultural differences in the attitudes not only of their colleagues, but also of their patients and families. Open discussion of these issues and some change in our attitude toward life and death are needed to enable such patients to have a pain-free, dignified death.

What nurses and midwives want: Findings from the national survey on workplace climate and well-being.

PubMed

Holland, Peter J; Tham, Tse Leng; Gill, Fenella J

2018-06-01

A discussion of the findings from a nationwide study of workplace and well-being issues of Australian nurses and midwives. Current discourse only provides a fragmented understanding of a multifaceted nature of working conditions and well-being, necessitating a more holistic investigation to identify critical workplace issues within these professions. Discussion paper. A national survey conducted in July 2016 involving Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation members. The literature supporting this paper focuses on the nursing and midwifery workforce and studies on attraction and retention issues. Workplace policies and practices in place in health care organizations that are within the control of management are key factors in the negative issues associated with the profession from the survey. Proactive and targeted interventions particularly aimed at salient issues of work intensification, declining engagement, and effective voice mechanisms are needed to address these crucial issues if the attrition of individuals from nursing and midwifery occupations is going to be ameliorated. To alleviate workforce issues pushing nurses and midwives to the tipping point of exiting the professions, health care organizations need to take a proactive stance in addressing issues under the control of management. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Considerations for preparing collaborative international research: a Ugandan experience.

PubMed

Musil, Carol M; Mutabaazi, Jemimah; Walusimbi, Mariam; Okonsky, Jennifer G; Biribonwa, Yedidah; Eagan, Sabrina; Dimarco, Marguerite A; Mbaballi, Speciosa; Fitzpatrick, Joyce J

2004-08-01

This article describes issues to consider when planning and conducting international research projects. Key considerations include building collaboration, developing a comprehensive and feasible research plan, funding and budgets, addressing human subjects concerns, and analyzing and disseminating project findings. These considerations and related methodological issues are discussed in the context of a replication pilot project conducted outside Kampala, Uganda. Ongoing dialog, flexibility, and collaboration, in addition to good science, are critical to developing successful international research projects.

Environmental assessment overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valentino, A. R.

1980-01-01

The assessment program has as its objectives: to identify the environmental issues associated with the SPS Reference System; to prepare a preliminary assessment based on existing data; to suggest mitigating strategies and provide environmental data and guidance to other components of the program as required; and to plan long-range research to reduce the uncertainty in the preliminary assessment. The key environmental issues associated with the satellite power system are discussed and include human health and safety, ecosystems, climate, and interaction with electromagnetic systems.

Technological Literacy. Research into Practice Series No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luke, Carmen

This booklet, which was written for adult literacy practitioners in Australia, examines some key issues currently being raised about new information technologies and technological literacy. The following are among the topics discussed in the booklet's nine sections: innovation and dissemination (effects of videocassette recorders, computers, and…

Role of CCTs in the evolving domestic electricity market

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

Grahame, T.J.

1997-12-31

The paper summarizes the key points and issues in the role of clean coal technologies in the domestic marketplace. Then suggested solutions to bringing precommercial CCTs to the market are presented. Finally, the outlook for possible actions by government and the private sector are briefly discussed.

Selected Studies on Math Placement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akst, Geoffrey; Hirsch, Lewis

1991-01-01

Drawing from a review of the literature and direct experience, this paper discusses key issues in developmental mathematics placement. First, the controversial practice of mandatory placement is examined, citing research results that support the practice and those that do not. Next, the diversity of developmental math placement standards is…

A Look at Business in 1990.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White House Conference on the Industrial World Ahead, Washington, DC.

This document presents the program, papers, and discussions of the first conference exclusively concerned with the American business system and the first one on the future. Approximately 1,500 key business, labor, university, and government leaders met to consider the issues, challenges, and opportunities confronting the American private…

Intergenerational Programmes: Public Policy and Research Implications--An International Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatton-Yeo, Alan, Ed.; Ohsako, Toshio, Ed.

This document consists of 12 papers that, together, summarize the key issues underpinning future research and policy development related to intergenerational programs (IPs). "Introduction" (Alan Hatton-Yeo) discusses the project out of which the papers developed. "A General Assessment of IP Initiatives in the Countries…

A Primer on Taming the Beast.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohler, Jason

1999-01-01

Discusses a book, "Taming the Beast: Choice and Control in the Electronic Jungle" that explores 27 key issues about technology in order to understand its impact on ourselves, social structures, and the environment. Highlights include the effective use of technology in schools; anxiety concerning technology; technological literacy; and…

GOALS AND CURRENT RESEARCH OF EPA'S STREAM RESTORATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

The US EPA is involved in ongoing research on stream and riparian restoration. This presentation is designed to discuss current EPA research efforts, identify key issues in the science and practice of stream restoration, and to help frame a future National Research Council study...

Banking: financing trends in an acquisitive health care market--focus on long-term care.

PubMed

Gordon, L J; Bressler, A

1998-01-01

This article reviews the long-term care sector of the health care industry, particularly the factors driving sector consolidation and, through the use of four transactions as a platform, discusses key credit issues and risks facing long-term care companies.

Critical Measurement Issues in Translational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glasgow, Russell E.

2009-01-01

This article summarizes critical evaluation needs, challenges, and lessons learned in translational research. Evaluation can play a key role in enhancing successful application of research-based programs and tools as well as informing program refinement and future research. Discussion centers on what is unique about evaluating programs and…

Arguing from Nature: The role of `nature' in students' argumentations on a socio-scientific issue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, Jan Alexis

2012-03-01

This paper explores how students invoked different conceptions of 'nature' in eight socio-scientific group discussions about human gene therapy. The paper illustrates and discusses how the students articulated nature and to what extent they elicited science factual content in the process. While the students in this study invoked nature at key places in a variety of dialectical contexts in the discussions, these invocations were often uncritical appeals and rarely involved science factual content. Even when an argument from nature was challenged, the author of that argument would often shift the sense of nature rather than elaborate upon the argumentation. It is argued that if students were properly introduced to the evaluative character of the term 'nature' it would not just be conducive to the quality of their argumentation, but also invite them to foreground science factual content at key places in their discussion.

Stakeholders' views on ethical issues in the practice of in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer in Nigeria.

PubMed

Ajayi, R A; Dibosa-Osadolor, O J

2011-09-01

The provision of IVF for the specialized treatment of infertility has grown very rapidly in Nigeria in recent times, especially within the private sector. The objective of this study was to document the views of key stakeholders regarding salient ethical issues relating to the practice of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in Nigeria. A think-tank session was convened with participants drawn from different backgrounds and disciplines to deliberate on ethical issues in IVF. Ten key issues were discussed at this inaugural session. It was unanimously agreed that there are no right or wrong answers when considering the ethics and morality of IVF as these are principally dependent on choice and circumstances. However within the legal and socio-cultural dictates of the Nigerian society, right and wrong may be clearly determined on some issues. With the expansion of the IVF industry and technology in Nigeria, the need to address related ethical issues have become paramount. The forum recommended that it is important that regulatory guidelines are put in place to regulate the practice of IVF in Nigeria and to protect patients' rights and safety.

Challenges of Moving IPG into Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulbach, Cathy

2004-01-01

Over the past 5-6 years, NASA has been developing the Information Power Grid and has a persistent testbed currently based on GT2.4.2. This presentation will begin with an overview of IPG status and services, discuss key milestones in IPG development, and present early as well as expected applications. The presentation will discuss some of the issues encountered in developing a grid including the tension between providing centralized and distributed computing. These issues also affect how the grid is moved into full production. Finally, the presentation will provide current plans for moving IPG into full production, including gaining broad user input, developing acceptance criteria from the production operations group, planning upgrades, and training users.

Panel 2.17: private commercial sector partnerships for health action in crises.

PubMed

Sundnes, Knut Ole; Sannerkvist, Milan; Hedger, Philip; Woodworth, Brent; Hyre, Anne; Cuddyre, Terrence; Waldman, Ronald

2005-01-01

This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Panel 2.17, Private Commercial Sector Partnerships for Health Action in Crises of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04-06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to private sector partnerships for health action in crises as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. It is presented in the following sections: (1) key questions; (2) issues and challenges; (3) lessons learned; (4) what was done well?; (5) what could have been done better?; and (6) conclusions and recommendations.

Framing global health: the governance challenge.

PubMed

McInnes, Colin; Kamradt-Scott, Adam; Lee, Kelley; Reubi, David; Roemer-Mahler, Anne; Rushton, Simon; Williams, Owain David; Woodling, Marie

2012-01-01

With the emergence of global health comes governance challenges which are equally global in nature. This article identifies some of the initial limitations in analyses of global health governance (GHG) before discussing the focus of this special supplement: the framing of global health issues and the manner in which this impacts upon GHG. Whilst not denying the importance of material factors (such as resources and institutional competencies), the article identifies how issues can be framed in different ways, thereby creating particular pathways of response which in turn affect the potential for and nature of GHG. It also identifies and discusses the key frames operating in global health: evidence-based medicine, human rights, security, economics and development.

System issues and considerations associated with design of ground mobile strategic satellite communication terminals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poliakon, J. A.

The current national defense doctrine calls for increased use of ground mobile strategic satellite communication earth terminals. This paper discusses some of the key communication terminal system issues and considerations associated with the design of nuclear hardened strategic ground mobile earth terminals. It considers system requirements such as nuclear hardness, rapid mobility, low profile, signal interference resistance, high availability, and long term independent operation. It also discusses impacts and implications associated with these requirements when imposed on a satellite earth terminal. It gives special focus to the ramifications of imposing mobility on earth terminals and its relationship to the system design approach used to arrive at an optimal system solution.

Low Gravity Issues of Deep Space Refueling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chato, David J.

2005-01-01

This paper discusses the technologies required to develop deep space refueling of cryogenic propellants and low cost flight experiments to develop them. Key technologies include long term storage, pressure control, mass gauging, liquid acquisition, and fluid transfer. Prior flight experiments used to mature technologies are discussed. A plan is presented to systematically study the deep space refueling problem and devise low-cost experiments to further mature technologies and prepare for full scale flight demonstrations.

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

Smith, Jeff

This report discusses the UHSP monitoring program, a radioactive material accounting process and its purpose. The systematic approach to implementing Lean principles, determining key requirements, root causes of variation and disruption that interfere with program efficiency and effectiveness. Preexisting issues within the UHSP are modeled to illustrate the impact that they have on the large and extensive systems.

Workplace Learning: Emerging Trends and New Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenwick, Tara

2008-01-01

This chapter focuses on "learning processes" in the workplace from concepts emerging in the field of adult education, without straying into pedagogies and programs that can enhance learning. It discusses four topics on learning processes that seem to be particularly important for addressing key purposes and issues of workplace learning from an…

International Education and Foreign Languages: Keys to Securing America's Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Connell, Mary Ellen, Ed.; Norwood, Janet L., Ed.

2007-01-01

"International Education and Foreign Languages" reviews the Department of Education's Title VI and Fulbright-Hays Programs, which provide higher education funding for international education and foreign language programs. This book offers a timely look at issues that are increasingly important in an interconnected world. It discusses the…

Women Surviving an Abusive Relationship: Grief and the Process of Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russell, Bonnie; Uhlemann, Max R.

1994-01-01

Surveys literature regarding women in abusive relationships focusing on key issues related to the change process that are consistent with the grieving process. Examines constructs of depression, guilt, and decision-making difficulty by comparing them within perspective of normal grieving. Discusses implications for counseling practice. Includes 35…

School Haze: A Response to Louis Menand's View on Multicultural Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franklin, Godfrey; Heath, Inez A.

This essay discusses multicultural education in the context of responding to an article in a national magazine, which critiqued multicultural education. This essay argues that the article, "School Daze" (Louis Menand) in "Harper's Bazaar" magazine in September, 1992, oversimplifies and misrepresents key issues of multicultural…

"Language Learning" Roundtable: Memory and Second Language Acquisition 2012, Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wen, Zhisheng; McNeill, Arthur; Mota, Mailce Borges

2014-01-01

Organized under the auspices of the "Language Learning" Roundtable Conference Grant (2012), this seminar aimed to provide an interactive forum for a group of second language acquisition (SLA) researchers with particular interests in cognitive linguistics and psycholinguistics to discuss key theoretical and methodological issues in the…

Counselling Refugee Young People: An Exploration of Therapeutic Approaches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warr, Sally

2010-01-01

This paper presents and discusses the key findings from a study that considered significant issues that affect refugees and asylum-seekers, and explored beneficial counselling approaches relevant to this group. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with three counsellors and three specialist children's support advisors. Data were analysed…

Perspectives on Technology in Learning and Teaching Languages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kern, Richard

2006-01-01

Rapid evolution of communication technologies has changed language pedagogy and language use, enabling new forms of discourse, new forms of authorship, and new ways to create and participate in communities. The first section of this article identifies and discusses four key issues arising from the recent technology-related literature (the status…

Retrenchment in Education: Hierarchical Decision Models for Instructional Program Termination, District Consolidations and School Closures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wholeben, Brent Edward

A number of key issues facing elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational administrators during retrenchment require a hierarchical decision-modeling approach. This paper identifies and discusses the use of a hierarchical multiple-alternatives modeling formulation (computer-based) that compares and evaluates a group of solution…

Antimicrobial resistance and the environment: Assessment of advances, gaps and recommendations for agriculture, aquaculture and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A roundtable discussion held at the 4th International Symposium on the Environmental Dimension of Antibiotic Resistance (EDAR4) considered key issues concerning the impact on the environment of antibiotic use in agriculture and aquaculture, and emissions from antibiotic manufacturing. The critical ...

Native Americans in the Health Professions: Two Interviews.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westberg, Jane

1999-01-01

Interviews with Dr. Joseph Bell, president of the American Association of Indian Physicians (AAIP), and Wabanang Kuczek, physician assistant, discuss health-care services needed by Native people, AAIP efforts to recruit Indian students into medicine, links to traditional healing, key health issues facing Indian people, and career opportunities as…

Professionalization and Certification for Teachers in Adult Basic Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sabatini, John P.; Ginsburg, Lynda; Russell, Mary

2002-01-01

When Shanahan, Meehan, and Mogge (1994) reviewed the issue of professionalization, they characterized previous discussions and debates as controversial, negative, and heated, marked more by discord than unity. A key point of disagreement was whether or under what conditions certification could be considered necessary or desirable. They found only…

Presidential Opinions on Today's Key Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Budig, Gene A.

1986-01-01

Interviews with chief executives of large state universities by the chancellor of the University of Kansas are described. The need to work more closely with state officials, concern about faculty morale, new campus-statehouse initiatives to advance high technology and fuel state economic growth, and college athletics are discussed. (MLW)

Creativity in the Workplace: People, Problems, and Structures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mumford, Michael D.; Simonton, Dean Keith

1997-01-01

This introductory article argues that creativity and innovation are key requirements for the growth and adaptation of organizations. Articles focusing on how creativity and innovation can be encouraged in the workplace are reviewed. Useful directions for future research are discussed along with the methodological issues likely to arise. (Author/CR)

Theorising Knowledge Practices: A Missing Piece of the Educational Technology Puzzle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Sarah; Maton, Karl

2011-01-01

Educational technology research has been characterised as lacking theoretical frameworks that can enable cumulative knowledge-building across the field. This article explores the value of Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) for addressing these issues by discussing research into the key of integration of information and communication technologies in…

Inertial Fusion Energy reactor design studies: Prometheus-L, Prometheus-H. Volume 2, Final report

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

Waganer, L.M.; Driemeyer, D.E.; Lee, V.D.

1992-03-01

This report contains a review of design studies for Inertial Confinement reactor. This second of three volumes discussions is some detail the following: Objectives, requirements, and assumptions; rationale for design option selection; key technical issues and R&D requirements; and conceptual design selection and description.

Pretreatment of woody biomass for biofuel production: energy efficiency, technologies, and recalcitrance

Treesearch

J.Y. Zhu; Xuejun Pan; Ronald S. Jr. Zalesny

2010-01-01

This mini review discusses several key technical issues associated with cellulosic ethanol production from woody biomass: energy consumption for woody biomass pretreatment, pretreatment energy efficiency, woody biomass pretreatment technologies, and quantification of woody biomass recalcitrance. Both total sugar yield and pretreatment energy efficiency, defined as the...

Reliability in fiber optic cable harness manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCoy, Bruce M.

Key aspects of manufacturing cable harnesses for aircraft and spacecraft that incorporate optical fiber/cables along with traditional wiring are discussed. Issues regarding feasibility of automation of assembly processes, manual assembly, testing, installation, quality assurance, reliability and maintainability are addressed. Training procedures, formal training programs, and their results are reviewed.

Textual analysis of tobacco editorials: how are Key media gatekeepers framing the issues?

PubMed

Smith, Katherine Clegg; Wakefield, Melanie

2005-01-01

The news media's potential to promote awareness of health issues is established, and media advocacy is now an important tool in combating tobacco use. This study examines newspaper editors' perspectives of tobacco-related issues. This study presents a textual analysis of tobacco-related editorials. The data consist of editorials on tobacco from a sample of 310 U.S. daily newspapers over the course of 1 year (2001). Data were sampled from a random one-third of the days per month, yielding 162 editorials for analysis. A qualitative textual analysis was conducted. Each editorial was coded for theme, position, and frame. We analyzed the topics gaining editorial attention and the arguments made to support various perspectives. Editorials discussed a variety of both positive and negative news events, largely conveying support for tobacco-control objectives. Various organizing frames were used-supporting policy interventions, condemning the industry, highlighting individual rights, and expressing general cynicism were most prevalent. Editors largely promoted tobacco-control efforts, particularly policy advances. There was, however, little coverage of key issues such as health effects and addiction-perhaps because they are no longer perceived to be contentious. Advocates should seek to address this area and minimize the cynicism of key media gatekeepers to avoid undermining policy and individual change efforts.

Making the audience a key participant in the science communication process.

PubMed

Rogers, C L

2000-10-01

The public communication of science and technology has become increasingly important over the last several decades. However, understanding the audience that receives this information remains the weak link in the science communication process. This essay provides a brief review of some of the issues involved, discusses results from an audience-based study, and suggests some strategies that both scientists and journalists can use to modify media coverage in ways that can help audiences better understand major public issues that involve science and technology.

Issues, considerations and recommendations on emergency preparedness for vulnerable population groups.

PubMed

Chen, Jing; Wilkinson, Diana; Richardson, Richard B; Waruszynski, Barbara

2009-06-01

The Workshop on Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Population Groups was held on 2 and 3 March 2009 in Ottawa, ON, Canada. The purpose of the workshop was to enhance communications within the emergency community response network and to identify the needs and gaps of emergency preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives events for vulnerable population groups. The workshop was organised to enable extensive round-table discussions and provide a summary of key issues, considerations and recommendations for emergency response planners.

A survey of structural material issues for a space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagaman, J. A.

1985-01-01

An NASA enters the definition phase of the space station project, one of the important issues to be considered is structural material selection. The complexity of the space station and its long life requirement are two key factors which must be considered in the material selection process. Both aluminum and graphite/epoxy are considered as potential structural materials. Advantages and disadvantages of these materials with respect to mechanical and thermal considerations, space environment, manufacturing, and cost are discussed.

Integration of analytical measurements and wireless communications--current issues and future strategies.

PubMed

Diamond, Dermot; Lau, King Tong; Brady, Sarah; Cleary, John

2008-05-15

Rapid developments in wireless communications are opening up opportunities for new ways to perform many types of analytical measurements that up to now have been restricted in scope due to the need to have access to centralised facilities. This paper will address both the potential for new applications and the challenges that currently inhibit more widespread integration of wireless communications with autonomous sensors and analytical devices. Key issues are identified and strategies for closer integration of analytical information and wireless communications systems discussed.

Understanding the economics of succeeding in disease management.

PubMed

Shulkin, D J

1999-04-01

If implemented with the proper resource commitment, disease management can have a significant effect on the health of an organization's patient population. However, it is unlikely that even the noblest of strategic initiatives will survive long without a compelling business imperative. After analyzing the business case, many organizations have committed large amounts of resources to building disease management programs. Yet these issues are still being formulated. The author discusses five issues that are key to understanding the economics of disease management.

Do we need a new definition of the overactive bladder syndrome? ICI-RS 2013.

PubMed

Drake, Marcus J

2014-06-01

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) has a symptom-based definition. Following a presentation of issues, the definition was subjected to expert discussion at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society to identify key issues. OAB is a widely used term; it is a pragmatic approach to categorizing a recognized group of patients, and is understood by the patients, however, expert opinion suggested several issues for which additional evidence should be sought. Naming an organ (bladder) in the condition may suggest underlying mechanism, when contributory aspects may lie outside the bladder. No severity thresholds are set, which can cause uncertainty. Urgency is prominent in the definition, but may not be prominent in patients whose adaptive behavior reduces their propensity to urgency. OAB can co-exist with other common conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement (BPE), stress incontinence or nocturnal polyuria. Consensus led by the International Continence Society can be attempted for aspects such as "fear of leakage." To develop a new definition, more substantive evidence is needed for key elements, and until such evidence is available, full redefinition is not appropriate. Thus, the medical profession should accept constructive compromise and work supportively. The ICI-RS proposes that the terminology is slightly rephrased as: "overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is characterized by urinary urgency, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, usually with increased daytime frequency and nocturia, if there is no proven infection or other obvious pathology." More substantive changes would require additional scientific evidence. Strengths, limitations, and practicalities of the definition of OAB were discussed at the ICIRS meeting 2013. Following a presentation of issues, the definition was subjected to expert discussion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

2016 White Paper on recent issues in bioanalysis: focus on biomarker assay validation (BAV): (Part 3 - LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity).

PubMed

Richards, Susan; Amaravadi, Lakshmi; Pillutla, Renuka; Birnboeck, Herbert; Torri, Albert; Cowan, Kyra J; Papadimitriou, Apollon; Garofolo, Fabio; Satterwhite, Christina; Piccoli, Steven; Wu, Bonnie; Krinos-Fiorotti, Corinna; Allinson, John; Berisha, Flora; Cocea, Laurent; Croft, Stephanie; Fraser, Stephanie; Galliccia, Fabrizio; Gorovits, Boris; Gupta, Swati; Gupta, Vinita; Haidar, Sam; Hottenstein, Charles; Ishii-Watabe, Akiko; Jani, Darshana; Kadavil, John; Kamerud, John; Kramer, Daniel; Litwin, Virginia; Lima Santos, Gustavo Mendes; Nelson, Robert; Ni, Yan; Pedras-Vasconcelos, João; Qiu, Yongchang; Rhyne, Paul; Safavi, Afshin; Saito, Yoshiro; Savoie, Natasha; Scheibner, Kara; Schick, Eginhard; Siguenza, Patricia Y; Smeraglia, John; Staack, Roland F; Subramanyam, Meena; Sumner, Giane; Thway, Theingi; Uhlinger, David; Ullmann, Martin; Vitaliti, Alessandra; Welink, Jan; Whiting, Chan C; Xue, Li; Zeng, Rong

2016-12-01

The 2016 10th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (10th WRIB) took place in Orlando, Florida with participation of close to 700 professionals from pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, and regulatory agencies worldwide. WRIB was once again a weeklong event - A Full Immersion Week of Bioanalysis for PK, Biomarkers and Immunogenicity. As usual, it is specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest including both small and large molecules involving LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, and LBA approaches, with the focus on PK, biomarkers and immunogenicity. This 2016 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. This White Paper is published in 3 parts due to length. This part (Part 3) discusses the recommendations for large molecule bioanalysis using LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity. Parts 1 (small molecule bioanalysis using LCMS) and Part 2 (Hybrid LBA/LCMS and regulatory inputs from major global health authorities) have been published in the Bioanalysis journal, issues 22 and 23, respectively.

Secure Cryptographic Key Management System (CKMS) Considerations for Smart Grid Devices

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

Abercrombie, Robert K; Sheldon, Frederick T; Aldridge, Hal

2011-01-01

In this paper, we examine some unique challenges associated with key management in the Smart Grid and concomitant research initiatives: 1) effectively model security requirements and their implementations, and 2) manage keys and key distribution for very large scale deployments such as Smart Meters over a long period of performance. This will set the stage to: 3) develop innovative, low cost methods to protect keying material, and 4) provide high assurance authentication services. We will present our perspective on key management and will discuss some key issues within the life cycle of a cryptographic key designed to achieve the following:more » 1) control systems designed, installed, operated, and maintained to survive an intentional cyber assault with no loss of critical function, and 2) widespread implementation of methods for secure communication between remote access devices and control centers that are scalable and cost-effective to deploy.« less

Newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry: ethical and social issues.

PubMed

Avard, Denise; Vallance, Hilary; Greenberg, Cheryl; Potter, Beth

2007-01-01

Emerging technologies like Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS) enable multiple tests on a single blood sample and allow the expansion of Newborn Screening (NBS) to include various metabolic diseases. Introducing TMS for NBS raises important social and ethical questions: what are the criteria for adding disorders to screening panels? What evidence justifies expansion of screening? How can equity in NBS access and standards be ensured? How can policy standards be set, given the multiplicity of stakeholders? To address emerging issues, policy-makers, patient advocates, clinicians and researchers had a workshop during the 2005 Garrod Symposium. The participants received a summary of the discussion and understood the workshop's goal was to provide a basis for further discussion. This article contributes to this ongoing discussion. Several proposed recommendations assert the centrality of including social and ethical issues in the assessment of whether or not to introduce TMS. The article outlines five key recommendations for advancing the NBS agenda: national public health leadership; transparency; increased national consistency in NBS strategy, including minimum standards; collaboration between the federal and provincial/territorial governments and diverse stakeholders; and supporting research and/or programs based on effectiveness, which integrate ethical and social issues into assessment.

Proceedings of the seventh Northern region paediatric colloquium.

PubMed

Barkla, Xanthe; Kaplan, Carole

2014-01-01

Ethical and legal dilemmas frequently arise in paediatric practice. Given the nature of the speciality, these issues are relevant to both the medical and legal professions. To this end, senior figures from the medical and legal professions in the Northern region have met on a regular basis in order to discuss anonymised case material. We report on the proceedings of the seventh such meeting. Six cases are described and key points arising from the subsequent discussion are presented.

First person: a mental health mission to post-earthquake El Salvador.

PubMed

Katz, Craig L

2013-09-01

In this article the author excerpts and discusses salient quotes or moments from the journal he compiled while visiting El Salvador in February 2001 as head of Disaster Psychiatry Outreach (DPO) to assist survivors of a major earthquake. This case discussion of a single disaster mental health response exemplifies key issues related to both short and long term mental health service delivery to disaster affected communities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simplifying the negotiating process with physicians: critical elements in negotiating from private practice to employed physician.

PubMed

Gallucci, Armen; Deutsch, Thomas; Youngquist, Jaymie

2013-01-01

The authors attempt to simplify the key elements to the process of negotiating successfully with private physicians. From their experience, the business elements that have resulted in the most discussion center on the compensation including the incentive plan. Secondarily, how the issue of malpractice is handled will also consume a fair amount of time. What the authors have also learned is that the intangible issues can often be the reason for an unexpectedly large amount of discussion and therefore add time to the negotiation process. To assist with this process, they have derived a negotiation checklist, which seeks to help hospital leaders and administrators set the proper framework to ensure successful negotiation conversations. More importantly, being organized and recognizing these broad issues upfront and remaining transparent throughout the process will help to ensure a successful negotiation.

Wheelchair transportation safety on school buses: stakeholder recommendations for priority issues and actions.

PubMed

Buning, Mary Ellen; Karg, Patricia E

2011-01-01

This paper presents results from and provides discussion of a state-of-the-science workshop in which highly informed stakeholders in wheelchair transportation safety for students on school buses were participants. The Nominal Group Technique was used to create a process in which the main issues preventing safe transportation of wheelchair-seated students and key strategies to overcome these issues were identified and ranked. These results, along with a synthesis of group discussion and recommendations for action, are presented along with consideration of current policies, regulations, and political realities. Critical safety shortcomings exist in this highly specialized enterprise that varies from state to state. Recommended strategies include implementing wheelchair requirements in federal transportation safety standards, creation of a clearinghouse for wheelchair transportation best practices and education, creation of national standards for training, practices, and monitoring, and increased "buy-in" to voluntary wheelchair standards by wheelchair manufacturers.

How to Make Nothing Out of Something: Analyses of the Impact of Study Sampling and Statistical Interpretation in Misleading Meta-Analytic Conclusions

PubMed Central

Cunningham, Michael R.; Baumeister, Roy F.

2016-01-01

The limited resource model states that self-control is governed by a relatively finite set of inner resources on which people draw when exerting willpower. Once self-control resources have been used up or depleted, they are less available for other self-control tasks, leading to a decrement in subsequent self-control success. The depletion effect has been studied for over 20 years, tested or extended in more than 600 studies, and supported in an independent meta-analysis (Hagger et al., 2010). Meta-analyses are supposed to reduce bias in literature reviews. Carter et al.’s (2015) meta-analysis, by contrast, included a series of questionable decisions involving sampling, methods, and data analysis. We provide quantitative analyses of key sampling issues: exclusion of many of the best depletion studies based on idiosyncratic criteria and the emphasis on mini meta-analyses with low statistical power as opposed to the overall depletion effect. We discuss two key methodological issues: failure to code for research quality, and the quantitative impact of weak studies by novice researchers. We discuss two key data analysis issues: questionable interpretation of the results of trim and fill and Funnel Plot Asymmetry test procedures, and the use and misinterpretation of the untested Precision Effect Test and Precision Effect Estimate with Standard Error (PEESE) procedures. Despite these serious problems, the Carter et al. (2015) meta-analysis results actually indicate that there is a real depletion effect – contrary to their title. PMID:27826272

Summary of Key Issues Raised in the Technology for Early Awareness of Addiction and Mental Illness (TEAAM-I) Meeting.

PubMed

Baumel, Amit; Baker, Justin; Birnbaum, Michael L; Christensen, Helen; De Choudhury, Munmun; Mohr, David C; Muench, Fred; Schlosser, Danielle; Titov, Nick; Kane, John M

2018-05-01

Technology provides an unparalleled opportunity to remove barriers to earlier identification and engagement in services for mental and addictive disorders by reaching people earlier in the course of illness and providing links to just-in-time, cost-effective interventions. Achieving this opportunity, however, requires stakeholders to challenge underlying assumptions about traditional pathways to mental health care. In this Open Forum, the authors highlight key issues discussed in the Technology for Early Awareness of Addiction and Mental Illness (TEAAM-I) meeting-held October 13-14, 2016, in New York City-that are related to three identified areas in which technology provides important and unique opportunities to advance early identification, increase service engagement, and decrease the duration of untreated mental and addictive disorders.

Eyes Wide Open

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodemer, Brett; Brown, Karen; Crowther, Jennifer

2009-01-01

The Future Voices in Public Services column is a forum for students in graduate library and information science programs to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to tell us of their visions for the profession, or to tell us of research…

Program Evaluation in Gifted Education. Essential Readings in Gifted Education Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, Carolyn M., Ed.; Reis, Sally M., Ed.

2004-01-01

The readings in this ready-reference report on specific program evaluations, offer critical guidance in the development and utilization of instruments for assessing gifted and talented programs, and are designed to stimulate the discussion of issues surrounding the evaluation of gifted programs. Key features include: (1) Carolyn M. Callahan's…

The Curriculum Debate: Why It Is Important Today

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tedesco, Juan Carlos; Opertti, Renato; Amadio, Massimo

2014-01-01

This article highlights some of the key issues in current discussions around curriculum, such as values education, inclusive education, competency-based approaches, soft and hard skills, and scientific and digital culture. It starts with the assumption that quality education for all is necessary to achieve social justice, and it looks at curricula…

KEY ISSUES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE ALLERGENIC POTENTIAL OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: BREAKOUT GROUP REPORTS

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract
On the final afternoon of the Workshop, Assessment of the Allergenic Potential of Genetically Modified Foods, speakers and participants met in breakout groups to discuss specific questions in the areas of 1) Use of Human Clinical Data; 2) Animal Models to Assess Food ...

Researching Social Capital in Education: Some Conceptual Considerations Relating to the Contribution of Network Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Moosung

2010-01-01

This article discusses conceptual considerations for social capital research in education from a social network perspective. Specifically, the article raises three key conceptual issues that call for further elaboration of concepts of social capital: redefining potential resources as accessible but un-utilized sources of social capital;…

Identifying Research Priorities for School Improvement in the Developing World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Read, Robyn; Fernandez-Hermosilla, Magdalena; Anderson, Stephen; Mundy, Karen

2016-01-01

This paper discusses a research agenda setting project conducted for an international non-governmental organization which aims to help create a regionally relevant, high-quality knowledge base on key education issues of policy and practice. Specifically, we illustrate how our team adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHRNI)…

Second Language Listening Strategy Research: Methodological Challenges and Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santos, Denise; Graham, Suzanne; Vanderplank, Robert

2008-01-01

This paper explores methodological issues related to research into second language listening strategies. We argue that a number of central questions regarding research methodology in this line of enquiry are underexamined, and we engage in the discussion of three key methodological questions: (1) To what extent is a verbal report a valid and…

Empowerment of Women through Education in Twenty First Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moradi Sheykhjan, Tohid; Rajeswari, K.; Jabari, Kamran

2014-01-01

This article explores theoretical and practical issues related to the impact of women's education in their empowerment. The development of women's education is discussed in this study. As women's education has become one of the key development objectives in the recent decades, the concept of empowerment has been tied to the range of activities…

Transforming Postsecondary Education for the 21st Century. Briefing Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.

These briefing papers focus on key roles and issues postsecondary education will face in the 21st century. Together they are intended to stimulate debate and discussion and to encourage alternative perspectives and thoughtful actions. This collection is meant to be the opening of a necessary public conversation. The papers are: (1) "Help…

Duty to Warn and Protect against Self-Destructive Behaviors and Interpersonal Violence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hays, Danica G.; Craigen, Laurie M.; Knight, Jasmine; Healey, Amanda; Sikes, April

2009-01-01

Professional school counselors are likely to work with students who are experiencing mental health issues including self-injury, eating disorders, depression and suicidality, as well as those associated with dating violence and bullying. This paper discusses two key areas school counselors are encouraged to reflect upon in determining if there is…

76 FR 6784 - Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Notification of Two Public Teleconferences of the Science...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-08

... Two Public Teleconferences of the Science Advisory Board Dioxin Review Panel AGENCY: Environmental... two public teleconferences of the SAB Dioxin Review Panel to discuss its draft advisory report concerning EPA's Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments, External...

Fuels planning: science synthesis and integration; social issues fact sheet 04: Three critical topics to cover when talking about hazards

Treesearch

Rocky Mountain Research Station USDA Forest Service

2004-01-01

The amount of science applicable to the management of wildfire hazards is increasing daily. In addition, the attitudes of landowners and policymakers about fire and fuels management are changing. This fact sheet discusses three critical keys to communicating about wildfire hazards.

No Rain, No Gain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perna, Mark C.

2005-01-01

Marketing is like the rain. Some people are quickly aware of it, while others take repeated and consistent drops for quite an extended period of time before they take action. Building on the marketing principles discussed in previous issues, the next key principle to smart marketing is the "Rain Effect." The Rain Effect is the use of consistent…

Shaping Social Work Science: What Should Quantitative Researchers Do?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guo, Shenyang

2015-01-01

Based on a review of economists' debates on mathematical economics, this article discusses a key issue for shaping the science of social work--research methodology. The article describes three important tasks quantitative researchers need to fulfill in order to enhance the scientific rigor of social work research. First, to test theories using…

Abuse of Disabled Children in Ghana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kassah, Alexander Kwesi; Kassah, Bente Lilljan Lind; Agbota, Tete Kobla

2012-01-01

Even though disabled children are targets of various forms of abuse, such issues remain mostly undocumented open secrets in many countries including Ghana. The article is based on a qualitative data provided by three key informants. Six stories emerged from the data and are discussed in terms of four main forms of abuse. Labelling theories are…

More than attendance: the importance of after-school program quality.

PubMed

Hirsch, Barton J; Mekinda, Megan A; Stawicki, Julieann

2010-06-01

A central theme of the articles featured in this issue is the need to improve the quality of after-school programs. In this commentary, we discuss why student engagement, program characteristics and implementation, staff training, and citywide policy are key considerations in the effort to define and achieve high quality programs for youth.

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

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

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

Backlash, Backwater, or Back to the Drawing Board: Feminist Thinking and Librarianship in the 1990s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pritchard, Sarah

1994-01-01

Discusses the feminist perspective of librarianship, including following key issues: salaries, pay equity, and occupational segregation; faculty status, professional education, and recruitment; access to information; technology; and sociology of the workplace. A number of myths relating to this topic are addressed, and a bibliography of 18 recent…

Integration of Computers in Education: A Curriculum Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plomp, Tjeerd

This discussion of a major problem area in education--the curricular and implementation aspects of the application of the computer or new information technologies--focuses first on the use and integration of computers in existing courses or subjects in the curriculum, and defines some key terms. The next section considers issues in the…

Taking Responsibility: Preparing Young Offenders to Handle Disclosure on the Job

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pham, Yen K.; Unruh, Deanne K.; Waintrup, Miriam; Sinclair, James; Johnson, Michael D.; Alverson, Charlotte Y.

2017-01-01

In facilitating prosocial identity formation and preventing recidivism among adjudicated youth upon reentry to school and community, one key issue to address is the confidentiality of juvenile records. Educators can support young offenders by teaching youth to problem-solve the disclosure of past juvenile involvements. This article discusses two…

Increasing the Openness of Education as an Approach to Promoting Educational Reform and Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jinqiu, He

2012-01-01

This paper presents the main content of the portion on "increasing the openness of China's education" in the "National Medium- and Long-Term Educational Reform and Development Guideline (2010-20)" (hereafter abbreviated as the "Guideline") and the key issues studied and discussed in the formulation process. Issues…

Explorations in Early Childhood Education: The Mount Druitt Early Childhood Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braithwaite, John; And Others

This book concerns the Mt. Druitt Early Childhood Project, which was developed to provide quality educational programs for disadvantaged children living in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. In order to set the subsequent discussion in broader perspective, chapter 1 addresses several key issues influencing project development. Chapter 2…

EnergySmart Schools National Financing Roundtable II—Key Outcomes

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

None

2009-11-01

As a follow-up to the release of its Guide to Financing EnergySmart Schools, the the National Financing Roundtable brought together individuals with diverse knowledge of school building programs and projects to discuss financing issues and options that build upon those described in the first Guide to Financing EnergySmart Schools.

Growth of a Science Center: The Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME) at Stony Brook University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gafney, Leo; Bynum, R. David; Sheppard, Keith

2015-01-01

This report describes the origin and development of CESAME (The Center for Science and Mathematics Education) at Stony Brook University. The analysis identifies key ingredients in areas of personnel, funding, organizational structures, educational priorities, collaboration, and institutionalization. After a discussion of relevant issues in…

Woody biomass pretreatment for cellulosic ethanol production : technology and energy consumption evaluation

Treesearch

Junyong Zhu; X.J. Pan

2010-01-01

This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the key technical issues in woody biomass pretreatment: barriers to efficient cellulose saccharification, pretreatment energy consumption, in particular energy consumed for wood-size reduction, and criteria to evaluate the performance of a pretreatment. A post-chemical pretreatment size-reduction approach is proposed...

Intellectual property issues of immune checkpoint inhibitors

PubMed Central

Storz, Ulrich

2016-01-01

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that interfere with tumor escape responses. Some members of this class are already approved, and expected to be blockbusters in the future. Many companies have developed patent activities in this field. This article focuses on the patent landscape, and discusses key players and cases related to immune checkpoint inhibitors. PMID:26466763

Teaching and California's Future: California's Teaching Force, 2008. Key Issues and Trends

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guha, R.; Shields, P.; Tiffany-Morales, J.; Bland, J.; Campbell, A.

2008-01-01

This year's report provides an update on California's teacher workforce and state policies that affect the teacher development system. It examines overall trends in the workforce and discusses the demand for teachers, the distribution of underprepared teachers, and the implementation of a statewide data system to improve the quality and accuracy…

Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in CONFINTEA VI and Follow-Up Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, Sandra L.; Vaioleti, Timote M.

2011-01-01

This paper discusses key issues raised by indigenous peoples during CONFINTEA VI and proposes strategies to enable them to participate in ongoing processes. Indigenous peoples are not involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of adult education programmes, and this often results in a "one-size-fits-all" model. This article…

Issues in Researching Self-Regulated Learning as Patterns of Events

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winne, Philip H.

2014-01-01

New methods for gathering and analyzing data about events that comprise self-regulated learning (SRL) support discoveries about patterns among events and tests of hypotheses about roles patterns play in learning. Five such methodologies are discussed in the context of four key questions that shape investigations into patterns in SRL. A framework…

From a United Nations Study: The Climatic and Other Global Effects of Nuclear War.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environment, 1988

1988-01-01

Presents excerpts from the first chapter of a report presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations during the Special Session on Disarmament. Discussed are key scientific issues regarding the global effects of nuclear war, and the findings and conclusions presented in the report. (CW)

Research on intercultural effectiveness and its relevance to multicultural crews in space.

PubMed

Kealey, Daniel J

2004-07-01

The planning for and managing of missions in space is changing dramatically due to, among other things, the involvement of more and more national cultures. In light of the need to better understand the influence and management of cultural differences among the crewmembers who will live and work in space in the future, the aim of this paper is threefold. First, some of the key research findings on intercultural effectiveness on Earth are presented and their relevance to the functioning of multicultural crews in space is discussed. Second, issues that will need to be addressed in order to maximize the effective functioning of multicultural teams in space are identified. These include improving the procedures for the screening and selection, intercultural training, monitoring and support, and debriefing and re-entry of astronauts and their families. Finally, the paper concludes with the presentation and discussion of some of the key activities that will need to be undertaken to address these issues and, thereby, enhance the overall functioning of multicultural teams living and working in space.

Railroad system of Texas: A component of the state and national transportation infrastructure. Research report, September 1996--November 1998

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

Roop, S.S.; Warner, J.E.; Rosa, D.

1998-11-01

Railroads continue to play an important role in the Texas transportation system. This study addresses the potential for implementing a rail planning process in the Texas Department of Transportation. The study is documented in three reports, produced in coordinated and parallel efforts by the Center for Transportation Research and the Texas Transportation Institute. This report documents the work performed by TTI, whereby a rail planning framework is presented which formalizes the planning process and presents the key elements as a series of discrete and logical steps. These steps may be used to guide TxDOT in the formation of goals, identificationmore » of issues and affected parties, selection of appropriate analytical methodologies, location of data sources, and implementation of results. The report also presents an in-depth discussion of several key issues facing transportation agencies. These include rail line abandonment, intermodal service planning, and urban rail rationalization. A discussion of the Texas rail system covers the Class 1 railroads, shortline railroads, Amtrak, and the Mexican rail system.« less

Executive summary and conclusions from the European Hydration Institute Expert Conference on human hydration, health, and performance.

PubMed

Benton, D; Braun, H; Cobo, J C; Edmonds, C; Elmadfa, I; El-Sharkawy, A; Feehally, J; Gellert, R; Holdsworth, J; Kapsokefalou, M; Kenney, W L; Leiper, J B; Macdonald, I A; Maffeis, C; Maughan, R J; Shirreffs, S M; Toth-Heyn, P; Watson, P

2015-09-01

On April 7-8, 2014, the European Hydration Institute hosted a small group of experts at Castle Combe Manor House, United Kingdom, to discuss a range of issues related to human hydration, health, and performance. The meeting included 18 recognized experts who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the topics under review. Eight selected topics were addressed, with the key issues being briefly presented before an in-depth discussion. Presented here is the executive summary and conclusions from this meeting. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Decision theory, reinforcement learning, and the brain.

PubMed

Dayan, Peter; Daw, Nathaniel D

2008-12-01

Decision making is a core competence for animals and humans acting and surviving in environments they only partially comprehend, gaining rewards and punishments for their troubles. Decision-theoretic concepts permeate experiments and computational models in ethology, psychology, and neuroscience. Here, we review a well-known, coherent Bayesian approach to decision making, showing how it unifies issues in Markovian decision problems, signal detection psychophysics, sequential sampling, and optimal exploration and discuss paradigmatic psychological and neural examples of each problem. We discuss computational issues concerning what subjects know about their task and how ambitious they are in seeking optimal solutions; we address algorithmic topics concerning model-based and model-free methods for making choices; and we highlight key aspects of the neural implementation of decision making.

When Does Decisional Impairment Become Decisional Incompetence? Ethical and Methodological Issues in Capacity Research in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Kim, Scott Y H

2006-01-01

Most decision-making capacity (DMC) research has focused on measuring the decision-making abilities of patients, rather than on how such persons may be categorized as competent or incompetent. However, research ethics policies and practices either assume that we can differentiate or attempt to guide the differentiation of the competent from the incompetent. Thus there is a need to build on the recent advances in capacity research by conceptualizing and studying DMC as a categorical concept. This review discusses why there is a need for such research and addresses challenges and obstacles, both practical and theoretical. After a discussion of the potential obstacles and suggesting ways to overcome them, it discusses why clinicians with expertise in capacity assessments may be the best source of a provisional “gold standard” for criterion validation of categorical capacity status. The review provides discussions of selected key methodological issues in conducting research that treats DMC as a categorical concept, such as the issue of the optimal number of expert judges needed to generate a criterion standard and the kinds of information presented to the experts in obtaining their judgments. Future research needs are outlined. PMID:16177276

Wireless technologies and accessibility for people with disabilities: findings from a policy research instrument.

PubMed

Baker, Paul M A; Moon, Nathan W

2008-01-01

The near universal deployment in the United States of a wide variety of information and communications technologies, both wired and wireless, creates potential barriers to use for several key populations, including the poor, people with disabilities, and the aging. Equal access to wireless technologies and services can be achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including legislation and regulations, market-based solutions, and awareness and outreach-based approaches. This article discusses the results of policy research conducted by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) using policy Delphi polling methodology to probe stakeholders' opinions on key access barrier issues and to explore potential policy responses. Participants included disability advocates, disability/wireless technology policy makers, and product developers/manufacturers. Respondent input informed subsequent development of potential policy initiatives to increase access to these technologies. The findings from the Delphi suggest that awareness issues remain most important, especially manufacturer awareness of user needs and availability of consumer information for selecting the most appropriate wireless devices and services. Other key issues included the ability of people with disabilities to afford technologies and inadequacies in legislation and policy making for ensuring their general accessibility, as well as usefulness in emergencies. Technical issues, including interoperability, speech-to-text conversion, and hearing aid compatibility, were also identified by participating stakeholders as important. To address all these issues, Delphi respondents favored goals and options congruent with voluntary market-driven solutions where possible but also supported federal involvement, where necessary, to aid this process.

Security, privacy, and confidentiality issues on the Internet

PubMed Central

Kelly, Grant; McKenzie, Bruce

2002-01-01

We introduce the issues around protecting information about patients and related data sent via the Internet. We begin by reviewing three concepts necessary to any discussion about data security in a healthcare environment: privacy, confidentiality, and consent. We are giving some advice on how to protect local data. Authentication and privacy of e-mail via encryption is offered by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME). The de facto Internet standard for encrypting Web-based information interchanges is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), more recently known as Transport Layer Security or TLS. There is a public key infrastructure process to `sign' a message whereby the private key of an individual can be used to `hash' the message. This can then be verified against the sender's public key. This ensures the data's authenticity and origin without conferring privacy, and is called a `digital signature'. The best protection against viruses is not opening e-mails from unknown sources or those containing unusual message headers. PMID:12554559

Security, privacy, and confidentiality issues on the Internet.

PubMed

Kelly, Grant; McKenzie, Bruce

2002-01-01

We introduce the issues around protecting information about patients and related data sent via the Internet. We begin by reviewing three concepts necessary to any discussion about data security in a healthcare environment: privacy, confidentiality, and consent. We are giving some advice on how to protect local data. Authentication and privacy of e-mail via encryption is offered by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME). The de facto Internet standard for encrypting Web-based information interchanges is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), more recently known as Transport Layer Security or TLS. There is a public key infrastructure process to 'sign' a message whereby the private key of an individual can be used to 'hash' the message. This can then be verified against the sender's public key. This ensures the data's authenticity and origin without conferring privacy, and is called a 'digital signature'. The best protection against viruses is not opening e-mails from unknown sources or those containing unusual message headers.

Organisational performance and business continuity management: a theoretical perspective and a case study.

PubMed

Sawalha, Ihab Hanna Salman

2013-01-01

This paper seeks to extend the research relating to the strategic view of business continuity management (BCM) to the context of organisational performance (OP). It discusses potential performance consequences resulting from applying BCM aspects/elements within an organisation. The paper contributes to the understanding of the role of BCM in OP by discussing how deployment of BCM key aspects/elements can improve OP. Two main issues are discussed: first, background to performance and the elements of OP; and secondly, the role of BCM in achieving optimised OP. These issues are significant, as they go further than the extant literature relating to the significance of BCM and its potential influence on OP. The study focuses on Jordanian banks as a case study and as a way of illustrating how BCM helps improve OP for those organisations facing performance shortcomings or difficulties.

Climate variability and change in high elevation regions: Past, present & future

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diaz, Henry F.; Grosjean, Martin; Graumlich, Lisa J.

2003-01-01

This special issue of Climatic Change contains a series of research and review articles, arising from papers that were presented and discussed at a workshop held in Davos, Switzerland on 25–28 June 2001. The workshop was titled ‘Climate Change at High Elevation Sites: Emerging Impacts’, and was convened to reprise an earlier conference on the same subject that was held in Wengen, Switzerland in 1995 (Diaz et al., 1997). The Davos meeting had as its main goals, a discussion of the following key issues: (1) reviewing recent climatic trends in high elevation regions of the world, (2) assessing the reliability of various biological indicators as indicators of climatic change, and (3) assessing whether physical impacts of climatic change in high elevation areas are becoming evident, and to discuss a range of monitoring strategies needed to observe and to understand the nature of any changes.

Selecting the most appropriate inferential statistical test for your quantitative research study.

PubMed

Bettany-Saltikov, Josette; Whittaker, Victoria Jane

2014-06-01

To discuss the issues and processes relating to the selection of the most appropriate statistical test. A review of the basic research concepts together with a number of clinical scenarios is used to illustrate this. Quantitative nursing research generally features the use of empirical data which necessitates the selection of both descriptive and statistical tests. Different types of research questions can be answered by different types of research designs, which in turn need to be matched to a specific statistical test(s). Discursive paper. This paper discusses the issues relating to the selection of the most appropriate statistical test and makes some recommendations as to how these might be dealt with. When conducting empirical quantitative studies, a number of key issues need to be considered. Considerations for selecting the most appropriate statistical tests are discussed and flow charts provided to facilitate this process. When nursing clinicians and researchers conduct quantitative research studies, it is crucial that the most appropriate statistical test is selected to enable valid conclusions to be made. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An Independent Scientific Assessment of Well Stimulation in California Volume III

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

Jane C.S. Long; Laura C. Feinstein; Birkholzer, Jens

This study is issued in three volumes. Volume I, issued in January 2015, describes how well stimulation technologies work, how and where operators deploy these technologies for oil and gas production in California, and where they might enable production in the future. Volume II, issued in July 2015, discusses how well stimulation could affect water, atmosphere, seismic activity, wildlife and vegetation, and human health. Volume II reviews available data, and identifies knowledge gaps and alternative practices that could avoid or mitigate these possible impacts. Volume III, this volume, presents case studies that assess environmental issues and qualitative risks for specificmore » geographic regions. The Summary Report summarizes key findings, conclusions and recommendations of all three volumes.« less

An Independent Scientific Assessment of Well Stimulation in California Volume II

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

Jane C.S. Long; Laura C. Feinstein; Corinne E. Bachmann

This study is issued in three volumes. Volume I, issued in January 2015, describes how well stimulation technologies work, how and where operators deploy these technologies for oil and gas production in California, and where they might enable production in the future. Volume II, the present volume, discusses how well stimulation could affect water, atmosphere, seismic activity, wildlife and vegetation, and human health. Volume II reviews available data, and identifies knowledge gaps and alternative practices that could avoid or mitigate these possible impacts. Volume III, also issued in July 2015, presents case studies that assess environmental issues and qualitative risksmore » for specific geographic regions. A final Summary Report summarizes key findings, conclusions and recommendations of all three volumes.« less

Outcomes in mothers with rheumatic diseases and their offspring workshop

PubMed Central

Neville, Autumn; Bernatsky, Sasha; Kuriya, Bindee; Bujold, Emmanuel; Chakravarty, Eliza; Platt, Robert W; Bérard, Anick; Vinet, Évelyne

2017-01-01

This conference report describes six presentations that were given during a Canadian Institutes for Health Research-funded workshop. The goal of the workshop was to discuss key knowledge gaps in the study of outcomes in mothers with rheumatic diseases and their offspring. Presentations focused on epidemiological and methodological issues associated with the reproductive and perinatal health of women with rheumatic diseases. Discussions of relevant recent research allowed for discovery of potential data sources that could facilitate interdisciplinary research and created the opportunity for future collaborations.

Session 1.5: health policy and coordination: a critical review of experiences.

PubMed

Procacci, Pasqualino; Doran, Rodger; Chunkath, Sheela Rani; Garfield, Richard; Briceno, Salvano; Fric, Anton

2005-01-01

This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Session 1.5 on Health Policy and Coordination: A Critical Review of Experiences during the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04-06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to health policy and coordination as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. Key questions were answered in this session, and recommendations were made.

Effects of gravity perturbation on developing animal systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malacinski, G. M.; Neff, A. W.

1986-01-01

The use of developing animal systems to analyze the effects of microgravity on animals is discussed. Some of the key features of developing systems, especially embryos, are reviewed and relevant space data are summarized. Issues to be addressed in the design of future space experiments are discussed. It is noted that an embryo which exhibits ground based gravity effects should be selected for use as a model system and individual variation in gravity response among batches of embryos should be taken into account.

Summary of the 2014 Sandia V&V Challenge Workshop

DOE PAGES

Schroeder, Benjamin B.; Hu, Kenneth T.; Mullins, Joshua Grady; ...

2016-02-19

A discussion of the five responses to the 2014 Sandia Verification and Validation (V&V) Challenge Problem, presented within this special issue, is provided hereafter. Overviews of the challenge problem workshop, workshop participants, and the problem statement are also included. Brief summations of teams' responses to the challenge problem are provided. Issues that arose throughout the responses that are deemed applicable to the general verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) community are the main focal point of this paper. The discussion is oriented and organized into big picture comparison of data and model usage, VVUQ activities, and differentiating conceptual themes behindmore » the teams' VVUQ strategies. Significant differences are noted in the teams' approaches toward all VVUQ activities, and those deemed most relevant are discussed. Beyond the specific details of VVUQ implementations, thematic concepts are found to create differences among the approaches; some of the major themes are discussed. Lastly, an encapsulation of the key contributions, the lessons learned, and advice for the future are presented.« less

A qualitative analysis of the information needs of informal carers of terminally ill cancer patients.

PubMed

Rose, K E

1999-01-01

This article discusses issues relating to information arising from a qualitative study of the experiences of informal carers of terminally ill cancer patients. Qualitative data analysis, drawing on methods of literary criticism, revealed that information was a key area in carers' experience. The findings are presented in the context of needing to provide individualized care to every family and deal with information needs relating to the illness and prognosis. The question of who is in possession of what information is raised, and the effect that this can have on couples is discussed, together with the issue of false information which carers may receive. The discussion centres on the complexity of understanding carers' information needs and considers how these are affected by the context within which carers operate. The work of Glaser and Strauss on awareness contexts is discussed in this respect. Finally, the importance of the nurse's role as a sensitive mediator of information is considered.

Health system decentralisation in Nepal: identifying the issues.

PubMed

Collins, Charles; Omar, Mayeh; Adhikari, Damodar; Dhakal, Ramji; Emmel, Nick; Dhakal, Megha Raj; Chand, Padam; Thapa, Druba; Singh, Arjun B

2007-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss policy analysis in Nepal and review the wide range of choices feasible in decentralisation decision making. In this paper an iterative qualitative method was developed and used in the research, which consisted of focus group interviews, key informant interviews, document analysis, including descriptive statistics, and analysis of the policy context. Participants in the research reflected the urban/rural mix of districts and the geography of Nepal. Analysis combined transcribed interviews with findings from document searches and analysis of the policy context. Coding was pre-determined during the training workshop and further codes were generated during and after the fieldwork. The paper finds that Nepal is in the process of decentralising public services from the central level to the local level, particularly to local bodies: District Development Committees (DDCs), Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Municipalities. Key contextual factors referred to are the overall structure of decentralisation, the social context of poverty and the political instability leading to a fluid political situation characterised by political tension, armed conflict, controversies and agreements while carrying out the research. The key issues identified and discussed in the paper are the policy process leading to decentralisation, the organisational structure and tension in the proposed system, the systems of resource generation, allocation, planning and management and lastly the forms of accountability, participation, public-private relations and collaborative strategies. The paper discusses the challenges faced in conducting such a policy analysis, the broad ranging and unremitting nature of the decentralisation process, and the contextual setting of the process of change.

Human Health Effects of Biphenyl: Key Findings and Scientific Issues

PubMed Central

Li, Zheng; Hogan, Karen A.; Cai, Christine; Rieth, Susan

2015-01-01

Background: In support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated the human health hazards of biphenyl exposure. Objectives: We review key findings and scientific issues regarding expected human health effects of biphenyl. Methods: Scientific literature from 1926 through September 2012 was critically evaluated to identify potential human health hazards associated with biphenyl exposure. Key issues related to the carcinogenicity and noncancer health hazards of biphenyl were examined based on evidence from experimental animal bioassays and mechanistic studies. Discussion: Systematic consideration of experimental animal studies of oral biphenyl exposure took into account the variety of study designs (e.g., study sizes, exposure levels, and exposure durations) to reconcile differing reported results. The available mechanistic and toxicokinetic evidence supports the hypothesis that male rat urinary bladder tumors arise through urinary bladder calculi formation but is insufficient to hypothesize a mode of action for liver tumors in female mice. Biphenyl and its metabolites may induce genetic damage, but a role for genotoxicity in biphenyl-induced carcinogenicity has not been established. Conclusions: The available health effects data for biphenyl provides suggestive evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, based on increased incidences of male rat urinary bladder tumors at high exposure levels and on female mouse liver tumors. Kidney toxicity is also a potential human health hazard of biphenyl exposure. Citation: Li Z, Hogan KA, Cai C, Rieth S. 2016. Human health effects of biphenyl: key findings and scientific issues. Environ Health Perspect 124:703–712; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509730 PMID:26529796

Implementation science approaches for integrating eHealth research into practice and policy.

PubMed

Glasgow, Russell E; Phillips, Siobhan M; Sanchez, Michael A

2014-07-01

To summarize key issues in the eHealth field from an implementation science perspective and to highlight illustrative processes, examples and key directions to help more rapidly integrate research, policy and practice. We present background on implementation science models and emerging principles; discuss implications for eHealth research; provide examples of practical designs, measures and exemplar studies that address key implementation science issues; and make recommendations for ways to more rapidly develop and test eHealth interventions as well as future research, policy and practice. The pace of eHealth research has generally not kept up with technological advances, and many of our designs, methods and funding mechanisms are incapable of providing the types of rapid and relevant information needed. Although there has been substantial eHealth research conducted with positive short-term results, several key implementation and dissemination issues such as representativeness, cost, unintended consequences, impact on health inequities, and sustainability have not been addressed or reported. Examples of studies in several of these areas are summarized to demonstrate this is possible. eHealth research that is intended to translate into policy and practice should be more contextual, report more on setting factors, employ more responsive and pragmatic designs and report results more transparently on issues important to potential adopting patients, clinicians and organizational decision makers. We outline an alternative development and assessment model, summarize implementation science findings that can help focus attention, and call for different types of more rapid and relevant research and funding mechanisms. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Safety issues with herbal products.

PubMed

Marrone, C M

1999-12-01

To review safety issues associated with the use of herbal products. Literature accessed through MEDLINE and other Internet search engines. Key search terms included herbs, dietary supplements, and safety. A misconception exists among consumers that herbal remedies are safe because they are natural. In an effort to provide healthcare practitioners with information necessary for a patient discussion, a review of safety concerns with herbal products was conducted. Several safety concerns exist with herbal products including lack of safety data, absence of quality-control requirements for potency and purity, and lenient labeling standards.

High-κ/Metal Gate Science and Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guha, Supratik; Narayanan, Vijay

2009-08-01

High-κ/metal gate technology is on the verge of replacing conventional oxynitride dielectrics in state-of-the-art transistors for both high-performance and low-power applications. In this review we discuss some of the key materials issues that complicated the introduction of high-κ dielectrics, including reduced electron mobility, oxygen-based thermal instabilities, and the absence of thermally stable dual-metal electrodes. We show that through a combination of materials innovations and engineering ingenuity these issues were successfully overcome, thereby paving the way for high-κ/metal gate implementation.

Holistic actions are essential to combat the global public health burden of non-viral sexually transmitted infections: challenges and future perspectives.

PubMed

Unemo, Magnus

2014-06-01

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant international public health burden. These infections result in substantial morbidity, mortality and economic costs globally, and require more attention and resources internationally. This special focus issue of Expert Review of Anti Infective Therapy invited key opinion leaders to review and discuss the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of non-viral STIs. The issue also elucidates the future perspectives, ways forward and holistic actions imperative to effectively combat these STIs.

Ethics in family violence research: cross-cultural issues.

PubMed

Fontes, L A

1998-01-01

This article examines ethical issues in cross-cultural research on family violence. It suggests ways for researchers to increase understanding and avoid abuses of power. Special attention to informed consent, definition of the sample, composition of the research team, research methods, and potential harm and benefit are considered key to designing ethical cross-cultural research. The discussion is illustrated with examples from the literature and from the author's experiences conducting research on sexual abuse in a shanty town in Chile and with Puerto Ricans in the U.S.

Exploring experiences of Personal Support Worker education in Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Kelly, Christine

2017-07-01

There is growing attention to the training and education of Personal Support Workers, or PSWs, who work in community, home and long-term care settings supporting older people and people with disabilities. In Ontario, Canada, amid a volatile policy landscape, the provincial government launched an effort to standardise PSW education. Using qualitative methods, this study considered the question: What are the central educational issues reflected by students, working PSWs and key informants, and are they addressed by the PSW programme and training standards? Phase one was a public domain analysis completed between January and March 2014 and updated for major developments after that period. Phase two, completed between August 2014 and March 2015, included 15 key informant interviews and focus group discussions and mini-phone interviews with 35 working PSWs and current PSW students. According to the participants, the central educational issues are: casualisation of labour that is not conveyed in educational recruitment efforts, disconnect between theory and working conditions, overemphasis on long-term care as a career path, and variability of PSW education options. While the standards should help to address the final issue, they do not address the other key issues raised, which have to do with the structural organisation of work. There is thus a disconnect between the experiences of students, PSWs and key informants and the policy decisions surrounding this sector. This is particularly significant as education is often touted as a panacea for issues in long-term and community care. In fact, the curriculum of some of the PSW programmes, especially those in public college settings, is robust. Yet, the underlying issues will remain barring a structural overhaul of the organisation of long-term and community care sectors founded on a social revaluing of older people and the gendered work of care. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Talking with Families about Things that Are Hard for Them to Hear

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Stephen

2006-01-01

This article is based on the author's personal experience of an uncomfortable discussion with a family. Issues are explored around the difficulty in anticipating how a young child with a learning delay will respond to speech-language therapy and how the practitioner will give accurate information. Two key journal articles on giving bad news are…

Unlocking Australia's Language Potential. Profiles of 9 Key Languages in Australia. Volume 8: Modern Greek.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamis, A. M.; And Others

The status of modern Greek in Australian society and education are detailed in this report. Chapters include discussion of these issues: the history of modern Greek in Australia (Greek immigration and settlement, public and private domains of use, language maintenance and shift, and language quality); the functions of modern Greek in Australia…

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Re-Examining Its Logic and Considering Possible Systemic and Institutional Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudd, Tim

2017-01-01

This paper offers conceptual and theoretical insights relating to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), highlighting a range of potential systemic and institutional outcomes and issues. The paper is organised around three key areas of discussion that are often under-explored in debates. Firstly, after considering the TEF in the wider context of…

Denied Access: Using African American Children's Literature to Examine the Anatomy of Social Justice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, Loraine Moses; Marshall, Jacqueline

2009-01-01

Cynthia Tyson and Sung Choon Park's powerful article, "From Theory to Practice: Teaching for Social Justice," addressed many key points for educators to consider when discussing issues of social justice and injustice. They offered a variety of multicultural children's books and strategies for using them that can be helpful to educators.…

How Primary and Secondary School Systems Are Dealing with the Internet Paradox: Educational Value vs. Liability Preservation. Chalk Talk.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Law and Education, 1996

1996-01-01

Educators today see the vast network of online information resources known as the Internet as the key to a lifetime of educational learning and development. Discusses pornography, obscenity, defamation, and intellectual property issues, especially the uploading and downloading of information. Concludes with the Shelby County (Kentucky) Schools…

Research Data Management: A Library Practitioner's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yu, Siu Hong

2017-01-01

The Future Voices in Public Services column is a forum for students in graduate library and information science programs to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to relate their visions for the profession, or to describe research that is…

Key Issues in the Analysis of Remote Sensing Data: A report on the workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swain, P. H. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The procedures of a workshop assessing the state of the art of machine analysis of remotely sensed data are summarized. Areas discussed were: data bases, image registration, image preprocessing operations, map oriented considerations, advanced digital systems, artificial intelligence methods, image classification, and improved classifier training. Recommendations of areas for further research are presented.

Technology in New York's Classrooms: One Key To Improving Educational Outcomes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Public Policy Inst., Albany, NY.

This report discusses the potential for computers and other educational technologies to aid in school restructuring in New York State. Issues involved in such a restructuring are examined and include: (1) the need for a common effort in creating a state program; (2) current practices and current realities in the classroom; (3) current uses of such…

The Need for a Strategic Foundation for Digital Learning and Knowledge Management Solutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asgarkhani, Mehdi

2004-01-01

This paper elaborates on the importance of a strategic foundation when digital learning or knowledge management (KM) solutions are planned and developed. It looks at some key issues of e-Learning and knowledge management (KM) through discussing the various stages (technologies) and potential benefits of e-Learning; the state of the e-Learning…

External Stakeholders of Higher Education Institutions in Poland: Their Identification and Significance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piotrowska-Piatek, Agnieszka

2017-01-01

In the context of the ongoing changes in the management systems of higher education, the issue of higher education institutions' (HEIs) relationships with external stakeholders are of key importance. This article discusses this problem from the perspective of Polish higher education system. The aim of it is to answer the following questions: (1)…

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Besson, Ugo; De Ambrosis, Anna

2014-01-01

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

Spellings's Legacy: A "Long Overdue" Assessment of Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chronicle of Higher Education, 2008

2008-01-01

This article presents an interview with Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. In this interview, she talks about her tenure and some key higher-education issues. She explains how some colleges do not recognize that they are on an unsustainable path. She also discusses how Americans must get out of the mind-set that college is a traditional…

Intellectual property implications for forestry research managers: Striving for win-win

Treesearch

Russell Haines

1999-01-01

Competent management of intellectual property is now a key issue for research managers increasingly driven on the one hand by more commercial approaches to research management) and on the other by the need to enter into partnerships where both inputs and outputs are shared. Products of forestry research activities that are relevant to intellectual property discussions...

Current Issues in Art and Design Education: Modularization and Course Ethos: The Case of Art and Design Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wayte, Gillian; Wayte, Nick

1990-01-01

Examines why art and design educators resist the modularization of degree-level courses. Identifies key characteristics of art education in England through an ethnographic study. Discusses government policy and rationales for modular and integrated courses. Concludes that the holistic approach to education allows students to expound and develop…

Teacher Evaluation: Current Practices in OECD Countries and a Literature Review. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 23

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isore, Marlene

2009-01-01

This paper discusses the most relevant issues concerning teacher evaluation in primary and secondary education by reviewing the recent literature and analysing current practices within the OECD countries. First, it provides a conceptual framework highlighting key features of teacher evaluation schemes. In particular, it emphasises the importance…

Your EHR license agreement: critical issues.

PubMed

Shay, Daniel F

2014-01-01

This article discusses several key provisions and concepts in software license agreements for electronic health records. It offers insight into what physician practices can expect to find in their license agreements, as well as practical advice on beneficial provisions. The article examines contractual language relating to term and termination, technical specifications and support, and compliance with governmental programs.

Gender Mainstreaming: Myths and Measurement in Higher Education in Ghana and Tanzania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morley, Louise

2010-01-01

This article critically examines the concept of gender mainstreaming and raises questions about a series of category slippages in debates and discussions. Some key concerns are the way in which women are constructed as a unified analytical category, and how gender equality is frequently reduced to issues of representation. It also critically…

Dancing with the Web: Students Bring Meaning to the Semantic Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Pauline

2012-01-01

This article will discuss the issues concerning the storage, retrieval and use of multimedia technology in dance, and how semantic web technologies can support those requirements. It will identify the key aims and outcomes of four international telematic dance projects, and review the use of reflective practice to engage students in their learning…

The Wildland-Urban Interface: Increasing Significance, Complexity and Contribution

Treesearch

John F. Dwyer; Sarah M. McCaffrey

2002-01-01

During the past two decades, presentations at International Symposia on Society and Resource Management (ISSRM) have covered an increasingly broad scope of topics on natural resource issues. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) was a key topic of discussion at the ninth ISSRM in 2002: a reflection of the response by social scientists to increasing residential development...

Key Issues and Problems in Developing New National Policy for Civic Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sallada, Logan H.

The role of the federal government in civic/citizenship education is discussed in this paper. A breakdown has occurred in former socializing institutions, such as the family and church, which have ceased to influence civic education. There is a need to reconceptualize the socialization process. Four factors that impede the socialization of…

Summary of the EMA Joint Regulators/Industry QbD workshop (London, UK; 28-29 January 2014).

PubMed

Cook, Graham; France, Georges; Holte, Øyvind; Lorenti, Giampiero; Tainsh, David

2016-01-01

This paper summarizes the discussions and insights gained from the key themes that emerged during the Quality by Design (QbD) Workshop held at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) offices in London, UK, on 28-29 January 2014. Industry and regulators shared practical experiences from six case studies (five approved small molecule products and one phase 3 biotechnological product) based on QbD submissions by five companies (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, NovoNordisk, and Pfizer).The case studies covered a range of different development, regulatory submission, and post-approval aspects of QbD and were developed through confidential discussions between the company representatives and regulators. Key themes that emerged from the workshop discussions were: 1. presentation of information in submissions (development story and the presentation of information in marketing authorization applications; risk assessment and criticality); 2. development aspects (design space; use of models; control strategy); and 3. post-approval aspects (lifecycle management; dossier-quality system interactions; handling of deviations). Many aspects of QbD for biotechnological products are similar to small molecules, but there are some important differences highlighted in this paper.The final section of the paper discusses some proposals for future developments to address the issues that were identified. This paper summarizes the discussions and insights gained from the key themes that emerged during the Quality by Design (QbD) Workshop held at the European Medicines Agency offices in London, UK, on 28-29 January 2014. Industry and regulators shared practical experiences from six case studies (five approved small-molecule products and one phase 3 biotechnological product) based on QbD submissions by five companies (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, NovoNordisk, and Pfizer).The case studies covered a range of different development, regulatory submission, and post-approval aspects of QbD and were developed through confidential discussions between the company representatives and regulators. Key themes that emerged from the workshop discussions were: 1. presentation of information in submissions (development story and the presentation of information in marketing authorization applications; risk assessment and criticality); 2. development aspects (design space; use of models; control strategy); and 3. post-approval aspects (lifecycle management; dossier-quality system interactions; handling of deviations). Many aspects of QbD for biotechnological products are similar to small molecules, but there are some important differences highlighted in this paper.The final section of the paper discusses some proposals for future developments to address the issues that were identified. © PDA, Inc. 2016.

2016 White Paper on recent issues in bioanalysis: focus on biomarker assay validation (BAV): (Part 2 - Hybrid LBA/LCMS and input from regulatory agencies).

PubMed

Song, An; Lee, Anita; Garofolo, Fabio; Kaur, Surinder; Duggan, Jeff; Evans, Christopher; Palandra, Joe; Donato, Lorella Di; Xu, Keyang; Bauer, Ronald; Bustard, Mark; Chen, Linzhi; Cocea, Laurent; Croft, Stephanie; Galliccia, Fabrizio; Haidar, Sam; Hughes, Nicola; Ishii-Watabe, Akiko; Islam, Rafiqul; Jones, Barry; Kadavil, John; Krantz, Carsten; Lima Santos, Gustavo Mendes; Olah, Timothy; Pedras-Vasconcelos, João; Staelens, Ludovicus; Saito, Yoshiro; Savoie, Natasha; Scheibner, Kara; Spitz, Susan; Tampal, Nilufer; Thomas, Eric; Vinter, Stephen; Wakelin-Smith, Jason; Welink, Jan; Zeng, Jianing; Zhou, Shaolian

2016-12-01

The 2016 10th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (10 th WRIB) took place in Orlando, Florida with participation of close to 700 professionals from pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, and regulatory agencies worldwide. WRIB was once again a 5-day, weeklong event - A Full Immersion Week of Bioanalysis including Biomarkers and Immunogenicity. As usual, it is specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest including both small and large molecules involving LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, and LBA approaches, with the focus on biomarkers and immunogenicity. This 2016 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. This White Paper is published in 3 parts due to length. This part (Part 2) discusses the recommendations for Hybrid LBA/LCMS and regulatory inputs from major global health authorities. Parts 1 (small molecule bioanalysis using LCMS) and Part 3 (large molecule bioanalysis using LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity) have been published in the Bioanalysis journal, issues 22 and 23, respectively.

2016 White Paper on recent issues in bioanalysis: focus on biomarker assay validation (BAV) (Part 1 - small molecules, peptides and small molecule biomarkers by LCMS).

PubMed

Yang, Eric; Welink, Jan; Cape, Stephanie; Woolf, Eric; Sydor, Jens; James, Christopher; Goykhman, Dina; Arnold, Mark; Addock, Neil; Bauer, Ronald; Buonarati, Michael; Ciccimaro, Eugene; Dodda, Raj; Evans, Christopher; Garofolo, Fabio; Hughes, Nicola; Islam, Rafiq; Nehls, Corey; Wilson, Amanda; Briscoe, Chad; Bustard, Mark; Coppola, Laura; Croft, Stephanie; Drexler, Dieter; Ferrari, Luca; Fraier, Daniela; Jenkins, Rand; Kadavil, John; King, Lloyd; Li, Wenkui; Lima Santos, Gustavo Mendes; Musuku, Adrien; Ramanathan, Ragu; Saito, Yoshiro; Savoie, Natasha; Summerfield, Scott; Sun, Rachel; Tampal, Nilufer; Vinter, Steve; Wakelin-Smith, Jason; Yue, Qin

2016-10-07

The 2016 10 th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (10 th WRIB) took place in Orlando, Florida with participation of close to 700 professionals from pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, and regulatory agencies worldwide. WRIB was once again a 5-day, weeklong event - A Full Immersion Week of Bioanalysis including Biomarkers and Immunogenicity. As usual, it was specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest including both small and large molecule analysis involving LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, and LBA approaches, with the focus on biomarkers and immunogenicity. This 2016 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. This white paper is published in 3 parts due to length. This part (Part 1) discusses the recommendations for small molecules, peptides and small molecule biomarkers by LCMS. Part 2 (Hybrid LBA/LCMS and regulatory inputs from major global health authorities) and Part 3 (large molecule bioanalysis using LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity) will be published in the Bioanalysis journal, issue 23.

The persistence and challenges of homebirths: perspectives of traditional birth attendants in urban Kenya.

PubMed

Izugbara, Chimaraoke; Ezeh, Alex; Fotso, Jean-Christophe

2009-01-01

Through an analysis of focus group discussion data, we examine Kenyan traditional birth attendants' (TBAs) accounts of the persistence of homebirths and the key challenges they present. TBAs associated the continued demand for homebirths with the wide-ranging character and quality of their services. They did not consider their lack of formal training on matters of pregnancy and birthing to be a particular challenge to their work. Rather, they identified the non-cooperative and disrespectful attitudes of their counterparts in hospital settings as the most important issue. Further efforts are needed to make TBAs realize how much better their services could become if they adopted more modern ways of assisting in deliveries, unlearnt their belief in the superiority of their particular type of practice, and understood how their lack of formal training is a key issue.

Behaviour change for better health: nutrition, hygiene and sustainability.

PubMed

Newson, Rachel S; Lion, Rene; Crawford, Robert J; Curtis, Valerie; Elmadfa, Ibrahim; Feunekes, Gerda I J; Hicks, Cheryl; van Liere, Marti; Lowe, C Fergus; Meijer, Gert W; Pradeep, B V; Reddy, K Srinath; Sidibe, Myriam; Uauy, Ricardo

2013-01-01

As the global population grows there is a clear challenge to address the needs of consumers, without depleting natural resources and whilst helping to improve nutrition and hygiene to reduce the growth of noncommunicable diseases. For fast-moving consumer goods companies, like Unilever, this challenge provides a clear opportunity to reshape its business to a model that decouples growth from a negative impact on natural resources and health. However, this change in the business model also requires a change in consumer behaviour. In acknowledgement of this challenge Unilever organised a symposium entitled 'Behaviour Change for Better Health: Nutrition, Hygiene and Sustainability'. The intention was to discuss how consumers can be motivated to live a more healthy and sustainable lifestlye in today's environment. This article summarises the main conclusions of the presentations given at the symposium. Three main topics were discussed. In the first session, key experts discussed how demographic changes - particularly in developing and emerging countries - imply the need for consumer behaviour change. The second session focused on the use of behaviour change theory to design, implement and evaluate interventions, and the potential role of (new or reformulated) products as agents of change. In the final session, key issues were discussed regarding the use of collaborations to increase the impact and reach, and to decrease the costs, of interventions. The symposium highlighted a number of key scientific challenges for Unilever and other parties that have set nutrition, hygiene and sustainability as key priorities. The key challenges include: adapting behaviour change approaches to cultures in developing and emerging economies; designing evidence-based behaviour change interventions, in which products can play a key role as agents of change; and scaling up behaviour change activities in cost-effective ways, which requires a new mindset involving public-private partnerships.

Behaviour change for better health: nutrition, hygiene and sustainability

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

As the global population grows there is a clear challenge to address the needs of consumers, without depleting natural resources and whilst helping to improve nutrition and hygiene to reduce the growth of noncommunicable diseases. For fast-moving consumer goods companies, like Unilever, this challenge provides a clear opportunity to reshape its business to a model that decouples growth from a negative impact on natural resources and health. However, this change in the business model also requires a change in consumer behaviour. In acknowledgement of this challenge Unilever organised a symposium entitled ‘Behaviour Change for Better Health: Nutrition, Hygiene and Sustainability’. The intention was to discuss how consumers can be motivated to live a more healthy and sustainable lifestlye in today’s environment. This article summarises the main conclusions of the presentations given at the symposium. Three main topics were discussed. In the first session, key experts discussed how demographic changes – particularly in developing and emerging countries – imply the need for consumer behaviour change. The second session focused on the use of behaviour change theory to design, implement and evaluate interventions, and the potential role of (new or reformulated) products as agents of change. In the final session, key issues were discussed regarding the use of collaborations to increase the impact and reach, and to decrease the costs, of interventions. The symposium highlighted a number of key scientific challenges for Unilever and other parties that have set nutrition, hygiene and sustainability as key priorities. The key challenges include: adapting behaviour change approaches to cultures in developing and emerging economies; designing evidence-based behaviour change interventions, in which products can play a key role as agents of change; and scaling up behaviour change activities in cost-effective ways, which requires a new mindset involving public–private partnerships. PMID:23530770

Intermediaries for youth: a vital target audience.

PubMed

1997-01-01

Worldwide, youth are recognized as a key target audience for HIV/STD awareness and prevention campaigns. Rural young people, who often have less access to information and prevention tools than urban youth, may be particularly vulnerable to HIV/STD infection. Many initiatives have been organized by nongovernmental organizations, governments, churches, and other organizations to help youth. However, parents, relatives, guardians, teachers, church and youth leaders, social workers, and other adults in a position to influence youth must also be helped to undertake the role of an intermediary between youth and HIV/STD interventions and other youth-oriented programs. In training adults to openly address sexual and reproductive health issues with adolescents, adults must first be encouraged to feel comfortable about discussing such issues among themselves. Intermediaries and how to target them are discussed.

Research on the architecture and key technologies of SIG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zhongliang; Meng, Qingxiang; Huang, Yan; Liu, Shufan

2007-06-01

Along with the development of computer network, Grid has become one of the hottest issues of researches on sharing and cooperation of Internet resources throughout the world. This paper illustrates a new architecture of SIG-a five-hierarchy architecture (including Data Collecting Layer, Grid Layer, Service Layer, Application Layer and Client Layer) of SIG from the traditional three hierarchies (only including resource layer, service layer and client layer). In the paper, the author proposes a new mixed network mode of Spatial Information Grid which integrates CAG (Certificate Authority of Grid) and P2P (Peer to Peer) in the Grid Layer, besides, the author discusses some key technologies of SIG and analysis the functions of these key technologies.

Challenges in verification and validation of autonomous systems for space exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brat, Guillaume; Jonsson, Ari

2005-01-01

Space exploration applications offer a unique opportunity for the development and deployment of autonomous systems, due to limited communications, large distances, and great expense of direct operation. At the same time, the risk and cost of space missions leads to reluctance to taking on new, complex and difficult-to-understand technology. A key issue in addressing these concerns is the validation of autonomous systems. In recent years, higher-level autonomous systems have been applied in space applications. In this presentation, we will highlight those autonomous systems, and discuss issues in validating these systems. We will then look to future demands on validating autonomous systems for space, identify promising technologies and open issues.

Web Services Security - Implementation and Evaluation Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pimenidis, Elias; Georgiadis, Christos K.; Bako, Peter; Zorkadis, Vassilis

Web services development is a key theme in the utilization the commercial exploitation of the semantic web. Paramount to the development and offering of such services is the issue of security features and they way these are applied in instituting trust amongst participants and recipients of the service. Implementing such security features is a major challenge to developers as they need to balance these with performance and interoperability requirements. Being able to evaluate the level of security offered is a desirable feature for any prospective participant. The authors attempt to address the issues of security requirements and evaluation criteria, while they discuss the challenges of security implementation through a simple web service application case.

Barriers to vocational effectiveness in ACT: staff perspectives.

PubMed

Waynor, William R; Pratt, Carlos W

2011-01-01

Assertive community treatment (ACT), for persons with serious mental illness, includes a vocational focus as an important aspect of community integration. Nevertheless, research suggests that ACT does not assist significant numbers of consumers in achieving employment goals. A two-step survey of New Jersey ACT team members was designed to identify the key issues that hinder ACT staff members in assisting consumers with obtaining employment. Survey items were categorized into three sections: (a) staff attitudes, (b) consumer barriers, and (c) staff barriers to working on employment. The initial survey asked staff members to rate items in each of these categories. Highly rated items were used in a subsequent paired comparison survey to determine the relative importance of each. This method highlighted the following issues: four staff attitude items-(a) returning to work is positive, (b) employment is key to recovery, (c) abstinence from substance abuse is needed to work, and (d) consumers are too ill to work; four consumer barrier items-(a) fear of loss of Social Security Administration benefits, (b) symptoms related to the illness, (c) lack of motivation, and (d) poor social skills; and three barriers to working on employment issues items-(a) clinical issues take priority, (b) other case management issues takes priority, and (c) too many emergencies. The implications for staff training are discussed.

Ethical issues in medical research in the developing world: a report on a meeting organised by Fondation Mérieux.

PubMed

Perrey, Christophe; Wassenaar, Douglas; Gilchrist, Shawn; Ivanoff, Bernard

2009-08-01

This paper reports on a multidisciplinary meeting held to discuss ethical issues in medical research in the developing world. Many studies, including clinical trials, are conducted in developing countries with a high burden of disease. Conditions under which this research is conducted vary because of differences in culture, public health, political, legal and social contexts specific to these countries. Research practices, including standards of care for participants, may vary as a result. It is therefore not surprising that ethical issues emerge. This meeting sought to identify and discuss these issues from the perspectives of the many actors in such research, including community representatives, with a view to finding ethical and pragmatic solutions to these issues. Dialogue between these actors was also promoted, with a view to identifying the need to develop such dialogue in future. Drawing from the experiences of the speakers, the colloquium attempted to outline some answers to several key questions characterising the field today. Experiences related to epidemiologic research, vaccine trials, drug trials, diagnostic tests and to some fundamental ethical issues in health research. Speakers were from different countries, disciplines and professions. The meeting provided a forum for consultation and debate between different ethics actors. Both encouraging findings and challenges emerged.

Key issues and challenges in developing a pedagogical intervention in the simulation skills center--an action research study.

PubMed

Reierson, Inger Åse; Hvidsten, Anne; Wighus, Marianne; Brungot, Solvor; Bjørk, Ida Torunn

2013-07-01

Simulation skills centers (SSC) are considered important learning arenas for preparing and qualifying nursing students. Limited clinical placements and claims of diminished learning opportunities raise concerns that newly educated nurses lack proficiency in many psychomotor skills. Accordingly, there is an increased focus on learning in the SSC. However, it has been questioned if the pedagogical underpinning of teaching and learning in the SSC is missing or unclear. At a bachelor nursing education in Norway, there was a desire to change practice and enhance learning in the SSC by systematic use of The Model of Practical Skill Performance (Bjørk and Kirkevold, 2000). A participatory action research design was chosen. A pedagogical intervention was developed and implemented in 2010 in a cohort of eighty-seven first year bachelor nursing students during their basic nursing skill course. The intervention is shortly described. This article reports key issues and challenges that emerged during development of the new intervention. Data to inform the study were collected via thorough meeting minutes and the project leader's logbook, and analyzed using fieldnotes analysis. Six key issues and challenges were identified. These are presented and discussed consecutively in light of their importance for development and implementation of the new intervention. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nurses attitudes and practices towards provision of survivorship care for people with a haematological cancer on completion of treatment.

PubMed

Chan, Raymond Javan; Button, Elise; Thomas, Alison; Gates, Priscilla; Yates, Patsy

2018-05-01

The purpose of this study is to assess cancer nurses' perceptions of responsibility, confidence levels and practice in relation to survivorship care for people with a haematological malignancy on completion of treatment. A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted. An online survey was distributed to members of two Australian professional bodies. A total of 310 cancer nurses participated in the study, representing a response rate of 28%. The participants generally agreed that all survivorship care items were part of their role. Of the 17 survivorship care items, the three items receiving the lowest confidence scores were discussing fertility issues, discussing employment and financial issues and discussing how to identify signs of cancer recurrence. The least performed survivorship care items were discussing fertility issues, communicating survivorship care with primary healthcare team (i.e. general practitioners) and discussing sexuality issues. Older age, more years of experience, having a post-graduate qualification and working in non-metropolitan area were associated with higher levels of perception of responsibilities and confidence (p < 0.05). The top ranked barriers to survivorship care were reported to be lack of end-of-treatment consultation dedicated to survivorship care, time and an appropriate physical space for delivering care. Cancer nurses perceive key aspects of survivorship care to be part of their role, however there remains variations in practice and confidence with respect to implementation of survivorship care practices. Interventions that focus on enhancing the capability of cancer nurses and eliminating barriers identified in this study have the potential to improve quality survivorship care provision.

Revitalizing Traditional Information Literacy Instruction: Exploring Games in Academic Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Margino, Megan

2013-01-01

The Future Voices in Public Services column is a forum for students in graduate library and information science programs to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to tell of their visions for the profession, or to tell of research that is…

Missing Link: Integrated Individual Leadership Development, Employee Engagement, and Customer Value-Added Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heldenbrand, Lois; Simms, Michael S.

2012-01-01

Long-term care is a key public issue that affects all of us in some way at some time of our lives. Nowhere is performance improvement and quality management more imperative. Through an 8-month field study and follow-up case study, we discuss how using an integrated approach to individual leadership development, employee engagement, and customer…

What Difference Does "Difference" Make? A Discussion with Ethnic Minority Students about Their Learning Experience in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Housee, Shirin

2011-01-01

This article explores the everyday experiences of minority ethnic students at a university in the West Midlands. Based on interviews with 23 second-level students taking Sociology modules, it seeks to highlight the key social, personal and pedagogic issues for this group of minority ethnic students and to deepen understandings of cultural identity…

Investigating Attrition Trends in Order to Improve Student Retention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grebennikov, Leonid; Shah, Mahsood

2012-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on the experience of monitoring of first year student attrition in a large metropolitan multi-campus university during 2004-2010. The paper seeks to discuss the trends in student attrition which have been found and identify key issues which have been and need to be addressed by the university in order to increase…

The ABC's of Screen Design: What Teachers Should Know To Teach Students To Author in Hypermedia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dana, Ann S.; Handler, Marianne G.

The alphabet can be used as a framework for identifying key issues, ideas, and factors that teachers and students need to consider in developing hypermedia projects. Rather than in alphabetical order, the terms are introduced as they apply to the discussion on the teaching of multimedia skills. The following terms and concepts are highlighted:…

Some Ethical and Cultural Implications of the Leadership "Turn" in Education: On the Distinction between Performance and Performativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strain, Michael

2009-01-01

Leadership, currently prescribed as a key requirement for effective school organization and management, is examined here as a rhetorical or discursive device, as a "turn", in the sense used in literary and sociological discussion of the linguistic turn. In the educational sphere, a tacit separation of leadership from issues of governance…

Fundamental Concerns in High-Stakes Language Testing: The Case of the College English Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jin, Yan

2011-01-01

The College English Test (CET) is an English language test designed for educational purposes, administered on a very large scale, and used for making high-stakes decisions. This paper discusses the key issues facing the CET during the course of its development in the past two decades. It argues that the most fundamental and critical concerns of…

Accessibility, Collaboration, and Staffing: Revamping the Model for Academic Library Video Collections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGeary, Bryan James

2015-01-01

This column contains information on how students in graduate library and information science programs participate in a forum to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to state their visions for the profession, or to tell of research that is…

Understanding Evidence-Based Information for the Early Childhood Field: Tips from RAND's Promising Practices Network

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattox, Teryn; Kilburn, M. Rebecca

2012-01-01

With the growing and diverse use of the term "evidence-based practice" it can be difficult for policymakers, funders, program officers, and other professionals to separate the good evidence from the flawed. Furthermore, once good evidence has been identified, it can be difficult to know how to use it. This article discusses key issues to consider…

Identifying Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Students in the School Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allison, Virginia L.; Nativio, Donna G.; Mitchell, Ann M.; Ren, Dianxu; Yuhasz, Janet

2014-01-01

Early detection of mental health problems in school-age children offers the opportunity for prompt referral to treatment which is critical to their success in school. School nurses are in a key position to screen for mental health issues in the school setting. This article discusses how school nurses began a new initiative to use two validated…

APA Summit on Medical Student Education Task Force on Informatics and Technology: Learning about Computers and Applying Computer Technology to Education and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilty, Donald M.; Hales, Deborah J.; Briscoe, Greg; Benjamin, Sheldon; Boland, Robert J.; Luo, John S.; Chan, Carlyle H.; Kennedy, Robert S.; Karlinsky, Harry; Gordon, Daniel B.; Yager, Joel; Yellowlees, Peter M.

2006-01-01

Objective: This article provides a brief overview of important issues for educators regarding medical education and technology. Methods: The literature describes key concepts, prototypical technology tools, and model programs. A work group of psychiatric educators was convened three times by phone conference to discuss the literature. Findings…

A Research-Informed Instructional Unit to Teach the Nature of Science to Pre-Service Science Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aduriz-Bravo, Agustin; Izquierdo-Aymerich, Merce

2009-01-01

In this paper we discuss the foundations and process of design of a research-informed instructional unit aimed for pre-service science teacher education. The unit covers some key ideas on the nature of science (around methodology, theory change, scientific inference and explanation, values, gender issues) anchoring them in a well-known episode…

Is It Ethical for Patents to Be Issued for the Computer Algorithms that Affect Course Management Systems for Distance Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreau, Nancy

2008-01-01

This article discusses the impact of patents for computer algorithms in course management systems. Referring to historical documents and court cases, the positive and negative aspects of software patents are presented. The key argument is the accessibility to algorithms comprising a course management software program such as Blackboard. The…

Accounting Control Technology Using SAP: A Case-Based Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ragan, Joseph; Puccio, Christopher; Talisesky, Brandon

2014-01-01

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) revolutionized the accounting and audit industry. The use of preventative and process controls to evaluate the continuous audit process done via an SAP ERP ECC 6.0 system is key to compliance with SOX and managing costs. This paper can be used in a variety of ways to discuss issues associated with auditing and testing…

A Brief Overview of Key Issues in Second Language Writing Teaching and Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Javadi-Safa, Azim

2018-01-01

This paper briefly reviews the literature on writing skill in second language. It commences with a discussion on the importance of writing and its special characteristics. Then, it gives a brief account of the reasons for the weakness of students' writing skill as well as addressing some of the most important topics in L2 writing studies ranging…

Measures for Ph.D. Evaluation: The Recruitment Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Agostino, Antonella; Fruzzetti, Stefania; Ghellini, Giulio; Neri, Laura

2011-01-01

In the last years the quality of Higher Education (HE) system and its evaluation have been key issues of the political and scientific debate on education policies all over Europe. In the wide landscape that involves the entire HE system we draw attention on the third level of its organization, i.e. the Ph.D. In particular, this paper discusses the…

Toward Ubiquitous BCIs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allison, Brendan Z.

The preceding chapters in this book described modern BCI systems. This concluding chapter instead discusses future directions. While there are some specific predictions, I mainly analyze key factors and trends relating to practical mainstream BCI development. While I note some disruptive technologies that could dramatically change BCIs, this chapter focuses mainly on realistic, incremental progress and how progress could affect user groups and ethical issues.

Multipass reconfiguration of the HELEN Nd:glass laser at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

PubMed

Norman, Michael J; Andrew, James E; Bett, Thomas H; Clifford, Roger K; England, John E; Hopps, Nicholas W; Parker, Kenneth W; Porter, Kenneth; Stevenson, Mark

2002-06-20

The HELEN high-power Nd:glass laser has been rebuilt in a new multipass configuration that requires fewer components to maintain existing performance. This is expected to lead to greater system availability and reduced running costs. We describe the new design, discuss some of the key issues that had to be addressed, and present operational results.

Social Media in Academic Libraries: Engaging in 140 Characters or Less

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levesque, Lisa

2016-01-01

The Future Voices in Public Services column is a forum for students in graduate library and information science programs to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to tell of their visions for the profession, or to tell of research that is…

75 FR 20843 - Notice of Workshop To Discuss Policy-Relevant Science to Inform EPA's Integrated Plan for the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-21

... Policy-Relevant Science to Inform EPA's Integrated Plan for the Review of the Lead National Ambient Air...-Relevant Science to Inform EPA's Integrated Plan for Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards... review focuses on the key policy-relevant issues and considers the most meaningful new science to inform...

Assessment Revisited: A Review of Research in "Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pereira, Diana; Flores, Maria Assunção; Niklasson, Laila

2016-01-01

A review of articles published in "Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education," over the last eight years (2006-2013) on assessment in higher education, since the introduction of the Bologna process, is the subject of the paper. The first part discusses the key issue of assessment in higher education and the method used for selecting…

The Lie Detector in Employment; An Examination of Some of the Problems. Key Issues Series. Number 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coghill, Mary Ann; Gruenfeld, Elaine F.

In a review of personnel polygraphing, the history of the polygraph technique is discussed. Since it is a controversial technique used by employers to test employees' honesty and loyalty by measuring physiological reactions, an increasing number of States and localities are taking legal action to prevent its use. The results of several arbitration…

Mass Atrocity: Prevention and Response

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

Larry Strobel (PKSOI), Colonel Lorelei Coplen (PKSOI) and Jim Armstead (Washington & Lee ) superbly guided their group discussions with minimal... Strobel (PKSOI) A mass atrocity situation will have several key lo- gistical considerations which are normally factors in other rapid response scenarios...termediaries in USAID, the UN, or the host nation. Moral, Ethical & Legal Issues Working Group Moderator: J. Holmes Armstead (Washington and Lee

Best Practices for Mental Health in Child Welfare: Parent Support and Youth Empowerment Guidelines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romanelli, Lisa Hunter; Hoagwood, Kimberly E.; Kaplan, Sandra J.; Kemp, Susan P.; Hartman, Robert L.; Trupin, Casey; Soto, Wilfredo; Pecora, Peter J.; LaBarrie, Theresa L.; Jensen, Peter S.

2009-01-01

This paper, the second in a series of two guideline papers emerging from the 2007 Best Practices for Mental Health in Child Welfare Consensus Conference, provides an overview of the key issues related to parent support and youth empowerment in child welfare and presents consensus guidelines in these important areas. The paper also discusses some…

Advances in SiC/SiC Composites for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DiCarlo, James A.

2006-01-01

In recent years, supported by a variety of materials development programs, NASA Glenn Research Center has significantly increased the thermostructural capability of SiC/SiC composite materials for high-temperature aerospace applications. These state-of-the-art advances have occurred in every key constituent of the composite: fiber, fiber coating, matrix, and environmental barrier coating, as well as processes for forming the fiber architectures needed for complex-shaped components such as turbine vanes for gas turbine engines. This presentation will briefly elaborate on the nature of these advances in terms of performance data and underlying mechanisms. Based on a list of first-order property goals for typical high-temperature applications, key data from a variety of laboratory tests are presented which demonstrate that the NASA-developed constituent materials and processes do indeed result in SiC/SiC systems with the desired thermal and structural capabilities. Remaining process and microstructural issues for further property enhancement are discussed, as well as on-going approaches at NASA to solve these issues. NASA efforts to develop physics-based property models that can be used not only for component design and life modeling, but also for constituent material and process improvement will also be discussed.

Diagnosis and predictive molecular analysis of non-small-cell lung cancer in the Africa-Middle East region: challenges and strategies for improvement.

PubMed

Slavik, Tomas; Asselah, Fatima; Fakhruddin, Najla; El Khodary, Ahmed; Torjman, Fairouz; Anis, Elia; Quinn, Martin; Khankan, Azzam; Kerr, Keith M

2014-11-01

The identification of tumor biomarkers provides information on the prognosis and guides the implementation of appropriate treatment in patients with many different cancer types. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted treatment plans based on biomarker identification have already been used in the clinic. However, such predictive molecular testing is not currently a universally used practice. This is the case, in particular, in developing countries where lung cancer is increasingly prevalent. In September 2012 and November 2013, a committee of 16 lung cancer experts from Africa and the Middle East met to discuss key issues related to diagnosis and biomarker testing in NSCLC and the implementation of personalized medicine in the region. The committee identified current challenges for effective diagnosis and predictive analysis in Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, strategies to encourage the implementation of biomarker testing were discussed. A practical approach for the effective diagnosis and predictive molecular testing of NSCLC in these regions was derived. We present the key issues and recommendations arising from the meetings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Logistics: An integral part of cost efficient space operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, Ann D.

1996-01-01

The logistics of space programs and its history within NASA are discussed, with emphasis on manned space flight and the Space Shuttle program. The lessons learned and the experience gained during these programs are reported on. Key elements of logistics are highlighted, and the problems and issues that can be expected to arise in relation to the support of long-term space operations and future space programs, are discussed. Such missions include the International Space Station program and the reusable launch vehicle. Possible solutions to the problems identified are outlined.

We're off to see the genome.

PubMed

Reilly, P R; Page, D C

1998-09-01

We discuss some societal and legal ramifications of the human genetics revolution. Our reflections were stimulated by discussions among scientists, citizens and legal experts at a large public symposium. We outline key issues regarding oversight of genetic research on human subjects, banking of DNA data by governments and corporations, the potential impact of behavioural genetics and effects upon racial and racist thinking. We contend that, in some cases, well-intentioned but naive efforts to protect the rights of individuals and groups may hurt everyone by blocking the progress of useful research.

Insulin Infusion Sets: A Critical Reappraisal.

PubMed

Heinemann, Lutz

2016-05-01

An insulin infusion set (IIS) is a key component of insulin pumps. In daily practice issues with the IIS appear to be as relevant for a successful insulin therapy as the pumps themselves. The insulin is applied to the subcutaneous tissue via a Teflon(®) (Dupont, Wilmington, DE) or steel cannula. There are intensive discussions about the impact the choice of material for insulin application has on insulin pharmacokinetics. In this review, this factor and others that are known to have an impact on the successful usage of IIS are discussed.

Study on Amortization Time and Rationality in Real Estate Investment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yancang; Zhou, Shujing; Suo, Juanjuan

Amortization time and rationality has been discussed a lot in real estate investment research. As the price of real estate is driven by Geometric Brown Motion (GBM), whether the mortgagors should amortize in advance has become a key issue in amortization time research. This paper presents a new method to solve the problem by using the optimal stopping time theory and option pricing theory models. We discuss the option value in amortizing decision based on this model. A simulation method is used to test this method.

Satellite Power System. Concept development and evaluation program, volume 6: Construction and operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, H.; Jenkins, L. M.

1981-01-01

The construction, operation, and maintenance requirements for a solar power satellite, including the space and ground systems, are reviewed. The basic construction guidelines are explained, and construction location options are discussed. The space construction tasks, equipment, and base configurations are discussed together with the operations required to place a solar power satellite in geosynchronous orbit. A rectenna construction technique is explained, and operation with the grid is defined. Maintenance requirements are summarized for the entire system. Key technology issues required for solar power satellite construction operations are defined.

Three-phase flow measurement in the petroleum industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorn, R.; Johansen, G. A.; Hjertaker, B. T.

2013-01-01

The problem of how to accurately measure the flowrate of oil-gas-water mixtures in a pipeline remains one of the key challenges in the petroleum industry. This paper discusses why three-phase flow measurement is still important and why it remains a difficult problem to solve. The measurement strategies and principal base technologies currently used by commercial manufacturers are described, and research developments that could influence future flowmeter design are considered. Finally, future issues, which will need to be addressed by manufacturers and users of three-phase flowmeters, are discussed.

Human Health Effects of Trichloroethylene: Key Findings and Scientific Issues

PubMed Central

Jinot, Jennifer; Scott, Cheryl Siegel; Makris, Susan L.; Cooper, Glinda S.; Dzubow, Rebecca C.; Bale, Ambuja S.; Evans, Marina V.; Guyton, Kathryn Z.; Keshava, Nagalakshmi; Lipscomb, John C.; Barone, Stanley; Fox, John F.; Gwinn, Maureen R.; Schaum, John; Caldwell, Jane C.

2012-01-01

Background: In support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a toxicological review of trichloroethylene (TCE) in September 2011, which was the result of an effort spanning > 20 years. Objectives: We summarized the key findings and scientific issues regarding the human health effects of TCE in the U.S. EPA’s toxicological review. Methods: In this assessment we synthesized and characterized thousands of epidemiologic, experimental animal, and mechanistic studies, and addressed several key scientific issues through modeling of TCE toxicokinetics, meta-analyses of epidemiologic studies, and analyses of mechanistic data. Discussion: Toxicokinetic modeling aided in characterizing the toxicological role of the complex metabolism and multiple metabolites of TCE. Meta-analyses of the epidemiologic data strongly supported the conclusions that TCE causes kidney cancer in humans and that TCE may also cause liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Mechanistic analyses support a key role for mutagenicity in TCE-induced kidney carcinogenicity. Recent evidence from studies in both humans and experimental animals point to the involvement of TCE exposure in autoimmune disease and hypersensitivity. Recent avian and in vitro mechanistic studies provided biological plausibility that TCE plays a role in developmental cardiac toxicity, the subject of substantial debate due to mixed results from epidemiologic and rodent studies. Conclusions: TCE is carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure and poses a potential human health hazard for noncancer toxicity to the central nervous system, kidney, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and the developing embryo/fetus. PMID:23249866

Animal and human innovation: novel problems and novel solutions.

PubMed

Reader, Simon M; Morand-Ferron, Julie; Flynn, Emma

2016-03-19

This theme issue explores how and why behavioural innovation occurs, and the consequences of innovation for individuals, groups and populations. A vast literature on human innovation exists, from the development of problem-solving in children, to the evolution of technology, to the cultural systems supporting innovation. A more recent development is a growing literature on animal innovation, which has demonstrated links between innovation and personality traits, cognitive traits, neural measures, changing conditions, and the current state of the social and physical environment. Here, we introduce these fields, define key terms and discuss the potential for fruitful exchange between the diverse fields researching innovation. Comparisons of innovation between human and non-human animals provide opportunities, but also pitfalls. We also summarize some key findings specifying the circumstances in which innovation occurs, discussing factors such as the intrinsic nature of innovative individuals and the environmental and socio-ecological conditions that promote innovation, such as necessity, opportunity and free resources. We also highlight key controversies, including the relationship between innovation and intelligence, and the notion of innovativeness as an individual-level trait. Finally, we discuss current research methods and suggest some novel approaches that could fruitfully be deployed. © 2016 The Authors.

Animal and human innovation: novel problems and novel solutions

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

This theme issue explores how and why behavioural innovation occurs, and the consequences of innovation for individuals, groups and populations. A vast literature on human innovation exists, from the development of problem-solving in children, to the evolution of technology, to the cultural systems supporting innovation. A more recent development is a growing literature on animal innovation, which has demonstrated links between innovation and personality traits, cognitive traits, neural measures, changing conditions, and the current state of the social and physical environment. Here, we introduce these fields, define key terms and discuss the potential for fruitful exchange between the diverse fields researching innovation. Comparisons of innovation between human and non-human animals provide opportunities, but also pitfalls. We also summarize some key findings specifying the circumstances in which innovation occurs, discussing factors such as the intrinsic nature of innovative individuals and the environmental and socio-ecological conditions that promote innovation, such as necessity, opportunity and free resources. We also highlight key controversies, including the relationship between innovation and intelligence, and the notion of innovativeness as an individual-level trait. Finally, we discuss current research methods and suggest some novel approaches that could fruitfully be deployed. PMID:26926273

Electrical actuation technology bridging, volume 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Monica S.; Doane, George B., III

1993-01-01

This document contains the proceedings from the conference. The workshop addressed key technologies bridging the entire field of electrical actuation including systems methodology, control electronics, power source systems, reliability, maintainability, and vehicle health management with special emphasis on thrust vector control (TVC) applications on NASA launch vehicles. Speakers were drawn primarily from industry with participation from universities and government. In addition, prototype hardware demonstrations were held at the MSFC Propulsion Laboratory each afternoon. Splinter sessions held on the final day afforded the opportunity to discuss key issues and to provide overall recommendations. Presentations are included in this document.

Cultural Diversity in Nursing Education: Perils, Pitfalls, and Pearls

PubMed Central

Bednarz, Hedi; Schim, Stephanie; Doorenbos, Ardith

2010-01-01

Increasing diversity in the classroom challenges nursing educators to identify issues that complicate teaching (perils), analyze barriers for themselves and their students (pitfalls), and select new strategies for working with nontraditional students (pearls). This article identifies concerns arising from attitudes and values within nursing and common approaches to diversity education, and then discusses key issues in nursing education that relate to human nature, culture, faculty workload, and student demographics. Finally, some strategies are proposed for increasing the effectiveness of professional preparation with diverse students through a focus on culturally congruent education and development of faculty cultural competence. PMID:20143759

Social media interventions to prevent HIV: A review of interventions and methodological considerations.

PubMed

Tso, Lai Sze; Tang, Weiming; Li, Haochu; Yan, H Yanna; Tucker, Joseph D

2016-06-01

Persistent new HIV infections and risky behaviors underscore the need for enhanced HIV prevention. Social media interventions may promote safe sexual behaviors, increase HIV testing uptake, and promote safe injection behaviors. This review discusses how social media interventions tap into the wisdom of crowds through crowdsourcing, build peer-mentored communities, and deliver interventions through social networks. Social media HIV prevention interventions are constrained by ethical issues, low social media usage among some key populations, and implementation issues. Comprehensive measurement of social media interventions to prevent HIV is necessary, but requires further development of metrics.

Biosimilars and market access: a question of comparability and costs?

PubMed

Simoens, Steven; Verbeken, Gilbert; Huys, Isabelle

2012-12-01

This article discusses specific issues related to the market access of biosimilars. Biopharmaceuticals are complex molecules produced by living cells. Copies of these medicines, called biosimilars, are not identical to their reference medicine and therefore specific regulatory requirements apply. When considering the use of biosimilars, the question of the degree of comparability between a biosimilar and the reference biopharmaceutical needs to be considered for registration, pricing and reimbursement purposes in addition to the cost issue. To date, many key concepts (like clinically meaningful differences) remain undefined and the question of the degree of comparability is not yet resolved.

Cultural diversity in nursing education: perils, pitfalls, and pearls.

PubMed

Bednarz, Hedi; Schim, Stephanie; Doorenbos, Ardith

2010-05-01

Increasing diversity in the classroom challenges nursing educators to identify issues that complicate teaching (perils), analyze barriers for themselves and their students (pitfalls), and select new strategies for working with nontraditional students (pearls). This article identifies concerns arising from attitudes and values within nursing and common approaches to diversity education, and then discusses key issues in nursing education that relate to human nature, culture, faculty workload, and student demographics. Finally, some strategies are proposed for increasing the effectiveness of professional preparation with diverse students through a focus on culturally congruent education and development of faculty cultural competence.

Social media interventions to prevent HIV: A review of interventions and methodological considerations

PubMed Central

Tso, Lai Sze; Tang, Weiming; Li, Haochu; Yan, H. Yanna; Tucker, Joseph D.

2015-01-01

Persistent new HIV infections and risky behaviors underscore the need for enhanced HIV prevention. Social media interventions may promote safe sexual behaviors, increase HIV testing uptake, and promote safe injection behaviors. This review discusses how social media interventions tap into the wisdom of crowds through crowdsourcing, build peer-mentored communities, and deliver interventions through social networks. Social media HIV prevention interventions are constrained by ethical issues, low social media usage among some key populations, and implementation issues. Comprehensive measurement of social media interventions to prevent HIV is necessary, but requires further development of metrics. PMID:26516632

Practical Issues of Conducting a Q Methodology Study: Lessons Learned From a Cross-cultural Study.

PubMed

Stone, Teresa Elizabeth; Maguire, Jane; Kang, Sook Jung; Cha, Chiyoung

This article advances nursing research by presenting the methodological challenges experienced in conducting a multination Q-methodology study. This article critically analyzes the relevance of the methodology for cross-cultural and nursing research and the challenges that led to specific responses by the investigators. The use of focus groups with key stakeholders supplemented the Q-analysis results. The authors discuss practical issues and shared innovative approaches and provide best-practice suggestions on the use of this flexible methodology. Q methodology has the versatility to explore complexities of contemporary nursing practice and cross-cultural health research.

Modelling of additive manufacturing processes: a review and classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stavropoulos, Panagiotis; Foteinopoulos, Panagis

2018-03-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a very promising technology; however, there are a number of open issues related to the different AM processes. The literature on modelling the existing AM processes is reviewed and classified. A categorization of the different AM processes in process groups, according to the process mechanism, has been conducted and the most important issues are stated. Suggestions are made as to which approach is more appropriate according to the key performance indicator desired to be modelled and a discussion is included as to the way that future modelling work can better contribute to improving today's AM process understanding.

Fertility Preservation: A Key Survivorship Issue for Young Women with Cancer

PubMed Central

Angarita, Ana Milena; Johnson, Cynae A.; Fader, Amanda Nickles; Christianson, Mindy S.

2016-01-01

Fertility preservation in the young cancer survivor is recognized as a key survivorship issue by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Thus, health-care providers should inform women about the effects of cancer therapy on fertility and should discuss the different fertility preservation options available. It is also recommended to refer women expeditiously to a fertility specialist in order to improve counseling. Women’s age, diagnosis, presence of male partner, time available, and preferences regarding use of donor sperm influence the selection of the appropriate fertility preservation option. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the standard techniques used while ovarian tissue cryopreservation is new, yet promising. Despite the importance of fertility preservation for cancer survivors’ quality of life, there are still communication and financial barriers faced by women who wish to pursue fertility preservation. PMID:27200291

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Primary NAAQS REVIEW: Integrated ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The NOx Integrated Review Plan is the first document generated as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) review process. The Plan presents background information, the schedule for the review, the process to be used in conducting the review, and the key policy-relevant science issues that will guide the review. The integrated review plan also discusses the frameworks for the various assessment documents to be prepared by the EPA as part of the review, including an Integrated Science Assessment (ISA), and as warranted, a Risk/Exposure Assessment (REA), and a Policy Assessment (PA). The primary purpose of the NOx Integrated Review Plan is to highlight the key policy-relevant issues to be considered in the Review of the NO2 primary NAAQS. A draft of the integrated review plan will be the subject of an advisory review with the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and made available to the public for review and comment.

Schools as Vehicles to Assess Experiences, Improve Outcomes, and Effect Social Change.

PubMed

McMahon, Susan Dvorak

2018-06-01

Schools are important settings that can be utilized to yield a positive impact on youth and the many issues our society faces. In this Presidential Address, I identify key issues and directions for the field, advocating that we need to expand our ecological focus, improve school climate, and collaborate with schools to effect change. To illustrate these key themes, findings from four projects with k-12 youth and educators in the United States are described, and these projects have the following foci: protective factors for youth exposed to violence, teacher-directed violence as part of an APA Task Force, school climate and neighborhood factors in relation to academic outcomes, and school transitions for students with disabilities. Challenges and future directions to build upon community psychology theory, research, practice, and policy are discussed. © Society for Community Research and Action 2018.

Predictive Capabilities of Multiphysics and Multiscale Models in Modeling Solidification of Steel Ingots and DC Casting of Aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Combeau, Hervé; Založnik, Miha; Bedel, Marie

2016-08-01

Prediction of solidification defects, such as macrosegregation and inhomogeneous microstructures, constitutes a key issue for industry. The development of models of casting processes needs to account for several imbricated length scales and different physical phenomena. For example, the kinetics of the growth of microstructures needs to be coupled with the multiphase flow at the process scale. We introduce such a state-of-the-art model and outline its principles. We present the most recent applications of the model to casting of a heavy steel ingot and to direct chill casting of a large Al alloy sheet ingot. Their ability to help in the understanding of complex phenomena, such as the competition between nucleation and growth of grains in the presence of convection of the liquid and of grain motion is shown, and its predictive capabilities are discussed. Key issues for future developments and research are addressed.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Primary NAAQS Review: Integrated ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The SO2 Integrated Review Plan is the first document generated as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) review process. The Plan presents background information, the schedule for the review, the process to be used in conducting the review, and the key policy-relevant science issues that will guide the review. The integrated review plan also discusses the frameworks for the various assessment documents to be prepared by the EPA as part of the review, including an Integrated Science Assessment (ISA), and as warranted, a Risk/Exposure Assessment (REA), and a Policy Assessment (PA). The primary purpose of the SO2 Integrated Review Plan is to highlight the key policy-relevant issues to be considered in the Review of the SO2 primary NAAQS. A draft of the integrated review plan will be the subject of an advisory with the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and made available to the public for review and comment.

The Impact of Dielectric Material and Temperature on Dielectric Charging in RF MEMS Capacitive Switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papaioannou, George

The present work attempts to provide a better insight on the dielectric charging in RF-MEMS capacitive switches that constitutes a key issue limiting parameter of their commercialization. The dependence of the charging process on the nature of dielectric materials widely used in these devices, such as SiO2, Si3N4, AlN, Al2O3, Ta2O5, HfO2, which consist of covalent or ionic bonds and may exhibit piezoelectric properties is discussed taking into account the effect of deposition conditions and resulting material stoichiometry. Another key issue parameter that accelerates the charging and discharging processes by providing enough energy to trapped charges to be released and to dipoles to overcome potential barriers and randomize their orientation is the temperature will be investigated too. Finally, the effect of device structure will be also taken into account.

Pediatric issues in disaster management, Part 1: the emergency medical system and surge capacity.

PubMed

Mace, Sharon E; Sharieff, Ghazala; Bern, Andrew; Benjamin, Lee; Burbulys, Dave; Johnson, Ramon; Schreiber, Merritt

2010-01-01

Although children and infants are likely to be victims in a disaster and are more vulnerable in a disaster than adults, disaster planning and management has often overlooked the specific needs of pediatric patients. The authors discuss key components of disaster planning and management for pediatric patients, including emergency medical services, hospital/facility issues, evacuation centers, family separation/reunification, children with special healthcare needs (SHCNs), mental health issues, and overcrowding/surge capacity. Specific policy recommendations and an appendix with detailed practical information and algorithms are included. The first part of this three-part series on pediatric issues in disaster management addresses the emergency medical system from the field to the hospital and surge capacity including the impact of crowding. The second part addresses the appropriate setup and functioning of evacuation centers and family separation and reunification. The third part deals with special patient populations: children with SHCNs and mental health issues.

The use of scenario analysis in local public health departments: alternative futures for strategic planning.

PubMed Central

Venable, J M; Ma, Q L; Ginter, P M; Duncan, W J

1993-01-01

Scenario analysis is a strategic planning technique used to describe and evaluate an organization's external environment. A methodology for conducting scenario analysis using the Jefferson County Department of Health and the national, State, and county issues confronting it is outlined. Key health care and organizational issues were identified using published sources, focus groups, questionnaires, and personal interviews. The most important of these issues were selected by asking health department managers to evaluate the issues according to their probability of occurrence and likely impact on the health department. The high-probability, high-impact issues formed the basis for developing scenario logics that constitute the story line holding the scenario together. The results were a set of plausible scenarios that aided in strategic planning, encouraged strategic thinking among managers, eliminated or reduced surprise about environmental changes, and improved managerial discussion and communication. PMID:8265754

Women's roundtable discussion on the economic, social and political impacts of the Southeast Asian financial crisis.

PubMed

Kelkar, G

1998-01-01

This article summarizes the main issues revealed at a women's roundtable discussion on the Economic, Social, and Political Impacts of the Southeast Asian Financial Crisis. The discussion was organized by the Development Alternatives of Women for the New Era (DAWN) and was held during April 12-14, 1998, in Manila, the Philippines. The aim was to explore the effects of the financial crisis and its management by states and multilateral agencies on women's political, economic, cultural, and social status; and to reach regional understanding of new issues for the women's movement in Asia and to identify areas of advocacy. Participants included women scholars and activists from Southeast, East, and South Asia; Africa; the Caribbean; Latin America; and the Pacific. Participants came from a wide variety of backgrounds. Nine issues were emphasized. For example, some predicted the currency devaluation before July 1997. The financial crisis is linked with globalization. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the primary institution for addressing the financial crisis. IMF conditions on inflation rates and budget surpluses are recessionary and government budget oriented. The crisis has exposed cronyism and corruption within capitalism. Patriarchal values have reemerged as Asian values. Women have lost jobs and income, while the cost of living continues to increase. Prostitution has become more acceptable as legitimate work. Women's human rights are not legally protected. State ideology assumes domestic and sex roles. Issues in each region are identified. 14 key issues pertain to all regions.

Medical entrepreneurism: the current opportunity in America.

PubMed

Lexa, Frank James

2004-10-01

This article discusses both the current climate for entrepreneurial activity in the fields of biotechnology, health care services, and medical devices as well as key ideas in the process of successful innovation. Basic issues related to the nature of new medical ventures and its importance in the U.S. economy are discussed. A stepwise overview of the process of innovation is provided, starting from the initial idea, through the early and middle stages of growth, and on to an initial public offering or other alternative harvest strategy. The roles of financing sources in generating health care entrepreneurial activity are explored, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The article focuses on venture capital investment because of its pivotal role in high-profile successes; however, alternative forms of financing are also covered as appropriate to each stage. In addition, critical nonfinancial issues that affect the success of new enterprises, such as intellectual property protection and the creation of management teams for young companies, are also covered. The magnitude of current investment in the domestic biomedical field is addressed, and future prospects for American medical innovation are briefly discussed.

GAIA - A New Approach To Decision Making on Climate Disruption Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paxton, L. J.; Weiss, M.; Schaefer, R. K.; Swartz, W. H.; Nix, M.; Strong, S. B.; Fountain, G. H.; Babin, S. M.; Pikas, C. K.; Parker, C. L.; Global Assimilation of InformationAction

2011-12-01

GAIA - the Global Assimilation of Information for Action program - provides a broadly extensible framework for enabling the development of a deeper understanding of the issues associated with climate disruption. The key notion of GAIA is that the global climate problem is so complex that a "system engineering" approach is needed in order to make it understandable. The key tenet of system engineering is to focus on requirements and to develop a cost-effective process for satisfying those requirements. To demonstrate this approach we focused first on the impact of climate disruption on public health. GAIA is described in some detail on our website (http://gaia.jhuapl.edu). Climate disruption is not just a scientific problem; one of the key issues that our community has is that of translating scientific results into knowledge that can be used to make informed decisions. In order to support decision makers we have to understand their issues and how to communicate with them. In this talk, we describe how we have built a community of interest that combines subject matter experts from diverse communities (public health, climate change, government, public policy, industry, etc) with policy makers and representatives from industry to develop, on a "level playing field", an understanding of each other's points of view and issues. The first application of this technology was the development of a workshop on Climate, Climate Change and Public Health held April 12-14, 2011. This paper describes our approach to going beyond the workshop environment to continue to engage the decision maker's community in a variety of ways that translate abstract scientific data into actionable information. Key ideas we will discuss include the development of social media, simulations of global/national/local environments affected by climate disruption, and visualizations of the monetary and health impacts of choosing not to address mitigation or adaptation to climate disruption.

The DOE Bioenergy Research Centers: History, Operations, and Scientific Output

DOE PAGES

Slater, Steven C.; Simmons, Blake A.; Rogers, Tamara S.; ...

2015-08-20

Over the past 7 years, the US Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research has funded three Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs). These centers have developed complementary and collaborative research portfolios that address the key technical and economic challenges in biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. All three centers have established a close, productive relationship with DOE's Joint Genome Institute (JGI). This special issue of Bioenergy Research samples the breadth of basic science and engineering work required to underpin a diverse, sustainable, and robust biofuel industry. In this report, which was collaboratively produced by all three BRCs, we discuss themore » BRC contributions over their first 7 years to the development of renewable transportation fuels. In additon, we also highlight the BRC research published in the current issue and discuss technical challenges in light of recent progress.« less

Theorizing Land Cover and Land Use Changes: The Case of Tropical Deforestation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Robert

2004-01-01

This article addresses land-cover and land-use dynamics from the perspective of regional science and economic geography. It first provides an account of the so-called spatially explicit model, which has emerged in recent years as a key empirical approach to the issue. The article uses this discussion as a springboard to evaluate the potential utility of von Thuenen to the discourse on land-cover and land-use change. After identifying shortcomings of current theoretical approaches to land use in mainly urban models, the article filters a discussion of deforestation through the lens of bid-rent and assesses its effectiveness in helping us comprehend the destruction of tropical forest in the Amazon basin. The article considers the adjustments that would have to be made to existing theory to make it more useful to the empirical issues.

Enhancing the diversity of the pediatrician workforce.

PubMed

Friedman, Aaron L

2007-04-01

This policy statement describes the key issues related to diversity within the pediatrician and health care workforce to identify barriers to enhancing diversity and offer policy recommendations to overcome these barriers in the future. The statement addresses topics such as health disparities, affirmative action, recent policy developments and reports on workforce diversity, and research on patient and provider diversity. It also broadens the discussion of diversity beyond the traditional realms of race and ethnicity to include cultural attributes that may have an effect on the quality of health care. Although workforce diversity is related to the provision of culturally effective pediatric care, it is a discrete issue that merits separate discussion and policy formulation. At the heart of this policy-driven action are multiorganizational and multispecialty collaborations designed to address substantive educational, financial, organizational, and other barriers to improved workforce diversity.

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing: A Complementary Approach to Traditional Dissemination and implementation Efforts for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions.

PubMed

Becker, Sara J

2015-03-01

The overall chasm between those who need treatment for mental health and substance abuse (M/SU) and those who receive effective treatment consists of two, interrelated gaps: the research-to-practice gap and the treatment gap. Prior efforts to disseminate evidence-based practice (EBP) for M/SU have predominantly targeted the research-to-practice gap, by focusing efforts toward treatment providers. This article introduces direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing that targets patients and caregivers as a complementary approach to existing dissemination efforts. Specific issues discussed include: rationale for DTC marketing based on the concept of push versus pull marketing; overview of key stakeholders involved in DTC marketing; and description of the Marketing Mix planning framework. The applicability of these issues to the dissemination of EBP for M/SU is discussed.

Case Study in Ethics of Research: The Bucharest Early Intervention Project

PubMed Central

Zeanah, Charles H.; Fox, Nathan A.; Nelson, Charles A.

2014-01-01

The Bucharest Early Intervention Project is the first ever randomized controlled trial of foster care as an alternative to institutional care for young abandoned children. This paper examines ethical issues in the conceptualization and implementation of the study, which involved American investigators conducting research in another country, as well as vulnerable participants. We organize discussion of ethical questions about the study around several key issues. These include the nature and location of the vulnerable study population, the social value of conducting the study, risks and benefits of participating in the study to participants, and the post-trial obligations of the investigators. In discussing how these questions were addressed as the study was designed and after it was initiated, we describe our attempts to wed sound scientific practices with meaningful ethical protections for participants. PMID:22373763

1992 NASA Life Support Systems Analysis workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evanich, Peggy L.; Crabb, Thomas M.; Gartrell, Charles F.

1992-01-01

The 1992 Life Support Systems Analysis Workshop was sponsored by NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) to integrate the inputs from, disseminate information to, and foster communication among NASA, industry, and academic specialists. The workshop continued discussion and definition of key issues identified in the 1991 workshop, including: (1) modeling and experimental validation; (2) definition of systems analysis evaluation criteria; (3) integration of modeling at multiple levels; and (4) assessment of process control modeling approaches. Through both the 1991 and 1992 workshops, NASA has continued to seek input from industry and university chemical process modeling and analysis experts, and to introduce and apply new systems analysis approaches to life support systems. The workshop included technical presentations, discussions, and interactive planning, with sufficient time allocated for discussion of both technology status and technology development recommendations. Key personnel currently involved with life support technology developments from NASA, industry, and academia provided input to the status and priorities of current and future systems analysis methods and requirements.

Survey of Ultra-wideband Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokole, Eric L.; Hansen, Pete

The development of UWB radar over the last four decades is very briefly summarized. A discussion of the meaning of UWB is followed by a short history of UWB radar developments and discussions of key supporting technologies and current UWB radars. Selected UWB radars and the associated applications are highlighted. Applications include detecting and imaging buried mines, detecting and mapping underground utilities, detecting and imaging objects obscured by foliage, through-wall detection in urban areas, short-range detection of suicide bombs, and the characterization of the impulse responses of various artificial and naturally occurring scattering objects. In particular, the Naval Research Laboratory's experimental, low-power, dual-polarized, short-pulse, ultra-high resolution radar is used to discuss applications and issues of UWB radar. Some crucial issues that are problematic to UWB radar are spectral availability, electromagnetic interference and compatibility, difficulties with waveform control/shaping, hardware limitations in the transmission chain, and the unreliability of high-power sources for sustained use above 2 GHz.

Stem cell research ethics: consensus statement on emerging issues.

PubMed

Caulfield, Timothy; Ogbogu, Ubaka; Nelson, Erin; Einsiedel, Edna; Knoppers, Bartha; McDonald, Michael; Brunger, Fern; Downey, Robin; Fernando, Kanchana; Galipeau, Jacques; Geransar, Rose; Griener, Glenn; Grenier, Glenn; Hyun, Insoo; Isasi, Rosario; Kardel, Melanie; Knowles, Lori; Kucic, Terrence; Lotjonen, Salla; Lyall, Drew; Magnus, David; Mathews, Debra J H; Nisbet, Matthew; Nisker, Jeffrey; Pare, Guillaume; Pattinson, Shaun; Pullman, Daryl; Rudnicki, Michael; Williams-Jones, Bryn; Zimmerman, Susan

2007-10-01

This article is a consensus statement by an international interdisciplinary group of academic experts and Canadian policy-makers on emerging ethical, legal and social issues in human embryonic stem cells (hESC) research in Canada. The process of researching consensus included consultations with key stakeholders in hESC research (regulations, stem cell researchers, and research ethics experts), preparation and distribution of background papers, and an international workshop held in Montreal in February 2007 to discuss the papers and debate recommendations. The recommendations provided in the consensus statement focus on issues of immediate relevance to Canadian policy-makers, including informed consent to hESC research, the use of fresh embryos in research, management of conflicts of interest, and the relevance of public opinion research to policy-making.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bamba, A.

2017-10-01

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

Australian blue-collar men's health and well-being: contextual issues for workplace health promotion interventions.

PubMed

Du Plessis, Karin; Cronin, David; Corney, Tim; Green, Emma

2013-09-01

In Australia, blue-collar workers are predominantly male and form a unique and large (approximately 30%) subset of the Australian workforce. They exhibit particular health-related issues and, in comparison to other groups, often a lack of health promoting behavior. This article briefly discusses the Australian context and some of the key health issues blue-collar men face, in particular as it relates to construction workers. It reviews the impact of gender and socioeconomic factors in designing workplace health promotion interventions. This article considers practice strategies for health promoters in a specific workplace setting: it looks at meta-factors and industry-based contextual factors, including barriers to implementation and participation, while addressing common misconceptions about Australian blue-collar workers.

Man/terminal interaction evaluation of computer operating system command and control service concepts. [in Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1978-01-01

The Experiment Computer Operating System (ECOS) of the Spacelab will allow the onboard Payload Specialist to command experiment devices and display information relative to the performance of experiments. Three candidate ECOS command and control service concepts were reviewed and laboratory data on operator performance was taken for each concept. The command and control service concepts evaluated included a dedicated operator's menu display from which all command inputs were issued, a dedicated command key concept with which command inputs could be issued from any display, and a multi-display concept in which command inputs were issued from several dedicated function displays. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed in terms of training, operational errors, task performance time, and subjective comments of system operators.

Bionic limbs: clinical reality and academic promises.

PubMed

Farina, Dario; Aszmann, Oskar

2014-10-08

Three recent articles in Science Translational Medicine (Tan et al. and Ortiz-Catalan et al., this issue; Raspopovic et al., 5 Feb 2014 issue, 222ra19) present neuroprosthetic systems in which sensory information is delivered through direct nerve stimulation while controlling an action of the prosthesis--in all three cases, arm and hand movement. We discuss such sensory-motor integration and other key issues in prosthetic reconstruction, with an emphasis on the gap existing between clinically available systems and more advanced, custom-designed academic systems. In the near future, osseointegration, implanted muscle, and nerve electrodes for decoding and stimulation may be components of prosthetic systems for clinical use, available to a large patient population. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tax credits and purchasing pools: will this marriage work?

PubMed

Trude, S; Ginsburg, P B

2001-04-01

Bipartisan interest is growing in Congress for using federal tax credits to help low-income families buy health insurance. Regardless of the approach taken, tax credit policies must address risk selection issues to ensure coverage for the chronically ill. Proposals that link tax credits to purchasing pools would avoid risk selection by grouping risks similar to the way large employers do. Voluntary purchasing pools have had only limited success, however. This Issue Brief discusses linking tax credits to purchasing pools. It uses information from the Center for Studying Health System Change's (HSC) site visits to 12 communities as well as other research to assess the role of purchasing pools nationwide and the key issues and implications of linking tax credits and pools.

The international scale of the groundwater issue

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fienen, Michael; Arshad, Muhammad

2016-01-01

Throughout history, and throughout the world, groundwater has been a major source of water for sustaining human life. Use of this resource has increased dramatically over the last century. In many areas of the world, the balance between human and ecosystem needs is difficult to maintain. Understanding the international scale of the groundwater issue requires metrics and analysis at a commensurate scale. Advances in remote sensing supplement older traditional direct measurement methods for understanding the magnitude of depletion, and all measurements motivate the need for common data standards to collect and share information. In addition to metrics of groundwater availability, four key international groundwater issues are depletion of water, degradation of water quality, the water-energy nexus, and transboundary water conflicts. This chapter is devoted to introducing these issues, which are also discussed in more detail in later chapters.

A qualitative exploration of the perceptions and information needs of public health inspectors responsible for food safety

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background In Ontario, local public health inspectors play an important frontline role in protecting the public from foodborne illness. This study was an in-depth exploration of public health inspectors' perceptions of the key food safety issues in public health, and their opinions and needs with regards to food safety information resources. Methods Four focus group discussions were conducted with public health inspectors from the Central West region of Ontario, Canada during June and July, 2008. A questioning route was used to standardize qualitative data collection. Audio recordings of sessions were transcribed verbatim and data-driven content analysis was performed. Results A total of 23 public health inspectors participated in four focus group discussions. Five themes emerged as key food safety issues: time-temperature abuse, inadequate handwashing, cross-contamination, the lack of food safety knowledge by food handlers and food premise operators, and the lack of food safety information and knowledge about specialty foods (i.e., foods from different cultures). In general, participants reported confidence with their current knowledge of food safety issues and foodborne pathogens. Participants highlighted the need for a central source for food safety information, access to up-to-date food safety information, resources in different languages, and additional food safety information on specialty foods. Conclusions The information gathered from these focus groups can provide a basis for the development of resources that will meet the specific needs of public health inspectors involved in protecting and promoting food safety. PMID:20553592

Integrated primary health care in Greece, a missing issue in the current health policy agenda: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Lionis, Christos; Symvoulakis, Emmanouil K; Markaki, Adelais; Vardavas, Constantine; Papadakaki, Maria; Daniilidou, Natasa; Souliotis, Kyriakos; Kyriopoulos, Ioannis

2009-01-01

Background Over the past years, Greece has undergone several endeavors aimed at modernizing and improving national health care services with a focus on PHC. However, the extent to which integrated primary health care has been achieved is still questioned. Purpose This paper explores the extent to which integrated primary health care (PHC) is an issue in the current agenda of policy makers in Greece, reporting constraints and opportunities and highlighting the need for a policy perspective in developing integrated PHC in this Southern European country. Methods A systematic review in PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS, along with a hand search in selected Greek biomedical journals was undertaken to identify key papers, reports, editorials or opinion letters relevant to integrated health care. Results Our systematic review identified 198 papers and 161 out of them were derived from electronic search. Fifty-three papers in total served the scope of this review and are shortly reported. A key finding is that the long-standing dominance of medical perspectives in Greek health policy has been paving the way towards vertical integration, pushing aside any discussions about horizontal or comprehensive integration of care. Conclusion Establishment of integrated PHC in Greece is still at its infancy, requiring major restructuring of the current national health system, as well as organizational culture changes. Moving towards a new policy-based model would bring this missing issue on the discussion table, facilitating further development. PMID:19777112

Critical Issues and Key Points from the Survey to the Creation of the Historical Building Information Model: the Case of Santo Stefano Basilica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castagnetti, C.; Dubbini, M.; Ricci, P. C.; Rivola, R.; Giannini, M.; Capra, A.

2017-05-01

The new era of designing in architecture and civil engineering applications lies in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, based on a 3D geometric model including a 3D database. This is easier for new constructions whereas, when dealing with existing buildings, the creation of the BIM is based on the accurate knowledge of the as-built construction. Such a condition is allowed by a 3D survey, often carried out with laser scanning technology or modern photogrammetry, which are able to guarantee an adequate points cloud in terms of resolution and completeness by balancing both time consuming and costs with respect to the request of final accuracy. The BIM approach for existing buildings and even more for historical buildings is not yet a well known and deeply discussed process. There are still several choices to be addressed in the process from the survey to the model and critical issues to be discussed in the modeling step, particularly when dealing with unconventional elements such as deformed geometries or historical elements. The paper describes a comprehensive workflow that goes through the survey and the modeling, allowing to focus on critical issues and key points to obtain a reliable BIM of an existing monument. The case study employed to illustrate the workflow is the Basilica of St. Stefano in Bologna (Italy), a large monumental complex with great religious, historical and architectural assets.

Why is the topic of the biological embedding of experiences important for translation?

PubMed

Rutter, Michael

2016-11-01

Translational research focuses on innovation in healthcare settings, but this is a two-way process that may have implications for either treatment or prevention. Smoking and lung cancer and the fetal alcohol syndrome are used as examples. Experimental medicine that budges basic and clinical science often constitutes a key way forward. Areas of scientific progress and challenge are discussed in relation to drug action, social cognition, cognitive neuroscience, molecular genetics, gene-environment interaction, and epigenetics. Key concepts and challenges in relation to stress include toxicity, allostatic load, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, and objectives versus subjective stress. The reasons for the need to test causal inferences are discussed. Various kinds of "natural experiments" are discussed in illustration using the assisted conception design, the discordant monozygotic twin design, and the study of universal exposure. Animal models are discussed in relation to enrichment and deprivation effects and the effects of infant separation experiences, epigenetic effects, and the biological embedding of experiences. Translational issues are discussed in relation to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, epigenetics, and inflammation. In conclusion, it is suggested that there are immediate possibilities for experimental medicine but caution is needed with respect to moving into translation too quickly.

Balancing intellectual monopoly privileges and the need for essential medicines

PubMed Central

Martin, Greg; Sorenson, Corinna; Faunce, Thomas

2007-01-01

This issue of Globalization and Health presents a paper by Kerry and Lee that considers the TRIPS agreement and the recent policy debate regarding the protection of public health interest, particularly as they pertain to the Doha Declaration. In this editorial, we consider the debate, the conclusions thereof, and identify five questions that should be considered by key stakeholders in ongoing discussions. PMID:17565684

Remote Sensing Monitoring Methods for Detecting Invasive Weed Coverage in Delta Waterways and Bay Marshlands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, Christopher

2018-01-01

This presentation is part of the Independent Science Board of the State of California Delta Stewardship Council brown bag seminar series on the "How the Delta is Monitored", followed with a panel discussion. Various remote sensing approaches for aquatic vegetation will be reviewed. Key research and application issues with remote sensing monitoring in the Delta will be addressed.

Strengthening National Cancer Planning Efforts and Building on 20 Years of US-Vietnam Relations

Cancer.gov

CGH's Dr. Paul Pearlman discusses his detail in Vietnam as an Embassy Science Fellow: this detail has given me the opportunity to work side by side with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization’s Vietnam Country Office, Hospital K, and other key organizations to engage on these issues and provide concrete recommendations for interventions.

Third NASA Workshop on Wiring for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammoud, Ahmad (Compiler); Stavnes, Mark (Compiler)

1995-01-01

This workshop addressed key technology issues in the field of electrical power wiring for space applications, and transferred information and technology related to space wiring for use in government and commercial applications. Speakers from space agencies, U.S. Federal labs, industry, and academia presented program overviews and discussed topics on arc tracking phenomena, advancements in insulation materials and constructions, and new wiring system topologies.

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Biennial Legislative Work Conference on Higher Education (9th). On Target: Key Issues of Region, State, and Campus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavin, Mary Jo, Ed.

To provide a forum for discussing mutual concerns shared by legislators and educators and more specifically to promote a better understanding and clearer communications between the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and state legislators was the purpose of the 1975 Legislative Work Conference attended by 180 western…

The Role and Use of E-Materials in Vocational Education and Training: The Case of Slovenia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mažgon, Jasna; Šebart, Mojca Kovac; Štefanc, Damijan

2015-01-01

In the paper some issues and problems regarding the implementation of ICT in initial vocational education and training in Slovenia are discussed. After the brief analysis of the main theoretical characteristics of ICT and e-materials, the key findings from the recent EU survey on the ICT in schools are presented and some conclusions on the basis…

Purpose in Life: A Brief Review of the Literature and Its Implications for School Guidance Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yuen, Mantak; Lee, Queenie A. Y.; Kam, Jason; Lau, Patrick S. Y.

2017-01-01

Purpose in life has emerged as an important notion in positive psychology. It is regarded as a factor that can contribute to any individual's wellbeing. Based on a review of the literature, the authors discuss key issues that pertain to purpose in life, including how the construct is defined and conceptualised, its importance in living a…

Key Cognitive Issues in the Design of Electronic Displays of Instrument Approach Procedure Charts

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

from heavy workload, the effects of divided attention , and the need to take account of the pilot’s expectations are discussed, the morits of color...information, kontral of clutter, and weyu of overcoming the harmful effect of interruptions to attention or to perforoance of seqentidt actions. 14. SUBJECT...14 4. AITENTION AND PERFORMANCE LIMITATIONS ................... 17 4.1 Focused Attention

Attitudes to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease amongst South Asians in Leicester: a focus group study.

PubMed

Farooqi, A; Nagra, D; Edgar, T; Khunti, K

2000-08-01

South Asians have a significantly higher risk of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with the general population in the UK. There is a lack of evidence on attitudes to and knowledge of risk factors for CHD amongst South Asians. Such information is important for the provision of effective health promotion services. The aim of the study was to identify key issues relating to knowledge of and attitudes to lifestyle risk factors for CHD amongst South Asians aged over 40 years in Leicester, UK. A qualitative focus group analysis was carried out using randomly selected South Asians from GP lists and South Asians attending community centres. Group discussions were taped, translated and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using qualitative methodology to identify key issues and themes. Participants expressed a range of attitudes to and different levels of knowledge of lifestyle risk factors for CHD. Barriers to improving lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise were identified; these included lack of information (e.g. of how to cook traditional Indian food more healthily) and cultural barriers, such as lack of women-only exercise facilities. Participants perceived stress as an important cause of CHD, and stress directly related to ethnic minority status was described frequently. Language was identified as a key barrier to accessing health services. Health professionals need to provide individually tailored health promotion for South Asians which avoids stereotyping, but recognizes potential cultural obstacles to change. The issue of stress amongst South Asians requires more research and needs to be recognized as an important issue by health professionals. South Asians still face problems accessing health and leisure services due to language and cultural issues.

2015 White Paper on recent issues in bioanalysis: focus on new technologies and biomarkers (Part 1 - small molecules by LCMS).

PubMed

Welink, Jan; Fluhler, Eric; Hughes, Nicola; Arnold, Mark; Garofolo, Fabio; Bustard, Mark; Coppola, Laura; Dhodda, Raj; Evans, Christopher; Gleason, Carol; Haidar, Sam; Hayes, Roger; Heinig, Katja; Katori, Noriko; Blaye, Olivier Le; Li, Wenkui; Liu, Guowen; Lima Santos, Gustavo Mendes; Meng, Min; Nicholson, Bob; Savoie, Natasha; Skelly, Michael; Sojo, Luis; Tampal, Nilufer; de Merbel, Nico van; Verhaeghe, Tom; Vinter, Stephen; Wickremsinhe, Enaksha; Whale, Emma; Wilson, Amanda; Witte, Bärbel; Woolf, Eric

2015-01-01

The 2015 9th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (9th WRIB) took place in Miami, Florida with participation of over 600 professionals from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations and regulatory agencies worldwide. It is once again a 5-day week long event - a full immersion bioanalytical week - specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest in bioanalysis. The topics covered included both small and large molecules, and involved LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, LBA approaches including the focus on biomarkers and immunogenicity. This 2015 White Paper encompasses recommendations that emerged from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to advance scientific excellence, improve quality and deliver better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2015 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts. Part 1 covers the recommendations for small molecule bioanalysis using LCMS. Part 2 (hybrid LBA/LCMS and regulatory agencies' inputs) and Part 3 (large molecule bioanalysis using LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity) will also be published in volume 7 of Bioanalysis, issues 23 and 24, respectively.

Protein stability: a crystallographer’s perspective

PubMed Central

Deller, Marc C.; Kong, Leopold; Rupp, Bernhard

2016-01-01

Protein stability is a topic of major interest for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food industries, in addition to being a daily consideration for academic researchers studying proteins. An understanding of protein stability is essential for optimizing the expression, purification, formulation, storage and structural studies of proteins. In this review, discussion will focus on factors affecting protein stability, on a somewhat practical level, particularly from the view of a protein crystallographer. The differences between protein conformational stability and protein compositional stability will be discussed, along with a brief introduction to key methods useful for analyzing protein stability. Finally, tactics for addressing protein-stability issues during protein expression, purification and crystallization will be discussed. PMID:26841758

Suicide: Across the Life Span.

PubMed

Ramirez, Jeffery

2016-06-01

Suicide remains a major public health issue. There have been more than 40,000 deaths by suicide in 2014. Understanding both the neuroscience and psychological development is key for nursing care so adequate interventions and treatment strategies are developed when working with people thinking about suicide. It is critical to assess and recognize risk and protective factors to ensure patient safety. The older adult, children, and adolescent populations remain vulnerable to suicide. A discussion regarding the psychiatric, psychosocial, and treatment considerations for these populations is included. An overview of communication, suicide assessment, and safety planning is discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety (STARS) Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogie, Keith; Crisuolo, Ed; Parise, Ron

2004-01-01

This presentation will describe the design, development, and testing of a system to collect telemetry, format it into UDP/IP packets, and deliver it to a ground test range using standard IP technologies over a TDRSS link. This presentation will discuss the goal of the STARS IP Formatter along with the overall design. It will also present performance results of the current version of the IP formatter. Finally, it will discuss key issues for supporting constant rate telemetry data delivery when using standard components such as PCI/104 processors, the Linux operating system, Internet Protocols, and synchronous serial interfaces.

Tips and Tricks of Incorporating Industry Standards into a Library Collection

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

Abbott, Jennifer; Sandberg, Tami

Professional literature on the incorporation of industry standards into a library collection is somewhat limited. The objective of this presentation is to discuss the intricate details of acquiring, managing, and delivering electronic industry standards to library patrons in a seamless manner. Lessons learned regarding vendor selection and license agreements will also be discussed. Results from a survey administer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will be used to analyze how collection policies can properly be developed to incorporate industry standards into a library setting. The key points of acquisition decisions, avoidance of liability issues, and cost will be addressed.

The development of Tobacco Harm Prevention Law in Vietnam: stakeholder tensions over tobacco control legislation in a state owned industry

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Building on its National Tobacco Control Policy initiated in 2000, Vietnam is currently considering introducing a comprehensive law to strengthen the implementation of tobacco control policy. This study analyses the positions of key stakeholders in the development of tobacco control legislation in the context of a largely state-owned industry, and discusses their implications for the policy process. Methods Several qualitative methods were employed for the study including: literature review and documentary analysis; key informant interview; focus groups discussion; and key stakeholders survey. Findings The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Finance are key players in the tobacco control policy and legislation, representing competing bureaucratic interests over health, macro-economy and revenue. High-ranking officials, including the Communist Party and National Assembly members, take a rather relaxed position reflecting the low political stakes placed on tobacco issues. The state-owned tobacco industry is regarded as an important contributor to the government revenue and gross domestic product, and the relative weight on health and socioeconomic issues placed by stakeholders determine their positions on tobacco control. Overall, short-term economic interests have more immediate influence in setting policy directions, with the consequences of health gains perceived as relegated to a distant future. This was reflected in the position of tobacco control advocates, including MOH, that presented with reluctance in insisting on some tobacco control strategies revealing a mixture attitude of concessions to the socioeconomic uncertainties and a sense of bargaining to win the strategies that are more likely to be accepted. Conclusion The state-ownership of tobacco industry poses a major paradox within the government that benefits from manufacturing of tobacco products and is also responsible for controlling tobacco consumption. The perceptions of negative implications on government revenue and the macro-economy, coupled with the reluctance to challenge these issues from health perspective too directly, means that tobacco control has yet to secure itself a place on the priority policy agenda. The overall policy environment will shift in favour of tobacco control only if the economic framing can be challenged. PMID:21923945

The development of Tobacco Harm Prevention Law in Vietnam: stakeholder tensions over tobacco control legislation in a state owned industry.

PubMed

Higashi, Hideki; Khuong, Tuan A; Ngo, Anh D; Hill, Peter S

2011-09-18

Building on its National Tobacco Control Policy initiated in 2000, Vietnam is currently considering introducing a comprehensive law to strengthen the implementation of tobacco control policy. This study analyses the positions of key stakeholders in the development of tobacco control legislation in the context of a largely state-owned industry, and discusses their implications for the policy process. Several qualitative methods were employed for the study including: literature review and documentary analysis; key informant interview; focus groups discussion; and key stakeholders survey. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Finance are key players in the tobacco control policy and legislation, representing competing bureaucratic interests over health, macro-economy and revenue. High-ranking officials, including the Communist Party and National Assembly members, take a rather relaxed position reflecting the low political stakes placed on tobacco issues. The state-owned tobacco industry is regarded as an important contributor to the government revenue and gross domestic product, and the relative weight on health and socioeconomic issues placed by stakeholders determine their positions on tobacco control. Overall, short-term economic interests have more immediate influence in setting policy directions, with the consequences of health gains perceived as relegated to a distant future. This was reflected in the position of tobacco control advocates, including MOH, that presented with reluctance in insisting on some tobacco control strategies revealing a mixture attitude of concessions to the socioeconomic uncertainties and a sense of bargaining to win the strategies that are more likely to be accepted. The state-ownership of tobacco industry poses a major paradox within the government that benefits from manufacturing of tobacco products and is also responsible for controlling tobacco consumption. The perceptions of negative implications on government revenue and the macro-economy, coupled with the reluctance to challenge these issues from health perspective too directly, means that tobacco control has yet to secure itself a place on the priority policy agenda. The overall policy environment will shift in favour of tobacco control only if the economic framing can be challenged.

Caffeine: Friend or Foe?

PubMed

Doepker, Candace; Lieberman, Harris R; Smith, Andrew Paul; Peck, Jennifer D; El-Sohemy, Ahmed; Welsh, Brian T

2016-01-01

The debate on the safety of and regulatory approaches for caffeine continues among various stakeholders and regulatory authorities. This decision-making process comes with significant challenges, particularly when considering the complexities of the available scientific data, making the formulation of clear science-based regulatory guidance more difficult. To allow for discussions of a number of key issues, the North American Branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) convened a panel of subject matter experts for a caffeine-focused session entitled "Caffeine: Friend or Foe?," which was held during the 2015 ILSI Annual Meeting. The panelists' expertise covered topics ranging from the natural occurrence of caffeine in plants and interindividual metabolism of caffeine in humans to specific behavioral, reproductive, and cardiovascular effects related to caffeine consumption. Each presentation highlighted the potential risks, benefits, and challenges that inform whether caffeine exposure warrants concern. This paper aims to summarize the key topics discussed during the session.

Navigating political minefields: partnerships in organizational case study research.

PubMed

Moll, Sandra

2012-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to examine key challenges associated with conducting politically sensitive research within a workplace setting, and to highlight strategic partnerships that can be developed to address these challenges. The author's research on employee mental health issues within a large healthcare facility serves as the foundation for identification and description of "political minefields" that investigators may encounter when conducting organizational case study research. Key methodological principles from the literature on qualitative case study research will frame discussion of how to understand and address political sensitivities in the research process. The benefits of conducting organizational case study research will be outlined, followed by discussion of methodological challenges that can emerge in negotiating entry, collecting data (gatekeepers, researcher reflexivity, participant authenticity and non-maleficence), and communicating research findings. Courage, collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders at all levels of the organization are critical to the success of workplace based case study research.

Treating Substance Use Disorders in the Criminal Justice System

PubMed Central

Hiller, Matthew; Hamilton, Leah

2013-01-01

The large number of individuals with substance use disorders involved in the nation’s criminal justice system (CJS) represents a unique opportunity, as well as challenges, in addressing the dual concerns of public safety and public health. Unfortunately, a low proportion of those who could benefit from treatment actually receive it while involved in the CJS. This article presents a review of recent research on the effectiveness of major substance abuse treatment interventions used at different possible linkage points during criminal justice case processing, including diversion, jail, prison, and community supervision. This is followed by a discussion of key research and practice issues, including low rates of treatment access and under-utilization of medication-assisted treatment. Concluding comments discuss principles of effective treatment for offenders and identify key gaps in research and practice that need to be addressed to improve and expand provision of effective treatment for offenders. PMID:24132733

Trogossitidae: A review of the beetle family, with a catalogue and keys

PubMed Central

Kolibáč, Jiří

2013-01-01

Abstract The family Trogossitidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea) is reviewed to species level. Keys to its genera, tribes and subfamilies are presented for the first time. All known species and subspecies are listed, together with complete taxonomic references back to 1910, the date of issue of the last catalogue of Trogossitidae. Higher taxa reviews are accompanied by remarks on phylogeny, distribution and biology as well as a brief description of adults and larvae. All known fossil records of Trogossitidae are reviewed and discussed. The work includes maps of distribution, colour photographs of generic representatives, morphological illustrations, SEM photographs and phylogenetic trees. PMID:24453569

[Barriers and opportunities for the regulation of food and beverage advertising to children in Mexico].

PubMed

Théodore, Florence; Juárez-Ramírez, Clara; Cahuana-Hurtado, Lucero; Blanco, Ilian; Tolentino-Mayo, Lizbeth; Bonvecchio, Anabelle

2014-01-01

To identify barriers and opportunities for the regulation of food and beverage advertising to children. A qualitative study. Fourteen key informants from the congress, private sector, officials from the ministry of health and academics involved in the issue of regulation of advertising were interviewed. Barriers identified: conception of obesity as an individual problem, minimization of the negative effects on health, definition of the vulnerability of children bounded to their cognitive development. Facilitators support from various sectors of society regulation, extensive scientific discussion on the subject, successful experience and its lessons on tabacco industry. Mexico has key elements for achieving effective regulation on advertising.

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing: A Complementary Approach to Traditional Dissemination and implementation Efforts for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions

PubMed Central

Becker, Sara J.

2014-01-01

The overall chasm between those who need treatment for mental health and substance abuse (M/SU) and those who receive effective treatment consists of two, interrelated gaps: the research-to-practice gap and the treatment gap. Prior efforts to disseminate evidence-based practice (EBP) for M/SU have predominantly targeted the research-to-practice gap, by focusing efforts toward treatment providers. This article introduces direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing that targets patients and caregivers as a complementary approach to existing dissemination efforts. Specific issues discussed include: rationale for DTC marketing based on the concept of push versus pull marketing; overview of key stakeholders involved in DTC marketing; and description of the Marketing Mix planning framework. The applicability of these issues to the dissemination of EBP for M/SU is discussed. PMID:25937710

Proceedings of the NASA Workshop on Atomic Oxygen Effects. [low earth orbital environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinza, David E. (Editor)

1987-01-01

A workshop was held to address the scientific issues concerning the effects of atomic oxygen on materials in the low Earth orbital (LEO) environment. The program included 18 invited speakers plus contributed posters covering topics such as LEO spaceflight experiments, interaction mechanisms, and atomic oxygen source development. Discussion sessions were also held to organize a test program to evaluate atomic oxygen exposure facilities. The key issues raised in the workshop were: (1) the need to develop a reliable predictive model of the effects of long-term exposure of materials to the LEO environment; (2) the ability of ground-based exposure facilities to provide useful data for development of durable materials; and (3) accurate determination of the composition of the LEO environment. These proceedings include the invited papers, the abstracts for the contributed posters, and an account of the test program discussion sessions.

Organ donation and Islam-challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Sharif, Adnan

2012-09-15

The issue of organ donation in Islam has been debated for decades, with most religious authorities sanctioning both living-organ and deceased-organ donation. However, disquiet among the Islamic community on the compatibility of organ donation with their faith remains, especially in relation to deceased-organ donation. This remains a topical, controversial, and challenging component of organ procurement at both local and international levels. In this article, I will explore Islamic arguments both for and against organ donation, in the context of both living-donor and deceased-donor models. By discussing both practical and philosophical perspectives, the aim is to facilitate discussion on how best to achieve consensus on this issue by driving the debate forward in an open and all-encompassing manner. Although every attempt should be made to achieve consensus among key Muslim opinion makers (individuals, authorities, and institutions), encouraging personalized decision making by intellectual effort should be the goal to achieve genuine informed consent.

Teen dating violence: building a research program through collaborative insights.

PubMed

Mulford, Carrie F; Blachman-Demner, Dara R

2013-06-01

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has an emerging portfolio of research in the area of teen dating violence (also known as adolescent relationship abuse). This article begins with a discussion of the developments that prompted NIJ to focus on teen dating violence. Next, the article highlights specific accomplishments and contributions that NIJ has made to helping develop knowledge and scientific understanding of adolescent relationship abuse, particularly around the prevention of teen dating violence perpetration and victimization. This is followed by a presentation of some of the key findings from NIJ-funded research. We then move to a discussion of some of the complex issues around definition, measurement and research methods and how NIJ has been involved in addressing those issues. The article concludes with some thoughts about the intersection of teen dating violence research, policy, and practice and highlights several research gaps that are in need of additional attention.

Mathematics lecturing in the digital age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trenholm, Sven; Alcock, Lara; Robinson, Carol L.

2012-09-01

In this article, we consider the transformation of tertiary mathematics lecture practice. We undertake a focused examination of the related research with two goals in mind. First, we document this research, reviewing the findings of key studies and noting that reflective pieces on individual practice as well as surveys are more prevalent than empirical studies. Second, we investigate issues related to the transformation of lecture practice by the emergence of e-lectures. We discuss the latter in terms of claims about the efficiencies offered by new technologies and contrast these with possible disadvantages in terms of student engagement in a learning community. Overall findings indicate that while survey results appear to trumpet the value of e-lecture provision, empirical study results appear to call that value into question. Two explanatory theoretical frameworks are presented. Issues concerning the instructional context (e.g. the nature of mathematical thinking), inherent complexities and recommendations for implementation are discussed.

Astronomy Education Review: A Five-Year Progress Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraknoi, Andrew; Wolff, S.

2006-12-01

For the last five years, we have been publishing (with support from NOAO, NASA, the AAS, and the ASP) an on-line journal/magazine called Astronomy Education Review, focusing on astronomy and space-science education and outreach. It can be found at: http://aer.noao.edu This project, the first of its kind in our field, has made it possible to elaborate, encourage, and support -in one convenient location -the literature of astronomy education research, together with discussions of some of the key issues that professionals in the field are grappling with. (In this sense, the journal resembles Science or Nature.) We present statistics about the 164 papers and articles published in the first nine issues of the journal and about its international readership. We also discuss the future plans for this publication and the role that the AAS community can play in supporting it.

Cardiotoxicity of the new cancer therapeutics- mechanisms of, and approaches to, the problem

PubMed Central

Force, Thomas; Kerkelä, Risto

2009-01-01

Cardiotoxicity of some targeted therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, is a reality. Herein we will examine why it occurs, focusing on molecular mechanisms to better understand the issue. We will also examine how big the problem is and, more importantly, how big it may become in the future. We will review models for detecting cardiotoxicity in the pre-clinical phase. We will also focus on two key areas that drive cardiotoxicity- multi-targeting and the inherent lack of selectivity of ATP-competitive antagonists. Finally, we will examine the issue of reversibility and discuss possible approaches to keeping patients on therapy. PMID:18617014

Imaging Mass Spectrometry on the Nanoscale with Cluster Ion Beams

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Imaging with cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is reaching a mature level of development. Using a variety of molecular ion projectiles to stimulate desorption, 3-dimensional imaging with the selectivity of mass spectrometry can now be achieved with submicrometer spatial resolution and <10 nm depth resolution. In this Perspective, stock is taken regarding what it will require to routinely achieve these remarkable properties. Issues include the chemical nature of the projectile, topography formation, differential erosion rates, and perhaps most importantly, ionization efficiency. Shortcomings of existing instrumentation are also noted. Speculation about how to successfully resolve these issues is a key part of the discussion. PMID:25458665

Television and children's executive function.

PubMed

Lillard, Angeline S; Li, Hui; Boguszewski, Katie

2015-01-01

Children spend a lot of time watching television on its many platforms: directly, online, and via videos and DVDs. Many researchers are concerned that some types of television content appear to negatively influence children's executive function. Because (1) executive function predicts key developmental outcomes, (2) executive function appears to be influenced by some television content, and (3) American children watch large quantities of television (including the content of concern), the issues discussed here comprise a crucial public health issue. Further research is needed to reveal exactly what television content is implicated, what underlies television's effect on executive function, how long the effect lasts, and who is affected. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[The willingness-to-pay concept in question].

PubMed

Mould Quevedo, Joaquín F; Contreras Hernández, Iris; Garduño Espinosa, Juan; Salinas Escudero, Guillermo

2009-04-01

The adequacy of the concept of willingness to pay within health economics evaluations is reviewed. A considerable number of researchers in the literature have pointed out multiple methodological issues involving willingness-to-pay estimates. On the other hand, the theoretical discussion about the aggregation of individual preferences within an aggregate demand remains open. However, over the last 20 years, willingness-to-pay estimates alongside health economics research significantly increased and in many cases they are one of the key factors for decision making on issues of health policies. The article describes some limitations of this approach as well as the potential distorting effect that it might have on health economics evaluations.

Change, disengagement, and renewal: relationship dynamics between young adults and their fathers after divorce.

PubMed

Arditti, J A; Prouty, A M

1999-01-01

Little is known about children's perceptions of their parents' divorce or how children construct meaning around the divorce and their subsequent relationships with their parents. The focus of this study was to learn about the experiences and the meanings young adults had constructed about the divorce process and their relationships with their fathers in the years after the divorce. The findings revealed a broad spectrum of experiences and several key issues that gave meaning to both the disengagement and the reengagement with their fathers. Loss, trust, acceptance, availability, and support are a few of the vital issues addressed. Implications for family therapists are discussed.

Proceedings of the Real-Time Systems Engineering Workshop

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-01

real - time systems engineering. The workshop was held as part of the SEI Symposium in...Washington, DC, during September 2000. The objective of the workshop was to identify key issues and obtain feedback from attendees concerning real - time systems engineering...and interoperability. This report summarizes the workshop in terms of foundation, management, and technical topics, and it contains a discussion related to developing a community of interest for real - time systems

Debate on Global Warming as a Socio-Scientific Issue: Science Teaching towards Political Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pereira dos Santos, Wildson Luiz

2014-01-01

The focus of this response to the original article by Tom G. H. Bryce and Stephen P. Day ("Cult Stud Sci Educ." doi:10.1007/s11422-012-9407-1, 2013) is the use of empirical data to illustrate and expand the understanding of key points of their argument. Initially, I seek to discuss possible answers to the three questions posed by the…

Rolling in the Dough, Running from Reform: An Analysis and Critique of the 1994 Utah Legislative Session and Its Impact on Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Bob L., Jr.

This paper provides a critical review of the 1994 Utah Legislative session as it relates to public and higher education in the state. The paper discusses the defining contextual features of the 1994 Legislative Session, the agendas of key state educational policy actors for the 1994 session, and significant issues and legislation in the…

Numerical aerodynamic simulation facility preliminary study, volume 2 and appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Data to support results obtained in technology assessment studies are presented. Objectives, starting points, and future study tasks are outlined. Key design issues discussed in appendices include: data allocation, transposition network design, fault tolerance and trustworthiness, logic design, processing element of existing components, number of processors, the host system, alternate data base memory designs, number representation, fast div 521 instruction, architectures, and lockstep array versus synchronizable array machine comparison.

Children's Use of Electronic Technologies in the Home (Based on Discussions with 190 K-6 Children in Three Sydney Metropolitan Schools). October 1995.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Downes, Toni; Reddacliff, Cathy; Moont, Sue

This study examined how children, drawn from K-6 grades in 3 primary schools in southwest Sydney, use computers in their homes and the physical and social environments within which they use them. Key issues explored were diversity of access, range of uses, and factors which influence use, including gender, age, and parental and sibling role…

Research on computer-aided design of modern marine power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Dongdong; Zeng, Fanming; Chen, Guojun

2004-03-01

To make the MPS (Marine Power System) design process more economical and easier, a new CAD scheme is brought forward which takes much advantage of VR (Virtual Reality) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies. This CAD system can shorten the period of design and reduce the requirements on designers' experience in large scale. And some key issues like the selection of hardware and software of such a system are discussed.

Languages for Specific Academic Purposes or Languages for General Academic Purposes? A Critical Reappraisal of a Key Issue for Language Provision in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krekeler, Christian

2013-01-01

The debate about the subject specificity of university language tuition has been going on for decades; it has mostly been discussed in the context of English for Academic Purposes. This paper considers the case for disciplinary specificity with regard to languages other than English. Few, if any, developed curricula, syllabuses, suitable textbooks…

Nursing home administrator compensation: pay equity and determinants of salary.

PubMed

Singh, Douglas A

2002-01-01

This study evaluates the issue of gender-based pay inequality. Male NHAs earn 7 percent more than female NHAs, but factors such as education, experience, tenure, facility size, ownership, location, competition, and emphasis on private pay census account for the difference. The findings, however, indicate that racial inequalities and gender differences among married NHAs may be present, requiring further investigation. Key implications of the results are discussed.

Determinism, risk and safe driving behavior in northern Alberta, Canada.

PubMed

Rothe, J Peter; Elgert, Laureen

2003-09-01

There is evidence that Alberta's rural north is over-represented in the Canadian province's overall traffic fatality rate, even after weather, travel exposure and highway geometry are controlled for. The objective of this study was to identify underlying reasons and rationales that northern citizens use to accommodate risk and driving behavior. A total of 82 individuals participated in 13 focus groups, each with between 5 and 10 participants. Eight focus groups were conducted with general drivers and five with service professionals in five different Alberta locations. Discussions centered on a series of questions that were designed to elicit insight into general characteristics of the participants' world-view and featured two categories of questions, including dimensions of belief systems and driver characteristics and behavior. Although much of the discussions focused on freedom of choice, over half of the interviewees cited determinism as a key feature of responsibility. Three versions of determinism were emphasized as key in roadway safety: religious determinism, 'universal' determinism (fatalism), and humanistic determinism. These observations highlighted peoples' perception of the likelihood of getting into traffic situations outside one's control. In order to maximize the effectiveness of traffic safety in the north, professionals need to take an approach which addresses not only safety issues, but also issues regarding responsibility and its links with behavior.

An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report: Climate Change and Human Health

PubMed Central

Pinkerton, Kent E.; Rom, William N.; Akpinar-Elci, Muge; Balmes, John R.; Bayram, Hasan; Brandli, Otto; Hollingsworth, John W.; Kinney, Patrick L.; Margolis, Helene G.; Martin, William J.; Sasser, Erika N.; Smith, Kirk R.; Takaro, Tim K.

2012-01-01

This document presents the proceedings from the American Thoracic Society Climate Change and Respiratory Health Workshop that was held on May 15, 2010, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of the one-day meeting was to address the threat to global respiratory health posed by climate change. Domestic and international experts as well as representatives of international respiratory societies and key U.S. federal agencies convened to identify necessary research questions concerning climate change and respiratory health and appropriate mechanisms and infrastructure needs for answering these questions. After much discussion, a breakout group compiled 27 recommendations for physicians, researchers, and policy makers. These recommendations are listed under main issues that the workshop participants deemed of key importance to respiratory health. Issues include the following: (1) the health impacts of climate change, with specific focus on the effect of heat waves, air pollution, and natural cycles; (2) mitigation and adaptation measures to be taken, with special emphasis on recommendations for the clinical and research community; (3) recognition of challenges specific to low-resource countries when coping with respiratory health and climate change; and (4) priority research infrastructure needs, with special discussion of international needs for cooperating with present and future environmental monitoring and alert systems. PMID:22421581

Energetic Particles in the Inner Heliosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malandraki, Olga

2016-07-01

Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events are a key ingredient of Solar-Terrestrial Physics both for fundamental research and space weather applications. SEP events are the defining component of solar radiation storms, contribute to radio blackouts in polar regions and are related to many of the fastest Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) driving major geomagnetic storms. In addition to CMEs, SEPs are also related to flares. In this work, the current state of knowledge on the SEP field will be reviewed. Key issues to be covered and discussed include: the current understanding of the origin, acceleration and transport processes of SEPs at the Sun and in the inner heliosphere, lessons learned from multi-spacecraft SEP observations, statistical quantification of the comparison of solar events and SEP events of the current solar cycle 24 with previous solar cycles, causes of the solar-cycle variations in SEP fluencies and composition, theoretical work and current SEP acceleration models. Furthermore, the outstanding issues that constitute a knowledge gap in the field will be presented and discussed, as well as future directions and expected advances from the observational and modeling perspective, also in view of the unique observations provided by the upcoming Solar Orbiter and Solar Probe Plus missions. Acknowledgement: This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 637324.

Teaching professionalism in the digital age on the psychiatric consultation-liaison service.

PubMed

Baer, Wendy; Schwartz, Ann C

2011-01-01

The rapid emergence of social media, including Facebook and YouTube, have added a new dimension to defining, teaching, and role modeling professionalism in the medical field. Explicit and consistent role modeling of professional behaviors are needed to encourage the development of professional physicians. The purpose of this article is to investigate the challenges and opportunities at the interface of professionalism and social media for physicians. The medical literature via PubMed was reviewed with key words including "Facebook," "YouTube," "social media," "digital media," and key issues are discussed. Our residency program was surveyed regarding their experiences with digital media in medical practice and the findings are discussed. Sample topics and relevant, thought provoking questions generated from our practices are outlined. Case vignettes are offered to exemplify issues with regard to professionalism raised by digital and social media in medical practice. Social media sites offer great opportunity to widely distribute valuable health care information as well as provide physicians with a venue to de-stress. In this new digital age, trainees and lifelong learners must learn to be mindful of professionalism while using social media in order to protect their privacy as well as the image of physicians. Copyright © 2011 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Health Sector Reform in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq: Financing Reform, Primary Care, and Patient Safety.

PubMed

Anthony, C Ross; Moore, Melinda; Hilborne, Lee H; Mulcahy, Andrew W

2014-12-30

In 2010, the Kurdistan Regional Government asked the RAND Corporation to help guide reform of the health care system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The overarching goal of reform was to help establish a health system that would provide high-quality services efficiently to everyone to prevent, treat, and manage physical and mental illnesses and injuries. This article summarizes the second phase of RAND's work, when researchers analyzed three distinct but intertwined health policy issue areas: development of financing policy, implementation of early primary care recommendations, and evaluation of quality and patient safety. For health financing, the researchers reviewed the relevant literature, explored the issue in discussions with key stakeholders, developed and assessed various policy options, and developed plans or approaches to overcome barriers and achieve stated policy objectives. In the area of primary care, they developed and helped to implement a new management information system. In the area of quality and patient safety, they reviewed relevant literature, discussed issues and options with health leaders, and recommended an approach toward incremental implementation.

Consensus Development from the 5th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2014)

PubMed Central

Hsu, Chiun; Chen, Bang-Bin; Chen, Chien-Hung; Ho, Ming-Chih; Cheng, Jason Chia-Hsien; Kokudo, Norihiro; Murakami, Takamichi; Yeo, Winnie; Seong, Jinsil; Jia, Ji-Dong; Han, Kwan-Hyub; Cheng, Ann-Lii

2015-01-01

A key mission of the Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert (APPLE) Association is to ensure a coherent view for management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to advance new treatment for this difficult disease. At the 5th APPLE meeting, held in July 2014 in Taipei, Taiwan, an APPLE consensus development program was established to facilitate discussion among experts in the Asia-Pacific region on pertinent issues for HCC management, including (1) surgery for intermediate/advanced-stage disease, (2) prevention of HCC recurrence after curative treatment, (3) optimizing imaging diagnosis, (4) radiotherapy: current practice and future clinical trials, and (5) the role of cytotoxic chemotherapy. A pre-congress questionnaire was undertaken with the consensus development committee members to help understand the current practice patterns for HCC in the Asia-Pacific region and to identify issues relating to optimal patient care and further clinical trials for which consensus needs to be developed. In this report, the results of the questionnaire are presented, and the pertinent issues identified by each consensus group for further discussion and consensus development are summarized. PMID:26020032

Evidence-based interventions in pediatric psychology: progress over the decades.

PubMed

Palermo, Tonya M

2014-09-01

This introduction to the special issue on Evidence-Based Interventions in Pediatric Psychology provides background on the process used to develop the special issue, a summary of the key findings from the series of reviews, and discussion of the implications for evidence-based practice. Authors followed a three-phase approach to develop their systematic reviews using rigorous systematic review methodology drawn heavily from the Cochrane Collaboration. The strength of the evidence for each pediatric psychology intervention was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The introduction discusses the progress that has been made in the evidence base for pediatric psychology interventions since the first special series published in 1999. Recommendations to stimulate further research and expand and strengthen the quality of the evidence base are described. The introduction concludes with implications from the special issue for pediatric psychology training in evidence-based practice. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Hybrid Mobile Communication Networks for Planetary Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2007-01-01

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

Chinese medicine education and its challenges in the United States.

PubMed

Kwon, Yihyun

2014-04-01

Over the past 4 decades Chinese medicine (CM) has come increasingly into the spotlight in the United States as the clinical effectiveness of CM has been not only empirically well-tested over a long period of time but also proven by recent scientific research. It has proven cost effectiveness, safety, and is authorized for natural and holistic approaches. In consideration, CM is one of the underutilized health care professions in the United States with a promising future. However, CM faces many challenges in its education and system, its niche in the health care system as an independent profession, legal and ethical issues. This paper discusses the confronting issues in the United States: present education, standards of CM education with shifting first professional degree level, new delivery systems of CM education. Development of new research models, training of evidence-based practice, and implementation of integrative medicine into CM education also are the key issues in the current CM profession. This paper also discusses opportunities for the CM profession going beyond the current status, especially with a focus on fusion medicine.

The Managed Care Backlash: Perceptions and Rhetoric in Health Care Policy and the Potential for Health Care Reform

PubMed Central

Mechanic, David

2001-01-01

The focus on managed care and the managed care backlash divert attention from more important national health issues, such as insurance coverage and quality of care. The ongoing public debate often does not accurately convey the key issues or the relevant evidence. Important perceptions of reduced encounter time with physicians, limitations on physicians' ability to communicate options to patients, and blocked access to inpatient care, among others, are either incorrect or exaggerated. The public backlash reflects a lack of trust resulting from cost constraints, explicit rationing, and media coverage. Inevitable errors are now readily attributed to managed care practices and organizations. Some procedural consumer protections may help restore the eroding trust and refocus public discussion on more central issues. PMID:11286094

Key anticipated regulatory issues for clinical use of human induced pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Knoepfler, Paul S

2012-09-01

The production of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has greatly expanded the realm of possible stem cell-based regenerative medicine therapies and has particularly exciting potential for autologous therapies. However, future therapies based on hiPSCs will first have to address not only similar regulatory issues as those facing human embryonic stem cells with the US FDA and international regulatory agencies, but also hiPSCs have raised unique concerns as well. While the first possible clinical use of hiPSCs remains down the road, as a field it would be wise for us to anticipate potential roadblocks and begin formulating solutions. In this article, I discuss the potential regulatory issues facing hiPSCs and propose some potential changes in the direction of the field in response.

Special report on transboundary air quality issues

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

NONE

1998-12-31

The International Air Quality Board was created in 1996 to provide advice to the International Joint Commission in fulfilling an air quality alerting function requested by governments in that year. The Board undertook a review of the many issues affecting transboundary air quality along the Canada-US border. This report reflects on issues previously addressed by the Board in its reporting to the Commission. Section 1 discusses the need for Canada and the US to adopt a seamless border approach to address pollution sources and receptors in a holistic manner. Section 2 discusses nitrogen oxides as a key contaminant because ofmore » its direct impact on the ecosystem and its effects on future levels of other secondary pollutants. Section 3 outlines the deficiencies of emission inventories regarding persistent toxic substances such as mercury, which must be addressed if source-to-receptor relationships are to be established. Section 4 covers the need to develop monitoring and modelling tools to further examine pollutant transport and concentration, and the resulting human and ecological exposure. Section 5 describes issues in individual regions along the border. Section 6 is directed at the harmonization of standards, which would assist in the effective control of transboundary pollutants such as ozone. Section 7 discusses collaboration with other organizations in addressing transboundary air pollution issues. Section 8 describes various feedback mechanisms for verifying that the elimination or management of air pollution is achieving improvement and benefits. Section 9 considers emissions and preventive strategies for major source sectors, including coal-fired utilities and mobile sources. The final section outlines future Board activities.« less

The AGU Board of Heads and Chairs: Past and Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuebbles, D. J.; Bierly, E. W.

2005-12-01

The primary objective of the AGU Board of Heads and Chairs is to be a conduit for interactions of AGU with the many universities and colleges involved in geosciences education and research. The Board also provides a forum for discussing key issues being faced by Earth and space science departments. From a historical perspective, the Board of Heads and Chairs has been a venue, through various meetings over the last two decades, for bringing together Heads and Chairs of such departments solutions; discuss and critically evaluate new instruments, facilities, tools, and methodologies; come together on important issues that transcend their own science such as the need for increased computing capacity; develop ways to increase women and minorities numbers in the field and deal with their issues in an equitable manner; discuss news ways to teach, introduction of new courses, establishment of new programs and degrees to fill the community's needs; and broaden their horizons, think in truly interdisciplinary ways and, return to their institutions with increased vigor and new ideas. We are looking to expand the role of the Board for the future, particularly towards being more proactive as a clearinghouse or "point of contact" for helping the represented universities and colleges. This presentation looks at what has been done and the direction of future activities of the Board.

Future development of global regulations of Chinese herbal products.

PubMed

Fan, Tai-Ping; Deal, Greer; Koo, Hoi-Lun; Rees, Daryl; Sun, He; Chen, Shaw; Dou, Jin-Hui; Makarov, Valery G; Pozharitskaya, Olga N; Shikov, Alexander N; Kim, Yeong Shik; Huang, Yi-Tsau; Chang, Yuan Shiun; Jia, William; Dias, Alberto; Wong, Vivian Chi-Woon; Chan, Kelvin

2012-04-10

GP-TCM is the first EU-funded Coordination Action consortium dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. One of the key deliverables of the Work Package 7 in GP-TCM was to investigate information of the existing requirements for registration of TCM products listed by global regulatory bodies. The paper aims to collate data and draw comparison of these regulations. Case studies are also presented to illustrate the problems involved in registering TCM products in different regions worldwide. A collaborative network task force was established during the early stage of the GP-TCM project and operated through exchanges, teleconferences and focused discussions at annual meetings. The task force involved coordinators, academics who are actively involved with R&D of Chinese herbal medicines, experts on monographic standards of Chinese materia medica, representatives from regulatory agencies, experts from industries in marketing Chinese medicines/herbal medicines and natural products. The co-ordinators took turns to chair teleconferences, led discussions on specific issues at AGM discussion sessions, at joint workshops with other work-packages such as WP1 (quality issues), WP3 (toxicology issues) and WP6 (clinical trial issues). Collectively the authors were responsible for collating discussion outcomes and updating written information. A global overview of regulations on herbal registration has been compiled during the three years of the consortium. The regulatory requirements for registration of herbal products in the EU and China were compared, and this is extended to other regions/countries: Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. A wide variation of the regulations for the categories of herbal products exists: food (functional food, novel foods, dietary food for special medical purpose, foods for particular nutritional use, food supplement); cosmetic, traditional herbal medicine products; herbal medicines for human use and veterinary use. The regulatory issues for registration of herbal products are complicated among the countries and regions worldwide. The information summarised in the text is for reference only. Some regulations which are presented in this review are still in legislation process and may change in due course. Before taking any regulatory action, readers are advised to consult current official legislation and guidance and/or to seek appropriate professional advice. The lessons learnt from global regulation of TCM will provide valuable insights for regulation of other traditional medicine such as Ayurveda and Unani medicine, as well as other forms of indigenous medicine. The WHO is well placed to co-ordinate a consultation process with the aim of putting forward suggestions for harmonisation to key regulatory agencies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coherent one-way quantum key distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stucki, Damien; Fasel, Sylvain; Gisin, Nicolas; Thoma, Yann; Zbinden, Hugo

2007-05-01

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) consists in the exchange of a secrete key between two distant points [1]. Even if quantum key distribution systems exist and commercial systems are reaching the market [2], there are still improvements to be made: simplify the construction of the system; increase the secret key rate. To this end, we present a new protocol for QKD tailored to work with weak coherent pulses and at high bit rates [3]. The advantages of this system are that the setup is experimentally simple and it is tolerant to reduced interference visibility and to photon number splitting attacks, thus resulting in a high efficiency in terms of distilled secret bits per qubit. After having successfully tested the feasibility of the system [3], we are currently developing a fully integrated and automated prototype within the SECOQC project [4]. We present the latest results using the prototype. We also discuss the issue of the photon detection, which still remains the bottleneck for QKD.

Ethical issues in animal cloning.

PubMed

Fiester, Autumn

2005-01-01

The issue of human reproductive cloning has recently received a great deal attention in public discourse. Bioethicists, policy makers, and the media have been quick to identify the key ethical issues involved in human reproductive cloning and to argue, almost unanimously, for an international ban on such attempts. Meanwhile, scientists have proceeded with extensive research agendas in the cloning of animals. Despite this research, there has been little public discussion of the ethical issues raised by animal cloning projects. Polling data show that the public is decidedly against the cloning of animals. To understand the public's reaction and fill the void of reasoned debate about the issue, we need to review the possible objections to animal cloning and assess the merits of the anti-animal cloning stance. Some objections to animal cloning (e.g., the impact of cloning on the population of unwanted animals) can be easily addressed, while others (e.g., the health of cloned animals) require more serious attention by the public and policy makers.

Nanomedicines for the Treatment of CNS Diseases.

PubMed

Reynolds, Jessica L; Mahato, Ram I

2017-03-01

Targeting and delivering macromolecular therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS) has been a major challenge. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the main obstacle that must be overcome to allow compounds to reach their targets in the brain. Therefore, much effort has been channelled into improving transport of therapeutics across the BBB and into the CNS including the use of nanoparticles. In this thematic issue, several reviews and original research are presented that address "Nanomedicines for CNS Diseases." The articles in this issue are concentrated on either CNS-HIV disease or CNS tumors. In regards to CNS-HIV disease, there are two reviews that discuss the role of nanoparticles for improving the delivery of HIV therapeutics to the CNS. In addition, there are two original articles focusing on therapies for CNS-HIV, one of them uses nanoparticles for delivery of siRNA specific to a key protein in autophagy to microglia, and another discusses nanoparticle delivery of a soluble mediator to suppress neuroinflammation. Furthermore, a comprehensive review about gene therapy for CNS neurological diseases is also included. Finally, this issue also includes review articles on enhanced drug targeting to CNS tumors. These articles include a review on the use of nanoparticles for CNS tumors, a review on functionalization (ligands) of nanoparticles for drug targeting to the brain tumor by overcoming BBB, and the final review discusses the use of macrophages as a delivery vehicle to CNS tumors. This thematic issue provides a wealth of knowledge on using nanomedicines for CNS diseases.

NOx SOx Secondary NAAQS: Integrated Review Plan ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The NOx SOx Secondary NAAQS Integrated Review Plan is the first document generated as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) review process. The Plan presents background information, the schedule for the review, the process to be used in conducting the review, and the key policy-relevant science issues that will guide the review. The integrated review plan also discusses the frameworks for the various assessment documents to be prepared by the EPA as part of the review, including an Integrated Science Assessment (ISA), and as warranted, a Risk/Exposure Assessment (REA), and a Policy Assessment (PA). The primary purpose of the NOx SOx Secondary NAAQS Integrated Review Plan is to highlight the key policy-relevant issues to be considered in the Review of the Oxides of Nitrogen and Oxides of Sulfur Secondary NAAQS. A draft of the integrated review plan will be the subject of an advisory review with the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and made available to the public for review and comment.

Sustainability of NGO capacity building in southern Africa: successes and opportunities.

PubMed

Humphries, Debbie; Gomez, Ligia; Hartwig, Kari

2011-01-01

Despite an increase in organizational capacity building efforts by external organizations in low and middle income countries, the documentation of these efforts and their effects on health programs and systems remains limited. This paper reviews key frameworks for considering sustainability of capacity building and applies these frameworks to an evaluation of the sustainability of an AIDS non-governmental organization (NGO) capacity building initiative. From 2004-2007 Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation's Secure the Future(TM) initiative in southern Africa funded a five country program, the NGO Training Institute (NGOTI), to build capacity of NGOs working to address HIV/AIDS. Lessons learned from this project include issues of ownership, the importance of integrating planning for sustainability within capacity-building projects, and the value of identifying primary capacity-building objectives in order to select sustainability strategies that are focused on maintaining program benefits. Sustainability for capacity building projects can be developed by discussing key issues early in the planning process with all primary stakeholders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Science and technology issues in spacecraft fire safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedman, Robert; Sacksteder, Kurt R.

1987-01-01

The space station, a permanently-inhabited orbiting laboratory, places new demands on spacecraft fire safety. Long-duration missions may call for more-constrained fire controls, but the accessibility of the space station to a variety of users may call for less-restrictive measures. This paper discusses fire safety issues through a review of the state of the art and a presentation of key findings from a recent NASA Lewis Research Center Workshop. The subjects covered are the fundamental science of low-gravity combustion and the technology advances in fire detection, extinguishment, materials assessment, and atmosphere selection. Key concerns are for the adoption of a fire-safe atmosphere and the substitution for the effective but toxic extinguishant, halon 1301. The fire safety studies and reviews provide several recommendations for further action. One is the expanded research in combustion, sensors, and materials in the low-gravity environment of space. Another is the development of generalized fire-safety standards for spacecraft through cooperative endeavors with aerospace and outside Government and industry sources.

“I Need my Own Place to get Better”: Patient Perspectives on the Role of Housing in Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations

PubMed Central

Quensell, Michelle L.; Taira, Deborah A.; Seto, Todd B.; Braun, Kathryn L.; Sentell, Tetine L.

2017-01-01

Objective To analyze patient perspectives on the role of housing in their potentially preventable hospitalization. Methods Individuals admitted with cardiovascular-or diabetes-related diagnoses (n = 90) in a major medical center in Hawai‘i completed an in-person interview eliciting patient perspectives on key factors leading to hospitalization. Using the framework approach, two independent coders identified themes. This study focused on housing-related findings. Results Overall, 23% of participants reported housing as a precipitating factor to their hospitalization, including 12 with no regular place to stay. Four housing-related themes emerged: challenges meeting basic needs, complex chronic care management difficulties, stigma and relationship with provider, and stress and other mental health issues. Discussion Almost 25% of patients identified housing as a key factor to their hospital stay. Patient-reported themes highlight specific mechanisms by which housing challenges may lead to hospitalization. Addressing housing issues could help reduce the number and associated cost burden of preventable hospitalizations. PMID:28529224

Climate Literacy Partnership in the Southeast (CLiPSE): A Focus on Climate Change-related Dialogs with Faith-Based Groups as a form of Network Building in the Southeast United States - Lessons Learned

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, F. J.; McNeal, K. S.; Hammerman, J.; Christiansen, J.

2013-05-01

The Climate Literacy Partnership in the Southeast (CLiPSE, http://CLiPSE-project.org), funded through the National Science Foundation Climate Change Education Partnership program, is dedicated to improving climate literacy in the Southeastern United States (SE US). By promoting science-based formal and informal educational resources, CLiPSE works through a diverse network of key partner organizations in the SE US to conduct effective public dialogues that address diverse audiences and support learning about climate, climate change, and its impact on human and environmental systems. The CLiPSE project successfully created partnerships with more than fifty key stakeholders, including agriculture, education, leisure, and religious organizations, along with culturally diverse communities. This presentation will explain the CLiPSE model for reaching key publics who hold traditional ideologies typically perceived as incompatible with climate change science. We will discuss the results of our interactions with the leaders of our partnering organizations, their knowledge, perceptions, needs, and input in crafting effective messages for their audiences, through addressing both learners' affective and cognitive domains. For the informal education sector, CLiPSE utilized several open discussion and learning forums aimed to promote critical thinking and civil conversation about climate change. Focusing on Faith-based audiences, a key demographic, in the Southeast US, CLiPSE also conducted an online, moderated, author-attended book study, discussing the thoughts and ideas contained in the work, "Green Like God," by Jonathan Merritt. We will share the questions we faced as we focused on and learned about faith-based audiences, such as: What are the barriers and opportunities?; How do we break out of the assumptions that we have to find the common ground?; How do the audiences understand the issues?; How do we understand the issues?; What common language can we find?; What happens when we bringing the multiple the multiple identities of faith and science together within ourselves and those we are trying to build relationships with? We will also share the lessons we learned while attempting to answer these questions, such as the role of trust and key influentials/leaders in talking with target audiences, the importance of face-to-face dialog and relationships in trust building.

Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids: key constructs and measurement instruments

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids (PtDA) requires evidence that PtDAs improve the quality of the decision-making process and the quality of the choice made, or decision quality. The aim of this paper is to review the theoretical and empirical evidence for PtDA effectiveness and discuss emerging practical and research issues in the measurement of effectiveness. Methods This updated overview incorporates: a) an examination of the instruments used to measure five key decision-making process constructs (i.e., recognize decision, feel informed about options and outcomes, feel clear about goals and preferences, discuss goals and preferences with health care provider, and be involved in decisions) and decision quality constructs (i.e., knowledge, realistic expectations, values-choice agreement) within the 86 trials in the Cochrane review; and b) a summary of the 2011 Cochrane Collaboration’s review of PtDAs for these key constructs. Data on the constructs and instruments used were extracted independently by two authors from the 86 trials and any disagreements were resolved by discussion, with adjudication by a third party where required. Results The 86 studies provide considerable evidence that PtDAs improve the decision-making process and decision quality. A majority of the studies (76/86; 88%) measured at least one of the key decision-making process or decision quality constructs. Seventeen different measurement instruments were used to measure decision-making process constructs, but no single instrument covered all five constructs. The Decisional Conflict Scale was most commonly used (n = 47), followed by the Control Preference Scale (n = 9). Many studies reported one or more constructs of decision quality, including knowledge (n = 59), realistic expectation of risks and benefits (n = 21), and values-choice agreement (n = 13). There was considerable variability in how values-choice agreement was defined and determined. No study reported on all key decision-making process and decision quality constructs. Conclusions Evidence of PtDA effectiveness in improving the quality of the decision-making process and decision quality is strong and growing. There is not, however, consensus or standardization of measurement for either the decision-making process or decision quality. Additional work is needed to develop and evaluate measurement instruments and further explore theoretical issues to advance future research on PtDA effectiveness. PMID:24625035

Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids: key constructs and measurement instruments.

PubMed

Sepucha, Karen R; Borkhoff, Cornelia M; Lally, Joanne; Levin, Carrie A; Matlock, Daniel D; Ng, Chirk Jenn; Ropka, Mary E; Stacey, Dawn; Joseph-Williams, Natalie; Wills, Celia E; Thomson, Richard

2013-01-01

Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids (PtDA) requires evidence that PtDAs improve the quality of the decision-making process and the quality of the choice made, or decision quality. The aim of this paper is to review the theoretical and empirical evidence for PtDA effectiveness and discuss emerging practical and research issues in the measurement of effectiveness. This updated overview incorporates: a) an examination of the instruments used to measure five key decision-making process constructs (i.e., recognize decision, feel informed about options and outcomes, feel clear about goals and preferences, discuss goals and preferences with health care provider, and be involved in decisions) and decision quality constructs (i.e., knowledge, realistic expectations, values-choice agreement) within the 86 trials in the Cochrane review; and b) a summary of the 2011 Cochrane Collaboration's review of PtDAs for these key constructs. Data on the constructs and instruments used were extracted independently by two authors from the 86 trials and any disagreements were resolved by discussion, with adjudication by a third party where required. The 86 studies provide considerable evidence that PtDAs improve the decision-making process and decision quality. A majority of the studies (76/86; 88%) measured at least one of the key decision-making process or decision quality constructs. Seventeen different measurement instruments were used to measure decision-making process constructs, but no single instrument covered all five constructs. The Decisional Conflict Scale was most commonly used (n = 47), followed by the Control Preference Scale (n = 9). Many studies reported one or more constructs of decision quality, including knowledge (n = 59), realistic expectation of risks and benefits (n = 21), and values-choice agreement (n = 13). There was considerable variability in how values-choice agreement was defined and determined. No study reported on all key decision-making process and decision quality constructs. Evidence of PtDA effectiveness in improving the quality of the decision-making process and decision quality is strong and growing. There is not, however, consensus or standardization of measurement for either the decision-making process or decision quality. Additional work is needed to develop and evaluate measurement instruments and further explore theoretical issues to advance future research on PtDA effectiveness.

Methodological Issues in Questionnaire Design.

PubMed

Song, Youngshin; Son, Youn Jung; Oh, Doonam

2015-06-01

The process of designing a questionnaire is complicated. Many questionnaires on nursing phenomena have been developed and used by nursing researchers. The purpose of this paper was to discuss questionnaire design and factors that should be considered when using existing scales. Methodological issues were discussed, such as factors in the design of questions, steps in developing questionnaires, wording and formatting methods for items, and administrations methods. How to use existing scales, how to facilitate cultural adaptation, and how to prevent socially desirable responding were discussed. Moreover, the triangulation method in questionnaire development was introduced. Steps were recommended for designing questions such as appropriately operationalizing key concepts for the target population, clearly formatting response options, generating items and confirming final items through face or content validity, sufficiently piloting the questionnaire using item analysis, demonstrating reliability and validity, finalizing the scale, and training the administrator. Psychometric properties and cultural equivalence should be evaluated prior to administration when using an existing questionnaire and performing cultural adaptation. In the context of well-defined nursing phenomena, logical and systematic methods will contribute to the development of simple and precise questionnaires.

2015 White Paper on recent issues in bioanalysis: focus on new technologies and biomarkers (Part 2 - hybrid LBA/LCMS and input from regulatory agencies).

PubMed

Ackermann, Brad; Neubert, Hendrik; Hughes, Nicola; Garofolo, Fabio; Abberley, Lee; Alley, Stephen C; Brown-Augsburger, Patricia; Bustard, Mark; Chen, Lin-Zhi; Heinrich, Julia; Katori, Noriko; Kaur, Surinder; Kirkovsky, Leo; Laterza, Omar F; Le Blaye, Olivier; Lévesque, Ann; Santos, Gustavo Mendes Lima; Olah, Timothy; Savoie, Natasha; Skelly, Michael; Spitz, Susan; Szapacs, Matthew; Tampal, Nilufer; Wang, Jian; Welink, Jan; Wieling, Jaap; Haidar, Sam; Vinter, Stephen; Whale, Emma; Witte, Bärbel

2015-12-01

The 2015 9th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (9th WRIB) took place in Miami, Florida with participation of over 600 professionals from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations and regulatory agencies worldwide. It is once again a 5-day week long event - a full immersion bioanalytical week - specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest in bioanalysis. The topics covered included both small and large molecules, and involved LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, LBA approaches including the focus on biomarkers and immunogenicity. This 2015 White Paper encompasses recommendations that emerged from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed at providing the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to advance scientific excellence, improve quality and deliver better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2015 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts. Part 2 covers the recommendations for hybrid LBA/LCMS and regulatory agencies' inputs. Part 1 (small molecule bioanalysis using LCMS) and Part 3 (large molecule bioanalysis using LBA, biomarkers and immunogenicity) will be published in volume 7 of Bioanalysis, issues 22 and 24, respectively.

Dating Violence among College Students: Key Issues for College Counselors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murray, Christine E.; Kardatzke, Kerrie N.

2007-01-01

The authors present a review of literature examining dating violence among college students. They describe 6 key issues related to dating violence among college students that affect college counselors' work. These key issues relate to the incidence and prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological violence in college students' dating…

Diversity management: an imperative for healthcare organizations.

PubMed

Gathers, Daryl

2003-01-01

Historically, white males have represented the ideal manager in appearance, values, and behaviors, resulting in overt or subtle discrimination in selection, evaluation, and promotion practices in corporate America. Because women and minorities could not meet this ideal, they were often passed over for advancement. The author discusses key areas of diversity management for healthcare administrators to consider: the elements of diversity, the reasons behind diversity management, and solutions for addressing many of the issues involved.

U.S. Trade Policy: Competing in a Global Economy. Choices for the 21st Century. Alternatives for Public Debate and Policy Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown Univ., Providence, RI. Center for Foreign Policy Development.

This document contains a student text, teacher outline, and lesson plan that places beliefs and values at the center of the national discussion on trade policy. The focus of the unit is particularly relevant with the emergence of U.S. trade policy as a vital public issue. In 1993, two key elements of U.S. trade policy--the North American Free…

Closing the Gap: A Report on the Wingspread Conference "Beyond the Standards Horse Race: Implementation, Assessment, and Accountability--the Keys to Improving Student Achievement" (Racine, Wisconsin, November 2-4, 1999). Special Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duggan, Terri, Ed.; Holmes, Madelyn, Ed.

This report highlights results from the 1999 Wingspread Conference on improving student achievement, a gathering of educators, leaders, and policymakers that opened a dialogue about barriers to full implementation of high standards for all students. Participants discussed five papers that examined these issues from top to bottom--from the…

Cultural Interpretation of Ethnographic Evidence Relating to Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López, Alejandro Martín

In this chapter, on the basis that ethnoastronomy deals with social facts, we discuss key concepts that should be problematized in ethnoastronomical studies. We deal with the denaturalization of categories such as ethnicity, identity, territory, culture, body, cosmovision, and cosmology, using contemporary ideas about these issues in the social sciences. Our aim is to show the relevance of this methodological reflection to the construction and interpretation of ethnographic evidence related to astronomy.

Perceptions and experiences of adolescents, parents and school administrators regarding adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in urban and rural Uganda.

PubMed

Muhwezi, Wilson Winstons; Katahoire, Anne Ruhweza; Banura, Cecily; Mugooda, Herbert; Kwesiga, Doris; Bastien, Sheri; Klepp, Knut-Inge

2015-11-30

Evidence suggests that in spite of some adolescents being sexually active, many parents do not discuss sex-related issues with them due to lack of age-appropriate respectful vocabulary and skills. The likelihood of parent-adolescent communication improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes appears plausible. The desire to understand parent-adolescent communication and how to improve it for promotion of healthy sexual behaviours inspired this research. The paper is meant to describe perceptions of adolescents, parents and school administrators about parent-adolescent communication on sexual issues; describe the content of such communication and identify factors that influence this communication. The study was done among two urban and two rural secondary school students in their second year of education. Data were collected from 11 focus group discussions and 10 key Informants Interviews. Data management, analysis and interpretation followed thematic analysis principles. Illuminating verbatim quotations are used to illustrate findings. Parental warmth and acceptability of children was perceived by parents to be foundational for a healthy adolescent- parent communication. Perceptions of adolescents tended to point to more open and frequent communication with mothers than fathers and to cordial relationships with mothers. Fathers were perceived by adolescents to be strict, intimidating, unapproachable and unavailable. While adolescents tended to generally discuss sexual issues with mothers, male adolescents communicated less with anyone on sex, relationships and condoms. Much of the parent-adolescent communication was perceived to focus on sexually transmitted infections and body changes. Discussions of sex and dating with adolescents were perceived to be rare. Common triggers of sexuality discussions with female adolescents were; onset of menstruation and perceived abortion in the neighbourhood. Discussion with male adolescents, if it occurred was perceived to be triggered by parental suspicion of having female 'friends' or coming home late. Peers at school and mass media were perceived to the main source of sexuality information. Communication on sexuality issues between parents and their adolescent children was infrequent and critical elements like sex and specifics of protection against undesirable sexual behaviour consequences were avoided. Peers, schools and mass media should be creatively harnessed to improve parent-adolescent communication about sexuality issues.

Workshop on Basic Research Opportunities in Photovoltaics

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

Benner, J.; McConnell, R.; Deb, S., Editors

1999-08-25

The Basic Research Opportunities in Photovoltaics Workshop was held on May 3, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, in conjunction with the 195th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society. The workshop was structured into eight topics. Each topic area opened with a presentation in which the participants were asked to address the following: a brief introduction of the area of research; key research issues that were identified in an earlier workshop in 1992; what fundamental research has been done since then or is currently being done to address those issues; what are the research issues that are still relevant in light of advancesmore » made since the first workshop; identification of new fundamental research opportunities that will lead to important advances and innovations; and identification of significant commonalities and common research issues that have a cross-cutting impact, such as logically exist in silicon-based thin films, II-VI, and related materials. The topic areas discussed included amorphous and microcrystalline silicon, crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium diselenide; III-V materials; novel materials and energy conversion approaches, semiconducting oxides, and characterization. After the meeting, participants in each working topic continued discussions by electronic means, completing journal articles that are to be published as a separate section in the ECS Proceedings of the ''PV for the 21st Century'' Symposium.« less

Prison health service directors' views on research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research in prison: outcomes of a national deliberative roundtable.

PubMed

Simpson, Paul Leslie; Guthrie, Jill; Butler, Tony

2017-06-12

Purpose Given that prisoners have significant health needs across most areas, the paucity of prisoner health research, and the difficulties involved in the conduct of research in this setting, there is a need to develop research priorities that align with key stakeholder groups. One such group are those responsible for health service provision in prisons - prison health service directors. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Prison health service directors in each Australian state and territory were invited to participate in a national (deliberative) roundtable where the consensus building nominal group technique was utilized. This involved the identification of research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research with prisoners, and ranking research priorities. A thematic analysis was conducted on organizational issues. Findings In total, 13 participants attended the roundtable. Participants identified 28 research priorities and 12 organizational issues. Top ranked research priorities were mental health, cognitive and intellectual disability, post-release health maintenance, ageing prisoners, chronic health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Themes identified from the organizational issues included prisoner access to research participation, health and research literacy of custodial staff, and institutional protectionism in response to research that may discover negative information about the custodial setting. Research limitations/implications These findings should inform future efforts to improve research infrastructures to undertake research to improve the health of people in Australian prisons, and help to align researchers' efforts with those of a key organizational stakeholder. Originality/value This is the first paper to determine the research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research in prisons of prison health service directors.

Common challenges for ecological modelling: synthesis of facilitated discussions held at the symposia organized for the 2009 conference of the International Society for Ecological Modelling in Quebec City, Canada, (October 6-9, 2009)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Larocque, Guy R.; Mailly, D.; Yue, T.-X.; Anand, M.; Peng, C.; Kazanci, C.; Etterson, M.; Goethals, P.; Jorgensen, S.E.; Schramski, J.R.; McIntire, E.J.B.; Marceau, D.J.; Chen, B.; Chen, G.Q.; Yang, Z.F.; Novotna, B.; Luckai, N.; Bhatti, Jagtar S.; Liu, J.; Munson, A.; Gordon, Andrew M.; Ascough, J.C.

2011-01-01

The eleven symposia organized for the 2009 conference of the International Society for Ecological Modelling (ISEM 2009) held in Quebec City, Canada, October 6–9, 2009, included facilitated discussion sessions following formal presentations. Each symposium focused on a specific subject, and all the subjects could be classified into three broad categories: theoretical development, population dynamics and ecosystem processes. Following discussions with the symposia organizers, which indicated that they all shared similar issues and concerns, the facilitated discussions were task-oriented around four basic questions: (1) key challenges in the research area, (2) generating and sharing new ideas, (3) improving collaboration and networking, and (4) increasing visibility to decision-makers, partners and clients. Common challenges that emerged from the symposia included the need for improved communication and collaboration among different academic disciplines, further progress in both theoretical and practical modelling approaches, and accentuation of technology transfer. Regarding the generation and sharing of new ideas, the main issue that emerged was the type of positive interactions that should be encouraged among potential collaborators. The usefulness of the Internet, particularly for the sharing of open-source software and conducting discussion forums, was highlighted for improving collaboration and networking. Several communication tools are available today, and it is important for modellers to use them more intensively. Visibility can be increased by publishing professional newsletters, maintaining informal contacts with the public, organizing educational sessions in primary and secondary schools, and developing simplified analytical frameworks and pilot studies. Specific issues raised in each symposium are also discussed.

Science for Managing Riverine Ecosystems: Actions for the USGS Identified in the Workshop "Analysis of Flow and Habitat for Instream Aquatic Communities"

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bencala, Kenneth E.; Hamilton, David B.; Petersen, James H.

2006-01-01

Federal and state agencies need improved scientific analysis to support riverine ecosystem management. The ability of the USGS to integrate geologic, hydrologic, chemical, geographic, and biological data into new tools and models provides unparalleled opportunities to translate the best riverine science into useful approaches and usable information to address issues faced by river managers. In addition to this capability to provide integrated science, the USGS has a long history of providing long-term and nationwide information about natural resources. The USGS is now in a position to advance its ability to provide the scientific support for the management of riverine ecosystems. To address this need, the USGS held a listening session in Fort Collins, Colorado in April 2006. Goals of the workshop were to: 1) learn about the key resource issues facing DOI, other Federal, and state resource management agencies; 2) discuss new approaches and information needs for addressing these issues; and 3) outline a strategy for the USGS role in supporting riverine ecosystem management. Workshop discussions focused on key components of a USGS strategy: Communications, Synthesis, and Research. The workshop identified 3 priority actions the USGS can initiate now to advance its capabilities to support integrated science for resource managers in partner government agencies and non-governmental organizations: 1) Synthesize the existing science of riverine ecosystem processes to produce broadly applicable conceptual models, 2) Enhance selected ongoing instream flow projects with complementary interdisciplinary studies, and 3) Design a long-term, watershed-scale research program that will substantively reinvent riverine ecosystem science. In addition, topical discussion groups on hydrology, geomorphology, aquatic habitat and populations, and socio-economic analysis and negotiation identified eleven important complementary actions required to advance the state of the science and to develop the tools for supporting decisions on riverine ecosystem management. These eleven actions lie within the continuum of Communications, Synthesis, and Research.

Ethics of human testing.

PubMed

Salter, D C

1990-08-01

What should one do, and why? Anyone asking such questions--and everyone does so hundreds of time each day--is concerned with ethics. Product development and testing raise many ethical questions. Particularly since the rise of 'green consumerism', these are of increasing concern to people outside the cosmetics industry, and so should be of interest to those inside it. The major problem seems to be that of reaching agreement on moral and ethical issues. Overcoming this problem involves investigating what is meant by 'ethics', and how decisions depend not on facts but on 'facts-as-perceived'. These in turn depend on many factors, with one's philosophy being the most fundamental. The range of philosophical options is reviewed and it is proposed that wider discussion is the only just way to achieve agreement. Yet some things are not negotiable. There are certain key moral concepts in terms of which discussion must take place for it to be relevant. In ethics of human testing, 'respect for others', that is, avoiding exploitation, is the principal one. Some synthesis of the key moral concepts like that of Immanuel Kant is therefore recommended as the soundest and most widely acceptable basis for the necessary discussion. Defining the responsible use of human subjects covers a range of issues, moral, historical, legal and professional. For example, there may be ethical difficulties in deliberate damage induction as in SPF and irritancy testing. But above all, to avoid exploitation, there is a moral and also a legal requirement that subjects are truly volunteers. This is the basis of the concept of 'informed consent', required but not generally explained in current professional codes of practice. It is unjustified to exploit those who may be under duress, such as 'in-house volunteers' and those with low incomes. Hence in conclusion, criteria for obtaining valid informed consent are briefly reviewed. By considering issues such as these, we can help ensure that cosmetic scientists are true professionals, that is, those who recognise and are concerned with the ethical basis of their work.

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

Stein, Steven L.; Lesperance, Ann M.; Upton, Jaki F.

On October 9, 2008, federal, state and local policy makers, emergency managers, and medical and public health officials convened in Seattle, Washington, for a workshop on Addressing the Federal-State-Local Interface Issues During a Catastrophic Event Such as an Anthrax Attack. The day-long symposium was aimed at generating a dialogue about recovery and restoration through a discussion of the associated challenges that impact entire communities, including people, infrastructure, and critical systems. The Principal Federal Official (PFO) provided an overview of the role of the PFO in a catastrophic event. A high-level summary of an anthrax scenario was presented. The remainder ofmore » the day was focused on interactive discussions among federal, state and local emergency management experts in the areas of: • Decision-making, prioritization, and command and control • Public health/medical services • Community resiliency and continuity of government. Key topics and issues that resulted from discussions included: • Local representation in the Joint Field Office (JFO) • JFO transition to the Long-Term Recovery Office • Process for prioritization of needs • Process for regional coordination • Prioritization - process and federal/military intervention • Allocation of limited resources • Re-entry decision and consistency • Importance of maintaining a healthy hospital system • Need for a process to establish a consensus on when it is safe to re-enter. This needs to be across all jurisdictions including the military. • Insurance coverage for both private businesses and individuals • Interaction between the government and industry. The symposium was sponsored by the Interagency Biological Restoration Demonstration, a collaborative regional program jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense. To aid the program’s efforts and inform the development of blueprint for recovery from a biological incident, this report presents the key issues identified at the symposium.« less

On the traceability of gaseous reference materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Richard J. C.; Brewer, Paul J.; Harris, Peter M.; Davidson, Stuart; van der Veen, Adriaan M. H.; Ent, Hugo

2017-06-01

The complex and multi-parameter nature of chemical composition measurement means that establishing traceability is a challenging task. As a result incorrect interpretations about the origin of the metrological traceability of chemical measurement results can occur. This discussion paper examines why this is the case by scrutinising the peculiarities of the gas metrology area. It considers in particular: primary methods, dissemination of metrological traceability and the role of documentary standards and accreditation bodies in promulgating best practice. There is also a discussion of documentary standards relevant to the NMI and reference material producer community which need clarification, and the impact which key stakeholders in the quality infrastructure can bring to these issues.

Decomposability and scalability in space-based observatory scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muscettola, Nicola; Smith, Stephen F.

1992-01-01

In this paper, we discuss issues of problem and model decomposition within the HSTS scheduling framework. HSTS was developed and originally applied in the context of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) scheduling problem, motivated by the limitations of the current solution and, more generally, the insufficiency of classical planning and scheduling approaches in this problem context. We first summarize the salient architectural characteristics of HSTS and their relationship to previous scheduling and AI planning research. Then, we describe some key problem decomposition techniques supported by HSTS and underlying our integrated planning and scheduling approach, and we discuss the leverage they provide in solving space-based observatory scheduling problems.

Cross-validation and hypothesis testing in neuroimaging: An irenic comment on the exchange between Friston and Lindquist et al.

PubMed

Reiss, Philip T

2015-08-01

The "ten ironic rules for statistical reviewers" presented by Friston (2012) prompted a rebuttal by Lindquist et al. (2013), which was followed by a rejoinder by Friston (2013). A key issue left unresolved in this discussion is the use of cross-validation to test the significance of predictive analyses. This note discusses the role that cross-validation-based and related hypothesis tests have come to play in modern data analyses, in neuroimaging and other fields. It is shown that such tests need not be suboptimal and can fill otherwise-unmet inferential needs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Being "chill" with teachers and "frozen" by peers in science: overcoming social and educational barriers in a learning community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hannah; Scantlebury, Kathryn

2013-09-01

This forum discusses the issue of `othering' and how intersectionality is a useful analytical framework for understanding the students' immigrant experiences in, and out of, the science classroom. We use a feminist perspective to discuss Minjung's study because gender is a key aspect of one's identity other aspects such as race, religion, socio-economic status, and age have assumed a significant status in gender studies. Lastly we examine the supports and barriers that cliques can produce and propose the importance of building a learning community in the science classroom to engage all students.

Development of AACAP practice parameters for gender nonconformity and gender discordance in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Adelson, Stewart L

2011-10-01

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is preparing a publication, Practice Parameter on Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Sexual Orientation, Gender-Nonconformity, and Gender Discordance in Children and Adolescents. This article discusses the development of the part of the parameter related to gender nonconformity and gender discordance and describes the practice parameter preparation process,rationale, key scientific evidence, and methodology. Also discussed are terminology considerations, related clinical issues and practice skills, and overall organization of information including influences on gender development, gender role behavior, gender nonconformity and gender discordance, and their relationship to the development of sexual orientation.

Branding strategies discussed by the experts. Trends that will shape strategy in 1998.

PubMed

Windhorst, C E

1998-02-01

This month the focus is on branding. The Alliance Advisory Council's discussion of this topic, led by Joel English (a senior vice president with BVK/McDonald, Milwaukee, WI), identifies the key issues on branding as: 1) the debate between the local and regional nature of healthcare delivery, and the need to provide customers with the trust and security of a larger entity behind the individual provider; 2) the challenge of identifying and agreeing on a consistent message for all parts of the system; and 3) the difficulty of keeping the promise implied by a brand across these many components.

Social representations of climate change in Swedish lay focus groups: local or distant, gradual or catastrophic?

PubMed

Wibeck, Victoria

2014-02-01

This paper explores social representations of climate change, investigating how climate change is discussed by Swedish laypeople interacting in focus group interviews. The analysis focuses on prototypical examples and metaphors, which were key devices for objectifying climate change representations. The paper analyzes how the interaction of focus group participants with other speakers, ideas, arguments, and broader social representations shaped their representations of climate change. Climate change was understood as a global but distant issue with severe consequences. There was a dynamic tension between representations of climate change as a gradual vs. unpredictable process. Implications for climate change communication are discussed.

HIV counselling in prisons.

PubMed

Curran, L; McHugh, M; Nooney, K

1989-01-01

HIV presents particular problem in penal establishments: the nature of the population; conditions in prison; media attention and misinformation; the possibility of transmission within and beyond the prison population; the extra issues that apply to female prisoners. These are discussed in the context of prison policy regarding HIV and the broad strategic approach which is being adopted to manage the problem of HIV within penal institutions. Counselling has a key role in the overall strategy. Pre- and post-test counselling with prisoners is described and the particular problems presented by inmates are discussed and illustrated by reference to case histories. Developments in counselling provision for inmates are outlined.

Porphyrin as an ideal biomarker in the search for extraterrestrial life.

PubMed

Suo, Zhiyong; Avci, Recep; Schweitzer, Mary Higby; Deliorman, Muhammedin

2007-08-01

A key issue in astrobiological research is identifying target molecules that are unambiguously biological in origin and can be easily detected and recognized. We suggest porphyrin derivatives as an ideal target, because these chromophores are global in distribution and found in virtually all living organisms on Earth, including microorganisms that may approximate the early evolution of life on Earth. We discuss the inherent qualities that make porphyrin ideally suited for astrobiological research and discuss methods for detecting porphyrin molecules in terrestrial sedimentary environments. We present preliminary data to support the use of ToFSIMS as a powerful technique in the identification of porphyrins.

Ethical issues in the export, storage and reuse of human biological samples in biomedical research: perspectives of key stakeholders in Ghana and Kenya.

PubMed

Tindana, Paulina; Molyneux, Catherine S; Bull, Susan; Parker, Michael

2014-10-18

For many decades, access to human biological samples, such as cells, tissues, organs, blood, and sub-cellular materials such as DNA, for use in biomedical research, has been central in understanding the nature and transmission of diseases across the globe. However, the limitations of current ethical and regulatory frameworks in sub-Saharan Africa to govern the collection, export, storage and reuse of these samples have resulted in inconsistencies in practice and a number of ethical concerns for sample donors, researchers and research ethics committees. This paper examines stakeholders' perspectives of and responses to the ethical issues arising from these research practices. We employed a qualitative strategy of inquiry for this research including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key research stakeholders in Kenya (Nairobi and Kilifi), and Ghana (Accra and Navrongo). The stakeholders interviewed emphasised the compelling scientific importance of sample export, storage and reuse, and acknowledged the existence of some structures governing these research practices, but they also highlighted the pressing need for a number of practical ethical concerns to be addressed in order to ensure high standards of practice and to maintain public confidence in international research collaborations. These concerns relate to obtaining culturally appropriate consent for sample export and reuse, understanding cultural sensitivities around the use of blood samples, facilitating a degree of local control of samples and sustainable scientific capacity building. Drawing on these findings and existing literature, we argue that the ethical issues arising in practice need to be understood in the context of the interactions between host research institutions and local communities and between collaborating institutions. We propose a set of 'key points-to-consider' for research institutions, ethics committees and funding agencies to address these issues.

WHO Treatment Guidelines for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, 2016 Update: Applicability in South Korea

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Despite progress made in tuberculosis control worldwide, the disease burden and treatment outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients have remained virtually unchanged. In 2016, the World Health Organization released new guidelines for the management of MDR-TB. The guidelines are intended to improve detection rate and treatment outcome for MDR-TB through novel, rapid molecular testing and shorter treatment regimens. Key changes include the introduction of a new, shorter MDR-TB treatment regimen, a new classification of medicines and updated recommendations for the conventional MDR-TB regimen. This paper will review these key changes and discuss the potential issues with regard to the implementation of these guidelines in South Korea. PMID:28905529

Development of noise emission measurement specifications for color printing multifunctional devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimizuka, Ikuo

2005-09-01

Color printing (including copying) is becoming more popular application in home, as well as in offices. Existing de jule and/or industrial standards (such as ISO 7779, ECMA-74, ANSI S12.10 series, etc.), however, state only monochrome patterns, which are mainly intended for acoustic noise testing of mechanical impact type printers. This paper discusses the key issues and corresponding resolutions for development of color printing patterns for acoustic noise measurements. The results of these technical works will be published by JBMS-74 (new industry standard of JBMIA within 2005), and hopefully be the technical basis of updating other standards mentioned above. This paper also shows the development processes and key features of proposed patterns.