Development of PAOT tool kit for work improvements in clinical nursing.

PubMed

Jung, Moon-Hee

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop an action checklist for educational training of clinical nurses. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaire items were extracted through in-depth interviews and a questionnaire survey. PASW version 19 and AMOS version 19 were used for data analyses. Reliability and validity were tested with both exploratory and confirmative factor analysis. The levels of the indicators related to goodness-of-fit were acceptable. Thus, a model kit of work improvements in clinical nursing was developed. It comprises 5 domains (16 action points): health promotion (5 action points), work management (3 action points), ergonomic work methods (3 action points), managerial policies and mutual support among staff members (3 action points), and welfare in the work area (2 action points).

The development of strategy use in elementary school children: working memory and individual differences.

PubMed

Imbo, Ineke; Vandierendonck, André

2007-04-01

The current study tested the development of working memory involvement in children's arithmetic strategy selection and strategy efficiency. To this end, an experiment in which the dual-task method and the choice/no-choice method were combined was administered to 10- to 12-year-olds. Working memory was needed in retrieval, transformation, and counting strategies, but the ratio between available working memory resources and arithmetic task demands changed across development. More frequent retrieval use, more efficient memory retrieval, and more efficient counting processes reduced the working memory requirements. Strategy efficiency and strategy selection were also modified by individual differences such as processing speed, arithmetic skill, gender, and math anxiety. Short-term memory capacity, in contrast, was not related to children's strategy selection or strategy efficiency.

Reasons for adopting technological innovations reducing physical workload in bricklaying.

PubMed

de Jong, A M; Vink, P; de Kroon, J C A

2003-09-15

In this paper the adoption of technological innovations to improve the work of bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants is evaluated. Two studies were performed among 323 subjects to determine the adoption of the working methods, the perceived workload, experiences with the working methods, and the reasons for adopting the working methods. Furthermore, a comparison of the results of the studies was made with those of two similar studies in the literature. The results show that more than half of the sector adopted the innovations. The perceived workload was reduced. The employees and employers are satisfied with the working methods and important reasons for adoption were cost/benefit advantages, improvement of work and health, and increase in productivity. Problems preventing the adoption were the use of the working methods at specific sites, for instance in renovation work. The adoption of the new working methods could perhaps have been higher or faster if more attention had been paid to the active participation of bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants during the development of the new working methods and to the use of modern media techniques, such as the Internet and CD/DVD.

Management of Teacher Scientific-Methodical Work in Vocational Educational Institutions on the Basis of Project-Target Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shakuto, Elena A.; Dorozhkin, Evgenij M.; Kozlova, Anastasia A.

2016-01-01

The relevance of the subject under analysis is determined by the lack of theoretical development of the problem of management of teacher scientific-methodical work in vocational educational institutions based upon innovative approaches in the framework of project paradigm. The purpose of the article is to develop and test a science-based…

REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND ECOLOGICAL CONDITION -- ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

EPA Science Inventory

Most work on wetland assessment has focused on the development of methods, however, effective assessment involves more than having a method. In a 2004 review of rapid assessment methods, Fennessey et al. recommended key considerations when adopting existing methods or developing...

RESEARCH ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF EPA METHOD 552.2

EPA Science Inventory

The work presented in this paper entails the development of a method for haloacetic acid (HAA) analysis, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)method 552.2, that improves the saftey and efficiency of previous methods and incorporates three additional trihalogenated acetic acids: b...

Critically Reflective Work Behavior of Health Care Professionals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Groot, Esther; Jaarsma, Debbie; Endedijk, Maaike; Mainhard, Tim; Lam, Ineke; Simons, Robert-Jan; van Beukelen, Peter

2012-01-01

Introduction: Better understanding of critically reflective work behavior (CRWB), an approach for work-related informal learning, is important in order to gain more profound insight in the continuing development of health care professionals. Methods: A survey, developed to measure CRWB and its predictors, was distributed to veterinary…

From 40 to 35 Hours: Reduction and Flexibilisation of the Working Week in the Federal Republic of Germany.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bosch, Gerhard

1990-01-01

Reviews developments in the shortened work week in the Federal Republic of Germany. Discusses collective agreements and examines the methods used to implement the shorter working week at enterprise level and possible developments in the reunited Germany. (JOW)

Methods to recognize work-related cancer in workplaces, the general population, and by experts in the clinic, a Norwegian experience

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In most countries, the numbers of work-related cancer identified are much lower than are the estimated total burden of cancer caused by exposure at work. Therefore, there is a great need to use all available practical as well as epidemiological methods for identification as well as to develop new methods of recognizing cases of work-related cancers. Methods Primarily based on practical experiences from Norway, methods to identify cases of possible work-related cancers in the general population and at workplaces as well as methods to recognize more specific cases after referral to specialized clinics are reviewed in this publication. Results Countries applying a number of the available methods to detect work-related cancer reach a reporting rate of 60 such cases per million, while other countries that do not employ such methods hardly identify any cases. As most subjects previously exposed to cancer causing agents and substances at work are gradually recruited out of work, methods should be versatile for identification of cases in the general population, as well as at work. Conclusions Even in countries using a number of the available methods for identification, only a limited fraction of the real number of work-related cancer are notified to the labour inspectorate. Clinicians should be familiar with the methods and do the best to identify work-related cancer to serve prevention. PMID:21899752

Group Selection Methods and Contribution to the West Point Leadership Development System (WPLDS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

Government. 14. ABSTRACT Group work in an academic setting can consist of projects or problems students can work on collaboratively. Although pedagogical ...ABSTRACT Group work in an academic setting can consist of projects or problems students can work on collaboratively. Although pedagogical studies...helping students develop intangibles like communication, time management, organization, leadership, interpersonal, and relationship skills. Supporting

Writing a Mixed Methods Report in Social Work Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bronstein, Laura R.; Kovacs, Pamela J.

2013-01-01

This article briefly chronicles the development of mixed methods research and its use in social work. We then move onto a discussion of terms and designs, reasons for (and for not) using mixed methods. Drawing upon exemplars, we address how to write up a mixed methods study when (1) the sample is single; single for one part, with a subset for the…

Peering inside the Clock: Using Success Case Method to Determine How and Why Practice-Based Educational Interventions Succeed

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Curtis A.; Shershneva, Marianna B.; Brownstein, Michelle Horowitz

2011-01-01

Introduction: No educational method or combination of methods will facilitate implementation of clinical practice guidelines in all clinical contexts. To develop an empirical basis for aligning methods to contexts, we need to move beyond "Does it work?" to also ask "What works for whom and under what conditions?" This study employed Success Case…

Promotion of a healthy work life at small enterprises in Thailand by participatory methods.

PubMed

Krungkraiwong, Sudthida; Itani, Toru; Amornratanapaichit, Ratanaporn

2006-01-01

The major problems of small enterprises include unfavourable working conditions and environment that affect safety and health of workers. The WISE (Work Improvement in Small Enterprises) methodology developed by the ILO has been widely applied to improve occupational safety and health in small enterprises in Thailand. The participatory methods building on local good practices and focusing on practicable improvements have proven effective in controlling the occupational hazards in these enterprises at their sources. As a result of applying the methods in small-scale industries, the frequency of occupational accidents was reduced and the working environment actually improved in the cases studied. The results prove that the participatory approach taken by the WISE activities is a useful and effective tool to make owner/managers and workers in small enterprises voluntarily improve their own working conditions and environment. In promoting a healthy work life at small enterprises in Thailand, it is important to further develop and spread the approach.

Work-Related Injury Surveillance in Vietnam: A National Reporting System Model

PubMed Central

Marucci-Wellman, Helen; Wegman, David H.; Leamon, Tom B.; Tuyet Binh, Ta Thi; Diep, Nguyen Bich; Kriebel, David

2013-01-01

Developing nations bear a substantial portion of the global burden of injury. Public health surveillance models in developing countries should recognize injury risks for all levels of society and all causes and should incorporate various groups of workers and industries, including subsistence agriculture. However, many developing nations do not have an injury registration system; current data collection methods result in gross national undercounts of injuries, failing to distinguish injuries that occur during work. In 2006, we established an active surveillance system in Vietnam’s Xuan Tien commune and investigated potential methods for surveillance of work-related injuries. On the basis of our findings, we recommend a national model for work-related injury surveillance in Vietnam that builds on the existing health surveillance system. PMID:24028255

Development and Validation of the Perceived Social Work Competence Scale in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Yean; Chui, Ernest

2017-01-01

Objective: This article reports a study that developed and validated the Perceived Social Work Competence Scale (PSWCS) for assessing social work students' competence in Mainland China. Method: The indicators were generated by a broad empirical review of recent literature, confirmed by experts, and indigenized by means of two focus groups of…

Activity Theory in Information Systems Research and Practice: Theoretical Underpinnings for an Information Systems Development Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mursu, Anja; Luukkonen, Irmeli; Toivanen, Marika; Korpela, Mikko

2007-01-01

Introduction: The purpose of information systems is to facilitate work activities: here we consider how Activity Theory can be applied in information systems development. Method. The requirements for an analytical model for emancipatory, work-oriented information systems research and practice are specified. Previous research work in Activity…

What's Working Memory Got to Do with It? A Case Study on Teenagers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Andrew; Oliver, Mary; McGrane, Joshua

2015-01-01

This paper presents the results of a small-scale study concerned with the development of working memory during adolescence. The working memory of adolescent students was examined with a novel method, electroencephalography, which allowed insight into the neurological development of the students. Results showed that: electroencephalography is a…

Work Stress Interventions in Hospital Care: Effectiveness of the DISCovery Method

PubMed Central

Niks, Irene; Gevers, Josette

2018-01-01

Effective interventions to prevent work stress and to improve health, well-being, and performance of employees are of the utmost importance. This quasi-experimental intervention study presents a specific method for diagnosis of psychosocial risk factors at work and subsequent development and implementation of tailored work stress interventions, the so-called DISCovery method. This method aims at improving employee health, well-being, and performance by optimizing the balance between job demands, job resources, and recovery from work. The aim of the study is to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of the DISCovery method in hospital care. Specifically, we used a three-wave longitudinal, quasi-experimental multiple-case study approach with intervention and comparison groups in health care work. Positive changes were found for members of the intervention groups, relative to members of the corresponding comparison groups, with respect to targeted work-related characteristics and targeted health, well-being, and performance outcomes. Overall, results lend support for the effectiveness of the DISCovery method in hospital care. PMID:29438350

Work Stress Interventions in Hospital Care: Effectiveness of the DISCovery Method.

PubMed

Niks, Irene; de Jonge, Jan; Gevers, Josette; Houtman, Irene

2018-02-13

Effective interventions to prevent work stress and to improve health, well-being, and performance of employees are of the utmost importance. This quasi-experimental intervention study presents a specific method for diagnosis of psychosocial risk factors at work and subsequent development and implementation of tailored work stress interventions, the so-called DISCovery method. This method aims at improving employee health, well-being, and performance by optimizing the balance between job demands, job resources, and recovery from work. The aim of the study is to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of the DISCovery method in hospital care. Specifically, we used a three-wave longitudinal, quasi-experimental multiple-case study approach with intervention and comparison groups in health care work. Positive changes were found for members of the intervention groups, relative to members of the corresponding comparison groups, with respect to targeted work-related characteristics and targeted health, well-being, and performance outcomes. Overall, results lend support for the effectiveness of the DISCovery method in hospital care.

Robotic Tactile Sensing

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-08

develop a working experi- tal system which could demonstrate dexterous manipulation in a robotic assembly task. Th ,pe of work can generally be divided into...D Raviv discukse the development, implementation, and experimental evaluation tof a new method for the reconstruction of 3D images from 2D vision data...Research supervision by K. Loparo A. "Moving Shadows Methods for Inferring Three Dimensional Surfaces," D. Raviv , Ph.D. Thesis B. "Robotic Adaptive

Ada Software Design Methods Formulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

cycle organization is also appropriate for another reason. The source material for the case studies is the work of the two contractors who participated in... working version of the system exist. The integration phase takes the pieces developed and combines them into a single working system. Interfaces...hardware, developed separately from the software, is united with the software, and further testing is performed until the system is a working whole

Working towards Skills: Perspectives on Workforce Development in SMEs. Research Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Maria; Keddie, Vince; Webb, Peter; Corney, Mark

Research into workforce development (WD) considered the relationship between corporate assessments of workers' development needs and WD strategies; how learning at work takes place; and what learning methods are used and their effectiveness. Focus was on practice in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Methodology included a literature…

High speed transition prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasperas, Gediminis

1993-01-01

The main objective of this work period was to develop, maintain and exercise state-of-the-art methods for transition prediction in supersonic flow fields. Basic state and stability codes, acquired during the last work period, were exercised and applied to calculate the properties of various flowfields. The development of a code for the prediction of transition location using a currently novel method (the PSE or Parabolized Stability Equation method), initiated during the last work period and continued during the present work period, was cancelled at mid-year for budgetary reasons. Other activities during this period included the presentation of a paper at the APS meeting in Tallahassee, Florida entitled 'Stability of Two-Dimensional Compressible Boundary Layers', as well as the initiation of a paper co-authored with H. Reed of the Arizona State University entitled 'Stability of Boundary Layers'.

Learning challenges and sustainable development: A methodological perspective.

PubMed

Seppänen, Laura

2017-01-01

Sustainable development requires learning, but the contents of learning are often complex and ambiguous. This requires new integrated approaches from research. It is argued that investigation of people's learning challenges in every-day work is beneficial for research on sustainable development. The aim of the paper is to describe a research method for examining learning challenges in promoting sustainable development. This method is illustrated with a case example from organic vegetable farming in Finland. The method, based on Activity Theory, combines historical analysis with qualitative analysis of need expressions in discourse data. The method linking local and subjective need expressions with general historical analysis is a promising way to overcome the gap between the individual and society, so much needed in research for sustainable development. Dialectically informed historical frameworks have practical value as tools in collaborative negotiations and participatory designs for sustainable development. The simultaneous use of systemic and subjective perspectives allows researchers to manage the complexity of practical work activities and to avoid too simplistic presumptions about sustainable development.

Work debate spaces: A tool for developing a participatory safety management.

PubMed

Rocha, Raoni; Mollo, Vanina; Daniellou, François

2015-01-01

In recent years, various studies have shown the importance of instituting work debate space within companies in order to address constraints within the organization. However, few of these studies demonstrate the implementation methods of discussion spaces and their contributions. Based on the action research developed in an electric company, this article demonstrates how work debate space (WDS) contribute to the development of an integrated safety culture. After describing the establishment methods and function of WDS within a technical group, we will present the main benefits of these spaces for the organization and its employees, and then discuss the minimal conditions for their implementation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

On the Development of Multi-Step Inverse FEM with Shell Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y.; Du, R.

2005-08-01

The inverse or one-step finite element approach is increasingly used in the sheet metal stamping industry to predict strain distribution and the initial blank shape in the preliminary design stage. Based on the existing theory, there are two types of method: one is based on the principle of virtual work and the other is based on the principle of extreme work. Much research has been conducted to improve the accuracy of simulation results. For example, based on the virtual work principle, Batoz et al. developed a new method using triangular DKT shell elements. In this new method, the bending and unbending effects are considered. Based on the principle of extreme work, Majlessi and et al. proposed the multi-step inverse approach with membrane elements and applied it to an axis-symmetric part. Lee and et al. presented an axis-symmetric shell element model to solve the similar problem. In this paper, a new multi-step inverse method is introduced with no limitation on the workpiece shape. It is a shell element model based on the virtual work principle. The new method is validated by means of comparing to the commercial software system (PAMSTAMP®). The comparison results indicate that the accuracy is good.

Development of performance-based evaluation methods and specifications for roadside maintenance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This report documents the work performed during Project 0-6387, Performance Based Roadside : Maintenance Specifications. Quality assurance methods and specifications for roadside performance-based : maintenance contracts (PBMCs) were developed ...

It Really Works: Cultural Communication Proficiency.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Ruth, Ed.

This paper describes the cultural communication proficiency method of indigenous language instruction, developed at Humboldt State University's Center for Indian Community Development (California), and demonstrates the method with five Hupa lesson plans. The method is based on three principles: that Native American students learn by doing, learn…

The Impacts of Agile Development Methodology Use on Project Success: A Contingency View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tripp, John F.

2012-01-01

Agile Information Systems Development Methods have emerged in the past decade as an alternative manner of managing the work and delivery of information systems development teams, with a large number of organizations reporting the adoption & use of agile methods. The practitioners of these methods make broad claims as to the benefits of their…

Moral counselling: a method in development.

PubMed

de Groot, Jack; Leget, Carlo

2011-01-01

This article describes a method of moral counselling developed in the Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen (The Netherlands). The authors apply insights of Paul Ricoeur to the non-directive counselling method of Carl Rogers in their work of coaching patients with moral problems in health care. The developed method was shared with other health care professionals in a training course. Experiences in the course and further practice led to further improvement of the method.

Influences on the use of observational methods by practitioners when identifying risk factors in physical work.

PubMed

Diego-Mas, Jose-Antonio; Poveda-Bautista, Rocio; Garzon-Leal, Diana-Carolina

2015-01-01

Most observational methods for musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment have been developed by researchers to be applied in specific situations, and practitioners could find difficulties in their use in real-work conditions. The main objective of this study was to identify the factors which have an influence on how useful the observational techniques are perceived to be by practitioners and to what extent these factors influence their perception. A survey was conducted on practitioners regarding the problems normally encountered when implementing these methods, as well as the perceived overall utility of these techniques. The results show that practitioners place particular importance on the support the methods provide in making decisions regarding changes in work systems and how applicable they are to different types of jobs. The results of this study can serve as guide to researchers for the development of new assessment techniques that are more useful and applicable in real-work situations.

A discussion on the origin of quantum probabilities

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

Holik, Federico, E-mail: olentiev2@gmail.com; Departamento de Matemática - Ciclo Básico Común, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Pabellón III, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires; Sáenz, Manuel

We study the origin of quantum probabilities as arising from non-Boolean propositional-operational structures. We apply the method developed by Cox to non distributive lattices and develop an alternative formulation of non-Kolmogorovian probability measures for quantum mechanics. By generalizing the method presented in previous works, we outline a general framework for the deduction of probabilities in general propositional structures represented by lattices (including the non-distributive case). -- Highlights: •Several recent works use a derivation similar to that of R.T. Cox to obtain quantum probabilities. •We apply Cox’s method to the lattice of subspaces of the Hilbert space. •We obtain a derivationmore » of quantum probabilities which includes mixed states. •The method presented in this work is susceptible to generalization. •It includes quantum mechanics and classical mechanics as particular cases.« less

AIM - Agile Instrumented Monitoring for Improving User Experience of Participation in HealthIT Development.

PubMed

Pitkänen, Janne; Nieminen, Marko

2017-01-01

Participation of healthcare professionals in information technology development has emerged as an important challenge. As end-users, the professionals are willing to participate in the development activities, but their experiences on the current methods of participation remain mostly negative. There is lack of applicable methods for meeting the needs of agile development approach and scaling up to the largest implementation projects, while maintaining the interest of the professional users to participate in development activities and keeping up their ability to continue working in a productive manner. In this paper, we describe the Agile Instrumented Monitoring as a methodology, based on the methods of instrumented usability evaluation, for improving user experience in HealthIT development. The contribution of the proposed methodology is analyzed in relation to activities of whole iteration cycle and chosen usability evaluation methods, while the user experience of participation is addressed regarding healthcare professionals. Prospective weak and strong market tests for AIM are discussed in the conclusions for future work.

The Adolescent Mentalization-based Integrative Treatment (AMBIT) approach to outcome evaluation and manualization: adopting a learning organization approach.

PubMed

Fuggle, Peter; Bevington, Dickon; Cracknell, Liz; Hanley, James; Hare, Suzanne; Lincoln, John; Richardson, Garry; Stevens, Nina; Tovey, Heather; Zlotowitz, Sally

2015-07-01

AMBIT (Adolescent Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment) is a developing team approach to working with hard-to-reach adolescents. The approach applies the principle of mentalization to relationships with clients, team relationships and working across agencies. It places a high priority on the need for locally developed evidence-based practice, and proposes that outcome evaluation needs to be explicitly linked with processes of team learning using a learning organization framework. A number of innovative methods of team learning are incorporated into the AMBIT approach, particularly a system of web-based wiki-formatted AMBIT manuals individualized for each participating team. The paper describes early development work of the model and illustrates ways of establishing explicit links between outcome evaluation, team learning and manualization by describing these methods as applied to two AMBIT-trained teams; one team working with young people on the edge of care (AMASS - the Adolescent Multi-Agency Support Service) and another working with substance use (CASUS - Child and Adolescent Substance Use Service in Cambridgeshire). Measurement of the primary outcomes for each team (which were generally very positive) facilitated team learning and adaptations of methods of practice that were consolidated through manualization. © The Author(s) 2014.

Develop nondestructive rapid pavement quality assurance/quality control evaluation test methods and supporting technology : project summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

The findings from the proof of concept with mechanics-based models for flexible base suggest additional validation work should be performed, draft construction specification frameworks should be developed, and work extending the technology to stabili...

Develop nondestructive rapid pavement quality Assurance/quality control evaluation test methods and supporting technology : project summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

The findings from the proof of concept with mechanics-based models for flexible base suggest additional validation work should be performed, draft construction specification frameworks should be developed, and work extending the technology to stabili...

The development of European standard (CEN) methods in support of European Directives for plastics materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuff.

PubMed

Ashby, R

1994-01-01

CEC Directives have been implemented for plastics materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. These introduce limits upon the overall migration from plastics into food and food simulants. In addition, specific migration limits or composition limits for free monomer in the final article, have been set for some monomers. Agreed test methods are required to allow these Directives to be respected. CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, has created a working group to develop suitable test methods. This is 'Working Group 5, Chemical Methods of Test', of CEN Technical Committee TC 194, Utensils in contact with food. This group has drafted a ten part standard for determining overall migration into aqueous and fatty food simulants by total immersion, by standard cell, by standard pouch and by filling. This draft standard has been approved by CEN TC 194 for circulation for public comment as a provisional standard, i.e. as an ENV. Further parts of this standard are in preparation for determining overall migration at high temperatures, etc. Simultaneously, Working Group 5 is cooperating with the BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) to produce reference materials with certified values of overall migration. CEN TC 194 Working Group 5 is also drafting methods for monomers subject to limitation in Directive 90/128/EEC. Good progress is being made on the monomers of highest priority but it is recognized that developing methods for all the monomers subject to limitation would take many years. Therefore, collaboration with the BCR, the Council of Europe and others is taking place to accelerate method development.

School-to-Work and Inclusion in General Education Teacher Preparation Programs: Instructional Modules for Middle Childhood Subject Area Methods Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamill, Lee B.; Geer, Cindy H.

Six instructional modules for middle childhood subject area methods courses are designed to target students in preservice middle childhood general education programs. The modules have been developed for each of the content area methods courses to ensure all preservice teachers have ample exposure to the school-to-work (STW) philosophy and…

Methodical and technological aspects of creation of interactive computer learning systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishtak, N. M.; Frolov, D. A.

2017-01-01

The article presents a methodology for the development of an interactive computer training system for training power plant. The methods used in the work are a generalization of the content of scientific and methodological sources on the use of computer-based training systems in vocational education, methods of system analysis, methods of structural and object-oriented modeling of information systems. The relevance of the development of the interactive computer training systems in the preparation of the personnel in the conditions of the educational and training centers is proved. Development stages of the computer training systems are allocated, factors of efficient use of the interactive computer training system are analysed. The algorithm of work performance at each development stage of the interactive computer training system that enables one to optimize time, financial and labor expenditure on the creation of the interactive computer training system is offered.

DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-DIFFUSION FLUX-SPLITTING METHODS FOR DENSE GAS-SOLID FLOWS

EPA Science Inventory

The development of a class of low-diffusion upwinding methods for computing dense gas-solid flows is presented in this work. An artificial compressibility/low-Mach preconditioning strategy is developed for a hyperbolic two-phase flow equation system consisting of separate solids ...

Interdisciplinary Curriculum Development in Hospital Methods Improvement. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watt, John R.

The major purpose of this project was to develop a "package" curriculum of Hospital Methods Improvement techniques for college students in health related majors. The elementary Industrial Engineering methods for simplifying work and saving labor were applied to the hospital environment and its complex of problems. The report's…

Defining the "D" in ISD. Part 1: Task-General Instructional Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Ruth Colvin

1986-01-01

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

Study on AC loss measurements of HTS power cable for standardizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukoyama, Shinichi; Amemiya, Naoyuki; Watanabe, Kazuo; Iijima, Yasuhiro; Mido, Nobuhiro; Masuda, Takao; Morimura, Toshiya; Oya, Masayoshi; Nakano, Tetsutaro; Yamamoto, Kiyoshi

2017-09-01

High-temperature superconducting power cables (HTS cables) have been developed for more than 20 years. In addition of the cable developments, the test methods of the HTS cables have been discussed and proposed in many laboratories and companies. Recently the test methods of the HTS cables is required to standardize and to common in the world. CIGRE made the working group (B1-31) for the discussion of the test methods of the HTS cables as a power cable, and published the recommendation of the test method. Additionally, IEC TC20 submitted the New Work Item Proposal (NP) based on the recommendation of CIGRE this year, IEC TC20 and IEC TC90 started the standardization work on Testing of HTS AC cables. However, the individual test method that used to measure a performance of HTS cables hasn’t been established as world’s common methods. The AC loss is one of the most important properties to disseminate low loss and economical efficient HTS cables in the world. We regard to establish the method of the AC loss measurements in rational and in high accuracy. Japan is at a leading position in the AC loss study, because Japanese researchers have studied on the AC loss technically and scientifically, and also developed the effective technologies for the AC loss reduction. The JP domestic commission of TC90 made a working team to discussion the methods of the AC loss measurements for aiming an international standard finally. This paper reports about the AC loss measurement of two type of the HTS conductors, such as a HTS conductor without a HTS shield and a HTS conductor with a HTS shield. The AC loss measurement method is suggested by the electrical method..

Project-Based Learning in Undergraduate Environmental Chemistry Laboratory: Using EPA Methods to Guide Student Method Development for Pesticide Quantitation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Eric J.; Pauls, Steve; Dick, Jonathan

2017-01-01

Presented is a project-based learning (PBL) laboratory approach for an upper-division environmental chemistry or quantitative analysis course. In this work, a combined laboratory class of 11 environmental chemistry students developed a method based on published EPA methods for the extraction of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its…

Improving Patient Experience and Primary Care Quality for Patients With Complex Chronic Disease Using the Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Tool: Adopting Qualitative Methods Into a User-Centered Design Approach.

PubMed

Steele Gray, Carolyn; Khan, Anum Irfan; Kuluski, Kerry; McKillop, Ian; Sharpe, Sarah; Bierman, Arlene S; Lyons, Renee F; Cott, Cheryl

2016-02-18

Many mHealth technologies do not meet the needs of patients with complex chronic disease and disabilities (CCDDs) who are among the highest users of health systems worldwide. Furthermore, many of the development methodologies used in the creation of mHealth and eHealth technologies lack the ability to embrace users with CCDD in the specification process. This paper describes how we adopted and modified development techniques to create the electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO) tool, a patient-centered mHealth solution to help improve primary health care for patients experiencing CCDD. This paper describes the design and development approach, specifically the process of incorporating qualitative research methods into user-centered design approaches to create the ePRO tool. Key lessons learned are offered as a guide for other eHealth and mHealth research and technology developers working with complex patient populations and their primary health care providers. Guided by user-centered design principles, interpretive descriptive qualitative research methods were adopted to capture user experiences through interviews and working groups. Consistent with interpretive descriptive methods, an iterative analysis technique was used to generate findings, which were then organized in relation to the tool design and function to help systematically inform modifications to the tool. User feedback captured and analyzed through this method was used to challenge the design and inform the iterative development of the tool. Interviews with primary health care providers (n=7) and content experts (n=6), and four focus groups with patients and carers (n=14) along with a PICK analysis-Possible, Implementable, (to be) Challenged, (to be) Killed-guided development of the first prototype. The initial prototype was presented in three design working groups with patients/carers (n=5), providers (n=6), and experts (n=5). Working group findings were broken down into categories of what works and what does not work to inform modifications to the prototype. This latter phase led to a major shift in the purpose and design of the prototype, validating the importance of using iterative codesign processes. Interpretive descriptive methods allow for an understanding of user experiences of patients with CCDD, their carers, and primary care providers. Qualitative methods help to capture and interpret user needs, and identify contextual barriers and enablers to tool adoption, informing a redesign to better suit the needs of this diverse user group. This study illustrates the value of adopting interpretive descriptive methods into user-centered mHealth tool design and can also serve to inform the design of other eHealth technologies. Our approach is particularly useful in requirements determination when developing for a complex user group and their health care providers.

Work Identity Theory: How College-Educated Adults Developed the Cognitive Mechanism to Define Who They Are at Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Samuel

2017-01-01

In this research, I used a mixed-methods approach employing both autobiographical reasoning and psychometric instruments through a survey design to explore how the four cognitive mechanisms of Work Identity Theory (WIT) were developed in 754 college-educated participants' lives. WIT is a vocational identity theory, which posits that, four…

Implementing a High Performance Work Place in the Distribution and Logistics Industry: Recommendations for Leadership & Team Member Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCann, Laura Harding

2012-01-01

Leadership development and employee engagement are two elements critical to the success of organizations. In response to growth opportunities, our Distribution and Logistics company set on a course to implement High Performance Work Place to meet the leadership and employee engagement needs, and to find methods for improving work processes. This…

Method of development of the program of forming of parametrical drawings of details in the AutoCAD software product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alshakova, E. L.

2017-01-01

The program in the AutoLISP language allows automatically to form parametrical drawings during the work in the AutoCAD software product. Students study development of programs on AutoLISP language with the use of the methodical complex containing methodical instructions in which real examples of creation of images and drawings are realized. Methodical instructions contain reference information necessary for the performance of the offered tasks. The method of step-by-step development of the program is the basis for training in programming on AutoLISP language: the program draws elements of the drawing of a detail by means of definitely created function which values of arguments register in that sequence in which AutoCAD gives out inquiries when performing the corresponding command in the editor. The process of the program design is reduced to the process of step-by-step formation of functions and sequence of their calls. The author considers the development of the AutoLISP program for the creation of parametrical drawings of details, the defined design, the user enters the dimensions of elements of details. These programs generate variants of tasks of the graphic works performed in educational process of "Engineering graphics", "Engineering and computer graphics" disciplines. Individual tasks allow to develop at students skills of independent work in reading and creation of drawings, as well as 3D modeling.

Human ergology that promotes participatory approach to improving safety, health and working conditions at grassroots workplaces: achievements and actions.

PubMed

Kawakami, Tsuyoshi

2011-12-01

Participatory approaches are increasingly applied to improve safety, health and working conditions of grassroots workplaces in Asia. The core concepts and methods in human ergology research such as promoting real work life studies, relying on positive efforts of local people (daily life-technology), promoting active participation of local people to identify practical solutions, and learning from local human networks to reach grassroots workplaces, have provided useful viewpoints to devise such participatory training programmes. This study was aimed to study and analyze how human ergology approaches were applied in the actual development and application of three typical participatory training programmes: WISH (Work Improvement for Safe Home) with home workers in Cambodia, WISCON (Work Improvement in Small Construction Sites) with construction workers in Thailand, and WARM (Work Adjustment for Recycling and Managing Waste) with waste collectors in Fiji. The results revealed that all the three programmes, in the course of their developments, commonly applied direct observation methods of the work of target workers before devising the training programmes, learned from existing local good examples and efforts, and emphasized local human networks for cooperation. These methods and approaches were repeatedly applied in grassroots workplaces by taking advantage of their the sustainability and impacts. It was concluded that human ergology approaches largely contributed to the developments and expansion of participatory training programmes and could continue to support the self-help initiatives of local people for promoting human-centred work.

A Study of Imputation Algorithms. Working Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hu, Ming-xiu; Salvucci, Sameena

Many imputation techniques and imputation software packages have been developed over the years to deal with missing data. Different methods may work well under different circumstances, and it is advisable to conduct a sensitivity analysis when choosing an imputation method for a particular survey. This study reviewed about 30 imputation methods…

Parenting Matters: What Works in Parenting Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lloyd, Eva, Ed.

Because the expansion of parenting education is likely to continue, it is important to ensure that methods involved in parenting education are effective. This report summarizes research on the effectiveness of parenting education and provides information to help practitioners develop methods of working with parents that are based on sound research…

Self Improving Methods for Materials and Process Design

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-08-31

using inductive coupling techniques. The first phase of the work focuses on developing an artificial neural network learning for function approximation...developing an artificial neural network learning algorithm for time-series prediction. The third phase of the work focuses on model selection. We have

On a biologically inspired topology optimization method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Marcelo H.

2010-03-01

This work concerns the development of a biologically inspired methodology for the study of topology optimization in engineering and natural systems. The methodology is based on L systems and its turtle interpretation for the genotype-phenotype modeling of the topology development. The topology is analyzed using the finite element method, and optimized using an evolutionary algorithm with the genetic encoding of the L system and its turtle interpretation, as well as, body shape and physical characteristics. The test cases considered in this work clearly show the suitability of the proposed method for the study of engineering and natural complex systems.

Job and Work Evaluation: A Literature Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heneman, Robert L.

2003-01-01

Describes advantages and disadvantages of work evaluation methods: ranking, market pricing, banding, classification, single-factor, competency, point-factor, and factor comparison. Compares work evaluation perspectives: traditional, realist, market advocate, strategist, organizational development, social reality, contingency theory, competency,…

Human-Automation Integration: Principle and Method for Design and Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billman, Dorrit; Feary, Michael

2012-01-01

Future space missions will increasingly depend on integration of complex engineered systems with their human operators. It is important to ensure that the systems that are designed and developed do a good job of supporting the needs of the work domain. Our research investigates methods for needs analysis. We included analysis of work products (plans for regulation of the space station) as well as work processes (tasks using current software), in a case study of Attitude Determination and Control Officers (ADCO) planning work. This allows comparing how well different designs match the structure of the work to be supported. Redesigned planning software that better matches the structure of work was developed and experimentally assessed. The new prototype enabled substantially faster and more accurate performance in plan revision tasks. This success suggests the approach to needs assessment and use in design and evaluation is promising, and merits investigatation in future research.

A new framing approach in guideline development to manage different sources of knowledge.

PubMed

Lukersmith, Sue; Hopman, Katherine; Vine, Kristina; Krahe, Lee; McColl, Alexander

2017-02-01

Contemporary guideline methodology struggles to consider context and information from different sources of knowledge besides quantitative research. Return to work programmes involve multiple components and stakeholders. If the guideline is to be relevant and practical for a complex intervention such as return to work, it is essential to use broad sources of knowledge. This paper reports on a new method in guideline development to manage different sources of knowledge. The method used framing for the return-to-work guidance within the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Rotator Cuff Syndrome in the Workplace. The development involved was a multi-disciplinary working party of experts including consumers. The researchers considered a broad range of research, expert (practice and experience) knowledge, the individual's and workplace contexts, and used framing with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Following a systematic database search on four clinical questions, there were seven stages of knowledge management to extract, unpack, map and pack information to the ICF domains framework. Companion graded recommendations were developed. The results include practical examples, user and consumer guides, flow charts and six graded or consensus recommendations on best practice for return to work intervention. Our findings suggest using framing in guideline methodology with internationally accepted frames such as the ICF is a reliable and transparent framework to manage different sources of knowledge. Future research might examine other examples and methods for managing complexity and using different sources of knowledge in guideline development. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Framework for Mixing Methods in Quantitative Measurement Development, Validation, and Revision: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luyt, Russell

2012-01-01

A framework for quantitative measurement development, validation, and revision that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods is introduced. It extends and adapts Adcock and Collier's work, and thus, facilitates understanding of quantitative measurement development, validation, and revision as an integrated and cyclical set of…

A fast collocation method for a variable-coefficient nonlocal diffusion model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Che; Wang, Hong

2017-02-01

We develop a fast collocation scheme for a variable-coefficient nonlocal diffusion model, for which a numerical discretization would yield a dense stiffness matrix. The development of the fast method is achieved by carefully handling the variable coefficients appearing inside the singular integral operator and exploiting the structure of the dense stiffness matrix. The resulting fast method reduces the computational work from O (N3) required by a commonly used direct solver to O (Nlog ⁡ N) per iteration and the memory requirement from O (N2) to O (N). Furthermore, the fast method reduces the computational work of assembling the stiffness matrix from O (N2) to O (N). Numerical results are presented to show the utility of the fast method.

Innovative Forms Supporting Safe Methods of Work in Safety Engineering for the Development of Intelligent Specializations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gembalska-Kwiecień, Anna

2016-12-01

The article discusses innovative forms of participation of employees in the work safety system. It also presents the advantages of these forms of employees' involvement. The aim of empirical studies was the analysis of their behavior and attitude towards health and safety at work. The issues considered in the article have a significant impact on the improvement of methods of prevention related to work safety and aided the creation of a healthy society.

Simplified training for hazardous materials management in developing countries

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

Braithwaite, J.

1994-12-31

There are thousands of dangerous situations happening daily in developing countries around the world involving untrained workers and hazardous materials. There are very few if any agencies in developing countries that are charged with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions. In addition to the problem of regulation and enforcement, there are potential training problems due to the level of literacy and degree of scientific background of these workers. Many of these workers are refugees from poorly developed countries who are willing to work no matter what the conditions. Training methods (standards) accepted as state of the art in the Unitedmore » States and other developed countries may not work well under the conditions found in developing countries. Because these methods may not be appropriate, new and novel ways to train workers quickly, precisely and economically in hazardous materials management should be developed. One approach is to develop training programs that use easily recognizable graphics with minimal verbal instruction, programs similar to the type used to teach universal international driving regulations and safety. The program as outlined in this paper could be tailored to any sized plant and any hazardous material handling or exposure situation. The situation in many developing countries is critical, development of simplified training methods for workers exposed to hazardous materials hold valuable market potential and are an opportunity for many underdeveloped countries to develop indigenous expertise in hazardous materials management.« less

Scalable collaborative risk management technology for complex critical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Scott; Torgerson, Leigh; Burleigh, Scott; Feather, Martin S.; Kiper, James D.

2004-01-01

We describe here our project and plans to develop methods, software tools, and infrastructure tools to address challenges relating to geographically distributed software development. Specifically, this work is creating an infrastructure that supports applications working over distributed geographical and organizational domains and is using this infrastructure to develop a tool that supports project development using risk management and analysis techniques where the participants are not collocated.

Making Social Work Count: A Curriculum Innovation to Teach Quantitative Research Methods and Statistical Analysis to Undergraduate Social Work Students in the United Kingdom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teater, Barbra; Roy, Jessica; Carpenter, John; Forrester, Donald; Devaney, John; Scourfield, Jonathan

2017-01-01

Students in the United Kingdom (UK) are found to lack knowledge and skills in quantitative research methods. To address this gap, a quantitative research method and statistical analysis curriculum comprising 10 individual lessons was developed, piloted, and evaluated at two universities The evaluation found that BSW students' (N = 81)…

Creating a professional development platform to transform social work clinical practice in health care.

PubMed

Xenakis, Nancy

2018-07-01

Since U.S. Congress' 2010 passing of the Affordable Care Act and the creation of numerous care coordination programs, Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Social Work Services has experienced exponential growth. The Department is deeply committed to recruiting and developing the most talented social workers to best meet the needs of patients and family caregivers and to serve as integral, valued members of interdisciplinary care teams. Traditional learning methods are insufficient for a staff of hundreds, given the changes in health care and the complexity of the work. This necessitates the use of new training and education methods to maintain the quality of professional development. This article provides an overview of the Department's strategy and creation of a professional development learning platform to transform clinical social work practice. It reviews various education models that utilize an e-learning management system and case studies using standardized patients. These models demonstrate innovative learning approaches for both new and experienced social workers in health care. The platform's successes and challenges and recommendations for future development and sustainability are outlined.

Developing Literacy for the Workplace.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keeley, Meg

This paper presents a case and some ideas for integrating basic skills development with occupational training. Explaining why traditional instructional methods do not work in the workplace, the paper summarizes learning theories that support work force literacy programs. It explains how to identify the skills needed in the workplace, provides…

Improving Patient Experience and Primary Care Quality for Patients With Complex Chronic Disease Using the Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Tool: Adopting Qualitative Methods Into a User-Centered Design Approach

PubMed Central

Khan, Anum Irfan; Kuluski, Kerry; McKillop, Ian; Sharpe, Sarah; Bierman, Arlene S; Lyons, Renee F; Cott, Cheryl

2016-01-01

Background Many mHealth technologies do not meet the needs of patients with complex chronic disease and disabilities (CCDDs) who are among the highest users of health systems worldwide. Furthermore, many of the development methodologies used in the creation of mHealth and eHealth technologies lack the ability to embrace users with CCDD in the specification process. This paper describes how we adopted and modified development techniques to create the electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO) tool, a patient-centered mHealth solution to help improve primary health care for patients experiencing CCDD. Objective This paper describes the design and development approach, specifically the process of incorporating qualitative research methods into user-centered design approaches to create the ePRO tool. Key lessons learned are offered as a guide for other eHealth and mHealth research and technology developers working with complex patient populations and their primary health care providers. Methods Guided by user-centered design principles, interpretive descriptive qualitative research methods were adopted to capture user experiences through interviews and working groups. Consistent with interpretive descriptive methods, an iterative analysis technique was used to generate findings, which were then organized in relation to the tool design and function to help systematically inform modifications to the tool. User feedback captured and analyzed through this method was used to challenge the design and inform the iterative development of the tool. Results Interviews with primary health care providers (n=7) and content experts (n=6), and four focus groups with patients and carers (n=14) along with a PICK analysis—Possible, Implementable, (to be) Challenged, (to be) Killed—guided development of the first prototype. The initial prototype was presented in three design working groups with patients/carers (n=5), providers (n=6), and experts (n=5). Working group findings were broken down into categories of what works and what does not work to inform modifications to the prototype. This latter phase led to a major shift in the purpose and design of the prototype, validating the importance of using iterative codesign processes. Conclusions Interpretive descriptive methods allow for an understanding of user experiences of patients with CCDD, their carers, and primary care providers. Qualitative methods help to capture and interpret user needs, and identify contextual barriers and enablers to tool adoption, informing a redesign to better suit the needs of this diverse user group. This study illustrates the value of adopting interpretive descriptive methods into user-centered mHealth tool design and can also serve to inform the design of other eHealth technologies. Our approach is particularly useful in requirements determination when developing for a complex user group and their health care providers. PMID:26892952

Estimation of Environment-Related Properties of Chemicals for Design of Sustainable Processes: Development of Group-Contribution+ (GC+) Property Models and Uncertainty Analysis

EPA Science Inventory

The aim of this work is to develop group-contribution+ (GC+) method (combined group-contribution (GC) method and atom connectivity index (CI) method) based property models to provide reliable estimations of environment-related properties of organic chemicals together with uncert...

Tutorial examples for uncertainty quantification methods.

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

De Bord, Sarah

2015-08-01

This report details the work accomplished during my 2015 SULI summer internship at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, CA. During this internship, I worked on multiple tasks with the common goal of making uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods more accessible to the general scientific community. As part of my work, I created a comprehensive numerical integration example to incorporate into the user manual of a UQ software package. Further, I developed examples involving heat transfer through a window to incorporate into tutorial lectures that serve as an introduction to UQ methods.

Development of an integrated BEM approach for hot fluid structure interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dargush, Gary F.; Banerjee, Prasanta K.; Honkala, Keith A.

1988-01-01

In the present work, the boundary element method (BEM) is chosen as the basic analysis tool, principally because the definition of temperature, flux, displacement and traction are very precise on a boundary-based discretization scheme. One fundamental difficulty is, of course, that a BEM formulation requires a considerable amount of analytical work, which is not needed in the other numerical methods. Progress made toward the development of a boundary element formulation for the study of hot fluid-structure interaction in Earth-to-Orbit engine hot section components is reported. The primary thrust of the program to date has been directed quite naturally toward the examination of fluid flow, since boundary element methods for fluids are at a much less developed state.

ANALYZING SHORT CUT METHODS FOR LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT INVENTORIES

EPA Science Inventory

Work in progress at the U.S. EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory is developing methods for quickly, easily, and inexpensively developing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) inventories. An LCA inventory represents the inputs and outputs from processes, including fuel and ...

Numerical Methods for Forward and Inverse Problems in Discontinuous Media

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

Chartier, Timothy P.

The research emphasis under this grant's funding is in the area of algebraic multigrid methods. The research has two main branches: 1) exploring interdisciplinary applications in which algebraic multigrid can make an impact and 2) extending the scope of algebraic multigrid methods with algorithmic improvements that are based in strong analysis.The work in interdisciplinary applications falls primarily in the field of biomedical imaging. Work under this grant demonstrated the effectiveness and robustness of multigrid for solving linear systems that result from highly heterogeneous finite element method models of the human head. The results in this work also give promise tomore » medical advances possible with software that may be developed. Research to extend the scope of algebraic multigrid has been focused in several areas. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, the PI developed an adaptive multigrid with subcycling via complementary grids. This method has very cheap computing costs per iterate and is showing promise as a preconditioner for conjugate gradient. Recent work with Los Alamos National Laboratory concentrates on developing algorithms that take advantage of the recent advances in adaptive multigrid research. The results of the various efforts in this research could ultimately have direct use and impact to researchers for a wide variety of applications, including, astrophysics, neuroscience, contaminant transport in porous media, bi-domain heart modeling, modeling of tumor growth, and flow in heterogeneous porous media. This work has already led to basic advances in computational mathematics and numerical linear algebra and will continue to do so into the future.« less

Solar Technology Validation Project - USS Data, LLC: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-09-367-04

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

Wilcox, S.

2013-08-01

Under this Agreement, NREL will work with Participant to improve concentrating solar power system performance characterizations. This work includes, but is not limited to, research and development of methods for acquiring renewable resource characterization information using site-specific measurements of solar radiation and meteorological conditions; collecting system performance data; and developing tools for improving the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar energy conversion systems. This work will be conducted at NREL and Participant facilities.

Solar Technology Validation Project - RES Americas: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-09-367-11

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

Wilcox, S.

Under this Agreement, NREL will work with Participant to improve concentrating solar power system performance characterizations. This work includes, but is not limited to, research and development of methods for acquiring renewable resource characterization information using site-specific measurements of solar radiation and meteorological conditions; collecting system performance data; and developing tools for improving the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar energy conversion systems. This work will be conducted at NREL and Participant facilities.

Radiometric Calibration of the Earth Observing System's Imaging Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slater, Philip N. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

The work on the grant was mainly directed towards developing new, accurate, redundant methods for the in-flight, absolute radiometric calibration of satellite multispectral imaging systems and refining the accuracy of methods already in use. Initially the work was in preparation for the calibration of MODIS and HIRIS (before the development of that sensor was canceled), with the realization it would be applicable to most imaging multi- or hyper-spectral sensors provided their spatial or spectral resolutions were not too coarse. The work on the grant involved three different ground-based, in-flight calibration methods reflectance-based radiance-based and diffuse-to-global irradiance ratio used with the reflectance-based method. This continuing research had the dual advantage of: (1) developing several independent methods to create the redundancy that is essential for the identification and hopefully the elimination of systematic errors; and (2) refining the measurement techniques and algorithms that can be used not only for improving calibration accuracy but also for the reverse process of retrieving ground reflectances from calibrated remote-sensing data. The grant also provided the support necessary for us to embark on other projects such as the ratioing radiometer approach to on-board calibration (this has been further developed by SBRS as the 'solar diffuser stability monitor' and is incorporated into the most important on-board calibration system for MODIS)- another example of the work, which was a spin-off from the grant funding, was a study of solar diffuser materials. Journal citations, titles and abstracts of publications authored by faculty, staff, and students are also attached.

Aspects of Working Memory in L2 Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juffs, Alan; Harrington, Michael

2011-01-01

This article reviews research on working memory (WM) and its use in second language (L2) acquisition research. Recent developments in the model and issues surrounding the operationalization of the construct itself are presented, followed by a discussion of various methods of measuring WM. These methods include word and digit span tasks, reading,…

[Work quota setting and man-hour productivity estimation in pathologists].

PubMed

Svistunov, V V; Makarov, S V; Makarova, A E

The paper considers the development and current state of the regulation of work quota setting and remuneration in pathologists. Reasoning from the current staff standards for morbid anatomy departments (units), the authors present a method to calculate the load of pathologists. The essence of the proposed method is demonstrated using a specific example.

Culturally Adaptive Walking Intervention for Korean-Chinese Female Migrant Workers.

PubMed

Cho, Sunghye; Lee, Hyeonkyeong; Kim, Jung Hee; Lee, Meenhye; Lee, Young-Me

2017-05-01

Although the literature has commonly cited that development of culturally adaptive interventions is key to improving the health outcomes of culturally and linguistically diverse populations, there have been limited culturally adaptive walking interventions specific to Korean-Chinese (KC) migrants. The objective of this study is to describe the process in development of culturally adaptive walking interventions for KC female migrant workers, using the intervention mapping (IM) method. The culturally adaptive walking intervention was developed using the IM method, which is a stepwise theory and evidence-based approach for planning interventions. The IM method process has six steps, including needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, selection of theory-based methods and practical strategies, development of an intervention program, development of an adoption and implementation plan, and development of an evaluation design. The determinants of walking behavior, including knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, and acculturation, were identified through an extensive literature review, community leader interviews, and a survey of female KC migrant workers. Appropriate intervention methods and strategies were identified based on relevant theories. Acculturation was a determinant of exercise behavior, and various methods to improve cultural adaptation were identified in the context of the lifestyles and working environments of the target population. The IM method provided a foundation for creating a health intervention for KC female migrant workers. This method could easily be useful for health care providers working with other groups.

English in the Work Place for School Custodians. Manual and Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cruz, Jane; And Others

This manual is intended to assist in the development of programs in vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) for limited-English-speaking individuals working as school custodians. The manual describes steps in program development, offers methods for needs assessment, specifies instructional objectives, discusses techniques for lesson…

Developing an Index of Deprivation Which Integrates Objective and Subjective Dimensions: Extending the Work of Townsend, Mack and Lansley, and Hallerod

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eroglu, Sebnem

2007-01-01

This article presents a new approach to index development, extending the methods used by Townsend, Mack and Lansley and Hallerod to measure deprivation in the developed world. The index combines three "objective" dimensions of deprivation (i.e. monetary, consumption and work-related), and weighs them according to subjective perceptions…

Developing an Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Assess Work-Integrated Learning in Exercise Physiology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Naumann, Fiona; Moore, Keri; Mildon, Sally; Jones, Philip

2014-01-01

This paper aims to develop a valid method to assess the key competencies of the exercise physiology profession acquired through work-integrated learning (WIL). In order to develop a competency-based assessment, the key professional tasks needed to be identified and the test designed so students' competency in different tasks and settings could be…

Cases on Successful E-Learning Practices in the Developed and Developing World: Methods for the Global Information Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olaniran, Bolanle A., Ed.

2010-01-01

E-learning has become a significant aspect of training and education in the worldwide information economy as an attempt to create and facilitate a competent global work force. "Cases on Successful E-Learning Practices in the Developed and Developing World: Methods for the Global Information Economy" provides eclectic accounts of case…

An Evaluation Method of Equipment Reliability Configuration Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Feng, Weijia; Zhang, Wei; Li, Yuan

2018-01-01

At present, many equipment development companies have been aware of the great significance of reliability of the equipment development. But, due to the lack of effective management evaluation method, it is very difficult for the equipment development company to manage its own reliability work. Evaluation method of equipment reliability configuration management is to determine the reliability management capabilities of equipment development company. Reliability is not only designed, but also managed to achieve. This paper evaluates the reliability management capabilities by reliability configuration capability maturity model(RCM-CMM) evaluation method.

Ammonia Analysis by Gas Chromatograph/Infrared Detector (GC/IRD)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Joseph P.; Whitfield, Steve W.

2003-01-01

Methods are being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center's Toxicity Lab on a CG/IRD System that will be used to detect ammonia in low part per million (ppm) levels. These methods will allow analysis of gas samples by syringe injections. The GC is equipped with a unique cryogenic-cooled inlet system that will enable our lab to make large injections of a gas sample. Although the initial focus of the work will be analysis of ammonia, this instrument could identify other compounds on a molecular level. If proper methods can be developed, the IRD could work as a powerful addition to our offgassing capabilities.

Rehabilitation centers in change: participatory methods for managing redesign and renovation.

PubMed

Lahtinen, Marjaana; Nenonen, Suvi; Rasila, Heidi; Lehtelä, Jouni; Ruohomäki, Virpi; Reijula, Kari

2014-01-01

The aim of this article is to describe a set of participatory methods that we have either developed or modified for developing future work and service environments to better suit renewable rehabilitation processes. We discuss the methods in a larger framework of change process model and participatory design. Rehabilitation organizations are currently in transition; customer groups, financing, services, and the processes of rehabilitation centers are changing. The pressure for change challenges the centers to develop both their processes and facilities. There is a need for methods that support change management. Four participatory methods were developed: future workshop, change survey, multi-method assessment tool, and participatory design generator cards. They were tested and evaluated in three rehabilitation centers at the different phases of their change process. The developed methods were considered useful in creating a mutual understanding of the change goals between different stakeholders, providing a good picture of the work community's attitudes toward the change, forming an integrated overview of the built and perceived environment, inspiring new solutions, and supporting the management in steering the change process. The change process model described in this article serves as a practical framework that combined the viewpoints of organizational and facility development. However, participatory design continues to face challenges concerning communication between different stakeholders, and further development of the methods and processes is still needed. Intervention studies could provide data on the success factors that enhance the transformations in the rehabilitation sector. Design process, methodology, organizational transformation, planning, renovation.

Opening the black box of ethics policy work: evaluating a covert practice.

PubMed

Frolic, Andrea; Drolet, Katherine; Bryanton, Kim; Caron, Carole; Cupido, Cynthia; Flaherty, Barb; Fung, Sylvia; McCall, Lori

2012-01-01

Hospital ethics committees (HECs) and ethicists generally describe themselves as engaged in four domains of practice: case consultation, research, education, and policy work. Despite the increasing attention to quality indicators, practice standards, and evaluation methods for the other domains, comparatively little is known or published about the policy work of HECs or ethicists. This article attempts to open the "black box" of this health care ethics practice by providing two detailed case examples of ethics policy reviews. We also describe the development and application of an evaluation strategy to assess the quality of ethics policy review work, and to enable continuous improvement of ethics policy review processes. Given the potential for policy work to impact entire patient populations and organizational systems, it is imperative that HECs and ethicists develop clearer roles, responsibilities, procedural standards, and evaluation methods to ensure the delivery of consistent, relevant, and high-quality ethics policy reviews.

Applying Structural Systems Thinking to Frame Perspectives on Social Work Innovation

PubMed Central

Stringfellow, Erin J.

2017-01-01

Objective Innovation will be key to the success of the Grand Challenges Initiative in social work. A structural systems framework based in system dynamics could be useful for considering how to advance innovation. Method Diagrams using system dynamics conventions were developed to link common themes across concept papers written by social work faculty members and graduate students (N = 19). Results Transdisciplinary teams and ethical partnerships with communities and practitioners will be needed to responsibly develop high-quality innovative solutions. A useful next step would be to clarify to what extent factors that could “make or break” these partnerships arise from within versus outside of the field of social work and how this has changed over time. Conclusions Advancing innovation in social work will mean making decisions in a complex, ever-changing system. Principles and tools from methods that account for complexity, such as system dynamics, can help improve this decision-making process. PMID:28298877

Factors influencing the work passion of Chinese community health service workers: an investigation in five provinces

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background After the implementation of new healthcare reform, Chinese government paid increasing attention to developing community health service (CHS). The current focus is mainly on cultivating community general practitioners but paying less attention to the working status and occupational demands of in-service CHS workers. Work passion is playing an important role for medical workers. With work passion, CHS workers’ team will become more stable and more effective, ensuring the sustainable development of CHS system. At present, the work passion of CHS workers is relatively low. Studying on influencing factors of work passion of CHS workers, promoting their work passion, and making them keep enthusiasm for work are significant. Methods A total of 100 CHS organizations were sampled randomly in 10 cities from 5 Chinese provinces for this study. A total of 3450 CHS workers from these CHS institutions took part in the surveys. Questionnaires were used to collect data, including socio-demographic information, work passion and opinion on influencing causes, and work-related satisfaction. Pearson chi-square statistical method was used to identify the factors related to CHS workers’ work passion. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the significant factors that influence CHS workers’ work passion. Results A total of 38.77% of those who accomplished the questionnaire expressed that they didn’t have passion for current work. The related factors that influence CHS workers’ work passion are (1) socio-demographic factors such as age, and years of employment, and (2) other work-related factors such as learning and training opportunities, compensation packages, work stress, and personal development opportunities. CHS workers were most dissatisfied with the balance between remuneration and workload, job promotion opportunities. Conclusions Based on the results, the government should concern for CHS workers’ working status and work-related demands, pay more attention and meet their demands for reasonable compensation packages and self-development, balance the income and workload, provide more learning and training opportunities and personal development opportunities for CHS workers, in order to promote CHS workers’ work satisfaction, improve their work passion and enthusiasm. PMID:24885642

Corporate working in health visiting: a concept analysis.

PubMed

Houston, A M; Clifton, J

2001-05-01

The aim of this paper is to examine individualized health visiting care and compare it to corporate working within a consensual management style. Corporate working has been discussed and used in many different ways since the idea first came to light at the end of the 1980s. Resource management makes it an appealing model, however, analysing how corporate working functions in the practice setting reveals the complexity of this method of service provision. This paper is based on a method of practice developed by health visitors in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, who implemented the process. The article examines individualized health visiting care and compares it to corporate working within a consensual management style. Important in this analysis are the elements of reflexivity, active listening, reflection and the application of 'praxis' within the corporate caseload approach. Rogers' evolutionary concept model was used to illuminate and explain the different ways of delivering the health visiting service. There are benefits in working corporately: shared workload, increased professional support and improved accountability. Alongside the integrated supervision of this model is the opportunity offered to practitioners to innovate. This offsets any initial difficulty experienced in setting up this method and makes it a worthwhile change of style in health visiting practice. Improved service delivery, enhanced professional growth and increased opportunity for public health work can be demonstrated as outcomes of this model. For professionals this method may prevent 'burn-out', enhance practice and increase innovation in health visiting practice. Using this method as a blueprint, practitioners can develop their own style of corporate working that offers a service that is equitable, proactive, efficient and accessible to clients.

Applying Evolutionary Prototyping In Developing LMIS: A Spatial Web-Based System For Land Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agustiono, W.

2018-01-01

Software development project is a difficult task. Especially for software designed to comply with regulations that are constantly being introduced or changed, it is almost impossible to make just one change during the development process. Even if it is possible, nonetheless, the developers may take bulk of works to fix the design to meet specified needs. This iterative work also means that it takes additional time and potentially leads to failing to meet the original schedule and budget. In such inevitable changes, it is essential for developers to carefully consider and use an appropriate method which will help them carry out software project development. This research aims to examine the implementation of a software development method called evolutionary prototyping for developing software for complying regulation. It investigates the development of Land Management Information System (pseudonym), initiated by the Australian government, for use by farmers to meet regulatory demand requested by Soil and Land Conservation Act. By doing so, it sought to provide understanding the efficacy of evolutionary prototyping in helping developers address frequent changing requirements and iterative works but still within schedule. The findings also offer useful practical insights for other developers who seek to build similar regulatory compliance software.

Quantitative studies of bird movement: a methodological review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nichols, J.D.; Kaiser, A.

1999-01-01

The past several years have seen development of a number of statistical models and methods for drawing inferences about bird movement using data from marked individuals. It can be difficult to keep up with this rapid development of new methods, so our purpose here is to categorize and review methods for drawing inferences about avian movement. We also outline recommendations about future work dealing both with methods development and actual studies directed at hypotheses about bird movement of interest from conservation, management, or ecological perspectives.

Large project experiences with object-oriented methods and reuse

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wessale, William; Reifer, Donald J.; Weller, David

1992-01-01

The SSVTF (Space Station Verification and Training Facility) project is completing the Preliminary Design Review of a large software development using object-oriented methods and systematic reuse. An incremental developmental lifecycle was tailored to provide early feedback and guidance on methods and products, with repeated attention to reuse. Object oriented methods were formally taught and supported by realistic examples. Reuse was readily accepted and planned by the developers. Schedule and budget issues were handled by agreements and work sharing arranged by the developers.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Sampling ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured compounds used in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, textiles, and electronics, and are used in some food packaging and firefighting materials. For example, they may be used to make products more resistant to stains, grease and water. In the environment, some PFAS break down very slowly, if at all, allowing bioaccumulation (concentration) to occur in humans and wildlife. Some have been found to be toxic to laboratory animals, producing reproductive, developmental, and systemic effects in laboratory tests. EPA's methods for analyzing PFAS in environmental media are in various stages of development. This technical brief summarizes the work being done to develop robust analytical methods for groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and solids, including soils, sediments, and biosolids. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methods for analyzing PFAS in environmental media are in various stages of development. EPA is working to develop robust analytical methods for groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and solids, including soils, sediments, and biosolids.

Grape colour phenotyping: development of a method based on the reflectance spectrum.

PubMed

Rustioni, Laura; Basilico, Roberto; Fiori, Simone; Leoni, Alessandra; Maghradze, David; Failla, Osvaldo

2013-01-01

The colour of fruit is an important quality factor for cultivar classification and phenotyping techniques. Besides the subjective visual evaluation, new instruments and techniques can be used. This work aims at developping an objective, fast, easy and non-destructive method as a useful support for evaluating grapes' colour under different cultural and environmental conditions, as well as for breeding process and germplasm evaluation, supporting the plant characterization and the biodiversity preservation. Colours of 120 grape varieties were studied using reflectance spectra. The classification was realized using cluster and discriminant analysis. Reflectance of the whole berries surface was also compared with absorption properties of single skin extracts. A phenotyping method based on the reflectance spectra was developed, producing reliable colour classifications. A cultivar-independent index for pigment content evaluation has also been obtained. This work allowed the classification of the berry colour using an objective method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Validation of Numerical Two-Fluid and Kinetic Plasma Models

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

Daniel Barnes

This was a four year grant commencing October 1, 2003 and finishing September 30, 2007. The funding was primarily used to support the work of the Principal Investigator, who collaborated with Profs. Scott Parker and John Cary at U. Colorado, and with two students, N. Xiang and J. Cheng also of U. Colorado. The technical accomplishments of this grant can be found in the publications listed in the final Section here. The main accomplishments of the grant work were: (1) Development and implementation of time-implicit two-fluid simulation methods in collaboration with the NIMROD team; and (2) Development and testing ofmore » a new time-implicit delta-f, energy-conserving method The basic two-fluid method, with many improvements is used in present NIMROD calculations. The energy-conserving delta-f method is under continuing development under contract between Coronado Consulting, a New Mexico sole proprietorship and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.« less

Dependence of the Teacher's Overall Work Capacity on the Professional Expertise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barmin, Nikolay; Petrov, Yuri; Petrov, Aleksey; Bulaeva, Marina

2016-01-01

The topicality of the research is conditioned by the social and pedagogic, scientific and theoretical, and scientific and methodical aspects. With regard to this, the paper is aimed at revealing the dependence of the teacher's overall work capacity on the development of his/her professional expertise. The leading methods in studying this problem…

Developing a Theory of Digitally-Enabled Trial-Based Problem Solving through Simulation Methods: The Case of Direct-Response Marketing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Joseph Warren

2012-01-01

In turbulent business environments, change is rapid, continuous, and unpredictable. Turbulence undermines those adaptive problem solving methods that generate solutions by extrapolating from what worked (or did not work) in the past. To cope with this challenge, organizations utilize trial-based problem solving (TBPS) approaches in which they…

A comprehensive approach to environmental and human factors into product/service design and development. A review from an ergoecological perspective.

PubMed

Saravia-Pinilla, Martha H; Daza-Beltrán, Carolina; García-Acosta, Gabriel

2016-11-01

This article presents the results of a documentary-exploratory review of design methods and concepts associated with human and environmental factors, based on a qualitative-quantitative analysis of coincidences with the fundamentals of ergoecology and in line with sustainable dynamics, with a view to putting the principles of ergoecology into practice in product/service design and development. 61.6% of 696 documents found represent work on conceptual developments, while the remaining 38.4% refer to design methods. Searches were refined using Nvivo-10 software, and 101 documents were obtained about theoretical aspects while 17 focused on the application of methods, and these formed the analysis universe. The results show how little concern there is for working comprehensively on human and environmental aspects, and a trend toward segmentation of human and environmental aspects in the field of product/service design and development can be seen, at both concept and application/methodology levels. It was concluded from the above that comprehensive, simultaneous work is needed on human and environmental aspects, clarity and conceptual unity, in order to achieve sustainability in practical matters and ensure that ergoecology-compatible design methods are applied. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WETLAND ASSESSMENT–THE QUESTIONS NOT BEING ASKED

EPA Science Inventory

Most work on wetland assessment has focused on the development of methods. The effective use of a method involves more than having a method. In a 2004 review of rapid assessment methods, Fennessey et al. recommended key areas for consideration when adopting existing methods or ...

A Novel Approach for Collaborative Pair Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goel, Sanjay; Kathuria, Vanshi

2010-01-01

The majority of an engineer's time in the software industry is spent working with other programmers. Agile methods of software development like eXtreme Programming strongly rely upon practices like daily meetings and pair programming. Hence, the need to learn the skill of working collaboratively is of primary importance for software developers.…

Working with Visual Impairment in Nigeria: A Qualitative Look at Employment Status

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolffe, Karen E.; Ajuwon, Paul M.; Kelly, Stacy M.

2013-01-01

Introduction: This study presents the perceptions of employed individuals with visual impairments living in one of the world's most populous developing nations, Nigeria. Methods: The researchers developed a questionnaire that assessed personal and professional experiences among a sample of 172 adults with visual impairments living and working in…

A Learning Network as a Development Method--An Example of Small Enterprises and a University Working Together.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tell, Joakim; Halila, Fawzi

2001-01-01

Small businesses implementing ISO 14001 standards worked with a university to develop a learning network. The network served as a source of inspiration and reflection as well as a sounding board. It enabled small enterprises to act collectively, compensating for individual lack of resources. (SK)

A Quantitative Analysis of the Work Experiences of Adults with Visual Impairments in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolffe, Karen E.; Ajuwon, Paul M.; Kelly, Stacy M.

2013-01-01

Introduction: Worldwide, people with visual impairments often struggle to gain employment. This study attempts to closely evaluate the work experiences of employed individuals with visual impairments living in one of the world's most populous developing nations, Nigeria. Methods: The researchers developed a questionnaire that assessed personal and…

Qualitative Research in Career Development: Exploring the Center and Margins of Discourse About Careers and Working

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blustein, David L.; Kenna, Alexandra C.; Murphy, Kerri A.; DeVoy, Julia E.; DeWine, David B.

2005-01-01

This article explores the contributions of qualitative research to the study of career development and the psychology of working. Epistemological perspectives (logical positivism, postpositivism, and social constructionism) are discussed as they relate to historical context, career theories, and the various methods used within qualitative…

Safety training for working youth: Methods used versus methods wanted.

PubMed

Zierold, Kristina M

2016-04-07

Safety training is promoted as a tool to prevent workplace injury; however, little is known about the safety training experiences young workers get on-the-job. Furthermore, nothing is known about what methods they think would be the most helpful for learning about safe work practices. To compare safety training methods teens get on the job to those safety training methods teens think would be the best for learning workplace safety, focusing on age differences. A cross-sectional survey was administered to students in two large high schools in spring 2011. Seventy percent of working youth received safety training. The top training methods that youth reported getting at work were safety videos (42%), safety lectures (25%), and safety posters/signs (22%). In comparison to the safety training methods used, the top methods youth wanted included videos (54%), hands-on (47%), and on-the-job demonstrations (34%). This study demonstrated that there were differences in training methods that youth wanted by age; with older youth seemingly wanting more independent methods of training and younger teens wanting more involvement. Results indicate that youth want methods of safety training that are different from what they are getting on the job. The differences in methods wanted by age may aid in developing training programs appropriate for the developmental level of working youth.

Systematic process synthesis and design methods for cost effective waste minimization

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

Biegler, L.T.; Grossman, I.E.; Westerberg, A.W.

We present progress on our work to develop synthesis methods to aid in the design of cost effective approaches to waste minimization. Work continues to combine the approaches of Douglas and coworkers and of Grossmann and coworkers on a hierarchical approach where bounding information allows it to fit within a mixed integer programming approach. We continue work on the synthesis of reactors and of flexible separation processes. In the first instance, we strive for methods we can use to reduce the production of potential pollutants, while in the second we look for ways to recover and recycle solvents.

Developing Carbon Nanotube Standards at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikolaev, Pasha; Arepalli, Sivaram; Sosa, Edward; Gorelik, Olga; Yowell, Leonard

2007-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are currently being produced and processed by several methods. Many researchers are continuously modifying existing methods and developing new methods to incorporate carbon nanotubes into other materials and utilize the phenomenal properties of SWCNTs. These applications require availability of SWCNTs with known properties and there is a need to characterize these materials in a consistent manner. In order to monitor such progress, it is critical to establish a means by which to define the quality of SWCNT material and develop characterization standards to evaluate of nanotube quality across the board. Such characterization standards should be applicable to as-produced materials as well as processed SWCNT materials. In order to address this issue, NASA Johnson Space Center has developed a protocol for purity and dispersion characterization of SWCNTs (Ref.1). The NASA JSC group is currently working with NIST, ANSI and ISO to establish purity and dispersion standards for SWCNT material. A practice guide for nanotube characterization is being developed in cooperation with NIST (Ref.2). Furthermore, work is in progress to incorporate additional characterization methods for electrical, mechanical, thermal, optical and other properties of SWCNTs.

Developing Carbon Nanotube Standards at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikolaev, Pasha; Arepalli, Sivaram; Sosa, Edward; Gorelik, Olga; Yowell, Leonard

2007-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are currently being produced and processed by several methods. Many researchers are continuously modifying existing methods and developing new methods to incorporate carbon nanotubes into other materials and utilize the phenomenal properties of SWCNTs. These applications require availability of SWCNTs with known properties and there is a need to characterize these materials in a consistent manner. In order to monitor such progress, it is critical to establish a means by which to define the quality of SWCNT material and develop characterization standards to evaluate of nanotube quality across the board. Such characterization standards should be applicable to as-produced materials as well as processed SWCNT materials. In order to address this issue, NASA Johnson Space Center has developed a protocol for purity and dispersion characterization of SWCNTs. The NASA JSC group is currently working with NIST, ANSI and ISO to establish purity and dispersion standards for SWCNT material. A practice guide for nanotube characterization is being developed in cooperation with NIST. Furthermore, work is in progress to incorporate additional characterization methods for electrical, mechanical, thermal, optical and other properties of SWCNTs.

48 CFR 35.006 - Contracting methods and contract type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... indicated a high degree of probability that development is feasible and (2) the Government has determined... SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING 35.006 Contracting methods and..., performance objectives, and specifications for the work can be defined will largely determine the type of...

Governance for public health and health equity: The Tröndelag model for public health work.

PubMed

Lillefjell, Monica; Magnus, Eva; Knudtsen, Margunn SkJei; Wist, Guri; Horghagen, Sissel; Espnes, Geir Arild; Maass, Ruca; Anthun, Kirsti Sarheim

2018-06-01

Multi-sectoral governance of population health is linked to the realization that health is the property of many societal systems. This study aims to contribute knowledge and methods that can strengthen the capacities of municipalities regarding how to work more systematically, knowledge-based and multi-sectoral in promoting health and health equity in the population. Process evaluation was conducted, applying a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Processes strengthening systematic and multi-sectoral development, implementation and evaluation of research-based measures to promote health, quality of life, and health equity in, for and with municipalities were revealed. A step-by-step model, that emphasizes the promotion of knowledge-based, systematic, multi-sectoral public health work, as well as joint ownership of local resources, initiatives and policies has been developed. Implementation of systematic, knowledge-based and multi-sectoral governance of public health measures in municipalities demand shared understanding of the challenges, updated overview of the population health and impact factors, anchoring in plans, new skills and methods for selection and implementation of measures, as well as development of trust, ownership, shared ethics and goals among those involved.

Lessons from comparative effectiveness research methods development projects funded under the Recovery Act.

PubMed

Zurovac, Jelena; Esposito, Dominick

2014-11-01

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) directed nearly US$29.2 million to comparative effectiveness research (CER) methods development. To help inform future CER methods investments, we describe the ARRA CER methods projects, identify barriers to this research and discuss the alignment of topics with published methods development priorities. We used several existing resources and held discussions with ARRA CER methods investigators. Although funded projects explored many identified priority topics, investigators noted that much work remains. For example, given the considerable investments in CER data infrastructure, the methods development field can benefit from additional efforts to educate researchers about the availability of new data sources and about how best to apply methods to match their research questions and data.

Final Work Plan: Targeted Investigation at York, Nebraska

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

LaFreniere, Lorraine M.

The targeted investigation at York will be implemented in phases, so that data collected and interpretations developed at each stage of the program can be evaluated to guide subsequent phases most effectively. Section 2 of this Work Plan presents a brief overview of the York site, its geologic and hydrologic setting, and the previous CCC/USDA investigations. Section 3, outlines the proposed technical program for the targeted investigation, and Section 4 describes the investigative methods to be employed. A community relations plan is in Section 5, and Section 6 includes health and safety information. In addition to this site-specific Work Plan,more » the Master Work Plan (Argonne 2002) developed by Argonne for CCC/USDA investigations in Nebraska should be consulted for complete details of the methods and procedures to be used at York.« less

PCM-SABRE: a platform for benchmarking and comparing outcome prediction methods in precision cancer medicine.

PubMed

Eyal-Altman, Noah; Last, Mark; Rubin, Eitan

2017-01-17

Numerous publications attempt to predict cancer survival outcome from gene expression data using machine-learning methods. A direct comparison of these works is challenging for the following reasons: (1) inconsistent measures used to evaluate the performance of different models, and (2) incomplete specification of critical stages in the process of knowledge discovery. There is a need for a platform that would allow researchers to replicate previous works and to test the impact of changes in the knowledge discovery process on the accuracy of the induced models. We developed the PCM-SABRE platform, which supports the entire knowledge discovery process for cancer outcome analysis. PCM-SABRE was developed using KNIME. By using PCM-SABRE to reproduce the results of previously published works on breast cancer survival, we define a baseline for evaluating future attempts to predict cancer outcome with machine learning. We used PCM-SABRE to replicate previous work that describe predictive models of breast cancer recurrence, and tested the performance of all possible combinations of feature selection methods and data mining algorithms that was used in either of the works. We reconstructed the work of Chou et al. observing similar trends - superior performance of Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and logistic regression (LR) algorithms and inconclusive impact of feature pre-selection with the decision tree algorithm on subsequent analysis. PCM-SABRE is a software tool that provides an intuitive environment for rapid development of predictive models in cancer precision medicine.

Developing a Cognitive and Communications Tool for Burn Intensive Care Unit Clinicians.

PubMed

Nemeth, Christopher; Anders, Shilo; Strouse, Robert; Grome, Anna; Crandall, Beth; Pamplin, Jeremy; Salinas, Jose; Mann-Salinas, Elizabeth

2016-05-01

Burn Intensive Care Unit (BICU) work is necessarily complex and depends on clinician actions, resources, and variable patient responses to interventions. Clinicians use large volumes of data that are condensed in time, but separated across resources, to care for patients. Correctly designed health information technology (IT) systems may help clinicians to treat these patients more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. We report on a 3-year project to design and develop an ecologically valid IT system for use in a military BICU. We use a mixed methods Cognitive Systems Engineering approach for research and development. Observations, interviews, artifact analysis, survey, and thematic analysis methods were used to reveal underlying factors that mold the work environment and affect clinician decisions that may affect patient outcomes. Participatory design and prototyping methods have been used to develop solutions. We developed 39 requirements for the IT system and used them to create three use cases to help developers better understand how the system might support clinician work to develop interface prototypes. We also incorporated data mining functions that offer the potential to aid clinicians by recognizing patterns recognition of clinically significant events, such as incipient sepsis. The gaps between information sources and accurate, reliable, and efficient clinical decision that we have identified will enable us to create scenarios to evaluate prototype systems with BICU clinicians, to develop increasingly improved designs, and to measure outcomes. The link from data to analyses, requirements, prototypes, and their evaluation ensures that the solution will reflect and support work in the BICU as it actually occurs, improving staff efficiency and patient care quality. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Terascale Optimal PDE Simulations (TOPS) Center

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

Professor Olof B. Widlund

2007-07-09

Our work has focused on the development and analysis of domain decomposition algorithms for a variety of problems arising in continuum mechanics modeling. In particular, we have extended and analyzed FETI-DP and BDDC algorithms; these iterative solvers were first introduced and studied by Charbel Farhat and his collaborators, see [11, 45, 12], and by Clark Dohrmann of SANDIA, Albuquerque, see [43, 2, 1], respectively. These two closely related families of methods are of particular interest since they are used more extensively than other iterative substructuring methods to solve very large and difficult problems. Thus, the FETI algorithms are part ofmore » the SALINAS system developed by the SANDIA National Laboratories for very large scale computations, and as already noted, BDDC was first developed by a SANDIA scientist, Dr. Clark Dohrmann. The FETI algorithms are also making inroads in commercial engineering software systems. We also note that the analysis of these algorithms poses very real mathematical challenges. The success in developing this theory has, in several instances, led to significant improvements in the performance of these algorithms. A very desirable feature of these iterative substructuring and other domain decomposition algorithms is that they respect the memory hierarchy of modern parallel and distributed computing systems, which is essential for approaching peak floating point performance. The development of improved methods, together with more powerful computer systems, is making it possible to carry out simulations in three dimensions, with quite high resolution, relatively easily. This work is supported by high quality software systems, such as Argonne's PETSc library, which facilitates code development as well as the access to a variety of parallel and distributed computer systems. The success in finding scalable and robust domain decomposition algorithms for very large number of processors and very large finite element problems is, e.g., illustrated in [24, 25, 26]. This work is based on [29, 31]. Our work over these five and half years has, in our opinion, helped advance the knowledge of domain decomposition methods significantly. We see these methods as providing valuable alternatives to other iterative methods, in particular, those based on multi-grid. In our opinion, our accomplishments also match the goals of the TOPS project quite closely.« less

Comparison of work and time estimates by chiropractic physicians with those of medical and osteopathic providers.

PubMed

Hess, J A; Mootz, R D

1999-06-01

Resource-based relative value scales (RBRVS) have become a standard method for identifying costs and determining reimbursement for physician services. Development of RBRVS systems and methods are reviewed, and the RBRVS concept of physician "work" is defined. Results of work and time inputs from chiropractic physicians are compared with those reported by osteopathic and medical specialties. Last, implications for reimbursement of chiropractic fee services are discussed. Total work, intraservice work, and time inputs for clinical vignettes reported by chiropractic, osteopathic, and medical physicians are compared. Data for chiropractic work and time reports were drawn from a national random sample of chiropractors conducted as part of a 1997 workers' compensation chiropractic fee schedule development project. Medical and osteopathic inputs were drawn from RBRVS research conducted at Harvard University under a federal contract reported in 1990. Both data sets used the same or similar clinical vignettes and similar methods. Comparisons of work and time inputs are made for clinical vignettes to assess whether work reported by chiropractors is of similar magnitude and variability as work reported by other specialties. Chiropractic inputs for vignettes related to evaluation and management services are similar to those reported by medical specialists and osteopathic physicians. The range of variation between chiropractic work input and other specialties is of similar magnitude to that within other specialties. Chiropractors report greater work input for radiologic interpretation and lower work input for manipulation services. Chiropractors seem to perform similar total "work" for evaluation and management services as other specialties. No basis exists for excluding chiropractors from using evaluation and management codes for reimbursement purposes on grounds of dissimilar physician time or work estimates. Greater work input by chiropractors in radiology interpretation may be related to a greater importance placed on findings in care planning. Consistently higher reports for osteopathic work input on manipulation are likely attributable to differences in reference vignettes used in the respective populations. Research with a common reference vignette used for manipulation providers is recommended, as is development of a single generic approach to coding for manipulation services.

Development of the mathematical model for design and verification of acoustic modal analysis methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siner, Alexander; Startseva, Maria

2016-10-01

To reduce the turbofan noise it is necessary to develop methods for the analysis of the sound field generated by the blade machinery called modal analysis. Because modal analysis methods are very difficult and their testing on the full scale measurements are very expensive and tedious it is necessary to construct some mathematical models allowing to test modal analysis algorithms fast and cheap. At this work the model allowing to set single modes at the channel and to analyze generated sound field is presented. Modal analysis of the sound generated by the ring array of point sound sources is made. Comparison of experimental and numerical modal analysis results is presented at this work.

Hybrid Particle-Element Simulation of Impact on Composite Orbital Debris Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fahrenthold, Eric P.

2004-01-01

This report describes the development of new numerical methods and new constitutive models for the simulation of hypervelocity impact effects on spacecraft. The research has included parallel implementation of the numerical methods and material models developed under the project. Validation work has included both one dimensional simulations, for comparison with exact solutions, and three dimensional simulations of published hypervelocity impact experiments. The validated formulations have been applied to simulate impact effects in a velocity and kinetic energy regime outside the capabilities of current experimental methods. The research results presented here allow for the expanded use of numerical simulation, as a complement to experimental work, in future design of spacecraft for hypervelocity impact effects.

The Combined Effect of Mere Exposure, Counterattitudinal Advocacy, and Art Criticism Methodology on Upper Elementary and Junior High Students' Affect Toward Art Works.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollingsworth, Patricia

1983-01-01

Results indicated that, for elementary students, art criticism was more effective than a combination of methodologies for developing positive affect toward art works. For junior high students, the combination methodology was more effective than art criticism, the exposure method, or the counterattitudinal advocacy method. (Author/SR)

Automated detection of bacteria in urine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleig, A. J.; Picciolo, G. L.; Chappelle, E. W.; Kelbaugh, B. N.

1972-01-01

A method for detecting the presence of bacteria in urine was developed which utilizes the bioluminescent reaction of adenosine triphosphate with luciferin and luciferase derived from the tails of fireflies. The method was derived from work on extraterrestrial life detection. A device was developed which completely automates the assay process.

Experimental Method Development for Estimating Solid-phase Diffusion Coefficients and Material/Air Partition Coefficients of SVOCs

EPA Science Inventory

The solid-phase diffusion coefficient (Dm) and material-air partition coefficient (Kma) are key parameters for characterizing the sources and transport of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment. In this work, a new experimental method was developed to es...

Raising Teachers' Voices: An In-Depth Qualitative Inquiry into Teachers' Working Conditions and Professional Development Needs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a Province of Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ali, Takbir

2018-01-01

This study documented in detail teachers' voices about their working conditions, professional development needs and opportunities to cater to these needs. The study reported in this paper was conducted as part of a large-scale study that used mixed methods to assess teachers' professional development needs. The qualitative data reported in this…

The polarization-optical measuring method of linearity of radiant-power characteristic of the laser emission photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, M. S.; Khramov, V. N.; Chebanenko, R. A.

2016-04-01

The method of measurement of the power (lux-ampere) characteristic of photodetectors for work with the continuous laser sources of light which radiation has the linear polarization is developed and realized. The way offered in this work is approved on the basis of the FD-24K widespread photo diode. The received results quite correspond to passport data of this kind of photodetectors. Methods of statistical processing of results are applied.

Nurses' Lived Experience of Working with Nursing Students in Clinical Wards: a Phenomenological Study

PubMed Central

Parvan, Kobra; Shahbazi, Shahla; Ebrahimi, Hossein; Valizadeh, Susan; Rahmani, Azad; Jabbarzadeh Tabrizi, Faranak; Esmaili, Fariba

2018-01-01

Introduction: Despite being aware of the importance of nurses’ role in providing clinical training to nursing students, studies show that sufficient research has not yet been conducted on the experience of clinical nurses who are engaged in training nursing students outside their normal working hours. The present study aim to describe the experience of these nurses who are training outside their routine working hours. Methods: This study was conducted using descriptive-phenomenology method. Twelve nurses was participated in this research. Data were collected using purposive sampling method and face to face interviews based on nurses’ real life experience of students’ learning in clinical settings through answering open-ended questions. Spiegel burg analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: The result of data analysis was the derivation of four themes and eight sub-themes. Themes included "nurses as teaching sources", "changes in the balance of doing routine tasks", "professional enthusiasm", and "nurses as students' professional socialization source of inspiration". Sub-themes included "efficient education", "poor education", "support", "interference in the role," "self-efficacy development", "inner satisfaction", "positive imaging" and "being a model". Conclusion: It is necessary that academic centers plan for teaching nurses working on a contractual basis in the field of the evaluation method and various methods of teaching. The findings also suggested the development of individual self-efficacy in clinical nurses who train students. PMID:29637056

Work productivity loss from depression: evidence from an employer survey.

PubMed

Rost, Kathryn M; Meng, Hongdao; Xu, Stanley

2014-12-18

National working groups identify the need for return on investment research conducted from the purchaser perspective; however, the field has not developed standardized methods for measuring the basic components of return on investment, including costing out the value of work productivity loss due to illness. Recent literature is divided on whether the most commonly used method underestimates or overestimates this loss. The goal of this manuscript is to characterize between and within variation in the cost of work productivity loss from illness estimated by the most commonly used method and its two refinements. One senior health benefit specialist from each of 325 companies employing 100+ workers completed a cross-sectional survey describing their company size, industry and policies/practices regarding work loss which allowed the research team to derive the variables needed to estimate work productivity loss from illness using three methods. Compensation estimates were derived by multiplying lost work hours from presenteeism and absenteeism by wage/fringe. Disruption correction adjusted this estimate to account for co-worker disruption, while friction correction accounted for labor substitution. The analysis compared bootstrapped means and medians between and within these three methods. The average company realized an annual $617 (SD = $75) per capita loss from depression by compensation methods and a $649 (SD = $78) loss by disruption correction, compared to a $316 (SD = $58) loss by friction correction (p < .0001). Agreement across estimates was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90, 0.93). Although the methods identify similar companies with high costs from lost productivity, friction correction reduces the size of compensation estimates of productivity loss by one half. In analyzing the potential consequences of method selection for the dissemination of interventions to employers, intervention developers are encouraged to include friction methods in their estimate of the economic value of interventions designed to improve absenteeism and presenteeism. Business leaders in industries where labor substitution is common are encouraged to seek friction corrected estimates of return on investment. Health policy analysts are encouraged to target the dissemination of productivity enhancing interventions to employers with high losses rather than all employers. NCT01013220.

Developing Appropriate Workforce Skills for Australia's Emerging Digital Economy: Working Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gekara, Victor; Molla, Alemayehu; Snell, Darryn; Karanasios, Stan; Thomas, Amanda

2017-01-01

This working paper is the first publication coming out of a project investigating the role of vocational education and training (VET) in developing digital skills in the Australian workforce, using two sectors as case studies--Transport and Logistics, and Public Safety and Correctional Services. The study employs a mixed method approach, combining…

7 CFR Exhibit J to Subpart A of... - Manufactured Home Sites, Rental Projects and Subdivisions: Development, Installation and Set-Up

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., Specifications, Contract Documents and Other Documentation Part D—Inspection of Development Work Part A..., installation, device, arrangement, or method of work is at least equivalent to that prescribed in this exhibit..., within allowable stress and settlement limitations, all applicable loads. Any foundation and anchorage...

7 CFR Exhibit J to Subpart A of... - Manufactured Home Sites, Rental Projects and Subdivisions: Development, Installation and Set-Up

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., Specifications, Contract Documents and Other Documentation Part D—Inspection of Development Work Part A..., installation, device, arrangement, or method of work is at least equivalent to that prescribed in this exhibit..., within allowable stress and settlement limitations, all applicable loads. Any foundation and anchorage...

7 CFR Exhibit J to Subpart A of... - Manufactured Home Sites, Rental Projects and Subdivisions: Development, Installation and Set-Up

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., Specifications, Contract Documents and Other Documentation Part D—Inspection of Development Work Part A..., installation, device, arrangement, or method of work is at least equivalent to that prescribed in this exhibit..., within allowable stress and settlement limitations, all applicable loads. Any foundation and anchorage...

Development of a method for personal, spatiotemporal exposure assessment.

PubMed

Adams, Colby; Riggs, Philip; Volckens, John

2009-07-01

This work describes the development and evaluation of a high resolution, space and time-referenced sampling method for personal exposure assessment to airborne particulate matter (PM). This method integrates continuous measures of personal PM levels with the corresponding location-activity (i.e. work/school, home, transit) of the subject. Monitoring equipment include a small, portable global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a miniature aerosol nephelometer, and an ambient temperature monitor to estimate the location, time, and magnitude of personal exposure to particulate matter air pollution. Precision and accuracy of each component, as well as the integrated method performance were tested in a combination of laboratory and field tests. Spatial data was apportioned into pre-determined location-activity categories (i.e. work/school, home, transit) with a simple, temporospatially-based algorithm. The apportioning algorithm was extremely effective with an overall accuracy of 99.6%. This method allows examination of an individual's estimated exposure through space and time, which may provide new insights into exposure-activity relationships not possible with traditional exposure assessment techniques (i.e., time-integrated, filter-based measurements). Furthermore, the method is applicable to any contaminant or stressor that can be measured on an individual with a direct-reading sensor.

Progress in Development of Methods in Bone Densitometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whedon, G. D.; Neumann, William F.; Jenkins, Dale W.

1966-01-01

The effects of weightlessness and decreased activity on the astronaut's musculoskeletal system during prolonged space flight, missions are of concern to NASA. This problem was anticipated from the knowledge that human subjects lose significant quantities of calcium from the skeleton during periods of bedrest, immobilization, and water immersion. An accurate method of measurement of the changes in mineral content of the skeleton is required not only in the space program but also in the biological, medical, and dental fields for mineral metabolism studies and for studying various pathological conditions of the skeleton and teeth. This method is a difficult one requiring the coordinated efforts of physiologists, biophysicists, radiologists, and clinicians. The densitometry methods reported in this conference which have been used or are being developed include X-ray, beta excited X-rays, radioisotopes, sonic vibration, and neutron activation analysis Studies in the Gemini, Biosatellite, and Apollo flights use the X-ray bone densitometry method which requires making X-rays before and after the flights. An in-flight method of bone densitometry would be valuable, and use of radioisotope sources has been suggested. Many advances in bone densitometry have been made in the last five years, and the urgency of the requirement makes this working conference timely and valuable. In such a rapidly developing field with investigators working independently in a variety of scientific disciplines, a working conference is of great value in exchanging information and ideas, critically evaluating approaches and methods, and pointing out new research pathways.

Improvements and new concepts for traffic control in work zones. Volume 4, Speed control in work zones

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-09-01

Tile objective of the research was to determine or develop effective methods of s1owing traffic to an acceptable speed in work zones. Factors considered in the study included cost, motorist and worker safety, institutional constraints, and probabilit...

Strategies for Research Development in Hospital Social Work: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNeill, Ted; Nicholas, David Bruce

2012-01-01

Objectives: This article identifies salient components in the advancement of social work research leadership within health care. Method: Using tenets of a modified retrospective case study approach, processes and outcomes of social work research progression at a pediatric hospital are reviewed. Results: Capacity-building processes were…

A Review of Attachment and Its Relationship to the Working Alliance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kietaibl, Carin M.

2012-01-01

Attachment theorists propose that attachment styles affect the development of relationships inside and outside of therapy. By integrating attachment theory into their work with clients, therapists may strengthen the working alliance and lower the risk of clients prematurely ending therapy. Attachment theory is reviewed, and methods of integrating…

Examining Student Work in the Preparation of Preservice Elementary School Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Busi, Rich; Jacobbe, Tim

2014-01-01

This study investigated preservice teachers' perceptions of their knowledge and development resulting from analyzing student work in an undergraduate mathematics education course. Participants were given opportunities to view and analyze student work examples that portrayed errors in thinking as well as alternative solution methods. Thirty-eight…

Investigating the Effectiveness of Group Work in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sofroniou, Anastasia; Poutos, Konstantinos

2016-01-01

Group work permits students to develop a range of critical thinking, analytical and communication skills; effective team work; appreciation and respect for other views, techniques and problem-solving methods, all of which promote active learning and enhance student learning. This paper presents an evaluation of employing the didactic and…

Development of a Geospatial Data-Sharing Method for Unmanned Vehicles Based on the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-01

the Office of the Secretary of Defense chartered the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Ground Systems ( JAUGS ) Working Group to address these concerns...The JAUGS Working Group was tasked with developing an initial standard for interoperable unmanned ground systems. In 2002, the charter of the... JAUGS Working Group was 1 2 modified such that their efforts would extend to all unmanned systems, not only ground systems. The standard was

Construction schedules slack time minimizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzemiński, Michał

2017-07-01

The article presents two copyright models for minimizing downtime working brigades. Models have been developed for construction schedules performed using the method of work uniform. Application of flow shop models is possible and useful for the implementation of large objects, which can be divided into plots. The article also presents a condition describing gives which model should be used, as well as a brief example of optimization schedule. The optimization results confirm the legitimacy of the work on the newly-developed models.

Methods of the working processes modelling of an internal combustion engine by an ANSYS IC Engine module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurchatkin, I. V.; Gorshkalev, A. A.; Blagin, E. V.

2017-01-01

This article deals with developed methods of the working processes modelling in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine (ICE). Methods includes description of the preparation of a combustion chamber 3-d model, setting of the finite-element mesh, boundary condition setting and solution customization. Aircraft radial engine M-14 was selected for modelling. The cycle of cold blowdown in the ANSYS IC Engine software was carried out. The obtained data were compared to results of known calculation methods. A method of engine’s induction port improvement was suggested.

Development of gas chromatographic methods for the analyses of organic carbonate-based electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terborg, Lydia; Weber, Sascha; Passerini, Stefano; Winter, Martin; Karst, Uwe; Nowak, Sascha

2014-01-01

In this work, novel methods based on gas chromatography (GC) for the investigation of common organic carbonate-based electrolyte systems are presented, which are used in lithium ion batteries. The methods were developed for flame ionization detection (FID), mass spectrometric detection (MS). Further, headspace (HS) sampling for the investigation of solid samples like electrodes is reported. Limits of detection are reported for FID. Finally, the developed methods were applied to the electrolyte system of commercially available lithium ion batteries as well as on in-house assembled cells.

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

Campbell, J.A.; Clauss, S.A.; Grant, K.E.

The objectives of this task are to develop and document extraction and analysis methods for organics in waste tanks, and to extend these methods to the analysis of actual core samples to support the Waste Tank organic Safety Program. This report documents progress at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (a) during FY 1994 on methods development, the analysis of waste from Tank 241-C-103 (Tank C-103) and T-111, and the transfer of documented, developed analytical methods to personnel in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) and 222-S laboratory. This report is intended as an annual report, not a completed work.

A national collaboration process: Finnish engineering education for the benefit of people and environment.

PubMed

Takala, A; Korhonen-Yrjänheikki, K

2013-12-01

The key stakeholders of the Finnish engineering education collaborated during 2006-09 to reform the system of education, to face the challenges of the changing business environment and to create a national strategy for the Finnish engineering education. The work process was carried out using participatory work methods. Impacts of sustainable development (SD) on engineering education were analysed in one of the subprojects. In addition to participatory workshops, the core part of the work on SD consisted of a research with more than 60 interviews and an extensive literature survey. This paper discusses the results of the research and the work process of the Collaboration Group in the subproject of SD. It is suggested that enhancing systematic dialogue among key stakeholders using participatory work methods is crucial in increasing motivation and commitment in incorporating SD in engineering education. Development of the context of learning is essential for improving skills of engineering graduates in some of the key abilities related to SD: systemic- and life-cycle thinking, ethical understanding, collaborative learning and critical reflection skills. This requires changing of the educational paradigm from teacher-centred to learner-centred applying problem- and project-oriented active learning methods.

[An Introduction to Methods for Evaluating Health Care Technology].

PubMed

Lee, Ting-Ting

2015-06-01

The rapid and continual advance of healthcare technology makes ensuring that this technology is used effectively to achieve its original goals a critical issue. This paper presents three methods that may be applied by healthcare professionals in the evaluation of healthcare technology. These methods include: the perception/experiences of users, user work-pattern changes, and chart review or data mining. The first method includes two categories: using interviews to explore the user experience and using theory-based questionnaire surveys. The second method applies work sampling to observe the work pattern changes of users. The last method conducts chart reviews or data mining to analyze the designated variables. In conclusion, while evaluative feedback may be used to improve the design and development of healthcare technology applications, the informatics competency and informatics literacy of users may be further explored in future research.

Effects of training to implement new working methods to reduce knee strain in floor layers. A two-year follow-up.

PubMed

Jensen, L K; Friche, C

2008-01-01

Follow-up study after two years to measure the effects of an implementation strategy consisting of information, education and training in the use of new tools and working-methods for the purpose of reducing knee strain and knee complaints in floor layers. Training of floor layers (n = 292) in using new working methods was evaluated by questionnaires during the courses. Two years later, this follow-up included questionnaires for the course participants (n = 216) and a control group of floor layers (not trained on courses) (n = 454). Two years after training, 38% used the new working methods weekly or daily compared to 37% three months after the courses, and 10% before. Among controls, only 16% had used the new working methods weekly or daily. The risk of knee complaints >30 days (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 5.83) or locking of the knees (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.5) was more than double among floor layers who had used the new working-methods for less than one year compared to those who had used them more. The results were adjusted for age, body mass index, and stress. The reduction in more severe knee complaints was greatest if floor layers started to use the new working methods before they developed knee problems. Other musculoskeletal complaints did not increase. This indicates that, within a two-year perspective, the implementation strategy to introduce new working methods in the floor laying trade has been effective; the number of floor layers using the new working-methods has increased, and severe knee problems have reduced.

Using longitudinal mixed methods to study the development of professional behaviours during pharmacy work-based training.

PubMed

Jee, Samuel D; Schafheutle, Ellen I; Noyce, Peter R

2017-05-01

Recent longitudinal investigations of professional socialisation and development of professional behaviours during work-based training are lacking. Using longitudinal mixed methods, this study aimed to explore the development of professional behaviours during a year of intensive work-based (pre-registration) training in pharmacy. Twenty trainee pharmacists and their tutors completed semi-structured interview and professional behaviour questionnaires at four time points during 2011/2012: months 1, 4 and 9 during training and 4 months after registration; tutors participated in months 1 and 9. Interviews were analysed thematically using template analysis, and questionnaires were analysed using ANOVA and t-tests. Self-assessed (trainee) and tutor ratings of all elements of professional behaviours measured in questionnaires (appearance, interpersonal/social skills, responsibility, communication skills) increased significantly from the start of pre-registration training to post-registration. Some elements, for example, communication skills, showed more change over time compared with others, such as appearance, and continued to improve post-registration. Qualitative findings highlighted the changing roles of trainees and learning experiences that appeared to facilitate the development of professional behaviours. Trainees' colleagues, and particularly tutors, played an essential part in trainees' development through offering support and role modelling. Trainees noted that they would have benefited from more responsibilities during training to ease the transition into practising as a responsible pharmacist. Longitudinal mixed methods can unpack the way in which professional behaviours develop during work-based training and allow researchers to examine changes in the demonstration of professional behaviours and how they occur. Identifying areas less prone to change allows for more focus to be given to supporting trainees in areas where there is a development need, such as communication skills and holding increasing responsibility. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Guidelines for Design and Analysis of Large, Brittle Spacecraft Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, E. Y.

1993-01-01

There were two related parts to this work. The first, conducted at The Aerospace Corporation was to develop and define methods for integrating the statistical theory of brittle strength with conventional finite element stress analysis, and to carry out a limited laboratory test program to illustrate the methods. The second part, separately funded at Aerojet Electronic Systems Division, was to create the finite element postprocessing program for integrating the statistical strength analysis with the structural analysis. The second part was monitored by Capt. Jeff McCann of USAF/SMC, as Special Study No.11, which authorized Aerojet to support Aerospace on this work requested by NASA. This second part is documented in Appendix A. The activity at Aerojet was guided by the Aerospace methods developed in the first part of this work. This joint work of Aerospace and Aerojet stemmed from prior related work for the Defense Support Program (DSP) Program Office, to qualify the DSP sensor main mirror and corrector lens for flight as part of a shuttle payload. These large brittle components of the DSP sensor are provided by Aerojet. This document defines rational methods for addressing the structural integrity and safety of large, brittle, payload components, which have low and variable tensile strength and can suddenly break or shatter. The methods are applicable to the evaluation and validation of such components, which, because of size and configuration restrictions, cannot be validated by direct proof test.

Kinematic modeling of a 7-degree of freedom spatial hybrid manipulator for medical surgery.

PubMed

Singh, Amanpreet; Singla, Ekta; Soni, Sanjeev; Singla, Ashish

2018-01-01

The prime objective of this work is to deal with the kinematics of spatial hybrid manipulators. In this direction, in 1955, Denavit and Hartenberg proposed a consistent and concise method, known as D-H parameters method, to deal with kinematics of open serial chains. From literature review, it is found that D-H parameter method is widely used to model manipulators consisting of lower pairs. However, the method leads to ambiguities when applied to closed-loop, tree-like and hybrid manipulators. Furthermore, in the dearth of any direct method to model closed-loop, tree-like and hybrid manipulators, revisions of this method have been proposed from time-to-time by different researchers. One such kind of revision using the concept of dummy frames has successfully been proposed and implemented by the authors on spatial hybrid manipulators. In that work, authors have addressed the orientational inconsistency of the D-H parameter method, restricted to body-attached frames only. In the current work, the condition of body-attached frames is relaxed and spatial frame attachment is considered to derive the kinematic model of a 7-degree of freedom spatial hybrid robotic arm, along with the development of closed-loop constraints. The validation of the new kinematic model has been performed with the help of a prototype of this 7-degree of freedom arm, which is being developed at Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation Chandigarh to aid the surgeon during a medical surgical task. Furthermore, the developed kinematic model is used to develop the first column of the Jacobian matrix, which helps in providing the estimate of the tip velocity of the 7-degree of freedom manipulator when the first joint velocity is known.

Evaluating an mHealth App for Health and Well-Being at Work: Mixed-Method Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Wiezer, Noortje; Janssen, Joris H; Vink, Peter; Kraaij, Wessel

2018-01-01

Background To improve workers’ health and well-being, workplace interventions have been developed, but utilization and reach are unsatisfactory, and effects are small. In recent years, new approaches such as mobile health (mHealth) apps are being developed, but the evidence base is poor. Research is needed to examine its potential and to assess when, where, and for whom mHealth is efficacious in the occupational setting. To develop interventions for workers that actually will be adopted, insight into user satisfaction and technology acceptance is necessary. For this purpose, various qualitative evaluation methods are available. Objective The objectives of this study were to gain insight into (1) the opinions and experiences of employees and experts on drivers and barriers using an mHealth app in the working context and (2) the added value of three different qualitative methods that are available to evaluate mHealth apps in a working context: interviews with employees, focus groups with employees, and a focus group with experts. Methods Employees of a high-tech company and experts were asked to use an mHealth app for at least 3 weeks before participating in a qualitative evaluation. Twenty-two employees participated in interviews, 15 employees participated in three focus groups, and 6 experts participated in one focus group. Two researchers independently coded, categorized, and analyzed all quotes yielded from these evaluation methods with a codebook using constructs from user satisfaction and technology acceptance theories. Results Interviewing employees yielded 785 quotes, focus groups with employees yielded 266 quotes, and the focus group with experts yielded 132 quotes. Overall, participants muted enthusiasm about the app. Combined results from the three evaluation methods showed drivers and barriers for technology, user characteristics, context, privacy, and autonomy. A comparison between the three qualitative methods showed that issues revealed by experts only slightly overlapped with those expressed by employees. In addition, it was seen that the type of evaluation yielded different results. Conclusions Findings from this study provide the following recommendations for organizations that are planning to provide mHealth apps to their workers and for developers of mHealth apps: (1) system performance influences adoption and adherence, (2) relevancy and benefits of the mHealth app should be clear to the user and should address users’ characteristics, (3) app should take into account the work context, and (4) employees should be alerted to their right to privacy and use of personal data. Furthermore, a qualitative evaluation of mHealth apps in a work setting might benefit from combining more than one method. Factors to consider when selecting a qualitative research method are the design, development stage, and implementation of the app; the working context in which it is being used; employees’ mental models; practicability; resources; and skills required of experts and users. PMID:29592846

[On necessity to modify biochemical methods for detecting organophosphorus componds in chemical weapons extinction objects (review of literature)].

PubMed

Prokofieva, D S; Shmurak, V I; Sadovnikov, S V; Gontcharov, N V

2015-01-01

The article covers problems of biochemical methods assessing organophosphorus toxic compounds in objects of chemical weapons extinction. The authors present results of works developing new, more specific and selective biochemical methods.

HSRP and HSRP Partner Analytical Methods and Protocols

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

HSRP has worked with various partners to develop and test analytical methods and protocols for use by laboratories charged with analyzing environmental and/or buildling material samples following contamination incident.

Design, application and testing of the Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) to measure clinicians' patterns of work and communication.

PubMed

Westbrook, Johanna I; Ampt, Amanda

2009-04-01

Evidence regarding how health information technologies influence clinicians' patterns of work and support efficient practices is limited. Traditional paper-based data collection methods are unable to capture clinical work complexity and communication patterns. The use of electronic data collection tools for such studies is emerging yet is rarely assessed for reliability or validity. Our aim was to design, apply and test an observational method which incorporated the use of an electronic data collection tool for work measurement studies which would allow efficient, accurate and reliable data collection, and capture greater degrees of work complexity than current approaches. We developed an observational method and software for personal digital assistants (PDAs) which captures multiple dimensions of clinicians' work tasks, namely what task, with whom, and with what; tasks conducted in parallel (multi-tasking); interruptions and task duration. During field-testing over 7 months across four hospital wards, fifty-two nurses were observed for 250 h. Inter-rater reliability was tested and validity was measured by (i) assessing whether observational data reflected known differences in clinical role work tasks and (ii) by comparing observational data with participants' estimates of their task time distribution. Observers took 15-20 h of training to master the method and data collection process. Only 1% of tasks observed did not match the classification developed and were classified as 'other'. Inter-rater reliability scores of observers were maintained at over 85%. The results discriminated between the work patterns of enrolled and registered nurses consistent with differences in their roles. Survey data (n=27) revealed consistent ratings of tasks by nurses, and their rankings of most to least time-consuming tasks were significantly correlated with those derived from the observational data. Over 40% of nurses' time was spent in direct care or professional communication, with 11.8% of time spent multi-tasking. Nurses were interrupted approximately every 49 min. One quarter of interruptions occurred while nurses were preparing or administering medications. This method efficiently produces reliable and valid data. The multi-dimensional nature of the data collected provides greater insights into patterns of clinicians' work and communication than has previously been possible using other methods.

Land Research

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA is working to develop methods and guidance to manage and clean up contaminated land, groundwater and nutrient pollution as well as develop innovative approaches to managing materials and waste including energy recovery.

Practical Work in the Sixth Form.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Douglas P.

1979-01-01

Divides the stated aims of practical work, listed in some of the A-level syllabuses of the GCE examining boards, into four groups and discusses each: didactic aims, the development of skills, the scientific method, and affective aims. (GA)

Application of the OCRA Method in the sugar cane harvest and its repercussion on the workers' health. Preliminary study.

PubMed

Ruddy, Facci; Eduardo, Marcatto; Edoardo, Santino

2012-01-01

In Brazil the sugar ethanol industry has had strong growth in the last 10 years, sometimes due to the growing sugar exportation, sometimes due to the alcohol production for automobile fuel and for exportation. Despite the growing mechanization of the raw material harvest (sugar cane), the manual work still persists. The development of this article was based in the application of the OCRA Method in the sugar cane harvesting process, to evaluate the risks to the upper limbs by repetitive movements and epidemiologically prove the ratio risk x harm to the heath of the workers, as well as the probability of developing improvements in the working conditions. The analysis process consists of studying the work organization, the risks to the health of the worker and the distribution of the recovery periods during the working day.

Improving Measures of Work-Related Physical Functioning

PubMed Central

McDonough, Christine M.; Ni, Pengsheng; Peterik, Kara; Marfeo, Elizabeth E.; Marino, Molly E.; Meterko, Mark; Rasch, Elizabeth K; Brandt, Diane E.; Jette, Alan M; Chan, Leighton

2016-01-01

Purpose To expand content of the physical function domain of the Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB), developed for the US Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability determination process. Methods Newly developed questions were administered to 3,532 recent SSA applicants for work disability benefits and 2,025 US adults. Factor analyses and item response theory (IRT) methods were used to calibrate and link the new items to existing WD-FAB, and computer-adaptive test simulations were conducted. Results Factor and IRT analyses supported integration of 44 new items into 3 existing WD-FAB scales and the addition of a new 11-item scale (Community Mobility). The final physical function domain consisting of: Basic Mobility (56 items), Upper Body Function (34 items), Fine Motor Function (45 items), and Community Mobility (11 items) demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. Conclusions The WD-FAB offers an important tool for enhancement of work disability determination. The FAB could provide relevant information about work-related functioning for initial assessment of claimants, identifying denied applicants who may benefit from interventions to improve work and health outcomes; enhancing periodic review of work disability beneficiaries; and assessing outcomes for policies, programs and services targeting people with work disability. PMID:28005243

Development of Environmental Knowledge, Team Working Skills and Desirable Behaviors on Environmental Conservation of Matthayomsuksa 6 Students Using Good Science Thinking Moves Method with Metacognition Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ladawan, Charinrat; Singseewo, Adisak; Suksringarm, Paitool

2015-01-01

The research aimed to investigate environmental knowledge, team working skills, and desirable behaviors of students learning through the good science thinking moves method with metacognition techniques. The sample group included Matthayomsuksa 6 students from Nadoon Prachasan School, Nadoon District, Maha Sarakham Province. The research tools were…

Enhancement in Evaluating Small Group Work in Courses with Large Number of Students. Machine Theory at Industrial Engineering Degrees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordi Nebot, Lluïsa; Pàmies-Vilà, Rosa; Català Calderon, Pau; Puig-Ortiz, Joan

2013-01-01

This article examines new tutoring evaluation methods to be adopted in the course, Machine Theory, in the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya). These new methods have been developed in order to facilitate teaching staff work and include students in the evaluation process.…

The Pedagogical Structure of Methods for Thinking about the Future: The Citizens Function in Planning. Working Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sandow, Stuart A.

The principal problem of this work is to discover, perhaps construct, a pedagogical process for thinking about the future that makes use of the methods of forecasting, but makes use of them to create new attitudes and understandings on the part of institutional planners. The underlying concern is to develop a way for planners to address the future…

Novel method for fabrication of monolithic multi-cavity molds and wafer optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wielandts, Marc; Wielandts, Remi

2015-10-01

One lens at a time on axis diamond turning or grinding of lens arrays with a large number of lenses is conventionally impractical because of the difficulties to shift and balance the substrate for each lens position. A novel method for automatic indexing was developed. This method uses an innovative mechatronics tooling (patent pending) that allows dynamic indexing at constant work spindle speed for maximum productivity and thermal stability of the work spindle while the balancing condition is maintained. In this paper we shall compare the machining capabilities of this method to free-form machining techniques, discuss about the main issues, present the concept and design of the working prototype and specific test bed, and present the results of the first cutting tests.

Multi-Input Multi-Output Flight Control System Design for the YF-16 Using Nonlinear QFT and Pilot Compensation

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

methods are implemented in MATRIXx with the programs SISOTF and MIMOTF respectively. Following the mathe - matical development, the application of these...intent is not to teach any of the methods , it has been written in a manner to significantly assist an individual attempting follow on work. I would...equivalent plant models. A detailed mathematical development of the method used to develop these equivalent LTI plant models is provided. After this inner

Quantitative studies of bird movement: A methodological review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nichols, J.D.; Kaiser, A.

1999-01-01

The past several years have seen the development of a number of statistical models and methods for drawing inferences about bird movement using data from marked individuals. It can be difficult to keep up with this rapid development of new methods, so our purpose here is to categorize and review methods for drawing inferences about avian movement. We also outline recommendations about future work, dealing both with methodological developments and with studies directed at hypotheses about bird movement of interest from conservation, management, or ecological perspectives.

Using Reciprocal Peer Review to Help Graduate Students Develop Scholarly Writing Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Betsy; Major, Claire Howell

2008-01-01

We developed an innovative instructional method to actively engage students in writing and critiquing scholarly work. We tested the effectiveness of this pedagogy using a mixed methods research design. Compared to control group peers, students in the experimental classes perceived gains in their own writing, research ability, and motivation to…

Site Selection in Experiments: An Assessment of Site Recruitment and Generalizability in Two Scale-Up Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tipton, Elizabeth; Fellers, Lauren; Caverly, Sarah; Vaden-Kiernan, Michael; Borman, Geoffrey; Sullivan, Kate; Ruiz de Castilla, Veronica

2016-01-01

Recently, statisticians have begun developing methods to improve the generalizability of results from large-scale experiments in education. This work has included the development of methods for improved site selection when random sampling is infeasible, including the use of stratification and targeted recruitment strategies. This article provides…

The 5S lean method as a tool of industrial management performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filip, F. C.; Marascu-Klein, V.

2015-11-01

Implementing the 5S (seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke) method is carried out through a significant study whose purpose to analyse and deployment the management performance in order to emphasize the problems and working mistakes, reducing waste (stationary and waiting times), flow transparency, storage areas by properly marking and labelling, establishing standards work (everyone knows exactly where are the necessary things), safety and ergonomic working places (the health of all employees). The study describes the impact of the 5S lean method implemented to storing, cleaning, developing and sustaining a production working place from an industrial company. In order to check and sustain the 5S process, it is needed to use an internal audit, called “5S audit”. Implementing the 5S methodology requires organization and safety of the working process, properly marking and labelling of the working place, and audits to establish the work in progress and to maintain the improved activities.

Development of a novel controllable, multidirectional, reusable metallic port with a wide working space.

PubMed

Hosaka, Seiji; Ohdaira, Takeshi; Umemoto, Satoshi; Hashizume, Makoto; Kawamoto, Shunji

2013-12-01

Endoscopic surgery is currently a standard procedure in many countries. Furthermore, conventional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is developing into a single-port procedure. However, in many developing countries, disposable medical products are expensive and adequate medical waste disposable facilities are absent. Advanced medical treatments such as laparoscopic or single-port surgeries are not readily available in many areas of developing countries, and there are often no other sterilization methods besides autoclaving. Moreover, existing reusable metallic ports are impractical and are thus not widely used. We developed a novel controllable, multidirectional single-port device that can be autoclaved, and with a wide working space, which was employed in five patients. In all patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was accomplished without complications. Our device facilitates single-port surgery in areas of the world with limited sterilization methods and offers a novel alternative to conventional tools for creating a smaller incision, decrease postoperative pain, and improve cosmesis. This novel device can also lower the cost of medical treatment and offers a promising tool for major surgeries requiring a wide working space.

Specification and Preliminary Validation of IAT (Integrated Analysis Techniques) Methods: Executive Summary.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

conceptual framwork , and preliminary validation of IAT concepts. Planned work for FY85, including more extensive validation, is also described. 20...Developments: Required Capabilities .... ......... 10 2-1 IAT Conceptual Framework - FY85 (FEO) ..... ........... 11 2-2 Recursive Nature of Decomposition...approach: 1) Identify needs & requirements for IAT. 2) Develop IAT conceptual framework. 3) Validate IAT methods. 4) Develop applications materials. To

Development of methods for predicting large crack growth in elastic-plastic work-hardening materials in fully plastic conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ford, Hugh; Turner, C. E.; Fenner, R. T.; Curr, R. M.; Ivankovic, A.

1995-01-01

The objects of the first, exploratory, stage of the project were listed as: (1) to make a detailed and critical review of the Boundary Element method as already published and with regard to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics, to assess its potential for handling present concepts in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases. To this was subsequently added the Finite Volume method and certain aspects of the Finite Element method for comparative purposes; (2) to assess the further steps needed to apply the methods so far developed to the general field, covering a practical range of geometries, work hardening materials, and composites: to consider their application under higher temperature conditions; (3) to re-assess the present stage of development of the energy dissipation rate, crack tip opening angle and J-integral models in relation to the possibilities of producing a unified technology with the previous two items; and (4) to report on the feasibility and promise of this combined approach and, if appropriate, make recommendations for the second stage aimed at developing a generalized crack growth technology for its application to real-life problems.

Revealing Risks in Adaptation Planning: expanding Uncertainty Treatment and dealing with Large Projection Ensembles during Planning Scenario development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brekke, L. D.; Clark, M. P.; Gutmann, E. D.; Wood, A.; Mizukami, N.; Mendoza, P. A.; Rasmussen, R.; Ikeda, K.; Pruitt, T.; Arnold, J. R.; Rajagopalan, B.

2015-12-01

Adaptation planning assessments often rely on single methods for climate projection downscaling and hydrologic analysis, do not reveal uncertainties from associated method choices, and thus likely produce overly confident decision-support information. Recent work by the authors has highlighted this issue by identifying strengths and weaknesses of widely applied methods for downscaling climate projections and assessing hydrologic impacts. This work has shown that many of the methodological choices made can alter the magnitude, and even the sign of the climate change signal. Such results motivate consideration of both sources of method uncertainty within an impacts assessment. Consequently, the authors have pursued development of improved downscaling techniques spanning a range of method classes (quasi-dynamical and circulation-based statistical methods) and developed approaches to better account for hydrologic analysis uncertainty (multi-model; regional parameter estimation under forcing uncertainty). This presentation summarizes progress in the development of these methods, as well as implications of pursuing these developments. First, having access to these methods creates an opportunity to better reveal impacts uncertainty through multi-method ensembles, expanding on present-practice ensembles which are often based only on emissions scenarios and GCM choices. Second, such expansion of uncertainty treatment combined with an ever-expanding wealth of global climate projection information creates a challenge of how to use such a large ensemble for local adaptation planning. To address this challenge, the authors are evaluating methods for ensemble selection (considering the principles of fidelity, diversity and sensitivity) that is compatible with present-practice approaches for abstracting change scenarios from any "ensemble of opportunity". Early examples from this development will also be presented.

Development of Working Memory and Performance in Arithmetic: A Longitudinal Study with Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

López, Magdalena

2014-01-01

Introduction: This study has aimed to investigate the relationship between the development of working memory and performance on arithmetic activities. Method: We conducted a 3-year longitudinal study of a sample of 90 children, that was followed during the first, second and third year of primary school. All children were tested on measures of WM…

Thinking Outside the Box While Playing the Game: A Creative School-Based Approach to Working with Children and Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Angel; Lasser, Jon

2013-01-01

The process of creating child-developed board games in a counseling setting may promote social, emotional, and behavioral development in children. Using this creative approach, counselors can actively work with children to address referred concerns and build skills that may generalize outside of counseling sessions. A description of the method is…

Developmental Associations between Working Memory and Language in Children with Specific Language Impairment: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vugs, Brigitte; Hendriks, Marc; Cuperus, Juliane; Knoors, Harry; Verhoeven, Ludo

2017-01-01

Purpose: This longitudinal study examined differences in the development of working memory (WM) between children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing (TD) children. Further, it explored to what extent language at ages 7-8 years could be predicted by measures of language and/or WM at ages 4-5 years. Method: Thirty…

Communicating about Death and Dying: Developing Training for Staff Working in Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuffrey-Wijne, Irene; Rose, Tracey; Grant, Robert; Wijne, Astrid

2017-01-01

Background: Many people with intellectual disabilities are affected by death, yet conversations about death are often avoided by staff working with them. This study aimed to assess staff training needs and to develop, trial and evaluate a training course on communicating about death and dying. Method:(i) Semi-structured interviews with 20 staff in…

Continuing Education of Health Personnel as a Factor in Career Development. Report on a WHO Working Group. EURO Reports and Studies: 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

World Health Organization, Copenhagen (Denmark). Regional Office for Europe.

A World Health Organization (WHO) working group discussed continuing education and career development of health care personnel at a meeting in Budapest, October 31-November 2, 1978. Group members defined continuing education, analyzed its methods and organization in various countries, and explored the relationship of continuing education to career…

An Empirical Study of Re-sampling Techniques as a Method for Improving Error Estimates in Split-plot Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

sufficient replications often lead to models that lack precision in error estimation and thus imprecision in corresponding conclusions. This work develops...v Preface This work is dedicated to all who gave and continue to give in order for me to achieve some semblance of success. Benjamin M. Lee vi...develop, examine and test methodologies for an- alyzing test results from split-plot designs. In particular, this work determines the applicability

The dream interview method in addiction recovery. A treatment guide.

PubMed

Flowers, L K; Zweben, J E

1996-01-01

The Dream Interview Method is a recently developed tool for dream interpretation that can facilitate work on addiction issues at all stages of recovery. This paper describes the method in detail and discusses examples of its application in a group composed of individuals in varying stages of the recovery process. It permits the therapist to accelerate the development of insight, and once the method is learned, it can be applied in self-help formats.

[Progress in stable isotope labeled quantitative proteomics methods].

PubMed

Zhou, Yuan; Shan, Yichu; Zhang, Lihua; Zhang, Yukui

2013-06-01

Quantitative proteomics is an important research field in post-genomics era. There are two strategies for proteome quantification: label-free methods and stable isotope labeling methods which have become the most important strategy for quantitative proteomics at present. In the past few years, a number of quantitative methods have been developed, which support the fast development in biology research. In this work, we discuss the progress in the stable isotope labeling methods for quantitative proteomics including relative and absolute quantitative proteomics, and then give our opinions on the outlook of proteome quantification methods.

Trial Sequential Methods for Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kulinskaya, Elena; Wood, John

2014-01-01

Statistical methods for sequential meta-analysis have applications also for the design of new trials. Existing methods are based on group sequential methods developed for single trials and start with the calculation of a required information size. This works satisfactorily within the framework of fixed effects meta-analysis, but conceptual…

Portraits of Benvenuto Cellini and Anthropological Methods of Their Identification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nasobin, Oleg

2016-01-01

Modern methods of biometric identification are increasingly applied in order to attribute works of art. They are based on developments in the 19th century anthropological methods. So, this article describes how the successional anthropological methods were applied for the identification of Benvenuto Cellini's portraits. Objective comparison of…

Estimating direct, diffuse, and global solar radiation for various cities in Iran by two methods and their comparison with the measured data

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

Ashjaee, M.; Roomina, M.R.; Ghafouri-Azar, R.

1993-05-01

Two computational methods for calculating hourly, daily, and monthly average values of direct, diffuse, and global solar radiation on horizontal collectors have been presented in this article for location with different latitude, altitude, and atmospheric conditions in Iran. These methods were developed using two different independent sets of measured data from the Iranian Meteorological Organization (IMO) for two cities in Iran (Tehran and Isfahan) during 14 years of measurement for Tehran and 4 years of measurement for Isfahan. Comparison of calculated monthly average global solar radiation, using the two models for Tehran and Isfahan with measured data from the IMO,more » has indicated a good agreement between them. Then these developed methods were extended to another location (city of Bandar-Abbas), where measured data are not available. But the work of Daneshyar predicts its monthly global radiation. The maximum discrepancy of 7% between the developed models and the work of Daneshyar was observed.« less

Children's Verbal Working Memory: Role of Processing Complexity in Predicting Spoken Sentence Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magimairaj, Beula M.; Montgomery, James W.

2012-01-01

Purpose: This study investigated the role of processing complexity of verbal working memory tasks in predicting spoken sentence comprehension in typically developing children. Of interest was whether simple and more complex working memory tasks have similar or different power in predicting sentence comprehension. Method: Sixty-five children (6- to…

Adapting Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to Assess Social Work Students' Performance and Reflections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogo, Marion; Regehr, Cheryl; Logie, Carmen; Katz, Ellen; Mylopoulos, Maria; Regehr, Glenn

2011-01-01

The development of standardized, valid, and reliable methods for assessment of students' practice competence continues to be a challenge for social work educators. In this study, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), originally used in medicine to assess performance through simulated interviews, was adapted for social work to…

A suggested method for reporting a landslide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fell, Robin; Lacerda, W.; Cruden, D.M.; Evans, S.G.; LaRochelle, P.; Martinez, Fernando; Beltran, Lisandro; Jesenak, J.; Novograd, S.; Krauter, E.; Slunga, E.; Pilot, G.A.; Brand, E.W.; Farkas, J.; Bhandari, R.K.; Cotecchia, V.; Esu, Franco; Fujita, H.; Nakamura, H.; Sassa, K.; Ting, W.H.; Salt, Graham; Janbu, Nilmar; Nespak, A.M.; Gongxian, Wang; Zhuoyuan , Zhang; Michelena, R.; Popescu, Mihai; Viberg, Leif; Bonnard, C.; Hutchinson, J.N.; Einstein , H.H.; Schuster, R.L.; Varnes, D.J.; Ter-Martiros­ian, Z.G.; Ter-Stepanian, G.I.; Anagnosti, P.; Hashizume, M.; Watanabe, Masayuki

1990-01-01

The Landslide Report is a Suggested Method developed by the International Geotechnical Societies' UNESCO Working Party on World Landslide Inventory for reporting the position, date, type, geometry, volume and damage of significant landslides.

Developing a Method for Operative Diagnostics and Appraisal of Working Capacity of a Combustion Chamber DG-90

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razboinikov, A. A.; Vashchilin, V. V.

2016-10-01

In the paper the problematics of gas transport system, main factors of an urgency of the development are described. Stages of a proposed reconstruction of combustion chamber DG-90 are introduced. Basic elements of the elaborated method for appraisal of risks of an emergency situation occurrence are given. The expected efficiency from implementation of the produced method is described.

[Development process of Evidence-based "Return-to-work Guidance in Occupational Health 2017"].

PubMed

Kojimahara, Noriko; Fukumoto, Masakatsu; Yoshikawa, Etsuko; Shinada, Kayoko; Tsuiki, Hirokazu

2018-06-05

Objective"Return-to-work Guidance in Occupational Health 2017 (RTW Guidance 2017) " is the first occupational health guide in Japan that evaluates the quality of evidence and offers recommendations based on results of the systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Details of the systematic review of each review question (RQs) will be described separately. This article presents an overview of the method and process of developing the "RTW Guidance 2017."Materials and MethodsThe guidance was developed following the previously-published "Method for developing evidence based occupational health guidance," which included the composition of a highly-transparent guidance developing group as well as the recruitment and selection of RQs. Using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Ichushi-Web, a literature search for the six RQs was conducted in January 2016 by partly modifying the search terms of the existing systematic review. Articles were selected according to the inclusion criteria, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was conducted for RQ2 and RQ4, and a qualitative systematic review was conducted for RQ5, RQ6, and cost-effectiveness. Recommendations were subsequently made after a thorough consideration for feasibility in Japan by examining the costs and available resources.ResultsBased on a comprehensive literature search, eleven RQ2, four RQ4, one RQ5, and three RQ6 were selected. Support program for returning to work, such as "Re-work" for those who are temporarily not working due to musculoskeletal disorders or mental health disorder, was recommended based on moderate evidence (RQ2). For RQ4, the collaboration between occupational health practice and clinical practice was weakly recommended based on low evidence. For RQ5 that evaluated the usefulness of social support, intervention by the manager/co-worker was proposed as a "best practice statement" without indicating it as a recommendation. Work accommodation was weakly recommended based on low evidence in RQ6.Discussion and ConclusionFrom the result of systematic reviews, it was recommended for workers on sick leave more than four weeks regardless of sick leave and sickness absence that interventions during leave would improve work-related outcomes, such as earlier reinstatement. Although there is limited evidence regarding occupational health in Japan, it is important for many occupational health professionals to learn the method of developing guidance and to identify issues for future studies with priority in Japan.

On ways to overcome the magical capacity limit of working memory.

PubMed

Turi, Zsolt; Alekseichuk, Ivan; Paulus, Walter

2018-04-01

The ability to simultaneously process and maintain multiple pieces of information is limited. Over the past 50 years, observational methods have provided a large amount of insight regarding the neural mechanisms that underpin the mental capacity that we refer to as "working memory." More than 20 years ago, a neural coding scheme was proposed for working memory. As a result of technological developments, we can now not only observe but can also influence brain rhythms in humans. Building on these novel developments, we have begun to externally control brain oscillations in order to extend the limits of working memory.

results obtained by the application of two different methods for the calculation of optimal coplanar orbital maneuvers with time limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocco, Emr; Prado, Afbap; Souza, Mlos

In this work, the problem of bi-impulsive orbital transfers between coplanar elliptical orbits with minimum fuel consumption but with a time limit for this transfer is studied. As a first method, the equations presented by Lawden (1993) were used. Those equations furnishes the optimal transfer orbit with fixed time for this transfer, between two elliptical coplanar orbits considering fixed terminal points. The method was adapted to cases with free terminal points and those equations was solved to develop a software for orbital maneuvers. As a second method, the equations presented by Eckel and Vinh (1984) were used, those equations provide the transfer orbit between non-coplanar elliptical orbits with minimum fuel and fixed time transfer, or minimum time transfer for a prescribed fuel consumption, considering free terminal points. But in this work only the problem with fixed time transfer was considered, the case of minimum time for a prescribed fuel consumption was already studied in Rocco et al. (2000). Then, the method was modified to consider cases of coplanar orbital transfer, and develop a software for orbital maneuvers. Therefore, two software that solve the same problem using different methods were developed. The first method, presented by Lawden, uses the primer vector theory. The second method, presented by Eckel and Vinh, uses the ordinary theory of maxima and minima. So, to test the methods we choose the same terminal orbits and the same time as input. We could verify that we didn't obtain exactly the same result. In this work, that is an extension of Rocco et al. (2002), these differences in the results are explored with objective of determining the reason of the occurrence of these differences and which modifications should be done to eliminate them.

Prediction of forces and moments for hypersonic flight vehicle control effectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maughmer, Mark D.; Long, Lyle N.; Guilmette, Neal; Pagano, Peter

1993-01-01

This research project includes three distinct phases. For completeness, all three phases of the work are briefly described in this report. The goal was to develop methods of predicting flight control forces and moments for hypersonic vehicles which could be used in a preliminary design environment. The first phase included a preliminary assessment of subsonic/supersonic panel methods and hypersonic local flow inclination methods for such predictions. While these findings clearly indicated the usefulness of such methods for conceptual design activities, deficiencies exist in some areas. Thus, a second phase of research was conducted in which a better understanding was sought for the reasons behind the successes and failures of the methods considered, particularly for the cases at hypersonic Mach numbers. This second phase involved using computational fluid dynamics methods to examine the flow fields in detail. Through these detailed predictions, the deficiencies in the simple surface inclination methods were determined. In the third phase of this work, an improvement to the surface inclination methods was developed. This used a novel method for including viscous effects by modifying the geometry to include the viscous/shock layer.

Methods for Addressing Technology-induced Errors: The Current State.

PubMed

Borycki, E; Dexheimer, J W; Hullin Lucay Cossio, C; Gong, Y; Jensen, S; Kaipio, J; Kennebeck, S; Kirkendall, E; Kushniruk, A W; Kuziemsky, C; Marcilly, R; Röhrig, R; Saranto, K; Senathirajah, Y; Weber, J; Takeda, H

2016-11-10

The objectives of this paper are to review and discuss the methods that are being used internationally to report on, mitigate, and eliminate technology-induced errors. The IMIA Working Group for Health Informatics for Patient Safety worked together to review and synthesize some of the main methods and approaches associated with technology- induced error reporting, reduction, and mitigation. The work involved a review of the evidence-based literature as well as guideline publications specific to health informatics. The paper presents a rich overview of current approaches, issues, and methods associated with: (1) safe HIT design, (2) safe HIT implementation, (3) reporting on technology-induced errors, (4) technology-induced error analysis, and (5) health information technology (HIT) risk management. The work is based on research from around the world. Internationally, researchers have been developing methods that can be used to identify, report on, mitigate, and eliminate technology-induced errors. Although there remain issues and challenges associated with the methodologies, they have been shown to improve the quality and safety of HIT. Since the first publications documenting technology-induced errors in healthcare in 2005, we have seen in a short 10 years researchers develop ways of identifying and addressing these types of errors. We have also seen organizations begin to use these approaches. Knowledge has been translated into practice in a short ten years whereas the norm for other research areas is of 20 years.

eHealth Program to Empower Patients in Returning to Normal Activities and Work After Gynecological Surgery: Intervention Mapping as a Useful Method for Development

PubMed Central

Huirne, Judith A.F; Pittens, Carina A; van Mechelen, Willem; Broerse, Jacqueline E.W; Brölmann, Hans A.M; Anema, Johannes R

2012-01-01

Background Full recovery after gynecological surgery takes much longer than expected regardless of surgical technique or the level of invasiveness. After discharge, detailed convalescence recommendations are not provided to patients typically, and postoperative care is fragmented, poorly coordinated, and given only on demand. For patients, this contributes to irrational beliefs and avoidance of resumption of activities and can result in a prolonged sick leave. Objective To develop an eHealth intervention that empowers gynecological patients during the perioperative period to obtain timely return to work (RTW) and prevent work disability. Methods The intervention mapping (IM) protocol was used to develop the eHealth intervention. A literature search about behavioral and environmental conditions of prolonged sick leave and delayed RTW in patients was performed. Patients’ needs, attitudes, and beliefs regarding postoperative recovery and resumption of work were identified through focus group discussions. Additionally, a literature search was performed to obtain determinants, methods, and strategies for the development of a suitable interactive eHealth intervention to empower patients to return to normal activities after gynecological surgery, including work. Finally, the eHealth intervention was evaluated by focus group participants, medical doctors, and eHealth specialists through questionnaires. Results Twenty-one patients participated in the focus group discussions. Sufficient, uniform, and tailored information regarding surgical procedures, complications, and resumption of activities and work were considered most essential. Knowing who to contact in case of mental or physical complaints, and counseling and tools for work reintegration were also considered important. Finally, opportunities to exchange experiences with other patients were a major issue. Considering the determinants of the Attitude–Social influence–self-Efficacy (ASE) model, various strategies based on a combination of theory and evidence were used, resulting in an eHealth intervention with different interactive functionalities including tailored convalescence recommendations and a video to communicate the most common pitfalls during the perioperative period to patients and employers. Fifteen patients in the focus groups, 11 physicians, and 3 eHealth specialists suggested points for improvement to optimize the usability of the eHealth intervention and judged it an approachable, appropriate, and attractive eHealth intervention to empower gynecological patients. Conclusions The IM protocol was a useful method to develop an eHealth intervention based on both theory and evidence. All patients and stakeholders judged the eHealth intervention to be a promising tool to empower gynecological patients during the perioperative period and to help them to return to normal activities and work. PMID:23086834

Methods for Estimating Environmental Effects and Constraints on NexGen: High Density Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustine, S.; Ermatinger, C.; Graham, M.; Thompson, T.

2010-01-01

This document provides a summary of the current methods developed by Metron Aviation for the estimate of environmental effects and constraints on the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). This body of work incorporates many of the key elements necessary to achieve such an estimate. Each section contains the background and motivation for the technical elements of the work, a description of the methods used, and possible next steps. The current methods described in this document were selected in an attempt to provide a good balance between accuracy and fairly rapid turn around times to best advance Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) System Modeling and Analysis Division (SMAD) objectives while also supporting the needs of the JPDO Environmental Working Group (EWG). In particular this document describes methods applied to support the High Density (HD) Case Study performed during the spring of 2008. A reference day (in 2006) is modeled to describe current system capabilities while the future demand is applied to multiple alternatives to analyze system performance. The major variables in the alternatives are operational/procedural capabilities for airport, terminal, and en route airspace along with projected improvements to airframe, engine and navigational equipment.

Two-dimensional RPLC-RPLC system with different pH in two dimensions for separation of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Jin, Yu; Liu, Yanfang; Xiao, Yuansheng; Feng, Jiatao; Xue, Xingya; Zhang, Xiuli; Liang, Xinmiao

2009-06-01

An effective method utilizing the same RP chromatographic column with different pH in first and second LC dimensions has been developed for separation of the basic compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). In this work, the alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo which is an important TCM were selected as a model to develop the method. The additives and pH values of the mobile phase were optimized in this work. To investigate the feasibility of this method, off-line mode separation was performed in the experiments. According to the UV-absorption intensity, there were eight fractions collected in acidic conditions. All the fractions were analyzed in basic conditions. The results showed that the chromatographic selectivities were significantly different in the separations performed with acidic and alkaline elution systems. Complementary separation was achieved in this work. It is demonstrated that this method would be an effective tool for alkaloids research. Based on the different pH of the mobile phase in this method, it could also be suitable to analyze compounds which were sensible to the pH of the solution.

Advances in Behavioral Laboratory Methods that Inform Tobacco Regulatory Science: A TCORS Working Group Special Issue

PubMed Central

Wright, M. Jerry; Valentine, Gerald

2017-01-01

Objective The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) created unprecented enabling conditions for establishing national regulatory policy that reduces the burden of public health and societal problems associated with tobacco product use. The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), created by the FDA to implement the TCA, developed a first-of-its-kind FDA/National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborative program to fund Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS). Methods To assist the TCORS with addressing research priorites, working groups (WGs) comprised of FDA-CTP liasions and TCORS investigators were formed. Under the direction of the Center for Evaluation and Coordination of Trainin and Research (CECTR), the TCORS WGs seek to develop tangible work products in their respective areas of focus. Results The focus of the behavioral pharmacology WG evolved from publishing a narrow paper on behavioral methods in electronic cigarette research to a collection of papers on advances in behavioral laboratory methods that may inform tobacco regulatory science. Conclusion This Special Issue contains articles that address all of the CTP research priorities and demonstrates how advances in behavioral laboratory methods made by TCORS investigators can inform FDA efforst to regulate tobacco products. PMID:29152546

Methods for Addressing Technology-Induced Errors: The Current State

PubMed Central

Dexheimer, J. W.; Hullin Lucay Cossio, C.; Gong, Y.; Jensen, S.; Kaipio, J.; Kennebeck, S.; Kirkendall, E.; Kushniruk, A. W.; Kuziemsky, C.; Marcilly, R.; Röhrig, R.; Saranto, K.; Senathirajah, Y.; Weber, J.; Takeda, H.

2016-01-01

Summary Objectives The objectives of this paper are to review and discuss the methods that are being used internationally to report on, mitigate, and eliminate technology-induced errors. Methods The IMIA Working Group for Health Informatics for Patient Safety worked together to review and synthesize some of the main methods and approaches associated with technology-induced error reporting, reduction, and mitigation. The work involved a review of the evidence-based literature as well as guideline publications specific to health informatics. Results The paper presents a rich overview of current approaches, issues, and methods associated with: (1) safe HIT design, (2) safe HIT implementation, (3) reporting on technology-induced errors, (4) technology-induced error analysis, and (5) health information technology (HIT) risk management. The work is based on research from around the world. Conclusions Internationally, researchers have been developing methods that can be used to identify, report on, mitigate, and eliminate technology-induced errors. Although there remain issues and challenges associated with the methodologies, they have been shown to improve the quality and safety of HIT. Since the first publications documenting technology-induced errors in healthcare in 2005, we have seen in a short 10 years researchers develop ways of identifying and addressing these types of errors. We have also seen organizations begin to use these approaches. Knowledge has been translated into practice in a short ten years whereas the norm for other research areas is of 20 years. PMID:27830228

Research of the effectiveness of parallel multithreaded realizations of interpolation methods for scaling raster images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vnukov, A. A.; Shershnev, M. B.

2018-01-01

The aim of this work is the software implementation of three image scaling algorithms using parallel computations, as well as the development of an application with a graphical user interface for the Windows operating system to demonstrate the operation of algorithms and to study the relationship between system performance, algorithm execution time and the degree of parallelization of computations. Three methods of interpolation were studied, formalized and adapted to scale images. The result of the work is a program for scaling images by different methods. Comparison of the quality of scaling by different methods is given.

Validation Methods for Fault-Tolerant avionics and control systems, working group meeting 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The proceedings of the first working group meeting on validation methods for fault tolerant computer design are presented. The state of the art in fault tolerant computer validation was examined in order to provide a framework for future discussions concerning research issues for the validation of fault tolerant avionics and flight control systems. The development of positions concerning critical aspects of the validation process are given.

Evaluating an mHealth App for Health and Well-Being at Work: Mixed-Method Qualitative Study.

PubMed

de Korte, Elsbeth Marieke; Wiezer, Noortje; Janssen, Joris H; Vink, Peter; Kraaij, Wessel

2018-03-28

To improve workers' health and well-being, workplace interventions have been developed, but utilization and reach are unsatisfactory, and effects are small. In recent years, new approaches such as mobile health (mHealth) apps are being developed, but the evidence base is poor. Research is needed to examine its potential and to assess when, where, and for whom mHealth is efficacious in the occupational setting. To develop interventions for workers that actually will be adopted, insight into user satisfaction and technology acceptance is necessary. For this purpose, various qualitative evaluation methods are available. The objectives of this study were to gain insight into (1) the opinions and experiences of employees and experts on drivers and barriers using an mHealth app in the working context and (2) the added value of three different qualitative methods that are available to evaluate mHealth apps in a working context: interviews with employees, focus groups with employees, and a focus group with experts. Employees of a high-tech company and experts were asked to use an mHealth app for at least 3 weeks before participating in a qualitative evaluation. Twenty-two employees participated in interviews, 15 employees participated in three focus groups, and 6 experts participated in one focus group. Two researchers independently coded, categorized, and analyzed all quotes yielded from these evaluation methods with a codebook using constructs from user satisfaction and technology acceptance theories. Interviewing employees yielded 785 quotes, focus groups with employees yielded 266 quotes, and the focus group with experts yielded 132 quotes. Overall, participants muted enthusiasm about the app. Combined results from the three evaluation methods showed drivers and barriers for technology, user characteristics, context, privacy, and autonomy. A comparison between the three qualitative methods showed that issues revealed by experts only slightly overlapped with those expressed by employees. In addition, it was seen that the type of evaluation yielded different results. Findings from this study provide the following recommendations for organizations that are planning to provide mHealth apps to their workers and for developers of mHealth apps: (1) system performance influences adoption and adherence, (2) relevancy and benefits of the mHealth app should be clear to the user and should address users' characteristics, (3) app should take into account the work context, and (4) employees should be alerted to their right to privacy and use of personal data. Furthermore, a qualitative evaluation of mHealth apps in a work setting might benefit from combining more than one method. Factors to consider when selecting a qualitative research method are the design, development stage, and implementation of the app; the working context in which it is being used; employees' mental models; practicability; resources; and skills required of experts and users. ©Elsbeth Marieke de Korte, Noortje Wiezer, Joris H Janssen, Peter Vink, Wessel Kraaij. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 28.03.2018.

The Current Working Conditions in Ugandan Apparel Assembly Plants.

PubMed

Tebyetekerwa, Mike; Akankwasa, Nicholus Tayari; Marriam, Ifra

2017-12-01

The present rapid shift of industrialization from developed to developing countries requires developing countries to understand issues related to work organization, management, and working conditions. There are many factors slackening production, of which working conditions is part. A complete inquiry into the workers' working conditions can enable managements to reduce risks in the workplaces and improve productivity. Understanding and awareness of the benefits of workplace research and a probe into the working conditions in the Ugandan apparel assembly plants are urgently required. A total of 103 (70 women and 33 men) workers from five different plants were interviewed. Together with the top management of various plants, questionnaires about the workers' opinions of their physical working conditions were prepared. Data was collected using two methods: (1) questionnaire; and (2) observation of the workers during their work. The results indicated that poor plant working conditions were mainly contributed by the workers' social factors and the management policies. The government, together with the management, should work to improve the working conditions in the apparel assembly plants, as it greatly affects both.

EPA METHODS FOR EVALUATING WETLAND CONDITION, WETLANDS CLASSIFICATION

EPA Science Inventory

In 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began work on this series of reports entitled Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition. The purpose of these reports is to help States and Tribes develop methods to evaluate 1) the overall ecological condition of wetlands us...

Advanced Computational Methods for Monte Carlo Calculations

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

Brown, Forrest B.

This course is intended for graduate students who already have a basic understanding of Monte Carlo methods. It focuses on advanced topics that may be needed for thesis research, for developing new state-of-the-art methods, or for working with modern production Monte Carlo codes.

Some recent developments of the immersed interface method for flow simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Sheng

2017-11-01

The immersed interface method is a general methodology for solving PDEs subject to interfaces. In this talk, I will give an overview of some recent developments of the method toward the enhancement of its robustness for flow simulation. In particular, I will present with numerical results how to capture boundary conditions on immersed rigid objects, how to adopt interface triangulation in the method, and how to parallelize the method for flow with moving objects. With these developments, the immersed interface method can achieve accurate and efficient simulation of a flow involving multiple moving complex objects. Thanks to NSF for the support of this work under Grant NSF DMS 1320317.

Parameterization, sensitivity analysis, and inversion: an investigation using groundwater modeling of the surface-mined Tivoli-Guidonia basin (Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Vigna, Francesco; Hill, Mary C.; Rossetto, Rudy; Mazza, Roberto

2016-09-01

With respect to model parameterization and sensitivity analysis, this work uses a practical example to suggest that methods that start with simple models and use computationally frugal model analysis methods remain valuable in any toolbox of model development methods. In this work, groundwater model calibration starts with a simple parameterization that evolves into a moderately complex model. The model is developed for a water management study of the Tivoli-Guidonia basin (Rome, Italy) where surface mining has been conducted in conjunction with substantial dewatering. The approach to model development used in this work employs repeated analysis using sensitivity and inverse methods, including use of a new observation-stacked parameter importance graph. The methods are highly parallelizable and require few model runs, which make the repeated analyses and attendant insights possible. The success of a model development design can be measured by insights attained and demonstrated model accuracy relevant to predictions. Example insights were obtained: (1) A long-held belief that, except for a few distinct fractures, the travertine is homogeneous was found to be inadequate, and (2) The dewatering pumping rate is more critical to model accuracy than expected. The latter insight motivated additional data collection and improved pumpage estimates. Validation tests using three other recharge and pumpage conditions suggest good accuracy for the predictions considered. The model was used to evaluate management scenarios and showed that similar dewatering results could be achieved using 20 % less pumped water, but would require installing newly positioned wells and cooperation between mine owners.

Development of Reliability Based Life Prediction Methods for Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings in Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shah, Ashwin

2001-01-01

Literature survey related to the EBC/TBC (environmental barrier coating/thermal barrier coating) fife models, failure mechanisms in EBC/TBC and the initial work plan for the proposed EBC/TBC life prediction methods development was developed as well as the finite element model for the thermal/stress analysis of the GRC-developed EBC system was prepared. Technical report for these activities is given in the subsequent sections.

The many faces of sex work

PubMed Central

Harcourt, C; Donovan, B

2005-01-01

Objective: To compile a global typography of commercial sex work. Methods: A Medline search and review of 681 "prostitution" articles was conducted. In addition, the investigators pooled their 20 years of collected papers and monographs, and their observations in more than 15 countries. Arbitrary categories were developed to compile a workable typology of sex work. Results: At least 25 types of sex work were identified according to worksite, principal mode of soliciting clients, or sexual practices. These types of work are often grouped under the headings of "direct" and "indirect" prostitution, with the latter group less likely to be perceived or to perceive themselves as sex workers. In general, policing sex work can change its typology and location but its prevalence is rarely affected. The public health implications of sex work vary widely. Conclusion: Developing comprehensive sexual health promotion programmes requires a complete understanding of the types of sex work in a particular area. This study provides a checklist for developing appropriate and targeted programmes. PMID:15923285

Application of Human Factors Methods to Design Healthcare Work Systems: Instance of the prevention of Adverse Drug Events.

PubMed

Marcilly, Romaric; Beuscart-Zephir, Marie-Catherine

2015-01-01

Human Factors (HF) methods are increasingly needed to support the design of new technologies in order to avoid that introducing those technologies into healthcare work systems induces use errors with potentially catastrophic consequences for the patients. This chapter illustrates the application of HF methods in developing two health technologies aiming at securing the hospital medication management process. Lessons learned from this project highlight the importance of (i) analyzing the work system in which the technology is intended to be implemented, (ii) involving end users in the design process and (iii) the intermediation role of HF between end users and scientific/technical experts.

Development of the High-Order Decoupled Direct Method in Three Dimensions for Particulate Matter: Enabling Advanced Sensitivity Analysis in Air Quality Models

EPA Science Inventory

The high-order decoupled direct method in three dimensions for particular matter (HDDM-3D/PM) has been implemented in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to enable advanced sensitivity analysis. The major effort of this work is to develop high-order DDM sensitivity...

Teachers' Professional Development: The Case of WhatsApp

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cansoy, Ramazan

2017-01-01

In this study, the kinds of shares made by science teachers in a WhatsApp group as an online community of practice to support professional development were examined. The netnographic research method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The messages shared by 12 science teachers, who worked at a private school between…

Developing a clinical hypermedia corpus: experiences from the use of a practice-centered method.

PubMed Central

Timpka, T.; Nyce, J. M.; Sjöberg, C.; Hedblom, P.; Lindblom, P.

1992-01-01

This paper outlines a practice-centered method for creation of a hypermedia corpus. It also describes experiences with creating such a corpus of information to support interprofessional work at a Primary Healthcare Center. From these experiences, a number of basic issues regarding information systems development within medical informatics will be discussed. PMID:1482924

Development of methods to detect occurrence and effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: A fundamental shift in regulatory ecotoxicology

EPA Science Inventory

This is an editorial in ET&C describing the newer pathway-specific test methods for EDCs and their effect on ecotoxicology. Work conducted to support the development and application of these types of assays promises to be an important catalyst to advance the field of ecotoxicolo...

Developing Contingent Funding Methods for the Partnership for Excellence: A Chancellor's Office Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nussbaum, Thomas J.; Cabaldon, Christopher L.

This document discusses the principles that guide the development of the contingent funding methods and the implementation criteria for the Partnership for Excellence Program, as well as significant issues and questions for the system to resolve. The first principle states that the level and pace of progress toward the Partnership goals are not…

MICROFLORA INVOLVED IN PHYTOREMEDIATION OF POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

EPA Science Inventory

This research was accomplished by conducting a series of integrated studies starting with field work at contaminated sites, followed by laboratory studies based on the field work, and concluded with development of preliminary molecular monitoring methods tested on field sam...

The Importance of Developing Cultural Competence in Working with Families of Students with Disabilities from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fallah, Soraya; Murawski, Wendy; Moradian, Zaniar

2018-01-01

This article describes the importance of developing cultural competencies when working with families who come from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds. Using a mixed methods study, the experiences of 125 families from Middle Eastern, North African, and Southwest Asian (MENASWA) descent who have children in the U.S. Special…

WELDSMART: A vision-based expert system for quality control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andersen, Kristinn; Barnett, Robert Joel; Springfield, James F.; Cook, George E.

1992-01-01

This work was aimed at exploring means for utilizing computer technology in quality inspection and evaluation. Inspection of metallic welds was selected as the main application for this development and primary emphasis was placed on visual inspection, as opposed to other inspection methods, such as radiographic techniques. Emphasis was placed on methodologies with the potential for use in real-time quality control systems. Because quality evaluation is somewhat subjective, despite various efforts to classify discontinuities and standardize inspection methods, the task of using a computer for both inspection and evaluation was not trivial. The work started out with a review of the various inspection techniques that are used for quality control in welding. Among other observations from this review was the finding that most weld defects result in abnormalities that may be seen by visual inspection. This supports the approach of emphasizing visual inspection for this work. Quality control consists of two phases: (1) identification of weld discontinuities (some of which may be severe enough to be classified as defects), and (2) assessment or evaluation of the weld based on the observed discontinuities. Usually the latter phase results in a pass/fail judgement for the inspected piece. It is the conclusion of this work that the first of the above tasks, identification of discontinuities, is the most challenging one. It calls for sophisticated image processing and image analysis techniques, and frequently ad hoc methods have to be developed to identify specific features in the weld image. The difficulty of this task is generally not due to limited computing power. In most cases it was found that a modest personal computer or workstation could carry out most computations in a reasonably short time period. Rather, the algorithms and methods necessary for identifying weld discontinuities were in some cases limited. The fact that specific techniques were finally developed and successfully demosntrated to work illustrates that the general approach taken here appears to be promising for commercial development of computerized quality inspection systems. Inspection based on these techniques may be used to supplement or substitute more elaborate inspection methods, such as x-ray inspections.

Passing waves from atomistic to continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiang; Diaz, Adrian; Xiong, Liming; McDowell, David L.; Chen, Youping

2018-02-01

Progress in the development of coupled atomistic-continuum methods for simulations of critical dynamic material behavior has been hampered by a spurious wave reflection problem at the atomistic-continuum interface. This problem is mainly caused by the difference in material descriptions between the atomistic and continuum models, which results in a mismatch in phonon dispersion relations. In this work, we introduce a new method based on atomistic dynamics of lattice coupled with a concurrent atomistic-continuum method to enable a full phonon representation in the continuum description. This permits the passage of short-wavelength, high-frequency phonon waves from the atomistic to continuum regions. The benchmark examples presented in this work demonstrate that the new scheme enables the passage of all allowable phonons through the atomistic-continuum interface; it also preserves the wave coherency and energy conservation after phonons transport across multiple atomistic-continuum interfaces. This work is the first step towards developing a concurrent atomistic-continuum simulation tool for non-equilibrium phonon-mediated thermal transport in materials with microstructural complexity.

The economical utilization of geothermal energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, G.

1982-12-01

The geothermal energy which is stored in hot dry rock could be theoretically utilized for the generation of power. The hot-dry-rock procedure can provide a flow of hot water. The considered binary system can transform the obtained thermal energy into electrical energy. The system makes use of a Rankine cycle with a working fluid having a low boiling point. Heat from the hot water is transferred to the working fluid. The present investigation is concerned with the development of a method for the calculation of the entire process. The results obtained with the computational method are to provide a basis for the determination of the operational characteristics. The development method is used for the study of a process based on the use of carbon dioxide as working fluid. The economics of a use of the hot-dry-rock process with the binary system is also investigated. It is found that the considered procedure is not economical. Economical operation requires, in particular, hot water supplied at a much lower cost.

Validation of newly developed and redesigned key indicator methods for assessment of different working conditions with physical workloads based on mixed-methods design: a study protocol

PubMed Central

Liebers, Falk; Brandstädt, Felix; Schust, Marianne; Serafin, Patrick; Schäfer, Andreas; Gebhardt, Hansjürgen; Hartmann, Bernd; Steinberg, Ulf

2017-01-01

Introduction The impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is considerable. The assessment of work tasks with physical workloads is crucial to estimate the work-related health risks of exposed employees. Three key indicator methods are available for risk assessment regarding manual lifting, holding and carrying of loads; manual pulling and pushing of loads; and manual handling operations. Three further KIMs for risk assessment regarding whole-body forces, awkward body postures and body movement have been developed de novo. In addition, the development of a newly drafted combined method for mixed exposures is planned. All methods will be validated regarding face validity, reliability, convergent validity, criterion validity and further aspects of utility under practical conditions. Methods and analysis As part of the joint project MEGAPHYS (multilevel risk assessment of physical workloads), a mixed-methods study is being designed for the validation of KIMs and conducted in companies of different sizes and branches in Germany. Workplaces are documented and analysed by observations, applying KIMs, interviews and assessment of environmental conditions. Furthermore, a survey among the employees at the respective workplaces takes place with standardised questionnaires, interviews and physical examinations. It is intended to include 1200 employees at 120 different workplaces. For analysis of the quality criteria, recommendations of the COSMIN checklist (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) will be taken into account. Ethics and dissemination The study was planned and conducted in accordance with the German Medical Professional Code and the Declaration of Helsinki as well as the German Federal Data Protection Act. The design of the study was approved by ethics committees. We intend to publish the validated KIMs in 2018. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international meetings and disseminated to actual users for practical application. PMID:28827239

Image, imagination, and reality: on effectiveness of introductory work with vocalists.

PubMed

Gullaer, Irene; Walker, Robert; Badin, Pierre; Lamalle, Laurent

2006-01-01

Fifty-four sung tokens, each consisting of eight images were generated with the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to demonstrate the work of intrapharyngeal muscles when singing and speaking, and to help the educational process. The MRI images can be used as a part of a visualization feed-back method in vocal education and contribute to creation of proper mental images. The use of visualization (pictures, drafts, graphs, spectra, MRI images, etc.), along with mental images, facilitates simplification and acceleration of the process of understanding and learning how to master the basics of vocal technique, especially in the initial period of study. It is shown that work on muscle development and use of imagination should progress with close interaction between the two. For higher effectiveness and tangible results, mental images used by a vocal pedagogue should correspond to the technical and emotional level of a student. Therefore, mental images have to undertake the same evolution as articulation technique-from simplified and comprehensible to complex and abstract. Our integrated approach suggests continuing the work on muscle development and use of imagination in singing classes, employing the experience of voice-speech teachers. Their exercises are modified using the empirical method and other techniques developed creatively by singing teachers. In this method, sensitivity towards the state of the tissues becomes increasingly refined; students acquire a conscious control over the muscle work, students gain full awareness of both sensation and muscle activity. As a result, a complex of professional conditioned reflexes is being developed. A case study of the New Zealand experience was conducted with groups of Maori and European students. Unique properties and trends in the voices of Maori people are discussed.

Work-based learning as a means of developing and assessing nursing competence.

PubMed

Flanagan, J; Baldwin, S; Clarke, D

2000-05-01

Work-Based Learning is the bringing together of self-knowledge, expertise at work and formal knowledge. It takes a structured and learner-managed approach to maximizing opportunities for learning and professional development in the workplace. The development and assessment of nursing competence can be facilitated through Work-Based Learning, although this may require pedagogic and structural changes within nurse education. There are a number of conditions which must accompany effective participative learning, and these are discussed in the paper in relation to examples of nursing programmes. This method of learning and assessment has potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and as such it can only be achieved through commitment and partnership between the individual practitioner, clinical services and universities.

CAD/CAM approach to improving industry productivity gathers momentum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fulton, R. E.

1982-01-01

Recent results and planning for the NASA/industry Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design (IPAD) program for improving productivity with CAD/CAM methods are outlined. The industrial group work is being mainly done by Boeing, and progress has been made in defining the designer work environment, developing requirements and a preliminary design for a future CAD/CAM system, and developing CAD/CAM technology. The work environment was defined by conducting a detailed study of a reference design process, and key software elements for a CAD/CAM system have been defined, specifically for interactive design or experiment control processes. Further work is proceeding on executive, data management, geometry and graphics, and general utility software, and dynamic aspects of the programs being developed are outlined

Development of a Mobile Tracer Correlation Method for Assessment of Air Emissions from Landfills and Other Area Sources (Abstract)

EPA Science Inventory

Work toward a standardized version of a mobile tracer correlation measurement method is discussed. The method used for assessment of methane emissions from 15 landfills in 56 field deployments from 2009 to 2013. This general area source measurement method uses advances in instrum...

Multi-disciplinary optimization of aeroservoelastic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karpel, Mardechay

1992-01-01

The purpose of the research project was to continue the development of new methods for efficient aeroservoelastic analysis and optimization. The main targets were as follows: to complete the development of analytical tools for the investigation of flutter with large stiffness changes; to continue the work on efficient continuous gust response and sensitivity derivatives; and to advance the techniques of calculating dynamic loads with control and unsteady aerodynamic effects. An efficient and highly accurate mathematical model for time-domain analysis of flutter during which large structural changes occur was developed in cooperation with Carol D. Wieseman of NASA LaRC. The model was based on the second-year work 'Modal Coordinates for Aeroelastic Analysis with Large Local Structural Variations'. The work on continuous gust response was completed. An abstract of the paper 'Continuous Gust Response and Sensitivity Derivatives Using State-Space Models' was submitted for presentation in the 33rd Israel Annual Conference on Aviation and Astronautics, Feb. 1993. The abstract is given in Appendix A. The work extends the optimization model to deal with continuous gust objectives in a way that facilitates their inclusion in the efficient multi-disciplinary optimization scheme. Currently under development is a work designed to extend the analysis and optimization capabilities to loads and stress considerations. The work is on aircraft dynamic loads in response to impulsive and non-impulsive excitation. The work extends the formulations of the mode-displacement and summation-of-forces methods to include modes with significant local distortions, and load modes. An abstract of the paper,'Structural Dynamic Loads in Response to Impulsive Excitation' is given in appendix B. Another work performed this year under the Grant was 'Size-Reduction Techniques for the Determination of Efficient Aeroservoelastic Models' given in Appendix C.

An adaptive discontinuous Galerkin solver for aerodynamic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgess, Nicholas K.

This work considers the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of an unstructured high-order accurate discontinuous Galerkin (DG) solver for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Recently, there has been a drive to reduce the discretization error of CFD simulations using high-order methods on unstructured grids. However, high-order methods are often criticized for lacking robustness and having high computational cost. The goal of this work is to investigate methods that enhance the robustness of high-order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods on unstructured meshes, while maintaining low computational cost and high accuracy of the numerical solutions. This work investigates robustness enhancement of high-order methods by examining effective non-linear solvers, shock capturing methods, turbulence model discretizations and adaptive refinement techniques. The goal is to develop an all encompassing solver that can simulate a large range of physical phenomena, where all aspects of the solver work together to achieve a robust, efficient and accurate solution strategy. The components and framework for a robust high-order accurate solver that is capable of solving viscous, Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and shocked flows is presented. In particular, this work discusses robust discretizations of the turbulence model equation used to close the RANS equations, as well as stable shock capturing strategies that are applicable across a wide range of discretization orders and applicable to very strong shock waves. Furthermore, refinement techniques are considered as both efficiency and robustness enhancement strategies. Additionally, efficient non-linear solvers based on multigrid and Krylov subspace methods are presented. The accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of the solver is demonstrated using a variety of challenging aerodynamic test problems, which include turbulent high-lift and viscous hypersonic flows. Adaptive mesh refinement was found to play a critical role in obtaining a robust and efficient high-order accurate flow solver. A goal-oriented error estimation technique has been developed to estimate the discretization error of simulation outputs. For high-order discretizations, it is shown that functional output error super-convergence can be obtained, provided the discretization satisfies a property known as dual consistency. The dual consistency of the DG methods developed in this work is shown via mathematical analysis and numerical experimentation. Goal-oriented error estimation is also used to drive an hp-adaptive mesh refinement strategy, where a combination of mesh or h-refinement, and order or p-enrichment, is employed based on the smoothness of the solution. The results demonstrate that the combination of goal-oriented error estimation and hp-adaptation yield superior accuracy, as well as enhanced robustness and efficiency for a variety of aerodynamic flows including flows with strong shock waves. This work demonstrates that DG discretizations can be the basis of an accurate, efficient, and robust CFD solver. Furthermore, enhancing the robustness of DG methods does not adversely impact the accuracy or efficiency of the solver for challenging and complex flow problems. In particular, when considering the computation of shocked flows, this work demonstrates that the available shock capturing techniques are sufficiently accurate and robust, particularly when used in conjunction with adaptive mesh refinement . This work also demonstrates that robust solutions of the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and turbulence model equations can be obtained for complex and challenging aerodynamic flows. In this context, the most robust strategy was determined to be a low-order turbulence model discretization coupled to a high-order discretization of the RANS equations. Although RANS solutions using high-order accurate discretizations of the turbulence model were obtained, the behavior of current-day RANS turbulence models discretized to high-order was found to be problematic, leading to solver robustness issues. This suggests that future work is warranted in the area of turbulence model formulation for use with high-order discretizations. Alternately, the use of Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) subgrid scale models with high-order DG methods offers the potential to leverage the high accuracy of these methods for very high fidelity turbulent simulations. This thesis has developed the algorithmic improvements that will lay the foundation for the development of a three-dimensional high-order flow solution strategy that can be used as the basis for future LES simulations.

Interrelationships between Working Memory, Processing Speed, and Language Development in the Age Range 2-4 Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newbury, Jayne; Klee, Thomas; Stokes, Stephanie F.; Moran, Catherine

2016-01-01

Purpose: This study explored associations between working memory and language in children aged 2-4 years. Method: Seventy-seven children aged 24-30 months were assessed on tests measuring language, visual cognition, verbal working memory (VWM), phonological short-term memory (PSTM), and processing speed. A standardized test of receptive and…

The Challenges of Work-Based Learning in the Changing Context of the European Higher Education Area

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Reinhard; Gibbs, Paul

2009-01-01

This article discusses the key features of the common European framework for work-based learning (WBL) of the "Developing European Work Based Learning Approaches and Methods" (DEWBLAM) project (2003-2006). It examines the context of recent European initiatives and comments on the potential implications for policy, practice and theory,…

Children with Differing Developmental Trajectories of Prelinguistic Communication Skills: Language and Working Memory at Age 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Määttä, Sira; Laakso, Marja-Leena; Tolvanen, Asko; Ahonen, Timo; Aro, Tuija

2014-01-01

Purpose: In this article, the authors examine the developmental continuity from prelinguistic communication to kindergarten age in language and working memory capacity. Method: Following work outlining 6 groups of children with different trajectories of early communication development (ECD; Määttä, Laakso, Tolvanen, Ahonen, & Aro, 2012), the…

The Association of Social Work Boards' Licensure Examinations: A Review of Reliability and Validity Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marson, Stephen M.; DeAngelis, Donna; Mittal, Nisha

2010-01-01

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to create transparency for the psychometric methods employed for the development of the Association of Social Work Boards' (ASWB) exams. Results: The article includes an assessment of the macro (political) and micro (statistical) environments of testing social work competence. The seven-step process used…

Investigators’ Successful Strategies for Working with Institutional Review Boards

PubMed Central

Cartwright, Juliana C.; Hickman, Susan E.; Nelson, Christine A.; Knafl, Kathleen A.

2014-01-01

This study was designed to identify successful strategies used by investigators for working with their Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in conducting human subjects research. Telephone interviews were conducted with 46 investigators representing nursing, medicine, and social work. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. Investigators emphasized the importance of intentionally cultivating positive relationships with IRB staff and members, and managing bureaucracy. A few used evasive measures to avoid conflict with IRBs. Few successful strategies were identified for working with multiple IRBs. Although most investigators developed successful methods for working with IRBs, further research is needed on how differences in IRB culture affect human subjects protection, and on best approaches to IRB approval of multi-site studies. PMID:23813748

UTChem - A Program for Ab Initio Quantum Chemistry

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

Yanai, Takeshi; Nakano, Haruyuki; Nakajima, Takahito

2003-06-18

UTChem is a quantum chemistry software developed by Hirao's group at the University of Tokyo. UTChem is a research product of our work to develop new and better theoretical methods in quantum chemistry.

ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF FRESHLY NUCLEATED PARTICLES

EPA Science Inventory

The main objective of this work is to develop a method for real-time sampling and analysis of individual airborne nanoparticles in the 5 - 20 nm diameter range. The size range covered by this method is much smaller than existing single particle methods for chemical analysis. S...

BCI`s RBSM test methods: Eight years in the making

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

NONE

1993-03-01

RBSM stands for recombinant battery separator mat. This is the acronym chosen after a lot of debate during eight years of committee work to develop test methods to characterize separators which are used in valve regulated lead acid batteries. This paper discusses the test methods.

The Methods for Connectivity Judgment on Reservoir Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiuguang; Dong, Qiang; Liu, Yunyang

2017-12-01

Determining reservoir layer connectivity is the base for an oil field development. The work should be done in the first time. It affects the effects of the following works. However, for some oil field with complex reservoir layers, the study hasn’t fully been done, that causes the oil production rate decreases rapidly and bad oil field development. On the other hand, the simpler the oil field is, the earlier the development should be, thus increasing oil production becomes more and more difficult today, lots of detail works should be done for a complex oil field, the study of reservoir layer connectivity is very important in it.

Boyd Report1

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

Crow, A J

2009-07-07

Andrew Crow arrived at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with the intention of continuing work on the Complex Particle Kinetic (CPK) method developed D. Larson and D. Hewett. Andrew Crow had previously worked on duplicating the results of D. Hewett in his previous work. Since arrival, A. Crow has been working with D. Larson on a slightly different project. The current method, still under development, is a Particle in Cell (PIC) code with the following features: (1) all particles begin each timestep at a gridpoint; (2) particles are then advanced in time using a standard special advancement method. The exact methodmore » has not been decided upon, but there are many reliable methods from which to choose. (3) All particles within each cell undergo a simultaneous implicit collision step. This is the current area of focus. Currently, A. Crow is not aware of any method of performing implicit collisions over a large number of charged particles. Implicit methods for charged particle movement and electron-electron collisions, have been developed. The work of L. pareschi and G. Russo on the Time Relaxed Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method, also appears to be a good basis for implicit particle collisions. (4) Each individual particle will be divided into a set of particles with a Gaussian velocity distribution. This will collect some of the thermal effects created by the collisions. This algorithm has not been created. (5) Particles will be projected on to the grid points. Currently, a linear weighting technique is intended to be used, but has not settled upon. (6) Once on the gridpoints the particle number will be reduced using a set of quadrature points based on the third order velocity moments of the particles. The method proposed by R. Fox has been programmed and shown to conserve energy, momentum and mass to machine precision. In addition to reducing the number of particles this method will work to quiet the simulation it will behave as a higher order version of the Quiet DSMC method proposed by B. Albright et al. (7) These quadrature points then become the new particles for the next timestep. the advantage of this method can be many: The self force on ions can be easily removed since all particles begin on grid points. The size of the timesteps should not be limited by collision rate, and should only be impacted by particle travel time through the cell. The particle reduction technique should keep many of the higher order features of the particle distribution while reducing the number of particles in the system. It should also quite the variance in the system. The two largest unknowns, at this time are, how large a part numerical diffusion will play in the scheme and how computationally expensive each timestep will be.« less

Chebyshev polynomials in the spectral Tau method and applications to Eigenvalue problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Duane

1996-01-01

Chebyshev Spectral methods have received much attention recently as a technique for the rapid solution of ordinary differential equations. This technique also works well for solving linear eigenvalue problems. Specific detail is given to the properties and algebra of chebyshev polynomials; the use of chebyshev polynomials in spectral methods; and the recurrence relationships that are developed. These formula and equations are then applied to several examples which are worked out in detail. The appendix contains an example FORTRAN program used in solving an eigenvalue problem.

Nonholonomic Hamiltonian Method for Meso-macroscale Simulations of Reacting Shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahrenthold, Eric; Lee, Sangyup

2015-06-01

The seamless integration of macroscale, mesoscale, and molecular scale models of reacting shock physics has been hindered by dramatic differences in the model formulation techniques normally used at different scales. In recent research the authors have developed the first unified discrete Hamiltonian approach to multiscale simulation of reacting shock physics. Unlike previous work, the formulation employs reacting themomechanical Hamiltonian formulations at all scales, including the continuum. Unlike previous work, the formulation employs a nonholonomic modeling approach to systematically couple the models developed at all scales. Example applications of the method show meso-macroscale shock to detonation simulations in nitromethane and RDX. Research supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Ensuring critical event sequences in high consequence computer based systems as inspired by path expressions

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

Kidd, M.E.C.

1997-02-01

The goal of our work is to provide a high level of confidence that critical software driven event sequences are maintained in the face of hardware failures, malevolent attacks and harsh or unstable operating environments. This will be accomplished by providing dynamic fault management measures directly to the software developer and to their varied development environments. The methodology employed here is inspired by previous work in path expressions. This paper discusses the perceived problems, a brief overview of path expressions, the proposed methods, and a discussion of the differences between the proposed methods and traditional path expression usage and implementation.

Critical reflection and teacher capacity: The secondary science pre-service teacher population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krim, Jessica Sarah

This qualitative study seeks to understand the development of secondary science pre-service teachers. A case study is developed about each of the five participants, in effort to answer the research questions, which are: How did critical reflection inform teacher capacity within the secondary science pre-service teacher population? What knowledge, skills, and dispositions facilitated secondary science pre-service teachers in developing a critically reflective practice? It is the author's expectation that by teaching these pre-service educators to develop their skills of critical reflection by using external methods of assessment such as videotaping, peer feedback, and student work, the participants in this study will increase and expand their capacity as teachers, or their "innate potential for growth, development, and accomplishment" (McDiarmid & Clevenger-Bright, 2008), and be better prepared to accomplish the goals that are expected of a master teacher. Data is collected from interviews, participant work samples, and observations from the researcher and other key individuals who worked with each participant, such as: the methods instructor, university supervisors, and cooperating teachers. Over the course of two semesters, the researcher developed a detailed description of each of the participants through analyzing passages selected from interview transcripts and student work samples for reflection type, factor of teacher capacity, and commonplace interaction group. The first outcome of this study includes an understanding of the relationship between critical reflection and teacher capacity and the knowledge, skills and dispositions that facilitate the development of a critically reflective practice. The second outcome of this study was the development of a new adaptation of a teacher interaction model (commonplace interaction groups) based on Schwab's Commonplaces of Educating. Lastly, three conclusions were drawn about the five participants in this study: There was a change in the participants' reflection level from the methods semester to the student teaching semester, most shifted their focus of reflection from teacher-self to teacher-student, and the weakest area of reflection with all participants was content/subject area and curriculum/standards.

The Finnish healthcare services lean management.

PubMed

Hihnala, Susanna; Kettunen, Lilja; Suhonen, Marjo; Tiirinki, Hanna

2018-02-05

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss health services managers' experiences of management in a special health-care unit and development efforts from the point of view of the Lean method. Additionally, the aim is to deepen the knowledge of the managers' work and nature of the Lean method development processes in the workplace. The research focuses on those aspects and results of Lean method that are currently being used in health-care environments. Design/methodology/approach These data were collected through a number of thematic interviews. The participants were nurse managers ( n = 7) and medical managers ( n = 7) who applied Lean management in their work at the University Hospital in the Northern Ostrobothnia Health Care District. The data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. Findings A common set of values in specialized health-care services, development of activities and challenges for management in the use of the Lean manager development model to improve personal management skills. Practical implications Managers in specialized health-care services can develop and systematically manage with the help of the Lean method. This emphasizes assumptions, from the point of view of management, about systems development when the organization uses the Lean method. The research outcomes originate from specialized health-care settings in Finland in which the Lean method and its associated management principles have been implemented and applied to the delivery of health care. Originality/value The study shows that the research results and in-depth knowledge on Lean method principles can be applied to health-care management and development processes. The research also describes health services managers' experiences of using the Lean method. In the future, these results can be used to improve Lean management skills, identify personal professional competencies and develop skills required in development processes. Also, the research findings can be used in the training of health services managers in the health-care industry worldwide and to help them survive the pressure to change repeatedly.

Method for Estimating Patronage of Demand Responsive Transportation Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-12-01

This study has developed a method for estimating patronage of demand responsive transportation (DRT) systems. This procedure requires as inputs a description of the intended service area, current work trip patterns, characteristics of the served popu...

Reducing data friction through site-based data curation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomer, A.; Palmer, C. L.

2017-12-01

Much of geoscience research takes place at "scientifically significant sites": localities which have attracted a critical mass of scientific interest, and thereby merit protection by government bodies, as well as the preservation of specimen and data collections and the development of site-specific permitting requirements for access to the site and its associated collections. However, many data standards and knowledge organization schemas do not adequately describe key characteristics of the sites, despite their centrality to research projects. Through work conducted as part of the IMLS-funded Site-Based Data Curation (SBDC) project, we developed a Minimum Information Framework (MIF) for site-based science, in which "information about a site's structure" is considered a core class of information. Here we present our empirically-derived information framework, as well as the methods used to create it. We believe these approaches will lead to the development of more effective data repositories and tools, and thereby will reduce "data friction" in interdisciplinary, yet site-based, geoscience workflows. The Minimum Information Framework for Site-based Research was developed through work at two scientifically significant sites: the hot springs at Yellowstone National Park, which are key to geobiology research; and the La Brea Tar Pits, an important paleontology locality in Southern California. We employed diverse methods of participatory engagement, in which key stakeholders at our sites (e.g. curators, collections managers, researchers, permit officers) were consulted through workshops, focus groups, interviews, action research methods, and collaborative information modeling and systems analysis. These participatory approaches were highly effective in fostering on-going partnership among a diverse team of domain scientists, information scientists, and software developers. The MIF developed in this work may be viewed as a "proto-standard" that can inform future repository development and data standards. Further, the approaches used to develop the MIF represent an important step toward systematic methods of developing geoscience data standards. Finally, we argue that organizing data around aspects of a site makes data collections more accessible to a range of scientific communities.

The continued value of disk diffusion for assessing antimicrobial susceptibility in clinical laboratories: report from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Methods Development and Standardization Working Group.

PubMed

Humphries, Romney M; Kircher, Susan; Ferrell, Andrea; Krause, Kevin M; Malherbe, Rianna; Hsiung, Andre; Burnham, C A

2018-05-09

Expedited pathways to antimicrobial agent approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have led to increased delays between drug approval and the availability of FDA-cleared antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) devices. Antimicrobial disks for use with disk diffusion testing are among the first AST devices available to clinical laboratories. However, many laboratories are reluctant to implement a disk diffusion method for a variety of reasons, including dwindling proficiency with this method, interruptions to laboratory workflow, uncertainty surrounding the quality and reliability of a disk diffusion test, and perceived need to report an MIC to clinicians. This mini-review provides a report from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Working Group on Methods Development and Standardization on the current standards and clinical utility of disk diffusion testing. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Algorithm of composing the schedule of construction and installation works

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nehaj, Rustam; Molotkov, Georgij; Rudchenko, Ivan; Grinev, Anatolij; Sekisov, Aleksandr

2017-10-01

An algorithm for scheduling works is developed, in which the priority of the work corresponds to the total weight of the subordinate works, the vertices of the graph, and it is proved that for graphs of the tree type the algorithm is optimal. An algorithm is synthesized to reduce the search for solutions when drawing up schedules of construction and installation works, allocating a subset with the optimal solution of the problem of the minimum power, which is determined by the structure of its initial data and numerical values. An algorithm for scheduling construction and installation work is developed, taking into account the schedule for the movement of brigades, which is characterized by the possibility to efficiently calculate the values of minimizing the time of work performance by the parameters of organizational and technological reliability through the use of the branch and boundary method. The program of the computational algorithm was compiled in the MatLAB-2008 program. For the initial data of the matrix, random numbers were taken, uniformly distributed in the range from 1 to 100. It takes 0.5; 2.5; 7.5; 27 minutes to solve the problem. Thus, the proposed method for estimating the lower boundary of the solution is sufficiently accurate and allows efficient solution of the minimax task of scheduling construction and installation works.

From the past to the future: Integrating work experience into the design process.

PubMed

Bittencourt, João Marcos; Duarte, Francisco; Béguin, Pascal

2017-01-01

Integrating work activity issues into design process is a broadly discussed theme in ergonomics. Participation is presented as the main means for such integration. However, a late participation can limit the development of both project solutions and future work activity. This article presents the concept of construction of experience aiming at the articulated development of future activities and project solutions. It is a non-teleological approach where the initial concepts will be transformed by the experience built up throughout the design process. The method applied was a case study of an ergonomic participation during the design of a new laboratory complex for biotechnology research. Data was obtained through analysis of records in a simulation process using a Lego scale model and interviews with project participants. The simulation process allowed for developing new ways of working and generating changes in the initial design solutions, which enable workers to adopt their own developed strategies for conducting work more safely and efficiently in the future work system. Each project decision either opens or closes a window of opportunities for developing a future activity. Construction of experience in a non-teleological design process allows for understanding the consequences of project solutions for future work.

The forgotten realm of the new and emerging psychosocial risk factors.

PubMed

Chirico, Francesco

2017-09-28

In Europe, employers of all private and public enterprises have a legal obligation to protect their employers by all the different types of workplace hazards to the safety and health of workers. The most important methods developed for the work-related stress risk assessment are based on the Cox's research commissioned by European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and are the Management Standard HSE for work-related stress in United Kingdom, the START method in Germany, the Screening, Observation, Analysis, Expertise (SOBANE) in Belgium, and the National Institute for Prevention and Safety at Work (INAIL-ISPESL) model in Italy, the latter based on the British Management Standard. Unfortunately, the definition of "work-related stress" elaborated by EU-OSHA was criticized, because it is not completely equal to the broader "psychosocial risk," which includes new and emerging psychosocial risk factors, such as the combined exposure to physical and psychosocial risks, job insecurity, work intensification and high demands at work, high emotional load related to burnout, work-life balance problems, and violence and harassment at work. All these new emerging psychosocial hazards could require different and additional methodologies to save workers' health and safety. For this reason, the concept that stakeholders and policy makers should keep in mind in order to develop better national regulations and strategies is that work-related stress risk and psychosocial risk factors are not the same.

Evaluation of objectivity, reliability and criterion validity of the key indicator method for manual handling operations (KIM-MHO), draft 2007.

PubMed

Klußmann, André; Gebhardt, Hansjürgen; Rieger, Monika; Liebers, Falk; Steinberg, Ulf

2012-01-01

Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders are common in the working population. The economic and social impact of such disorders is considerable. Long-time, dynamic repetitive exposure of the hand-arm system during manual handling operations (MHO) alone or in combination with static and postural effort are recognised as causes of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. The assessment of these manual work tasks is crucial to estimate health risks of exposed employees. For these work tasks, a new method for the assessment of the working conditions was developed and a validation study was performed. The results suggest satisfying criterion validity and moderate objectivity of the KIM-MHO draft 2007. The method was modified and evaluated again. It is planned to release a new version of KIM-MHO in spring 2012.

Exploring the Feasibility of Developing an Automated Work Estimation System for the Air Force Communications Command Engineering and Installation Function.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

tion of common pins (26:10). However, except for work done by Charles Babbage in the 1800s, the real development of time study methods and...these standards is not. Charles Day (12:61), in a recent article, conveyed that the science of work management has been hampered by the inordinate...A103238. 11. Conner, Eva. HQ AFCC/EPCP, Scott AFB IL. Personal interview. 21 January 1983. 115 12. Day, Charles R. "Solving the Mystery of

Chemist and meteorologist - Antoine Lavoisier.

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

Gaffney, J. S.; Marley, N. A.; Environmental Research

2003-01-01

Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794) is well known as the father of modern chemistry. His work on the chemistry of oxygen and the development of the concept of mass balance lighted the way for future chemists to apply rigorous scientific methods in their work. However, Lavoisier also made considerable contributions to other scientific disciplines, including meteorology and atmospheric science. This paper will survey the life of Antoine Lavoisier and his considerable scientific contributions. We will highlight his work on lightning and his attempts to develop a meteorological network for temperature and humidity measurements to support weather prediction.

Developing energy and momentum conceptual survey (EMCS) with four-tier diagnostic test items

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afif, Nur Faadhilah; Nugraha, Muhammad Gina; Samsudin, Achmad

2017-05-01

Students' conceptions of work and energy are important to support the learning process in the classroom. For that reason, a diagnostic test instrument is needed to diagnose students' conception of work and energy. As a result, the researcher decided to develop Energy and Momentum Conceptual Survey (EMCS) instrument test into four-tier test diagnostic items. The purpose of this research is organized as the first step of four-tier test-formatted EMCS development as one of diagnostic test instruments on work and Energy. The research method used the 4D model (Defining, Designing, Developing and Disseminating). The instrument developed has been tested to 39 students in one of Senior High Schools. The resulting research showed that four-tier test-formatted EMCS is able to diagnose students' conception level of work and energy concept. It can be concluded that the development of four-tier test-formatted EMCS is one of potential diagnostic test instruments that able to obtain the category of students who understand concepts, misconceptions and do not understand about Work and Energy concept at all.

The development of the simultaneous GC method of helium, argon and neon measurements for the groundwater dating.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najman, Joanna; Śliwka, Ireneusz

2014-05-01

In this work we present a chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis of helium, neon and argon in groundwater from one water sample. The concentration of helium in groundwater may be a good environmental tracer for groundwater dating. Proper use of environmental tracers in hydrogeology for dating purpose, requires the knowledge of recharge temperature of the system and the so-called "Excess air". "Excess air" allows for the necessary correction of measured concentration of helium in water. Both parameters can be determined by measuring the concentration of argon and neon in groundwater. In the Department of Physicochemistry of Ecosystems from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences the chromatographic method for the simultaneous analysis of He, Ar and Ne from one groundwater sample for dating purposes was developed. Water samples are taken to the stainless steel vessels with a capacity of 2900 cc. Gases are extracted from water by headspace method (HS). Helium, neon and argon are analyzed on two gas chromatographs equipped with capillary and packed columns and three thermo-conductive detectors (TCD). The chromatographic method was applied to groundwater dating from areas of Podhalańska Basin, Kraków and Żarnowiec. The levels of detection LOD for each measurement systems for the tested compounds are: 1,9•10-8 cm3STP/cm3 for Ne, 3,1•10-6 cm3STP/cm3 for Ar and 1,2•10-8 cm3STP/cm3 for He. Work performed within the strategic research project "Technologies supporting the development of safe nuclear power" financed by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR). Research Task "Development of methods to assure nuclear safety and radiation protection for current and future needs of nuclear power plants", contract No. SP/J/6/143339/11. This work was also supported by grant No. N N525 3488 38 from the Polish National Science Centre.

Technical Work Plan for: Thermodynamic Database for Chemical Modeling

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

C.F. Jovecolon

The objective of the work scope covered by this Technical Work Plan (TWP) is to correct and improve the Yucca Mountain Project (YMP) thermodynamic databases, to update their documentation, and to ensure reasonable consistency among them. In addition, the work scope will continue to generate database revisions, which are organized and named so as to be transparent to internal and external users and reviewers. Regarding consistency among databases, it is noted that aqueous speciation and mineral solubility data for a given system may differ according to how solubility was determined, and the method used for subsequent retrieval of thermodynamic parametermore » values from measured data. Of particular concern are the details of the determination of ''infinite dilution'' constants, which involve the use of specific methods for activity coefficient corrections. That is, equilibrium constants developed for a given system for one set of conditions may not be consistent with constants developed for other conditions, depending on the species considered in the chemical reactions and the methods used in the reported studies. Hence, there will be some differences (for example in log K values) between the Pitzer and ''B-dot'' database parameters for the same reactions or species.« less

Generalized equation of state for refrigerants

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

Kim, Y.; Sonntag, R.E.; Borgnakke, C.

1995-08-01

A new four-parameter generalized equation of state with three reference fluids has been developed for predicting thermodynamic properties of the methane and ethane-series refrigerants. The four chosen characteristic parameters are critical temperature, critical pressure, acentric factor, and the polarity factor proposed in this work. The three selected reference fluids are argon, n-butane and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a). When the results of this work are compared with the refrigerant experimental data, they show significant improvement over Lee and Kesler (1975) and Wu and Stiel (1985). If the characteristic parameters of the refrigerants of interest are not available, an estimation method based on themore » group contribution method is given. The ideal vapor-compression refrigeration cycle was studied using the newly developed generalized equation of state to verify the accuracy of this work.« less

FINAL REPORT (MILESTONE DATE 9/30/11) FOR SUBCONTRACT NO. B594099 NUMERICAL METHODS FOR LARGE-SCALE DATA FACTORIZATION

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

De Sterck, H

2011-10-18

The following work has been performed by PI Hans De Sterck and graduate student Manda Winlaw for the required tasks 1-5 (as listed in the Statement of Work). Graduate student Manda Winlaw has visited LLNL January 31-March 11, 2011 and May 23-August 19, 2010, working with Van Henson and Mike O'Hara on non-negative matrix factorizations (NMF). She has investigated the dense subgraph clustering algorithm from 'Finding Dense Subgraphs for Sparse Undirected, Directed, and Bipartite Graphs' by Chen and Saad, testing this method on several term-document matrices and adapting it to cluster based on the rank of the subgraphs instead ofmore » the density. Manda Winlaw was awarded a first prize in the annual LLNL summer student poster competition for a poster on her NMF research. PI Hans De Sterck has developed a new adaptive algebraic multigrid algorithm for computing a few dominant or minimal singular triplets of sparse rectangular matrices. This work builds on adaptive algebraic multigrid methods that were further developed by the PI and collaborators (including Sanders and Henson) for Markov chains. The method also combines and extends existing multigrid algorithms for the symmetric eigenproblem. The PI has visited LLNL February 22-25, 2011, and has given a CASC seminar 'Algebraic Multigrid for the Singular Value Problem' on this work on February 23, 2011. During his visit, he has discussed this work and related topics with Van Henson, Geoffrey Sanders, Panayot Vassilevski, and others. He has tested the algorithm on PDE matrices and on a term-document matrix, with promising initial results. Manda Winlaw has also started to work, with O'Hara, on estimating probability distributions over undirected graph edges. The goal is to estimate probabilistic models from sets of undirected graph edges for the purpose of prediction, anomaly detection and support to supervised learning. Graduate student Manda Winlaw is writing a paper on the results obtained with O'Hara which will be submitted some time later in 2011 to a data mining conference. PI Hans De Sterck has developed a new optimization algorithm for canonical tensor approximation, formulating an extension of the nonlinear GMRES method to optimization problems. Numerical results for tensors with up to 8 modes show that this new method is efficient for sparse and dense tensors. He has written a paper on this which has been submitted to the SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing. PI Hans De Sterck has further developed his new optimization algorithm for canonical tensor approximation, formulating an extension in terms of steepest-descent preconditioning, which makes the approach generally applicable for nonlinear optimization. He has written a paper on this extension which has been submitted to Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications.« less

UXO Discrimination in Cases with Overlapping Signatures

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-07

13. APPENDIX B: HFE -BIEM ..........................................................................................................290 - 7...First principals numerical solutions developed were a Hybrid Finite Element – Boundary Integral Equation Method ( HFE -BIEM) body of revolution (BOR...attacks, namely the Method of Auxiliary Sources (MAS) and the Hybrid Finite Element – Boundary Integral Equation Method ( HFE -BIEM). These work

Are All Homeschooling Methods Created Equal?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor-Hough, Deborah

2010-01-01

For parents looking to see their children develop into the self-reliant, critical thinkers John Taylor Gatto described in his essay, "Against School," and other works, a combination of unschooling and the Charlotte Mason method would have the best chance of overall success. Research shows any method of homeschooling produces standardized test…

Opportunities in Training & Development Careers. VGM Opportunities Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Edward E.; Petrini, Catherine M.; Campagna, Ann P.

This volume is a resource for those who want to explore opportunities in training and development careers. Chapter 1 covers the evolution of training and the future of education at work. Chapter 2 considers trainers' roles; program design and development; needs assessment; development of program objectives; program content, training methods,…

Using intervention mapping to develop a work-related guidance tool for those affected by cancer

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Working-aged individuals diagnosed and treated for cancer require support and assistance to make decisions regarding work. However, healthcare professionals do not consider the work-related needs of patients and employers do not understand the full impact cancer can have upon the employee and their work. We therefore developed a work-related guidance tool for those diagnosed with cancer that enables them to take the lead in stimulating discussion with a range of different healthcare professionals, employers, employment agencies and support services. The tool facilitates discussions through a set of questions individuals can utilise to find solutions and minimise the impact cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment may have on their employment, sick leave and return to work outcomes. The objective of the present article is to describe the systematic development and content of the tool using Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP). Methods The study used the first five steps of the intervention mapping process to guide the development of the tool. A needs assessment identified the ‘gaps’ in information/advice received from healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. The intended outcomes and performance objectives for the tool were then identified followed by theory-based methods and an implementation plan. A draft of the tool was developed and subjected to a two-stage Delphi process with various stakeholders. The final tool was piloted with 38 individuals at various stages of the cancer journey. Results The tool was designed to be a self-led tool that can be used by any person with a cancer diagnosis and working for most types of employers. The pilot study indicated that the tool was relevant and much needed. Conclusions Intervention Mapping is a valuable protocol for designing complex guidance tools. The process and design of this particular tool can lend itself to other situations both occupational and more health-care based. PMID:23289708

Aeroelastic stability and response of rotating structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keith, Theo G., Jr.

1993-01-01

A summary of the work performed during the progress period is presented. Analysis methods for predicting loads and instabilities of wind turbines were developed. Three new areas of research to aid the Advanced Turboprop Project (ATP) were initiated and developed. These three areas of research are aeroelastic analysis methods for cascades including blade and disk flexibility; stall flutter analysis; and computational aeroelasticity.

A simplified method for numerical simulation of gas grilling of non-intact beef steaks to elimate Escherichia coli O157:H7

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this work was to develop a numerical simulation method to study gas grilling of non-intact beef steaks (NIBS) and evaluate the effectiveness of grilling on inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7. A numerical analysis program was developed to determine the effective heat transfer ...

The Impact of Being Part of an Action Learning Set for New Lecturers: A Reflective Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haith, Mark P.; Whittingham, Katrina A.

2012-01-01

What is an action learning set (ALS)? An ALS is a regular, action focused peer discussion group, generally facilitated, to address work place issues. Methods of undertaking ALS: methods are flexible within a range of approaches according to the group's developing needs. Benefits of ALS: builds trust, professional development, enables action,…

What Touched Your Heart? Collaborative Story Analysis Emerging From an Apsáalooke Cultural Context.

PubMed

Hallett, John; Held, Suzanne; McCormick, Alma Knows His Gun; Simonds, Vanessa; Real Bird, Sloane; Martin, Christine; Simpson, Colleen; Schure, Mark; Turnsplenty, Nicole; Trottier, Coleen

2017-07-01

Community-based participatory research and decolonizing research share some recommendations for best practices for conducting research. One commonality is partnering on all stages of research; co-developing methods of data analysis is one stage with a deficit of partnering examples. We present a novel community-based and developed method for analyzing qualitative data within an Indigenous health study and explain incompatibilities of existing methods for our purposes and community needs. We describe how we explored available literature, received counsel from community Elders and experts in the field, and collaboratively developed a data analysis method consonant with community values. The method of analysis, in which interview/story remained intact, team members received story, made meaning through discussion, and generated a conceptual framework to inform intervention development, is detailed. We offer the development process and method as an example for researchers working with communities who want to keep stories intact during qualitative data analysis.

Motif-Synchronization: A new method for analysis of dynamic brain networks with EEG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosário, R. S.; Cardoso, P. T.; Muñoz, M. A.; Montoya, P.; Miranda, J. G. V.

2015-12-01

The major aim of this work was to propose a new association method known as Motif-Synchronization. This method was developed to provide information about the synchronization degree and direction between two nodes of a network by counting the number of occurrences of some patterns between any two time series. The second objective of this work was to present a new methodology for the analysis of dynamic brain networks, by combining the Time-Varying Graph (TVG) method with a directional association method. We further applied the new algorithms to a set of human electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to perform a dynamic analysis of the brain functional networks (BFN).

Design of Work Facilities for Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk in Paper Pallet Assembly Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardi Safitri, Dian; Arfi Nabila, Zahra; Azmi, Nora

2018-03-01

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) is one of the ergonomic risks due to manual activity, non-neutral posture and repetitive motion. The purpose of this study is to measure risk and implement ergonomic interventions to reduce the risk of MSD on the paper pallet assembly work station. Measurements to work posture are done by Ovako Working Posture Analysis (OWAS) methods and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, while the measurement of work repetitiveness was using Strain Index (SI) method. Assembly processes operators are identified has the highest risk level. OWAS score, Strain Index, and REBA values are 4, 20.25, and 11. Ergonomic improvements are needed to reduce that level of risk. Proposed improvements will be developed using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method applied with Axiomatic House of Quality (AHOQ) and Morphological Chart. As the result, risk level based on OWAS score & REBA score turn out from 4 & 11 to be 1 & 2. Biomechanics analysis of the operator also shows the decreasing values for L4-L5 moment, compression, joint shear, and joint moment strength.

Incorporating sustainability into TxDOT's transportation decision making : summary of work performed, methods used, and results achieved.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-02-01

This report summarizes the work performed in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 and 2010 under TxDOT : Implementation Project 5-5541-01 Regional Workshops on Sustainability Enhancement : Tool. TxDOT Research Project 0-5541, Developing Sustainable Tra...

Methods Development for Spectral Simplification of Room-Temperature Rotational Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kent, Erin B.; Shipman, Steven

2014-06-01

Room-temperature rotational spectra are dense and difficult to assign, and so we have been working to develop methods to accelerate this process. We have tested two different methods with our waveguide-based spectrometer, which operates from 8.7 to 26.5 GHz. The first method, based on previous work by Medvedev and De Lucia, was used to estimate lower state energies of transitions by performing relative intensity measurements at a range of temperatures between -20 and +50 °C. The second method employed hundreds of microwave-microwave double resonance measurements to determine level connectivity between rotational transitions. The relative intensity measurements were not particularly successful in this frequency range (the reasons for this will be discussed), but the information gleaned from the double-resonance measurements can be incorporated into other spectral search algorithms (such as autofit or genetic algorithm approaches) via scoring or penalty functions to help with the spectral assignment process. I.R. Medvedev, F.C. De Lucia, Astrophys. J. 656, 621-628 (2007).

Method for delivery of small molecules and proteins across the cell wall of algae using molecular transporters

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

Geihe, Erika; Trantow, Brian; Wender, Paul

The introduction of tools to study, control or expand the inner-workings of algae has been slow to develop. Provided are embodiments of a molecular method based on guanidinium-rich molecular transporters (GR-MoTrs) for bringing molecular cargos into algal cells. The methods of the disclosure have been shown to work in wild-type algae that have an intact cell wall. Developed using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, this method is also successful with less studied algae, including Neochloris oleoabundans and Scenedesmus dimorphus, thus providing a new and versatile tool for algal research and modification. The method of delivering a cargo compound to an algal cell comprisesmore » contacting an algal cell with a guanidinium-rich delivery vehicle comprising a guanidinium-rich molecular transporter (GR-MoTr) linked to a cargo compound desired to be delivered to the algal cell, whereby the guanidinium-rich molecular transporter can traverse the algal cell wall, thereby delivering the cargo compound to the algal cell.« less

Super-resolution structured illumination in optically thick specimens without fluorescent tagging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffman, Zachary R.; DiMarzio, Charles A.

2017-11-01

This research extends the work of Hoffman et al. to provide both sectioning and super-resolution using random patterns within thick specimens. Two methods of processing structured illumination in reflectance have been developed without the need for a priori knowledge of either the optical system or the modulation patterns. We explore the use of two deconvolution algorithms that assume either Gaussian or sparse priors. This paper will show that while both methods accomplish their intended objective, the sparse priors method provides superior resolution and contrast against all tested targets, providing anywhere from ˜1.6× to ˜2× resolution enhancement. The methods developed here can reasonably be implemented to work without a priori knowledge about the patterns or point spread function. Further, all experiments are run using an incoherent light source, unknown random modulation patterns, and without the use of fluorescent tagging. These additional modifications are challenging, but the generalization of these methods makes them prime candidates for clinical application, providing super-resolved noninvasive sectioning in vivo.

The Behavior of Water in Jet Fuels and the Clogging of Micronic Filters at Low Temperatures,

DTIC Science & Technology

1950-01-11

especially at low temperatures has been made. A method for the determination of water in fuels using the Karl Fischer reagent has been developed and... method utilizing the Karl Fischer reagenti was investigated and a technique developed which proved to be more satisfactory. Procedures Determination of...LABORATORY RESTRICTED I | Method Used ------ (1) Acetyl chloride-pyridine* I 2(2) Karl Fischer Reagent - present work ---_ _ (3) Calcium hydride* 0.I i (4

Development and validation of stability indicating HPLC methods for related substances and assay analyses of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate mixtures.

PubMed

Bellur Atici, Esen; Yazar, Yücel; Ağtaş, Çağan; Ridvanoğlu, Nurten; Karlığa, Bekir

2017-03-20

Antibacterial combinations consisting of the semisynthetic antibiotic amoxicillin (amox) and the β-lactamase inhibitor potassium clavulanate (clav) are commonly used and several chromatographic methods were reported for their quantification in mixtures. In the present work, single HPLC method for related substances analyses of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate mixtures was developed and validated according to international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Eighteen amoxicillin and six potassium clavulanate impurities were successfully separated from each other by using triple gradient elution using a Thermo Hypersil Zorbax BDS C18 (250 mm×4.6mm, 3μm) column with 50μL injection volumes at a wavelength of 215nm. Commercially unavailable impurities were formed by degradation of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate, identified by LC-MS studies and used during analytical method development and validation studies. Also, process related amoxicillin impurity-P was synthesized and characterized by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy (MS) for the first time. As complementary of this work, an assay method for amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate mixtures was developed and validated; stress-testing and stability studies of amox/clav mixtures was carried out under specified conditions according to ICH and analyzed by using validated stability-indicating assay and related substances methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Emergence of Social Work Practice Research in the Peoples' Republic of China: A Literature Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sim, Timothy; Lau, Victor C. Y.

2017-01-01

Objective: In China where social work is a fledgling profession, practice research is still a novelty. This article aims to provide an overview of the development of social work practice research in mainland China. Methods: This review analyzes the content of 206 Chinese journal articles published in the Peoples' Republic of China since 1915 using…

A socioecological analysis of the determinants of national public health nutrition work force capacity: Australia as a case study.

PubMed

Hughes, Roger

2006-01-01

This article uses a socioecological analytical approach to assess the capacity of the public health nutrition work force in Australia as a prelude to work force development strategy planning. It demonstrates how the socioecological model can be used to assess and inform the development of the infrastructure required for effective public health nutrition effort. An interpretive case study method was used involving triangular analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources including semistructured interviews with advanced-level practitioners, literature review, a cross-sectional national work force survey, and position description audit and consensus development using a Delphi study. The findings of this analysis indicate that the Australian public health nutrition work force's capacity to effectively address priority nutrition issues is limited by determinants that can be categorized as relating to human resource infrastructure, organizational and policy environments, intelligence access and use, practice improvement and learning systems, and work force preparation. This socioecological analysis supports an intelligence-based focus for work force development effort in Australia and a conceptual framework for work force capacity assessment with potential applications in other countries.

Mathematical Formulation used by MATLAB Code to Convert FTIR Interferograms to Calibrated Spectra

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

Armstrong, Derek Elswick

This report discusses the mathematical procedures used to convert raw interferograms from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) sensors to calibrated spectra. The work discussed in this report was completed as part of the Helios project at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MATLAB code was developed to convert the raw interferograms to calibrated spectra. The report summarizes the developed MATLAB scripts and functions, along with a description of the mathematical methods used by the code. The first step in working with raw interferograms is to convert them to uncalibrated spectra by applying an apodization function to the raw data and then by performingmore » a Fourier transform. The developed MATLAB code also addresses phase error correction by applying the Mertz method. This report provides documentation for the MATLAB scripts.« less

Hotel Housekeeping Work Influences on Hypertension Management

PubMed Central

Sanon, Marie-Anne

2013-01-01

Background Characteristics of hotel housekeeping work increase the risk for hypertension development. Little is known about the influences of such work on hypertension management. Methods For this qualitative study, 27 Haitian immigrant hotel housekeepers from Miami-Dade County, FL were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed with the assistance of the Atlas. ti software for code and theme identification. Results Influences of hotel housekeeping work on hypertension management arose both at the individual and system levels. Factors at the individual level included co-worker dynamics and maintenance of transmigrant life. Factors at the system level included supervisory support, workload, work pace, and work hiring practices. No positive influences were reported for workload and hiring practices. Conclusions Workplace interventions may be beneficial for effective hypertension management among hotel housekeepers. These work influences must be considered when determining effective methods for hypertension management among hotel housekeepers. PMID:23775918

[Work organisation improvement methods applied to activities of Blood Transfusion Establishments (BTE): Lean Manufacturing, VSM, 5S].

PubMed

Bertholey, F; Bourniquel, P; Rivery, E; Coudurier, N; Follea, G

2009-05-01

Continuous improvement of efficiency as well as new expectations from customers (quality and safety of blood products) and employees (working conditions) imply constant efforts in Blood Transfusion Establishments (BTE) to improve work organisations. The Lean method (from "Lean" meaning "thin") aims at identifying wastages in the process (overproduction, waiting, over-processing, inventory, transport, motion) and then reducing them in establishing a mapping of value chain (Value Stream Mapping). It consists in determining the added value of each step of the process from a customer perspective. Lean also consists in standardizing operations while implicating and responsabilizing all collaborators. The name 5S comes from the first letter of five operations of a Japanese management technique: to clear, rank, keep clean, standardize, make durable. The 5S method leads to develop the team working inducing an evolution of the way in the management is performed. The Lean VSM method has been applied to blood processing (component laboratory) in the Pays de la Loire BTE. The Lean 5S method has been applied to blood processing, quality control, purchasing, warehouse, human resources and quality assurance in the Rhône-Alpes BTE. The experience returns from both BTE shows that these methods allowed improving: (1) the processes and working conditions from a quality perspective, (2) the staff satisfaction, (3) the efficiency. These experiences, implemented in two BTE for different processes, confirm the applicability and usefulness of these methods to improve working organisations in BTE.

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of shared care: protocol for a realist review.

PubMed

Hardwick, Rebecca; Pearson, Mark; Byng, Richard; Anderson, Rob

2013-02-12

Shared care (an enhanced information exchange over and above routine outpatient letters) is commonly used to improve care coordination and communication between a specialist and primary care services for people with long-term conditions. Evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of shared care is mixed. Informed decision-making for targeting shared care requires a greater understanding of how it works, for whom it works, in what contexts and why. This protocol outlines how realist review methods can be used to synthesise evidence on shared care for long-term conditions.A further aim of the review is to explore economic evaluations of shared care. Economic evaluations are difficult to synthesise due to problems in accounting for contextual differences that impact on resource use and opportunity costs. Realist review methods have been suggested as a way to overcome some of these issues, so this review will also assess whether realist review methods are amenable to synthesising economic evidence. Database and web searching will be carried out in order to find relevant evidence to develop and test programme theories about how shared care works. The review will have two phases. Phase 1 will concentrate on the contextual conditions and mechanisms that influence how shared care works, in order to develop programme theories, which partially explain how it works. Phase 2 will focus on testing these programme theories. A Project Reference Group made up of health service professionals and people with actual experience of long-term conditions will be used to ground the study in real-life experience. Review findings will be disseminated through local and sub-national networks for integrated care and long-term conditions. This realist review will explore why and for whom shared care works, in order to support decision-makers working to improve the effectiveness of care for people outside hospital. The development of realist review methods to take into account cost and cost-effectiveness evidence is particularly innovative and challenging, and if successful will offer a new approach to synthesising economic evidence. This systematic review protocol is registered on the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42012002842).

Professional Development for Rural School Assistant Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enomoto, Ernestine K.

2012-01-01

Given rural school administrators' challenges and the need to support their leadership development, this qualitative study describes how one rural school district delivered professional development through a university-school partnership to prepare its assistant principals for their work. Methods: Eight assistant principals from nine schools…

Stress state of rocks with a system of workings

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

Nikiforovskii, V.S.; Seryakov, V.M.

1979-09-01

An investigation of the state of rocks in undisturbed form, and during disturbance by drivage of development workings and the working of seams or ore beds, is both important and also extremely complex in practice. The complete physical and mathematical formulation of the problem must take into account the complex geological structure (allowing for tectonics) of the region, the mutual influence of the systems of workings, the change in the mechanical characteristics in the vicinity of the workings, etc. All these factors make it necessary to solve spatial problems with inclusions and workings of arbitrary form. The literature gives datamore » on the stress in the rock in the vicinity of a working remote from the free surface and in its vicinity. However, the possibilities of an analytical investigation of the problem are limited to the simplest cases under conditions of plane deformation. Considerable success in the solution of problems of geomechanics has been attained using numerical methods, particularly the finite-element method, which enables us, without altering the algorithm, to change fairly rapidly and simply the outer and inner boundaries of the region and the properties of the medium, or to assign various boundary conditions. In this article we calculate the stress in the rocks around mining-out and development workings during mining of the Talnakh and Oktyabr' deposits by the longwall slicing system with stowing of the worked-out area.« less

Evaluation of two working methods for screed floor layers on musculoskeletal complaints, work demands and workload.

PubMed

Visser, Steven; van der Molen, Henk F; Kuijer, P Paul F M; van Holland, Berry J; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2013-01-01

Screed floors are bound by sand-cement (SF) or by anhydrite (AF). Sand-cement floors are levelled manually and anhydrite floors are self-levelling and therefore differences in work demands and prevalences of musculoskeletal complaints might occur. The objective was to assess among SF layers and AF layers (1) the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and (2) the physical work demands, energetic workload, perceived workload and discomfort. A questionnaire survey and an observational field study were performed. Compared with AF layers (n = 35), SF layers (n = 203) had higher, however, not statistically significant different, prevalences of neck (20% vs. 7%), shoulder (27% vs. 13%), low back (39% vs. 26%) and ankles/feet (9% vs. 0%) complaints. Sand-cement-bound screed floor layers (n = 18) bent and kneeled significantly longer (Δ77 min and Δ94 min; respectively), whereas AF layers (n = 18) stood significantly longer (Δ60 min). The work demands of SF layers exceeded exposure criteria for low back and knee complaints and therefore new working measures should be developed and implemented. In comparison with anhydrite-bound screed floor layers, sand-cement-bound screed floor layers exceeded exposure criteria for work-related low back and knee complaints. New working methods and measures for sand-cement-bound screed floor layers should be developed and implemented to reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal complaints.

Validation of newly developed and redesigned key indicator methods for assessment of different working conditions with physical workloads based on mixed-methods design: a study protocol.

PubMed

Klussmann, Andre; Liebers, Falk; Brandstädt, Felix; Schust, Marianne; Serafin, Patrick; Schäfer, Andreas; Gebhardt, Hansjürgen; Hartmann, Bernd; Steinberg, Ulf

2017-08-21

The impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is considerable. The assessment of work tasks with physical workloads is crucial to estimate the work-related health risks of exposed employees. Three key indicator methods are available for risk assessment regarding manual lifting, holding and carrying of loads; manual pulling and pushing of loads; and manual handling operations. Three further KIMs for risk assessment regarding whole-body forces, awkward body postures and body movement have been developed de novo. In addition, the development of a newly drafted combined method for mixed exposures is planned. All methods will be validated regarding face validity, reliability, convergent validity, criterion validity and further aspects of utility under practical conditions. As part of the joint project MEGAPHYS (multilevel risk assessment of physical workloads), a mixed-methods study is being designed for the validation of KIMs and conducted in companies of different sizes and branches in Germany. Workplaces are documented and analysed by observations, applying KIMs, interviews and assessment of environmental conditions. Furthermore, a survey among the employees at the respective workplaces takes place with standardised questionnaires, interviews and physical examinations. It is intended to include 1200 employees at 120 different workplaces. For analysis of the quality criteria, recommendations of the COSMIN checklist (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) will be taken into account. The study was planned and conducted in accordance with the German Medical Professional Code and the Declaration of Helsinki as well as the German Federal Data Protection Act. The design of the study was approved by ethics committees. We intend to publish the validated KIMs in 2018. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international meetings and disseminated to actual users for practical application. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Major advances in testing of dairy products: milk component and dairy product attribute testing.

PubMed

Barbano, D M; Lynch, J M

2006-04-01

Milk component analysis is relatively unusual in the field of quantitative analytical chemistry because an analytical test result determines the allocation of very large amounts of money between buyers and sellers of milk. Therefore, there is high incentive to develop and refine these methods to achieve a level of analytical performance rarely demanded of most methods or laboratory staff working in analytical chemistry. In the last 25 yr, well-defined statistical methods to characterize and validate analytical method performance combined with significant improvements in both the chemical and instrumental methods have allowed achievement of improved analytical performance for payment testing. A shift from marketing commodity dairy products to the development, manufacture, and marketing of value added dairy foods for specific market segments has created a need for instrumental and sensory approaches and quantitative data to support product development and marketing. Bringing together sensory data from quantitative descriptive analysis and analytical data from gas chromatography olfactometry for identification of odor-active compounds in complex natural dairy foods has enabled the sensory scientist and analytical chemist to work together to improve the consistency and quality of dairy food flavors.

Strongly Coupled Fluid-Body Dynamics in the Immersed Boundary Projection Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chengjie; Eldredge, Jeff D.

2014-11-01

A computational algorithm is developed to simulate dynamically coupled interaction between fluid and rigid bodies. The basic computational framework is built upon a multi-domain immersed boundary method library, whirl, developed in previous work. In this library, the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow are solved on a uniform Cartesian grid by the vorticity-based immersed boundary projection method of Colonius and Taira. A solver for the dynamics of rigid-body systems is also included. The fluid and rigid-body solvers are strongly coupled with an iterative approach based on the block Gauss-Seidel method. Interfacial force, with its intimate connection with the Lagrange multipliers used in the fluid solver, is used as the primary iteration variable. Relaxation, developed from a stability analysis of the iterative scheme, is used to achieve convergence in only 2-4 iterations per time step. Several two- and three-dimensional numerical tests are conducted to validate and demonstrate the method, including flapping of flexible wings, self-excited oscillations of a system of linked plates and three-dimensional propulsion of flexible fluked tail. This work has been supported by AFOSR, under Award FA9550-11-1-0098.

Specification for Visual Requirements of Work-Centered Software Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

no person shall be subject to any penity for fallng to comply wih a collection of N ilo ration it does not display a currenty valid OMB control...work- aiding systems. Based on the design concept for a work- centered support system (WCSS), these software systems support user tasks and goals...through both direct and indirect aiding methods within the interface client. In order to ensure the coherent development and delivery of work- centered

Rotor dynamic simulation and system identification methods for application to vacuum whirl data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, A.; Giansante, N.; Flannelly, W. G.

1980-01-01

Methods of using rotor vacuum whirl data to improve the ability to model helicopter rotors were developed. The work consisted of the formulation of the equations of motion of elastic blades on a hub using a Galerkin method; the development of a general computer program for simulation of these equations; the study and implementation of a procedure for determining physical parameters based on measured data; and the application of a method for computing the normal modes and natural frequencies based on test data.

Modelling and study of active vibration control for off-road vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junwei; Chen, Sizhong

2014-05-01

In view of special working characteristics and structure, engineering machineries do not have conventional suspension system typically. Consequently, operators have to endure severe vibrations which are detrimental both to their health and to the productivity of the loader. Based on displacement control, a kind of active damping method is developed for a skid-steer loader. In this paper, the whole hydraulic system for active damping method is modelled which include swash plate dynamics model, proportional valve model, piston accumulator model, pilot-operated check valve model, relief valve model, pump loss model, and cylinder model. A new road excitation model is developed for the skid-steer loader specially. The response of chassis vibration acceleration to road excitation is verified through simulation. The simulation result of passive accumulator damping is compared with measurements and the comparison shows that they are close. Based on this, parallel PID controller and track PID controller with acceleration feedback are brought into the simulation model, and the simulation results are compared with passive accumulator damping. It shows that the active damping methods with PID controllers are better in reducing chassis vibration acceleration and pitch movement. In the end, the test work for active damping method is proposed for the future work.

Industrial Simulation Games for Executive Development: Review of the Literature and Implications for Military Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

the effects of two formal training methods in the retail sales arena was reported by Ivancevich and Smith (1981). The methods involved (a) role...now established and that his work has extended the theory. Oligopoly theory also was the focus of the work reported by Lyons (1982). Oligopoly refers...benefit for the group while providing a fair share for each group member. Lyons described a computer-based game designed primarily for management

ECO-ITS : Intelligent Transportation System Applications to Improve Environmental Performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-05-01

This report describes recent research supported by the US DOTs AERIS program, building upon existing work through developing and improving data collection methods, developing new data fusion techniques to improve estimates, and applying appropriat...

Workflow Agents vs. Expert Systems: Problem Solving Methods in Work Systems Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Sierhuis, Maarten; Seah, Chin

2009-01-01

During the 1980s, a community of artificial intelligence researchers became interested in formalizing problem solving methods as part of an effort called "second generation expert systems" (2nd GES). How do the motivations and results of this research relate to building tools for the workplace today? We provide an historical review of how the theory of expertise has developed, a progress report on a tool for designing and implementing model-based automation (Brahms), and a concrete example how we apply 2nd GES concepts today in an agent-based system for space flight operations (OCAMS). Brahms incorporates an ontology for modeling work practices, what people are doing in the course of a day, characterized as "activities." OCAMS was developed using a simulation-to-implementation methodology, in which a prototype tool was embedded in a simulation of future work practices. OCAMS uses model-based methods to interactively plan its actions and keep track of the work to be done. The problem solving methods of practice are interactive, employing reasoning for and through action in the real world. Analogously, it is as if a medical expert system were charged not just with interpreting culture results, but actually interacting with a patient. Our perspective shifts from building a "problem solving" (expert) system to building an actor in the world. The reusable components in work system designs include entire "problem solvers" (e.g., a planning subsystem), interoperability frameworks, and workflow agents that use and revise models dynamically in a network of people and tools. Consequently, the research focus shifts so "problem solving methods" include ways of knowing that models do not fit the world, and ways of interacting with other agents and people to gain or verify information and (ultimately) adapt rules and procedures to resolve problematic situations.

Prediction of explosive yield and other characteristics of liquid rocket propellant explosions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farber, E. A.; Smith, J. H.; Watts, E. H.

1973-01-01

Work which has been done at the University of Florida in arriving at credible explosive yield values for liquid rocket propellants is presented. The results are based upon logical methods which have been well worked out theoretically and verified through experimental procedures. Three independent methods to predict explosive yield values for liquid rocket propellants are described. All three give the same end result even though they utilize different parameters and procedures. They are: (1) mathematical model; (2) seven chart approach; and (3) critical mass method. A brief description of the methods, how they were derived, how they were applied, and the results which they produced are given. The experimental work used to support and verify the above methods both in the laboratory and in the field with actually explosive mixtures are presented. The methods developed are used and their value demonstrated in analyzing real problems, among them the destruct system of the Saturn 5, and the early configurations of the space shuttle.

Collective Biography and Memory Work: Girls Reading Fiction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gannon, Susanne

2015-01-01

Collective biography draws on memory work methods developed initially by feminist sociologists (Haug et al., 1987) where people collaboratively examined the social and discursive resources through which they take themselves up as particular gendered subjects in the world. Their own memories become resources to investigate processes of…

Toward a Method for Exposing and Elucidating Ethical Issues with Human Cognitive Enhancement Technologies.

PubMed

Hofmann, Bjørn

2017-04-01

To develop a method for exposing and elucidating ethical issues with human cognitive enhancement (HCE). The intended use of the method is to support and facilitate open and transparent deliberation and decision making with respect to this emerging technology with great potential formative implications for individuals and society. Literature search to identify relevant approaches. Conventional content analysis of the identified papers and methods in order to assess their suitability for assessing HCE according to four selection criteria. Method development. Amendment after pilot testing on smart-glasses. Based on three existing approaches in health technology assessment a method for exposing and elucidating ethical issues in the assessment of HCE technologies was developed. Based on a pilot test for smart-glasses, the method was amended. The method consists of six steps and a guiding list of 43 questions. A method for exposing and elucidating ethical issues in the assessment of HCE was developed. The method provides the ground work for context specific ethical assessment and analysis. Widespread use, amendments, and further developments of the method are encouraged.

Making Technology Ready: Integrated Systems Health Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malin, Jane T.; Oliver, Patrick J.

2007-01-01

This paper identifies work needed by developers to make integrated system health management (ISHM) technology ready and by programs to make mission infrastructure ready for this technology. This paper examines perceptions of ISHM technologies and experience in legacy programs. Study methods included literature review and interviews with representatives of stakeholder groups. Recommendations address 1) development of ISHM technology, 2) development of ISHM engineering processes and methods, and 3) program organization and infrastructure for ISHM technology evolution, infusion and migration.

Computational Nanophotonics: modeling optical interactions and transport in tailored nanosystem architectures

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

Schatz, George; Ratner, Mark

2014-02-27

This report describes research by George Schatz and Mark Ratner that was done over the period 10/03-5/09 at Northwestern University. This research project was part of a larger research project with the same title led by Stephen Gray at Argonne. A significant amount of our work involved collaborations with Gray, and there were many joint publications as summarized later. In addition, a lot of this work involved collaborations with experimental groups at Northwestern, Argonne, and elsewhere. The research was primarily concerned with developing theory and computational methods that can be used to describe the interaction of light with noble metalmore » nanoparticles (especially silver) that are capable of plasmon excitation. Classical electrodynamics provides a powerful approach for performing these studies, so much of this research project involved the development of methods for solving Maxwell’s equations, including both linear and nonlinear effects, and examining a wide range of nanostructures, including particles, particle arrays, metal films, films with holes, and combinations of metal nanostructures with polymers and other dielectrics. In addition, our work broke new ground in the development of quantum mechanical methods to describe plasmonic effects based on the use of time dependent density functional theory, and we developed new theory concerned with the coupling of plasmons to electrical transport in molecular wire structures. Applications of our technology were aimed at the development of plasmonic devices as components of optoelectronic circuits, plasmons for spectroscopy applications, and plasmons for energy-related applications.« less

GREENSCOPE: A Method for Modeling Chemical Process Sustainability

EPA Science Inventory

Current work within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory is focused on the development of a method for modeling chemical process sustainability. The GREENSCOPE methodology, defined for the four bases of Environment, Economics, Ef...

Validation of a two-dimensional liquid chromatography method for quality control testing of pharmaceutical materials.

PubMed

Yang, Samuel H; Wang, Jenny; Zhang, Kelly

2017-04-07

Despite the advantages of 2D-LC, there is currently little to no work in demonstrating the suitability of these 2D-LC methods for use in a quality control (QC) environment for good manufacturing practice (GMP) tests. This lack of information becomes more critical as the availability of commercial 2D-LC instrumentation has significantly increased, and more testing facilities begin to acquire these 2D-LC capabilities. It is increasingly important that the transferability of developed 2D-LC methods be assessed in terms of reproducibility, robustness and performance across different laboratories worldwide. The work presented here focuses on the evaluation of a heart-cutting 2D-LC method used for the analysis of a pharmaceutical material, where a key, co-eluting impurity in the first dimension ( 1 D) is resolved from the main peak and analyzed in the second dimension ( 2 D). A design-of-experiments (DOE) approach was taken in the collection of the data, and the results were then modeled in order to evaluate method robustness using statistical modeling software. This quality by design (QBD) approach gives a deeper understanding of the impact of these 2D-LC critical method attributes (CMAs) and how they affect overall method performance. Although there are multiple parameters that may be critical from method development point of view, a special focus of this work is devoted towards evaluation of unique 2D-LC critical method attributes from method validation perspective that transcend conventional method development and validation. The 2D-LC method attributes are evaluated for their recovery, peak shape, and resolution of the two co-eluting compounds in question on the 2 D. In the method, linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, and sensitivity are assessed along with day-to-day, analyst-to-analyst, and lab-to-lab (instrument-to-instrument) assessments. The results of this validation study demonstrate that the 2D-LC method is accurate, sensitive, and robust and is ultimately suitable for QC testing with good method transferability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for energy and environment applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ying; Rimal, Gaurab; Tang, Jinke; Dai, Qilin

2018-02-01

Magnetic nanoparticles are of great interest due to their applications in energy and environment. In this work, we developed a chemical solution based method to synthesize NiFe2O4 (NFO) nanoparticles with different sizes and structures by organic ligands and studied their applications in magnetic electrolyte concentration cells and waste water treatment. NFO nanoparticle growth is controlled by the organic passivating ligand ratios, reaction temperatures, and reaction solution concentrations to achieve the control of NFO nanoparticle size ranging from 25 nm to 160 nm. The NFO growth mechanism is controlled by aggregation related mechanism, leading to tunable magnetic properties and concentration cell device performance. Magnetic biochar consisting of biochar/NFO composite was also obtained based on the developed method. Waste water containing Rhodamine B was tested by the synthesized magnetic biochar. We believe the method developed in this work about magnetic NFO nanoparticles and magnetic biochar will shed light on the application of magnetic nanoparticles in energy and environment.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System: A Formal Methods Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munoz, Cesar A.; Dutle, Aaron; Narkawicz, Anthony; Upchurch, Jason

2016-01-01

As the technological and operational capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have grown, so too have international efforts to integrate UAS into civil airspace. However, one of the major concerns that must be addressed in realizing this integration is that of safety. For example, UAS lack an on-board pilot to comply with the legal requirement that pilots see and avoid other aircraft. This requirement has motivated the development of a detect and avoid (DAA) capability for UAS that provides situational awareness and maneuver guidance to UAS operators to aid them in avoiding and remaining well clear of other aircraft in the airspace. The NASA Langley Research Center Formal Methods group has played a fundamental role in the development of this capability. This article gives a selected survey of the formal methods work conducted in support of the development of a DAA concept for UAS. This work includes specification of low-level and high-level functional requirements, formal verification of algorithms, and rigorous validation of software implementations.

Using computer software to improve group decision-making.

PubMed

Mockler, R J; Dologite, D G

1991-08-01

This article provides a review of some of the work done in the area of knowledge-based systems for strategic planning. Since 1985, with the founding of the Center for Knowledge-based Systems for Business Management, the project has focused on developing knowledge-based systems (KBS) based on these models. In addition, the project also involves developing a variety of computer and non-computer methods and techniques for assisting both technical and non-technical managers and individuals to do decision modelling and KBS development. This paper presents a summary of one segment of the project: a description of integrative groupware useful in strategic planning. The work described here is part of an ongoing research project. As part of this project, for example, over 200 non-technical and technical business managers, most of them working full-time during the project, developed over 160 KBS prototype systems in conjunction with MBA course in strategic planning and management decision making. Based on replies to a survey of this test group, 28 per cent of the survey respondents reported their KBS were used at work, 21 per cent reportedly received promotions, pay rises or new jobs based on their KBS development work, and 12 per cent reported their work led to participation in other KBS development projects at work. All but two of the survey respondents reported that their work on the KBS development project led to a substantial increase in their job knowledge or performance.

Staff Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Purcell, Larry O.

Staff development programs and activities are common methods of stimulating change in the behavior of educators. These programs may be designed for a number of purposes, including (1) problem-solving within the local school or district; (2) remediation to develop work-related skills; (3) motivation to change and improve staff; and (4) development…

[The pathogenetic approach to the development of tools and methods for the improvement of statokinetic stability in the operators of aerospace systems].

PubMed

Glaznikov, L A; Buĭnov, L G; Govorun, M I; Sorokina, L A; Nigmedzianov, R A; Golovanov, A E

2012-01-01

The objective of the present study was to estimate the efficacy of the tools and methods for the optimization of the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) and analyzers involved in the maintenance of the statokinetic (SK) stability in man. To this effect, we evaluated the outcome of bemitil treatment during 10 days with and without A.I. Yarotsky test and the influence of these procedures on the pathophysiological characteristics of selected elements of the work of operators of aerospace systems. Based on the data obtained in the study, the tools and methods have been developed that allow the efficacy and quality of certain aspects of the operators' activity to be improved, viz. general working capacity under conditions requiring enhanced statokinetic stability, self-confidence, emotional and somatic comfort.

Advanced Signal Processing Methods Applied to Digital Mammography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stauduhar, Richard P.

1997-01-01

The work reported here is on the extension of the earlier proposal of the same title, August 1994-June 1996. The report for that work is also being submitted. The work reported there forms the foundation for this work from January 1997 to September 1997. After the earlier work was completed there were a few items that needed to be completed prior to submission of a new and more comprehensive proposal for further research. Those tasks have been completed and two new proposals have been submitted, one to NASA, and one to Health & Human Services WS). The main purpose of this extension was to refine some of the techniques that lead to automatic large scale evaluation of full mammograms. Progress on each of the proposed tasks follows. Task 1: A multiresolution segmentation of background from breast has been developed and tested. The method is based on the different noise characteristics of the two different fields. The breast field has more power in the lower octaves and the off-breast field behaves similar to a wideband process, where more power is in the high frequency octaves. After the two fields are separated by lowpass filtering, a region labeling routine is used to find the largest contiguous region, the breast. Task 2: A wavelet expansion that can decompose the image without zero padding has been developed. The method preserves all properties of the power-of-two wavelet transform and does not add appreciably to computation time or storage. This work is essential for analysis of the full mammogram, as opposed to selecting sections from the full mammogram. Task 3: A clustering method has been developed based on a simple counting mechanism. No ROC analysis has been performed (and was not proposed), so we cannot finally evaluate this work without further support. Task 4: Further testing of the filter reveals that different wavelet bases do yield slightly different qualitative results. We cannot provide quantitative conclusions about this for all possible bases without further support. Task 5: Better modeling does indeed make an improvement in the detection output. After the proposal ended, we came up with some new theoretical explanations that helps in understanding when the D4 filter should be better. This work is currently in the review process. Task 6: N/A. This no longer applies in view of Tasks 4-5. Task 7: Comprehensive plans for further work have been completed. These plans are the subject of two proposals, one to NASA and one to HHS. These proposals represent plans for a complete evaluation of the methods for identifying normal mammograms, augmented with significant further theoretical work.

Combining Project Management Methods: A Case Study of Dlstributed Work Practices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Backlund, Per; Lundell, Björn

The increasing complexity of information systems development (ISD) projects call for improved project management practices. This, together with an endeavour to improve the success rate of ISD projects (Lyytinen and Robey 1999; Cooke-Davies 2002; White and Fortune 2002), has served as drivers for various efforts in process improvement such as the introduction of new development methods (Fitzgerald 1997; Iivari and Maansaari 1998).

Advances in hypersonic vehicle synthesis with application to studies of advanced thermal protection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ardema, Mark D.

1995-01-01

This report summarizes the work entitled 'Advances in Hypersonic Vehicle Synthesis with Application to Studies of Advanced Thermal Protection Systems.' The effort was in two areas: (1) development of advanced methods of trajectory and propulsion system optimization; and (2) development of advanced methods of structural weight estimation. The majority of the effort was spent in the trajectory area.

Developing and validating a method for monitoring and tracking changes in southern pine beetle hazard at the landscape level

Treesearch

Ronald Billings; L. Allen Smith; Jin Zhu; Shailu Verma; Nick Kouchoukos; Joon Heo

2010-01-01

The objective of this research project is to develop and validate a method for using satellite images and digital geospatial data to map the distribution of southern pine beetle (SPB) habitats across the pinelands of east Texas. Our approach builds on a work that used photo interpretation and discriminant analysis to identify and evaluate environmental conditions...

Mortise terrorism on the main pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komarov, V. A.; Nigrey, N. N.; Bronnikov, D. A.; Nigrey, A. A.

2018-01-01

The research aim of the work is to analyze the effectiveness of the methods of physical protection of main pipelines proposed in the article from the "mortise terrorism" A mathematical model has been developed that made it possible to predict the dynamics of "mortise terrorism" in the short term. An analysis of the effectiveness of physical protection methods proposed in the article to prevent unauthorized impacts on the objects under investigation is given. A variant of a video analytics system has been developed that allows detecting violators with recognition of the types of work they perform at a distance of 150 meters in conditions of complex natural backgrounds and precipitation. Probability of detection is 0.959.

Precision pointing and control of flexible spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bantell, M. H., Jr.

1987-01-01

The problem and long term objectives for the precision pointing and control of flexible spacecraft are given. The four basic objectives are stated in terms of two principle tasks. Under Task 1, robust low order controllers, improved structural modeling methods for control applications and identification methods for structural dynamics are being developed. Under Task 2, a lab test experiment for verification of control laws and system identification algorithms is being developed. For Task 1, work has focused on robust low order controller design and some initial considerations for structural modeling in control applications. For Task 2, work has focused on experiment design and fabrication, along with sensor selection and initial digital controller implementation. Conclusions are given.

A software tool for determination of breast cancer treatment methods using data mining approach.

PubMed

Cakır, Abdülkadir; Demirel, Burçin

2011-12-01

In this work, breast cancer treatment methods are determined using data mining. For this purpose, software is developed to help to oncology doctor for the suggestion of application of the treatment methods about breast cancer patients. 462 breast cancer patient data, obtained from Ankara Oncology Hospital, are used to determine treatment methods for new patients. This dataset is processed with Weka data mining tool. Classification algorithms are applied one by one for this dataset and results are compared to find proper treatment method. Developed software program called as "Treatment Assistant" uses different algorithms (IB1, Multilayer Perception and Decision Table) to find out which one is giving better result for each attribute to predict and by using Java Net beans interface. Treatment methods are determined for the post surgical operation of breast cancer patients using this developed software tool. At modeling step of data mining process, different Weka algorithms are used for output attributes. For hormonotherapy output IB1, for tamoxifen and radiotherapy outputs Multilayer Perceptron and for the chemotherapy output decision table algorithm shows best accuracy performance compare to each other. In conclusion, this work shows that data mining approach can be a useful tool for medical applications particularly at the treatment decision step. Data mining helps to the doctor to decide in a short time.

Development and optimisation of an HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-ToF method for the determination of phenolic acids and derivatives.

PubMed

Restivo, Annalaura; Degano, Ilaria; Ribechini, Erika; Colombini, Maria Perla

2014-01-01

A method for the HPLC-MS/MS analysis of phenols, including phenolic acids and naphtoquinones, using an amide-embedded phase column was developed and compared to the literature methods based on classical C18 stationary phase columns. RP-Amide is a recently developed polar embedded stationary phase, whose wetting properties mean that up to 100% water can be used as an eluent. The increased retention and selectivity for polar compounds and the possibility of working in 100% water conditions make this column particularly interesting for the HPLC analysis of phenolic acids and derivatives. In this study, the chromatographic separation was optimised on an HPLC-DAD, and was used to separate 13 standard phenolic acids and derivatives. The method was validated on an HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF. The acquisition was performed in negative polarity and MS/MS target mode. Ionisation conditions and acquisition parameters for the Q-ToF detector were investigated by working on collision energies and fragmentor potentials. The performance of the method was fully evaluated on standards. Moreover, several raw materials containing phenols were analysed: walnut, gall, wine, malbec grape, French oak, red henna and propolis. Our method allowed us to characterize the phenolic composition in a wide range of matrices and to highlight possible matrix effects.

Probabilistic framework for product design optimization and risk management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keski-Rahkonen, J. K.

2018-05-01

Probabilistic methods have gradually gained ground within engineering practices but currently it is still the industry standard to use deterministic safety margin approaches to dimensioning components and qualitative methods to manage product risks. These methods are suitable for baseline design work but quantitative risk management and product reliability optimization require more advanced predictive approaches. Ample research has been published on how to predict failure probabilities for mechanical components and furthermore to optimize reliability through life cycle cost analysis. This paper reviews the literature for existing methods and tries to harness their best features and simplify the process to be applicable in practical engineering work. Recommended process applies Monte Carlo method on top of load-resistance models to estimate failure probabilities. Furthermore, it adds on existing literature by introducing a practical framework to use probabilistic models in quantitative risk management and product life cycle costs optimization. The main focus is on mechanical failure modes due to the well-developed methods used to predict these types of failures. However, the same framework can be applied on any type of failure mode as long as predictive models can be developed.

Developing an OD-Intervention Metric System with the Use of Applied Theory-Building Methodology: A Work/Life-Intervention Example

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Michael Lane; Storberg-Walker, Julia; McMillan, Heather S.

2009-01-01

This article presents a new model, generated through applied theory-building research methods, that helps human resource development (HRD) practitioners evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of organization development (OD) interventions. This model, called organization development human-capital accounting system (ODHCAS), identifies…

Annual Report on the Activities and Publications of the DHS-DNDO-NTNFC Sponsored Post-doctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory

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

Rim, Jung Ho; Tandon, Lav

This report is a summary of the projects Jung Rim is working on as a DHS postdoctoral fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. These research projects are designed to explore different radioanalytical methods to support nuclear forensics applications. The current projects discussed here include development of alpha spectroscopy method for 240/239Pu Isotopic ratio measurement, non-destructive uranium assay method using gamma spectroscopy, and 236U non-destructive uranium analysis using FRAM code. This report documents the work that has been performed since the start of the postdoctoral appointment.

New Methods of Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Application to Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

magnet based ), the development of novel high-speed parallel imaging detection systems, and work on advanced adaptive reconstruction methods ...signal many times within the acquisition time . We present here a new method for 3D OMRI based on b-SSFP at a constant field of 6.5 mT that provides up...developing injury-sensitive MRI based on the detection of free radicals associat- ed with injury using the Overhauser effect and subsequently imaging that

Aeroelastic Stability and Response of Rotating Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keith, Theo G., Jr.; Reddy, Tondapu

2004-01-01

A summary of the work performed under NASA grant is presented. More details can be found in the cited references. This grant led to the development of relatively faster aeroelastic analysis methods for predicting flutter and forced response in fans, compressors, and turbines using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods. These methods are based on linearized two- and three-dimensional, unsteady, nonlinear aerodynamic equations. During the period of the grant, aeroelastic analysis that includes the effects of uncertainties in the design variables has also been developed.

Using conceptual work products of health care to design health IT.

PubMed

Berry, Andrew B L; Butler, Keith A; Harrington, Craig; Braxton, Melissa O; Walker, Amy J; Pete, Nikki; Johnson, Trevor; Oberle, Mark W; Haselkorn, Jodie; Paul Nichol, W; Haselkorn, Mark

2016-02-01

This paper introduces a new, model-based design method for interactive health information technology (IT) systems. This method extends workflow models with models of conceptual work products. When the health care work being modeled is substantially cognitive, tacit, and complex in nature, graphical workflow models can become too complex to be useful to designers. Conceptual models complement and simplify workflows by providing an explicit specification for the information product they must produce. We illustrate how conceptual work products can be modeled using standard software modeling language, which allows them to provide fundamental requirements for what the workflow must accomplish and the information that a new system should provide. Developers can use these specifications to envision how health IT could enable an effective cognitive strategy as a workflow with precise information requirements. We illustrate the new method with a study conducted in an outpatient multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic. This study shows specifically how the different phases of the method can be carried out, how the method allows for iteration across phases, and how the method generated a health IT design for case management of MS that is efficient and easy to use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using a Three-Step Method in a Calculus Class: Extending the Worked Example

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, David

2010-01-01

This article discusses a three-step method that was used in a college calculus course. The three-step method was developed to help students understand the course material and transition to be more independent learners. In addition, the method helped students to transfer concepts from short-term to long-term memory while lowering cognitive load.…

Assessing research productivity in an oncology research institute: the role of the documentation center.

PubMed Central

Ugolini, D; Bogliolo, A; Parodi, S; Casilli, C; Santi, L

1997-01-01

An evaluation method used to assess the quality of research productivity and to provide priorities for budget allocation purposes is presented. This method, developed by a working group of the National Institute for Research on Cancer (IST), Genoa, Italy, is based on the partitioning of categories of the Science Citation Index and Journal Citation Reports (SCI-JCR) into deciles, which normalizes journal impact factors in order to gauge the quality of the productivity. A second parameter related to the number of staff of each institute department co-authoring a given paper has been introduced in order to guide departmental budget allocations. The information scientists of the IST Documentation Center who participated in the working group played a pivotal role in developing the computerized database of publications, providing and analyzing data, supplying and evaluating literature on the topic, and placing international bibliographic databases at the working group's disposal. PMID:9028569

Acoustic radiosity for computation of sound fields in diffuse environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehleisen, Ralph T.; Beamer, C. Walter

2002-05-01

The use of image and ray tracing methods (and variations thereof) for the computation of sound fields in rooms is relatively well developed. In their regime of validity, both methods work well for prediction in rooms with small amounts of diffraction and mostly specular reflection at the walls. While extensions to the method to include diffuse reflections and diffraction have been made, they are limited at best. In the fields of illumination and computer graphics the ray tracing and image methods are joined by another method called luminous radiative transfer or radiosity. In radiosity, an energy balance between surfaces is computed assuming diffuse reflection at the reflective surfaces. Because the interaction between surfaces is constant, much of the computation required for sound field prediction with multiple or moving source and receiver positions can be reduced. In acoustics the radiosity method has had little attention because of the problems of diffraction and specular reflection. The utility of radiosity in acoustics and an approach to a useful development of the method for acoustics will be presented. The method looks especially useful for sound level prediction in industrial and office environments. [Work supported by NSF.

Children's Comprehension of Object Relative Sentences: It's Extant Language Knowledge That Matters, Not Domain-General Working Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rusli, Yazmin Ahmad; Montgomery, James W.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether extant language (lexical) knowledge or domain-general working memory is the better predictor of comprehension of object relative sentences for children with typical development. We hypothesized that extant language knowledge, not domain-general working memory, is the better predictor. Method:…

Nonlinear optical methods for the analysis of protein nanocrystals and biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dow, Ximeng You

Structural biology underpins rational drug design and fundamental understanding of protein function. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been the golden standard for solving for high-resolution protein structure. Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has been developed by the Simpson lab as a sensitive, crystal-specific detection method for the identification of protein crystal and help optimize the crystallization condition. Protein nanocrystals has been widely used for structure determination of membrane proteins in serial femtosecond nanocrystallography. In this thesis work, novel nonlinear optical methods were developed to address the challenges associated with the detection and characterization of protein nanocrystals. SHG-correlation spectroscopy (SHG-CS) was developed to take advantage of the diffusing motion and retrieve the size distribution and crystal quality of the nanocrystals. Polarization-dependent SHG imaging technique was developed to measure the relative orientation as well as the internal structure of the sample. Two photon- excited fluorescence has been used in the Simpson lab as a complementary measurement besides the inherent SHG signal from the crystals. A novel instrumentation development was also introduced in this thesis work to greatly improve the speed of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM).

Bringing Systems Thinking into Community-based Environmental Management

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA’s ‘Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program’ is developing methods and tools to assist communities in making decisions that lead to more just and environmentally sustainable outcomes. Work includes collaborative development of system...

The development and piloting of electronic standardized measures on nursing work: combining engineering and nursing knowledge.

PubMed

Bragadóttir, Helga; Gunnarsdóttir, Sigrún; Ingason, Helgi T

2013-05-01

This paper describes the development and piloting of electronic standardized measures on nursing work (e-SMNW) for rich data gathering on the work and work environment of registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs). Efficient and valid methods are needed to measure nursing work to enhance the optimal use of the nursing workforce for safe patient care. The study combined human factors engineering (HFE) and nursing knowledge to develop electronic standardized measures for observational studies on nursing work in acute care. The work and work environment of RNs and PNs in acute care medical and surgical inpatient units was successfully measured using e-SMNW. With predetermined items of work activities and influencing factors in the work of nurses, and full use of computer technology, multi-layered rich standardized data were gathered, analysed and displayed. The combination of nursing knowledge, HFE and computer technology enables observational data collection for a rich picture of the complex work of nursing. Information collected by standardized and multi-layered measures makes it easier to identify potential improvements, with regard to influencing factors and management of the work and work environment of nurses. Further use of computer technology in health services research is encouraged. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Development of a Methodology for Assessing Aircrew Workloads.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

Workload Feasibility Study. .. ...... 52 Subjects. .. .............. ........ 53 Equipment .. ............... ....... 53 Date Analysis ... analysis ; simulation; standard time systems; switching synthetic time systems; task activities; task interference; time study; tracking; workload; work sampl...standard data systems, information content analysis , work sampling and job evaluation. Con- ventional methods were found to be deficient in accounting

43 CFR 11.64 - Injury determination phase-testing and sampling methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... In developing these objectives, the availability of information from response actions relating to the...), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code made to adapt the... computer code (if any), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code...

43 CFR 11.64 - Injury determination phase-testing and sampling methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... In developing these objectives, the availability of information from response actions relating to the...), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code made to adapt the... computer code (if any), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code...

43 CFR 11.64 - Injury determination phase-testing and sampling methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... In developing these objectives, the availability of information from response actions relating to the...), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code made to adapt the... computer code (if any), test cases proving the code works, and any alteration of previously documented code...

Needs Assessments: An Integrated Assignment in Civic Service

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norris, Debra S.; Schwartz, Charles L.

2009-01-01

An undergraduate social work program developed a service-learning experience in partnership with a local United Way organization to complete a community needs assessment project. The experience integrated the curricula of a social work research methods course and a generalist-macro practice course with the principles and actions of experiential…

78 FR 78341 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-26

... titled, ``Development of Metrics to Measure Financial Well-being of Working-age and Older American... Measure Financial Well-being of Working-age and Older American Consumers. OMB Control Number: 3170-XXXX... charged with conducting research to identify methods and strategies to educate and counsel seniors, and...

23 CFR 645.117 - Cost development and reimbursement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... of any alternate costing method should consider the factors listed in paragraphs (b) through (g) of... worked on the project are reimbursable when supported by adequate records. This includes labor associated... the utility may be reimbursed for the time worked directly on the project when supported by adequate...

Combining Education and Work; Experiences in Asia and Oceania: Bangladesh.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dacca Univ., Bangladesh. Inst. of Education and Research.

Bangladesh stresses the importance of education responsive to the country's development needs and capable of producing, through formal or non-formal methods, skilled, employable manpower. Although no pre-vocational training exists, new curricula have introduced practical work experience in the primary schools and have integrated agriculture,…

Critical Problems Stalling Progress in Natural Bioactive Polysaccharide Research and Development.

PubMed

Han, Quan-Bin

2018-05-09

Natural polysaccharides are attracting increasing attention from food and pharmaceutical industries for their wide range of valuable biological activities. However, the poor repeatability of the methods used in sample preparation and chemical characterization is hampering both research and product development. The unstandardized quality, in turn, undermines efforts to understand the mechanism by which they work via oral dose, which is essential to realize the full beneficial potential of polysaccharides. Some scientists believe polysaccharides work by direct gut absorption; however, increasing evidence points to the gut microbiome and intestinal Peyer's patches as holding the keys to how they work.

Causality and Causal Inference in Social Work: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives

PubMed Central

Palinkas, Lawrence A.

2015-01-01

Achieving the goals of social work requires matching a specific solution to a specific problem. Understanding why the problem exists and why the solution should work requires a consideration of cause and effect. However, it is unclear whether it is desirable for social workers to identify cause and effect, whether it is possible for social workers to identify cause and effect, and, if so, what is the best means for doing so. These questions are central to determining the possibility of developing a science of social work and how we go about doing it. This article has four aims: (1) provide an overview of the nature of causality; (2) examine how causality is treated in social work research and practice; (3) highlight the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in the search for causality; and (4) demonstrate how both methods can be employed to support a “science” of social work. PMID:25821393

Factors that Influence Vocabulary Development in Two-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stokes, Stephanie F.; Klee, Thomas

2009-01-01

Background: This research explored the relative impact of demographic, cognitive, behavioural, and psycholinguistic factors on vocabulary development in two-year-old children. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-two children (24-30 months) were tested on expressive and receptive vocabulary, cognitive development, word learning and working memory…

Getting Results through Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Human Resource Development Council, Washington, DC.

This handbook, which was developed for federal managers, explains how low-cost and no-cost training methods developed in the private sector and the services and support available from federal human resource development (HRD) offices can be used to build a smarter and more productive work force. Presented in part 1 are the following: seven…

International E-Benchmarking: Flexible Peer Development of Authentic Learning Principles in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leppisaari, Irja; Vainio, Leena; Herrington, Jan; Im, Yeonwook

2011-01-01

More and more, social technologies and virtual work methods are facilitating new ways of crossing boundaries in professional development and international collaborations. This paper examines the peer development of higher education teachers through the experiences of the IVBM project (International Virtual Benchmarking, 2009-2010). The…

Integration of Stable Droplet Formation on a CD Microfluidic Device for Extreme Point of Care Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganesh, Shruthi Vatsyayani

With the advent of microfluidic technologies for molecular diagnostics, a lot of emphasis has been placed on developing diagnostic tools for resource poor regions in the form of Extreme Point of Care devices. To ensure commercial viability of such a device there is a need to develop an accurate sample to answer system, which is robust, portable, isolated yet highly sensitive and cost effective. This need has been a driving force for research involving integration of different microsystems like droplet microfluidics, Compact-disc (CD)microfluidics along with sample preparation and detection modules on a single platform. This work attempts to develop a proof of concept prototype of one such device using existing CD microfluidics tools to generate stable droplets used in point of care diagnostics (POC diagnostics). Apart from using a fairly newer technique for droplet generation and stabilization, the work aims to develop this method focused towards diagnostics for rural healthcare. The motivation for this work is first described with an emphasis on the current need for diagnostic testing in rural health-care and the general guidelines prescribed by WHO for such a sample to answer system. Furthermore, a background on CD and droplet microfluidics is presented to understand the merits and de-merits of each system and the need for integrating the two. This phase of the thesis also includes different methods employed/demonstrated to generate droplets on a spinning platform. An overview on the detection platforms is also presented to understand the challenges involved in building an extreme point of care device. In the third phase of the thesis, general manufacturing techniques and materials used to accomplish this work is presented. Lastly, design trials for droplet generation is presented. The shortcomings of these trials are solved by investigating mechanisms pertaining to design modification and use of agarose based droplet generation to ensure a more robust sample processing method. This method is further characterized and compared with non-agarose based system and the results are analyzed. In conclusion, future prospects of this work are discussed in relation to extreme POC applications.

Evaluation Framework for NASA's Educational Outreach Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berg, Rick; Booker, Angela; Linde, Charlotte; Preston, Connie

1999-01-01

The objective of the proposed work is to develop an evaluation framework for NASA's educational outreach efforts. We focus on public (rather than technical or scientific) dissemination efforts, specifically on Internet-based outreach sites for children.The outcome of this work is to propose both methods and criteria for evaluation, which would enable NASA to do a more analytic evaluation of its outreach efforts. The proposed framework is based on IRL's ethnographic and video-based observational methods, which allow us to analyze how these sites are actually used.

Using ergonomics checkpoints to support a participatory ergonomics intervention in an industrially developing country (IDC)--a case study.

PubMed

Helali, Faramarz

2009-01-01

To achieve ergonomics awareness in 3 subsidiary companies, an intervention team was formed. The aims of this study were to implement basic ergonomics through a participatory ergonomics intervention process that can support a continuous learning process and lead to an improvement in health and safety as well as in the work systems in the organization. The findings of this study (i.e., method, continuous learning and integration) were key to making the participatory ergonomics intervention successful. Furthermore, 4 issues of the ergonomics checkpoints (i.e., work schedules, work tasks, healthy work organization and learning) for assessing the work system were found suitable for both changing work schedules and for improving the work system. This paper describes the result of this project and also the experiences gained and the conclusions reached from using the International Labour Office's ergonomics checkpoints in the industries of industrially developing country.

[Recent advances in sample preparation methods of plant hormones].

PubMed

Wu, Qian; Wang, Lus; Wu, Dapeng; Duan, Chunfeng; Guan, Yafeng

2014-04-01

Plant hormones are a group of naturally occurring trace substances which play a crucial role in controlling the plant development, growth and environment response. With the development of the chromatography and mass spectroscopy technique, chromatographic analytical method has become a widely used way for plant hormone analysis. Among the steps of chromatographic analysis, sample preparation is undoubtedly the most vital one. Thus, a highly selective and efficient sample preparation method is critical for accurate identification and quantification of phytohormones. For the three major kinds of plant hormones including acidic plant hormones & basic plant hormones, brassinosteroids and plant polypeptides, the sample preparation methods are reviewed in sequence especially the recently developed methods. The review includes novel methods, devices, extractive materials and derivative reagents for sample preparation of phytohormones analysis. Especially, some related works of our group are included. At last, the future developments in this field are also prospected.

Evaluation of an automatic brain segmentation method developed for neonates on adult MR brain images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moeskops, Pim; Viergever, Max A.; Benders, Manon J. N. L.; Išgum, Ivana

2015-03-01

Automatic brain tissue segmentation is of clinical relevance in images acquired at all ages. The literature presents a clear distinction between methods developed for MR images of infants, and methods developed for images of adults. The aim of this work is to evaluate a method developed for neonatal images in the segmentation of adult images. The evaluated method employs supervised voxel classification in subsequent stages, exploiting spatial and intensity information. Evaluation was performed using images available within the MRBrainS13 challenge. The obtained average Dice coefficients were 85.77% for grey matter, 88.66% for white matter, 81.08% for cerebrospinal fluid, 95.65% for cerebrum, and 96.92% for intracranial cavity, currently resulting in the best overall ranking. The possibility of applying the same method to neonatal as well as adult images can be of great value in cross-sectional studies that include a wide age range.

The development of a multi-criteria decision analysis aid to help with contraceptive choices: My Contraception Tool.

PubMed

French, Rebecca S; Cowan, Frances M; Wellings, Kaye; Dowie, Jack

2014-04-01

My Contraception Tool (MCT) applies the principles of multi-criteria decision analysis to the choice of contraceptive method. Its purpose is to make the decision-making process transparent to the user and to suggest a method to them based on their own preferences. The contraceptive option that emerges as optimal from the analysis takes account of the probability of a range of outcomes and the relative weight ascribed to them by the user. The development of MCT was a collaborative project between London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Brook, FPA and Maldaba Ltd. MCT is available online via the Brook and FPA websites. In this article we describe MCT's development and how it works. Further work is needed to assess the impact it has on decision quality and contraceptive behaviour.

Recommendations of the wwPDB NMR Validation Task Force

PubMed Central

Montelione, Gaetano T.; Nilges, Michael; Bax, Ad; Güntert, Peter; Herrmann, Torsten; Richardson, Jane S.; Schwieters, Charles; Vranken, Wim F.; Vuister, Geerten W.; Wishart, David S.; Berman, Helen M.; Kleywegt, Gerard J.; Markley, John L.

2013-01-01

As methods for analysis of biomolecular structure and dynamics using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) continue to advance, the resulting 3D structures, chemical shifts, and other NMR data are broadly impacting biology, chemistry, and medicine. Structure model assessment is a critical area of NMR methods development, and is an essential component of the process of making these structures accessible and useful to the wider scientific community. For these reasons, the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) has convened an NMR Validation Task Force (NMR-VTF) to work with the wwPDB partners in developing metrics and policies for biomolecular NMR data harvesting, structure representation, and structure quality assessment. This paper summarizes the recommendations of the NMR-VTF, and lays the groundwork for future work in developing standards and metrics for biomolecular NMR structure quality assessment. PMID:24010715

Development of an Innovative Algorithm for Aerodynamics-Structure Interaction Using Lattice Boltzmann Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, Ren-Wei; Shyy, Wei; Yu, Da-Zhi; Luo, Li-Shi; Rudy, David (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) is a kinetic formulation which offers an alternative computational method capable of solving fluid dynamics for various systems. Major advantages of the method are owing to the fact that the solution for the particle distribution functions is explicit, easy to implement, and the algorithm is natural to parallelize. In this final report, we summarize the works accomplished in the past three years. Since most works have been published, the technical details can be found in the literature. Brief summary will be provided in this report. In this project, a second-order accurate treatment of boundary condition in the LBE method is developed for a curved boundary and tested successfully in various 2-D and 3-D configurations. To evaluate the aerodynamic force on a body in the context of LBE method, several force evaluation schemes have been investigated. A simple momentum exchange method is shown to give reliable and accurate values for the force on a body in both 2-D and 3-D cases. Various 3-D LBE models have been assessed in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and robustness. In general, accurate 3-D results can be obtained using LBE methods. The 3-D 19-bit model is found to be the best one among the 15-bit, 19-bit, and 27-bit LBE models. To achieve desired grid resolution and to accommodate the far field boundary conditions in aerodynamics computations, a multi-block LBE method is developed by dividing the flow field into various blocks each having constant lattice spacing. Substantial contribution to the LBE method is also made through the development of a new, generalized lattice Boltzmann equation constructed in the moment space in order to improve the computational stability, detailed theoretical analysis on the stability, dispersion, and dissipation characteristics of the LBE method, and computational studies of high Reynolds number flows with singular gradients. Finally, a finite difference-based lattice Boltzmann method is developed for inviscid compressible flows.

Usefulness of a Dual Macro- and Micro-Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer to Develop Quantitative Methodologies for Historic Mortar and Related Materials Characterization.

PubMed

García-Florentino, Cristina; Maguregui, Maite; Romera-Fernández, Miriam; Queralt, Ignasi; Margui, Eva; Madariaga, Juan Manuel

2018-05-01

Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectrometry has been widely used for elemental quantification of mortars and cements. In this kind of instrument, samples are usually prepared as pellets or fused beads and the whole volume of sample is measured at once. In this work, the usefulness of a dual energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRF), working at two lateral resolutions (1 mm and 25 μm) for macro and microanalysis respectively, to develop quantitative methods for the elemental characterization of mortars and concretes is demonstrated. A crucial step before developing any quantitative method with this kind of spectrometers is to verify the homogeneity of the standards at these two lateral resolutions. This new ED-XRF quantitative method also demonstrated the importance of matrix effects in the accuracy of the results being necessary to use Certified Reference Materials as standards. The results obtained with the ED-XRF quantitative method were compared with the ones obtained with two WD-XRF quantitative methods employing two different sample preparation strategies (pellets and fused beads). The selected ED-XRF and both WD-XRF quantitative methods were applied to the analysis of real mortars. The accuracy of the ED-XRF results turn out to be similar to the one achieved by WD-XRF, except for the lightest elements (Na and Mg). The results described in this work proved that μ-ED-XRF spectrometers can be used not only for acquiring high resolution elemental map distributions, but also to perform accurate quantitative studies avoiding the use of more sophisticated WD-XRF systems or the acid extraction/alkaline fusion required as destructive pretreatment in Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry based procedures.

Flight directors for STOl aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabin, U. H.

1983-01-01

Flight director logic for flight path and airspeed control of a powered-lift STOL aircraft in the approach, transition, and landing configurations are developed. The methods for flight director design are investigated. The first method is based on the Optimal Control Model (OCM) of the pilot. The second method, proposed here, uses a fixed dynamic model of the pilot in a state space formulation similar to that of the OCM, and includes a pilot work-load metric. Several design examples are presented with various aircraft, sensor, and control configurations. These examples show the strong impact of throttle effectiveness on the performance and pilot work-load associated with manual control of powered-lift aircraft during approach. Improved performed and reduced pilot work-load can be achieved by using direct-lift-control to increase throttle effectiveness.

Oak Ridge Spallation Neutron Source (ORSNS) target station design integration

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

McManamy, T.; Booth, R.; Cleaves, J.

1996-06-01

The conceptual design for a 1- to 3-MW short pulse spallation source with a liquid mercury target has been started recently. The design tools and methods being developed to define requirements, integrate the work, and provide early cost guidance will be presented with a summary of the current target station design status. The initial design point was selected with performance and cost estimate projections by a systems code. This code was developed recently using cost estimates from the Brookhaven Pulsed Spallation Neutron Source study and experience from the Advanced Neutron Source Project`s conceptual design. It will be updated and improvedmore » as the design develops. Performance was characterized by a simplified figure of merit based on a ratio of neutron production to costs. A work breakdown structure was developed, with simplified systems diagrams used to define interfaces and system responsibilities. A risk assessment method was used to identify potential problems, to identify required research and development (R&D), and to aid contingency development. Preliminary 3-D models of the target station are being used to develop remote maintenance concepts and to estimate costs.« less

An Autonomous Sensor Tasking Approach for Large Scale Space Object Cataloging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linares, R.; Furfaro, R.

The field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) has progressed over the last few decades with new sensors coming online, the development of new approaches for making observations, and new algorithms for processing them. Although there has been success in the development of new approaches, a missing piece is the translation of SSA goals to sensors and resource allocation; otherwise known as the Sensor Management Problem (SMP). This work solves the SMP using an artificial intelligence approach called Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). Stable methods for training DRL approaches based on neural networks exist, but most of these approaches are not suitable for high dimensional systems. The Asynchronous Advantage Actor-Critic (A3C) method is a recently developed and effective approach for high dimensional systems, and this work leverages these results and applies this approach to decision making in SSA. The decision space for the SSA problems can be high dimensional, even for tasking of a single telescope. Since the number of SOs in space is relatively high, each sensor will have a large number of possible actions at a given time. Therefore, efficient DRL approaches are required when solving the SMP for SSA. This work develops a A3C based method for DRL applied to SSA sensor tasking. One of the key benefits of DRL approaches is the ability to handle high dimensional data. For example DRL methods have been applied to image processing for the autonomous car application. For example, a 256x256 RGB image has 196608 parameters (256*256*3=196608) which is very high dimensional, and deep learning approaches routinely take images like this as inputs. Therefore, when applied to the whole catalog the DRL approach offers the ability to solve this high dimensional problem. This work has the potential to, for the first time, solve the non-myopic sensor tasking problem for the whole SO catalog (over 22,000 objects) providing a truly revolutionary result.

PHIRE (Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe): methods, structures and evaluation.

PubMed

Barnhoorn, Floris; McCarthy, Mark; Devillé, Walter; Alexanderson, Kristina; Voss, Margaretha; Conceição, Claudia

2013-11-01

Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe (PHIRE), building on previous European collaborative projects, was developed to assess national uptake and impacts of European public health innovations, to describe national public health research programmes, strategies and structures and to develop participation of researchers through the organizational structures of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA). This article describes the methods used. PHIRE was led by EUPHA with seven partner organisations over 30 months. It was conceived to engage the organisation of EUPHA--working through its thematic Sections, and through its national public health associations--and assess innovation and research across 30 European countries. Public health research was defined broadly as health research at population and organisational level. There were seven Work Packages (three covering coordination and four for technical aspects) led by partners and coordinated through management meetings. Seven EUPHA Sections identified eight innovations within the projects funded by the Public Health Programme of the European Commission Directorate for Health and Consumers. Country informants, identified through EUPHA thematic Sections, reported on national uptake of the innovations in eight public health projects supported by the European Union Public Health Programme. Four PHIRE partners, each taking a regional sector of Europe, worked with the public health associations and other informants to describe public health research programmes, calls and systems. A classification was created for the national public health research programmes and calls in 2010. The internal and external evaluations were supportive. PHIRE described public health innovations and research across Europe through national experts. More work is needed to conceptualize and define public health 'innovations' and to develop theories and methods for the assessment of their uptake and impacts at country and cross-country levels. More attention to methods to describe and assess national public health research programmes, strategies and structures--contributing to development of the European Research Area.

The Development of an Officer Training School Board Score Prediction Method Using a Multi-Board Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

forms: ". ..application blanks, biographical inventories , interviews, work sample tests, and intelligence, aptitude, and personality tests" (1:11...the grouping method, 3) the task method, and 4) the knowledge , skills, abilities (KSA) method. The point method of measuring training/experience assigns... knowledge , skills, abilities, and other characteristics which relate specifically to each job element (3:131). Interview. According to N. Schmitt

Intervention development in occupational research: an example from the printing industry

PubMed Central

Brown, T P; Rushton, L; Williams, H C; English, J S C

2006-01-01

Background Intervention development research is an essential prerequisite of any study that attempts to determine whether specific interventions work to prevent work related injury and illness. Methods Focus groups (n = 5) and direct observational studies (n = 21) of printers were used to elicit key issues that would aid the development of subsequent interventions. Transcripts from these were analysed by standard qualitative methods to identify common and related themes. Results The views of managers differed significantly from those of print workers in a number of areas, and working practices did not always follow policy. The majority of printers did not perceive dermatitis to be a major problem, although many complained of dry hands. Other key results included: the lack of skin care policy in most companies; poor understanding of the nature, causes, and treatment of dermatitis; low priority of dermatitis within health and safety concerns; little or no provision of occupational health services, particularly skin checks; variability in provision of and access to appropriate skin protection; and lack of accessible washing facilities. Conclusions As a result it was decided to evaluate the implementation of four interventions: provision of (1) skin checks and treatment advice; (2) gloves of the correct type and size, and use of an after‐work cream; (3) information on dermatitis within the printing industry; and (4) development of best practice skin care policy. PMID:16556746

Using Appreciative Learning in Executive Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Preziosi, Robert C.; Gooden, Doreen J.

2002-01-01

A leadership development program for managers used appreciative learning, based upon appreciative inquiry, an organizational development method focused on what organizations do well. Participants identified prior successful learning experiences for use in future work performance, creating a multiplier effect of positive experiences. (SK)

Growing an Integrated Unit--Organically!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clipsham, Dianne; Charbonneau, Letitia

1994-01-01

Describes an interdisciplinary grade eight unit on food that incorporates the goals and methods of global education. In this unit, three teachers worked to develop the potential of students to direct their own learning and to develop and act on new perspectives. (LZ)

Development and Testing of Physically-Based Methods for Filling Gaps in Remotely Sensed River Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

Filling Gaps in Remotely Sensed River Data Jonathan M. Nelson US Geological Survey National Research Program Geomorphology and Sediment Transport...the research work carried out under this grant are to develop and test two methods for filling in gaps in remotely sensed river data. The first...information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215

Formal Methods in Air Traffic Management: The Case of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munoz, Cesar A.

2015-01-01

As the technological and operational capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) continue to grow, so too does the need to introduce these systems into civil airspace. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System is a NASA research project that addresses the integration of civil UAS into non-segregated airspace operations. One of the major challenges of this integration is the lack of an onboard pilot to comply with the legal requirement that pilots see and avoid other aircraft. The need to provide an equivalent to this requirement for UAS has motivated the development of a detect and avoid (DAA) capability to provide the appropriate situational awareness and maneuver guidance in avoiding and remaining well clear of traffic aircraft. Formal methods has played a fundamental role in the development of this capability. This talk reports on the formal methods work conducted under NASA's Safe Autonomous System Operations project in support of the development of DAA for UAS. This work includes specification of low-level and high-level functional requirements, formal verification of algorithms, and rigorous validation of software implementations. The talk also discusses technical challenges in formal methods research in the context of the development and safety analysis of advanced air traffic management concepts.

Energy Materials Center at Cornell: Final Report

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

Abruña, Héctor; Mutolo, Paul F

2015-01-02

The mission of the Energy Materials Center at Cornell (emc 2) was to achieve a detailed understanding, via a combination of synthesis of new materials, experimental and computational approaches, of how the nature, structure, and dynamics of nanostructured interfaces affect energy conversion and storage with emphasis on fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors. Our research on these systems was organized around a full system strategy for; the development and improved performance of materials for both electrodes at which storage or conversion occurs; understanding their internal interfaces, such as SEI layers in batteries and electrocatalyst supports in fuel cells, and methods formore » structuring them to enable high mass transport as well as high ionic and electronic conductivity; development of ion-conducting electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells (separately) and other separator components, as needed; and development of methods for the characterization of these systems under operating conditions (operando methods) Generally, our work took industry and DOE report findings of current materials as a point of departure to focus on novel material sets for improved performance. In addition, some of our work focused on studying existing materials, for example observing battery solvent degradation, fuel cell catalyst coarsening or monitoring lithium dendrite growth, employing in operando methods developed within the center.« less

Uncovering the requirements of cognitive work.

PubMed

Roth, Emilie M

2008-06-01

In this article, the author provides an overview of cognitive analysis methods and how they can be used to inform system analysis and design. Human factors has seen a shift toward modeling and support of cognitively intensive work (e.g., military command and control, medical planning and decision making, supervisory control of automated systems). Cognitive task analysis and cognitive work analysis methods extend traditional task analysis techniques to uncover the knowledge and thought processes that underlie performance in cognitively complex settings. The author reviews the multidisciplinary roots of cognitive analysis and the variety of cognitive task analysis and cognitive work analysis methods that have emerged. Cognitive analysis methods have been used successfully to guide system design, as well as development of function allocation, team structure, and training, so as to enhance performance and reduce the potential for error. A comprehensive characterization of cognitive work requires two mutually informing analyses: (a) examination of domain characteristics and constraints that define cognitive requirements and challenges and (b) examination of practitioner knowledge and strategies that underlie both expert and error-vulnerable performance. A variety of specific methods can be adapted to achieve these aims within the pragmatic constraints of particular projects. Cognitive analysis methods can be used effectively to anticipate cognitive performance problems and specify ways to improve individual and team cognitive performance (be it through new forms of training, user interfaces, or decision aids).

Development of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Gynecologic Applicators for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: Historical Analysis

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

Yordy, John S., E-mail: john.yordy@utsouthwestern.edu; Almond, Peter R.; Delclos, Luis

Purpose: To provide historical background on the development and initial studies of the gynecological (gyn) applicators developed by Dr. Gilbert H. Fletcher, a radiation oncologist and chairperson from 1948 to 1981 of the department at the M.D. Anderson Hospital (MDAH) for Cancer Research in Houston, TX, and to acknowledge the previously unrecognized contribution that Dr. Leonard G. Grimmett, a radiation physicist and chairperson from 1949 to 1951 of the physics department at MDAH, made to the development of the gynecological applicators. Methods and Materials: We reviewed archival materials from the Historical Resource Center and from the Department of Radiation Physicsmore » at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, as well as contemporary published papers, to trace the history of the applicators. Conclusions: Dr. Fletcher's work was influenced by the work on gynecologic applicators in the 1940s in Europe, especially work done at the Royal Cancer Hospital in London. Those efforts influenced not only Dr. Fletcher's approach to the design of the applicators but also the methods used to perform in vivo measurements and determine the dose distribution. Much of the initial development of the dosimetry techniques and measurements at MDAH were carried out by Dr. Grimmett.« less

78 FR 35038 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-11

..., reliable, and transparent method for identifying high-quality programs that can receive continuing five... the system is working. The study will employ a mixed-methods design that integrates and layers administrative and secondary data sources, observational measures, and interviews to develop a rich knowledge...

Methods of assessing structural integrity for space shuttle vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R. E.; Stuckenberg, F. H.

1971-01-01

A detailed description and evaluation of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are given which have application to space shuttle vehicles. Appropriate NDE design data is presented in twelve specifications in an appendix. Recommendations for NDE development work for the space shuttle program are presented.

Teaching Data Base Search Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannah, Larry

1987-01-01

Discusses database searching as a method for developing thinking skills, and describes an activity suitable for fifth grade through high school using a president's and vice president's database. Teaching methods are presented, including student team activities, and worksheets designed for the AppleWorks database are included. (LRW)

Contextualizing and assessing the social capital of seniors in congregate housing residences: study design and methods

PubMed Central

Moore, Spencer; Shiell, Alan; Haines, Valerie; Riley, Therese; Collier, Carrie

2005-01-01

Background This article discusses the study design and methods used to contextualize and assess the social capital of seniors living in congregate housing residences in Calgary, Alberta. The project is being funded as a pilot project under the Institute of Aging, Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Design/Methods Working with seniors living in 5 congregate housing residencies in Calgary, the project uses a mixed method approach to develop grounded measures of the social capital of seniors. The project integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods in a 3-phase research design: 1) qualitative, 2) quantitative, and 3) qualitative. Phase 1 uses gender-specific focus groups; phase 2 involves the administration of individual surveys that include a social network module; and phase 3 uses anamolous-case interviews. Not only does the study design allow us to develop grounded measures of social capital but it also permits us to test how well the three methods work separately, and how well they fit together to achieve project goals. This article describes the selection of the study population, the multiple methods used in the research and a brief discussion of our conceptualization and measurement of social capital. PMID:15836784

Web-GIS platform for forest fire danger prediction in Ukraine: prospects of RS technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranovskiy, N. V.; Zharikova, M. V.

2016-10-01

There are many different statistical and empirical methods of forest fire danger use at present time. All systems have not physical basis. Last decade deterministic-probabilistic method is rapidly developed in Tomsk Polytechnic University. Forest sites classification is one way to estimate forest fire danger. We used this method in present work. Forest fire danger estimation depends on forest vegetation condition, forest fire retrospective, precipitation and air temperature. In fact, we use modified Nesterov Criterion. Lightning activity is under consideration as a high temperature source in present work. We use Web-GIS platform for program realization of this method. The program realization of the fire danger assessment system is the Web-oriented geoinformation system developed by the Django platform in the programming language Python. The GeoDjango framework was used for realization of cartographic functions. We suggest using of Terra/Aqua MODIS products for hot spot monitoring. Typical territory for forest fire danger estimation is Proletarskoe forestry of Kherson region (Ukraine).

Quantitative characterization of genetic parts and circuits for plant synthetic biology.

PubMed

Schaumberg, Katherine A; Antunes, Mauricio S; Kassaw, Tessema K; Xu, Wenlong; Zalewski, Christopher S; Medford, June I; Prasad, Ashok

2016-01-01

Plant synthetic biology promises immense technological benefits, including the potential development of a sustainable bio-based economy through the predictive design of synthetic gene circuits. Such circuits are built from quantitatively characterized genetic parts; however, this characterization is a significant obstacle in work with plants because of the time required for stable transformation. We describe a method for rapid quantitative characterization of genetic plant parts using transient expression in protoplasts and dual luciferase outputs. We observed experimental variability in transient-expression assays and developed a mathematical model to describe, as well as statistical normalization methods to account for, this variability, which allowed us to extract quantitative parameters. We characterized >120 synthetic parts in Arabidopsis and validated our method by comparing transient expression with expression in stably transformed plants. We also tested >100 synthetic parts in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) protoplasts, and the results showed that our method works in diverse plant groups. Our approach enables the construction of tunable gene circuits in complex eukaryotic organisms.

Attitudes towards rotating shift work in clinical nurses: a Q-methodology study.

PubMed

Ha, Eun-Ho

2015-09-01

To identify clinical nurses' attitudes towards rotating shift work. Many hospitals worldwide employ rotating shift work patterns to staff their facilities. Attitudes of clinical nurses towards rotating shift work vary. To understand clinical nurses' attitudes towards rotating shift work, Q-methodology, a method for the analysis of subjective viewpoints with the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used. Forty-six selected Q-statements from each of the 39 participants were classified into a normal distribution using an 11-point bipolar scale. The collected data were analysed using pc-QUANL program. Three discrete factors emerged as follows: factor I (rotating shift work is frustrating: objectionable perspective), factor II (rotating shift work is satisfactory: constructive perspective) and factor III (rotating shift work is problematic, but necessary: ambivalent perspective). The subjective viewpoints of the three identified factors can be applied in developing various roster designs for nurses engaging in rotating shift work. The findings provide the baseline for nurse leaders in helping nurses adjust and deal with rotating shift work. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

ECUT (Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies Program). Biocatalysis Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Presented are the FY 1985 accomplishments, activities, and planned research efforts of the Biocatalysis Project of the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) Program. The Project's technical activities were organized as follows: In the Molecular Modeling and Applied Genetics work element, research focused on (1) modeling and simulation studies to establish the physiological basis of high temperature tolerance in a selected enzyme and the catalytic mechanisms of three species of another enzyme, and (2) determining the degree of plasmid amplification and stability of several DNA bacterial strains. In the Bioprocess Engineering work element, research focused on (1) studies of plasmid propagation and the generation of models, (2) developing methods for preparing immobilized biocatalyst beads, and (3) developing an enzyme encapsulation method. In the Process Design and Analysis work element, research focused on (1) further refinement of a test case simulation of the economics and energy efficiency of alternative biocatalyzed production processes, (2) developing a candidate bioprocess to determine the potential for reduced energy consumption and facility/operating costs, and (3) a techno-economic assessment of potential advancements in microbial ammonia production.

Manual: Modern Gum Naval Stores Methods

Treesearch

Ralph W. Clements

1974-01-01

Modern gum naval stores methods have been developed to benefit both the gum producer and the timber owner. Following the methods described in this booklet will bring maximum gum yields, whill reduce chipping-labor requirements about 50 percent, and will make the worked-out tree saleable for other wood products. If these modern turpentining mehods are used, naval...

Methods and Beyond: Learning to Teach Latino Bilingual Learners in Mainstream Secondary[superscript3] Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schall-Leckrone, Laura; Pavlak, Christina

2014-01-01

This article reports empirical evidence about the influence of a pre-service methods course on preparing aspiring and practicing content teachers to work with adolescent bilingual learners in secondary schools. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the extent to which participants developed abilities to plan instruction and to think complexly…

A Design Science Research Methodology for Developing a Computer-Aided Assessment Approach Using Method Marking Concept

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Genemo, Hussein; Miah, Shah Jahan; McAndrew, Alasdair

2016-01-01

Assessment has been defined as an authentic method that plays an important role in evaluating students' learning attitude in acquiring lifelong knowledge. Traditional methods of assessment including the Computer-Aided Assessment (CAA) for mathematics show limited ability to assess students' full work unless multi-step questions are sub-divided…

Head posture measurements among work vehicle drivers and implications for work and workplace design.

PubMed

Eklund, J; Odenrick, P; Zettergren, S; Johansson, H

1994-04-01

An increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. from the neck region, has been found among professional drivers of work vehicles. The purpose of this study was to identify causes of postural load and implications for vehicle design and work tasks. A second purpose was to develop the methods for measurement and analysis of head postures. Field measurements of head postures for drivers of fork lift trucks, forestry machines, and cranes were carried out. The equipment used was an electric goniometer measurement system, containing a mechanical transmission between the head and the upper trunk. Methods for data presentation and quantification were developed. The results showed that rotatable and movable driver cabins improved head postures and viewing angles substantially. Narrow window frame structures and large, optimally-placed windows were also advantageous. The steering wheel, controls, and a high backrest restricted shoulder rotation, which increased head rotation in unfavourable viewing angles. Improved workspace layouts and work organization factors such as job enlargement decreased the influence of strenuous postures. The results also showed that head postures should be analysed in two or three dimensions simultaneously, otherwise the postures taken will be underestimated in relation to the maximal voluntary movement.

Adaptive neuro-heuristic hybrid model for fruit peel defects detection.

PubMed

Woźniak, Marcin; Połap, Dawid

2018-02-01

Fusion of machine learning methods benefits in decision support systems. A composition of approaches gives a possibility to use the most efficient features composed into one solution. In this article we would like to present an approach to the development of adaptive method based on fusion of proposed novel neural architecture and heuristic search into one co-working solution. We propose a developed neural network architecture that adapts to processed input co-working with heuristic method used to precisely detect areas of interest. Input images are first decomposed into segments. This is to make processing easier, since in smaller images (decomposed segments) developed Adaptive Artificial Neural Network (AANN) processes less information what makes numerical calculations more precise. For each segment a descriptor vector is composed to be presented to the proposed AANN architecture. Evaluation is run adaptively, where the developed AANN adapts to inputs and their features by composed architecture. After evaluation, selected segments are forwarded to heuristic search, which detects areas of interest. As a result the system returns the image with pixels located over peel damages. Presented experimental research results on the developed solution are discussed and compared with other commonly used methods to validate the efficacy and the impact of the proposed fusion in the system structure and training process on classification results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quality by Design: Multidimensional exploration of the design space in high performance liquid chromatography method development for better robustness before validation.

PubMed

Monks, K; Molnár, I; Rieger, H-J; Bogáti, B; Szabó, E

2012-04-06

Robust HPLC separations lead to fewer analysis failures and better method transfer as well as providing an assurance of quality. This work presents the systematic development of an optimal, robust, fast UHPLC method for the simultaneous assay of two APIs of an eye drop sample and their impurities, in accordance with Quality by Design principles. Chromatography software is employed to effectively generate design spaces (Method Operable Design Regions), which are subsequently employed to determine the final method conditions and to evaluate robustness prior to validation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

eHealth program to empower patients in returning to normal activities and work after gynecological surgery: intervention mapping as a useful method for development.

PubMed

Vonk Noordegraaf, Antonie; Huirne, Judith A F; Pittens, Carina A; van Mechelen, Willem; Broerse, Jacqueline E W; Brölmann, Hans A M; Anema, Johannes R

2012-10-19

Full recovery after gynecological surgery takes much longer than expected regardless of surgical technique or the level of invasiveness. After discharge, detailed convalescence recommendations are not provided to patients typically, and postoperative care is fragmented, poorly coordinated, and given only on demand. For patients, this contributes to irrational beliefs and avoidance of resumption of activities and can result in a prolonged sick leave. To develop an eHealth intervention that empowers gynecological patients during the perioperative period to obtain timely return to work (RTW) and prevent work disability. The intervention mapping (IM) protocol was used to develop the eHealth intervention. A literature search about behavioral and environmental conditions of prolonged sick leave and delayed RTW in patients was performed. Patients' needs, attitudes, and beliefs regarding postoperative recovery and resumption of work were identified through focus group discussions. Additionally, a literature search was performed to obtain determinants, methods, and strategies for the development of a suitable interactive eHealth intervention to empower patients to return to normal activities after gynecological surgery, including work. Finally, the eHealth intervention was evaluated by focus group participants, medical doctors, and eHealth specialists through questionnaires. Twenty-one patients participated in the focus group discussions. Sufficient, uniform, and tailored information regarding surgical procedures, complications, and resumption of activities and work were considered most essential. Knowing who to contact in case of mental or physical complaints, and counseling and tools for work reintegration were also considered important. Finally, opportunities to exchange experiences with other patients were a major issue. Considering the determinants of the Attitude-Social influence-self-Efficacy (ASE) model, various strategies based on a combination of theory and evidence were used, resulting in an eHealth intervention with different interactive functionalities including tailored convalescence recommendations and a video to communicate the most common pitfalls during the perioperative period to patients and employers. Fifteen patients in the focus groups, 11 physicians, and 3 eHealth specialists suggested points for improvement to optimize the usability of the eHealth intervention and judged it an approachable, appropriate, and attractive eHealth intervention to empower gynecological patients. The IM protocol was a useful method to develop an eHealth intervention based on both theory and evidence. All patients and stakeholders judged the eHealth intervention to be a promising tool to empower gynecological patients during the perioperative period and to help them to return to normal activities and work.

Converging Work-Talk Patterns in Online Task-Oriented Communities.

PubMed

Xuan, Qi; Devanbu, Premkumar; Filkov, Vladimir

2016-01-01

Much of what we do is accomplished by working collaboratively with others, and a large portion of our lives are spent working and talking; the patterns embodied in the alternation of working and talking can provide much useful insight into task-oriented social behaviors. The available electronic traces of the different kinds of human activities in online communities are an empirical goldmine that can enable the holistic study and understanding of these social systems. Open Source Software (OSS) projects are prototypical examples of collaborative, task-oriented communities, depending on volunteers for high-quality work. Here, we use sequence analysis methods to identify the work-talk patterns of software developers in online communities of Open Source Software projects. We find that software developers prefer to persist in same kinds of activities, i.e., a string of work activities followed by a string of talk activities and so forth, rather than switch them frequently; this tendency strengthens with time, suggesting that developers become more efficient, and can work longer with fewer interruptions. This process is accompanied by the formation of community culture: developers' patterns in the same communities get closer with time while different communities get relatively more different. The emergence of community culture is apparently driven by both "talk" and "work". Finally, we also find that workers with good balance between "work" and "talk" tend to produce just as much work as those that focus strongly on "work"; however, the former appear to be more likely to continue to be active contributors in the communities.

Relating safety, productivity and company type for motor-manual logging operations in the Italian Alps.

PubMed

Montorselli, Niccolò Brachetti; Lombardini, Carolina; Magagnotti, Natascia; Marchi, Enrico; Neri, Francesco; Picchi, Gianni; Spinelli, Raffaele

2010-11-01

The study compared the performance of four different logging crews with respect to productivity, organization and safety. To this purpose, the authors developed a data collection method capable of providing a quantitative analysis of risk-taking behavior. Four crews were tested under the same working conditions, representative of close-to-nature alpine forestry. Motor-manual working methods were applied, since these methods are still prevalent in the specific study area, despite the growing popularity of mechanical processors. Crews from public companies showed a significantly lower frequency of risk-taking behavior. The best safety performance was offered by the only (public) crew that had been administered formal safety training. The study seems to deny the common prejudice that safety practice is inversely proportional to productivity. Instead, productivity is increased by introducing more efficient working methods and equipment. The quantitative analysis of risk-taking behavior developed in this study can be applied to a number of industrial fields besides forestry. Characterizing risk-taking behavior for a given case may eventually lead to the development of custom-made training programmes, which may address problem areas while avoiding that the message is weakened by the inclusion of redundant information. In the specific case of logging crews in the central Alps, the study suggests that current training courses may be weak on ergonomics, and advocates a staged training programme, focusing first on accident reduction and then expanding to the prevention of chronic illness. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical ability, fitness and police work.

PubMed

Bonneau, J; Brown, J

1995-09-01

The objective of this article is to provide an overview of physical ability, fitness and police work. The literature will be reviewed, and the method we have used to develop a tool that measures the physical abilities required for police work will be presented. The importance of linking this standard with a programme for health promotion will be stressed. The reasons why this standard is occupation specific and non-discriminatory will be explained.

What Touched Your Heart? Collaborative Story Analysis Emerging From an Apsáalooke Cultural Context

PubMed Central

Hallett, John; Held, Suzanne; McCormick, Alma Knows His Gun; Simonds, Vanessa; Bird, Sloane Real; Martin, Christine; Simpson, Colleen; Schure, Mark; Turnsplenty, Nicole; Trottier, Coleen

2017-01-01

Community-based participatory research and decolonizing research share some recommendations for best practices for conducting research. One commonality is partnering on all stages of research; co-developing methods of data analysis is one stage with a deficit of partnering examples. We present a novel community-based and developed method for analyzing qualitative data within an Indigenous health study and explain incompatibilities of existing methods for our purposes and community needs. We describe how we explored available literature, received counsel from community Elders and experts in the field, and collaboratively developed a data analysis method consonant with community values. The method of analysis, in which interview/story remained intact, team members received story, made meaning through discussion, and generated a conceptual framework to inform intervention development, is detailed. We offer the development process and method as an example for researchers working with communities who want to keep stories intact during qualitative data analysis. PMID:27659019

A Case Study of Coordination in Distributed Agile Software Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hole, Steinar; Moe, Nils Brede

Global Software Development (GSD) has gained significant popularity as an emerging paradigm. Companies also show interest in applying agile approaches in distributed development to combine the advantages of both approaches. However, in their most radical forms, agile and GSD can be placed in each end of a plan-based/agile spectrum because of how work is coordinated. We describe how three GSD projects applying agile methods coordinate their work. We found that trust is needed to reduce the need of standardization and direct supervision when coordinating work in a GSD project, and that electronic chatting supports mutual adjustment. Further, co-location and modularization mitigates communication problems, enables agility in at least part of a GSD project, and renders the implementation of Scrum of Scrums possible.

Space Flight Cable Model Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spak, Kaitlin

2013-01-01

This work concentrates the modeling efforts presented in last year's VSGC conference paper, "Model Development for Cable-Harnessed Beams." The focus is narrowed to modeling of space-flight cables only, as a reliable damped cable model is not yet readily available and is necessary to continue modeling cable-harnessed space structures. New experimental data is presented, eliminating the low-frequency noise that plagued the first year's efforts. The distributed transfer function method is applied to a single section of space flight cable for Euler-Bernoulli and shear beams. The work presented here will be developed into a damped cable model that can be incorporated into an interconnected beam-cable system. The overall goal of this work is to accurately predict natural frequencies and modal damping ratios for cabled space structures.

Control theory based airfoil design using the Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jameson, Antony; Reuther, James

1994-01-01

This paper describes the implementation of optimization techniques based on control theory for airfoil design. In our previous work it was shown that control theory could be employed to devise effective optimization procedures for two-dimensional profiles by using the potential flow equation with either a conformal mapping or a general coordinate system. The goal of our present work is to extend the development to treat the Euler equations in two-dimensions by procedures that can readily be generalized to treat complex shapes in three-dimensions. Therefore, we have developed methods which can address airfoil design through either an analytic mapping or an arbitrary grid perturbation method applied to a finite volume discretization of the Euler equations. Here the control law serves to provide computationally inexpensive gradient information to a standard numerical optimization method. Results are presented for both the inverse problem and drag minimization problem.

PD-atricians: Leveraging Physicians and Participatory Design to Develop Novel Clinical Information Tools

PubMed Central

Pollack, Ari H; Miller, Andrew; Mishra, Sonali R.; Pratt, Wanda

2016-01-01

Participatory design, a method by which system users and stakeholders meaningfully contribute to the development of a new process or technology, has great potential to revolutionize healthcare technology, yet has seen limited adoption. We conducted a design session with eleven physicians working to create a novel clinical information tool utilizing participatory design methods. During the two-hour session, the physicians quickly engaged in the process and generated a large quantity of information, informing the design of a future tool. By utilizing facilitators experienced in design methodology, with detailed domain expertise, and well integrated into the healthcare organization, the participatory design session engaged a group of users who are often disenfranchised with existing processes as well as health information technology in general. We provide insight into why participatory design works with clinicians and provide guiding principles for how to implement these methods in healthcare organizations interested in advancing health information technology. PMID:28269900

Recovery Act: Novel Kerf-Free PV Wafering that provides a low-cost approach to generate wafers from 150um to 50um in thickness

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

Fong, Theodore E.

2013-05-06

The technical paper summarizes the project work conducted in the development of Kerf-Free silicon wafering equipment for silicon solar wafering. This new PolyMax technology uses a two step process of implantation and cleaving to exfoliate 50um to 120um wafers with thicknesses ranging from 50um to 120um from a 125mm or 156mm pseudo-squared silicon ingot. No kerf is generated using this method of wafering. This method of wafering contrasts with the current method of making silicon solar wafers using the industry standard wire saw equipment. The report summarizes the activity conducted by Silicon Genesis Corporation in working to develop this technologymore » further and to define the roadmap specifications for the first commercial proto-type equipment for high volume solar wafer manufacturing using the PolyMax technology.« less

Development and Validation of HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-DAD Methods for the Simultaneous Determination of Guanylhydrazone Derivatives Employing a Factorial Design.

PubMed

Azevedo de Brito, Wanessa; Gomes Dantas, Monique; Andrade Nogueira, Fernando Henrique; Ferreira da Silva-Júnior, Edeildo; Xavier de Araújo-Júnior, João; Aquino, Thiago Mendonça de; Adélia Nogueira Ribeiro, Êurica; da Silva Solon, Lilian Grace; Soares Aragão, Cícero Flávio; Barreto Gomes, Ana Paula

2017-08-30

Guanylhydrazones are molecules with great pharmacological potential in various therapeutic areas, including antitumoral activity. Factorial design is an excellent tool in the optimization of a chromatographic method, because it is possible quickly change factors such as temperature, mobile phase composition, mobile phase pH, column length, among others to establish the optimal conditions of analysis. The aim of the present work was to develop and validate a HPLC and UHPLC methods for the simultaneous determination of guanylhydrazones with anticancer activity employing experimental design. Precise, exact, linear and robust HPLC and UHPLC methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of the guanylhydrazones LQM10, LQM14, and LQM17. The UHPLC method was more economic, with a four times less solvent consumption, and 20 times less injection volume, what allowed better column performance. Comparing the empirical approach employed in the HPLC method development to the DoE approach employed in the UHPLC method development, we can conclude that the factorial design made the method development faster, more practical and rational. This resulted in methods that can be employed in the analysis, evaluation and quality control of these new synthetic guanylhydrazones.

Counting women's work in the agricultural census of Nepal: a report.

PubMed

Joshi, S

2000-01-01

Like many national statistical surveys, the Agricultural Census of Nepal does not reflect the actual contribution of women's work in agriculture. Inadequacies in conceptualization, definition of terms and data gathering methods result in undervaluation and underrepresentation of women's work. This study of 124 Newar households in the Lubhu Village Development Committee, Kathmandu Valley, provides a statistical representation of women's roles in agricultural operations and household activities by assessing the actual extent of their work. After analyzing the gender division of labor, the study concludes that women's work in agriculture and household activities is significantly higher than men's work.

RP-HPLC×HILIC chromatography for quantifying ertapenem sodium with a look at green chemistry.

PubMed

Pedroso, Tahisa M; Medeiros, Ana C D; Salgado, Herida R N

2016-11-01

Ertapenem sodium is a polar and ionizable compound; therefore, it has little retention on traditional C18 columns in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, even using a highly-aqueous mobile phase that can result in dewetting in the stationary phase. Thus, the most coherent process for ERTM is to develop a method for Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography. However, for the traditional methods in HILIC, the use of a highly organic mobile phase is necessary; usually an amount exceeding 80% acetonitrile is necessary. On the other hand, the RP-HPLC mode is considered for the analysis technique, which is more often used for quantification of substances, and new columns are often introduced to analyze different groups of compounds. Two new analytical methods have been developed for routine analysis. The proposed chromatographic method was adequate and advantageous by presenting simplicity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, detection limits, and satisfactory quantification. Analytical methods are constantly undergoing changes and improvements. Researchers worldwide are rapidly adopting Green Chemistry. The development of new pharmaceutical methods based in Green chemistry has been encouraged by universities and the pharmaceutical industry. Issues related to green chemistry are in evidence and they have been featured in international journals of high impact. The methods described here have economic advantages and they feature an eco-friendly focus, which is discussed in this work. This work was developed with an environmental conscience, always looking to minimize the possible generated organic waste. Therefore, discussion on this aspect is included. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WORK INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS FOR THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KONZ, STEPHAN A.; MIDDLETON, RAYMONA

A PROJECT WAS INITIATED TO DEVELOP EFFICIENT WORK METHODS FOR 100 COMMON TASKS IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY AND THEN TO PREPARE PROGRAMED LEARNING "PACKAGES" FOR EACH OF THESE TASKS FOR TRAINING POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES WITH LOWER LEVELS OF EDUCATION TO HOLD USEFUL JOBS. THE CONCEPT OF PROGRAMED LEARNING PACKAGES FOR FOOD SERVICING WAS…

School Foodservice Employees' Perceptions of Practice: Differences by Generational Age and Hours Worked

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strohbehn, Catherine; Jun, Jinhyun; Arendt, Susan

2014-01-01

Purpose/Objectives: This study investigated the influences of school foodservice employees' age and average number of hours worked per week on perceived safe food handling practices, barriers, and motivators. Methods: A bilingual survey (English and Spanish) was developed to assess reported food safety practices, barriers, and motivators to…

Challenges in Sharing Information Effectively: Examples from Command and Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sonnenwald, Diane H.

2006-01-01

Introduction: The goal of information sharing is to change a person's image of the world and to develop a shared working understanding. It is an essential component of collaboration. This paper examines barriers to sharing information effectively in dynamic group work situations. Method: Three types of battlefield training simulations were…

Focus Group Discussions: Three Examples from Family and Consumer Science Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrison, M. E. Betsy; Pierce, Sarah H.; Monroe, Pamela A.; Sasser, Diane D.; Shaffer, Amy C.; Blalock, Lydia B.

1999-01-01

Gives examples of the focus group method in terms of question development, group composition and recruitment, interview protocols, and data analysis as applied to three family and consumer-sciences research projects: consumer behavior of working female adolescents, work readiness of adult males with low educational attainment, and definition of…

Social Work Literature Searching: Current Issues with Databases and Online Search Engines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGinn, Tony; Taylor, Brian; McColgan, Mary; McQuilkan, Janice

2016-01-01

Objectives: To compare the performance of a range of search facilities; and to illustrate the execution of a comprehensive literature search for qualitative evidence in social work. Context: Developments in literature search methods and comparisons of search facilities help facilitate access to the best available evidence for social workers.…

Undergraduate Social Work Students' Perceptions of a Team-Based Learning Approach to Exploring Adult Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watkins, Karen; Forge, Nicholas; Lewinson, Terri; Garner, Brittany; Carter, Larance D.; Greenwald, Lindsay

2018-01-01

Social work educators are challenged to adopt innovative instructional methods and pedagogies to prepare students to meet the contemporary needs of diverse client populations. A team-based learning (TBL) approach is a pedagogical strategy that utilizes cooperative and collaborative learning principles to inspire academic, professional, and…

A Method to Improve Learning Analysing Communication in Team Working

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bermejo, Miren; Sanchez, Ana; Gutierrez, Julian; Perez, Tomas A.

2011-01-01

In recent years learning how to work in teams has become a common subject in higher education. Communication between student team members can be monitored using a bulletin board system, and hence, analyse individual and group role development. The composition and distribution of roles in a team are relevant characteristics that will considerably…

The Process of Pedagogical Culture Formation in the Future Social Worker

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minzhanov, Nurlan A.; Ertysbaeva, Gaukhar N.

2016-01-01

The paper is aimed at studying the features of pedagogical culture formation in future social workers and developing methods to improve the professional and pedagogical preparation quality of students in the "Social work" specialty. In the study, a survey of students in the "Social work" specialty (n = 400), and a standardized…

Applying Structural Systems Thinking to Frame Perspectives on Social Work Innovation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stringfellow, Erin J.

2017-01-01

Objective: Innovation will be key to the success of the Grand Challenges Initiative in social work. A structural systems framework based in system dynamics could be useful for considering how to advance innovation. Method: Diagrams using system dynamics conventions were developed to link common themes across concept papers written by social work…

A Reliability Simulator for Radiation-Hard Microelectronics Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-07-01

1 3.0 PHASE II WORK PLANS ................................................................ 2... plan . The correlation experimental details including the devices utilized, the hot-carrier stressing and the wafer-level radiation correlation procedure...channel devices, and a new lifetime extrapolation method is demonstrated for p-channel devices. 3.0 PHASE II WORK PLANS The Phase 1I program consisted of

Identification of New Cocrystal Systems with Stoichiometric Diversity of Salicylic Acid Using Thermal Methods.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhengzheng; Chan, Hok Man; Sung, Herman H-Y; Tong, Henry H Y; Zheng, Ying

2016-04-01

The purpose of this work was to develop thermal methods to identify cocrystal systems with stoichiometric diversity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hot stage microscopy (HSM) have been applied to study the stoichiometric diversity phenomenon on cocrystal systems of the model compound salicylic acid (SA) with different coformers (CCFs). The DSC method was particularly useful in the identification of cocrystal re-crystallization, especially to improve the temperature resolution using a slower heating rate. HSM was implemented as a complementary protocol to confirm the DSC results. The crystal structures were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD). Two new cocrystal systems consisting of salicylic acid-benzamide (SA-BZD, 1:1, 1:2) and salicylic acid-isonicotinamide (SA-ISN, 1:1, 2:1) have been identified in the present work. The chemical structures of the newly discovered cocrystals SA-BZD (1:2) and SA-ISN (2:1) have been elucidated using X-ray single crystal and powder diffraction methods. The developed thermal methods could rapidly identify cocrystal systems with stoichiometric diversity, with the potential to discover new pharmaceutical cocrystals in the future.

[Computers in nursing: development of free software application with care and management].

PubMed

dos Santos, Sérgio Ribeiro

2010-06-01

This study aimed at developing an information system in nursing with the implementation of nursing care and management of the service. The SisEnf--Information System in Nursing--is a free software module that comprises the care of nursing: history, clinical examination and care plan; the management module consists of: service shifts, personnel management, hospital indicators and other elements. The system was implemented at the Medical Clinic of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, at Universidade Federal da Paraiba. In view of the need to bring user and developer closer, in addition to the constant change of functional requirements during the interactive process, the method of unified process was used. The SisEnf was developed on a WEB platform and using free software. Hence, the work developed aimed at assisting in the working process of nursing, which will now have the opportunity to incorporate information technology in their work routine.

Aeroacoustic Prediction Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gliebe, P; Mani, R.; Shin, H.; Mitchell, B.; Ashford, G.; Salamah, S.; Connell, S.; Huff, Dennis (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This report describes work performed on Contract NAS3-27720AoI 13 as part of the NASA Advanced Subsonic Transport (AST) Noise Reduction Technology effort. Computer codes were developed to provide quantitative prediction, design, and analysis capability for several aircraft engine noise sources. The objective was to provide improved, physics-based tools for exploration of noise-reduction concepts and understanding of experimental results. Methods and codes focused on fan broadband and 'buzz saw' noise and on low-emissions combustor noise and compliment work done by other contractors under the NASA AST program to develop methods and codes for fan harmonic tone noise and jet noise. The methods and codes developed and reported herein employ a wide range of approaches, from the strictly empirical to the completely computational, with some being semiempirical analytical, and/or analytical/computational. Emphasis was on capturing the essential physics while still considering method or code utility as a practical design and analysis tool for everyday engineering use. Codes and prediction models were developed for: (1) an improved empirical correlation model for fan rotor exit flow mean and turbulence properties, for use in predicting broadband noise generated by rotor exit flow turbulence interaction with downstream stator vanes: (2) fan broadband noise models for rotor and stator/turbulence interaction sources including 3D effects, noncompact-source effects. directivity modeling, and extensions to the rotor supersonic tip-speed regime; (3) fan multiple-pure-tone in-duct sound pressure prediction methodology based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis; and (4) low-emissions combustor prediction methodology and computer code based on CFD and actuator disk theory. In addition. the relative importance of dipole and quadrupole source mechanisms was studied using direct CFD source computation for a simple cascadeigust interaction problem, and an empirical combustor-noise correlation model was developed from engine acoustic test results. This work provided several insights on potential approaches to reducing aircraft engine noise. Code development is described in this report, and those insights are discussed.

Large-scale linear rankSVM.

PubMed

Lee, Ching-Pei; Lin, Chih-Jen

2014-04-01

Linear rankSVM is one of the widely used methods for learning to rank. Although its performance may be inferior to nonlinear methods such as kernel rankSVM and gradient boosting decision trees, linear rankSVM is useful to quickly produce a baseline model. Furthermore, following its recent development for classification, linear rankSVM may give competitive performance for large and sparse data. A great deal of works have studied linear rankSVM. The focus is on the computational efficiency when the number of preference pairs is large. In this letter, we systematically study existing works, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and propose an efficient algorithm. We discuss different implementation issues and extensions with detailed experiments. Finally, we develop a robust linear rankSVM tool for public use.

Enhancing Leadership Skills in Volunteers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lockett, Landry L.; Boyd, Barry

2012-01-01

This article describes how professionals leading volunteers can purposefully work toward developing the "leadership identity" of individual volunteers. These concepts and the application of them are presented in the context of Cooperative Extension volunteer groups. Specific methods of developing the leadership identity and capacity of individual…

Three methods for integration of environmental risk into the benefit-risk assessment of veterinary medicinal products.

PubMed

Chapman, Jennifer L; Porsch, Lucas; Vidaurre, Rodrigo; Backhaus, Thomas; Sinclair, Chris; Jones, Glyn; Boxall, Alistair B A

2017-12-15

Veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) require, as part of the European Union (EU) authorization process, consideration of both risks and benefits. Uses of VMPs have multiple risks (e.g., risks to the animal being treated, to the person administering the VMP) including risks to the environment. Environmental risks are not directly comparable to therapeutic benefits; there is no standardized approach to compare both environmental risks and therapeutic benefits. We have developed three methods for communicating and comparing therapeutic benefits and environmental risks for the benefit-risk assessment that supports the EU authorization process. Two of these methods support independent product evaluation (i.e., a summative classification and a visual scoring matrix classification); the other supports a comparative evaluation between alternative products (i.e., a comparative classification). The methods and the challenges to implementing a benefit-risk assessment including environmental risk are presented herein; how these concepts would work in current policy is discussed. Adaptability to scientific and policy development is considered. This work is an initial step in the development of a standardized methodology for integrated decision-making for VMPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simplified economic filter for open-pit mining and heap-leach recovery of copper in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, Keith R.; Singer, Donald A.

2001-01-01

Determining the economic viability of mineral deposits of various sizes and grades is a critical task in all phases of mineral supply, from land-use management to mine development. This study evaluates two simple tools for estimating the economic viability of porphyry copper deposits mined by open-pit, heap-leach methods when only limited information on these deposits is available. These two methods are useful for evaluating deposits that either (1) are undiscovered deposits predicted by a mineral resource assessment, or (2) have been discovered but for which little data has been collected or released. The first tool uses ordinary least-squared regression analysis of cost and operating data from selected deposits to estimate a predictive relationship between mining rate, itself estimated from deposit size, and capital and operating costs. The second method uses cost models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (Camm, 1991) updated using appropriate cost indices. We find that the cost model method works best for estimating capital costs and the empirical model works best for estimating operating costs for mines to be developed in the United States.

Development of a Standalone Thermal Wellbore Simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Wanqiang

With continuous developments of various different sophisticated wells in the petroleum industry, wellbore modeling and simulation have increasingly received more attention. Especially in unconventional oil and gas recovery processes, there is a growing demand for more accurate wellbore modeling. Despite notable advancements made in wellbore modeling, none of the existing wellbore simulators has been as successful as reservoir simulators such as Eclipse and CMG's and further research works on handling issues such as accurate heat loss modeling and multi-tubing wellbore modeling are really necessary. A series of mathematical equations including main governing equations, auxiliary equations, PVT equations, thermodynamic equations, drift-flux model equations, and wellbore heat loss calculation equations are collected and screened from publications. Based on these modeling equations, workflows for wellbore simulation and software development are proposed. Research works are conducted in key steps for developing a wellbore simulator: discretization, a grid system, a solution method, a linear equation solver, and computer language. A standalone thermal wellbore simulator is developed by using standard C++ language. This wellbore simulator can simulate single-phase injection and production, two-phase steam injection and two-phase oil and water production. By implementing a multi-part scheme which divides a wellbore with sophisticated configuration into several relative simple simulation running units, this simulator can handle different complex wellbores: wellbore with multistage casings, horizontal wells, multilateral wells and double tubing. In pursuance of improved accuracy of heat loss calculations to surrounding formations, a semi-numerical method is proposed and a series of FLUENT simulations have been conducted in this study. This semi-numerical method involves extending the 2D formation heat transfer simulation to include a casing wall and cement and adopting new correlations regressed by this study. Meanwhile, a correlation for handling heat transfer in double-tubing annulus is regressed. This work initiates the research on heat transfer in a double-tubing wellbore system. A series of validation and test works are performed in hot water injection, steam injection, real filed data, a horizontal well, a double-tubing well and comparison with the Ramey method. The program in this study also performs well in matching with real measured field data, simulation in horizontal wells and double-tubing wells.

Phase-Division-Based Dynamic Optimization of Linkages for Drawing Servo Presses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhi-Gang; Wang, Li-Ping; Cao, Yan-Ke

2017-11-01

Existing linkage-optimization methods are designed for mechanical presses; few can be directly used for servo presses, so development of the servo press is limited. Based on the complementarity of linkage optimization and motion planning, a phase-division-based linkage-optimization model for a drawing servo press is established. Considering the motion-planning principles of a drawing servo press, and taking account of work rating and efficiency, the constraints of the optimization model are constructed. Linkage is optimized in two modes: use of either constant eccentric speed or constant slide speed in the work segments. The performances of optimized linkages are compared with those of a mature linkage SL4-2000A, which is optimized by a traditional method. The results show that the work rating of a drawing servo press equipped with linkages optimized by this new method improved and the root-mean-square torque of the servo motors is reduced by more than 10%. This research provides a promising method for designing energy-saving drawing servo presses with high work ratings.

Critical Thinking through Writing: Expressing Scientific Thought and Process in a Deaf Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjarrez, Leslie

Within Deaf classrooms there is often a disconnect between academic areas and writing curriculums that develop in both common and academic language, where often classrooms focus solely on writing as a skill rather than as a method for producing language through an academic area. This work focuses on the development of academic language in ASL and English print of science. The curriculum is written to be implemented as a bilingual academic curriculum to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in various self contained classroom settings. Lessons are conducted in three Units, A B and C. Unit A focuses on research, thought and writing of preparatory materials in small groups. Unit B is comprised of procedural lessons on conducting x experiments and the evaluation of those experiments through mathematics. Unit C is a group of lessons that ties together Units A and B through writing and peer teaching as a method of concluding the work and presenting information in an effective manner. The success of the project was evaluated on the basis of student work, rubrics, and final works from the students. The results showed promise in aspects of Critical Thinking, writing development, and expression of new concepts in both ASL and English.

Optimal lattice-structured materials

DOE PAGES

Messner, Mark C.

2016-07-09

This paper describes a method for optimizing the mesostructure of lattice-structured materials. These materials are periodic arrays of slender members resembling efficient, lightweight macroscale structures like bridges and frame buildings. Current additive manufacturing technologies can assemble lattice structures with length scales ranging from nanometers to millimeters. Previous work demonstrates that lattice materials have excellent stiffness- and strength-to-weight scaling, outperforming natural materials. However, there are currently no methods for producing optimal mesostructures that consider the full space of possible 3D lattice topologies. The inverse homogenization approach for optimizing the periodic structure of lattice materials requires a parameterized, homogenized material model describingmore » the response of an arbitrary structure. This work develops such a model, starting with a method for describing the long-wavelength, macroscale deformation of an arbitrary lattice. The work combines the homogenized model with a parameterized description of the total design space to generate a parameterized model. Finally, the work describes an optimization method capable of producing optimal mesostructures. Several examples demonstrate the optimization method. One of these examples produces an elastically isotropic, maximally stiff structure, here called the isotruss, that arguably outperforms the anisotropic octet truss topology.« less

Factors affecting retention of allied health professionals working with people with disability in rural New South Wales, Australia: discrete choice experiment questionnaire development.

PubMed

Gallego, Gisselle; Dew, Angela; Bulkeley, Kim; Veitch, Craig; Lincoln, Michelle; Bundy, Anita; Brentnall, Jennie

2015-04-21

This paper describes the development of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) questionnaire to identify the factors (attributes) that allied health professionals (AHPs) working with people with disability identify as important to encouraging them to remain practising in rural areas. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 97 purposively selected service providers working with people with disability in rural New South Wales, Australia. Focus groups and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a modified grounded theory approach involving thematic analysis and constant comparison. Six attributes that may influence AHPs working with people with disability in rural areas to continue to do so were inductively identified: travel arrangements, work flexibility, professional support, professional development, remuneration, and autonomy of practice. The qualitative research information was combined with a policy review to define these retention factors and ensure that they are amenable to policy changes. The use of various qualitative research methods allowed the development of a policy-relevant DCE questionnaire that was grounded in the experience of the target population (AHPs).

Communication rehabilitation in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of speech and language therapists

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background Workforce factors present a significant barrier to the development of rehabilitation services for people with communication disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Exploring how the work of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the region is organised and delivered can provide insight into existing services, areas for future workforce development and improved rehabilitation access for people with communication disability. Objectives This paper describes the employment and service provision patterns and work roles of a sample of SLTs in SSA. Method A broad, purpose-designed, mixed-methods survey was designed to collect data from SLTs living in Anglophone countries of SSA. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were undertaken. This paper reports on a subset of data from the wider survey. Results A description of the employment and work roles of the 33 respondents to the survey and characteristics of their service users is presented. SLTs were commonly employed within private and not-for-profit sectors and frequently worked in temporary jobs. SLTs engaged in a range of work roles, including capacity building and training others. Services were provided by SLTs across age ranges, health conditions and settings, with paediatric, urban services commonly reported. Costs for service users and urban-centred services give indications of barriers to service access. Conclusion Knowledge of the way in which speech and language therapy services are organised and provided has the potential to shape the development of communication disability rehabilitation in SSA. This research has identified a range of issues requiring consideration as the profession develops and grows. PMID:29707516

A Bridging Opportunities Work-frame to develop mobile applications for clinical decision making

PubMed Central

van Rooij, Tibor; Rix, Serena; Moore, James B; Marsh, Sharon

2015-01-01

Background: Mobile applications (apps) providing clinical decision support (CDS) may show the greatest promise when created by and for frontline clinicians. Our aim was to create a generic model enabling healthcare providers to direct the development of CDS apps. Methods: We combined Change Management with a three-tier information technology architecture to stimulate CDS app development. Results: A Bridging Opportunities Work-frame model was developed. A test case was used to successfully develop an app. Conclusion: Healthcare providers can re-use this globally applicable model to actively create and manage regional decision support applications to translate evidence-based medicine in the use of emerging medication or novel treatment regimens. PMID:28031883

Comparisons of Particle Tracking Techniques and Galerkin Finite Element Methods in Flow Simulations on Watershed Scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shih, D.; Yeh, G.

2009-12-01

This paper applies two numerical approximations, the particle tracking technique and Galerkin finite element method, to solve the diffusive wave equation in both one-dimensional and two-dimensional flow simulations. The finite element method is one of most commonly approaches in numerical problems. It can obtain accurate solutions, but calculation times may be rather extensive. The particle tracking technique, using either single-velocity or average-velocity tracks to efficiently perform advective transport, could use larger time-step sizes than the finite element method to significantly save computational time. Comparisons of the alternative approximations are examined in this poster. We adapt the model WASH123D to examine the work. WASH123D is an integrated multimedia, multi-processes, physics-based computational model suitable for various spatial-temporal scales, was first developed by Yeh et al., at 1998. The model has evolved in design capability and flexibility, and has been used for model calibrations and validations over the course of many years. In order to deliver a locally hydrological model in Taiwan, the Taiwan Typhoon and Flood Research Institute (TTFRI) is working with Prof. Yeh to develop next version of WASH123D. So, the work of our preliminary cooperationx is also sketched in this poster.

Problem decomposition by mutual information and force-based clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, Richard Edward

The scale of engineering problems has sharply increased over the last twenty years. Larger coupled systems, increasing complexity, and limited resources create a need for methods that automatically decompose problems into manageable sub-problems by discovering and leveraging problem structure. The ability to learn the coupling (inter-dependence) structure and reorganize the original problem could lead to large reductions in the time to analyze complex problems. Such decomposition methods could also provide engineering insight on the fundamental physics driving problem solution. This work forwards the current state of the art in engineering decomposition through the application of techniques originally developed within computer science and information theory. The work describes the current state of automatic problem decomposition in engineering and utilizes several promising ideas to advance the state of the practice. Mutual information is a novel metric for data dependence and works on both continuous and discrete data. Mutual information can measure both the linear and non-linear dependence between variables without the limitations of linear dependence measured through covariance. Mutual information is also able to handle data that does not have derivative information, unlike other metrics that require it. The value of mutual information to engineering design work is demonstrated on a planetary entry problem. This study utilizes a novel tool developed in this work for planetary entry system synthesis. A graphical method, force-based clustering, is used to discover related sub-graph structure as a function of problem structure and links ranked by their mutual information. This method does not require the stochastic use of neural networks and could be used with any link ranking method currently utilized in the field. Application of this method is demonstrated on a large, coupled low-thrust trajectory problem. Mutual information also serves as the basis for an alternative global optimizer, called MIMIC, which is unrelated to Genetic Algorithms. Advancement to the current practice demonstrates the use of MIMIC as a global method that explicitly models problem structure with mutual information, providing an alternate method for globally searching multi-modal domains. By leveraging discovered problem inter- dependencies, MIMIC may be appropriate for highly coupled problems or those with large function evaluation cost. This work introduces a useful addition to the MIMIC algorithm that enables its use on continuous input variables. By leveraging automatic decision tree generation methods from Machine Learning and a set of randomly generated test problems, decision trees for which method to apply are also created, quantifying decomposition performance over a large region of the design space.

AN IN SILICO INVESTIGATION OF THE ENANTIOSELECTIVE METABOLISM RATES OF TRIAZOLE FUGICIDES

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this work is to use in silico methods such as ab initio quantum and classical force-field methods to explore and develop an understanding for the enantioselective metabolism rates experimentally observed in the triazole fungicide bromuconazole. This directed stud...

MULTI-ANALYTE CHEMISTRY METHODS FOR PESTICIDES WHICH ARE ACETOLACTATE SYNTHASE (ALS) INHIBITORS IN SOIL

EPA Science Inventory

A joint EPA/state/industry working group has developed several multi-analyte methods to analyze soils for low ppb (parts per billion) levels of herbicides (such as sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, and sulfonamides) that are acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors and may cause phyto...

Terbium-sensitized luminescence screening method for fluoroquinolones in beef serum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Enrofloxacin is one of only two fluoroquinolone antibiotics approved for use in cattle in the U.S. Microbial screening methods commonly used for monitoring veterinary drug residues are not sensitive or selective for fluoroquinolones. In this work, a luminescence-based screening assay was developed...

Training Software Developers and Designers to Conduct Usability Evaluations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skov, Mikael Brasholt; Stage, Jan

2012-01-01

Many efforts to improve the interplay between usability evaluation and software development rely either on better methods for conducting usability evaluations or on better formats for presenting evaluation results in ways that are useful for software designers and developers. Both of these approaches depend on a complete division of work between…

Counseling the Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Student: Meeting School Counselors' Professional Development Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwallie-Giddis, Pat; Anstrom, Kristina; Sanchez, Patricio; Sardi, Victoria A.; Granato, Laura

2004-01-01

This study used qualitative methods to investigate the challenges and professional development needs of elementary and secondary school counselors who work with linguistically and culturally diverse students and families, and their perceptions of the impact of a 9-month professional development program focused on improving school counselors'…

Employed Carers' Empathy towards People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Development of a New Measure and Some Initial Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Kirsten; Gratton, Caroline; Heneage, Celia; Dagnan, Dave

2017-01-01

Background: This study aimed to develop a self-report measure of paid caregivers' empathy towards people with intellectual disabilities. Materials and Methods: Following questionnaire development, 194 staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities completed self-report questionnaires, including the new empathy measure. The…

76 FR 45281 - Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Public Housing Admissions...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-28

... project development is done in accordance with State laws and HUD requirements. The forms are prepared by a general contractor constructing a public housing development under the conventional bid method in... work for project development is done in accordance with State laws and HUD requirements. The forms are...

Sustainable Participation in Regular Exercise amongst Older People: Developing an Action Research Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, Jeanne; Lester, Carolyn; O'Neill, Martin; Williams, Gareth

2008-01-01

Objective: This article describes the Triangle Project's work with a post industrial community, where healthy living activities were developed in response to community members' expressed needs. Method: An action research partnership approach was taken to reduce health inequalities, with local people developing their own activities to address…

[Multifactorial method for assessing the physical work capacity of mice].

PubMed

Dubovik, B V; Bogomazov, S D

1987-01-01

Based on the swimming test according to Kiplinger, in experiments on (CBA X C57BL)F1 mice there were elaborated criteria for animal performance evaluation in the process of repeated swimming of a standard distance thus measuring power, volume of work and rate of the fatigue development in relative units. From the study of effects of sydnocarb, bemethyl and phenazepam on various parameters of physical performance of mice a conclusion was made that the proposed method provides a more informative evaluation of the pharmacological effect on physical performance of animals as compared to the methods based on the record of time of performing the load.

The order and priority of research and design method application within an assistive technology new product development process: a summative content analysis of 20 case studies.

PubMed

Torrens, George Edward

2018-01-01

Summative content analysis was used to define methods and heuristics from each case study. The review process was in two parts: (1) A literature review to identify conventional research methods and (2) a summative content analysis of published case studies, based on the identified methods and heuristics to suggest an order and priority of where and when were used. Over 200 research and design methods and design heuristics were identified. From the review of the 20 case studies 42 were identified as being applied. The majority of methods and heuristics were applied in phase two, market choice. There appeared a disparity between the limited numbers of methods frequently used, under 10 within the 20 case studies, when hundreds were available. Implications for Rehabilitation The communication highlights a number of issues that have implication for those involved in assistive technology new product development: •The study defined over 200 well-established research and design methods and design heuristics that are available for use by those who specify and design assistive technology products, which provide a comprehensive reference list for practitioners in the field; •The review within the study suggests only a limited number of research and design methods are regularly used by industrial design focused assistive technology new product developers; and, •Debate is required within the practitioners working in this field to reflect on how a wider range of potentially more effective methods and heuristics may be incorporated into daily working practice.

Make pupils young researchers!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouhier, Armelle

2015-04-01

With the 2011 educational reform in France, a new course has been created in secondary schools : Methods & Practices in Science (MPS). The main goal was to improve the pupils working methods in science, including laboratory and field works. In addition, the pedagogy develops pupils autonomy and creativity, a key factor in a research process. Three teachers are working together (Mathematics, Physics and Geology-Biology), showing how different disciplines complement one another. Eventually, this is aimed at attracting more students in scientific sections. This course is optional, in the "seconde" class in French secondary schools (i.e., for 15 years old students). For the next class, they will have to choose between scientific, economic and literature sections : it is a useful option for them to decide which section has their preference. In my high-school in Clermont-Ferrand, we have chosen a research subject on hydrogeology & water quality improvement in region "Auvergne". The pupils will have to develop and set up appropriate tools to check and improve the water quality, related to different disciplines : - Geology & Biology: hydrogeology, effects of different pollutants on aquatic life, solutions to improve water quality (example of the natural water treatment zone in the lake of "Aydat, Auvergne, France"). - Physics & Chemistry: water potability criteria, pollution tests in water, water treatment plants working. - Mathematics: algorithm development, modeling on excel of the dispersion of pollutants The pedagogy of this course is new in French high-schools : pupils work in groups of three, so as to develop cooperation and autonomy. The teachers give the guidelines at the beginning of each working session, and answer the students questions when necessary. The evaluation is competence-based : instead of a mark, which is the main evaluation method in France, the pupils have to evaluate their own skills. Then, the teachers make an evaluation, and the global process is called "co-evaluation". The final purpose for each group of pupils is to present their scientific results to the others (poster, slide show). They will have to answer the questions from their colleagues & the three teachers. Eventually, the teachers evaluate specific skills about this oral presentation.

Magnetic sensor technology for detecting mines, UXO, and other concealed security threats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czipott, Peter V.; Iwanowski, Mark D.

1997-01-01

Magnetic sensors have been the sensor of choice in the detection and classification of buried mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), both on land and underwater, Quantum Magnetics (QM), together with its research partner IBM, have developed a variety of advanced, very high sensitivity superconducting and room temperature magnetic sensors to meet military needs. This work has led to the development and utilization of a three-sensor gradiometer (TSG) patented by IBM, which cannot only detect, but also localize mines and ordnance. QM is also working with IBM and the U.S. Navy to develop an advanced superconducting gradiometer for buried underwater mine detection. The ability to both detect and classify buried non-metallic mines is virtually impossible with existing magnetic sensors. To solve this problem, Quantum Magnetics, building on work of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), is pioneering work in the development of quadrupole resonance (QR) methods which can be used to detect the explosive material directly. Based on recent laboratory work done at QM and previous work done in the U.S., Russia and the United Kingdom, we are confident that QR can be effectively applied to the non-metallic mine identification problem.

Your policies, our children: messages from refugee parents to child welfare workers and policymakers.

PubMed

Dumbrill, Gary C

2009-01-01

In this study, refugee parents living in Canada share their views of parenting and their experiences of Canadian child welfare services. Using photovoice methods, parents develop messages for child welfare workers and policymakers working with refugee families and communities. The messages are presented from the parents' point of view within three major themes: understanding the hopes and fears we have for our children, understanding our settlement challenges, and working with us in the development of child welfare policies and services.

Porous silicon - rare earth doped xerogel and glass composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakrishnan, S.; Gun'ko, Yurii K.; Perova, T. S.; Rafferty, A.; Astrova, E. V.; Moore, R. A.

2005-06-01

The development of components for photonics applications is growing exponentially. The sol-gel method is now recognised as a convenient and flexible way to deposit oxide or glass films on a variety of hosts, including porous silicon. In the present work we incorporated erbium and europium doped xerogel into porous silicon and developed new porous silicon - rare earth doped glass composites. Various characteris-ation techniques including FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy were employed in this work.

Recent advances in the development and transfer of machine vision technologies for space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Defigueiredo, Rui J. P.; Pendleton, Thomas

1991-01-01

Recent work concerned with real-time machine vision is briefly reviewed. This work includes methodologies and techniques for optimal illumination, shape-from-shading of general (non-Lambertian) 3D surfaces, laser vision devices and technology, high level vision, sensor fusion, real-time computing, artificial neural network design and use, and motion estimation. Two new methods that are currently being developed for object recognition in clutter and for 3D attitude tracking based on line correspondence are discussed.

Integrating qualitative methods into occupational health research: a study of women flight attendants

PubMed Central

Ballard, T; Corradi, L; Lauria, L; Mazzanti, C; Scaravelli, G; Sgorbissa, F; Romito, P; Verdecchia, A

2004-01-01

Aims: To identify possible work related sources of psychosocial stress in order to develop pertinent questionnaire items for a cross-sectional health survey of 3000 Italian women flight attendants, and to solicit suggestions on improving survey participation. Methods: Qualitative study in which 26 current and former women flight attendants participated: three focus groups of 6–7 participants each and six in-depth individual interviews. The session themes included positive and negative aspects of the job; relationships with colleagues, superiors, and passengers; perception of occupational risk for serious diseases; compatibility of work and family; and experiences of work related sources of stress and their effect on health. A transcript based analysis of the focus groups and interviews was used to identify emerging themes related to risk factors for mental health problems. Results: The participants indicated that mental health was a major concern. Several work related risk factors possibly related to adverse outcomes, such as depression and anxiety, were highlighted. These included isolation and solitude, fears of being inadequate partners and mothers due to job demands, passenger relationships, and lack of protection by employers with respect to workplace exposures and violent passengers. The information gained was used to develop a mental health module for inclusion in the health survey questionnaire which included questions on history of severe depression or anxiety, suicidal ideation or attempt, substance abuse, workplace sexual harassment, social support, leisure time activities, relationship with a partner, and role as mother. Conclusions: Employing qualitative methods to identify work related sources of psychosocial stress enabled development of pertinent questionnaire items for a cross-sectional epidemiological study of women flight attendants. Follow up qualitative research may be necessary in order to put the cross-sectional study findings into context and to explore actions or strategies for preventing work related health problems evidenced from the survey. PMID:14739383

CERES: A new cerebellum lobule segmentation method.

PubMed

Romero, Jose E; Coupé, Pierrick; Giraud, Rémi; Ta, Vinh-Thong; Fonov, Vladimir; Park, Min Tae M; Chakravarty, M Mallar; Voineskos, Aristotle N; Manjón, Jose V

2017-02-15

The human cerebellum is involved in language, motor tasks and cognitive processes such as attention or emotional processing. Therefore, an automatic and accurate segmentation method is highly desirable to measure and understand the cerebellum role in normal and pathological brain development. In this work, we propose a patch-based multi-atlas segmentation tool called CERES (CEREbellum Segmentation) that is able to automatically parcellate the cerebellum lobules. The proposed method works with standard resolution magnetic resonance T1-weighted images and uses the Optimized PatchMatch algorithm to speed up the patch matching process. The proposed method was compared with related recent state-of-the-art methods showing competitive results in both accuracy (average DICE of 0.7729) and execution time (around 5 minutes). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis to Inform CA Grid Integration Rules for PV: Final Report on Inverter Settings for Transmission and Distribution System Performance

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

Smith, Jeff; Rylander, Matthew; Boemer, Jens

The fourth solicitation of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment (RD&D) Program established by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) supported the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) with data provided from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) conducted research to determine optimal default settings for distributed energy resource advanced inverter controls. The inverter functions studied are aligned with those developed by the California Smart Inverter Working Group (SIWG) and those being considered by the IEEE 1547more » Working Group. The advanced inverter controls examined to improve the distribution system response included power factor, volt-var, and volt-watt. The advanced inverter controls examined to improve the transmission system response included frequency and voltage ride-through as well as Dynamic Voltage Support. This CSI RD&D project accomplished the task of developing methods to derive distribution focused advanced inverter control settings, selecting a diverse set of feeders to evaluate the methods through detailed analysis, and evaluating the effectiveness of each method developed. Inverter settings focused on the transmission system performance were also evaluated and verified. Based on the findings of this work, the suggested advanced inverter settings and methods to determine settings can be used to improve the accommodation of distributed energy resources (PV specifically). The voltage impact from PV can be mitigated using power factor, volt-var, or volt-watt control, while the bulk system impact can be improved with frequency/voltage ride-through.« less

Collaborating with cardiac sonographers to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorder interventions.

PubMed

Sommerich, Carolyn M; Lavender, Steven A; Evans, Kevin; Sanders, Elizabeth; Joines, Sharon; Lamar, Sabrina; Radin Umar, Radin Zaid; Yen, Wei-Ting; Li, Jing; Nagavarapu, Shasank; Dickerson, Jennifer A

2016-09-01

For more than two decades, surveys of imaging technologists, including cardiac sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists, have consistently reported high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD). Yet, intervention research involving sonographers is limited. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identifying needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce sonographers' exposures to WRMSD risk factors. In this paper, we present some of those needs. We include descriptions of two interventions, targeted for cardiac sonographers, that were developed, through an iterative process, into functional prototypes that were evaluated in pilot tests by practicing sonographers. One of these interventions is now in daily use. We would like other engineers and ergonomists to recognise this area of opportunity to apply their knowledge of biomechanics and design in order to begin to address the high prevalence of WRMSDs in sonographers, by working with sonographers to develop useful and usable interventions. Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with sonographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from field tests of two novel interventions targeting cardiac sonographers are also presented.

Video observation in HIT development: lessons learned on benefits and challenges.

PubMed

Høstgaard, Anna Marie; Bertelsen, Pernille

2012-08-22

Experience shows that the precondition for the development of successful health information technologies is a thorough insight into clinical work practice. In contemporary clinical work practice, clinical work and health information technology are integrated, and part of the practice is tacit. When work practice becomes routine, it slips to the background of the conscious awareness and becomes difficult to recognize without the context to support recall. This means that it is difficult to capture with traditional ethnographic research methods or in usability laboratories or clinical set ups. Observation by the use of the video technique within healthcare settings has proven to be capable of providing a thorough insight into the complex clinical work practice and its context - including parts of the tacit practice. The objective of this paper is 1) to argue for the video observation technique to inform and improve health-information-technology development and 2) to share insights and lessons learned on benefits and challenges when using the video observation technique within healthcare settings. A multiple case study including nine case studies conducted by DaCHI researchers 2004-2011 using audio-visual, non-participant video observation for data collection within different healthcare settings. In HIT development, video observation is beneficial for 1) informing and improving system design 2) studying changes in work practice 3) identifying new potentials and 4) documenting current work practices. The video observation technique used within healthcare settings is superior to other ethnographic research methods when it comes to disclosing the complexity in clinical work practice. The insights gained are far more realistic compared to traditional ethnographic studies or usability studies and studies in clinical set ups. Besides, the data generated through video recordings provide a solid basis for dialog between the health care professionals involved. The most important lessons learned are that a well considered methodology and clear formulated objectives are imperative, in order to stay focused during the data rich analysis phase. Additionally, the video observation technique is primarily recommended for studies of specific clinical work practices within delimited clinical settings. Overall, the video observation technique has proven to be capable of improving our understanding of the interwoven relation between clinical work practice and HIT and to inform us about user requirements and needs for HIT, which is a precondition for the development of more successful HIT systems in the future.

Problems of teaching students to use the featured technologies in the area of semantic web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimov, V. V.; Chernyshov, A. A.; Balandina, A. I.; Kostkina, A. D.

2017-01-01

The following paper contains the description of up-to-date technologies in the area of web-services development, service-oriented architecture and the Semantic Web. The paper contains the analysis of the most popular and widespread technologies and methods in the semantic web area which are used in the developed educational course. In the paper, we also describe the problem of teaching students to use these technologies and specify conditions for the creation of the learning and development course. We also describe the main exercise for personal work and skills, which all the students learning this course have to gain. Moreover, in the paper we specify the problem with software which students are going to use while learning this course. In order to solve this problem, we introduce the developing system which will be used to support the laboratory works. For this moment this system supports only the fourth work execution, but our following plans contain the expansion of the system in order to support the leftover works.

Development and Optimisation of an HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-ToF Method for the Determination of Phenolic Acids and Derivatives

PubMed Central

Restivo, Annalaura; Degano, Ilaria; Ribechini, Erika; Colombini, Maria Perla

2014-01-01

A method for the HPLC-MS/MS analysis of phenols, including phenolic acids and naphtoquinones, using an amide-embedded phase column was developed and compared to the literature methods based on classical C18 stationary phase columns. RP-Amide is a recently developed polar embedded stationary phase, whose wetting properties mean that up to 100% water can be used as an eluent. The increased retention and selectivity for polar compounds and the possibility of working in 100% water conditions make this column particularly interesting for the HPLC analysis of phenolic acids and derivatives. In this study, the chromatographic separation was optimised on an HPLC-DAD, and was used to separate 13 standard phenolic acids and derivatives. The method was validated on an HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF. The acquisition was performed in negative polarity and MS/MS target mode. Ionisation conditions and acquisition parameters for the Q-ToF detector were investigated by working on collision energies and fragmentor potentials. The performance of the method was fully evaluated on standards. Moreover, several raw materials containing phenols were analysed: walnut, gall, wine, malbec grape, French oak, red henna and propolis. Our method allowed us to characterize the phenolic composition in a wide range of matrices and to highlight possible matrix effects. PMID:24551158

Probabilistic Structural Analysis Theory Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnside, O. H.

1985-01-01

The objective of the Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) project is to develop analysis techniques and computer programs for predicting the probabilistic response of critical structural components for current and future space propulsion systems. This technology will play a central role in establishing system performance and durability. The first year's technical activity is concentrating on probabilistic finite element formulation strategy and code development. Work is also in progress to survey critical materials and space shuttle mian engine components. The probabilistic finite element computer program NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress) is being developed. The final probabilistic code will have, in the general case, the capability of performing nonlinear dynamic of stochastic structures. It is the goal of the approximate methods effort to increase problem solving efficiency relative to finite element methods by using energy methods to generate trial solutions which satisfy the structural boundary conditions. These approximate methods will be less computer intensive relative to the finite element approach.

From Qualitative Work to Intervention Development in Pediatric Oncology Palliative Care Research

PubMed Central

Gilmer, Mary Jo; Friedman, Debra L.; Given, Barbara; Hendricks-Ferguson, Verna L.; Hinds, Pamela S.

2013-01-01

Qualitative methods can be particularly useful approaches to use with individuals who are experiencing a rare disease and thus who comprise a small sample (such as children with cancer) and are at points in care that few experience (such as end of life). This data-based methods article describes how findings from a qualitative study were used to guide and shape a pediatric oncology palliative care intervention. Qualitative data can lay a strong foundation for subsequent pilot intervention work by facilitating the development of an underlying study conceptualization, providing recruitment feasibility estimates, helping establish clinically meaningful inclusion criteria, establishing staff acceptability of a research intervention, and providing support for face validity of newly developed interventions. These benefits of preliminary qualitative research are described in the context of this study on legacy-making, which involves reports of children (7-12 years of age) living with advanced cancer and of their parent caregivers. PMID:23632900

Rule-based optimization and multicriteria decision support for packaging a truck chassis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, Martin; Lindroth, Peter; Welke, Richard

2017-06-01

Trucks are highly individualized products where exchangeable parts are flexibly combined to suit different customer requirements, this leading to a great complexity in product development. Therefore, an optimization approach based on constraint programming is proposed for automatically packaging parts of a truck chassis by following packaging rules expressed as constraints. A multicriteria decision support system is developed where a database of truck layouts is computed, among which interactive navigation then can be performed. The work has been performed in cooperation with Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT), from which specific rules have been used. Several scenarios are described where the methods developed can be successfully applied and lead to less time-consuming manual work, fewer mistakes, and greater flexibility in configuring trucks. A numerical evaluation is also presented showing the efficiency and practical relevance of the methods, which are implemented in a software tool.

High-Resolution Autoradiography

DTIC Science & Technology

1955-01-01

alloy the tungsten concontrationl of it 1-mnicron culbe is: (8,9 gmI) (8.88 mcg m1-2nl/micron gradient will probably not be so sharp am fit( gradients ...phases of Ilite work: (a) Applicattion and( develop- lie( iiirkeh used. ment (If the( wet-process autorodiographic method will (b)i Trwo methods exist...34 concentration gradients are sufficiently large, the same solution since the range of beta particles in water Wet-process autoradiography as developed for

Gripping Mechanisms for Microgravity and Extreme Terrain and Vertical Climbing Micro Ground Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKenzie, Clifford; Parness, Aaron

2011-01-01

Asteroids and comets may provide insight into the origins of our solar system and the precursors to life on our planet. Near Earth objects offer an accessible target of opportunity, but are small and lack the gravity necessary for conventional wheeled travel. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative methods for maneuvering in these environments. This project researched and developed a method for gripping rock surfaces. Work has been completed on the design and prototyping of several possible hooked gripping mechanisms. Future work includes quantitative testing, downselection to a final design, and attachment to the robotic platform, Lemur IIb. A second project focuses on the development of a 100g, crash-proof robot capable of climbing vertical surfaces using a novel silicone adhesive. Capable of carrying video/audio payloads the robot may serve as a surveillance tool for the Department of Defense or as a method of pre-flight spacecraft inspections. A specialized track was developed to provide the specific loading conditions necessary for proper engagement of the adhesive. Both of these projects rely heavily on the shape deposition manufacturing process, being researched at JPL, and 3D printing.

Improving of the working process of axial compressors of gas turbine engines by using an optimization method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchukov, E.; Egorov, I.; Popov, G.; Baturin, O.; Goriachkin, E.; Novikova, Y.; Kolmakova, D.

2017-08-01

The article presents one optimization method for improving of the working process of an axial compressor of gas turbine engine. Developed method allows to perform search for the best geometry of compressor blades automatically by using optimization software IOSO and CFD software NUMECA Fine/Turbo. Optimization was performed by changing the form of the middle line in the three sections of each blade and shifts of three sections of the guide vanes in the circumferential and axial directions. The calculation of the compressor parameters was performed for work and stall point of its performance map on each optimization step. Study was carried out for seven-stage high-pressure compressor and three-stage low-pressure compressors. As a result of optimization, improvement of efficiency was achieved for all investigated compressors.

Facility-specific radiation exposure risks and their implications for radiation workers at Department of Energy laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Adam Christopher

This research develops a new framework for evaluating the occupational risks of exposure to hazardous substances in any setting where As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) practices are mandated or used. The evaluation is performed by developing a hypothesis-test-based procedure for evaluating the homogeneity of various epidemiological cohorts, and thus the appropriateness of the application of aggregate data-pooling techniques to those cohorts. A statistical methodology is then developed as an alternative to aggregate pooling for situations in which individual cohorts show heterogeneity between them and are thus unsuitable for pooled analysis. These methods are then applied to estimate the all-cancer mortality risks incurred by workers at four Department-of-Energy nuclear weapons laboratories. Both linear, no-threshold and dose-bin averaged risks are calculated and it is further shown that aggregate analysis tends to overestimate the risks with respect to those calculated by the methods developed in this work. The risk estimates developed in Chapter 2 are, in Chapter 3, applied to assess the risks to workers engaged in americium recovery operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The work described in Chapter 3 develops a full radiological protection assessment for the new americium recovery project, including development of exposure cases, creation and modification of MCNP5 models, development of a time-and-motion study, and the final synthesis of all data. This work also develops a new risk-based method of determining whether administrative controls, such as staffing increases, are ALARA-optimized. The EPA's estimate of the value of statistical life is applied to these risk estimates to determine a monetary value for risk. The rate of change of this "risk value" (marginal risk) is then compared with the rate of change of workers' compensations as additional workers are added to the project to reduce the dose (and therefore, presumably, risk) to each individual.

IDEF3 formalization report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menzel, Christopher; Mayer, Richard J.; Edwards, Douglas D.

1991-01-01

The Process Description Capture Method (IDEF3) is one of several Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) DEFinition methods developed by the Air Force to support systems engineering activities, and in particular, to support information systems development. These methods have evolved as a distillation of 'good practice' experience by information system developers and are designed to raise the performance level of the novice practitioner to one comparable with that of an expert. IDEF3 is meant to serve as a knowledge acquisition and requirements definition tool that structures the user's understanding of how a given process, event, or system works around process descriptions. A special purpose graphical language accompanying the method serves to highlight temporal precedence and causality relationships relative to the process or event being described.

Integration of NASA-Developed Lifing Technology for PM Alloys into DARWIN (registered trademark)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClung, R. Craig; Enright, Michael P.; Liang, Wuwei

2011-01-01

In recent years, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have worked independently on the development of probabilistic life prediction methods for materials used in gas turbine engine rotors. The two organizations have addressed different but complementary technical challenges. This report summarizes a brief investigation into the current status of the relevant technology at SwRI and GRC with a view towards a future integration of methods and models developed by GRC for probabilistic lifing of powder metallurgy (P/M) nickel turbine rotor alloys into the DARWIN (Darwin Corporation) software developed by SwRI.

The Incremental Launching Method for Educational Virtual Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martins, Octávio; Sampaio, A. Z.

This paper describes the application of virtual reality technology to the development of an educational model related to the construction of a bridge. The model allow the visualization of the physical progression of the work following a planned construction sequence, the observation of details of the form of every component of the works and carry the study of the type and method of operation of the equipment applied in the construction. The model admit interaction and then some degree of collaboration between students and teachers in the analyses of aspects concerning geometric forms, working methodology or other technical issues observed using the application. The model presents distinct advantage as educational aids in first-degree courses in Civil Engineering.

Synthesis Methods for Robust Passification and Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelkar, Atul G.; Joshi, Suresh M. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The research effort under this cooperative agreement has been essentially the continuation of the work from previous grants. The ongoing work has primarily focused on developing passivity-based control techniques for Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) systems. During this period, there has been a significant progress made in the area of passivity-based control of LTI systems and some preliminary results have also been obtained for nonlinear systems, as well. The prior work has addressed optimal control design for inherently passive as well as non- passive linear systems. For exploiting the robustness characteristics of passivity-based controllers the passification methodology was developed for LTI systems that are not inherently passive. Various methods of passification were first proposed in and further developed. The robustness of passification was addressed for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems for certain classes of uncertainties using frequency-domain methods. For MIMO systems, a state-space approach using Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI)-based formulation was presented, for passification of non-passive LTI systems. An LMI-based robust passification technique was presented for systems with redundant actuators and sensors. The redundancy in actuators and sensors was used effectively for robust passification using the LMI formulation. The passification was designed to be robust to an interval-type uncertainties in system parameters. The passification techniques were used to design a robust controller for Benchmark Active Control Technology wing under parametric uncertainties. The results on passive nonlinear systems, however, are very limited to date. Our recent work in this area was presented, wherein some stability results were obtained for passive nonlinear systems that are affine in control.

Impact of rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort of Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India: a follow up field study

PubMed Central

Chakrabarty, Sabarni; Sarkar, Krishnendu; Dev, Samrat; Das, Tamal; Mitra, Kalpita; Sahu, Subhashis; Gangopadhyay, Somnath

2016-01-01

Objectives: This study aimed to determine risk factors that predict musculoskeletal discomfort in Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India, and to compare the effect of two rest break schedules to reduce these symptoms. Methods: The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was performed on 400 Chikan embroiderers at baseline containing questions on job autonomy, working behavior, and work stress factors. Relative risk was calculated to identify prognostic factors for musculoskeletal discomfort in different body regions. Two groups of workers received two rest break schedules for 4 months and compared in a between-subject design. Outcome variables were scores of Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale. Results: Chikan embroiderers are afflicted with musculoskeletal discomfort mainly in the lower back, neck/shoulder and wrist/forearm region, which is attributed to their prolonged working timeinvolving hands and wrists, being in a static seating posture. Rigidity in working methods, prolonged working time, inadequate rest break during the working day, dissatisfaction regarding earning, monotonous work, static sitting posture, and repetitive movement of wrist and forearm were the significant predictors of these symptom developments. Rest break schedule 1 with more frequent and shorter breaks had more significant improvement on the severity of these musculoskeletal discomforts. Conclusions: Chikan embroiderers perform a highly dreary occupation and various ergonomics conditions work as predictors for developing musculoskeletal discomforts among them. Design of proper rest break schedule involving shorter and frequent breaks was competent for reducing these discomforts to a certain extent. PMID:27265529

Platonic Dialogue, Maieutic Method and Critical Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leigh, Fiona

2007-01-01

In this paper I offer a reading of one of Plato's later works, the "Sophist", that reveals it to be informed by principles comparable on the face of it with those that have emerged recently in the field of critical thinking. As a development of the famous Socratic method of his teacher, I argue, Plato deployed his own pedagogical method, a…

The Effect of Schooling and Ability on Achievement Test Scores. NBER Working Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Karsten; Heckman, James J.; Mullen, Kathleen J.

This study developed two methods for estimating the effect of schooling on achievement test scores that control for the endogeneity of schooling by postulating that both schooling and test scores are generated by a common unobserved latent ability. The methods were applied to data on schooling and test scores. Estimates from the two methods are in…

A Comparison of Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic Methods for Process Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cios, Krzysztof J.; Sala, Dorel M.; Berke, Laszlo

1996-01-01

The goal of this work was to analyze the potential of neural networks and fuzzy logic methods to develop approximate response surfaces as process modeling, that is for mapping of input into output. Structural response was chosen as an example. Each of the many methods surveyed are explained and the results are presented. Future research directions are also discussed.

Non-intrusive methods of characterizing vehicles on the highway.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

Over the past year we have worked on the development of a real-time laser-based non-intrusive field-deployable detection system for delineation of moving vehicles. The primary goal of the project is to develop a roadway detection system that can be u...

Updated Perspectives on Educational Diagnosticians' Understanding of Reading Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rueter, Jessica A.; McWhorter, Rochell R.; Lamb, John H.; Dykes, Frank O.

2016-01-01

Chappell, Stephens, Kinnison, and Pettigrew (2009) conducted a study investigating educational diagnosticians knowledge of early reading development. Our study replicated the work of Chappell et al. through a mixed methods design that investigated educational diagnosticians' perceptions and knowledge of early reading development. Additionally, our…

The Role of CMR and Others in Project Implementation using the CM Method to Support the Government

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tada, Hiroshi; Miyatake, Ichiro; Mouri, Junji; Endo, Kenji; Fueta, Toshiharu

In Japan, the construction management (CM) method has been introduced as a measure to support the governmental agencies, in developing and maintaining local infrastructures, or in executing public works projects in an appropriate manner, etc. The scope of work of the Construction Manager (CMR) of the CM method is specified as work items, in the special specification document for CM services contained in the contract documents, as a reflection of the client's expectations towards the performance of CMR. However, the CM services has been conducted as required on a case-by-case basis, because it is not possible to anticipate the actual construction status in advance, and thus the special specification document does not provide full detail of the scope of work of CMR. In such case, there may be a difference in the way the scope of work in the special specification document is recognized between the client and the CMR, which could make the CM method less effective. Moreover, there is a case in which the role sharing between the client and the CMR is not clearly defined, and both parties may engage in the same task in such case, causing an obstacle for smooth project implementation. For this reason, it is required to prepare the special specification document which clearly defines the scope of work of CMR, by examining the status of application of the CM method in actual project cases, and to improve the practices of the CM method as necessary. In view of this background, this study looks in to the actual project cases using the CM method, for the purpose of clarifying the actual scope of work of CMR for each task item defined in the special specification document, and the role sharing between the client and CMR, in the aim of contributing the promotion of the use and the effective application of the CM method.

Assessing the Impact of Development Disruptions and Dependencies in Analysis of Alternatives of System-of-Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-31

WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Purdue University,West Lafayette,IN,47907 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...operational independence, yet, must work cohesively to achieve an overarching set of capabilities. Current guidelines set forth by the Department of Defense...architectures; these methods will be further matured and enhanced in follow-up research work under RT-44. 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY

Development of a 3-step straight-through purification strategy combining membrane adsorbers and resins.

PubMed

Hughson, Michael D; Cruz, Thayana A; Carvalho, Rimenys J; Castilho, Leda R

2017-07-01

The pressures to efficiently produce complex biopharmaceuticals at reduced costs are driving the development of novel techniques, such as in downstream processing with straight-through processing (STP). This method involves directly and sequentially purifying a particular target with minimal holding steps. This work developed and compared six different 3-step STP strategies, combining membrane adsorbers, monoliths, and resins, to purify a large, complex, and labile glycoprotein from Chinese hamster ovary cell culture supernatant. The best performing pathway was cation exchange chromatography to hydrophobic interaction chromatography to affinity chromatography with an overall product recovery of up to 88% across the process and significant clearance of DNA and protein impurities. This work establishes a platform and considerations for the development of STP of biopharmaceutical products and highlights its suitability for integration with single-use technologies and continuous production methods. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:931-940, 2017. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Comparative study on the efficiency of some optical methods for artwork diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schirripa Spagnolo, Giuseppe; Ambrosini, Dario; Paoletti, Domenica

2001-10-01

Scientific investigation methods are founding their place besides the stylistic-historical study methods in art research works. In particular, optical techniques, transferred from other fields or developed ad hoc, can make a strong contribution to the safeguarding and exploitation of cultural heritage. This paper describes the use of different optical techniques, such as holographic interferometry, decorrelation, shearography and ESPI, in the diagnostics of works of art. A comparison between different methods is obtained by performing tests on specially designed models, prepared using typical techniques and materials. Inside the model structure, a number of defects of known types, form and extension are inserted. The different features of each technique are outlined and a comparison with IR thermography is also carried out.

Power dissipated measurement of an ultrasonic generator in a viscous medium by flowmetric method.

PubMed

Mancier, Valérie; Leclercq, Didier

2008-09-01

A new flowmetric method of the power dissipated by an ultrasound generator in an aqueous medium has been developed in previous works and described in a preceding paper [V. Mancier, D. Leclercq, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 14 (2007) 99-106]. The works presented here are an enlargement of this method to a high viscosity liquid (glycerol) for which the classical calorimetric measurements are rather difficult. As expected, it is shown that the dissipated power increases with the medium viscosity. It was also found that this flowmetric method gives good results for various quantities of liquid and positioning of the sonotrode in the tank. Moreover, the important variation of viscosity due to the heating of the liquid during experiments does not disturb flow measurements.

Improving social connection through a communities-of-practice-inspired cognitive work analysis approach.

PubMed

Euerby, Adam; Burns, Catherine M

2014-03-01

Increasingly, people work in socially networked environments. With growing adoption of enterprise social network technologies, supporting effective social community is becoming an important factor in organizational success. Relatively few human factors methods have been applied to social connection in communities. Although team methods provide a contribution, they do not suit design for communities. Wenger's community of practice concept, combined with cognitive work analysis, provided one way of designing for community. We used a cognitive work analysis approach modified with principles for supporting communities of practice to generate a new website design. Over several months, the community using the site was studied to examine their degree of social connectedness and communication levels. Social network analysis and communications analysis, conducted at three different intervals, showed increases in connections between people and between people and organizations, as well as increased communication following the launch of the new design. In this work, we suggest that human factors approaches can be effective in social environments, when applied considering social community principles. This work has implications for the development of new human factors methods as well as the design of interfaces for sociotechnical systems that have community building requirements.

Breast Cancer Survivors Report Similar Concerns Related to Return to Work in Developed and Developing Nations.

PubMed

Luo, Shi-Xiang; Liu, Jun-E; Cheng, Andy S K; Xiao, Shu-Qin; Su, Ya-Li; Feuerstein, Michael

2018-02-14

Aim To determine whether breast cancer survivors (BCS) at work following the diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer, in a rapidly developing country such as China experience similar to return to work challenges as reported in nations with established return to work (RTW) policy and procedures for employees with cancer. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 BCS who returned to work following diagnosis and/or primary cancer treatment. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to investigate responses. Results Three recurring themes emerged: (1) challenges at work related to residual effects of diagnosis and/or primary treatment; (2) positive and negative responses from employers and/or supervisors; and (3) positive and negative responses from co-workers/colleagues. Although several participants experienced a high level of workplace support, there was a subgroup that did report challenges related to symptom burden, cognitive limitations, and both positive and negative responses by employers and co-workers were reported. Conclusions Findings indicate similar challenges in BCS who RTW during and/or following cancer treatment in both rapidly developing and developed nations. Results suggest that regardless of the existence of workplace policies and practices related to RTW for workers with a history of cancer, a subgroup of BCS experience similar challenges when returning to work. These findings highlight the international nature of RTW challenges and suggest the need for more global efforts to develop and evaluate workplace interventions to assist with these similarities.

Doing Educational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Opie, Clive

2004-01-01

Developed as a hands-on guide for students engaged in educational research, this book provides an introduction to key qualitative and quantitative methods necessary for those commencing research for the first time. The reader is shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. The book includes: (1) A variety of examples and…

NASA's Use of Human Behavior Models for Concept Development and Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gore, Brian F.

2012-01-01

Overview of NASA's use of computational approaches and methods to support research goals, of human performance models, with a focus on examples of the methods used in Code TH and TI at NASA Ames, followed by an in depth review of MIDAS' current FAA work.

77 FR 14814 - Tobacco Product Analysis; Scientific Workshop; Request for Comments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-13

... work to develop tobacco reference products that are not currently available for laboratory use. Discuss... methods used to analyze tobacco products. FDA will invite speakers to address scientific and technical matters relating to the testing of tobacco reference products and the analytical methods used to measure...

Numerical Calabi-Yau metrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douglas, Michael R.; Karp, Robert L.; Lukic, Sergio; Reinbacher, René

2008-03-01

We develop numerical methods for approximating Ricci flat metrics on Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces in projective spaces. Our approach is based on finding balanced metrics and builds on recent theoretical work by Donaldson. We illustrate our methods in detail for a one parameter family of quintics. We also suggest several ways to extend our results.

Processing bronchial sonograms to detect respiratory cycle fragments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bureev, A. Sh; Zhdanov, D. S.; Zemlyakov, I. Yu; Svetlik, M. V.

2014-10-01

This article describes the authors' results of work on the development of a method for the automated assessment of the state of the human bronchopulmonary system based on acoustic data. In particular, the article covers the method of detecting breath sounds on bronchial sonograms obtained during the auscultation process.

Choice of Appropriate Multimedia Technology and Teaching Methods for Different Culture Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taratoukhina, Julia

2014-01-01

This paper describes the prerequisites for development in the area of cross-cultural multimedia didactics. This approach is based on research studies of differences between mentalities, ways of working with educational information, culturally-specific teaching methods and teaching techniques that determine differentiated approaches to the choice…

Aeroelastic Stability & Response of Rotating Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keith, Theo G., Jr.; Reddy, T. S. R.

2001-01-01

A summary of the work performed under NASA grant NCC3-605 is presented. More details can be found in the cited references. This grant led to the development of relatively faster aeroelastic analyses methods for predicting flutter and forced response in fans, compressors, and turbines using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods.

Issues of planning trajectory of parallel robots taking into account zones of singularity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rybak, L. A.; Khalapyan, S. Y.; Gaponenko, E. V.

2018-03-01

A method for determining the design characteristics of a parallel robot necessary to provide specified parameters of its working space that satisfy the controllability requirement is developed. The experimental verification of the proposed method was carried out using an approximate planar 3-RPR mechanism.

METHOD FOR MEASURING BASE/NEUTRAL AND CARBAMATE PESTICIDES IN PERSONAL DIETARY SAMPLES

EPA Science Inventory

Dietary uptake may be a significant pathway of exposure to contaminants. As such,dietary exposure assessments should be considered an important part of the total exposure assessment process. The objective of this work was to develop reliable methods that are applicable to a wide ...

METHOD FOR MEASURING BASE/NEUTRAL AND CARBAMATE PESTICIDES IN PERSONAL DIETARY SAMPLES

EPA Science Inventory

Dietary uptake may be a significant pathway of exposure to contaminants. As such, dietary exposure assessments should be considered an important part of the total exposure assessment process. The objective of this work was to develop reliable methods that are applicable to a wide...

Reimagining Teacher Development: Cultivating Spirit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dress, Amelia

2012-01-01

Although well-meaning, some methods of training approach teaching as a one-size-fits-all approach. Yet, there are myriad techniques for teaching and no one method works for all teachers or all students. Indeed, good teachers use a variety of techniques. Unfortunately, search for objective standards by which to measure quality teaching has…

What Math Teachers Need Most

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Barbara Scott; Sassi, Annette

2007-01-01

The combination of new instructional methods and new accountability pressures puts many in a quandary in evaluating math instruction. There is much for principals to learn about how and under what conditions new instructional methods work in math classrooms, how to support teachers as they develop new instructional skills, and how to integrate a…

Toward development of mobile application for hand arthritis screening.

PubMed

Akhbardeh, Farhad; Vasefi, Fartash; Tavakolian, Kouhyar; Bradley, David; Fazel-Rezai, Reza

2015-01-01

Arthritis is one of the most common health problems affecting people throughout the world. The goal of the work presented in this paper is to provide individuals, who may be developing or have developed arthritis, with a mobile application to assess and monitor the progress of their disease using their smartphone. The image processing algorithm includes finger border detection algorithm to monitor joint thickness and angular deviation abnormalities, which are common symptoms of arthritis. In this work, we have analyzed and compared gradient, thresholding and Canny algorithms for border detection. The effect of image spatial resolution (down-sampling) is also investigated. The results calculated based on 36 joint measurements show that the mean errors for gradient, thresholding, and Canny methods are 0.20, 2.13, and 2.03 mm, respectively. In addition, the average error for different image resolutions is analyzed and the minimum required resolution is determined for each method. The results confirm that recent smartphone imaging capabilities can provide enough accuracy for hand border detection and finger joint analysis based on gradient method.

Development of a Work Control System for Propulsion Testing at NASA Stennis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Messer, Elizabeth A.

2005-01-01

This paper will explain the requirements and steps taken to develop the current Propulsion Test Directorate electronic work control system for Test Operations. The PTD Work Control System includes work authorization and technical instruction documents, such as test preparation sheets, discrepancy reports, test requests, pre-test briefing reports, and other test operations supporting tools. The environment that existed in the E-Complex test areas in the late 1990's was one of enormous growth which brought people of diverse backgrounds together for the sole purpose of testing propulsion hardware. The problem that faced us was that these newly formed teams did not have a consistent and clearly understood method for writing, performing or verifying work. A paper system was developed that would allow the teams to use the same forms, but this still presented problems in the large amount of errors occurring, such as lost paperwork and inconsistent implementation. In a sampling of errors in August 1999, the paper work control system encountered 250 errors out of 230 documents released and completed, for an error rate of 111%.

Advice about Work-Related Issues to Peers and Employers from Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Dewa, Carolyn S.; Trojanowski, Lucy; Tamminga, Sietske J.; Ringash, Jolie; McQuestion, Maurene; Hoch, Jeffrey S.

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive study is to contribute to the sparse return-to-work literature on head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Interview participants were asked to reflect upon their work-related experience with cancer by answering two specific questions: (1) What advice would you give someone who has been newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer? (2) What advice would you give to employers of these people? Methods Data were gathered through 10 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with HNC clinic patients at a regional cancer center’s head and neck clinic in Ontario, Canada. A constant comparative method of theme development was used. Codes identified in and derived from the data were discussed by research team members until consensus was reached. Codes with similar characteristics were grouped together and used to develop overarching themes. Results Work-related advice for peers focused on personal self-care and interactions within workplaces. Work-related advice to employers focused on demonstrating basic human values as well as the importance of communication. Discussion The study results suggest HNC clinic patients should be proactive with employers and help to set reasonable expectations and provide a realistic plan for work to be successfully completed. HNC clinic patients should develop communication skills to effectively disclose their cancer and treatment to employers. Conclusions In this exploratory study, HNC clinic patients’ advice was solution-focused underscoring the importance of self-care and pro-active communication and planning with employers. Employers were advised to demonstrate core human values throughout all phases of the work disability episode beginning at diagnosis. PMID:27070654

Machine Learning Technique to Find Quantum Many-Body Ground States of Bosons on a Lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Hiroki; Kato, Masaya

2018-01-01

We have developed a variational method to obtain many-body ground states of the Bose-Hubbard model using feedforward artificial neural networks. A fully connected network with a single hidden layer works better than a fully connected network with multiple hidden layers, and a multilayer convolutional network is more efficient than a fully connected network. AdaGrad and Adam are optimization methods that work well. Moreover, we show that many-body ground states with different numbers of particles can be generated by a single network.

Developing measures for information ergonomics in knowledge work.

PubMed

Franssila, Heljä; Okkonen, Jussi; Savolainen, Reijo

2016-03-01

Information ergonomics is an evolving application domain of ergonomics focusing on the management of workload in the real-world contexts of information-intensive tasks. This study introduces a method for the evaluation of information ergonomics in knowledge work. To this end, five key dimensions of information ergonomics were identified: contextual factors of knowledge work, multitasking, interruptions at work, practices for managing information load, and perceived job control and productivity. In total, 24 measures focusing on the above dimensions were constructed. The measures include, for example, the number of fragmented work tasks per work day. The measures were preliminarily tested in two Finnish organisations, making use of empirical data gathered by interviews, electronic questionnaires and log data applications tracking work processes on personal computers. The measures are applicable to the evaluation of information ergonomics, even though individual measures vary with regard to the amount of work and time needed for data analysis. Practitioner Summary: The study introduces a method for the evaluation of information ergonomics in knowledge work. To this end, 24 measures were constructed and tested empirically. The measures focus on contextual factors of knowledge work, multitasking, interruptions at work, practices for managing information load, and perceived job control and productivity.

The development of ethical guidelines for nurses' collegiality using the Delphi method.

PubMed

Kangasniemi, Mari; Arala, Katariina; Becker, Eve; Suutarla, Anna; Haapa, Toni; Korhonen, Anne

2017-08-01

Nurses' collegiality is topical because patient care is complicated, requiring shared knowledge and working methods. Nurses' collaboration has been supported by a number of different working models, but there has been less focus on ethics. This study aimed to develop nurses' collegiality guidelines using the Delphi method. Two online panels of Finnish experts, with 35 and 40 members, used the four-step Delphi method in December 2013 and January 2014. They reformulated the items of nurses' collegiality identified by the literature and rated based on validity and importance. Content analysis and descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data, and the nurses' collegiality guidelines were formulated. Ethical considerations: Organizational approval was received, and an informed consent was obtained from all participants. Information about the voluntary nature of participation was provided. During the first Delphi panel round, a number of items were reformulated and added, resulting in 32 reformulated items. As a result of the second round, 8 of the 32 items scored an agreement rate of more than 75%, with the most rated item being collegiality means that professionals respect each other. The item with second highest rating was collegiality has a common objective: what is best for patients, followed by the third highest which was professional ethics is the basis of collegiality. Nurses' collegiality and its content are well recognized in clinical practice but seldom studied. Collegiality can be supported by guidelines, and nurses working in clinical practice, together with teachers and managers, have shared responsibilities to support and develop it. More research in different nursing environments is needed to improve understanding of the content and practice of nursing collegiality.

Methods for developing jam-resistant security communications networks at fixed-site facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangel, D. J.; Heustess, J. E.; Snell, M. K.

Considerable work has been done identifying and developing equipment and procedures that can be used to improve the survivability of a security communications network during a jamming assault. Insight is given into alternate communications methods that can be used to develop resistance to jamming by supplementing existing radio communications. The spatial properties of jamming are then discussed and examples of how these properties can be explocited are examined. Also discussed are spread-spectrum radios that are highly resistant to jamming and the importance of jamming exercises.

Occupational Injuries in a Commune in Rural Vietnam Transitioning From Agriculture to New Industries

PubMed Central

Leamon, Tom B.; Willetts, Joanna L.; Binh, Ta Thi Tuyet; Diep, Nguyen Bich; Wegman, David H.; Kriebel, David

2011-01-01

Objectives. We explored the impact on work-related injuries of workers splitting time between industry and agriculture, a common situation in developing countries. Methods. In 2005, we administered a cross-sectional survey to 2615 households of Xuan Tien, a developing rural community of Vietnam, regarding self-reported injuries and hours worked for 1 year. We defined groups as working in industry, agriculture, or a mix of both. Results. Overlapping employment (part time in agriculture and up to full time in industry) increased the risk of injury in both agricultural and industrial work. This pattern held across all work groups defined by the relative amount of time worked in agriculture. Those working fewer than 500 hours annually in agriculture had an agricultural injury rate (872 per 1000 full-time equivalents) that was more than 4 times higher than the average rate overall (203 per 1000) and the rate for workers employed only in industry (178 per 1000). Conclusions. Working in agriculture for short durations while working in industry increased the risk of injury substantially in both types of work. PMID:21490336

Ergonomic risk assessment with DesignCheck to evaluate assembly work in different phases of the vehicle development process.

PubMed

Winter, Gabriele; Schaub, Karlheinz G; Großmann, Kay; Laun, Gerhard; Landau, Kurt; Bruder, Ralph

2012-01-01

Occupational hazards exist, if the design of the work situation is not in accordance with ergonomic design principles. At assembly lines ergonomics is applied to the design of work equipment and tasks and to work organisation. The ignoring of ergonomic principles in planning and design of assembly work leads to unfavourable working posture, action force and material handling. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are of a common occurrence throughout Europe. Musculoskeletal disorders are a challenge against the background of disabled workers. The changes in a worker's capability have to be regarded in the conception of redesigned and new assembly lines. In this way ergonomics becomes progressively more important in planning and design of vehicles: The objective of ergonomic design in different stages of the vehicles development process is to achieve an optimal adaptation of the assembly work to workers. Hence the ergonomic screening tool "Design Check" (DC) was developed to identify ergonomic deficits in workplace layouts. The screening-tool is based on the current ergonomic state of the art in the design of physical work and relevant EU legal requirements. It was tested within a federal German research project at selected work stations at the assembly lines at Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG / Stuttgart. Meanwhile the application of the screening-tool DC is transferred in other parts of the Porsche AG, Stuttgart. It is also realized as an ergonomic standard method to perform assembly work in different phases of the vehicle development process.

Empowering employees with chronic diseases; development of an intervention aimed at job retention and design of a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Varekamp, Inge; de Vries, Gabe; Heutink, Annelies; van Dijk, Frank JH

2008-01-01

Background Persons with a chronic disease are less often employed than healthy persons. If employed, many of them experience problems at work. Therefore, we developed a training programme aimed at job retention. The objective of this paper is to describe this intervention and to present the design of a study to evaluate its effectiveness. Development and description of intervention A systematic review, a needs assessment and discussions with Dutch experts led to a pilot group training, tested in a pilot study. The evaluation resulted in the development of a seven-session group training combined with three individual counselling sessions. The training is based on an empowerment perspective that aims to help individuals enhance knowledge, skills and self-awareness. These advances are deemed necessary for problem solving in three stages: exploration and clarification of work related problems, communication at the workplace, and development and implementation of solutions. Seven themes are discussed and practised in the group sessions: 1) Consequences of a chronic disease in the workplace, 2) Insight into feelings and thoughts about having a chronic disease, 3) Communication in daily work situations, 4) Facilities for disabled employees and work disability legislation, 5) How to stand up for oneself, 6) A plan to solve problems, 7) Follow-up. Methods Participants are recruited via occupational health services, patient organisations, employers, and a yearly national conference on chronic diseases. They are eligible when they have a chronic physical medical condition, have a paid job, and experience problems at work. Workers on long-term, 100% sick leave that is expected to continue during the training are excluded. After filling in the baseline questionnaire, the participants are randomised to either the control or the intervention group. The control group will receive no care or care as usual. Post-test mail questionnaires will be sent after 4, 8, 12 and 24 months. Primary outcome measures are job retention, self efficacy, fatigue and work pleasure. Secondary outcome measures are work-related problems, sick leave, quality of life, acquired work accommodations, burnout, and several quality of work measures. A process evaluation will be conducted and satisfaction with the training, its components and the training methods will be assessed. Discussion Many employees with a chronic condition experience problems in performing tasks and in managing social relations at work. We developed an innovative intervention that addresses practical as well as psychosocial problems. The results of the study will be relevant for employees, employers, occupational health professionals and human resource professionals (HRM). Trial registration ISRCTN77240155 PMID:18983652

Blind Forensics of Successive Geometric Transformations in Digital Images Using Spectral Method: Theory and Applications.

PubMed

Chen, Chenglong; Ni, Jiangqun; Shen, Zhaoyi; Shi, Yun Qing

2017-06-01

Geometric transformations, such as resizing and rotation, are almost always needed when two or more images are spliced together to create convincing image forgeries. In recent years, researchers have developed many digital forensic techniques to identify these operations. Most previous works in this area focus on the analysis of images that have undergone single geometric transformations, e.g., resizing or rotation. In several recent works, researchers have addressed yet another practical and realistic situation: successive geometric transformations, e.g., repeated resizing, resizing-rotation, rotation-resizing, and repeated rotation. We will also concentrate on this topic in this paper. Specifically, we present an in-depth analysis in the frequency domain of the second-order statistics of the geometrically transformed images. We give an exact formulation of how the parameters of the first and second geometric transformations influence the appearance of periodic artifacts. The expected positions of characteristic resampling peaks are analytically derived. The theory developed here helps to address the gap left by previous works on this topic and is useful for image security and authentication, in particular, the forensics of geometric transformations in digital images. As an application of the developed theory, we present an effective method that allows one to distinguish between the aforementioned four different processing chains. The proposed method can further estimate all the geometric transformation parameters. This may provide useful clues for image forgery detection.

Connecting Teaching and Learning: History, Evolution, and Case Studies of Teacher Work Sample Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosselli, Hilda, Ed.; Girod, Mark, Ed.; Brodsky, Meredith, Ed.

2011-01-01

As accountability in education has become an increasingly prominent topic, teacher preparation programs are being asked to provide credible evidence that their teacher candidates can impact student learning. Teacher Work Samples, first developed 30 years ago, have emerged as an effective method of quantifying the complex set of tasks that comprise…

Integrating E-Learning into Postgraduate Radiotherapy and Oncology Education: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Probst, Heidi; Eddy, David; Doughty, Jo; Hodgson, Denyse

2009-01-01

Training health professionals within university environments has traditionally focused on face-to-face methods. Practitioners working within the UK National Health Service (NHS) have found it difficult to gain leave from work to attend for study due to the demands of the NHS and staff shortages. In response, the authors developed a distance…

Focus Groups with Working Parents of School-Aged Children: What's Needed to Improve Family Meals?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fulkerson, Jayne A.; Kubik, Martha Y.; Rydell, Sarah; Boutelle, Kerri N.; Garwick, Ann; Story, Mary; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne; Dudovitz, Bonnie

2011-01-01

Objective: To conduct focus groups to identify parents' perceptions of barriers to family meals and elucidate ideas to guide the development of interventions to overcome barriers. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of 27 working parents in urban community settings. Results: Parents reported enjoying the sharing/bonding…

Relationships, Being-ness, and Voice: Exploring Multiple Dimensions of Humanizing Work with Black Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Erica; McArthur, Sherell A.; Russell-Owens, LaToya

2016-01-01

This work argues for an approach to research and education practices that considers the historically deficit-based research practices and views on Black girls and develops humanizing research methods that consider the multiple oppressions that act as barriers for this group. Research must acknowledge the precarious position of Black girls in order…

Getting People Involved: The Benefit of Intellectual Capital Management for Addressing HR Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pook, Katja

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the benefits of intellectual capital assessment for facing current challenges of human resources work and organizational development. Design/methodology/approach: The paper takes findings of studies on challenges in HR work and maps them with features of intellectual capital assessment methods. It is thus a…

Modeling Working Memory Tasks on the Item Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luo, Dasen; Chen, Guopeng; Zen, Fanlin; Murray, Bronwyn

2010-01-01

Item responses to Digit Span and Letter-Number Sequencing were analyzed to develop a better-refined model of the two working memory tasks using the finite mixture (FM) modeling method. Models with ordinal latent traits were found to better account for the independent sources of the variability in the tasks than those with continuous traits, and…

Putting Principles into Practice: Addressing Historical Trauma, Mistrust, and Apprehension in Research Methods Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henderson, Zuleka; Acquaye-Doyle, Lucinda A.; Waites, Shayna; Howard, Tyriesa

2016-01-01

The social work profession has articulated commitments to acknowledging and affirming how diversity and culture shape the human experience and to developing social workers who can competently engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. However, there remains a need in social work education for more widespread use of…

Methods and Challenges of Analyzing Spatial Data for Social Work Problems: The Case of Examining Child Maltreatment Geographically

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freisthler, Bridget; Lery, Bridgette; Gruenewald, Paul J.; Chow, Julian

2006-01-01

Increasingly, social work researchers are interested in examining how "place" and "location" contribute to social problems. Yet, often these researchers do not use the specialized spatial statistical techniques developed to handle the analytic issues faced when conducting ecological analyses. This article explains the importance of these…